Author's Note: The wait wasn't too bad, I hope? Well, anyway here is another chapter in the story Legend of the Blue-Eyes Toon Dragon. I've been planning this grand-scale event for months now but up until a few nights ago I had no idea how to go about writing it. Eventually, this is what scribbled its way onto my computer and I hope you all like it. I hope it lives up to some expectations as well. And because I so aim to please, I added a larger role for Pharaoh-Malik-Ishtar's favorite false psychic, Espa Roba. It isn't an extremely large part but I hope it is at least satisfactory. And thanks to all of my loyal readers. I really do appreciate it. If you have any requests please let me know.
*~*~*~*
Deirdre awoke bright and early the next day with a crushing headache and a note pinned to his door left by his mother. She said that she and his father were leaving for the day and would not be back until sometime late that night, and that Skylar had called an exorbitant number of times asking if he was all right.
His extraction from bed was not a pleasant one; though none ever were but this time it was exceptionally awful. He remembered only fragments and disassembled memories from the previous day, but one truly bizarre anamnesis was at the forefront of his mind and that was an elaborate picture of an Egyptian tomb and seven magical items...
'The Millennium Balance?' Deirdre recalled while struggling to untangle himself from his blankets and then stumble over to the chair at his computer desk. 'It was a ring on my finger. And I remember another guy who had a key. Yugi Motou...Maximillion Pegasus? Why are these names coming to me all of a sudden?
Deirdre shook his head, attempting to expel the wild thoughts invading his brain, but then curiosity overtook him and he couldn't help but look at his hand.
Deirdre took one look at his hand, saw the shimmering golden ring and bolted from his room and into the bathroom. Perhaps he was hallucinating and he just needed a cold, a very cold shower, to wake him up and get his mind back on track.
After Deirdre completed his morning activities and went downstairs too get some cereal, he took another glimpse at the ring on his hand and lost all control over his body. His muscles felt weak and his mind raw. He crashed onto the living room couch and buried his face into a frilly purple pillow, feeling his wet, shampooed hair shroud over his face.
'Well...despite how incredibly unbelievable this is, it isn't necessarily a bad thing. I got an extremely powerful magical artifact in my possession. I could use it to demolish everyone at Battle City. I could even use it too take over Industrial Illusions or Kaiba Corp. I could rule the world!'
'What are these thoughts?!'
Deirdre looked up from his spot on the pillow and instantly breathed in a fresh smell that wasn't in the air a minute ago. It smelled like his favorite breakfast foods: ham and eggs, bacon, he could even smell fresh orange juice through the assault upon his senses.
He looked over the back of the couch and into the not-to-distant kitchen, where an assortment of utensils, food boxes and packets, pots and pans and flour dust, were floating threw the air and preparing breakfast. Disbelieving his eyes, he got up and like a zombie, wandered over to observe the sight. And even up close, the scene didn't change. It only became stranger when he felt something prodding him in the arm, and when he turned to see what it was; he found that the newspaper was floating disembodied and apparently asking to be read.
Deirdre took the paper out of the air and gave a silent, vacant thanks. He set it down on the nicely polished counter, which was also being magically cleaned by a now living sponge and bottle of window cleaner, and reached out to grasp the spatula, which was in the process of flipping a pancake. It had no resistance and simply gave way into his hand. When he let go of it, the spatula floated back into the air and resumed its chore.
"Wow," he breathed, then remembered the newspaper and thought it rude not to read it seeing as how it asked so nicely. "This almost seems weird, but it really isn't...I am losing my mind. That's gotta be it." He was about to open up the paper, praying that something stranger had happened in the world, but then remembered the note on his door. "Skylar. Yes, she'll know what to do. She always knows what to do."
Deirdre called Skylar and before he even began speaking she started to shower him with praise of relief. The few times that he could get any word in was when she had to stop to take a breath, and he asked her to come over. She immediately agreed and he gave her directions.
She was over in about five minutes and the minute she walked in the door she dove to give him a hug, but was cut off when she saw the spectacle of aerial acrobatics performed by the kitchen utensils. Deirdre wasn't so surprised by it now but it was still quite entertaining to watch, even more so when Skylar would point her finger at it and open her mouth like she intended to speak but no words formed.
Deirdre got up from his stool and moved behind her toward the freshly made pot of coffee. On any normal day he would never have touched the stuff, but this seemed like an appropriate time to start, if only just for this one time. He poured himself some into a white mug that read "World's Greatest Husband" and held up the pot to the still stunned Skylar. "Hey, you want some?"
Skylar shook her head but her mouth remained open and her eyes remained fixed on the scene before her.
Soon, the silverware and dishes finished and started to make two plates for both Deirdre and his guest. After that was done Skylar's plate levitated down in front of her and Deirdre's in front of him and they began to clean themselves, and then put themselves into the dishwasher. Deirdre brought a stool up behind Skylar, grabbed her gently by the shoulder and forced her to sit down. He did the same and started to eat, and now that the show was over, Skylar looked away and down at her food, which was actually very delicious.
"Umm...Deirdre, may I ask you a question?"
He nodded but didn't stop eating his food.
"What was that? And please, be as brutally honest as you can be."
He nodded and held up his hand brandishing the ring, which glowed a bright golden hue and formed back into the Millennium Balance. It was instantly resting down on the kitchen countertop. Deirdre picked it up by the base and waved it toward her, shrugged, and set it back down next to him.
"Okay," she started, pointing at it like she couldn't believe what she was seeing. "So that thing makes your breakfast for you? Does it do your taxes too?! What the heck is going on, Deirdre?! What is happening! EXPLAIN!!!"
"That," he said pointing his fork at the artifact, "Is a Millennium Item. It is a long story but it has some kind of magical power that apparently includes making my breakfast. Hey, I wonder if it will do my laundry?"
As if cued, the dirty hand towel meant for drying ones hands off on after using the sink, floated up into the air and shot off down the hall toward the laundry room. He nodded his approval. "Sweet."
"But...y-you? This...thing and...how? Who, w-when? I...blah?"
Deirdre took another bite of his stack of pancakes and unfolded the newspaper. Inside was an intriguing article about the current political struggle overseas in the United States. "You'll get used to it. Kind of neat, huh?"
"Yeah, very neat. I'm going to go throw up, now." She reiterated her point by standing up from her seat and backing away from the food that was apparently churning her stomach.
Deirdre rolled his eyes and continued to read. "Don't be so dramatic. It isn't that unbelievable, is it? I mean, when I saw Yugi Motou grow an extra foot instantly the other day I didn't think much of it but it is starting to make a bit more sense. I think he has one of these items." Deirdre then lowered his newspaper and thought back to when he dueled Bakura. Yugi, who was in the crowd cheering his friend on, had a golden puzzle around his neck attached to a thick iron chain. He didn't get a very clear look at it but he remembered one standout feature of the item: it had the eye emblem on it. The same eye that was characteristic of every Millennium Item. Yugi was the guardian of the Millennium Puzzle. The pharaoh's power.
"Interesting," he mumbled, and got up off of his stool. "Skylar, are you going to come with me?"
She looked up at him with the thought of all this magic temporarily forgotten. "Go with you to where?"
He snatched his slightly faded leather-furred bombers jacket from the coat rack put it on. When he turned back to face her, a blazing cerulean flame burned within his eyes. "To Battle City, of course."
*~*~*~*~*
"Okay, now I know we didn't have time for yer duel yesterday, sis, but don't worry. I'll make sure you get another chance today, okay?" Joey lovingly patted his sister, Serenity, on the shoulder and returned to his deck, which he was shuffling through making sure all the cards were in good order. "With the strategy I got in mind, there's no way yer gonna lose."
Serenity turned her blind gaze upon her brother sitting next to her and sighed. "Umm...Joey, I wanted to do this duel by myself. I appreciate your help and all but it won't be any fun if you tell me everything too do."
Joey looked up from his hand toward her somewhat dumbfounded for a moment, then smiled warmly and shook his head understandingly. "All right, no problem. I'll let you call all the shots. I'm only gonna be there telling you what your holding and what your pullin'."
Serenity smiled wide and hugged Joey across the midsection, nearly spilling the cards from his hands. "Thank you, Joey! Oh, this is going to be so much fun!"
"Aww, man. Joey, you're cutting in on my action."
Joey's face burned bright red as he turned and faced Tristan, who was standing behind him holding a cardboard tray occupied with three triple-shot mocha latte's and a hot chocolate for Serenity. Téa was standing next to him and saw the anger blazing in Joey's face, quickly snatched the drinks away from Tristan and then ran for cover as Joey dove over the bench and tackled his best friend.
"Joey! He was just joking around!" Serenity pleaded, knowing exactly what was happening by the sounds of pain and mercy switching between the two combatants.
Téa laughed and sat down next to her, then handed her the drink. "Actually, I think Tristan was being serious, Serenity, but don't worry, he usually changes his mind once someone scolds him, or in this case, beats him up."
"Thank you." Serenity took her drink with one hand and gingerly sipped it, using her other hand too push up the bandages covering her eyes so the steam didn't discolor them.
After a few more seconds of physical punishment on both Tristan and Joey, Joey stood up and limped back over to the bench, sat down next to Téa and groaned while holding his injured ribs. "I think he broke somethin'."
Tristan squeezed in-between Serenity and Téa, nearly throwing Joey off of the narrow space of bench he still had remaining, and rubbed his now blackened eye. "You need to start learning when I'm being serious or not, Joey."
"Yeah, whatever." Joey mumbled and accepted his drink from Téa, which he took a sip of and let out a sigh of relief. "Ahh...that hit's the spot."
"Hey, guys!" Said a familiar voice of innocence. Joey looked up from his drink and saw Yugi coming towards them, his blue coat flapping in the breeze behind him and his large golden Millennium Puzzle dangling from the solid silvery chain it was attached too.
"Hey Yug, how's it hanging?" Asked Joey, who realized he hadn't yet finished organizing his deck for Serenity's usage, so he set his drink in-between his legs and started up the process again.
"Good, I suppose. By the way," he said somewhat absently, scratching the back of his head. "I...don't suppose any of you heard about the accident yesterday? You know, with that kid Bakura dueled the other day?"
Tristan nodded solemnly. "Yeah, Didgeridoo, wasn't it?"
Joey shook his head. "Nah, it was Digger."
Tristan looked at Joey like he had grown a second head. "Digger?"
"What? That's no weirder than 'Rex' or 'Panik' is it?"
Serenity had finished almost half of her drink by now and set the cup on the ground, then readjusted her bandages. "You mean Deirdre? Yeah, I heard about that from a few kids walking by yesterday. They said he slipped on a puddle of water and fractured his skull or something."
"Deirdre! Yeah, that was what I was about too say!" Joey chimed in, smiling widely and feeling quite proud of himself.
"About to say what now, Wheeler?" Another familiar and much regretted voice said from behind Yugi. The young Duel Monsters champion turned around and looked up to see a blue-haired boy standing there with a smug, and rather common, look on his face.
Joey looked at him and shook his head irritably. "Hey Espa. What? You outta scams to pull?"
Espa Roba laughed and shook his head, walked over and smashed his way onto the bench, almost knocking down Serenity. Luckily, Téa caught her before she impacted with the ground. "C'mon now, Wheeler! I thought we left on better terms than that? It was, after all, only a day ago that we dueled, right?"
"If yer lookin' for a rematch it's gonna have to wait. I'm going to help my sister duel today."
Espa's face sagged a bit as he looked over to see that one brown-haired lady in a plaid skirt help up another young woman with white bandages covering her eyes. "Oh! Excuse me!" Espa shouted and got off of the bench, then ran over to assist Serenity. "My deepest apologies! I didn't know you were there!"
Serenity locked her blind gaze on Espa and smiled lightly. "Oh, it's no problem. Thank you."
Joey growled and shot too his feet. "Will everyone stop hittin' on my little sister?!"
Yugi smiled and was then torn away from the reality before him and into a pitch-black chamber occupied only by him and his ancient spirit counterpart, Yami. Yugi saw his protector before him and smiled. "Hey, Yami. Something wrong?"
Yami nodded solemnly. "Do you remember the conversation we had last night, Yugi?"
The boy nodded. "You mean how you sensed a great power? Like that from other Millennium Items? What about it?"
Yami stepped forward so he was less than a few inches away from his young host. "It is getting closer. But what really unnerves me is that I cannot discern this beings intentions. Its mind seems...segregated, but also like there is a perfect union between the Item and its owner. Perhaps another evil spirit?"
Yugi sighed sorrowfully then hanged his head down. "Another one? Aren't there ever any friendly spirits?"
Yami smiled gently. "Or just none at all? Maybe this isn't even a spirit, just the owner has become drunk with power and their greed has overcome their commonsense. You should know that benevolence and nefariousness are really just states of mind. I do not believe that either truly exist."
Yugi nodded and then was launched back into true reality. The spirit of the Millennium Puzzle had commandeered Yugi's body and now stood where he previously was. Espa Roba and Joey had gotten into an argument over their duel, Tristan was sneaking his arm around Serenity's shoulders, and Téa was just shaking her head miserably.
"Excuse me. Everyone?"
The bickering and unwarranted action immediately ceased and they all looked up at the attention-warranting Yami Yugi.
Yami turned away from them and looked into the distant crowds and the still fresh and new dawn sun. He took a deep breath of the clean and gentle morning air then turned back. "Beware. A dark power draws near. I fear something terrible is about to fall over Battle City."
Joey blinked awkwardly a few times then opened his mouth to speak. "What's going to happen, Yug?" The others all got up from the bench, excluding Espa Roba who was already standing, and looked at him waiting for an answer.
Instantly Yugi's expression changed from one of calm curiousness to one of horror and disbelief. "A...t-the Gathering?" He whispered.
Immediately the distant crowds erupted with angry insults, scolding, and screaming as people jumped out of the way for a motorcycle carrying one person. A dark-skinned man with long blonde hair and the beautiful golden Millennium Rod secured in a socket on his bike. His expression was grimly serious.
Not far away, another being pushed past the masses and presented himself. However, only Yami and the Millennium Puzzle detected him. Everyone else seemed oblivious to his appearance. It was Bakura, or more specifically, the evil spirit of the Millennium Ring in control of Bakura's body.
Then another presence, one that surprised all three of them, appeared. In the distance another boy emerged followed not far behind by a nervous and somewhat jittery girl. Apparently he had told her what he planned to do, and what he was summoned for.
"Deirdre, please! I don't see why you have to do this, it's insane! Your gonna get yourself killed!"
Deirdre shook his head hoping to alleviate some of her worry and formed the ring on his finger into the Millennium Balance with but a simple thought. "Don't worry, Skylar. I know what I'm doing and what has too be done."
The person on the motorcycle got off, removed his helmet and approached the assembly. What seemed strange about all this is that now the outside world seemed to have frozen solid. Yugi's friends were just staring blankly and motionless as was everyone else in the distant crowds. The girl that was following behind Deirdre had also stopped dead in her tracks with the same look of concern permanently arrested on her face.
Yugi walked forward a few steps and stopped. Bakura took up his right, Deirdre the left and this other individual, his right. The guardians of four of the Millennium Items stood glaring at one another in a perfect square, no one speaking or making a move. However, Bakura and the other dark-skinned man both had sinister grins on their faces.
"Well, I'm sure you all know what this is about?" Bakura asked, slowly bringing his hand up to rest on the outside edge of the Millennium Ring. "This is the Gathering. As prophesied. And don't tell me than none of you knew it was going to happen?" Bakura let out a quiet laugh then gestured his hand to the man in front of him. "This is Marik. Yugi, I'm sure you two have already met."
"Somewhat impersonally but yes, we have." Yugi said bitterly, then turned to Deirdre, still wearing the tattered bombers jacket and had his dark hair cascading over his face, making him look quite ominous. However, Yugi recognized this person now as the mysterious force he sensed before and now that he was closer, Yugi didn't sense any evil within his heart. His appearance was deceiving; his intentions here were entirely benign. "And who might you be?"
Deirdre held up the arm that was tightly gripped around the base of the Millennium Balance and crossed it over his chest. "You may call me Deirdre, pharaoh. At least that is the name of the boy that I currently inhabit."
Yugi nodded then turned back to Bakura. "So, what is this about? Is the prophecy to come true? Are we too simply battle and war with one another until only one remains standing? Is that how you plan to gain these three Millennium Items before you?"
Bakura shook his head, gently rubbing his thumb along his untarnished Ring. "No, unfortunately. I really would have enjoyed such a grand battle, however, that is not how myself and Marik intend on obtaining yours or Deirdre's Millennium Items." He removed his hand from the Ring, and in tune the others lowered their guards and stopped holding their Items in such defensive positions. "This 'prophecy' is going to be changed a bit. You see, another scripture more near and dear to Marik states that he must win the pharaoh's power in a Shadow Game, or, in this day and age, a duel. However, we cannot do both, so we are going to duel over ownership of all Millennium Items, meaning no one is too favor another player if they value their own lives." Bakura smiled again then stepped back, breaking the circle. "But not today."
Yami Yugi bared his teeth in anger, but didn't let it get out of his control. "And why not today? Is this day not as good as any other? Or are you afraid?"
"They have other things planned, pharaoh." Deirdre said calmly. "If this duel was too take place now other things would not get accomplished." His piercing gaze then focused on Marik, who had yet to say anything and seemed content with it. "Like...the obtaining of two Egyptian God cards?"
Marik snickered and nodded. "Amazing. You can peer into my thoughts even though my Millennium Rod shields my mind? Interesting. You haven't been in that body very long at all. It is surprising you have such a strong hold upon your new-found powers so soon."
Deirdre shrugged. "I am a quick learner."
Marik nodded and also stepped backward, further breaking the circle and joining Bakura at his side. "So it seems. All right, then. This gathering is over, and so is the prophecy of the Gathering. I will be back very soon for your Puzzle, pharaoh, and your unlimited power. Until then, we bid you a fond farewell."
Then the scene was over. Bakura and Marik were gone and Deirdre stood next to Yami Yugi back in the real world. Time had started up again and Téa, along with Joey, Tristan and Serenity, were running to Yugi's side, frantically asking him what had happened. All they saw was their friend vanishing into thin air.
Skylar began to frantically look around for her missing friend and then saw him in the distance, let out a high-pitched yelp of joy and bolted forward, tackled him from behind and absolutely refusing to let go, lest he disappear again.
"It is all right, nothing happened. I'm fine." Yugi turned to Skylar and smiled. "Deirdre is all right as well."
Skylar nodded. "Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou..."
Yugi looked up and met Deirdre's eyes. "You and I have much to discuss." He turned and looked at his friends who knew something was about to be said and patiently awaited it. "Would you all excuse us for a few moments? We won't be long."
Joey nodded and gently hooked his sister by her shoulders. "Yeah, no problem Yug. You just holler if you need us. C'mon guys."
Tristan and Serenity walked off with Joey without a word but Téa stayed behind, staring into the bright sapphire eyes of her good friend Yugi. Espa also stayed still for a moment before leaving Téa to her business and following after Joey and Tristan.
She nodded slowly then stepped back, giving Yugi his space. "Umm...sure, Yugi. No problem. We'll come back in a few minutes." She reached around behind Deirdre and snagged Skylar by the wrist. "You too. I'm sure Deirdre will be fine without you for a little while."
"Ah, no! C'mon, don't make me go!" She pleaded. "Deirdre!!"
However, her eyes met an even colder and more focused gaze than usual. Deirdre simply shook his head, offering her no measure comfort what so ever. "Please just go, Skylar. I'll be fine." Too her, it also seemed like his voice had become more alien, but she didn't question it and let Téa drag her away. Though she didn't stop looking at him until they were both several yards away.
Yugi sighed and walked toward the bench, sat down and gestured for Deirdre to do the same. He did, but kept a good distance between himself and the pharaoh. "May I ask what your intentions are? Are you in league with Marik and Bakura's spirit?"
Deirdre shook his head rapidly as if such a question was an insult to his ears and he had to banish it as fast as possible. "Of course not. I am nothing but an extension of your hand, pharaoh. I am sure you don't remember, I wouldn't expect you too, but a very long time ago I was an advisor in your royal court."
Yami Yugi looked surprised but he supposed it could have been something even more unbelievable. Like he was the incarnation of Osiris himself. "And why are you here now? And why did you choose the body of Deirdre Masako? What purpose does he serve?"
The spirit smiled grimly and looked away. "A very large purpose, pharaoh. This boy will be a major key in the upcoming battle with Marik. And he has already been chosen to participate in the largest battle of all. I will serve as your partner in a duel against Marik and the tomb robber. Whoever comes out victorious will gain control over a great power. If it is Marik, he will use that power to conquer the world."
Yami Yugi nodded and looked down at the Puzzle dangling from his neck. "So it is happening. After all these years the battle for the fate of the world will happen again."
If he had any concern he certainly didn't show it. The spirit inhabiting Deirdre's body looked at the Millennium Balance still in his hands and gazed into the golden emblem emblazoned on its surface. "Well, you're partially right. However, not all factors have been accounted for. Not all of the original players are back yet and only once they are can the battle commence again."
"Who is missing?"
Deirdre glanced up at the cold morning sky for a moment before lowering his head again and continuing. "The sorcerer. The incarnation of the sorcerer who started this whole war in the first place. His spirit has been reincarnated in Seto Kaiba. Only when he comes forward and accepts his fate can the war continue."
"That will not be easy. Kaiba doesn't know about his past and being as free of a spirit as he is, I don't think he'll listen to anyone attempt to explain it too him. And even if he did, he certainly wouldn't accept his fate. He would dismiss it as nothing worth his time and go about running his corporation and his selfish ways."
Deirdre shook his head and shrugged as if he refused to accept that. "There is no other way. All of the original players must return. Marik and the tomb robber are only new additions but they are going to have to accept roles long forgotten as well." He stood up from his seat and stared at a crowd not far away. Apparently another duel was beginning and he seemed interested in it. "Well, I'll let you go back to your friends, pharaoh." He looked down at Yami and smiled. "Try not to let this wear upon your mind, pharaoh. You'll win. Just like you did before."
Yami Yugi watched Deirdre walk away toward that duel, still holding the large Millennium Balance for a moment before changing it back too its compact ring form.
He slumped down further into his seat, trying to think of a way he could make this "destiny" of his work out for the best. But if the spirit was correct, he couldn't possibly lose. It was already decided. Good had to triumph no matter what...right?
