Chapter 39: What the Riddle Meant

Kaede walked home from school, her hands in her pockets, her face apathy even though the sun was shinning and the grass blades were all piping with merry singing voices, keeping beat with the thuds of her sneakers, happy to be alive. The girl only spared them a glance, her face consumed by indifference, as she treaded slowly on.

Things had returned to dull normal life, which seemed to suit their tastes nicely. Her father was looking more and more chipper everyday since she had started to master her powers, the control no longer his responsibility. She caught him in the garden often, humming lovingly to the plants and speaking to his dead wife with pride about their children, even though it didn't seem like she was around to hear.

Mat had stopped spending so much time in his room and could be seen more often helping Bakura, getting to know his father more and more, accepting him as a dad. When Bakura wasn't talking to Ryelle, that time growing more and more even though it wasn't his fault, he was teaching his son the differences between this sort and that sort of plant. They could also be found often in the giant tree room in the attic, picking apples for this weeks supply to sell at the store. Kaede wouldn't know since she never set foot in there.

Christa wasn't dating as much, nor talking about boys. It was understandable since all she really did think about was Javas coming over to teach her more about computers, how to use HTML and such. He was coming over as soon as he was done with his weekly dueling lesson from Yami, which usually took about an hour. Of course, in that period of time he innocently claimed to his father that he was over her house. Mr. Kaiba also, in return, knew his son was lying but never actually confronted him about it, deciding it was for the best. He may not like the fact that his son was being exposed more and more to his enemy or his puppyish Brother-in-Law, but there were some things that could not be changed.

Mr. Mutou and Mr. Wheeler also made weekly visits to her home, to talk and play cards (All though Mat secretly thought the consent appearance of Mr. Wheeler was due to the apple pie they baked every time he visited, but he said nothing of it however). The Ishtars sometimes attended these gatherings, in which was one of Javas's favorite times, though not Mr. Kaiba's since he never showed up; he had a lot to ask Marik about Ancient Egyptian technology since he had first hand knowledge being one to grow up with it. It was usually a very happy time for all of them, which Kaede was glad for.

She knew, however, that her strange distance from them for these past few months was worrying her father and new 'Uncles'. She tried often to be happy with them, to be glad to be alive, but after awhile she gave up. Now she was just faking it so they wouldn't worry.

Even the kids at school where seeing it. She couldn't tell you how many times she had been stopped by the guidance councilors, asking if there was something wrong at home. They wouldn't understand what she was going through, none of them, now that she was completely numbed by the wound inflicted on her heart. She knew she'd never be the same. She'd lie through a big fake grin and say she was just having a cruddy day and they'd swallow it every time.

Kaede never felt so alone in her whole entire life. Her powers, though usually separating her from the crowd, were making her now an extreme lone wolf, meandering a path of which no one had ever traveled before. She felt even more disheartened that the only person to ever have even glimpsed at such a road, the only one that could have even helped to have guided her, was now dead, and missed fiercely. She had been done crying two months ago, and now her soul was left raw and battered behind her mask of apathy.

The only time she really did show any true emotion was when she had caught a group of boys beating up a new kid. She wasn't sure what had set her off; it was fairly common thing to be seen around her school, something people got use to and ignored. She had only taken a glance at the scuffle, dust billowing from the dirt on the ground, as two large boys held the smaller newbie to the wall and was kicking him, when the boy's two wide dark brown eyes caught hers, pleaded with her for a moment, had a strong tide of rage over take her careless attitude and sent her dropping her book bag as she ran at them.

She jumped and tackled the first bully, a boy three times her size, the fury of a mother lion with her cubs endangered, clawing and biting at him, bellowing threats. Of course, the other boys had been stunned. They were smart enough to know that if a girl far smaller than one of their strongest friends was attacking and winning a fight that they were truly in deep shit.

It took about ten minutes for them to run off, Kaede, even though she was really battered, roaring about decapitation if they even thought about doing this again. She also wasn't surprised when the victim, the boy with the dark brown eyes, ran off with fright shortly after as well. It was the way of life.

Kaede ignored the curious stares of the other group of other girls walking by across the street, erupting in whispers when she was far enough not to hear as she turned toward the green shop with a look of complete and utter boredom. The 'deed' of saving the kid was making her name more commonly known for some reason, not that she cared.

Fame was nothing, not if she was going to get a thousand creeps staring at her or preppy girls saying random hellos, wanting to be spoken to. She disregarded them with the same icy glare as they had done for her at the beginning of the year, and moved on.

Kaede sighed to herself as she opened the glass doors, listening to the bell above the door ring quietly as she entered the game store, the familiar set up of books and priceless games. She was only here because Yugi has asked her to come after school today when he had caught her walking by this morning. Of course, she couldn't say no, so she had nodded. Now she was here, not sure what kind of cheer up speech she was going to get now.

"Good Afternoon, Kaede."

"Hi Mr. Mutou." He replied in the best happy voice she could. It came out more as a whisper on the wind. He smiled at her anyway, and beckoned her closer with a cheerful wave of his hand toward the main counter, his eyes bright and happy.

"You know you can call me Yugi right?" He asked as a side note for the fourth time in two days. She nodded with a tired look on her face as he called into the back room.

"YAMI! SHE'S HERE! We've got a surprise for you, today…I would've told you this morning but Yami said I couldn't until right before because it was suppose to be a surprise. YAMI?" He called again with a worried voice.

"I'm here." Yami said in his usual calm deep voice, his expression a serious with a smile on his face. In his aging hands was a medium sized package, about the size of a letter box, completely white and unlabeled. The Pharaoh placed it onto the counter in front of her. The girl looked at it with ill interest and glanced up at both family friends with a slightly curious look.

"Go on, open it." Yugi encouraged, his voice high in enthusiasm. Kaede held in a sigh as she opened the box, and found it completely filled with packing peanuts. She fished around them, until she found something cold and hard brush under her finger tips. Carefully she grasped the object with light nimble fingers as she removed the object, and found not too much to her surprise, a necklace.

It was an odd looking necklace, with an Egyptian eye much like the Ring she wore around her neck with pride, a constant reminder of her loss. She held back the swimming sorrow wanting to spring on her from the back of her mind as she glazed at it.

"Thank you." She replied, and was about to put it back in the box when Yami stopped her.

"Don't you want to know that this is the Millennium Necklace?" He asked. She looked up at the man's eyes with slight wonder, knowing that he was referring to the necklace of the seven Millennium Items. She also knew they all each had a power.

"Do you want to know what power this Item holds?" Kaede sighed silently, deciding to play along.

"What power does this hold?"

"It holds the power to look into the past and into the future. It helped me and Yugi in a time we thought was darkest. Do you understand why we're showing it to you?" Kaede was silent for a moment.

"Yes. I understand."

"Then concentrate on the eye for a moment." Yami said to her in a cooing voice. Without thinking she obeyed. For several long moments nothing happened, she didn't expect anything to happen; she expected nothing of anyone. She was about to put it down when she noticed a flicker in the golden eye. Her curiosity aroused by the sudden glimmer she gripped the item and brought it closer to her eyes when a sudden vision flooded her eyes.

Miles and miles of orangey hills sped by, like a solid tide, except for a worn path walked millions of times before. Dunes surged in an ocean of sand, rolling along outside the tinted windows on the right and left side, captivating the full attention of two young wide eyes.

These eyes were familiar as they were strange. One pair consisted of the rare violet orbs, bright and glowing a soft hue as they soaked in the dessert scene rushing past. The other pair was just as unique, being two completely different colors all together. The left eye was a deep summer lake blue while the other, the right eye, was the exact color of chocolate, looking just as mesmerized.

Soft laughter echoed eerily from the front, behind one large gray seat in front of the violet eyed boy, who turned in direction of it with a slightly embarrassed face. His pale features turned a dull pink, and he quickly ran a hand through his high spiky hair, matting the crimson-highlighted brown strands and simply brushing the blonde winglets away, eyes laughing despite his nervousness. It could be told he was nervous, since he clutched the golden pyramid pendent that hung so proudly around the youth's neck for comfort, unaware of the soft light escaping the large Egyptian eye molded on top of one of the many pieces it was composed off. He smiled slightly; reassured by it and also that she was happy, not joking with him, like his father often had.

His 'imaginary friend' comments hurt him more than his Dad could think. The boy knew, even at the young age of eight, that his friend was different from the others his father made fun of. His friend told him things that Dad didn't even know, nor ever would. He told the most spectacular stories he had ever heard, about bravery and friendship. His friend had to be different; he wasn't the only one to have heard those stories either. Grandpa knew them too, as well as his name before he had even said it. Grandpa could see him.

A dark pleasant voice whispered things to him. He could tell the owner of the voice was happy as well, for the first time since they had attended Grandpa's funeral weeks ago. The boy was glad to hear that sort of ringing tone in his ears again and smiled. The grin did not go unnoticed, for a second later the owner of the one blue and one brown eye nudged him and giggled.

He smiled at her, his best friend in the entire world. She was taller than him (everyone was), but she had never made fun of him because of that. He recognized she was very pretty even now, with her long straight brown hair and a classic troublemaker smirk as her eyes hinted at the happiness brimming underneath. It made him smile wider.

"Are we there yet?" she asked in the most musical voice he had ever heard, her eyes sliding to the passenger seat wonderingly for a moment, before they flashed back to the adult driving.

A pleasant face leaned into sight, eyes covered in black sunglasses, but a full lipped grin was plain on her face. She was chuckling softly still; in a mood better then theirs. She looked like she was walking on clouds, she was so happy, it was like a daze.

"Not yet, Rose, we still have a couple of miles before we get to the tomb." She replied in just as calm a voice, her hands turning the wheel slightly and the hum of the car under her influence. Rose smiled, tried again to see into the front seat, but found it impossible. Smiling the women pushed back her black cowboy hat and combed the white strands underneath, before laughing lightly again.

"Alright right Rose, if you really want to know what's in the box, you can take a look," she glanced at the boy with a small smile, "that is, of course, if Yami says it is okay. What's he say, Yafeu?" The boy, Yafeu, gazed down at the puzzle around his neck, a wondering look in his eyes, as he listened to a phantom voice buzzing in his ear.

"Yami says it's okay, we're far enough away and deep enough into the dessert where no one will be around… have we done something bad Mrs. Ryou?" The eight-year-old asked worriedly. Mrs. Ryou hummed happily over the drone of the engine of their jeep, letting Rose take the medium sized cardboard box from the front seat greedily, as she slid a newspaper out of sight quietly onto the floor. Yafeu caught a glimpse of the title with curious eyes, reading the bold black print.

PLANT BURGLER STRIKES AGAIN! TAKES LAST OF RARE EGYPTAIN ITEMS!

"You two haven't," she answered him with a smile, "But I, on the other hand, will be in a lot of trouble if I don't get these things back soon…"

"WHOA! Hey Yafeu! Look at these things!" Rose exclaimed as she pulled out a small golden ball, an eye identical to Yafeu's puzzle on it, glinting in the sunlight. Taking a further look inside, Yafeu also smiled a golden necklace, a rod, a key, and a scale. The key was the only thing without an eye printed on it. The boy looked down at his own object and the others, wondering about what Mrs. Ryou had said earlier.

"…I will get my puzzle back afterwards…right?" he asked her fearfully. He had made a promise to Grandpa on his death bed to take care of it. His loyalty to his Grandpa was immeasurable. As far as Yafeu was concerned, he'd give his life to see the puzzle was always safe. He also knew Yami felt the same about him. With both their wills combined. No one could stop them.

Mrs. Ryou gave him a shocked and slightly hurt look.

"Of course you will! I wouldn't EVER make you use the puzzle if you weren't going to have it back right after. I just need to borrow it for a moment, Hun."

"What for, Aunty?" Rose chimed in, studying the necklace now, wondering if it would make her look any prettier. The woman smiled a small toothed grin and spoke with a happy note.

"I just need to put it in a special place, sweet heart, with all the others."

"Are they a set?" Yafeu asked, a puzzled look in his eyes.

"Uh-huh. A very special set, actually."

"Is that why you'd be in trouble if you don't get them back?" he asked further, his tune suspicious.

"Yes, sir. But don't you worry, when I say I'm going to do something, it is a promise. I never break a promise. No matter what."

"What happens when you put them all in their special places?" Rose queried, stroking the gold delicately with her fingers and smiling up into the rear view mirror. Mrs. Ryou bit her lip and drummed her thumb lightly on the steering wheel, her brow folded as she thought for a moment.

"Something wonderful."

"Wonderful?"

"Yes, I will tell you if you swear not to tell anyone what we've done here or going to do…"

"I swear!" both children exclaimed at the same time, making the white-haired lady laugh cheerfully.

"Alright, I'll tell you then. Just keep calm you two…Three wishes will be granted to those who place all the objects in the slots, and the pharaoh shall get his memory back as well as his power." She chuckled lightly at Yafeu's sudden look of fright.

"Don't worry, that Pharaoh has his memory back, Hun, he took it back before I was born."

"If he got his powers, how do you know the wishes will work?"

"…I don't really know. Call it faith, I suppose. I just feel it…deep down inside, myself. It's something I just have to try."

"Oh…" Rose put the necklace back into the box and carefully put it onto the floor, a thoughtful look twinkling in her eyes. Yafeu watched her like a hawk, ready to go with any thing she wanted to, or felt was right. He would stand by her. He waited for her with a calm mind.

"What are you going to wish for with your three wishes?" She asked her Aunt soundly, looking with curious eyes. Mrs. Ryou scrunched her eyebrows with confusion spreading over her features for a moment. Then she laughed.

"Oh no, sweetie. I only need one wish. Yafeu will definitely get a wish and so will you. We each get one wish." Rose's face brightened as she smiled at Yafeu, happy that he wasn't being left out, not that her father or mother ever meant to. They were just very busy all the time, and being an only child will make one very lonely. Yafeu grinned an uncertain beam, not really sure he wanted a wish. Mrs. Ryou obviously missed this since she asked.

"What will you wish for, Yafeu?"

"…I don't think I want anything…"

"Sure you do, everyone wants something. What would you want if you could have anything?"

"…Well, maybe that my Grandpa is happy with Grandma in heaven. And that Yami and I can talk to them again." He said with a blush. Rose smirked with approval as her Aunt bopped her head.

"Yes, that is a wonderful wish."

"What's yours going to be, Aunty?"

"Mine? Don't you want me to hear yours first?"

"No. Stop it and tell us." She demanded a playful look in the brown eye but a stern one in the blue. Her Aunt knew not to deny this look unless it was completely necessary. She sighed.

"Well, I'm going to wish for someone to come back. Someone dear to me."

"My Uncle?" Rose asked hopefully.

"Hmm. Maybe. If that's what he wants… alright, I've told you my wish. It's your turn." Rose thought for a long moment.

"Well, if your wish works. I'm going to wish for cousins. I'm so sick of just Yafeu and me playing alone all the time. What do you think Yafeu? Would you like some more people to play with?" Yafeu bit his lip for a moment.

"Yes, it would be fun to have more friends to play with…" He agreed, swinging his legs impatiently, feeling a bit uncomfortable. He relaxed when the ancient voice drifted into his thoughts again. Mrs. Ryou swallowed a mouthful of air and wetted her lips.

"…Well, if your Uncle wants that… I think I could help arrange it…but your wish will take some time. If your patient, it will come true, Rose. I promise."

"I can wait, Aunty. How long could it take anyway?" The lady chuckled again, a low chuckle that went unheard except for the small oak tree, housed in the small pot, held safely in the cup holder. The half-lie could drift in the air for awhile, but yes she'd get her desire eventually. The woman smiled at the soft hums of the tree and patted it lightly.

"Is Beore Jr. talking again Aunt Kaede?" Rose asked, humming softly now. Aunty Kaede glanced over her shoulder at her niece.

"Yes, he is."

"What's he say?" The smile widened on the lady's face.

"He says 'Everything will soon be magnificent, again, for a time. It will be an era of peace. Enjoy it.' You do have a way of damping people's fun don't you…" The tree bristled its small red leaves, making the retiring plant-thief laugh harder.

"Yes, I know you're right. Just hang on, we're nearly there…"

The present world jerked back into live, making the white haired girl watch the world slide back into her eyes in a dizzying jerk. Yami and Yugi stared at her with wondering eyes at her astonished expression plastered to her face.

"…the light shall seek the darkness in a thief's clothing. When the seven objects of power are untied, the one thing most desired of the heart will be granted, and balance will be restored…"

As the pieces of the ancient riddle clicked into place, and the teen grinned a devious full toothed smile, one that mimicked T.R's in a way only he would understand. It was so very simple, now, and her depression was shattered and dispersed into the blackness of herself, just waiting to be unlocked. The darkness taught to her.

"Did it help, Kaede?" Yami asked her carefully, confused by her smile.

"Yes, it did. Thank you Yami. Thank you Yugi. I have to go now." The smile lingered on her face as she walked back into the pouring rain, the wind combing her hair with extreme gentleness. Yes, everything was so clear now; her path was bright and true. She had a lot of work ahead of her…about fifteen years of it in fact. Still, it didn't seem that long compared to how T.R had struggled to solve that riddle.

Yes, it would all come right in the end. She knew it, walking on the sidewalk, her home looming closer and closer, the great apple tree whispering to her on the winds.

After all, it is said that love has no bounds…what's a couple of millennia between ages anyway?

Book Dragon: "…And cut and print. That's it! I really hope you enjoyed my story and thank every one dearly for their support and informative reviews. They were very encouraging and I learned from them. Thank you so much!"