Hello everybody and welcome back to Cards and Dragons.

I made an update with Redemptions and Chasms earlier on how life is going already so no news there on life.

However… I do have a warning for you all. This chapter is a mature chapter. For you kiddos, and teens, please move on past to other stories.

I do not own Yugioh!

Onwards with chapter 2. O

~An Impossible Gift~

~Two Days Prior to the letter…~

Maximillion climbed into bed after his long discussion with Kagome. She was right. Tomorrow's light after some much-needed sleep would help to get this plan in place. As he laid there staring at the ceiling, Max thought of Cecelia. He glanced over to his window and saw a shooting star.

Cecelia, I wish you were alive again and here with me. I miss you so much. There was one thing he had hoped these past seven years. As he watched the sky and thought to his dreams. Normally, since Cecelia's death, they were usually dark and empty, or beautiful and light; the former being far more frequent of the two.

As he drifted off to sleep, Maximillion felt a dark, empty dream start even as he groaned in fear and pain. Suddenly, he felt and saw a bright light surrounded him, his fear and pain disappearing. Out of the light, an approaching figure caught his attention. Shock filled Maximillion as Shadi appeared out the bright light and he stopped in front of him.

Shadi spoke, direct and to the point, though soft, a rare smile gracing his lips, "You've made a wish tonight Maximillion Pegasus and you are having your heart's desire granted. You wished at the right moment for the right wish. Have a good life and be blessed." And with that, Shadi turned and walked the way he came.

Maximillion called out, stretching out a hand as if he could make Shadi stop, "Wait! At what price? Every wish comes with a price, Shadi. You know this. Better than most."

"No. This time there is no price. As I said, you made the right wish at the right time, young Maximillion Pegasus. Have a blessed life." Shadi paused to say without turning around, before he disappeared into the blinding light.

Just as suddenly as the dream started, it ended and Maximillion bolted upright in bed in his room, breathing hard and heart beating fast. Everything seemed normal even as he laid down and tried to get back to sleep, but he felt something warm and human next to him. Turning his head, Maximillion gasped, a woman lay there. Could it be…? He got up and ran to the light switch. What met his eye made him tear up in love and hope.

There, sleeping soundly and beautiful on the bed, was Cecelia. His darling Cecelia. Further shocking was that she had aged with him. And she was as beautiful as the day he met her. Gasping, Maximillion stood frozen a moment before he went over to take a piece of Cecelia's golden hair out of her eyes. She's back! Truly she's alive and back with me! As quickly as he turned on the lights, he turned off the lights. Sliding into bed without waking her, Maximillion took Cecelia in his arms, awed and shaking in anticipating of morning.

It took a long while before he fell asleep again, but when he did, he never had such good sleep since she died. Now she was back and he could rest easy.

~In the early morning hours…~

Maximillion woke to the feeling of someone moving. Opening his eye, he glanced to see Cecelia moving in her sleep to face him as he held her. Marveling at his wife, Maximillion placed a kiss to her forehead. Cecelia stirred at the motion, breathing deep, and opened her eyes. When she did, she was met with the adoring eyes… or eye… of Max, her husband, who was holding her in his arms.

Smiling, Cecelia murmured, "Max, my love. I am here. I am back. I… I love you."

Maximillion, unable to speak, kissed Cecelia for the first time in seven long years since her death, before she was revived. And she kissed him back with equal intensity. In moments, Maximillion was fully aroused as was Cecelia. She felt his hardened member, trapped by his sleeping pants, against her thigh. She moaned as she pulled back from the kiss to get a breath, even as he placed erotic kisses against her neck.

Cecelia clung to Maximillion as he worshipped her throat and he growled in want. He pulled back and looked down at her with his right eye in love and want, desire raging therein. He slowly crept his down and under the edge of her nightgown, making his way to remove it from her. She helped him as he did so, his touched causing the fire of arousal to flare as he brought the entire nightgown up and over her head, leaving her in her panties only. Maximillion growled, closing his eye, before opening it.

Cecelia's full chest was bare to his eye, making him want her so much. He made for her panties when she put a hand on his chest. Raising a brow is defiance, Max growled, waiting.

Voice heavy with arousal, Cecelia sang out, "Seems you're far too dressed for this Max…" She placed her hands against his shirt, fingering the buttons.

Smirking, he remained still, letting her know without words that she could take it off. At the unspoken gesture, she started to undo his shirt. When it was done, she slowly placed her hands on his chest and touched his sculpted chest. He hissed and gasped at her touches, clearly loving her as he watched her do so. She helped him take his shirt off before she moved to his sleeping trousers. For several minutes, Cecelia pleasured Maximillion, giving him a pleasurable high.

Maximillion collapsed upon her and pulled her close. After several minutes of just holding her, he whispered out, "Thank you."

Cecelia blushed, knowing she had thoroughly helped him. "You're welcome, dear. If it weren't for our reunion, I would say we could sleep now. However… if you're up for it… I would love an encore…" She blushed further at her insinuation.

Maximillion growled in lust again, his length hardening yet again at her comment, "Well, as my lady has requested, I will gladly oblige." He trapped her beneath him looking down at her with desire heavy eyes. She let out a gasp of delight, and cried out in pleasure as he kissed her. He positioned his length at her entrance of her most private area and looked at her in question. She nodded in earnest, and he bucked his hips forward, burying himself fully into her. She cried out in pleasure as he did so. And soon they found themselves doing the ages old dance all men and women known since the beginning of time.

~Later that same morning…~

Cecelia woke up to the sound of rustling fabric next to her. Opening her eyes and sitting up with her hand keeping the blanket up to cover herself, she was greeted with the sight of Maximillion moving about the room. Cecelia spied a dresser that seemed set out for her. Getting up out of bed, she kept the blanket around her naked form as she approached the dresser. Inside the drawers, she found clothing for herself, much of it fitting her personality and still fashionable. Max, you were always thinking ahead, you're a loveable sweet pea of mine.

Yet before she could get a chance to pick out an outfit two strong arms wrapped around her middle, causing her to squeak in surprise. Yet when she heard Max's voice whisper in her ear, "Cecelia, it's just me." Cecelia relaxed, smiling and she leaned into his embrace.

Chuckling, Cecelia giggled, "Morning Max. How's you sleep?" Cecelia fingered his hand, which stilled rested on her stomach.

"Very well, all things considered, my darling." Maximillion blushed, remembering what they just did several hours ago.

"In that case, how about we get ready for the day? Hmmm…" Cecelia suggested as she broke free of his hold and grabbed an outfit before moving to the master bathroom.

Maximillion chuckled as he followed his wife. They took their time getting ready for the day. Once they were done, Max paused, realizing something, "Cecelia, darling. I need to prepare the staff for your presence and it will take some time. You won't mind waiting here for a while?"

Cecelia narrowed her eyes in annoyance, conceding, "Very well, but I'm getting rather hungry and antsy to see the Island. Our home." Cecelia rolled her eyes before she turned to go inspect his personal library near their bed.

Maximillion raised an eyebrow, but he turned to leave, letting her to the library's contents. Exciting the room, Maximillion walked to the duelist chamber, discovering Croquet standing guarding there for some odd reason. "Croquet, gather the staff and have them wait in the banquet hall. I have an importance announcement for everyone. Also have Lady Fa Kagome meet me in my personal study. When you're done with that, mention to the cook to set three places at the table in my personal study as well," He ordered his head of security and staff.

"Aye sir," Croquet nodded, disappearing moments later.

Returning to his bedroom, Maximillion opened the door to discover Cecelia reading a novel titled, "Little Son of Durin." She was engrossed in the book so much; she didn't sense or hear his approach.

Cecelia had started reading the large novel when Maximillion left the room, and found it to be very interesting. Having been dead so long, she found that reading was a rather enjoyable activity that she severely missed as she had before her death. The storyline of the book had her so intrigued that after she got half way through it, she sensed the presence of someone behind her. She squeaked in surprise when she found Max staring at her with that look in his eyes… She smiled inwardly… Or his eye I should say. Being that he has the Millennium Eye in his left eye socket…

Blushing, Cecelia turned away, heat spreading through her checks, downward and through her body. Maximillion, wanting no more than to take her then and there, restrained himself and chuckled, "Don't be embarrassed, Cecelia. You were too beautiful and you were so far gone into the book, I didn't have the heart to interrupt you. Besides… that book you're reading there was one I discovered back in America.

"I was doing some research at the Library of Congress on different ancient languages when I was over there for a business deal. When I was finishing up with that deal, I had some free time, so I spent some time in the fiction section of the library. It's when I discovered that novel was being sold to a private investor to be put into a vault. Its plot was entertaining and I enjoyed it thoroughly."

Cecelia glanced down at the book before looking to him curiously, "How in the world did you manage to convince the investor to let you have it here?"

Maximillion smiled in his natural teasing and devious way, "After a long half hour of charming and smooth talking the investor, I was able to acquire the book and become co-owner with the investor. Do you like it?"

Cecelia smiled, blushing as she looked down, "Yes, I do."

Maximillion hummed, "It's a fanfiction based on Tolkien's works. His son Christopher allowed the author to print one physical copy and that is it. It's the only copy to exist physically. I have it here for safekeeping. Christopher Tolkien had other items of his father's works that haven't been further published yet. Because of that reason, I made a promise to the investor it would never be made public, which is how I convinced him to let me be co-owner with him."

She glanced up at his husky tone, blushing further at his adorning eyes… or eye… his left eye being replaced with the Millennium Eye. She was thankful for the explanation he gave. She then remembered something on the lines of the Millennium items. Her face turned wondering and she looked out over the balcony and beyond to the ocean. I wonder why and how he got the Millennium Eye in the first place? I wonder if he knows I am to safeguard the Scale? She didn't notice Maximillion's frown.

He looked at her, fearful of her curious frown with what she was thinking to have changed her mood so quickly. Wondering what her thoughts were, he came around to kneel in front of her. Taking her hands in his after he set the book aside, Maximillion asked, slightly panicked, "Cecelia, what's wrong? Are you alright? What has you changing moods so suddenly?"

Cecelia sighed, nervous and slightly anxious, looked to Maximillion, catching his eye, "I was just wondering if you know Shadi. Do you know how to get in contact with him?"

Maximillion instantly relaxed, gaping for a moment before placing a comforting hand on her check, "Cecelia don't worry. I have contact with Marik's sister Isis. She is keeper of the Millennium Necklace. She may know where Shadi is located at. I know personally the young man who holds the Millennium Puzzle as well. Everything is going to be fine." He stroked her check, trying to calm her nerves down some. It seemed to help and his answers seemed to satisfy her curiosity.

Yet before she could get a word out edgewise, a knock at their door signaled Croquet's presence. Both turned to stare for a moment before Maximillion had her move to be out of sight. Once she was, Maximillion moved to answer the door. Croquet stood there, and nodded, "The staff is assembled, my lord, and Kagome is awaiting you in your study with the morning meal for you." Cecelia remained hidden at Maximillion's request.

"Thank you, Croquet. You are dismissed. Go and wait with the staff and I will be right there to make my announcement." Maximillion ordered, waving a hand to dismiss his head of security.

Closing the door, Maximillion went back to Cecelia and held out his hand. "Come, Cecelia, the staff is assembled and are awaiting to meet you, their new lady. I also have a surprise for you in the study where we will be taking our breakfast."

~Maximillian's bedroom…~

Cecelia smiled took her husband's hand and followed him. Leaving their bedroom, Maximillion led Cecelia through the halls and to the banquet room. She marveled at the intricacies of the castle and fawned over the vintage feel of it all. Besides it had many windows to light up the building naturally and beautifully.

In the banquet hall, the staff murmured and talked amongst themselves wondering what the big news was their boss and master would call them all together to announce to them. It was rare. And usually never happened. Ever. Not since they all began here years ago. As they talked to one another in hushed tones, they noticed their employer open the doors and walked down the stairwell.

They all went silent as they turned to watch him come. Especially since he led a beautiful woman by the hand down the steps towards them. The staff, shocked, looked to the portrait of the woman above the alcove in the east window leading to the gardens. It was her, the mystery woman the master adored.

Maximillion brought Cecelia to a stop in front of the staff, still holding her hand. Addressing them, he stated, "Staff members, this is my beautiful wife, Cecelia. She is as much in charge as I am and if all of you want to stay here, she's as much my equal. You're all dismissed to your duties."

The staff nodded dutifully, and they dispersed to their respective jobs. Jason paused a moment in shock. CECELIA?! She's alive?! How? Noticing Maximillion's disapproving eye and frown, Jason bowed, muttering an apology before heading off to his guard duty in the study where he would be seeing her again.

Cecelia sneered at her husband as Max frowned at Jason. Wondering to herself, is that Jason, I see? God, I've missed him so much and his advice on life. I wonder if he is still dating Rachel. But as Max turned towards her, she plastered a forced smile on her face.

"Well now that that's over, let's head to my personal study. Croquet has breakfast served there for us. Are you hungry?" Maximillion paused to see her nod with a blush. "Besides, I've a surprise waiting there for you." Taking her hand in his, he led Cecelia through the halls, leaving Croquet in shock silence.

Croquet wondered to himself as he went back to guarding the duelist arena. How in the world did she get inside the castle? No matter, better not to say anything. Otherwise it means the end of my life if I dare ask.

Maximillion brought Cecelia to his personal study. Once inside, Cecelia gasped in shock and happiness. Not at the personal touches to the room, nor its beauty or the garden outside, but at the sight of Kagome sitting at the table. Kagome, her best friend since infancy. She was dressed in a beautiful sky blue, sleeveless sun dress. She was speaking with Jason, her adopted brother, who had arrived a few minutes before they did once the announcement was over.

Releasing Maximillion's hand, Cecelia rushed towards her friend, shouting, "Kagome!"

Said person turned, frozen in shock at Cecelia's voice and seeing her there, alive, for the first time in over seven years, and watched as she rushed over towards her. Kagome stared in awe and shock, barely able to register everything before Cecelia reached out to her as Kagome stood and shouted, "Cecelia!"

The two women collided in a tight hug, both blubbering, yet giggling in hushed tones. Pulling apart, the two spoke in rapid-fire succession.

Kagome, overwhelmed, touched Cecelia's face, saying, "Cecelia, you're… you're here…. I've wanted to… to speak with you for so long! How… how in the world are you alive again?"

Cecelia smiled despite her tears running down her face, "I'm sorry, Kags. I don't know why I died and left you alone. No doctor could cure me of my mysterious illness. And I have no idea how I am alive again. All I know is that Shadi was carrying me to a room filled with light after I spent a great deal of time in a room of darkness. Somehow, I was… was called out of the darkness and to the world of the living again. And this morning I woke up with Max. In his arms. Alive and happy."

Both of them paused to look at the person of interest. Maximillion watched the two interact, blushing at where they were taking the conversation. Kagome and Cecelia smiled. The former approached him, looking intently into his eye, reading his thoughts and feelings with ease without a Millennium Item. She turned to Cecelia, smirking in triumph as she teased, "Seems you two had a good morning. A very good morning." With that Kagome fell into hysterical laughter at Maximillion's look of red faced horror and Cecelia's beet red face, causing her to look at nothing in particular.

Kagome was able to control her laughter when Maximillion growled out, "Kagome, you better not even mention that again. Or you'll find yourself jobless."

Kagome breathed rapid breaths, trying to control her laughter, "Oh Max… come now… I was only teasing. Besides with me and Cecelia here now, you'll have to deal with my teasing more often since Cecelia is back. Not only that, there will be hell to pay if you fire me. Remember, I hold the title of Keeper of the Millennium Rod." She chuckled further causing Cecelia to giggle and Max to growl in response, knowing she was right. Yet… He rolled his eye in annoyance before he walked over to Cecelia's chair.

"How about we just start our noon meal, ladies. And leave the teasing for later. Cecelia?" He gestured to the seat. She blushed and went over to where he pulled out the chair for her and slide it for her as she sat. He did the same for Kagome, despite the embarrassing comment she said and her further teasing. They made small talk as they ate lunch, Jason marveling at his sister's return as he stood guard at the door.

He was thrilled at her being back, his sister. He had made eye contact with her several times over breakfast. His sister was back! She nodded, a tear welling in her eye to show she was beyond to see him alive and well. She turned her head so that Maximillion wouldn't see her tears. Kagome noticed and raised a brow, following Cecelia's glance to Jason.

Giving a knowing nod to Cecelia, Kagome turned to Maximillion, inquiring, "Maximillion, what do you think of my work on your gardens? Could I offer you a tour to show you my handy work?" She was hoping he'd take her offer.

Maximillion thought for a moment, looking to her in question, "I haven't much thought about your work. I was never displeased. Though I love your work with pink and purple flowers. Very well. Let's take a walk." He gestured to a beautifully pair of carved French doors to the gardens outside. He stood and pulled out Kagome's chair and Cecelia's, though he never noticed that Cecelia never followed.

As soon as Kagome and Maximillion were out of sight, Cecelia bolted, shouting, "Jason! Brother!"

Arms wide and a large smile met her eyes as she and Jason hugged each other close. "Sister! It's wonderful to have you in my arms again," Jason cried as he held her close for several minutes, neither realizing that Maximillion and Kagome had rejoined them. The former had a frown of anger on his face.

"What is the meaning of this?! Kagome and I leave for five minutes and we come back to you two hugging." Maximillion growled in a dangerous tone, causing the two to jump in surprise.

Cecelia and Jason parted, turning towards the two. Cecelia, once she heard Max and saw his face of betrayal, frowned, "Oh Max, Jason and I are not what you think we are…"

"Then what are you?! Explain yourself Jason, else I'll place your soul into a soul card!" Maximillion growled louder, frowning, fists clenched.

Jason stepped back in fear, yet Cecelia stepped forward in front of him, shielding Jason from her easily angered and jealous husband. "Maximillion, listen to me." She ordered as she placed her hands on his chest.

When he made eye contact with her, she crossed her arms, "Like I said, he and I aren't ex-boyfriend/ex-girlfriend… Ew… Gross… Jason is… is my brother… my adopted brother who was placed into hiding because of his former foster parents who had a vendetta out to kill him. Since before I died, I hadn't seen him in person or on social media for three years. There was only two times I actually was able to write to him in that time."

Pausing she looked over to Jason who was wiping tears away before she turned back to Maximillion, who had an unreadable mask on his face. She pleaded with him, "Max… please… let him stay. I… I need my brother. I need his reassuring presence right now. He reminds me of good memories of days gone by."

Maximillion thought for several moments, his resolve wanning against his wife's plea, "Hmph… Very well… But you're not to get any special treatment, Jason. Or special privileges though. Got that?" He turned a pointed look to Jason, who merely nodded gratefully.

Cecelia squealed in delight as she ran into her lover's arms so hard, she caused them both to fall to the ground in a heap. Upon righting themselves, they looked at each other for a moment before Kagome started giggle. Cecelia soon started to laugh until she cried. Maximillion scowled, yet soon a slight smile broke free, even as he and Cecelia still sat on the floor. Jason laughed with restrained energy, as it was his boss's implied and weakly veiled threat.

"Max! You seemed to have gained a sick sense of humor while I was gone. I will have to give you a scolding later…" Cecelia teased Maximillion, who blushed a deep red color.

Jason blushed yet knowing Pegasus' dark moods, straightened, "With your permission, my lord, I'll get back to work."

Maximillion nodded, impressed at the man's intelligence, "Fine. Go." Jason nodded with a smile. Yet at Maximillion's throat clearing, Jason paused to look back at the powerful man. Maximillion frowned, "I do expect you to be present at lunch and dinner. I want to hear stories of when you, Cecelia, and Kagome were young."

Stunned, Jason nodded, yet he didn't show his shock as he turned to leave.

Once Jason left, Kagome went over to Maximillion and Cecelia and held out a hand to them both. Helping them up, she called out, "Rashid! We're ready!"

Rashid and several other servants came in and masterfully placed platters of food on the table and uncovered them. A beautifully presented breakfast sat there for them. Maximillion helped Cecelia and Kagome into their chairs before sitting down himself for breakfast.

During the morning meal, Croquet came and announced a visitor to Duelist Kingdom. Curiosity spiking in his mind, Maximillion nodded, "Have them meet me in the conference room Croquet. I will be right there." He turned to Kagome, asking, "Could you see Cecelia is occupied Lady Kagome? I'll have Jason and a set of guards keeping watch over you as you go about. Is that fine my love?" He raised a questioning brow to Cecelia.

Kagome and Cecelia looked at each other, bot bursting out laughing. Cecelia gave Maximillion the biggest smile yet, "Yes Max, that is fine. And thank you! I am sure Kags and I will have a great time together while you are in the conference meeting. Go. I'll be fine with her." Cecelia got up and quickly went over to him. Leaning down, Cecelia gave him a chaste kiss before she and Kagome disappeared in a flash with Jason on their heels. As Cecelia followed her best friend, she smirked in delight and mischief, not telling him that she was going to compare notes with Kagome on how Maximillion was personally and how he was in the bedroom.

Maximillion looked after Cecelia and Kagome down the hallway they disappeared down for a few second, wistful. He sighed in longing before he left the opposite for his meeting.

See y'all later. Until next time!