Chereads / Yugioh A hell of a journey / Chapter 13 - Remembrance of lost love

Chapter 13 - Remembrance of lost love

Last time on Yu-Gi-Oh! A Hell of a Journey:

Maximillion Pegasus landed in Japan with a grand scheme in mind. Meeting with KaibaCorp's Big Five, he revealed his true intentions: to take full control of KaibaCorp's holographic technology. With promises of power and whispers of restoring the company's old glory under Gozaburo Kaiba, Pegasus tempted the greedy board members, weaving an ominous plan to seize everything.

As Pegasus laid out his vision, the Big Five were left teetering on the edge of betrayal, unaware of just how deep his ambitions run.

What sinister move will Pegasus make next? Find out on Yu-Gi-Oh! A Hell of a Journey!

As Maximillion Pegasus stepped out of the KaibaCorp building, the city lights shimmering around him, he turned to Johnny with a playful grin.

Pegasus (with a flourish): Ah, Johnny, what's next on our little adventure? Something refined, I hope?

Johnny glanced at the clipboard, his voice steady as ever.

Johnny: The Duel Museum, sir. They've arranged a private exhibit of past legendary duels, including several featuring your personal works, as well as rare and historic cards on display.

Pegasus (his eyes gleaming with excitement): Ah, the Duel Museum! A walk down memory lane. How delightful! Nothing like seeing history unfold especially when so much of it was my doing. Let's not keep the masterpieces of dueling waiting, Johnny.

With a wave of his hand, Pegasus led the way, eager to indulge in the museum's treasures, both past and present, as his grand scheme quietly continued to unfold in the shadows.

As the sleek black car pulled up to the Duel Museum, its grand façade lit up against the night sky, Pegasus peered out the window, a smirk dancing on his lips. The building stood tall and proud, adorned with banners showcasing iconic duels and legendary cards from the past.

Johnny quickly stepped out, opening the door for Pegasus, who elegantly exited the car, adjusting his coat with a practiced grace.

Pegasus (taking in the sight): Ah, the Duel Museum… It's been far too long since I've visited. So much history, so many memories most of them, of course, touched by my genius."

Johnny followed closely as they approached the grand entrance, where a private guide waited, bowing respectfully.

Guide: Mr. Pegasus, we're honored to have you. The private exhibit has been prepared, showcasing your greatest contributions to dueling history.

Pegasus (smirking): Of course it has. Lead the way, my good man.

As they walked through the museum's grand halls, past displays of legendary cards and moments frozen in time, Pegasus' gaze lingered on each piece with a mix of nostalgia and pride, his next moves playing out like a perfectly orchestrated duel in his mind.

As Pegasus strolled through the grand halls of the Duel Museum, his usual playful smirk softened. His eyes darted from one display to the next, lingering briefly on iconic cards and famous duelists immortalized in history. But then, something caught his eye a painting, tucked away in a quieter corner of the exhibit.

He stopped in his tracks, the room falling eerily silent around him. The picture wasn't of a card or a famous duel; it was a simple sketch, faded with time. A younger Pegasus, carefree and unburdened, sat beside a woman with gentle eyes and flowing hair. They were both seated on the ground, sketching on a piece of parchment, laughing together in a world far removed from the cutthroat nature of business and dueling.

His heart skipped a beat. For a brief, bittersweet moment, Pegasus remembered a life before the duels, before the company, before everything the quiet life he once shared with his wife, Cyndia. The image tugged at something deep inside him, a forgotten warmth he hadn't felt in years.

Pegasus (whispering, barely audible): Cyndia…

Johnny, noticing his boss's rare moment of vulnerability, said nothing, simply standing by, respectful of the silence.

For a moment, the weight of his ambitions, the scheming, and the grand takeover plans felt distant. All Pegasus could see was that memory the days when life was simpler, when love, not power, was his guiding force.

But as quickly as the memory came, Pegasus blinked it away, straightening his coat and clearing his throat.

Pegasus (quietly, but with resolve): Come, Johnny. We've indulged enough in the past. Let's focus on the future.

With one last lingering look, Pegasus turned away from the picture, the flicker of sentiment fading as the shadows of his ambitions loomed large once again.

As Pegasus lingered for a moment longer, his gaze still fixed on the picture, he murmured, almost to himself:

Pegasus (softly): There was a card… yes, a card I made as a tribute to her.

Johnny perked up slightly, though he remained silent, sensing the significance of Pegasus's words.

Pegasus (smiling wistfully): Cyndia was such a fan of Egyptian history. She had this fascination with ancient gods and legends. I thought… I could honor her with something grand, something befitting of her love for the ancient world.

His eyes grew distant, remembering the countless nights spent with Cyndia, discussing ancient texts and legends over cups of tea.

Pegasus (a chuckle escaping him): Though, I might have gone a bit overboard, as I often do. Out of my love for her, I crafted the 'Horus the Black Flame Deity' cards powerful, destructive, yet… elegant, like her."

He sighed, a rare note of vulnerability in his usually playful tone.

Pegasus (whispering): They were more than just cards. They were my way of capturing her spirit, her brilliance, in something eternal.

For a moment, the Duel Museum felt like it faded away, replaced by a world where Pegasus wasn't a man of schemes, but just a husband, deeply in love. But, as always, that part of him remained buried beneath layers of ambition.

He turned from the painting, his usual demeanor slowly returning.

Pegasus (with a soft smile): Come, Johnny. The past has its place, but we have much to do."

As Pegasus turned away from the painting, he reached into his jacket and pulled out a sleek case. Inside were the cards he had mentioned, Horus the Black Flame Deity their shimmering holographic designs gleaming under the museum lights. He traced the edge of one card gently with his finger, his eyes momentarily clouded with the weight of memory.

Pegasus (with a soft smile): These cards… I think it's time they see the light of day again. I'll give them out to the winner of KaibaCorp's little tournament. It would be such a waste to let them gather dust, don't you think?"

He chuckled to himself, but his tone had an edge of nostalgia.

Pegasus: My Cyndia would be so disappointed in me if I kept these treasures locked away. She always said that creations like people are meant to be shared, to inspire, to live. I wish to see them in action, to see what they can do in the hands of a true duelist.

His gaze hardened slightly, the moment of tenderness fading into his usual calculated expression.

Pegasus (grinning): Yes, let's make things a little more interesting. After all, what's the point of holding power if you can't enjoy watching it unfold?

He closed the case with a snap, signaling to Johnny that it was time to move on.

Pegasus (playfully): Now, let's see if these young duelists are worthy of the legacy I've woven into these cards.

As Pegasus finished admiring the cards and checked his watch, he turned to Johnny with a decisive nod.

Pegasus: "Well, Johnny, I think it's time we call it a night. Please take me to the hotel."

Johnny promptly acknowledged the request, ensuring the arrangements were made.

Johnny: Of course, sir. I'll make sure everything is ready for your arrival.

With that, Pegasus and Johnny left the Duel Museum, the night air cool against their faces. As they made their way to the hotel, Pegasus's thoughts remained fixed on the plans and strategies that lay ahead, knowing that tomorrow would bring new opportunities to advance his grand scheme.

As Pegasus and Johnny made their way to the hotel, the night air felt crisp and clear. Despite the flurry of activity and his ever-present schemes, Pegasus's mind kept drifting back to the memory of his wife. The image of her, so vibrant and full of life, lingered warmly in his heart.

Pegasus (softly, to himself): Ah, Cyndia…

A rare, genuine smile graced his lips as he thought of her, her love and passion for history reminding him of simpler times. The weight of his ambitions seemed momentarily lighter, softened by the warmth of those cherished memories.

Johnny (noticing the change in Pegasus's demeanor): Is everything alright, sir?

Pegasus (with a nostalgic smile): Yes, Johnny. Everything is just as it should be. Sometimes, it's good to remember where we come from.

With a renewed sense of purpose and the warmth of the past guiding him, Pegasus continued on to the hotel, ready to tackle whatever the new day would bring.

As dawn broke over the bustling city, the imposing KibaCorp headquarters stood tall against the skyline. Inside, Seto Kaiba and his younger brother Mokuba were preparing for the day's activities.

Seto, dressed in his trademark blue trench coat, stood at the large window of his office, scanning the city below with a steely gaze. His expression was a mix of determination and anticipation.

Seto: "Today's going to be crucial, Mokuba. We need to stay sharp, especially with Pegasus in town."

Mokuba, ever the supportive younger brother, was busy reviewing notes on a tablet, his eyes flicking up to meet Seto's.

Mokuba: "I've gone over the schedule, Seto. We've got the tech briefings, the investor meetings, and, of course, the private exhibit for Pegasus. Everything's in place."

Seto nodded, his focus unwavering.

Seto: "Good. Make sure the tech team is prepared for any questions Pegasus might have. We can't afford any slip-ups, not with him scrutinizing every detail."

Mokuba (nodding): "Got it. I'll make sure everything runs smoothly."

As they spoke, the office door opened, and a team of engineers and project managers entered, ready for their briefing. Seto's eyes followed them, his mind already racing through the day's agenda.

Seto (firmly): "Let's get to work. I want everything perfect for today. We can't let Pegasus think he's outsmarted us."

With that, the Kaiba brothers dove into their busy day, the hum of activity and the weight of their responsibilities hanging heavily in the air. The meeting with Maximillion Pegasus was just beginning, and both Seto and Mokuba knew that the stakes had never been higher.

As the team settled into their briefing, Seto Kaiba's attention turned to a crucial project he had been closely monitoring.

Seto (addressing the head engineer): "How is the Duel Disk project proceeding? I want an update on the latest developments."

The head engineer, slightly nervous but prepared, stepped forward with a tablet in hand.

Head Engineer: The prototype for the new Duel Disk model is on schedule, Mr. Kaiba. We've made significant progress on the integration of advanced holographic technology, which should enhance both the visual clarity and responsiveness of the cards.

Seto (nodding, but with a critical eye): And the durability? I want these Duel Disks to withstand not just intense duels but also any rough handling.

Head Engineer: We've reinforced the casing with a new composite material. It's both lightweight and highly resistant to impact. Additionally, the internal components are designed for easy maintenance and upgrades.

Seto (satisfied but stern): Good. Pegasus will be scrutinizing our technology closely. We need to ensure everything works flawlessly. I want a demonstration ready for him by the end of the day.

Head Engineer (assuredly): Understood. We'll finalize the demo and run a full set of tests to make sure everything is perfect.

With a decisive nod, Seto turned his attention back to the rest of the meeting, knowing that the success of the Duel Disk project would be critical in maintaining KaibaCorp's edge over their competitors. The pressure was on, and he was determined to rise to the challenge.

As the briefing continued, Seto Kaiba turned his attention to Mokuba with a sharp gaze.

Seto: Mokuba, what's the status report on our local card shop? I want to know how things are progressing there.

Mokuba quickly accessed the latest report on his tablet and began to read aloud.

Mokuba: The card shop is doing well, Seto. We've recently introduced a new line of exclusive KaibaCorp products, and they've been selling fast. Customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, especially regarding the new promotional cards.

Seto (nodding): Good. Ensure that the shop continues to promote our products effectively. We need to keep our brand at the forefront of the market, especially with Pegasus making his rounds.

Mokuba: I've also arranged for special events and tournaments to drive more foot traffic. We're coordinating with local duelists and influencers to generate buzz.

Seto (satisfied): Excellent. Keep an eye on the competition and adapt our strategies as needed. We can't afford to fall behind.

Mokuba nodded, taking note of his brother's directives as the meeting continued. Seto's focus was unwavering, each aspect of his empire meticulously managed to ensure KaibaCorp's dominance in the industry.

As the briefing progressed, Seto Kaiba's attention shifted to the ongoing tournament, a crucial aspect of his plans.

Seto: How many contestants are left in the tournament? I want a current tally.

Mokuba checked the latest update on his tablet and responded promptly.

Mokuba: There are now four contestants remaining, including Noa,Testu , Marcus, and Cedar. The finals are set to begin soon.

Seto (nodding): Excellent. Keep track of their progress closely. I want to know everything about their strategies and performance. Our preparation for the final round will depend on it.

Mokuba: Understood. I'll have detailed reports ready for you as soon as possible.

With that, Seto refocused on the tasks at hand, ensuring that every aspect of the tournament and KaibaCorp's operations was under his precise control.

Seto Kaiba turned to the head of security, his tone sharp and demanding.

Seto: Head of Security, is Yamma still running that illegal gambling stall?

The head of security nodded, a serious expression on his face.

Head of Security: Yes, Mr. Kaiba. We've confirmed that Yamma continues to operate his underground gambling activities. There have been several reports of suspicious betting around the tournament.

Seto (with a steely gaze): I want this handled immediately. Investigate his operations thoroughly and put an end to it if necessary. We cannot afford any interference or scandals affecting the tournament's integrity.

Head of Security: Understood. I'll deploy a team to address the situation and ensure it's resolved quickly.

Seto: Good. Keep me informed of any developments. We need to maintain control and uphold the reputation of KaibaCorp.

With a curt nod, Seto returned to the day's agenda, confident that his security team would handle the issue effectively.

As the meeting concluded, Seto Kaiba rose from his seat with a decisive air.

Seto: This meeting is adjourned. Mokuba, let's move on. We have things to take care of.

Mokuba quickly followed, both brothers leaving the room with a clear sense of purpose, ready to tackle the day's remaining tasks and ensure everything was aligned with their goals.

As Seto and Mokuba made their way out of the conference room, Mokuba glanced at his brother and asked.

Mokuba: So, what's next on the agenda, Seto?

Seto's expression softened slightly as he looked at Mokuba.

Seto: For now, it's about spending some quality time with my brother. We've got a lot to handle, but it's important to take a moment for ourselves amidst the chaos.

Mokuba smiled, appreciating the rare moment of personal connection amidst their busy lives.

Mokuba: Sounds good to me. Let's make the most of it.

With that, the Kaiba brothers set off, ready to balance their responsibilities with a bit of much-needed downtime.

As they walked through the bustling corridors of KaibaCorp, Seto glanced at Mokuba, his concern evident despite his usual stoic demeanor.

Seto: How's school going, Mokuba? Anyone giving you trouble?

Mokuba looked up, a thoughtful expression crossing his face.

Mokuba: Actually, it's been pretty smooth lately. There were a few kids who tried to challenge me, but nothing I couldn't handle. Everyone seems to be respecting the Kaiba name more these days.

Seto nodded, satisfied but still vigilant.

Seto: Good. If you need any help or if things change, don't hesitate to let me know. You know I'm always here for you.

Mokuba smiled, appreciating his brother's support.

Mokuba: Thanks, Seto. I'll keep that in mind.

With the matter settled, they continued their day, the bond between them as strong as ever amidst their demanding lives.

As Seto and Mokuba walked through the halls of KaibaCorp, Seto's mind wandered back to their early days at the orphanage. The memories, though distant, were vivid in his mind days of struggle, the bond he formed with Mokuba, and the drive that pushed him to create the empire they now commanded.

Seto (thinking to himself): Back then, it was just the two of us against the world. I promised myself I'd give Mokuba the best life possible, no matter what it took. And now… look at us. Sometimes, it's easy to forget how far we've come.

Seto's gaze softened as he looked at Mokuba, who was animatedly discussing a recent school project. The hardships of their past had shaped him, but it was the strength and resilience he developed that now guided him as he led KaibaCorp.

Seto (quietly to himself): No matter what challenges we face, I won't let anything harm what we've built. Not now, not ever.

His thoughts, though fleeting, were a reminder of the journey they had undertaken together and the bond that remained unbreakable despite their success.

As they continued down the corridor, Seto looked over at Mokuba with a rare, relaxed smile.

Seto: How about we get some ice cream? It'll be a nice break before we dive back into everything.

Mokuba's face lit up at the suggestion.

Mokuba: That sounds great, Seto! Let's go.

With that, the brothers headed out, looking forward to a moment of normalcy and enjoyment.

The next morning, Noa woke up with a stiff body and a heavy heart. The aftermath of his mother's wrath left him with more than just physical bruises; the scolding and punishment had left a mark on his spirit as well. He dragged himself out of bed, feeling the weight of the previous day's events press down on him.

Noa (to himself, wincing as he moved): "Ugh, that was rough… But I've got to stay focused. The tournament's not over, and I can't let this get me down."

He moved slowly to the bathroom, looking at his reflection in the mirror. Despite the lingering aches, he couldn't afford to dwell on his misfortunes. He needed to prepare himself for the upcoming duels and continue pushing forward with his journey.

As he splashed some water on his face and tried to shake off the fatigue, Noa mentally steeled himself for the challenges ahead. The tournament, his path to victory.

Noa's morning routine was interrupted by a loud, rhythmic knocking on the floor. He looked up, startled, as Rebecca's voice echoed through the hallway.

Rebecca (calling out): "Hurry up, Noa! We're waiting for you!"

Noa stumbled to the door and opened it, squinting at Rebecca who was standing there with an impatient expression.

Noa: "Rebecca? What's going on? It's early."

Rebecca's face softened as she looked at Noa, still holding her teddy bear close.

Rebecca: Aunt Avangeleen wants you to come down for breakfast. And it's important she's still upset about last night.

Noa sighed, realizing he had no choice but to face the situation head on.

Noa: Alright, I'm coming. Thanks for the heads up.

As he followed Rebecca down the stairs, Noa prepared himself for another round of difficult conversations and hoped for a peaceful resolution to the tension that had been building.

Noa (internally): I'm so screwed

Noa descended the stairs

In the dining room, Avangeleen sat at the table, arms crossed and a stern expression on her face. Breakfast was spread out in front of her, but the usual warmth was replaced by an air of disapproval.

Avangeleen: Sit down, Noa. We need to talk.

Noa took his place at the table, feeling the weight of his mother's gaze. He sat silently, trying to muster the courage to face whatever consequences awaited him.

As Noa sat down at the table, the tension between him and his mother was palpable, hinting at more difficult conversations ahead. Meanwhile, the next duel and its challenges loomed large on the horizon.

Will Noa be able to recover from his punishment and stay focused on the tournament? How will the new revelations and ongoing tensions shape the path forward? And what's next for the other characters, with Maximillion Pegasus making his move and the shadowy undertones of KibaCorp's dealings unfolding?

To be continued on Yugioh A Hell of a Journey !!!