Mend: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh nor it's characters, or the plot, all I own is there OC(s); other than Ivy, she belongs to Vixen.

Summary: When Kari finds her life becoming more confusing after bumping into Ryou, she's surprised that there are a couple of things they have in common. One of the things actually scares her, the fact that they both seem to hold ancient items that has mystical abilities. Will Kari allow Ryou to help her in sloving this puzzle or will she push him away? OCxRyou

Math Class and Chaos

The all too familiar red, black and deep, dark purple smoke circled around her. Her dull silvery-green eyes stared around her; the long silky locks remained above her neck, before they had fallen to her middle back but she had gotten it cut do to some bullies taking a knife to it. The white tank-top that she wore wasn't a surprise either, looking for something the girl strained to catch that voice that's been haunting her for so long now.

"Please master let me do this!"

The pleading cry echoed off the walls as Kari tried to figure out where it was coming from. Stopping she listened as a male retorted, "I cannot let you to do so. What would your folks say if they find out that I allowed harm to befall their daughter? I gave them my word that I wouldn't allow harm to come to you, I promised them that when I became your master."

"But..."

"No buts!"

The sharp retort caused the realm to fall silent so she could hear her own thoughts, heartbeat and breathing. It scared her to know that from the sounds of it the girl was not much older then she. Kari glanced around her trying to figure out what was happening, ever since she had gotten the two ancient items she's heard things that normal people can't.

Reaching for the area she kept her deck she found that she didn't have it on her person. Panic raising in her chest she bolted toward the voices as the man whispered, "I can't allow you to do what you want for your safety, I'm sorry miss, but I swore I would protect you that day."

"I know that, I heard you tell them that but I can't allow you to keep me here, master."

She frowned as a distant image of two people; one wore white with purple and was staring at a girl in a blue, patched skirt that wore a matching shirt. "Please I --"

"No!"

His tone scared her since it reminded her much of her father; he only blew up when she or her brother did something wrong. She stared at the man as he turned and retreated, his face was filled with pain and anger, almost as if he wanted to allow the girl to do as she was begging him to allow her but wanted to remain true to his word. "I can't." He whispered softly.

Kari somehow found that the guy's thoughts crossed her mind. I'm sorry, I just don't want you to get hurt. Those silent words surprised her as she tried to piece them together, were they just friends or something more besides master-servant? She stared at the retreating form of the slightly older male; she felt something hit her in the back of the head.

What the heck hit me? She thought, looking around she saw that she was alone. Figuring that it was her imagination she returned to watching; but not to long afterward she was hit again.

"Ms. Cattara, wake up right now and explain to me why you're sleeping!"

The angry voice surprised her for a moment; realizing that it was Ms. Kaji she was freaked out.

Stirring she looked up to see an angry teacher glaring at her. She met the cold green eyes that burned into hers; hearing the giggles from the students she frowned. Hanging her head she listened, as Ms. Kaji demanded, "Why have you been falling asleep in my class? This is the third, no, fourth time this week!"

"I'm sorry, Ms. Kaji."

Flinching when the teacher began tearing into her with sharp, cruel words; Kari listened silently until she had enough of it. A screech coming from a nearby classmate as she jumped to her feet, almost as if someone had lit some fire under her.

"Listen Miss Kaji, I've been extremely tired this entire week; and the last thing I need is to come here and listen to you talk about something I already know is no fun! Matter of fact it's boring. Do you think I enjoy falling asleep in class? If that's what you believe you're wrong! I will admit that I have trouble with math when it gets extremely complicated but until than I understand it perfectly! Why not give us something that's a challenge?"

The words tumbled from her mouth before she realized what she was saying; realizing that she had mouthed off, yet again; Kari turned her head away and sat back down. She listened to the teacher's growl; it spoke many different things that terrified the girl.

Listening to the rest of the lesson; she remained seated as rest of the class filed out to have lunch. Thinking over her next couple of classes, she lifted her head to see her teacher standing in front of her. "Care to explain what you have trouble with?"

Shaking her head retreating behind that wall, she stared at the door and mumbled, "I don't feel like it."

"I don't get it; you've been transferred from one school to the next for this! I wish you'd tell someone."

"My brother knows, yet he's too busy to help me." She muttered.

A frown on her teacher's lips Kari listened surprised when she heard concern creep into Kaji's voice. Looking up she saw something in her teacher's eyes, shaking her head she stood up and headed for the door. I can't believe you denied help, and you blew-up at her today! That was the most I've heard come from you Kari. A voice whispered.

Stopping realizing it was one of three voices that kept her up, Kari bolted out the classroom to try to escape the person. Not realizing until it was too late she ran into a boy. Her books flying all over the deserted hallway, she scrambled from one wall to the other, gathering her schoolwork and books.

Reaching for the one with a pharaoh on it, she saw a hand touch it before her. Looking at the kid she had ran into, she flushed out of embarrassment as she watched him hand it over. "Th... Thank-you.' She stammered.

"No problems, my name's Ryou, my friends just call me Bakura though; what's your name?"

Almost missing the question she whispered, "Kari."

"Kari, that's a pretty name, but why do you seem to be more like a mouse?"

Her anger flashing in her eyes, Kari looked up as the principle's voice echoed down the hall. She looked away from him, intent on ignoring the boy. Her head pounding she lifted her hand to it, placing it against her forehead Kari tried to focus on the message; but it just faded in and out. Hearing the warning bell for her next class, she smiled at the transfer and fled to her next class.

Slipping in silently she walked to the back, sitting down she flipped through the pages to where they had been reading. Here goes the thing with ancient Egypt. She thought, taking in a steadying breath to calm herself down. She watched as the class filed in and settled down, seeing Ryou, Yugi, Tristen, Joey, Tea and Ivy come in. She flushed at the sight of the whitette.

"Kari!"

Smiling at Ivy as she came over and plopped down next her, she avoided meeting her friend's sparkling blue-green eyes, the silverette frowned and asked, "Kari what's the matter? What are you hiding?"

Her headache suddenly becoming a full-blown migraine, she placed both of her elbows on her desk and hid her face. Her bluish-silver hair falling around her face, hiding the tears that fell into her hands. Kari knew that Ivy was concerned, after all they had known each other for years and had bounded to the point it seemed as if they were sisters.

Shaking her head when the sixteen-year-old tried to touch her, she whispered in a strained tone, "Leave me alone Ivy, please."

Everything echoed, the footsteps that came from the right, or was it from ahead? Struggling to keep the pain under control, Kari looked around as she attempted to keep her vision in focus; seeing the teacher walk in she stared blankly as he walked over, eyes filled with concern for her.

"Ms. Cattara, is something the matter?"

Before she could answer she listened as the principal called, "Will Kari Cattara please come to the principal's office? I repeat will Kari Cattara please come to the principal's office?"

Moaning, she stood up ran out of the classroom and down the corridor. Concerned on why she was being called, she reached the required room and stared at him. Curiosity in her eyes, Kari listened as the principle explained; "Your brother is coming to pick you up and take you home."

Her muscles tensing she wasn't sure if she wanted to know why; swallowing figuring that she'd find out sooner or later. She knew that because of whatever she'd have to miss the rest of school. Man and today was supposed to be fun in our ancient Egyptian class! She complained silently, nodding her in acceptation, in fact she actually kinda wanted to go home, she was startled when he pressed the button and said, "Ryou Bakura, I need you to come to the office right now."

Did Ryou do something wrong? She thought, it wasn't long after the message was sent out that Bakura stumbled through the door. Laughing softly, she tried to ignore why Bakura was in only to find out that her brother, Haruto, would be bring Bakura back to his home. Seeing the concern in his orbs of chocolate brown she tried not to think what could've happened.

Her attention going to the principle as he said, "I want you and Ryou to wait outside, you may do whatever while you are waiting."

Nimbly giving a yes, Kari turned and walked out toward the front doors; coming across Yogi and his friends she smiled softly. She recognized Joey and Tea and Tristan even though she saw them she didn't truly know them. Seeing her friend Ivy she nodded, hiding her concern and fear not wanting Ivy to worry.

"Kari, what's the matter?"

Hearing the question she shook her head, feeling the crystal's urge to cause harm to befall Yogi and his friends; she bolted past without looking at them. Reaching the doors she pushed them open, fear brightening her gaze Kari looked behind her to see Ryou. Her gaze drifting to his deck she listened to him while he asked, "What are you looking at?"

"Is that your deck, Bakura?" She muttered.

Ryou reached for it and pulled it out, showing the bottom card that was Change of Heart. He has a Change of Heart too? She thought, hearing his query she nodded her head, curious what other cards he had in his deck. Moving over to a shady spot she allowed him to go first. She watched him place a card facedown and then a monster in facedown defense position. Bakura ended his turn and looked up at her, Kari could only smile when her turn came.

Drawing her card she saw that it was Spirit of the Harp; placing it in her hand her gaze drifted across her hand. There were 2 magic, 1 trap and now 3 monsters. A smile coming to her lips, Kari looked at Bakura and shrugged her shoulders. "Now, I place The All-Seeing White Tiger face-up on the field in attack position."

Grasping her level three star creature, The All-Seeing White Tiger, she placed it the way she said she would. "To finish I'll place three cards facedown on the field, you're move Bakura."

"It's my turn already?"

The game went by faster than she expected, they both had 1000 Life points left and had a monster on the field. Having only one trap card on the field, she watched her opponent silently until her brother called, "Kari, Ryou come on!"

"Coming Haruto!"

Jumping to her feet she had her deck in her, graveyard and all the cards that were removed or still on the field included. Giggling she waited for the transfer student to catch up. She was surprised by what he had done for her. It was only their first day knowing each other and they already knew they both had a love for dueling.

Climbing into the backseat Kari didn't even want to ask Haruto why she was being pulled out of class today. Bakura joined her and shut the door, remaining silent as Haruto started the car up and they drove off. Unlike her, Haruto had short brown hair and clear jade eyes; his attire was a causal white t-shirt and beaten up blue jeans.

"Kari, I know you really don't want to hear this but..."

"No! I'm not leaving Diamno for another town! Is that why I was told to go to the principle's office? What's going on Haruto?"

She didn't want to leave, she had made some friends that she really enjoyed their company. Ivy, Seto, his little brother, Willow and now Ryou had all become dear friends. They rode in silence for a few moments before the nineteen-year-old stopped the car and explained, "That's not why, it's mom..."

Silent Kari didn't need him to explain the rest, her hands curling into fists in her lap, she clenched onto the fabric of her jeans. She knew they were at a stoplight, she didn't have to look up to see that. Feeling Ryou's arm slip around her shoulder she stared blankly back at him.

Utter confusion in her gaze, she averted her gaze to her lap, the new information tumbling in her mind. How did all of this happen? She was doing so well, no Kari, you can't think like that! She scolded herself. She wanted to find the strength to talk to her brother, she pulled out her deck and found that her fingers went to and pulled out the Dark Magician Girl. Looking up at the rearview mirror she asked, "Can I have some time alone and just walk home?"

She knew her brother wouldn't protest, after all it wasn't often that she spoke to them. Heck, she was surprised she was so chatty today. Opening the door she stepped out, shut the door and began to walk home; she knew what had happened was bad. After all the principle only calls a student or their parent if something drastic called for it. Hearing the door open and shut again, she glanced over her shoulder to the lane behind her (they were on the outer lane) to that Ryou had gotten out. Looking back at her brother furious that he'd let Ryou out, she frowned when that look came across saying he didn't let the boy out.

Her hair bristling she whipped around and stalked off, Kari was actually sick of people asking if she was okay. Aw, what's the matter little Kari? Scared to face him? Scared to think he and your other friends might leave you like everyone else has? I know your deepest fears and wishes child; there is nothing you can hide. Someone whispered, a scream in her chest she bolted down the sidewalk desperately trying to put distance between herself and the new transfer.

Nothing was going right at all these days. Nothing it appeared. Turning a corner she jumped the pothole and continued with the fast pace, groaning she listened to the argument in her head. She knew that it was something that had to do with the crystal and something called the Millennium Items.

Stopping she waited for the white-haired teen to catch up, whipping around to face him she snapped, "Why do you insist on following and bothering me? I want to be left alone."

The hurt look that crossed his face did not faze her; shaking her head she turned around, startled by the smoky haze that swirled toward them; realizing what it was she whipped around, grabbed Ryou's arm and fled away from it. Turning the corner Kari glanced over her shoulder. Spotting Ryou's curiosity on what they were running away from, she struggled to keep her panic under control. I'm taking over now, a voice whispered.

Her head pounding, Kari felt her breath knocked from her at the murmur, stopping she glanced down at the crystal; the soft glow of it startled her as she felt the strange magic slipping through her veins once more. "Ryou, get out of here and quickly. What we're running from is the Shadow Realm." She muttered, looking at him she smiled, eyes glittering behind her violet mask.

"Kari, are you okay?"

(Kira's POV)

The nervous question wasn't a big surprise. What did startle her was when the kid's hair went even spikier and his eyes seemed to darken. Almost, as if Bakura saw or heard something he didn't like. Stopping Kari stared at him, smirking at the soft yet sadistic smile that tugged at his lips. "Mouse?"

"Yami Bakura, did I not strictly tell you not to call me that?" She purred, eyes shinning dangerously.

Nodding her head in reply, Yami Bakura added silkily, "Kira, why are you acting this way? I'm hurt, no real I am!"

"There you go mincing your words again," she muttered, reaching for her deck, pulling out a random card. She saw that the Spirit of the Ring had mimicked her. Watching her companion toss the card at a person passing by.

A smile on her face, she whispered, "Where do you think you're going? Servant of Lord of Dragons, get 'em."

Counting silently the number of victims, she dismissed the creature she had summoned to the field. Gently placing her hand on his arm she spoke softly, "It is time we revealed ourselves to our hosts."

Hearing a growl from the spirit as he glared at her. Remaining firm in her belief, Kira waved her hand and took them to where their hosts were waiting. Smirking when the younger of the two stepped in front of the other, her eyes blazing with fury.

Smiling, Kira's gaze drifted to behind her host and saw the freaked out Ryou, giggling she glanced at her companion as he took a step forward. Wrapping her arms around his right one, Kira met the girl's gaze and purred, "Hey little Kari, I hope you don't mind us trespassing on yours and Ryou's conversation, right?"

"Even if I did mind you would've done it anyway."

Kira knew that would be Kari's reply, after all she had butted into the girl's life so much already, somewhat forcing her family to move. Her gaze returning to the other one, she approached the boy and gently traced his cheek with her finger. Her smile growing she turned to face her counterpart and continued as if Kari hadn't spoken, "I hope you two enjoy your stay here, 'cause I am in no hurry to surrender control."

Seeing Yami Bakura's sadistic grin, she briskly nodded her head and walked back over to him. Turning she faced them as the Spirit of the Ring said coldly, "I don't see why you wanted to reveal ourselves to these pathetic mortals. Come on mouse, let's go and leave them in this realm."

(switches back to Kari's)

Knowing that it was time for them to retreat, Kari grinned and called out, "I bet you want to run to get away from your items, well guess what mister, you won't be able to escape while we still hold your items."

Kari knew that this was a risk skill, it was always risky challenging something you knew nothing about. Holding her breath when one of the spirits glared at her, she stepped forward holding his gaze all the while. Meeting him in the eye, she revealed nothing that would show she was scared of him. Kari felt him roughly grasp her arm, shrugging her shoulders she continued in a softer tone, "You're scared because you know we could easily control you if we choose too. Listen, Ryou and me would seriously like out and unless you want to find yourselves trapped in the Ring and Crystal I suggest you let us out."

Feeling the girl who had been called "mouse" slip back into her home, Kari watched the smoky substance fade away and the spirit give one final growl before he retreated as well. Looking back at Ryou she stated simply, "Now, if you don't mind, I will take my leave and go somewhere quiet so I can have some time to myself to think."

"I do mind." Ryou replied softly.

Curious on why the new transfer would mind, she turned away and headed in the direction of home. Hearing footsteps she stopped and waited for the silver-haired teen to catch up, she would allow him to come along grudgingly, setting a brisk pace she returned to walking.

Arriving home a couple of minutes later, she opened the door and slipped off her shoes. Looking around the pale hued room, the dining room was a very pale blue color, there was a table, four chairs and a desk for when someone was in here working. Looking behind her at Ryou to see him stumble through the door, Kari rolled her eyes as she questioned, "Can you try to keep your balance?"

"I'll try, oh by the way; this seems to be a really cool place to live."

Shrugging she muttered a soft "Yeah it is," as her gaze drifted around the room. Finding a letter she noticed the seal on it, taken aback she bolted forward and tore it open. Reading it, she shook her head in disbelief as she thought about her mom.

"This could help her; after all if it was bad enough she had to go into the hospital then I guess she will need that surgery soon." She mumbled to herself, those two star chips and that glove just might be her only chance at helping that woman that has helped her out in the past.

Moving into the kitchen she opened the fridge and pulled out some orange juice, pouring some she lifted her hand to the top of the fridge, moving it until it reached a green and white bottle she pulled it down. Opening it she took two white tablets and took them.

Looking over to see Ryou, Kari asked, "Is there something you would like? There's orange juice, milk, water and a couple of other things."

"Orange juice." He replied, thinking about the pills, he added, "What were those that you took?"

"Excedrin, it normally starts killing a headache in twenty-five minutes to half an hour; I have no idea where that migraine came from though."

Mend: Please leave a review and point out anything that could be fixed up. As for what's up with Kari's mom, you'll have to wait to find out. Oh yeah, as for that thing with Excedrin, I'm not joking! It does seem to do that with my mom, Vixen and me.