My mom said that dreams come true. I don't know what inspired her to say that but that's what I learned. Ever since I was 6 years old, I knew that I had powers… even though it sounds creepy, it's true. Usually what I dream becomes reality. I learned that the hard way.

You see when I was 6, before Lilly was born; I dreamed that my sister would become our father's favorite. Then I would be the Cinderella of the family, doomed to take care of Lilly evermore. Unfortunately it came true. Lilly walked as a princess and I a lowly commoner, here to tend to her every whim and treat her as royalty. Mother was still on my side, she threatened Father constantly. She told him that she would take me away. And that she and I could live our lives free of him. I knew she couldn't however, because of an oath my mother took when she got married… I don't remember it very well but it was something like she signed her name in blood that she would never leave my father no matter what.

Lilly never wanted to treat me evilly at all. She always was nice when dad wasn't around, but… when he was, she had to act snobby and rude, though she always apologized for it later, I still felt lower that dirt. When I turned 16, I knew my place was at Duel Academy with my sister. We ran away from our home, mom was the only one that knew where we went and Im not sure how she is now, or what dad did to her… or even if she if she is alive. Lilly and I started are new lives in Duel Academy, which is where we met Jaden and the rest of the gang. The cool bit was we already knew Alexis because she's my cousin so we got into Blue without any real trouble.

Im saying this because I had this dream about Lilly falling into the shadows and Jaden trying to pull me away from her. When I told J this he said "Your stressed out don't worry about it." Though the inflection in his words seemed a little too understanding for what I told him.

"Good morning all" Lilly said and stretched. "What's for breakfast? Im starved!" She added and started to get dressed "Im a little confused, what's got you in such a good mood?"I asked. She smiled and said "You returned note without looking at it, so im happy." I shot Jaden a 'what the hell did you do while I was asleep' look and he pointed towards his sock drawer, pantomimed folding a piece of paper and pointed at his socks again. I think I understood, he had faked putting the note in his sock drawer so when she looked it would be there, I guess he wasn't as idiotic as I thought… hmm… learn something new every day.

"Well I got to go, See you later." She waved and walked out the door. I sighed and said "Now all we have to do is getting rid of Sy." "Why are you getting rid of me?" Syrus sat on the end of Lilly's bed. Guess in my haste I hadn't realized he had walked into the room "Umm…" I tried to stall a little by fixing my pillows and straightening my sheets. "Can I answer that question in a minute?" I asked turning my face into one that resembled sad puppy's "Fine…" he agreed. I hugged him, he looked surprised, but instead of noticing I called "Group meeting." Everyone sat up from their beds, Atticus the last. If there was something Atticus excelled in, it would be being tardy. Syrus tried to step in but, Zane waved him away. "You shouldn't do that." Alexis said "Do what?" Zane asked "Treat him like a puppy." She answered. "Im not trying to be annoying but can we please stay on topic?" asked Bastian. "Yah, so we all remember what happened yesterday." I began "10-4" Dino boy answered "Uhuh, so anyway, the issue we want to talk about today is should we let Sy know Lilly likes him?" "WHAT!" Syrus then fell through the paper door. "Damn it Syrus! Im gonna kill you!" I picked up the nearest chair and held it above my head, getting ready to him till he was mush." "Im sorry, Im sorry!" he whined "Sy, you shouldn't have been spying on us like that!" Alexis chastised. "I know it's just that you always include me in these meetings and I heard that announcement last night but you guys didn't call me so I knew that something was up…" Syrus looked sad… like abused animal sad; it made me sad just to look at him. I put the chair down. "God, I hate it when you act all puppy dog-ish… fine, I forgive you." I said and stood next to him. Jaden walked over and grabbed my hand, then said to the others "Be nice and forgive the poor guy… he was just feeling a little left out." I nodded. Everyone seemed to respond at the exact same time "… OK." April walked to my nightstand and pulled out the note. "Read this and then you'll get it… only, don't read the things we wrote, just the main part will do for now." Syrus nodded and took it from her.

There was a long pause while Syrus read, he started to look like more and more like a cherry as the note went on, or maybe more like a tomato… yeah it was definitely more of a tomato red. But anyway, it was soon clear that Syrus liked Lilly just as much as she liked him. It was odd being related to the girl with such horrible tastes in guys.

Zane kept looking between Jaden and I, whispered something to Alexis, then she leaned her head to the left. I then realized Jaden hadn't let go of my hand yet. I gently squeezed it and said in a whisper "We need to talk about this… people are starting to stare…" he grinned and leaned in to whisper "Let them stare… I don't care." I felt a pang of excitement and fear, I didn't know if I wanted this to happen between us or not. I should have figured however, he was always so sweet and kind to me and Lilly when we arrived here. I thought it was just a Jaden thing but I was way off… it was a boyfriend thing.

"Umm… What do I do?" Syrus asked when he had finished reading the note. He handed it to me and I unfolded it, the underlined words had cross marks or extra inserts of words and loops so it now looked like this:

I love you Syrus, I know im not in a position where I can't tell or express that. Worried because of status? I love your smile and your attitude about life. When you pick me up when I am down and make me happy when life is sad. Sad as happy, happy as sadI dream about us every night and I want to hold you tight in my arms forevermore. The sun seems to come out when you're around, but when you're gone that light gets devoured by shadows. Is there a connection to shadows? I love you Syrus Truesdale and I want to be with you forever, Wedding? Will you accept me? Or leave me in the shadows? Shadow reference again

- Your sweet Lilly

I handed the note to Zane, who took it with a puzzled expression. "Take this and recreate it on another page. You can keep scribbling on this one while we use the other one, ok?" He nodded and swept out of the room. I felt another hand on mine; I looked down and saw Alexis standing, then pulled me through the door into the next room.

"What's the matter, Lex?" I asked then sat on the extra bed. She was clearly upset; I could see her nails digging into the skin on her arms. "What in the hell is going on between you and Jaden?" I'll admit it; I was a little pissed off at her. I angrily replied "What's up between you and Zane?" She blushed, embarrassed by what I had guessed. "That's not the point. The point is, are you dating J or not?" I got even more upset, who was she to tell me who I can and can't date? "I don't see how it's any of your business." I replied and turned away from her. Alexis must have realized she struck a nerve, because she sat in front of me and said "Sorry… It's just… I want to make sure Zane wasn't lying…" I turned back around and inquired "Why? What did he tell you?" She looked a little flushed again but answered "All he said was that…he thought that there was something between J and you, because he saw you two holding hands." It upset me that he was trying to interfere with my personal life, but also touched that he cared. Didn't change the fact I was gonna murder him though.

I got up from the bed and walked to the door. Poking my head out the broken paper. I saw everyone deep in discussion with Sy, on how he was supposed to act in front of Lilly. I stepped through and gently tapped Zane on the shoulder. He lifted his gaze from the computer; his cold blue-gray eyes looked directly in mine. "Can I tear you away for a minute?" I asked then added. "It's important…" he smiled at me, one of the things I had never seen him do before and replied "Sure." He stood up and it occurred to me "Can you go get Jaden too?" he looked a little upset by that, but agreed none the less. I walked back into the room and heard Lex talking to herself. She said "It's just Zane; It'll be ok Alexis… relax and breath…" She took a breath and I walked in, "We'll figure it out, don't worry Lexi." I said and hugged her. Zane and Jaden walked in at that moment. "Hey, what's up?" He asked. Zane moved into the room and stood in the corner, folding his arms and leaning against the wall. Alexis then answered J with a question, "Are you and Ever going out?" He was stunned by the abruptness of it all. Zane sighed and said to her "I told you they would act this way." "What way?" I exclaimed and folded my arms again. Jaden was in a state of shock. I walked over and waved my hand in front of his face quickly. "You-who earth to Jaden, are you there?" I laughed and pulled him into the other room without the other's notice.

"Ok… spill your guts J." He smiled and said "What am I spilling about?" I was getting mad again. "You know damn well! Do you like me like me or not?" he sighed and said "Yes." I was flabbergasted "W-what?" he laughed once more. It was really starting to tick me off… even if he did like me; I still held the right to smack the crap out of him. So I said "Why didn't you tell me before?" he grabbed both hands and looked at me "I didn't want to tell you until I was sure that you liked me back… and not till yesterday did I completely believe you loved me…" I was still a little upset but I ignored it and said "What makes you so sure?" He still stared in my eyes, like a five year old, about to ask his mom if he could have a later bedtime; scared but excited at the same time. "Because, I know you. You don't act like Lex, when you like someone you talk like normal but you try to keep your temper so you don't get them mad." I turned as red as Syrus. "And how do you know I like you?" He laughed once more and said "Because you just said it." Damn he got me there. And boy did he have me. I blushed; He leaned in and kissed me. I was startled but eased into it, and we made out like that for about 5 minutes. It wasn't until he started to move his hand up my shirt that I felt weird, I ended the kiss reluctantly. He smiled and we hugged.

We walked into the opposite room, which held Alexis and Zane. Though, when we got there, we found them in the position we had just gotten out of. "*Cough*" J said as he watched the two's progress. They broke apart instantly, Alexis flushed and Zane turned a little pink. "So, what's going on in here?" I asked Lex, she stood up and moved away from Zane, who had retreated to his corner once more. I giggled and said "It's ok… we just finished that too…" I blushed and J went red. He then whispered "You had to tell them that?" I giggled once more. "So… Ummm…" Zane said "Yeah… umm is a good way sum it up." I agreed, and then he smiled. Jaden put his arm around me and I laid my head on his shoulder. He smiled again and an idea popped in my head. "I got an idea that will help Syrus." Zane looked interested and said "Let's hear it then." I smirked and replied "7 minutes in heaven." Everyone was confused and Jaden asked "What's that?" I smiled mischievously "You'll see." He laughed again and replied "Why does that scare me?"

"Ok we're almost done!" I said looking around, the place was looking better than I ever seen it. J and Dino boy had stolen a fish tank out of a neighboring room, then placed it in the middle of ours. Alexis and April were busy finding pillows to sit on while we played. Syrus found a old hat that had once belonged to his great-great grandpa, Zane said he died while wearing that hat, even though I thought he was joking I asked Sy to find another one. Atticus was rigging a timer that fit in between the door and its frame; it was set to go off in exactly 7 minutes so we didn't have to pay attention to how long a couple was in there. Zane went to go charm Dorothy for some drinks and snacks. I sent Chazz to go find Lilly, though it was a full 10 minutes before he left, thankfully Bastian wondered aloud how many hot girls would play this with us, so that sent Chazz running for door. I was finding my card of choice to put in the hat. I was stuck between Baby dragon and Toon Dark Magician Girl. I decided on the dragon, Sy was there for Lilly not a card crush. I sighed and straightened up everyone was here now.

Lilly walked in, pulling a hair tie from the back of her head. "Hey everyone what's going on?" she asked startled "We're playing 7 minutes in heaven. Do you want to play?" Syrus asked nervously. She smiled and said "Ok." We sat around the table while we put our chosen cards in the hat, I was the last to put my card in, so I had to swirl the hat around to mix up the cards… how was Sy going to find Lilly's card? Easy, while I was choosing my card, I grabbed my sisters favorite out of her deck so Bastion could place a tiny magnet on the card then gave Sy a magnet that would lead to the other so he could find it. It was that simple.

Bastion and Chazz didn't want to play. Chazz was still upset that Bastion had lied about the hot girls, so he was off sulking somewhere. Bastion said he had to design a new deck for an upcoming duel and didn't need the distraction. Atticus was just watching to make fun of Alexis. "Ok let's play!" I said excitedly and handed the hat to Syrus. He dug in and picked a card then said "umm… I drew Rainbow Dark Dragon." Lilly smiled and walked to the closet.

"Ok guys, times up." Jaden called and pushed the door open. Syrus and Lilly were kissing, not grotesquely but it was still weird for me to see them like that. "Yo, time is up! Get out of the damn closet so others may have a turn!" I yelled and they pulled apart. They both turned a bright shade of pink. Everyone else laughed, even Zane managed to chuckle. Syrus grabbed Lilly's hand and lead her to the extra room.

"Atticus, do you have the camera's set up yet?" April asked. I turned and looked from one to the other. "Oh, you've got to be kidding me!" Alexis put her head in her hands and started to mutter about what an annoying idiotic brother she had. Atticus smiled and replied to my sister's best friend "What room? The room Lilly and Sy are in now? Or are you talking about the one in the closet?" I fixed him with my 'you are in deep shit' look and said in my most dangerous voice "You did what?" Dino boy laughed and said "You're in for it now, soldier." I smacked him upside the head. "Owe!" Dino boy shrieked, massaging the spot my hand had collided with. "Good, I hope it hurt! Maybe, next time you'll think before stupid stuff comes out of your mouth!" April giggled. "What are we standing around here for? Let's go see what's happing!" Chazz said and I was suprised by the sudden interest he had for my sister's love life. "Why do you care?" I enquired and he turned bright red. I hadn't noticed Atticus had gone until he called from down stairs "Ok its up!"

Everyone scrambled down the stairs into the media room. I was the first in. It was like stepping into an Apple® store. Camera's and computers lined the deep crimson walls. Pushed up against the farthest wall was HD plasma screen and two brown cabinets where on either side. The floor was carpeted in a sea of pastel colored beanbags. I sat in the only aquamarine one (which is my favorite color by the way). It was about a row away from the TV. "Popcorn?" Jaden asked, handing me a red and white stripped bag. "Sure thanks." I said and took it from him. He smiled and fell into the seat next to mine with a plop. I looked at him and rolled my eyes and in spite of myself laughed a little. Jaden looked pleased with my reaction and smiled once more.

The others settled themselves around the room. Out of the corner of my eye I watched Alexis strike up a conversation with Zane as they sat down into two identical beanbags, farthest away from the screen. I prayed silently that she would be paying more attention to the video and not Zane's kissing abilities. Jaden rapped his arm around me as the 'movie' began. "Atticus!" April yelled "What?" he asked amused "You forgot the damn sound!" she said and threw some popcorn at his head. "Ok, ok! Let me push the button!" he replied laughing. We continued to watch.

Lilly's PVO

"Yes, im sure" I looked at him but, he still seemed concerned. I faked a smile and said "It's alright… I would have liked your help… but, I guess I can just ask someone else…" I started to act a little sad and disappointed. I turned my face away from his. I could feel him shift on the bed. Sy grabbed my hand and said "They just wanted to help Lilly, can we blame them for that?" I knew he would try to talk me out of it and I knew that it would be hard for him, but I needed his connection to Jaden, after all… what would dad do if I failed? He would hurt mom more that's what. I couldn't let that happen… even if I had to stab Ever in the back, I needed to protect mom. I needed to keep it up for at least a little while longer. I sighed in a good imitation of my sister and said quietly "I know you don't want to do this Sy… but… it's just that…" I began to cry. I didn't need to fake sadness anymore. I felt horrible for doing this to Ever but it needed to be done and I had to be the one to do it. I knew they were watching, the blinking light in the semi-darkness was enough to give it away, I needed to do this, for mom. "Syrus… I… I can't take it anymore!" He looked a little freaked out now; in an attempt to calm me down he said "I know… I know." But I continued "I just can't deal with her making all my choices anymore, Sy." I began to cry again. Syrus held me in his arms and I whispered over and over "Im sorry Ever, Im sorry."