Important A.n. – In this chapter, it was needed for some of the characters who didn't need English to talk so the words that are "Blah" means someone (Sarah or another character) is speaking in Japanese. After Sarah masters Japanese it will be in normal type. Now, thoughts are still in italics so please pay attention to see the quotation marks. Thank you.
Dedication –
Kitroku – Thank you very much. Hope this chapter lives up to your expectations.
Lady of the Labyrinth – Your welcome, and yes Seto is in this chapter. Up in the air about how big of a part that he will have, though I do have plans for our blue-eyed bishie!
Hidden Rose – Not by far.
Ash Pendragon – Your wish granted.
Thank you all for your reviews. If not for them, I wouldn't of bothered adding more chapters to this. Reviews are the life blood of my writing, be sure to drop me a line to let me know your thoughts.
Chapter Three
Danger.
That was all the once Pharaoh could feel when he laid eyes on the American girl. Ebony hair like a raven's wing spilled over slender shoulders, large almond like eyes the shade of hazel stared down at the book in front of her, chewing thoughtfully on her full bottom lip. The mark of magic, not only Shadow Magic at that, dwelled upon her very soul. He could see it as easily as Ra's climb to the sky in the morning. A being of great power had claimed this girl as its own, the dark cloak of it draping itself over her slight frame as a bull would to a mere mouse. She was someone's prey. The mark a warning of that, to interfere with her would only bring down hell on earth.
Distrust flowed through the Ancient Pharaoh as he watched the girl through his Aibou's amethyst eyes. This girl was dangerous, her level above even that of Malik's in Yugioh's mind. And Malik was not a foe that Yugioh took lightly. But at least that was a field on which he was within his element. Whatever it was that wrapped around this girl was something else. Something entirely new and yet familiar. As though…he had…felt it before. The answer drifted just on the edge of his mind, fading away to smoke as he reached for it.
Yugioh shifted his weight, laying down on the large ornately decorated Egyptian style bed, his eyes staring up at the ceiling in which hieroglyphs of his memories were inscribed. The room was much like what he would of have had were he back in ancient times. The walls were of gold, a large window, and sheets of the smoothest gold silk beneath his tanned flesh. Intricately woven carpets were stretched across the floor, the heavy door with the symbol of the Eye of Ra in the center the only barrier between his counter part's soul room and taking control of his body if need be.
Whomever the girl was marked by made little difference to Yugioh in the long run either way. His only main concern was that her presence was going to bring harm to his Hikari. But, that was where the line in the sand was always drawn these days. Yugioh would stand there for a while and let one call him every name under the sun before he banished you into oblivion, with that your sanity to leave your body a shell to live out its days. Threaten his Hikari and you'd be choking on your own blood before the 3rd syllable escaped your lips. No one hurt his Aibou, unless they wished to pay a hefty price to the piper: Their very soul.
Through his lighter half's eyes Yugioh watched her struggle in mastering the foreign language. It was no real small amount of amusement for the Fallen King. It had been impossibly easy for himself to learn the language that was his Hikari's. But then, he supposed, having ones other half's memories at his disposal to pull from and learn whatever he needed to survive in this vastly different world was a bit of an advantage. Not exactly unfair, mere something that needed to be in order to protect his other half and thus instigate conversation. It was as easy for him to learn whatever his Hikari did as it was for him to read the Ancient Hieroglyphs.
Yugioh licked his lips, his arm going up to rest under his head. So how exactly did Ryou and his Yami fit into this. Yugioh imagined that the Tomb Robber was far from pleased at his host's guest. But, she had survived the first night so Yugioh imagined that for the moment she was reasonably safe so long as she stayed out of the way of the Thief.
Yugioh listened absently to his Hikari's conversation with the ebony haired girl. She was steadily improving, rather well considering that she had never spoken the language before. She was proving to be a quick learner. Not an uncommon trait, but it was more the way she caught on that casted Yugioh's attention upon her then anything else. Any one else would of at least made a few pronunciation errors, would have had trouble compiling the verbs that could be used by women and by men. But not her…it came with a striking ease that even if one had an ear for language would of proven a difficult task. Or perhaps he was merely jumping at shadows, latching on to any anomaly that proved her to be more then she appeared.
Yuugi liked her, though that wasn't an odd occurrence. Yuugi liked everybody, wanted to be everyone's friend. Yugioh winced suddenly at that bitter thought, knowing from whence the uncharitable thought had sprung. It wasn't that he disliked his other half's friendliness. More the fact that the trouble that it often brought. Yuugi saw the good in everyone, even those who didn't deserve it. And it were those that would take an advantage of his kindness. But then, that was his role in this new life wasn't it? To protect the ivory light that was Yuugi, his completion, the one that was a precious gift from Ra himself.
Yugioh sighed, running his free hand through his spiked hair. Things were about to get difficult, he could feel it in his very bones. Why should that surprise him though? Trouble followed the Sennen Items, what was one more?
He was doing it again.
Staring over at her as she pretended to be completely engrossed with her Japanese-English language book. Simple sentences written in English then written in Japanese with the English alphabet below it. It was study hall, and one Mutou Yuugi had decided in a hurry that they would devout it to Sarah's learning of Japanese. All in all, it was going pretty smoothly. Though writing in Japanese was out of the question, she could at least say a few simple sentences and understand somewhat what was being said…if they said it slowly that is. Though Yuugi had already proved himself to be a rather good teacher, there were moments like these when she just caught him…staring off at her like she was a bug in a box. A vacant look on his face, though his eyes looked as though a war was going on behind them. Strange.
But then, if she was to go by what Ryou had told her Yuugi housed a spirit not unlike his own. A Pharaoh if she remembered correctly. The one who had sealed Ryou's darker half…interesting really. Hard to believe that the teenager in front of her could have such power lurking in his small frame however. He was so…gentle, naïve to a fault really. It was that fact that made it so crazy to believe. How could someone so frail hold so much power inside? Powers of darkness? He was too pure for it.
Sarah tilted her head slightly. If Ryou was a Hikari, why wasn't he more like Yuugi? Trusting to a fault, innocence shining through like that of a child? No two people were the same, that Sarah knew well, but still. If they were both lights, then why the difference? Ryou was silver, Yuugi white. Colors of purity, though one more diminished then the other. Perhaps it had something to do with their other halves. The shadows that dwelled inside.
Shaking her head slightly, Sarah returned her attention to the book before her. Why was she even bothering with this? Jareth would have her long before she even most likely had the chance to use half of what she was learning? What was the point!
The rage had returned inside of her, the rage that still roamed through out her soul in demand of an out lit of some kind, it had yet to find that. It took all of her self restraint not to suddenly throw the book at the wall…or Yuugi's face.
Sarah started at that thought, feeling tears of frustration burn suddenly at her eyes. Sarah blinked rapidly, clearing her throat as she glanced nervously up at Yuugi. He smiled, the vacant look leaveing his eyes and instead filling with concern.
"Are you alright, Sarah-chan?" He asked softly, his hand reaching across the table to seek her own.
Lightening seemed to cackle through them, causing each to withdraw quickly. Yuugi laughed sheepishly as Sarah forced a smile.
"H..Hai, I'm fine, Yuugi-kun. I'm just a little tired, that's all."
He nodded sagely, "I'd imagine so, with the move all the way from America and starting a new school where you don't know the language. Must be pretty hard on you really."
Sarah gave a dry laugh. Funny, all of that seemed so small in comparison to her real problem. Jareth was her problem…all of that not even secondary but hundredth in comparison to her real troubles.
"Yes, it has been a bit difficult but, I'm sure everything will be fine."
"Do you miss home?"
Sarah pressed her lips, crossing her legs as she did so. A smirk took her features.
"No, not as much as I thought I would. I mean, I miss my brother but that's about it."
"What about your friends?"
Sarah felt her eye brow twitch. What was with everyone suddenly hitting that one, rather sensitive since Jareth's poke at it, lately?
"Yeah," she lied smoothly, "Of course I miss my old Drama Troupe but, hey, the show must go on."
Yuugi nodded at her, shutting the math book in front of him.
"Well, its about lunch time if you want to get a head start to the cafeteria. I think we've covered enough for today, be sure to let Ryou know where we left off, kay?"
Sarah nodded, "I will. Um, actually, I got to make a trip to the ladies so I'll just meet you there. Save me a seat."
Yuugi dropped his books into his backpack, slinging it over his shoulders.
"Sure, that's fine. Um, restroom is down the hall to the right. Cafeteria the opposite from there. Its not too hard to find. I'll meetcha there."
He smiled enthusiastically, waving at her even as he ran from the library. Sarah smiled softly at him, her hand rising in salutation only to fall to her side like her smile when he was out of sight. A small sigh escaped her ruby lips even as she gathered her things. Following Yuugi's advice she found the ladies room without much trouble. The bathroom was standard, 8 stalls, two sinks a mirror that stretched all the way across the wall opposite of the stalls. Sarah raised an eyebrow, remembered back at her old school how the girls would fight over the small mirror over the two sinks. Guess it wouldn't be as much of a problem here.
Dropping her bag to the floor, Sarah walked over to the mirror, her hand smoothed through her hair before she rested her hands on the cold glass. Letting out a deep breath she leaned her forehead against the smooth surface. It was deliciously cold against her over heated flesh. Everything was just so messed up, her mind still a wreck that she wasn't sure how to get through the rest of the day. Playing this role, this role of being a normal girl was more of a strain then it should have been. Not to mention these uniforms. Sarah grimaced, glancing down at the pink apparel she wore. The skirt was a neutral enough color in its hideousness, but the pink jacket was enough to make her grind her teeth slightly. What she'd give to wear something…a little more her. But what blind person had designed these horrific uniforms? And only the girls to, the boys got a nice normal dark blue coat with blue slakes. The girls got the damn shaft!
Sarah let out a hissing breath.
"Still complaining over life's injustice I see. Go on, I can see you're just aching to say those three little words."
Sarah's eyes flashed fire as they sprang open, she backed away from the mirror, he had twisted her reflection to fit himself. Gloom settled through the women's bathroom, he being the only real light. It glimmered from his white gold hair, sparkled in his miss-matched eyes. Sarah took another step backward, her back colliding gently with the metal space between doors to the one of the stalls. Adrenalin shot through her like a liquid inferno as her hands clinched into fists. Her body screamed for her to run, her mind told her to stand her ground. She couldn't live her life running, and she would be damned before she'd give the bastard the satisfaction.
"Fuck off, Jareth."
"Such language from my lady."
"I'm not your lady."
He smiled a predator's smile, feral teeth flashing over at her. He walked toward her, the glass rippling like water as he passed through. Grace filled his moments as he lazily crossed the space between him, his unique scent surrounded her as he stopped within arms reach of her. Ivory skin glimmered in the light, reflecting off the black leather jacket he wore, open at the chest with black ruffled silk billowing out. Black leggings and knee high boots completed his attire, he was darkness to the fullest extent of the word. Dark, and endlessly seductive in that danger. Every bit the Goblin King that had haunted her dreams since she had opened that damn book, since she had begun the spiral down from grace.
"I beg to differ. You've always been mine, since you opened my book. A fact you should remember when you hand out your favors."
"I'm a human being, Jareth. Not a possession. And what favors?" She bit out the question, curious despite herself.
Shadows filled his eyes, a fury that made her freeze solid even as he moved faster then her eye could see and pinned her roughly against the metal of the stall. His body pressed hard against hers, his hands clamping down on her wrists in a grip stronger then iron. The crescent moon he wore around his neck pressed painfully in the dip of her uniform, burning through strait her to her flesh. A gasp escaped her lips even as she stared up at him with the defiance that was the core of her being. Dizziness swept through her, but she fought it back with the ire that rose within her.
"Don't dance around it, you know exactly what I'm talking about. I'm going to warn you once and only once, Sarah. You are mine, and mine alone. You risk that boy's life by responding to his flirting. Just how many boys have you shared the bed with My Sarah?"
Embarrassment and rage filled Sarah and she grasped it willingly.
"How DARE you!" she hissed, fighting his hold on her with a renewed strength, wanting nothing less to strike him as hard as she could across the face, "No one, and it was innocent and even if it hadn't been it is NONE of your business!"
He held her fast, her motions getting her no where even as he tightened his grip cruelly on her, his fingers digging deep enough to make tears fill her eyes.
"He won't have you, nor will any other boy, I'm far older and more powerful then your mortal mind can grasp. I meant what I said, I won't warn you again."
"Jealous, Jareth?" She spat the words, vengeance striking through her.
"Violently." He replied calmly, his face so close to hers she could feel the tingle of his breath against her face.
The response was so unexpected that it struck her speechless. She'd counted on any number of macho responses, such as "no, but you're my woman" or "of course not", any of those. Not what he had said, as calm as though he were commenting that it looked like rain. Anything, but that. But Jareth rarely said that which he did not mean, Sarah swallowed hard feeling as though a rock had settled itself square in her stomach.
Evil glimmered in his eyes even as he lowered his head to crush her lips against her own. She struggled at first, only to find herself fighting a losing battle as she suddenly found herself sinking, drowning into him. Dizziness swept through her, her mind seeming to short circuit in light of his touch, her breath left her in a rush as he dominated her with the ease of passion. He was in her vision, in her mind, all she could sense was him. Her body seemed to melt, melt into Jareth. His kiss was deep, deeper then death itself. He drew away with a suddenness that left Sarah stranded, groping blindly for her bearings. She staggered slightly, trying to quiet the mewling moan that had risen inside of her.
That…that was…he just…
Her mind scrambled to make sense, bring back the order it had. Reached for the anger to find nothing, nothing but a blank of confusion as she stared up at him open mouthed, lips full and bruised from his kiss.
"I've proved my point."
Point…proved…what?
But Jareth being Jareth, made the mistake of giving her a cause. It was like checking to see how much gas was in your tank with a lit match. Jareth smirked in amusement as he watched her hazel eyes go to a nova. So lovely in a rage.
"You…kissed me…to prove a point?" She ground out in a dangerous whisper.
"He won't have you, nor will any other." he repeated his promise, a dangerous glint in his eyes, "Your mine."
"Get out."
"What was that?" His voice was mocking, a slender eyebrow rose.
"LEAVE, are you DEAF! GET OUT!."
The taunt was back in his eyes, that glint that she had always seen sense she had first entered the Labyrinth. He stood before her neither as a man nor Fae, but as the King he was born to be. The King of The Labyrinth. He released her wrists, taking a small step backward.
"You'll beg for my return, but as you wish." He gave her a mocking bow, his eyes never leaveing hers.
He released her wrists though not before making sure that she realized it was because it suited him to do so and not by her command. His fingers ran across her cheek down to her chin, lifting the proud tilt slightly.
"A gift, so you remember just who you belong to."
His hands ran down her neck, lifting slightly the silver chain that lay there. She glanced down startled, seeing the crescent moon he always wore settled gently between her breasts.
"I'll see you again soon, dear one."
"In your dreams Jareth." She spat, fire in her words.
"Or yours." He smirked over at her, his miss-matched eyes flashing dangerously, "Don't defy me, Sarah, you'll find I'll not be as generous as before."
"You were never generous, Jareth."
Coldness settled in his eyes.
"So cruel even now…such a pity."
His words echoed around her even as he faded from her sight, glitter drifting listlessly where he had stood. Sarah's breath left her in a rush as her legs failed her, sending her sprawling to her knees. She kneeled there a moment in silence, her breathing heavy. Her hands reached up to the silver chain, pulling it up to eye level. Intricately done, solid silver if the weight said anything. A crescent moon that was triangular on the to, in the center of the triangle there was a circle with intersecting lines in the sign of infinity. Sarah swallowed hard.
A gift so you remember just who you belong to.
His words echoed through her mind and she felt her lips lift in a snarl of fury. Who the hell did he think he was? She belonged to no one, no one god damn it – least of all to him! And he had the audacity and the downright gall to show up at her school and threaten her! Sarah lifted the pendent roughly, fully intending to throw the damn thing in the toilet and show him just how much she thought of his possessive attitude, when a crippling pain shot through her arm making her choke on her own scream. White hot fire ignited in her body, the flames of unadulterated agony sweeping through her. Her lungs seemed to collapse in even as she fell forward, the pendent numbly falling from her finger tips as she hit the floor. The pain gradually faded, receding in wave after weaker wave until it diminished. A reminder not to try that again unless she was willing to pay a heftier price.
Slowly Sarah pushed herself to herself to her feet; her body trembled and shook like a leaf as she did so. Raising her eyes she glared over at her reflection in the mirror, biting back a curse as she backed away from the bathroom, shoving her way past a pair of giggling girls as she fled the bathroom. Tears burned at her eyes, streaming down. She stopped in the empty hallway, gazing without seeing at the pale white lockers that lined the walls.
Hatred burned in her soul as she slammed herself suddenly against them, pummeling the hard metal with her fists as she let loose a scream that had been building in her throat. For an instant that sparkled in the eye of eternity she let loose the rage that slammed through out her very being. She was no possession, she didn't belong to him, she didn't! Tears flowed endlessly as she sank downward to the floor, her hands hitting against the locker one last time as she kneeled, trying to gain control of her emotions.
"Feel better?"
A cool voice asked, barely accented and dry.
"Yes, it does damn it! Do you even have to ask that you hypocritical bas-" Sarah turned, her words drying in her mouth as blood-shot hazel meet the deepest sea blue that she had ever seen.
He stood about a head taller then her, his blue uniform pristine and seemed to billow out around him giving him an almost sinister air. Short brown hair fell carelessly around his eyes, his jaw line was strong and angular. High cheekbones with full lips that were pressed into a line. He was handsome, in a cold dignified fashion. He was clearly Japanese, a student perhaps a year above herself. Clutched in his one hand was a small suitcase, and he tilted his head passively at her.
Sarah pushed herself to her feet, wiping at her eyes harshly as she forced herself to stand tall. Bad enough that she had broken down in public, but to be confronted in the middle of it was beyond humiliating. Sarah swallowed hard, her hazel eyes glittering emotion as she twisted her fingers together nervously.
"I'm sorry." She blurted out, unsure of what else to say, "I-I thought you were someone else."
You seem to be doing a lot of that lately. Jumping at shadow Jareth's. Get a damn grip, Williams!
"I see. Do you mind moving, you're in front of my locker."
"Oh…"
Sarah felt her cheeks burn as she moved quickly to the side. He moved past her, as though completely unaware of her presence. As though she had served her purpose and there for was of no further value. A spike of anger drove itself square into her heart. He reminded her of Jareth in that way, making her feel an almost unaccountable hatred instantly. She shoved it down deep, trying with all her might to suppress it. Didn't she just say she was going to stop jumping at shadow Jareth's? How would she feel about having to talk to some girl who'd just gone psychos all over her locker.
"I'm Sarah Williams…I'm a transfer from America." She said softly, inwardly cursing at that conversational opening. Could she get more lame?
"And here I thought you were a transfer from Shikoku Asylum."
Sarah bristled instantly, biting her lip as she called for patience.
"I just…lost my temper."
He turned toward her, holding the books he'd retrieved from the locker in the crook of his right arm as he shut the door of his locker with his left.
"I see."
He turned to walk away, and Sarah glanced both ways of the hallway before crunching the decision. She was lost. No idea where the hell the cafeteria was and this guy, prick that seemed to be, was her only hope of finding it.
"Hey, wait!" she ran after him, hurriedly falling to stride with him.
He glanced over at her with disdain, "What do you want now?"
"I, um, I need to get to the cafeteria."
He stared over at her like she were an insect for a moment before responding.
"It's down this way and to the right."
"Than…I mean, domo arigatou."
His eyes swiveled over to meet hers, narrowing slightly as he opened his mouth to respond when –
"Kaiba, you hittin' on the new girl already! Like anyone would go for an ice burg like you!"
Sarah turned at the voice, to see a teenage boy around her age with messy blonde hair and large almond colored eyes. His features were rough around the edges, giving him an almost bad-boy sort of good looks. He brought the idea of "class-clown" to Sarah's mind instantly.
The blue-eyed boy at her side stiffed at the voice, and from his expression of disdain Sarah assumed that whatever the blonde guy had said it hadn't exactly been complimentary.
"Inu-boy to the rescue of the psycho this soon? You'd make cute children. Though I'm sure the vet would have to put them down to save us all the horror of your off spring."
With those words he turned and walked away, his lips smirking as he went. Sarah watched the exchange with a confused expression. All she'd gotten out of that was dog…and something about offspring. Sarah glanced over at the blonde boy who was shouting something incoherently at the other boys disappearing back. At last he scoffed, turning his attention fully to Sarah.
"Heeeey, so you must be Sarah-kun that Yuugi-chan's been blabbing about? Where ya been? Lunch's almost over!"
Sarah blinked in confusion, her mind stretching back to her English-Japanese book. He said…something about…Yuugi…and lunch…OH! Realization struck her like lightning.
He must be one of Yuugi's friends…Yuugi must of sent him looking for me.
"I was…in bathroom. Your…Yuugi's friend? Show me to…cafeteria?" Sarah questioned carefully, wincing as she hoped she'd gotten that across okay.
He smiled brazenly, showing off a pair of strait white teeth.
"You got it, well lets go! Food is awaiten!"
He grabbed her arm and started running with her down the hallway. Sarah couldn't fight down the grin that swept her features at his over-enthusiasm. Yuugi's friends seemed like a lot of fun, they were certainly characters if nothing else. As he pulled her along Sarah tried to compose herself further. If she looked the least bit upset she knew Yuugi would jump on it like a kid would candy in a candy shop. He'd notice that strait off, he was rather good at noticing those things…but had that urge to suddenly make it all better glued right to it.
He pulled her into the cafeteria with no little amount of flourish, pulling her over to one of the tables in the far corner of the room where she saw Yuugi and Ryou, along with a group of others that she didn't recognize, sitting chatting amiably.
Ryou moved over instantly to make room for her, and she sat down quickly next to him. She noticed, with no small part of confusion, that Ryou was the most distant from the group as well. Not largely, but a good amount of space was between him and the rest. Almost as though…he were…Sarah shook of the thought. No, they couldn't be afraid of him. Ryou was the most gentle person she'd ever meet.
"There you are, Sarah-kun, we were getting worried!" Yuugi said, a bright grin on his face.
"Sorry, I got…a little lost." She lied, biting her lip and trying to look apologetic.
Yuugi nodded understandingly, "Yeah, it can be all little big here but you'll get the hang of the lay out soon. Mm, anyway, there's some people I'd like you to meet. These are my friends," He pointed across from him at the teenage girl sitting there. She had short brown hair to her shoulders and a pair of sparkling aquarium blue eyes, her lips were pouted like a ribbon, her cheeks round and full. She was dressed in the same uniform as Sarah, those hers appeared two sizes too small from the way it clung to her curves, "That's Mazaki Anzu-kun – "
Anzu smiled waving slightly, "Hi."
He pointed over to the blonde boy who had plopped down next to him, "And you've already meet Katsuya Jounouchi-kun." Jounouchi grinned, tossing her a peace sign. Yuugi pointed then to the boy next to him with dark brown eyes and dark hair that was gelled to a sharp point that stretched above his forehead like a knife, " And that's – "
"Hello, I Hiroto, Honda and if you have any needs please let me be the first to know." He was on one knee in front of Sarah quicker then she could blink, his hands encircling her left as she blinked over at him.
You are mine, and mine alone. You risk that boy's life by responding to his flirting
Jareth's words flashed through her mind and Sarah withdrew her hand quickly, her eyes widening as she opened her mouth, prepared to let whatever not-so-well thought ought explanation to escape when Jounouchi did it for her.
Jounouchi pounced the darker haired boy, pinning him.
"And here I thought you were in love with Shizuka-chan and here you are flirting in front of me"
"Itai! I am, I was only being polite, Jounouchi-kun!"
Sarah watched with a raised eyebrow at the brawl that was going on in front of her, blinked slowly as she looked from one sheepish face to another. Apparently this wasn't such an odd event. Sarah turned her attention to Ryou at her side. He'd been rather quiet since she had come to the table. He was studying her with a critical eye, drinking in her appearance as she was his. His face seemed paler then normal, his chocolate eyes diminished with exhaustion. Sarah raised an eyebrow quizzically and he shook his head a fraction of an inch telling her that now wasn't the time.
"Oh, lunch'll be over in about 10 minutes so if you want to get some food you better hurry." Yuugi gestured over to the empty line lane near the front of the large cafeteria where some of the lunch ladies still stood.
Sarah blanched as she reached down to her pocket. She didn't have any money, no…yen, that's what it was. She had nothing, no yen to buy lunch. Sarah chewed her bottom lip slightly. Not that she was really hungry any way. Confrontations with Jareth usually had that affect on her.
Sarah shook her head slightly, "No, I'm not hungry any way."
Yuugi tilted his head, concern crinkling his brow, "Are you sure?"
Sarah nodded, smiling, "Yeah, I'll be fine."
"Where did you get that necklace Sarah? It's absolutely gorgeous!" Anzu reached across the table, lifting the chain slightly.
Sarah moved away instantly, letting the pendent drop from the girl's unwary fingers. Anger flashed through her at Anzu's clumsiness. She knew not what she touched, what powers could be in that god forsaken item around her neck. What was she thinking? Who did that anyway, just reached across and touched some one else's stuff?
Anzu withdrew from Sarah's withering look, her hands curling together onto her lap, she laughed and Sarah suppressed a wince at the sound. Much like nails on a chalk board.
"Sorry, it was just so pretty."
Sarah forced a grin, "It was a…gift of sorts. Its…precious to me." Sarah almost choked on the enormity of such a lie, barely managing to keep up the façade look of shy and apologetic.
The girl tittered slightly, going off suddenly to talk to Yuugi about…duelist kingdom and something called battle city. All at once Jounouchi started pestering Yuugi about a duel. Yuugi chuckled, pointing out their time limit only to have Jounouchi suddenly begin to pout. Sarah stared blankly at them, only when she noticed the deck of Duel Monster cards clutched in Jounouchi's hand did she make the connection. Duelist Kingdom, that's right. That's where that big tournament for Duelist in the game was held not so long ago. She'd seen that on the news, but wait a minute…hadn't that boy that won been…
Sarah blinked in surprise, her eyes widening, "Are you the Yuugi who won Duelist Kingdom?" the question blurted from her lips, surprise dancing in her eyes.
Yuugi scratched the back of his head, smiling modestly, "Well, yeah, but I had a lot of help really."
Jounouchi puffed up with pride, "I was the runner up. Second place." He grinned over at her, from his spot upon Honda's back.
Sarah smiled slightly over at him, glancing over at Yuugi with hooded eyes. Pretty impressive. In all honesty, Sarah knew only a little about the game, didn't own a deck or anything of that fashion, but she knew the basic rules of it. Read enough through cursory glances to learn that it was actually a pretty complex game. One wrong move and it was hard to pull your victory out of the jaws of defeat. It was kind of awe-inspiring in a way that she was sitting next to the acclaimed King of Games really. A little hard to believe that the short teenager with such a cheerful, innocent abandon held such a formal title. Sarah shrugged slightly. Just showed that you couldn't judge a book by its cover.
Sarah rubbed her inner wrist, listening politely as the conversation drifted away from one topic to the next. Stopping sometimes in the middle of sentences to glance unsurely at her then switch again. Sighing slightly she glanced again over at Ryou. He was sitting quietly, his posture slightly slumped, his eyes unfocused as he stared without seeing across the Lunch Room. Sarah moved closer to him.
"Hey Ryou-kun." She said softly.
He glanced over at her, his eye brows raising politely.
"Yes, Sarah-san."
"Are you…alright?" she asked, pitching her voice low to not be over heard.
"I'm fine, just a little tired is all. No worries."
Liar.
Sarah felt her lips thin as she stared over at the white haired teen. He was lying, blatantly lying to her. But then, maybe he didn't want to the company that surrounded him to know what it was, or perhaps he just simply didn't want to talk about it. Sarah chewed her bottom lip thoughtfully.
"So, what do you think off the group?" he asked, leaning his face to rest on his upturned palm.
Sarah glanced over at them, they were laughing at Jounouchi who had flushed bright red and was jabbering something in disconnected sentences.
"They're funny."
"Hey, Sarah-chan! You want to join us after school? We're going to strait to Battle City to join in the tournament. You do like Duel Monsters, ne?" Yuugi's voice cut through her like a sweet chiming bell and she turned to face him with a smile.
"Hai, I'd be happy to join. What about you Ryou?"
Ryou offered a suddenly shaky smile, "I'll probably see you there. If not I'll meet you at home."
Sarah nodded her affirmation, jerking suddenly at the chiming of the school bell. Time to get back to class.
Sarah slowed her pace as she walked with Yuugi. He was walking her home before they would join the others at Battle City. They walked in a silence that while Sarah found to be more then a little uncomfortable, didn't seem to bother Yuugi in the least. She had been unable to find Ryou after school, and when she had mentioned such to Yuugi his response was to immediately assure her that he would walk her home to change and then they could stop by his place to join the others.
They made it to the doorway of Ryou's home and for a second she hesitated, glancing over at Yuugi. Should she invite him in? Would Ryou care? What about his Yami, didn't he say that he and Yuugi's were like…mortal enemies more or less? But not to invite him in would be rude, Sarah chewed her lip, unlocking the door with the spare key Ryou kept under the mat. She replaced the key and glanced over at Yuugi, he was smiling softly.
"Um, you can come in if you want." Sarah said, gesturing with her hand as she opened the door.
Well, that cinched it. She walked in, leaveing the door open. She turned to hurry up the stairs.
"I'll just be a minute!" she called over her shoulder.
Her breath heavy she hurried into her room, her eyes going over to the mirror. Dropping her backpack next to the door, she stripped out of the hot pink jacket she threw it over the mirror. It didn't cover it in entirety, but had the bonus of making her feel a little better. She undid the tie around the color and the buttons of the white shirt quickly, the skirt quickly making its way to the floor to join its companion. Black dress shoes were kicked over near the bed. Rushing over to the closet Sarah pulled out a silk black poet shirt that dipped low in the chest. Grabbing a pair of black, flared jeans from her dresser she pulled them on along with a pair of sox and tennis shoes. Licking her lips Sarah grabbed a brush off her dresser and ran it through her hair until it was smooth. Dropping the brush back onto the dresser she made her way quickly down the stairs. She had changed quick enough that she had barely given thought to the silver pendent that hung around her neck…fast enough that Jareth hadn't had time to appear. Score one for the home team.
Yuugi was waiting by the door, his hands clutched lightly around the upside-down pyramid that he wore around his neck. He smiled over at her.
"Ready?"
Sarah nodded hurrying over by him and locking the door before she shut it. Sarah fidgeted as they turned and began walking to where Yuugi said he lived. A game shop if she remembered correctly. That must be great for him, Sarah mused, as much into games as he is.
"So, tell me Yuugi, where did you get that pyramid?"
"It was a puzzle that my Grandpa gave me from one of his digs in Egypt."
"I see. Bet that took you a while to complete, huh?"
"Not really, it was a lot of fun to put together. The best puzzle I ever solved." He smiled brightly at that, "What about you Sarah-chan? Do you like games?"
Not any more
Sarah forced a smile, "Yes, they're a lot of fun really. I prefer acting and reading though. I'm not too bad at solving puzzles myself though."
Nope, not at all. At least not when something like my brother's life is on the line and I have to run a rat-maze of a Labyrinth.
"That's cool, we'll have to play some time. Do you like Duel Monsters?"
"Its alright, I've never really played though. I don't have a deck or anything."
"That's too bad, well, we've got tons of cards at the Game Shop. Maybe you could buy a few starter decks and I could help you learn."
Sarah smiled ruefully, "Maybe, I'll think about it."
"Well, here it is. Come on in, I'll show you my room."
Yuugi grabbed her by the hand and pulled her into the small building with the words Game Shop scribed above it. Sarah looked around, amazed. There were dozens of game cards every where, along with a lot of other toys to be sold. It was small, but in its simplicity there was a sense of peace and pride. There was no one else in the shop except for an old man about Yuugi's height that looked like an older version of the small teen. Sarah assumed that to be his Grandfather.
"Hi, Jii-chan, this is Sarah she's from America. She doesn't speak too much Japanese yet though."
The old man smiled over at her brightly, "Nice to meet, Sarah-san. Always good to meet Yuugi's new friend." He gave small bow at the waist.
Sarah smiled, responding to his bow, "Nice to meet you Mutou-san."
The old man smiled at her as Yuugi pulled her up the stairs toward what she assumed was his room. It was messy, clothes thrown here and there. Magazines of various types, toys and the whole deal strewn around carelessly. Yuugi jabbered on cheerfully, grabbing some clothes off the floor and walking toward what Sarah assumed was the bathroom adjoined to his room. Sarah walked around carefully, observing though not touching. Yuugi's room was more of a child's then a teenager. Once again she felt it hard to believe that he was really 15 or so.
"Well, the others should be here any minute, lets meet them downstairs."
Sarah turned and felt her eyes widen as she caught sight of him. Black leather pants that clung to his frame, commando boots and a tight sleeveless leather wife beater, and his Egyptian pendent hung by a heavy looking chain hung from his neck. Large, silver buckles started at the neck then went all the way down his shirt. Black wrist warmers adorned each wrist, a deck of Duel Monster cards sat at his hip from the belt. Sarah blinked rapidly, murmuring her agreement as she followed him back down the stairs. A dark blue jacket was thrown over his shoulders like a cape.
He looked like a miniature little gothic tough guy in that out fit. Not that it didn't look good on him, just that for his innocent appearance she had been thinking…well, she wasn't sure what she had suspected her wore on a daily basis but black leather sure wasn't one of them. Sarah leaned over one of the glass cases at some of the "rare Duel Monster cards". Yuugi came up behind her and began enthusiastically educating her on each cards strengths and weaknesses.
Battle City.
It wasn't hard to see how it had got that name.
Digital Duels were taking place every where, everyone seemed really to get really heated up over what before all of this Sarah would have called a simple card game. It was obvious to Yuugi and the others, and all the other nameless Duelists, it was far more then just a game. Sarah licked her lips, staring over at Yuugi's duel. It was against someone in a violet robe that reached his knees, the symbol of Ra above it. That symbol was everywhere she looked any more.
Reaching up Sarah toyed absently with the Pendent Jareth had given her. It hung heavily just in the dip where her breast began, glancing down she noticed that she had uncannily dressed in a shirt that would show the Pendent very well. Show everyone his gift to mark her even more as hers. As though he hadn't done that already. Her lips still felt swollen from his kiss…
It was just a simple kiss, don't you dare lose your head over it.
Sarah nodded slightly at the thought. Well, maybe it hadn't been so simple per-sey, but that was one thought that Jareth wasn't going to get to here. Nor was he going to do that again. She was stronger then him, she'd just make sure that when he came back – which he would – that he kept his distance. Sarah nibbled slightly, rolling her eyes slightly at the bravado of her own thoughts. How many promises like that had she already made only to have them crumble like dust right before her very eyes? Sarah barely nodded as Jounouchi and Anzu split up along with Honda following them, leaveing her again alone with Yuugi. Well, that is until the mime-guy with piercing all over his face and skin as white as bleached bones showed up. He wore a violet cape with the golden eye of Ra on the hood. Within seconds they were in a battle.
Sarah licked her lips, her mouth suddenly dry as she glanced up toward the duel going on before her eyes. Sarah backed away slightly as she looked over to Yuugi. The change was almost instantaneous. Gold shimmered on his Egyptian Puzzle, his posture straitened, his clothes tightening on his frame as he grew a good two inches, his hair became more wild, the lightning strikes more prominent then ever before. Amethyst changed to a blood red crimson, narrowed and prideful in their timeless passion. His features became more regal, his cheekbones suddenly higher, his lips fuller, his skin taking on a golden hue as though it had been speckled with dust.
Sarah felt her breath collapse from her as she stared over at the being that she knew was no longer the innocent boy that she had just been laughing with, that had been so patiently teaching her to speak Japanese. No, this was someone else. No, more then even that, this was something else entirely. And Sarah couldn't even utter the lie that he didn't frighten her, that he didn't fill her with a sudden dread that crawled up from the bowels of her body, strait to her heart to turn her veins to ice. Sarah swallowed hard, her palms sweaty suddenly. The Duel before her was lightning paced, the balance of win or lose heating up with each turn that passed. Sarah looked around herself in utter astonishment as she realized no passersby watching the duels, even those calling Yuugi's support, didn't notice they change…They couldn't see it, how could they not though? How could they not see that Yuugi wasn't the one Dueling, but his darkness? A darkness that filled Sarah with a fear for reasons she couldn't name. Superiorly all but oozed off the darker version of Yuugi, and for a moment garnet eyes swiveled from his opponent to her.
Hellfire burned in that gaze. A protective heat, forged of violence and warning that shot her like an arrow in the chest.
Sarah backed away, her heart in her throat. Jareth's gift around her neck felt like a block of ice, burning and freezing her flesh all at the same time. Abruptly, her knees suddenly weak Sarah turned and ran away from the scene. No voices called her back, so concentrated on the duel that Sarah doubted that they had even noticed her leaveing. All the better. Her breath came in rapid gasps as she fled away from the scene. Sarah ran as fast as she could, people jerked to get out of her way, shouting at her to watch where she was going. Sarah ignored them, ignored the chaos that surrounded her. All that mattered was that she ran, ran away from this. Ran away from the dark entity that resided in Yuugi, away from the dark power that was controlling his opponent like a puppet on strings. Sarah skidded to a stop at last, finding herself in a less crowded part of Domino, far away from Yami Yuugi yes, but also completely and utterly lost.
Sarah ran a hand through her hair, noting with some relief the Duels going on around her. Least that meant that she wasn't outside of Battle City, which means she would have to run into either Jounouchi, Ryou, or somebody before long. With those assurances Sarah began walking again, this time merely picking a direction that wasn't farther then the way she came nor the way back. As she walked Sarah rubbed her shoulders nervously. Sarah sighed, her thoughts muddled. She couldn't exactly say completely what it was about Yami no Yuugi that had frightened her so…only that he had and that her only thought had been to get as far away from him as physically possible in that amount of time.
Sarah ran a hand through her hair, eyeing the red motorcycle sitting almost like it had been abandoned near by. It was nice, gleaming in the sunlight, dangerous and fast most likely. Sarah licked her lips, glancing around. No one, whoever it was had just left it there as though no one would think to just steal it. The keys were even still in the ignition. How much more careless can you possibly get? Sarah rolled her eyes slightly at her own thought, at her sudden mood swings. Terrified, angry, suspicious, depressed, chiding, then back around they went. Rather exhausting really.
"Despite your efforts it appears that you still haven't held up your part of the bargain."
"As I told you before, it will take time. My only interest is in the Items."
"And they will be yours so long as you help me with mine."
"The annoying wench and the dog are in position. Your game will not go awry unless you fuck it up."
Sarah froze at the voices, one sounded oh-so-familiar and yet not at the same time. All at once she wished fervently that she spoke fluent Japanese, at least then she could understand what the hell they were saying.
Abruptly the pendent around her neck blazed to life, so hot that it seemed to be burning the flesh right off her chest. Sarah let out a muted cry, wrapping her hands around her middle.
"Did you hear that?"
"Hear what?"
Sarah blinked several times, shrinking back away from the opening way. They were speaking English all the sudden…what was up with that?
"Guess it was nothing. Meet me at my host's house tonight…we'll finish this discussion there. I'm sure with your skills you'll have no trouble finding it."
Sarah slunk farther away from the opening, doing her best to look inconspicuous. How had this happened? What was going on? Who was that voice? She watched out of the corner of her eye as a man teenager with platinum blonde hair walked from the alleyway and got onto the motorcycle. He revved the engine twice before taking off with a loud sound of squealing tires. Sarah stood there for a moment, her fingers twisting together nervously.
Seconds later Sarah saw a head of silver hair walk out as well. Diamond hard eyes of black and garnet stepped out, wild spiked silver hair fell hazardly around pallid skin of cruel beauty. Though his features shared many of Ryou's Sarah was by no means fooled. Nothing was what it appeared to be, a lesson she'd learned in the Labyrinth and had long before taken to heart. It was not Ryou, despite the way the white sweater and blue jeans were an obvious common apparel, the silver locks…this was his Yami that she saw. He turned slightly, catching her gaze. All at once the features softened somewhat, a smile too bright for his features taking his face. This was Yami no Bakura pretending to his counterpart, that she could tell almost instantly. Sarah forced a smile. If he wanted to play, so could she.
"Ohayo, Ryou-kun." She called up, rushing up to him, "I was wondering where you had run off to."
"Sarah-san, I was just going for a bit of a walk. Looks like you were worrying for nothing, eh? Sounds like you got your Japanese down-pat."
"Hai, Yuugi-kun's been teaching me. Turns out I have an ear for languages."
A coldness that another wouldn't seen but Sarah caught with an expert eye flittered through the dark eyes of Yami no Bakura. Sarah forced no sign to show on her face, forcing herself to instead smile slightly.
"That's good." He responded in Japanese rather then English, "I'm happy for you. So, where were you headed?"
"Nowhere in particular, I was just going to do a bit of sight seeing and then head home. Are you in the tournament for Battle City?"
"Sort of." He smiled slightly at her, his eyes slitting slightly.
Sarah nodded, "I see." She switched topics quickly, instinct telling her she treaded on thin ice there, "So, to be honest, I'm a bit lost. You mind being my guide for a bit?"
Sarah all but trembled at the thought, but she needed someone to show her back home and it looked like he was her best bet. Besides, she'd already commented that she had more or less been looking for him, or thinking about him. Running off would raise his radar, and from the impression Ryou had already given her of his silver haired counter part – that was not an idea that the wise would choose.
"Sure, I was on my way back to the house anyway; unless you wanted to do more looking around?"
Incongriguty between eyes, tone, and shy gesture. He didn't want to play her little guide around the city. She had obviously thrown him off, made him have to interrupt whatever deal he was making with the blond who had left…even if he didn't exactly know she was the reason. She was there, and would be an easy vent. Irritation glowed behind those chocolate orbs that seemed to gaze at her with such honesty and kindness. The greatest of cruelty hides behind the yes of an innocent. A wolf in sheep's clothing was he.
"No, no that's fine. I'm about ready for dinner anyway."
Yami no Bakura nodded and gestured for her to follow him as he lead her deeper into the heart of Battle City. Sarah eyed him curiously out of the corner of her eye. One thing was sure. He had the act of his other half down pat. If she were any one else, she doubted that she would of even noticed the differences. Key though they were, they were also miniscule. His natural gestures were small, disguised easily by those that his other half would of made; his head even bowed slightly in the shy manner that she had seen Ryou do countless times in the past couple days. Disturbing how he played the role to such perfection. Disturbing indeed.
An even more dangerous person perhaps then she had thought.
The wise eagle does not show his prey his presence until it is too late, does not reveal is raptor claws until that final moment when it crushes the very life out of you.
Sarah smiled softly as she finished making a simple stir fry of veggies and spiced chicken. Sarah had never been a great cook, she could burn water, but simple things like this were all too easy. Sarah added some of the cooked brown rice and stirred it in before she turned off the burner and made herself and Ryou some bowels. Calling for Ryou she sat his bowel down where he had sat the night before sitting down herself. Ryou entered only seconds later, murmuring some compliments and a thank you. Sarah eyed him from the corner of her eye. It really was him, though it was hard to tell if not for the subtle changes around the eyes and features. They really were like twins…rather frightening in a way. The good twin, the bad twin.
Ryou rubbed his head gently.
"Got a head ache?" she questioned softly.
"Yeah…it happens when…he's separates himself from me."
"Separates? You mean he's…walking around here right now?"
"Hai, he's waiting for someone."
"Does he want…anything to eat?"
Please god, let him stay far from the kitchen…far from me.
He doesn't usually eat or drink unless he's using my body."
"Ah…I saw him today."
"You did?"
"In the Alleyway…I think he was talking to a platinum blond guy."
"Ah…I'm surprised…not many can tell the difference between me and him…other then…"he pitched his voice low, "The pharaoh."
Sarah nodded slightly, "Yeah, I guess it would be kind of hard…he can act just like you."
"Only when it serves his purposes…which I guess right then it did for a little while."
Sarah nodded slightly, "Ryou? What's on your mind exactly?"
"What do you mean?"
"You've been down all day…why?"
He blinked before smiling softly in surprise at her observation. From the sad turn of it, it made Sarah realize that perhaps she was the first in a long to time to actually ask the question and mean it…especially when he'd been trying so hard to hide the truth of what he was really feeling. Sorrow sank through her soul at that realization. Having his Yami must of made it hard for Ryou to get close to anyone really.
"I've just been a little stressed lately…its no big deal, I'll be fine. What about you? I saw your face at Lunch…where were you really? What happened?"
Sarah felt a ball rise in her throat as the memories ran through her mind, as potent and fresh as though they'd just happened. Her hands rose instantly to encircle the silver pendent he had given her, his gift to remind of her just who she belonged to. Anger boiled beneath her flesh. Pounding within her very soul. She belonged to no one.
"He…was there today. He showed up, no real surprise there though huh?" tears sprang at her eyes, "He just…wanted to give a little reminder I guess."
"So that's where you got that pendent from? May I?" he questioned, leaning forward.
Sarah nodded her allowance, allowing him to lift it slightly from her neck and examine it.
"Remarkable, its geniune silver…I've never seen its likeness though. Its not one of the Sennen Items though, of that you can be assured."
Sarah breathed a small sigh of relief, "I didn't think it was, but even still that's good to know. I don't think I could handle having a Yami."
Ryou smiled knowingly, "Not all the Items come with that effect…I'm not all together sure which ones exactly but I do know that. So," he continued, "what else did he want today?"
Sarah glanced up at him with hooded eyes, "Merely to reinforce a few new rules into this game he's begun." Sarah wrapped her arms around herself, "I'm…afraid, Ryou, that I won't have much more time here. His threats are not empty."
"I've been thinking of a way to help you around that…"Ryou pitched his voice low so she had to lean close just hear his whispered words, "Yugioh, you see, is the King of Games, and you say it is a game that you and him play – perhaps he can help you."
"I don't know Ryou…"Sarah's mind flashed back to those angry eyes that had watched her so callously in the middle of his duel, "He didn't look today like the type to just stick his neck out for anyone…and besides, I don't want any one hurt on my account. This is between him and me…no one else."
"You've already meet Yugioh then?"
"Not exactly, I saw him today during Yuugi's duel but that was all."
Abruptly Sarah felt her heart slam hard into her chest, her flesh suddenly felt like ice, the droplets of sweat that beaded down her brow suddenly seemed like hundred pound weights easing there way down. Sarah whirled around in her chair, her eyes falling down the hallway just as two platinum blonde heads entered the house. Ryou rose slowly from his chair, his fingers linking themselves behind his back. He winced suddenly, one of his hands rising to touch his temple gently. Gently he turned to look at her, raising his finger to press against his closed lips before turning more so to face them. He lowered his eyes demurely, his gaze flat against the floor.
Sarah spared another glance down the hallway, only to feel her heart do another double slam as she caught sight of the two down the hall. Smooth, shining platinum blonde hair spilled over leanly muscular shoulders of a deep tan gold. They, much like Yuugi, Ryou, and their Yami's looked close enough in appearance and in clothes to be identical twins…but as before she could see the difference. One bore eyes of crimson, the other the color of crushed violet. Each's features were delicate to the point of being feminine in their beauty. Lips full and golden were at a pout that would drive a girl insane with impulses to have them kiss her senseless. Noses small and petite perfectly placed, as always with a Yami and Hikari placement their were differences, one being rougher in the features, more hard around the eyes, the eye liner more pronounced on one then the other…the insanity that seemed to ooze from one of the two was more of a clear give away. That one Sarah thought would carve out your heart just to sample to taste.
Heavy gold earrings hung from their ears along with a heavy gold chocker that covered their entire neck. Tight leather pants and a deep sleeveless lavender shirt that highlighted their exotic features. They moved with a liquid grace, thick long lashes over sultry eyes showed that they knew just what an image they presented. Sex Gods in every sense. 100 pure walking lust. Only in Jareth had Sarah ever seen such cruel perfection.
Sarah sucked in a long forgotten breath, her face burning at her own observations. Slowly her eyes took in the gold armlets and arm bands they wore. They were Egyptian obviously in origin, making them even more exotic in their Asian placement. Sarah stole a glance over at Ryou who had been watching her reactions from the corner of his eye. He smiled slightly, trying to tone down her humiliation at the teenage hormones waging war with her head being noticed – only succeeding in heightening the feeling.
You risk that boy's life by responding to his flirting. You are mine.
Jareth's voice whispered in her ear, the silver crescent she wore around her neck seemed even heavier, like a weight pulling her down strait to the Gauntlet. Jareth did not trifle with words he did not mean. The thought mollified her slightly, pushing the physical attraction she had felt instantly aside, burning it to mere ash in seconds. She didn't want any blood on her hands…she'd already nearly had her brother's…she not risk another.
Sarah watched as Ryou's Yami stepped down from the stairs, his cold greeting returned in kind by the more sinister looking of the Egyptian Demi-Gods. Abruptly Red-eyed lavender one shoved his gentler half down the hallway towards the group in the kitchen, his violent gaze rising and locking with Sarah's own. A ball rose in her throat as his eyes lit up with instant interest, pushing past his lighter half to get to her. He moved quickly, his feet whisper quiet on the floor as he stopped right in front of her.
"A new toy of yours, Thief? You must share…"
His hand lifted, running itself through Sarah's hair to grab her by it by the crown of her head cruelly. Sarah cried out softly, her eyes blazing an inferno up at the cruel beauty of his face. He smiled wickedly.
"I've such sights to show you…"
Sarah twisted in his grip.
"Hands off!" she shouted, kicking out angrily, aiming for that sensitive organ between his thighs only to catch his leg instead.
He laughed, the sound maniacal and dripping with pure malice. Sarah's skin rolled back on itself at the sound.
"I love a fighter…"He pulled out a golden Rod with the Egyptian Eye of Ra insignia, he extended the blade, licking the blade hard enough that red welled up on his tongue. His eyes never broke from hers, relishing the horror that reflected on her face.
He's completely insane...
Sarah sent a beseeching gaze to Ryou only to find he had moved to the side, his hands clinched at his side along with his teeth. He gazed back at her, helplessness reflected in his gaze. Horror, liquid cool, sank through Sarah as she realized no help would come from his corner, even if she sank to the floor paddling in a pool of her own blood.
Fear shortened her breath, as she looked back up into a pair of eyes that were wide with eerie delight, ravishment soaked through that gaze as Sarah slowly felt the cold of the metal slide up under her shirt, teasing the tender flesh that lay beneath. So cold, so deadly…so sharp…
Reflecting back at her through the insanity of his gaze Sarah saw her own reaper given flesh…and this time, it's name wasn't Jareth.
End Chapter