Chapter 9: Hard Decisions

Atem was standing in a circle with the other vampires, discussing what to do about Bakura. Suddenly, he stiffened as Isis's thoughts invaded his mind as her eyes went blank. "Isis, do you know why she decided that?" he asked, his eyes wide.

Isis's eyes cleared and she turned to look at Atem. "Bakura called her, posing as you. She's about to fall into a trap."

"I'm fastest, I'll go and you follow." Atem said at once.

The other vampires agreed and they sped out into the daylight.

Hali entered the dark building and headed further in. "Hello? Atem?"

"Aw, poor mortal. You actually believed he needed your help." A voice hissed. A brief, cool wind passed by her and then there was the click of a lock.

"What did you do to him?" Hali asked.

A hand grabbed her wrist, pulling her close to a cold body. "Nothing compared to what we're going to do with you." The voice snarled. She was shoved backward hard, causing her to sail through the air, smacking her head against the wall, crumpling to the ground with a groan.

"Please don't hurt me." Hali whispered as the figure approached.

A foot came down on Hali's leg, snapping the bone, making her scream. "I like the idea of you begging for your life. Do you think Atem will come to save you?"

"He can beat you any time." Hali gasped.

There was the click of a gun. "Talk back again and I'll shoot." The voice ordered.

Hali froze, her breathing heavy. From somewhere nearby, another, accented voice said, "Atem will be here soon. You know with his ability, we can't chance it's not there when he's mortal."

A gun fired and Hali cried out, as the bullet slammed into her chest. Her breathing became labored.

The light came on and Marik hovered over her, his eyes black, licking his lips. "Must have your blood." He groaned. With one quick motion, he knelt and sank his teeth into her forearm. A burning sensation started at the site.

Suddenly, the door burst open and Marik was pulled roughly away and thrown against the wall. "No, you can't be a vampire again!" the second voice hissed.

Atem ignored the voice and appeared at her side, concerned, his red eyes concerned, his expression strained. "Hali, are you all right?" he asked.

"No, he bit me." Hali whispered, tears rolling down her cheeks.

"Don't worry, I'll take care of him. Just sit still. He suddenly jumped up as Marik charged, catching a large strip of wood in the chest. He collapsed to the ground, unmoving.

"Atem, no!" Hali gasped.

Suddenly, the priests burst in with Seth in the lead as Marik started to close in. Seth, Mahaado, and Kalim grabbed Marik while Shadi, Akunadin, and Isis grabbed Bakura. Joshia turnedto Hali, afraid to approach her. "You need to take the stake out. He's the only one that can take the venom out."

Hali moved with slow presicion, whimpering in pain. She pulled the stake out, crying out. With a gasp, Atem sat up.

"Atem, you need to suck out the venom unless you want her to become a vampire." Joshia said.

Atem's eyes widned. "I can't…! I'm afraid I won't be able to stop.

"I will drag you off her if I have to. You're the only one who can do it. None of us have enough will power to dream of stopping in time."

"I trust you." Hali whispered, trying to stay conscious.

"I thought you wanted this." Atem protested.

"Not like this…I want you to do it…" Hali answered, her voice whispery.

Atem's eyes closed for the briefest moment, not breathing. He opened them again and pressed his mouth to the wound.

Hali felt the burning sensation fade as Atem sucked the venom out. The burning finally disappeared and Hali felt herself drifting out of consciousness. "Atem, stop! The venom's gone."

Atem glanced up at Hali's face and mustered all his will to push her arm away. It fell onto his lap as Hali's eyes closed. "Oh Ra, she's dying. We've got to get her to the hospital."

"You can run the fastest, we'll take care of these two." Joshia said, joining the others as they tore apart the two vampires.

Atem scooped Hali up in his arms, and he ran at full speed to the hospital.