Chapter 10- Truth is a Beautiful Thing: Part II
presea221: Yeah, you guessed right, Zalaam is Yami Marik. Although Marik knows about it, he doesn't know he has it until Battle City and this will be revealed in 'The Book of Theurgists' Reverie'. :)
A/N MJS: I have a guest OC created by the incredible LadyKeren. Her story is one of my recommended readings 'Bringing Darkness into Light', so go check it out. Her story is a unique Odion X OC with Marik X OC, taken at the time of Battle City. Be sure to check her story and reviews. With permission, she lets me borrow Keren Mizrahi, as she is a magnificent character I adore. XD As this is set a few years back from the Battle City Arc, she will be younger
Original Bio from LadyKeren
Name: Keren Mizrahi
Age: 22
Birthday: April 9
Astrological Sign: Aries
Blood Type: AB
Height: 1.70 m (5'7")
Weight: 47 kg (103.4 lbs)
Eyes: Hazel
Hair: dark brown, appears black from a distance, falls to the middle of her back
Birthplace: Jerusalem, Israel
Favourite food: Sufganiyah, Arabic Cuisine, Shakshuka, potato latkes
Least favourite food: Tursu
Relatives: mother (father died several years prior)
Likes: tranquillity, romance novels, meditating, gardening
Dislikes: war, people with no backbone, thunderstorms, liars, greed, rudeness
Personality: generally very peaceful, reserved with strangers, even-tempered, slightly passive, benevolent
Fashion sense: wears a veil or tichel over her hair, traditional Israeli dresses, blouses and calf-to ankle-length skirts, slacks in cold weather
Soulmate: Odion/Rishid
Close Friends: Ishizu, Odion, Atem, Marik
Name: Keren Mizrahi
Age: 19
Occupation: Librarian in this story
Name: Emmet Black O'Leary
Age: 12
Occupation: Samhain Black member
The peaceful Belfast of the Stormont Hotel was enough to forget time. Bryn tucked his hands underneath his pillow. Marik again was browsing in his Duel Monsters deck as he categorised them into four piles. The smell of Marik's cologne dispersed. Again his Millennium Rod lain on a bedside table, his cell phone was beside the golden popobawa key.
"There is no way I'm going back in there…" He muttered to himself. Bryn couldn't stop tossing and turning, as he has to keep those stones away from Master Marik and Tasara Lilwen Dane. Part of him wishes he could come clean and let Marik have the vantage point by giving him the two orbs; another is pretending that he is always in Master Marik's side although his Hot-Headed Master keeps interrogating him. "If so, would Marik hate me and send me to the Shadow Realm? Would he harm my family if I refused to comply or revealed… it will be the end of their contract and even if…"
Marik was in the bathroom for such a long time. Finally, he came out and turned the faucet off and he wrapped the towel around his waist.
"Bryn! You're awake…" Marik smiled at his young lackey.
The young lackey nodded nervously in return as he had forgotten why he had some moist liquid in his eyes.
"Master, will you hate me for mistakes?" Bryn squandered.
"Hate… I only hate one person and the rest are the nuisance to me…" Marik frowned.
"Who do you hate?" Bryn quickly asked.
Marik ignored the question and wiped Bryn's tears, "Weren't you just sleeping? Relax Bryn; I have sorted out your salary. If you ask me, you are the finest Rare Hunter so far."
"What if I told you I found Kenosha's Tailgating System and it is accessible through meticulous timing. I mean, it's the most difficult hacking, sir." Bryn was sad and Marik came to embrace him.
"Bryn, you are thinking ahead of yourself. I know deep down you can do it." Marik understood self-doubt himself and perhaps letting Bryn know that he's got his back was helpful
"It's so dangerous and I haven't spent enough time to build firewalls, and I have to show Odion everything… and I have to follow you to the race and I have to make sure we find Justus and I have to same my dad and-"
"ENOUGH!" Marik screamed. "I think you seem to forget that our victories are shared. If you have any in doubt… I will remind you that I always have my ways so calm down and do all of them in procedures. I have yet to release this slave here and call a meeting down in the lobby. Yes, a formal meeting!"
"I would love to play the guitar…" Bryn sighed.
"What is the best way to listen to a music while riding a motorcycle?" Marik asked.
"The Rolling Stone's Route 66, Master Marik. Except my iPod doesn't have the song…" The little Eurasian boy chortled.
"I mean you might want to release Alison Foley soon," Marik said as he stuck head through a skivvy. Marik was quick to cover his body, as he did not want Bryn to see a particular aspect of his back.
"I knew Miss Foley was a nice lady, just be kind to her when you do release her." Bryn grinned tremulously and nudged his Master in return.
The boat was silent as Odion came back, only Abbey and Carissa were sitting on level nine discussing girly things. Mostly their conversations were about Abbey's experiences as an animal activist. They silenced as the Second-In-Command entered. They were afraid of being confronted by the bald-headed man that he smiled reassuring them that they are not in any trouble.
Through the corridor, the scarred face Egyptian teen perked through the frame of the door. As he saw the girls having a conversation, he knew one of them was his fellow comrade and the other is his prisoner. They were both watching 'Princess Bride' on another screen in the computer laboratory. Odion smiled as he remembered purchasing the movie. Odion was willing for the two to chat but leaving his adoptive little brother in undercover is one of Marik's favourite tasks. Normally he would command his Rare Hunters out on missions but when the 'Night Siege' is on, everyone goes all out.
"Buttercup is my favourite character." Carissa giggled but she stopped just as Odion came in the door.
"Odion, Sir… how is the Night Siege and how is Bryn?" Abbey bowed.
"He is fine, last time I saw him was with Master Marik. We may need you to come along with us as Master Marik wishes his full ranks to assist him eventually." Odion sighed.
"How about Carissa and…"
"She will come along as well. I do not know what our master has intended for us but it will fashion a greater support for Bryn if you were there with him too."
"I have to cook for them well most of the time-"
Odion shook his head, "You should be with Bryn, and I know that it is against my honour to request for you to be part of what Master and your brother were involved but he will need you there."
Abbey obediently stood up and took Carissa's hand. "I think we must support the Rank in a way you see best Odion. I appreciate that."
"Is Carissa feeling better now?" Odion asked Abbey.
"Are you feeling better now?" Abbey asked the young girl. The Indignant pastel haired girl frowned as she heard such question was directed at him older teenage female regarding her affair.
"I am better sir, I can lead you all to my mother if it needed me," Carissa said.
Odion and Abbey nodded and proceeded to the elevator to a room filled with computers.
"I'm guessing you are familiar with the system, Carissa," Odion observed Carissa being in control of the system and she managed to turn on the Valkyria Mages CCTV and sends it to Bryn.
"I am very familiar with the system and I will assist Bryn and you to release your father." She directed to Abbey. As she pressed a few combinations of buttons on the keyboard, it had traced Bryn's hacking progress and it was sent directly to him.
"I know this will take a while but Abbey, if you could contact Bryn to tell Master Marik that backup is on their way."
"I could try but I know Bryn wouldn't want me to be involved in his mission…"
"Fair enough, we will assemble the rest. I suspect we need to find help from others as well."
"Kenosha is dangerous enough but if you let my mother and your master do as they want with the CERN, things will be quite chaotic." Carissa blurted out rapidly.
Abbey had to admit her mum had a better sense of teaching her children Kung Fu around three years old. She could fend for herself or even beat up boys in Toronto. "Surely those scientists would care to show some humanity."
Whilst Bryn was hacking, Marik was away for releasing the Mind Slave. He knew it wasn't long until Marik is back. There was a knock, however, that will alarm him. He turned off his laptop and he looked through and peeped. It was Jordan, Kjetil and Jun Yoon.
Bryn opened to see his well-acquainted Rare Hunter friends. "Did someone call for back up service?" Jordan smirked. The South African teen smiled and held out a box, neatly wrapped for Bryn.
"Uh, what on Earth is that?" Bryn scanned for some clues.
"Nothing much… just the Hang Percussion we were talking about." His smile turned into a grin.
"Nothing much? This is everything!" Bryn opened the door wider for them to come on.
"Young Bryn must be busy for Master Marik…" Kjetil cackled. His tattoos were all Bryn remembered.
"Master Marik is making me do all this hacking and I barely had time to sleep at night. Not to mention we did go to Ed Sheeran's concert."
"With the boss?! I'd dig that fun as lucky!" Jordan said. "He would never let anyone do something with him!"
They all entered Marik and Bryn's hotel room and there was a huge distinguishing of two people living in one room, of those items, belong to whose as Bryn's clothes were rolled neatly and Marik's were just folded.
"I think Master had a pretty hard time sharing a room with you…"Jun Yoon said.
"Why'd you say that?"
"Anyway, we will be meeting a few others. Odion will be taking Abbey and Carissa to a restaurant where Master will conduct another meeting. Have you managed to walk around Belfast? Kjetil asked.
Bryn glumly shook his head. "I'm afraid not. I can't even go out unless I do some laundry."
"Is he a nightmare to do chores for?" Jordan grinned from ear to ear.
"Yeah, we bumped into him as he was controlling the woman. He said he was going to run an errand on another slave…? Kinda morbid you know, like a shell or a carcass solely controlled by Marik himself…" Jun Yoon pondered.
"Master Marik's morality freaks me out. He is the type that believes in 'Do as I say and not as I do,' Kinda guy…" Bryn sighed.
Jordan checked his phone, "One thing about being a Rare Hunter makes me wonder about the crimes we have committed. I mean how many bidding are we commissioned for, and why would Master go to massive lengths in cultivating this organisation. Make me wonder what kind of hell he had experience."
Kjetil sniggered. "When my wife and daughter met him, he was contacting her for guidance. She could talk to the dead and hence talk to him freely with the powers he has."
"Well, I have been to the Shadow Realm and back…" Bryn muttered cynically.
The room was silent but no one asked Bryn how it had happened. Bryn laughed, "Anyway guys we have to meet Master, he doesn't fancy lateness." Bryn grabbed his laptop and Marik's bag.
As they reached downstairs, they entered a lounge at the Stormont Hotel. It was crowded with the gang. Marik was already sitting on an important chair. He glanced into Bryn's way and smirked. He stood on the side as it was a formal meeting and Odion was arriving soon. He could see the new Mind Slaves this time as an old woman and old man with two of their grandchildren.
Everyone wore the official garments, especially when Marik was present. He instructed an anonymous team except for Bryn. "This team will escort the Monk when he is captured in our prison. He is not part of the Rare Hunters, from now on! Zen, you are in charge."
The man nodded and left with his team. It was obvious Bryn wasn't wearing his robe and Marik was annoyed. Bryn hid behind Jordan just as Marik's eye coursed towards him. His earrings dangled and he clasped his Millennium Rod as he was taking charge.
Marik loves to see people squirm, especially grown men. As for Bryn, it's a different story altogether. A few punk-like comrades were actually intimidating as they have a punk like features. Some were well-built guys.
"Now that we are here, shall we commence the meeting? I want all my Rare Hunters to remember that we are three steps ahead of schedule… Ahead of schedule… wait." The young Egyptian teen stood hastily as another comrade made a 'T' sign with his hand and an 'O' sign. This enraptured him, as it had been a while for his organisation to assembled and news of Odion's late arrival stopped him from conducting a smooth meeting.
As Odion entered, Abbey and Carissa stood side by side. The meeting was large enough to earn some public attention but Marik had already taken the precaution of clearing the memories of any potential witness.
Marik smirked impiously as Odion stood by him, as he is the most feared Leader. Bryn realised being this close to Marik wasn't enough. He had to work harder to reach the higher ranks but it seems impossible. Even hacking and duelling must be achieved. The assembly witness Marik's the light binding of the meeting occurred before their eyes.
"Odion, I see you have brought Gissi with you. She remains my prisoner…" Marik hissed. "As I was saying, I want all of you to follow my tracks until I find the real Justus." Bryn glanced at the female next to Abbey. Carissa was named Gissi for a reason. He wasn't sure why that was, but Gissi was meant to be a fate's name, signifying nine.
"Reece and Liam, you two disappoint me…" Marik's voice changed as he addresses unfamiliar men. Bryn watched from afar as the disgruntled leader's eye darted their way.
The two men were timid with trembling form. Bryn whispered in Kjetil's ear, "What did they do wrong?"
"Be quiet young Bryn, they failed in their last mission," Kjetil whispered. With Marik's sharp ears, he turned to his Elite.
"AS TO THEIR FAILURE… IT IS SEMANTICALLY YOUR FAILURE DURING THE NIGHT SIEGE!" The Egyptian teen yelled as one crucial aspect ruined a small plan.
Kjetil stepped forward and bowed to the temperamental fused teen. "What card did not sell?" Marik surprised them with a trivial question. Kjetil managed to silent himself before Marik did.
"Liam reported to the tax office, s-sir…" Reece turned on the Rare Hunter beside him. This mortified assembly witnessed an unprecedented wrath.
"I WILL ABORT YOUR POSITION AND TRANSFER YOU TO A MORE WORTHY POSITION!" Marik strained his voice as he raised his arm with the item to all who feared. Bryn quickly checks his phone, as he knew how to access the database for tax registrations within the underground markets.
"No please not the Shadow Realm…"
The registration was in only three minutes ago and so Bryn yelped. He jumped up with another hand up.
"Excuse me…. Master…. umm… I could fix… that!" Bryn announced and shortly tripped. The assembly laughed at Bryn.
"NO, YOU CAN'T! WHY AREN'T YOU WEARING YOUR ATTIRE LIKE EVERYONE ELSE?" Marik spat. Bryn whimpered, as his fell was hard.
Marik smirked as he began to check Bryn's phone. "Sorry, I wasn't sure if we were going to the Stormont Parliament today." Marik rolled his eye as he saw the reversing process of the tax information being reversed. That's right he is a bloody criminal and he never paid his taxes.
Marik's cold lavender eyes watched as Bryn's phone was doing justice and he still wanted to send Reece to the Shadow Realm. The urge of his obnoxious chuckle became a hysterical laughter. He tightened his grip on his Millennium Rod and channelled the gates of the Shadow Realm as it welcomed the new occupant the dimension. His soul was no longer in his body. Bryn stared at the body.
"Master, I wanted to save him-" Bryn's eyes watered as he didn't know Marik was sneered.
"YOU HAVE DONE ENOUGH! YOU DO NOT NEED TO SHOW COMPASSION TO DISLOYAL FOOLS LIKE REECE!" Marik roared.
Marik huffed, as he wanted to inform all his Rare Hunters to join him in the next task. "So what are we supposed to do?" Bryn shrugged.
Marik ignored him and glanced at his hand. He made a fist as he watched his determination rise. The assembly was irked by Marik's malicious ego. He was eager to announce his plans but not all.
"Now… my Hunters, we have a long journey ahead around this continent. We will be claiming Kenosha as our own. All of Western Europe is ours for the taking!" Marik spat indignantly.
"Master Marik, we will back you up anytime…" Odion approached the boy.
"Of course you all will, while we are protecting the Divine Ka images, Clara remains under my radar."
"Carissa has something to show you…" Odion stepped aside and the prisoner girl came forward to the blond Egyptian boy.
"Could this be the same prisoner that spat on my face earlier…?" Marik smirked savagely. He wrung her fingers in Carissa's neck. Everyone was shocked as to what Marik was doing to her. He grabbed her hair with his free hand and forced her to kneel. Odion showed Marik a file as Abbey passed them to him. Marik released her.
"Oh… Tasara, that wench has information about that CERN… I will not delay any more of this. I will make sure all is completed before we release Pegasus' employees. I guess if we are lucky we could use some of his people to do my bidding…" He glanced at Kjetil and Odion, hoping they'd agree. He growled as they didn't respond. Marik glanced through the papers and strolled back to the chair he was sitting on.
"Odion! Bryn! You two will be joining me… in this short trip…" He glanced at his Older Brother for approval.
"Yes, Master…" Odion bowed whereas, Bryn scratched his head. "How about my mum?"
Marik looked agitatedly at Bryn. "She is a Justus! Do you not comprehend how she is our rival? WELL?!" Marik was clearly agitated with Monk Phi Long and Eon Suharto.
Odion allowed the two female Rare Hunters bow to Marik. Abbey was the first to speak. "Master Marik, I need to be with my mother and rescue my father. May I be of use to you?"
"Abbey… you can't… it's too dangerous…" Bryn whispered. Marik hushed him with his tan hands.
"You and Carissa are to stay with Odion. Bryn and I are still a team. And if any of my Rare Hunters leave, I will know for sure. Failing will not be tolerated!" Marik changed his mind and took Bryn's arm roughly.
He marched out of the room where his Rare Hunters were still inside. Bryn followed as Marik slammed the door behind them.
"WEAR YOUR RARE HUNTER GARMENT NEXT TIME!" He screamed.
"S-sorry Master Marik…" Having the thought of sending more failing Rare Hunters to the Shadow Realm, Bryn was not one of them. Marik cared for Bryn way too much.
Marik took off his own robe and handed it to Bryn. It revealed a purple skivvy and Bryn thought Marik looked pretty slick. "All is forgiven Bryn, wear this as the five of us journey around Western Europe. I'm much like to see a castle first before we leave for Germany." Marik smirked and made Bryn smile as he wore Marik's robe.
"Oh, I think I get it, I am meant to use the information Carissa had given to me to trace that Justus dude. I mean surely this is going to be difficult. Most of my data have been congested and filled with your… AGH!"
"Bryn… surely you can't be protesting about your hacking abilities… I need to expand Rare Hunters no matter what. I need you to… uh…"
"Master that looks like your hungry face…" Bryn read Marik's famish face. Shortly after, his stomach spoke for him. WAAHOO. Marik chuckled at his own dilemma.
"Let's get something to eat."
"How about the assembly?" Bryn giggled.
"Yes, that too… I will need to dismiss them, won't we?"
"Yeah but how about the guy you sent to the S.R?" Bryn huffed.
Marik smirked and grabbed his Millennium Rod as he was reminded of that satisfying event. "I just love tormenting them… every demise that fool deserves is just what I needed for me to eat a large meal. Hearing more of their screams and-"
"Okay Master, I get it, you like sending people to the Shadow Realm. Just one thing, I still have not seen your real sadistic side…"
Marik reopened the door and the crowd bowing again. Much like an army, the men that serve under the blond Egyptian blew Bryn away as he felt intimidated. He is still the youngest boy in the crew. Marik was back to his stern. He paced to the soulless body and stood on the body.
"I want you all to maximise civil disobedience tonight! Kidnap any potential threat, any authority and civilians that may stand in my way!"
"YES MASTER!" The men replied. Bryn hid behind Marik and whispered, "Yes Master…" in case he had to conform.
"Will every pound we can collect and reign havoc undetected by the Government!"
The Leader has his ways, and so he kicked the body as though it was a doll, and it may as well be. He kicked again and heard the satisfying thump. He was conveying a clear message to them without a word. It was the inevitable consequence of failing. Bryn shut his eyes while Marik started abusing the body.
"You may all leave…" Marik nonchalantly announced.
Odion, Abbey and Carissa remained, as they are needed valuable assets for the upcoming events.
"We shall have brunch as…" He sighed, wondering how much time he had left to leave. Bryn followed his Master until he realised he wasn't ready to leave. He stopped.
"What is it?" Marik growled.
"There is CCTV everywhere, it does mean we are being watched…." Bryn pointed to the corner where the camera was installed. Marik looked closer and then he grabbed an iron bar from the fireplace of the hotel function room. He then hurled the object at the seemingly harmless object and the camera shattered.
Marik went over to the camera and stomped on the object. He picked up the remaining objects and threw it into the fireplace. The match on top of the windowpane was a give away as he took one out and set alight the fireplace.
He knew it was final but Bryn was still standing nervously like a lost child. Marik squatted down and smiled.
"I will look after you Bryn…" For some reason, Bryn missed his mom and he wished that Kenosha were not a complicated task. Clearly Monk Phi Long is not to be trusted anymore. "I will also use my Millennium Rod on those who test me."
"Yikes… I wouldn't want to test you, Master Marik…" Bryn bit his lips hard.
"No, you wouldn't… therefore with your pledge of loyalty, now with your utmost loyalty to me, you have something I want…" Marik suddenly raised his arm with his Millennium Rod and his other hand-wringing around the child's neck.
"W-what are y-you talking-" Poor Bryn was choking. The older Egyptian blond boy pushed Bryn backwards.
Marik smirked, "Where is my coffee?"
"I didn't know you wanted c-coffee!"
"We shall go and have breakfast, we are not in a hurry. However, I really want to take out the Eon… He will pay!" Marik growled as hatred fuelled his eyes.
"Okay Master Marik, you can be a little kinder to me first…"
"Well, that's just peachy… I thought you knew, I left the not for you about my coffee!" Marik sneered.
Marik pulled Bryn up and smirked. "Castle tour… like I promised my little Brynny."
"R-Really?" Bryn beamed.
"Yes! Besides, we will come back to Ireland after this trip but it will make a worthwhile experience as a tourist." The Leader of the Rare Hunters proceeded to the exit and Bryn followed.
The SideCar was not needed so Bryn had to sit behind Marik. They looked at each other and the blond boy smirked. He grasped onto Marik's slim body.
"Master Marik, I don't know how to ride a Motorcycle…" Bryn squeaked
"You just hold on to me and sit still. Don't let go and besides, I will do the rest." Marik chortled.
"Should I be wearing your robe?" Bryn pouted.
"Yes, for punishment… you are to wear this…" Marik was peeved about Bryn's forgetfulness.
He started his engine and off they went. Bryn was clinging to his own life when hugging Marik.
Stormont Castle
As they arrived, Bryn was shaking as Marik parked his Motorcycle outside of the castle. Marik glanced at him as he removed Bryn's arm and patted his shoulder. Marik sighed and grabbed Bryn's robe and took it off. I was his after all. The Irish tourists were massive.
"You are my favourite Rare Hunter to hang around with…" Marik helped Bryn take off his helmet and robe and placed it on top of the Motorcycle.
"I thought Odion was… the only lucky Rare Hunter…" Bryn countered.
"No… between you and I, you're a little baby in my Ranks. Should there be conflict against you from another Rare Hunter such as Odion, I will be the first to confront him…" Marik was frank to the little boy.
"Okay, but what if you decide to take his side?" Bryn pulled a long face.
Marik held his Millennium Rod, "You called this a Popobawa, I called this my Millennium Rod. You feared the Shadows but both of us have entered the gates together. I have punished people for this Item and truth be told as I wield it. A Rare Hunter is build to work together and hence... hence I will know your truth and Odion's truth and synthesise justice for both of you." Marik smiled.
"Master, we may have forgotten an umbrella, or we forgot to check the weather…" Bryn pointed to the ominous thick cloud swirling in.
"Just our luck, Brynny…" Marik took his robe and covered Bryn and him together. He took the boys hand and they both ran inside to castle. The storm came so suddenly; Marik wrung his own blond hair.
Bryn laughed, "Ever wondered if there was a mind behind the weather?"
Marik arched his brow, "No… why?"
"You can control the mind of the weatherman…" Bryn said. Marik's features softened as he smiled at Bryn.
"I-" Odion appeared with Abbey and Carissa. "ODION!" The thirteen-year-old boy saw his brother came in.
"My apologies, sir but Abbey has something to say to Bryn," Odion said apologetically.
"I refuse to let Abbey speak to her brother!" Marik growled. Bryn then ran to Abbey.
"It's about dad!" Abbey said to Bryn.
"What?"
"More people are being killed besides the hostages," Abbey said to Bryn as she held her phone to Bryn's small hands.
Marik grabbed her phone to check and saw citizens of Budapest being slaughtered. All in the hands of Tasara Lilwen Dane, the heinous she had done was beyond reasoning.
"She wants my attention, Odion…" Marik smirked, he scrolled down the article and gave it back to Abbey.
"Your mother, a Séance can speak to the dead, I don't believe this is her work," Marik spoke directly to the pastel haired girl.
She glared at the blond boy. She hated Marik for kidnapping her. "She has her own reasons!"
"Uh, Carissa… Abbey and my dad are under your mum's captivity. Surely there is a reason for her to stop threatening us." Bryn said kindly.
"BRYN YOU WILL NOT SHARE OUR MISSON AGENDA!" Marik yelled. He then pulled Odion to away from them. Bryn was confused why Marik was being agitated.
Odion allowed his little brother yell at him. "ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?! DO YOU THINK I HAD THE MEETING SO THAT EVERYONE WILL ABANDON THEIR PROTOCOL AND JOIN ME?!" Marik pulled his tall brother's ears. Onlookers looked at the two Egyptian brothers, especially Bryn, Abbey and Carissa.
"No Marik…" Odion said consoling his mistakes.
"KEEP THE PASTEL AWAY FROM MY BRYN!" Marik accidentally blurted out.
"Master, this is an urgent matter…"
"AND WHO DO YOU DECIDES WHAT IS AN URGENT MATTER?" Marik was scaring even children that walked past them.
"Do you want us to leave?" Odion asked Marik.
The storm was massive and it didn't matter much now. Marik stared at Odion as his Lavender eyes burned into his dense olive eyes. His eyes were like Bryn's eyes. It was the reason why he trusted only these two.
"No matter, do you see that stopping Kenosha and the White Séance is going to make things difficult?" Marik finally composed himself.
"That is why we are here to assist you," Odion said. Marik nodded and tilted his head.
"I do wonder what this castle is named…" Bryn said to Abbey and Carissa.
"The Stormont Castle bro… Dad had always told us that this is the place where he and his cousin Ruby met. Her daughter Sylvia owns various ports and piers because of the family heirloom." Abbey said quietly. Marik turned to them, still annoyed. He wanted to spend time with Bryn, to be honest. He knew they would get a few short disturbances but not this one.
"Excuse me, are you all for the tour?" The man asked in grey hair. He was old and friendly.
"Aye, sir! We are here to explore this castle." Abbey spoke before Marik objected. Abbey walked up to the counter and paid for all five. Marik marched right up to her.
"Who told you to pay for a tour?" Marik snarled at the girl.
"Master Marik, it is pouring outside. We could tour this castle until the rain stops." Abbey said assertively. Marik reached for his Millennium Rod from his belt.
"Abbey, that the coolest armour I've ever seen!" Bryn jumped. Carissa joined Bryn in surveying the Knight's Armour.
"So, are you an Irish?" Carissa asked Bryn.
"AYE! Although I am also Nepalese…" He saw Marik's fuming expression when they spoke.
"My family does not have a citizenship…"
"Your father… he was a Rare Hunter wasn't he?" Bryn asked daringly. Carissa sadly nodded as Bryn mentioned Darrell who was Marik's former subordinate. Suddenly Carissa felt a force take control of her. She couldn't move as the blond boy stepped slow and calculative steps.
"Well, he stays where he rightfully belongs…" Marik whispered to the eleven-year-old girl as he narrowed his eyes. He instantly made Carissa's eye swell with tears. Marik grabbed her pastel locks cruelly and heard her whimper.
"Marik… Shall we begin the tour?" Marik instantly smiled and turned around as he heard Odion. The young teen nodded and gently released Carissa's hair.
Bryn watched his Boss turn his heels and led Odion to a tiny distance. "Are you okay?" Bryn asked Carissa. Marik could hear them. He checked if they were following and they were.
Carissa stood behind Bryn who was now trying to whisper to her. "Uh, don't mind my Master, I also did just meet him for like less than a week and he's pretty snappy and you know peachy…"
"Are you the youngest Rare Hunter?" Carissa asked.
"Aye, and I really like your hair…" Bryn shyly said. "At least it's not abnormally light and I have some pigmentation. I like the smooth hair though. Even Master Marik's hair is shiny!"
Marik turned around and growled. "If you're going to talk about my hair or now pigmented my blond is… perhaps I will buy you a wig and you can be an identical and abnormal like me…"
Bryn saw his eyes narrow more. He brought his arm out for Bryn as he softened his expression.
"Bryn… tell Odion how we could access Kenosha's Tailgating system." Marik grabbed his arm tightly so that Bryn doesn't talk to Carissa. Abbey walked by her side instead.
The rain subsided and Bryn huffed. "Actually, I never had time to check and I thought we were going to eat something too…"
"I could have sworn, time swooned in for you to spend hours to get ready and yet you've managed to forget your robe." Marik stopped Bryn in his tracks. "I will write it for you if you have troubling recalling those access notes… with my Millennium Rod." Marik's icy lavender eyes gave the little boy chills.
"I think you should stay clear of my mind Master!" Bryn was agitated as his heart skipped.
"Well you seem to forget simple tasks, I merely suggested to help you by speaking to Odion about the hacking system!" Marik said offensively. "Unless you have something to hide!" He shoved the little boy.
"Stop it!" Abbey yelled. She walked over to Bryn.
"Abbey, it's okay…" Bryn whimpered. Marik pointed his Millennium Rod at her.
"Stop whining Bryn! You misunderstood me!" Marik grabbed his chin.
"Marik, our tour has left us…" Odion sighed.
"After this trip, Bryn I want you to sit with me to pass useful information to Odion and I will scribe for you!" Marik almost demanded..
"B-but-"
"We lost the crowd… I'm going to split, Bryn and I will be alone!" Marik dragged Bryn like a reckless child who wants his way. He left Odion and the girls again. Marik loathed so much attention when unnecessary. They stumbled to a chamber with heavy artillery.
"Now Bryn… tell me you did not oversleep and forget that we need to participate in this race to find the real Justus?"
"No Master! Not at all!" Bryn yelled.
"Be silent! I AM SPEAKING! WHAT HAVE YOU GOT TO HIDE?!"
Bryn sighed, "The Tailgating System Master had always been the worse to tamper with Master Marik. From past experiences, my school experienced a lockdown because I accidentally revealed their information to criminals that wanted to destroy the school. It's just not wise to use any Tailgating system master."
"So you're afraid that the Kenosha will invade us Rare Hunters?" He laughed evilly. He raffled Bryn's hair and started pacing up and down.
Bryn then saw a bookshelf that was newly installed. He saw a leathered green book, bind with a title, "The Capitalistic Norse' by Gupta Suharto".
"Don't touch that!" Marik grabbed his hand.
"This guy sounds familiar… s-should we look at the content?" Bryn smiled.
Marik then lifted the book and then realised that it's an open portal to a secret room. The shelf unravelled a passageway with a staircase. Marik raised his thin brow. There were a few flaming torches and Marik glanced up and down.
"I think this is your merit, Bryn… we should head down…" Marik smirked.
"It looks a bit scary down there." Bryn shook his head.
"Yes and I am coming down with you. This book, however, is also a real book so I shall take it as it may be a good lead to finding the real Justus." Marik could see Bryn trembling.
"W-what if there are g-g-ghosts!" Bryn watched as Marik flipped the pages. There were maps and clue. Some of the contents were strange and unheard of.
"Then I can unleash some fools from the Millennium Rod and haunt those ghosts." Marik countered nonchalantly.
"TWO HAUNTING WRONGS DON'T MAKE IT RIGHT!" Bryn yelled. Marik covered the boy's mouth and shushed him. He shut the book and reached for the flaming torch so that Bryn holds one and he holds another.
"Come on, the race begins unofficially. This is the best thing about Undercover, as we do not need to go through that callous monk. We get to lead in our pursuit of this pathetic Justus. Although I would have wished a plan and this was why I wanted you to relay to Odion the Tailgating system. I also think this book holds many clues to his whereabouts." Marik dragged Bryn to the passageway.
As they reached the bottom, there was a creepy woman singing a morbid song. Marik released Bryn and reached for his Millennium Rod and there it revealed nothing more than a boy playing on her laptop.
"Come, Little Children,
I'll Take Thee Away, Into A Land
Of Enchantment
Come, Little Children,
The Time's Come To Play
Here In My Garden
Of Shadows
Follow Sweet Children
I'll Show Thee the Way
Through All The Pain And
The Sorrow
Weep Not Poor Children
For Life Is This Way
Murdering Beauty And
Passions
Hush Now Dear Children
It Must Be This Way
Too Weary Of Life And
Deceptions
Rest Now My Children
For Soon We'll Away
Into The Calm And
The Quiet
Come, Little Children,
I'll Take Thee Away, Into A Land
Of Enchantment
Come, Little Children,
The Time's Come To Play
Here In My Garden
Of Shadows."
Marik chuckled as he saw the boy was merely chilling out to his game. "Bryn it is only a boy playing his game…"
"Yeah and I think we are in the middle of bad company Master Marik…" Bryn latched onto Marik's arm.
"H-hello… umm… welcome to my awesome dungeon!" The boy kept on looking at his laptop instead of Marik and Bryn.
Odion, Abbey and Carissa followed the tour and there were trying to contact Marik. The place was definitely not the usual medieval castle as their Prime Minister lives here.
"So much for splitting, Odion… Sir, would you know how to contact Master Marik without the means of electronic devices?" Abbey was trying to call Bryn but it didn't go through.
"I do, but there is much more we need to find to aid him," Odion said sternly.
"Oh, I see… We are letting Master Marik play with my brother's feelings and demanding the impossible!" Abbey was worried about Bryn.
"No Miss Harkin, we are merely waiting for the Tailgating System from Bryn but he couldn't recall much of it. Master Marik wanted to assist him in accessing his mind but Bryn refused." Odion explained to Abbey.
"The Tailgating System for any organisation is a time bomb for the hacker. No one would use that unless they are sure their access is full proof." Carissa said.
"It is also one that Bryn has to assist Master Marik without hesitation, he will punish those who doesn't comply with his wishes. Bryn could be hiding something from us." Odion said.
"That is not like Bryn… Bryn cares for everyone and he wouldn't turn his back on anyone." Abbey shook her head in denial.
"That is the problem! He is too loyal, does it cross your mind that he is still loyal to Monk Phi Long?" Odion asked her.
Carissa walked passed them to peep out the window. There was a group of Kenosha, including Eon and Clara wearing heavy armoury. They were having a meeting. "Oh my, the Kenosha is about to start looking for their Justus…"
Odion glanced at the lawn. The Kenosha mob was outside.
"This isn't good…" Odion whispered.
"This has to be a joke! What is this, I thought this was a medieval castle!" Marik cackled sarcastically.
"Apparently it is my dad's workplace." The boy said, "I couldn't help but wonder what happens to wanderers without a permit? My name is Emmet O'Leary, my dream is to become the next Taoiseach of Ireland!"
"Oh, just by a simple glance, I don't think you are a leader of any sort, nor will you be one, you fool!" Marik snorted. Bryn was shocked that Marik was rudely insulting the boy.
"That is very accurate of you, guest… but the standards of the Irish Taoiseach doesn't require a strong individual. They just need people with the heart to serve the people and their rights." Emmet shut his laptop.
"Listen, it's the parliament in Dublin connected to Kenosha?" Marik went straight to the chase.
"Perhaps and who might you be?" Emmet asked.
"I'm Namu Rathsi and this is Bunyi Nikrah. We are just exploring the castle but got lost-"
"Did you know that the Criminal Union; Kenosha is outside trying to find the book you're holding?" Emmet pointed to Marik's book.
"So you planted this book for me?" Marik asked puzzlingly. "Are you not going to retrieve it back?"
"Like I care what happens to those goons? Gupta gave that to me as he cheated on this gambling bet. He is a bargaining lad and he also took my pet goat Rudy as well as my Pipe given by my Pops. So yeah, I don't fancy being reminded of his insincerity."
"I appreciate that Emmet…" Marik was still confused. Bryn tapped on his shoulder.
"Ask if he knows his whereabouts, Master Marik," Bryn whispered into Marik's ear.
"Where is Gupta anyway?" Marik asked Emmet.
"If I were a riddled note, I would get my goat back but I gathered someone like you, Namu could use some Sherlock adventure!" Emmet and Bryn then whizzed in laughter. Marik rolled his eyes and flipped through the pages again. The pages were crisp and old but the publish dates were recent. What a mystery!
"We all ought to gather Odion and your sister here!" Marik panicked slightly.
"I'll take care of that Mister R.H, it's time we come clean before I call the guards on trespassers. I don't need anything in return accept to bring Rudy back." Emmet said.
Bryn nudged Marik, "Uh, SNAPS! Looks like your identity has been revealed-"
"I will keep your identity secret if you do me a favour… The trick you guys pulled with the mysterious message got me working on your identity." Emmet beamed.
"AND WHAT FAVOUR IS THAT?!" Marik yelled hostilely as he moved forward to Emmet.
"Come watch a segment of SNL with me!" Emmet chimed innocently.
"WHAT! Marik yelled. "WHAT! Bryn shouted simultaneously.
Emmet shook his head, "I'm kidding mates, don't worry, leave it all to me…"
The tour guide went straight to Odion, Abbey and Carissa. He was somewhat panting from all the stairs that he climbed.
"What is that?" Abbey asked the man.
"Me friend Emmet wants ya to come down to the dungeon. He says it is urgent and your friends are down there too." Abbey looked through the paper and it was a map and a note to go straight to Marik.
As they all followed the guide, they could hear a boy shouting.
It was Eon, "WE SHALL RANSACK THIS CASTLE TO FIND THE REAL JUSTUS!"
"I guess we're surrounded— Mom!" Abbey was shocked to see her mom in Kenosha.
"She's not the real Justus, Miss Abbey…" Odion affirmed Abbey.
As they reached the shelf that was opened, the back, Abbey took Carissa by the hand as though she was her little sister. As Odion followed the guide, he saw Marik and Bryn. Emmett alleyed their heads and then he pushed a sandstone back. It then revealed another chamber.
It was difficult to focus, as there were dim lights. However, Marik realised it was more than a simplistic chamber. It was a gold mining track. It was their pitiful excuse for escape and Marik knew this would help him.
"This will lead you straight to Germany." The pure Irish boy said.
Bryn was so eager to hop into one of the carts. He dashed past Marik and he realised there were only three. "Abbey! Carissa! We can share!" Bryn shouted. Marik gritted his teeth as he aimed his rod at both of the girls, signalling that he and Bryn are together.
Odion took the last cart as the girls hopped into the second one. Marik climbed up the rusty iron cart. "Master, I thought you would like to go alone…"
"NOT IF YOU FALL! IT'S TOO DANGEROUS FOR YOU TO RIDE ALONE!" The blond growled. Bryn felt the pang of embarrassment as Marik sat behind Bryn.
"I can ride this alone you know…" Bryn knew Marik was joking around. His face was like a carved in stone.
Emmet followed Odion as he did promise to help Marik. "We have created enough diversion and sealed off the entry to the dungeon. Going to Germany for this short duration. This mine is two hundred years old. It hasn't been sustained for a while."
"Does that mean we will fall off the tracks!" Marik snapped at Emmet.
Emmet was afraid of the R.H that he knew he isn't the victim he shook his chubby face at the boy. Bryn looked back and then there were the two elderly mind slaves Marik had summoned to accompany them earlier. There was a fourth cart ahead of Bryn. He was afraid that that was the only reason he had called them to be there as a decoy. The cave was eerie and moist. Bats were gliding and screeching, which Abbey, in turn, screeched in response to being frightened.
"We were leaving them as a distraction Bryn…" Marik clarified with a sly smirk. "However… I prefer these two to accompany us."
As the chamber shuts, Bryn unleashed the breaks and Marik freaked out. "BRYN I HAVEN'T UNLEASHED THEIR FRONT BREAKS YET!" His golden staff activated the gleam of light. The old lady pushed the breaks down and their cart began to roll.
"Master, am I driving this thing?" Bryn asked. The cart ascended to the peak like the calm before the storm. Suddenly the cart in front of them dropped and so did their cart.
They both screamed. "AGH!"
"OF COURSE YOU ARE! I HAVE TO CONTROL THESE FOOLS!" Marik screamed. Bryn winced, as he felt hurt by Marik's lashing out. The cart was beginning to roll faster and faster down the slop. The acceleration of the cart sped through, tracing the forbidden tracks.
Bryn wanted to look back but it only earned him a glare from his Egyptian Teen Master. The rattling of the cart stammered and Bryn controlled the speed of the cart with the break he finally realised there was the peddle. Marik was in full concentration as the cart in front of them. The bats started screeching and charging down at them.
Bryn didn't have time to scream as he was concentrating on keeping their cart together. Marik was being a jerk when he was stressed. The tendency of the tracks rattled their lungs.
Marik knew Bryn was struggling with the cart so he grabbed the little hands and turned to him. "WATCH IT BRYN!"
"OKAY!" Bryn wasn't in the mood to talk to anyone. Marik just shook his head in dismay, making sure his lackey crashes the cart and send them overboard via the pits of death.
The long hours of silence in driving the cart slowed down as a small sign said, "THIS IS GERMANY". Marik smirked, as he didn't expect this journey to be right. The two elderly slaves were also slowing down; he glanced from behind as Abbey, Carissa, Odion and Emmet were still around.
Soon Marik used the torch to light one of the night creatures. He hated bats and the track was so tall, the underground was literally another paradise. "DAMN THESE BATS!" Marik yelled as the girls screamed.
As the truck stopped at the end of the line, Emmet ran pass them and knocked on a metal door. This time Marik grew suspicious of the little young Emmet. Bryn realised Emmet were part of another organisation.
"Emmet, are you part of the Samhain Black?" Marik smirked, as Bryn was spot on but not wise. Emmet became agitated. Bryn remembered when Monk Phi Long mentioned Stormont's home-based cult.
"Is that so?" Marik smirked as he inched closer to Emmet. He backhanded the boy as he wanted to eliminate competition. Emmet's left cheek swelled as Bryn tried to stop Marik.
"WAIT MASTER MARIK… UH, SHIT! SAMHAIN BLACKS ARE—" Bryn held Marik tightly. Bryn was afraid of Marik's misunderstanding. Marik shrugged him off harshly.
"How pathetic for a boy to think that he had deceived us, in arriving in Germany, FOOLS!" Emmet groaned as Marik continued to kick him two more times. He was laying on his side as Bryn felt sympathetic to the boy.
Finally, Marik kicked the door down and then he realised he was wrong about Emmet. The hours of cart coasting had been a genuine article. The mining base in Stormont Belfast led to another mining base of Ireland. It leads to a coast of another port.
Bryn remembered this place when he was four. "The base of the Samhain Demon weaves a golden thread through its belly…"
"Emmet, is my Uncle still here? The tall scruffy, man called Harkin, I mean Javier O' Leary? He's married to a woman I have never met. She is a Harkin…" Bryn offered his hands.
"Most possibly he is… He said to let the first Harkin in the port when I see one…" Emmet said. " Ah! Then you must mean Fendi Verda Harkin. That rich woman owns Samhain Black!"
Marik whispered, "Samhain Black… Fendi Verda…" as he learnt about the woman's existence.
"If you go to France, there is a 'slithering' club holding a clue. If you go to Germany, there is a protest for animal rights… uh… holding another clue." The boy offered Bryn a map that was a freshly printed rendition. His face was still swollen from Marik's blow.
"Animal rights?" Abbey overheard them.
"Master Marik, could we go to Germany?" Bryn asked.
Marik glanced at his book and there he saw that Germany has what he wanted. To visit the German State Library he needed time to decide. Still pissed at Emmet, he grasped his hair. "I want to go straight to Germany!"
Bryn looked right and lest as Marik sat alone reading the book. He was in the worse mood and Bryn was afraid of him. Marik was acting rough when reckless. While he was on the launch, Emmet was still mellowing about the kicks that the Egyptian boy had done. Bryn felt sorry for Emmet, he does know his Uncle after all.
"Hey…" Bryn sat on the porch with Emmet.
"Hey, Bryn right…?" Emmet said timidly. Marik possibly had drained his spirit and Bryn could sense his dangerous times.
"Yeah, did my Uncle ever leave a message? He said he was married last year to Aunty Fendi." Bryn only remembered little details of her rebelling his late Harkin, Jameson Harkin. His pops were the brave soul but he had to leave the girl in Spain. The 1960s was struggling with the repercussions of the Cold War so all the infants were unwillingly abundant.
"You look a lot like her, but at the same time… her bounty has increased since Samhain Black started." Emmet showed Bryn something him his wallet. "She is known as the 'Samhain Witch' in Ireland and she is 'Mother Verda' in Spain. Marik kept the book in his bag and he was bothered. So much for the race, he could get those clues thanks to Emmet.
Suddenly there was sudden from the horizon and an explosion. It was a Zooka shot from Ireland. Marik saw that the next shot aimed directly surrounding their boundary. "BRYN WATCH OUT!" The Egyptian teen blocked him.
As it blasted, Marik shielded Bryn while holding on to the railings. He knew he was letting Emmet loose but luckily Bryn got him. The launch tilted, causing a massive tide.
Odion got the two girls safe, as the force was not strong enough to capsize the launch. As it was almost stilled, Odion jumped onto the engine room and drove the boat fast.
Marik dragged Bryn and Emmet along to the interior of the launch and there they saw it was the Kenosha. "Well… if it isn't the Kenosha…" Marik hissed. His skivvy was wet and he knew it was time to change them but not quite yet.
"I NEED A ZOOKA TO BLAST THEM BACK!" Marik screamed as felt helpless. He was clearly frustrated.
"Master… Sir… we have the upper hand!" Bryn shouted. Marik looked at him and smiled.
"You're right…" The thirteen years old Egyptian smirked as he unzipped his bag and the Millennium Rod reflected the sunlight.
The blasts then were pointed the other way. It was just a matter of rewiring their thought process. Marik sighed as he looked at Bryn. "You're drenched…" He rolled his eyes.
"So are you…" Bryn stated the obvious.
Marik chuckled as his little Rare Hunter cuddled him. Marik saw the two elderly mind slaves were still bound by a rope, which was assuring enough. Bryn took his laptop out and one song reminded him of this situation.
"No Bryn, no music until we all collect clues and we are not on a mission!" Marik said hastily.
The night was approaching and Odion was still driving the launch that Javier had kept. "Master Marik, did you know, this boat is new?" Bryn smiled.
"No, it's not even ours to keep so why should I ca—"
"Master Marik, Samhain Black doesn't own anything. They are like Robin Hoods. They steal from the rich and give to the poor." Bryn giggled hard.
"WHAT?!" Marik was shocked. Could this launch be his now? He glanced at Odion again and he stood up as Odion was on the upper floor driving the launch.
Marik joined his elder brother, "I need you to increase our pace!"
"I'm doing my best, Marik. More Elites are being contacted for us to follow your lead." Odion said quietly. Marik growled.
"I NEED MORE BACK UP WHEN I AM CLOSER TO BEING THE JUSTUS MYSELF!" Marik yelled. He hadn't calmed yet and he anticipated that the current company had to put up with his ego for the rest of the trip. He ran downstairs again.
"BRYN!" He yelled again. The boy did not know why Marik's tantrum finally sparked.
"Yes, sir…?" Bryn was scared of crossing his Master so he bowed. Marik ignored the manners.
"CALL A CAB FROM BERLIN SO THAT THEY WILL PICK BOTH OF US UP! I NEED IT READY BY THE TIME WE ARE THERE!" Marik stomps out of the launch and needed more time to plan. Before Bryn could utter a formal confirmation. Bryn sighed. Instead of fearing Marik, he was starting to worry about him.
"Master Marik will be fine…" Abbey reassured Bryn.
"I sure hope so…" Bryn used his laptop again to do what Marik had instructed him to do.
Odion realised that they were running out of fuel as they instead have reached Wales. Perhaps there was a mistake and Germany was not the real destination. Marik was stressed as he knocked a table over trying to figure out Emmet's agenda and the book he has with him.
He took off his skivvy as the young Egyptian teen couldn't bear feeling idle. He felt his scarification marks; it didn't help to be reminded of his past. He growled instantly while he threw the top on the floor. There was a washroom; perhaps he should keep the launch after all. Since they are at Wales, he may as well explore the area.
He also found a wick, which means a candle and a match is nearby. He lit the candle and then found that the much-needed bath would help him solve this puzzle. Surprisingly there was hot water. Marik filled the tub with steamy water where the warmth will rejuvenate him.
He glanced at the book and realised something intriguing. While Emmet did offer two options, he failed or deliberately did him a favour. Marik felt charged partially as clues were scattered. Emmet was merely warning them not to settle for second best clues. This did mean Emmet was on their side. He slowly took off his gold choker and massaged his neck. It felt amazing as he felt the clicks from the base of his neck. He took off his armbands, just so he could relax further. Soon he felt his boner rising as the warmth seeped through his tan skin.
He could hear Bryn and the others chatting. Most likely he just hated Emmet and wanted to kick him more. As time proceeded, he ended up having an unprecedented nap.
"Marik that was unfair, I gave you cards and you gave me nothing!" Layla yelled at him. Marik stared at her smugly. The Lavender hair and mustard eyes were just as he remembered the little girl.
"Only Ra knows how the King Yami sent the assassin to murder my father… King Yami the world's hope enslaved up and SENT HIM TO THE SHADOW REALM! I SHALL HAVE MY REVENGE!"
The girl he once knew will be another pawn in the pharaoh's games. All the ones that he trusted were being taken away. Perhaps he should make his revenge quicker. His Lavender eyes burned with fury, the taste of vengeance is sweet. Vengeance is his alone.
"Do you hate the Pharaoh-like I?" Marik said quietly. Layla smiled, "I try to love everyone… even if I were to be an outcast."
"If the theory is true, that I can rescue you from death… I will…"
"You don't get it… wasting your energy on me and finding vengeance is only going to hurt you more. I don't care if we don't meet again." Layla disappeared into the midst of shadows. Marik only wanted to rescue them but perhaps it was a delusion.
"We don't have to be Slaves, Layla! We don't have to submit to the Pharaoh or the prophecies written." When he turned around, there was a strange sound from the echoes from the wall-less void.
The next day Marik felt a rattle as though he was on the train. He opened his eyes as Odion was by his side. "WHERE AM I?!" Marik screamed as he found himself dressed in his Rare Hunter's robe. His Second Command was looking after him all along.
"We are heading to Berlin, sir…" Odion smiled. Then there was another woman by Odion's side. Marik slowly got up to check that Bryn, Abbey, Carissa and Emmet were still around and they were. They were in the adjacent cabin.
"AND WHO IS THIS?" Marik spat. He felt as though the time lapse was out of his control.
"I'm Keren Mizrahi, I'm on the way to Berlin as well to visit the Auschwitz and also a starting my year in." The older teenage girl offered her hand. Marik didn't take her hand.
"Pleasure… Where is Bryn?!" Marik yelled and then Keren smiled at the older Egyptian. She had a classic of Jane Austen on her lap, 'Sense and Sensibility'. Her hair was half tied with a black ribbon. Her attire was lime green of chiffon and evergreen dress. She had a black leather jacket tucked under her back like a cushion. Odion did not respond but instead continued reading with Keren her book. Marik purposely grabbed Odion's hand hard.
"I SAID, WHERE IS BRYN?!" Marik saw his bag from above and reached for the two important items; his Millennium Rod and the book with clues.
"Master Marik, Bryn is with Emmet, Carissa and Abbey. You fell asleep in the Bathtub and we found help by Keren." Odion bowed his head ever so slightly.
"WHY DIDN'T YOU WAKE ME UP?!" Marik panted and realised why he wasn't aware of their change of scenery. He realised that Bryn and Odion ended up making the decision when he was asleep. He was rescued from hypothermia. The risk was too close. Marik stood up quickly as he hated their decision. He opened the door and slammed it. Whatever it was, he wanted to make the real decision.
As he walked past the cabin Bryn and his sister were sleeping. Carissa was still his prisoner. Marik knew he had to take control of this situation again. He slid the door open, hard and fiercely.
He grabbed Bryn by his ear as he screamed, "AHH! Master Marik, you're okay!"
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN?" Marik watched his servant sob.
"You were… not responding... when we arrived so I called help," Bryn hugged Marik and that's when Marik realised Bryn's loyalty was growing.
"What happened?" Marik asked.
"You… we thought you were dying so Odion quickly asked for assistance. He took you out of the bathtub and then we tried to resuscitate you but a girl came by and... " Bryn almost sobbed. "We kept calling you but then the girl that was with Odion helped resuscitate you. She knew a thing or two about helping people. I then cancelled the cab because you weren't responding and Odion said he will look after you and… I feel responsible for this!"
Marik didn't feel too well but that didn't mean he will stop pursuing the man. He embraced his servant finally, which Bryn did not expect his Master to do so. "Bryn, listen to me… what do you mean you are responsible for? What is it you really fear?" Marik looked at him in the eye. The little boy shook his head, frantically, "I CAN'T TELL YOU!"
"What is it?" The Egyptian boy realised his mistake in letting him go and also not telling him the truth about why he pursued him in the first place.
"I can't trust nobody, no one… not even you while you are there to yell at me… I CAN'T! IF YOU KNOW WHAT I KEPT ALL THIS TIME YOU WILL HATE ME!"
Marik saw the worse in Bryn. He had finally appealed his problems. He singles handily wiped the tears of the boy and smiled. "I will never, ever do that Bryn" Marik was concerned that he had repeatedly shown mercy.
While he waited, Bryn took his box out. He knew Monk Phi Long had been crafty and now his Rare Hunter is revealing it. Marik waited for him to explained, at least he didn't care to yell at him. As he patiently waited for Bryn, Bryn trembled hoping that Marik would punish him.
"I'm… really sorry, I have kept this from you and I can't give this to you." Bryn places it back in his pocket. Marik was baffled by his shifty display. Marik growled and then he shoved Bryn.
"That wouldn't be wise of you…" Marik hissed as he grabbed Bryn's neck choking the boy. For some reason, he felt pleasure seeing even Bryn suffer as the boy collapsed on the ground and he mounted on top of the boy. The strength of the Older teenage Egyptian was overpowering Bryn as he started pinching his hand to grab the item. He yanked the item and it made Bryn cough. Marik pulled Bryn's hair and slammed his head against the wall. Bryn was finally rendered into unconsciousness.
Bryn woke up with Marik by his time his Master was comforting him? The boy saw Marik taking hold of the box Monk Phi Long had given him. This resulting in violence had caused Bryn to fear him even more. He whimpered, which caught the Lavender's eyes. "You are a fool to have kept this from me…" Marik spoke smoothly.
"Thank you for being truthful but I'm afraid I may have to show you to the Shadow Realm—"
"NO!" Bryn cried as he hugged Marik. Marik saw that this was the only way for him respect. Marik grabbed his Millennium Rod and placed it back down. As Marik realised he was holding the box that contains special stones. They are the Jasper and Amethyst he was looking for and he now will be able to resurrect Layla.
"I hope you know that I do not tolerate secrets." He opened the box and jiggled them. He pushed Bryn over and kicked him again with no remorse whatsoever. He wanted to make sure Bryn was hurt because of his attempt at betrayal. When all hopes were lost for Bryn, Marik tried to make him speak but this time Bryn prostrated himself.
"Please kill me…" Bryn frightfully said.
"I don't want to send you to the Shadow Realm of kill you… I want to feel ashamed of keeping this from me!" Marik grabbed Bryn's chin. "It hurts you so much that I hope you will regard me as your nightmare..."
"Master Marik… why is Bryn on the ground?" Odion asked.
Marik growled, "...he has something I wanted…"
The Egyptian Boy smirked from ear to ear as he saw that his punishment was final. He could be merciful for this boy, at least he showed him the box. He did betray his Monk Teacher. He tilted his head admiring how he could treat the youngest boy in his rank cruelly. Soon Marik resolved his sadistic tendencies and placed the box on the armrest.
"Now Bryn… we can talk about how disappointing I can be and retrospectively… forgive you for you knew little about the consequences. Come sit here…" Marik suddenly embraced him again with a silly pout making Bryn wonder what was happening. Then Keren walked passed she was reading her book. Meanwhile, Marik turned to her and Odion, they seemed so close already.
"So how do you know the girl?" Marik could see through Odion.
"I have recruited her last week, Sir… I saw that she was helping some sick animals on the internet and Miss Abbey got in contact with her." Odion said to Marik.
"Fair enough… Shall we all head to Germany without another setback?" Marik asked him.
Keren and Odion nodded. As they left, Odion smiled at Keren. "Germany is not that far but you will need some guide to Auschwitz. My Grandparents were there once…" She looked saddened. Odion and Marik looked at each other. Marik did not like the sound of the Holocaust but it was part of a horrendous history. If he needed more time to get to know Keren's past, it would be soon.
Meanwhile, the pair left and Marik whispered in his ear, "Bryn, you don't reckon Odion like that girl, do you?" Bryn shrugged.
"I think Master… Odion is old enough to decide an independent woman like her in our midst. She is sweet you know…" Bryn remembered as She came to aid Marik in his slumber bath. He finally resolved it, until he gets his clues of the lost Justus, he secretly has one beside him, it was Bryn he needed to keep and ensure the Race was a success. His trademark Cheshire cat smirk stretched as he loved how he can control a Union Criminal Syndicate as well as his very one Rare Hunter. It was perfect!