The Queen of Water: Thanks so much for the review and I'm glad you did! ^-^

Aqua girl 007: Thanks so much for the review! I'm so glad that makes me feel a little better at ease, and that's what I thought as well as I was reworking that part. ^-^

Alara: You have one more

Oh yes well he's a close friend from work we can leave him alone. Besides he hasn't gotten past a few chapters in the first part. Although I will be nice THANKS BILLY FOR THE REVIEW! Whenever you do get caught up you'll see that. XD
Well I have too many ideas for drawings and can't really decide. So nothing on that end since I can't get started. :\ In other news I've finally decided who I'm cosplaying as come halloween and my next con. SO MUCH PLANNING AND DESIGNING! But let's get a move on! There's something a brewing!

Kiyomi: Feriua doesn't own anything that pertains to Yu-Gi-Oh at all, all rights belong to their rightful owners. She does own her original characters and plot.

~Chapter 35: Taking a Break…For Once~

Alara stretched before shivering as a cold breeze ghosted across her arms. She quickly grabbed the blanket, and pulled it up to her chin before reaching out for the warm body that should be next to her. When she didn't feel anything, but an empty cold bed her head jerked up as she slowly blinked the sleep from her eyes.

"Atem?" Alara questioned the quiet room. Nanu poked her head in the room before jumping on the bed, and greeting her that morning. "Do you know where he went?" She meowed at her as the smell of cooking bacon filled the air. She followed the smell to the kitchen to see Atem working at the stove making bacon and eggs. She quietly moved behind him, and wrapped her arms around his waist as he slightly jumped at the unexpected touch.

"Well good morning," Atem said as he moved the skillet off the heat and turned off it. "Did you sleep well?"

"Perfectly until I woke up since I was cold, and someone wasn't there beside me."

"I'm sorry I thought since you were still out I would make you something to eat, and then come wake you up." After the both of them ate their fill Atem returned home so he could actually change into some regular clothes while Alara changed herself before heading back to the shop.

"Good morning Alara," Solomon greeted. "You seem to be almost glowing today, and in much better spirits."

"Well I'm feeling much better now that I've been able to move past something."

"I'm glad what were you able to move past?"

"Those visions that have been bothering me for the last week."

"Really?" Solomon asked in shock. "Just like that over night?"

"Atem helped me with it."

"I helped with what?" Atem asked as he walked into the room.

"Getting past those visions," Alara answered.

"Oh yea I did."

"What did you do?" Solomon asked.

"I watched it and defended her. I said I would never let what happened actually come to pass."

"Then I'm glad, and I hope everything continues to look up from here."

"So I had an idea for something to do today," Atem said as they walked into the living room.

"Besides trying to balance out my power so I don't hurt anyone."

"Yes I kind of have to convince the party of four about that it first."

"Convince us of what?" The two of them turned around to see Kimi, Sorran, Moru, and Rikku standing there.

"Damn when you did you get here?"

"Like thirty seconds ago now continue," Kimi said as she crossed her arms as Yugi came downstairs.

"Well I know Moru is supposed to teaching Alara what she needs to know to balance her power out. But I was going see if there is any way to push it back until tomorrow. Alara needs a true day off to herself to relax since she hasn't had nice one since back before dealing with that Cerberus. Each and every day something is happening adding to her already high stress level."

"Oh please come on," Rikku said as he rolled his eyes. "You don't think our job is just as stressful trying to make sure she stays alive."

"I never said that. Truly we all need a day to take a breather."

"We can't afford that, and you know it. Have you not been able to sense the growing shadow magic in the air?"

"Of course I have! For Ra's sake it's only one frigging day! I mean we were actually able to accomplish something for once, and good amount of stress has been lifted from her shoulders," Atem said with a growl as he started to raise his voice.

"Well I hate to burst your bubble, Pharaoh, but that's a risk that can't be taken right now!" Rikku snapped as his voice began to rise as well.

"RIKKU SHUT UP!" Kimi yelled as her curiosity rised. "What were you able to accomplish?"

"Those visions that I've been having issues with, I was able to overcome them last night," Alara answered.

"So can you fill us in finally about what was happening? Also how you were able to get past them?"

"What I'm guessing that lead to it there was a battle where something happened that caused me to isolate myself from everyone seeking comforting from the shadows. That led me to be taken over by shadows and change sides. Since in my eyes everyone abandoned me I started to take out my frustration in the form of revenge against you all. The final scene I kept watching over and over was Yugi and Atem were the only remaining people at that moment I hadn't killed yet. They had been captured, and brought to me where I ended up killing them myself." Alara looked at everyone, and saw looks on of shock on their face.

"You killed us?" Yugi questioned.

"Yes, but we're not going into the details," Atem quickly jumped in. "Besides you don't want to know what exactly was said, especially by you Yugi, it wasn't very pretty."

"You're one to speak," Alara mumbled as she fought the smile pulling at her lips.

"I know I…my other self said something bad."

"Wait you know about everything that happened?" Kimi asked.

"Yes I went in through Alara's soul room, and ended up getting pulled into and trapped within the vision with her. I watched it through and I defended her. I said we would never let that happened to her, and try to avoid it at all costs. In turn she was able to fully stand up against her darker side, and hopefully banishing it away for good."

"Well he's right we would do anything in our power to not let that happen. Besides even if you tried to push us away I don't think any of us would let you get too far before we tracked your ass down, and helped you to our fullest ability."

"She's right," Yugi smiled. "No matter what happens we'll always be by your side through thick and think, good and bad until we kick Zorc's and Bakura's ass for good."

"Thanks you guys are the best seriously," Alara smiled.

"Moru?" Kimi questioned as she glanced at him. He looked at her before looking away for a few seconds lost in thought. Finally he nodded with his head with a faint smile.

"Alright I do think a day of relaxing is definitely due. You overcame a great challenge, and I know it will end up helping you in the long run when we start balancing your power tomorrow. That will be a rough and long road in its self, but hopefully you can push through it all before the worst of this hits. Just be ready to work hard in the morning."

"You know I will I don't want to run the risk of anything worse happening than what happened down in the basement," Alara nodded.

"Alright then I'll see everyone tomorrow. Please enjoy your day of rest and relaxation to the fullest, because you never know it may be the last true one for a very long time."

"You've got to be frigging me," Rikku said as he watched Moru leave. "Just like that we blow today off."

"Oh calm down Rikku what happened to my playful brother," Kimi said as she nudged his arm.

"He became more serious when the threats and danger level increased, and all the rumors of what would happen when the dark lord returned started proving true."

"We still have time."

"We seriously don't, the amount of shadow magic is increasing more and more every day. Yet here we sit on our asses doing nothing, and taking days off for stress."

"We're doing the best we can with what we've got."

"There's so much more that could be done!"

"Then go do something Rikku! If you don't want to sit on your ass then go do what you think is right. I agree with Atem and Alara let's take advantage of this while we can."

"Fine if something happens then don't come crying to me!" Rikku yelled. "I just can't believe that you're letting him defend you every time, Alara, instead of you actually standing up for yourself. What'll happen when you stand on the battlefield alone against Zorc? He won't be there to defend you; will you actually stand up for yourself then?"

Alara looked away as he stormed out leaving an awkward silence in the room. His words were like a harsh slap to the face, but it was the truth. Every time something happened Atem was stepping in to defend her, and she just stood back quietly letting it happen. Next time though she would have to step up just like he's done since she'll have to when she has protect her friends from the shadows wrath.

"Okay seriously what's crawled up his ass," Atem commented as he crossed his arms in front of his chest.

"He doesn't want to admit that he's just afraid that something is going to happen that we're not expecting, and we're not going to be ready for it," Kimi sighed as she rubbed her temples. "Also the stress of everything, and the fact the three of us haven't been getting a lot of sleep lately."

"Why?" Alara asked.

"Just like it was mentioned, the more signs of the increase of shadow magic and the fear of what it might start doing. We'll discuss it later you guys should be going out to enjoy your day that you argued so much for. I'm going to take advantage of this as well. First I'm going to track my brother down, and make sure he doesn't do anything reckless then I'm going to get some sleep."

"Well I hope you get plenty of sleep for sure then."

"Oh yea Alara you were talking about going back to the other dimension to check on everything when were you planning on that?"

"Well I guess it all depends on how tomorrow goes. I know I want to get there, and get back soon just in case."

"How long were you planning on going?"

"Well I was thinking about staying a week there which would be two days here. I wouldn't be gone long here, but at the same time I would be there for a while so I can have plenty of time to observe everything."

"That seems like a good amount of time. Is it just you that's going?"

"Atem asked me if he could go so I guess it would be just me and him."

"Actually I wanted to ask about going as well," Yugi commented. "That is if you can transport us all there."

"I might be able to. What do you think Kimi with all three of us gone? I mean I know you guys are really stressed, and your hands are tied up do you think it would be okay if Yugi went as well?"

"I don't think it would be issue, but you know Rikku might have another blow up about this."

"We don't have to tell him," Atem suggested.

"That could make it worse, and might make the others attack us."

"What about creating an illusion of Yugi that shows up periodically that makes it seem like he's still here? Sorran should be able to do that right?"

"I could, but I might have to do a little bit of research to make sure it's done right, and doesn't mess up," Sorran shrugged after a moment of thought. "I could do it randomly with Atem as well so it just makes it seem like you're the only gone. Besides how would they really know if you're not out of town for something or just staying home because you're sick? It's not like they eavesdrop on everything. If they did I think we would be all dead by now."

"Real positive thinking there," Kimi said.

"I'm just making a point. I'm usually pretty hard headed about things like Rikku, but I don't see an issue with it as long as we're careful with what we're doing. Like instead of you leaving in the middle of the day, leave at night when they're less likely to be around."

"Make sense," Alara shrugged. "Alright we'll finish this tomorrow. Kimi if you run into Moru can you ask his opinion, and then I probably know what it'll be, but Rikku's as well."

"Can do, just let me know if anything happens today. I looked forward to not hearing from you today," Kimi said with a wink before heading out followed closely by Sorran.

"So Atem you brought up this grand idea for resting what did you have in mind?"

"Well maybe the movies, the mall, or the arcade. You know just like when everyone hung out in high school. Do you know if Joey and Tristan are working Yugi?"

"I have no idea."

"I mean with them working so much, and with all that we've been dealing with we haven't seen them in forever. I was going to suggest to inviting them along as well."

"Not a bad idea. I'll give them a call." About an hour later everyone greeted each other warmly when they met outside the movie theater.

"Man Alara you're looking much better compare to the last time we saw ya," Joey commented as he gave her a hug.

"Yea you and Atem looked like walking zombies, and you disappeared without a trace," Tristan laughed.

"Really?" Alara questioned as she thought back to the last time she really saw them. "Wait that was right before that water Daemonia attacked. That's right because everything was a little thin between us because how Atem had basically attacked me in the park."

"Thanks for the reminder," Atem mumbled as he winced at the memory, and he felt guilt building in his stomach.

"Hey it's okay. Everything is fine now, and we don't have to worry about anything like that happening again," Alara smiled before she gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"Oh yea definitely back to normal," Joey smirked. Everyone headed inside to watch a movie, and when it ended they headed to the arcade. All along the way they filled Joey and Tristan in on what happened over the course of the past month. They were quite surprised on Alara's experience in the alternate dimension. They had to be calmed down as they were told what happened with Atem, and the damage and pain he almost caused everyone. After spending a couple of hours at the arcade, and having their asses kicked at multiple games by Alara they moved on to mall to browse around. Although in the end they were able to do equal damage back at her.

They were going through one of the stores that reminded Atem of something. It was something he wanted to ask Alara, but he didn't know how she would take it. He had a feeling she might at yell at him, or get really upset about it. There was also the chance she might actually agree so with a deep sigh he decided to go and ahead, and convince her to let him buy something that had looked damn good on her.

"Hey Alara," Atem said grabbing her attention.

"What?" she asked as she looked at him curiously noticing the nervous look on his face.

"Well I saw something that I think would look damn good on you, and I really wanted to get it for you."

"Uh okay what is it?" He stepped around the other side of the rack grabbing the item, and then returning showing it to her.

"Oh you're got to be frigging kidding me," Alara said with shock as she looked at the black corset.

"Uh no, I'm not kidding; it looked really good on you and I liked it. Of course not the dark and creepy killing you, which I didn't like at all." Alara looked between him and the corset as she considered it.

"Alright I'll try it on, and we'll see from there," Alara sighed as she caved in. She grabbed the top from him, and headed towards the dressing room. Atem was impatiently tapping his toe on the ground as he waited for her to come out. She had been in there for a few minutes, and he was starting to wonder if she would ever come out.

"Atem what're you still waiting on?" Yugi asked he came up behind him followed by Joey and Tristan.

"Alara's trying on a corset top I want to get her."

"What why?"

"In the vision her darker half was wearing one, and it looked damn good on her so I really want her to get one," Atem answered as he turned to look at them.

"Oh my god…" Joey and Tristan said as their eyes widened. Yugi did the same as his mouth dropped open. Curiously Atem turned around and saw Alara standing there with the corset on and a faint blush dusting her cheeks.

"Okay this is awkward that not only my boyfriend, but my best friends are staring me down."

"Kind of hard not to when you look so damn good," Tristan commented. Her blush darkened as she crossed arms in front of her chest.

"This is why I'm more comfortable wearing jeans and a t-shirt so guys aren't staring me down like this."

"Please say you'll get it," Atem begged as she dropped her head. "You look amazing in it."

"Fine I'll get," she sighed as she looked up, and blew one of her bangs out of her face. She quickly returned to the dressing room as the boys gave small cheer and a pat on Atem's back.

"I swear you are truly one lucky man Atem," Joey smirked.

"I know," he smiled. "I couldn't ask for anything better."

Alara sipped on her drink as she half listened to the boys talking and making jokes. She looked throughout the food court as she watched everyone doing their own shopping at the nearby stores or eating their lunch. She lightly scratched at her wrist as she felt the small static spark from the bracelet. Just like Rikku and Kimi had made a point of the increasing shadow magic she had been able to sense it as well now that the bracelet was reacting more than usual. She ignored it as she continued scanning the crowd just making sure no one was lurking around that they didn't want to see.

'For once I really want to go out to enjoy myself without some maniac showing up,' Alara thought to herself. She jumped slightly as she looked down to see Atem had grabbed her hand.

"You know if you want to keep your thoughts to yourself you might want to put that barrier back up," he whispered as he smiled at her.

"Sorry I didn't even really think about it, and besides it's not like my thoughts are really a huge secret anyways. I guess I just haven't got used to having more than just Lanea's and my thoughts running in my head."

"I can say the same, but you'll get used it. I'm so used to it with Yugi I normally have to drop the barrier first before I let my thoughts out since mine is up most of the time."

"Do you have one up with me all the time?"

"No I like hearing your voice trickling into my mind at random times like just now."

'Yea well you wouldn't like all of my thoughts,' Alara thought to herself as she made sure to close her connection to Atem first. 'You wouldn't seem so calm and happy if you knew what my future basically holds.' She jumped slightly as she felt another charge from the bracelet, but this time it was a little stronger. She gently rubbed her wrist as she looked around again as she felt her senses go into hyper drive. She had the feeling she was being watched, but she wasn't seeing anyone looking in her direction.

'Alara we might have a problem,' Lanea whispered to her.

'I've kind of figured that, but I see no danger anywhere. I can't do anything if I don't know where this possible threat is coming from, or from whom.'

'I believe what you're looking for is on the second floor balcony behind you.' Alara slowly turned around as her eyes locked on the lone person who was not currently moving. Her eyes narrowed as they locked with the darker eyes staring right at her. The person appeared to let out a chuckle as they stepped back into the crowd blocking him from her sight.

"Ra damn bastard!"

"Alara what's wrong?" She turned back around to see all the boys looking at her with a curious look.

"What're you talking about?"

"We heard what you said, and want to know what's going on," Yugi said. Alara glanced back quickly to see the person hadn't reappeared.

"Let me put it this way we need to leave now," she said as she stood up, and grabbed her bags from under the table. Atem was put on high alert as her heard the urgency in her voice, and knew that someone was here that they didn't want to be.

"Who's here?" Atem asked as he started to look around himself.

"Bakura and I would only be guessing if Malik, Kage, and Kenta are not too far away as well. If there happens to be a fight we need to get to a place where there are less people."

"Good idea," Yugi nodded.

"Man I swear if I see any of them I'm going to lay into them," Joey said as he clenched his hands tightly into fists.

"Joey you might become more harmed than any of us if you tried that. They're using very powerful shadow magic, worse than Battle City, and you don't want to get caught in the middle of it."

"Still if there's anything we can do at all we'll definitely help," Tristan said.

"First we just need to get out of here without attracting too much attention to ourselves or they show back up."

"ALARA!" She turned around as she watched Haruka running towards her. She face palmed and groaned as she wondered why her best friend always had to yell out to her at the worst time possible.

"Now we've had the attention of the whole mall brought toward us," Atem commented.

"I wish you would of told me that you were coming to the mall I could have meet you and we could of hung out."

"I'm sorry Haruka it was a last minute decision, but something has come up. We're actually about to leave," Alara smiled apologetically. Kaiba stopped next to Haruka as he lightly rested a hand on her shoulder, and gave a nod acknowledging her. She returned it with a small smile, and his eyes flickered behind her before settling into a hard glare.

"Mutos," Kaiba grumbled.

"Kaiba," both Yugi and Atem returned. Alara looked between the three of them as they continued to stare each other down.

"Seriously the three of you get the stick out of your asses with each other and move on."

"This coming from the same girl who had her comments and arguments with him," Yugi commented without even looking away.

"Yes, but there were some things that were said, and some things that have happened that allowed me to move on from that."

"Like what?" Atem questioned.

"He showed compassion, and cared about my well-being when I had returned from the other dimension." Everyone looked behind Yugi and Atem to see Joey coughing as Tristan patted him on the back.

"Sorry," Joey said as he waved his hand. "My drink went down the wrong hole when she said that."

"Yes I was concerned when she looked like complete shit," Kaiba jumped in. "Like I told her some of the things she said to me months ago made me start to rethink a lot. Also the fact Haruka has helped me with a lot as well. The only thing I really have to say to you Atem is if I hear that you ever cause her any pain whatsoever, especially to look like she did before; I will personally hunt you down. Then I shall return it tenfold right back."

"I promise I wouldn't ever do anything like that to her," Atem answered a little shocked at Kaiba's threat and defensive actions.

"I'm glad we have such a good understanding." Alara couldn't help the smile that crossed her face, but it didn't last long as she shifted her weight and looked past Haruka. Her eyes widened and her smile immediately dropped before being replaced with a scowl. The man she was staring at her as a devious smile crossed his face, and he lightly waved at her.

"Joey you said you wanted to help me," Alara said quickly.

"Uh I guess," he answered.

"Hold my bags." She tossed her bags in his direction without breaking eye contact with the other man.

"Why do I have to? I thought that was Atem's job!"

"HEY NOW!"

"No he has going to have another job probably in a few seconds."

"What?" Atem asked in confusion as he tried to look around Kaiba to see what she was staring at. She started to make her way towards the man, but stopped as he shook his head and raised his right hand.

"Oh Ra, not this again!" Alara whispered as she watched the gold object in his hand start to glow. She felt herself getting off balance as her mind started to get fuzzy, and she could barely think straight. "Atem get everyone out of here."

"What're you talking about?" He finally got around Kaiba, and locked onto Malik in the distance.

"Get everyone out of here or away from me before I can't control myself anymore and I hurt them." Without her controlling it she watched as her hand rose up, and an orb of light manifested itself.

"Shit!" Atem jumped back as he threw up a shadow shield just as Alara whipped around, and threw the light at them. When it collided it created a small explosion that alerted everyone in the mall before they started to make their way for the exit.

"What the hell why is she attacking us?" Kaiba growled as he moved Haruka behind him.

"It's not her it's Malik controlling her," Atem answered. "Joey, Tristan, Kaiba, and Haruka head for the exit now before she does something more she can't control or may regret later." The four of them took off running for the nearby exit as Yugi and Atem faced down Alara.

"Alara can you hear me?" Yugi asked, but he got no answer. They could see the dead and empty look in her eyes as she threw another orb at them, and Atem easily blocked it.

"She can't hear you she's completely under our control," Bakura laughed as he came up behind her followed closely by Malik.

'Keep stalling them.' Atem heard Alara's weak thoughts in his head.

'What?'

'Pay no attention to me, and just keep stalling them. Their control is not as strong as last time they tried this. Give me a few seconds and I might be able to break this.'

'Keep stalling them,' Atem said to Yugi. He glanced at him with a questioning look before he realized what was happening.

"If she's under your control as much as you say then let's see what you can make her do," Yugi said mocking them.

"With pleasure," Malik as the rod flashed brighter. Alara rushed forward as her spear appeared in her hand. Atem meet her half way as his weapon appeared, and he caught the swing of the spear at his hilt. He threw her spear down, and took a step back as she swung at him again. With ease he caught it again at the hilt as they pushed back, and forth trying to overpower each other.

'Why does she seem stronger than normal?' Atem questioned as he felt his foot slid back slightly. He watched a smirk appear on her face, and he became instantly worried. With a quick flick of her hand she sent another orb in Yugi's direction, and he quickly willed shadows in his direction to protect him. But as they collided Atem realized there was more energy this time in her orb as an explosion sent Yugi flying backwards.

"YUGI!" Atem yelled as he pushed back on the spear again before heading towards the fountain that he landed in.

'YUGI!' Alara grabbed her head as it started to pound, and bright colors start to flash across her vision.

"Malik get her under control!" Bakura growled as he whipped around.

"I'm trying," he said as he pushed more power into the rod. "She's resisting it more than last time!"

"How's that possible? She was completely under your control last time."

"I don't know you tell me!"

"Yugi are you alright?" Atem asked as he dropped to his knees.

"Besides the pounding headache, being soaking wet, and the possibility of having quite a few bruises then I'm just peachy," Yugi answered as he rubbed the back of his head. Atem helped Yugi out of the fountain as they looked at the confusing scene in front of them. Alara was holding her head as Bakura yelled at Malik, and he was furiously shaking the rod in the air.

'One shot to break his grip,' Alara thought as she reached for as much as magic as possible. She felt the bracelet heating up as she gathered more energy than normal.

"Oh shit get down!" Atem yelled as him and Yugi took off for a group of tables, and dived behind them when they saw the bracelet began to glow with so much intensity. Alara swung around following the sound of Bakura and Malik arguing, and released the large blast of magic in their direction. She heard them scream as the pressure on her mind immediately released, and she fell to her knees as the sharp pain returned to her chest before fading the next second.

'Let your true light out, let me out,' a light almost angelic voice said in her head.

"Not yet," Alara gasped as she felt the heavy throbbing in her head start. "Not until I'm confident that I can control it without unnecessary people getting hurt!" She jumped as she felt some one grab her shoulder as she swung her hand around ready to punch whoever it was in the face. She quickly stopped as she saw Atem wincing anticipating the hit, but she immediately dropped her hand.

"Sorry," she mumbled as she slowly stood up, and he helped her.

"You're fine no damage was done."

"I'm sorry Yugi."

"You have nothing to apologize for it wasn't your fault," Yugi smiled gently.

"I'll heal you when this is done," Alara said as she turned towards the two that were still arguing. "I swear I don't see how they've been able to accomplish anything arguing like that." She let out a loud whistle grabbing their attention. "Alright you freaking idiots now that I'm past your mind control let's get down to business."

"Well I hate to bust your bubble, but you won't be fighting us," Bakura said as he slowly backed up, and Malik followed him.

"When the hell will I be able to so I can kick your ass for all the pain and trouble you've put me through."

"All in due time; for now we've brought someone along for you to play with." A loud scream filled the air as a young woman slowly came down one of the hallways. "Have fun!" Bakura and Malik quickly ducked into a shadow portal as the woman started to pick up speed towards them. A dark flame started to sprout from around her before it shot out in their direction.

"Ra damn this Daemonia!" Alara yelled as the flames wrapped around the three of them, and transported them back into the Astralux once again.

Yay another fight is now on our hands!

Kiyomi: That's not supposed to be exciting.

No of course not, but it's quite interesting on somethings we're going to see. I can't wait until next week as always.

Kiyomi: So please favorite/follow/review until then!