Seconds later, they were out of the Shadow Realm and back in the basement. Joey helped Tori up off the ground and held her in a warm embrace.

"Tori," he whispered. "I thought I'd lost you there." He felt Tori's grip tighten as she buried her face into his shoulder.

"I know- I'm sorry." When he let her go, she went over to Yugi, where she placed a hand on his cheek, below his blackened eye- a reminder of Bakura's threat. A tear rolled down her face as the blue light appeared once again, clearing up the bruise. "Yugi," she said, softly. "I'm so sorry about this." Yugi put up a hand and wiped away her tear.

"It's not your fault, Tori," he replied. "Something like this would have happened, no matter what."

"This wouldn't have happened if I had just stayed with my uncle." Everyone shot her a horrified look.

"Don't you ever think that, Tori!" they cried at the same time. She shook her head to show everyone that she was convinced.

"It's the truth, though. If I had just stayed with Uncle Max..."

"But, if you hadn't gotten away, you wouldn't have met me!" Joey said with a grin. She grinned too, partially because of Yami's silent laughter.

//He's got you there, Bishoujo.//

/*I know- I hate it when he does that.*/

"What about Ryou?" Hikaru asked, kneeling next to the boy. Tori sighed.

"If only Bakura was more like you two... hey! That's it!" She looked over at her companions and grinned. "Come on, let's get him to the Card Shop- I have an idea!"

Once they got back to the shop, Yami and Hikaru left to do their part of Tori's plan. While they were waiting, Tori, Yugi and Joey filled everyone in on what happened- Ryou was still out of it. Ten minutes later, Yami and Hikaru returned- they had gone up to Tori's room shortly after arriving home, but neither they nor Tori would tell why.

"I never knew there were so many places to hide in the Shadow Realm," muttered Yami as he and Hikaru dragged someone, a tied up someone, in through the door. All but Tori looked confused by the third party's presence.

"Great you got him!" Tori said, standing.

"Not in the best of moods, but yes, we found him," Hikaru replied.

"Then lets get started!" Tori said. They cleared some of the furniture out of the way to give her room. "This is gonna take everything I've got, maybe more," she continued, then looked at her family and friends. "If I should pass out or something, just give me a few minutes and I'll be fine." Joey shot her a concerned look.

"What are you planning to do, Tori?" he asked. She shook her head and smiled.

"Don't worry about me," she said, planting a kiss on his cheek. "I'll be all right. Okay- Yami, Hikaru: put him there, next to Ryou- leave some space for me in between." The spirits did as they were told, even though their "friend" was muttering something in Egyptian- Tori had a feeling it wasn't good.

"What now, Bishoujo?" asked Yami. Tori looked over at him and gave a weak smile.

"Now we see if this works."

Tori then took her place, kneeling between the two bodies. She put on hand over Ryou and the other over the second person. She then closed her eyes- as a green light came from her palms, she began to chant.

"Spirit of Evil, with darkness running through- You force me to call upon powers of truth. I can not change you, that is sure- But I can see to it you will hurt this boy no more. This soul you share, with the boy at my side- no longer a tormentor, but now as his guide. Guide him true, guide him well- disobey and feel the wrath of my spell."

Seconds after finishing her chant Tori fell foreword on to the floor, out like a light. As she did so, Ryou woke up.

"Wha...?" he asked, sitting up. "Where am I?" He looked at the girl beside him. "Tori? Oh goodness- what happened?" Then, his eyes shifted to the person... the spirit next to her. "Bakura! What have you done to her?" Bakura got up off the floor, scowling as Yami cut his hands free.

"I've done nothing to that girl," he said, glaring at Yami. "But what has she done to me?" Yami smiled.

"She's made sure that you won't be able to use Ryou against his will any longer," came the reply. "The spell she just cast is one that will torture you if you even think about trying." His smile widened. "The spirits of the Millennium Items are here to guide and protect their aibou's- Tori is making sure you do that." Bakura let out another growl as he looked over at Hikaru.

"It would be your aibou who pulled something like this!" he yelled. "Just as you did all those years ago!" Teá looked at Hikaru.

"What is he talking about?" Hikaru smiled.

"I placed a spell on him" she replied. "One that caused him terrible pain whenever he tried to steal from anyone. It almost cost me my life, but it worked just the same." She turned her attention towards Bakura. "As will my Hikari's spell- she will see that you won't hurt this boy any longer." Bakura let out another scowl before retreating into the Millennium Ring- he'd try to deal with this later... much later. Just then, Tori began to stir.

"Did it work?" she asked, getting up on her hands and knees, struggling to do so- it was clear that she was still worn out. "Please tell me it worked." Joey and Ryou rushed to her side and helped her to her feet. "Ryou?" The boy smiled.

"Yes, Tori," he replied. "I am here... and I thank you." Tori gave a weak smile.

"It worked..." Joey then took her in his arms.

"It worked all right, Tori-girl," he said. "Now let's get you to bed." Tori nodded, and whispered something in his ear before fainting again. Joey chuckled, then looked at Yugi.

"She said to make sure the door's locked."