Author's Notes
Peacenikky: Well, I've created Chapter Five for your reading pleasure. But before I get to the fic, let's check on the reviews!
Random Rockstar: Sorry to keep you waiting!
Dragon C. Chan: Aw, thanks!
Crazy Assed Person: Phew! I'm glad I have her strength right.
lily carreon: You got the names right. And you'll just have to wait to find out what she does...
nagareboshi: I'm doing my best to keep up speed in writing these, don't worry!
swiftwind: Well, here's another chapter for ya!
LingXiaoyu: Yeah, what you said was a little confusing... I think I understand, though. I'll do my best about that.
The person who didn't leave a name: Well, here's the fifth chapter!
The other person who didn't leave a name: I'm updating! I'm updating!
Orenji-chan: Well, they won't appear in this fic, but if I do decide to do a sequel, they'll be in there!
Leanna: Hey, there's a review you missed.
Peacenikky: Really? Let me see. Oh, for the love of...
Judi: What is it?
Peacenikky: A flame. Listen: "Rebecca's a freakin' Mary Sue, and you should just go jump off a cliff, you Scarlett O'Hara wannabe!
Judi: WHAT!? Okay, who sent that?
Peacenikky: Hang on... Judi, follow me.
The Authoresses head out to a room just outside of here.
Peacenikky's Voice: AHA! I knew it was you two! Get away from that computer!
Judi's Voice: DIE!!!
After much screaming coming from the other room, the Authoresses walk back into the first room, dragging along a very scuffed up and wet Sharpner and Bakura.
Leanna: So, what are you going to do to them?
Judi: Oh, I've got an idea... Just wait...
Bakura and Sharpner: (Gulp!)
Peacenikky: And now, the disclaimer...
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh!, Dragonball Z, Neiman Marcus, or Aunt Anne's. All I own is Rebecca and these three cards: Warrior of Light, Ninja Queen, and Guardian Angel. Guardian Angel might appear in Murakumo's Isle of Lost Illusions fic. Check it out sometime!
LEGEND: /Hikari to Yami/
//Yami to Hikari//
"Spoken"
'Thoughts'
***Scene Change
Peacenikky: Now, on with Chapter Five! And thanks go out to Tiamat for BETA reading this fic.
CHAPTER FIVE
'Okay, something's definitely up. Rebecca was way too quiet at breakfast this morning. Ryou's acting the same way, and Yugi seemed worried about something. What's going on here?' Gohan thought as the students laughed and clowned around on the bus that would take them to the mall. It seemed that Rebecca and Ryou were the only two not talking to someone. Well, neither was Gohan, but that would soon change.
"Joey! Tristan! Sharpner! If the three of you don't shut up in two seconds, I'm gonna cream you when we get to the mall!" Videl yelled at the three, who were into their forty-fifth verse of 'Ninety-Nine Bottles of Beer on the Wall.' Needless to say, it was grating a lot of people's nerves.
"And I'll help her!" Tea added.
"Okay, okay, don't have a cow." Tristan said.
"We won't sing it anymore." Sharpner said, rolling his eyes.
"Good."
"Oh... I know a song that gets on everybody's nerves, everybody's nerves, everybody's nerves... I know a song that gets on everybody's nerves, and this is how it goes... I know a song that-erk!" Videl had reached over and grabbed Joey and Sharpner's throats, while Tea had a firm grip on Tristan's. Gohan cried out and turned around.
"Hey, Videl, you might want to cut that out before one of the teachers notices!"
"Same with you, Tea." Yugi said.
"Fine, but if these 'songbirds' try anything else, I'll make them regret it!" Videl said as she and Tea released their throats. Meanwhile, Rebecca stared out a window, lost in thought.
'Ryou... I can't believe it. You've suffered so much at the hands of your Yami, and you don't even try to fight back. What am I thinking? I can't fight him either. If I do, he'll reveal my secret to everybody, and he'll only hurt you even more. Maybe I should just give in... No way. I can't give that creep the satisfaction. But how can I stop him? What's his...'
"Hello? Is anyone home? Rebecca, this is Mission Control, do you copy?"
"Oh, sorry Gohan. I guess I was just spacing out there for a second."
"What? Not you, too!" Gohan moved to the empty seat next to Rebecca. "Listen, I know I've said it before, but I'm gonna say it again. There's something up with Ryou and Yugi. Did you see how they were acting during breakfast this morning?"
"Gohan, will you knock it off? You don't know what you're talking about!" Rebecca snapped.
"And is there something you know? Come on, Beck. You shouldn't have to hide anything from me or Videl."
"I know. It's just..." Rebecca looked up at Ryou. The look in his eyes plainly showed Bakura was in control at the moment, and he glared at her. "It's just..."
"Well, what is it?" Videl said impatiently.
"Videl! You were listening in?"
"Well, there wasn't anything else better to do." She said as she sat down in the seat in front of them. "What's going on?"
"It's a long story, you guys. I can't tell it here." Rebecca said, casting another nervous glance at Bakura.
"Don't even think about it." he mouthed. Rebecca sighed and looked back out the window.
"All right! We're at the mall!" Erasa cried. Kaiba, who had been forced to sit next to her, rolled his eyes.
'Girls...'
The students filed out of the bus and were led to the food court.
"Okay students, you have exactly two and a half hours before you have to return here for a head count. Don't talk to strangers, and watch out for pickpockets!" Ms. Katrik said. Nearly all of the students sweatdropped when they heard this.
//'Don't talk to strangers'? 'Watch out for pickpockets'? How old do these teachers think you guys are? Eight?//
/That's the way teachers are, Yami./ Yugi replied. /Come on, the gang and I told the others we'd help them with getting cards of their own. There's a map of the mall a little ways from here./ Yugi was a little slow in getting there, however. The rest of the students had already crowded around the map and because of his height disadvantage, Yugi couldn't see a thing. Fortunately, Joey had been one of the first to get there.
"Okay, it looks like there's a game shop on the second floor. Let's go, everybody!" Unfortunately for the avid players of the game, not all of their protégés were that interested. Erasa had dashed off to Neiman Marcus, dragging Tristan with her, and Sharpner was browsing through a sporting goods store. Yugi had hoped that Kaiba might help, but he had gone off on his own somewhere. Joey shrugged.
"Oh well. It's their loss if they don't want to learn about the game some more."
"Yeah, I guess you're right." Yugi said as the other six teens got on the escalators.
Ryou had been given control of his body again, and he didn't know what Bakura had done to Rebecca. All he knew was that there was some sort of blackmail involved. 'What did he do to her? She was so cheerful yesterday, but now she's so quiet and pensive. I wish I had more control over these things!'
//Don't tell me you're getting feelings for this girl...//
/No, I'm not! Honest! I just want to know what you did to her last night!/
//Now, why would I tell you that?//
/Because it's my body, and I'd like to know what it does from time to time!/
//Are you defying me?// Ryou gulped silently.
/N-no, master. I'm not--/ Ryou yelped as he suddenly got to the top of the escalator and stumbled slightly.
"You might wanna stop spacing out when you're on a moving object, Ryou. Just so ya know." Videl said.
"Okay. Thanks for the tip, Videl."
"No problem." 'Man, Gohan's right. There is something wrong with Ryou. Why did he space out like that for no reason? It doesn't make any sense...'
"Okay, I think the best thing for you three to do is to each get a Starter Deck and one Booster Pack. This way, you'll have your own deck and cards that you can switch with. It'll be easier for you guys to duel this way, and you won't get too confused with all the different cards." Yugi said as they entered the game shop.
"If you say so." Gohan said, picking up a Starter Deck from the shelf. Rebecca and Videl picked out a Booster Pack each.
"Hey Videl, did you get a weird feeling when you picked up your pack?"
"Yeah, like some sort of sense of destiny?"
"That's it exactly, like we were fated to get these specific cards... Man, we must be buying into Yugi's theory of the Heart of the Cards way too much, huh?" Rebecca said, chuckling a little.
"Maybe, but I think there's more to these cards than meets the eye." Videl pointed out. "I mean, you're... well, you know. Shouldn't you be sensing some sort of mystical power or something? I think I am, and I'm just a human kid."
"Shh! Not so loud, Videl! But now that you mention it, I am getting some weird feeling... But I guess we'll never understand until we pay for these."
"Right." The girls both smiled before picking up their Starter Decks and heading to the cash register. Gohan got in line behind them.
"Um, did you two feel anything when you picked..."
"Yeah. You too?"
"Yep. Maybe these cards do have a heart, or something like that."
"Told ya." Yugi said suddenly, popping up next to Gohan.
"Ack! Yugi, don't scare us like that!" Gohan said, placing a hand over his heart.
"Hehe......... Sorry about that."
"Okay, so you might have made your point about feelings and the Heart of the Cards, but there's no proof until we open these packs." Rebecca said as she stepped up to the counter, cash in hand. After the three had paid for their stuff, all seven kids went over to Aunt Anne's for some pretzels and for a place to sit and examine their new cards.
"Okay, time to open these up and see if those feelings we got were justified." Gohan said, flipping his Booster Pack over to the back. He quickly tore open the pack and slipped out the cards. "Let's see here......... Winged Dragon, Guardian of the Fortress......... Magician of Faith......... hey, this one looks cool!"
"What is it?" Tea asked, leaning over to get a better look. The card Gohan held had a picture of a well-muscled man with green eyes and long platinum hair held back in a ponytail. His clothes consisted of a green tank top and pants. He seemed to be exploding with power as he held an energy ball above his head. His attack and defense points were both very impressive. The name of the card read: 'Warrior of Light.'
"I really like this card." Gohan said, smiling. Rebecca opened her pack.
"Okay, I've got a Cyber Shield, Feral Imp, Man-Eating Plant......... Huh. What do you know........." Rebecca held up a card. It had an angel with long cerulean hair with her hands clasped together in front of her. She wore a white sleevless gown, silver chest plate, helmet, and gauntlets. The name of this card was 'Guardian Angel.' Though her stats were somewhat weak, she had a nice magic effect. She was guaranteed to protect one monster card from attack once, then had a fifty percent chance of being able to do it again. "How perfect........."
"Fhut roo you bean?" Joey asked around a mouthful of cinnamon pretzel.
"What?" was the simultaneous reply from the other teens. Joey swallowed.
"I said, 'What do you mean?'" Rebecca turned a slight shade of pink.
"Oh, it's a really obscure inside joke. It's a long story......... you wouldn't understand......... So Videl, what's in your pack?"
"Well, let's see here." Videl tore open her pack. "It looks like I've gotten a Winged Dragon as well......... Hey, look at this one!" Videl held up a card with a young woman on the front. She wore a violet ninja gi, a bandanna that came down to just above her intense purple eyes, and a mask that covered right up to her nose. She held three ornamental daggers in each hand. She had a nice attack power, but a slightly below average defense strength. The card's name was the 'Ninja Queen.' "Hey, you think this card's kind of like me? The strong and mysterious Femme Fatale!"
"Yeah, I guess there is a bit of a resemblance." Gohan said after taking a bite out of his pretzel.
"Um, I'll be right back, you guys..." Rebecca said after finishing off her pretzel. She quickly got up and walked toward the restrooms.
//Hmm... She won't get away from me that easily. You'd better follow her.// Bakura said through his and Ryou's mind link.
/No! I'm not going to help you with what you're doing to her!/
//So you're defying me, are you? Perhaps another trip to the Shadow Realm is in order for you.// Ryou cringed inwardly. //That's right, you remember. Now follow her!//
/Are you sure? I mean, she might just be heading for the powder room. She was going in that--/
//DO IT, OR ELSE!//
/Yes, master.../ Ryou slowly got up.
"Hey guys, I'm going to check out the game shop again. I think I noticed some pieces for Monster World in there. I'll be back in a little while."
"Kay, see ya." Joey said before taking another bite out of his pretzel. Yugi frowned briefly, but said nothing. Ryou walked slowly toward the game shop, which was near the other end of the floor in an attempt to give Rebecca a chance to get back to the table safely.
//You're stalling! I'm going to take over if you don't hurry up!//
/N-no, I'm not stalling!/
//You're lying to me... You're going to pay for that, hikari.....//
Meanwhile, Rebecca leaned against a soda machine near the bathrooms, rubbing her temples. She was on the verge of tears.
'Ryou... He's going to hurt you again, I know it... And I can't do anything about it. My supervisors won't be too happy when they hear about this...' The mission of a guardian angel was clear: protect the one you're assigned to, protect other innocent people if possible, and keep your identity secret. Failure to do so often resulted in a transfer to the Home for Infinite Losers, and Rebecca had already nearly been sent there once before. With her current situation, things didn't look too good for the young angel.
"What am I gonna do? There's got to be some way to stop him..." Rebecca whispered. She looked up and gasped as Bakura stared her down.
"Hello again."
"What do you want?" Rebecca asked, rubbing her index finger along her thumb ring self-consciously, a habit she often fell on whenever she was nervous.
"I just wanted to remind you of our agreement to meet again Friday... Ryou told me there's going to be a dance that night, so I figured we should discuss your agreement to the other part of the bargain afterwards. Got it?" Rebecca sighed before she looked him in the eyes.
"If I do as you say, will you leave Ryou alone? I'm sure he's never done anything to you."
"Why should I do that? I've got no reason to." Bakura smirked evilly. Rebecca looked at him with fire in her eyes.
"Someday, somehow, karma will catch up to you. And when it does, I wish you luck, not that you deserve it." Rebecca began to walk off before Bakura grabbed her wrist.
"I will not be spoken to like that!"
"Well, get used to it, because not everyone is afraid of you. And remember Egypt-boy, we're in public." Rebecca stuck out her tongue childishly before shaking her wrist free and quickly walking off. 'Oh, that was brilliant, girl. Make the evil psychotic spirit angry. Now he'll take it out on Ryou.' Rebecca thought dismally as she went. 'Now I'm going to ride the biggest guilt trip of my life... I'm so sorry, Ryou. I swear I'll stop him soon.' Rebecca wiped away a tear before going back to Aunt Anne's. She had been gone a little too long for her own good.
Meanwhile, Bakura glared at Rebecca's retreating figure before he gave Ryou control over his body again. Ryou sighed and looked at the floor before running back towards Aunt Anne's.
"Rebecca?" Ryou asked nervously. She turned around.
"Yeah, what is it?"
"I'm probably going to get killed for this, but I wanted to say I'm sorry for what my Yami's doing to you. I don't know why you're involved with this mess, but you shouldn't be."
"Ryou, it's okay. Don't feel guilty about it. Look, there's no time to talk about this right here, so we'll have to continue later, okay? Come on, the others are waiting for us."
"Alright, then..." Ryou kept his eyes on the ground as the two walked back toward the small tables where their friends were sitting.
"Well, there you are! I was starting to get worried!" Tea exclaimed.
"Sorry about that."
"So, did you find anything new for Monster World, whatever the heck that is?" Gohan asked
"No, nothing that caught my eye." Ryou said. Tea stood up.
"Well, we've got plenty of time to kill before we have to head back, so why don't we go do some more shopping?" Videl and Rebecca quickly agreed and grabbed their purses. Yugi, Gohan, Joey, and Ryou exchanged looks of resignation before getting up as well.
"So you three, what would you say your favorite card is right now?" Yugi asked as the group headed for an interesting-looking store.
"Oh, mine's definitely the Warrior of Light. It looks like it could really kick some butt!" Gohan said, laughing slightly.
"I'm partial to the Guardian Angel. She may not look like much, but if she can protect my monsters for a turn or two, then it just might be the stalling time I need to draw a winning card." Rebecca chimed in.
"I prefer my Ninja Queen. There's just something about her that seems so fascinating." Videl said. From inside his Soul Room, Bakura listened with great interest.
'So, these young mortals have chosen their favorite cards... This gives me an idea for getting rid of the angel, the pharaoh's hikari, and a chance to get his Millennium Puzzle all at once. All I have to do is wait for the right moment...'
/Yami, I'm getting a bad feeling about Ryou. I think Bakura's back again./ Yugi mentally said.
//I'm afraid you're right Yugi, but there's nothing we can do for now.//
/But Ryou's my friend! I can't sit back and let him get hurt like this!/
//We can't do anything at the moment. I hate this as much as you do, but we have to think before we act.//
/I know, it's just.../
//Don't worry, aibou. We'll stop him, I promise.//
***
After the two and a half hours were up, the kids returned to the food court. After making sure everyone was there, the teachers gave the students half an hour more for shopping before returning to the lodge. When that was over, everyone went back to the bus for the trip back.
"So, where were you for those three hours?" Joey asked, nudging Tristan in the side.
"You know I was with Erasa."
"C'mon man, I need details!"
"Well, tough." Tea sighed.
"They're gonna try to kill each other again, aren't they?"
"Uh-huh..." Yugi replied, keeping an eye on Ryou.
"Are you listening to me?"
"Sorry."
Meanwhile, Gohan was having some thoughts of his own.
'Geez, this thing's been driving me crazy! There is definitely something up with Yugi and Ryou, and I've got a feeling that Beck's gotten involved somehow. I don't like this... Some way, some how, I've got to find out what those two are hiding. I won't stop until I do.'
Author's Notes
Peacenikky: Well, that was Chapter Five. Hope ya liked it!
Rebecca: Um, what's Judi doing to Sharpner and Bakura?
Peacenikky: Wait a second... What are you doing here?
Rebecca: I was bored.
Peacenikky: Oh.
Judi: Well, to get revenge for that bogus flame these morons sent in, we're gonna have a little fun with them... hehehe...
Peacenikky: Okay, that sounded so wrong...
Judi: Not like that! I'm gonna make them fight each other in a deathmatch!
Bakura: What!? You can't do that!
Judi: Yes I can. I'm the Authoress!
Peacenikky: Co-Authoress, Judi.
Judi: Tomato, to-mah-to.
Leanna: In this corner, we have the ex-tomb robber and all-around creep, Bakura! And in this corner, we have the egotistical loser known as Sharpner! Let's get ready to RUMBLE!
Sharpner: Well, we're not gonna fight.
Bakura: So there, ladies.
Judi: Oh, I'm prepared for that... (pulls out a card) Brain Control! Make these two pinheads fight each other!
A flash of light hits both men. A few moments later, they look at each other and start fighting.
Leanna: Hey! No hitting below the belt! That's a penalty!
Peacenikky: Leanna, this is a wrestling variant, not boxing.
Leanna: Oh.
Judi: Uh oh...
Rebecca: What? I'm enjoying this.
Judi: I just remembered. Brain Control only lasts for one turn.
Peacenikky: And in our world, how long is that?
Sharpner: Hey! What the heck am I doing?
Bakura: You two will pay for making us your puppets!
Leanna: Oh dear...
Peacenikky: Peace, love, and marshmallow bunnies, y'all! Bye! (Runs off to grab a decent shield)
Peacenikky: Well, I've created Chapter Five for your reading pleasure. But before I get to the fic, let's check on the reviews!
Random Rockstar: Sorry to keep you waiting!
Dragon C. Chan: Aw, thanks!
Crazy Assed Person: Phew! I'm glad I have her strength right.
lily carreon: You got the names right. And you'll just have to wait to find out what she does...
nagareboshi: I'm doing my best to keep up speed in writing these, don't worry!
swiftwind: Well, here's another chapter for ya!
LingXiaoyu: Yeah, what you said was a little confusing... I think I understand, though. I'll do my best about that.
The person who didn't leave a name: Well, here's the fifth chapter!
The other person who didn't leave a name: I'm updating! I'm updating!
Orenji-chan: Well, they won't appear in this fic, but if I do decide to do a sequel, they'll be in there!
Leanna: Hey, there's a review you missed.
Peacenikky: Really? Let me see. Oh, for the love of...
Judi: What is it?
Peacenikky: A flame. Listen: "Rebecca's a freakin' Mary Sue, and you should just go jump off a cliff, you Scarlett O'Hara wannabe!
Judi: WHAT!? Okay, who sent that?
Peacenikky: Hang on... Judi, follow me.
The Authoresses head out to a room just outside of here.
Peacenikky's Voice: AHA! I knew it was you two! Get away from that computer!
Judi's Voice: DIE!!!
After much screaming coming from the other room, the Authoresses walk back into the first room, dragging along a very scuffed up and wet Sharpner and Bakura.
Leanna: So, what are you going to do to them?
Judi: Oh, I've got an idea... Just wait...
Bakura and Sharpner: (Gulp!)
Peacenikky: And now, the disclaimer...
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh!, Dragonball Z, Neiman Marcus, or Aunt Anne's. All I own is Rebecca and these three cards: Warrior of Light, Ninja Queen, and Guardian Angel. Guardian Angel might appear in Murakumo's Isle of Lost Illusions fic. Check it out sometime!
LEGEND: /Hikari to Yami/
//Yami to Hikari//
"Spoken"
'Thoughts'
***Scene Change
Peacenikky: Now, on with Chapter Five! And thanks go out to Tiamat for BETA reading this fic.
CHAPTER FIVE
'Okay, something's definitely up. Rebecca was way too quiet at breakfast this morning. Ryou's acting the same way, and Yugi seemed worried about something. What's going on here?' Gohan thought as the students laughed and clowned around on the bus that would take them to the mall. It seemed that Rebecca and Ryou were the only two not talking to someone. Well, neither was Gohan, but that would soon change.
"Joey! Tristan! Sharpner! If the three of you don't shut up in two seconds, I'm gonna cream you when we get to the mall!" Videl yelled at the three, who were into their forty-fifth verse of 'Ninety-Nine Bottles of Beer on the Wall.' Needless to say, it was grating a lot of people's nerves.
"And I'll help her!" Tea added.
"Okay, okay, don't have a cow." Tristan said.
"We won't sing it anymore." Sharpner said, rolling his eyes.
"Good."
"Oh... I know a song that gets on everybody's nerves, everybody's nerves, everybody's nerves... I know a song that gets on everybody's nerves, and this is how it goes... I know a song that-erk!" Videl had reached over and grabbed Joey and Sharpner's throats, while Tea had a firm grip on Tristan's. Gohan cried out and turned around.
"Hey, Videl, you might want to cut that out before one of the teachers notices!"
"Same with you, Tea." Yugi said.
"Fine, but if these 'songbirds' try anything else, I'll make them regret it!" Videl said as she and Tea released their throats. Meanwhile, Rebecca stared out a window, lost in thought.
'Ryou... I can't believe it. You've suffered so much at the hands of your Yami, and you don't even try to fight back. What am I thinking? I can't fight him either. If I do, he'll reveal my secret to everybody, and he'll only hurt you even more. Maybe I should just give in... No way. I can't give that creep the satisfaction. But how can I stop him? What's his...'
"Hello? Is anyone home? Rebecca, this is Mission Control, do you copy?"
"Oh, sorry Gohan. I guess I was just spacing out there for a second."
"What? Not you, too!" Gohan moved to the empty seat next to Rebecca. "Listen, I know I've said it before, but I'm gonna say it again. There's something up with Ryou and Yugi. Did you see how they were acting during breakfast this morning?"
"Gohan, will you knock it off? You don't know what you're talking about!" Rebecca snapped.
"And is there something you know? Come on, Beck. You shouldn't have to hide anything from me or Videl."
"I know. It's just..." Rebecca looked up at Ryou. The look in his eyes plainly showed Bakura was in control at the moment, and he glared at her. "It's just..."
"Well, what is it?" Videl said impatiently.
"Videl! You were listening in?"
"Well, there wasn't anything else better to do." She said as she sat down in the seat in front of them. "What's going on?"
"It's a long story, you guys. I can't tell it here." Rebecca said, casting another nervous glance at Bakura.
"Don't even think about it." he mouthed. Rebecca sighed and looked back out the window.
"All right! We're at the mall!" Erasa cried. Kaiba, who had been forced to sit next to her, rolled his eyes.
'Girls...'
The students filed out of the bus and were led to the food court.
"Okay students, you have exactly two and a half hours before you have to return here for a head count. Don't talk to strangers, and watch out for pickpockets!" Ms. Katrik said. Nearly all of the students sweatdropped when they heard this.
//'Don't talk to strangers'? 'Watch out for pickpockets'? How old do these teachers think you guys are? Eight?//
/That's the way teachers are, Yami./ Yugi replied. /Come on, the gang and I told the others we'd help them with getting cards of their own. There's a map of the mall a little ways from here./ Yugi was a little slow in getting there, however. The rest of the students had already crowded around the map and because of his height disadvantage, Yugi couldn't see a thing. Fortunately, Joey had been one of the first to get there.
"Okay, it looks like there's a game shop on the second floor. Let's go, everybody!" Unfortunately for the avid players of the game, not all of their protégés were that interested. Erasa had dashed off to Neiman Marcus, dragging Tristan with her, and Sharpner was browsing through a sporting goods store. Yugi had hoped that Kaiba might help, but he had gone off on his own somewhere. Joey shrugged.
"Oh well. It's their loss if they don't want to learn about the game some more."
"Yeah, I guess you're right." Yugi said as the other six teens got on the escalators.
Ryou had been given control of his body again, and he didn't know what Bakura had done to Rebecca. All he knew was that there was some sort of blackmail involved. 'What did he do to her? She was so cheerful yesterday, but now she's so quiet and pensive. I wish I had more control over these things!'
//Don't tell me you're getting feelings for this girl...//
/No, I'm not! Honest! I just want to know what you did to her last night!/
//Now, why would I tell you that?//
/Because it's my body, and I'd like to know what it does from time to time!/
//Are you defying me?// Ryou gulped silently.
/N-no, master. I'm not--/ Ryou yelped as he suddenly got to the top of the escalator and stumbled slightly.
"You might wanna stop spacing out when you're on a moving object, Ryou. Just so ya know." Videl said.
"Okay. Thanks for the tip, Videl."
"No problem." 'Man, Gohan's right. There is something wrong with Ryou. Why did he space out like that for no reason? It doesn't make any sense...'
"Okay, I think the best thing for you three to do is to each get a Starter Deck and one Booster Pack. This way, you'll have your own deck and cards that you can switch with. It'll be easier for you guys to duel this way, and you won't get too confused with all the different cards." Yugi said as they entered the game shop.
"If you say so." Gohan said, picking up a Starter Deck from the shelf. Rebecca and Videl picked out a Booster Pack each.
"Hey Videl, did you get a weird feeling when you picked up your pack?"
"Yeah, like some sort of sense of destiny?"
"That's it exactly, like we were fated to get these specific cards... Man, we must be buying into Yugi's theory of the Heart of the Cards way too much, huh?" Rebecca said, chuckling a little.
"Maybe, but I think there's more to these cards than meets the eye." Videl pointed out. "I mean, you're... well, you know. Shouldn't you be sensing some sort of mystical power or something? I think I am, and I'm just a human kid."
"Shh! Not so loud, Videl! But now that you mention it, I am getting some weird feeling... But I guess we'll never understand until we pay for these."
"Right." The girls both smiled before picking up their Starter Decks and heading to the cash register. Gohan got in line behind them.
"Um, did you two feel anything when you picked..."
"Yeah. You too?"
"Yep. Maybe these cards do have a heart, or something like that."
"Told ya." Yugi said suddenly, popping up next to Gohan.
"Ack! Yugi, don't scare us like that!" Gohan said, placing a hand over his heart.
"Hehe......... Sorry about that."
"Okay, so you might have made your point about feelings and the Heart of the Cards, but there's no proof until we open these packs." Rebecca said as she stepped up to the counter, cash in hand. After the three had paid for their stuff, all seven kids went over to Aunt Anne's for some pretzels and for a place to sit and examine their new cards.
"Okay, time to open these up and see if those feelings we got were justified." Gohan said, flipping his Booster Pack over to the back. He quickly tore open the pack and slipped out the cards. "Let's see here......... Winged Dragon, Guardian of the Fortress......... Magician of Faith......... hey, this one looks cool!"
"What is it?" Tea asked, leaning over to get a better look. The card Gohan held had a picture of a well-muscled man with green eyes and long platinum hair held back in a ponytail. His clothes consisted of a green tank top and pants. He seemed to be exploding with power as he held an energy ball above his head. His attack and defense points were both very impressive. The name of the card read: 'Warrior of Light.'
"I really like this card." Gohan said, smiling. Rebecca opened her pack.
"Okay, I've got a Cyber Shield, Feral Imp, Man-Eating Plant......... Huh. What do you know........." Rebecca held up a card. It had an angel with long cerulean hair with her hands clasped together in front of her. She wore a white sleevless gown, silver chest plate, helmet, and gauntlets. The name of this card was 'Guardian Angel.' Though her stats were somewhat weak, she had a nice magic effect. She was guaranteed to protect one monster card from attack once, then had a fifty percent chance of being able to do it again. "How perfect........."
"Fhut roo you bean?" Joey asked around a mouthful of cinnamon pretzel.
"What?" was the simultaneous reply from the other teens. Joey swallowed.
"I said, 'What do you mean?'" Rebecca turned a slight shade of pink.
"Oh, it's a really obscure inside joke. It's a long story......... you wouldn't understand......... So Videl, what's in your pack?"
"Well, let's see here." Videl tore open her pack. "It looks like I've gotten a Winged Dragon as well......... Hey, look at this one!" Videl held up a card with a young woman on the front. She wore a violet ninja gi, a bandanna that came down to just above her intense purple eyes, and a mask that covered right up to her nose. She held three ornamental daggers in each hand. She had a nice attack power, but a slightly below average defense strength. The card's name was the 'Ninja Queen.' "Hey, you think this card's kind of like me? The strong and mysterious Femme Fatale!"
"Yeah, I guess there is a bit of a resemblance." Gohan said after taking a bite out of his pretzel.
"Um, I'll be right back, you guys..." Rebecca said after finishing off her pretzel. She quickly got up and walked toward the restrooms.
//Hmm... She won't get away from me that easily. You'd better follow her.// Bakura said through his and Ryou's mind link.
/No! I'm not going to help you with what you're doing to her!/
//So you're defying me, are you? Perhaps another trip to the Shadow Realm is in order for you.// Ryou cringed inwardly. //That's right, you remember. Now follow her!//
/Are you sure? I mean, she might just be heading for the powder room. She was going in that--/
//DO IT, OR ELSE!//
/Yes, master.../ Ryou slowly got up.
"Hey guys, I'm going to check out the game shop again. I think I noticed some pieces for Monster World in there. I'll be back in a little while."
"Kay, see ya." Joey said before taking another bite out of his pretzel. Yugi frowned briefly, but said nothing. Ryou walked slowly toward the game shop, which was near the other end of the floor in an attempt to give Rebecca a chance to get back to the table safely.
//You're stalling! I'm going to take over if you don't hurry up!//
/N-no, I'm not stalling!/
//You're lying to me... You're going to pay for that, hikari.....//
Meanwhile, Rebecca leaned against a soda machine near the bathrooms, rubbing her temples. She was on the verge of tears.
'Ryou... He's going to hurt you again, I know it... And I can't do anything about it. My supervisors won't be too happy when they hear about this...' The mission of a guardian angel was clear: protect the one you're assigned to, protect other innocent people if possible, and keep your identity secret. Failure to do so often resulted in a transfer to the Home for Infinite Losers, and Rebecca had already nearly been sent there once before. With her current situation, things didn't look too good for the young angel.
"What am I gonna do? There's got to be some way to stop him..." Rebecca whispered. She looked up and gasped as Bakura stared her down.
"Hello again."
"What do you want?" Rebecca asked, rubbing her index finger along her thumb ring self-consciously, a habit she often fell on whenever she was nervous.
"I just wanted to remind you of our agreement to meet again Friday... Ryou told me there's going to be a dance that night, so I figured we should discuss your agreement to the other part of the bargain afterwards. Got it?" Rebecca sighed before she looked him in the eyes.
"If I do as you say, will you leave Ryou alone? I'm sure he's never done anything to you."
"Why should I do that? I've got no reason to." Bakura smirked evilly. Rebecca looked at him with fire in her eyes.
"Someday, somehow, karma will catch up to you. And when it does, I wish you luck, not that you deserve it." Rebecca began to walk off before Bakura grabbed her wrist.
"I will not be spoken to like that!"
"Well, get used to it, because not everyone is afraid of you. And remember Egypt-boy, we're in public." Rebecca stuck out her tongue childishly before shaking her wrist free and quickly walking off. 'Oh, that was brilliant, girl. Make the evil psychotic spirit angry. Now he'll take it out on Ryou.' Rebecca thought dismally as she went. 'Now I'm going to ride the biggest guilt trip of my life... I'm so sorry, Ryou. I swear I'll stop him soon.' Rebecca wiped away a tear before going back to Aunt Anne's. She had been gone a little too long for her own good.
Meanwhile, Bakura glared at Rebecca's retreating figure before he gave Ryou control over his body again. Ryou sighed and looked at the floor before running back towards Aunt Anne's.
"Rebecca?" Ryou asked nervously. She turned around.
"Yeah, what is it?"
"I'm probably going to get killed for this, but I wanted to say I'm sorry for what my Yami's doing to you. I don't know why you're involved with this mess, but you shouldn't be."
"Ryou, it's okay. Don't feel guilty about it. Look, there's no time to talk about this right here, so we'll have to continue later, okay? Come on, the others are waiting for us."
"Alright, then..." Ryou kept his eyes on the ground as the two walked back toward the small tables where their friends were sitting.
"Well, there you are! I was starting to get worried!" Tea exclaimed.
"Sorry about that."
"So, did you find anything new for Monster World, whatever the heck that is?" Gohan asked
"No, nothing that caught my eye." Ryou said. Tea stood up.
"Well, we've got plenty of time to kill before we have to head back, so why don't we go do some more shopping?" Videl and Rebecca quickly agreed and grabbed their purses. Yugi, Gohan, Joey, and Ryou exchanged looks of resignation before getting up as well.
"So you three, what would you say your favorite card is right now?" Yugi asked as the group headed for an interesting-looking store.
"Oh, mine's definitely the Warrior of Light. It looks like it could really kick some butt!" Gohan said, laughing slightly.
"I'm partial to the Guardian Angel. She may not look like much, but if she can protect my monsters for a turn or two, then it just might be the stalling time I need to draw a winning card." Rebecca chimed in.
"I prefer my Ninja Queen. There's just something about her that seems so fascinating." Videl said. From inside his Soul Room, Bakura listened with great interest.
'So, these young mortals have chosen their favorite cards... This gives me an idea for getting rid of the angel, the pharaoh's hikari, and a chance to get his Millennium Puzzle all at once. All I have to do is wait for the right moment...'
/Yami, I'm getting a bad feeling about Ryou. I think Bakura's back again./ Yugi mentally said.
//I'm afraid you're right Yugi, but there's nothing we can do for now.//
/But Ryou's my friend! I can't sit back and let him get hurt like this!/
//We can't do anything at the moment. I hate this as much as you do, but we have to think before we act.//
/I know, it's just.../
//Don't worry, aibou. We'll stop him, I promise.//
***
After the two and a half hours were up, the kids returned to the food court. After making sure everyone was there, the teachers gave the students half an hour more for shopping before returning to the lodge. When that was over, everyone went back to the bus for the trip back.
"So, where were you for those three hours?" Joey asked, nudging Tristan in the side.
"You know I was with Erasa."
"C'mon man, I need details!"
"Well, tough." Tea sighed.
"They're gonna try to kill each other again, aren't they?"
"Uh-huh..." Yugi replied, keeping an eye on Ryou.
"Are you listening to me?"
"Sorry."
Meanwhile, Gohan was having some thoughts of his own.
'Geez, this thing's been driving me crazy! There is definitely something up with Yugi and Ryou, and I've got a feeling that Beck's gotten involved somehow. I don't like this... Some way, some how, I've got to find out what those two are hiding. I won't stop until I do.'
Author's Notes
Peacenikky: Well, that was Chapter Five. Hope ya liked it!
Rebecca: Um, what's Judi doing to Sharpner and Bakura?
Peacenikky: Wait a second... What are you doing here?
Rebecca: I was bored.
Peacenikky: Oh.
Judi: Well, to get revenge for that bogus flame these morons sent in, we're gonna have a little fun with them... hehehe...
Peacenikky: Okay, that sounded so wrong...
Judi: Not like that! I'm gonna make them fight each other in a deathmatch!
Bakura: What!? You can't do that!
Judi: Yes I can. I'm the Authoress!
Peacenikky: Co-Authoress, Judi.
Judi: Tomato, to-mah-to.
Leanna: In this corner, we have the ex-tomb robber and all-around creep, Bakura! And in this corner, we have the egotistical loser known as Sharpner! Let's get ready to RUMBLE!
Sharpner: Well, we're not gonna fight.
Bakura: So there, ladies.
Judi: Oh, I'm prepared for that... (pulls out a card) Brain Control! Make these two pinheads fight each other!
A flash of light hits both men. A few moments later, they look at each other and start fighting.
Leanna: Hey! No hitting below the belt! That's a penalty!
Peacenikky: Leanna, this is a wrestling variant, not boxing.
Leanna: Oh.
Judi: Uh oh...
Rebecca: What? I'm enjoying this.
Judi: I just remembered. Brain Control only lasts for one turn.
Peacenikky: And in our world, how long is that?
Sharpner: Hey! What the heck am I doing?
Bakura: You two will pay for making us your puppets!
Leanna: Oh dear...
Peacenikky: Peace, love, and marshmallow bunnies, y'all! Bye! (Runs off to grab a decent shield)