To answer the question about rubbing a cat's belly from Dreamy-eyes:
It's mainly male cats you have to watch on this. It's not that they hate it, but think of it this way; the cat thinks you're flirting with him pretty much. You may end up getting the cat, er, "excited" if you rub too long.
And as for my fast updates, as I said I finished this months ago. Just now getting around to posting ;D
Yu-Gi-Oh! characters and everything related is (c) Kazuki Takahashi
"I think she likes you," Honda joked.
"Yeah, what with what your other half coulda done to her, she has to like ya to have been alone," Jounouchi grinned.
"Oh would you two please hush. It was hard enough not to fidget when I came out of my stupor and found her hanging from my arm," the light haired teen said hurriedly.
"Hanging from your arm? I thought she was supporting you while you were dizzy," Honda questioned.
Ryou stopped walking and blinked a few times. "I didn't think of it then, I should have been leaning on her, not the other way around," he made a face then shook his head. "I just want to get home, let's just drop this subject."
"Ok man, if you say so," Honda held up his hands in a defensive manner.
"Eh, you think she lied about what happened?" Jou asked Honda quietly.
"Why would she?"
"One of two reasons, what we're joking about is true or Bakura did something to her."
"For her sake, I really hope it's the first one."
"Me too Honda, me too."
"Or it could have been that she didn't want to scare Ryou by saying Bakura had been around."
"Is there something you would like to say to me? I don't feel comfortable with the whispers," Ryou turned soft eyes back to the two.
"No, nothing," Honda shook his head.
"Sorry, something else was on my mind," Jou waved.
"If you don't mind, I think I can handle it from here. Thanks though," Ryou said as he simply walked off.
"Right, ok, you're welcome..." Jou replied as he and Honda stopped.
"I think he might have heard. Probably is rude of us to whisper about him like that."
"He's just a little out of it, he'll be fine," Jou insisted.
"Head back to the Game shop?"
"Sounds like a plan to me."
Ryou ducked into his home, it was quiet. His younger sister must be out and his parents were never home at this hour. It felt odd to be alone suddenly, like something wasn't quite right. He felt compelled to head back to the Game Shop, but everyone else was there. He didn't wish to mess with them, not at the moment. But he knew what Sarah told him was a lie, but why? Why would she lie? Had he done something to her? This is mainly what bothered him, the uncertainty in his gut. He sighed and retreated to his room. He'd ask her once he got the chance, whenever that might be. If others picked up on the fact she had lied, they might keep her from seeing him. He enjoyed her company, though. Really was fascinating to speak with someone from, well, very far out of town. He got the gist of what Honda and Jou had been talking about. Was it true? She had been hanging on him after all. He was fond of her, but not that way. She was older, anyway. This shouldn't bother him, yet it did. It scared him to death thinking that his other half might have it in for her, and not knowing what he was fully capable of doing didn't help. Later, he would worry about this later. First came homework.
The remainder of the day sped by, once more there was a sort of study group in Yugi's living room. And as per usual, Sarah felt left out. She busied herself with another drawing, she decided to get bold and sketch Jou and Honda, she moved quickly through each image so as to make sure she'd have them done in time. The two were thrilled and promised to repay her somehow.
After dinner Yugi received a phone call, he took the cordless and waved Sarah to his room to listen as well.
"He wants to get to the bottom of this and thinks tonight is as good as any time. However, it's a strange request. Either he spends the night here or the both of us go there," Yugi said.
"Who, I mean, which one?"
"I'm pretty sure it's Ryou talking, no promises that Bakura won't make an appearance."
"We go there," Sarah replied.
"Are you sure? He's home alone for a few days, that might not be the best idea," Yugi warned.
"Well is convincing your Grandfather to allow him to come here easier? We can always say it's somewhere else we're going."
"I was hoping you'd say no," Yugi bit his lip.
"Yugi, I want to know what's going on. Don't you? What about Yami?"
"But Bakura?"
"Look, he's more in touch with his Item than you and Yami, we could use him. I fully understand the risk, but I also know if Bakura has interest others might as well. And Bakura won't allow anyone else to have what he wants, we get him involved and he could make a nice distraction for anyone else that causes trouble. If I don't take a risk, we'll never get to the bottom of this. If it turns out to be worthless, then it all ends. We don't do something this continues until we get an answer. Yami and I had an interesting conversation earlier. I may have nothing to do with anything, I was just in the right place at the right time. That something else is going on, bigger. If it is bigger I want to see if I can get home before something happens. If our worlds learn of one another things will be in chaos for a while. It could turn out good or bad, but if there is some doorway we need to learn if it's two way. Then I can go back and maybe, just maybe it'll set everything straight."
"What... are you talking about?" the teen wrinkled his nose in confusion.
"An over-active imagination and too much Legacy of Kain games. Just, I can't sit here and do nothing. I have to do something, hunt, dig. Uncover what's going on. You understand what it's like, right? To know with all your heart and soul that something has to be done, you may not know why but it pulls you."
"I do," he sighed. "Alright, then." He took a moment before pressing the hold button again. "You still there Ryou?"
"Yes, my that was a long wait," the familiar voice rang through the phone.
"Yeah, I'm sorry. We've decided, we'll meet you there I guess. The next question is will Bakura take advantage of such an opportunity?"
"I don't know, I'm pretty sure he's aware of what's going on. He might not like it but perhaps she can talk him into it."
"We'll see," Yugi said as he turned violet eyes to the woman. "Very well then, we'll meet with you shortly." With that he hung up. "I hope you know what you're doing."
"You, Yami and Ryou will be there. I'm not worrying."
"Ryou can do nothing when Bakura seizes control."
"If expecting it, maybe he can put up a fight and at least be a nagging voice in the back of Bakura's mind. Relax, I understand what I'm doing. It's kind of akin to flirting with death. But it's the only option at the moment, there are persons worse than Bakura."
"Yeah, I guess. I just wish my other half and I were the ones that were better at this right now."
"So do I, but I have to take what I can get."
"I don't know if I should feel insulted or what," Yugi gave a wiry grin as he placed hands on his hips.
"Just go in acting as if nothing is going to happen. I will declare a tickle war if you can't do it on your own."
"Buh! No fair, well I bet Ryou will side with me," Yugi stuck his tongue out.
"And if it's everyone for themselves?"
"Just get ready, I'll go tell Grandpa," Yugi chuckled.
The door opened to reveal Ryou's frame. He smiled softly and stood aside, letting the two figures enter.
"I'm assuming since you are in the same clothing as I saw you in earlier I caught you before showering. Would you care to do so now?"
"If plans are to keep our butts in the house, a shower now is fine," the woman replied.
"I've no plans to leave, I think just being here would work," Ryou replied.
"Kay, I think I saw the bathroom. I wanna get the shower out of the way now," she said before making her way to it, belongings in tow.
"Let me ask you something. What are you trying to accomplish here? Is it baiting me?" Bakura asked as Yugi jumped at the sudden change from Ryou.
"Answers, everyone wants them. And she's going to really start looking for them. She thinks you are the best place to start," the small teen replied.
"I see, she needs me and I need her. This is supposed to be some form of alliance, then?" he chuckled. "Oh but I don't work that way. I work for my means, not for someone else's."
"Bakura, she is willing, how often does that happen? Just go with it, she's not one to double cross."
"And how would you know? This thing is a whole new situation and I can't help but feel she knows more than she's letting on."
"I think she just thinks she knows more. She does have a pretty wild imagination, makes it easier to accept things of the extraordinaire."
"Yugi, I'm not trying to predict her, only keep the possibility in mind that she's the great manipulator in this. She's, odd," Bakura said with a frown. "Why am I taking the time to tell this to you, anyway? You're only here to insure she's not harmed. Very well, I'll play along for now. I don't see why you were so quick to trust her with all that you've seen. But I won't question your actions, just your motives. Or the Pharaoh's actually."
"How do you know she's what you think she is? You just said you think there's more to her than she's letting on. What if that's what she wants you to think?"
"Are you trying to be on the same level as I am little Yugi? Perhaps this conversation has been going on long enough. Let's leave it at this, you have your thoughts and motives and I have mine."
"I'm sorry, I didn't expect him to do anything when she wasn't around," Ryou apologized once he realized what had happened.
"No, it's ok. I fully understood what might transpire if I came. So far so good, I suppose. He is indeed focused on her."
Ryou opened his mouth to say something but stopped, he raised a hand to his chest and blinked a few times, a frown touched his soft features.
"Ryou...?" Yugi questioned as he watched the other teen sit down.
"Something just happened," he said. "Something... left."
"What do you mean le-- oh..." Without another word both teens made a dash for the bathroom.
I felt compelled to draw the curtain back and look out into the bathroom, I don't know why but I did. I tilted my head to see out and immediately clutched the curtain tightly. There, in the room stood Bakura. He was oddly transparent and had an amused look on his face. Ugh, suddenly I regretted having come out here...
"What the hell do you think you are doing?" the woman hissed as fingers curled tightly about the shower curtain.
"Did I not say I would catch you off guard?" he chuckled darkly.
"Pervert," she snapped. "You couldn't have waited just a few minuets later for me to at least be dressed?"
The spirit shook his head. "Where's the fun in that?"
"OH! You're impossible. Damnit, hand me a towel at least," she spat.
The spirit's smile only grew wider as he reached for a towel, his hand passed through without so much as disturbing the fabric.
"I hate you," she stated simply as she narrowed her eyes.
"Really now, I could have sworn that by coming here you meant to meet with me. Well here I am, shall we cut to the chase and open the door to your world?"
"No," she snarled. "Not unless I can get something on."
"I don't think you're in a position to make demands," Bakura raised a brow.
"Open the door!" Ryou pleaded from outside.
"I'd love to, only I'm stuck hiding behind a shower curtain," Sarah replied without taking her eyes off the Tomb Raider.
"This isn't funny, knock it off Bakura," Yugi demanded.
"Don't force me to break the door down to get in," Yami stated after resting control from Yugi.
"I... don't think I locked it. Try the knob if you haven't already," Sarah said.
Ryou turned it and sure enough it opened, he stepped in with his eyes tightly closed. "Please, leave her be."
"Why, she's been leading me along for a while now. It's my turn to have a little fun."
"This is just sick," Yami scowled as he reached for a towel to hand the woman.
"We do things on my terms, remember?" Bakura sneered in return.
"I'm not a happy camper," the woman grumbled as she grabbed her change of clothing and stepped past the three. She made sure she wasn't followed before she dropped the towel and dressed in a bedroom. She emerged and threw the towel at the spirit, still having no corporeal form it passed harmlessly through him and landed on the floor. She crossed her arms and just glared at him, Bakura took a moment more to bask in her glare before he returned to Ryou.
"I've had my fun for now, I'll be nice and let you recover," he chuckled before allowing his host to have total control.
"I am so sorry," Ryou squeaked.
"I kinda asked for that, don't be," she sighed as she reclaimed the towel and hung it up.
"Funny time to ask, but how are sleeping arrangements going to be handled?" Yugi asked, Yami had retreated about the time Bakura did.
"Oh, well there are rooms open with empty beds. Everyone may claim one if they wish. I'll move to my parents' room and one of you can have mine for the night."
"I'm not kicking you out of your room. Could I stay in the one I changed in? Looks like you have a sister."
"I do, and that's fine," Ryou waved.
"Give it some time then try again, Sarah," Yugi offered. He knew how much the woman wanted to get her answers.
Despite it being a school night, the trio stayed up fairly late. Ryou brought out some videos his father had bought in various countries while he traveled, there were a few English titles. While no one actually watched as it played, the movie was still put in. Yugi had fallen asleep and Ryou helped Sarah carry him into his room.
"I'm a bit confused by something," Ryou wrinkled his nose in thought.
"Hrm?" Sarah asked as she looked up from her sketchbook.
"You're never seen without that, are you?" he chuckled.
"Well here, no. Back home yes. Been in a slump, haven't been able to draw until now. Was that your question?" the woman raised a brow.
"No, no it wasn't. I was just wondering why my other side hasn't done a thing since the shower incident. It's odd really, even though we are baiting him and he knows it; why won't he take advantage of it?"
"He did say he likes to be the one in control, perhaps that's why?"
"I suppose, but all these chances and he's done nothing?" the teen cocked his head to the side. "Oh, one more thing I've waited on," he seemed to hesitate for a moment more. "Why did you lie to me earlier? I know full well Bakura had been out. I wasn't dizzy or anything." He finished his statement rather quickly, it wasn't hard to see it was an awkward question for him to ask.
"Why? I didn't want to make you feel bad. I don't blame you for a thing he does, you should know that. Ryou, you're a very kind hearted individual and I know you hate it not knowing what he's doing and what's going on. But I'll be fine, I've done well so far and I'm not worried. I want answers, he can give them to me. And I'll eventually get my answers because most are for questions I'm sure we share."
"Well I guess that explains it. But still the lie hurt."
"I know, I'm sorry. I didn't know which would have been better. At the time the lie seemed good, had a perfect set up for it and everything. What with the leaning and all."
"Yeah, about that..." Ryou trailed off.
"I did it," Sarah said plainly. "I got a bit bold and totally put my trust in him for a while. And nothing happened."
"Heh, wow," Ryou said a bit surprised.
"I don't think he liked it," she laughed. "Took it as me toying with him."
"And you were," Bakura raised a brow.
"Ah, there you are. Fine time to come out," the woman smirked.
"Yes, well, I want to know something. I'm going to be painfully honest with you because I don't quite know what to do with you. Are you aware of what I think of your toying?" he asked.
"I know you think it's annoying. That I'm just trying to be a bitch."
"Well you got that last part correct. Let me tell you something, everyone out there hates me. Even my other half isn't fond of me. And then there you are, toying with me and acting as if we're... pals. That my friend, and I use the term loosely, is possibly the cruelest thing you can do to a person. Coming from me, that's a pretty bad statement. If you hate me, that's fine. But do it honestly. The twerps know I'm not fond of any of them and I don't pretend to be either."
"Look, I admit I am afraid of you but no, I don't hate you."
"Really now?" he chuckled. "And why's that?"
"You want what I want, we have our own reasons though. You've not done anything to make me hate you. Be wary of you, yes. Hate, no."
"Perhaps I could change that," he said with a bit of challenge to his tone.
"Is it that important that everyone hates you? Just once couldn't you accept there is a person who doesn't? I'm not offering an alliance or anything, no. I know you like to work alone and all an alliance would do is ground you, slow you down. I will help you in the manner because it would benefit the both of us. Though I'm pretty damn sure if you have it your way I won't get what I want," she replied levelly.
"If you don't hate me, then tell me, how do you feel about me? So help me if that arm linking was an indication, I'll have nothing of it, whore." Bakura spat.
"I do like you, I won't lie about that. But I'm not here to make anything of it, so don't read too much into it. I know you heard what I told Ryou earlier, when I did that I put all my trust in you. Why did you not break it? And don't give me the crap about you doing things on your own time and when you say so. You had the perfect opportunity to lead me blindly into whatever situation you wanted. Yet, you didn't."
The Spirit of the Ring scowled at the woman and turned away.
"Don't tell me you yourself don't know why," she raised a brow at this startling development. "You don't, do you?" she repeated after a lack of answer.
"Since we're being honest, fine. I'll tell you. As much as I want to do it my way and on my time, I can't. I tried to do that before and I'll be damned if I don't need you. And willing at that. I tried using what I had got from you to find where you came from, I couldn't. You want to know why? Remember the first time I took you and showed you all those images? Every single last one of them and more you didn't see lead to parallel worlds. I want your world, and no matter how hard I try to pin-point it; I still need you. Some are so close in design, I can't tell them apart. But you can."
"Why, then, haven't you tried one of these other worlds to get the information you seek?"
"Because once there, I still need some point to start from. You could provide that, point me in the right direction. I do not wish to get anyone else involved. This doesn't need to become a huge ordeal."
"I don't believe what I'm hearing," the woman said in amazement.
"Don't let it go to your head," Bakura hissed. "I assure you this will be the first, last and only time I ever admit to needing someone."
"But still, you seem to be putting a lot of trust and faith into me."
"You don't think I know this? And it's driving me mad, though if push comes to shove I'll just have to take the long route and just dive in and search myself. I don't want to, normally I'm a very patient person but not at this moment. No the information I seek has never been closer. It tends to have that sort of effect on a person," he chuckled.
"I'll tell you want. Tomorrow we go back to the Shadow Realm and work on this. Deal?"
Bakura scowled, "It's only a deal because I learned there are peek times for viewing, and tomorrow afternoon is best."
"Very well then, shall I meet you in the same place we met today?"
"Yes, you will come to me and not the other way around," the Spirit grinned. "But do you really think the Pharaoh will let me do this?"
"No, I don't. But we're doing it anyway. We'll deal with things as they come," the woman shrugged. "Now shoo, go away so Ryou can get his ass into bed."
"So demanding," the Spirit snorted.
"And I can be persuasive," she gave him a devilish look then moved in quickly to plant a kiss on his cheek. The Spirit hissed and relinquished his hold.
"Wha?" Ryou jumped slightly from the close proximity of the woman.
"I think I just figured out how to make Bakura go away."
"How?" Ryou asked, his face etched with confusion.
"I kissed him," she shrugged.
"Oh," a pause. "Wait, what?" Ryou's eyes about popped out of his skull. "Oh heavens, the arm linking wasn't an innocent gesture," the teen brought a hand to his forehead.
"Relax, Ryou. I'm actually just trying to make nice with your other half. Ok, yes, and bug the crap out of him because I love to do that. Don't take it the wrong way, though. I'm not after you or him," she shook her head.
"Ok, yeah. I really don't know what I'm supposed to say so I'm just going to call it a night. School and all," he muttered as he stood and simply walked off. "Good night."
"Night, sweet dreams and take care," she replied as she got to her feet. The whole thing had taken place with them sitting on the floor in front of the couch.
"Well this is new," Ryou muttered as he closed the door to his parents' room. "I'm so totally confused now," he sighed. The teen turned the lights off and pulled back the covers on the bed, he turned his head to realize he had left the lights on in the other room. A few clicks and the light from under the door vanished, the woman had turned them out for him. He heard her make her way down the hall, a hand on the wall to guide her. A soft click later let him know she had closed the door to his sister's room.
"She's up to something," Bakura called softly.
Ryou spun around, barely able to make out the transparent figure in the dark. "You never speak to me, why are you doing it now?" he hissed in a hushed tone.
"Because for once I am informing you of something that will occur tomorrow. She's taking me home with her," Bakura paused for a moment, a sneer touched his features. "I suddenly hate how I phrased that. And you are coming along, naturally. This is all you need to know," the Spirit said before he vanished.
"Wait! When is she doing this?" Ryou whispered into the darkness, he failed to get an answer.
"Tell anyone and I won't hesitate to take out my frustration on your body," the voice snarled dangerously from inside Ryou's own mind.
Ryou bit his lip and only nodded a reply. What had he gotten himself into? He would remain quiet, though. With luck the woman had some form of plan, he just couldn't see everything coming to an end so soon and... easily.
Sarah was awoken the next morning by Ryou, he apologized but reminded her that if anyone came home while she was asleep, it would be an awkward experience. When the two guys set out for school, she returned to the Game Shop and went right back to bed when Mr. Mutou insisted she did, she could help him later. She pulled herself out of bed again at noon and after getting something to eat, set about dusting higher shelves in the shop.
"Hey, I'm going to meet up with the guys after classes, is that alright?" Sarah asked when she realized what time it was.
"Hrm? Oh, sure. I suppose that would be fine," Mr. Mutou smiled as he looked up from the paper he was reading.
"Alright, thanks. Oh and I ran the dishwasher, everything in it is clean now," she said before heading back to the living quarters. She had bought a large canvas bag earlier, and now had everything she had acquired during her stay in it. Thankfully there was another exit, so she wouldn't have to walk past Mr. Mutou, she'd give herself away with such a large load to carry. She had to hurry, hoping she'd get there before Yugi or the others emerged. Bakura had just passed through the gates when she arrived.
"Well, that answers the 'are you ready' question," the white-haired teen raised a brow. "Now, where did you first arrive here? That is where we'll start."
"An ally near the Game Shop."
"Lead the way, my dear," he said after offering an arm.
She gave him a puzzled look before threading her arm through his. "Oh, so you're playing with me now?"
"Just making sure you don't change your mind, and that we don't look suspicious."
"Right then, come on, before the others emerge and find us. Let's get your information."
My heart was racing, I was finally going home. Well I hope at least, just so long as Bakura needed me I would be fine. Once he didn't need me, well, I didn't want to think about it. I had to loosen my grip on his arm when I realized I was squeezing it. He didn't seem to notice, he just kept walking with me. Ugh, he must think I'm falling for him or something. I don't need him to get that impression. It's not that I'm worried about him returning the feeling, it's that I don't want him to get the wrong impression because of his character. He doesn't strike me a person that would be looking for a life-partner and is bound to get very violent if he thinks I see something in him. If only he could understand it's my fan girl attitude getting the best of me. In my eyes he and everyone else I'd spent these past few days with is a celebrity, and to live among so many at once is very rare. It was starting to get to me, the realization that this was real and I had the perfect chance to meet and make friends with everyone. I guess that's why I'm getting so clingy, testing boundaries and trying to make a lasting impression.
"Here, this is the ally," the woman stopped and pointed.
"Very well then," Bakura nodded as he lead her deep into it. A quick glance around to make sure they were alone gave him the go ahead to shift realms. The woman stumbled a bit, Bakura helped to steady her. "I'll give you a few images to work off, let me know which ones seem closest to where you came from," he requested after unthreading his arm.
"What are you going to do once you get what you want? And how much do you think you'll get?" the woman asked as he began to muster the magic for the task at hand.
"I don't quite know the value of this, but the chance is there and I plan to seize it. It's worth and value can be determined later," he replied simply.
"Ah, so this is just a leap of faith, then? Hold on, that looks good, stop there," she replied.
"Yes, a leap of faith. But I will hold you responsible for any shortcomings," he shot a glance over his shoulder. "Give me a moment, I can pick up similarities in this world and others by use of magic. I'll have it narrowed down again in just a bit," he said.
Sarah watched the shimmering surface of the ring fade into other images rapidly, after a moment Bakura slowed them for her to see.
"Dude, this is going to be hard. All of these show my hometown, different parts of it but it's my town."
"Humph, small town," Bakura scowled.
"Just because it's small doesn't mean you won't get what you want," Sarah shot back as she folded her arms. "But this is going to be tricky, is this all from the same, uh, world or what? Like are you finding more than one door to my home or parallel worlds?"
"They should be the same, I'm getting the same feeling from each of these. I've seen this image before, only slightly different. Watch," he stated as the surface of the floating ring changed to show a similar image of the previous.
"Well, that looks like Downtown Round Rock, but I've never seen that building before. Most of them are brick, stone and wood. We don't have metal towers there..."
"I'll return to the previous set, let me know if anything else works for you."
I watched him go back, he cycled slowly through images of my hometown. Places such as all three schools I attended showed as well as places I shopped at and hung out near. What came next I wasn't expecting, neither was he. While he didn't live where I did, he caught the change instantly.
"The buildings are vastly different here than before, strange that the houses are also closer with less room."
"That's not Texas," the woman blinked.
"Beg your pardon?"
"That's a place about a thousand odd miles from my home. All that we have seen before were places I frequent, that I know. That," she said as she pointed to the image. "Is near Chicago. My boyfriend's home."
Bakura laughed then shook his head before shifting back to the previous set of images. "The urge to refer to you solely has 'Whore' now is strong."
"Just shut up, I already told you I'm not hitting on you," the woman snapped.
"Focus on the task at hand and I will too. I don't ask about something, you don't tell me about it," he commanded.
"Stop there," the woman murmured.
"Why? It looks like a bedroom. This isn't helping your case any."
"It's my bedroom, damnit. And if we're going anywhere that's the best place to pop up at, no one is there right now."
"And how can you tell?"
"We're seeing in from the wall the window is on, see that clock there on the second bed? It reads 1:12pm. It's a school day, no one but me would be home right now. And the room is exactly how I left it that day, my sketchbook laying on the bed. But I thought I went to bed that day," she bit her lip.
"Don't tell me you're having second thoughts?" Bakura growled as he forcefully grabbed the woman by the arm.
"No, I'm not," she grumbled as she freed her arm. "I just don't understand something. I remember going to bed that night, how do we know this isn't going back in time some and I'm going to walk in there and meet myself who is downstairs having lunch?"
"We said we'd deal with things as they happen, now go," Bakura hissed as he shoved the woman forward.
It's mainly male cats you have to watch on this. It's not that they hate it, but think of it this way; the cat thinks you're flirting with him pretty much. You may end up getting the cat, er, "excited" if you rub too long.
And as for my fast updates, as I said I finished this months ago. Just now getting around to posting ;D
Yu-Gi-Oh! characters and everything related is (c) Kazuki Takahashi
"I think she likes you," Honda joked.
"Yeah, what with what your other half coulda done to her, she has to like ya to have been alone," Jounouchi grinned.
"Oh would you two please hush. It was hard enough not to fidget when I came out of my stupor and found her hanging from my arm," the light haired teen said hurriedly.
"Hanging from your arm? I thought she was supporting you while you were dizzy," Honda questioned.
Ryou stopped walking and blinked a few times. "I didn't think of it then, I should have been leaning on her, not the other way around," he made a face then shook his head. "I just want to get home, let's just drop this subject."
"Ok man, if you say so," Honda held up his hands in a defensive manner.
"Eh, you think she lied about what happened?" Jou asked Honda quietly.
"Why would she?"
"One of two reasons, what we're joking about is true or Bakura did something to her."
"For her sake, I really hope it's the first one."
"Me too Honda, me too."
"Or it could have been that she didn't want to scare Ryou by saying Bakura had been around."
"Is there something you would like to say to me? I don't feel comfortable with the whispers," Ryou turned soft eyes back to the two.
"No, nothing," Honda shook his head.
"Sorry, something else was on my mind," Jou waved.
"If you don't mind, I think I can handle it from here. Thanks though," Ryou said as he simply walked off.
"Right, ok, you're welcome..." Jou replied as he and Honda stopped.
"I think he might have heard. Probably is rude of us to whisper about him like that."
"He's just a little out of it, he'll be fine," Jou insisted.
"Head back to the Game shop?"
"Sounds like a plan to me."
Ryou ducked into his home, it was quiet. His younger sister must be out and his parents were never home at this hour. It felt odd to be alone suddenly, like something wasn't quite right. He felt compelled to head back to the Game Shop, but everyone else was there. He didn't wish to mess with them, not at the moment. But he knew what Sarah told him was a lie, but why? Why would she lie? Had he done something to her? This is mainly what bothered him, the uncertainty in his gut. He sighed and retreated to his room. He'd ask her once he got the chance, whenever that might be. If others picked up on the fact she had lied, they might keep her from seeing him. He enjoyed her company, though. Really was fascinating to speak with someone from, well, very far out of town. He got the gist of what Honda and Jou had been talking about. Was it true? She had been hanging on him after all. He was fond of her, but not that way. She was older, anyway. This shouldn't bother him, yet it did. It scared him to death thinking that his other half might have it in for her, and not knowing what he was fully capable of doing didn't help. Later, he would worry about this later. First came homework.
The remainder of the day sped by, once more there was a sort of study group in Yugi's living room. And as per usual, Sarah felt left out. She busied herself with another drawing, she decided to get bold and sketch Jou and Honda, she moved quickly through each image so as to make sure she'd have them done in time. The two were thrilled and promised to repay her somehow.
After dinner Yugi received a phone call, he took the cordless and waved Sarah to his room to listen as well.
"He wants to get to the bottom of this and thinks tonight is as good as any time. However, it's a strange request. Either he spends the night here or the both of us go there," Yugi said.
"Who, I mean, which one?"
"I'm pretty sure it's Ryou talking, no promises that Bakura won't make an appearance."
"We go there," Sarah replied.
"Are you sure? He's home alone for a few days, that might not be the best idea," Yugi warned.
"Well is convincing your Grandfather to allow him to come here easier? We can always say it's somewhere else we're going."
"I was hoping you'd say no," Yugi bit his lip.
"Yugi, I want to know what's going on. Don't you? What about Yami?"
"But Bakura?"
"Look, he's more in touch with his Item than you and Yami, we could use him. I fully understand the risk, but I also know if Bakura has interest others might as well. And Bakura won't allow anyone else to have what he wants, we get him involved and he could make a nice distraction for anyone else that causes trouble. If I don't take a risk, we'll never get to the bottom of this. If it turns out to be worthless, then it all ends. We don't do something this continues until we get an answer. Yami and I had an interesting conversation earlier. I may have nothing to do with anything, I was just in the right place at the right time. That something else is going on, bigger. If it is bigger I want to see if I can get home before something happens. If our worlds learn of one another things will be in chaos for a while. It could turn out good or bad, but if there is some doorway we need to learn if it's two way. Then I can go back and maybe, just maybe it'll set everything straight."
"What... are you talking about?" the teen wrinkled his nose in confusion.
"An over-active imagination and too much Legacy of Kain games. Just, I can't sit here and do nothing. I have to do something, hunt, dig. Uncover what's going on. You understand what it's like, right? To know with all your heart and soul that something has to be done, you may not know why but it pulls you."
"I do," he sighed. "Alright, then." He took a moment before pressing the hold button again. "You still there Ryou?"
"Yes, my that was a long wait," the familiar voice rang through the phone.
"Yeah, I'm sorry. We've decided, we'll meet you there I guess. The next question is will Bakura take advantage of such an opportunity?"
"I don't know, I'm pretty sure he's aware of what's going on. He might not like it but perhaps she can talk him into it."
"We'll see," Yugi said as he turned violet eyes to the woman. "Very well then, we'll meet with you shortly." With that he hung up. "I hope you know what you're doing."
"You, Yami and Ryou will be there. I'm not worrying."
"Ryou can do nothing when Bakura seizes control."
"If expecting it, maybe he can put up a fight and at least be a nagging voice in the back of Bakura's mind. Relax, I understand what I'm doing. It's kind of akin to flirting with death. But it's the only option at the moment, there are persons worse than Bakura."
"Yeah, I guess. I just wish my other half and I were the ones that were better at this right now."
"So do I, but I have to take what I can get."
"I don't know if I should feel insulted or what," Yugi gave a wiry grin as he placed hands on his hips.
"Just go in acting as if nothing is going to happen. I will declare a tickle war if you can't do it on your own."
"Buh! No fair, well I bet Ryou will side with me," Yugi stuck his tongue out.
"And if it's everyone for themselves?"
"Just get ready, I'll go tell Grandpa," Yugi chuckled.
The door opened to reveal Ryou's frame. He smiled softly and stood aside, letting the two figures enter.
"I'm assuming since you are in the same clothing as I saw you in earlier I caught you before showering. Would you care to do so now?"
"If plans are to keep our butts in the house, a shower now is fine," the woman replied.
"I've no plans to leave, I think just being here would work," Ryou replied.
"Kay, I think I saw the bathroom. I wanna get the shower out of the way now," she said before making her way to it, belongings in tow.
"Let me ask you something. What are you trying to accomplish here? Is it baiting me?" Bakura asked as Yugi jumped at the sudden change from Ryou.
"Answers, everyone wants them. And she's going to really start looking for them. She thinks you are the best place to start," the small teen replied.
"I see, she needs me and I need her. This is supposed to be some form of alliance, then?" he chuckled. "Oh but I don't work that way. I work for my means, not for someone else's."
"Bakura, she is willing, how often does that happen? Just go with it, she's not one to double cross."
"And how would you know? This thing is a whole new situation and I can't help but feel she knows more than she's letting on."
"I think she just thinks she knows more. She does have a pretty wild imagination, makes it easier to accept things of the extraordinaire."
"Yugi, I'm not trying to predict her, only keep the possibility in mind that she's the great manipulator in this. She's, odd," Bakura said with a frown. "Why am I taking the time to tell this to you, anyway? You're only here to insure she's not harmed. Very well, I'll play along for now. I don't see why you were so quick to trust her with all that you've seen. But I won't question your actions, just your motives. Or the Pharaoh's actually."
"How do you know she's what you think she is? You just said you think there's more to her than she's letting on. What if that's what she wants you to think?"
"Are you trying to be on the same level as I am little Yugi? Perhaps this conversation has been going on long enough. Let's leave it at this, you have your thoughts and motives and I have mine."
"I'm sorry, I didn't expect him to do anything when she wasn't around," Ryou apologized once he realized what had happened.
"No, it's ok. I fully understood what might transpire if I came. So far so good, I suppose. He is indeed focused on her."
Ryou opened his mouth to say something but stopped, he raised a hand to his chest and blinked a few times, a frown touched his soft features.
"Ryou...?" Yugi questioned as he watched the other teen sit down.
"Something just happened," he said. "Something... left."
"What do you mean le-- oh..." Without another word both teens made a dash for the bathroom.
I felt compelled to draw the curtain back and look out into the bathroom, I don't know why but I did. I tilted my head to see out and immediately clutched the curtain tightly. There, in the room stood Bakura. He was oddly transparent and had an amused look on his face. Ugh, suddenly I regretted having come out here...
"What the hell do you think you are doing?" the woman hissed as fingers curled tightly about the shower curtain.
"Did I not say I would catch you off guard?" he chuckled darkly.
"Pervert," she snapped. "You couldn't have waited just a few minuets later for me to at least be dressed?"
The spirit shook his head. "Where's the fun in that?"
"OH! You're impossible. Damnit, hand me a towel at least," she spat.
The spirit's smile only grew wider as he reached for a towel, his hand passed through without so much as disturbing the fabric.
"I hate you," she stated simply as she narrowed her eyes.
"Really now, I could have sworn that by coming here you meant to meet with me. Well here I am, shall we cut to the chase and open the door to your world?"
"No," she snarled. "Not unless I can get something on."
"I don't think you're in a position to make demands," Bakura raised a brow.
"Open the door!" Ryou pleaded from outside.
"I'd love to, only I'm stuck hiding behind a shower curtain," Sarah replied without taking her eyes off the Tomb Raider.
"This isn't funny, knock it off Bakura," Yugi demanded.
"Don't force me to break the door down to get in," Yami stated after resting control from Yugi.
"I... don't think I locked it. Try the knob if you haven't already," Sarah said.
Ryou turned it and sure enough it opened, he stepped in with his eyes tightly closed. "Please, leave her be."
"Why, she's been leading me along for a while now. It's my turn to have a little fun."
"This is just sick," Yami scowled as he reached for a towel to hand the woman.
"We do things on my terms, remember?" Bakura sneered in return.
"I'm not a happy camper," the woman grumbled as she grabbed her change of clothing and stepped past the three. She made sure she wasn't followed before she dropped the towel and dressed in a bedroom. She emerged and threw the towel at the spirit, still having no corporeal form it passed harmlessly through him and landed on the floor. She crossed her arms and just glared at him, Bakura took a moment more to bask in her glare before he returned to Ryou.
"I've had my fun for now, I'll be nice and let you recover," he chuckled before allowing his host to have total control.
"I am so sorry," Ryou squeaked.
"I kinda asked for that, don't be," she sighed as she reclaimed the towel and hung it up.
"Funny time to ask, but how are sleeping arrangements going to be handled?" Yugi asked, Yami had retreated about the time Bakura did.
"Oh, well there are rooms open with empty beds. Everyone may claim one if they wish. I'll move to my parents' room and one of you can have mine for the night."
"I'm not kicking you out of your room. Could I stay in the one I changed in? Looks like you have a sister."
"I do, and that's fine," Ryou waved.
"Give it some time then try again, Sarah," Yugi offered. He knew how much the woman wanted to get her answers.
Despite it being a school night, the trio stayed up fairly late. Ryou brought out some videos his father had bought in various countries while he traveled, there were a few English titles. While no one actually watched as it played, the movie was still put in. Yugi had fallen asleep and Ryou helped Sarah carry him into his room.
"I'm a bit confused by something," Ryou wrinkled his nose in thought.
"Hrm?" Sarah asked as she looked up from her sketchbook.
"You're never seen without that, are you?" he chuckled.
"Well here, no. Back home yes. Been in a slump, haven't been able to draw until now. Was that your question?" the woman raised a brow.
"No, no it wasn't. I was just wondering why my other side hasn't done a thing since the shower incident. It's odd really, even though we are baiting him and he knows it; why won't he take advantage of it?"
"He did say he likes to be the one in control, perhaps that's why?"
"I suppose, but all these chances and he's done nothing?" the teen cocked his head to the side. "Oh, one more thing I've waited on," he seemed to hesitate for a moment more. "Why did you lie to me earlier? I know full well Bakura had been out. I wasn't dizzy or anything." He finished his statement rather quickly, it wasn't hard to see it was an awkward question for him to ask.
"Why? I didn't want to make you feel bad. I don't blame you for a thing he does, you should know that. Ryou, you're a very kind hearted individual and I know you hate it not knowing what he's doing and what's going on. But I'll be fine, I've done well so far and I'm not worried. I want answers, he can give them to me. And I'll eventually get my answers because most are for questions I'm sure we share."
"Well I guess that explains it. But still the lie hurt."
"I know, I'm sorry. I didn't know which would have been better. At the time the lie seemed good, had a perfect set up for it and everything. What with the leaning and all."
"Yeah, about that..." Ryou trailed off.
"I did it," Sarah said plainly. "I got a bit bold and totally put my trust in him for a while. And nothing happened."
"Heh, wow," Ryou said a bit surprised.
"I don't think he liked it," she laughed. "Took it as me toying with him."
"And you were," Bakura raised a brow.
"Ah, there you are. Fine time to come out," the woman smirked.
"Yes, well, I want to know something. I'm going to be painfully honest with you because I don't quite know what to do with you. Are you aware of what I think of your toying?" he asked.
"I know you think it's annoying. That I'm just trying to be a bitch."
"Well you got that last part correct. Let me tell you something, everyone out there hates me. Even my other half isn't fond of me. And then there you are, toying with me and acting as if we're... pals. That my friend, and I use the term loosely, is possibly the cruelest thing you can do to a person. Coming from me, that's a pretty bad statement. If you hate me, that's fine. But do it honestly. The twerps know I'm not fond of any of them and I don't pretend to be either."
"Look, I admit I am afraid of you but no, I don't hate you."
"Really now?" he chuckled. "And why's that?"
"You want what I want, we have our own reasons though. You've not done anything to make me hate you. Be wary of you, yes. Hate, no."
"Perhaps I could change that," he said with a bit of challenge to his tone.
"Is it that important that everyone hates you? Just once couldn't you accept there is a person who doesn't? I'm not offering an alliance or anything, no. I know you like to work alone and all an alliance would do is ground you, slow you down. I will help you in the manner because it would benefit the both of us. Though I'm pretty damn sure if you have it your way I won't get what I want," she replied levelly.
"If you don't hate me, then tell me, how do you feel about me? So help me if that arm linking was an indication, I'll have nothing of it, whore." Bakura spat.
"I do like you, I won't lie about that. But I'm not here to make anything of it, so don't read too much into it. I know you heard what I told Ryou earlier, when I did that I put all my trust in you. Why did you not break it? And don't give me the crap about you doing things on your own time and when you say so. You had the perfect opportunity to lead me blindly into whatever situation you wanted. Yet, you didn't."
The Spirit of the Ring scowled at the woman and turned away.
"Don't tell me you yourself don't know why," she raised a brow at this startling development. "You don't, do you?" she repeated after a lack of answer.
"Since we're being honest, fine. I'll tell you. As much as I want to do it my way and on my time, I can't. I tried to do that before and I'll be damned if I don't need you. And willing at that. I tried using what I had got from you to find where you came from, I couldn't. You want to know why? Remember the first time I took you and showed you all those images? Every single last one of them and more you didn't see lead to parallel worlds. I want your world, and no matter how hard I try to pin-point it; I still need you. Some are so close in design, I can't tell them apart. But you can."
"Why, then, haven't you tried one of these other worlds to get the information you seek?"
"Because once there, I still need some point to start from. You could provide that, point me in the right direction. I do not wish to get anyone else involved. This doesn't need to become a huge ordeal."
"I don't believe what I'm hearing," the woman said in amazement.
"Don't let it go to your head," Bakura hissed. "I assure you this will be the first, last and only time I ever admit to needing someone."
"But still, you seem to be putting a lot of trust and faith into me."
"You don't think I know this? And it's driving me mad, though if push comes to shove I'll just have to take the long route and just dive in and search myself. I don't want to, normally I'm a very patient person but not at this moment. No the information I seek has never been closer. It tends to have that sort of effect on a person," he chuckled.
"I'll tell you want. Tomorrow we go back to the Shadow Realm and work on this. Deal?"
Bakura scowled, "It's only a deal because I learned there are peek times for viewing, and tomorrow afternoon is best."
"Very well then, shall I meet you in the same place we met today?"
"Yes, you will come to me and not the other way around," the Spirit grinned. "But do you really think the Pharaoh will let me do this?"
"No, I don't. But we're doing it anyway. We'll deal with things as they come," the woman shrugged. "Now shoo, go away so Ryou can get his ass into bed."
"So demanding," the Spirit snorted.
"And I can be persuasive," she gave him a devilish look then moved in quickly to plant a kiss on his cheek. The Spirit hissed and relinquished his hold.
"Wha?" Ryou jumped slightly from the close proximity of the woman.
"I think I just figured out how to make Bakura go away."
"How?" Ryou asked, his face etched with confusion.
"I kissed him," she shrugged.
"Oh," a pause. "Wait, what?" Ryou's eyes about popped out of his skull. "Oh heavens, the arm linking wasn't an innocent gesture," the teen brought a hand to his forehead.
"Relax, Ryou. I'm actually just trying to make nice with your other half. Ok, yes, and bug the crap out of him because I love to do that. Don't take it the wrong way, though. I'm not after you or him," she shook her head.
"Ok, yeah. I really don't know what I'm supposed to say so I'm just going to call it a night. School and all," he muttered as he stood and simply walked off. "Good night."
"Night, sweet dreams and take care," she replied as she got to her feet. The whole thing had taken place with them sitting on the floor in front of the couch.
"Well this is new," Ryou muttered as he closed the door to his parents' room. "I'm so totally confused now," he sighed. The teen turned the lights off and pulled back the covers on the bed, he turned his head to realize he had left the lights on in the other room. A few clicks and the light from under the door vanished, the woman had turned them out for him. He heard her make her way down the hall, a hand on the wall to guide her. A soft click later let him know she had closed the door to his sister's room.
"She's up to something," Bakura called softly.
Ryou spun around, barely able to make out the transparent figure in the dark. "You never speak to me, why are you doing it now?" he hissed in a hushed tone.
"Because for once I am informing you of something that will occur tomorrow. She's taking me home with her," Bakura paused for a moment, a sneer touched his features. "I suddenly hate how I phrased that. And you are coming along, naturally. This is all you need to know," the Spirit said before he vanished.
"Wait! When is she doing this?" Ryou whispered into the darkness, he failed to get an answer.
"Tell anyone and I won't hesitate to take out my frustration on your body," the voice snarled dangerously from inside Ryou's own mind.
Ryou bit his lip and only nodded a reply. What had he gotten himself into? He would remain quiet, though. With luck the woman had some form of plan, he just couldn't see everything coming to an end so soon and... easily.
Sarah was awoken the next morning by Ryou, he apologized but reminded her that if anyone came home while she was asleep, it would be an awkward experience. When the two guys set out for school, she returned to the Game Shop and went right back to bed when Mr. Mutou insisted she did, she could help him later. She pulled herself out of bed again at noon and after getting something to eat, set about dusting higher shelves in the shop.
"Hey, I'm going to meet up with the guys after classes, is that alright?" Sarah asked when she realized what time it was.
"Hrm? Oh, sure. I suppose that would be fine," Mr. Mutou smiled as he looked up from the paper he was reading.
"Alright, thanks. Oh and I ran the dishwasher, everything in it is clean now," she said before heading back to the living quarters. She had bought a large canvas bag earlier, and now had everything she had acquired during her stay in it. Thankfully there was another exit, so she wouldn't have to walk past Mr. Mutou, she'd give herself away with such a large load to carry. She had to hurry, hoping she'd get there before Yugi or the others emerged. Bakura had just passed through the gates when she arrived.
"Well, that answers the 'are you ready' question," the white-haired teen raised a brow. "Now, where did you first arrive here? That is where we'll start."
"An ally near the Game Shop."
"Lead the way, my dear," he said after offering an arm.
She gave him a puzzled look before threading her arm through his. "Oh, so you're playing with me now?"
"Just making sure you don't change your mind, and that we don't look suspicious."
"Right then, come on, before the others emerge and find us. Let's get your information."
My heart was racing, I was finally going home. Well I hope at least, just so long as Bakura needed me I would be fine. Once he didn't need me, well, I didn't want to think about it. I had to loosen my grip on his arm when I realized I was squeezing it. He didn't seem to notice, he just kept walking with me. Ugh, he must think I'm falling for him or something. I don't need him to get that impression. It's not that I'm worried about him returning the feeling, it's that I don't want him to get the wrong impression because of his character. He doesn't strike me a person that would be looking for a life-partner and is bound to get very violent if he thinks I see something in him. If only he could understand it's my fan girl attitude getting the best of me. In my eyes he and everyone else I'd spent these past few days with is a celebrity, and to live among so many at once is very rare. It was starting to get to me, the realization that this was real and I had the perfect chance to meet and make friends with everyone. I guess that's why I'm getting so clingy, testing boundaries and trying to make a lasting impression.
"Here, this is the ally," the woman stopped and pointed.
"Very well then," Bakura nodded as he lead her deep into it. A quick glance around to make sure they were alone gave him the go ahead to shift realms. The woman stumbled a bit, Bakura helped to steady her. "I'll give you a few images to work off, let me know which ones seem closest to where you came from," he requested after unthreading his arm.
"What are you going to do once you get what you want? And how much do you think you'll get?" the woman asked as he began to muster the magic for the task at hand.
"I don't quite know the value of this, but the chance is there and I plan to seize it. It's worth and value can be determined later," he replied simply.
"Ah, so this is just a leap of faith, then? Hold on, that looks good, stop there," she replied.
"Yes, a leap of faith. But I will hold you responsible for any shortcomings," he shot a glance over his shoulder. "Give me a moment, I can pick up similarities in this world and others by use of magic. I'll have it narrowed down again in just a bit," he said.
Sarah watched the shimmering surface of the ring fade into other images rapidly, after a moment Bakura slowed them for her to see.
"Dude, this is going to be hard. All of these show my hometown, different parts of it but it's my town."
"Humph, small town," Bakura scowled.
"Just because it's small doesn't mean you won't get what you want," Sarah shot back as she folded her arms. "But this is going to be tricky, is this all from the same, uh, world or what? Like are you finding more than one door to my home or parallel worlds?"
"They should be the same, I'm getting the same feeling from each of these. I've seen this image before, only slightly different. Watch," he stated as the surface of the floating ring changed to show a similar image of the previous.
"Well, that looks like Downtown Round Rock, but I've never seen that building before. Most of them are brick, stone and wood. We don't have metal towers there..."
"I'll return to the previous set, let me know if anything else works for you."
I watched him go back, he cycled slowly through images of my hometown. Places such as all three schools I attended showed as well as places I shopped at and hung out near. What came next I wasn't expecting, neither was he. While he didn't live where I did, he caught the change instantly.
"The buildings are vastly different here than before, strange that the houses are also closer with less room."
"That's not Texas," the woman blinked.
"Beg your pardon?"
"That's a place about a thousand odd miles from my home. All that we have seen before were places I frequent, that I know. That," she said as she pointed to the image. "Is near Chicago. My boyfriend's home."
Bakura laughed then shook his head before shifting back to the previous set of images. "The urge to refer to you solely has 'Whore' now is strong."
"Just shut up, I already told you I'm not hitting on you," the woman snapped.
"Focus on the task at hand and I will too. I don't ask about something, you don't tell me about it," he commanded.
"Stop there," the woman murmured.
"Why? It looks like a bedroom. This isn't helping your case any."
"It's my bedroom, damnit. And if we're going anywhere that's the best place to pop up at, no one is there right now."
"And how can you tell?"
"We're seeing in from the wall the window is on, see that clock there on the second bed? It reads 1:12pm. It's a school day, no one but me would be home right now. And the room is exactly how I left it that day, my sketchbook laying on the bed. But I thought I went to bed that day," she bit her lip.
"Don't tell me you're having second thoughts?" Bakura growled as he forcefully grabbed the woman by the arm.
"No, I'm not," she grumbled as she freed her arm. "I just don't understand something. I remember going to bed that night, how do we know this isn't going back in time some and I'm going to walk in there and meet myself who is downstairs having lunch?"
"We said we'd deal with things as they happen, now go," Bakura hissed as he shoved the woman forward.