A/N: sorry it tok so long. Hope you like this chappie, its really long. Only one more chappie till my sequel ---
Chapter 14
Joey's POV
I walked out of the hospital and started searching the streets for Ryou. It shouldn't be that hard to find him, especially with that white hair of his. Come to think about it, I've never seen anyone with hair like his before. I wonder how his hair got that white.
I knew before that Ryou liked Kit. He used to go on rampages about 'Sugar High' so I finally watched it. I feel really bad now that I ---- that I ---- took away what he wanted. No, it was Kit's decision, not mine. So Ryou can't get mad at me. No, because I could've said no to Kit. God, Ryou, where the hell are you?
How am I going to find Ryou in this town with out a plan? There are too many places one could go, so how could I find him? I glanced around and spotted a restaurant with outside seating. Quickly processing this observation, I figured I could eat on the outside seating while still watching for Ryou! I'm a genius!
Bakura's POV
I knew Malik would betray me, that bastard. He always tried to before, but I never fell into his traps. How could I have been so fucking careless? I should've seen it coming. Marik and Malik weren't exactly interested in collecting all off the seven Millennium Items, unlike me. But, when they took Ryou, they most likely stole his Ring and now I'm trapped, once again, in my soul room. Malik probably set this up so he could take me down and make sure I wouldn't interfere with any of his plans. What were his plans?
Me and my stupid, careless mistakes. The first mistake was bringing Kit here. I had brought her here for one reason only; to bring a stop to Ryou's childish fantasies. Day in and day out, Ryou would sit his ass in front of the television watching that inane show, 'Sugar Hi'. He never put up mental blocks, so I would have to put up with his juvenile dreams.
I just wanted to show Ryou that these things will never happen if she was ever with him. I guess I took action before I really thought about the consequences. As soon as I brought Kit here, I knew I had made a mistake. I had to take her back, but there lays an unwritten rule where if the person brought to a different dimension didn't have any exceptional powers, he/she had to wait many a years before he/she could be taken back to their original home. I didn't want to be responsible for Kit so I went to my room and consulted in the only people I know who could get me out of this mess. I called Malik and constructed a plan. I'd have Malik and Marik take Kit, and to do that, they used Ryou. Everything went according to what I predicted was going to happen, except I didn't think Malik would turn into a back stabber. Little did I know that I would end up locked in my soul room for who knows how much longer. For all I know, I could be stuck in here for another millennia.
Ugh! I want out of here! If only I had access to the shadow realm, then I could at least roam a larger domain.
Ryou's POV
My Ring is gone. It's gone. I began to feel a sense of weakness, more than before. I'm nothing without my Millennium Ring. Bakura always protected me whether he intentionally did it or not. /We need to get out of here./
Oh? Why the sudden decision?
/I have to get my Ring!/
Ok.
And with that, there followed an eerie silence as I felt, and heard, the chains around my wrists and ankles break off. /Did you do that?/
Yeah. Maya replied casually as she stood up and brushed herself off.
/How? Why didn't you do that before?/
It's a long story, and I'd rather not talk about it.
/Oh, I'm quite sorry./
It's fine.
/Which way do we go?/
Follow me.
"Going somewhere so soon?" A voice spoke from the shadows.
Suddenly, a dim light flickered on as I saw Maya standing defensively in front of me. God, she's beautiful.
"Leave us alone, Marik!" She screamed.
Kit's POV
I shot up I the hospital bed. Once again, I had fallen asleep. But this time, I had a dream. More like a nightmare, because I sensed that Ryou was in danger. I didn't recall the visual part of my dream, just the dreaded feeling that he was in trouble and needed my help.
I glanced at the clock and saw that three hours have passed. Joey hadn't come back, so I assumed Ryou wasn't found yet. Why did Ryou have to run off like that? None of this would've happened. Ryou wouldn't be gone, I wouldn't be in this hospital, and I'd still be with Joey ----
Didn't Malik know something? Oh yeah, he said something about Ryou, like he knew where -- he -- was -- SHIT! I have to find Ryou, Malik's probably holding Ryou captive. Maybe that's why Malik came to Bakura's house. He most likely wanted something so he used Ryou to get it. Did he get what h wanted? No, because then Ryou would be back by now. How the hell am I going to find Ryou?
And with that thought, I remembered that I had the Millennium Ring!
I could probably search for Ryou using this Millennium Ring by locating Ryou's Ring! Then that'll lead me straight to Ryou! But, wait. That that would mean this is Bakura's. No, it's probably Ryou's. Bakura wouldn't let anyone touch his Millennium Ring. Screw it, it doesn't matter whose it is.
I thought of Ryou, thinking that would probably set off the Ring to point my way to Ryou. The only problem is, it didn't do anything. It should've! Even if Ryou doesn't have his Ring, he's the one destined to it. The Ring should've brought me to him.
Stupid thing.
Bakura's POV
After a while, I got tired of searching through my old memories. Some, I wish, should disappear and never come back to haunt me again. ::sigh:: I got up, and tried to exit my soul room again. To my surprise, my effort was not in vain. I glanced around and realized that I must be inhabiting someone else's mind, for there was a door different from Ryou's, leading to another soul room on the other side of the hallway.
Walking to the other side, I opened the other door and stepped inside. Usually, there's another door where I can exit and transform into my human form, but this time, there wasn't. It figures, because I remember someone, somewhere, a long time ago telling me how I could only become my human form again when I am connected with my present reincarnation; Ryou. Reincarnation isn't really the word for it, because I'm not dead. Or am I?
After searching through many hallways of this other person, I found their memory room. They're many paths that lead from the memory room, but I chose to follow the path that leads me down to their most recent memories. Perhaps I might recognize who this person is by what they've experienced lately. I can only hope the Millennium Ring hasn't fallen into the wrong hands -----
Instantly, new memories from the point of view of the one I am now connected with, flooded my mind as I started to look through what happened a few hours ago; when I still had access to outside this concealing Ring. A certain memory caught my eye:
4:37 p.m.
I then entered my half awake state of daydreaming. Daydreaming was my way of meditating. A click sound in the other direction shook me out of this state, but I ignored it. I wanted to daydream more. I closed my eyes, savoring the peace. It was then I felt the weight of another on top of me. My eyes shot open only to see Seto straddling over me. "S-Seto?" I choked.
"Kit, my darling, there's nothing to be afraid of. I made sure there will be no interruptions"
That. Was. Disgusting. Wait, Kit? I'm in Kit's mind? How the hell did that happen? How did she get my Ring?
It was the infamous work of Malik. But, how could Kit get my Millennium Ring if Malik had it? Surely Malik wasn't careless as to drop it and have Kit find it.
Ah, of course. I could search through her memories to find the answer. I sat down on the desk in the room that held the recent memories. One full cabinet set held a week's worth of memories and thoughts. After that, they were categorized in days and hours. With several cabinets, searching for one memory could be a bit tough.
Sighing, I got up and focused on the cabinet of this week and opened the one sliding tray that held today's experiences. I figured my encounter with Malik happened within 12:00 and 1:00 a.m. and Kit's encounter with Malik couldn't have happened much later. Narrowing it down, I found a memory that Kit had that involved Malik. It happened only a bit later than 12:30 a.m.
As I got up with the information in my hands, I glanced around this part of her soul room. It was a bit messy at the moment, with papers with recent thoughts cluttering the desk and the floor.
Soul rooms always interested me, and Kit's mind was by far the most interesting, even though it's not everyday I enter someone else's mind. Those soul rooms that I have come upon in the past are what the 'normal' modern-day human's minds are expected to be; simplistic and dull. But Kit seemed to exceed these standards. Everything she took interest in, she made a point of researching to find out all there is to know on the subject. Why, she even has books and maps on ancient Egyptian pyramids to find out how one would rob a pharaoh's tomb. If she only knew -----
Snapping out of my daze, I remembered the memory I held in my hand. I activated the visual section of the memory as a screen appeared in front of me and displayed what Kit saw at that time.
12:42 a.m.
"Kit! Come here!"
"Leave me alone Malik!" It was safe to say I was scared out of my wits. It took the same time for me to walk to the far edge of the roof as it took Malik to appear on the porch roof. I looked down; it wasn't that far down, but enough to probably sprain my ankle or something.
"Kit, listen to me!" Malik grabbed my shoulder and spun me around.
"No! I - I'm not going with you and - and if I have to take you down with me, I will."
"Stop, you don't ----"
I didn't give Malik time to think or say anything as I grabbed a hold of him with both hands and sent both of us jumping over the edge. Malik was simply too strong for me to just push over the edge. I also had a grip on the Millennium Ring that Malik somehow took from Bakura.
"What about Ryou ----" Malik started to say, but it was too late, we both hit the ground, knocking the air out of our lungs. He said something about Ryou! HE KNEW ABOUT RYOU! But it was too late. A blackness, darker than it was outside, surrounded me as I started to fall into a more peaceful state -----
I also saw how she woke up in the hospital with my Millennium Ring around her neck. Not only does she not know it's mine, she doesn't know how she got it. Damnit, that's not going to help me! Why the hell would Malik just leave the Millennium Ring with Kit when he fled away from the scene when his intentions were to possess it? It makes no sense!
::sigh:: After a while of arguing with myself about the possibilities, I came to realization that my situation isn't going to change anytime soon. I decided to stay in Kit's soul room for a while since my own wasn't as exciting.
I plopped down on a couch in the adjacent room and brought up the video files of Kit's most embarrassing moments. This ought to be entertaining -------
Kit's POV
Why won't this stupid thing work? Then a picture of Malik flashed into my mind. That bastard probably screwed up the Millennium Ring, that's why he left it with me. The only way he could do that is with his Millennium Rod! That son of a ---
"Ahhh!" The Millennium Ring took me by surprise when it suddenly decided to point its arrows slightly to the left. "What the hell?" Oh, it must've reacted when I was thinking of Malik --- and his Millennium Rod. Why would it react to the Millennium Rod and not the Ring? Screw it, I guess I'll just have to trust the Millennium Ring and follow its path. Before I left, I made sure I didn't leave anything behind. My backpack? Joey must've brought it here ---
I grabbed my backpack as I checked out of the hospital. Now the Ring pointed straight ahead of me because of all the turns I took when I walked out of the hospital. I tried to look as casual as possible as I followed the path of the Ring, but I still got the occasional glare at the glowing piece of metal that hung around my neck.
There are so many twists and turns in Domino City. It's a good thing I have one of the Millennium Rings guiding me the way or else I would've gotten lost a long time ago.
I looked longingly at the outside food court for the Domino Mall. I'm so hungry; I could just order fries and a drink or something ---- no. I have to search for Ryou. He's in danger, he - needs - my - help ----
Joey? I squinted my eyes to make sure I'm seeing right. "Joey?" I shout, walking towards him as he abruptly stops stuffing his mouth with food and turns to look in my direction. "J - Joey, what are you doing? Why aren't you looking for Ryou?"
"I, uh, was looking for him. I was eating and looking for him at the same time!" Joey managed to say through his mouth full of food.
"It didn't look like that to me!"
"Well, I guess, I took a little break from searching ---"
I snapped. "HOW CAN YOU TAKE A BREAK FROM LOOKING FOR RYOU? HE'S IN DANGER, HE COULD DIE!!"
Joey raised an eyebrow, signaling that he hasn't given up on this 'fight' yet. "Oh? And you know this how?" He asked, making sure to glance at the golden Ring.
"It's ---- it's ---" I tried to search for a quick and easy answer, but there were none. I didn't have time to explain everything to Joey. "It's none of you business!"
"Why? Are you hiding something from me? Why won't you tell me?" Joey tried to coax me into saying something. It's not like I have anything to hide -----
"It shouldn't matter! Now please come help me look for Ryou!" I cried out as I grabbed Joey's arm and went to bring him with me.
Joey shook my grip on his arm off. "I'll be staying here, thank-you very much."
"Fine. I don't have time for this shit. I hope you're satisfied knowing Ryou could be hurt because of you." I spat as I turned in the direction the Millennium Ring was still pointing to and ran. After I ran a block, I could've sworn I heard Joey calling after me, but I didn't look back. I didn't want to.
After five more minutes of following the Ring's lead, I was in an alleyway. I walked cautiously, almost anticipating a sneak attack, but none came. I almost reached the end of the alleyway, when the glowing of the Millennium Ring suddenly stopped. "What the hell?"
I looked around and the only object worth noticing was the door on the left side. I had to go through that door, why else would the Ring lead me here? I should just open the door; I have nothing to lose ----
I busted down the door and stepped into the empty room. Across from me were two doors. I tiptoed to the other end of the room and slowly opened one door. This place looked like a run down apartment building that was to be demolished soon. I opened the door just enough so I could see what was in there. Unlike the last room, it was brighter, and there were people there.
Only taking two seconds to absorb what I just saw happening in the room, I ran into the room. "STOP!"
Ryou, Marik, and another girl were in there. Marik had the Millennium Rod as the dagger and pointed it threateningly to Ryou and the other. Ryou and the other girl looked over to me, but Marik didn't seem too easily distracted from his task.
"Kit! Get out of here! RUN!" Ryou screamed.
Ryou's POV
Why did Kit have to come here?
Isn't that your Millennium Ring hanging around her neck?
/ I, uh, think so. / Why does Kit have my Millennium Ring? It doesn't make sense. I would've thought Marik had it since I assumed he was the one who brought me here. /Actually, Maya, I'm not sure if it's mine. /
Huh? What do you mean?
/ Kit could have my yami's ---- / That could explain why I had a sudden loss of connection with Bakura, minutes before I was held captive in this dump. But why would Kit take Bakura's Ring?
I felt a sharp, distinct wave of pain across my face.
"Listen to me when I'm speaking to you!" Marik growled, his dagger dripping the blood that came from my face.
I fell to my knees, as the pain was too much for me to handle. Maya knelt down beside me, holding a cloth to my cut to stop the bleeding and assuring me that everything will be okay.
I caught a glimpse of Kit who was giving Marik the death glare. I swear, if looks could kill, Marik would be dead in an instant and no later.
Kit's POV
"You dare to hurt Ryou?" I screamed, getting Marik's attention.
"Who are you to question my authority?" Marik snapped back at me.
"Does it matter? I want you to let those two go!"
"And if I don't?"
"I'll kill you." I replied as I shoved Marik against the wall. "And that's a promise."
Marik stole a glimpse of the Millennium Ring around my neck. "The Millennium Ring ----" Marik took his signature dagger and pierced it down my left arm. "Nice to see you Kit."
I stumbled backwards and screamed out in agony. "How do you know me?"
"I've heard a few things about you, how you broke poor Ryou's heart." Marik said in a fake sincere tone of voice.
Not this again. I already felt bad enough about that, but now others know about it. "How do you know that?"
"Tsk. Tsk. Too many questions for a mind slave of mine."
"Hey! I'm no one's minion and it'll be a cold day in hell before I'm your minion!"
"Oh really? Well, how about this; if you stay here with me, I'll set your pathetic friends free, but if you'd rather leave, you friends will pay with their lives." Marik said as he wiped the blood off of his dagger.
"Don't kill them just yet, Marik" Anew voice had spoken. It was Malik. That guy sent shivers of fear down my spine.
"Why not?" Marik replied.
"Why don't you challenge her to a duel? If she wins; they're all set free. If she loses; they all stay here."
"She duels?" Marik asked, surprised.
"Of course I do." I said, getting my deck out of my backpack, showing it off.
"So what?" Marik said, "Why waste my time when it'd be easier my way?"
"Because when you win, they all stay here." Malik retorted.
"What if I lose?"
"Do you really think you'd lose against an amateur like her?" Malik remarked.
"Are you going to duel me, Marik?" I screamed over their arguing, angered by Malik's last comment about me.
Marik said, "Your dueling strategies aren't worth comparing to mine."
"You think that, huh? Well, then, what's the harm in dueling me?" I replied, sure that I could win a duel against him anyway.
Marik glanced at Malik, who nodded, and turned to me. "Fine, you want to duel? Then we'll duel in the shadow realm."
"T-the s-shadow realm-m?" I asked, recalling how creepy the shadow realm is on the show and not wanting to now what it's like first hand.
"Yes. Are you up to the challenge?"
"Of course I am. As long as when I win, you let us go."
"And if you lose; you, Ryou, and Maya stay with me."
"I won't lose."
"I wouldn't be too sure of that."
"Whatever. Can I have a bandage for my arm first?"
Malik threw a long cloth at me and I wrapped it around my arm to prevent any more blood loss. I sneered at Marik, to remind him that I wasn't to fond of my new wound. "One more thing." I requested.
"Yes?" Marik replied, growing impatient.
"Give this back to Ryou." I said as I held out the Millennium Ring to Marik.
Marik snatched it out of my hand as he brought out the other Millennium Ring too. "I'll be keeping these."
"I told you to give that to Ryou, you asshole!" I figured that I must've had Bakura's Ring and Marik stole Ryou's when I saw the othe Millennium Ring in Marik's possession.
"Too bad, so sad." Marik teased.
"Damn you!"
"That's not a very nice thing to say to your master."
"Shut-up and let's duel!"
"Fine." Marik replied.
"Wait!"
"What now?" Marik shouted angrily.
"Bring the others to watch our duel. I don't trust you or Malik to keep Ryou and Maya safe."
"Fine." Marik says like it's no big deal.
"And ----" I begin to say.
"WHAT NOW?!" Marik screamed.
"If I win, you give both of the Millennium Rings back to Ryou."
"Ok, ok, OK! Are you ready to duel yet?"
"Yes."
"Then let the shadow game begin." Marik smirks as his dagger turns back into the Millennium Rod. The Millennium Rod shone brightly as everyone in the room was being taken to a whole different realm.
A/N: You may be asking why kit handed marik the millennium ring and not directly to ryou. Well, I have a reason, I just didn't fell like writing it. Kit was afraid to move towards Ryou for fear that malik or marik might strike at her. I had trouble wrting this chapter, but I think it turned out ok. Again, sorry for taking so damn long to update.