For the Love of Past and Present
Part Six: It's a Guardian's Life
The history class was mind numbing. Dina HATED that Professor Hiuyushi guy. He spoke in such a droning tone and had this annoying habit of tapping his stubby little fingernails on EVERYTHING!!! The blackboard, the podium, his desk, STUDENTS' DESKS…
Much more of this and I'll be ready for the loony bin. she told herself. Who'd have ever imagined that one man could be so utterly exasperating?!
Still, her charge hadn't noticed her presence yet. That was a plus. It meant she was doing her job of blending in and going unnoticed very well. Especially since the Queen of Games was supposed to sense her protector when she was nearby. Similar to the bond the item holders had with the spirits, the pharaoh's queen and her guardian also shared a bond. A strong link which could aid each in a time of danger and keep the other from fighting alone.
There he goes again. Dina groaned as Professor Hiuyushi drummed his fingernails against, of all things, the keyboard to the computer in the corner of the room!
Rebecca sat by the window (five rows away from Dina) rolling her pencil up and down her notebook cover.
Yugi casually glanced over at the faint sound, "Rebecca, don't you think you should be taking notes? Or at least paying attention to some of this?"
"Why bother?" she responded with a yawn, "Hiuyushi's just a big windbag and besides, incase you forgot, I'm a genius."
Shaking his head Yugi turned his attention back to the lecture.
Returning to her previous activity Rebecca soon found herself consumed by an odd sensation. It was as if there was someone different in the room. Someone…special.
Searching the rows of students she just missed noticing Dina. Partly because she was in the back of the row on the opposite side of the room and partly because Yugi was blocking her view.
Still, there was just something tugging away at her, a tiny voice in the back of her mind telling her that something was amiss. She resolved to sneak a peek at this new visitor. Even if it meant shoving her boyfriend out of the way.
He was so dense sometimes. Just staring mindlessly at the professor, pretending that he actually found the lesson interesting. What a phony act. Yami had probably fallen asleep a half hour ago. Deciding to wait a few minutes to see if Yugi would simply drop the act and put his head down or at least lean back, Rebecca sighed and put her chin in her hands.
He's like the moron who wouldn't shut up. Dina was growling as she sat, arms crossed, slumped forward, at her desk. "Lunch will never get here at this rate. It's only my first class and I'm already ready to throw in the towel on this whole guarding the queen thing."
Undetected by Rebecca she'd been able to steal glances at her charge during the early moments of the period. Bakura had left her at the door where she'd spied Rebecca talking to who she assumed was the holder of the Millennium Puzzle. Admittedly, Dina was a bit surprised to see that someone as mild mannered and amiable as Yugi had been destined to share a spiritual bond with the once mighty and powerful pharaoh of Egypt.
Able to escape to the other side of the room Dina hid herself from the future queen's view by using Yugi's position to conceal hers. Rebecca herself seemed an unusual choice for the role of queen of the pharaoh. But then again, considering who the pharaoh's new vessel was, it proved to be a fitting match. While the two had been lovebirds early on in class, kissing, holding hands, and whispering stuff Dina knew she didn't care to hear, they now seemed just bored. And I don't blame 'em.
Lost in her thoughts Dina hadn't counted on the professor noting the dazed look on her face. The look that tended to always get students in trouble. And as if going by the rules stated in some absurd teacher's handbook under the dull lessons chapter, he did the one thing that could rip apart her whole test. Much to Dina's dread he decided to pick her out of the crowd--an entire class of more experienced students--to answer a question. That would surly draw the attention of the one individual who wasn't supposed to know she was there!
"Ah, you there, Miss um…Oh I don't have my role book." Professor Hiuyushi called looking straight at Dina, "Can you tell the class the significance of the embalming process for the ancient Egyptian-"
RING!
Saved by the bell. Dina took her hand off her face long enough to meet the gaze of several of her classmates. Fortunately Rebecca's view was still obstructed and even Yugi himself hadn't bothered to stare at her. Talk about your lucking out.
The students shoved their materials in their backpacks and headed out the door. Rebecca tried to glance at the new girl as she passed but Yugi threw an arm around her shoulders and hauled her out into the hall. "Come on Rebecca, if we hurry maybe we can catch Joey and Mai before they leave their lockers."
Hesitantly, Rebecca left with Yugi without spotting the student Professor Hiuyushi had singled out seconds before.
Dina released a tense breath. That was close.
******
The time is nearly right, a menacing voice echoed from inside a stone chamber of darkness, soon the pharaoh's helpless bride will be vulnerable again and with her powers advanced by time it shall be the perfect time to take them from her!
Clutching his own Millennium Item the fiend smirked cruelly, Ah Pharaoh, how often Heaven itself has smiled down upon you. Blessing you with the luck you need to continue in your new age reign. But soon I'll use the powers bestowed upon your own bride-to-be to bring about your ultimate demise! Such a pity that the absorption of such powers will leave the poor girl weak and lingering upon the verge of death. But then again, the best way to defeat one's enemy…is to rip out their heart!!!
Evil laughter emanated through the chamber as the cloaked figure reeled in the pleasure he would soon have by bringing down his most worthy opponent. Young Rebecca would indeed prove to be most useful in overwhelming the pharaoh and gaining the ruler's strength for himself. And with the new power she'd soon discover within herself, it was almost certain that he--Malik--would rule the world!
******
Yugi's gaze was fixed on Rebecca who sat across from him at the table. She stared down at the sandwich she hadn't bothered to take a bite of since unwrapping it ten minutes ago.
"Um Rebecca…"
She looked up at him, those violet eyes pleading for an answer to her strange behavior. "Yes Yugi?"
"…are you, alright?"
"I'm fine." her eyes drooped back down to the pile of bread and bologna.
Something's definitely amiss. Yami's voice stated from inside Yugi's mind.
Yeah, I know. Yugi replied, But she doesn't seem willing to talk about it right now. What should I do?
A pause followed which was obviously the time span in which Yami was in deep thought. Maybe she's sensing something. If so, it's best to get her to talk to you. Things are still--unusual--between us.
Yugi smiled, first he and Rebecca had discovered their love for one another and then Yami had confessed his feelings for her as well…life was a bit strange right now. The recent events did make it understandable as to why Rebecca was holding back now. She seemed to guard her secrets well, especially when uncertain as to what those secrets were.
I'm sensing it again. Rebecca was thinking to herself, grateful that no spirit was inside her vessel (save her own) to hear. That weird presence. What the heck is going on here? Life's complicated enough and now…
It was happening again. Burying her hands in her lap she could only watch as the twitching increased. Thankfully no one else, not even Yugi, seemed to notice. This can't be good. And it's getting worse.
A gentle kiss on the cheek brought her back to reality just in time for her to notice Yugi leaning forward over the table. As his lips slowly left her blushing face a small smile crept across her previously startled features. "Thanks Yugi, I needed that."
"That's what I'm here for." he grinned warmly, "Anytime you need me, I'll always be there."
"You're a hopeless romantic Yugi," she teased.
"What I am is hopelessly in love without a clue." he stated with a hint of concern. "I just wish I knew what was bothering you today. Was it something I-"
"No," Rebecca quickly objected, "you haven't done anything wrong Yugi, and neither has Yami. I don't know how to explain it but I'm just getting strange vibes all of the sudden. Maybe it's only my imagination."
"Maybe…" Yugi didn't like the sound of this. If Rebecca really did possess powers like his and Yami's, this sudden sensation was nothing to be ignored.
She hated to see him get stressed out over her. Leaning forward she returned the peck she'd received earlier and flashed a comforting smile. "Don't worry okay? I've gotta stop by this gallery in town for an art show critique that I'm required to do. I even have an interview scheduled with the painter. I'm sure that'll help clear my head of all this."
"I'm sure you're right." Yugi nodded, more to convince himself than her.
******
My, my aren't they the happy couple? Yami Bakura remarked from within the recesses of Bakura's mind.
Bakura sighed as he watched his friend enjoy the company of the woman across the table from him. Silently he wondered if he would ever enjoy basking in such an immense emotion as love. Then he remembered the one girl who had thrown him cascading into a pool of intoxication so strong that it could only be that coveted feeling…Dina.
What did you say?! the spirit of the Ring demanded.
Nothing.
You aren't still swooning over that wench from this morning are you? the irritated voice of the spirit questioned. Forget her. She'll only distract us from our mission.
And what mission might that be?
A low growl answered him, The same mission it's always been fool! To gain possession of ALL seven of the Millennium Items. And while we're at it. We may as well take control of the pharaoh's bride's newly discovered powers…for good measure.
Slamming his fist down on the table--but not loudly enough for the 'happy couple' to hear--Bakura gritted his teeth and thought defiantly, NO! I've told you before that I won't be a part of your sinful venture! If it's the items you seek then you'll just have to obtain WITHOUT using me!
IDIOT! the spirit snapped, hating it when Bakura got a backbone, How can I do that when I'm bound by the Ring, whose power I rely on to find the items, to stay trapped inside a wimp like you?!
Well perhaps if you hadn't led such a corrupt lifestyle in the first place then you wouldn't be trapped inside a symbol of your undying greed right now! Bakura stated. He was sick and tired of having this transparent tyrant ruining his life.
Their argument was interrupted by two taller students who'd invited themselves over to his lunch table to serve as his tormentors for the day. Sighing Bakura met their mischievous gaze, he'd hoped that such brutish annoyances wouldn't passed after high school. It seemed that no matter where he went in life he was going to be bullied in one way or the other.
"Well, well, well if it ain't our old buddy Bakura." one of the more muscular figures chided. "Once a loser, always a loser."
It's amazing who they're accepting into colleges these days. Bakura thought to himself.
I certainly hope that you don't plan to let these two mindless morons pummel you for money and amusement again today. the spirit scoffed, And don't expect me to save you either. You've learned to shoot off your mouth to me now it's time you followed up your baseless words with actions against these aggressors.
You know I'm not as fond of violence as you are. Bakura retorted. I'm sure that eventually I'll be able to reach them with reason.
Rolling his eyes inside his mental chamber the spirit scowled, Please, even YOU didn't buy that one!
"Ya zoning out on us man?" the other bully questioned angrily.
"Maybe a knuckle sandwich will help wake you up." the first snickered as he cracked his knuckles.
"Excuse me." a female's voice piped up from behind the two jerks.
Turning around the duo of dimwits looked over the young woman who had addressed them. "Not bad…did ya need something gorgeous?"
"As a matter of fact, yes." Dina answered while allowing her heavy backpack to slid off her arm right onto the foot of the creep who'd spoken to her. The brute cringed in pain and stifled a scream. "You're standing in front of my seat."
And your one-night-stand comes to the rescue. Yami Bakura taunted.
She was NOT a one-night-stand! Bakura growled, surprising the spirit at the sudden intensity behind his outraged thought.
"Hey, just what do you think you're-" before the injured bully's accomplish could finish his statement Dina jammed a finger in his chest.
"I don't know what the Hell you think you're doing harassing someone as if this was kindergarten but I suggest you back off before I send you on a one way trip through a double-paned window!" Her blue eyes shown in a fiery passion as she spoke, emphasizing certain parts of her threat by poking her nail against the menace's rib cage.
"Psh, calm down chick we didn't mean to ruffle your feathers. C'mon Tony," the guy grabbed his friend by the collar and hauled him away, "we're outta here."
"Typical," Dina shook her head, "bring a 'big tough guy' up against a girl and they cower away like the dirt bags they really are."
"Um…t-thank you, Dina." Bakura stammered from his seat.
"No problem." she smiled as she took her seat across from him. "So, are there anymore people coming or will it just be the two of us?"
Better not snap at your bodyguard the way you did to me Bakura, the spirit laughed, she might jam a fork in your leg.
Bakura chose to ignore the meddling spirit for now. "Oh it's just us. I hope you don't mind. I have a few friends and all but…we aren't quite as close as you'd expect."
"That's a shame." Dina sighed. "I guess you've got that creep in the Ring to thank for that."
Bakura's gaze fell to the table, "I suppose I'm partly to blame myself. If I really wanted I could've probably been rid of the Ring by now. It's just…well…it was a gift and while I know the spirit within has some bad tendencies, some really distasteful ones…I can't help but hoping that time and effort might change him."
"I see," Dina nodded, "you're hoping to convince the tomb robber to turn over a new leaf."
Same old pathetic speeches. Yami Bakura sneered. Stop wasting your time boy, I choose to be the way I am and neither you nor anyone else is going to change that.
Shaking his head Bakura moaned, "He can be so stubborn sometimes."
"And persistent." Dina mumbled poking at her food.
That remark brought a deep blush across Bakura's cheeks. "I really am sorry about all that. Believe me, if I only could've stopped him I-"
"It's okay," Dina grinned, catching the result of what her muttered comment had done, "I know you're not to blame. And I admire you for thinking that there's a nice guy in that egotistic, domineering, pain in the-"
"As for the two of us," Bakura interrupted hastily, "I was just hoping that we might spend more time together, as friends. I mean, after all, why should we let one little night of spontaneous intimacy ruin what could possibly be a wonderful relationship?"
Caught off guard by his offer Dina could only stare at him dumbfounded for a moment. "Bakura I--I don't know if we should…"
Bakura felt his heart sink, "Why not?"
Don't look in his eyes. Don't look in his eyes…Dina was warning herself as she tried to explain, "Bakura…I have a few secrets of my own too. They kind of clash with yours. I can't tell you everything though. A lot of people are depending on me to be discreet about this. I-it's not about what I want."
"I see." Bakura answered gloomily.
Interesting…this girl could be useful in more than one way yet. Yami Bakura smirked as he continued to eavesdrop on their conversation.
Making the one mistake she knew would cause her to second guess herself again Dina looked up and caught sight of Bakura's heartbroken expression. The teary look in his eyes was practically ripping her heart out.
Desperately she searched for a way to somehow mend the situation. "B-but, on the other hand, if we didn't tell anyone…until we knew it was safe?"
A meager smile graced his features as he once again met her gaze, "Dina, you don't have to do this. Really, I understand."
"I know you understand Bakura, what I'm worried about is letting this whole destiny thing mess up my life. And now yours too!" sighing in frustration Dina slumped back in her chair, "Since I was twelve I've been told that this is my destiny. My fate's to be a---well anyway, I'm tired of not having a say in my own life."
"I know what that's like." Bakura nodded empathetically.
"This whole pursuing what you were meant to thing just makes you feel so trapped and-"
"-alone." Bakura finished.
Dina glanced up at his sympathetic expression, "Well I'm tired of being alone."
"Me too."
Yami Bakura watched as the two mortals, seemingly mesmerized by each others' gaze, gradually closed the gap between themselves and locked into a heated kiss. Déjà vu.
Heedless of the fact that they were probably drawing attention to themselves the two lovelorn pawns to the Millennium game defiantly deepened their kiss. Swinging their arms around each other they enjoyed a blissful embrace. The one hope that had eluded them for so long was now finally within reach…that they might love and be loved despite the dangerous twists that fate might have in store for them.
But fate…wasn't finished with them yet.
"Bakura." Dina muttered reluctantly backing away to catch her breath.
To her surprise she was pulled back into the kiss by a grip much firmer than the one Bakura had originally been using. Muscles of a strong arm constricted and held her in place as the new being in control of Bakura's vessel forced her to continue. Unable to free herself Dina could only murmur disapproving threats against the lips of the spirit who now held her captive in front of the whole cafeteria.
Worst of all she felt her struggles lessen as Yami Bakura took the liberty of exploring the inner regions of her mouth with his tongue. He was nearly jamming it halfway down her throat and all she could do was lean forward helplessly and---OH HECK NO! I AM NOT ENJOYING THIS!!
Let her go spirit! Bakura's voice ordered.
A grimace appeared on Yami Bakura's face as he pressed himself tighter against the redhead, Give it up boy, she brought this on herself by defying me. And I can promise you, by the time my revenge is complete, I'll have done far worse to this not-so-innocent infatuation of yours.
SPIRIT! from inside his mental chamber Bakura could feel himself swelling with anger and scorn.
What now Bakura? What can a feeble coward like you possibly do to stop me? the spirit jeered.
Clenching his fists Bakura raked his teeth together in a newfound fury that surmounted any rage he'd felt before. SPIRIT! RETURN. TO. THE. RING!!!
Before he could react the soul of the tomb robber felt himself yanked away from the vessel he was controlling and consumed by a bright golden glow that could've only meant one thing. Bakura, the sniveling youngster that he'd underestimated for so long, had actually banished HIM back into the Ring!
________________________________________________________________________
** GO BAKURA! LOL, don't get me wrong, I'm a Yami Bakura fan too but I always figured that sooner or later that spirit was gonna push poor Bakura to his breaking point. After several encouraging emails and wonderful reviews I've finally managed to update this fic. The plot will pick up next chapter with Dina and Rebecca FINALLY meeting and Malik crossing paths with his sister again. There, now that I've given you a preview I've gotta get back to studying for my final exams and graduation practice. I hope to get more reviews and thank you so much for your feedback on this fan fiction. I'm eternally grateful everyone. ^_^*