A/N: This chapter of the fic takes a more 'mystical' turn. Dina's Oracle form is revealed and the plot gets some pretty elaborate twists. Still, everything will hopefully come together and make sense in the end. At least, that's what I'm hoping for. O_o Just thought I'd warn you (me and my overactive imagination).
For the Love of Past and Present
Part Seven: Where Loyalties Lie
Staring up at the picturesque sky as she walked, Rebecca Hawkins found her thoughts wandering back to the odd sensations she'd experienced earlier that day. I'm sure there was someone. she kept telling herself. And now Yugi and Yami are worrying about me.
A figure in the shadows followed closely behind the distressed blonde. Are you sure we should be doing this? She's going to be awfully mad if she catches us.
I know, but we've got to make sure she's alright. a second soul inside the being answered. She's been acting strangely lately and this is the only way to find out if our suspicions are correct.
But still...Yugi thought nervously to his Yami, ...Rebecca isn't exactly helpless. I think she'd much rather handle this one herself. Besides, who's to say that whoever it is will even show up now?
Because, she's alone---or so both prey and predator think. Yami pointed out.
Watching with ever growing concern, Yugi continued to secretly pursue his girlfriend all the way to the gallery she'd mentioned at lunch.
******
Dina was busily unpacking boxes of paintings inside her studio. It wasn't half as glamorous as the gallery which was currently hosting a few of her pieces, but it was still fairly nice.
Brushing back her untamed bangs she sighed while taking out another matted portrait. This particular piece displayed an image of a shrouded figure holding a staff and wearing a golden emblem over his forehead. She had no idea where she got such images...well, she hadn't until Felaine had explained that part of becoming one with the past in the present, is learning from the ancient people and events that existed.
Rolling her eyes at the recollection, Dina took a few steps back and scanned the placement of her pieces on the wall. "Hmm...maybe I should run across the street to my apartment and grab some-"
"Hello?" the small bell chimed as the door to the studio/miniature gallery swung open.
Moaning Dina turned to greet the visitor when she remembered something, Felaine said that the pharaoh's bride-to-be would be coming by this afternoon! I'll bet this is Rebecca.
Rebecca took a few steps into he studio before getting struck with the odd sensation once again, Wha-what's going on? There it is again...
"Surprise...Queen of Games." Dina greeted the startled teen indifferently.
"Y-you called me-" Rebecca's eyes widened.
Leaning against the doorframe to the viewing area Dina stared critically at her charge, "So you're the girl I've got to protect huh? Guess you kinda knew I was around today, right?"
"Wait a minute!" Rebecca snapped, "I'm the one who should be asking the questions here! Just why the heck did you call me the Queen of Games?"
"Oh that's right." Dina murmured, "You came here to critique my art and all and now you're blown away because I know your dueling title."
"Something like that, yeah." Rebecca scoffed.
"Look, I'm not any less peeved about all this than you are. You think I like having some cat woman bossing me around? Insisting that my fate isn't in my own hands??" Dina knew it really wasn't Rebecca's fault, but heck, she had to get this off her chest and Rebecca was one of the few people (besides Bakura, who could jeopardize things) that could relate!
"Cat woman?" Rebecca repeated, "You don't mean---Felaine the Proclaimer?"
"The same." Dina motioned for Rebecca to follow her into the viewing area. "Just look around, is this the gallery of a normal artist?"
Images of swirling black holes, heavenly bodies, scorching deserts, and mysterious Egyptian pyramids and artifacts lined the walls. Looking with awe at the odd array of paintings Rebecca had to admit...this was anything but 'normal'.
"You...created all of these?" she asked after a brief scan of the room.
Dina nodded, "Welcome to my odd, twisted little world. Now, which do ya wanna handle first? The critiques or the exposition?"
Pursing her lips Rebecca's features grew cold and suspicious again, "First, I want answers!"
"Then you've but to ask." Dina smirked then remembered her 'weakness', "But I should warn you first that-"
"Save it!" Rebecca interrupted, "I wanna know right now. Just who are you?!"
In a flash of silver light Dina's eyes shone with a silver gleam while her body emanated the strange brilliance. Her jeans and cut off black t-shirt changed into long flowing white robes and she seemed absorbed by a strange new air.
Yugi's eyes widened as he peeked in at the unsettling scene through the doorway. What on Earth is going on in there Yami?
The spirit of the puzzle seemed almost as baffled as Yugi, If I didn't know better, I'd say that artist was an Oracle!
A what? Yugi questioned.
Oracles are known for their vast knowledge. One has but to ask a question of them and they MUST answer truthfully. The catch is...each soul may only ask once. Yami explained.
Yugi gasped as the teen--prisoner to her own destiny--fixed his girlfriend in an expressionless gaze. That means...Rebecca released the Oracle by asking her that question!
"So THIS is what you were trying to warn me about huh?" Rebecca gulped, nearly blinded by the silver light. "Me and my big mouth."
Speaking as if she hadn't even heard the young woman, Dina gave her answer in a trancelike tone, "I am Mystic, Guardian of the pharaoh's queen. As the Queen of Games, you are my charge. I act as a bodyguard and keep those who would harm you and attempt to steal your powers at bay."
Guardian of the pharaoh's...queen?! Rebecca felt faint.
Finally, a smile appeared on the redhead's face, "I am legally named Dina Finesse. Though my mortal trade is painting, just like you, I have a much more elaborate role in uniting the past with the present. Understand, as an Oracle I have my own limitations when it comes to guarding you."
"This is too weird. It wasn't enough that I have two boyfriends who share the same body. Now I've got a spacey guardian who's bound to answer questions all the time!" Rebecca felt her last nerve give out. "And just who the heck told you I needed a guardian anyway?!"
"I'm sorry," Dina's glow began to fade and her garments changed back, "one question per soul. So says the ancient law which binds us all."
"Well that's really irritating." Rebecca huffed crossing her arms as if she was still that eight-year-old girl Yugi had dueled years ago.
Blinking the silver glow from her eyes Dina returned to her typical way of speaking, "Yeah, tell me about it. How'd ya like to have that for a power, Queen?"
"STOP CALLING ME THAT!" Rebecca snapped. "I don't want any part of this whole 'uniting the past with the present' thing, got it?!"
"You've already become a part of it by dating the freakin' pharaoh." Dina informed her, "How much more involved can you get??"
Blushing Rebecca went on the defensive, "Just how do you know about that?"
"Felaine keeps me informed. Plus you and the Millennium Puzzle holder were all over each other in class today." Dina scoffed.
Now it was Yugi who was turning red!
You really should be more discreet about displaying your emotions in public. Yami grinned to the embarrassed young man.
HEY! We didn't know anyone was WATCHING!! Yugi countered.
Ready to crawl under a rock Rebecca blushed furiously, "Well I still don't need any guardian so just forget it already! Stick with your day job."
"If only I could." Dina sighed. She'd practically jump at the opportunity to stick to painting alone...and to date Bakura openly.
"Well don't let me stop you. I'm the one who you're supposed to guard right? So if I say I don't need you then you're off the hook!" Rebecca insisted.
"And what'll you do about the people after your power to release duel monsters? And your other power's already drawn the attention of this Malik guy-" Dina went on.
"Malik!" Yugi exclaimed...a little TOO loudly.
Turning around Dina noticed the eavesdropper, "And speaking of power...it's the owner of the Millennium Puzzle himself, Yugi Mutou. Your boyfriend."
"Yugi!" Rebecca squeaked.
"Oh, heh heh, hi Rebecca." Yugi waved sheepishly.
"On second thought Rebecca," Dina smirked, "maybe you've already got a guardian to follow you around and protect you."
"NOW YOU'RE SPYING ON ME?!" Rebecca yelled to Yugi.
"Well, I, um...that is..." Yugi fumbled through a reply, he was toast. "It was all Yami's idea!"
"YAMI!!!" Rebecca shouted, "GET OUT HERE!"
Thanks a lot Yugi. Yami mumbled upon leaving the puzzle.
Dina stared at the transparent image of the pharaoh as he stood alongside his protégé. "Oh yeah, life just keeps gettin' better for me."
"I'm afraid things will get worse before they get better." the voice of a very serious woman commented.
The three surprised figures inside the room turned to regard the mysterious speaker.
"Ishsyzu!" Yami exclaimed.
"And Pegasus!!" Yugi added angrily.
"This is trouble." Dina made a move to pull a knife out of her back pocket.
"Wait!" Ishsyzu called to her, "He means you no harm. Pegasus has come to help."
"And why should we trust him?" Rebecca demanded.
"Because, my queen, he has come to make amends for his misdeeds. In the memory of his deceased lover he only wishes offer his services." Ishsyzu explained calmly.
"Will everybody PLEASE stop calling me the queen?!" Rebecca snapped. "I'm just a student in college with a really weird 'gift'. I don't need anything else to deal with right now."
"But you DO have something else to deal with, don't you child." Pegasus spoke gingerly, "Ishsyzu has witnessed you power by gazing into the future with her Millennium Necklace. You are the holder of another powerful gift."
"What do you mean Pegasus?" Yami questioned, his concern for his love growing.
"Yami, my pharaoh, the Queen of Games possesses not one link to duel monsters, but two." the Egyptian woman confirmed.
Before she could object the shaking started again. Rebecca glanced down at her trembling hand in horror. "T-this is what you're talking about...isn't it?"
"Yes, my queen." Ishsyzu nodded gravely, "This, in its earliest stages, is what will link you physically to the world of Duel Monsters. Just as your touch links them to our world."
"Your ability to bond with the creatures has allowed you to absorb their ancient powers. Through those powers you'll soon be able to alter you own form to that resembling a creature of the game." Pegasus added, "Although which form that might be is still unclear."
"You're like the Big Foot of duel monsters." Dina observed with a grin, "Still think you don't need a guardian? Every item holder around will wanna possess that kind of strength."
"I'm afraid she's right." Ishsyzu sighed. "And my brother desires it most of all."
"He must think that it'll allow him to conquer you and obtain your powers." Yugi whispered to Yami.
"Indeed." Yami agreed. "But he's wrong if he thinks that he can harm Rebecca in any way. I won't allow it."
"WE won't allow it." Yugi patted Yami's shoulder.
"Right." Yami smiled.
"How touching." an all too familiar voice remarked from the shaded area of the room.
"MALIK!" Ishsyzu gasped, "How did you-"
"I have my ways." Malik stated nonchalantly, "And by the way, it's nice to see you again too sister."
Rebecca backed away a few steps and was actually relieved when Dina rushed in front of her. Where'd she get that sword?
Dina flashed her weapon before the mischievous eyes of the item holder. "Allow me to introduce myself Malik. I'm Mystic, and if you lay so much as a finger on the queen, I'll be your executioner!"
Malik didn't seem worried in the least, "I'm not impressed. But I AM always looking for new mind slaves. And you do seem to possess a certain amount of potential."
"Idiot." Dina spat, "The queen's guardian is IMMUNE to your mind control power!"
"No matter," Malik kept his eerily calm composure, "I have other means of fighting."
"Malik!" Ishsyzu cried suddenly, "Please brother, stop this madness! It's as I've told you before, the pharaoh's power isn't yours! And you have no right to claim the queen's either!"
Turning his attention back to his noble sister Malik sneered, "And what would you know about true power sister? All you seek to do is relive the past! Well I've got a new prediction for you, I predict that I--Malik--shall rule all!"
"And I predict that if he keeps yapping like that a fly's gonna zoom right into his gaping mouth." Dina muttered to Rebecca over her shoulder.
"Insolent fool!" Malik raged, "I'll see you beaten within an inch of your life for that remark!"
"Just like Bakura huh?" Dina seethed.
"Bakura?" Malik thought back, "So you're the one who helped him escape that night! You've been a nuisance to me in more than way one girl. And THAT is a very foolish move."
"Malik please stop this!" Ishsyzu begged, "Violence and hatred will get you nowhere. I have foreseen all of this and your quest for power will bring about your doom if you-"
"I've heard enough from you!" Malik snapped at his sister, "You may be my own flesh and blood Ishsyzu, but the fact that you've sided with these impudent halfwits gives me more than enough cause to destroy you too!"
"But Malik-" Ishsyzu didn't want to give up on her dear brother. If only she could reach him. She KNEW there was still good inside.
"Go ahead and pledge your allegiance to the pharaoh and his worthless minions. Pegasus makes a suitable match for you too. He was too incompetent to prevent the tomb robber from taking his Millennium Eye back at Duelist Kingdom. If not for Shadi he'd have NEVER retrieved it. Since you are BOTH helpless players in this game perhaps you can wallow in your misery together. And I shall see to it that you both stay miserable for all time."
"Malik," tears rushed to his sister's eyes, "how can you say such things? The Millennium Rod has corrupted you Malik. Please, stop before it's too late!"
"It's already too late..." Malik stated with a wicked grin cast in Rebecca's direction, "...for all of you. Mark my words, you can't all guard her forever. And when I catch her in a vulnerable moment, she and her powers shall be mine!!!"
Pegasus struggled to hold the silently weeping Ishsyzu back as she and the others watch Malik disappear in the midst of bright golden flames.
Yugi and Yami exchanged worried looks and then faced Rebecca. The poor blonde wore a look of uncertain terror on her face. Not so much due to Malik's threat as to the increased convulsing of her hand.
"W-what's happening to me?! Is this some kind of cruel joke??" she met every pair of eyes in the room with an angry, fearful gaze, "I just learned how to USE my first power. This can't be happening! IT'S NOT FAIR! What'd I do to deserve this?!?"
The other occupants of the room seemed at a loss as to what to say or do in this situation. One could easily sympathize with Rebecca. Who in their right mind would WANT to have a power that would cause the most greedy and downright evil people in the world to hunt them down? And this same power could variably alter her entire appearance into--well--who knows what?!
Finally Yami and Yugi cautiously approached and embraced the sobbing blonde. As tears streamed down her face they held her close, stroked her hair, and whispered soft reassurances.
"I'd like to see ya fix this one Felaine." Dina murmured while putting her sword back under the stack of canvas boards.
"That's your job." Felaine stated from her stance in the Shadow Realm. Through a portal she watched the scene unfold and admittedly felt a small swell of pity for the Queen of Games. It was fortunate that Dina couldn't hear Felaine's remark. It would've undoubtedly sparked another of their heated arguments over fate and obligation.
Waving her hand before the portal until it dissolved, The Proclaimer prepared to carry out the next of her duties. In the human form she'd used to first approached Rebecca, the mystical feline opened a new tunnel. Awaiting her on the other side of this tunnel was a dimly lit apartment. A small fire burned in the fireplace while a shadowed figure sat on the couch, feet propped up on the coffee table, deeply engrossed in a book which spoke of Anthony and Cleopatra. The flames flickered bits of light around the room, illuminating the page just enough so that the white haired young man could make out the words.
"You shouldn't read in the dark," Felaine announced as she entered through the vanishing portal, "it's bad for your eyes."
Bakura looked up from his book and gasped at the strange woman before him. She was quite tall, had very short pale orange hair, and piercing yellow eyes. Eyes that one would expect only a cat to have. "W-who are you? How'd you get in here?"
"I'm called Felaine the Proclaimer." the stranger answered in a purring tone.
"Felaine the-WAIT-Yugi told me about you! You're that woman who Pegasus summoned to pit Yugi against Rebecca in a duel!" Bakura jumped off the couch and pulled his Millennium Ring out from underneath his sweater. "Stay back you, don't make me use this!"
A mocking laugh escaped the disguised cat. "Oh please my dear boy, don't tell me that you actually believe that you could harness the Ring's power just like that! You've just barely begun to take full control of your own vessel from the spirit within the item."
Bakura looked down at the Ring skeptically. She's right. If I try to use the Ring for defense now, the spirit of the tomb robber will just take over and then...I'll be confined to my mind again.
"Don't look so distraught mortal." The Proclaimer spoke again, in a less indignant tone. "You have managed to banish the spirit and without your permission (or your shift to unconsciousness) he cannot regain control."
"What do you want with me?" Bakura demanded.
A sly smirk spread over the woman's face. "To put it quite bluntly, I require your assistance."
"Why would I help you?!"
"Because I have a card in my hand that you just might've grown attached to."
Bakura cocked an eyebrow, "What are you talking about? What card?"
I've got you now, Ring holder. Felaine flashed a toothy grin. "I believe this particular creature goes by the name of---Dina."
Bakura froze in place. What does she want with her?! "H-how...I can't...what have you done with her y-you..."
"Oh I want bore you with details young mortal. She's safe, but if you wish to keep her so, you must agree to aid me in a little plan that I'm about to set into motion." The Proclaimer gestured towards the space behind her and the portal reopened. "Now, time waits for no being. Do we have a deal or not?"
Full of doubt, Bakura stared at the strange portal. Yugi had explained that it was through such a portal that Felaine had led him into the Shadow Realm to face off against Rebecca. What if Dina was pitted against him in a duel? There'd be no way to win without losing her! But then again, what if this was trick? He could be walking right into a trap!
I don't have any choice. he finally told himself, If I don't follow her and agree to be a part of this 'plan' she's formed...Dina will suffer. I can only hope---I'm not too late.
Felaine passed through the portal knowing that the young man was right behind her. Things were going perfectly now. She had both mortals in the mindset that she needed them. And now that I have all the pieces, it's time to set them up and watch how their roles play out.
________________________________________________________________________
*Next chapter: Rebecca's new power takes full effect...and Yugi gets a taste of her formidable abilities! Dina discovers that Bakura's missing and suspects that a certain feline might be the cause. And just how did Mokuba get caught up in all this? Please review for this chapter (no flames). Thanks again to all previous reviewers. ^_^ *