Author's Notes: Thanks so much everyone! Your reviews are so encouraging and wonderful! I hope I won't disappoint you.
Couplings: Well, I think I'm going to make this a dark Bakura/Téa fic. I will have it as a Marik/ Téa for the first few chapters though. And the next fic I make will probably be Marik/Téa/Dark Marik, which will be lots of fun! *Grins evilly*
Chapter 3:
Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely
The rain beat down steadily; it's droplets pelting like tiny stones on the window. From inside the Gardner house though, all was quiet. Téa peeked out from underneath the blanket.
"Great, just great! Now I have to get a new fuse."
She glanced down at her watch and clicked the button on the side. It lit up showing that it was almost four in the morning.
"There's no stores open yet, I hope mom bought a spare."
She flipped the blanket off and slowly descended the stairs toward the basement. The stairs creaked with every step she took. Shadows began to dance on the walls, causing the young teen to jump.
"Ok, calm down, Téa! Letting your imagination run wild isn't going to help. It's just the shadows from the cars on the street, right?"
She stopped and blinked a few times. A dark shadow was just near her left, it wasn't moving like the other shadows. She waved her hand in front; the shadow didn't mimic her. Taking a deep breath, she passed by this unmoving shadow. Without noticing it, the shadow moved slightly and started to watch her. Téa fumbled around the room, searching for something. A smirk of triumph appeared on her face when she pulled out what she was looking for.
"Ah, ha! I knew it was here!"
She pulled out a small black flashlight.
"I hope the batteries work."
She clicked it on and began to search for the fuse box. The shadow that was once behind her was now beside her. She turned around and flashed the light on the wall where the shadow once stood.
"Ok…it's gone. Then who –
A loud crash of thunder followed by a flash of lighting caused her to scream and throw the flashlight up and over her head. She ducked down.
"Oh no…where is it?"
She ran her hands over the dirty surface of her basement. Her hand suddenly came in contact with something warm; it was too warm to be an object. She felt a bit more, and soon realised that it was someone's hand! She pulled her hand away quickly and dared herself to look up and see who was with her. Raising her head, she came face to face with a purple hooded man.
"Ahhh!!!" She screamed, pushing the figure away and taking a run for the stairs.
The man grabbed her arm and twisted her around. She felt herself being flung into these strangers' arms. Her grabbed her roughly and forced her to look up at him. Shaking and very scared, she kept her eyes squeezed shut and prayed this was just a dream. A soft voice spoke gently into her ear.
"Téa, it's me. Don't be afraid. I won't hurt you."
Téa's eyes shot open. "MARIK!!!" She cried and pulled away. "What are you doing here? You scared me to death!" She paused for a moment. "Hey, I thought you were in Egypt." She finally found the flashlight and clicked it back on.
He sighed. "It's a long story. But no one should really know I'm here. Even you." He said, crossing his arms and smirking.
Téa laughed nervously. "Uh, is this bad for me, that I know?"
Marik laughed. "No, but you can't tell anyone, ok?"
Téa nodded numbly. "Alright…" She located the fuse box and opened it. "Oh shoot…" She whispered to herself.
Marik came up from behind her, leaning over her shoulder. "What's wrong?"
Téa slammed the box shut and turned to face the blond haired Egyptian. "Oh nothing, just that every fuse has been blown for some reason, and since my mother only bought one, I'm pretty much blind until morning." She kicked the box and leaned against the wall, frustrated.
Marik laughed. "Man, sounds like you're having a bad day, Téa. He took his robe off and hung them over the chair nearby. He was wearing a tight black shirt and beige pants. He still wore all of his jewellery, but his hair seemed to be slightly longer. He really didn't look any different. He was still as handsome as ever.
Téa reached for his robe and slung it over her shoulder. "Well, I guess you can stay the night if you wish. My mother won't know about it, she's too deep a sleeper to even realise that the power is off." She beckoned for him to follow her.
They climbed the stairs to the main room.
"So, where do I sleep?" Came his voice from the darkness.
Téa frowned. "You can't sleep here, if my mother gets up, she'll see you. I guess you can sleep in my room. But, if you touch anything –
Marik threw his hands up in defence. "Hey, don't worry. You can trust me!"
Sighing, she nodded and showed him to her room. "I'll be on the couch, seeing as I couldn't sleep anyways.
"Why not?"
Téa felt her face grow hot. "Ummm, just a bad dream I guess." She opened her door and stepped inside. "Come on in, don't worry, it's clean!" She smiled, even though he couldn't see her.
Marik nodded and hesitantly walked into the room. "Uh, where's the bed?" He asked, noticing all he could see was darkness.
Téa smiled and took his hand in hers. "Over here, I know this room too well. I could find it with a blindfold." She led him to the bed, but tripped over her carelessly left out shoes and went flying backwards.
"Téa! Are you…whoa!!!" He cried, as she hadn't let go of his hand, which caused him to go flying with her.
They landed in a heap near the bed.
Téa stood up quite quickly. "Sorry, I forgot about my ballet shoes." She fumbled around and grabbed the pink slippers. "I should have put them away, but I was…ummm, practicing." She blushed.
Marik sat up and rubbed his head. "No problem, thank god your bed isn't near the window though, that wouldn't have been a pretty sight." He joked. "Hey, you take ballet?"
Téa blushed eve redder. "Well, yes. My dream, as all my friend's already know, is to become a dancer and go to New York." She tossed the slippers under her bed and sat down on it.
Marik smiled. Since you told all of your friends, does this mean I'm your friend too, Téa?"
Téa smiled. "Well, I must admit I am feeling slightly awkward, seeing as we met under poor circumstances, but I'm willing to forgive and forget!" She smiled and reached out her hand. Marik didn't take it and she frowned. "Marik…"
"What?"
"Aren't you going to shake my hand?"
"Téa…?"
"Yes?"
"I can't see your hand…"
"Oh!"
***
The sounds of men arguing could be heard all through the police station.
"I've told you already, I didn't kill him!" Kaiba said, frustrated.
The police officer glared at him and slammed his hand down on the desk. "That's a bunch of bull! We saw you shoot him and we know he's dead! You can't escape this! Now shut up and wait for your lawyer to get here, or I'll personally send you to jail!"
Kaiba growled but said nothing more.
***
Ishizu paced the room. A door opened, causing her to look up. "Well?"
The door slammed tightly shut. Kaiba walked in, nursing his head with an icepack.
"Didn't go well?" She asked, sheepishly.
Kaiba stormed by her without saying a word. He groaned and rubbed his aching head.
Ishizu sat down next to him. She held out her hand and smiled apologetically. "Here, let me help."
Kaiba frowned and looked away, but didn't stop her when she took the ice pack from his hand.
"I know you aren't speaking to me, and I can understand that. The least you can do is tell me how you got this!" She sighed as she gently dabbed the cut near his eyebrow.
Kaiba closed his eyes and sighed deeply. "The police officer didn't appreciate my 'colourful' language. Enough said!"
Ishizu laughed slightly. "I can just imagine what you said." She removed the icepack and pulled out a small Kleenex from the box on the desk. She dabbed at the wound. "You're lucky he didn't caused you serious damage. This cut will just barely heal, without the need for stitches."
Kaiba snorted and brushed her hand away.
"Fine, be that way. I…don't blame you." She put her head down and closed her eyes. Holding her hands tightly in her lap, she began to speak softly. "My brother…was looking for something rare. You remember the silver card?"
Kaiba didn't respond.
Ishizu continued, despite his rudeness. Well, he found it, but…something went wrong." She placed her hand on her chest. "I love him so much and I miss him dearly, but I know he's alive. I sought your help, hoping you could give me some answers about the documents."
Kaiba looked at her at this point, but still remained silent. He began to believe this woman and felt bad at how he had just tossed her away without hearing the whole story.
"Seto, there is a key that allows access to the hidden documents of Maximillion Pegasus. It tells about all the cards he made, tells about their stats, levels and how much they are worth on the market. It also tells how to use and master that silver card, and release the darkness within it." She shook her head and stood up. "They were stolen two nights before my arrival. Someone broke into Kaiba Corp and found your secret vault. The only one with such valuable knowledge is the curator that gave the key to me. No one else could have done it but the curator or me! I know because, he is my uncle. I've been framed for my brothers' disappearance. I'm also being accused of being sent to kill you because –
The door opened before Ishizu could finish. "Miss, Ishtar?" The man asked politely.
Ishizu stood up and nodded. "I am ready."
Kaiba glared at the suited man. "What's going on?"
Ishizu smiled sadly. "Seeing as what I told you must remain secret, I cannot prevent my trial in court. I am pleading guilty to all sentences. You are free to go if I prove I was tricking you into helping me. Please, if you find my brother…protect him.
"She is a traitor to our country, so if she pleads guilty, she will be executed!" The man exclaimed.
Kaiba's eyes widened. "What?" He stood up and walked toward her. "Are you crazy? You can't just give yourself up! You aren't even guilty!"
Ishizu stared at him, her eyes softened. "Seto…" She walked over to him and put her hand on his shoulder.
Kaiba looked up at her, his eyes showing total disbelief. He kept shaking his head.
She smiled sadly and gave him a quick hug. "Thank you for all you've done. I only wish I could have gotten to know you better."
Kaiba bowed his head, her shoulder concealing face. He put his arm around her waist and squeezed tightly then let go. He lifted his head, leaned toward her ear and whispered gently. "How does dinner sound this Saturday?"
Ishizu gasped.
"It's time." The man said in a low key.
Kaiba gave her a knowing look.
Ishizu smiled and nodded. He was going to save her, and all she had to do was by him some time. She gave him a bow of her head, which meant she understood.
The man escorted her out of the room, locking the door behind him.
Kaiba picked up the icepack, smiled and threw it in the trash. He had a perfect plan.
***
A small light illuminated Téa's room, as the candles she lit danced merrily on the walls. Marik and her had spent most of the early morning talking and catching up on things. Soon daylight showed itself, brining the teen's conversation to a halt.
"Wow, the night flew by pretty fast!" Téa remarked, noticing the rising sun. She looked over at Marik and smiled.
Marik was lying on the bed, smirking. His hands were behind his head like a makeshift pillow. "I should be going soon."
Téa smirked. "Well, you should try to sleep a bit first. My mom doesn't wake me till about nine. It's only eight."
Marik sat up. "Naw, I don't think I can sleep. I shouldn't stay too long anyways. I don't want to put your family in danger." He said sadly.
"What's wrong?" She asked, sitting next to him.
Marik shook his head. "I'm being followed and anyone who gets in their way will be taken out. I don't want anyone hurt."
"Why did you come here anyways?"
Marik slid off the bed and stood up. He crossed his arms. "I was trying to duck out of sight and noticed the basement door was unlocked. I was almost found, but managed to slip in here. I was going to leave, but then you came down the stairs and well, you know the rest. Thank you for helping me, but I should be going." He reached out his hand.
Téa laughed and shook it. "No problem! I'd better get ready for school. "Take care and be careful, ok? Your sister loves you and she would worry if anything happened to you."
Marik nodded. "You guys are fairly close, aren't you?"
Téa smiled. "Yes, we got to know each other on Kaiba's Battle Ship."
Marik began to open her window. "I don't think she knows I'm alive. There was an…uh, accident back home and I never returned." He looked up at the sky, his eyes showing a slight hint of loneliness. "I don't think I can ever return home until that mess is cleared up anyway. Until then, I'm on the run. You probably wont see me anymore after this, so please forget you ever saw me now, ok?"
Téa looked away sadly. "I guess I have no choice. If you need help though, I'm sure Yugi could help you!"
Marik shook his head. "No, he's doing enough as it is already!" He swung his leg over the windowsill and waved, smiling brightly at Téa. "It was a pleasure getting to know you, Téa!"
Téa giggled. "Likewise…hey, I –
"Marik! What are you doing here?" Came a displeased voice from below.
Marik spun around quickly to find dark Bakura glaring up at him from the front of Téa's house. Sadly, he swung around too quickly, causing him to slip and go crashing to the ground.
Téa screamed and looked out the window. "Are you ok?"
Dark Bakura helped the shaken Marik up. "Uh, fine…fine…" He mumbled, rubbing his head. "WHY THE HELL DID YOU DO THAT?" He shouted, slapping dark Bakura's hand away in disgust.
Dark Bakura laughed. "You stupid fool! I was trying to get your attention!"
Marik glared. "By killing me?"
Dark Bakura shrugged. "If that's what it would take!" He crossed his arms and looked away.
Téa sweat-dropped. "Uh, ok…" She called out to Yami Bakura, forgetting that it was indeed Yami Bakura. "Hey, Bakura! Where's Yugi?"
Dark Bakura looked up and frowned. "Uh, he's coming shortly. He had to run back home for something." He said, faking his voice to sound like Bakura.
Téa nodded. "Ok, well, just wait a second and I'll be right down."
Dark Bakura growled but nodded and forced a sweet smile on his face. "Sure thing!"
Téa hurriedly dressed, washed up and grabbed her purse. She opened the front door and skidded to a halt at Marik's side. He was talking with dark Bakura about something. Yami Bakura didn't seem pleased. "Shouldn't you be going?" She asked causally.
Marik nodded. "Yes, I'm going. Just had to ask Bakura here a question. Take care, Téa! And thanks again!"
Téa blushed. "You're welcome."
Marik smirked and nodded at Yami Bakura, then ran off down the street.
Téa sighed and adjusted the strap on her purse. She looked up and saw Yami Bakura glaring at her. "What?" She asked innocently, not noticing his slightly glowing eyes and spiked up hair.
"What was he doing here?" Yami Bakura asked, grimly.
Téa shrugged. "Hmmm? Oh, I ran into him and uh, seeing as he needed a place to stay; I uh…let him stay with me and…uh…oh, there's Joey! Hey, Joey!" She ran off toward the tall blonde, leaving a speechless dark Bakura behind. That didn't come out right…but I don't really want to be near Bakura at this moment. I'll explain it to him later.
Yami Bakura shrugged it off and began to follow Téa. He stopped, suddenly realising what she just said. "HE WHAT?"
To be continued…
