Author's Notes: If you haven't noticed, each chapter title is based on a famous song, if you ever want to, download the songs I give as each chapter title and see how it fits with that chapter. It's fun! Try it! ^_~
Well, chapter 4 is here. I wasn't able to do it earlier because I accidentally dislocated my arm. But I'm back now, so here it is! Enjoy!
Chapter 4:
Take On Me
The silver haired boy stood there, glaring at the retreating girl. Téa paused in mid run and turned around to look at the silently fuming Yami Bakura. "Did you say something, Bakura?"
Yami Bakura narrowed his eyes. "Not really. I was just thinking out loud." He looked away for a moment and when he looked back, his hair was tamed and his eyes bright and shining. "Téa, why are we just standing here? Shouldn't we be heading to the soccer game?"
Téa nodded. "Yep! We're just waiting for Yugi! Didn't you tell me he was running late?"
Bakura shook his head. "If I did, I don't remember."
Téa's eye twitched slightly. "Wha?" Oh no…it was him! It! The other Bakura…I'm so dead if he finds out about that dream! Oh the heck with it! Téa regained her composure. "Maybe you've had too much sun, Bakura? Why don't we just wait for Yugi in the shade!" She laughed nervously. Pushing him toward a tall shaded tree. I know I wanted to run, but mother always taught me to face my problems and my fears. It's time I did just that!
Bakura sweat dropped. "Uh, sure, whatever you want, Téa." He said uncomfortably.
Téa started to feel deja vu but shook her head, ignoring it. "Um, so, who do you think will win the big game today?" She asked, looking down at her skirt, playing with a hanging thread nervously.
Bakura leaned back against the tree, looking up at the clouds passing over the blue sky. "I hope it's our team. I'm tired of always losing to our rival." He looked over at Téa, his warm chocolate eyes staring at her bowed head. "What's wrong?"
Téa jumped. "Nothing! I'm just tired. I spent most of the night up. Didn't get much sleep."
"Bad dream?"
Téa's eyes shot wide open. "NO! I mean…uh, I don't really remember. The power went out and then Marik showed up and…never mind."
Bakura sighed and went back to looking up at the sky. His eyes slightly narrowed. "You had that dream again, didn't you?"
Téa's eyes darted to the side, trying to look at him, without actually turning her head. "Who…who wants to know?"
Bakura chuckled. "Me! Don't worry; it's just me, Téa! No one else." He turned to face her.
Téa nodded slowly. "Yes, I did. I don't understand why. I don't…feel that way for him. Honestly. In that dream I submitted completely and wanted him, but when I'm awake, I don't have those feelings at all. It's so strange."
Bakura seemed to sadden. "Téa?" He asked, his voice soft and distant.
"Yes?"
Bakura sat up, pulling his legs closer to his chest. "What's it like…to be around it, or uh, him? You know, when he's being nice and all in your dream?"
Téa smiled sympathetically at her friend. "Well, it's little scary and way out of character…" She closed her eyes and sighed. But, it's not so bad." She looked up as a bird flew overhead, the wind brushing her chestnut hair gently against her cheeks. "I sometimes wonder what life must have been like back in ancient Egypt. It must have been hard…for Yami and the spirit of the ring. He was a thief, wasn't he?"
Bakura nodded. "So I've heard."
Téa looked down at the golden ring. "You know, it's not really a 'ring' right?"
Bakura laughed. "I know that. But, that is what everyone else calls it. So I might as well too."
Téa smiled at his warm laughter.
"Those millennium items are such trouble…" A slightly deeper voice said.
Téa stared at Bakura suspiciously. "You know, reincarnation is a funny thing. It can change a person completely! I mean, just look at Yugi and Yami. They are so different, yet so similar. That is, if Yugi is his reincarnation." She giggled. "As for you…"
Bakura looked puzzled. "Don't you mean him?"
"I think that despite the way you act when the ring is in control, I think…you're not really that bad. Probably something that happened 5000 years ago that changed you. Your eyes show sadness, loneliness and pain. So, I doubt I could ever believe you when you say you're evil and all that."
"How did you know?" A rough voice asked.
Téa smiled, not looking at the dark spirit next to her. "Call it an instinct." She sighed, frustrated. Leaning her head in her hand, she started to speak in a whisper. "I hate my life sometimes…" She turned her head and faced Yami Bakura. "Well, I had that dream again! Are you going to 'punish' me or what?" She asked, more angry then afraid.
Yami Bakura huffed and crossed his arms. "Just go away!" He snapped, his voice slightly shaky.
Téa moved closer, looking slightly concerned. "Bakura?"
Yami Bakura turned quickly, startling then girl before him. "I said get out of here you snivelling brat!" He spat angrily.
Téa glared daggers, but complied. Scooping up her bag, she stomped off to where Joey and Tristan were. Jerk! I can't believe I tried to open up to him! I guess a dream really is just a dream!
Yami Bakura leaned against the tree, teeth gritted tightly. "I'm going to ended up killing that girl before this day's over…I swear…"
***
Kaiba leaned against the door, listening for any kind of commotion. "It's quiet…good!" He backed up causally toward the window and clicked the latch. "Keeping me here all night with one stupid guard. Just what are these fools thinking?" Once he heard the snap, he lifted the window out of the frame carefully, looking back to make sure no one was coming. Setting the window down gently, he slipped out and reached for something to grip. Smirking when he felt the easy to grip shingles, he pulled himself out slowly. The door began to click, causing him to stop.
The door opened and a lawyer and police officer came in.
"Good morning, sir. I hope you slept…huh?" The lawyer looked around the empty room.
The police officer glanced up at the dangling Kaiba. "Stop" He yelled, running over.
Kaiba sighed. "I might get in trouble for this but…" He swung back and kicked the officer right in the jaw. The officer crashed to the floor, unconscious.
The lawyer sighed. "Must you always do that?"
Kaiba sneered. "Just keep them distracted!"
The lawyer nodded, reaching for a first aid kit. "I'm going to lose my job defending him one of these days…"
Kaiba pulled himself up onto the roof. "Now, where would the courtroom be?"
***
Ishizu was looking around the room. It was almost all white with a single room and a window, showing a bunch of chairs on the other side. "Seto…where are you? I don't have much time…"
***
Kaiba peeked through the window above the courtroom. "Empty? But…" He narrowed his eyes and pulled himself up. "They aren't even going to bother!"
***
Ishizu jumped when she heard the door opening. A tall man came in and smirked at the frightened woman. "It's time, Ishtar."
***
Kaiba ran furiously through the station. Knocking over everyone in his path. "This is completely illegal! Just who's running this place?" He kicked over a chair, causing an officer who was chasing him, to trip. "Ishizu!" He shouted. "Where the heck did they take her?" Turning a corner blindly, he bumped into a friendly looking doctor. "What is a doctor doing here?"
The man raised an eyebrow. "I could say the same for you, young man. This is a restricted section!" He began to walk by, but Kaiba grabbed him by his coat and pulled him toward his face.
"Enough about that! Where's Ishizu?"
The man glared at him through his glasses. "I beg your pardon sir, but release me! I don't know who this Ishizu is!"
Kaiba tightened his grip. "I don't have time for this! Now, where is the execution room?"
The doctor pointed to a long hall leading to two huge sliver doors. "There!"
Kaiba let go of the man and ran through the doors.
***
Ishizu was backing away slowly as the man came closer. "It won't hurt. Trust me!" Ishizu kicked him and ran for the door. It was locked tight. "No! Help! Someone please!" She pounded on the door. The man grabbed her from behind and threw her down onto the floor. "Enough!" He slapped her and lifted her up by her robe, throwing her onto the white bed. He placed something on her neck.
"NO!" She screamed as he clamped his hand down roughly onto her arm, holding a needle in the other hand.
A smashing sound caused the man to look up. He met with a fist and went crashing into the door.
"I've had enough of this place!" He grabbed Ishizu's hand. "Let's get to my mansion. I need to make an important call!"
Ishizu smiled and nodded. "I knew you'd come for me!"
***
"Goal!"
Yugi and Joey cheered as their team surrounded them, congratulating them on winning.
"We did it!" A team-mate shouted, slapping Joey roughly on the back.
Téa, and Serenity ran to greet them, hugging and praising them on winning.
"Great work guys! We've finally won!" Téa cheered.
Yugi, Joey, Tristan and Bakura smiled shyly rubbing the back of their heads.
Téa absentmindedly had her arm around Bakura's waist, and didn't notice the dark spirit glaring down at her.
It was almost the evening and everyone had decided to go to coffee shop to celebrate their victory. Téa remembered going there with Yami when Yugi had sat them up on a date. She blushed and smiled remembering that day fondly. But soon frowned when she realised he wouldn't be with them much longer and feared he might forget his dear friends.
Everyone was talking about the game. Yugi was laughing when Joey had teased him about having Yami help them. Yugi assured them that Yami wasn't involved and that he had just gotten better. This resulted in Joey having Yugi in a headlock and Yami appearing and scaring Joey senseless. Bakura rolled his eyes, knowing that his spirit would never lend a hand in such a 'silly' game. Tristan was trying to tell Serenity about how many goals he stopped, and Serenity was just smiling and giggling. Noticing her brother was glaring at Tristan only caused her to laugh more. Téa smiled. Seeing Yami was such a nice and pleasant thing, even though he only stayed temporarily. She played with the straw in her pop.
I feel so…depressed… She sighed. This just isn't like me! Do I have feelings for Yami? No…it was just a crush, but…he's just so great to be around. You always feel like everything is going to be ok. And if though he doesn't stay long, his presence is enough to make you feel stronger. I guess I'll miss him because of what he's done for all of us. I only wish I could have gotten a chance to get to know him.
Yugi looked over at the forlorn Téa and sighed. Maybe he could cheer her up a bit by letting her have a chat with Yami? Then again, it might be harder for her to say goodbye?
Yugi, I know what your thinking. I would like to talk to her if it's all right with you.
Yugi smiled. All right, Yami. Thanks!
The millennium puzzled glowed causing the group to look toward Yugi. Yami opened his eyes and smiled. "Téa, could I speak to you privately for a moment?"
Téa was startled, but managed to smile and nod. "Sure!"
He gently took her hand in his and led her outside.
Joey teased them about dating, but was silenced by Serenity and Bakura telling him to shut up. Everyone looked over at Bakura, wondering why he became so vocal suddenly. It was forgotten when a waitress showed up and asked Joey what he wanted. That really caused everyone to forget what had just happened.
"I'll take this and that, oh, and that one! How much is the special? Yeah, that too and…"
Everyone began to lose their appetite.
***
Yami held the door open for Téa, as they walked outside of the shop and sat at the little café outside of it.
"What's up?" Téa asked cheerfully.
Yami smiled. "Téa, what's wrong? You've been avoiding me a lot lately. Did I do something wrong?"
Téa shook her head and leaned her elbows on the table. "No, Yami…I just…I guess that I know everything is going to be over soon. You and Bakura will have to return your items and then the spirits will be gone and then…everything will return to normal." She leaned her head onto her folded arms, her hair cascading around the table.
Yami leaned forward, smiling slightly. "Téa, everything has to happen for a reason. And, I know it won't be the same, but you deserve a normal life. I don't know how many times you've been put in danger because of me, it's not easy seeing that. I love Yugi and all of his friends, and seeing them in danger all the time…I'm almost glad that I'll be leaving. But to say good bye to you and Joey… it won't be easy at all."
Téa's large sapphire eyes trailed up to Yami's deep violet ones. "Life sucks, eh?"
Yami chuckled. "Yes, sometimes it really does. But you have to always remember that as long as you have friends, it's not so hard." He tapped her gently on the head. "Are you going to sit up or just lay there like that?"
Téa blushed and pulled herself up right, brushing strands of hair away from her face. "Thanks Yami. I'm…I'm really going to miss you." She choked out, wiping her tear filled eyes.
Yami took Téa's hand and pulled her away from the table and into his arms. "Shhh, it's ok." He patted her gently on the back.
Téa clung onto his shirt, crying harder.
Yami rocked her gently in his arms. "I promise, I won't forget you, Téa. I could never forget you! I love you dearly. You are very precious to me, and I won't forget you, all right? Now dry your tears and let's go join the others."
Téa pulled away and wiped her wet and stained face. "Thanks, Yami. I love you too. You're the best!" She hugged him happily.
Yami kissed her on the head gently and walked her back inside the shop, his arms tightly around her waist, assuring her wasn't leaving any time soon.
Joey saw the duo walked in, Téa was smiling at Yami, and he in turn was smirking back at her. "Have fun you two?"
Yami nodded. "Very much, right sweetie?"
Téa giggled. "Right!" She cuddled into him.
Joey laughed nervously. "Very funny guys!"
"Funny? What's funny about me proposing to Téa?"
Everyone fell over.
"WHAT?" Joey spat, hanging out of his seat.
Yami and Téa exchanged looks and burst out laughing.
Everyone looked up puzzled.
"We're just friends! It was a joke! Just getting even with Joey for his earlier comments!" Téa said, wiping tears from her eyes. She was laughing so hard.
Yami was laughing too. "Sorry, Joey. We couldn't resist." He smiled over at Téa and mouthed the words 'goodbye' she waved and he closed his eyes and little Yugi appeared before them. "I'm going to get Yami for that! I almost had a heart attack!"
Téa laughed so much; she was grabbing her sides. "Sorry, Yugi. Yami and I came up with that as we were ending out chat." She sighed and took a seat next to Bakura.
"Feeling better?" Bakura asked cheerfully.
"Much! Yami was a great help!" She smiled and reached for her soda. Frowning when she saw it empty, she glared at Joey.
"Uh, no, it was not me this time!" He said, backing away.
Tristan smiled sheepishly. "Sorry, I was thirsty from talking to Serenity.
Bakura laughed. He handed Téa his soda. "Don't worry, I didn't drink any yet, you can have it. I'll just get another."
Téa took the drink gently in her hand. "Thanks, I'll pay you back." She leaned back in the chair, her arm rested against something slightly harder then what she imagined a chair should feel like. She looked over to see Bakura's arm resting there. He was looking down at her, slightly puzzled. She jumped up.
"Sorry! I didn't know your arm was there!"
Bakura removed his arm. "It's ok, I didn't know you were going to sit here or I would have moved over."
Téa felt her face growing hot. That was too close for my taste… She leaned back on the chair, now free.
Yami Bakura looked down at the girl below him. She was falling asleep in the chair, her head tilted to the side. Her eyes were heavy lidded and her lips were parted. She was breathing softly. She was leaning a little toward him; her hair was just brushing his shoulder. He frowned. I need to take a walk…
To be continued…
