Disclaimer: This is the last time I say this for this story: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh *frowns* Life isn't fair (x_x)

A/N: Thank you, thank you, thank you for all the reviews!!! *jumps up and down all happy-like* heh…less sugar, more writing…working on that -_-

Chapter Twelve – Blood of Darkness

Something isn't right. Serena glanced out the window of the limo, her eyebrows raised in suspicion. I can sense it, it isn't right. What is going on?

The limo slowed down to a stop in front of the apartment. "Is this right Mr. Kaiba?" the driver asked meekly. It was his first day on the job and he definitely did not want to lose it. He had heard if you did one thing incorrect, you would lose your job on the spot and right now, he needed the money.

"Yes," Kaiba said, "thank you."

The driver was stunned at those last two words as he opened his door and went to open the door for Kaiba and Serena.

"Something isn't right," Serena said softly as she looked up into Kaiba's icy eyes.

"What do you mean?" he asked curiously, sliding his arms around her waist, ignoring the fact that the door had opened and his driver was waiting for them to exit.

"Something just isn't right," she repeated, trying to push it aside. She plastered on a fake smile and motioned for Kaiba to exit the limo.

They had spent the afternoon and early evening talking about their pasts and their futures; their hopes and their dreams; but more importantly, the death threat and the nightmare. Kaiba still wasn't sure what to believe when it came to the previous and recent nightmare. He had seen some crazy things in his past, but that didn't completely make him a believer. Serena, on the other hand, was more than sure the dream was a sign that something was going to happen. But, she refused to run from it. "Destiny" she had said, "can never be outrun. You have to face your fears and your past before you can face your future. If this dream is a sign of things to come, then I know I have to trust in myself and face my past, regardless of how dark it is."

And now, here they were, believing they were ready for anything, but feeling in their hearts they weren't. Kaiba smiled a true smile as he helped Serena out of the limo. He had never felt this way before. Still, even though she had broken down so many walls, he refused to be that way for everyone. The person he was becoming was meant for her eyes and her eyes alone.

Serena felt Kaiba's strong arm wrap possessively and protectively around her as they walked up to the door. She felt safe in his arms, safe from the evil she sensed, safe from the impending onslaught of danger.

"Serena, we were so worried 'bout ya!" Joey said, opening the door to the apartment, a smile on his face. She's alright. I'll kill Kaiba if he did anything to her! He frowned at Kaiba's arm wrapped around her waist, which looked as if it said, "I'm not going anywhere."

"Worried…about me? Why? I'm fine," Serena stated, a nervous laugh escaping her lips. The sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach wasn't going away. Something bad is going to happen…I can sense it. And I think they sense it too.

"Hurry inside." Yami appeared before them, pulling on Serena's hand, trying his best to hurry them up. He could sense the danger and the dark forces outside the apartment. He had to tell Serena before it was too late.

"What's going on? You all look…spooked or something." Serena looked around the apartment at all her friends. Everyone was there. It didn't escape her notice that they were all uncomfortable in the presence of Kaiba, especially since his arm was wrapped around her.

"Serena," Yami said, his amethyst eyes piercing her stormy blue ones. "They have come." His statement was simple, but he knew she understood. He could tell by the horror he saw in her face.

The dream was a sign…it will happen tonight. I have to protect them, they mustn't get involved. They shouldn't have even come to the apartment…but my note probably left them all worried. And now they are all involved. I should have taken Kaiba's offer, but I've learned I can't run from my problems; I have to face them. "Now?" she asked, her face showing no emotion.

"I sense them. Outside, in the darkness; they wait for you, ready to strike and take you."

"What are ya talking' about Yami?" Joey asked confused.

"There is a force, a dark one; one that has been searching for the millennium ruby necklace, as well as its holder, for many years. Their search has come to an end as they have found Serena. They are strong, but if we stand together and support each other, we can make it."

"It sounds like some freaky movie to me," Tristan said, tightening his grip on Serenity.

Shadi would often tell me in my dreams that my time of understanding would draw when I was ready. I don't feel ready, but somewhere inside, I know I am. If I could just access the full power of the necklace; but why must this happen now? Why is this how Fate has planned it? Oh Yami, what do I do? I'm not some ancient pharaoh; I'm just a teenage girl that Fate has played with.

Do not fear Serena; I will not allow them to hurt you. This is a test of your strength and endurance. Be strong and trust in yourself and those who care for you. Serena heard Yami's voice inside of her head, but his lips weren't moving. She looked to him quizzically and at that moment, she realized Kaiba's dream was not just a sign, but a prophecy. Sure, the events weren't exactly following sequence, but those were Yami's exact words. It was going to come true; and soon.

~*~*~*~*~

Thirty minutes had passed, and no effort to take Serena or her necklace was made. The clock had ticked away the time as everyone sat in the silence, holding their breath, not daring to make the slightest movement or sound. They were all beginning to believe it was all a big misunderstanding and they were letting their imaginations get the best of them. That is, until complete darkness fell and seemed to envelope the apartment.

"What's going on?" Téa asked, fear evident in her voice.

"I don't know, but something isn't right," Yami said quietly, his eyes narrowing as he looked out the window. "There, I see them!"

"There are two of them here, dressed in dark cloaks, not black, but not anything else. Their faces are concealed by the darkness, their cloaks, and their magic. To the untrained eye, they are unnoticed, invisible creatures of the night. They bear an insignia on their arms, to show their loyalty towards their master. To prove their devotion to him, they sell their lives, their own brain power, and their own souls; this is how they join his posse. They think nothing and only follow the idle lies of their master. They ask no questions; they make no comments; they say nothing unless requested of them, and should that be the case, they respond the way it is wished of them. They do just as commanded and think nothing of it for they have no thoughts of their own. That is the life of a follower in the Blood of Darkness," Serena said prophetically, her eyes closed and her back turned towards the window.

"Woe, Serena, where'd ya hear that? Is it from that new movie or somethin'?" Joey asked, interest in his eyes.

"What?" Serena said, as if she was in another world and coming back to reality.

"This isn't a game Wheeler," Kaiba said coldly, tightening his grip on Serena. "Are you ok?" he whispered in her ear.

"I'm fine," she said, a small smile appearing on her face.

"How did you know all that Serena?" Yami asked, directing his attention towards her, but never taking his eyes off the two men who stood in the shadows. How does she know so much about the Blood of Darkness? Their lineage descends back into Ancient Egypt when I was Pharaoh.

"Simple; my father is Jared, leader and master of Blood of Darkness," she replied quietly, hanging her head.

A sudden burst of anger surged through her body as she lifted her face and looked at Yami, fire building in her eyes, her fists rolled into little balls. "He took the only person who held meaning in my life away from me; all because she wanted to protect me. I won't let him take anyone else's life! Not without a fight! My mother may have just given in, but she never had what I have; the powers of my millennium item and friends to lean on. I will not let him take me and I will not let him take my friends! I refuse to become his slave, like my mother once was. I refuse to spend another year in his presence like I did when I was young. I went through hell and I refuse to go through it again!"

Hot tears were burning in her eyes as she broke out of Kaiba's arms. She couldn't stop destiny, but she most certainly could fight the past from recurring. She did her best to ignore the protests of her friends, especially of Kaiba. She shook off the arm he reached out to grab her with, giving him her "I know what I'm doing" glare.

Confidently, she approached the door and opened it. "You want me," she yelled, "come and get me!"