When Marik told his siblings what happened, they too expressed their worry. Marik was blaming himself for allowing Yami Bakura to persuade Victoria of something that more than likely was a pack of lies. "We have to find her."
"Indeed. That is true." Rishid agreed, and Ishizu nodded. "But we don't know our way around here at all."
"Perhaps we can find a map." Marik suggested.
"That would be most helpful." Rishid looked around for a store where a map might be sold.
"Perhaps that one, Rishid." Ishizu pointed to a convenience store across from the restaurant.
Marik headed over there, avoiding a speeding car narrowly. "That was close. The traffic lights don't last long around here, do they?"
Ishizu and Rishid rushed across after their brother, Rishid looking worried. "No, that does not seem to be the case. Let us get a map." The three Ishtars walked inside the store, to inquire about city maps.
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Victoria was staring at the two evil spirits fearfully. "I won'ts!" She informed Yami Marik, her little voice trembling.
"Oh yes you will, you little brat! I've gone through too much trouble already because of you!"
"Weave her awone!" Johanna cried.
"Hush you!" Rakura ordered. "We are not in this, Jo."
"Am toos! She's my fwiend." She put her arm around Victoria. "We 'tay togever."
Yami Marik scowled, giving the tomb raider a look. "Do you mind?"
"Come, Johanna. We're leaving. I've a game for us to play." The grave robber yanked the little girls apart, and disappeared with Johanna to the Shadow Realm.
Marik's yami sneered. "I hear you've been talking about the portal, Vicki. "
Victoria whimpered, backing up into a corner. "Pwease……"
"Well! What have you to say for yourself, Brat?!"
"I onwy telled Mawik…." Victoria replied in a small voice.
The yami slapped her hard across the face. "What did I tell you?! Did I not tell you to keep your mouth shut?!"
Victoria's eyes widened, and she collapsed into a ball. "I sowwy, Maser Mawik….weawwy weawwy sowwy…"
"Get up! We're going on a little vacation." The yami yanked the child up firmly by the arm, and sent them both to the Shadow Realm before she could cry out for help.
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"It's no good. There's no way we can find her. This city is far too big." Marik told his siblings three hours later. "For all we know, they took her to the Shadow Realm."
"I certainly hope not. She will not last long there. Her young mind is not strong enough." Rishid replied.
"That is correct." Shadi appeared before the Ishtars in Ishizu's hotel room.
"Oh Shadi, thank goodness! Then you know what has happened?" Marik was relieved to have help from this new source.
"Yes, and sadly, that is precisely what the yamis have done."
"Oh dear. That poor little girl…." Marik was both angry at Yami Bakura, and worried about Victoria's safety.
"Indeed. The little ones are in grave danger." Shadi nodded in concern.
"What can we do to help them, Shadi? Surely there is a way to free them."
"I am not certain yet. But we must hurry,if we are to do anything at all." Shadi's eyes were narrowed in serious thought.
"This is all my fault! Why did I give into that evil thing?!" Marik lamented.
"You thought Victoria's friend was in trouble. We can never tell with Bakura's yami anymore. You know that. It is his doing, not yours." Rishid consoled his younger brother.
"Yes. The only ones to blame here are the yamis. They have manipulated the young girls so much, the children can no longer distinguish the truth from lies. " Shadi agreed. There was a dark tone in his voice. "This cannot be allowed to continue."
"Maybe…." Marik was thinking of a plan as they talked.
"What is it, Marik?"
"Maybe I can use my Rod to get to the Shadow Realm." The boy with those kind, violet eyes looked up at his siblings. He knew they'd disapprove.
"Oh no, Marik! That is far too risky! You might not get back!" Ishizu told him.
"Your sister is right. It is far too fatal to risk." Shadi told the youngest Ishtar.
"I don't care! Because of me, Victoria's going to be tormented, and killed! I must stop her from meeting that fate!"
The older Ishtars looked at each other, nodding sadly. There would be no stopping their brother. He had his mind made up, and that was that. Rishid spoke quietly now. "If you are certain this is what you want, Brother…."
"I am sure. But you needn't worry. I will come back." Marik told them. He could see the looks of sorrow already. He took Ishizu's hand in his. "Sister, please do not worry for me. I will return."
"I know you will…." Ishizu smiled down at him with her soft, loving eyes. "Be careful, Marik."
Rishid nodded in agreement. "Yes. You know how much more powerful he is in the Shadow Realm. Don't let him overtake you."
Marik hugged Rishid tightly. "Do not worry. This time, he will not win." With that, the boy, and Rod, disappeared, leaving the Ishtars and Shadi to stare in wonder.
