Disclaimer: Once again, we have no claim to owning Yu-Gi-Oh.
*~*~*
Seven was actually surprised when her fist connected with Marik's face. She felt a great deal of satisfaction just by hitting him. Knowing that he was still dangerous, Seven backed off a bit to see Yami skid to a stop as another person materialized out of thin air. Sensing that this wasn't going as planned, she took a step back away from Marik's body before a small glint caught her attention. Her badge was nestled firmly in Marik's hand. It was so tempting to quickly snatch it away and get out of this mess, but she couldn't leave Yami alone. So she stood back a bit before glancing down at the ladder and spotted the tips of Yuugi's tri-colored hair.
Moving slowly and keeping an eye on Marik's downed form, she positioned herself next to the ladder and glanced down at Yuugi with worried eyes before turning back to observe the situation.
--
The Doctor observed Ryou's denial and Bakura's antics before stepping closer to the pair. "I assure you Ryou, you are not dreaming. This is fairly real," he paused and then added. "I am real. Well as real as a hologram can be."
With a glance that was directed to the ceiling of Sickbay the Doctor moved over to a console and lifted the medical tricorder and brought it back over to perform a quick scan of Ryou. He checked the results before pausing at Bakura's look. With resignation, he placed the tricorder down and stood silently for a minute before speaking again. "Is there anything you would like to know about Sickbay? I can give you information on procedures that I have done in the past, or a list of my hobbies, but I can't give you information on the crew. I am sure you understand. It would be a breach of Doctor-patient confidentiality."
--
Janeway sighed before rubbing her forehead in worry. Seven was in potential danger and according to this Marik, if she tried to intervene on his plans, she would be risking the crew. She sat there for a moment, thinking over the predicament they were in before re-emerging onto the bridge. She glanced to the crewmembers present before eyeing the viewscreen. Moving to the Captain's chair, she sat down and leaned back before making her decision.
"Chakotay, you have the Bridge," Janeway's voice caused Chakotay to glance up.
"Captain?"
"I've thought about this and I have decided that I am going down to the surface. I wish for a continuous transporter lock to be in place while I am down there. I'm going to go as a civilian opposed to as Voyager's captain. I need to see what the situation is with my own eyes and not rely on someone's threats against my crew."
She watched for any argument that might come, but none came, and for that she was grateful.
--
Fifteen minutes later, she was beamed to the surface near Seven's current position and glanced around before walking out of the alley that served as her beam-in and beam-out point. She stood there and glanced around before heading off to find Seven. Once she got to the entrance of the alley, she pulled out her tricorder and located Seven's position and was not surprised to find out that she was right nearby. Putting the device away, she started into the street and walked a few metres before turning into another alley.
The tricorder's data proved correct as Janeway's gaze caught the sight of a youth climbing a ladder to stop just before he reached the top. Silence reigned for only a few seconds.
***
Yuugi's eyes met Seven's as she looked down towards him with worry. /Yami! Get Seven away from me. Marik might come after her and see me. Which is not good if I'm to stay hidden./
Yami looked towards the girl's position, but not long, for he had developed his own problem and it was standing in front of him. He watched the spirit pick up the Millennium Rod and pulled on both ends, showing a sharp point on one of the ends. //I'm having a bit of a problem myself, Yuugi. It seems there's a spirit inside of the Rod.//
/A what?!/
//Just stay there and try to get Seven away from you.// Yami's red eyes quickly glanced at Marik and where his concentration was. His eyes were directly looking at the girl that had just struck him. //Better yet, aibou, as much as I hate asking that tomb-robber, go see if you can find Ryou and Bakura.//
/What about you?/
The spirit of the puzzle's eyes narrowed. //I can deal with this for right now. Just leave.//
Yuugi peeked over the top and ducked back down. /Be careful, mou hitori no boku./
//I will.//
Yuugi went back down the fire ladder quickly. He just hoped it would be easy to find his white haired friend.
--
Bakura glared at the doctor who had just... done *something* to Ryou. "Yeah, I'd like to know something. What was the thing you just used? And what did it do?"
"You're being quite rude today, Bakura."
{{Quiet. I want to know what he did.}}
{There *are* nicer ways to ask. They involve the use of the word please.}
Bakura growled. {{Well, he didn't say please before he did whatever he did. In fact, he didn't even ask. Now who's weird?}}
Ryou sighed.
--
Marik grinned as he saw the pointed tip of the Millennium Rod. ^^Should I kill him?^^
^Yeah, but try not to get the puzzle too dirty. I have some unfinished business with this *woman* who hit me.^ Marik grinned. ^This is going to be fun.^
The holder of the Rod walked towards Seven and started laughing. "You know, that wasn't a very smart thing to do to someone who has much more power than you could think possible." He held up the item that assumingly belonged to her. "I think you want this."
His head lowered, observing her reactions. "What would happen if I were to crush it? How badly do you want this little contraption, huh? Not bad enough if the worse you could do is punch me once."
--
Yami watched the actions of the spirit closely. This truly was dangerous and could turn very deadly. He didn't know what to expect, so he waited for the first move to be made.
"Hmm... I can't seem to figure out how I'm going to kill you. I was thinking about throwing you off the building, but that might attract too much attention. I could always take you apart piece by piece. That's probably bloodier, but who doesn't love blood?" He began to laugh. "Why so silent? Don't you want a say in your own death?"
Yami couldn't help but smirk. "You can't kill me that easily. All I'd have to do is escape back into the puzzle."
Yami Marik's eyes narrowed. "Then wouldn't it be a shame if I had to kill your vessel as well. I was thinking about letting him live..."
Yami's smile faded. He couldn't and wouldn't put his aibou in danger. So, he was stuck there until Yuugi would show up with Ryou and Bakura.
Because Bakura loved blood.
***
Janeway's gaze followed the youth's hurried descent down the ladder and decided to find out why he was in such a hurry. She darted towards the alley mouth just before he finished climbing down. She stood there and waited for him to realize that she was there. She lost the pose though when she heard voices drift down from somewhere up above. One sounded very familiar as she had heard it aboard Voyager. It took only a second to place it and she moved with purpose once more, drawing the attention of the youth that she passed.
She wasn't sure if he would notice her due to the clothing she had donned, but her combadge was prominently displayed on her chest.
--
The Doctor looked at Bakura with slight contempt before lifting the tricorder once more. "Since you asked so *politely*, I only scanned your friend here."
He held out the device in his palm. "This device informs me instantly of any injury a crewmember might have sustained. Ryou seems to have sustained injuries in the past, but they pose no threat to his life." He closed the tricorder and set it aside before glancing to Ryou and Bakura. "So the Captain informed me that you might find your way here, but why are you onboard?"
As he spoke, he moved around Sickbay, doing menial tasks. He glanced once more to Bakura before indicting one of the bio-beds. "You may sit if you desire."
--
Seven's gaze fell on Marik as he stood and moved closer to her. As he held out her combadge and made his statement, she went cold inside. She risked a quick glance to Yami but she knew she wasn't able to help him. She threw a cold glare to Marik before she backed up. There was no doubt that Seven was furious. There was no doubt in her mind of what she wanted to do to Marik at the moment.
"You wish me to harm you more, is this what you are saying?"
As she finished speaking she tried to grab the hand that held one of her potential lifelines to Voyager but failed. She moved into a slight defensive pose before smirking, as if she knew something he didn't. She still had a hidden weapon up her sleeve, literally, as she thought about her assimilation tubules. She wouldn't use them, but he didn't know that. Her expression wavered slightly ... almost as if she was distracted by something. When she spoke next, her voice was softer.
"Don't destroy that, please."
Throwing one more glance towards Yami, she prayed that her plan would work. She hoped to throw Marik's guard off.
***
Yuugi jumped off the ladder as he got to the last steps. When he turned he saw a woman. "Excuse me, but you might-" He stopped and stared at the sight of the silver pendant on her outfit. "You! You have one of those things. You must be with with Seven, right?"
He pointed upwards at the building. Before giving the woman a chance to answer, he turned and started to run. "I just need to go find Bakura and Ryou. I'll be back with them to help!"
--
Marik stopped. ^What's with this woman? First she's all Karate Kid on me and now she's pleading?^
^^Just kill her and be done with it.^^ His other said, uninterested.
Marik still stayed where he was. He was not going to move any closer. ^Maybe she's just toying with me...^
--
Bakura didn't move.
{Afraid to sit on the bed?} Ryou asked as he sat.
Bakura glared at him, almost daring him to make another smart comment like that. {{I am NOT a coward.}} He plopped on the bed next to Ryou. "We are here because *he*," Bakura pointed to Ryou, "decided he wanted to."
{Like you didn't want to either.}
"Be quiet, will you?!"
The room grew silent as the two whiteheads glared at each other.
--
"So, Pharaoh, what do you plan on doing?" Yami Marik smirked.
Yami took another looked around. He wasn't near an edge, so he wasn't completely in trouble yet. //Hurry, aibou!//
/Yami, I ran into someone. She's with Seven, okay?/
Yami smiled on the inside. Things were starting to look up. //Okay, but still try to find Bakura and Ryou. Tell Bakura there's another Millennium Item, I'm sure he'll be happy to hear that.//
Yuugi laughed inside their link, which caused Yami to smile even more. /I think you're right./
***
Captain Janeway stared at the youth before his words got through to her. Seven was on the roof and this youth knew her current guests aboard Voyager. She moved to stay at the same pace that he was moving at before speaking. "I believe we can help each other out. As you know Seven and I know where your friends are. I can have them here within five minutes if you wish. I also believe that Seven may be in danger from an individual who calls himself Marik. He must have stolen Seven's communicator as he answered earlier."
She let this youth take in what she said before speaking again. "Could I have your name and a promise to aid us for now?"
--
Seven's glance ticked over once again to Yami and the figure who stood near him before her gaze returned to the figure in front of her. He looked a bit confused by her behavior and that is just how she wanted it. Having to emote a little distress hadn't been too difficult in this situation, but the situation itself was really starting to get on her nerves. Keeping Marik in her sight at all time, she moved farther from the ladder and started to semi-circle him, trying to get any response. His silence was starting to get make her anxious.
She stopped her circling as she recalled the earlier encounter with Marik. Stopping completely she eyed Marik before speaking.
"Why did you do what you did to me earlier? I demand to know why."
--
The Doctor watched Bakura climb onto the bed after with a moment's hesistation that he almost found comical. He listened to Bakura's explanation before shaking his head. "That isn't quite what I meant Bakura. I mean, why are you onboard Voyager? What happened to you on Earth that caused your transportation to this vessel?"
As he waited for an answer from either boy, he went over to the computer terminal before ordering a dozen hyposprays of cortazine from the replicator. Satisfied by the computer's response, he once again turned to his guests. There was a slight feeling that there was something about the two that he was missing.
***
Yuugi stopped running and looked at her. /Yami, Ryou and Bakura will be here shortly./
//Good, their help would be really good right about now.//
He smiled and nodded. "If you can get my friends here that soon, then we'll help you in anyway possible. I'm Yuugi. The person that looks like me up on the roof is Yami. He was helping Seven until another Marik showed up. That's why I need Ryou and Bakura here." He went to go back up the building, but paused. "How do you know where Bakura and Ryou are?"
--
"Where'd Yuugi go?" Jounouchi asked, finishing the last of his food. "He's been gone for a while."
"He probably couldn't stand your dog breath."
"Whaddya say??!!" Jounouchi stood, his hand clenched in a fist.
"You guys," Mokuba interrupted, "let's just go look for him."
The blonde walked away, not caring if Kaiba followed or not.
"C'mon, Big Brother."
The elder Kaiba sighed. He pulled out a couple of bills and left them on the table. "Hold on, Jounouchi, I don't think you would want to end up in the pound."
"You keep sayin' that stuff and you'll end up in a hospital."
"Hn."
The trio walked about the city for a while, looking for signs of their friend. All of a sudden, Kaiba stopped. Jounouchi looked back and saw Kaiba holding his hand to his head. "Kaiba?"
"What's wrong, Seto?"
--
On top of the roof, Yami was very relieved to know he'd have help very shortly. All he had to do was stall. Well, that would be easy.
Out of the blue, the Millennium Rod began to glow, as did Yami's Puzzle. The spirit holding the Rod, widened his eyes. "Why? Why are the Millennium Items reacting?"
Yami was puzzled as well, but let the item become a distraction. //No since in diverting his attention to me.// he thought.
/Yami, what's going on?/
//The Millennium Items are reacting.//
/My Puzzle isn't./
Yami nodded. //Because yours is most likely just a duplicate of the real one, the one I'm wearing... But this seems to be buying me some time until Ryou and Bakura arrive.//
--
Marik noticed Seven's movements and moved along with her, not wanting to be surprised. When she stopped so did he. "I just controlled your mind, you see that golden rod? That's what allows me to do so." Marik turned to look at the Millennium Rod. "What the?! It's glowing? But how?!" He bit his lip. The Millennium Items should only react when people connected to them are near.
--
Bakura coldly watched the doctor. "I don't know why we're here because I happened to be unconscious at the time," he growled out.
"Someone named Chakotay brought us on board. I think we may have overheard something we should not have," Ryou explained, showing more patience then the spirit of the ring. "And don't mind him, I don't think he would hurt a fly."
"Tell that to the people I sent to the Shadow Realm," Bakura said, in a low voice.
***
Captain Janeway sighed before chuckling softly. She glanced at Yuugi before speaking. "Your friends, Bakura and Ryou as you call them, ended up with us quite by accident I assure you. I haven't heard the full story from Chakotay, but I believe it was all a misunderstanding. I can have them here in a second. It all depends on where they are located onboard Voyager. Give me a minute."
Janeway tapped her badge to hail Voyager. "Janeway to Commander Chakotay."
---
Chakotay paused as the Captain's voice rang clear and true.
"Voyager here Captain, find anything yet?"
Chakotay was worried for Seven's sake and also for the sake of one Kathryn Janeway. He kept his voice steady though as he spoke.
Janeway answered back with a voice that held a tinge of doubt in it. "I need you to send Ryou and Bakura back down. It is essential to the mission to help Seven return safely. Just beam them to the surface at my coordinates from wherever they may be. Janeway out."
Chakotay glanced to Harry who was already scanning the ship. Harry looked up from his console and requested a channel be opened to the Sickbay. "Kim to the Doctor."
---
The Doctor was puzzled by the call. "Sickbay here, what assistance can I provide?" As he spoke, he kept a trained eye on the pair sitting on the biobeds.
Harry replied quickly. "We need to send our guests back to the surface. Let them know that they are about to be transported again."
The Doctor sighed. "All right Mr. Kim." He turned back to Ryou and Bakura. "It was nice meeting you, but I believe that you are needed elsewere." He stared at the ring around Bakura's neck. "I don't mean to stare, but is that glowing?"
The Doctor never got a reply as both his 'semi' patients disappeared in a shimmer of light.
---
Seven glanced to the now glowing rod that the spirit held. She wasn't sure on the spirit part, but it seemed accurate to her as the person gripping the Rod had come out of nowhere. Her gaze ticked back to Marik, letting his words sink in. "That is what you controlled me with." It was more of a statement of affirmation to herself. A few seconds later her face grew red with a hint of embarrassment and mostly rage. She was absolutely furious with him. "I never met someone as 'rude' as you."
Making up her mind, Seven lunged towards Marik, intent on causing him to stumble, hoping that in the process, she would recover her lost badge. As her motion carried her towards her target, she could've sworn that she had heard the Captain's voice.
***
Bakura and Ryou both blinked as they realized they were back on Earth again. "Was that a dream?" Ryou questioned. Instead of getting an answer, he saw the dark spirit look, or rather glare, at the figures in front of them.
Mainly at the short, tri-colored hair boy.
Then he turned his glare to the woman that Ryou recognized to be Captain Janeway. "Bakura, be nice for once." Bakura looked away and up at the building, knowing something was going on. He had seen the Ring glow and it worried him. "What seems to be the trouble, Yuugi?"
Yuugi pointed to the building. "Marik is up there and so are Yami and Seven. Marik has the Millennium Rod which controlled Seven's mind and I'm afraid of what else he'd do."
Before, Ryou could suggest they go up there, Bakura was already headed full speed up the ladder. Ryou sighed and said, "Let's follow him."
Yuugi nodded. /Yami, Bakura and Ryou are back./
//Are you guys heading up?//
Yuugi started to follow after. /Yes, just be careful until we get there./
//I will.//
---
Meanwhile, Yami watched as Seven jumped at Marik not knowing if she was brave or desperate. In front of him, Yami Malik began to fade.
//Good, Marik must have lost control of the item during that.//
He heard something metal hit the ground shortly after she connected with the blond. Yami ran, snatching up the item before Marik could recover, taking advantage that there was no psychotic spirit blocking his way.
"Yami!"
The spirit looked back and saw his aibou with Ryou and Bakura, and another lady. //Is she the one the you ran into?//
/Yeah./
Yami looked back towards Seven and Marik. //Tell her we're going to need her help. This guy is no ordinary person. He can control minds and that she should be careful.//
Yuugi told the captain what Yami had said and he followed Bakura and Ryou as the went to join Yami and Seven.
"Ryou, stay back with the woman," Bakura said.
Ryou stopped walking. "I have every right to be part in this. Yuugi gets to."
Yami looked back, hearing their conversation. "No, he isn't."
/Yami!/
Both spirits looked towards their other halves, almost glaring. //Yuugi, please? It really isn't safe, Bakura's help will be all that's necessary.// He his back on Yuugi and walked towards Seven.
Ryou stood next to Yuugi, waiting for Bakura to speak as well, but he got nothing but silence as his darker half joined Yami. {Be careful.}
Bakura smirked. {{That rod is as good as mine.}} Finally, he would get another piece. That would make three for him. He'd be another step closer to gaining the powers of darkness.
{Bakura, this isn't the time for this stuff.}
His smirk faded. {{You really know how to bring the party down, you know that?}} He shook his head and watched Marik having difficulties getting up.
Yami with the item in his hand, waited until Seven was out of harms way before he tried anything. "Bakura, we need to work together on this-"
"Yeah, yeah, I already got the speech from Ryou."
It was Yami's turn to smirk. "Glad someone looks out for you."
***
Captain Janeway had heard the last of the instructions given to Yuugi and Ryou and surveyed the scene with apprehension. She immediately started towards Seven before remembering the threat that Marik posed. A shiver ran the length of her spine, causing a small spark of doubt to enter her mind. Stopping herself from going to aid a member of her crew, Janeway paused and glanced to Bakura's posture. He meant business and she didn't know how much more she could help.
Moving back to stand beside Yuugi, she tapped him gently on the shoulder. "How can I help you fix this without anyone getting injured?"
---
Seven rose to her feet slowly and glanced at the downed form of Marik. The sound of metal hitting cement had registered as she had bowled the youth over and she scanned the surface of the roof for her badge. He didn't still have it did he? She leaned over the prone boy and searched the hand that once held her badge. The hand was open and the badge was gone. Reverting back to her regular posture, a flash of red stood out from the others. Turning quickly, Seven observed the Captain standing beside Yuugi and another youth she hadn't noticed before. In fact, as she took in more, there was another youth standing near Yami. Shrugging the mysterious appearance of the two youths and the Captain, Seven's attention was drawn to Marik's body. It had moved slightly, as if he was starting to recover.
Ignoring the mystery of her 'missing' badge, Seven took a couple of steps backward and watched as Marik began move once more.
***
Yami and Bakura watched as Seven inspected Marik. Yami, looking down at his hand remembered what he had picked up. Walking towards Seven he held out his hand giving her the metal device. Also, noticing Marik moving, he stayed cautious and alert.
Bakura, on the other hand, wanted to get this over with and claim his prize.
{Prize?}
{{Pretend you didn't hear that.}} He said as he walked over to Marik who was clutching the Rod. "Seems to be you got beaten down by a girl."
"Curse you..." the blond growled as he tried to stand up. "You will pay."
The white haired yami 'tsk'-ed at him. "You see, it's hard to be carrying out threats when you can't even stand."
"Bakura, don't goad him," Yami warned.
Shrugging, Bakura plucked the Rod out of Marik's hand. Almost immediately, the item started to glow and he had to drop it due to the heat. "Damn."
Marik started laughing and Bakura doesn't like to be laughed at. He grabbed him by the collar holding him off the ground. "I suggest you stop before your face meets the pavement again. Though I think that would be more ideal than what I'm going to do to you."
The Rod rolled towards Yami and he bent down hesitantly to pick it up, not sure if it will react the same way. Surprisingly, it didn't.
Yuugi turned towards the captain. "Honestly, it's best to let them handle it. Marik seems to be out for the count because without the Millennium Rod he's harmless." He turned back to see Bakura holding up Marik, not looking too pleased. "They have special powers that we don't. Yami's always afraid I'd get caught up in it if I participated."
Ryou nodded in agreement. "And Bakura brings out the monsters just to keep as pets. I guess a Penguin Soldier running around isn't so bad... but I refused to house a Man-Eater Bug."
Yuugi laughed a bit. /Yami, what's going on?/
Yami bent over to pick up the Rod. //I have the Rod. And I'm just waiting for Bakura to finish up what he's doing.//
***
Seven gingerly plucked the combadge from Yami's had and pinned it to her outfit. It shone with the light of the sun hitting it, but Seven felt more complete than she had while it had been missing. She turned to acknowledge Captain Janeway before eying the newer arrivals. The ex-Borg glanced towards the ladder leading down into the alley and then back at the form of Marik. It wasn't safe to let him remain here. Taking another glance towards the Captain, she saw the same pensieve look that she herself was wearing. It was an odd situation.
Risking another glance around, she gravitated towards Janeway and stood still. When she spoke, it was a quiet request. "Captain, I am unsure about the validity of my suggestion, but I believe that we owe Yuugi and his friends a small favor. I'm thinking that we could try to see if we could help facilitate a change in Marik. I do not hold him truly accountable for the stress that he has no doubt placed upon yourself and the crew, myself included."
She stopped after that and continued to glance around repeatedly before she remembered something. Without waiting for Janeway's answer, she spoke to Yuugi. "I believe you left some of your friends behind earlier, what do you suppose they are doing?"
---
Janeway considered Seven's request. Her crewmember did have a point. Marik wouldn't continue to be a threat to the areas population if he were to be aboard Voyager for a while. Most likely he would have to be contained in the Brig or in the area of Sickbay enforced with a forcefield. It was a risky gamble, but it might just work. Sighing deeply she resisted the urge to massage the small headache she had away. She glanced to Yuugi and Ryou. She would have to get their opinions.
Making a decision she beckoned Yuugi towards her. Her gaze left the downed form of Marik and skated over Seven, who was also turned away. "I have a proposition to make concerning Marik. Are you interested?"
***
Jounouchi watched as Kaiba looked like he was beginning to recover. "Kaiba? You okay in there?"
Mokuba chimed in around the same time, concern evident on his face. "Big Brother?"
Kaiba looked up with a clouded look in his eyes and started walking as if he were in a daze. The other two followed slightly confused with the brunette's actions. They ended up in an alley alongside a tall building, and still, Kaiba kept moving forward. He located and grabbed onto the building's side ladder and started to climb up the rungs.
"Your brother's starting to freak me out, Mokuba."
Mokuba just nodded as his eyes followed his brother's progression up the ladder. "Do you think we should follow him Jounouchi?"
Worried at the thought of following Kaiba and finding out what was really happening, Jounouchi merely nodded in agreement with the boy's query.
When they finally reached the top of the ladder and had pulled themselves over the ledge, Jounouchi looked up and saw quite a scene. "Yuug'? What are you doin' here?"
---
Yuugi almost laughed. "Oh, I can't believe I forgot about Jounouchi and Kaiba. They must be about ready to tear each other's heads off." He shook his head, and smiled. When Seven spoke again, his curiosity was aroused. "What's the proposition?"
Yami walked over to the group to listen in but his gaze was suddenly diverted when he saw Jounouchi, Kaiba and Mokuba. //Aibou? How'd they get here?//
Yuugi turned around and spied the trio. He then noticed the blank look in Kaiba's eyes and frowned. /What's up with Kaiba?/
The spirit of the puzzle looked closer at the president of Kaiba Corp. //He looks like he's in a trance.//
Suddenly Kaiba closed his eyes and shook his head. He looked around with clear eyes and he suddenly noticed that this wasn't where he remembered being before. A frown marred his face as he spoke, "What am I doing here?"
Jounouchi just shook his head in frustration, "You just led us here, you idiot."
Kaiba decided to let the remark slip and noticed that Yuugi and Yami were standing nearby with Mokuba. He also took in the appearance of two other women and a slightly tanned boy, looking thoroughly roughed up. "What is going on?"
*~*~*
Seven was actually surprised when her fist connected with Marik's face. She felt a great deal of satisfaction just by hitting him. Knowing that he was still dangerous, Seven backed off a bit to see Yami skid to a stop as another person materialized out of thin air. Sensing that this wasn't going as planned, she took a step back away from Marik's body before a small glint caught her attention. Her badge was nestled firmly in Marik's hand. It was so tempting to quickly snatch it away and get out of this mess, but she couldn't leave Yami alone. So she stood back a bit before glancing down at the ladder and spotted the tips of Yuugi's tri-colored hair.
Moving slowly and keeping an eye on Marik's downed form, she positioned herself next to the ladder and glanced down at Yuugi with worried eyes before turning back to observe the situation.
--
The Doctor observed Ryou's denial and Bakura's antics before stepping closer to the pair. "I assure you Ryou, you are not dreaming. This is fairly real," he paused and then added. "I am real. Well as real as a hologram can be."
With a glance that was directed to the ceiling of Sickbay the Doctor moved over to a console and lifted the medical tricorder and brought it back over to perform a quick scan of Ryou. He checked the results before pausing at Bakura's look. With resignation, he placed the tricorder down and stood silently for a minute before speaking again. "Is there anything you would like to know about Sickbay? I can give you information on procedures that I have done in the past, or a list of my hobbies, but I can't give you information on the crew. I am sure you understand. It would be a breach of Doctor-patient confidentiality."
--
Janeway sighed before rubbing her forehead in worry. Seven was in potential danger and according to this Marik, if she tried to intervene on his plans, she would be risking the crew. She sat there for a moment, thinking over the predicament they were in before re-emerging onto the bridge. She glanced to the crewmembers present before eyeing the viewscreen. Moving to the Captain's chair, she sat down and leaned back before making her decision.
"Chakotay, you have the Bridge," Janeway's voice caused Chakotay to glance up.
"Captain?"
"I've thought about this and I have decided that I am going down to the surface. I wish for a continuous transporter lock to be in place while I am down there. I'm going to go as a civilian opposed to as Voyager's captain. I need to see what the situation is with my own eyes and not rely on someone's threats against my crew."
She watched for any argument that might come, but none came, and for that she was grateful.
--
Fifteen minutes later, she was beamed to the surface near Seven's current position and glanced around before walking out of the alley that served as her beam-in and beam-out point. She stood there and glanced around before heading off to find Seven. Once she got to the entrance of the alley, she pulled out her tricorder and located Seven's position and was not surprised to find out that she was right nearby. Putting the device away, she started into the street and walked a few metres before turning into another alley.
The tricorder's data proved correct as Janeway's gaze caught the sight of a youth climbing a ladder to stop just before he reached the top. Silence reigned for only a few seconds.
***
Yuugi's eyes met Seven's as she looked down towards him with worry. /Yami! Get Seven away from me. Marik might come after her and see me. Which is not good if I'm to stay hidden./
Yami looked towards the girl's position, but not long, for he had developed his own problem and it was standing in front of him. He watched the spirit pick up the Millennium Rod and pulled on both ends, showing a sharp point on one of the ends. //I'm having a bit of a problem myself, Yuugi. It seems there's a spirit inside of the Rod.//
/A what?!/
//Just stay there and try to get Seven away from you.// Yami's red eyes quickly glanced at Marik and where his concentration was. His eyes were directly looking at the girl that had just struck him. //Better yet, aibou, as much as I hate asking that tomb-robber, go see if you can find Ryou and Bakura.//
/What about you?/
The spirit of the puzzle's eyes narrowed. //I can deal with this for right now. Just leave.//
Yuugi peeked over the top and ducked back down. /Be careful, mou hitori no boku./
//I will.//
Yuugi went back down the fire ladder quickly. He just hoped it would be easy to find his white haired friend.
--
Bakura glared at the doctor who had just... done *something* to Ryou. "Yeah, I'd like to know something. What was the thing you just used? And what did it do?"
"You're being quite rude today, Bakura."
{{Quiet. I want to know what he did.}}
{There *are* nicer ways to ask. They involve the use of the word please.}
Bakura growled. {{Well, he didn't say please before he did whatever he did. In fact, he didn't even ask. Now who's weird?}}
Ryou sighed.
--
Marik grinned as he saw the pointed tip of the Millennium Rod. ^^Should I kill him?^^
^Yeah, but try not to get the puzzle too dirty. I have some unfinished business with this *woman* who hit me.^ Marik grinned. ^This is going to be fun.^
The holder of the Rod walked towards Seven and started laughing. "You know, that wasn't a very smart thing to do to someone who has much more power than you could think possible." He held up the item that assumingly belonged to her. "I think you want this."
His head lowered, observing her reactions. "What would happen if I were to crush it? How badly do you want this little contraption, huh? Not bad enough if the worse you could do is punch me once."
--
Yami watched the actions of the spirit closely. This truly was dangerous and could turn very deadly. He didn't know what to expect, so he waited for the first move to be made.
"Hmm... I can't seem to figure out how I'm going to kill you. I was thinking about throwing you off the building, but that might attract too much attention. I could always take you apart piece by piece. That's probably bloodier, but who doesn't love blood?" He began to laugh. "Why so silent? Don't you want a say in your own death?"
Yami couldn't help but smirk. "You can't kill me that easily. All I'd have to do is escape back into the puzzle."
Yami Marik's eyes narrowed. "Then wouldn't it be a shame if I had to kill your vessel as well. I was thinking about letting him live..."
Yami's smile faded. He couldn't and wouldn't put his aibou in danger. So, he was stuck there until Yuugi would show up with Ryou and Bakura.
Because Bakura loved blood.
***
Janeway's gaze followed the youth's hurried descent down the ladder and decided to find out why he was in such a hurry. She darted towards the alley mouth just before he finished climbing down. She stood there and waited for him to realize that she was there. She lost the pose though when she heard voices drift down from somewhere up above. One sounded very familiar as she had heard it aboard Voyager. It took only a second to place it and she moved with purpose once more, drawing the attention of the youth that she passed.
She wasn't sure if he would notice her due to the clothing she had donned, but her combadge was prominently displayed on her chest.
--
The Doctor looked at Bakura with slight contempt before lifting the tricorder once more. "Since you asked so *politely*, I only scanned your friend here."
He held out the device in his palm. "This device informs me instantly of any injury a crewmember might have sustained. Ryou seems to have sustained injuries in the past, but they pose no threat to his life." He closed the tricorder and set it aside before glancing to Ryou and Bakura. "So the Captain informed me that you might find your way here, but why are you onboard?"
As he spoke, he moved around Sickbay, doing menial tasks. He glanced once more to Bakura before indicting one of the bio-beds. "You may sit if you desire."
--
Seven's gaze fell on Marik as he stood and moved closer to her. As he held out her combadge and made his statement, she went cold inside. She risked a quick glance to Yami but she knew she wasn't able to help him. She threw a cold glare to Marik before she backed up. There was no doubt that Seven was furious. There was no doubt in her mind of what she wanted to do to Marik at the moment.
"You wish me to harm you more, is this what you are saying?"
As she finished speaking she tried to grab the hand that held one of her potential lifelines to Voyager but failed. She moved into a slight defensive pose before smirking, as if she knew something he didn't. She still had a hidden weapon up her sleeve, literally, as she thought about her assimilation tubules. She wouldn't use them, but he didn't know that. Her expression wavered slightly ... almost as if she was distracted by something. When she spoke next, her voice was softer.
"Don't destroy that, please."
Throwing one more glance towards Yami, she prayed that her plan would work. She hoped to throw Marik's guard off.
***
Yuugi jumped off the ladder as he got to the last steps. When he turned he saw a woman. "Excuse me, but you might-" He stopped and stared at the sight of the silver pendant on her outfit. "You! You have one of those things. You must be with with Seven, right?"
He pointed upwards at the building. Before giving the woman a chance to answer, he turned and started to run. "I just need to go find Bakura and Ryou. I'll be back with them to help!"
--
Marik stopped. ^What's with this woman? First she's all Karate Kid on me and now she's pleading?^
^^Just kill her and be done with it.^^ His other said, uninterested.
Marik still stayed where he was. He was not going to move any closer. ^Maybe she's just toying with me...^
--
Bakura didn't move.
{Afraid to sit on the bed?} Ryou asked as he sat.
Bakura glared at him, almost daring him to make another smart comment like that. {{I am NOT a coward.}} He plopped on the bed next to Ryou. "We are here because *he*," Bakura pointed to Ryou, "decided he wanted to."
{Like you didn't want to either.}
"Be quiet, will you?!"
The room grew silent as the two whiteheads glared at each other.
--
"So, Pharaoh, what do you plan on doing?" Yami Marik smirked.
Yami took another looked around. He wasn't near an edge, so he wasn't completely in trouble yet. //Hurry, aibou!//
/Yami, I ran into someone. She's with Seven, okay?/
Yami smiled on the inside. Things were starting to look up. //Okay, but still try to find Bakura and Ryou. Tell Bakura there's another Millennium Item, I'm sure he'll be happy to hear that.//
Yuugi laughed inside their link, which caused Yami to smile even more. /I think you're right./
***
Captain Janeway stared at the youth before his words got through to her. Seven was on the roof and this youth knew her current guests aboard Voyager. She moved to stay at the same pace that he was moving at before speaking. "I believe we can help each other out. As you know Seven and I know where your friends are. I can have them here within five minutes if you wish. I also believe that Seven may be in danger from an individual who calls himself Marik. He must have stolen Seven's communicator as he answered earlier."
She let this youth take in what she said before speaking again. "Could I have your name and a promise to aid us for now?"
--
Seven's glance ticked over once again to Yami and the figure who stood near him before her gaze returned to the figure in front of her. He looked a bit confused by her behavior and that is just how she wanted it. Having to emote a little distress hadn't been too difficult in this situation, but the situation itself was really starting to get on her nerves. Keeping Marik in her sight at all time, she moved farther from the ladder and started to semi-circle him, trying to get any response. His silence was starting to get make her anxious.
She stopped her circling as she recalled the earlier encounter with Marik. Stopping completely she eyed Marik before speaking.
"Why did you do what you did to me earlier? I demand to know why."
--
The Doctor watched Bakura climb onto the bed after with a moment's hesistation that he almost found comical. He listened to Bakura's explanation before shaking his head. "That isn't quite what I meant Bakura. I mean, why are you onboard Voyager? What happened to you on Earth that caused your transportation to this vessel?"
As he waited for an answer from either boy, he went over to the computer terminal before ordering a dozen hyposprays of cortazine from the replicator. Satisfied by the computer's response, he once again turned to his guests. There was a slight feeling that there was something about the two that he was missing.
***
Yuugi stopped running and looked at her. /Yami, Ryou and Bakura will be here shortly./
//Good, their help would be really good right about now.//
He smiled and nodded. "If you can get my friends here that soon, then we'll help you in anyway possible. I'm Yuugi. The person that looks like me up on the roof is Yami. He was helping Seven until another Marik showed up. That's why I need Ryou and Bakura here." He went to go back up the building, but paused. "How do you know where Bakura and Ryou are?"
--
"Where'd Yuugi go?" Jounouchi asked, finishing the last of his food. "He's been gone for a while."
"He probably couldn't stand your dog breath."
"Whaddya say??!!" Jounouchi stood, his hand clenched in a fist.
"You guys," Mokuba interrupted, "let's just go look for him."
The blonde walked away, not caring if Kaiba followed or not.
"C'mon, Big Brother."
The elder Kaiba sighed. He pulled out a couple of bills and left them on the table. "Hold on, Jounouchi, I don't think you would want to end up in the pound."
"You keep sayin' that stuff and you'll end up in a hospital."
"Hn."
The trio walked about the city for a while, looking for signs of their friend. All of a sudden, Kaiba stopped. Jounouchi looked back and saw Kaiba holding his hand to his head. "Kaiba?"
"What's wrong, Seto?"
--
On top of the roof, Yami was very relieved to know he'd have help very shortly. All he had to do was stall. Well, that would be easy.
Out of the blue, the Millennium Rod began to glow, as did Yami's Puzzle. The spirit holding the Rod, widened his eyes. "Why? Why are the Millennium Items reacting?"
Yami was puzzled as well, but let the item become a distraction. //No since in diverting his attention to me.// he thought.
/Yami, what's going on?/
//The Millennium Items are reacting.//
/My Puzzle isn't./
Yami nodded. //Because yours is most likely just a duplicate of the real one, the one I'm wearing... But this seems to be buying me some time until Ryou and Bakura arrive.//
--
Marik noticed Seven's movements and moved along with her, not wanting to be surprised. When she stopped so did he. "I just controlled your mind, you see that golden rod? That's what allows me to do so." Marik turned to look at the Millennium Rod. "What the?! It's glowing? But how?!" He bit his lip. The Millennium Items should only react when people connected to them are near.
--
Bakura coldly watched the doctor. "I don't know why we're here because I happened to be unconscious at the time," he growled out.
"Someone named Chakotay brought us on board. I think we may have overheard something we should not have," Ryou explained, showing more patience then the spirit of the ring. "And don't mind him, I don't think he would hurt a fly."
"Tell that to the people I sent to the Shadow Realm," Bakura said, in a low voice.
***
Captain Janeway sighed before chuckling softly. She glanced at Yuugi before speaking. "Your friends, Bakura and Ryou as you call them, ended up with us quite by accident I assure you. I haven't heard the full story from Chakotay, but I believe it was all a misunderstanding. I can have them here in a second. It all depends on where they are located onboard Voyager. Give me a minute."
Janeway tapped her badge to hail Voyager. "Janeway to Commander Chakotay."
---
Chakotay paused as the Captain's voice rang clear and true.
"Voyager here Captain, find anything yet?"
Chakotay was worried for Seven's sake and also for the sake of one Kathryn Janeway. He kept his voice steady though as he spoke.
Janeway answered back with a voice that held a tinge of doubt in it. "I need you to send Ryou and Bakura back down. It is essential to the mission to help Seven return safely. Just beam them to the surface at my coordinates from wherever they may be. Janeway out."
Chakotay glanced to Harry who was already scanning the ship. Harry looked up from his console and requested a channel be opened to the Sickbay. "Kim to the Doctor."
---
The Doctor was puzzled by the call. "Sickbay here, what assistance can I provide?" As he spoke, he kept a trained eye on the pair sitting on the biobeds.
Harry replied quickly. "We need to send our guests back to the surface. Let them know that they are about to be transported again."
The Doctor sighed. "All right Mr. Kim." He turned back to Ryou and Bakura. "It was nice meeting you, but I believe that you are needed elsewere." He stared at the ring around Bakura's neck. "I don't mean to stare, but is that glowing?"
The Doctor never got a reply as both his 'semi' patients disappeared in a shimmer of light.
---
Seven glanced to the now glowing rod that the spirit held. She wasn't sure on the spirit part, but it seemed accurate to her as the person gripping the Rod had come out of nowhere. Her gaze ticked back to Marik, letting his words sink in. "That is what you controlled me with." It was more of a statement of affirmation to herself. A few seconds later her face grew red with a hint of embarrassment and mostly rage. She was absolutely furious with him. "I never met someone as 'rude' as you."
Making up her mind, Seven lunged towards Marik, intent on causing him to stumble, hoping that in the process, she would recover her lost badge. As her motion carried her towards her target, she could've sworn that she had heard the Captain's voice.
***
Bakura and Ryou both blinked as they realized they were back on Earth again. "Was that a dream?" Ryou questioned. Instead of getting an answer, he saw the dark spirit look, or rather glare, at the figures in front of them.
Mainly at the short, tri-colored hair boy.
Then he turned his glare to the woman that Ryou recognized to be Captain Janeway. "Bakura, be nice for once." Bakura looked away and up at the building, knowing something was going on. He had seen the Ring glow and it worried him. "What seems to be the trouble, Yuugi?"
Yuugi pointed to the building. "Marik is up there and so are Yami and Seven. Marik has the Millennium Rod which controlled Seven's mind and I'm afraid of what else he'd do."
Before, Ryou could suggest they go up there, Bakura was already headed full speed up the ladder. Ryou sighed and said, "Let's follow him."
Yuugi nodded. /Yami, Bakura and Ryou are back./
//Are you guys heading up?//
Yuugi started to follow after. /Yes, just be careful until we get there./
//I will.//
---
Meanwhile, Yami watched as Seven jumped at Marik not knowing if she was brave or desperate. In front of him, Yami Malik began to fade.
//Good, Marik must have lost control of the item during that.//
He heard something metal hit the ground shortly after she connected with the blond. Yami ran, snatching up the item before Marik could recover, taking advantage that there was no psychotic spirit blocking his way.
"Yami!"
The spirit looked back and saw his aibou with Ryou and Bakura, and another lady. //Is she the one the you ran into?//
/Yeah./
Yami looked back towards Seven and Marik. //Tell her we're going to need her help. This guy is no ordinary person. He can control minds and that she should be careful.//
Yuugi told the captain what Yami had said and he followed Bakura and Ryou as the went to join Yami and Seven.
"Ryou, stay back with the woman," Bakura said.
Ryou stopped walking. "I have every right to be part in this. Yuugi gets to."
Yami looked back, hearing their conversation. "No, he isn't."
/Yami!/
Both spirits looked towards their other halves, almost glaring. //Yuugi, please? It really isn't safe, Bakura's help will be all that's necessary.// He his back on Yuugi and walked towards Seven.
Ryou stood next to Yuugi, waiting for Bakura to speak as well, but he got nothing but silence as his darker half joined Yami. {Be careful.}
Bakura smirked. {{That rod is as good as mine.}} Finally, he would get another piece. That would make three for him. He'd be another step closer to gaining the powers of darkness.
{Bakura, this isn't the time for this stuff.}
His smirk faded. {{You really know how to bring the party down, you know that?}} He shook his head and watched Marik having difficulties getting up.
Yami with the item in his hand, waited until Seven was out of harms way before he tried anything. "Bakura, we need to work together on this-"
"Yeah, yeah, I already got the speech from Ryou."
It was Yami's turn to smirk. "Glad someone looks out for you."
***
Captain Janeway had heard the last of the instructions given to Yuugi and Ryou and surveyed the scene with apprehension. She immediately started towards Seven before remembering the threat that Marik posed. A shiver ran the length of her spine, causing a small spark of doubt to enter her mind. Stopping herself from going to aid a member of her crew, Janeway paused and glanced to Bakura's posture. He meant business and she didn't know how much more she could help.
Moving back to stand beside Yuugi, she tapped him gently on the shoulder. "How can I help you fix this without anyone getting injured?"
---
Seven rose to her feet slowly and glanced at the downed form of Marik. The sound of metal hitting cement had registered as she had bowled the youth over and she scanned the surface of the roof for her badge. He didn't still have it did he? She leaned over the prone boy and searched the hand that once held her badge. The hand was open and the badge was gone. Reverting back to her regular posture, a flash of red stood out from the others. Turning quickly, Seven observed the Captain standing beside Yuugi and another youth she hadn't noticed before. In fact, as she took in more, there was another youth standing near Yami. Shrugging the mysterious appearance of the two youths and the Captain, Seven's attention was drawn to Marik's body. It had moved slightly, as if he was starting to recover.
Ignoring the mystery of her 'missing' badge, Seven took a couple of steps backward and watched as Marik began move once more.
***
Yami and Bakura watched as Seven inspected Marik. Yami, looking down at his hand remembered what he had picked up. Walking towards Seven he held out his hand giving her the metal device. Also, noticing Marik moving, he stayed cautious and alert.
Bakura, on the other hand, wanted to get this over with and claim his prize.
{Prize?}
{{Pretend you didn't hear that.}} He said as he walked over to Marik who was clutching the Rod. "Seems to be you got beaten down by a girl."
"Curse you..." the blond growled as he tried to stand up. "You will pay."
The white haired yami 'tsk'-ed at him. "You see, it's hard to be carrying out threats when you can't even stand."
"Bakura, don't goad him," Yami warned.
Shrugging, Bakura plucked the Rod out of Marik's hand. Almost immediately, the item started to glow and he had to drop it due to the heat. "Damn."
Marik started laughing and Bakura doesn't like to be laughed at. He grabbed him by the collar holding him off the ground. "I suggest you stop before your face meets the pavement again. Though I think that would be more ideal than what I'm going to do to you."
The Rod rolled towards Yami and he bent down hesitantly to pick it up, not sure if it will react the same way. Surprisingly, it didn't.
Yuugi turned towards the captain. "Honestly, it's best to let them handle it. Marik seems to be out for the count because without the Millennium Rod he's harmless." He turned back to see Bakura holding up Marik, not looking too pleased. "They have special powers that we don't. Yami's always afraid I'd get caught up in it if I participated."
Ryou nodded in agreement. "And Bakura brings out the monsters just to keep as pets. I guess a Penguin Soldier running around isn't so bad... but I refused to house a Man-Eater Bug."
Yuugi laughed a bit. /Yami, what's going on?/
Yami bent over to pick up the Rod. //I have the Rod. And I'm just waiting for Bakura to finish up what he's doing.//
***
Seven gingerly plucked the combadge from Yami's had and pinned it to her outfit. It shone with the light of the sun hitting it, but Seven felt more complete than she had while it had been missing. She turned to acknowledge Captain Janeway before eying the newer arrivals. The ex-Borg glanced towards the ladder leading down into the alley and then back at the form of Marik. It wasn't safe to let him remain here. Taking another glance towards the Captain, she saw the same pensieve look that she herself was wearing. It was an odd situation.
Risking another glance around, she gravitated towards Janeway and stood still. When she spoke, it was a quiet request. "Captain, I am unsure about the validity of my suggestion, but I believe that we owe Yuugi and his friends a small favor. I'm thinking that we could try to see if we could help facilitate a change in Marik. I do not hold him truly accountable for the stress that he has no doubt placed upon yourself and the crew, myself included."
She stopped after that and continued to glance around repeatedly before she remembered something. Without waiting for Janeway's answer, she spoke to Yuugi. "I believe you left some of your friends behind earlier, what do you suppose they are doing?"
---
Janeway considered Seven's request. Her crewmember did have a point. Marik wouldn't continue to be a threat to the areas population if he were to be aboard Voyager for a while. Most likely he would have to be contained in the Brig or in the area of Sickbay enforced with a forcefield. It was a risky gamble, but it might just work. Sighing deeply she resisted the urge to massage the small headache she had away. She glanced to Yuugi and Ryou. She would have to get their opinions.
Making a decision she beckoned Yuugi towards her. Her gaze left the downed form of Marik and skated over Seven, who was also turned away. "I have a proposition to make concerning Marik. Are you interested?"
***
Jounouchi watched as Kaiba looked like he was beginning to recover. "Kaiba? You okay in there?"
Mokuba chimed in around the same time, concern evident on his face. "Big Brother?"
Kaiba looked up with a clouded look in his eyes and started walking as if he were in a daze. The other two followed slightly confused with the brunette's actions. They ended up in an alley alongside a tall building, and still, Kaiba kept moving forward. He located and grabbed onto the building's side ladder and started to climb up the rungs.
"Your brother's starting to freak me out, Mokuba."
Mokuba just nodded as his eyes followed his brother's progression up the ladder. "Do you think we should follow him Jounouchi?"
Worried at the thought of following Kaiba and finding out what was really happening, Jounouchi merely nodded in agreement with the boy's query.
When they finally reached the top of the ladder and had pulled themselves over the ledge, Jounouchi looked up and saw quite a scene. "Yuug'? What are you doin' here?"
---
Yuugi almost laughed. "Oh, I can't believe I forgot about Jounouchi and Kaiba. They must be about ready to tear each other's heads off." He shook his head, and smiled. When Seven spoke again, his curiosity was aroused. "What's the proposition?"
Yami walked over to the group to listen in but his gaze was suddenly diverted when he saw Jounouchi, Kaiba and Mokuba. //Aibou? How'd they get here?//
Yuugi turned around and spied the trio. He then noticed the blank look in Kaiba's eyes and frowned. /What's up with Kaiba?/
The spirit of the puzzle looked closer at the president of Kaiba Corp. //He looks like he's in a trance.//
Suddenly Kaiba closed his eyes and shook his head. He looked around with clear eyes and he suddenly noticed that this wasn't where he remembered being before. A frown marred his face as he spoke, "What am I doing here?"
Jounouchi just shook his head in frustration, "You just led us here, you idiot."
Kaiba decided to let the remark slip and noticed that Yuugi and Yami were standing nearby with Mokuba. He also took in the appearance of two other women and a slightly tanned boy, looking thoroughly roughed up. "What is going on?"