Devil's Sanctuary (Through Hell and Back for More)
Disclaimer: I don't own anything that holds a trademark or copyright
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Yami, Duke and Yugi ran up the oak staircase and turned the corner into the hallway.
They weren't sure how to react when they observed the sight infront of them. Tany was
beating the crap out of Marik with her yellow Tweety bird plushie. Ryou had a pillow over
Malik's head to muffle his cries for help while Ryou punched him repeatedly. Bakura was
leaning against the wall with his arms crossed smiling evilly. They didn't even notice
Yami, Duke and Yugi standing there watching them.
And if you EVER even THINK of accusing Bakura of stealing again, you're beating will
be 10 times worse! GOT THAT? Ryou growled as he kicked the pillow off Malik's head.
Tany snarled as she gave Marik one last good whack over the head with her
plushie.
Yami look at Yugi and grinned. He cleared his throat to get the attention of everybody
else.
Bakura looked over at them and grinned.
Check it out, I have my own bodyguards he snickered as he stepped over a gasping
Malik and approached Yami.
I see that. What's going on here? Yami questioned him. Bakura shrugged.
I don't know, the Ishtars got a bug up their asses and accused me of stealing their
Millennium rod.
Well who the hell else in this house is known for ripping off Millennium items, huh? Marik sneered as he stood up and dusted himself off.
Ryou glared sharply back at him.
Bakura only stole that idiot Pegasus's item! That was years ago though! I know Bakura, if he wanted your stupid rod, he'd just duel you for it!
Bakura cast a wicked smirk at Marik and Malik.
Yeah! So there! he sneered as he stuck out his tongue.
Bakura gave up the Millennium item quest years ago guys......I can promise you it wasn't
him that stole your rod. Tany stated.
I think I know what to do in this situation. Yami spoke wisely.
Marik asked back, casting a wary glare at Bakura.
Let's all go downstairs and discuss this over breakfast. I'm staving!
***
During breakfast, the Ishtars decided to believe Bakura's story and let him off the
hook. A phone call came in as they were cleaning up the dishes, so Malik excused himself
and went into the other room to answer it.
I'm so stuffed I can barely move! Yugi exclaimed as he followed Yami into the
livingroom. Tany and Ryou followed them in clutching cups of coffee in their hands.
I know, me too! I wonder were Marik learned to cook so good! Ryou said as he
grabbed the remote for the television.
They all sank back into their seats and focused on the television. A well groomed man was
seated behind a desk talking about the weather.
Today will be as gorgeous as yesterday. The Santa Ana winds will bring us temperatures
in the mid-seventies, and the skies will be clear all day. Perfect beach weather folks!
The man rattled on about the 5 day outlook, and after he was finished, a perky young
female news anchor took over.
And now back to our top story. We have reporters on the scene of the massive car pile-up on Willshire
Boulevard that occured a little after 5 this morning. All we know so far is approximately
50 cars have been involved. We have no word if their have been any fatalities......
Marik rushed into the livingroom and stared at the chaotic scene on the television.
Did I hear that right? Turn this up please he said to Ryou.
A female reporter appeared on the screen and was standing near the accident. She spoke adamantly into her microphone.
Police are looking for any witnesses who may have seen what caused this horrific
accident, if you know anything, please call .....
Bakura walked in carrying a cup of coffee and sat next to Ryou.
Looks like a real bloody mess he mused as he watched the overhead camera pan over the
accident.
I'm glad we're all here together, safe and sound Ryou nodded.
Marik took a deep breath as he watched the chaos on the tv.
Not all of us his voice cracked.
Malik walked into the room and set the cordless phone back onto the charger.
That was Kaiba. He said one of the bands that was suppose to open for us was involved
in very bad accident this morning and had to cancel........holy hell.....what happened? he
said as he looked at the television.
50 car pile up on Willshire Marik answered him.
Looks bad...I wonder if that's the same accident Kaiba was referring to
Marik retorted.
Malik sat down in his recliner and went on to elaborate about his discussion with Kaiba.
Kaiba said he's already got a band lined up to replace them. He
wants us all to meet the other bands today down at the Rainbow bar and grill at 11.
Awe, why? It's not the opening bands really matter. Duke whined as he walked in and
sat on the floor.
I guess Kaiba thinks if we all get to know each other before the tour, things will go
smoother. Malik responded.
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Eleven o'clock came fast. Bakura, Yami, and Malik retreated into their soulrooms so
the car wouldn't be as cramped as it was the night prior. They spotted Kaiba and his girlfriend
sitting at a big table in the corner, along with 4 other long haired guys. Kaiba stood up as
they approached.
Have a seat. Any of you want a drink or something? Kaiba offered.
After everybody had a their drinks, Kaiba began to speak.
As you all know, the original band I hired to open for you all had to cancel because they
were involved in that bad accident on Willshire Boulevard this morning. The band I hired
to replace them isn't here yet, but I'll start the introductions anyway;
This is Thunder Crush. Brad Hollister; lead vocals, Scottie McNeil; drums, Dave
Bowcott; bass, and Bryce Wright; lead guitar. They'll be going on right before you do.
Kaiba said, looking at Ryou, Yugi, Duke and Marik.
Scottie, Brad, Dave and Bryce, this is Trial by Nightmare. Marik Ishtar; lead vocals, Yugi
Motou; lead guitar, Duke Devlin; bass, and Ryou Bakura; drums. Kaiba went on to say.
Once the 2 bands exchanged hello's, Kaiba looked around the bar anxiously.
Well where in the hell are those idiots? he growled. Just as the words left his mouth,
three men walked into the bar and sat at the table. They were all dressed in black and wore gold Egyptian jewely. A very
pernicious aura filled the bar.
Sorry we're late. We got lost on the way here One of them said in a low, evil sounding
voice.
Kaiba stood up and crossed his arms.
I thought there were four of you he stated firmly.
One of the men nodded his head.
That is correct. Our lead vocalist had a very important matter to attend to and cannot
make it.
Kaiba lowered his eyes.
I specifically requested that ALL of you attend this meeting.
The man shrugged his shoulders.
She could not change her plans last minute.
Kaiba rolled his eyes.
Whatever the case, I am not pleased. I'll have to continue the introductions without her.
These three gentlemen are in the band Esoteric. Please introduce yourselves to
everybody.
A man with very long black hair stood up and looked at the man next to him.
This is Crash, our drummer.
The man than turned to the man sitting on his otherside.
And this is Rune, our bassist.
The man pointed to himself and grinned evilly.
And I am Ammut, lead guitarist.
Kaiba nodded his head.
Thank you. Now that we have covered that, I'll introduce you to everybody else.
All through the meeting, Tany, Marik, Ryou, Duke and Yugi found themselves feeling
very uneasy. The members of Thunder Crush looked as if they too felt the tension
emanating from the 3 members of Esoteric too. They all found it very difficult to concentrate on
the things Kaiba was explaining about the up coming tour. After everything was said and done, they hurried back to
the car.
That was too freeky Tany shuddered as she quickly got into the backseat of the car. Ryou got in and sat next to her.
I know, what the hell is up with that? Duke nodded as he followed Ryou into the
backseat.
Those guys were even creepier than my rare hunters Marik exclaimed as he got in the
drivers side.
Hey, wait up! Scottie McNeil shouted as he ran out after them. Dave, Bryce and Brad
followed him out.
Yugi said as he got into the passenger side.
Hey.....did that other band give you guys the eebie jeebies? Scottie ask curiously.
They all nodded their heads.
Yeah, I wonder what corner of hell Kaiba pulled them out of! Duke responded.
They definitely sent chills down all of our spines! Brad quivered.
Scottie rested his arm on Yugi's open car door and sighed.
This tour is definitely gonna be one to remember, I can just feel it.
Marik started up the car and smiled.
Well guys, we need to be heading out now. I'd like to be gone before those weirdo's
come out. Nice meeting you all
Scottie nodded eagerly,
Yeah, no shit dude. Nice meeting you all too."
Damn, I spoke to soon......there they are Marik groaned as he spotted the 3 odd
members of Esoteric exiting the bar. We gotta fly, we'll see you guys tomorrow at the
record release party, right?
Scottie nodded his head.
Yeah....of course. Hey, real quick, we're playing at the Roxy tonight, so if you's wanna
stop in and hear us play, we'll hook yuz up with backstage passes and shit.
Sounds good, we'll try to be there. Marik nodded.
Great, show starts at 8, hope to catch yuz later Scotties smiled as he shut Yugi's door.
Marik drove away from the club as fast as he could and sped back toward home. They all
decided to take Scottie up on his off and go to The Roxy to see Thunder Crush play later
that night. During the time in between, they rehearsed as much as possible for the show
the next night. Once it got dark out, they headed out to The Roxy to see Thunder Crush
perform, except for Bakura. He chose to stay behind. When ask why he didn't wish to
come along, his excuse was that he had enough to drink the night before and didn't want
another hangover. In truth though, he was waiting for a phone call, the phone call Caroline had promised him earlier that morning. Once they had all left, Bakura pulled out the cellphone Caroline had given him and went into the livingroom to
wait. He got bored sitting there doing nothing, so he turned on the Playstation 2 for a little Grand Theft Auto Vice City action.
Just after 11 o'clock, the call he was waiting for came in. Bakura quickly paused his game and answered it.
***Bakura POV***
I knew it had to be Caroline calling.
I said into the phone eagerly.
Yeah, its me Bakura. She chuckled.
She doesn't sound hurt or anything, that's good.
Where are you? I ask her.
I'm still in L.A. she replied.
Still in L.A.? OH, she must mean Los Angeles. I thought she would have left town, that's odd.
So how is everything?
Great, how's everything over there? she ask.
Everybody went to The Roxy to see Thunder Crush.
Oh.....cool. So how's Marik? she continued.
He's pissed off at the world as usual. Malik and him got into it this morning, but than the
Millennium rod came up missing, so it distracted them.
Really now.....that's interesting. Caroline said nonchalantly.
They blamed me for taking it, but than they got over that too.
Assholes. I suppose I could have offered to help them find their stupid rod, but I'm not the one who lost it. They should watch over their Millennium item more closely, like I do. That's why I keep the Millennium ring hanging around my neck.
M'hm.....Well, I gotta go Bakura. Can you tell Bestet I miss her and love I her for me?
Uh-sure...... Hey, uh...before you go.......will I hear from you again soon?
That's weird. Something isn't adding up here. She sounds like she's hiding something.
Oh yes Bakura......very soon, that's a promise. Caroline laughed impudently before she abruptly.
hung up.
***normal POV***
Bakura shut the phone off and put it back into the pocket of the jacket Caroline had given
him to wear.
Well that was odd he said to himself as he unpaused his video game and continued his ruthless
vehicular assault on pedestrians.
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I'm going to wait until a couple more reviews come in to post the answer to that question I asked in the previous chapter. I will say this though, somebody has guessed right so far;-) Great Work!
Next Chapter: The record release party.......and we get to meet Esoteric's lead singer!
