Chapter One-The Deception

"Mawik,come backs! No weave me…." My little arms wrapped around the Egyptian boy who had risked his life, and lost it, to save me.

"He's gone, now move out of the way!" Yami Bakura yanked me up, and pulled me out of the room we'd been in. "You belong to Master Marik now." He tossed me on to a hard mattress,before slamming the door.

"Victoria wake up,Little One." Marik's soul wasn't gone. He gave me and Jo very careful instructions that would save him,and return him to his body. Time was running out though, he informed us. When the yamis came to drag us off to our various tasks, I revolted against Yami Marik, using the Rod on him.

Before I can get to Marik's body, Yami Marik sent a wave of Shadow Energy to me, nearly knocking me out. But Yami Bakura caught me. I don't remember what else happened…I was out cold before long…..but I knew Marik was safe, which is all my little heart wanted.

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"Victoria! Are you up yet? You're going to be late for school!" Stacey knocked on my door sharply. "Come on, get up!"

"I'm awake…." Victoria called back, as she looked around her room. Where did that dream come from? I haven't had any dreams about Marik and the Ishtars in five years! As she began to move around her room quietly, She thought some more about that dream. That had been the most horrifying time of her life. She' d been so little, and fragile, yet, she had managed to save herself and Marik. With a shudder, she slipped into her school uniform. Get a grip, Vick. You can't let them see you freaked out over this. They'll put you back in the clinic. "Oh Marik……" She shook her head sadly, before going downstairs to breakfast.

"You were up late again, weren't you?" Her father asked her when she sat down.

"Yeah. I had a history test to study for." When Victoria saw their disapproving looks, she shrugged. "I was just crunching extra hard. I studied beforehand too." The truth was, she hadn't been able to focus on her studies for very long periods of time. The reason for it was still unclear to her, she and just didn't have the time to investigate it. "Oh, Dad, I have a Duel Monsters event tonight after dinner. Can you drive me?"

"As long as you have your homework done, I don't see why not." He smiled proudly. "We're so glad to see that you've taken up a hobby."

Victoria smiled back weakly, knowing what he wasn't saying. "We're so glad to see you're not talking about that Marik person anymore. We were really worried." She had heard it too many times to count, and Victoria was thankful I didn't have to hear it anymore. Of course, she still thought about Marik and his family, but she never dared to speak of my doings with them again. She glanced up at the clock, and jumped up. "I'm really late!"

"I can drive you." Stacey offered. She was the greatest sister in the world. She was always thinking of others before herself.

"That's okay. I'm going to walk with Johanna." The girl lied skillfully. She got up, and grabbed her backpack. "Bye you guys. I love you all."

"Be on time getting home, Dear. Ishtar's got a vet's appointment today."

"Oh yeah…. No worries, Mama." She left without another word. What she didn't realize is ,she had forgotten to take her medicine that kept "hallucinations" at bay.

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"I was wondering when you'd come out, my dear." An unpleasantly familiar voice sneered once she was outside.

Victoria stiffened, and continued walking, hoping she was imaging what she was hearing. "He's not here. He's gone. He's not real." She muttered over and over to herself.

"You'd like to think that, wouldn't you, brat?" A hand grabbed her shoulder, and whirled her around. "You and I both know the truth of matters, Victoria."

"Let go of me!" Victoria hissed fearfully. "You're not here, you're not real!" She tore off down the street quickly.

"You can't evade me forever, Dear. I'll be wherever you are." Yami Marik called out with a snicker. Just as I suspected. She has not taken that drug of hers today. This shall be very entertaining indeed. He disappeared then to intercept her at her school.

He didn't wait long, but to his annoyance, she was not alone. She had friends with her. Perfect. Maybe now I can play around with her a little bit…old tricks are often more useful than new ones anyway. He shifted into Marik's persona, and waited for the time to be right.

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Victoria was glad to be surrounded by her dueling buddies again. This way, she felt safe, as if nothing could happen to her. Lunch had come quicker than usual for her, and they were all spread out with their various deck types. She had her Revival Jam deck spread out in front of her, studying it. "Hey, Zoe, can I borrow your Jam Breeding Machine?"

"What? Are you crazy?" Zoe shook her head. "No way!"

"Come on, Zoe! I have Revival Jam. All I need is that machine to keep it on the field!"

"The answer is still no." Zoe replied with finality. "You've got a heavy artillery with that deck. Don't you have some of Ishizu and Odion's cards in there too?"

Victoria closed her eyes. "Yes..I do." She sighed deeply, her longing for Marik's help so strong, she could almost feel him nearby. That's ridiculous though! I'm not five anymore. I can't imagine him into being here. Besides, he's very real.

*~*Victoria…Victoria, how I've missed you….*~* Yami Marik took that chance to start playing with her. If she could sense Marik..then I'm doing this just right.

The thirteen-year-old stiffened, looking around. Voices…I shouldn't be hearing voices! Especially not his! Oh no! I forgot to take my pill! Victoria stood up, feeling weak inside. "Guys, I'm gonna go home now, okay?"

"Tori, you can't! We're in the middle of a debate about whether Yami Bakura could've really beaten Yami Marik!" Zoe moaned.

"He couldn't. Don't ask me how I know." Victoria replied quickly. "I'm sorry,Zoe, but I've really gotta go. I'll se you guys tonight, okay?"

"Okay…." Zoe stared at her friend in concern. "Are you feeling okay?"

"No.." The other girl turned and left the group quickly heading for the nurse's office.

*~*What's the matter, Victoria? Aren't you glad to see me? You said you missed me, didn't you?*~* Yami Marik continued his torment now that the child was alone.

"Marik…. Oh Marik…why are you here?" The girl whispered to herself.

*~*You called for me..Don't you want me, Vicki?*~*

"NO!" Victoria shouted now, even though that wasn't the truth. She put her face in her hands. "No, Marik…You must leave! They'll have me put away again!!"

"Miss Johnson, what in the world are you yelling about?" Vice Principal Martinez demanded. "Why are you not at your club meeting?"

"I'm not feeling too well, Mrs. Martinez. May I call home?"

"Of course! Oh you look so pale now. Come, I'll help you." The woman led Victoria into the office, and they got permission from her mother to walk home. "Are you going to be okay to get home?" She asked her next.

"Yes. Thank you." Victoria hefted her backpack, and walked out of the school building.

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Yami Marik followed her, still in his former hikari persona. When she was at her front door, he stepped out, and cleared his throat. "Victoria."

Victoria whirled around. "Marik! But…you're not supposed to be here!" There was a mixture of joy and confusion on the child's face.

"I came because I needed your help." Yami Marik was careful of what he said. He'd reveal himself when the time was right. He watched her look of shock turn into one of concern.

"What's the matter?" Victoria asked now, setting her backpack down.

"It's my yami. He's come back, and he's hurting everyone I love."

"But….I can't help you now! I'm thirteen. I don't suppose your Rod will allow me to wield it anymore…" Victoria had often wondered at that phenomenon. She'd been able to wield the Rod, and according to the TV series, only the Item's holder could wield its power.

"But you must!" The yami insisted. He held out a hand to her. "Come with me, Victoria."

"I have homework, a duel! I can't go." Victoria wanted more than anything to be able to see Marik's world.

"You will come with me, now!" Yami Marik was tired of playing games. He reverted to his old form, glaring at Victoria dangerously. "Don't forget what happened the last time you defied me, Child!"

Victoria screamed fearfully, retreating to the porch, as a black hole appeared in her front yard. "I'll never obey you again! I told you that once, and I'm telling you again!" She turned to go into her house, only to find the door locked. "Mama! Let me in!"

"She's not home,Brat. I made the agreement for you to come home." Yami Marik sneered. "Now, you've a choice! You come with me, or your precious family dies!"

Victoria sank to the porch fearfully. "Just leave me alone….please…."

"Can't do that." The yami barked. "You're wasting my time, Girl. Get in!" He gestured to the portal now. "We've unfinished business to attend to."

Tearfully, she stood up, pack in hand. "Fine. I'll go with you." She only hoped Marik and his siblings would welcome her. She had no intention of living with this yami. She stepped into the portal and it devoured her.