Chapter Seven-Tragedy Strikes for Victoria

"Oh,Victoria. Thank goodness you are back safely." Marik sighed in relief when Victoria returned to the Ishtar house late in the afternoon. "It's probably not a good idea to go wandering about right now." He added. "At least not alone." He led her into the living room. "I've informed Rishid and Ishizu about the rare hunters." He told her.

"Oh...right." Victoria was deeply concerned,but she had more things to worry about. "Marik? Do you remember my friend Johanna?"

"Hmm...yes. She was the girl that worshipped Yami Bakura." Marik studied his friend now. "What about her?"

"She's......here." Victoria informed him softly. She brushed a stray hair behind her ear. "She was trying to warn me."

"Warn you?" Marik's eyes narrowed. "What about?"

"She thinks Yami Bakura and Yami Marik are working together again....she didn't go into details or anything."

Marik sighed. "Things can't get any worse...." He looked up at her then, a slight smile. "I got an interesting phone call earlier."

"Really? From who?" Victoria sat down on the couch,studying him.

"Yes. Mokuba called me. It seems Jonathan Roba told him you were stalking Espa this afternoon." He folded his arms.

"Oh......yeah.....that." Victoria looked a bit embarrassed.

"Why were you stalking the boy?" Marik hid a slightly amused smile.

"I....wanted to see his brothers..." Now that she said it out loud,she realized how ridiculous that sounded.

"Do you not think it would've been better just to ask him?" Marik asked now. "We are not exhibits to be admired, you know."

"Y-yes,I know." She swallowed hard. "I won't do it again..."

"Good then." Marik knew it would inevitably happen again,but he would let it go for now. He was more worried about the rare hunters,and Yami Marik. Those two things combined was enough to worry about. "Ishizu is making dinner now."

"Good. I'm hungry enough." She smiled at Marik. "I never imagined your sister was such a good cook."

"She is." Marik replied with a smile. "Come. Let's go set the table for her."

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The rest of the night passed quietly, with Marik lost in his own thoughts,and Victoria pondering what she would do now. It was obvious that Yami Marik wouldn't be letting her go home anytime soon. She worried about what would happen next,and she worried about her adopted family,the Johnsons. The whole reason she'd come to this dimension was to keep t hem safe. However,Yami Marik was ruthless,and insane. Perhaps they still aren't safe....Perhaps he still killed them. She closed her eyes briefly,erasing that thought from her mind.

"Victoria? Are you all right?" Marik had been studying her for some time,with great concern.

"Oh.....yeah." She smiled lightly. "Maybe I should go to bed. I'm tired."

"Of course." Marik nodded,sadly. That poor girl....she must be so confused now. Maybe I shouldn't have pushed her to see Mokuba right away.... "Are yo u certain you don't need to talk?" He asked her, as his young friend went upstairs.

"I am." Victoria replied,with a deep sigh. All I want to do is sleep. Maybe this will all go away when I wake up. Maybe my normal life will resume when I wake up. She entered the room Marik has assigned to her,and looked around. It is nice to be here,with Marik,but I would really like to go home,and pretend none of this happened. She put on the long shirt Rishid had provided her with the night before,and climbed into bed.

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The next morning, Victoria awakened with a start,when Marik knocked on the door. "Marik?"

"Victoria,are you awake? I need to speak with you." Her friend sounded frantic,and concerned.

The girl scrambled up,and opened the door,stepping into a pair of sweat pants. "What's the matter?"

"I'm afraid I have some rather,disturbing news."

"What is it?" She sat on her bed,eyes on Marik,attentive.

"Your friend Johanna came by early this morning. She delivered some of your things from home,and some bad news."

"Bad...news?" Victoria felt a lump form in her throat,afraid. "Like....what?"

"Your house......it was attacked by an arsonist." Marik spoke gently. "They were sleeping,and couldn't get out."

"No! It can't be!!"

"I'm really sorry,Victoria..." Marik came to her,and put a hand on her shoulder.

"They can't be gone!!" She broke into tears. "I've to go home,Marik. I have to get back,now!"

"I know,I know..." Marik held her comfortingly. "It's going to be okay,Victoria. I promise you. It will work out." I know my yami is responsible for this! He's been tormenting her for so long,it wouldn' t sur prise me a bit! Marik raged silently,seething.

"How am I goin g to get home? The only way would be to open the portal,and I have no desire to do it."

"Perhaps we can convince Yami Bakura to do it." Marik said softly. In all honesty,he thought it would better for her to stay there,since it might seem suspicious that she survived,when the rest of her family did not. However, there was obviously something she needed to do,and he would be the last one to deny her that. "Come on. Ishizu has breakfast on the table. We're having eggs and toast this morning."

"If you don't mind,I think I'll just have some orange juice. I'm really not that hungry." His friend replied softly.

Marik nodded in understanding. "Come on down when you are ready,My friend. Don't rush." He left her there,closing the door softly behind him. I swear to you,Victoria. He will pay for what he's done to you,and everyone. I will not allow this madness continue!