Author's note: Hi, it's me again! Here to torment your reading experience once again!
Bakura: BWAHAHAHA!!!
Shelly: *whacks him on the back of the head* Don't mind him. He's still delirious from all the Chex Mix he ate. Too much sugar.
Mau: You didn't have to hit him on the head, though.
Shelly: Oh, you're here! I guess Schala said you could visit for one chapter. I suppose he'll be all right with you here now.
Valon: Not if I have anything to say about it. Besides, I'm a little more worried about what happened to you.
Bakura: Yeah, Shelly, a tree fell on your car! Hahaha!!!
Shelly: -_- It's not funny Bakura! I was really scared!
Bakura: And you were driving in it, too!
Mau: Bakura, that's enough.
Bakura: Whatever you say, Mau. ^___^
Valon: -_-;;; I was glad to see you were okay, though, Shelly.
Ryou: I'll agree to that! I was really worried!
Shelly: Ryou, you do care! *hugs Ryou* Thanks for all the reviews everyone! For some reason the chapters are uploading funny. Any paragraphs I put in between scenes seem to shrink magically. Unless Bakura has something to do with that.
Bakura: *whistles innocently*
Shelly: Anyway, hope you all enjoy the next chapter!
The Heart of Eternity by Shelly
CHAPTER FOUR
The darkness of the night was split by the swirling of red and blue lights as everyone was there: police, firefighters, and emergency crews alike did what they could to contain the blaze. The water rushing through the hoses was the only other sound besides that of the men's voices issuing commands. The police were there to help contain the growing crowd, as well as to take Shari's statement about what had happened. She told them what she knew, which was very little since she had been sleeping, but she knew from the look in their eyes that they suspected her. How else could she have been the only survivor?
Joey and Yugi stayed by her side, offering her their support, as well as having to stay near the ambulance to be treated for smoke inhalation. Both boys were not suffering from it nearly as bad as she was since she had been inside for far longer, but she was also suffering from the shock that had slowly crept upon her. Two more had died because of her, she just knew it. She wasn't sure how, but somehow it was always her fault, no matter that perhaps they had deserved to die for treating her like they had. It was just one more reason for her to be alone, and she drew her blankets closer around her, envisioning them as a barrier to the world around her.
Joey saw the small movement, and he noticed the empty light in her eyes, knowing how she must feel but in reality having no idea. "Everything's gonna be all right now, Shari," he said to try and comfort her.
She turned her gaze to him, anger giving her face some life. "No, Joey, everything's not going to be all right," she raged. "How can it be when all of my life I have had to face death, and now it's happening again. No matter what happens next, it always ends the same. I always end up alone, and that's why I have made no effort to make any friends. Why should I when I'll always end up alone?" Silent tears ran down her cheeks, but she paid them no mind as she watched as the fires within the house were slowly being extinguished.
Joey didn't know what to say to that as it appeared she had more problems than he had even guessed at, but apparently Yugi did as he spoke to her instead. "Shari, you're not alone," he said softly. "We're here with you, and we're not going to leave you."
She glanced down at him, looking into those earnest eyes which looked so much like someone else's it was uncanny. "Believe me, it would be better if you did, Yugi," she told him. "Anyone who has ever gotten close enough to know me ends up disappearing. It's always been that way."
Yugi thought upon her words, wondering if they had anything to do with the Millennium Item she wore. Apparently it sounded like someone was dogging her steps, biding his time until he could come at her directly. But he was merely guessing at this point. It was probably nothing more than an accident that had set the house on fire, something as innocent as a hot wire or even a cigarette. It would do no good to start speculating at this point anyway. It would be best if they waited for the official word on what caused it and then go from there.
"I gave you my word that we weren't going to leave, and that's final," he said stubbornly. "If there is a pattern behind all this, we'll help you in any way we can."
She couldn't help but smile at their determination. "You guys never give up, do you?"
Joey laughed as Yugi smiled up at her. "We nevah give up, do we Yug?"
Yugi nodded his head once. "Not when it concerns our friends, we don't."
She smiled again, this one genuine which lit up her green eyes. It had been so long since she had smiled like this, and it was all because of these two who had showed her that there was happiness to be found in a world of despair. But then all talk was cut short as the paramedic came to strap an oxygen mask over her mouth, and they led her inside the back of the ambulance. Yugi and Joey followed her inside and sat on either side of her. She reached out to take hold of Joey's hand, an unconscious gesture, but one she didn't mind as she gazed up into his dark eyes. He smiled down at her, giving her hand a gentle squeeze as she rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes.
She was admitted into the hospital to go through further testing, the doctors wanting to make sure that she was completely fine before letting her go. Luckily her lungs were fine, and she had not suffered any burns, but what did concern them was the amount of bruises they discovered upon her body. That was also one of the reasons they kept her. There was no telling the extent of her injuries as they assumed that she had gotten them from her escape, and she wasn't going to tell them differently.
Joey and Yugi patiently waited outside before the doctor arrived and began asking them questions about her family and such. Joey told him that she didn't have any family as he had heard her tell the police that she was fostered, and the doctor decided to tell them of what he had found. They were both alarmed at the mention of her bruises since there was no way she could've gotten them the way the doctor thought she did, and it only confirmed Joey's suspicions.
After the doctor left, Joey rose to his feet and paced around the room, clenching his fists and generally worrying Yugi since he looked so angry. "Joey, what's wrong?" he asked him.
Joey finally sat down and managed to calm himself down enough to answer. "De other day at school I noticed dat she was limpin' a little, an' I began ta wonder if maybe she was bein' abused by her parents. The way she spoke ta me made me wonder, too, as she kept talkin' about gettin' in trouble an' all. But now I guess she was bein' abused." His anger rose again, and he pounded his fist on his knee as a low growl escaped. "Dere's no excuse, Yug, for any child ta be beat by a parent! It's not right!"
Yugi watched his friend work through his anger, knowing that Joey was in a similar position himself but in his case it was his father, who had done nothing worse than drink so far. "No, it's not right, Joey," he agreed. "I just wonder why she never told anybody? Why did she keep quiet about it?"
Joey sighed and leaned back in his seat. "I dunno. Maybe she was afraid of what her parents could do ta her. Either way, we're gonna sit down and have a talk, and I'm gonna find out what her problem is."
A smile appeared on Yugi's face to see Joey acting so protective over someone he had just met. Was he interested in Shari, or was it just friendship forged by similar circumstances? "I'd advise you to be careful, Joey, and not go in there and press her for answers so soon. She's got a lot she has to sort through first."
"Ah, I know dat, Yug," he replied. "Right now I'm gonna go in an' check on her just to see how she's doin' and all. Be right back!"
Yugi watched as he walked off, feeling an uneasiness deep within himself that could only come from Yami and wondering what was wrong with him lately. Soon his thoughts were drawn elsewhere as Tea, Tristan, and Ryou appeared, wondering what was going on. He explained what had happened as best he could since the past few hours had all seemed a blur to him, and he kept his eyes open for Joey's return so that he would know how she fared.
**************
Joey's out for some answers now. He'd be wise to heed Yugi's advice though, and we all know he will since he listens to him so well. Thanks for reading! C-ya!
Bakura: BWAHAHAHA!!!
Shelly: *whacks him on the back of the head* Don't mind him. He's still delirious from all the Chex Mix he ate. Too much sugar.
Mau: You didn't have to hit him on the head, though.
Shelly: Oh, you're here! I guess Schala said you could visit for one chapter. I suppose he'll be all right with you here now.
Valon: Not if I have anything to say about it. Besides, I'm a little more worried about what happened to you.
Bakura: Yeah, Shelly, a tree fell on your car! Hahaha!!!
Shelly: -_- It's not funny Bakura! I was really scared!
Bakura: And you were driving in it, too!
Mau: Bakura, that's enough.
Bakura: Whatever you say, Mau. ^___^
Valon: -_-;;; I was glad to see you were okay, though, Shelly.
Ryou: I'll agree to that! I was really worried!
Shelly: Ryou, you do care! *hugs Ryou* Thanks for all the reviews everyone! For some reason the chapters are uploading funny. Any paragraphs I put in between scenes seem to shrink magically. Unless Bakura has something to do with that.
Bakura: *whistles innocently*
Shelly: Anyway, hope you all enjoy the next chapter!
The Heart of Eternity by Shelly
CHAPTER FOUR
The darkness of the night was split by the swirling of red and blue lights as everyone was there: police, firefighters, and emergency crews alike did what they could to contain the blaze. The water rushing through the hoses was the only other sound besides that of the men's voices issuing commands. The police were there to help contain the growing crowd, as well as to take Shari's statement about what had happened. She told them what she knew, which was very little since she had been sleeping, but she knew from the look in their eyes that they suspected her. How else could she have been the only survivor?
Joey and Yugi stayed by her side, offering her their support, as well as having to stay near the ambulance to be treated for smoke inhalation. Both boys were not suffering from it nearly as bad as she was since she had been inside for far longer, but she was also suffering from the shock that had slowly crept upon her. Two more had died because of her, she just knew it. She wasn't sure how, but somehow it was always her fault, no matter that perhaps they had deserved to die for treating her like they had. It was just one more reason for her to be alone, and she drew her blankets closer around her, envisioning them as a barrier to the world around her.
Joey saw the small movement, and he noticed the empty light in her eyes, knowing how she must feel but in reality having no idea. "Everything's gonna be all right now, Shari," he said to try and comfort her.
She turned her gaze to him, anger giving her face some life. "No, Joey, everything's not going to be all right," she raged. "How can it be when all of my life I have had to face death, and now it's happening again. No matter what happens next, it always ends the same. I always end up alone, and that's why I have made no effort to make any friends. Why should I when I'll always end up alone?" Silent tears ran down her cheeks, but she paid them no mind as she watched as the fires within the house were slowly being extinguished.
Joey didn't know what to say to that as it appeared she had more problems than he had even guessed at, but apparently Yugi did as he spoke to her instead. "Shari, you're not alone," he said softly. "We're here with you, and we're not going to leave you."
She glanced down at him, looking into those earnest eyes which looked so much like someone else's it was uncanny. "Believe me, it would be better if you did, Yugi," she told him. "Anyone who has ever gotten close enough to know me ends up disappearing. It's always been that way."
Yugi thought upon her words, wondering if they had anything to do with the Millennium Item she wore. Apparently it sounded like someone was dogging her steps, biding his time until he could come at her directly. But he was merely guessing at this point. It was probably nothing more than an accident that had set the house on fire, something as innocent as a hot wire or even a cigarette. It would do no good to start speculating at this point anyway. It would be best if they waited for the official word on what caused it and then go from there.
"I gave you my word that we weren't going to leave, and that's final," he said stubbornly. "If there is a pattern behind all this, we'll help you in any way we can."
She couldn't help but smile at their determination. "You guys never give up, do you?"
Joey laughed as Yugi smiled up at her. "We nevah give up, do we Yug?"
Yugi nodded his head once. "Not when it concerns our friends, we don't."
She smiled again, this one genuine which lit up her green eyes. It had been so long since she had smiled like this, and it was all because of these two who had showed her that there was happiness to be found in a world of despair. But then all talk was cut short as the paramedic came to strap an oxygen mask over her mouth, and they led her inside the back of the ambulance. Yugi and Joey followed her inside and sat on either side of her. She reached out to take hold of Joey's hand, an unconscious gesture, but one she didn't mind as she gazed up into his dark eyes. He smiled down at her, giving her hand a gentle squeeze as she rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes.
She was admitted into the hospital to go through further testing, the doctors wanting to make sure that she was completely fine before letting her go. Luckily her lungs were fine, and she had not suffered any burns, but what did concern them was the amount of bruises they discovered upon her body. That was also one of the reasons they kept her. There was no telling the extent of her injuries as they assumed that she had gotten them from her escape, and she wasn't going to tell them differently.
Joey and Yugi patiently waited outside before the doctor arrived and began asking them questions about her family and such. Joey told him that she didn't have any family as he had heard her tell the police that she was fostered, and the doctor decided to tell them of what he had found. They were both alarmed at the mention of her bruises since there was no way she could've gotten them the way the doctor thought she did, and it only confirmed Joey's suspicions.
After the doctor left, Joey rose to his feet and paced around the room, clenching his fists and generally worrying Yugi since he looked so angry. "Joey, what's wrong?" he asked him.
Joey finally sat down and managed to calm himself down enough to answer. "De other day at school I noticed dat she was limpin' a little, an' I began ta wonder if maybe she was bein' abused by her parents. The way she spoke ta me made me wonder, too, as she kept talkin' about gettin' in trouble an' all. But now I guess she was bein' abused." His anger rose again, and he pounded his fist on his knee as a low growl escaped. "Dere's no excuse, Yug, for any child ta be beat by a parent! It's not right!"
Yugi watched his friend work through his anger, knowing that Joey was in a similar position himself but in his case it was his father, who had done nothing worse than drink so far. "No, it's not right, Joey," he agreed. "I just wonder why she never told anybody? Why did she keep quiet about it?"
Joey sighed and leaned back in his seat. "I dunno. Maybe she was afraid of what her parents could do ta her. Either way, we're gonna sit down and have a talk, and I'm gonna find out what her problem is."
A smile appeared on Yugi's face to see Joey acting so protective over someone he had just met. Was he interested in Shari, or was it just friendship forged by similar circumstances? "I'd advise you to be careful, Joey, and not go in there and press her for answers so soon. She's got a lot she has to sort through first."
"Ah, I know dat, Yug," he replied. "Right now I'm gonna go in an' check on her just to see how she's doin' and all. Be right back!"
Yugi watched as he walked off, feeling an uneasiness deep within himself that could only come from Yami and wondering what was wrong with him lately. Soon his thoughts were drawn elsewhere as Tea, Tristan, and Ryou appeared, wondering what was going on. He explained what had happened as best he could since the past few hours had all seemed a blur to him, and he kept his eyes open for Joey's return so that he would know how she fared.
**************
Joey's out for some answers now. He'd be wise to heed Yugi's advice though, and we all know he will since he listens to him so well. Thanks for reading! C-ya!