Disclaimer: I Don't own Y-G-O.OKAY? (^__^)
Zoeygirl: Hey! Sorry for the delay it seems so long really. I had hoped to get this out sooner but guess it took too long and frankly I just didn't feel like writing. As blunt as that may sound. Anyways thanks to all of you who took time to write a review. I appreciate it! (^____^)
Anjiru: OH YOU POOR THING! (;_;) AW I hope you feeling better. If it helps I've read your story for the 5th time now. Sigh, their so long so it takes me awhile. Now I'm gonna go through and review all of them. (^_____^)
Pandora Kattalikis: He was??! GOOD! (^__^) That's great to hear! And he's only gonna get worst I'm afraid. In this fict he is SO staying in character. Oh about the 12 Angry Men, yes I still want to do that fict and it would be strictly humor but I've put it on hold since I have this and one more romance one to write. (^__^) Hold on, I won't disappoint you just yet!
Drak Eyes: So summary is a turn off. Eh not surprising, I'm not good on how to write summaries. EEK!! (Runs away.) Now why would I kill my favorite character??? (^___^) Hehehehehe, uh evil laugh?? Anyways glad you're enjoying it. I'll try not to disappoint you.
Elsiey: Well this chappie may be a bit boring but hopefully you'll still enjoy it. (^__^) As for shopping, hehehe, that'll come later.
Esopha: Hey glad its getting better. Your honest opinion will help make it a bit more interesting. Hmm I suppose your right I mean I'd take Duelist lessons from him too! (^___^) But uh I guess mine would be for other reasons, hehehehehe. (Smiles.)
Sam: Hey I'm SO glad it's getting better. I've heard you're a pretty tough criticizer who doesn't hold back at all, so I'm happy that it's improving. You just keep telling me on how I can improve it and I'll try my best. Happy thanks to ya and I'll keep your advice in mind! (^)_(^) So far you seem like you've been the most "Straight-up" honest and I greatly appreciate it!
Spirit of the Rod: Hey how are ya?!! OOOH yay you reviewed my fict! (^)_(^) Hehehe that pleases me! Anyways, ya stubborn fool, I won't do script form for this, definite NO. (^___^)
Mayzon: Why thank you! That's great to hear. Hope this isn't disappointing either.
Life's light/anime*angel:: AWWW a Joey glomper! I gotta hide him!! (O_O) UH, did I put this up on Christmas Eve? REALLY??? Jeez wow, did not know that. (*_*)
AquariousF5: Okay dokey!!!! (^_^) I'll try to inform you if I don't forget first. (^__^)
Ann: (Glomp.) (^))_((^) Aw thank you, but it's really okay. He's only being honest. (^)_(^) I promise you, I will NEVER change the style in which I write though. Then it wouldn't be fun. Don't worry I won't change it to the point where it isn't ME anymore. I promise ya! (^__^)
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He smiled to himself slyly, eyeing the tall school building with a hungry eye. To think his very ambition in achieving absolute power lied within that ugly mound of bricks the day after tomorrow. It was too easy to predict. His plan seemed better than expected. How he hoped this day would come. And yet he always knew it was. His subordinates were on the move, his pet killers as he liked to call them.
They called themselves followers of the true and rightful ruler of the ancient time, but it was as plain as day to see that they were nothing more than trained and loyal assassins who wanted nothing more then glory of their own. Their foolishness wanted to make him laugh out loud. As soon as he got what he wanted they would be gone, disposed of. And their dark items would be his as would the boy. For now though he had to take his time, only look but don't touch.
"So it begins."
A girl walked nearly 5 feet behind a blonde haired, slightly irritated boy, who's only intention was to eat at the moment. His annoyance grew when she chose to take a foot even further behind him, daring not to get any closer. Really, did she think that he wasn't aware of her childish game? What a moronic wench.
With a longing sigh, Marik stopped midway through a step. "Alright why are you walking so slow? Its becoming quite annoying and I'm starting to get angry." Tea stiffened, yet did not reply. In fact if she wanted to she could high tail it over to Yugi's house. After all he was injured it wasn't like he was going to be able to catch her or anything.
Well the thought was tempting, but rather to take her time before rushing into a major catastrophe.
"I don't have all day!" Marik shot out, whipping his head behind to stare at her.
Tea answered quickly, trying to maintain her somewhat cheerful attitude. "Uh where do you want to eat?" Was all she said before Marik gave her a completely clueless look.
(0_0) "What?" Did she just ignore his question completely or did she just have short term memory?
Tea smiled knowing she had gotten the better of him. "Where do you want to eat, I mean there's a lot of places and I'm getting tired." She asked again, hopefully changing the subject.
Marik scorned at her odd behavior and continued down the sidewalk, taking his time to step on every single crack. "I haven't decided." He said bluntly.
Tea rubbed her elbow shyly doing her best to catch up to him but careful not to get too close. "Oh. Well um you do know every time you step on a crack you might break some mother's back."
Marik smirked a sadistic smirk that didn't look at all appealing to the eye. "I know."
Tea frowned, and she was sick to say the least. What was even worst was the fact that he probably wished the little bad luck policy was real. "Well you know it is just a hoax right?" She blurted out in an unhappy tone.
Marik ignored the girl walking a foot behind him and instead took the extra time to grind the heal of his foot into a rather thick crack, all the while chuckling to himself.
"Ugh what a sick guy." Tea mumbled to herself, doing her best to go unnoticed. It was at this point she noticed his rather unusual hoarse breathing. For those measly 3 seconds, Marik wasn't breathing and instead clutched his rib cage in pain. She figured he was probably weaker than even he thought. Actually how vulnerable was he compared to her? She had to be at this point physically stronger just because of the healing he was still doing. She could probably do some serious harm if she were to knock him in the stomach. And yet, she couldn't see herself doing that to him.
An hour later, Marik and Tea found themselves in Taco restaurant, fast food to be exact, eating quietly to themselves, refusing to pay any attention to the other. Well Marik's was just plain boredom, Tea's was fear.
"You haven't shared anymore information about yourself, is this all you have to offer?" Marik asked in a crackling voice that was one to startle Tea. Tea finished chewing on a cheese nacho before taking the time to look up to him. His presence here made her scared to eat and it took minutes for her to swallow a simple nacho. His eyes were narrowed down into beady slits but they were not concentrated on him, but rather the outside world from the comfort of the window.
"Well I don't feel I need to explain anything else to you. Like you said my business is my own just like yours." She whispered staring at her food and then observing her surroundings for the 15th time. She was nervous any minute now someone she knew was going to walk through the door.
"I didn't ask your opinion on the matter." Marik snapped eyeing her with hateful eyes.
It took a few seconds to register, but when she stared into those violet orbs that illuminated such hatred she saw something that they both might've had in common. It seemed to her that he didn't want to be here with her as much as she, in fact the way his body sort of shifted every few moments made her realize how uneasy he was. Was he scared? Scared of what then?
'Oh wait a minute!' Tea brought to attention within her own mind. 'I see! I see!' Tea's face brightened up bringing all color back to her cheeks. It was so noticeable that even Marik was staring at her head in a quizzical fashion. "What is it now?" He growled his mood seeming to lessen. Her happiness and change in personality was driving him up the wall. Dear Ra did he just want to break her neck!
"Marik you don't have to lie to me. I know what you're hiding." Tea said shyly, staring down at her food. Marik raised an eyebrow as if testing her very existence on this piece of evidence.
"Oh is that so? Don't get too confident with yourself. It will prove to be fatal." He replied rather bored.
Tea scrunched her eyebrows together. It was time she told him how obvious he really was. "You know you don't fool anyone Marik. I know you're hurting with every breath you take. I know eating right now is becoming quite difficult, and I know if I were to kick you in the stomach or run away and call oh let's say Yami, you would most likely die, and you know it don't you? Your trying to put on an act to scare me into thinking you can just kill me anytime?
Marik curled his lip in hate, crumbling his drinking cup into almost a ball of waste. "Is that so? Do you not remember the knife, or will I have to refresh your memory for you?"
Tea frowned. It was evident he'd fight this to the end. "The knife was a fluke. You were lucky enough to sneak behind me but I promise it won't happen again. Even though you look fine on the outside, you have a lot of healing to do and basically I'm your only chance for survival at the moment. It would only take one phone call, that's it, just one phone call.
Marik's eyes shut as if rethinking his strategy. This wasn't good. She knew just what type of predicament he was in. There wasn't much to do. She was going to die depending on her answer. But even if that was a choice which it was, how did he intend to do such a task?
"Fine what are you going to do now girl?" Marik whispered his lips curled in annoyance.
Tea stared at him long and hard, no fear hinted in her eyes. "Nothing."
Marik's eyes opened up again as his twisted expression changed to one of suspicion. "What is your angle? Don't think you can black mail me because I can promise you while you sleep it won't do you any good."
"Enough with the threats! I'm going to let you stay at my home and not do a thing about it. When your better you can go to Egypt or wherever the heck you plan on going and come back whenever you choose."
A fraction of Marik's jaw opened up in disbelief but closed again. He didn't really want to look like he gave a rat's ass but this wench wasn't making any sense!
"You're precious Pharaoh. I don't understand. Why would you betray him and continue to let me live freely? Is there something wrong with you or do you know the end is coming near?"
Tea flinched at his question but returned it with a smile. "No I just know whether it's you or someone else; they can come back whenever they feel but the results are going to be the same. No matter what your motive is Yami and Yugi and even Joey, they'll be able to defeat you no matter what! It can be 7 years from now but it won't matter. The outcome will always be the same, and even I know they don't need to prepare for a battle that's already won. So go ahead and try again Marik, it won't do you any good. Instead you'll be wasting a second chance at living a rightful life. Myfriends will always win against people like you!"
Tea sipped her drink and stared back down at her food, satisfied with her answer. Marik's silence was enough to tell her she hit a nerve.
He was pissed and rightfully so. Not more so the girl like he was thinking, but the Pharaoh's record. He was going to get revenge even if it killed him again. No one was going to get away with it.
"Oh just one more thing Marik." Tea began, standing up and grabbing her purse. "Don't threaten me like that again with a knife or it'll be the other way around. Besides that you're welcome in my home with shelter from my friends of course. But there's a few people I would choose not to hide this from and I promise they won't say anything about it if it's fine with you." Her confidence was making him furious! How dare she talk to him on such equal levels especially without fear!
"DO as you wish, you've won." He spat out knocking his crumbled cup to the side. This hadn't gone the way he intended. Now others were going to know. The best thing for him to do was kill her when the opportunity arose.
Tea nodded and walked out the door eyeing him once more before she walked in the opposite direction, right towards the Wheeler residence.
Sitting there all by his self made him realize how vulnerable he had become. "Oh well." Marik smirked, a new plan coming to mind. "What the hell do I care? I'll prove to that girl just how wrong she really is. Now then, since she left her credit card, I guess its only right to return it. Hehehe as soon as it's over used. Hey woman, get me twenty-two burgers now!"
It was a long walk to the Wheeler's house. Tea didn't know what she was going to tell Serenity, but she didn't want to be the only one aware of Marik's existence. Of course she knew she couldn't tell Joey! He'd drop dead where he stood, that or take an ax and head on over to her house. (0)_(0) The possibilities were endless.
DING DONG!
"Hey sis get da door!" A worn out blonde cried from the couch in the far corner.
"Joey you're right there!"
"AW please sis my head still hurts!" Serenity's sigh could be heard from miles away nevertheless she made her journey to the front door, a spatula in her right hand. "My goodness big brother you can be such a poor-TEA! Hey what a wonderful surprise! Please come in!!! Would you like something to eat??!!! I was SO worried something fishy was going on! Oh wow this is unexpected!"
Joey's face froze in one place, as Serenity's cheerful, LOUD voice traveled to where he lay.
Tea couldn't even get a word out. She was speechless now on what to say as her body was dragged in by the hand. Man, she felt like tiger prey being mauled to death. Jeez!
"Uh hey Serenity. H-how are you?" Tea asked nervously.
Serenity only nodded her head repeatedly up and down like a broken record. "Fine, fine, but tell me what was going on? You acted strangely on the telephone? Is this what it's about?"
Tea fiddled with her index fingers, thinking of how to bring her in on what had happened. All the meanwhile, Joey's head popped around the corner anxious and eager to get in on Tea's unusual behavior. "Well uh I don't know how to say this but uh-
"Aw shit Tea are ya pregnant!!? Let me guess your having triplets and their Tristan's kids?!!!" Joey concluded jumping up and down like a hysterical child, catching the latest gossip.
Tea and Serenity's face dropped returning his question with stares. A quick hand shut Joey's mouth up instantly as a vein practically popped from the side of Tea's head. "You idiot no!" Her face was flushed in embarrassment while Serenity's remained calm yet worried, pushing her brother's behavior aside.
"Well um what is it then Tea?"
Tea sweat dropped, now really nervous to say the least. "Uh Serenity why don't you come over to my house and I'll TELL you all about it?" She winked, glaring at Joey on the floor beside her.
"What today?" Joey asked?
"Yeah today Joey." (-)_(-)
"Well uh who's gonna make me dinner?"
Serenity sighed as she pulled a TV dinner down from the freezer shelf. "You DO remember how to make these right bro?"
"Yeah if Tea hasn't broken more of my brain cells. Jeez Tea I already had a bump!" He sighed, rubbing his head in pain.
Tea folded her arms and stared accusingly at the blonde who was momentarily sulking.
"Let me guess, you ran into something right?" Tea asked in a mocking tone. Joey glared at the brunette, grabbed his TV dinner and headed for his room. No way he was seeing Mai tonight. Damn sisters and damn Tea's!!!
Tea only shook her head and giggled to herself silently. He had no brain cells to spare. Okay maybe that was a gross over exaggeration. He was one of the top leading Duelist in school, and his grades weren't too shabby. Humph, she shrugged it off.
As soon as they heard the door shut it was time for Tea to finish. "Okay so can you come over now?" Tea asked pleadingly. Serenity stared at her friend as if wondering what secret lied at Tea's house.
"Um Tea, this time Joey got hit pretty hard and he looks a bit sick." Serenity started, tangling her hair between her fingers. She did not want to offend her friend.
Tea clasped her hands together tightly, pleading for the long haired brunette to come. "Oh please Serenity! It'll only be for a few minutes!" Tea's conscience was killing her right now though. 'Few minutes my ass. When she takes one look at Marik after I explain it'll take a bulldozer to move her frozen body.' (-)_(-)
"Well okay Tea, let me get my shoes and we'll go on over." Serenity said cheerfully. Tea smiled weakly but couldn't help but feel bad. To bring Serenity in on this, her life on the line now; it was somewhat wrong of Tea but she was in on this by herself too! She didn't know what to do if her body were to go missing!
The walk was silent and submissive. Serenity's eyes traveled up to Tea's saddened expression but she didn't say a word. Whatever troubled her friend, well she would wait as long as it took until Tea felt it was okay to get it out in the open.
No more than a mile away another presence was nearing to Tea's home. The feeling kept returning each time he continued down the alleyway. First it was light, then it grew stronger, then it was as if this familiar presence was moving further away. And then as if out of thin air, it came back. It was some other soul he had encountered before, and it was coming in the opposite direction! He couldn't ignore it! It was someone he had sworn revenge on besides the Pharaoh of course.
Growling silently to himself the chocolate orbs narrowed down into thin amber slits, his lip curling up just enough to hint his irritation. Grudgingly, he removed his hands from his pockets and whirled around, walking speedily in the opposite direction.
"Where are you going? Stop this! It's got to stop! I will not continue to ignore this!"
"Shut up you. I have something I need to investigate and right now your opinion or intuition doesn't count! Something is awake and I think I need to put it back to sleep." He smirked evilly, bloodlust in his eyes.
"Just let it go! I'm not going to be responsible for another death! Please stop it! You haven't killed anyone in so long why start now?"
"Because!" The figure snapped, stopping in place. "This measly soul killed me first!"
No more was said as he ran down the alley, towards the neighborhood and straight for Tea's home.
Serenity stood patiently 6 feet away from Tea, who bumbled with her keys and mumbled strange things to herself, every few seconds glancing back to her. At this moment Serenity would smile sweetly and stiffen, but once Tea turned to face her door, a look of utter confusion crossed her mind. She was freaked to say the least. In fact, was Tea stalling to let her in??!
"Uh Tea are we going to go in soon?" Serenity asked politely. Tea didn't respond and when Serenity thought she didn't hear her, she repeated herself again.
"Huh? Oh um yes just a second." Actually Tea heard her clear as day, but the fact of the matter was she could hear the TV on in the house. This was not gonna go well but at least she wasn't going to be alone. Of course what if Marik tried to kill the both of them? EEP! The thought scared her but it was two against one and she knew her home like the back of her hand, besides Marik was badly injured. There was no way he could deal with the both of them or stop them from running away.
Whatever the reason, Tea didn't feel like surprising Serenity head on. "Uh Serenity? Do you mind if we go through the back door?"
Serenity shook her head from side to side, totally lost on what Tea was doing but she went along with it anyways. When they reached the backdoor Tea stopped and breathed a sigh of relief.
"Uh Tea are you sure your okay? Uh why are we going through the backdoor by the way?"
Serenity was clueless. That's okay, she'd soon be filled in of course.
Tea's back still faced Serenity when she spoke. "Serenity promise me you won't scream and please give me a chance to explain before you tell anyone."
Serenity seemed really clueless now. Her friend was mumbling as if she were taking her last breath of air. "Um sure Tea, you know me I won't jump to any conclusions." She smiled weakly but Tea didn't see it, she could only hear Serenity's shaky and uneasy voice indicating Serenity probably thought she was insane. Just great..
Tea kept Serenity as far behind her as possible as they entered through the kitchen, clinging to the side of the walls like ninjas on the hunt. The sound of the TV grew louder. It sounded like a News channel of some sort going on about the weather and so on. Tea didn't remember leaving the TV on. It only meant one thing.
"DAMN BASTARDS. What do they know about such things? They say it is going to rain and there's the damn sun staring at me through the window! Liars! Liars! Why does she watch this retched man if all he does is make up unreliable information!? Its people like him who must burn in hell! To the shadow realm with him!!!"
(0))__((0))... Serenity's body froze entirely! Her grip on Tea's shoulder became increasingly strong. Tea winced at both the pain and the not so necessary comment made by Marik.
'This was going to be difficult. ((-'_'-))' Tea thought to herself, prying her friend's hand from her shoulder. 'Okay Serenity now's the time to let go!' Her mind screamed as she felt a few long nails dig deeper.
"Uh Tea I think there's someone in your home!!" Serenity whispered. Tea's face dropped and for a moment she thought she had asked the wrong person to come with her.
'Thank you for stating the obvious Serenity.' (-_________________-)
"The two of you can come out now, you don't fool me." Marik raised his voice his eyes still on the TV. Tea and Serenity jumped, waves of chills traveling up their spines.
Tea was the first to walk out. Her face showed no fear as she stared at the resurrected spirit sitting on her couch, hunched over and eyes still on the television.
"Where's the other one?" He replied in a crackling chilling voice. Serenity's heart thumped so loud, Marik could hear it for miles away. He smirked widely, his hands pulling on the jean fabric in anticipation. Mortal or not he could smell fear and he loved the aroma of it. It delighted him in every possible way.
"Its okay Serenity, come on out this was what I wanted to talk to you about." Tea said reassuringly as Marik scoffed aloud.
What bullshit was she speaking of? She acted as if she had tamed the beast and made friends with it? He was not so easily pushed aside and she was not out of the darkness yet. Now Tea had foolishly placed her dear friend in a world of danger. How naïve.
Serenity walked out from behind the kitchen wall her eyes searching for the one who possessed that chilling voice. And there he was! On the couch! Sitting there watching the television! She knew him! She knew who this was!! BUT HOW!? HOW!??
"O-oh m-m-m-my g-TEA!!!!" Serenity screamed running for the nearest door which happened to be a closet. Tea intercepted her, gently grabbing her friends hand and hushing her quietly, trying every possible way to ease her friend's startled behavior. But Serenity was far from startled. Her eyes reflected that of complete fear! Serenity remembered quite well what this monster did! He almost killed Joey in the Battle City Finals!!! (episode spoiler, oops.) It was a miracle he made it out and for that Serenity never forgot! This guy was terrifying!
"Serenity wait! It's okay really!" Tea reassured.
"Okay? How can you say that? Has he controlled your mind??? It's the evil spirit of Malik sitting there isn't it??!!! ISN'T IT?!"
Tea stepped back. Could her friend really tell the difference between Malik and Marik even though Marik now looked even more identical to Malik?
"You can tell that it's the spirit?" Tea asked somewhat surprised. Even Marik was staring, his eye raised high.
"Tell? Of course! I can never forget those eyes and that smirk, and just look at him! You can just TELL!"
"Listen Serenity this is what I wanted to tell you about. I don't know how to explain everything but I'm hoping you'll listen." Tea was trying hard to keep from crying. This was becoming quite the stressful matter. Somehow though, Serenity saw this and calmed down enough to listen to what her friend had to say.
"Can we go to your room T-Tea?" Serenity asked shakily. Tea nodded wiping a tear away. Marik only stared bored out of his mind. Jeez what a total soap opera this was turning out to be.
Upstairs Tea explained everything to Serenity in full detail from beginning to end. It took time for it to sink in and it had been about 2 hours when Serenity was given a chance to speak.
"Tea slow down. Okay um have you told Yami yet? This is really important! What if he repeats everything he did again?"
Tea didn't want to tell her at first he would've killed her if she tried but that sounded a bit too brutal for Serenity to handle. So she did the only thing left to do. (O_O) She defended Marik.
"But what if Yami or even Kaiba or who knows who, decides to obliterate him again? He's human just like us and I've noticed some changes. Well, at least I think. He's got a heart now you know."
Serenity seemed skeptic. "So do murderers, kidnappers, and rapists, but they keep going on with their daily business. That's not always going to matter Tea."
Tea nodded apologetically. Serenity seemed much more serious now. This was no light matter. She had a power hungry maniac downstairs watching TV.
"I know Serenity but I don't know why. Can't I just let him stay just for a bit? He's going back to Egypt and then I'll explain the entire thing to Yugi and Yami."
"But Tea, their all going to be mad when you tell them what you've told me after he's long gone!" Serenity cut in.
Tea seemed hopeful. It was possible she could fix this on her own. "Yeah but its better this way, they won't jump to rash decisions."
Serenity knelt her head down, placing her hands in her lap. Tea could tell Serenity had something urgent to tell her. "What is it Serenity?"
"Tea you know we all have enough to worry about right now. Sure everything seems fine but you know HE is still lurking around somewhere." Serenity's voice was calm and quiet in a rather disturbing manner.
Okay now wait a minute. Just who the heck was HE? Did she mean Marik or what? Was it someone they had dealt with in the past, another enemy of Yami, perhaps Pegasus, or that guy from Atlantis? No, Tea didn't think it was them. Pegasus had definitely changed. He was good at heart now. But then who?
"Serenity who's HE?" Tea asked.
A strange silence took hold of them both, not even the TV seemed to make a noise. Tea's heart was beating faster. Was there some other thing out there with a motive to kill? Was there someone else she had forgotten? If that was the case having Marik here was going to be harder then predicted. Who know what or who he'd attract! Hopefully no one.
"Come on Tea you know exactly who. Don't you remember? After the incident within Yugi's own body or something that ended in the evil spirit's defeat, they thought they got rid of HIM. So Yami and Shadi finally brought back Ryou's body. Ryou seemed fine and he didn't have the millennium ring around his neck, but then after only a few days Ryou disappeared. Isn't that strange?"
Tea's eyes widened. She almost forgot. She didn't hear anything from Ryou's dad either. It was sort of weird. Could the spirit of the millennium ring still be alive? When Ryou was brought back, was the evil spirit as well?
"I don't think that's a problem Serenity." Tea reassured rubbing her head bashfully.
DING DONG!!!
"AWW!" (((0)))____((((0)))
The two girls jumped, an Egyptian boy leaning against the wall outside her room. He raised an eyebrow at their foolish behavior, while a knife sat carefree in his left hand.
Major look of panic on their faces at this moment. (X))_((X)
Serenity eyes the knife carefully, a bead of sweat forming from the roof of her delicate jaw. Marik spoke. "Woman the door is ringing. You either answer it or I will, doing it my way. I can't possibly have everyone here as she is now. I was tempted to answer it and deal with the fool but then I thought perhaps it is the Pharaoh. No need wasting a perfectly good death yet, right?" He smirked, Serenity's blood turning cold. Tea was in no better a spot. It could've been anyone from family to friends.
Tea jumped from her bed, tripping over her CD player and running right past Marik, who cared not to even notice her existence. Down the stairs she raced and straight for the door!
Now it was only Serenity and Marik in the same room. She sat on the bed, petrified to move. Why did Tea leave her here with HIM? Jeez Tea was rushing this a bit too fast! She didn't even want to be in the same room with him let alone by herself!
"Are you scared girl?" Marik mocked, the knife becoming quite loose in his hand.
Serenity bit her lip and looked away. "Y-yes could you just leave me alone? I'm not doing anything to you." Serenity asked meekly.
"If I had it my way, your bother would've died long ago." Marik whispered before leaving the room.
And there she sat, her hands gripping one another, sweat racing down her head, her long hair clinging to her back. She felt sick, like she was going to throw up. He remembered!
Tea breathed heavily while her hand rested on the door knob. She was all out of breath while a curled hand pounded on the front door. She jumped lightly but her annoyance just grew. Can't this person just wait a darn second!?
"I'm opening it up relax"! Tea opened the door, an unhappy expression quite obvious.
"May I help-RYOU!" Tea yelped. A rather pale boy, with a long white mane and deep, innocent chocolate brown eyes, he smiled sweetly looking very nervous. Tea's spirits were lifted up; glad to see someone she hadn't seen in a while. On the other hand she became quite disturbed. This was just WAY too coincidental. Could Serenity have been right?
((--))__((--)) "No way." She huffed aloud, rubbing her temples while Ryou stared at her slumped over form quizzically.
"Hi Tea! Is this a bad time? You don't look too happy?"(-)_(-) Man, wonder why?
"Uh Ryou where have you been?" Tea asked curiously. "You know we've been looking for you."
Ryou smiled. "Oh here and there. Traveling with my Dad I suppose. I didn't realize I was so missed." He laughed apologetically.
Tea stepped back and cracked the door enough for her head to only show. Ryou seemed very disturbed now. Why was Tea acting so strange? She was acting like she was afraid of him.
"Ryou."
"Ryou listened. "Yes Tea?" He was really worried now. Something seemed odd.
"Ryou your Dad doesn't even remember you or know who you are for some odd reason. Why is that?" It was more of a statement then a question. "Where have you been Ryou?" Tea's voice was growing deeper more skeptical by the minute.
"So Tea who's inside?" Ryou tried to look past the brunette's head but it blocked his view.
Tea's blood ran cold. "So why are you changing the subject?" Tea's voice was on the defensive end now. Something wasn't right about him. He bowed his head, his soft snowy white bangs covering his eyes and shadowing the rest of his face. His arms lay side by side.
"Because I can." A voice growled.
Tea's eyes widened in utter horror, the pupils dilating twice in size. She tried to shut the door, but a rough hand ceased any movement between the two try as she might. It began pushing back, making the entrance wider and wider until it was completely opened. Tea's balance was pushed out of whack as she was forced to step back a few feet or so. She gripped the nearest object which happened to be a vase and armed herself. The masked face revealed itself, his sadistic eyes coming up eye to eye level. His smile sent a wave of panic through her system! It was the spirit of the Ring!!!
"It isn't polite not to invite guests in. You should mind you manners girl." He walked in slowly, carefully, sure to not force her to run but rather petrify her into not moving or rather not screaming, yet. He was making his move.
"So what or rather who are you hiding? Speaking of which now that we're on the subject, why are you hiding him?"
"H-him? Who are you talking about?" Tea asked; the vase in front of her. Bakura laughed at her stupidity, pulling out a card. It looked like a giant bug on the front!
"Don't make me use this to force an answer out of you. I'd rather do that myself but I promise the card is always hungry." The card lay between two fingers, ready to be summoned. Tea threw the vase at him in hopes to make noise and attract some attention. She was too scared to scream. Her voice was stuck down in her gut!
Bakura caught on to her motive and caught the vase with no problem, placing the object down gently on the floor. He eyed the girl with hesitation. What exactly was she hiding and why?
"Do you wish to die now?" He hissed, closing in on his prey.
Tea stood her ground. Boy, scared was an understatement right now but she wasn't going to look wimpy! "You know I've been getting that a lot lately."
Bakura's hair spiked and an interested look caught his attention. She must've meant the other being in the house. He sensed it. "Well then you don't mind if I take a look around. I'll be leaving as soon as I get what I want."
Tea's face puffed. He had no right! Besides Marik was still injured-Wait just one damn moment! Was she trying to look out for the guy!? Holy crap she had lost her freaking mind!
(0_0) Bakura decided not to interfere with whatever inner conflict Tea was having with herself. He figured she was just deranged. "That girl needs help." He sweat dropped proceeding past her and into the kitchen.
"Okay maybe if I just run for it and get to Yugi's house I can fix this entire mess! It's not too late Tea!" Tea told herself forcing her legs to walk up the steps. "But I have to get Serenity out of here. Marik can handle himself."
She felt her body going limp. This was becoming too much for her.
"Who was it Tea?" Serenity asked from the doorway. She had her light jacket on and it looked to Tea like Serenity was preparing to leave.
"Um Serenity I think you should wait up here just a bit longer."
"WHY?" A deep voice asked from behind. He followed her?!
Tea screamed and Serenity looked to see who it was. She screamed as well when she saw who it was. Then as if it had become too much, Serenity collapsed.
"Where's Ryou?" Tea screamed, as Bakura looked quite frustrated. He hated having to make these entrances when there was nothing given in return. "Shut up fool! I was looking for something where is it?!"
"I don't know what you're talking about!" Tea put her arm up in defense and stepped back as Bakura proceeded to grab her. Another arm shot out in front grabbing Bakura's wrists, pushing him back violently. Bakura shot the accuser a glare but instead he too was met with disbelief. Marik stood between a crouched Tea on the floor and a rather pissed spirit of the ring. He glared at the white haired guy with annoyance.
Bakura shook with rage. "You would save these pathetic fools? I wasn't sure if you were capable of emotion." Bakura scoffed his irritation growing. "Hell even I have more emotion then YOU!"
Marik looked unfazed from Bakura's comment. "While parts of that statement may be true, I care not for either of these beings. I'd rather see them dead but for now only time is on my side. For now though, I do have a problem with those interfering with my meal ticket." Mari spat bitterly glaring at Tea.
"Get up you sniveling wench. You're no good to me on the ground like that. You should've been more careful before opening the door."
Hmm, that sounded like the spirit that Bakura remembered. What came next was unexpected though.
BANG!
"OUCH!"
"How dare you I AM SO SICK OF YOU CALLING ME A WENCH! CALL ME AGAIN AND I'LL HIT YOU BETWEEN THE RIBS! OH GO AHEAD TRY IT!!!" Tea pierced the air with a hateful scream.
Bakura stepped back, confused to say the least. Marik had a bump on his head and Tea was hovering over him. Jeez what a moody wench she was.
"How dare you!"
Tea puffed up in anger. "You have no right to talk to me like that in my home! Now if you want to kill each other go outside and do it!" Tea meant business for in her hand was the same knife Marik held earlier. He must've dropped it without giving it a second thought. Marik and Bakura both stared at her totally lost on what to say.
"Well then. WELL.. Well then." That was all Bakura could get out.
Marik did not bother to give the girl a second glance. He proceeded past the spirit and down the steps.
"Very well. Suit yourself." His tone was calm and controlled. Bakura was somewhat confused on the matter, but an opportunity of seeking revenge had gotten the better of his mind. They proceeded to the backyard, standing across each other at gun point.
This was somewhat peculiar. If the girl was such a problem why not send her to the shadow realm or something? That was unless-GASP! It occurred to Bakura why this strange feeling coming off from this imposter felt so, well so ordinary. Marik wasn't who he once was! He was a mortal!! Just like this girl here and the other one passed out on the floor. (-+-)___(-+-)
"You don't fool me." Bakura chuckled, relaxing quite a bit. It was evident the guy was injured too. And Marik knew that Bakura was not fooled. So now Bakura knew that he was helpless and without any power, plus he did not have the millennium rod that Malik possessed. Oh this was too good to be true!
Marik sneered, feeling for once weak and helpless. It was that damn girl's fault too! Shit and now that he had an actual soul of his own he didn't like the taste of fear. It made him sick to his stomach.
"My, my Marik; as I've heard you've been called, you're right at my feet. Now what to do with you, hmm." Bakura was enjoying himself. It made Marik want to slice his pale throat and pull out his eyes right from the socket with a fork! Oh and the two girls! They made him infuriated as well. If Bakura wasn't drawing his full attention at the moment he would've grabbed the knife from Tea's hand and shoved it right through her gut! His anger was at an all time high. Bastards!!!!!
"Whatever you have planned you can go ahead and try it." Marik sneered. Bakura stared at him quizzically. In his mind he wondered how Marik could've come back or why he was the way he was or how had gotten the better of Tea but now Tea controlled his actions. It didn't make sense to the white haired spirit.
Bakura sighed, looking quite bored. This was far too easy and not worth his precious time. "So what's the story? Why are you here and why do you smell like a simple mortal?"
Marik cocked his head to the side. Bakura had become suddenly strangely calm. Now he wanted to talk? What was his angle?
"Humph, stranger things have happened. I thought I killed you." Marik smirked cockily.
Bakura frowned and grounded his teeth. Then as weird as it seemed, he smiled. This disturbed Marik greatly. What was Bakura trying to pull? "Why are you smiling?" Marik asked agitatedly.
"Hehehe, it's quite simple really. You and I have very similar motives and minds. I believe you and I are more similar then your once aibou. Humph, the only thing that put us on opposite sides was the exact same motive. Perhaps at one point you were stronger but not anymore I'm afraid. You may even be below a simple human being's level. Yes I think it was just that. You see your aibou has become quite the wimp. Nothing drives that fool. Me on the other hand, I am looking for a partner." Bakura's confidence radiated off of him as the sun began to set over the horizon.
A small brown bird with a bare spot on his back, stared at the two young men talking, looking at each other and standing there as if they were preparing for a death fight against one another. The little bird sat patiently awaiting. It was curious as to what happened next.
Marik frowned. He was not easily enthralled and Bakura could see. "Sorry to disappoint you but this is a one man's job and the motive is all my own. In the end I would only try to kill you." Marik said simply glancing at the road behind him.
"Well then that suits me just fine." Bakura said the same smirk still on his face. Marik looked confused. Okay now he was convinced. This guy had been around WAY too long.
"What are you implying?" Marik asked, not letting his guard down.
"Listen Marik I'm not going to lie to you. In the end one of us will be left to rule the world or destroy it or whatever, but that day will come when we win." Marik urged him to continue. "Go on."
"You and I both want to kill the Pharaoh and his friends, even the ones inside. I see the way you stare at those girls. Mortal or not you still want them dead. It angers you to see them in full control. WE have common enemies and no friends. Our ambitions are the same. Why am I asking you instead of just killing you, you may ask? Simple, you'd make a good partner until the time comes where only one of us will be left. With your mind you would become quite useful. I very well doubt you can exceed myself which is why you cannot do this alone.. I still sense some power in your aging soul though. You're not THAT defenseless but nevertheless I will probably end up killing you in the end. But for now I think we should become temporary partners." Bakura was brief yet blunt. He wanted to team up until they had won. When they were done one of them would be left to remain.
Marik stared at a pebble on the ground and picked it up. Bakura eyed him impatiently. His patience was narrowing thin. He hated being ignored this way.
"What makes you so sure you won't betray me or I won't betray you half way through?" Marik asked urgently.
Bakura smirked proudly. He folded his arms and chuckled. "Because in the end I will need your help the most. For some reason, since you were born from Malik, you know things that only the Ishtar family knows. Not even Yami knows fully about his past. Your knowledge will be the key decision in the conquest of the planet. Besides, let's be frank. I don't think you can harm me in any real way." Bakura mocked smiling at Marik's hoarse breathing.
Marik stared at the ground as if thinking intently on some inner matter.
The little brown bird with the bare spot grew anxious. It waited for the two males to fight like it has seen with other animals. It interested him and gave the little feather ball a great deal of pride for having the gift of flight and never having the need to perform such horrendous deeds. For him if a fight with another bird became too intense, all he had to do was simply fly away into a brush or as fast or high as he could go. Never once had he been in a life or death situation. He chirped slightly, almost saying in his own way, "HURRY UP ALREADY." Yet before he could chirp again, he was silenced forever by a strong force that connected with his head. His glossy eyes still stared out as he lay flat on the grass, wings spread out. He could not fly away this time, his wings could not save him.
A small bead of sweat dripped from the ear lope of Bakura's left ear. He stared stunned as out of nowhere a pebble flew from Marik's hand, whipping his elbow from the side and straight out like a sling shot. It hit its target head on, the little bird falling where he stood.
Marik eyed Bakura from the ground dark rings giving his shadowed tan face an ominous presence. "It would not be wise to underestimate me spirit of the millennium ring."
Bakura changed the subject. Now was not the time to be arguing over such things. "I see, hmm. Well just the same you are staying here are you not?"
Marik raised an eye. "For now. I intend to go to Egypt. You may come then if you feel the need. I think it would help you and myself if you did. Rather the both of us."
Good, Marik was in. This was perfect. Bakura would rise again and this time he wouldn't fall so easily. "Well then I really have no place to stay. Can I stay as well?"
Marik shot him a sideways glance as he turned his back. "Why not stay with the boy's parents? The boy you possess right now."
"I can't." Bakura looked away, feeling somewhat bad from what Marik saw. Pitiful really. "I erased the boy's father's mind and memory. Leaving for days constantly created worry. I could not have a parent's interjection with my plans. It was the only way."
Marik wagged his finger back and forth and Bakura sneered. "Tsk, tsk, tsk. You should think before you act. Hehehehe, perhaps I am more useful then you thought. So far I have been your partner for 3 minutes and already I have provided you with a plan and a place to stay."
The white haired spirit curled his fists. OOH this was going to take some time. He couldn't do this on his own though. For now, he allowed Marik to make his comments.
"Hmm, fine then I will inform the girl. Just stay out of my way unless its business related." Marik walked back in the home a smiling Bakura still standing in the barren backyard. He walked to where the bird lie dead, picking it up with one hand and eyeing the head portion where it had died quick and painlessly. It was dead on. Right between the eyes.
Bakura's smirk widened. "Humph. A shot like that and he is at that girl's mercy? I think not. Perhaps he is holding back purposely. It makes me wonder though. What has she done for him that has put him in her debt?" He didn't say anymore. Carefully he laid the bird down in patch of grass near a young willow tree holding on to dear life. He walked to the backdoor that led to the kitchen, his hands lying dazedly in his pockets.
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Zoeygirl: Thus begins the tale!!! Bum, Bum, bum!! Okay I sound a bit childish and immature so just excuse me. Hope it wasn't too dull. Um next chappie is going to have a bit more humor so yep. Yeah there's quite a change in mood here. Anyways ba-bye!
Zoeygirl: Hey! Sorry for the delay it seems so long really. I had hoped to get this out sooner but guess it took too long and frankly I just didn't feel like writing. As blunt as that may sound. Anyways thanks to all of you who took time to write a review. I appreciate it! (^____^)
Anjiru: OH YOU POOR THING! (;_;) AW I hope you feeling better. If it helps I've read your story for the 5th time now. Sigh, their so long so it takes me awhile. Now I'm gonna go through and review all of them. (^_____^)
Pandora Kattalikis: He was??! GOOD! (^__^) That's great to hear! And he's only gonna get worst I'm afraid. In this fict he is SO staying in character. Oh about the 12 Angry Men, yes I still want to do that fict and it would be strictly humor but I've put it on hold since I have this and one more romance one to write. (^__^) Hold on, I won't disappoint you just yet!
Drak Eyes: So summary is a turn off. Eh not surprising, I'm not good on how to write summaries. EEK!! (Runs away.) Now why would I kill my favorite character??? (^___^) Hehehehehe, uh evil laugh?? Anyways glad you're enjoying it. I'll try not to disappoint you.
Elsiey: Well this chappie may be a bit boring but hopefully you'll still enjoy it. (^__^) As for shopping, hehehe, that'll come later.
Esopha: Hey glad its getting better. Your honest opinion will help make it a bit more interesting. Hmm I suppose your right I mean I'd take Duelist lessons from him too! (^___^) But uh I guess mine would be for other reasons, hehehehehe. (Smiles.)
Sam: Hey I'm SO glad it's getting better. I've heard you're a pretty tough criticizer who doesn't hold back at all, so I'm happy that it's improving. You just keep telling me on how I can improve it and I'll try my best. Happy thanks to ya and I'll keep your advice in mind! (^)_(^) So far you seem like you've been the most "Straight-up" honest and I greatly appreciate it!
Spirit of the Rod: Hey how are ya?!! OOOH yay you reviewed my fict! (^)_(^) Hehehe that pleases me! Anyways, ya stubborn fool, I won't do script form for this, definite NO. (^___^)
Mayzon: Why thank you! That's great to hear. Hope this isn't disappointing either.
Life's light/anime*angel:: AWWW a Joey glomper! I gotta hide him!! (O_O) UH, did I put this up on Christmas Eve? REALLY??? Jeez wow, did not know that. (*_*)
AquariousF5: Okay dokey!!!! (^_^) I'll try to inform you if I don't forget first. (^__^)
Ann: (Glomp.) (^))_((^) Aw thank you, but it's really okay. He's only being honest. (^)_(^) I promise you, I will NEVER change the style in which I write though. Then it wouldn't be fun. Don't worry I won't change it to the point where it isn't ME anymore. I promise ya! (^__^)
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He smiled to himself slyly, eyeing the tall school building with a hungry eye. To think his very ambition in achieving absolute power lied within that ugly mound of bricks the day after tomorrow. It was too easy to predict. His plan seemed better than expected. How he hoped this day would come. And yet he always knew it was. His subordinates were on the move, his pet killers as he liked to call them.
They called themselves followers of the true and rightful ruler of the ancient time, but it was as plain as day to see that they were nothing more than trained and loyal assassins who wanted nothing more then glory of their own. Their foolishness wanted to make him laugh out loud. As soon as he got what he wanted they would be gone, disposed of. And their dark items would be his as would the boy. For now though he had to take his time, only look but don't touch.
"So it begins."
A girl walked nearly 5 feet behind a blonde haired, slightly irritated boy, who's only intention was to eat at the moment. His annoyance grew when she chose to take a foot even further behind him, daring not to get any closer. Really, did she think that he wasn't aware of her childish game? What a moronic wench.
With a longing sigh, Marik stopped midway through a step. "Alright why are you walking so slow? Its becoming quite annoying and I'm starting to get angry." Tea stiffened, yet did not reply. In fact if she wanted to she could high tail it over to Yugi's house. After all he was injured it wasn't like he was going to be able to catch her or anything.
Well the thought was tempting, but rather to take her time before rushing into a major catastrophe.
"I don't have all day!" Marik shot out, whipping his head behind to stare at her.
Tea answered quickly, trying to maintain her somewhat cheerful attitude. "Uh where do you want to eat?" Was all she said before Marik gave her a completely clueless look.
(0_0) "What?" Did she just ignore his question completely or did she just have short term memory?
Tea smiled knowing she had gotten the better of him. "Where do you want to eat, I mean there's a lot of places and I'm getting tired." She asked again, hopefully changing the subject.
Marik scorned at her odd behavior and continued down the sidewalk, taking his time to step on every single crack. "I haven't decided." He said bluntly.
Tea rubbed her elbow shyly doing her best to catch up to him but careful not to get too close. "Oh. Well um you do know every time you step on a crack you might break some mother's back."
Marik smirked a sadistic smirk that didn't look at all appealing to the eye. "I know."
Tea frowned, and she was sick to say the least. What was even worst was the fact that he probably wished the little bad luck policy was real. "Well you know it is just a hoax right?" She blurted out in an unhappy tone.
Marik ignored the girl walking a foot behind him and instead took the extra time to grind the heal of his foot into a rather thick crack, all the while chuckling to himself.
"Ugh what a sick guy." Tea mumbled to herself, doing her best to go unnoticed. It was at this point she noticed his rather unusual hoarse breathing. For those measly 3 seconds, Marik wasn't breathing and instead clutched his rib cage in pain. She figured he was probably weaker than even he thought. Actually how vulnerable was he compared to her? She had to be at this point physically stronger just because of the healing he was still doing. She could probably do some serious harm if she were to knock him in the stomach. And yet, she couldn't see herself doing that to him.
An hour later, Marik and Tea found themselves in Taco restaurant, fast food to be exact, eating quietly to themselves, refusing to pay any attention to the other. Well Marik's was just plain boredom, Tea's was fear.
"You haven't shared anymore information about yourself, is this all you have to offer?" Marik asked in a crackling voice that was one to startle Tea. Tea finished chewing on a cheese nacho before taking the time to look up to him. His presence here made her scared to eat and it took minutes for her to swallow a simple nacho. His eyes were narrowed down into beady slits but they were not concentrated on him, but rather the outside world from the comfort of the window.
"Well I don't feel I need to explain anything else to you. Like you said my business is my own just like yours." She whispered staring at her food and then observing her surroundings for the 15th time. She was nervous any minute now someone she knew was going to walk through the door.
"I didn't ask your opinion on the matter." Marik snapped eyeing her with hateful eyes.
It took a few seconds to register, but when she stared into those violet orbs that illuminated such hatred she saw something that they both might've had in common. It seemed to her that he didn't want to be here with her as much as she, in fact the way his body sort of shifted every few moments made her realize how uneasy he was. Was he scared? Scared of what then?
'Oh wait a minute!' Tea brought to attention within her own mind. 'I see! I see!' Tea's face brightened up bringing all color back to her cheeks. It was so noticeable that even Marik was staring at her head in a quizzical fashion. "What is it now?" He growled his mood seeming to lessen. Her happiness and change in personality was driving him up the wall. Dear Ra did he just want to break her neck!
"Marik you don't have to lie to me. I know what you're hiding." Tea said shyly, staring down at her food. Marik raised an eyebrow as if testing her very existence on this piece of evidence.
"Oh is that so? Don't get too confident with yourself. It will prove to be fatal." He replied rather bored.
Tea scrunched her eyebrows together. It was time she told him how obvious he really was. "You know you don't fool anyone Marik. I know you're hurting with every breath you take. I know eating right now is becoming quite difficult, and I know if I were to kick you in the stomach or run away and call oh let's say Yami, you would most likely die, and you know it don't you? Your trying to put on an act to scare me into thinking you can just kill me anytime?
Marik curled his lip in hate, crumbling his drinking cup into almost a ball of waste. "Is that so? Do you not remember the knife, or will I have to refresh your memory for you?"
Tea frowned. It was evident he'd fight this to the end. "The knife was a fluke. You were lucky enough to sneak behind me but I promise it won't happen again. Even though you look fine on the outside, you have a lot of healing to do and basically I'm your only chance for survival at the moment. It would only take one phone call, that's it, just one phone call.
Marik's eyes shut as if rethinking his strategy. This wasn't good. She knew just what type of predicament he was in. There wasn't much to do. She was going to die depending on her answer. But even if that was a choice which it was, how did he intend to do such a task?
"Fine what are you going to do now girl?" Marik whispered his lips curled in annoyance.
Tea stared at him long and hard, no fear hinted in her eyes. "Nothing."
Marik's eyes opened up again as his twisted expression changed to one of suspicion. "What is your angle? Don't think you can black mail me because I can promise you while you sleep it won't do you any good."
"Enough with the threats! I'm going to let you stay at my home and not do a thing about it. When your better you can go to Egypt or wherever the heck you plan on going and come back whenever you choose."
A fraction of Marik's jaw opened up in disbelief but closed again. He didn't really want to look like he gave a rat's ass but this wench wasn't making any sense!
"You're precious Pharaoh. I don't understand. Why would you betray him and continue to let me live freely? Is there something wrong with you or do you know the end is coming near?"
Tea flinched at his question but returned it with a smile. "No I just know whether it's you or someone else; they can come back whenever they feel but the results are going to be the same. No matter what your motive is Yami and Yugi and even Joey, they'll be able to defeat you no matter what! It can be 7 years from now but it won't matter. The outcome will always be the same, and even I know they don't need to prepare for a battle that's already won. So go ahead and try again Marik, it won't do you any good. Instead you'll be wasting a second chance at living a rightful life. Myfriends will always win against people like you!"
Tea sipped her drink and stared back down at her food, satisfied with her answer. Marik's silence was enough to tell her she hit a nerve.
He was pissed and rightfully so. Not more so the girl like he was thinking, but the Pharaoh's record. He was going to get revenge even if it killed him again. No one was going to get away with it.
"Oh just one more thing Marik." Tea began, standing up and grabbing her purse. "Don't threaten me like that again with a knife or it'll be the other way around. Besides that you're welcome in my home with shelter from my friends of course. But there's a few people I would choose not to hide this from and I promise they won't say anything about it if it's fine with you." Her confidence was making him furious! How dare she talk to him on such equal levels especially without fear!
"DO as you wish, you've won." He spat out knocking his crumbled cup to the side. This hadn't gone the way he intended. Now others were going to know. The best thing for him to do was kill her when the opportunity arose.
Tea nodded and walked out the door eyeing him once more before she walked in the opposite direction, right towards the Wheeler residence.
Sitting there all by his self made him realize how vulnerable he had become. "Oh well." Marik smirked, a new plan coming to mind. "What the hell do I care? I'll prove to that girl just how wrong she really is. Now then, since she left her credit card, I guess its only right to return it. Hehehe as soon as it's over used. Hey woman, get me twenty-two burgers now!"
It was a long walk to the Wheeler's house. Tea didn't know what she was going to tell Serenity, but she didn't want to be the only one aware of Marik's existence. Of course she knew she couldn't tell Joey! He'd drop dead where he stood, that or take an ax and head on over to her house. (0)_(0) The possibilities were endless.
DING DONG!
"Hey sis get da door!" A worn out blonde cried from the couch in the far corner.
"Joey you're right there!"
"AW please sis my head still hurts!" Serenity's sigh could be heard from miles away nevertheless she made her journey to the front door, a spatula in her right hand. "My goodness big brother you can be such a poor-TEA! Hey what a wonderful surprise! Please come in!!! Would you like something to eat??!!! I was SO worried something fishy was going on! Oh wow this is unexpected!"
Joey's face froze in one place, as Serenity's cheerful, LOUD voice traveled to where he lay.
Tea couldn't even get a word out. She was speechless now on what to say as her body was dragged in by the hand. Man, she felt like tiger prey being mauled to death. Jeez!
"Uh hey Serenity. H-how are you?" Tea asked nervously.
Serenity only nodded her head repeatedly up and down like a broken record. "Fine, fine, but tell me what was going on? You acted strangely on the telephone? Is this what it's about?"
Tea fiddled with her index fingers, thinking of how to bring her in on what had happened. All the meanwhile, Joey's head popped around the corner anxious and eager to get in on Tea's unusual behavior. "Well uh I don't know how to say this but uh-
"Aw shit Tea are ya pregnant!!? Let me guess your having triplets and their Tristan's kids?!!!" Joey concluded jumping up and down like a hysterical child, catching the latest gossip.
Tea and Serenity's face dropped returning his question with stares. A quick hand shut Joey's mouth up instantly as a vein practically popped from the side of Tea's head. "You idiot no!" Her face was flushed in embarrassment while Serenity's remained calm yet worried, pushing her brother's behavior aside.
"Well um what is it then Tea?"
Tea sweat dropped, now really nervous to say the least. "Uh Serenity why don't you come over to my house and I'll TELL you all about it?" She winked, glaring at Joey on the floor beside her.
"What today?" Joey asked?
"Yeah today Joey." (-)_(-)
"Well uh who's gonna make me dinner?"
Serenity sighed as she pulled a TV dinner down from the freezer shelf. "You DO remember how to make these right bro?"
"Yeah if Tea hasn't broken more of my brain cells. Jeez Tea I already had a bump!" He sighed, rubbing his head in pain.
Tea folded her arms and stared accusingly at the blonde who was momentarily sulking.
"Let me guess, you ran into something right?" Tea asked in a mocking tone. Joey glared at the brunette, grabbed his TV dinner and headed for his room. No way he was seeing Mai tonight. Damn sisters and damn Tea's!!!
Tea only shook her head and giggled to herself silently. He had no brain cells to spare. Okay maybe that was a gross over exaggeration. He was one of the top leading Duelist in school, and his grades weren't too shabby. Humph, she shrugged it off.
As soon as they heard the door shut it was time for Tea to finish. "Okay so can you come over now?" Tea asked pleadingly. Serenity stared at her friend as if wondering what secret lied at Tea's house.
"Um Tea, this time Joey got hit pretty hard and he looks a bit sick." Serenity started, tangling her hair between her fingers. She did not want to offend her friend.
Tea clasped her hands together tightly, pleading for the long haired brunette to come. "Oh please Serenity! It'll only be for a few minutes!" Tea's conscience was killing her right now though. 'Few minutes my ass. When she takes one look at Marik after I explain it'll take a bulldozer to move her frozen body.' (-)_(-)
"Well okay Tea, let me get my shoes and we'll go on over." Serenity said cheerfully. Tea smiled weakly but couldn't help but feel bad. To bring Serenity in on this, her life on the line now; it was somewhat wrong of Tea but she was in on this by herself too! She didn't know what to do if her body were to go missing!
The walk was silent and submissive. Serenity's eyes traveled up to Tea's saddened expression but she didn't say a word. Whatever troubled her friend, well she would wait as long as it took until Tea felt it was okay to get it out in the open.
No more than a mile away another presence was nearing to Tea's home. The feeling kept returning each time he continued down the alleyway. First it was light, then it grew stronger, then it was as if this familiar presence was moving further away. And then as if out of thin air, it came back. It was some other soul he had encountered before, and it was coming in the opposite direction! He couldn't ignore it! It was someone he had sworn revenge on besides the Pharaoh of course.
Growling silently to himself the chocolate orbs narrowed down into thin amber slits, his lip curling up just enough to hint his irritation. Grudgingly, he removed his hands from his pockets and whirled around, walking speedily in the opposite direction.
"Where are you going? Stop this! It's got to stop! I will not continue to ignore this!"
"Shut up you. I have something I need to investigate and right now your opinion or intuition doesn't count! Something is awake and I think I need to put it back to sleep." He smirked evilly, bloodlust in his eyes.
"Just let it go! I'm not going to be responsible for another death! Please stop it! You haven't killed anyone in so long why start now?"
"Because!" The figure snapped, stopping in place. "This measly soul killed me first!"
No more was said as he ran down the alley, towards the neighborhood and straight for Tea's home.
Serenity stood patiently 6 feet away from Tea, who bumbled with her keys and mumbled strange things to herself, every few seconds glancing back to her. At this moment Serenity would smile sweetly and stiffen, but once Tea turned to face her door, a look of utter confusion crossed her mind. She was freaked to say the least. In fact, was Tea stalling to let her in??!
"Uh Tea are we going to go in soon?" Serenity asked politely. Tea didn't respond and when Serenity thought she didn't hear her, she repeated herself again.
"Huh? Oh um yes just a second." Actually Tea heard her clear as day, but the fact of the matter was she could hear the TV on in the house. This was not gonna go well but at least she wasn't going to be alone. Of course what if Marik tried to kill the both of them? EEP! The thought scared her but it was two against one and she knew her home like the back of her hand, besides Marik was badly injured. There was no way he could deal with the both of them or stop them from running away.
Whatever the reason, Tea didn't feel like surprising Serenity head on. "Uh Serenity? Do you mind if we go through the back door?"
Serenity shook her head from side to side, totally lost on what Tea was doing but she went along with it anyways. When they reached the backdoor Tea stopped and breathed a sigh of relief.
"Uh Tea are you sure your okay? Uh why are we going through the backdoor by the way?"
Serenity was clueless. That's okay, she'd soon be filled in of course.
Tea's back still faced Serenity when she spoke. "Serenity promise me you won't scream and please give me a chance to explain before you tell anyone."
Serenity seemed really clueless now. Her friend was mumbling as if she were taking her last breath of air. "Um sure Tea, you know me I won't jump to any conclusions." She smiled weakly but Tea didn't see it, she could only hear Serenity's shaky and uneasy voice indicating Serenity probably thought she was insane. Just great..
Tea kept Serenity as far behind her as possible as they entered through the kitchen, clinging to the side of the walls like ninjas on the hunt. The sound of the TV grew louder. It sounded like a News channel of some sort going on about the weather and so on. Tea didn't remember leaving the TV on. It only meant one thing.
"DAMN BASTARDS. What do they know about such things? They say it is going to rain and there's the damn sun staring at me through the window! Liars! Liars! Why does she watch this retched man if all he does is make up unreliable information!? Its people like him who must burn in hell! To the shadow realm with him!!!"
(0))__((0))... Serenity's body froze entirely! Her grip on Tea's shoulder became increasingly strong. Tea winced at both the pain and the not so necessary comment made by Marik.
'This was going to be difficult. ((-'_'-))' Tea thought to herself, prying her friend's hand from her shoulder. 'Okay Serenity now's the time to let go!' Her mind screamed as she felt a few long nails dig deeper.
"Uh Tea I think there's someone in your home!!" Serenity whispered. Tea's face dropped and for a moment she thought she had asked the wrong person to come with her.
'Thank you for stating the obvious Serenity.' (-_________________-)
"The two of you can come out now, you don't fool me." Marik raised his voice his eyes still on the TV. Tea and Serenity jumped, waves of chills traveling up their spines.
Tea was the first to walk out. Her face showed no fear as she stared at the resurrected spirit sitting on her couch, hunched over and eyes still on the television.
"Where's the other one?" He replied in a crackling chilling voice. Serenity's heart thumped so loud, Marik could hear it for miles away. He smirked widely, his hands pulling on the jean fabric in anticipation. Mortal or not he could smell fear and he loved the aroma of it. It delighted him in every possible way.
"Its okay Serenity, come on out this was what I wanted to talk to you about." Tea said reassuringly as Marik scoffed aloud.
What bullshit was she speaking of? She acted as if she had tamed the beast and made friends with it? He was not so easily pushed aside and she was not out of the darkness yet. Now Tea had foolishly placed her dear friend in a world of danger. How naïve.
Serenity walked out from behind the kitchen wall her eyes searching for the one who possessed that chilling voice. And there he was! On the couch! Sitting there watching the television! She knew him! She knew who this was!! BUT HOW!? HOW!??
"O-oh m-m-m-my g-TEA!!!!" Serenity screamed running for the nearest door which happened to be a closet. Tea intercepted her, gently grabbing her friends hand and hushing her quietly, trying every possible way to ease her friend's startled behavior. But Serenity was far from startled. Her eyes reflected that of complete fear! Serenity remembered quite well what this monster did! He almost killed Joey in the Battle City Finals!!! (episode spoiler, oops.) It was a miracle he made it out and for that Serenity never forgot! This guy was terrifying!
"Serenity wait! It's okay really!" Tea reassured.
"Okay? How can you say that? Has he controlled your mind??? It's the evil spirit of Malik sitting there isn't it??!!! ISN'T IT?!"
Tea stepped back. Could her friend really tell the difference between Malik and Marik even though Marik now looked even more identical to Malik?
"You can tell that it's the spirit?" Tea asked somewhat surprised. Even Marik was staring, his eye raised high.
"Tell? Of course! I can never forget those eyes and that smirk, and just look at him! You can just TELL!"
"Listen Serenity this is what I wanted to tell you about. I don't know how to explain everything but I'm hoping you'll listen." Tea was trying hard to keep from crying. This was becoming quite the stressful matter. Somehow though, Serenity saw this and calmed down enough to listen to what her friend had to say.
"Can we go to your room T-Tea?" Serenity asked shakily. Tea nodded wiping a tear away. Marik only stared bored out of his mind. Jeez what a total soap opera this was turning out to be.
Upstairs Tea explained everything to Serenity in full detail from beginning to end. It took time for it to sink in and it had been about 2 hours when Serenity was given a chance to speak.
"Tea slow down. Okay um have you told Yami yet? This is really important! What if he repeats everything he did again?"
Tea didn't want to tell her at first he would've killed her if she tried but that sounded a bit too brutal for Serenity to handle. So she did the only thing left to do. (O_O) She defended Marik.
"But what if Yami or even Kaiba or who knows who, decides to obliterate him again? He's human just like us and I've noticed some changes. Well, at least I think. He's got a heart now you know."
Serenity seemed skeptic. "So do murderers, kidnappers, and rapists, but they keep going on with their daily business. That's not always going to matter Tea."
Tea nodded apologetically. Serenity seemed much more serious now. This was no light matter. She had a power hungry maniac downstairs watching TV.
"I know Serenity but I don't know why. Can't I just let him stay just for a bit? He's going back to Egypt and then I'll explain the entire thing to Yugi and Yami."
"But Tea, their all going to be mad when you tell them what you've told me after he's long gone!" Serenity cut in.
Tea seemed hopeful. It was possible she could fix this on her own. "Yeah but its better this way, they won't jump to rash decisions."
Serenity knelt her head down, placing her hands in her lap. Tea could tell Serenity had something urgent to tell her. "What is it Serenity?"
"Tea you know we all have enough to worry about right now. Sure everything seems fine but you know HE is still lurking around somewhere." Serenity's voice was calm and quiet in a rather disturbing manner.
Okay now wait a minute. Just who the heck was HE? Did she mean Marik or what? Was it someone they had dealt with in the past, another enemy of Yami, perhaps Pegasus, or that guy from Atlantis? No, Tea didn't think it was them. Pegasus had definitely changed. He was good at heart now. But then who?
"Serenity who's HE?" Tea asked.
A strange silence took hold of them both, not even the TV seemed to make a noise. Tea's heart was beating faster. Was there some other thing out there with a motive to kill? Was there someone else she had forgotten? If that was the case having Marik here was going to be harder then predicted. Who know what or who he'd attract! Hopefully no one.
"Come on Tea you know exactly who. Don't you remember? After the incident within Yugi's own body or something that ended in the evil spirit's defeat, they thought they got rid of HIM. So Yami and Shadi finally brought back Ryou's body. Ryou seemed fine and he didn't have the millennium ring around his neck, but then after only a few days Ryou disappeared. Isn't that strange?"
Tea's eyes widened. She almost forgot. She didn't hear anything from Ryou's dad either. It was sort of weird. Could the spirit of the millennium ring still be alive? When Ryou was brought back, was the evil spirit as well?
"I don't think that's a problem Serenity." Tea reassured rubbing her head bashfully.
DING DONG!!!
"AWW!" (((0)))____((((0)))
The two girls jumped, an Egyptian boy leaning against the wall outside her room. He raised an eyebrow at their foolish behavior, while a knife sat carefree in his left hand.
Major look of panic on their faces at this moment. (X))_((X)
Serenity eyes the knife carefully, a bead of sweat forming from the roof of her delicate jaw. Marik spoke. "Woman the door is ringing. You either answer it or I will, doing it my way. I can't possibly have everyone here as she is now. I was tempted to answer it and deal with the fool but then I thought perhaps it is the Pharaoh. No need wasting a perfectly good death yet, right?" He smirked, Serenity's blood turning cold. Tea was in no better a spot. It could've been anyone from family to friends.
Tea jumped from her bed, tripping over her CD player and running right past Marik, who cared not to even notice her existence. Down the stairs she raced and straight for the door!
Now it was only Serenity and Marik in the same room. She sat on the bed, petrified to move. Why did Tea leave her here with HIM? Jeez Tea was rushing this a bit too fast! She didn't even want to be in the same room with him let alone by herself!
"Are you scared girl?" Marik mocked, the knife becoming quite loose in his hand.
Serenity bit her lip and looked away. "Y-yes could you just leave me alone? I'm not doing anything to you." Serenity asked meekly.
"If I had it my way, your bother would've died long ago." Marik whispered before leaving the room.
And there she sat, her hands gripping one another, sweat racing down her head, her long hair clinging to her back. She felt sick, like she was going to throw up. He remembered!
Tea breathed heavily while her hand rested on the door knob. She was all out of breath while a curled hand pounded on the front door. She jumped lightly but her annoyance just grew. Can't this person just wait a darn second!?
"I'm opening it up relax"! Tea opened the door, an unhappy expression quite obvious.
"May I help-RYOU!" Tea yelped. A rather pale boy, with a long white mane and deep, innocent chocolate brown eyes, he smiled sweetly looking very nervous. Tea's spirits were lifted up; glad to see someone she hadn't seen in a while. On the other hand she became quite disturbed. This was just WAY too coincidental. Could Serenity have been right?
((--))__((--)) "No way." She huffed aloud, rubbing her temples while Ryou stared at her slumped over form quizzically.
"Hi Tea! Is this a bad time? You don't look too happy?"(-)_(-) Man, wonder why?
"Uh Ryou where have you been?" Tea asked curiously. "You know we've been looking for you."
Ryou smiled. "Oh here and there. Traveling with my Dad I suppose. I didn't realize I was so missed." He laughed apologetically.
Tea stepped back and cracked the door enough for her head to only show. Ryou seemed very disturbed now. Why was Tea acting so strange? She was acting like she was afraid of him.
"Ryou."
"Ryou listened. "Yes Tea?" He was really worried now. Something seemed odd.
"Ryou your Dad doesn't even remember you or know who you are for some odd reason. Why is that?" It was more of a statement then a question. "Where have you been Ryou?" Tea's voice was growing deeper more skeptical by the minute.
"So Tea who's inside?" Ryou tried to look past the brunette's head but it blocked his view.
Tea's blood ran cold. "So why are you changing the subject?" Tea's voice was on the defensive end now. Something wasn't right about him. He bowed his head, his soft snowy white bangs covering his eyes and shadowing the rest of his face. His arms lay side by side.
"Because I can." A voice growled.
Tea's eyes widened in utter horror, the pupils dilating twice in size. She tried to shut the door, but a rough hand ceased any movement between the two try as she might. It began pushing back, making the entrance wider and wider until it was completely opened. Tea's balance was pushed out of whack as she was forced to step back a few feet or so. She gripped the nearest object which happened to be a vase and armed herself. The masked face revealed itself, his sadistic eyes coming up eye to eye level. His smile sent a wave of panic through her system! It was the spirit of the Ring!!!
"It isn't polite not to invite guests in. You should mind you manners girl." He walked in slowly, carefully, sure to not force her to run but rather petrify her into not moving or rather not screaming, yet. He was making his move.
"So what or rather who are you hiding? Speaking of which now that we're on the subject, why are you hiding him?"
"H-him? Who are you talking about?" Tea asked; the vase in front of her. Bakura laughed at her stupidity, pulling out a card. It looked like a giant bug on the front!
"Don't make me use this to force an answer out of you. I'd rather do that myself but I promise the card is always hungry." The card lay between two fingers, ready to be summoned. Tea threw the vase at him in hopes to make noise and attract some attention. She was too scared to scream. Her voice was stuck down in her gut!
Bakura caught on to her motive and caught the vase with no problem, placing the object down gently on the floor. He eyed the girl with hesitation. What exactly was she hiding and why?
"Do you wish to die now?" He hissed, closing in on his prey.
Tea stood her ground. Boy, scared was an understatement right now but she wasn't going to look wimpy! "You know I've been getting that a lot lately."
Bakura's hair spiked and an interested look caught his attention. She must've meant the other being in the house. He sensed it. "Well then you don't mind if I take a look around. I'll be leaving as soon as I get what I want."
Tea's face puffed. He had no right! Besides Marik was still injured-Wait just one damn moment! Was she trying to look out for the guy!? Holy crap she had lost her freaking mind!
(0_0) Bakura decided not to interfere with whatever inner conflict Tea was having with herself. He figured she was just deranged. "That girl needs help." He sweat dropped proceeding past her and into the kitchen.
"Okay maybe if I just run for it and get to Yugi's house I can fix this entire mess! It's not too late Tea!" Tea told herself forcing her legs to walk up the steps. "But I have to get Serenity out of here. Marik can handle himself."
She felt her body going limp. This was becoming too much for her.
"Who was it Tea?" Serenity asked from the doorway. She had her light jacket on and it looked to Tea like Serenity was preparing to leave.
"Um Serenity I think you should wait up here just a bit longer."
"WHY?" A deep voice asked from behind. He followed her?!
Tea screamed and Serenity looked to see who it was. She screamed as well when she saw who it was. Then as if it had become too much, Serenity collapsed.
"Where's Ryou?" Tea screamed, as Bakura looked quite frustrated. He hated having to make these entrances when there was nothing given in return. "Shut up fool! I was looking for something where is it?!"
"I don't know what you're talking about!" Tea put her arm up in defense and stepped back as Bakura proceeded to grab her. Another arm shot out in front grabbing Bakura's wrists, pushing him back violently. Bakura shot the accuser a glare but instead he too was met with disbelief. Marik stood between a crouched Tea on the floor and a rather pissed spirit of the ring. He glared at the white haired guy with annoyance.
Bakura shook with rage. "You would save these pathetic fools? I wasn't sure if you were capable of emotion." Bakura scoffed his irritation growing. "Hell even I have more emotion then YOU!"
Marik looked unfazed from Bakura's comment. "While parts of that statement may be true, I care not for either of these beings. I'd rather see them dead but for now only time is on my side. For now though, I do have a problem with those interfering with my meal ticket." Mari spat bitterly glaring at Tea.
"Get up you sniveling wench. You're no good to me on the ground like that. You should've been more careful before opening the door."
Hmm, that sounded like the spirit that Bakura remembered. What came next was unexpected though.
BANG!
"OUCH!"
"How dare you I AM SO SICK OF YOU CALLING ME A WENCH! CALL ME AGAIN AND I'LL HIT YOU BETWEEN THE RIBS! OH GO AHEAD TRY IT!!!" Tea pierced the air with a hateful scream.
Bakura stepped back, confused to say the least. Marik had a bump on his head and Tea was hovering over him. Jeez what a moody wench she was.
"How dare you!"
Tea puffed up in anger. "You have no right to talk to me like that in my home! Now if you want to kill each other go outside and do it!" Tea meant business for in her hand was the same knife Marik held earlier. He must've dropped it without giving it a second thought. Marik and Bakura both stared at her totally lost on what to say.
"Well then. WELL.. Well then." That was all Bakura could get out.
Marik did not bother to give the girl a second glance. He proceeded past the spirit and down the steps.
"Very well. Suit yourself." His tone was calm and controlled. Bakura was somewhat confused on the matter, but an opportunity of seeking revenge had gotten the better of his mind. They proceeded to the backyard, standing across each other at gun point.
This was somewhat peculiar. If the girl was such a problem why not send her to the shadow realm or something? That was unless-GASP! It occurred to Bakura why this strange feeling coming off from this imposter felt so, well so ordinary. Marik wasn't who he once was! He was a mortal!! Just like this girl here and the other one passed out on the floor. (-+-)___(-+-)
"You don't fool me." Bakura chuckled, relaxing quite a bit. It was evident the guy was injured too. And Marik knew that Bakura was not fooled. So now Bakura knew that he was helpless and without any power, plus he did not have the millennium rod that Malik possessed. Oh this was too good to be true!
Marik sneered, feeling for once weak and helpless. It was that damn girl's fault too! Shit and now that he had an actual soul of his own he didn't like the taste of fear. It made him sick to his stomach.
"My, my Marik; as I've heard you've been called, you're right at my feet. Now what to do with you, hmm." Bakura was enjoying himself. It made Marik want to slice his pale throat and pull out his eyes right from the socket with a fork! Oh and the two girls! They made him infuriated as well. If Bakura wasn't drawing his full attention at the moment he would've grabbed the knife from Tea's hand and shoved it right through her gut! His anger was at an all time high. Bastards!!!!!
"Whatever you have planned you can go ahead and try it." Marik sneered. Bakura stared at him quizzically. In his mind he wondered how Marik could've come back or why he was the way he was or how had gotten the better of Tea but now Tea controlled his actions. It didn't make sense to the white haired spirit.
Bakura sighed, looking quite bored. This was far too easy and not worth his precious time. "So what's the story? Why are you here and why do you smell like a simple mortal?"
Marik cocked his head to the side. Bakura had become suddenly strangely calm. Now he wanted to talk? What was his angle?
"Humph, stranger things have happened. I thought I killed you." Marik smirked cockily.
Bakura frowned and grounded his teeth. Then as weird as it seemed, he smiled. This disturbed Marik greatly. What was Bakura trying to pull? "Why are you smiling?" Marik asked agitatedly.
"Hehehe, it's quite simple really. You and I have very similar motives and minds. I believe you and I are more similar then your once aibou. Humph, the only thing that put us on opposite sides was the exact same motive. Perhaps at one point you were stronger but not anymore I'm afraid. You may even be below a simple human being's level. Yes I think it was just that. You see your aibou has become quite the wimp. Nothing drives that fool. Me on the other hand, I am looking for a partner." Bakura's confidence radiated off of him as the sun began to set over the horizon.
A small brown bird with a bare spot on his back, stared at the two young men talking, looking at each other and standing there as if they were preparing for a death fight against one another. The little bird sat patiently awaiting. It was curious as to what happened next.
Marik frowned. He was not easily enthralled and Bakura could see. "Sorry to disappoint you but this is a one man's job and the motive is all my own. In the end I would only try to kill you." Marik said simply glancing at the road behind him.
"Well then that suits me just fine." Bakura said the same smirk still on his face. Marik looked confused. Okay now he was convinced. This guy had been around WAY too long.
"What are you implying?" Marik asked, not letting his guard down.
"Listen Marik I'm not going to lie to you. In the end one of us will be left to rule the world or destroy it or whatever, but that day will come when we win." Marik urged him to continue. "Go on."
"You and I both want to kill the Pharaoh and his friends, even the ones inside. I see the way you stare at those girls. Mortal or not you still want them dead. It angers you to see them in full control. WE have common enemies and no friends. Our ambitions are the same. Why am I asking you instead of just killing you, you may ask? Simple, you'd make a good partner until the time comes where only one of us will be left. With your mind you would become quite useful. I very well doubt you can exceed myself which is why you cannot do this alone.. I still sense some power in your aging soul though. You're not THAT defenseless but nevertheless I will probably end up killing you in the end. But for now I think we should become temporary partners." Bakura was brief yet blunt. He wanted to team up until they had won. When they were done one of them would be left to remain.
Marik stared at a pebble on the ground and picked it up. Bakura eyed him impatiently. His patience was narrowing thin. He hated being ignored this way.
"What makes you so sure you won't betray me or I won't betray you half way through?" Marik asked urgently.
Bakura smirked proudly. He folded his arms and chuckled. "Because in the end I will need your help the most. For some reason, since you were born from Malik, you know things that only the Ishtar family knows. Not even Yami knows fully about his past. Your knowledge will be the key decision in the conquest of the planet. Besides, let's be frank. I don't think you can harm me in any real way." Bakura mocked smiling at Marik's hoarse breathing.
Marik stared at the ground as if thinking intently on some inner matter.
The little brown bird with the bare spot grew anxious. It waited for the two males to fight like it has seen with other animals. It interested him and gave the little feather ball a great deal of pride for having the gift of flight and never having the need to perform such horrendous deeds. For him if a fight with another bird became too intense, all he had to do was simply fly away into a brush or as fast or high as he could go. Never once had he been in a life or death situation. He chirped slightly, almost saying in his own way, "HURRY UP ALREADY." Yet before he could chirp again, he was silenced forever by a strong force that connected with his head. His glossy eyes still stared out as he lay flat on the grass, wings spread out. He could not fly away this time, his wings could not save him.
A small bead of sweat dripped from the ear lope of Bakura's left ear. He stared stunned as out of nowhere a pebble flew from Marik's hand, whipping his elbow from the side and straight out like a sling shot. It hit its target head on, the little bird falling where he stood.
Marik eyed Bakura from the ground dark rings giving his shadowed tan face an ominous presence. "It would not be wise to underestimate me spirit of the millennium ring."
Bakura changed the subject. Now was not the time to be arguing over such things. "I see, hmm. Well just the same you are staying here are you not?"
Marik raised an eye. "For now. I intend to go to Egypt. You may come then if you feel the need. I think it would help you and myself if you did. Rather the both of us."
Good, Marik was in. This was perfect. Bakura would rise again and this time he wouldn't fall so easily. "Well then I really have no place to stay. Can I stay as well?"
Marik shot him a sideways glance as he turned his back. "Why not stay with the boy's parents? The boy you possess right now."
"I can't." Bakura looked away, feeling somewhat bad from what Marik saw. Pitiful really. "I erased the boy's father's mind and memory. Leaving for days constantly created worry. I could not have a parent's interjection with my plans. It was the only way."
Marik wagged his finger back and forth and Bakura sneered. "Tsk, tsk, tsk. You should think before you act. Hehehehe, perhaps I am more useful then you thought. So far I have been your partner for 3 minutes and already I have provided you with a plan and a place to stay."
The white haired spirit curled his fists. OOH this was going to take some time. He couldn't do this on his own though. For now, he allowed Marik to make his comments.
"Hmm, fine then I will inform the girl. Just stay out of my way unless its business related." Marik walked back in the home a smiling Bakura still standing in the barren backyard. He walked to where the bird lie dead, picking it up with one hand and eyeing the head portion where it had died quick and painlessly. It was dead on. Right between the eyes.
Bakura's smirk widened. "Humph. A shot like that and he is at that girl's mercy? I think not. Perhaps he is holding back purposely. It makes me wonder though. What has she done for him that has put him in her debt?" He didn't say anymore. Carefully he laid the bird down in patch of grass near a young willow tree holding on to dear life. He walked to the backdoor that led to the kitchen, his hands lying dazedly in his pockets.
*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^
Zoeygirl: Thus begins the tale!!! Bum, Bum, bum!! Okay I sound a bit childish and immature so just excuse me. Hope it wasn't too dull. Um next chappie is going to have a bit more humor so yep. Yeah there's quite a change in mood here. Anyways ba-bye!