Disclaimer: Same as always.

Marik huddled in a chair. Oh Ra, he was in pain, for so many reasons. Malik had not carved far into his back, just enough that he could read the inscriptions. They had told him nothing, really. Marik's back had been bandaged, and the pain was going away. But the memories that Marik had been forced to relive were still strong. The feeling of the knife in his back, not being able to get away, the pleasure the person with the knife was feeling as he heard Marik's screams. Marik laid his head down on his knees and let the tears fall. He was so alone...

"MARIK!" Marik got up and went to Malik, kneeling. His master glared at him.

"Are you finished moping now?"

"Yes, master."

"Good. Clean this dump."

"Yes, master." Malik left the room. Marik stared around for the broom; finding it, he began to sweep. A voice stopped him.

"Marik?" He turned to see a shadowy form standing behind him.

"Ryou Bakura?" The boy looked sad, but he smiled at Marik.

"Hello, Marik. I came to check on you. Bakura asked me to watch you right before he went into Yami's Puzzle. You poor thing. The slave of Malik." Marik sighed and resumed sweeping.

"I'll live, I suppose. It's hard, but..."

"He carved into your back again, didn't he?" Marik held back tears.

"Yes." Ryou looked sympathetic.

"You must resist him, Marik."

"Resist him? How? He has this collar on me that hurts me any time he wants to. How do you resist a person who holds your very life in his hands?" Ryou smiled at him.

"Don't give up, Marik. There is still hope. You are the only one who can save the world now, Marik. Please try." Marik looked into Ryou's chocolate orbs.

"All right, Ryou. I'll try." Ryou smiled and disappeared. Marik felt the loneliness again, but shook it off. He wasn't alone. He had Ryou, and apparantly Bakura's support. Malik walked into the room.

"Who were you talking to?"

"No one."

"Don't give me that. I heard you. Who was it?" Marik put down the broom.

"I said no one." Malik walked over and slapped him hard. Marik winced.

"Don't lie to me, boy. Or you'll regret being born."

"I already do." In an instant, he was on the floor, screaming. Malik had pushed the pain of the collar to it's limit. It seemed like forever, then it stopped. Marik lay sobbing. Malik grabbed his hair and pulled him up onto his knees. Marik cried out.

"Who was it, Marik?"

"Ryou, it was Ryou, please stop..." Malik dropped him.

"That meddlesome brat. I should hurt you more for speaking to him. But I won't. Midnight will be here soon enough anyway." He left Marik, still sobbing, on the floor and went to plot his evil plans.

The Kaiba blimp/plane landed on the island. Soon Kaiba had everyone boarded and ready to go. Isis stared out the window. Kaiba brought her a cup of coffee. She smiled at him.

"Thank you."

"No problem. We'll save Marik, don't worry."

"I know, Kaiba." She had to save her brother if it was the last thing she did.

A/N- Gotta question. I hate only having one pairing. So who do you want?

Marik x Malik

Marik x Ryou

Marik x Bakura Vote when you review, but know I may decide myself instead. And you won't know who it is until I actually make the romance start. Bwahahahahaha!!!