Marik sighed softly, not wanting to wake his new lover, though he was glad to be with Yami, all he could think about was Malik. It was unlike Malik to be cold or cruel, he had only been slightly like that when Marik had influenced him, so to see him behave in such a manner had Marik worried. Looking over at Yami, Marik ran a hand along his face before standing and leaving the room, having decided to check on his hikari, in the hopes that it would put his mind at rest. Upon reaching Malik's room, Marik knocked lightly on the door, gaining no response he tried to enter, only to find the door locked. Sighing again, he headed downstairs; hoping one of his games could stop him worrying.
When it had reached mid-day and Malik had still not appeared, Marik really started worrying, Yami having tried and failed to calm him. Marik tried knocking on Malik's door again, after once again receiving no response, he decided to force the door open. Malik's room was empty and the window open, a few things were missing, though not much, the fact that Malik, his deck and the Sennen Rod were gone was not encouraging however. Feeling a hand on his shoulder, Marik turned to look at Yami.
"Where ever he is, he can take care of himself." Yami stated softly.
Marik nodded, though the words did nothing to comfort him. Pushing his fears aside, he accepted Yami's offer to look for Malik at the Game Shop. Though it was unlikely he would have gone there, it was possible someone could have seen him, it was also possible that his deck and sennen item were taken merely out of habit. He just hoped that Bakura wasn't present, or he wouldn't take responsibility for his actions.
When they arrived at the Game Shop, they were surprised to find Bakura sitting quietly in a corner, sporting a rather large bruise on his face. Malik hadn't done it, so they didn't know who would or could have done it; the thief was not one to stand around and get hit and few would dare to try. Ryou noticed them at that point and walked over to them.
"Malik isn't coming?" He asked quietly.
Marik shook his head. "I don't know where he is."
Ryou looked down. "I'm sorry about Bakura, I don't know what he was thinking."
"Ryou, what happened to Bakura's face?" Yami asked curiously.
Ryou looked up sheepishly. "Uh, I sort of lost my temper when I found out."
Marik and Yami shared a 'goldfish' moment, too surprised to say anything. The fact that Ryou could get angry was a surprise in itself, but the fact that he had left such a huge bruise was almost unbelievable, he just didn't seem capable.
"Wow, remind me to stay on your good side." Marik muttered once he had recovered from his surprise.
Ryou blushed at the comment, embarrassed. "I think that was a one off experience."
"Hey Yami! Where have you been? Oh, and where is Malik?" Yugi asked suddenly, having only just noticed the new arrivals.
"I doubt either of those answers are any of your business, Pharaoh's brat." Bakura muttered darkly.
"Hey you, leave Yugi alone!" Jou ordered.
"Or what?" Bakura retorted. "Besides, nothing I said was wrong. What the Pharaoh gets up to isn't for his little hikari to know. I don't think it's appropriate, ne?"
Yami blushed slightly, though he hid it well enough for the others not to notice. "I've just been, uh, busy. Sorry if I worried you Yugi."
"Busy doing what Yami?" Anzu asked innocently.
Yami almost chocked on the question, so Marik decided to step in. "He's been helping Malik and I research into his kingdom, Malik decided to stay home and carry on trying to decode some more information."
"Wow, really? Have you found anything interesting?" Anzu asked overly- enthusiastically.
"No, it's difficult and time consuming, but I'll let you all know if we do." Yami replied, while silently thanking Marik for his help.
Bakura rolled his eyes, muttering something in ancient Egyptian, which Marik understood to be something along the lines of liar. Marik walked over to him and knelt besides him.
"Do you know where he is?" He asked quietly but threateningly.
"I may have seen him, but you wouldn't want to know." Bakura stated smugly.
Marik's eyes widened slightly. "Are you suggesting he went back?"
Bakura shrugged nonchalantly. "You can't honestly tell me that you hadn't considered it as a possibility?"
"I have to go." Marik stated loudly enough for everyone to hear, before leaving the shop.
Marik headed straight home to make some arrangements, all the time hoping that he and Bakura were wrong, hoping that Malik had not fallen back into the dark.
Malik sat calmly on the throne in his former 'hide-out', he had been surprised to find everything clean and as he left it upon his return. He still wasn't sure why he had decided to come here, nor why he left without letting Marik know, considering how much he would be worrying about it. He had woken with the compelling need to return here, which had made everything else seem unimportant, especially since Marik wouldn't have understood and would have prevented him from leaving. Malik had briefly considered calling him to make sure he didn't jump to the wrong conclusions, but quickly realised that he had failed to pick up his phone in his haste to leave. Sighing, Malik closed his eyes, silently willing all the pain and worry to leave him, all he wanted was that happiness that he had felt with her, though only for a short time, would return to him again, only this time, he wanted it to stay.
"Malik-sama?" A male voice enquired softly, surprise evident.
Malik opened his eyes and looked at the Rare Hunter. "What?"
"N-nothing, I'm just surprised to see you here. Though she did imply that you would be back..."
"Who are you talking about?"
"Kaldea. It seems the 'Dewat group' took her. She said to do nothing without you."
Malik nodded, trying to keep his emotions under control. "Have the others see what they can find out, I want a report."
The Rare Hunter, Teran, bowed respectfully and left the room to attend to his task. Malik was somewhat surprised that they were willing to follow him after how he had treated them, but he wasn't complaining, he would need their help to get her back safely.
"Hikari?" Marik's worried voice questioned through their link.
"I'm fine Marik. I haven't done anything stupid, not yet anyway." Malik replied.
"Where are you Malik?" Marik's tone made it clear he had figured it out for himself.
"Yes I came back, but not to carry on where I left off. I am taking control for a while though. She alive Marik, and they can help me find her."
He felt Marik relax, understanding his need to pursue the past. Malik knew it was only because he had fallen in love himself, and would do anything for Yami; otherwise Marik would still not understand his feelings. Malik smiled slightly, glad that he and Marik had something in common, even if it was just that they were both so madly in love that they would do anything for their partner.
Teran re-entered the room, bowing respectfully again. "Are you ready Malik- sama?"
Malik nodded. "The more I know the better."
Teran nodded, motioning the other rare hunters into the room. He quickly collected himself; it was strange being back after so long and that everything was going so easily, Malik knew he would not be so accommodating in their position. He could only assume that everything had played out this way because of Kaldea, even though he had controlled them, they had a genuine respect for her and her skills. He was still in shock to find that she was alive, let alone that she was still looking out for his well-being, even when trapped with such an unsavoury group.
"It's time one of our own returned to us. Tell me what you know." Malik stated emotionlessly, starting the long and tedious meeting.
The meeting lasted for a few hours, though it wasn't nearly so fruitful as Malik had hoped, all he really knew was that a rival group of 'card collectors', who were more cut-throat thieves, had set him up and taken Kaldea for themselves. She had gained quite the reputation, despite trying to stay out of the spotlight and barely even being seen in public; her unwanted reputation had been her downfall, as she had always said it would be.
Malik stood up and entered his room, surprised when he wasn't hit with a flood of emotions, he could only assume it was because he knew she was alive. He felt a little angry, with himself for having fallen for their trick and with the Dewat group for having done it. He wasn't too worried now that he knew she was okay, and after the Sennen Rod had been so kindly returned to him. All he had to do now was find them; the rest would be easy.
He settled into bed, willing himself to relax, he was in no mood for sleep, but knew he needed it. A glint of gold caught his attention from under a cabinet, moving to pick it up, he was surprised to find that it was the necklace he had given Kaldea, a piece of paper entwined in the fine chain. Carefully untangling the chain, he placed the necklace on his bedside cabinet, unfolding the note as he sat back on the bed.
"I had a dream in which I am lost to you, though not forever. You won't find this until it is the right time; though I am sorry to have caused you pain, one cannot change their fate. A place of rest hides within it darkness, which in itself hides that which you seek. Remember my binds love; it is the only way to free me. I wait for you as always, and look forward to seeing the light that was hidden before."
Malik sighed softly, knowing that she had seen what was coming made him feel worse for having been so clueless, but at the same time, he felt better, since she had been prepared for it. The note also gave him hope, since it said they would be together again, he had been worried that after so much time, he would lose her. Kaldea was not known for being wrong, so he trusted her words completely.
"A place of rest hiding darkness...what does it mean though?" Malik muttered softly.
"A tomb, perhaps?" A voice said, making Malik jump.
"Marik?! Where did you come from?"
"I was on my way when I spoke to you. You didn't really think I'd let you do this alone did you?
Malik smiled. "Not now that you've gone soft, no."
"Get some sleep hikari, we can figure everything out in the morning."
Malik nodded, feeling safer now that Marik was with him. Malik placed the note with the necklace before settling down again, hoping to fall into a restful sleep, but knowing that the riddle would bother him until he solved it.
-
Well, finally done. Sorry for the delay, I've been busy working and I kind of ran out of ideas. Hopefully the story isn't lacking for it, and my new twist to the plot isn't awful. I'm trying for a happy ending, for Malik anyway, I may have to make Bakura suffer a little more, as much as I adore him, he deserves it.
Thanks to Shaami, Remy2004 and Darka-Chan for reviewing. Hope you all enjoy and review some more! Arigato soshite ja ne.
When it had reached mid-day and Malik had still not appeared, Marik really started worrying, Yami having tried and failed to calm him. Marik tried knocking on Malik's door again, after once again receiving no response, he decided to force the door open. Malik's room was empty and the window open, a few things were missing, though not much, the fact that Malik, his deck and the Sennen Rod were gone was not encouraging however. Feeling a hand on his shoulder, Marik turned to look at Yami.
"Where ever he is, he can take care of himself." Yami stated softly.
Marik nodded, though the words did nothing to comfort him. Pushing his fears aside, he accepted Yami's offer to look for Malik at the Game Shop. Though it was unlikely he would have gone there, it was possible someone could have seen him, it was also possible that his deck and sennen item were taken merely out of habit. He just hoped that Bakura wasn't present, or he wouldn't take responsibility for his actions.
When they arrived at the Game Shop, they were surprised to find Bakura sitting quietly in a corner, sporting a rather large bruise on his face. Malik hadn't done it, so they didn't know who would or could have done it; the thief was not one to stand around and get hit and few would dare to try. Ryou noticed them at that point and walked over to them.
"Malik isn't coming?" He asked quietly.
Marik shook his head. "I don't know where he is."
Ryou looked down. "I'm sorry about Bakura, I don't know what he was thinking."
"Ryou, what happened to Bakura's face?" Yami asked curiously.
Ryou looked up sheepishly. "Uh, I sort of lost my temper when I found out."
Marik and Yami shared a 'goldfish' moment, too surprised to say anything. The fact that Ryou could get angry was a surprise in itself, but the fact that he had left such a huge bruise was almost unbelievable, he just didn't seem capable.
"Wow, remind me to stay on your good side." Marik muttered once he had recovered from his surprise.
Ryou blushed at the comment, embarrassed. "I think that was a one off experience."
"Hey Yami! Where have you been? Oh, and where is Malik?" Yugi asked suddenly, having only just noticed the new arrivals.
"I doubt either of those answers are any of your business, Pharaoh's brat." Bakura muttered darkly.
"Hey you, leave Yugi alone!" Jou ordered.
"Or what?" Bakura retorted. "Besides, nothing I said was wrong. What the Pharaoh gets up to isn't for his little hikari to know. I don't think it's appropriate, ne?"
Yami blushed slightly, though he hid it well enough for the others not to notice. "I've just been, uh, busy. Sorry if I worried you Yugi."
"Busy doing what Yami?" Anzu asked innocently.
Yami almost chocked on the question, so Marik decided to step in. "He's been helping Malik and I research into his kingdom, Malik decided to stay home and carry on trying to decode some more information."
"Wow, really? Have you found anything interesting?" Anzu asked overly- enthusiastically.
"No, it's difficult and time consuming, but I'll let you all know if we do." Yami replied, while silently thanking Marik for his help.
Bakura rolled his eyes, muttering something in ancient Egyptian, which Marik understood to be something along the lines of liar. Marik walked over to him and knelt besides him.
"Do you know where he is?" He asked quietly but threateningly.
"I may have seen him, but you wouldn't want to know." Bakura stated smugly.
Marik's eyes widened slightly. "Are you suggesting he went back?"
Bakura shrugged nonchalantly. "You can't honestly tell me that you hadn't considered it as a possibility?"
"I have to go." Marik stated loudly enough for everyone to hear, before leaving the shop.
Marik headed straight home to make some arrangements, all the time hoping that he and Bakura were wrong, hoping that Malik had not fallen back into the dark.
Malik sat calmly on the throne in his former 'hide-out', he had been surprised to find everything clean and as he left it upon his return. He still wasn't sure why he had decided to come here, nor why he left without letting Marik know, considering how much he would be worrying about it. He had woken with the compelling need to return here, which had made everything else seem unimportant, especially since Marik wouldn't have understood and would have prevented him from leaving. Malik had briefly considered calling him to make sure he didn't jump to the wrong conclusions, but quickly realised that he had failed to pick up his phone in his haste to leave. Sighing, Malik closed his eyes, silently willing all the pain and worry to leave him, all he wanted was that happiness that he had felt with her, though only for a short time, would return to him again, only this time, he wanted it to stay.
"Malik-sama?" A male voice enquired softly, surprise evident.
Malik opened his eyes and looked at the Rare Hunter. "What?"
"N-nothing, I'm just surprised to see you here. Though she did imply that you would be back..."
"Who are you talking about?"
"Kaldea. It seems the 'Dewat group' took her. She said to do nothing without you."
Malik nodded, trying to keep his emotions under control. "Have the others see what they can find out, I want a report."
The Rare Hunter, Teran, bowed respectfully and left the room to attend to his task. Malik was somewhat surprised that they were willing to follow him after how he had treated them, but he wasn't complaining, he would need their help to get her back safely.
"Hikari?" Marik's worried voice questioned through their link.
"I'm fine Marik. I haven't done anything stupid, not yet anyway." Malik replied.
"Where are you Malik?" Marik's tone made it clear he had figured it out for himself.
"Yes I came back, but not to carry on where I left off. I am taking control for a while though. She alive Marik, and they can help me find her."
He felt Marik relax, understanding his need to pursue the past. Malik knew it was only because he had fallen in love himself, and would do anything for Yami; otherwise Marik would still not understand his feelings. Malik smiled slightly, glad that he and Marik had something in common, even if it was just that they were both so madly in love that they would do anything for their partner.
Teran re-entered the room, bowing respectfully again. "Are you ready Malik- sama?"
Malik nodded. "The more I know the better."
Teran nodded, motioning the other rare hunters into the room. He quickly collected himself; it was strange being back after so long and that everything was going so easily, Malik knew he would not be so accommodating in their position. He could only assume that everything had played out this way because of Kaldea, even though he had controlled them, they had a genuine respect for her and her skills. He was still in shock to find that she was alive, let alone that she was still looking out for his well-being, even when trapped with such an unsavoury group.
"It's time one of our own returned to us. Tell me what you know." Malik stated emotionlessly, starting the long and tedious meeting.
The meeting lasted for a few hours, though it wasn't nearly so fruitful as Malik had hoped, all he really knew was that a rival group of 'card collectors', who were more cut-throat thieves, had set him up and taken Kaldea for themselves. She had gained quite the reputation, despite trying to stay out of the spotlight and barely even being seen in public; her unwanted reputation had been her downfall, as she had always said it would be.
Malik stood up and entered his room, surprised when he wasn't hit with a flood of emotions, he could only assume it was because he knew she was alive. He felt a little angry, with himself for having fallen for their trick and with the Dewat group for having done it. He wasn't too worried now that he knew she was okay, and after the Sennen Rod had been so kindly returned to him. All he had to do now was find them; the rest would be easy.
He settled into bed, willing himself to relax, he was in no mood for sleep, but knew he needed it. A glint of gold caught his attention from under a cabinet, moving to pick it up, he was surprised to find that it was the necklace he had given Kaldea, a piece of paper entwined in the fine chain. Carefully untangling the chain, he placed the necklace on his bedside cabinet, unfolding the note as he sat back on the bed.
"I had a dream in which I am lost to you, though not forever. You won't find this until it is the right time; though I am sorry to have caused you pain, one cannot change their fate. A place of rest hides within it darkness, which in itself hides that which you seek. Remember my binds love; it is the only way to free me. I wait for you as always, and look forward to seeing the light that was hidden before."
Malik sighed softly, knowing that she had seen what was coming made him feel worse for having been so clueless, but at the same time, he felt better, since she had been prepared for it. The note also gave him hope, since it said they would be together again, he had been worried that after so much time, he would lose her. Kaldea was not known for being wrong, so he trusted her words completely.
"A place of rest hiding darkness...what does it mean though?" Malik muttered softly.
"A tomb, perhaps?" A voice said, making Malik jump.
"Marik?! Where did you come from?"
"I was on my way when I spoke to you. You didn't really think I'd let you do this alone did you?
Malik smiled. "Not now that you've gone soft, no."
"Get some sleep hikari, we can figure everything out in the morning."
Malik nodded, feeling safer now that Marik was with him. Malik placed the note with the necklace before settling down again, hoping to fall into a restful sleep, but knowing that the riddle would bother him until he solved it.
-
Well, finally done. Sorry for the delay, I've been busy working and I kind of ran out of ideas. Hopefully the story isn't lacking for it, and my new twist to the plot isn't awful. I'm trying for a happy ending, for Malik anyway, I may have to make Bakura suffer a little more, as much as I adore him, he deserves it.
Thanks to Shaami, Remy2004 and Darka-Chan for reviewing. Hope you all enjoy and review some more! Arigato soshite ja ne.