Glass Tears of the Chosen
Disclaimer: *snorts* if ya want it, read it in the first chapter!
A/N: I'm SO SORRY this chapter took SO long to get out!!!! I honestly didn't mean for it to take so long. I hit a brain fart and was only dragged out of it this evening when I actually sat down, listened to my Yu-Gi-Oh music, and finally started thinking and typing. I have more surprises in store for you guys in this chapter, so I hope you enjoy and please review. I really want reviews. If I don't get them I think I'm not a great writer and I should be kicked off the earth...should I be kicked off the earth?
Mystical Miyuki: *giggles* well, you'll just have to see and find out, read and review for me, tell me how I'm doing so far!!!!
Obelisk: Hm, thank you very much for your review. I'm glad it appeals to the realistic sense; I was hoping to do that. Though this chapter may turn you away from the story, because it doesn't seem realistic...I'm sorry!!!! The idea popped in my head and I had to go with it. I hope you will continue to read it though, it's not like her mother isn't always like that, just when she's drunk...on alcohol and power...you'll see. I hope you still like my story though, and please review again for me!!!!
Red Knight3: Yes, poor Téa...I love her to death though, she's a favorite character even for all her friendship speeches and stuffs. I know the genres aren't right, but it's supposed to be those two, this chapter I think should hint at them...please keep reading and review for me!!!
FushigiHikari: Yes, yes, this chapter is now dedicated to you because your review made me feel special enough to continue my story and heft new ideas from my lazy muse!!!! I'm most humble towards your review and give you many great thanks and pray you will continue to read, like, and review my story in future references!!!!
Again, thank you to my four reviewers, you guys are very special right now to me. I was very iffy when I posted this story on ff.net because it didn't seem like anyone would read it. I am much honored to have had four reviewers already, and I hope they will continue to read and like my story. I also hope they will continue to read it and review it and help me make it better. I know my story is shaky right now, but it's only two chapters long...it will get better, I promise!! All right, now I've gone through my rant, read and enjoy please!!!!
~Lillia ^_~
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
She lay in her bed, panting heavily as the black flames consumed her and twined about her body. The feeling was almost a rush of sexual energy, almost, if not for the sharp pains like a knife slicing through various parts of her skin. A breathy moan left her lips as her hands fisted into the tangled sheets beneath her.
A phantom hand cupped her cheek, smoothing some of her hair away from her face. She opened her eyes just a little to stare up into the crimson red eyes of the figure she had been waiting for.
"Please," she whispered hoarsely.
The figure tilted his head to the side, baby fine black locks sliding past his shoulders to frame a softly pale face. "Please what?"
She whimpered quietly, raising a shaking hand to thread her fingers through his against her cheek. "Make this pain go away..."
A slow smirk appeared on his lips. "It will come at a price...as it always has."
She nodded quickly. "I promise to pay that price, as I have always done. J- Just make it stop!"
A low chuckle filled her ears as he sat beside her trembling form, smoothing a hand through her hair. His smirk had widened just enough to show a small, pointed fang. She clutched at his hands like her life depended on his simple touches and caresses as his slender fingers stroked down her neck and shoulders.
Lisa Gardner, the mother of Tea, whispered brokenly as she allowed him to take away the deep aches in her heart.
~*~
Téa woke drenched in a cold sweat, wrapped in the ghostly arms of her Dark Magician Girl. Gently, without waking the apparition, she left her room and went across the hall to the bathroom. Before she got there though, something caught her eye...something dark and abnormal. Black flames had consumed the closed door to her mother's room, waving back and forth slowly as if they were floating in a breeze. Téa blinked her drooping eyelids, then went into the bathroom and closed the door, convinced she was imagining things again.
When she came out of the bathroom and shut off the light, she didn't pass another glance towards her mother's room. Dark Magician Girl was sitting up on the bed, scrubbing at her tired eyes. Her pointed hat was missing; her blonde locks a tangled mess from sleeping.
"Are you well Mistress?" she asked quietly.
Téa blinked, before nodding slowly, touching two fingertips to her forehead. "Just a headache, it'll go away."
The faint female card tilted her head a little, before nodding. "Would you like me to reside with in your deck now?"
Téa sat back on her bed, beside her favorite card, and reached for her deck. "Yes, you need rest as well."
Dark Magician Girl touched her hand to the deck in Téa's hand and disappeared in a puff of smoke. Téa smiled and hugged her deck to her chest, lying back down. The smile slowly faded from her lips as she thought of her mother.
-She's usually not this quiet...it's strange...-
That thought hanging through her mind; she slowly closed her eyes and tried to push sleep through her body once again. The image of black flame consuming a doorway engraved heavily with symbols kept appearing at odd moments in her dreams.
~*~
Yuugi tried on a sleeveless white shirt, before making a face, turning to face the young man that resembled an older version of him sitting on the bed. Yami arched a brow in question at the face the younger boy was sending him.
"What is bothering you?"
"Why is it when I let you pick out my clothes, you get things that are leather or sleeveless?" the shorter of the two asked.
Yami blinked, and then chuckled quietly. "My apologies Yuugi, but it's comfortable for me. I will keep you in mind for future references when Grandpa takes you shopping again."
Yuugi just shook his head and put the shirt back in his closet, removing a blue sweater from the racks. It was a cool day today and the forecast called for freezing rain towards the early afternoon. He smiled, slipping the warm sweater over his head. A picture of the Egyptian Eye of Ra stood out in golden embroidery in the center. Perfect.
"Where did you get this Yami?" Yuugi questioned, checking his appearance in the mirror as he slipped his Millennium Puzzle over his head.
Yami stood from the bed, the sweater Yuugi was wearing already on him as well. "It was a gift from Joey; he saw it and thought you might like it."
"I remember now..." Yuugi hooked a black buckle around his neck, and then turned to face Yami.
Yami held out Yuugi's blue uniform jacket, which Yuugi accepted graciously. After slipping it on, Yami touched the Millennium Puzzle and disappeared inside it. Yuugi smiled a bit and grabbed his book bag and deck, slipping the latter inside his pocket carefully. He grabbed a single white rose that had been resting in a vase on his desk and dashed out of his room, saying a quick good-bye to his grandpa, before dashing to school.
Just as he predicted Téa was ahead of him, entering the school-yard with a puzzling expression on her face. She almost looked confused and in a slight trance. Yuugi glanced at the white rose in his hand and smiled a little. Maybe this would cheer her up. He only hoped it would.
"Téa!" his soft voice made her pause and glance at him.
Yuugi caught up to her and held out the white rose. "For you..."
She blinked at it, before a timid joy chased away the lost expression in her eyes as she gently took it from him. "But..."
The tri-colored haired boy just shook his head and offered a warm smile. "I just want your friendship Téa."
Téa swallowed a bit, tears in her eyes as she nodded. "T-thank you Yuugi..."
He smiled a bit, a faint blush creeping over his cheeks. "It was nothing Téa." He waved as he darted past her. "See you in school!"
She waved back and then looked at the white rose, before a soft wonderment filled her heart and chased away the worry that had been plaguing her soul as she braced herself to enter junior high. Suddenly, the fear that had possessed her thirteen-year-old body for so many long years disappeared in an instant.
~*~
Ryou Bakura wandered over to Téa's desk, pulling a chair with him. Homeroom was being delayed because the security guards were doing their drugs sweep over the halls and lockers. He blinked at the naked joy in his friend's eyes as she stared down at the simple white rose cradled between her hands.
"Téa?" his soft British accent snapped her from her thoughts.
"Oh, Ryou...uhm..." she smiled a bit shyly.
Ryou tilted his head at his best friend, locks of white hair falling across his shoulders. "Did a secret admirer give it to you?"
Téa shook her head quickly. "No...Yuugi Mouuto did."
Surprise chased itself across Ryou's pale features, but it quickly faded and replaced itself with a smile of happiness. "That's great Téa!"
She blinked at him. Ryou was the only one to know the true extent of her mother's abuse upon her. It was he whom had sheltered her many a time when her wounds were to great and her mother's anger so intense that she took refuge at his house. He folded his arms on her desk, resting his cheek on his forearm.
"You'll have another friend, you need more of them. You only have me, that's not enough...I would like to see that joy in your eyes more than once you know," he gave her a soft smile, "you have pretty eyes, they should be filled with more happiness."
Téa played with a strand of his silver-white hair that fell across the desk, watching him. "If I knew that when I got home I wouldn't have to face the terror of my mother, I would be happier."
Ryou gave a little nod, closing his warm brown eyes half-way. "Maybe Yuugi will bring that happiness into your life."
Téa gazed down at the white rose clutched in her left hand. "...Maybe he will..."
Ryou looked up at her, and his eyes saddened by the thread of hope running through her eyes.
Meanwhile, the boy in question was currently in another classroom down the hall getting a lecture from his two friends by the good deed he had done.
"I can't believe ya ta do dat Yuug!!" Joey exclaimed, his palms lying flat on Yuugi's desk.
Tristen nodded in agreement. "You've heard the rumors about Gardner, why associate yourself with her?"
Yuugi blinked calmly up at them. "Ryou is her best friend, and you two know how much he's loved by the school's population."
"Don't matta Yuug! If anythin', Téa Gardna' is a girl ta stay far away from," Joey muttered, standing straight and shoving his hands in his pants pockets.
Yuugi shook his head, looking down at his clasped hands. "You guys didn't see her when I gave her the rose..."
Tristen raised a brow. "Then enlighten us."
"Her eyes were full of joy you guys, happiness. I've never seen that look on her face until I told her I just wanted her friendship..." Yuugi's voice had grown soft, plum colored eyes closed.
Tristen and Joey shared a look over their friend's head, rethinking their harsh comments, before both shook their heads.
"I dunno Yuug...just gimme time ta digest dis, den we'll see," Joey finally said, Tristen nodding in agreement.
Yuugi looked up and smiled at his friends. "Thanks...I'm sure she's a very sweet person you two...she just needs to be given a chance, like I did with you two."
He got up and went to ask the teacher to use the bathroom. Tristen smiled a little and looked at Joey.
"He's got us there..."
Joey rolled his eyes. "Yea, yea, I know, I know."
~*~
Crimson red eyes opened as the owner of them sat up next to Lisa Gardner, his black locks of hair falling past his shoulders. Lisa opened her right eye to look at him. Her pupil was a thin slit, like a cat, but her eyes were the color of fresh blood just spilt upon the ground. He smiled a little, running a hand through her sandy-brown locks of hair. The black flames were gone; he had soothed the dark aches inside her heart, her body, once again.
A smirk tugged at his lips as he stood, but her hand wrapped around his wrist. "Stay."
That one word was too much of a command to him, one that was master in a territory that she would be his queen to rule over. He nodded and sat back down, stroking a hand through her hair again. Truthfully he used this woman to his whims, to get to her daughter. Every night he planted a dark seed inside this woman, so that she would beg him to come back and soothe the fiery pain brought the next night.
Not only would he make this woman bear him a child, she would be his pawn to destroying the girl that was once the center of this woman's life. His crimson eyes slowly closed as he sighed softly, leaning back against the headboard. Already his power was growing, and if he had this woman give birth to a child for him, his power base would be secure.
A quiet noise reached his ears, the closing of the front door. His lips pulled into a smile, baring two dainty pointed canines. Well...perhaps he could rid of the child now. With a gentle shake, the woman by his side woke completely. She glanced at him with her blood red gaze and then towards her door, hearing the very soft footsteps of her daughter. A sadistic grin tugged at her lips that had nothing to do with the usual intoxication she was under.
Instead of being drunk on beer, wine, and vodka, she was drunk on his power. That was all he needed, he could feel his power seeping inside of her. Lisa moved off the bed and smoothed a hand through her hair, going out into the hallway. The sound of skin against skin resounded in his ears, making his smile widen.
Téa backed into the wall beside her bedroom door, holding her cheek, eyes wide. Lisa stood in front of her daughter, eyes narrowed at the girl in front of her. The white rose was clutched in a death grip in Téa's right hand as she moved it out of her mother's view. Her cheek was stinging under her palm as the joy she once felt faded away quickly from her eyes and body.
"You stupid girl, I thought I told you to be quieter when you came home!" Lisa growled, moving towards her slowly.
Téa whimpered quietly. "I-I was t-trying to b-be..."
She was cut off when Lisa grabbed her throat, fingers wrapped tightly around the tender skin. Téa choked and her hand dug into the stem of the white rose, a single thorn pricking her palm. The cool trickle of blood seemed to calm Téa slightly as she felt darkness trickle around the edges of her mind. That calm quickly faded when her mother slammed her head back into the wall.
The first impact was sharp, a stunning blow that didn't quite sink in. The second impact hurt more, pain trickled down to her toes. The third blow sent her mind reeling in different directions and panic began to settle into her stomach. The fingers around her throat loosened enough to give her bits of air, but it didn't seem to be enough. If her mother didn't release her now, she was surely going to suffocate.
As if some distant prayer had been answered, Lisa released her daughter's neck, watching as Téa crumpled to a heap at her feet. Gasping for air, Téa frantically began to crawl away from her mother, tears in her eyes. A sound behind Lisa drew Téa's fear-filled gaze to him, the very man who wanted her dead. Though she didn't know it yet.
Lisa turned to glance at him, but turned her attention back to Téa when a quiet whimper reached her ears again. "Worthless little bitch that you are..." her voice was a hoarse hiss, filled with raw hatred.
Téa didn't say anything to that, but scrambled to her feet, distantly aware that she was near the top of the stairs. Lisa had by then spotted the white rose, speckled with flecks of Téa's blood, clutched in her daughter's hand. She grabbed Téa by the wrist, twisting at a painful angle until Téa was begging for her to let go. Prying the rose from Téa's hand, she held it up to examine it, glancing back at the man standing quietly behind her.
He snarled quietly at it. Indeed this rose had power, a deep power that may go past his. What was this girl doing with that power? Did she know the keeper of it? This and many more questions whisked through his mind, yet he didn't allow Lisa to see them. He only shrugged at it, crossing his arms over his chest. Lisa turned back to a trembling Téa and smirked.
"This rose means a lot to you?"
Téa swallowed hard, afraid to answer.
"You had better answer me!!!"
She jumped, before squeezing her eyes shut and nodding tightly. Lisa laughed, a high drunken sound that sent shivers down Téa's spine and made her open her eyes. Her mother held the rose by its silky petals and crushed it in her hand. Téa gasped eyes wide as her fists hung loosely by her sides. Her heart felt crushed with that rose, a painful half-thump against her chest. As if by killing the rose, it was slowly killing her as well.
"N-no, why did you do that?!" her voice was squeezed out through thick tears, though none fell down her cheeks.
Lisa laughed that high laugh again and chucked the petals at Téa, watching them flit dead to the floor at her daughter's feet. She then moved in a blur of speed that had nothing to do with her drunken state and shoved Téa off the top step. Téa felt herself falling backwards, felt time slow, as if she had all the time in the world to stop her fall. Then the rush of impact jarred her mind.
It hurt. It felt like a dozen dull knives jabbing into her skin as she tumbled down the long stairwell. By the time she hit the last step, her breathing was slow and hitching, her chest a hesitant rise and fall. Slowly, very slowly, she raised herself to all fours. Nothing was broken, thankfully, but she was bruised and bloodied from the carpet burns and the fall itself. With a rush of breath, she got to her feet and looked up at the two figures standing at the top of the stairs.
If she ran, she would just have to come back and face her mother's temper again. If she stayed, she could be killed. The man standing just behind her mother now stared at her with cold crimson eyes. They made her want to cry, and she could feel a subtle scream building in her throat. She would risk her mother's temper again and come back. Hopefully that man with his awful eyes would not be there when she returned.
Téa ran, as fast as her bruised legs could carry her. She ran far away from her home, her personal hell that seemed to be getting worse with time. Yes, she was used to the hitting, slapping, choking, and even kicking. She was not used to being pushed down the stairs and nearly being killed. Rain began to trickle from black clouds, until a drenching downpour soaked her in mere seconds.
Ryou's home was a simple townhouse his father had bought to raise his son in. Unfortunately, he was never home to be with Ryou, and when he was Ryou was always trying to catch up before he left the next day. Téa was hesitant, but made up her mind and knocked quietly on the door. For a few seconds, no one answers, and the fear that had slowly curled in Téa's stomach burst through her body.
Terror filled her. Where would she go? Who would she stay with if her one true friend wasn't there to help her this time? Her bruises and scrapes were beginning to burn her skin, giving her the horrible urge to itch and make them worse. She was about to turn and leave when the door unlocked and slowly opened. Téa's breath caught in her throat as her school bag, clutched in her hands, slipped and clattered against the steps.
The building scream that had sunk into her throat came back and spilled out of her mouth as she stumbled away from the door. All she could see was a narrowed crimson gaze.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
TBC...PLEASE REVIEW PEOPLE!!!! I WON'T CONTINUE WITHOUT REVIEWS!!!!!
Disclaimer: *snorts* if ya want it, read it in the first chapter!
A/N: I'm SO SORRY this chapter took SO long to get out!!!! I honestly didn't mean for it to take so long. I hit a brain fart and was only dragged out of it this evening when I actually sat down, listened to my Yu-Gi-Oh music, and finally started thinking and typing. I have more surprises in store for you guys in this chapter, so I hope you enjoy and please review. I really want reviews. If I don't get them I think I'm not a great writer and I should be kicked off the earth...should I be kicked off the earth?
Mystical Miyuki: *giggles* well, you'll just have to see and find out, read and review for me, tell me how I'm doing so far!!!!
Obelisk: Hm, thank you very much for your review. I'm glad it appeals to the realistic sense; I was hoping to do that. Though this chapter may turn you away from the story, because it doesn't seem realistic...I'm sorry!!!! The idea popped in my head and I had to go with it. I hope you will continue to read it though, it's not like her mother isn't always like that, just when she's drunk...on alcohol and power...you'll see. I hope you still like my story though, and please review again for me!!!!
Red Knight3: Yes, poor Téa...I love her to death though, she's a favorite character even for all her friendship speeches and stuffs. I know the genres aren't right, but it's supposed to be those two, this chapter I think should hint at them...please keep reading and review for me!!!
FushigiHikari: Yes, yes, this chapter is now dedicated to you because your review made me feel special enough to continue my story and heft new ideas from my lazy muse!!!! I'm most humble towards your review and give you many great thanks and pray you will continue to read, like, and review my story in future references!!!!
Again, thank you to my four reviewers, you guys are very special right now to me. I was very iffy when I posted this story on ff.net because it didn't seem like anyone would read it. I am much honored to have had four reviewers already, and I hope they will continue to read and like my story. I also hope they will continue to read it and review it and help me make it better. I know my story is shaky right now, but it's only two chapters long...it will get better, I promise!! All right, now I've gone through my rant, read and enjoy please!!!!
~Lillia ^_~
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
She lay in her bed, panting heavily as the black flames consumed her and twined about her body. The feeling was almost a rush of sexual energy, almost, if not for the sharp pains like a knife slicing through various parts of her skin. A breathy moan left her lips as her hands fisted into the tangled sheets beneath her.
A phantom hand cupped her cheek, smoothing some of her hair away from her face. She opened her eyes just a little to stare up into the crimson red eyes of the figure she had been waiting for.
"Please," she whispered hoarsely.
The figure tilted his head to the side, baby fine black locks sliding past his shoulders to frame a softly pale face. "Please what?"
She whimpered quietly, raising a shaking hand to thread her fingers through his against her cheek. "Make this pain go away..."
A slow smirk appeared on his lips. "It will come at a price...as it always has."
She nodded quickly. "I promise to pay that price, as I have always done. J- Just make it stop!"
A low chuckle filled her ears as he sat beside her trembling form, smoothing a hand through her hair. His smirk had widened just enough to show a small, pointed fang. She clutched at his hands like her life depended on his simple touches and caresses as his slender fingers stroked down her neck and shoulders.
Lisa Gardner, the mother of Tea, whispered brokenly as she allowed him to take away the deep aches in her heart.
~*~
Téa woke drenched in a cold sweat, wrapped in the ghostly arms of her Dark Magician Girl. Gently, without waking the apparition, she left her room and went across the hall to the bathroom. Before she got there though, something caught her eye...something dark and abnormal. Black flames had consumed the closed door to her mother's room, waving back and forth slowly as if they were floating in a breeze. Téa blinked her drooping eyelids, then went into the bathroom and closed the door, convinced she was imagining things again.
When she came out of the bathroom and shut off the light, she didn't pass another glance towards her mother's room. Dark Magician Girl was sitting up on the bed, scrubbing at her tired eyes. Her pointed hat was missing; her blonde locks a tangled mess from sleeping.
"Are you well Mistress?" she asked quietly.
Téa blinked, before nodding slowly, touching two fingertips to her forehead. "Just a headache, it'll go away."
The faint female card tilted her head a little, before nodding. "Would you like me to reside with in your deck now?"
Téa sat back on her bed, beside her favorite card, and reached for her deck. "Yes, you need rest as well."
Dark Magician Girl touched her hand to the deck in Téa's hand and disappeared in a puff of smoke. Téa smiled and hugged her deck to her chest, lying back down. The smile slowly faded from her lips as she thought of her mother.
-She's usually not this quiet...it's strange...-
That thought hanging through her mind; she slowly closed her eyes and tried to push sleep through her body once again. The image of black flame consuming a doorway engraved heavily with symbols kept appearing at odd moments in her dreams.
~*~
Yuugi tried on a sleeveless white shirt, before making a face, turning to face the young man that resembled an older version of him sitting on the bed. Yami arched a brow in question at the face the younger boy was sending him.
"What is bothering you?"
"Why is it when I let you pick out my clothes, you get things that are leather or sleeveless?" the shorter of the two asked.
Yami blinked, and then chuckled quietly. "My apologies Yuugi, but it's comfortable for me. I will keep you in mind for future references when Grandpa takes you shopping again."
Yuugi just shook his head and put the shirt back in his closet, removing a blue sweater from the racks. It was a cool day today and the forecast called for freezing rain towards the early afternoon. He smiled, slipping the warm sweater over his head. A picture of the Egyptian Eye of Ra stood out in golden embroidery in the center. Perfect.
"Where did you get this Yami?" Yuugi questioned, checking his appearance in the mirror as he slipped his Millennium Puzzle over his head.
Yami stood from the bed, the sweater Yuugi was wearing already on him as well. "It was a gift from Joey; he saw it and thought you might like it."
"I remember now..." Yuugi hooked a black buckle around his neck, and then turned to face Yami.
Yami held out Yuugi's blue uniform jacket, which Yuugi accepted graciously. After slipping it on, Yami touched the Millennium Puzzle and disappeared inside it. Yuugi smiled a bit and grabbed his book bag and deck, slipping the latter inside his pocket carefully. He grabbed a single white rose that had been resting in a vase on his desk and dashed out of his room, saying a quick good-bye to his grandpa, before dashing to school.
Just as he predicted Téa was ahead of him, entering the school-yard with a puzzling expression on her face. She almost looked confused and in a slight trance. Yuugi glanced at the white rose in his hand and smiled a little. Maybe this would cheer her up. He only hoped it would.
"Téa!" his soft voice made her pause and glance at him.
Yuugi caught up to her and held out the white rose. "For you..."
She blinked at it, before a timid joy chased away the lost expression in her eyes as she gently took it from him. "But..."
The tri-colored haired boy just shook his head and offered a warm smile. "I just want your friendship Téa."
Téa swallowed a bit, tears in her eyes as she nodded. "T-thank you Yuugi..."
He smiled a bit, a faint blush creeping over his cheeks. "It was nothing Téa." He waved as he darted past her. "See you in school!"
She waved back and then looked at the white rose, before a soft wonderment filled her heart and chased away the worry that had been plaguing her soul as she braced herself to enter junior high. Suddenly, the fear that had possessed her thirteen-year-old body for so many long years disappeared in an instant.
~*~
Ryou Bakura wandered over to Téa's desk, pulling a chair with him. Homeroom was being delayed because the security guards were doing their drugs sweep over the halls and lockers. He blinked at the naked joy in his friend's eyes as she stared down at the simple white rose cradled between her hands.
"Téa?" his soft British accent snapped her from her thoughts.
"Oh, Ryou...uhm..." she smiled a bit shyly.
Ryou tilted his head at his best friend, locks of white hair falling across his shoulders. "Did a secret admirer give it to you?"
Téa shook her head quickly. "No...Yuugi Mouuto did."
Surprise chased itself across Ryou's pale features, but it quickly faded and replaced itself with a smile of happiness. "That's great Téa!"
She blinked at him. Ryou was the only one to know the true extent of her mother's abuse upon her. It was he whom had sheltered her many a time when her wounds were to great and her mother's anger so intense that she took refuge at his house. He folded his arms on her desk, resting his cheek on his forearm.
"You'll have another friend, you need more of them. You only have me, that's not enough...I would like to see that joy in your eyes more than once you know," he gave her a soft smile, "you have pretty eyes, they should be filled with more happiness."
Téa played with a strand of his silver-white hair that fell across the desk, watching him. "If I knew that when I got home I wouldn't have to face the terror of my mother, I would be happier."
Ryou gave a little nod, closing his warm brown eyes half-way. "Maybe Yuugi will bring that happiness into your life."
Téa gazed down at the white rose clutched in her left hand. "...Maybe he will..."
Ryou looked up at her, and his eyes saddened by the thread of hope running through her eyes.
Meanwhile, the boy in question was currently in another classroom down the hall getting a lecture from his two friends by the good deed he had done.
"I can't believe ya ta do dat Yuug!!" Joey exclaimed, his palms lying flat on Yuugi's desk.
Tristen nodded in agreement. "You've heard the rumors about Gardner, why associate yourself with her?"
Yuugi blinked calmly up at them. "Ryou is her best friend, and you two know how much he's loved by the school's population."
"Don't matta Yuug! If anythin', Téa Gardna' is a girl ta stay far away from," Joey muttered, standing straight and shoving his hands in his pants pockets.
Yuugi shook his head, looking down at his clasped hands. "You guys didn't see her when I gave her the rose..."
Tristen raised a brow. "Then enlighten us."
"Her eyes were full of joy you guys, happiness. I've never seen that look on her face until I told her I just wanted her friendship..." Yuugi's voice had grown soft, plum colored eyes closed.
Tristen and Joey shared a look over their friend's head, rethinking their harsh comments, before both shook their heads.
"I dunno Yuug...just gimme time ta digest dis, den we'll see," Joey finally said, Tristen nodding in agreement.
Yuugi looked up and smiled at his friends. "Thanks...I'm sure she's a very sweet person you two...she just needs to be given a chance, like I did with you two."
He got up and went to ask the teacher to use the bathroom. Tristen smiled a little and looked at Joey.
"He's got us there..."
Joey rolled his eyes. "Yea, yea, I know, I know."
~*~
Crimson red eyes opened as the owner of them sat up next to Lisa Gardner, his black locks of hair falling past his shoulders. Lisa opened her right eye to look at him. Her pupil was a thin slit, like a cat, but her eyes were the color of fresh blood just spilt upon the ground. He smiled a little, running a hand through her sandy-brown locks of hair. The black flames were gone; he had soothed the dark aches inside her heart, her body, once again.
A smirk tugged at his lips as he stood, but her hand wrapped around his wrist. "Stay."
That one word was too much of a command to him, one that was master in a territory that she would be his queen to rule over. He nodded and sat back down, stroking a hand through her hair again. Truthfully he used this woman to his whims, to get to her daughter. Every night he planted a dark seed inside this woman, so that she would beg him to come back and soothe the fiery pain brought the next night.
Not only would he make this woman bear him a child, she would be his pawn to destroying the girl that was once the center of this woman's life. His crimson eyes slowly closed as he sighed softly, leaning back against the headboard. Already his power was growing, and if he had this woman give birth to a child for him, his power base would be secure.
A quiet noise reached his ears, the closing of the front door. His lips pulled into a smile, baring two dainty pointed canines. Well...perhaps he could rid of the child now. With a gentle shake, the woman by his side woke completely. She glanced at him with her blood red gaze and then towards her door, hearing the very soft footsteps of her daughter. A sadistic grin tugged at her lips that had nothing to do with the usual intoxication she was under.
Instead of being drunk on beer, wine, and vodka, she was drunk on his power. That was all he needed, he could feel his power seeping inside of her. Lisa moved off the bed and smoothed a hand through her hair, going out into the hallway. The sound of skin against skin resounded in his ears, making his smile widen.
Téa backed into the wall beside her bedroom door, holding her cheek, eyes wide. Lisa stood in front of her daughter, eyes narrowed at the girl in front of her. The white rose was clutched in a death grip in Téa's right hand as she moved it out of her mother's view. Her cheek was stinging under her palm as the joy she once felt faded away quickly from her eyes and body.
"You stupid girl, I thought I told you to be quieter when you came home!" Lisa growled, moving towards her slowly.
Téa whimpered quietly. "I-I was t-trying to b-be..."
She was cut off when Lisa grabbed her throat, fingers wrapped tightly around the tender skin. Téa choked and her hand dug into the stem of the white rose, a single thorn pricking her palm. The cool trickle of blood seemed to calm Téa slightly as she felt darkness trickle around the edges of her mind. That calm quickly faded when her mother slammed her head back into the wall.
The first impact was sharp, a stunning blow that didn't quite sink in. The second impact hurt more, pain trickled down to her toes. The third blow sent her mind reeling in different directions and panic began to settle into her stomach. The fingers around her throat loosened enough to give her bits of air, but it didn't seem to be enough. If her mother didn't release her now, she was surely going to suffocate.
As if some distant prayer had been answered, Lisa released her daughter's neck, watching as Téa crumpled to a heap at her feet. Gasping for air, Téa frantically began to crawl away from her mother, tears in her eyes. A sound behind Lisa drew Téa's fear-filled gaze to him, the very man who wanted her dead. Though she didn't know it yet.
Lisa turned to glance at him, but turned her attention back to Téa when a quiet whimper reached her ears again. "Worthless little bitch that you are..." her voice was a hoarse hiss, filled with raw hatred.
Téa didn't say anything to that, but scrambled to her feet, distantly aware that she was near the top of the stairs. Lisa had by then spotted the white rose, speckled with flecks of Téa's blood, clutched in her daughter's hand. She grabbed Téa by the wrist, twisting at a painful angle until Téa was begging for her to let go. Prying the rose from Téa's hand, she held it up to examine it, glancing back at the man standing quietly behind her.
He snarled quietly at it. Indeed this rose had power, a deep power that may go past his. What was this girl doing with that power? Did she know the keeper of it? This and many more questions whisked through his mind, yet he didn't allow Lisa to see them. He only shrugged at it, crossing his arms over his chest. Lisa turned back to a trembling Téa and smirked.
"This rose means a lot to you?"
Téa swallowed hard, afraid to answer.
"You had better answer me!!!"
She jumped, before squeezing her eyes shut and nodding tightly. Lisa laughed, a high drunken sound that sent shivers down Téa's spine and made her open her eyes. Her mother held the rose by its silky petals and crushed it in her hand. Téa gasped eyes wide as her fists hung loosely by her sides. Her heart felt crushed with that rose, a painful half-thump against her chest. As if by killing the rose, it was slowly killing her as well.
"N-no, why did you do that?!" her voice was squeezed out through thick tears, though none fell down her cheeks.
Lisa laughed that high laugh again and chucked the petals at Téa, watching them flit dead to the floor at her daughter's feet. She then moved in a blur of speed that had nothing to do with her drunken state and shoved Téa off the top step. Téa felt herself falling backwards, felt time slow, as if she had all the time in the world to stop her fall. Then the rush of impact jarred her mind.
It hurt. It felt like a dozen dull knives jabbing into her skin as she tumbled down the long stairwell. By the time she hit the last step, her breathing was slow and hitching, her chest a hesitant rise and fall. Slowly, very slowly, she raised herself to all fours. Nothing was broken, thankfully, but she was bruised and bloodied from the carpet burns and the fall itself. With a rush of breath, she got to her feet and looked up at the two figures standing at the top of the stairs.
If she ran, she would just have to come back and face her mother's temper again. If she stayed, she could be killed. The man standing just behind her mother now stared at her with cold crimson eyes. They made her want to cry, and she could feel a subtle scream building in her throat. She would risk her mother's temper again and come back. Hopefully that man with his awful eyes would not be there when she returned.
Téa ran, as fast as her bruised legs could carry her. She ran far away from her home, her personal hell that seemed to be getting worse with time. Yes, she was used to the hitting, slapping, choking, and even kicking. She was not used to being pushed down the stairs and nearly being killed. Rain began to trickle from black clouds, until a drenching downpour soaked her in mere seconds.
Ryou's home was a simple townhouse his father had bought to raise his son in. Unfortunately, he was never home to be with Ryou, and when he was Ryou was always trying to catch up before he left the next day. Téa was hesitant, but made up her mind and knocked quietly on the door. For a few seconds, no one answers, and the fear that had slowly curled in Téa's stomach burst through her body.
Terror filled her. Where would she go? Who would she stay with if her one true friend wasn't there to help her this time? Her bruises and scrapes were beginning to burn her skin, giving her the horrible urge to itch and make them worse. She was about to turn and leave when the door unlocked and slowly opened. Téa's breath caught in her throat as her school bag, clutched in her hands, slipped and clattered against the steps.
The building scream that had sunk into her throat came back and spilled out of her mouth as she stumbled away from the door. All she could see was a narrowed crimson gaze.
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TBC...PLEASE REVIEW PEOPLE!!!! I WON'T CONTINUE WITHOUT REVIEWS!!!!!