"Arise from Darkness"
By Heikou and Janime
Chapter Two
Loves Me, Loves Me Not
Bakura lay back on his bed within his soul room. It wasn't uncommon for him to do this since it was the quietest place to think and mull over things. But what he was thinking about were the events of today and a certain person.
I'm surprised I care about her welfare, he thought to himself. Only one I've ever cared about is myself then Ryou when he first put on the ring. He sighed and rubbed his forehead as he closed his eyes. Why do I care about her?
Because she's one of the few females that doesn't fear you, the voice in the back of his head argued.
I doubt that's it. I'm not as terrifying as I used to be, he growled softly, as if upset with the little fact.
She treats you as an equal and you do the same to her. She doesn't fear your threats and thinks of you as a friend.
There was the main problem. Friend. He didn't want to be just a friend he wanted to be more! He wanted her love... but Seto Kaiba had that. Wasn't there anything that man couldn't have that maybe he would have a chance of having?
"Not in this afterlife," he said to himself. Running his hands through his hair he sighed and sat up. Pushing the thoughts of love aside he tried to focus on what they all learned from Seto's dreams. So this was expecting to happen but what lessons were lost? Why did the Sisters power become lost? Merge her favorite... what is that suppose to mean? Thinking about it he went over the possibilities.
Favorite... what? God? Friend? No too corny. Favorite... he rested his head in his hands as he thought about it over and over but he couldn't come up with an answer.
The door to his soul room opened and Ryou walked in.
"What?"
"Your thoughts are rather loud," Ryou said.
Bakura snorted and closed his eyes as if it were nothing. "Shouldn't you be off in dreamland now?"
"I would," Ryou sat on the edge of Bakura's bed, "if your thoughts were a little quieter."
"Humph, I have no idea what you're babbling about."
"Cheri thinks of you as a friend but you want it to be more than that."
Bakura's eyes snapped opened and he turned to a grinning Ryou. "And I never realized that I meant that much to you."
"I only care because if you die, I'll be stuck in the Millennium Ring for another five thousand years," Bakura placed his hands behind his head and turned his gaze to the ceiling. He could feel the hurt coming from his light and for a moment, Bakura regretted what he'd said.
"I guess you're never really going to change then, are you?" Ryou asked sadly as he rose from the bed and started to leave.
"Ryou," Bakura said when he heard the door open. "…Sleep well."
"You too." Ryou left the room.
Bakura remained on his bed, hating the feeling that was starting in his chest at the way he treated Ryou. Grabbing the pillow from behind his head, Bakura brought it over his face and let out a loud growl.
"Feel better?"
Removing the pillow, Bakura saw his light standing in the doorway. Ryou did leave but he came back when he heard his darker half's growl.
"You!" the former thief threw the pillow at Ryou, who caught it with ease.
"I take it that emotions annoy you."
"To an extent."
"You love Cheri," Ryou's statement was forward.
"So do you," Bakura sat lotus position in his bed. "The question is, do we each love her individually or is it one of us and which one is it?"
"That... is a very good question." he sighed and moved to stand at the foot of the bed. "I don't know... but she's loves Seto."
"Do you have to remind me?" the dark one groaned.
Ryou laughed softly under his breath as he threw the pillow at him. "I'm going to bed now so if you would please keep your thoughts a bit quieter than we can both get some rest."
Bakura glared at him from behind the pillow. "I'm dead, I don't need sleep."
"Well I'm alive and bonded with you so in a way you're alive through me and if I need sleep so do you. Good night." Smiling he left and silently closed the door behind him. The former thief frowned but settled back. He did care about his light but he didn't want the world to know. He still had an image to uphold! Yawning he settled back on his bed and closed his eyes. Without realizing it he was fast asleep.
Yugi sat on his bed, flipping through his photo album, smiling at some and chuckling at others. His favorites marked with a small white star sticker. Yugi grinned at the one of himself, Joey, Tristen, Ryou, and Malik at the swimming pool. The picture had been taken while all five were in mid-jump--Keriam had timed taking the photo perfectly.
He flipped the page and his eyes fell on a picture of Tea, wearing a sleek ruby-colored dress. He stared at it for some time then slowly traced his finger over the image.
~I'm very happy you two got together,~ Yami said with a smile.
Yugi blushed some. "I didn't think I stood a chance in asking her out much less going steady."
The deceased pharaoh separated and sat next to him, resting his hand on his shoulder. ~You shouldn't sell yourself short like that. You have a lot of good qualities and you have proved yourself to everyone countless times.~
"Yeah..." But he smiled and turned to another picture. It was of Yami and Marik dueling by having control of Yugi and Malik's body for the time being. The young man looked up when he felt his darker self sigh a bit sadly. "What's wrong?"
~Nothing.~ he tried to hide it but it was no use.
"Yami, talk to me please. Why do you sound depressed?"
~It's... 5,000 years locked in the puzzle and then being set free... in a way I'm having a chance to relive my life but...~ He looked at his hands, seeing the dresser right through them before slowly lowering them. ~But I can't touch with my own hands, I can't smell the flowers, I can't taste food, I can't feel the sun beating down on me. I feel like I'm missing out on life...~
Yugi looked at the pharaoh with sympathy. Keriam had told him that Marik had said despite that the spirits could temporarily use their hikaris' bodies; all senses still belonged to the hikaris. Yugi turned his gaze to the Millennium Puzzle. "Yami... do you think that you, Bakura, and Marik will be released and go on to another life after this one?"
~I'm certain that Marik will... but I don't know about Bakura and myself.~
"It's just not fair to you guys. I know Bakura's kind of power hungry but even after five thousand years in the Millennium Ring..."
Yami couldn't help laughing. ~I guess that even tomb raiders deserve a second chance.~
"Yeah, I guess they do," Yugi also laughed.
~It's a possibility... but we'll never really know.~ Looking at the clock he nodded. ~It's getting late, you should get some sleep.~
"Alright." Closing the photo album he placed it on his desk and get ready for sleep. "Hey Yami, you think the girls will be alright?"
The dark one knew what his lighter self meant; after what happened to the girls the guys were a bit shook up but there was no explanation as to the cause. To suddenly lose their powers like that could only mean danger was afoot and Seto's dreams just confirmed them.
~We can only hope so. But know that I will do everything in my power to help you and the others out,~ he said sternly.
Yugi smiled up at him. "You should be given a second chance; you've more than earned it."
~Aibou...~ Yami was touched to say the least and smiling softly bided him a good night as he settled back into the puzzle. Yugi whispered good night as he settled the puzzle on his desk and lay back in bed.
Marik walked through the halls of the ancient temple. He looked at himself, and he wasn't too surprised to see that he was wearing clothing of ancient Egypt. He continued walking until he came into a room; it was large and decorated with images of the sacred gods of Egypt and Duel Monsters. Looking up, Marik saw in the center of the ceiling the large engraving of the Winged Dragon of Ra.
A flutter of white caught his attention and Marik turned to his left. The flutter had been thin white silk curtains blowing in a gentle breeze from the open balcony. There was a woman standing by one of the pillars, unheeding the billowing curtains around her as the wind also blew her mahogany hair over her shoulders. She too was dressed in the robes of an ancient Egyptian woman--a simple green dress with golden bands on her arms, wrists, her calves, and one around her neck.
Keriam.
Marik up behind Keriam, encircling his arms around her waist and she turned her head, smiling at him. He placed a light kiss on her neck just below the golden band.
"Look," she said and turned her gaze back to what was before her.
Marik followed her line if sight and blinked at the sight. Buildings of sandstone dotted the scene and two great structures loomed over them.
"The past and future of Egypt," said Keriam, resting her hands on Marik's arms.
"And what do you see for Egypt?" Marik asked.
"Many things."
"Are you in them?"
"Sometimes."
"Am I?"
Keriam turned around and faced him. "Always," she said and leaned closer, kissing him.
~MARIK!!!~
With a yelp, Marik was thrown from Malik's body and the spirit crashed on the floor. He looked up at his light, who was covered in sweat.
"Will you please stop that?!" Malik hissed through his teeth.
~Well, excuse me for having a good dream!~ Marik yelled.
Bakura stuck his head through the wall. ~Will you two keep it down?! I'm trying to sleep!~
~Hey I was having a perfectly good dream when he shoved me out!~ Marik yelled, getting to his feet as he pointed to his light.
"I'm all for good dreams but I draw the line when it's about you and Keriam!" Malik growled out.
Interest sparked in the former thief's eyes as he entered the room fully. ~And Joey wasn't in it? Oh this does sound like a good dream.~
The once insane yami grinned smugly. ~Keriam and I were together and we were overlooking Egypt. It was going along great but then the spoil sport pushed me to the floor.~
Malik said nothing as he turned over so his back was facing the two spirits. "I'm warning you if you dream that once more I'll do more than kick you out," he threaten as he tried to go back to sleep.
Marik rolled his eyes. ~Oh, I'm shaking.~
Ryou opened the door and walked in. His hair was sticking out in several places. "What is going on?"
"Get him out of here, please?" Malik begged as he buried his head under the pillow. "I need sleep!"
"So do I. Bakura, come on, and leave them alone."
~Not until I hear all the details about the dream,~ said the tomb robber.
"What dream?" Ryou asked as Malik wailed.
~Marik's dream about Keriam.~
"Save it for the morning," Ryou grabbed his darker half's forearm. "Again, good night!"
~Good night,~ Marik grinned as they left, and then snickered at Ryou threatening Bakura if he left the room again.
"Go to sleep," his light removed the pillow and placed it under his head. "And dream of something else other than Keriam."
~So send me to the Shadow Realm,~ Marik snorted as he went inside his light. ~I love her, Malik, and so do you.~
"Here we go again. Alright, I admit it I love her but that isn't going to change anything," he sighed.
~I know that! Why do you think I have such dreams?~
"To keep me from sleeping?" He yawned behind his hand as he settled more comfortable in bed once more. "Just if you have another dream please try and keep it to yourself."
~You sure you don't want a peek?~
"No. I need some sleep." Closing his eyes once more he was fast asleep that he didn't hear Marik softly chuckling form within.
The next morning, Keriam silently crept downstairs to Joey's basement room, clutching a pillow in her hand. Slowly, she walked over to Joey's bed and looked at the sleeping blonde.
"Joey," Keriam said quietly then louder, "wake up, my Silver Wolf Knight."
No response.
"Don't make me take drastic measures," she smiled, swinging the pillow over her right shoulder.
Joey rolled onto his stomach, mumbling something about Keriam in a bikini.
I'd never wear one for several reasons, Keriam thought, but I might make an exception for you. "If you don't wake up by the time I count to three... One... two... three!"
WHAP!
Joey yelled and bolted upright, falling out of bed, entangled in sheets, landing at Keriam's feet.
"You have very pretty toes..." he said in a dazed voice.
"Glad you noticed," Keriam laughed and held out her hand.
He reached out, fumbling before clasping her hand and was pulled to his feet. Yawning behind his hand he looked at the love of his life. "Hi..." he said sleepily.
Keriam couldn't up but giggle at his half-sleepy expression with his hair all mused up. "Morning sleepy head."
"What time is it?" he asked as he rested one hand on her shoulder, trying to step out of the tangle of sheets without falling flat on his face. All he went to sleep in were some faded green boxers and a well worn shirt with the saying 'It's not the size of the dog in the fight but the size of the fight in the dog.'
"Time for you to get your lazy butt up and get ready for school," Keriam smirked.
"Look who's talking," Joey said as he focused more and got a good look at Keriam's blue pajamas with little purple monkeys.
Keriam gave him a kiss. "Get dressed; Aunt Terry's making Eggs Benedict for breakfast." She walked upstairs.
Grinning, Joey watched her ascend and then pulled out his clothes and started to change. After putting his sleeping clothes in the hamper, Joey paused at his dresser and picked up the photo of him and Keriam standing at the dock. He smiled at it then frowned at the slight discolor in the background on the left side of the photo. Not many people would notice it but Joey knew that it was Marik, as it had been Malik who'd taken the picture and then yelled at his darker half for walking into the scene.
"That guy never learns to give up," he said more to himself as he set he picture down and grabbed his comb, running it through his hair a few times he grabbed his books and bag before heading upstairs.
The smell of a home cooked breakfast was the most wonderful thing he had ever smelled. Dropping his books on the sofa as he passed the living room he nodded to the older gentleman reading the morning paper.
"Morning!" he said with a grin.
Zack looked at him over his paper and nodded a good morning to him. "I must say your sleeping habits are getting better, Joey. You're not sleeping in as late as when you first came here," he said in an amused tone.
The blonde grinned as he rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah well Keriam has a way of waking me up. I just wish she didn't hit so hard with that pillow of hers." He was having such a nice dream too... Oh well, maybe tonight he could continue it.
Terry walked in carrying two plates. "Here you go."
"Thanks," Joey took one of the plates and grinned as he sat down next to Zack.
Keriam entered the dining room wearing her school uniform minus the dreadful pink jacket, which she had left near the door on her way down the stairs. "Thanks, Auntie," she said as she sat in her chair and picked up the fork.
"You're welcome," Terry sat down and sipped her coffee. "Now what are you two doing when you get home today?"
"Swing by Kame Game Shop and have a few duels," Joey said and took another bite of eggs.
"Wrong."
Both teens looked at the older woman.
"It's Friday," Terry set her mug down, "and what did you promise you'd help with?"
"Oh no," Keriam groaned. "Please, can't we clean out the garage after we graduate?"
"And then you'll be asking if you can do it later. Sorry but you two promised," she said.
"Well we did promise..." Joey said gloomily. So much for dueling.
"Afterwards you two can go hang out with your friends," Zack said behind his paper.
"Okay," sighed Keriam.
They finished breakfast, said goodbye as they grabbed their stuff and left the house.
"Hey, maybe we can get Tristen to come over and help," Joey suggested.
Keriam looked at him. "Must I remind you what happened when he came over to help paint the house at the beginning of spring?"
The blonde flinched. "Okay, scratch that idea."
"I don't think my aunt wants him near the house or her car anytime soon."
"You gotta admit, though, blue accents red pretty good."
"Joey that line didn't work when he said it and it won't work now."
"Hey it was just a thought." Smiling he looped his arm around her shoulders. "Let's meet the others."
"Cheri, hurry up or your breakfast will get cold!" Rose called as she got ready for work. Heading down the hall she opened the door to her daughter's room but she wasn't in. "Cheri?" She tried the bathroom and kitchen but she wasn't there either. Getting worried she noticed that the light to the basement was on. Going down she found her daughter wearing old, paint splattered clothes and sitting before an easel. "Cheri, what are you doing?
She looked at her with a paint bush between her teeth, another in her hand and a tube of paint in her other hand. The small window was open and two fans were on but it still smelled of paints and paint thinner. Scattered along the floor and hanging on walls were paintings either complete or in the process as well as a metal cabinet in the corner. "What time is it?" she asked.
"You're going to be late at this rate. What time have you been up?" Cheri flashed five fingers. "5am?! I've told you not to do that! Now hurry up or you'll be late."
"Mom I gotta finish this for Seto's birthday!!" she whined, chewing on the end of her brush.
"I'm certain that Seto won't mind it being late," said Rose as she took the paintbrush from her daughter's mouth and set it on the small table. "He's probably used to things arriving after their deadlines."
"But mom-"
"No buts, Cheri. Get going."
Letting out a frustrated sigh, Cheri put down the other paintbrush and capped the paint tube. She quickly put the brushes in a cup of water and raced upstairs to get ready.
Rose shook her head and looked at the painting. "You amaze me, honey."
Since she took a shower the night before Cheri managed to change into her uniform quickly and grabbed her books. Tying her hair back she ran down the stairs and sat down to eat. Rose came up and kissed her daughter good bye.
"I should be home around 5 today so if you're going anywhere leave me a note. There are leftovers in the fridge if you get hungry and you have my beeper number for emergencies," she told her as she grabbed her keys and purse.
"Check, see you later mom." Cheri waved to her as she left. Finishing her food she set the dishes in the sink and went to brush her teeth before heading out the door. Locking it she waved as her mother drove for Domino General Hospital.
Skip-walking down the street, Cheri reached the corner and turned left. After a few blocks, Joey and Keriam came into view.
"Hey, Cheri!" her best friend called.
"Morning!" Cheri greeted.
"How come you're not with Kaiba?" Joey asked.
"He had a small meeting this morning before school."
"Yeesh, he could've at least sent the limo for ya."
"Joey," Keriam squeezed his arm in warning.
Cheri giggled. "He did offer but I said I'd walk."
"And you turned it down? You could've kept it for us to use!" he teased.
"You're terrible," she laughed and nodded to him. "So what's new?"
"We promised Aunt Terry and Uncle Zack that we'd clean out the garage today after school," Keriam said with a heavy sigh.
"Yuck! But it is nice of you two to help out," she gestured.
"Yeah but I was looking forward to dueling Yugi or Yami," the blonde said.
"Hey you have Keriam to duel so don't complain."
Depends on the duel, Joey grinned.
"Why are you smiling?" Keriam asked.
"No reason," he smiled.
His girlfriend wasn't buying it. "I do know how that mind of yours works."
"Keriam!"
"Cheri!"
"Oh brother…" Joey groaned, and Keriam leaned her head against his shoulder and smiled.
Malik and Ryou ran up to them. "Morning," Ryou said, catching his breath.
"Hey, guys," Cheri smiled.
"How are you three this morning?" Malik asked.
"Fine. What about you guys?"
"Alright," but it was interrupted by a sudden yawn.
"Someone didn't get enough sleep last night," Cheri teased. "Hey are Bakura and Marik still sleeping?"
"Yes," Ryou covered his mouth as he yawned. "And right now I envy them."
"What happened last night?" asked Joey.
"Marik was dreaming," Malik answered as they started walking again.
Keriam looked at him. "Dare we ask?"
"Trust me, you're better off not knowing." Although, Bakura might blab it later on… Malik thought.
"Hey as long as he doesn't act on them then why complain?" Joey added his own two bits in. Now that I think about, this is Marik we're talking about so I have every right to complain.
The group continued talking as they walked to school, laughing and just enjoying themselves. With their school in sight they picked up the pace and went to their lockers to grab their books. Marik suddenly awoke and taking over challenged Joey to another race. Needless to say the blonde was up for it and before Keriam could object they were off.
"One of these days they're going to hurt themselves," Ryou sighed.
"Betcha they'll get detention and as soon as they're let out they're gonna see who can get to Keriam first," Cheri said, ignoring her friend's glare.
Early that afternoon, the students were given a free period and they wasted no time to run outside and enjoy the fresh air and semi-freedom from the stifling building a certain majority would not have to set foot in again after next month.
The Sisters of the Moon and the rest of the group sat under a small collective of trees, relaxing in the protective shade from the harsh afternoon sun. They talked about normal things when other students walked by, and when out of earshot their conversation went to the girls' powers.
"Can you girls still talk to Isis?" Tristen asked.
"Only when she wants to talk to us," answered Tea.
"And depends on how important it is," Cheri said, her head in her boyfriend's lap.
"Finding out the reason why you are losing your powers is important," Seto looked down at her.
"Well, we better do something fast," said Joey as he looked around the courtyard. His eyes fixated on a girl storming her way towards. "Uh-oh. Look out, Keriam, Miss Sunshine is on her way over."
"Joy of joys," Keriam muttered and stood up. "Hello, Amierla. How are you?"
"Cut the crap," the other girl snapped.
"Aren't we testy today," Malik smirked.
"What do you want, Amierla?" Keriam asked. "Another duel?"
"As a matter of fact, yes," Amierla took her deck out. "But not against you." She looked at Cheri. "Against her."
"Why me?" Cheri sat upright.
"Because I can."
"Give me a break," said Joey.
"And you have to use his deck," Amierla pointed to Ryou.
Seto frowned. Guess she figured out that if Keriam has the Winged Dragon of Ra, I gave Obelisk the Tormentor to Cheri.
The summer after the merge took place, Keriam walked into Seto's home office and handed him a small envelope.
"What's this?" Seto asked
"An invitation from Amierla," Keriam explained.
"Sorry, but I'm spoken for."
"Not you, me. And it's a dueling invitation. She wants to duel me at the stadium, and you're the witness."
He raised a brow at this but slowly took the envelope and opened it. Sure enough it invited him to hold witness of the duel between Keriam and herself. It was schedule for today in an hour at the stadium. No one else was allowed to participate or even watch. "Did you show this to Wheeler?"
"Yeah and he wasn't what you call thrilled about the whole idea," she frowned and crossed her arms over her chest. "I see don't see why she wants to keep dueling me."
"Because you've managed to beat her every time," he said absently as he leaned back in his chair. "That and I don't think she's forgotten that little 'event' in the cafeteria last year." It was funny to think how some of the students still talked about the Panty Tank.
Keriam cracked a smile as she sat in one of the chairs before his desk. "Yeah but talk about gullible. Anyway, will you be there?"
He nodded his head. "If only to keep Amierla from trying anything. If you care to wait around I can take us there now. I just need to make sure Mokuba will be alright."
"You can always ask if Cheri can watch over him," she smiled. Her opinion of the CEO had changed but sometimes he was still a prick. He flushed ever so lightly as he called the mansion. Talking to his brother he merely said he wouldn't be home until late and told him to call Cheri to stay with him. Hanging up the phone he nodded. "I take it you settled everything with him?"
She nodded. "He's gonna be waiting at the Kame Game Shop and if Aunt Terry calls he'll cover for me. I just hope this doesn't last that long."
When the hour was up Seto and Keriam were at the stadium, standing across from Amierla. Both girls had duel disks on their arms and were shuffling their decks. Needless to say the match was well under way. Amierla had reconstructed her deck once more and even Kaiba had to admit that it was strong and he was getting worried. Keriam was just a handful of points away from losing but then the impossible had happened.
"I sacrifice my three monsters to summon the Winged God of Ra!"
"What?!"
With the god card in hand Keriam once more won the duel and leaving the stunned girl there the two of them took the limo to the game shop but on the drive there he had to ask. "Where did you get Ra's card?"
"Who else, Malik and Marik. They said that since Ra originally belonged to me that they thought it was just right," she explained. "Yugi gave Tea Slypher the Sky Dragon but she said she wouldn't use it if she could help it."
Seto shook himself free from the flashback as he felt Cheri stand. Reaching into her jacket's pocket she looked at her deck before handing it to him. "Hold this for me," she said softly. "Alright Amierla, I'll duel you but if I win you have to stop picking a duel on us just because you're a sore loser. I'm up for a duel but everyday in hopes you'll win?"
Bakura stepped out of Ryou and walked over to Amierla. She held her deck tightly in her left hand. Bakura passed his right hand through her deck and a malicious grin slowly crossed his face.
~Ryou, give Cheri my deck.~
~What?~ Ryou blinked.
~Do it,~ Bakura told his light. ~Don't worry, Cheri, I'll tell you how to use my deck.~
Ryou took out the Necrophile Deck and gave it to her.
I'm not too sure about using it, though, Cheri thought.
Amierla smirked as she walked to the open area of the courtyard. "Everyone! Your attention please! Cheri and I are going to have a duel! And she's using someone else's deck!"
Several murmurs of wonder and a few cheers filled the courtyard.
"I hope he knows what he's doing," said Tristen as they watched from the trees' shade.
"He does," Ryou said.
"I'm certain," Seto frowned as Bakura put his hands on Cheri's shoulders.
~Just relax and I'll help you along the way,~ he told her.
"Okay." She took a deep breathe and inserted the deck into the duel drive. "Okay Amierla, let's do this." The Life Points blinked and showed 4000 points for the both of them and they drew out the top five cards.
The other girl smirked as she arranged her hand. "You first, Cheri."
Cheri looked at the cards in her hand. "She knows Ryou's deck but she doesn't know yours," she whispered through her teeth.
~That's going to be our advantage,~ said Bakura. ~Put this card face up in attack mode," he pointed to a monster card, ~and put this magic and this trap card face down.~
Cheri did as he told her.
"I don't like this," said Keriam as she clenched her hands tightly, watching her best friend battle her worst enemy. Oh, how she wanted to go over and punch Amierla, but that would only ruin the duel for Cheri.
"Just relax," Joey put his arm around her waist, "Cheri knows how to keep her cool."
~And don't worry it's Bakura's deck she has,~ Marik said.
"That's the part that bothers me," Keriam leaned against Joey. "It's nothing against Bakura; I just don't like his Necrophile Deck."
~He can help her,~ said Yami. ~Why don't we take a closer look, Marik.~
~Sounds good to me.~
Both spirits separated from their hosts and moved over behind Cheri with Bakura to look over her shoulder at her hand. Needless to say she was nervous but just did as Bakura told her. "I place Dokuroyaiba in attack mode and 2 cards face down." As she did the cards appeared face down and the monster was something that looked like a bladed boomerang with a skull and a snake wrapped around it.
Amierla snorted and drew a monster card. "Mystical Sheep #2 in defense mode and this card face down."
I know she has something planned, Cheri thought. Do I risk it?
~Hmm I wonder what she has planned...~ Yami said.
~Planning to summon Exodia?~ Marik suggested.
~Exodia isn't in her deck,~ said Bakura.
"Are you serious?" Cheri asked quietly as she drew three cards.
~Yes, when I passed my hand through Amierla's deck, I could tell what cards she has. Exodia isn't in her deck.~
~That's odd,~ said Marik.
~Wait a minute…~ Yami started to grin. ~Keriam gave Yugi the Exodia Cards for Christmas.~
Marik also started to grin. ~Well, well, so that's how she acquired them.~
Cheri kept her features calm as she listened to the spirits talk. She looked at the cards she drew. Destiny Board and Spirit Message "A" and "N".
~Very good,~ Bakura smiled. ~All you need is "I" and "L" and this duel is over.~
Let's see if they come up in time, Cheri thought as she placed Destiny Board face down.
So the duel continued where one the girls would be in the lead then suddenly brought down hard by a sudden attack. The other students were cheering them on, throwing hopeful suggestions but Cheri tried to focus on just the three spirits. So far everything was going well as Cheri used the Man-Eater Bug to get rid of Amierla's Succubus Knight but she retaliated with a Magic Card that attacked her Life Points directly.
"Shoot... Okay Amierla, I switch Dream Clown from Attack to Defense but since he's an effect card the process also destroys one monster on your side of the field.
"Damnit you're cheating, you stupid bitch!!" she insulted as her Frenzied Panda was destroyed.
"Hey!! First, I am not cheating and second, don't call me names!" she yelled and looked at her hand. She had Trial of Nightmare, Sorcerer of the Doomed, Final Destiny, and Soul Demolition. On the field she was nearly complete with the Destiny Board but she was missing the final letter and the only monsters she had was Dream Clown and White Magical Hat in attack mode.
"What do I do?" she whispered. "If I don't come across Spirit Message "L" Amierla can rid the rest of my Life Points in a few turns."
~First off don't worry, you can beat that selfish brat,~ Bakura said as he gently squeezed her shoulders. ~You can do this.~
Cheri took a deep breath and closed her eyes. "Bakura, I need you."
He looked at her in surprise, and then she placed her first two fingers of her right hand on top of the deck. Bakura placed his right hand over hers and shut his eyes.
"What the hell?!" Seto exclaimed as a sapphire blue glow surrounded Cheri and Bakura.
"Hey, what's going on?" Tristen asked.
"Tristen, if you and everybody else could see it…" said Yugi.
"You'd freak," Joey finished.
Cheri and Bakura pulled the card from the deck and opened their eyes.
Spirit Message "L"
"I'm waiting," Amierla said in an annoying tone.
Cheri looked at her. "I'll place this card face down, and I'll activate my trap card."
"Oh, I'm so scared."
~She will be,~ Bakura smirked. ~Do it, Cheri.~
"Activate Destiny Board."
The image of an ouija board appeared above Cheri's head, the planchette moving to "F".
Amierla's eyes widened and everyone else's mouths fell open, save a certain group and spirits.
~Finish it,~ said Bakura.
Cheri closed her eyes briefly. "Activate Spirit Message 'I', 'N', 'A', 'L'."
The planchette moved on the board, spelling the dreaded word.
F I N A L
"It can't be…" Amierla said as the cards in her hand slipped from her fingers.
All was silent for a moment before the crowd surrounding them erupted into cheers. Amierla just dropped to her knees even as her Duel Disk blinked 0 over and over. Her cards lay in a scattered mess on the ground but no one gave her another look.
Cheri watched as the holograms slowly faded but for a moment, both monsters she had on the field turned to look at her and she almost swore they smiled at her. Taking the cards out Cheri removed the Duel Disk and sighed deeply. "That was fun. Thanks guys... especially you Bakura," she whispered to the spirits.
"You did it!" Keriam hugged her.
Cheri returned the hug to her best friend then went into Seto's arms. "Oh, here, Ryou," Cheri turned from her boyfriend and gave Ryou back the Necrophile Deck. "Thanks."
"No problem," he smiled.
"That was not your deck, Ryou!" Amierla marched up to them. "Your deck is Spiritual! Where did you get that deck from?"
"Amierla, duelists can have more than one deck," Ryou said, "and I have two--light and dark. You didn't specify which one deck to give to Cheri, so I gave her my Necrophile Deck."
Glaring at the group one last time, Amierla stormed off, ignoring the looks of students watching her leave the courtyard and walk into the school.
"She's never going to change," said Tea.
"Hell would freeze over," said Malik and he looked at Cheri. "You know, you and Bakura make an amazing team."
Seto grunted before anyone responded to the comment.
"It was his deck," Cheri smiled and leaned against Seto, "he told me what to do."
"And was that glow around you two his idea or yours?" Seto asked.
Cheri looked at him. "What?"
"Right now when you were drawing the final card, the two of you were glowing a sapphire blue color," Yugi said.
"You don't remember it? You two looked like you were connected or something," Joey frowned.
"... I can't remember... I mean I remember getting ready to draw the next card but the rest... kinda like I blanked out a bit."
~You said you needed me and for that moment I could feel this power,~ Bakura said slowly. ~All I can say is it wasn't my doing.~
Cheri looked thoughtful as she tried to remember. She had closed her eyes and put her fingers on the card. Her voice sounded like her but something was different. Bakura placed his hand over hers and then…
She could feel him. His power, his strength, his connection to his deck. Everything that was Bakura, Cheri had felt it.
"But what was it?" Cheri said quietly.
~What did you say?~ Yami asked.
"Uh, sorry," Cheri blushed slightly. "I was trying to remember what happened."
The school bell rang and the students groaned as they trudged back into the building.
"I guess we'll elaborate on that later," said Malik as the group joined the rest of the unhappy parade.
The next morning, as Keriam headed to her locker, she stopped when she saw Mina cleaning out a locker that wasn't hers. "Hey, Mina," Keriam walked over to her and then she saw a few of the contents inside--it was Amierla's locker. "What are doing?"
Mina looked at her with a sad expression. "You didn't hear?"
"About?"
"…Amierla's dead."
Keriam's eyes widened. "What?!"
"Last night. Suicide." Mina shut the locker. "She drowned herself in the bathtub."
Keriam watched Mina walk away in stun silence. "Amierla…" Keriam looked at the locker door and touched it.
A sharp pain shot through her head and Keriam almost screamed. As calmly as she could, Keriam walked into the girls' restroom. Fortunately, it was empty and Keriam slumped against the wall, hands pressed to the sides of her head.
Amierla turned off the water once the tub was filled. She walked into her bedroom and was about to remove her clothes when she picked up her deck and threw it against the wall.
"Worthless!" she screamed at it, watching the cards scatter and land on the floor. She was about to remove her shirt when the cards floated up from the floor and started to spin around.
Amierla remained frozen as she watched the cards fly in an invisible tornado that left the rest of her room alone. In the center of the whirlwind appeared Twin Long Rods #2, the same size of its holographic projection. It looked at Amierla and screeched at her.
Amierla screamed and bolted from her room but the creature's tentacles wrapped around her and dragged her into the bathroom.
"Let me go!" Amierla screamed, tears running down her face. "Let go, please!"
But the duel monster paid no heed. It plunged Amierla into the water-filled tub, holding her under. Amierla thrashed under the water, praying that her parents, who had gone out for supper, would return home and save her. Amierla's lungs burned and she tried to hold her breath but her lungs gave and she inhaled water. A few minutes later, everything around Amierla darkened and she grew still.
Twin Long Rods #2 released its former master and went back into the bedroom. It picked up the other cards and set them on the nightstand. In a flash of light, Twin Long Rods #2 rejoined the deck.
Keriam gasped as the vision faded. Sweat covered her face and her hands felt clammy.
"Oh my God…" Keriam managed to whisper between ragged breaths. "Amierla didn't commit suicide… her own deck killed her…"
