"Arise from Darkness"
By Heikou and Janime
Chapter Four
Putting the Past Behind
Cheri sat at the dining table in Kaiba mansion, waiting patiently for Seto. When they arrived, Mokuba told Seto that one of his business partners needed to discuss something very important concerning a recent account.
As Cheri folded her napkin into the shape of an origami swan, Nan entered carrying a small dome covered plate. Without saying a word, Nan lifted the lid and held out the plate to Cheri.
All the young woman could do at first was stare at the white envelope that was on the plate with her name written on it. Finally, Cheri picked it up and Nan left before Cheri could ask her any questions.
Cheri opened the envelope. Inside was a map of the mansion with a line traced through the place and leading to the gazebo outside. Cheri rose from her seat and followed the map.
The first place it led her to the guestroom Seto had arranged for her the very first night she stayed at Kaiba Mansion last year. She stopped outside the door and looked at it.
"Hi, Cheri," Mokuba walked up to her. "What's that?"
"I'm not sure," Cheri showed the younger Kaiba the map.
"Seto did something similar for me the Christmas before we left the orphanage," Mokuba smiled. "He hid my Christmas present so that the other kids wouldn't steal it from me."
Cheri couldn't help smiling. "That was sweet. Now, any ideas as to why he did it this time?"
"Not a clue," Mokuba shook his head. "I'm going over to Yugi's for awhile. I'll see you later." He went down the stairs, grinning from ear to ear.
"Okay, Seto, what are you up to?" Cheri opened the door and walked inside. Lying on the bed was Cheri's dress that she had worn to the Fall River Dance last year with a note written in Seto's hand, 'Put this on'.
She looked at the dress before smiling and did as the note said. She had nearly forgotten how soft the material was or the way it clung to every curve. Looking in the mirror she was happy to see she was still able to fit into it and after fixing her air and a bit of make-up looked at the map once more. As she moved to her next destination she realized that the mansion was quiet. She didn't hear anyone; that could only mean Seto must have given the night off to most of the people but why? What did he have planned?
Surely Mokuba must know but I bet he was promised to secrecy, she smiled to herself. This felt almost like a dream she never wanted to awaken from.
Cheri walked out the back door and down the path leading to the gazebo. Cheri stopped just as she reached it. The gazebo had been decorated with white roses and icicle lights hung around and under from the beams, and along the railing. In the center was a small table with two candles, a vase holding a single red rose, a bottle wrapped in cloth, and a portable CD player which was playing one of her favorite songs.
A bit hesitant she continued her trek, wondering if this really was a dream. Stopping before the gazebo she reached out and gently caressed the tips of a rose, feeling the velvety smooth petals. It was real alright. Holding the train of her dress she stepped into the gazebo and moved closer to the table, smiling softly.
"You like it?" a voice asked from the shadows. Turning to face the owner Seto stepped into the light, looking sharp in his tux as he watched her.
"I love it. I feel like this is a dream come true," Cheri said softly. He smiled as he came closer before taking her hand and kissed the back of it.
"The dream has just begun. Care to dance?"
"Need you ask?" The two moved closer as they wrapped their arms around one another and danced to one of the songs now playing. In a way this was too perfect to be real but too wonderful to be a dream. But instead of thinking about it they let themselves be lost in the moment. By the time the song ended Seto had led Cheri to the table. Smiling he pulled out the chair for her. Without saying a word he picked up the bottle to reveal it to be champagne; uncorking it he poured some into the glasses and smiled as he held his up. Cheri smiled and followed suit.
"A toast, for having survived all the hardships life has given us. And to the true love that can withstand anything."
"A toast." Clinking their glasses together they took a sip of the liquid gold. "This is so romantic, Seto. I don't know what to say," the young lady smiled, feeling happy and lighter than air.
"The evening is far from over but I wanted to show you just how much I care about you," the young man replied with a smile of his own.
Cheri smiled, forgiving him for having a hard time saying 'love'--no thanks to his stepfather. But she shoved that thought aside as she watched him sit in the chair next to her.
"I wanted to do this sooner," said Seto. "But with what happened recently."
"That's okay," said Cheri, "I'm still not finished with your birthday present and that's way overdue."
"Don't worry; that can wait. And I'm kicking myself for not doing this a long time ago."
Cheri blinked at him and then her eyes widened as Seto moved from the chair down to the wooden floor of the gazebo, kneeling before her.
Seto reached into his right pocket and pulled out a white velvet box. Opening it, he held it to Cheri, showing the diamond ring inside. "Will you marry me?"
Cheri could only stare at him, reaching up to feel her heart racing in her chest. Did she just hear him right? Did he just propose? To her? "Seto, I... Yes, yes of course I'll marry you!"
He smiled and taking the ring from the box and taking her hand slipped it onto her finger. "I wanted this night to be memorable."
"I will never forget this moment." Blinking away tears she leaned forward and kissed him deeply, showing all her love in that simple gesture.
~
Keriam sat on the couch in the living room, curled up on one side, watching Escaflowne the Movie. She had to grin a little, sympathizing with Hitomi and knowing exactly how the anime character felt when she was transported to Gaea.
Malik and Joey had left to get a pizza, and Terry and Zack had gone out for supper. But Keriam wasn't alone; Marik was still with her.
~Wasn't there a TV series this was based off of?~ Marik asked.
"Yeah, but I like the movie better," said Keriam. "Allen's not a playboy-prick in the movie as he is in the TV series."
Marik chuckled. ~And I thought you would've liked the blonde.~
"Van and Hitomi are my favorite characters in both versions."
~Kind of reminds me of you and Joey, especially now since he has his own wings.~
"Funny," but she had to grin. Sighing she settled more comfortably and continued to watch the movie. So far nothing had happened but they weren't going to take any chances. If the barrier separating the Shadow Realm from this world was tearing like this, then who knows where the next tear could appear.
Marik had to admit, he did like this movie. It had the right blend of action, drama, romance and comedy that wouldn't leave you disappointed. He yawned and looked at the clock. ~Malik and Joey should be back soon.~
"Yeah; Marik thanks for helping me out like this."
~How could I not help you?~ he smiled at her before reaching out and rested his hand on her arm. ~Everything will be fine.~
Keriam sighed. "I hope so."
~Hope is not your option, brat.~
Keriam gasped and Marik looked around the room. Over by the fireplace, a ripple of black and purple energy started becoming larger and the figure of a man stepped out, wearing singed jeans and T-shirt.
Keriam swallowed hard as she stared at her stepfather. "What do you want, Russell?"
~I guess you're as dumb as your mother was. I told her to drop you in the orphanage but she wanted to keep her 'baby girl' with her. Give me a break. Who'd want a little bitch like you, anyways?~
~I'd advise you not to make such remarks,~ Marik growled.
~Who the hell are you?~ Russell turned his head towards Marik. ~Wait a minute. you're dead, too.~
~And looks can be deceiving,~ said Marik, ~you're not as stupid as you look.~
The man growled at him angrily. ~Whoever you are this is between me and her.~ he jerked his thumb in Keriam's direction.
~I don't think so.~ Marik glared angrily as he got to his feet, standing before her as if to better protect her. ~I know all about you and the living hell you made towards Keriam and her mother.~
~If she had just dumped that baby this wouldn't have happened!~
~If you had the brains to leave them alone then maybe you wouldn't have been killed by your addiction!~
~My fault?! She killed me and her own mother!!~ he yelled accusingly.
~That's bullshit and so are you!! I saw what happened and it was your fault pure and simple!!~ the spirit yelled back at him, hands forming into tight fists. ~You think you're so big, beating defenseless women. It's about time someone taught you a lesson and I'm gonna be the one to do so.~
~Who do you think you are, kid?~ Russell sneered. ~Some kind of guardian?~
~Oh, I'm a lot more than that.~ Marik charged at Russell and slammed his fist into the older spirit's face.
Keriam watched as the two spirits fought each other. Marik, please be careful.
The two jumped away from each other. ~How did you get through the Shadow Realm?~ Marik demanded.
~This thing?~ Russell inclined his head towards the tear. ~What's it to you?~
~Answer me!~
~Sorry, kid, that's my business. Don't know how it works but as long as it got me here so I can get rid of her, so be it.~
~Over my dead body--spirit! As long as I exist you're not going to hurt Keriam!~
~Then I'll just get rid of you first!~ Charging at him he brought his fist back, aiming for Marik's face but he dodged it. However, his knee came up and rammed itself into the blonde's stomach.
All the air was forcefully knocked out of his lungs; he winced in pain as the same fist he had just dodged came back, finding its mark on the side of his face. Oh shit I forgot how fighting was painful! Marik thought to himself.
"Marik!" Keriam watched him stumble but he refused to back down.
~I'm fine,~ he said as he took a deep breathe and straighten. ~It'll take more than that to get rid of me.~
~Oh I'm just getting warmed up,~ the other man grinned evilly.
~Then what's holding you back, old man?~ Marik taunted.
The front door opened.
"Hey, Keriam, Marik," Joey said, "we--HOLY SHIT!"
Both spirits and Keriam looked towards the door at the now shocked Joey and Malik. Two pizza boxes were on the floor in front of them.
Russell then ran at Marik and slammed the other spirit hard in his chest, hurtling him through the couch and into Keriam, knocking her off the couch to the floor and landed with Marik on top of her.
"Keriam!" Joey yelled as he and Malik ran into the living room. They stopped short when the spirit of the other man stepped in their path.
"You're Keriam's stepfather," Malik glared at the translucent figure.
~You can see me as well?~ he looked at them in a bit of surprise.
"Yeah we can see ya... You have a lot to answer for!!" Joey yelled as he charged at him but unfortunately, went right through him and tripped over the rug, falling on the floor.
~Damnit, he doesn't play fair, does he?~ Marik commented as he got to his knees. ~Malik, get Keriam out of here!~
"What about you?" he asked, keeping his eyes fixated on the other spirit.
~I'll be fine but we have to protect her!~
"Damnit that was a cheap shot..." Joey growled as he got to his feet. "Okay pal, there is no way in hell I'm letting you near Keriam ever again!!"
~Look, punk,~ Russell glared at him, ~this is between me and that bitch's runt over there. Stay out of it and maybe you won't get hurt.~
"Don't you dare talk about my mother!" Keriam shouted.
Russell whirled around to her. ~You little brat! I never wanted you or any kids for that matter.~ He smirked. ~Made sure that there weren't anymore coming after you.~
Keriam started to shake with rage. Her fear of her stepfather was gone, only her anger remained. "Enough, Russell," she said, rising to her feet with Marik. "I'm finished hiding from my memories of you. I'm sick of looking over my shoulder every time I feel as if you're nearby. I hate you for what you did to my mother and me. You're nothing more than a shadow of the past, and I'm going to put you where you belong: in the past. Because if I don't, I can't move towards the future. And I refuse to live the rest of my life cowering in fear of you!"
~And what are you going to do? Burn the house down like you did last time?~
"I didn't kill you, Russell. You did have a chance to escape but mom stopped you. I know that she's forgiven me, but I had to forgive myself." Keriam reached behind her and took Marik's hands in her own. "Marik, I need you," she whispered.
~Okay.~ the spirit replied, standing behind Keriam.
She brought his arms forward, holding them out as a golden glow surrounded both of them.
"Déjà vu." Joey said.
Russell stared at his stepdaughter. ~What the hell?!~
"Servant of Osiris, I summon you from the underworld," Keriam said as she stared at Russell. "Ammit! Appear before me, the Daughter of Ra!"
The tear seemed to widen as something struggled to push through. A green, scaly snout appeared first, sharp teeth snapping as it tried to force the tear widen to enter the mortal world. The head pushed through, eyes glaring hungrily at the spirit as it pulled its body through. The heavily muscled body managed to squeeze through finally, hitting the floor with a loud thump. Ammit, the demon beast of Egyptian lore stood there, his tail swished side to side as his eyes seemed to glow.
~W-What the hell is that?!~ Russell said, trying to back away but for some reason his legs refused to obey him. ~What's happening?!~
"It's time you paid for your crimes, Russell," Keriam said in a low voice, struggling to keep the tears from falling. "You made my life a living nightmare and on top of that, you took my mother away from me. Time to pay the ultimate price." Closing her eyes two tears slowly rolled down her face.
With a vicious snarl the demon beast lurched forward and pinned the spirit to the floor. The man screamed and tried to get away but Ammit easily outweighed him by a good fifty or so pounds. His short yet sharp claws tore at his body before clamping his jaws around his neck. He seemed almost to be playing with his prey, making him suffer before taking his time in devouring him. Marik started to turn Keriam away, but she remained as she was, watching the feast. Joey looked away but his fists shook from unsuppressed anger. Malik watched but looked away a few times.
Finished with the soul Ammit sniffed at the carpet, as if seeking something else before looking up at the other spirit. He growled, upper lip rising up but instead of attacking he turned around and headed right back to the tear. Squeezing into it like before he was gone with a flick of his tail. The tear itself seemed to mend together and then the room was back to normal. Keriam released Marik's hands and let a huge sigh before she collapsed on the couch. The other three huddled over her.
"You okay, babe?" Joey asked.
"I'll be alright. I feel like a huge weight's been lifted off my shoulders. I guess this means I'll be able to sleep better now."
"You will," said Malik.
Keriam smiled. "Uh, guys, not to change the subject so abruptly but where's the pizza?"
Malik and Joey looked at each other. Both boys ran back to the front door.
"Uh oh." Malik's voice returned to the living room.
Keriam sat up on the couch. "That doesn't sound good."
~What happened?~ Marik asked.
Joey and Malik walked into the living room and opened the pizza boxes. Most of the cheese was now stuck to the cardboard lids.
"I hope you like it extra flat and less cheesy," Joey said.
"We must have stepped on them when we ran inside," said Malik.
Keriam burst out laughing and Marik just looked at his light.
~
Bakura sighed as he opened his eyes, looking crescent moon out tonight. The stars shone brightly against the deep blue-black velvet of the night sky, illuminating the sands to a pale silver color instead of the dusky gold during the day. The winds were cool as they blew his hair from his face. Nights were more pleasurable than the days with the brilliant heat of the sun beating down on one's shoulder but there were also more pleasures one could obtain during the evening hours.
The door to his chamber opened and the soft sound of footsteps met his ears. Sitting up from his bed he watched as a figure slowly approached him before stopping at the foot of the bed. He didn't bother to stop the quirk of his lips as the light from the moon outside spilt into the room. "So you've come..." he said quietly.
Cheri smiled at him. "Why would I disobey my master?" she asked sweetly. The moonlight illuminated the white silk she wore, glinting off the simple gold chains that made her appear like a goddess. On bare feet she slowly approached the bed, pausing for a moment before crawling onto it on her hands and knees.
The thief laid back on his arms, watching as the Daughter of Anubis crawled towards him, her movements sleek and sultry as that of a predator stalking its prey. Within reach he lifted a hand and touched her face, fingertips gliding along the satin skin. He growled as she purred at his touch, pulling her forward until she was straddling his hips. "Then you should know better than to tease your master."
Her eyes seemed to be laughing at him as she rested one hand on his chest while the other traced his lips with a feather light touch. "You enjoy this as much as I do."
"True." Still smirking he pulled her forward until their lips met before slowly deepening, even as he crushed her willing body to his own...
The former thief woke up with a start, sitting upright in his bed. He was within his soul room within the Millennium Ring he had been trapped in for centuries. Gasping for air he groaned as he slowly lay back on the pillows, pushing the sheets off his hot body. That dream... It felt so damn real... he thought to himself softly, trying to calm his racing heart.
"Can't you keep it to yourself!?" Ryou burst into the soul room causing Bakura to fall off his bed. "Honestly, Bakura! Now I can understand why Malik gets very little sleep!"
The darker spirit jumped up and glared at his light. "What the hell were you doing peeking into my dreams?!"
"Hello!" Ryou waved his hands. "We share the same body! I can hear you in my mind and pick up your thoughts on occasion! Sometimes when you dream, it's practically thrown into my soul room! Especially when it's sexual!"
Bakura smirked. "Enjoyed it, then, did you?"
"That's not the point!" Ryou yelled but his cheeks flushed.
"Hey it's not my fault! Admit it, you like her and you liked the dream," he smirked.
If the young man could blush any redder he would be glowing. "Bakura, I'm warning you..."
The spirit snickered as he climbed back into his bed, sitting up against the pillows. "I wonder if Marik felt this way when he had that dream..."
Warm brown eyes widen in alarm. "Oh no, don't you dare mention this to anyone! Especially Marik!" the light yelled.
Bakura looked at him with a large grin. "Why not? He and I can compare notes. We did after that little pleasantry the girls gave us in the Shadow Realm last year."
Ryou face-vaulted. "I cannot believe you, sometimes," he groaned.
"Why do you bother to believe in me?"
"Because."
The darker spirit looked at him. "Well?"
Ryou sat up. "Because you. you're like family to me. I mean that. Despite what you've done in the past couple years, you've always been there. And I really appreciate that."
Well that little comment caught him off guard and it showed as he stared at his hikari.
Hikari.
When he was released from the ring the only thing he cared about was getting revenge on the pharaoh for ordering him to be imprisoned within the item. When he found that he could take over the body of the boy who had unknowingly freed him he used him as a puppet. He had never raised a hand against him but he had hurt him through his friends and in a cruel sort of way, protected him from others. Sure the methods weren't kind but sometimes kindness didn't cut it. Shaking his head from the past he looked up at Ryou.
"I... I feel honored to hear you say that, Ryou... If I had a brother, even a friend like you in the past before the items... maybe things would've been different..."
"If they were then you would probably not be here now and the girls wouldn't have been able to enter our world."
Now he smiled even if it was just a quirk of his lips. "Brat." He noted the yawn and gave a light snort. "Get some sleep. The last you need to do is fall asleep in class and end up failing a test."
"Okay," Ryou smiled and stood up. "and thanks. Good night, Bakura."
"Night, Ryou."
The door shut behind his hikari and Bakura settled down again.
~
Marik sat in the chair at Keriam's desk, watching her sleep. Despite Joey's mild protest about the spirit staying the night since Ammit had devoured Russell, Malik insisted that his darker half should stay just in case any more tears appeared in the house. So far, there wasn't one disturbance and Keriam slept peacefully for the first time in eight years.
The sound of a car pulling into the driveway caught Marik's attention, and then the door opened then shut. Moments later the sound of footsteps came up the stairs and Keriam's bedroom door opened as Terry walked in. She bumped into the chair, jarring Marik slightly.
"Why did you leave this out like this?" Terry asked in a whisper as she quietly pushed the chair back into its proper place, thus pushing Marik into the desk so that his upper body looked as though it was resting there. He had to laugh at himself.
Terry looked at Keriam and smiled. She leaned over and placed a light kiss on her niece's forehead. "He can't hurt you anymore," Terry said as she left the room. "Sweet dreams, Keriam."
~She will,~ Marik said and Terry shut the door.
~
"Oh Cheri that sounds so romantic!!" Tea said happily.
The young woman smiled as she told her Sisters what happened last night. Promising to keep the romantic details between just the three of them for now she showed them the engagement ring which had caught the eye of nearly everyone in school as soon as she watched past the gates. "I still feel like this is a dream," Cheri admitted to them.
"A dream every girl will now envy," Keriam grinned. "You were able to snatch the richest guy in school."
"Keriam I love him with everything I have. I couldn't care less if he was rich or poor."
"I know I'm just teasing you but I am happy for you." They just smiled at one another.
"Man, I shouldn't be surprise about this but I am," Joey admitted to Yugi and Malik.
"Well it was bound to happen one of these days," the violet eyes teen said with a smile. Looking over at the desk Seto was by himself, seemingly reading a book before looking up when Cheri came over. Even a blind man could see that they loved each other deeply. Tea and Keriam came over to the boys.
~Have they set a date?~ Mark asked, knowing that this was getting to give Bakura a shock when he and Ryou arrived at school.
The green-eyed brunette gave him a look. "It's early but they're going to have it after graduation."
"Have what after graduation?" Ryou asked. He was breathing just a bit hard from running the entire way from home to school. "Sorry I missed my alarm."
~Seto proposed to Cheri and she accepted. They're getting married after graduation,~ Yami said from within his host.
~WHAT!!??~ Everyone jumped, including Ryou as the tomb raider heard this and separated from his host. He looked at them before looking as the engaged couple near the back of the room.
"Boy is the Domino City Post going to have fun with their engagement," said Ryou.
~Why did she agree to marry him?!~ Bakura hissed.
"For one thing, he's solid--I meant he's not see-through!" Malik quickly said when Bakura glared at him. The last thing anyone would want to do would be to insult the thief's libido, unless they had a death wish.
So much for that dream last night, Ryou thought, feeling a little sorry for Bakura.
Devlin walked up to Cheri and Seto, handing the CEO the front page of the morning's newspaper. The brunette took the paper and right smack in the middle of the lower section was Seto and Cheri's school pictures, under the title, 'Millionaire Finally Makes Choice'.
"Oh for crying out loud," grumbled Cheri.
"Can't they let us keep it to ourselves for at least one day," Seto groaned as Cheri took the paper.
" 'Seto Kaiba, the youngest and richest man in all of Japan proposed to his girlfriend, Cheri Dante, last night in the private gardens of the mansion estate in what sources tell us was a perfect setting for a fairy ending. Mr. Kaiba and Ms. Dante had been dating since last year even though dating is strictly prohibited at Domino High School. Now that the knot is about to be tied could there possible be a third addition to the family not far behind? Sources say maybe since the two have been getting very close when they think no one is looking.' ... Okay at first I was just annoyed but now I'm getting upset. What business is it of theirs if I'm gonna have a baby or not?" she growled.
"You know the media. Once they sink their claws into a story they bleed it dry," the green-eyed boy commented.
"Like a pack of jackals but that would be insulting my god," she mumbled under her breathe as she ran her hand through her hair.
"I want to know how they found out. I gave everyone the night off so we could have the evening to ourselves," Seto wondered out loud.
"Someone told them. I hate to say this Kaiba but someone is leaking secret information to the media behind your back.
"I can see that," Seto growled as he stared at the newspaper article. Who could have told them about the proposal? Nan already knew. no, it couldn't have been her.
Seto highly doubted that the older woman had said anything. Nan had been the somewhat maternal role in Seto and Mokuba's lives after Gozaburou adopted them. Both boys adored her and she had always been there to take care of them.
Who else helped with the gazebo decorations? Seto continued to ponder. Talbert, Jennings, and Winston.
"Seto?" Cheri looked at him.
"I'm sorry," he apologized. "I was just thinking about who could have tipped off the press."
Duke looked at them before sighing as he rubbed the back of his head. "Better keep everything under wraps for now, Kaiba. And be prepared, other reporters are gonna be hounding you for the date."
"Thanks for the advice, Delvin." He sighed and seemed to sink into his chair.
Cheri couldn't help but worry as she took his hand in her own. If they reacted this way just because of the engagement, what'll happen when the wedding comes around? she thought to herself.
"Hey dice boy, what's with the paper?" Joey asked as Duke approached them.
"Newspaper found out about the proposal and they made front page.
Everyone blinked. "That was fast," said Yugi.
"I'm surprised that it wasn't posted before he proposed," Tristen snorted.
"Yeah," Devlin leaned against a desk. "Someone inside the mansion must have let it out."
"Oh brother," Tea sighed. "I can see the press at Cheri's front door asking questions."
Keriam's head jerked up. "Oh no. Did Cheri tell her mother?"
"I assume she did. Why?"
"Because some sleaze-ball reporter might go to the hospital and start hassling Rose."
~Wonderful,~ Bakura said and walked over to Cheri and Seto. ~Did you tell your mother?~
Cheri slowly shook her head. "I just found out last night and this morning she was already gone. Why?"
~Reporters are going to harass her about her daughter's sudden engagement.~
Her eyes widen at the thought before she grinned behind her hand. "Oh for the love of Anubis I almost feel sorry for them."
Seto blinked and looked at her. "Why is that? Reporters are heartless bastards who have nothing better to do than reveal one's deepest secrets for all to see."
She winked at him. "You've never seen my mom when she was upset or pushed too far. You know the saying how the more beautiful the rose the sharper the thorns? My mom is living proof of that. She'll set them on her ear if they go too far but then again... that may do more harm than good."
~
"Get away from me, you leeches!" Rose almost shouted as she tried to get past the mass of reporters trying to get her opinion of Cheri's engagement to Seto. Fortunately, Rose had seen the newspaper before anyone asked what her reaction had been to the engagement.
Too bad Cheri didn't tell me before I saw the paper, Rose thought as she tried to reach the door to the parking lot.
"Ms. Dante," one of the reporters to her left spoke, "could we please have a statement."
Oh, I've got a statement for you, alright. Pity I can't say it out loud. Rose turned and faced them. "I am very happy for my daughter. Not that she is marrying a financial tycoon but a man who loves her for her and she loves him. I know that they love each other very much. Now if you'll excuse me."
She tried to leave but the reporters blocked her path, asking if and when the wedding date was set, what kind of dress was Cheri thinking about, and the honeymoon, was it possible that Cheri was pregnant.
Two large men dressed in black suits and wearing sunglasses walked into the hospital and pushed aside the reporters. They took Rose by her arms and led her out of the hospital and to a limo that waited in the parking lot.
She blinked and looked at the men before frowning some. Once the door opened she was led inside and the door closed behind her. Even with the dark tint of the window she could make out the flashing lights from the cameras she was tempted to make a face at them but she sighed and leaned back against the leather of the seats. Cheri honey, I hope you're doing better than I am, she sighed to herself, not even having time to look at her daughter's test results.
"Ms. Dante." She jumped at the voice and looked at the men that had saved her from the media mob. "Mr. Kaiba told us to come get you."
"Thank you Seto. So where are we going?" she asked.
"To the mansion," the other man said as they began to drive off. "No one is allowed to set one foot on Kaiba estate. Especially reporters." Rose grinned and looking at the folder in her hand opened it. Since the infection she had been worried about her baby girl and hoped that the medication was helping. Reading the file all the color suddenly drained from her face and she covered her mouth to hide the gasp that tried to escape.
Oh dear god no...
~
"They picked up your mother," Seto walked into the living room. "She was having it out with a few reporters."
Cheri let out a long sigh and leaned against the couch. "Sheesh, they didn't even wait until she got home."
"And she has your test results."
"Well that's one good thing."
Seto leaned over and kissed her.
Without hesitation she kissed him back, pulling him down onto the couch with her. "This still feels like a dream."
"If this is a dream it's one I hope to never wake up from," he smiled as he held her close. Smirking some he began to tease her as his hands slowly began moving over her body.
"Uhh Seto... wait, what if Mokuba walks in?" She really didn't want to stop but she didn't want to shock him.
"You worry too much," he murmured against her skin but didn't stop. They continued like that but just as they were about to get any further the front door opened. "I believe your mother's home. Perfect timing." With a sigh Seto slowly lifted himself up but not before kissing her softly. "Later."
"Anytime my dragon." Smiling at him she stood as Rose came in. "Hi mom, I heard the media mob cornered you at work."
"Yeah, they are so thick headed. Seto, thanks for the ride."
He just waved off her thanks. "I know what its like is."
She nodded before sighing. "Honey, I have your test results but there's something you have to know..." She couldn't bring herself to say it and pressed the folder into her hands. "Just know that I love you, honey."
Cheri looked at her mother then opened the folder. She had to read the paper over several times before the results sank in. The folder slipped from her hands.
Seto became alarmed. "Cheri."
Before he could reach her, his fiancé bolted from the room and up the stairs. Rose covered her mouth and sat down on the couch. Seto picked up the folder and read the test results. His eyes widened.
"She's... Cheri can't..." he couldn't bring himself to say it.
"It was a uterus infection," Rose explained. "The medication she was put on did help and she didn't have to have a hysterectomy. But one in twenty women who took the medication would lose the ability to conceive." She wiped the tears from her face and looked at Seto. "Cheri's the one in twenty."
"That's why she asked... we can't have a family of our own." he whispered and looked up the stairs but couldn't move. Rose just sat there, crying softly.
Cheri cried into the pillow, feeling her heart tear apart as her dream world came slowly crashing down. Now she could never have a family of her own, feeling the joy of being a mother or such. Seto... oh Mother Isis why me? Why this? she asked but closed her eyes tightly. She didn't know how long she cried but after a bit she sat up and rubbed her hand over her eyes.
"I... I have to get out of here..." Grabbing her jacket she silently headed downstairs but took the back way so it cut through the kitchen. Chewing her bottom lip she headed out of Kaiba mansion without leaving a note.
Making her way through Domino she was thankful she had grabbed her jacket with the high collar and found that she had left her sunglasses in one of the pockets. Slipping them on she tried to blend in with the other shoppers as she made her way through the district. The test results continued to haunt her like a restless spirit. Every time a camera went off she panicked and looked for a place to hide but so far no one gave her another look. Her feet took her down the sidewalks, unconsciously bumping into people she didn't look up until she felt a hand land on her shoulder.
"Cheri? Are you alright?" Ryou asked. She looked up at him before closing her eyes tightly and shook her head.
"No... Nothing is ever gonna be alright..."
~Ryou, let me take over,~ Bakura spoke up. ~Please, just for this time being.~ Feeling his light give in he took over and gently tilted her face to his own. Without another word he removed the dark glasses only to reveal that her normally velvet brown eyes were red rimmed and filled with tears. They were crushed, like a shattered dream. Without another word he slowly pulled her into his chest and held onto her as she cried into the thick sweater he, or rather Ryou wore, clinging to him tightly.
"Bakura... I can't... I can't..." she tried to say it but she couldn't seem to form the words.
"You don't have to tell me now its okay," he told her gently, trying to get her to calm down. "C'mon, let's go somewhere to talk." She nodded and let her be led down the street.
No one gave them another look as the two teenagers walked down the street, saying nothing but what was there to say? They ignored everything around them but stopped. just ahead of them there was a small semi circle of cars; an ambulance with several police cars with people crowding in for a look but just as they were going to go around the EMS team pulled out a long stretcher. As it hit the curb a human arm tumbled out from beneath the rapidly dying sheet.
"Get that out of here now!" the police ordered as people gasped and tried to get a closer look. "Everyone get behind the tape! This a police scene! No civilians!"
"Hey did you hear? Some guy was killed in there!" a guy said, just beyond the hearing range of Bakura and Cheri.
"Was he mugged or something?" another asked.
"Not unless he had a big dog. Heard the guy was mauled to death!"
"Mauled? He was torn to shreds!" a girl scowled at them. "I doubt a dog could do something like that! Oh maybe a wild animal escaped from the zoo!"
"Please a wild animal? Then why only target one guy?" the first guy scoffed.
Mauled by a large animal? Cheri blinked as she pushed her way into the crowd and peered into the alley. Sure enough there was blood there along the walls and ground but what made her grow pale was the wallet one of the officers found. It was torn to shreds but she could see the name on the driver's license clearly as if she were holding it. Talbert. She tried to get away but stumbled to her knees, feeling the urge to get sick.
"Shit! People move!!" Bakura yelled as he pushed his way to her, helping her up and led her way but she was shaking like a leaf. "Cheri? What's wrong? What did you see?" But she didn't answer him, only clung to him tightly.
Talbert grinned as he walked down the street. He had helped with the decorations for Seto's little surprise and he had been sworn not to tell Cheri or her mother or friends but no one said anything about the media.
"I can almost feel those crisp new bills," he grinned to himself that as he didn't notice as a pair of gleaming red eyes followed him from the shadows. It was very displeased with this wrench called a human.
The older man whistled to himself as he walked along, not noticing as his world began to darken around him that before he pulled himself free from the daydream he found himself in a dead end of a dark and dank alley. Turning out to head out he stopped. A pair of gleaming red eyes glaring at him hatefully but there was also the glint of ivory fangs and razor sharp claws. They moved closer and he could hear metal sliding against metal, a deep throaty growl penetrating the still of the night.
"W-Who's there?" Talbert called out.
"How dare you betray your loyalty to satisfy your greed," a voice called out to him angrily.
"What the? What are you talking about?!"
"You are lowest than scum and I will not allow you to destroy my Mistress' happiness." In a flash of the creature pounced on him, digging sharp claws into his body that even as he screamed in pain those ivory teeth clamped around his throat, crushing the voice box so he could barely breathe. Blood pooled from the wounds as his body was torn to shreds but before darkness took him away the moonlight from above shined down on them.
The creature was a wolf but seemed to be part animal and part machine with metal, skeletal wings sprouting from its wings and a coiled tail. Giga-Tech Wolf growled angrily at it as it slowly stepped into the shadows. Behind it a tear seemed to open for him and without looking away it stepped into the swirling purple mist and vanished. The tear sealed as the life died from Talbert's eyes died.
Anubis. Talbert was killed by a Duel Monster but, but Giga-Tech Wolf isn't that rare. were running through her mind. "B-Bakura?"
"Was getting worried there, what's wrong?" he asked, holding her close to his side as they continued walking. "You looked ready to be sick."
"I-I have to ask. Giga-Tech Wolf is common, right?"
"Yeah it's not really the most sought after card."
~Cheri what's wrong? You look like, well like you've seen a ghost,~ Ryou asked with concern.
She said nothing as she pulled her deck from her pocket, flipping through the cards she stopped at the one of the machine-wolf. She almost sighed with relief when she noticed that the card seemed fine but upon closer look she quickly showed the card to him. if one looked closer they could see blood stained on his claws and snout as the creature was crouched, ready to attack.
"Giga-Tech Wolf came to life. it murdered Talbert." Without another word her eyes closed and she slipped into unconscious reality.
Ryou was shocked but also worried at the sudden information just given to them but Bakura didn't have time to think. Slipping his arm under her knees he carried her to Ryou's place. As much as he hated to he had to call Kaiba and let him know.
Author's Note: We did write the lemons but we're keeping in with the rules and regulations and kept them out. If you wish to read, email Heikou for Bakura's dream and Janime for Marik's dream. Also, if you want the lemons from SotM, you'll have to email both of us.
Heikou03: *snickers* think we'll have any takers?
JanimeLee: maybe, you never know.
Heikou03: If you REALLY want to see what Bakura dreamt of Cheri wearing, please email me.
