"Arise from Darkness"

By Heikou and Janime

Chapter Nine

Vengeance Circle

Bakura squinted his eyes close as the sunlight filtered through the curtains. His head hurt that he slowly sat up and cracked his eyes open painfully. "Kuso... never again..." he said in a scratchy voice. He tried running a hand through his hair but found them tangled. He blinked as a ribbon fell into his eyes. "What...?" He grimaced at the throbbing pain in his head.

It feels like all three gods are dueling in my skull… he thought but even thinking hurt he just wanted to curl up and try to get some more sleep so he tugged at the blanket.

"Snort! ..." came from a lump next to him, hidden under the blankets.

Bakura looked down at the lump and tried to remember but it hurt too much. Reaching down he pulled the blanket back and did one thing he never thought he would do in a million years.

He screamed in a very high pitch tone.

~

Cheri jerked her head up then groaned and buried her head under the pillow. My head… feels like someone's using it as a drum… and playing it lousy… she thought to herself. Rolling out of bed she pulled a robe over her naked self and headed out of the room while rubbing her eyes. Heading to the kitchen she stretched her arms, yawning largely.

"What time is it?" she asked softly.

"Almost noon," Keriam answered as she walked down the hallway. She looked a little pale and her eyes were bloodshot. "I swear to Ra I am never drinking when playing Truth or Dare ever again."

"Same here," Cheri agreed. "Joey still asleep?"

Keriam nodded as she yawned. "And I'll assume a few others are." She stretched her arms above her head. "You know, I had this weird feeling that we forgot about something..."

"You too, huh?"

"It hurts trying to remember."

A very high-pitched scream echoed through the hallway. Both girls looked down towards the direction the sound had traveled from, and their eyes widened as foggy memories came back.

~

Marik slowly pulled himself up from the floor and cautiously peeked over the edge of the mattress. His hazy lavender eyes rested on Bakura, peeking over the other side of the bed. At any other given day, Marik would have burst out laughing at the pink bows tied in the thief's hair, but due to the current situation he'd discovered himself in after being awakening by Bakura's howl of terror... Marik would have to let it pass.

Bakura blinked as he grabbed the sheet and quickly tied it around his waist. "Marik. You better take a damn good look at yourself," he said tensely.

The blonde slowly blinked and did so before looking up with a fierce blush on his face. Grabbing the blanket he wrapped it around his body tightly. "You-"

"If I wanted to sleep with someone it wouldn't have been you!" he yelled then winced as it increased the pain in his head. "Look. I'm going to the bathroom to try and drown myself. You, get dressed or something." Getting up with one hand holding his head and the other holding the sheet tightly he slowly made his way out of the room and to the nearest bathroom.

Marik growled then stopped. That was a dumb idea. He tentively climbed back onto the bed and turned away from the sun, curling up as tight as he could in the blanket.

I am never playing that Ra damned game ever again, he thought to himself. He heard the door open but thought nothing of it until something heavy landed on the bed before jumping up and down.

"Marik! Wake up wake up wake up!" Malik said happily as he jumped on the bed. He stopped though when he watch his darker self leaned over the side, grabbed a nearby waste basket and lost everything in his stomach. "Marik? You okay?" he asked.

"I feel like dying..." he moaned softly, taking deep breathes.

"How much did you drink last night?"

"... Too much..."

Apparently. Malik frowned at the wastebasket.

Keriam and Cheri ran into the room. "Is Marik awake?" Keriam asked quietly.

"Unfortunately..." came the hoarse answer.

"Uh, I know that this is probably a bad question to ask," Cheri said, "but... where's Bakura?"

"Try one of the bathrooms," Marik replied as Malik looked at everyone quizzically. "He said he's going to try and drown himself."

Cheri paled. "Uh oh..."

"Better stop Bakura before he takes a permanent swim," said Keriam.

"Going!" Cheri ran from the room.

"Malik, would you please excuse Marik and me for a little while?" Keriam asked. "He and I have to talk. Like ten minutes ago."

"What's going on?" Malik blinked.

"Believe me," Keriam picked the boy up from the bed, "the less you know the better off you'll be." She carried Malik to the door and set him down in the hallway. "Don't worry, nothing's going to happen. I just have to explain something very idiotic and asinine on my part." Keriam shut the door. A second later it reopened. "Please, do not tell Joey or anyone else. And do not eavesdrop on Bakura and Cheri... if she stopped him from drowning."

The door closed again and Malik stared at it. "Okay..." he said and walked downstairs to have lunch.

Keriam walked back over to the bed. "Marik?"

"Please leave," he begged.

She grimaced at the sound of his voice. Climbing onto the bed, Keriam lay down behind the Egyptian. She looked at the hieroglyphs on his back for a few moments before wrapping her arm around his waist, and he flinched.

"Marik, I probably know what you're thinking right now," Keriam said gently, "but what do you remember about last night?"

"Don't make me," Marik whimpered.

"Please, Marik?"

He sighed. "I remember Joey was done barking, you were talking about a unique way to use the Millennium Rod..."

Oh great Ra, how drunk was I?! Keriam blushed.

"Ryou was laughing at everything..." Marik groaned as he fought another wave of nausea. "That's all I can remember."

"Okay, good," said Keriam. "Marik, you fell asleep on the couch, and so did Bakura."

Marik paused as his brain tried to accept what she told him. "Then how did we get up here?"

"The guys, except Yugi and Ryou brought you up here." Keriam removed her arm from Marik's waist and sat upright. Marik rolled over and looked at her with a confused expression.

"Cheri and I took your and Bakura's clothes off. You two were out cold--there is no way anything happened between you guys."

Marik slowly sat up and stared at Keriam. "You did what?"

"We were drunk," Keriam said in defense. "We thought it would be funny."

"Keriam!" Marik yelled, immediately regretted it as his loud tone made them both hiss from pain. "How could you do something like that to us? To anyone?" he asked, rubbing his forehead.

"I'm sorry," Keriam apologized. "I know it was stupid but nobody knows what they're doing after having a few swigs."

"Anybody else know?"

"Just bringing you up here. As for the undressing, that's just between Cheri and me."

"Good," Marik raised his head. "Don't let anyone else know. Especially Malik."

"Cross my heart."

"You realize it's going to be quite some time before I actually forgive you."

Keriam nodded. Marik smiled a little and pulled her into a hug. He started to laugh.

"What's so funny?" Keriam asked.

"Too bad I didn't wake up next to you," Marik grinned as he released her.

"I don't think Joey would have been too happy if all three of us were in the same bed," Keriam grinned. "Get dressed. It's almost noon."

Marik nodded and Keriam left the room. Sighing, Marik flopped back onto the bed and let out a small laugh. "Boy, are you two going to get it."

She tried laughing but didn't want to think of what he had planned.

~

"Bakura?" Cheri located him in the bathroom through the sound of running water. Opening the door she entered and quickly closed it behind her. There, with the tub slowly filling was Bakura with the sheet tied around his waist tightly and head in the water. Panicked she knelt by his side, grabbing his shoulders. She blinked as she got splashed with ice cold water when he jumped and pulled his head out, sputtering a bit.

"Cheri? That you?" he asked from a mess of tangled hair and dark pink ribbons.

"Are you trying to kill yourself?" she asked him, pushing his hair away from his face.

"You mean I'm not dead yet?" he asked, coughing some and looked at her. "What are you doing here?"

"Keeping you from drowning. Here, just don't move." Turning the water off she grabbed a wash cloth, a spare robe, and rummaged in the medicine cabinet for a bottle of aspirin. Kneeling next to him once more she handed him the robe she handed him two pills. "Other than the headache how do you feel?" she asked quietly.

"That I wish I was without a body once more," he admitted and swallowed the pills without the help of water. "I had this weird dream last night."

"About? Lay down and don't move." Having him lay on the floor with his head resting on her lap she took the washcloth she had dipped in the cold water and rested it on his forehead before going to work on removing the ribbons from his hair.

"You kept trying to do a strip tease but Kaiba wouldn't let you."

Cheri blushed. Okay I am never drinking again, not in a million years, she thought to herself. "Anything else?"

"Yeah, someone saying I should lose weight but... I woke up and found myself in bed. Naked. With Marik. Naked. With ribbons in my hair. Did I mention 'naked'?"

"Yeah. Um Bakura? The ribbons? I did that." He caught her hands and looked at her.

"... I can forgive you for that."

"And I was the one who took your clothes off. Nothing happened with Marik."

"..."

"It was a joke! When I drink too much I have this insane hyper rush and I had no idea you would wake up that way, screaming and stuff and now that I think about it it wasn't such a great idea and if you never want to talk to me I understand…" she said in a endless sentence without stopping she blinked when she found Bakura was kneeling before her, still holding her hands in his own. "Bakura?"

"Who else knows?" he asked.

"Just me. And Keriam," she said weakly.

"... Don't you ever do that again." Still holding her hands he leaned over and gave her a hard kiss. "You might want to change even though a soaking wet robe clinging to your body doesn't leave much to the imagination."

Blushing from the kiss she looked as herself before blushing more and wrapped her arms around herself. "I'll um get some clothes for you when you're done. Just please don't try to drown yourself. Okay?" Without waiting for an answer she quickly left. Touching her lips she headed in search of some clothes for the former thief to wear for the day.

~

Yugi slowly returned to the world of the living. Cracking his eyes open slightly, Yugi found his head resting on Tea's stomach, the sheet between his cheek and her silky skin. Her arms draped around his shoulders tightened slightly as Tea stirred.

"Are you awake?" Tea asked quietly.

"Not yet," Yugi answered, "and neither are you. When I wake up, I'll wake you up."

"Okay," she sighed and relaxed into the pillows. "My head is killing me."

"That's why I told you we're still asleep."

"We must have been a good time last," Tea yawned. "I don't remember getting here."

"That makes two of us," said Yugi as he shifted a little.

"Yugi? Did we put Marik and Bakura in the same bedroom?"

Blinking, he raised his head and looked at Tea. "Not us... but I think the others did."

"I hope they didn't do anything stupid then." She smiled and pulled him down to kiss him softly.

Yugi smiled against her lips and fairly melted in her embrace, just holding her close.

The door opened and Yami looked inside. "Aibou, are you... that answers my question," he said as the two broke apart.

Tea blushed as she pulled the sheet over her chest as Yugi wrapped the other part around his waist. "Something you wanted, Yami?" the bearer asked.

"Just to see if you were awake and if you wanted lunch. It's a little past noon."

"We'll be right down, thanks."

The pharaoh nodded and shut the door.

"That's the second time he's walked in on us," said Tea

Yugi nodded. "I'm beginning to wonder if what Joey asked him last night is true."

"You can always ask Keriam to use the Millennium Key on him," Tea smiled.

~

Joey had finally woken up, lying on his stomach on a large bed under very comfortable sheets, with his left arm flung over a pillow with his head resting on it. The blonde knew for a fact that he wasn't wearing anything under the sheets, though he barely remembered making upstairs into the guestroom. His head was pounding a little, and he decided to stay in bed until the pain subsided completely.

The bedroom door opened quietly and then closed. Joey didn't hear any footsteps but then he felt the mattress shift as someone climbed onto the bed and moved until the person was behind him. A feminine giggle was heard, which told Joey that it was Keriam.

"We are on a tropical island," she said quietly. "Just the two of us."

"Thanks the gods..." Joey said in an even monotone.

Keriam stifled her laugh. "I am wearing a gold bikini."

"String bikini..."

"You are wearing a green toga."

Joey opened his eyes partially and looked at her. "What is your obsession with that?"

"Go back to sleep. I'm not done yet."

"Okay," Joey laid down and shut his eyes.

"You remove your toga and spread it along the sand," Keriam went on, "you pick me up and lay me on the toga."

"My beautiful goddess..." Joey spoke in a sleepy voice again.

"And then-" Keriam yelped as Joey pounced on her, and they both groaned as a shot of pain ran through their heads.

"Okay, that wasn't good," Joey pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Good afternoon, my Silver Wolf Knight," Keriam said once the pain decreased.

"It's that late?" Sighing he rested his head on her shoulder, content to just hold her like this for now.

The green-eyed girl smiled as she gently ran her fingers through his hair, taking her time. "Hungry?" she asked.

"Actually... yes. But I don't want to get up."

"Me either but walking around and some food are suppose to help. That or drink a Bloody Mary."

"Ugh no thanks." With a heavy sigh he very slowly pulled himself up into sitting and looked around the room. Locating his boxers he pulled them on and went in search of a shirt but could only find an old and worn muscle shirt. Dressed he crawled back into bed and curled around his priestess.

"I thought you were hungry," but she wrapped herself around him, holding him close as he rested his head over her chest.

"I am but later. Just five more minutes..." with a tired yawn he closed his eyes. The young lady just smiled and held him as he slept once more.

~

Seto stared at the ceiling of his bedroom but it did nothing to help him in remembering last night nor ease the pain in his skull. Mokuba had come in early but as much as he loved his brother he couldn't get up or do anything much less play a game. He closed his eyes and reached for his nightstand.

Where's that damn bottle? he thought to himself but his questioning hand couldn't find his nightstand much less the small bottle. He growled in frustration. He slowly opened his eyes when he felt someone press a cold glass into his hand and watched as Cheri slowly straddled his lap. "Morning."

"Afternoon." Smiling she helped him sit up and gave his the pills. He swallowed them along with the entire glass of water and let her take it from him. Sighing he laid back down. "How do you feel?" she asked quietly.

"Do you have to ask? Why are you so awake?" he asked himself.

"You know me. Mokuba wants to know if he can go to the amusement park later today."

"As long as Nan takes him. I don't think I'll be leaving the mansion anytime soon."

"Maybe we can convince Malik to go with him," Cheri suggested. "I know that Malik still has the mind of a teenager but there were plenty of times where I've acted half my age."

"That and he'll be away from Bakura," Seto sighed. "I swear that thief was going to kill him last night."

He tried killing himself earlier, she thought before resting more comfortably on his lap and trailed her fingers along his chest.

The CEO moaned deeply in his chest, closing his eyes as she began to massage his chest. "Don't stop..." he said softly.

Cheri just smiled and continued, taking her time. "Seto? Do you remember, what we talked about last night?"

"Mmm Hmm..."

"Do you think... we'll be able to have a family of our own?"

"I know we will." He looked at her with half-lidded eyes. "You're still worried."

She nodded. "I think it would be nice if Mokuba had someone to look up to him for a change."

"And he will." Seto pulled Cheri down and she rested against his chest. "He's going to be an excellent uncle."

"Because his big brother is going to be an excellent daddy."

"And the excellent daddy will have a perfect wife who will no doubt be an excellent mommy."

Cheri smiled and snuggled contently upon Seto. "Hold me," she whispered.

Seto wrapped his arms around her a little tighter and stroked her hair.

~

"Ha!" Malik grinned as his car raced over the finish line. "I won!"

Mokuba smiled. "You know, Malik, it's pretty cool in a way that you're ten."

"Freaky is more like it," said the Egyptian. "I'm short, my voice is squeaky, but the one plus is that I'm scar-less." He pointed over his shoulder.

"Yeah, Seto told me how you got them... or did Marik get them?"

Malik thought for a moment. "According to current psychology, which I will use for reference, Marik is the original personality. I am the happy childhood. And that thing that took over was all the hate, pain, and rage he had experienced while growing up."

Mokuba's eyes widened. "There were three in your body two years ago?"

"The Millennium Rod spilt us," Malik explained. "Marik and I are two souls split from one soul. The third personality was just negative emotions that became aware of itself partially due to the Millennium Rod. That one killed father, not Marik."

"I'm curious, when Marik was sent out of his body and went into the Millennium Ring, did you go with him?"

"Yeah, I did. It's hard to explain, but I knew something happened and we weren't in our body anymore. I was aware but still in the dark so to speak. You understand?"

Mokuba nodded.

"Anytime before that thing tried taking over completely, Rashid helped pushing it back. He was more like a father to Marik then our real father; I guess that's where I come in because I'm the happy childhood and Rashid's a big part of that. When Yami defeated the negative emotions, Marik and I went back but I was granted consciousness and control. Marik couldn't take over unless I gave him permission."

"Weird."

"It is, but I love Marik like an older brother. He always took care of me."

"Yeah I can see that. He's really protective of you, like how Seto's protective of me." He started the game over as they talked.

Malik picked another car for this race. "It's weird but when I found out Rashid and Ishizu are 'going out' I wasn't upset. I'm happy they found someone."

"Love knows no boundaries. Hey, you think you're gonna stay a ten-year-old or go back to being everyone else's age?"

"Dunno. I mean being a kid is fun and Bakura can't hurt me."

"Says who?" Said thief came into the room, wearing dark jeans and a black shirt.

"Bakura... You look like hell," the raven-haired boy stated.

"Ya think?" he snapped. "I need a drink..." He left them be and headed into the kitchen.

"Stay away from the booze!" Malik called after him. "Not that he'll listen to me."

Mokuba laughed.

Bakura walked into the kitchen and saw Ryou, head held up by his hands with elbows propped on the table. His eyes were slightly bloodshot and he stared at the glass before him, which had been filled with water earlier.

"I'll bet that you look better than you feel," Bakura said.

Ryou nodded. "I feel like someone took a baseball bat to my skull."

"Did you take anything yet?"

"4 extra strength Advil but it still feels like this."

Walking over he reached out and tentively rubbed his back. "Just sit and relax. I'll get you some more water." Taking the glass he headed to the kitchen and refilled the glass before taking one down and filled it himself. Coming back to the table he quietly pulled a chair back, wincing as the legs scraped against the floor and sat down. "You should go back to sleep."

"I'll go to sleep early tonight. Thanks." Taking the glass he slowly drank from it and rubbed his forehead. "Were you screaming earlier?"

"... Yeah. Which reminds me, I am going to kill Wheeler, Taylor, Kaiba, and the pharaoh for sticking me in the same bed with Marik," he growled around the water glass.

Ryou peeked out from under his hand. "Marik? Oh..." Ryou paled as he remembered. "I forgot about that."

"You knew?"

"I remember you two fell asleep on the couch, and them taking you guys upstairs... didn't Cheri say something about dancing naked?"

I guess I didn't dream that part, Bakura thought.

"And Keriam said something about a new way to use the Millennium Rod, whatever that meant," Ryou yawned. "Not the first thing you wanted to see when you woke up was it?" he smiled lightly.

"Not really," Bakura grumbled. "Despite it I'll make Marik happy by killing Joey for him."

"But that'll make Keriam very unhappy or possibly worse," Yami added as he entered the kitchen. Nodding he made poured some coffee in a mug and joined the duo at the table.

"I would strangle you right now if I had the energy to wrap my hands around your neck," Bakura said and drank some more water. "Where's everyone?"

"Waking up." He took a sip of the lukewarm liquid. "Except, several of them might decide to stay in bed today."

"Thank god no more school," Ryou smiled before resting his head on his arms.

Tristen stumbled into the kitchen. "Aspirin?" he begged.

"We're out," said Bakura.

"Don't be mean to me; I'm not the one who dragged your heavy ass upstairs."

"No, you dragged Marik," said Yami.

"Whose bright idea was it to put him and me in the same bed?" Bakura demanded.

"If I said it was one of the girls, can't remember which one, what would you say?"

"That you're full of shit, pharaoh."

"You always say that and it's true, about the girls."

"As much as I hate to agree, Yami's right." Everyone looked up at Marik came in, walking slowly as she went to the table and eased himself into a chair.

"Oh. Well they shouldn't have agreed to it," the albino growled.

"Oh shut up it's done and we have all headaches that make us wish we were dead." Following Ryou's example Marik rested his head on the table, sighing at the coolness of the wood against his skin.

Yami smiled as he nursed his mug of coffee, watching as Tristen tried to will away the pain in his skull.

Nan entered the kitchen and looking at the young men sighed. "I don't suppose any of you could stand to eat something?" she asked, keeping her voice low. She felt sorry for them but drinking that much would give anyone hangover pains.

"Not at the moment," said Tristen. I seriously doubt that even Joey would try to eat.

"I don't think any of us are in the mood to eat right now," Yami sighed as he sipped some more coffee.

"I understand. But if you guys are hungry I made some soup," she said.

"Thank you," Ryou said from his comfortable position on the table.

At that moment Malik and Mokuba ran into the kitchen, clearly happy to see the older woman. "Nan! Nan! Guess what??" the young Kaiba asked with excitement.

She smiled at his eagerness. "What?"

"Seto said Malik and I can go the amusement park! He said it was okay if you took us! I think he's sick 'cuz he's still in bed," he explained with a slight frown.

"He'll be alright later but since you two seem ready let me just grab my purse." She removed her apron and left the boys in the kitchen.

Malik fairly bounded over to Marik's side and looked at him where he still had his head on the table. "Are you gonna be sick again?" he asked, looking positively adorable.

"I know I'll be if you stay here," said Bakura.

Despite the hangover, Marik still had enough energy to give the thief a deadly glare.

"Bakura," Ryou groaned. "Please, we're too ill for this right now."

Bakura merely shrugged and started to fiddle with a napkin.

Nan entered with her purse slung over her shoulder. "Okay, kids, let's go."

"Bye, guys," said Tristen. "Have fun."

"We will, " Mokuba grinned.

"Bye, Bakura!" Malik hugged the thief, which made him squirm and almost gag. Before the tomb robber could do anything reflexive, Malik quickly let go and ran out the door after Mokuba and Nan.

Marik rested his head on the table again, his shoulder shaking as he laughed quietly.

~

Yami walked through the halls of his palace, his cloak swaying lightly behind him. The sound of children laughing caught the pharaoh's ear and his curiosity increased. A young boy ran out into the hall, giggling with his hands over his mouth and ruby eyes wide with laughter.

Yami stopped and his mouth fell open.

"Seth, come on," the child said as he did his best to control his voice.

Another boy with brown hair ran into the hallway. The twinkle in his blue eyes seemed to mirror the grin on his lips. "Father and uncle will be very upset," said the slightly taller boy but he still smiled widely.

Yami couldn't believe it. He was looking at his child-self along with his cousin, Seth.

"I know but this is more fun!" Grinning he ran down the hall, past his adult version but he didn't seem to notice.

"I'm coming!" he laughed and chased after the young, soon-to-be-ruler.

I can't believe this... Yami thought to himself. This... This is my childhood... Gods how I miss it so much... he couldn't help but think sadly of it.

"Even as a child," a soothing yet tired woman's voice spoke, "you were mischievous."

Yami spun around and saw no one. "Who are you?"

The palace suddenly changed, looking old and crumbled, scars along the large pillars from sandstorms marred the once perfect structure. Yami's clothes were no longer his robes as Pharaoh, but the long pants, tight black sleeveless shirt, and large buckle choker with the identical wristbands.

"Show yourself!" Yami demanded.

A shadow formed only a few yards away from him.

She looked so much like that Reaper of Cards.

Yami blinked, remembering what Seto had told everyone about his dream. He regained his composure and looked at the apparition. "You are the Daughter of Isis."

"And you are referred to as the Nameless Pharaoh," she said. "Has your other half discovered your name yet?"

"Not yet... but we are still searching," he explained.

"I am certain you will recover your name. But that is not why you are here."

"I thought as much."

"I am aware that the Guardian has given the Sisters the Items but it may not be enough. They must find the strength to wield the great power or be consumed by the darkness. The Shadow Realm is changing even as we speak..."

"But how are we to use the items? What must be done?" he asked.

She floated closer before circling him once, stopping before him. "The enemy is not always what it seems."

Yami blinked. "Our enemy?"

She floated back some but she seemed sadden by something. "The Sisters must unite their hearts, minds, and souls to control the great power and heal this world. If even one is in doubt... then darkness will consume her. Heed my warning pharaoh... and may the gods help you on this task."

"No wait!" the world slowly shifted and faded. Yami blinked but now he found himself looking up at the ceiling of the living room. Slowly he sat up on the fold out bed and looked around. It had been a week since everyone graduated from high school and had that drinking Truth or Dare game and now this vision. Sighing deeply he ran his hands through his hair, thinking over the dream.

'If even one is in doubt... then darkness will consume her...' he closed his eyes and laid back. Gods, please grant me strength.

"We can't send them to the Shadow Realm," said Bakura.

"No," answered Marik.

"We can't take away the Millennium Items."

"No."

"Is there any way to extract revenge for what they did?"

"Probably not."

"Too bad we can't do the same thing to the girls what they did to us," Bakura sighed as he placed a card down on the table.

Marik looked at him. "As if you'd be able to stop yourself after removing Cheri's clothes." He turned over his trap card.

"Like you could if you took off Keriam's," the thief snorted at both remark and trap card.

"Boy, are you two perverted," Malik said as he walked into the kitchen.

"Will you get out of here, you annoying little--ow!" Bakura yelped when Marik kicked his leg from under the table.

"Watch it, Bakura," he warned as he looked at his hand. "Pass."

The thief snorted and looked at his hand before placing two cards down. "So what can we do?"

Malik watched them before pulling up a chair and looked at Marik's hand as they dueled. "Do you honestly want them mad at you two just for the sake of revenge?" he asked. "They could always find another way to get back at you and then what?"

"A never ending loop," the dark one sighed and placed a monster card down. "Your turn."

"Activate trap card." He smirked as Marik placed the card in the Graveyard.

"Who's winning?" Cheri asked as she entered the room.

"Dunno, I just got here," Malik said, folding his hands on the table and rested his chin on them.

"Where are you going?" the thief asked, looking up at her. For some reason she looked very fetching in some denim cut offs with a tank top and sandals.

"Craft store. I ran out of some paints and I need to get some new brushes and stencils. You won't believe how much black and white I use!"

"Judging by the paint that you sometimes forget to wash off your arms," Marik said, "quite a bit."

Cheri grinned. "Maybe I should invest in a long-sleeved smock."

I can think of something you can invest in without the use of money, Bakura smirked. It quickly faded when he noticed Malik looking at him. "What?"

"Nothing," Malik smiled almost angelically.

"You guys want anything from town?"

"I think we're fine."

"Alright. See you all later." Waving to them she headed out with her wallet in her pocket. She couldn't help smiling and thought to herself, Today is a good day.

~

"Maybe we should bring Cheri over," Keriam suggested, rolling her paint roller in the paint pan containing sky blue colored paint.

"If your aunt wants to have clouds painted on the walls," Joey grinned as he moved the ladder near the corner. He set the paint tray and brush on top and climbed up the ladder. "Dare I ask why she has such a sudden ambition to redecorate the house?"

"I have no idea," Keriam sighed as she covered the old brown paint with the blue. "You do realize we might have to paint a couple coats on this."

"I know." Joey carefully dabbed the small paintbrush into the tray. After wiping the excess paint off, he gently ran the brush along the corner of the doorframe.

"How it going kids?" Zack asked as he brought in a stack of newspaper.

"Not too bad," Joey smiled.

"Thanks for the paper," said Keriam, setting her roller down and took the pile from him.

"Do me a favor," Zack said, "I accidentally mixed today's edition somewhere in here and I don't have the time to find it at the moment."

Keriam smiled. "I'll set it aside."

"Thank you. Terry and I will be back in a few hours. Need anything?"

"A professional painter," grinned Joey.

"If we see Cheri we'll send her over. She's the cheapest one we can afford," he grinned. "Be careful you two and leave the windows open so you don't get sick from the fumes."

"We'll open them to dry it faster. The last thing we need is the room to be wallpapered in today's news."

Laughing Zack left them alone. Joey grinned as he continued his painting, making careful strokes as Keriam went though the paper. All was quite before she suddenly yelled. Caught off guard he jerked back, only to barely remember he was sitting on a ladder. Joey hit the floor in a clatter and crash as the tray he had been using decided to upload all the paint.

Right on his face.

Spitting the stuff he wiped the excess from his face, getting up and looked at himself. "I'm a damn smurf!"

"We have something more to worry about," Keriam said as she turned to face him, holding the paper for him to see. 'Billionaire's Fiancée is Defective.' In the story was a picture of Cheri.

"What the-" Resisting the urge to curse he snatched the paper from her hand and read the story. "'Seto Kaiba, CEO of Kaiba Corp and youngest billionaire bachelor, has chosen Cheri Dante, a fellow graduate of Domino High School but that is old news. Our private source has told us that it looks like Mr. Kaiba may be looking for a new wife-to-be. Turns out Ms. Dante is unable to produce an heir for the Kaiba fortune.' Unable to produce an heir?" he repeated and looked up at his girlfriend. "I don't get it."

"You remember... Cheri had that doctor's appoint after school?" He slowly nodded. "She had a blood test but it wasn't until a few days ago that her results came in... Haven't you wondered why she hasn't gotten pregnant yet?"

He made a slight face. "Please do I need to think about Kaiba naked?"

"I'm serious! Because of her medication she can't have children! That's why she ran away that day; she thinks she failed Seto."

"Oh my God..." Joey whispered as he stared at Cheri's photo. He watched Keriam run from the dining room. "Keriam?"

"I'm calling Rose," she said, "it's her day off." Keriam quickly dialed the number and waited.

"You've reached the Dante residence," Rose's cheery voice greeted on the answering machine. "Please leave a message after the beep."

*BEEP*

"Um, Rose, it's Keriam."

Another beep sounded and the older woman's tired voice spoke. "You read the paper."

"Yeah... is Cheri home?"

"She went out earlier. She said she was going out to buy some more art supplies," Rose sighed. "I already called Seto's cell phone--he was already in his limo going after her. I hope he finds her before the reporters do." Rose took a deep breath. "I have no idea how it got out," she held back a sob.

"I'm so sorry," Keriam said as she wiped her eyes.

"Keriam, it's not your fault. I called Dr. Kenshin after I saw the paper. Someone had broken into his office and went through Cheri's file. Nothing was taken... but all that person had to do was read."

"Any ideas who?"

"No," Rose answered.

Keriam remained quiet for a few moments. "When you talk to Cheri, tell her she can call me whenever she wants."

"I will. Thank you, Keriam." Rose hung up the phone.

Keriam slowly placed the phone down and fell onto the couch, tears falling from her eyes. Joey, after cleaning the paint off his face, sat next to her. He didn't say a word as he pulled Keriam into his arms and held her.

~

Cheri hummed as she walked down the street, ignoring the looks people were giving her. However, she couldn't help noticing that they were sympathy looks.

Yes, I am marrying Seto Kaiba, she thought, I know I'm not gonna have much of a private life anymore but yeesh!

Cheri was only half a block away from the art store when she noticed a couple reporters waiting not far from her destination.

"Give me a break," Cheri grumbled, "you've seen the ring."

Suddenly, Kaiba's limo skidded to a halt right next to her. One of the bodyguards jumped out from the front seat and quickly escorted Cheri into the limo. The reporters, who were lying in wait, started to run to the limo. Once Cheri was safe inside, the bodyguard went back into his seat and the limo sped away.

"Seto?" Cheri looked at her fiancé. "What was that for?"

He looked at her, and she became worried at his expression. "What is it?"

Seto moved from the opposite seat and sat next to her. "Always remember that I love you no matter what anyone else says."

"I know that..." Cheri answered quietly.

Seto closed his eyes briefly, and then looked into her eyes. "It got out," he said. "It was in this morning's paper."

At first she didn't understand what he meant but it donned on her. The looks, the hushed whispers, the reporters. Slowly she looked down at her hands.

Seto slowly wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. "We don't know how but it seems someone read your file at the hospital," he explained. "But I promise we are going to find the one responsible for this."

"What's the point?" she asked him quietly. "Women will now be lining up to become Mrs. Kaiba now that this is out. Maybe one of them can give you a family."

"I don't want them I want you!"

"I can't give you what we both want."

"There has to be a way you can't just give up on this!" Reaching up he held her face in his hands, resisting the urge to shout. "Cheri... I love you and I want you and only you. Nothing will ever change that." It wasn't long before she finally gave into the tears and leaned into his embrace, curling up as if to hide from the world. "Oh baby," he whispered and held her tightly, letting her cry herself out. Reaching for his cell phone he dialed a number and listened for it to pick up as he stroked his love's hair. "Rose, it's me." Cheri looked up at him. "We're on the way to the mansion. Do you want a lift?"

"I'll meet you there. Can I talk to her?" she asked. He wordlessly handed the phone to Cheri. "Honey?"

"Mommy. Why can't they leave us alone?" she asked, on the verge of crying again.

"I don't know, sweetie," Rose answered. "I guess they have nothing better to do with their spare time. I'll see you at the mansion, okay?"

"Okay," Cheri whispered and handed the cell phone back to Seto.

~

Ryou looked up from the paper when he finished the article. Malik's eyes were wide with shock and Marik held an angry expression. Bakura was looking out the window, and Ryou didn't need their mental link to know what he was thinking.

"How can they write about Cheri like that?" Malik said quietly.

"They're leeches," said Marik.

"So that's the reason for the way she was that day we found her," said Ryou and thought, Poor Cheri, she can't have children.

Bakura swore under his breath. "May whoever told that to the press die slowly and painfully," he turned from the window and walked towards the kitchen. "Such a shame I won't be there to see it."

"Where are you going?" Marik asked.

"Out," the thief snapped. He put on his sneakers and left, slamming the door behind him.

Marik actually winced from the force. "I would feel sorry for that asshole but whatever Bakura does to him, or her, deserves it."

"Why would they do something so heartless? It's bad enough they give them no privacy of their own but must everything in their lives be for the world to see?" Ryou asked as he folded the paper.

~

Mokuba entered the room, the look on his face showing that he had heard the news as well. "Where are they?" he asked.

"Hopefully on their way here."

"This isn't fair! They had no right to butt into our business!" he yelled, angry tears rolling down his cheeks. "I wish they were all dead!"

"Mokuba," Nan pulled the boy to her, "don't say that. Never wish someone to be dead."

"I wished it on Gozaburou."

"I'll confess, so did I but this is different. Yes, it's true they went too far going into Cheri's medical file-"

The older woman was cut off at the sound of the front door opening. A few moments later, Cheri and Seto walked into the living room. Mokuba ran to Cheri and hugged her tightly.

"Mokuba..." she hugged him back, trying to smile.

"I don't care what they say, I don't want you to go!" he said between tears.

Cheri wordlessly dropped to his level, holding back tears. "I'm not going anywhere, kiddo."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

"Everything will be alright, Mokuba. We'll get through this, like a family should," Seto said as he knelt down.

"Would you like something to drink?" Nan asked.

"No, thank you," Cheri smiled lightly.

"Why don't you go lay down for a while?" Seto suggested. "When your mother arrives, I'll send her upstairs."

Cheri nodded and Mokuba took her hand, leading her out of the living room. Seto rose to his feet and looked at Nan.

"Coffee?" she asked.

"No."

"Water?"

"No."

"Shotgun?"

"Keep that in mind."

Nan shook her head as she left the living room and went to the kitchen to start lunch.

~

In the same apartment building where Joey had once lived, a woman who lived on the fifth floor sat in a worn plush chair looking at the morning paper, with a large grin on her face. She took one last drag of her cigarette then extinguished the butt on Cheri's picture.

"Sorry, sweetie," she said mockingly as she dropped the paper on the floor and laughed, "but your mother shouldn't have gotten me suspended."

The woman reached into her pocket and pulled out a large envelope full of cash. "Those boys know how to meet demands," she said as she fingered the large bills, the smirk on her face growing wider as she remembered the reporter saying if she heard anything else regarding Seto and Cheri the next payment would be just as promising.

"Maybe I should copy her whole file," she said as she put the envelope under the seat cushion. "I wonder how much I should charge per page."

Bakura looked up at the building, a growl emitting from his throat. So this is where the source came from, he thought to himself. Entering the building he remembered the last time he came here. Could have at least gotten a new coat of paint.

The stairs creaked under his weight, taking his time as he counted the floors, slowing down when he passed the third floor. Arriving at the fifth floor he stopped and concentrated. He may not have the Millennium Ring but he wasn't without his own magic.

Within his mind's eye he saw that a reddish glow surrounded a door just down the hall. He walked towards it and took a deep breathe. reaching out he turned the knob and smirked as it broke under his grip. Pushing the door open he entered the apartment.

The woman looked up at him in surprise but it grew to anger. "Get out of my apartment!" she yelled at him.

He noticed the newspaper and looked up at her. "One question: were you the one that sold Cheri out?"

"You a friend of hers?"

"... Answer mine and I'll answer yours."

"Yeah, but I didn't think I would make such a cash out!" She smirked and rested her hands on her hips. "What are you going to do? Tell on me?"

"Why shouldn't I?"

"Freedom of the Press and Speech, kid! Her mother should have never sold me out so what better way to extract my revenge."

"Your revenge?" His fists were clenched painfully as the open door slammed shut, making the woman jump. Behind her the door leading into the bedroom and bathroom also slammed shut as did the windows. The light bulb grew brightly before exploding, sending the room into a darkness.

"W-What's going on?!" she asked, feeling the temperature slowly drop.

"Do you have any idea what you've done? You fattened your pockets by trying to destroy Cheri's life. Going to the police isn't good enough; I had even thought of killing you but that won't do any good either. So, we're gonna play a little game."

"A-A game?" Is this kid crazy?!

"Yes. But this is a game you have never seen the likes of: a Shadow Game that I like to call 'Survive the Graveyard'. And here's the playing field." Summoning the magic of the shadow realm he transforms the room into that of a cemetery with an eerie fog rolling in. Crumbling tombstones littered the area and the sky was a mixture of black and purple mist.

The woman looked frighten as her skin went pale and eyes wide. Where was she? How did she get here? Why was it so damn cold? "I want out of here! Please, I'll give you the money okay?" she pleaded with him.

"Your money means nothing to me. If you win the game though, I'll let you go. if you lose, I get to decide your punishment. Quit now and you lose."

"... How do I win?"

"Simple. Get out of the graveyard alive." He lifted his hand only to have an hour glass appear full of blood red sand with the stems carved to look like bones. "You have 15 minutes and there will also be someone to try and stop you"

"Stop me? What are you talking about it's just us!"

"Wrong. You see, I'm not the only person you pissed off." To prove it the graves began to churn and from them rose monsters straight from Bakura's Necrophile deck. "You should consider yourself lucky you're not dealing with a god's wrath."

Authors' Note

Janime: Nice cliffhanger, isn't it?

Heikou: Very nice.

Janime: Can't wait to see what Bakura has planned.

Heikou: You and me both. But that's what you get when you get on the bad side of one seriously pissed yami.

Janime: Indeed. Oh, and before I forget. A friend of mine asked me about Nan. Yes, she is Seto and Mokuba's nanny. Still is in a way, but she does know about what happened from Duelist Kingdom and all the events that happened afterwards. So if you were confused as to why she wasn't shocked when she saw Ryou and Bakura in separate bodies at the kitchen table, that's the reason why.

Heikou: Cool lady. Thanks to Shade for helping us with Bakura's Necrophile Deck.

Janime: Hai. Domo arigatou, Shadowsage-sama.