"Arise from Darkness"
By Heikou and Janime
Chapter Ten
Soul Release
Monsters surrounded them from all sides, nearly all of them fiends and zombies but one look into their eyes showed they were not pleased. Bakura watched as the woman looked around for any means of escape but could find none. He reached out with a hand as a Man-Eater Bug came to his side, a deep growl emitting from its chest as he stroked the head in an almost loving gesture.
"This is the one?" it asked with a growl.
"The very same."
"What shall we do with her?" the Dream Clown asked.
"Keep her from escaping the graveyard until the time runs out."
"This-This is just a dream. Yeah a really bad dream," the woman tried to tell herself as she shook her head. "I'll just close my eyes and wake up. Yeah that's it." She did so but when she opened her eyes she found herself still in the graveyard.
Behind her a coffin rose from the ground, slowly creaking open only to reveal a tall suit of armor with a sword and shield but… it had no head. The knight lifted his sword and brought it down. Screaming the woman moved to the side at the last moment only to see that the sword gave her a shallow cut on the arm.
"Figured it out yet? This is no dream or even a nightmare. I suggest you get moving, the sands are running low and Headless Knight isn't one to miss his target very often," Bakura said calmly. The woman didn't say anything but ran. The monsters looked at their master who waved his hand. Almost at once they took off after her but one monster stayed with the former tomb raider.
"Why do I not join the others?" the being asked.
"Because, for the hell she put Cheri through she deserves to suffer," he explained. "I may have done a lot of terrible things in my past but I never went as low as to humiliate anyone unless they deserved it. Death is too good for her but I want her to suffer until the last bit of sanity has been stripped."
The monster clutched at the broken doll in her arms tightly, eyes glowing angrily as her upper lip lifted up to reveal sharp fangs. "She will regret hurting the Daughter of Anubis," she snarled but looked at her master. "But, why do this if her heart belongs to another?"
"… Sometimes, we can't explain the actions we take for the sake of love," he said softly.
~
Keriam and Joey managed to sneak behind Kaiba mansion, avoiding the hoard of reporters at the main gate. Once they were at the specific area of the eight-foot concrete wall where Seto had told them to go, Keriam cleared her throat and recited the words he told her.
"Hail from the skies, the Blue Eyes White Dragon."
As soon as she spoke the words, a rope was tossed over wall and the end landed on the ground. Keriam grabbed the rope and scaled the wall. She looked over, seeing four security officers--two were holding the rope--and Mokuba.
"Hey, Keriam," the young boy smiled.
"Hi, Mokuba," she returned the smile. "Okay, Joey."
As her boyfriend started to climb, Keriam jumped down and landed safely in the arms of the security guards. Once she was on her feet, the guards caught Joey and the rope was pulled over.
"That was fun," the blonde said. "Hey little man. How's everyone?"
"Worried. Cheri is painting and she won't stop; Seto and Rose tried but she won't listen."
"Where's Tea and the others?" Keriam asked.
"Hopefully on their way." Leading them back to the mansion they went inside. The young boy led his friends through the maze of rooms before stopping at a door and opened it slowly.
It looked like a bedroom except the only furniture were several canvas stands and stools with paintings hanging along the wall and paints staining the old sheets covering the floor. Sitting before a large window was Cheri, paint visible on her hands as she worked on a large canvas. All the group could tell of the painting was that it was dark. She didn't look back at them or say anything as she picked up a bottle of paint thinner and poured it on the canvas before using her hands to blend the colors together.
"Cheri..." Keriam whispered. "Let me talk with her for a few minutes."
Joey nodded as Keriam walked into the room and Mokuba shut the door. Keriam stood by the door for a while, watching Cheri smearing the colors of the painting, forever distorting what the original piece was.
Keriam took a breath and let it out slowly before walking over to her best friend. She watched Cheri's hands move through the muted multi-colored paint.
"Uncle Zack once told me about a skilled craftsman in central Europe that made a beautiful clock for the church in the middle of town," Keriam finally spoke. "The villagers decided that since the clock was a marvelous piece of craftsmanship, they blinded him so that he wouldn't duplicate his work. In retaliation, the craftsman destroyed the gears of the clock. The gears were never replaced, and the clock only tells time twice a day. That's the way it's been for roughly four hundred years."
Her hand paused before puling back. The painting was now just a mess, similar to her life. Cheri looked at her hands and then looked at Keriam. "Seemed like a good idea at the time."
Keriam went over and hugged her. "I wish I knew what to tell you."
"I hate this," Cheri sobbed. "It was nothing when just you and Tea knew but now everyone plus all of Domino knows. I can't take this anymore!"
"Hey don't be thinking of something stupid! Cheri, listen to me. Everything is not lost; I mean remember what your mom said? You're still having your friend visit so there's a chance."
"Mom already talked to the doctor. He said the only option he could think of was to let someone else carry the baby and give birth then we adopt the child but so much could go wrong! I want the baby! I want to go through morning sickness and mood swings and labor pain!" Even as she pulled away from her Sister she rubbed at her eyes, smearing paint and tears over her face.
"What about a second opinion?" Keriam said. "If that's the only one he can think of, talk to someone who specializes in this area." She hugged Cheri tighter. "Come on, let's get you cleaned up and we'll talk later, okay?"
Cheri only nodded.
~
"Anything?" Marik asked.
Ryou shook his head. "He blocked the link. If he can tell that I'm trying to talk to him, he's ignoring me."
"It's not a good thing letting Bakura run around loose is an angry mood," said Malik.
"You're telling me," Ryou sighed.
"What in the name of Ra could he be doing?" Marik asked no one in particular.
"I don't know... but it can't be good."
"Or legal," Malik added.
~
The woman panted as she hid behind a large statue, feeling her heart beat frantically in her chest. She wasn't sure how long she had been running but she couldn't seem to find an exit anywhere. She cringed when she heard what sounded like a sharp blade gliding over the rough stone. It made her flesh crawl and teeth clench together. But looking up she saw a small glimmer of hope.
There, several yards away was a tall, black, wrought iron fence. And an open gate.
Freedom! Looking around she took a deep breathe and ran as fast as she could.
"There she be!" the Earl of Demise declared. Everyone looked up and chased after her but it seemed like they were going to lose. The women didn't care as she ran; smiling as she reached out with her hand but just as she got there the gates slammed shut. "No!! No no no!!" she screamed, pounding on them but it was no use.
Bakura laughed as he appeared on the other side of the gate, holding the now empty hourglass in his hand. "You ran out of time which means you lose," he smirked.
"No... No it isn't fair!!" she screamed.
"Fair?" He growled and walked through the bars as if nothing, grabbing her by the blouse and pulled her to his face. "You speak to me about fairness? You stole dark secrets for the media to know just to fatten your pockets! You hurt the one I love just for the sake of revenge! Don't make me laugh!!" Shoving her back he waved his hands, dismissing the monsters. "I leave her in your hands. Make sure she suffers."
"As you wish, Master," said an eerie voice from behind the woman, making her turn but wish she hadn't. Materializing behind the woman Necrofear lifted a hand and grasped her face tightly, claws digging into the flesh as she continued to cradle the broken doll. Her eyes glowed red and the woman screamed in fear and pain as Bakura closed his eyes.
Back in the apartment the woman was sitting in the middle of the floor, a blank look on her face as she drooled worse than a newborn baby. She was still alive but deep within she was being tortured repeatedly for her treacherous ways by the Necrofear. He turned to leave but walked over to the chair behind the woman and found the cash hidden under the cushions. He wanted to shred the bills or set them on fire or even shove them down her throat but instead, he stuffed them deep in his pocket. Taking a last look at the woman he smirked and left, closing the door behind him as magic fixed the doorknob yet burned away any fingerprints he left behind. He didn't want Ryou to get blamed for this.
"Enjoy your torment, you selfish bitch."
~
Keriam rubbed her eyes as she sat in front of Mokuba's computer. Cheri had taken a shower and was now sitting in the private garden with Seto. Joey and Mokuba were playing Duel Monsters. Tea had called and said that she and Yugi would be over soon after they dropped Yami at Ryou's house.
I don't think that's such a good idea, Keriam frowned. Marik and Bakura may end up trying to kill him. If Malik steps in then Marik won't harm Yami and Marik won't let Bakura do anything to Malik.
Sighing, Keriam returned her attention back to the monitor. For the past half hour, she had been researching the effects of the medication Cheri had taken for the uterus infection. So far, the Daughter of Ra came up with the same information she already new.
She scrolled down the page and stopped at a link titled, 'Mommy's Medical Miracle'.
"What's this?" Keriam clicked the link and her eyes grew wide as she read:
Twenty-nine year old Regina Hatchet is the proud and ecstatic mother of triplet boys. Regina had given up the hope of ever having children due to a side effect from medication she had taken for an infection of her uterus. The side effect being that one in twenty women who take the drug will lose their ability to conceive.
Until now with the help of modern science, that is. Though a slight discomforting process, the doctor checks to see if the woman is still reproducing eggs. If she is, over a period of several months, eggs are removed from the woman and medical doctors help strengthen the eggs so that they can fuse with a sperm cell. Once the fusion is complete, the eggs are then placed into the uterus and then it's up to Nature.
Several women have opted for this process and though it might take a few tries before anything happens, they are willing to go through the discomfort. Which is minor compared to the "joy of labor pains."
"That's it... that has to be it!" Printing the article she looked it over to make sure she wasn't seeing things. Smiling she went in search of Rose.
~
Rose sighed as she took a sip of her coffee. "I just don't know what to do," she said softly. "I have tried everything but Cheri seems to be pulling more and more away from me. What am I going to do?"
Nan reached over and patted her shoulder. "I know things look down but they are bound to get better. Maybe she should get out of Domino for a while. Away from the reporters and sympathy looks; somewhere where they have no idea what's going on."
"There's an idea... but I don't know. Painting doesn't even seem as important as it used to." Drinking her coffee she looked up along with Nan as Keriam entered the room.
"Rose! Nan! You have to read this," she said simply as she handed them a copy of the article. "I think this is the solution to our problem."
Rose took the paper and the two older women read it over.
"Will you look at that," Nan whispered.
"Kenshin, I'm going to kill you," Rose jumped from her chair. "Are they still in the garden?"
"Last time I checked," said Keriam.
"Stay here. I'll tell them." Rose all but sprinted from the kitchen.
~
Seto and Cheri were sitting in the gazebo where he had proposed to her. The decorations were still up, and the couple was sitting on one of the benches, Cheri leaning into Seto's embrace.
"How about you and I get out of here for a while?" Seto asked quietly. "Not forever, maybe just a couple weeks till things cool down."
"Where would we go?" Cheri asked.
"Anywhere you want. We can leave right now if you want to. Pack your things, I'll leave Jennings a statement for the press to play with and we can leave this behind us."
"What about Mokuba, Keriam and my mom?"
"I'm certain Mokuba and Keriam would understand," said Seto. "Your mother can stay here and the limo can take her to work."
"Mom going to Domino City General in a limo," Cheri couldn't help chuckling.
"That's something isn't it?" Seto grinned. "So what do you say?"
"Anywhere?"
"Anywhere."
Cheri looked up at him. "Egypt?"
Seto gazed into her eyes. "If that's where you want to go, we'll go."
She smiled and reached up to touch his face, leaning up to kiss him softly. "You're too good to me."
"I have every right to." Kissing her back he held her tightly. "I love you."
"I love you, too."
Rose smiled as she saw them before making her way over. "Hey you two, I think I have some good news."
"The reporters are gone?" Seto asked.
"I wish. No, this and you can thank Keriam for locating it." She handed them the article.
The two of them looked it over and were, needless to say, shocked and amazed. "B-But Dr. Kenshin said the only option I had was if he placed the fertilized eggs in another woman and let her carry to term," Cheri whispered.
"So did I but he has a lot of explaining to do."
"If he knew he would have told us," Seto explained as he rubbed Cheri's arms. "We have to find someone who specializes in this but the last thing I want is for the media to get a hold of this. That's why, Cheri and I have decided to leave Domino for a while."
Rose blinked before slowly sitting across from them, and smiled. "I think that is a very good idea. School's over and you can tell your company you're taking a vacation. And since it doesn't seem safe to get back to the house I can stay here with Mokuba and Nan."
"You aren't mad?" Cheri asked softly.
"Mad? Sweetie why would I be mad? I know that you two love each other but I also know that if you don't get out of here soon you're gonna have a nervous break down. Listen to me, I'm a nurse."
Seto laughed softly under his breathe. "It's best not to argue with the doctor, or nurse in this case."
The young girl thought it over before nodding. "Can we leave tomorrow? I want to see everyone first."
"Of course. I'll make the arrangements right now; you just stay out here and relax." Almost reluctantly he removed his arms from around his lady love and stood, kissing her softly as he left them alone.
Rose smiled as she took Cheri's hand and held it up to reveal the engagement ring. "Cheri, I know you love Seto and I know he loves you. I'm happy you found someone and I couldn't care less if he was a financial tycoon or a ambulance chasing lawyer, which I'm glad he's not, but as long as he makes you happy then I'm happy."
"When he holds me I feel like no body can hurt me. I just wish dad was here but then again…"
"Your father… he did a lot of bad things but he did love you." Cheri just nodded and hugged her mother as she did the same, telling her everything would be alright.
~
Ryou opened the door, shock first hit him but he quickly regained himself and grabbed Bakura's arm, dragging his darker half into the house and shut then door.
"Where have you been?" Ryou just about exploded.
"I went for a walk," said the thief as he kicked off his sneakers and walked to the kitchen.
Marik and Malik were sitting at the table, building a tower out of their Duel Monster cards. Unable to resist the temptation, Bakura flicked his index finger at one of the cards at the bottom and watched the tower collapse. Both boys remained still, Marik holding up a card as the tower fell, and then the Egyptians glared at Bakura.
"Where the hell have you been?" Marik asked as he lowered his arm.
"What is this Twenty Questions? I went for a walk, happy?" Growling he went to the living and sat on the couch, picking up the remote as he began to channel surf.
Ryou was tempted to ask what else he did but sighed and shook his head. Marik and Malik shrugged as they returned to their cards.
*Ding Dong*
"Could someone get that?" Ryou called out from the kitchen.
"I'll go," Marik said as he stood. Going to the door he opened it.
"Hi Marik," Yugi smiled. Tea waved and Yami just nodded.
"This is a surprise. What bring you three here?" he asked as he stepped aside to let them in. "Ryou! We got guests!"
Ryou stepped out of the kitchen. "Hey, guys," Ryou greeted. "Make yourselves at home."
"Hello, Bakura," Tea said as they walked into the living room.
"Whatever," he grumbled.
"Nice to see you too," said Yami as he sat in the chair, while Yugi and Tea occupied the loveseat.
Bakura only shrugged as he continued to surf through the channels.
Malik entered the room, carrying a tray with glasses and a pitcher of ice tea, placing it on the coffee table.
"Thanks, Malik," Yugi said and poured a glass for himself and Tea.
"Have any of you talked to Cheri?" Yami asked, pouring a glass of ice tea for himself.
"She swung by here this morning," said Marik. "Before we read the newspaper."
"I still can't believe that someone would stoop so low and do something like that," Tea stared at her glass as if it held the answer.
She won't be doing much anymore, Bakura thought and stood up, walking over to the video cabinet. He opened the door and ran his finger along the DVDs in search of something that could take his mind off today's events.
"What's that in your back pocket?" Ryou asked when he came into the room.
"Nothing," his darker half answered. "It's just an envelope."
"For?" Malik couldn't help asking.
"None of your business, shrimp."
"Is that so?" Marik walked up behind Bakura and reached for the envelope.
Bakura quickly turned and grabbed Marik's wrist. "That is my concern and no one else's," he said through clenched teeth.
Marik narrowed his eyes then slammed his other arm against Bakura's chest, pushing him against the videos. Yami sprang from his chair and quickly separated the two.
"Knock it off, both of you!" he ordered. "Why can't you two stop fighting?"
Bakura growled as he shoved them away from him. "You have no right to ordered me around, this isn't Egypt."
"I'm warning you, thief; touch me again and you'll be short one arm," Marik warned.
"Enough! Marik, go sit down." The blonde didn't move. "Would you please sit down and relax?"
"... I mean it." Backing up he sat on the sofa, leaving room for Malik but Yami continued standing as did Bakura.
~Yami, maybe this isn't a good idea,~ Yugi told the dark spirit though their mind link.
~Don't worry, Yugi. I just wish they would get along better,~ he answered back.
The musical tone of a cell phone went off and Tea reached into her purse, pulling it out. "It's Kaiba Mansion." Pressing the talk button she answered. "Hello?"
"Hi Tea, it's Keriam. Where are you right now?" she asked.
"At Ryou's house. What's up?"
"Can you guys come over to the mansion? Cheri wants to talk to all of us. I already called Tristen and he's on his way."
"I guess we can," said Tea.
"Good," Keriam sighed. "Don't bother trying to go the main gate--practically every reporter is there. Go around to the back of the mansion. Call my cell phone when you're there."
"Okay, we'll see you shortly." Tea pressed the button and returned her cell phone to her purse. "That was Keriam," she explained. "Cheri wants to talk to all of us."
"Somehow I don't think it's a wise idea to bring everyone," Yami said, looking at Marik and Bakura in turn.
"I'll behave but I don't want him anywhere near Malik or myself," Marik said tensely.
"I'll go but I'm not making any promises," the thief said.
"Fair enough. Let's go."
~
Seto hung up the phone with a sigh. "The tickets are ready and our flight leaves tomorrow early afternoon," he said.
Cheri nodded and sat in his lap; he wrapped his arms around her. "I don't understand why Dr. Kenshin didn't mention anything about that procedure."
"Who knows," said Seto. "After we come home, I'll start making a few calls and we'll go from there."
Cheri smiled lightly and kissed his cheek. "Thank you."
The intercom beeped and Keriam's voice filtered through. "They're here."
"We'll be down in a few minutes," Seto answered.
"Now how does this thing work?"
"Bakura! Don't touch it!" Ryou yelled and the intercom was shut off.
Cheri looked at Seto, who somehow managed to stay calm. "He is not allowed anywhere near my home. I don't care if Mokuba invites everyone over, that thief is not even setting one toe on my property."
"Seto please? He's actually calmed down a lot," she said softly. "I would like it if all my friends were here."
He looked up at her, his icy blue eyes melted as he nodded, giving her a tight hug as he rested his face in the side of her neck. "What's this power you hold over me?" he asked.
Cheri just smiled. "No power, just my love for you." They stayed in that position for a bit longer before getting up to go greet the others.
Upon entering the large living room Tea went over and hugged her Sister who did the same. "You okay?" she asked.
"Yeah. Still hurts but, there may be hope," she answered back.
"Cheri..." Yami slowly walked over to her. "I'm sorry that this was let out loose like this but, you do have a family. You have us."
She smiled before leaning up and tenderly kissed his cheek. She giggled at his slight blush. "Thank you."
"So what did you want to tell us?" Tristen asked.
Cheri leaned back against Seto and he wrapped his arms around her waist. "Seto and I are leaving tomorrow afternoon," said Cheri. "We're going to Egypt."
Everyone stared at the couple. Bakura managed to keep his shocked expression mild, even though he felt as if a boulder had just landed on him.
"Egypt?" Yugi said quietly.
"How long?" asked Keriam.
"Just a couple weeks," said Seto. "This way the press can find something else to write about."
"I'll send you emails, I promise," Cheri smiled and looked at Malik and Marik. "While we're there we can say 'hi' to Ishizu and Rashid."
"I think they'd like that," said Marik. Ishizu and Rashid had to return home to Egypt and 'take care of some family business' as Rashid had stated.
"Wow, hey be sure to take lots of pictures," Tea smiled.
"Better believe it," she nodded.
"This is... well this is really surprising," Ryou finally spoke up. "I mean, why Egypt?"
"Before all of this I wanted to travel the world but Egypt seemed to be the most exotic. It's like a beach trip without the ocean."
"Excuse me," was all Bakura said as he left the living room. Going through the kitchen he went out the backdoor and merely stared at the gazebo. He wanted to destroy the small building, rip the lights off and crush the roses... but he didn't. Instead he silently walked over and sat on one of the benches.
Why must I continue to suffer? he asked himself. Blinking he felt something roll down his face. Reaching up he touched his face only to realize it was a tear.
He was crying.
Growling in disgust, Bakura wiped his face and glared off somewhere in the enormous backyard. How could he allow himself to show any sign of weakness? How could he let a mere mortal girl have such an effect on him? How could he let himself fall for a girl who already loved someone else who could just about give her all she could ever want?
How could he let Seto Kaiba take away the one thing that mattered more to him than all the gold in the world? Cheri had become the most important thing in Bakura's life, making the five thousand years of imprisonment within the Millennium Ring seem worth it.
I could always kill him but she'll hate me, he thought to himself. I'm sure someone up there is laughing at me right now.
"Bakura?"
Oh no, please not now.
"Bakura are you alright?" Ryou asked. "Do you need anything?"
Yeah but you can't help me with it. "I'm fine," he answered.
Ryou walked into the gazebo and looked at Bakura. "No, you're not."
"Damn that link," Bakura muttered as he leaned back against the railing.
"I'm sorry. I know that you love Cheri. And I'm certain that Marik would be upset too if Joey and Keriam took off."
"Well, Joey's not whisking Keriam away now, is he?" Bakura snapped. "Why did I have to fall in love with her?"
"Because you're still human," Ryou said, "and maybe deep inside you know that there's more to life than stealing and trying to obtain certain objects for total domination."
Bakura snorted. "What are you? A mind healer?"
"No, I'm not," Ryou smiled gently, "and it's called 'psychiatrist' now."
"Very funny." But the corners of his lips quirked up. "I feel like I'm a joke to the gods."
"You're not a joke," Ryou tried to reason as he sat next to him. "Things don't always go the way we plan."
"If they did Yami would be dead and I would have all the items."
"Bakura please, let me finish." The thief went silent. "Just because Seto has Cheri's heart doesn't mean you have to be alone. For all we know this body could be permanent."
"You don't understand, Ryou. Even if this body is mine to keep that won't stop me from thinking about Cheri and it never will." Sighing he rubbed his temple. "Look, I just need some time to think about this. Go back inside and just tell anyone who cares that I'm thinking."
The young man looked hurt. "I'm just trying to help."
"I know and I really appreciate that. I just need some time to think."
Ryou looked at his darker half for a little while before finally rising from the bench and returned inside. Once he felt that his hikari was far away enough, Bakura pulled the envelope from his back pocket. He counted the money inside, not too surprised that there was quite a bit of cash. Bakura returned the envelope and sighed.
~
~Poor Bakura,~ Yugi sent.
~I do feel sorry for him,~ Yami returned.
It was long after everyone had left the mansion, allowing Seto and Cheri to have time to pack. Ryou had a little difficulty getting Bakura to leave, though.
Solomon had long since fallen asleep, and the two boys were still awake talking to each other via their mind link as to not wake the elder Mutou.
~It's kinda surprising to know that he could fall in love,~ the violet-eyed boy said.
~To fall in love with someone who's already taken; I hope he doesn't decide to do anything rash,~ Yami said with a thoughtful look on his face.
~Um how rash are we talking about?~
~… Back in our time, we didn't have weddings as you do today. Instead there were large feasts where all family members would be invited and then the announcement that the couple would be moving in together. They were mainly to forge alliances, or increase wealth between the high classes. But for the lower classes like farmers, they were made by parents and it was always the daughters who had to give something to the marriage. Slaves... were used more like breeding stocks.~ He sighed and leaned back some.
~If a man wanted a woman and she was taken, then all he had to do was kill the husband and take her as his own. If the girl was a lower class than the man, the family would be dissolved and the girl forced to marry the man because he was better off. But if a lower class wanted a woman of higher class, it wasn't possible but if they were desperate enough, they would find a way.~
Yugi took this all in with wide eyes. ~Do you think Bakura, would do anything like that?~
Yami looked thoughtful for a moment before slowly shaking his head. ~I doubt it. Cheri's already in a fragile state of mind. If she lost Seto...~ he trailed off as he closed his eyes.
~... I see.~ Cheri depended on her family and friends to help her in these troubled times but it seemed that she depended on Seto more than anything. If he was suddenly taken out of her life, then she would be unstable and could hurt herself or others without meaning too.
~
"He's locked himself in the bedroom," said Ryou, "and I sincerely doubt that he's going to unlock it anytime soon."
"I guess this means we're sharing the couch tonight," said Malik.
"Not unless one of us lands on the floor," Marik groaned; he looked at Ryou. "Would you mind if Malik shared your bed?"
"Won't bother me," Ryou said.
"I'm still putting the pillows in the middle," Malik raised his hand.
"Whatever." Marik stood up. "Go to sleep."
Malik jumped to his feet. "I am an adult," he pointed to his darker half, "you do not tell me what to do."
"Who's taller?" Marik grinned and his hikari narrowed his eyes.
"So? When Yugi was 14 everyone thought he was an elementary school?"
"You're point?" Malik frowned.
"I don't need a curfew!"
"Yes you do. Do I have take you to bed again?"
"Depends. You actually wearing underwear this time?"
Marik's famous evil smirk crossed his lips. "Are you?"
Malik paled and bolted to Ryou's bedroom.
"That worked," Ryou said. "Good night, Marik."
"Night, Ryou," Marik adjusted the pillows and collapsed on the couch. Despite finding a comfortable position, he couldn't fall asleep.
I don't know what I'd do, Marik thought, if I was in Bakura's place right now.
~
Bakura counted the bills once more before stuffing them back in the envelope. Looking out the window he sighed deeply. He couldn't sleep; too many things were nagging at his mind but one thought stuck out more than anything.
She's leaving tomorrow. To Egypt. With Seto. He frowned angrily before laying back. This isn't fair.
A knocking was heard on the door.
"What?" he asked.
"It's me," Ryou said. "We're going to bed right now. Good night."
"Night." He waited until he couldn't hear anything and sighed deeply. Making sure his side of the link was blocked he thought about what to do. With that much money he could get anything he wanted. Almost anything he wanted.
Maybe... I could get something that expresses my feelings... Yeah and have everyone laugh in my face.
Growling he pulled the pillow over his face before pulling it off. Thinking it over he get up from the bed and went to the door. Making sure the hallway was clear he headed towards the living room and waked to the sofa.
"Marik, I... Ra this is hard to say. I need your advice on something," he grumbled under his breathe.
"Well, there's a first time for everything," Marik sat up and looked at the other dark persona. "What is it?"
"... You love Keriam," Bakura stated.
Marik looked down at the blanket and began picking at the fuzz balls. "So what else is new?"
"Does Malik love her?"
"Not like I do. He loves Keriam the same way he loves Ishizu--like a sister. We figured that out after we separated."
"Same with Ryou. His love for Cheri is that of a friend and that's all. I love her too much..." Bakura clenched his fists and slammed them against the back of the couch. "And I'm beyond pissed off for Seto taking her away."
The blonde slowly blinked and looked up at him. "Bakura, sit down for a sec." Moving over he waited until he felt a heavy weight sink next to him. Marik took a deep breathe as he tried to think of what to say. "Cheri has Seto."
"Keriam has Joey."
"If you want advice will you shut up and listen? Look, I seriously doubt Kaiba is gonna hurt her. Even if he was that kind of person, I think everyone would be after his hide with Keriam and Tea in the first in line."
"I'd be first. They can be second."
"Are you done?" He nodded. "And I know that anything I say isn't going to change your mind or your feelings about her. All I can say is… if you hadn't told her your feelings yet then don't. Not anytime soon anyway but let her know that you are here for her. If you suddenly confess your undying love to her that's going to leave her confused and we all need our wits about us to solve this riddle. Are you listening to me?"
The thief frowned but slowly nodded his head. "I hear ya. So… what do you get the girl that has the boyfriend that can give her anything she wants?"
"Something from the heart," Marik yawned as he ran his hands through his hair. He blinked and looked over at the other boy. "Where the hell did you get money?"
"… I'm going to bed." Without answering the question Bakura got up and headed back to the bedroom.
"Bakura, answer the question. Did you rob someone?"
"Good night, and thanks for the advice." Going into the room he closed the door.
Marik groaned as he lay back on the couch, shifting around until he was comfortable. Yawning once more he pulled the blanket up and around his body but as he closed his eyes, he couldn't help but think where the former thief got money from.
I doubt he'd steal from Ryou so, maybe Kaiba? Why the hell am I worried anyway? Shifting some more he took a deep breathe and felt sleep carry him away.
~
The phone in Cheri's room at Kaiba's mansion, and she picked it up. "Hello?"
"Finished packing yet?" Keriam asked. "Don't forget your toiletries this time. Remember that camping trip we had during the summer when we were thirteen?"
Cheri laughed as she sat on the bed. "How couldn't I? I thought the counselor was going to kill me for using your hairbrush. I finished packing a little while ago."
"That's good. What about Seto?"
"He's in his office. This is going to be the first vacation he's taken in years."
"Too bad I can't come but you better tell me everything. How do you feel?"
"Bit better except I wish I knew why the person did this. Keriam? While we're gone, can you watch out for my mom and Mokuba?"
"Hey, no problem," Keriam said, the grin was audible in her voice. "I'll head over to the mansion when I have time. Terry and Zack said that Mokuba and Rose are welcome to stop by here whenever they want."
Cheri smiled. "Thanks, Keriam."
"You do realize that I'm really going to have my hands full, now," Keriam said. "I'll be watching Joey, your mother, Mokuba, Malik, Marik, Ryou, and Bakura."
"My sympathies."
"Make sure you tell Ishizu that her brothers are fine and driving Bakura nuts."
"I will," Cheri laughed. "Ishizu and Rashid are going to meet us at the airport. After we relax and get adjusted to the time zone, they're going to take us to a couple dig sites. Yugi gave me a map that his grandfather used when he was in Egypt a few years ago."
"Nice," said Keriam. "Hey, Cheri, in case you find anything relating to us..."
"I'll call you as soon as I get to a phone," Cheri promised. "I better go to bed. I'll see you tomorrow morning."
"Okay. Good night, Cheri."
"Good night, Keriam."
Slowly she hung up the phone and just sat there. So much had happened in her life but Keriam had been there for her. Now she had Seto and she couldn't help but feel grateful. Before all of this, she had never thought she would ever find the man of her dreams. Sure there had been a few crushes but they never lasted and it just didn't seem to click. But this was real; and she was very happy her best friend had found someone to love and to love her back.
Changing into her nightgown she sat before the vanity and slowly began to brush her hair out. She had her suitcase ready to go but at the last moment she carefully wrapped the scales in a blouse and packed it as well. She didn't know why but she felt an urge to take it. She just hoped it wouldn't set off any sensors in the airport or such.
Maybe... I can even find some answers to this riddle, before the Shadow Realm completely merges, she thought to herself as she set the brush down. Looking at the jewel cuffs she looked at her reflection and rested her chin in her hand, letting her thoughts wander.
Someone knocked on the bedroom door.
"Come in," said Cheri. "Hi, mom."
"Hi, sweetie," Rose said as she entered the room. "All set for tomorrow?"
Cheri nodded. "I just got off the phone with Keriam. She's going to swing by in the morning and see us off. And she said that you and Mokuba are welcome to drop by her house."
"As long as we can dodge the reporters," Rose lightly smiled, watching her daughter in the mirror.
"What's the matter?" Cheri asked, noticing the troubled look in her mother's eyes and turned around.
"I just finished watching the news," Rose sat on the bed. "You remember Aoi Jiyubei?"
"Wasn't she the one who was smoking in the linen closet at the hospital?"
"Yes, she was and I reported her. Aoi was suspended."
"She should be grateful that she wasn't fired," Cheri crossed her arms.
"Aoi isn't coming back to work anytime soon, and not because of smoking inside the hospital."
"What do you mean?"
"Aoi was found in her apartment," Rose said, "conscious but unresponsive."
"… What?"
"One of the doctors tried calling her yesterday but received no answer so he went over to check on her. The door was unlocked and Aoi was just sitting there in the middle of the floor, a blank look on her face. She didn't utter a single sound or seem to recognize him. Even when the police came nothing seemed to faze her," she explained. "To put it bluntly, it's like the lights are on but no one's home."
"… How could that happen to a person?" Cheri asked softly.
"I don't know. She's scheduled for a CAT scan tomorrow to see if maybe she suffered any brain damage. But, the police found something else. Aoi had a list of numbers by the phone. The numbers, belong to every news reporter in the Domino area."
All the color seemed to drain from the girl's face. Every reporter in Domino… she knew where Dr. Kenshin kept all the files… she knew when the halls would be empty… she had the perfect motive… She tried to ruin my life…
Rose looked at her daughter with a worry gaze. Moving closer she rested her hands on her shoulders. "Cheri? Honey, you okay?" she asked softly.
"Yeah… Yeah I'm fine." She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Do you think… Aoi will get better?"
"… Do you want me to be truthful?"
"Please."
"It depends on the CAT scans but… no. The look on her face… the only times I've seen that look is on patients who have been seriously traumatized or abused so much that they can't go on. I'm sorry."
"I feel sorry for Aoi right now, but in a way…" Cheri closed her eyes. "… she had brought this upon herself." Almost like Amierla.
Rose leaned down and hugged her daughter tightly. "I don't know how you do it hon, but you always seem to balance the good with the bad."
Cheri smiled just a bit. "An inborn talent, I guess."
"I'll let you get some sleep." Kissing her forehead she silently walked out of the room, shutting the door behind it. Feeling the pressures of today falling heavily upon her shoulders she left for her own room.
The reincarnated priestess looked back at her reflection and for a moment, she could have sworn she saw someone standing behind her. She turned to see who it was except there was nothing but shadows on the wall. Turning back to her mirror she saw just her reflection looking back at her.
Must be a trick of the dark, she mused as she prepared for bed.
Authors' Note
Heikou: Seto and Cheri are off to Egypt.
Janime: Boy, is Bakura pissed at that.
Heikou: I feel sorry for him.. I mean he's my fav cahracter ^^
Janime: What about Seto?
Heikou: Well I can help those two, you can have Joey and Marik ^^
Janime: I do, on a calendar.
Heikou: Well I still have that oh-so lovely wall scroll you got me *hugs* Now I jsut need to find one of Bakura.
Heikou: And we have lemons!!
Janime: Not on ff.net but on aff.net
Heikou: And mm.org! Here's the links jsut remove the spaces.
adultfan .nexcess .net/ aff/ story .php?no =20998
adultfan .nexcess .net/ aff/ story .php?no= 19807
mediaminer. org/fanfic /view_st.php/ 54485
mediaminer. org/fanfic /view_st.php/ 55811
Janime: Now I can't help but wonder... how many lemon scenes did we cut out of Sisters of the Moon?
Heikou: I know I did two. How many did you write?
Janime: Two. Joey and Keriam. Kasuyan and Theliane.
Heikou: Hmm good enough for me.
Janime: I know I still have to send them to you.
Heikou: So right, take ya time.
Janime: Don't say that! Look at my other fics!
Heikou: You're right. Hurry up, you slacker!
