"Arise from Darkness"
By Heikou and Janime
Chapter Fourteen
What She Was Like
Yami frowned as he lay on Yugi's bed, staring up at the ceiling. When Tea called asking about the Black Scorpion, it took him by surprise. He hadn't thought about that story in centuries and now for it suddenly surface like this? How was it connected with the chaos of the Shadow Realm? Was there something they were missing out?
He remembered how his father had said that the warrior was once the strongest man alive, driven by revenge and anger to destroy his enemies but as he grew in power so did his greed until that was all that was left. With the Army of the Dead at his command Egypt was his for the taking but the Sister of the Moon, Anubis' very own priestess, became his queen and did the one thing even Ra himself could not do.
She took his soul.
Yami closed his eyes tightly, pinching the bridge of his nose as he sighed deeply. The gods punished the Black Scorpion but no one said anything after that. It was almost as if the gods wanted people to forget that he had ever existed.
It's back with a vengeance, he thought to himself bitterly. Sitting up he swung his legs over the edge of the bed before standing. But it only creates more questions and what we need right now are answers.
~Yami, are you okay?~
~I'm alright. Just thinking about a lot of things at once.~
~Be careful,~ sent Yugi. ~You don't want your brain to overload and have smoke billowing out of your ears.~
Yami couldn't help chuckling. ~I'll try not to let it get the best of me.~
~Okay,~ Yugi's smile was felt through the link. ~I'll be back in a couple hours. Would you like me to bring home anything for you?~
~No, Yugi, but thank you.~
Their conversation ended and Yami heard the back door open and shut. Solomon was at the counter and if he needed help, the Pharaoh was there.
~
Joey zipped up his duffel bag and slung the strap over his shoulder. Heading up the stairs he found Marik and Malik watching some movie in the living room. It was 'The Ring' and honestly that movie gave him the creeps. "How can you watch that?" he asked.
"It reminds me of Bakura," Marik replied. "Needless to say he wasn't sure to take it as a compliment or insult."
"Sorry I asked. I'm heading out but I'll be back Sunday."
"Tell Serenity we said hi," Malik said as he looked over at him over the back of the couch.
The blonde couldn't help but smile at him but he glared the other. "Marik, I'm trusting you to help Keriam out but do not touch her and no monkey business."
The Egyptian looked at him over his shoulder, glaring some. "Or else what?"
"You really wanna know?" He returned the look. "Where's Keriam?"
"Right here," the young woman walked down the steps. "Did you honestly think that I wasn't going to say 'bye' to you before you left?"
"As long as it's 'ja-ne' and not 'sayonara'," Joey grinned as he pulled Keriam into his arms and gave her a deep passionate kiss.
Malik and Marik watched the couple. They knew exactly why Joey was kissing Keriam the way he was. Then again, all four in the living room knew the reason, and it wasn't entirely because he was going away for the weekend.
The front doorbell rang but the couple didn't break apart.
"Joey, the cab's here," Zack called and he walked into the living room. "I see that you two are saying goodbye, so Joey, I'll bring your bag out for you." The older man picked up the bag and left.
I wish I was the one kissing her, Marik thought to himself privately only to look down at his light who was giving him a knowing eye. Reaching out he messed up his hair.
"Hey!" Malik frowned before lunging at him but then he began to laugh. "Stop it!"
"Say uncle!" Marik was tickling his light brother, the movie and kissing action surrounding them forgotten for the moment.
The couple slowly broke the kiss but didn't move from one another's arms. Joey smiled as they rested their foreheads against one another's. "You sure you're gonna be okay with them?" he asked.
Keriam nodded. "Nothing else I can summon Silver Fang to guard my door at night," she said.
"Why didn't I think of that?"
"Because you're the one usually guarding my door."
Giving Keriam one last quick kiss, he took her hand and they walked out of the house. Zack held the door open and Joey climbed into the taxi.
"Have a safe trip," Zack said and shut the door.
"Thanks."
"Call when you get there," said Keriam.
"I will," Joey nodded, and the cab drove off.
Zack turned to his niece and smiled. "Maybe one of these weekends Serenity can visit."
"That would be nice." She smiled up at him. "It's gonna be weird without him."
"You mean without the snoring and having a full fridge?"
"Uncle Zack!"
"I'm teasing. Don't worry it's only for a few days." Giving her a hug they headed inside and he closed the front door, locking it.
Marik looked up, stopping his tickle assault on Malik as he heard the door close. "He's gone?"
"He'll call when he gets there," Keriam answered. She leaned over the couch and looked at Malik. The poor boy was out of breath and had tears running down his face from laughing so much. Keriam couldn't help smiling. "Are you okay?"
"I'm dying..." Malik panted as he tried to sit up. "I have to go to the bathroom now."
"In that case, go," Marik picked him up and set his light on his feet, snickering as he watched Malik wobble to the bathroom.
"You know, it's hard to believe that you guys used to try to gain world domination."
"Don't remind me. I never want to go through that ever again." He sighed dramatically to prove his point.
Keriam giggled softly and moved to sit on the now vacant spot. "You reminded me of Joey right now."
"How so?"
"You and Malik have a bond that I've seen whenever Joey mentions Serenity. If you two would stop fighting for my attention you'd make good friends."
"I doubt it but yes, I would do anything for him. Like I would do anything for you."
Keriam blushed a little at the comment. "Thanks, I appreciate it." She couldn't explain it, but she knew that there was a connection between her and Marik. She wasn't sure if it was because he was her second favorite when the world of Yu-Gi-Oh had been a show and manga in her original world, or if it was when Marik had temporarily shared her body.
I wonder if Cheri feels this way about Bakura, Keriam couldn't help thinking.
Marik looked at her and couldn't help but smile. Turning back his attention to the TV he knew that now that the blonde watchdog was gone maybe he would have a chance. Thinking it out carefully he reached out, taking the remote and changed it to the music video channel and rested his arm on the back of the couch as if nothing. Keriam didn't seem to notice or care.
Okay slowly... don't startle her, he said to himself, reaching out to hopefully loop it around her shoulders.
"Bonzai!!" Malik shouted as he jumped over the back and landed between them. He grinned as he succeeded in scaring both teenagers at the sudden entrance.
"Malik!! Don't ever do that to me!!" Marik fairly yelled at him, claiming his racing heart. "By Ra's light I think I aged ten years."
"You are such a drama queen," Malik said, taking the remote from his hand. "I get to pick the channel this time!"
~
Keriam lay sprawled on the floor in her room, staring at the ceiling. The only light coming in was through her window courtesy of the street lamps. Glancing at the clock on her desk, she saw that it was almost eleven. Terry and Zack had long since retired to bed, and Malik and Marik were fast asleep downstairs.
Sighing, Keriam sat up and looked at herself--a black mock turtleneck tank top, dark blue jeans, and dark socks. Reaching under her bed, Keriam pulled out a pair of black high top sneakers, and placed her driver's license and some money inside before pulling them onto her feet. Standing up, Keriam took her lightweight black jacket from the back of her chair and slid her arms into the sleeves.
"No games," she whispered to the darkness in her room. "It ends tonight."
Keriam walked over to her window and opened it. Carefully she climbed out onto the small roof edge that was just below her window and closed it. She grabbed onto the drainpipe that was in the corner and slowly descended. Once on her feet, Keriam headed down the street to catch the night bus.
Marik watched silently from the shadows. He had been waiting a while for her to make her move, waiting until he was positive Malik was asleep before heading outside. He hated not telling his hikari where he was going but he didn't have much of a choice. He wore black jeans with a hooded sweatshirt, boots and gloves. All the gold had been removed but oh how he longed for the Millennium Rod right now. Or a dagger. Now the only question was how to get there?
He suddenly snapped his fingers. The motorcycle! Damnit it's at Ryou's place! he cursed to himself. But he knew where Keriam was going so he wouldn't lose her. Sticking with the shadows he ran to the other house.
With his dark clothing and the hood pulled over to hide his hair and face he looked almost like a living shadow. He kept his breathing under control and before he knew it, he was at the house. Going to the garage he reached out to see if hopefully it was open but a harsh whisper caught his attention. Bakura came over from the side of the house, pushing the bike along. He wore a pair of dark jeans with sneakers and a black shirt with a matching trench coat over it. he tossed him his helmet.
"What took you so long?" the thief hissed at him.
"You want everyone to know what we're doing?" he hissed back. Putting the helmet on he caught the keys. Straddling the bike he turned on the ignition and waited until Bakura climbed behind him, pulling the spare helmet on and wrapped his arms around his waist. "Hold on."
"You better not drive like Kaiba," he warned.
Marik just smirked and took off down the street.
"So where is this place?" Bakura asked in a loud voice.
"A few blocks down from where Joey used to live," Marik shouted above the roar of his motorcycle.
"Does everything have to lead back to that place?"
"You say that now, but where the Volcanic Underground is makes Joey's old apartment complex look like Kaiba mansion."
"That bad, huh?" Bakura smirked. "Will there be any chance that your motorcycle will still be outside when we leave?"
"Better be!" Marik growled. Of all the material things Marik had in his life, his motorcycle was his prized possession.
It was a quiet drive down the street, with barely any other drivers out there but that didn't bother them. As they passed buildings they knew they were rapidly approaching their destination. The building were looking more decrepit, paint faded and peeling, street lamps broken or barely flickering to life, the cars that were out were trashed beyond repair and stores' either had shattered windows or boards covering them.
Marik frowned as he slowed down some. His bike had better be alright when they were done here or heads would roll. Literally.
They passed the apartment where Joey had been beaten to near death by his father but they said nothing. Heading farther down he slowed to a stop and lifted the visor of the helmet up to see better. They had arrive at Volcanic Underground.
Bakura lifted the visor of the helmet up also and whistled. "You were right. Compared to Wheeler's old home it looks like the Ritz." There were no words to expressed how the place look but if anything it looked like a living junkyard. Marik growled and looking around rode the motorcycle into an abandoned store. Turning it off the two of them got off and pushed into behind a counter and covered it with a filthy sheet.
"Remind me tomorrow to wash my bike thoroughly," Marik whispered to Bakura.
They left the store and peeked out around the corner. Seeing no one, the two crept out and down the alley.
"Where's the entrance?" Bakura asked.
"Around back." Marik led the way. At first, the area looked like nothing more than a pile of scrap metal. But Marik reached out and pulled up on a shower bar, which was attached to a metal door covered with other scrap bolted in place, revealing a set of stairs leading down. Marik looked at Bakura. "After you."
"Why do I have to go first?"
"You're the tomb raider. This should be second nature to you."
Grumbling, Bakura cautiously walked down the concrete steps. Marik followed, carefully shutting the door behind them. When they reached the last step, another door was before them. Bakura looked at Marik. "Your turn."
Sighing, Marik pushed the door open.
The sound of hard music and smoke filtered through the air, nearly knocking the two boys over. They walked inside, looking around in fascination and mild disgust. The place was clean, it was some of the actions that were going on was what threw the two new arrivals off.
Men and women were dressed in leather outfits, some leaving little to hide, and there were others who were only wearing a sheet to cover themselves until their services were needed. People of all status were there, average working people to even high-class businessmen, if the three-piece suits told the truth. Marik recognized one of Seto's rivals, Arucain, the one who had tried to buy Seto's holographic duel disks.
"This looks like a rave/whore house," Bakura frowned.
"Screw that. Bother me when you find Keriam," Marik said as he scanned the area.
"Well we can't do it from up here. Let's mingle and see what we can find out." Reaching up he tied his hair back with a rubber band and pulled a black cap over his head. Marik followed by pulling the hood over his head and acting casual, mingled into the crowd.
If there was one word to describe this place it would be Hell. The music was defeating it wasn't long before they were getting a headache from it. People were wither dancing or doing other activities but it showed that no one had any sense of morality or privacy. Anything and everything was a go here. Seeing fresh meat the women tried to use their 'charm' but after receiving a set of icy glares that could chill fire they backed off. These two were not people to mess with.
Marik scanned the area, his ears darting to every corner of the room but still no sign of Keriam. "Where is she?" he asked, trying not to panic.
Nothing's changed, Keriam thought as she walked towards the back of the club. She went behind a curtain and came face to face with a tall, large built man wearing a cloth mask that only revealed his hazel eyes.
"This is a private area," he said in gruff voice. "Nobody comes through unless it's business, so get out of here."
"I do have business here, Hugo," Keriam said.
He blinked and lowered his head towards her, eyes widening in recognition. "Keriam?" he asked, his voice turning gentle. "What the hell are you doing here?"
"It's not for the entertainment, I can promise you that."
"Sweetie, get your ass out of here, right now," Hugo ordered. "if Lau finds out you're here-"
"He told me to come," Keriam said and pulled the crumpled note from her pocket.
"Oh shit..." Hugo sighed after he read the message. He placed his hands on her shoulders. "Honey, I tried getting him to forget about you. But Lau's hell-bent on revenge."
"Yeah, well, it's not easy to forget that your own second-in-command turned you over to the police and helped convict you," Keriam smiled despite her sarcasm. "How did he manage to get his sentence cut down?"
"He's got connections, you knew that."
"Finally came in handy."
Hugo released her. "Five years is a long time to think about getting back at someone, Keriam. I'm begging you, don't go back there."
"Nothing will happen back there, Hugo," she smiled at him. "I promise."
He looked at her before sighing deeply and stepped back, opening the back door. "I just don't want to see anything happen to ya."
"It won't." At least I hope it won't. Taking a deep breathe she headed into the room right behind the door. Hugo closed it behind him. Marik had seen movement there and wanted to check it out but seeing the guard there he had to sit and wait.
"Bakura, I think I found out where she went," he whispered to him.
"So where is she then?" the thief asked.
"See that guy back there with the mask?" He gestured to the back.
"Yeah I see him. Reminds me of the pharaoh's guards."
"He's guarding a door so it's gotta be important. And something in my gut is telling me that Keriam's in there."
"Alright you have a point but we can't barge in. I've been looking around and there are guards posted everywhere if you know where to look. If we try to use force we'll be ganged up in minutes so we have to think a plan out," the brown-eyed youth pointed out.
"Damn it, you have a point. Fine we'll wait, but if I sense any danger I'm going in there even if I have to use the Duel Monsters." Marik still had his own magic but deep down he hoped that he wouldn't have to use them because they took a lot of energy. He also did one thing he hadn't done since he was a child.
He prayed. He prayed to Isis to protect Keriam.
Bakura decided to keep his mouth shut for the time being, even though the thief wanted to make a remark about Marik's devotion to Keriam's welfare. But he was pretty much in the same boat with the Egyptian with his caring for Cheri.
Ra be damned if that bastard takes her away from me again, Bakura thought.
A girl with purple streaked hair, possibly a few years older that them, and wearing a skintight black leather halter-top and skirt walked up to them. "Hi boys, what's your pleasure?"
"Mine's in Egypt," Bakura retorted.
"I do have one question," said Marik. "What's with the door back there?"
"You don't know?" she looked at them. "That's Lau's private room."
"Who's Lau?"
Her eyes widened. "You two from out of town? He just about runs this side of Domino City, but that's gonna depend on what happens tonight."
"What do you mean?" Bakura asked.
"His second-in-command's here," the girl smiled. "Actually she was his second-in-command. Lau's pissed off at her--and that's an understatement. She put him in jail five years ago. What was her name? Oh yeah, I think it was Keriam."
Marik cursed in the ancient tongue but Bakura didn't bother to translate.
"So I don't get it, why is tonight so important?" the thief asked.
"Word is Lau is gonna challenge her to a fight or something. If he wins, he gets her back in the gang. She wins, she's out for good."
The thief narrowed his eyes. "There's a hidden catch in there. Marik--shit now where'd he go?" During the talk the blonde had walked off.
~
"Well, well, you came."
Keriam said nothing as she looked at Lau with a calm expression. She glanced briefly at the two lackeys that were there and the girls he had sitting on the floor, one of them besides a large, pillowed chair that her former leader was sitting on.
Lau grinned and waved at his two companions and they stood up and left, the small harem following suit. Lau folded his hands over his stomach and regarded Keriam with cold dark eyes. "You've grown up," he said.
"Wish I could say the same for you," she retorted.
"Really Keriam, is that anyway to greet an old friend?"
"Forget the formalities, Lau. I want to end this once and for all," she said as her hands clenched into fists. "I want out of this for good. I have a good life now and I'm not going to let the past or you ruin it for me or my friends and family."
The man sat there calmly before he slowly rose and headed towards her a few feet. "You always did want to get down to business. I knew there was a reason I made you my second-in-command."
"I'm not that silent little outcast that latched onto you."
"No, you've been latched onto a dog for the past year."
Keriam bit her tongue for a moment. "Maybe so," she spoke quietly, "but better a dog than a man without a heart."
"Don't say that I don't have a heart," Lau narrowed his eyes. "Other than that friend of yours--Cheri, was it? I was the only other person that showed you compassion."
"Where was your compassion when you shot those people at the corner store?" Keriam demanded.
"They're still alive, aren't they?"
"Bullshit! You said that we were only going to pick up a few party favors. You never mentioned taking the cash register as the grand prize!"
"Hey, I need money, too," Lau waved his hand as if it was nothing and walked over to the wall, leaning against it. "Besides, that was self-defense. The owner pulled the gun out first. I was only protecting myself and everyone else."
"Is that what murders are calling it these days?" she said angrily. "You have no respect for anyone other than yourself."
"Really? I could have turned you away but no, instead I took you in and gave you a home."
"It was a mistake and if I could I would go back in time to stop myself from doing it all over again."
"But you can't. Such a shame too."
"Don't you dare patronize me, Lau! This is gonna end tonight and I swear, one of us is leaving this office dead."
Now his eyes grew colder and his body tensed. "Is that a threat?"
"Call it a promise."
"You should know you're place, Keriam."
"I know my place and it sure as hell isn't with you."
Lau stared at her before smirking. "You were my favorite out of the whole group back then. The best fighter and the best at acquiring stuff when we were short on cash. You had talent, Keriam. I hate to see it wasted."
"What about the others?" she asked. "Where are they with their talents?"
"In jail, on the streets, moved away, who knows."
"Obviously you don't care," said Keriam.
"To a point, no."
Keriam shook her head. "I'm not surprised."
Lau walked over to the door and placed his hand on the doorknob. "I prefer to settle this outside, as this is a private matter and I do not wish for a public audience."
Without a word, Keriam turned and followed.
~
Marik walked straight towards the back of the club where the large guard was blocking the door. He was about to use his magic to send the guard elsewhere (Shadow Realm, naturally), when Bakura grabbed his arm and pulled him off to the side.
"And just what exactly were you planning?" Bakura asked.
"Get your damn hands off me!" Marik hissed.
"Sure, go ahead. Barge in and get yourself killed. See if I care."
"You don't."
"I know, but the last thing I want is to listen to Malik, Ishizu, and Rashid blaming me for your demise." Bakura released him. "Calm down."
"How can I calm down when something terrible is happening?" he growled angrily.
"And what if there isn't? Go in there now and now only will Keriam be pissed but she could be used as a hostage."
"She wouldn't submit that easily and you know it."
Bakura frowned and grabbed his arms, shaking him a bit. "Gods will you listen to me?! We have to think this through before anything else. She's a good fighter I know that but she's mortal and can feel pain. If she gets hurt do you want to explain what happened to Wheeler? This is a lose-lose situation so use your brain for once in your life and think of a way to get in there without sending anyone to the Shadow Realm."
Marik stared at him. "Of all people talking."
The guard that had been standing in the way moved aside as another guard came out from behind the curtain, followed by Keriam and a man with dark hair and eyes.
That has to be Lau, Marik thought as he watched the two leave through another door. The guard that had been behind the curtain walked over to the bar, motioning to the bartender for a drink. The girl that told Marik and Bakura about Lau walked over to the guard and draped her arm around him. Using his magic, Marik listened to their conversation.
"Hugo, what happened?"
"They're gonna settle it tonight. They went outside."
"Oh man... I hate to be out there right now. Do you think he'll..."
"He'll kill her. As much as I hate admitting it, Asha, Lau will kill her... and there's not a damn thing I can do about it."
Maybe not you, Marik thought, but I know I can.
Bakura looked at him when he looked back and nodded. He had heard it. "So what's the plan?"
"Kill him and banish him soul to the deepest pit of the Shadow Realm," Marik growled.
"Works for me." Shrugging they followed where Keriam and Lau headed out. Maybe they'll get yelled for following her but they weren't going to stay home and wait.
~
"Any last words, Keriam?" Lau asked, acting perfectly calm and at ease with himself.
Keriam looked with just her eyes, seeing the two lackeys from the office off to the side. "Several," she began, "for starters you are an arrogant, selfish bastard who takes pleasure in ruining other people's lives, whether it's a complete stranger or someone who worked along side you. Next is that you are controlling and manipulative, and you use that as an advantage to get people to do what you want."
Lau just smiled. "You're pointing out my good qualities."
"And finally," Keriam concluded, "you are nothing more than a coward."
Silence filled the ally. Keriam noticed the icy fire in Lau's eyes. She knew that she had crossed a line, and she was damn proud of it.
"No one, calls me a coward and gets away with it," he said tensely as he reached into his jacket and pulled out a gun. "I really had high hopes for you, Keriam."
"I still have high hopes but never with you or anyone else like you," she replied.
"Maybe in the next life." He slowly squeezed his finger on the trigger as he aimed it for her. "It was nice working with you."
Two grunts from the side caused Lau to turn his head. This gave Keriam the moment she needed and kicked the gun from Lau's hand. Looking where the two lackeys were, Keriam eyes widened. "What are you two doing here?!"
"What does it look like?" Bakura asked as he and Marik watched the two thugs slowly get up from the pavement.
"Three on three seems fair," Marik glared at Lau, "wouldn't you agree?"
Lau grunted and looked at Keriam. "I guess even you need backup at some point," he said, and swung his fist at her. She dodged the attack and countered with a right hook to his ribs.
"Now I understand why you love her," Bakura said quietly as Keriam and Lau fought.
The two other boys finally got to their feet and turned around.
"Well, I guess this is our turn," said Marik and jumped to the side as the taller boy charged at him.
Lau's flunkies proved to be strong fighters, but what they had in strength, they lacked in skill. Marik and Bakura had the fighting skills and were soon overpowering their opponents. As the thief and Egyptian maneuvered the two closer to the brick wall separating the alleys, a small form jumped from the wall and slammed a long object to the back of the two lackeys' heads. They fell to the ground and the sound of a metal pipe hitting the pavement echoed.
"That was easy," said Malik.
"You!" Marik and Bakura gaped at the young boy.
"What?" Malik looked at his darker half. "You think I was going to let you leave me at the house?"
Something crashed into the nearby trashcans, causing the three to jump. Keriam groaned as she struggled to regain her footing. Bakura was closer and ran to help her.
Growling, Marik charged at Lau, pulling his fist back to strike but Lau spun and kicked Marik upside his head, sending the Egyptian into the dumpster.
"Pity," Lau said and aimed his gun, having retrieved it after hitting Keriam, straight at Malik. "Keriam was your age when she started hanging with me."
"NO!" Marik screamed.
Lau pulled the trigger.
Malik shut his eyes.
The shot was loud.
When Malik didn't feel anything, he opened his eyes and gasped as he saw Bakura's back facing him, and the king of thieves sank to knees.
Bakura leaned forward, and braced himself with his left hand while his right covered the bullet wound in his stomach, grunting from the pain. Keriam and Marik both rushed to him, and helped him stay up. They're eyes widened when Bakura moved his hand away. It was covered completely in blood.
"Idiot," said Lau.
Keriam glared at him and rose to her feet. "Tell me something, Lau," she said in an eerily calm voice as she reached into her back pocket, "have you ever played Duel Monsters?"
"I have better things to do in my spare time than play stupid card games," he answered. "Shooting people is one of them."
"For some reason, I prefer seeing bad people ripped apart slowly as of late," Keriam held up her Silver Fang Card. She began to sing and the card turned to vapor then the large wolf appeared before her.
Lau's eyes widened. "What the fu-"
"Kill him!"
Silver Fang leapt forward and before Lau could make any move, the wolf's teeth clamped down on his neck. A strangled gurgling sound managed to escape Lau's throat as he fell with Silver Fang on top of him. As the wolf continued to tear his victim to pieces, Keriam went back to Bakura, now laying on the ground and Marik keeping his hands over the wound to slow the bleeding.
"It doesn't look good," Marik said.
"Leave me..." Bakura rasped.
"Like hell," said Keriam, and quickly searched through her deck.
Malik said nothing as he stood beside Marik and started at Bakura. He saved me, Malik thought, but why?
"Here we go," grinned Keriam, as she pulled out the Red Medicine Magic Card. Singing again, the card turned to vapor and a glass bottle containing red liquid appeared. Keriam helped Bakura to sit up a little; after removing the stopper, she held the bottle to Bakura's lips and tilted it slightly.
The thief's eyes tightened from the bitter taste but he drank the contents of the bottle. "That's disgusting," he coughed, and then hissed, his body convulsing slightly.
"Look!" said Malik as Bakura's blood suddenly began to re-enter his body through the small hole left of his navel. When all the blood was off his clothes, his and Marik's hands, the bullet popped out of the wound.
Marik picked it up and stared at it. "Such a small thing, and it causes so much damage." He put the bullet in his pocket and helped Bakura to stand up.
"You okay?" Keriam asked.
"I think so," Bakura answered and stopped when he looked up. "That's interesting."
"Yuck," Malik made a face.
Silver Fang sat patiently, his muzzle covered in blood, and Lau somewhat dismembered behind him.
Well, at least I won't be held accountable for that, Keriam thought as she walked over to Silver Fang. She touched his head.
"Uh, Keriam, could you hurry up so we can get out of here?" Marik asked.
"...He's not changing back..."
"What?" three voiced asked.
Keriam slowly turned around. "He's not turning back into a card."
"You sure you know how?" Bakura asked.
"Yes," she glared at him, "I've done it before."
Sirens started in the distance and everyone looked towards the direction.
"We better get out of here," said Malik.
"My bike can only carry two people," Marik said, "but there's enough room for Malik to sit in front of me."
"You guys take the bike," said Keriam.
"What about you?"
"I've got my own transportation." Keriam sat on Silver Fang's back. "I'll meet you at Ryou's house." Silver Fang sprinted from the alley.
"Let's go," said Bakura.
Marik picked up Malik and they ran to the old shop. Uncovering the motorcycle, the three quickly got on and sped down the street, the sirens becoming fainter as the headed towards home.
~
"Ow I forgot how much riding makes my butt hurt," Malik frowned as he sat down carefully.
"We could always tie you to the handlebars next time," Bakura said as he sat on the couch. He fingered the hole in his shirt and the now very faint mark where the bullet had struck. "Can't wait to explain this."
"Shut up," Marik said simply as he sat on the armchair.
When they arrived the boys washed their hands and Keriam used a wet washcloth to clean Silver Fang's snout. Now he was lying on the rug, watching them with golden eyes. Ryou came in with a tray of sweeten tea for everyone. "How do you feel, Keriam?" he asked, handing her a mug.
"I'm alight," she answered and sipped the warm liquid.
"How do you feel about Lau?" Marik asked.
"I was expecting to feel either relieved or sad."
Bakura looked at her with a frown. "Sad? For that asshole?"
"I guess in a way I was hoping that he'd change one day," Keriam sighed. "Maybe that's why I helped put him in prison. But I don't feel anything for what happened to him. It's like I don't care. That or else it hasn't completely sunk in yet that he's dead."
Silence claimed the room until Silver Fang stood up and walked over to Keriam, resting his head in her lap and giving her a small whine. Smiling, Keriam scratched behind his ears. She remembered asking for years to have a dog but Zack was allergic to dogs and Keriam had to sedate her want of a canine pet to pictures and stuffed animals.
Now I have a pet wolf, she grinned.
"So what are we going to do about him?" Malik asked.
Keriam looked at Ryou. "Is it okay if he stays here for a little while?"
"Oh no!" Bakura jumped up from his seat on the couch. "That fleabag is not staying here!"
"Katsuya is not a fleabag!" Keriam yelled back.
"Katsuya?!" the boys looked at her.
"... Okay... I confess. I named him."
"Did you name him before or after you found out you could summon him to life?" Marik asked.
"Before," Keriam answered. "Yes, I am weird."
"No kidding," the thief grumbled then winced when Marik got up and hit him hard in the arm.
"I said shut up!"
Ryou nodded at her. "It's alright, Keriam. Katsuya can stay here." The wolf looked at him then walked over to the young man and rested his head on his knee. Ryou looked down at him and carefully, slowly extended his hand to him. Katsuya sniffed it before allowing him to pet him.
Marik grinned as he looked over at Bakura. "Looks like you're outta luck."
Bakura grunted. "So what else is new?"
Malik was quiet thought, still thinking about what happened in the alley with the gun shot he just had to ask. "Bakura? Why did you save me from getting shot?" Now everyone looked at the thief for an explanation.
"… Because no one should lose their other half if they can prevent it," he said simply before getting up. "I'm going to take a shower then go to bed." And he headed upstairs.
He's referring to that Shadow Realm duel with Yami during Battle Ship finals, Keriam thought to herself. Leaving Ryou to finish the duel he couldn't stand to see him in pain or let his soul be destroyed so he took over once more. She couldn't help but smile just a bit. He may not act it but he does care about Malik.
"I think we better get home," said Marik. "In case your aunt or uncle wake up and discover that we're not there."
"Good idea," Keriam agreed. "Thanks for looking after Katsuya, Ryou."
"No worries," he answered, "I've had pets before. My only concern will be with him and Bakura."
"Ah, just let Katsuya eat him like Lau," Marik couldn't help grinning.
"Quiet, you." Keriam stood up and pushed the Egyptian towards the door. "I'll call when we get home."
"Okay," Ryou nodded.
Malik jumped up from the couch, following them. "We'll stop by tomorrow."
Ryou nodded. He shut the door and locked it when they left. "C'mon Katsuya, I'll make you a place to sleep."
~
The motorcycle slowed to a stop and Marik eased the bike into the driveway, cutting off the lights. "Everybody off," he said as he helped Malik down first then placed the kickstand and removed his helmet.
Malik yawned as he stretched his arms. "I'm really tired now," he said as another yawn escaped him.
"How did you get out of the house?" Keriam asked quietly.
The Ishtar boys pointed to the small basement window, which happened to be above Joey's bed.
"You do know that you can only open that from the inside," she told them. "The lock falls into place after it closes."
Marik let out a string of curses in Egyptian.
"Ah! My ears!" Malik gasped as he placed both hands on the side of his head. "Do you have to speak such unorthodox words? My young innocent ears!"
"Quiet," Marik glared at him then looked at Keriam. "Don't you have your keys?"
"Nope."
"Wonderful."
"Just because I don't have my keys, doesn't mean that we can't get in." Keriam walked behind the house to the drainpipe outside her bedroom window. "Going up." She grabbed the pipe and started to climb.
Sneak, Marik grinned and nudged Malik to follow.
Keriam opened her window and climbed inside. She helped both boys through when they were near the window.
"Thanks," said Malik.
Keriam smiled and shut the window. "When you go downstairs, go quietly as you possibly can. Terry has radars for ears."
"And she never heard you go out the window?" Marik couldn't help asking.
"Go figure," Keriam shrugged and ushered the boys out of her room. "Good night."
"Night." Heading out of the room they closed the door behind them as walked as quietly as they could to the basement.
Author's Note
Heikou: See? Bakura's not all bad! He just has a tough exterior. *huggles him* Oh I want a plushie of him and Seto and Necrofear and Ryou and even Shadi so I can stick pins in it *evil grin*
Janime: (looks uneasily at Heikou) Okay... no more sugar for you tonight.
Heikou: As if you wouldn't like to have plushies of Joey, Malik/Marik, or Devlin
Janime: (hides Wish List, turns to readers) As you've noticed, this chapter mostly focused on Keriam. Do not worry, this won't happen again anytime soon.
Heikou: But we promise to give the other two Sisters equal attention!
