"Arise from Darkness"

By Heikou and Janime

Chapter Sixteen

Eternal Vows

            Malik woke, hearing groans of pain. Turning on the lamp next to Joey's bed--which he had claimed when the other blonde had left for the weekend--the physically young-looking boy let his eyes focus and settle on the other person who was sleeping on the foldout couch.

            Marik was thrashing back and forth, his eyes shut tight and words incoherently escaped from his lips. He was wearing only a pair of cotton shorts, and he violently rolled over onto his stomach. Malik's eyes widened as the sight of Marik's back.

            The hieroglyphs were bleeding.

            "Oh gods!" Malik jumped from the bed and ran over to Marik. He grabbed his darker half's shoulders and shook him. "Marik, wake up! Wake up!"

            "Father..." Marik whimpered as he unconsciously gripped the sheets. "Don't... Please, stop!"

            The ritual! Malik ran from the basement and directly to Keriam's room. "Keriam!" he whispered and shook her.

            She jumped awake and looked at him. "Malik?" she asked sleepily. "What time is it?"

            "Keriam, it's Marik, he's dreaming about the ritual," Malik looked at her with fearful eyes, "the hieroglyphs are bleeding but he won't wake up!"

            Fully alert now, Keriam grabbed the Millennium Key from her night table drawer and quickly followed Malik downstairs.

            Fairly racing down the stairs Malik crawled onto the bed, trying hard not to cry. Marik wouldn't stop twitching, his back paining him. Keriam stared at the scars, watching as it seemed like they were being cut open once more. She quickly shook herself out of the trance and knelt at Marik's other side.

            "Marik? Marik, please wake up," she called out, shaking his shoulder but it did nothing.

            "Stop it, please!" he suddenly cried out, throwing his arm out and nearly struck Malik in the face if he didn't move back.

            "He's trapped in the nightmare; we have to wake him up before he hurts himself!"

            "I know I just hope this works." Easing Marik onto his back Keriam held the key tightly and pointed it to his forehead, turning it. A click was heard and her body stiffened as she felt herself being transported to Marik's soul room.

            When the surroundings became clear, Keriam looked down the hallway of Marik's mind. Some of the doors holding the Egyptian's memories looked like regular doors; others were marred or sealed off.

            One door up ahead on the right had the ancient text that was on Marik's back. Keriam ran up to it, and cringed when she noticed that the hieroglyphs were bleeding. Scowling, she threw the door open and gasped at the scene before her.

            "Rashid!" Marik cried out, as two other men from their tribe shackled the ten-year-old by his wrists and ankles to the stone slab.

            Rashid's hands were bound, forced to watch his adoptive younger brother undergo a nightmarish rite, while two guards held him back.

            Marik turned his head enough to see his father pull the sheath from the Millennium Rod, revealing the sharp blade. "Father, please!" Marik begged, a tear escaping his eyes. "Please don't!"

            But the older man didn't respond to his son's beseeching. Holding down Marik's head, he brought the tip of the sacred dagger just below the boy's neck, right between the shoulder blades, and began to recite the words.

            "Ancient gods of Egypt, I present to you my only son of my blood, Marik. Hear me now, great sun god, Amon-Ra; here is your servant for all eternity. Take him, body and soul, so that he may serve the nameless pharaoh when he returns."

            Marik screamed as the blades cut deep into his skin. Keriam fell to her knees and covered her mouth, horrified as she watched Marik's father engrave the ancient text into his back. Rashid struggled against his holders, desperate to stop the ritual.

            When it was over, Marik's father picked up a piece of cloth and wiped the blade, placing it back in the sheath. Marik had passed out; sweat covering his body as the blood flowed from the wounds, which now would forever scar his back.

            Keriam stood up and walked over to Marik, nausea rising in her as she stared at the bloody sight before her. Marik's right hand twitched then balled into a fist.

            "Oh no... Marik!" Keriam grabbed Marik's shoulder. "WAKE UP!" She pulled him roughly from the stone table, the chains breaking and she fell backwards.

            Keriam landed hard on the floor, yet the weight in her lap was not of a young boy but that of a young man. She looked down at Marik; he was staring at the table.

            "I destroyed it," Marik said quietly, "a long time ago. But no matter how many pieces I smashed it into... I still see it here..."

            "Marik..." Keriam slowly wrapped her arms around his shoulders. Embracing him but still he continued to stare at the scene before him. "I never thought he would do something this inhumane to his own son..."

            "That's what I keep thinking to myself, even before the Malik and I divided..." he said softly, closing his eyes tightly. Around them the room changed; the table seem to turn into dust as an invisible wind blew it away. "But it'll never end... I can grind that table into nothing but the memory will still be there... as will these damn scars."

            The young woman sighed deeply, hugging him tightly. "Think you can wake up? You gave Malik quite a scare."

            Marik blinked and turned to her quickly. "Is he alright?" he asked, as if fearing the worse.

            "He's fine. He's scared but who wouldn't. Just don't let go." Holding the key between them the two of them faded away from the soul room.

            Blinking his eyes open, Marik focused on the two faces above him. "Hey."

            Malik pounced on his darker half, hugging him tightly and let out a few quiet sobs.

            "I'm okay," Marik hushed the sobbing boy, gently hugging him. "I'm alright."

            After a few minutes, Malik sat upright and wiped his face. "Sorry."

            "For what?" Marik smiled and also sat up, the sheet sticking to his back. "The hell?"

            "The hieroglyphs were bleeding," Keriam explained. She carefully pealed the sheet from his back. "It looks like they healed. I'll get a towel," she looked at the bed, "and we definitely have to change the sheets."

            "Great. I hope I don't dream that again anytime soon," he sighed

            "Least you're alright," Malik said.

            Keriam came back with a towel and sat behind him. "How do you feel?" she asked.

            "Okay I guess. Wish I could just bar that memory forever," he replied.

            "I can relate to that," Keriam said as she wiped off his back. When she finished, all three stood up and removed the sheets from the bed. "Go put these in the washing machine and start it."

            "No problem," Malik took the sheets and towel and went upstairs.

            Keriam went over to the bi-fold door and pulled it open. She took out another set of sheets, closed the door, and walked over to the bed.

            Marik reached for a pillowcase but Keriam gently pushed him away. "You go sit down," she said, "you've had a rough night."

            "I can still help you put the sheets on the bed."

            "Sit."

            "If you insist," Marik walked over to a beanbag chair and sat on it. "I hope you weren't expecting me to fall on my face, Kagome."

            "I could make you do that," Keriam eyed him. "Without the need of spell beads."

            Marik smiled and watched Keriam put the clean sheets on the mattress. Finished, she sat down on the bed. Marik rose to his feet and walked over to the foldout bed. He climbed next to Keriam and then rested his head on her lap.

            She smiled and gently ran her fingers through his hair. Nothing needed to be said but sure enough, it wasn't long before Marik yawned and fell asleep. Malik came back downstairs, looking at the sight before smiling. He climbed onto the bed and sat next to Keriam's other side.

            "Kinda wish we've could've stopped the ritual but..." he sighed and leaned against her. "Keriam?"

            "Yes Malik?"

            "Thanks for helping Marik. I don't want to lose him."

            She smiled and wrapped her arm around his shoulders. "You won't lose him."

--

            Her heart rammed in her chest, her lungs burned for air, her legs ached with strain. But when she dared to look behind her Tea just forced herself to keep running. If she slowed down even the tiniest bit they would be upon her. The shadows were moving incredible fast, as if they had more than one pair of legs but she didn't care. Running harder and faster she found a cluster of tall stones just ahead. Praying to Isis and Osiris she made a sharp turn once she past the first stone, pressing her back into it and listened as the footsteps scuttled past her. Once it was quiet she sighed and slid to the ground.

            I don't get it, why are they after me? I never did anything to them! I don't even know who they are! she cried to herself before looking at her staff dejectedly. Ever time I try to cast a spell they just dodge out of the way and I'm too scared to concentrate enough to fly. I hate this so much. Tea's eyes widen when she heard something like metal being scraped along the stone she was sitting against. Blinking, she slowly looked up, pushing her hat back only to scream and throw herself to the side.

            "No use trying to hide, spell-caster," the young man grinned wickedly as he retrieved his dagger. "You'll never escape!"

            "I can try!" Pushing herself to her feet she ran once more only to hear more voices. Risking a look she saw the guy was joined by three others: one was massively huge with muscles and carried what looked like a long-staff mace, another man with muscles (not as much as the first) carried twin short swords but he had a metal eye patch; the third person was short yet carried a very large mallet.  But she didn't have time to think as the kid lifted the mallet and brought it down hard.

            The result caused such a massive tremble that the ground spilt, heading straight for her! Tea pushed herself to run faster while trying to concentrate enough to fly but it was no use. Her next step hit air and she screamed as she fell into the chasm.

            No! I don't want to die!! she screamed in her mind but realized after a moment she hadn't hit the ground. Cracking an eye open she watched as she was flying through the air. Confused she realized there were firm grips on her arms that she looked up. Two men dressed in robes and armor of violet and crimson were carrying her. She gasped in realization. "Dark Magicians!!"

            The one in crimson looked at the men who were after the girl and frowned. "The Dark Scorpions are still following us," he said.

            "And they will continue to do so," said the other spell caster. He looked at Tea. "Until you are dead."

            "W-why me?" she stammered. "What did I ever do to them?"

            "It's not what you have done; it's what you will do."

            Tea shook her head. "I don't understand."

            "You are the Daughter of Osiris," said Crimson. "The Black Scorpion fears you."

            "Osiris is the father of Anubis," said Violet. "The Daughter of Anubis must never fall into the hands of the Black Scorpion."

            "I can't kill my Sister!" Tea protested.

            "For the sake of this world and the Shadow Realm," Violet started.

            "Her life is a small sacrifice," said Crimson. "She is the Black Scorpion's chi-"

            Both Dark Magicians cried out as a thorn whip struck them and they vanished. Tea fell to the ground, landing with a graceless thud. She looked up, seeing a young woman standing before her. The outfit she wore was of dark gray and red material. In her hand she held a whip, and her upper right arm was a tattoo of a black scorpion.

            Tea blinked, and her eyes widened when she recognized the girl's face. "Cheri?!"

            "Death to all who betray my Lord and Master," she said emotionlessly as she drew her arm back.

            "Cheri no! Please don't do this!" the female spell-caster cried out, pleading with her.

            The female warrior said nothing but she snapped the whip at the other girl. Tea cried out in fear as she held her staff up in defense but it was pulled out of her hands and thrown far away. Now she could only watch as the whip came back to strike her and the next moment, all she felt was pain and darkness...

            "No!!" Tea screamed as she sat up in bed, feeling her heart race in her chest. Just a dream, she realized and took a deep breath. They just keep getting worse.

            The door opened and her mother stepped inside. "Honey, are you alright?"

            "Yeah, sorry, mom."

            Kate walked over to her daughter's bed and sat next to her. "Tea, you've been having a lot of nightmares lately, and I'm beginning to believe that you're having a lot more than the ones where I hear you screaming."

            Tea didn't say anything as she turned her head and looked out the window.

            "Do you have any plans tomorrow afternoon?"

            "Keriam and I are going to the mall," Tea answered.

            "Well, I'm sure she'll understand if you postponed it," said Kate.

            Tea looked at her mother in confusion. "Postpone?"

            "Don't get too upset with me, sweetie, but I set up an appointment for you with Dr. Sanosuke."

            "... And he is?"

            "A psychiatrist."

            "Mother!" Tea gaped at her. "I don't need a shrink!"

            "He just wants to talk about these nightmares of yours."

            "Mom I can't tell some complete stranger what I dream! He'll probably gonna say it's just stress."

            "Tea he's not going to judge; he wants to help you. I wish you'd confide in me so maybe I can help."

            The young lady slowly leaned back against the headboard, staring at the poster of the Dark Magician Girl. "I wish I could tell you mom... but this isn't something you may understand or believe," she said softly.

            Kate looked at her daughter worriedly. "Sweetie," she covered her hand with her own, "you should let me be the judge of that. But I am here if you want to talk."

            Tea smiled at her mom, squeezing her hand. "Thanks. Does this mean I still have to see this shrink?"

            "Yes and if he doesn't help, then you don't have to see him anymore. I'm only doing this because I'm worried." Reaching out she tenderly brushed the hair from her eyes.

            "Okay, I'll go see Dr. Sanosuke just to humor you."

            Kate smiled in relief and kissed Tea's forehead. "Good night, sweet dreams this time."

            "I'll do my best," Tea smiled. Once her mother left the room, Tea reached over and picked up her phone, quickly dialing Yugi's number. As it rang, she ducked her head under the pillow so that her parents wouldn't hear her.

            "... 'Elloo..." Yugi's tired voice answered.

            "Yugi, I'm sorry to wake you."

            "... Tea? What time... it's after two in the morning. What's wrong?"

            "You are going to love this." Tea explained what happened.

            "A psychiatrist?" Yugi couldn't believe it.

            "Yeah. What am I gonna say? I haven't been sleeping well because I've been having nightmares about my own Sister killing me?" she asked sarcastically.

            "Say that and next thing you'll be living in a padded room with a straight jacket."

            "Thanks for the mental picture. I don't know what to do, maybe it is stress getting to me but it felt so real," she whispered.

            Yugi frowned as he scratched his head. "I think we better talk to Cheri as soon as we can."

            "I don't want to bother her while she's in Egypt. I'll wait till she gets home."

            "Okay, you get some more sleep."

            "And this time I'll make sure I dream of you."

            "Do tell what I'm wearing," Yugi said, the grin audible in his voice.

            "Not much," Tea answered sultrily, "I can promise you that."

            Yugi chuckled. "Good night, Tea. I love you."

            "I love you, too." Tea hung up the phone. She settled down again and stared at the ceiling. "Osiris…" she whispered, "please, Father, I don't want to hurt Cheri..."

--

            Marik opened his eyes, wiped his hands over is face before looking at the clock. He hated waking up in the middle of the night--it always threw his day off. Marik rolled onto his left side and blinked several times to make sure he was seeing correctly.

            Malik was sound asleep, and sleeping behind the small boy was Keriam.

            Why is she.... Marik began to ask himself and remembered falling asleep in Keriam's lap. She stayed. Marik couldn't help smiling a little. He knew that she the reason she stayed was to comfort a friend, but to Marik it meant a lot more.

            Being as quiet as he could he got up and went into the bathroom. Closing the door he didn't bother with the light and did his business. Done he washed his hands before reaching up to touch his back. He didn't feel any blood and sighed deeply. Those scars would forever be a reminder of his past but, on the plus side Malik didn't have them and for that he was thankful. Stepping out he silently went back to the bed and slipped beneath the covers once more.

            Keriam looked like an angel; so peaceful and serene and thinking of others before herself. Malik was his light but he was also his brother. He would do everything in his power to protect them. Joey may have her heart but he wouldn't stop loving her.

            Keriam stirred and yawned, her eyes opening slightly and she was quiet until she focused on where she was. "Hey," she said quietly.

            "Hey," Marik answered in the same level.

            "What time is it?"

            "Almost three."

            Keriam sat up and stretched her arms above her head. "You okay?"

            "Yes and no," said Marik. "Thank you for staying."

            "You're welcome," she smiled. "You going to be alright if I go back to my room?"

            "I will. Worse comes to worse, Malik can always wake you up again."

            "Let's hope you have peaceful dreams then--both of you."

            "Hope..." Marik snorted in disbelief. He felt Keriam reach over and touch his hand, giving it a small squeeze.

            "Don't give up on hope yet, Marik," she said.

            Smiling, Marik brought her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers.

            "You do know I'm still here," Malik said from between them.

            Keriam giggled before hugging him. "I'm off to bed. Wake me if something else happens?"

            "Hopefully not until breakfast." He yawned and closed his eyes.

            "Night." Marik watched her leave as he sighed and laid back. "Night Malik."

            "Night."

--

            "Well, a couple more days and you guys will be home," Mokuba smiled.

            Cheri smiled back, touching the laptop screen that hosted her brother-in-law's face. "I really miss all of you. I take it that it's been quiet?"

            "Surprisingly, yes. However, I tried calling the Genus Book of World Records yesterday. The Domino City Post didn't have one article about you, Seto, or Kaiba Corp."

            "Did you see any pigs fly?"

            "No but the day isn't over yet."

            "Hmm well be careful. Don't want you to get mobbed down by reporters."

            Mokuba grinned at her. "That's what security guards are for."

            Cheri couldn't help but laugh, agreeing with him. "Oh I can't wait to get back to Domino. Which reminds me, how's everyone doing?"

            "Everyone's fine as far as I know. Rose keeps playing the wedding over and still cries," he sighed, resting his chin in his hands.

            "Mothers are suppose to do that, it's their right."

            "Nan does, too," Mokuba grinned. "She's like a mom to me and Seto."

            Cheri smiled. "Alright then, we'll call you as soon as we land in Domino."

            "Okay," Mokuba nodded. "Have a safe flight. I love you two."

            "Back at you, Mokie," Cheri clicked the end session button and the screen returned to the regular desktop.

            "She keeps playing that video clip and it'll get worn out."

            "She can always make copies." Leaning her head back she smiled up at her husband. "So how does it feel to be a married man?"

            Seto smiled as he rested his hands on her shoulders, smiling down at her. "Relieved. I'm off the market and I found my one true love."

            "Never pegged you for a romantic."

            "You brought that out in me." Leaning down he kissed her, slowly kneading her shoulders in a firm grip.

            Cheri moaned softly, relaxing under his touch. "Ooh please don't stop…" she moaned softly.

            Seto grinned. "Didn't you say that last night?"

            "That was you." Cheri leaned her head forward so that he could knead the muscles in her neck.

            "Oh yes, that's right, you said that the first night we were here."

            "Very funny. I almost don't want to leave but it was good while it lasted," she sighed.

            "Who said it has to stop? We can still have our moments together like this," he answered.

            "Yeah..." Smiling she covered his hands with her own and rubbed them. "So what should we do today?"

            "I can think of several things but maybe we can just walk around and enjoy the sites."

            "And then we have to start packing."

            "Joy."

--

            "RYOU!"

            The albino haired boy ran downstairs to the kitchen. He stopped short upon seeing his darker half cornered by Keriam's large pet wolf. "Down, Katsuya! Down, boy!"

            The Silver Fang growled one more time at Bakura before turning around and leaving the kitchen. Bakura relaxed and got down from the counter. "Damn fleabag."

            "What did you do to aggravate him this time?"

            "Nothing! He just likes to box me in!" he said defensively.

            "Last time it was because you hid his food. Before that you pushed him off the sofa. Before that you yanked the bed sheets from the guestroom out from under him while he was sleeping."

            "He does that on purpose just to annoy me."

            Ryou sighed and ran his hands through his hair. "Please, just stay away from each other?"

            Bakura just snorted and went about to making breakfast for himself.

            The young man shook his head and went the front door to get the paper. Closing the door he entered the living room and smiled. Katsuya was laying on the sofa, flicking his gold gaze from the TV to him, making his tail wag. Ryou smiled and went to sit next to him. The wolf moved so his head was resting on his thigh. "You're a good boy, Katsuya. Yes you are." He smiled as he scratched his head behind the ears as he unrolled the paper and stared at the headlines.

            'Millionaire Bachelor No More'

            Ryou's eyes widened as he read the article.

            'Mr. and Mrs. Kaiba will be returning to Domino City this weekend. You read correctly: Miss Cheri Dante is now Mrs. Cheri Kaiba. Seto Kaiba, CEO of Kaiba Corp, spirited Cheri away to Egypt a little more than a week ago where, according to Kaiba Corp spokesman Frederick Jiles, the couple had eloped. However, they will be renewing their vows in a much more grand ceremony for their family members and friends soon.

            My sympathy to all the young women of Domino City.'

            Oh boy... Ryou thought. Hearing Bakura enter the room, Ryou quickly folded the paper so that Bakura wouldn't see the article.

            "Did the paper come in?" he asked after a slight glaring contest with Katsuya.

            "Um no not yet," he said with slight hesitation. The wolf looked up at him but did nothing.

            Bakura grumbled about the lousy paper boy being late and went outside to maybe scare the kid when he finally came.

            Ryou sighed and quickly pushed the paper underneath him so he was sitting on it. "What?" Katsuya just continued to look at him. "I can't let him know about this he's more than likely to go on a rampage." He jumped when he heard the front door slam.

            The thief came in and stood before his light, crossing his arms over his chest. "Where is it?"

            "Where's what?" How did he find out?

            "The paper. I know it came because I just saw our neighbor pick hers up. She also tried to throw her coffee mug at me when I suggest she buy a bigger robe unless she wanted to moon the entire neighborhood."

            Ryou couldn't help but begin to shift nervously under his stare. "I-I don't have it. Maybe the paper boy missed our house."

            Bakura moved so his hands were on his hips. "Give it to me."

            "Why don't you take Katsuya for a walk?" Ryou tried to avoid the topic as much as possible.

            "Ryou." Bakura slowly walked towards his light.

            The doorbell rang.

            THANK YOU!! "Could you answer that, please, Kura?"

            Glaring at Ryou, the tomb raider walked to the front door and opened it.

            "Morning!" Malik cheered and hugged Bakura's waist.

            "Yaaah! Get off me! Marik!"

            "Nice to see you too, Bakura," the taller blonde said. "Excuse me, nature calls. I have to go badly." He quickly moved pass them.

            Bakura slammed the door shut with Malik still clinging to him. "What the hell are you two doing here at this hour in the morning?" the tomb raider demanded.

            "I wanted to see Katsuya," Malik smiled up at him.

            Bakura narrowed his eyes. "In case you haven't noticed, I am not the fur ball."

            "Well, you can both use a bath," Marik said as he exited the living room with the newspaper in hand.

            "Hey!" Bakura yelled. "Give me that!"

            "I need library material!" Marik bolted to the bathroom and locked the door.

            Malik then released Bakura and ran into the living room.

            Grumbling about annoying hikaris he stomped into the living room and plopped himself down on the recliner. Malik laughed happily as the he petted the silver wolf that was currently licking his face, tail wagging happily. Ryou was watching it all with a smile. It was so sweet he felt a tooth ache.

            "Do you want anything to drink?" Ryou asked, playing role of gracious host.

            "I'm fine but I warned Marik not to eat so much," he giggled when Katsuya rolled onto his back for a belly rub.

            The thief made a face. "Ugh did we really need to hear that?"

            "Ever watch the way you eat?" Marik asked as he entered the living room. "The last time I saw you eat a steak, it made Katsuya look like he had table manners."

            "Shove it, and give me the damn paper!" Bakura grabbed the newspaper from the Egyptian. "What happened to the front page?!"

            "It got wet when I washed my hands, sorry. What the hell do you care for, anyway? All you read is the comic section."

            "And the obituaries," said Ryou.

            Instead of coming back with a witty come back he just glared at them. "You two are hiding something," he said in a low voice.

            Marik frowned and crossed his arms over his chest, feigning hurt. "Boy do I feel insulted. Least I saved the rest of the paper."

            "It's alright I mean it was probably just some robbery or something," Ryou said with a wave of his hand. "Don't worry about it, Kura."

            "Hn." Glaring at the paper he silently folded it and placed it on the coffee table. Without another word he headed upstairs.

            "Kura? Where are you going?" Ryou asked.

            "To use your computer."

            "Oh." He blinked and resisted the urge to curse before he ran to chase after his darker half. "No wait! You can't!"

            Marik blinked in confusion before turning to his little brother. "What's that about?"

            Malik grabbed the paper and looked at it. "He saw the web address for the paper."

            "Oh shit!" Marik jumped up from the couch and raced up the stairs after Ryou.

            "Bakura, I haven't finished loading the new operating system program yet!" Ryou said through the locked door. "It'll crash if you stay on it too long!" He looked at Marik and shook his head. I am so dead when he reads that article...

            Not even a minute later the door opened and Bakura just looked at the two with a dark expression.

            "... Bakura...?" Ryou said quietly.

            "... Did you honestly think you could keep that hidden from me?" he asked in a dark tone.

            "Hey we tried since we knew how you'd react," Marik spoke up.

            "Oh? And how would I react?" he asked coolly.

            "By doing something drastic."

            "Kura... I'm sorry but I didn't want you to get hurt," Ryou said with deep sympathy.

            "... Too little too late." Stepping past them he entered the guestroom and closed the door behind him.

            Marik blinked, not believing it. "That's a first. I would have thought he'd be throwing a tantrum."

            Downstairs the doorbell rang. Malik yelled that he'd get it before he yelled for them again. "Ryou!  There's a package here for you!"

            I haven't ordered anything lately, Ryou thought; maybe it's what Bakura won on eBay. Giving the guestroom door a quick sympathetic look, Ryou walked downstairs with Marik following behind.

            Malik gave Ryou the small box; he looked it over and saw the 'eBay Purchase' sticker under the return address. "It's the auction Bakura won a couple weeks ago."

            Marik grinned. "Open it!"

            "What?!"

            "Aren't you curious as to what he got Cheri?"

            "It's none of our business," Ryou said firmly and headed upstairs again. He knocked on the guestroom door. "Bakura, there's a package for you. I think it's the item you won on eBay."

            There was no answer and for a moment, Ryou was worried. "Bakura?" He wrapped his hand around the doorknob and turned, finding it unlocked. Opening the door a bit he found his darker self sitting before the window with the lights off and curtains barely parted. "Um you have a package."

            "Just leave it. I'll open it later," he said without turning.

            "Okay." Moving into the room Ryou set the package on the bed and turned to leave before looking up at him. "I'm sorry." Silently he closed the door behind him.

            The thief sat here for several more minutes before turning and looked at the box. Was it really worth it now? She was gone forever and despite the things he could do he would never have her love. Lose-Lose situation.

            Reaching over he pulled the package into his lap before slowly tearing it open. Pushing the shreds of newspaper aside he slowly pulled out a heavy collar of gold. With an expert eye he noted that this was real and old that he could only wonder where the hell the person got it from. Did he steal it? Whatever it was now his. Running his thumb over the image Bakura sighed.

            I know it sounds far fetched but… I wish I could help her out more, he thought silently.

--

            "Seto! Cheri!"

            "Hey, Mokuba!" Cheri smiled and held her arms open, allowing her to give a large hug to brother-in-law. "My mom working?"

            "She's getting out at seven tonight," Mokuba smiled and quickly hugged Seto. "Oh, the press ran an article about you two eloping."

            "Why am I not surprised?"

            "Did Jiles handle it?" Seto asked

            Mokuba nodded. "Yeah and by the way, are you two renewing your wedding vows?"

            Seto and Cheri looked at each other. "I can wear white, you know. I won't be completely stretching the truth."

            "As long as the mutt doesn't devour the entire buffet," said Seto. "Or the thief tries stealing the silverware."

            "They won't," Cheri hugged his arm and her eyes widened. Uh oh... Bakura...

            "Any messages while we were gone?" Seto asked.

            "Not including the ones from the reporters, nope. But everyone said they'll be over tonight," Mokuba said.

            "I'm glad but I should give mom a call to let her know we made it." Kissing her husband and giving her brother-in-law another hug she went to the den to use the phone.

            Seto smiled and looked at his brother. "Let's get everything ready."

--

            "Tea, I like your mom a lot," Keriam said into the phone, "but sending you to a shrink was not necessary."

            "To her it was," Tea sighed. "But according to Dr. Sanosuke, my nightmares are the cause of stress--both physical and mental."

            "Well, we know that mental stress is because of worrying about Cheri and all that we're going through right now. As for the physical stress, you better tell Yugi to start taking cold showers."

            Tea laughed. "Keriam, you're terrible at times."

            "Part of my charming personality. Uncle Zack said I got it from my father."

            "Somehow I can't picture you acting any other way."

            "Should I take that as a compliment?"

            "Definitely. I called Mokuba earlier and he said that Seto and Cheri were coming home today and that tonight they were gonna renew their vows. I take it you're coming?" the dancer asked.

            "Better believe it! This is one event I am not missing for the world!" Keriam said, clearly happy for her friend. "But, I wonder how Bakura took it."

            "Knowing him? Not so good… I hope he doesn't do anything rash tonight."

"I'll have Ryou bring Katsuya just to be safe."

--

            That night at Kaiba mansion was one of the biggest photo-ops that a journalist could ask for. Seto and Cheri Kaiba renewing their wedding vows. As for the CEO himself, he was dressed in a white tuxedo with a blue carnation in the lapel. He gave a few quick statements and when he was asked about Cheri's inability to conceive, Seto merely replied that it's a minor setback and that they would have a family.

            Bakura finally managed to escape Ryou and Katsuya. The thief claimed that he had to go to the bathroom, and both hikari and wolf accompanied him to the facilities. He had no idea which one was worse.

            Fortunately, the bathroom had a large enough window and was not far from the balcony to one of the first floor guestrooms. Now free of Ryou's and the fleabag's constant supervision, Bakura made his way upstairs to the room where Cheri was getting ready.

            Standing outside the door, Bakura removed the necklace, which was wrapped in a nicer box than it had arrived in, from under the black sports coat of the suit Ryou let him borrow. Raising his hand, Bakura knocked gently on the door.

            "Who is it?" Cheri asked from the other side.

            "Don't worry, I won't steal anything tonight."

            He heard footsteps from within before the door opened. Cheri smiled when she saw it was him and opened the door wider. "Hi Bakura. I'm glad you could make it."

            "Yeah well, why wouldn't I come?" he shrugged his shoulders as it was nothing.

            The young woman let him in before turning her back to him, holding her hair up. "Could you zip me please?"

            "Sure." He had to focus on not touching her as he slowly moved the silver tab up. He stepped back and watched as she finished getting ready. "You look--beautiful."

            She blushed as she smoothed her hands over her gown. "Thanks. I know we're renewing our vows but I'm still nervous."

            "You'll be fine. I wanted to give you something and--here." He handed the slender box to her.

            "Bakura... I-I don't know what to say."

            "Just open it."

            Cheri smiled and opened the box. She gasped and slowly held the necklace up. Setting the box on the dressed she gently trailed her finger over the image of the cat goddess. She was speechless she looked up at him with a question in her eyes.

            Bakura said nothing as he took it from her hands and stepped behind her, slowly slipping it around her neck and fastened it. "Bastet was known for being a protector against disease and a guardian of pregnant women. I know how much you want a family as well so I thought some help couldn't hurt." Facing her once more he smiled a bit. "You look like a true goddess."

            Cheri smiled at him as tears welled in her eyes. "Thank you." She grabbed a tissue and dabbed at her eyes so that her makeup would be messed. "Is everyone here?"

            "Tristen said he had to take care of something important and he'd get here as soon as he could."

            "Okay. Well, here I go again."

            Bakura smiled, nodding slightly, and then pulled Cheri to him, hugging her gently. "As long as you are happy then I will be happy for you," Bakura whispered, "but know this--I will follow you to the ends of the earth and if you ever need me, I will always be there waiting."

            He released her and quickly left the room. Cheri watched him go, her hand going to the necklace. "Bakura..."

--

            Okay, why am I here again? Tristen asked himself as he walked into Domino City International Bank. I have a wedding to go to. Grandpa, why of all days did you have to freak me out today?

            It had been a fairly normal day, good weather; getting a call from Joey when he arrived home and saying that Serenity was also in town for Seto and Cheri renewing their vows. (Tristen had his rented tux sitting in the storage box on his bike. If it got a little wrinkled, no doubt the staff at Kaiba mansion would quickly iron it.) All in all, the day was good.

            Until Tristen checked the mail and found a letter addressed to him from Grandpa Alexander, which had been postmarked when Tristen was six-years-old and instructed not to be delivered until two years to the day after Battle City Tournament was over.

            How the hell did he know? Tristen thought as he stood in line. It's too freaky to be just a coincidence.

            "Next, please," the teller called.

            Tristen walked up to him. "Hi, I'm really not sure what to do but my grandfather left me this." He gave the teller a piece of paper with his name, his grandfather's name, and a number on it.

            "Oh yes, we've been waiting for you, Mr. Taylor," the clerk said. He rose from his chair and stepped out from behind the station. "If you would please follow me."

            Tristen swallowed nervously as he walked behind the clerk. He was led into another part of the bank and shown into a small room with a table against the wall and a chair.

            "Just wait here for a few minutes and I will be right back," the clerk said.

            Tristen nodded. "Sure." He set his backpack on the floor and sat down in the chair, pondering why he had the feeling that the events of today would lead to something more, and possibly at a destructive level.

            The clerk returned carrying a rather large safety deposit box and set it on the table. "Here you are, sir," he smiled. "The door will be locked on the outside so that no one will disturb you. Just press the button next to the doorframe when you are finished and one of us will assist you."

            "Thank you," Tristen said and the clerk shut the door. Turning to the box, Tristen pulled out his wallet and removed the other paper that had been included in the letter, containing the two combination codes for the safety deposit box. He entered the codes and the locks clicked.

            Putting the paper back in his wallet, Tristen slowly opened the lid. Inside there was a brown paper package tied up with some kind of string and a small envelope with his name on it. His hands shook slightly as he removed the envelope from the box and opened it. He immediately slammed it onto the table.

            The letter was dated the day Tristen was born.

            Tristen,

            By the time you read this letter, the BattleCity Tournament will have ended two years ago. And your friend, the one who will have the spirit of the Nameless Pharaoh with him, will be the victor. I can imagine the shock you will have from reading this but there are many things that I could not write in my journal from my last visit to Egypt.

            The woman who told me about the Sisters of the Moon knew what was going to happen. Her name was Esiarenna. She had a Millennium Item, the Necklace, and was able to see the past and the future with it. Esiarenna foresaw your birth and said that you are one of the Children, chosen by the god, Osiris. You are one of the guardians of the Sisters of the Moon, and you are also the Keeper of what this box contains.

            The Daughter of Isis wrote it herself, as commanded by her Mother. Please, Tristen, no matter what, you cannot let it fall into the hands of the Black Scorpion. You must also find the other two and give them to their chosen Keepers.

            Esiarenna also has one request.

            Please let Rashid, Ishizu, Marik and Malik know that she is sorry.

            Tristen stared at the letter for a long time. He put it back into the envelope and faced the box, almost afraid to unwrap the package it contained. With shaking hands, he removed it and untied the string. Slowly, he removed the paper. It was a book made out of metal, covered with hieroglyphs. From the descriptions the Ishtar family had told her, Tristen knew exactly what he was now holding.

            It was the Book of Shadows.

            The very same book that held the instructions on how the Millennium Items were created.

            "Oh my God..." Tristen whispered. He ran his fingers over it, almost feeling the power of the dark secrets it held. His watch beeped. "Shit! I'm gonna be late!"

            Tristen quickly put the Book of Shadows, the letters, and even the brown paper in his backpack. He didn't want to leave anything. Finished, he pressed the button by the doorframe and waited. A few moments later, the teller opened the door.

            "Finished, sir?" he asked with a smile.

            "Yes, I am, thank you," Tristen did his best to remain calm. "Is there anything I need to sign or pay for?"

            "Oh no, sir, everything was taken care of years ago. Your grandfather paid in advance when he opened his account here--he paid for the exact amount of time that the box would be used." He shrugged. "Amazing, isn't it?"

            "Indeed," Tristen forced a smile. "Thank you, again."

            "You're welcome, Mr. Taylor and have a good day."

            Tristen nodded and left the bank, literally forcing himself to walk a steady and normal pace to his bike. He quickly put his backpack in the storage box, right in top of his tux--the possibility of it becoming more wrinkled was far from his mind. He secured everything and started up his bike, speeding towards Kaiba mansion.

Author's Note:

Heikou: Well first the necklace. Who would've thought there would be a deity for just about anything?

Janime: I'll say.

Heikou: But then again, the image of the goddess of pregnant women had the head of a hippo, sagging breasts (and I mean grandma sagging) and a tail of a croc.

Janime: How many gods were there in Egypt?

Heikou: um... lemme see... Sobek, Anubis, Ra, Nut, Geb, Isis, Horus, Osiris... counts on fingers 231.

Janime: eyes wide are you sure?

Heikou: that's what the website says. Geez they must have a deity for everything!

pantheon.org /areas /mythology /africa /egyptian /articles.html

Janime: Coolness.

Heikou: Makes you wonder how they remembered them all.

Janime: No wonder there were so many priests. (points to fic) And the plot thickens!

Heikou: That's right! Tristen now has the Book of Shadows! And we can make little guesses as to what his grandpa meant by "the other two" that was mentioned in the letter.

Janime: Sorry, no spoilers this time. Btw, I'm off to Chicago this weekend.

Heikou: So the fic is gonna be kinda on hold until she gets back. hey take lots of pictures!

Janime: Naturally! (packing while singing "Leaving on a Jet Plane")