Author's Note: Okay, fair warning with this chapter. No, no lemon scene but in the first several paragraphs we're gonna be explaining how intro-fertilization works. All this is true and this is one of the reasons the story is rated R so down below is from a medical view point. Before I forget, many thanks to my friend DragonDagger for telling us how this process works.
"Arise from Darkness"
By Heikou and Janime
Chapter Nineteen
Children's Legacy
Seto opened the passenger door of his Mercedes, and helped Cheri step out. "Fifteen minutes to spare," he said.
"We'll use those fifteen minutes later," Cheri winked at him. Her husband shut the door and set the alarm, and then the couple walked into the clinic at Domino City Hospital.
"Hey, Kaoru."
"Hi, Cheri!" the nurse at the reception desk smiled. "Mr. Kaiba," she nodded to the CEO.
"Is Dr. Megumi here?" Cheri asked.
"She's in Kenshin's office," Kaoru smiled. "I'll call and let them know you're here."
"Hey, Kaoru," a young intern walked over to the nurse with two files. "There are two patients with the same name and I don't want to administer any medication until I know who's who."
"Yahiko," the nurse groaned as she grabbed the folders. "The middle names are different for starters and they're on two different floors. If you're still unsure, ask them when you go to the room."
Yahiko blushed and took the files. "Thanks."
Kaoru sighed as she watched him walk away. "Interns, they never learn."
Cheri giggled and Seto rolled his eyes. Going to the lobby they sat down. Seto remained as calm as he's always been but slowly he reached over and rested his hand on Cheri's knee. It stopped jumping up and down.
"You're nervous," he stately.
"I'm surprised you aren't. I hope this really works," she said softly, taking his hand in her own.
He smiled at her and leaned over, kissing her softly. "It will. Just have faith."
"Okay I'll send them right in." Setting the phone down Kaoru called out to them. "You can go to Kenshin's office now, he's waiting."
Bastet, please help us, Cheri prayed softly as she reached up to touch the necklace. Still holding onto Seto's hand they walked to the office.
"Ah, Cheri, Mr. Kaiba," Kenshin smiled as the couple walked in. He gestured to the woman doctor who rose from a chair. "This is Dr. Megumi."
"Pleasure to meet you," Megumi shook their hands. "I heard about your predicament; unfortunately, I wished it had been under medical circumstances."
"That makes three of us," Seto grunted as he and Cheri sat in the other chairs.
"Dr. Kenshin, please report to triage five," Yahiko's voice called over the intercom. "Dr. Kenshin, triage five."
"If you'll excuse me," Kenshin said and left the office.
"So… what is going to happen?" Cheri asked. "How does the whole procedure work?"
"Well, it begins with you Mrs. Kaiba," Megumi began.
"Please, call me Cheri," she said with a soft smile.
"Alright Cheri; I'm going to make sure that you're still reproducing eggs properly."
"How are you going to do that?"
"Basically I need to take several eggs from your ovaries during the duration of two months. Mind you the process isn't very comfortable but it's the only way to get the egg straight from the source." Opening a folder in her hand she moved her chair closer and sat before them, showing them a picture of the female anatomy. "A kind of hose will be threaded up into the vagina, through the fallopian tubes and gather the eggs. We'll be taking samples from both ovaries to make sure we have enough of them to test and hope they survive being taken from your body. I'll be checking them to make sure they are not in anyway deformed or damaged but this will also take a lot of luck because the eggs will not only have to survive being removed and the screening but also the fertilization, more screening, and the implant."
"Now Mr. Kaiba, we'll also be collecting samples of sperm from you. I want to make sure nothing is wrong on your end so you will be coming in more frequently than Cheri will be. The labs will do a count and once we have a collection of strong and healthy sperm we'll do our best to keep it good until we can get a good batch of eggs. Once we've done then comes the tricky part. The fertilization is a very delicate procedure so I will be doing that personally since I seem to be the expert here."
"I understand," Seto said calmly. "How long does the procedure take?"
"Honestly? A year if not longer. I want to be very sure that the eggs and sperm are not malformed in anyway and that they survive the fertilization. If they have then I will implant the fertilized eggs back inside and let nature take over. Once in place I'll need you, Cheri, to come by every now and then for a check up, so to speak, to make sure everything is going smoothly." She paused, letting the information sink in and handed them several pamphlets. Looking at them she smiled gently.
"I know that this seems like a long shot but it has worked many times before. I will do my best and maybe with a little bit of luck this can and will work."
"That's what we're hoping for, Dr. Megumi. In a way, you're our last option left," the CEO said in a quiet tone, reaching over to gently rub his wife's back.
"I'll do my best. If you like, we can start today and if you don't mind, we'll also be a needing a blood test done."
"Sounds fair," Cheri nodded.
Megumi smiled. "All right, I'll let you two have a few minutes to talk and I'll see you in the examination room down the hall." She stood up and left the office.
Cheri leaned back in her chair and sighed.
"Boy, this is going to hurt," said Seto.
"Hurt you?" Cheri quickly turned her head. "What about me? I'm the one who's going to have a tube go up inside my most delicate area!"
"I'm sorry," her husband smiled. "Well, shall we get started?"
They rose from the chairs and left the room, heading down the hall where Dr. Megumi was waiting. She raised her head from the form she was writing on. "Alright then," she smiled, "before I draw blood, I need to ask a question. Did you two have sex within the last twenty-four hours?"
Seto blinked and Cheri blushed. "Uh… no…" Cheri managed to say. They had originally intended to have a nice evening together, but Katsuya--whom had been left at the mansion by Keriam's orders for the wolf to watch over Cheri--had decided to take up sleeping space near Cheri's side of the bed. That had caused the mood to go out the window.
"Good," Megumi handed a small plastic cup to Seto. "I believe you know what to do." She left the room.
Cheri grinned up at her husband. "Need help?"
"I may end up taking you instead," he smiled. Reaching up he caressed her cheek. "But afterwards, you and I are going to spend the evening together."
"What about Katsuya?"
"I'll lock him in the bathroom."
--
Tea held the Book of Shadows and turned it over several times in her hands. "Okay," she sighed, "your grandfather wrote that you have to find the other two."
"Yeah," Tristen nodded, "I'm guessing he meant two more books."
"The only two books that I know of are the Book of Amun-Ra and the Book of the Dead," said Yami. "The Book of Amun-Ra was kept in the temple of Horus-"
"And the Book of the Dead was kept in the temple of Anubis," Tea finished and set the Book of Shadows on the coffee table.
"Horus was favored by Ra, wasn't he?" Yugi looked at his other half. "I read a couple theories online. One said that Ra had left the lives of man to his descendants, and he chose Horus to reign as a god of light."
Yami nodded. "Horus is the direct, legitimate descendant of Ra. He was brother to Osiris and Isis, but Set killed him and Isis saved his soul to be reborn as her son."
"I wish grandfather had been a bit clearer on what he meant but it's up to us," the young man sighed.
"He had his reasons for doing this. Perhaps so this wouldn't fall into wrong hands," Yami summed.
"Like the Black Scorpion..." Tea said softly. They still scared her and now that they knew of the book... "Do you think, the Daughter of Isis could give us the answer?"
Yugi thought about it but could only shrug his shoulders. "I want to say yes but she may end up giving us another riddle to answer the first one."
"True…" she looked at Tristen and Yugi. "Has she said anything to you guys yet?"
Tristen shook his head. "Not me and if she does, maybe she can explain more about what's going to happen…"
"I don't even want to think about it," said Yugi. "Has Keriam called yet, Tea?"
"No," his girlfriend answered. "To be honest I'm getting a little worried. I mean… Marik wasn't entirely at fault two years ago but still… what if his clan tries to kill him and everyone else?"
"Then, and I don't have a good feeling about this, they will bring down the wrath of the gods upon them," Yami said in a dark tone.
"I don't think they'll let that happen. Remember, Ishizu said the legend of the Daughter of Isis was passed down the female generations of their clan. If Keriam's already proved herself the Daughter of Ra, I doubt they'll let anything happen to her," Yugi added for confidence.
"That and Joey would sooner die than let them hurt her," Tristen smiled lightly.
Yami couldn't help but smile a bit. "Good points; they probably can't call or contact us yet but I'm sure they'll find a way.
"You're right, but I can't help but worry. Something seems ready to just, collapsed right under our feet and we won't know it until it's too late," Tea said a bit fearfully. "Call it a bad omen."
"Omens are neither good nor bad," said Yami. "It depends on how you look at them."
I hope I'm wrong about it, Tea thought.
Yugi's cell phone starting ringing; he removed it from his pocket and answered. "Hello? Hey, Grandpa. We're at Tristen's house. Okay. Yeah, we'll be there shortly. All right, Grandpa. Bye."
"He needs us at the shop," said Yami; it wasn't a question.
"Yeah, there's a shipment coming in today and the arthritis in his back is acting up again." Yugi stood up. "Sorry, Tristen."
"Don't be," the taller boy said as he put the Book of Shadows in his backpack. "I'll run this over to Kaiba's place and we can finish talking about it there."
Yami nodded. "Sounds good to me."
"I'll let you know if Keriam calls," Tea said as they walked to the door.
"Alright. We'll see you tomorrow then," Yugi nodded to the young man.
"Be careful, all of you."
"Same to you." Telling his parents that he'd be back Tristen walked out with the others. He placed his backpack in the side compartment and waved to his friends as they walked home together. Slipping the helmet on he got on his bike and drove down the street. He hated to have Seto watch over the book but as long as those scorpions didn't know where it was hidden, the better.
--
Cliff, Don Zaloog, Chick, and Gorg knelt before a dais, which had a large green-gray, egg-like cocoon upon it. The cocoon pulsed every few moments and if you watched carefully, you could see something moving inside.
"The Book of Shadows," a raspy voice demanded.
"It's still with the Keeper, my lord," Chick answered and he bowed down till his head touched the floor.
"The Daughter of Osiris?" their lord's voice filled with revulsion.
"She still lives," Gorg answered and bowed as best as he could.
"And my daughter?"
"She is still with the High Priest," Don Zaloog answered; he too, bowed like his fellow Scorpions.
"My lord," Cliff spoke, "Meanae didn't recognize me. She didn't recognize any of us."
"Her memory has been sealed away," said the Scorpion King, "no doubt by her adoptive mother." He almost chuckled. "Zashida never had any children then, and she always wished that Agalameia was hers."
"Is there a way for her to remember her true past?"
"Once her memory has fully awakened, she will come back to us."
"What shall we do about the Keeper and the Daughter of Osiris?" Don Zaloog asked, looking up.
"Watch them. Soon, very soon, Meanae will join us once again. Soon Anubis shall feel my wrath."
"My lord," Click raised his head, "the Daughter of Ra and her Guardians have gone to Egypt."
"And this concerns you?" the Black Scorpion asked with mild amusement.
"What if they find something there to try and stop your revival?"
"There is nothing in that overgrown sandbox that will help them," a dark mutated voice spoke.
All four Scorpions immediately took their stances. A figure dressed in black robes walked out from behind the dais, an evil smirk upon his face as cold, lifeless eyes stared at them.
Cliff blinked in shock. "How did you-"
"He is not who you think he is," said the Scorpion King. "But his intentions are similar to ours. My powers are weak for now, yet it was easy to release him."
"Can we trust him, sire?" the leader of the assassin group asked, his hand resting on his short sword.
"Can a scorpion trust a cobra?" the man asked, the smirk still in place. "Or will they kill one another in ignorance?"
"You-"
"Enough!! Go now and watch over my daughter. Soon she will awaken but should the Keeper or Osiris' child interfere... destroy them."
"Sire." The four men bowed deeply, their foreheads touching the ground before they were engulfed in shadows and flittered away.
The cocoon pulsed as the figure within stirred. "Soon we shall have our revenge."
And I will have mine, the man's smirk widened, several times over.
--
Halima set the platter of food on the table. Everyone took a piece of bread and dipped it into the meat sauce that resided in a large bowl warmed by a small lamp.
Keriam ate slowly. Seeing the Seal of the Shadow Realm again brought back more memories. The most recent one was of Theliane's mother funeral procession.
Joey touched her hand. "You okay, babe?"
She nodded lightly. "Just a little freaked out, that's all."
"I'm sorry my husband is not making this easier for you," said Halima.
"Uncle Luzige certainly changed over the last few years," Malik said and took a sip from his cup.
"He hates me," said Marik. "I wouldn't be surprised if he would love to see me dead." He took a bite and swallowed. "Him and least ninety-nine percent of the clan."
"Just a small percentage of the men," Ishizu told him.
"The rest of the clan never believed that it was really you that caused what happened, Marik," Halima looked at her nephew. "Thank your sister for that."
Ishizu smiled a bit sadly. "I wish that mother had still been alive... maybe, she would have been able to convince father not to do what he did."
"I don't think dad would've listened," Malik said a bit gloomily. "Maybe coming back was a mistake."
"Don't say that, Malik. We had to take a chance and see it through. Luzige may not accept you but everyone else does," Marik told him, reaching over to ruffle his hair some. "Besides, I know you missed Egypt for a while now."
"You too," his light grinned.
Halima smiled at the two boys. Ishizu noticed the look in her aunt's eyes. She glanced over to Keriam and noticed that the Daughter of Ra was on the same wavelength.
When dinner was finished, the boys went with Rashid, while Ishizu and Keriam remained with Halima to clean up.
"Halima," said Ishizu. "We want to have a talk with you."
"What about?" her aunt asked.
"About the way you look at Marik and Malik," Keriam said.
Halima stopped washing the dishes and dried her hands. "What do you wish to know?"
"The way you look at both of them," Ishizu began, "you're sad and relieved at the same time. But why?"
Halima remained quiet for a few moments then turned to her niece. "What do you remember about when your mother was expecting Marik?"
Ishizu looked at her aunt in confusion, as did Keriam. "She was rather large so early in her pregnancy," said Ishizu.
"And when Marik was born?"
"He was smaller than the babies born before him."
"What does this have to do with Marik and Malik?" Keriam asked.
Halima walked to the other side of the room, twisting the towel in her hands. "Marik was not alone in the womb. Malik was with him."
Ishizu sat down in a chair as the words hit her.
"They're twins?" Keriam whispered.
"I was the one who delivered them…"
"Why were we never told?" Ishizu demanded.
"Forgive me, Ishizu," Halima faced her niece with tears flowing. "Marik was born first, Malik followed shortly after. They were weak but they would survive. Your father--may Ammit devour his soul--only wanted one male heir. He had the Millennium Rod and…" Halima covered her face as more tears escaped. "I'll never forget the look on Masika's face…"
Keriam fell to her knees. He killed Malik! He was just a baby!
Halima wiped her face with the towel and continued, "Masika… it broke her heart at the thought of her sons never growing up together. The labor had been difficult, and she was weak but she had me bring both babies over to her. Malik's soul hadn't departed for the underworld yet. Your mother used the last of her powers to send Malik's soul into Marik's body, so even if they would share the same memories… at least they would be together."
"Malik... Marik..." Ishizu said softly, the truth sinking in deeply. "I can't believe father would commit such a sin... they were innocent!"
"Your father... no one except I knew what he did but he swore me to never tell." Halima slowly shook her head. "I'm sorry but I couldn't bear this secret any longer. Your mother loved you all very much she promised to always be looking out for you all." The older woman move to stand before her niece and knelt, taking her hands in her own.
"Ishizu, don't listen to what anyone tells you on how to raise your child. I know you and Rashid will be good and loving parents. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."
The young woman slowly nodded her head but couldn't help but let several tears fall.
Keriam looked at them as she made her way over and wrapped her arms around her in a tight hug. "I don't think we should tell the guys yet. I know they have a right to know but not right now," she said softly.
"I agree. For now, let them think they are two halves of the same soul."
--
"Bakura?" Ryou called as he walked into the house via the kitchen door. "Of all the spirits from five thousand years ago, I had to get a temperamental one."
"I heard that!" Bakura shouted.
Kicking off his sneakers, Ryou walked into the living room and found Bakura lying on the floor with his legs on the couch he was somewhat sitting against. Ryou had seen Cheri in this position a few times at Kaiba mansion; she told him that it was relaxing for her.
"Meditating?" Ryou asked.
"Trying to," Bakura said without any annoyance in his voice.
The light just shook his head slowly and went to the phone as it rang. "Hello?"
"Ryou? This is Cheri."
"Cheri! Did you have the doctor's appointment?"
"Yeah I did and I'm kinda cranky right now. Anyhow, what are you doing?"
"Nothing really, I just got in. Anything wrong?"
"No just that Seto had to go to the office; apparently someone made a mistake so odds are someone is gonna be fired. Mokuba is hanging out with his friends, Tea is with Yugi and mom is working. I'm bored." She frowned, realizing she couldn't sit down just yet. Oh she hated that tube!
"Would you like to come over for a little while?" Ryou asked.
Cheri sighed. "Katsuya doesn't seem to like the idea of me leaving the house without Seto. Could you guys come over here?"
"Hold on." Ryou looked at Bakura. Cheri would like for us to visit, Ryou sent to his darker half. --Do you want to go?--
--Uh, gee, let me think…-- Bakura answered. --The woman I love in the house of the person I hate the most who is currently trying to impregnate her with his appalling seed. Sure, why not?--
Ryou frowned. --You better behave yourself.--
Bakura got up from the floor. --And if I don't?--
--I'll have the Gravekeepers tie you to a chair and Katsuya can watch you.--
He glared at him. --You wouldn't.--
--Try me.--
Silence. --I am rubbing off on you.--
Ryou smiled. "We'll be right over."
"Great. I'll tell security to be expecting you."
"Thanks. See you soon." He hung up the phone. "Ready to go?"
"I was born ready," Bakura replied, stretching his back.
Ryou just rolled his eyes.
--
"It's not the official Seal," Keriam explained, "It's a representation of the barrier between our world and the Shadow Realm. The cracks in it show how much the barrier is weakening."
"What does the actual Seal looks like?" Joey asked.
"There isn't a symbol or anything that holds it back."
"It's invisible," said Marik.
"That, makes sense I guess. So how do we keep the cracks from spreading?"
"I don't know. Our powers didn't work before I think all we can do is just watch over it and make sure it doesn't break too soon," Keriam sighed.
"Damnit. If the seal does break every deck, every card is gonna come alive," Marik frowned.
"Then our secret comes out," said Malik.
"And we have enough problems," Ishizu sighed. She frowned then placed her hand over her mouth. Everyone looked at her and relaxed when she sighed. "This is the one part about being pregnant that I hate."
"Come on," Keriam gently took her arm and helped her stand up. "Maybe you should go lay down for a while."
Ishizu nodded and allowed Keriam to lead her from the room. "Five more months," the Egyptian woman sighed, "believe me I cannot wait."
"According to my aunt, my mother never had morning sickness or weird cravings when she was pregnant with me," said Keriam. "She had the flu about a month before I was born though."
"I envy her," Ishizu smiled a little. "She was lucky not to see her breakfast twice-"
"Ishizu," a voice whispered.
The two women stopped and looked to their right. The woman who had spoken in Marik's defense was standing just inside an unused room.
"Tamana?" Ishizu looked at her.
She motioned to them. "Quickly, both of you."
Ishizu and Keriam hurried inside and stood on the left side of the doorway, the woman standing across from them.
"What's going on?" Ishizu asked quietly.
Tamana raised her finger to her lips and then jerked her thumb to the footsteps now coming down the hall.
"Luzige wants them locked up," one man said, "but keep the Daughter of Ra separate from them."
Keriam and Ishizu's eyes widened.
"What about Marik?" another one asked.
"Bring him to the ceremonial chamber. Luzige wants to take care of him personally."
Once the footsteps faded, Tamana cautiously looked into the hallway and pulled back. "I overheard your uncle," she turned to Ishizu. "Luzige rebuilt the stone table where your brother received the ancient text. He's going to kill Marik on it."
"No…" Ishizu shook her head. "Not my brother, he didn't do anything wrong."
"Ishizu, calm down," Keriam put her hands on her shoulders. "Tamana, do you know where they're going to be kept?"
The older woman nodded. "A few others are already waiting to help free them. They believe in Marik and in you, Daughter of Ra."
"Get everyone out of here." Keriam walked to the doorway. "I'll get Marik."
Ishizu looked at her. "Keriam…
"You don't know where the ceremonial room is," said Tamana.
"Oh yes, I do," Keriam looked at her. "I've seen it in Marik's mind. I know exactly where it is. And there's two ways to get to it. That's the advantage I'll have over Luzige."
"Be careful."
"I will. Ishizu, please, don't let Joey come after me."
Ishizu nodded and Keriam ran down the hallway.
Tamana nodded to Ishizu and they silently left the room.
Keriam moved down the hall, being careful not to make a sound but also to hurry. I can't believe he would do that. That bastard! She frowned angrily at the thought.
Going back to the room she turned a corner and ran into someone that it took everything she had not to cry out. "Marik!" she hissed softly.
"Hey calm down--what's wrong?" he asked, seeing a furious look in his eyes.
"Luzige wants to kill you. That stone altar, the one from your nightmare, he rebuilt it. Marik we have to get everyone out of here now."
"... that goddam--where's Ishizu?"
"She's with Tamana. We have to get out of here before it's too late. There are already men being sent here to lock Joey and Malik away."
"And we're here."
Marik pushed Keriam behind him, glowering at the group. "Still the benevolent servant, Bankole. Uncle Luzige chose not to believe, and he sends a dozen men to catch me and a young woman?"
"You may no longer hold the Millennium Rod, Marik," Bankole stared at them, "but that doesn't mean you have any special powers."
"Perhaps," Marik tilted his head, "but there's only one way to find out."
"Luzige also said that if you refused, we could kill you."
"Why am I not surprised?" Marik shook his head then charged directly at the group.
"Marik!" Keriam cried.
"Run!" he shouted as he kicked one man's face then punched another's chest. "Get out of here, Keriam!"
Taking heed of his words, she bolted from the fight.
"Stop her!" Bankole yelled and three men gave chase.
Marik had managed to keep the men at bay, but he was soon overpowered and tackled to the floor. Holding his arms tightly, they dragged him to his feet. Bankole grabbed Marik's pale hair and held his gaze. "Apparently, you do lack the power now." He slapped Marik across his face. "Take him to Luzige."
--
"Hey, ya big cretin!" Joey yelled from the other side of the bars. "Let us out!"
"Joey, forget it," Malik grabbed the taller blonde's arm.
"No I will not! I wanna know what the hell is going on here! Where's Keriam?!"
"Silence outsider! This is none of your concern!"
"Like hell it isn't!" The blonde growled and stalked away from the bars, growling angrily. "I swear if they hurt Keriam I'll personally kill them. Every last one."
Malik looked at him, trying to be the calm one here but he was worried. Where was Marik?
"This is Luzige's doing," said Halima and she sighed.
"Quite the revelation," said the guard, "for a defective woman."
"Defective, am I?" Halima walked to the door. "Is that all he sees me as?"
The guard ignored her and turned his attention on the person walking to him. "You there! Luzige gave orders that no one is to-" he gargled then fell to the floor as Tamana wiped off her dagger.
"Tamana! Ishizu!" Halima said happily.
"We're getting out of here," Tamana grabbed the ring from the dead guard's belt and inserted the key into the lock. The door opened.
"Where's Marik?" Malik asked.
"They took him to the ceremonial chamber," Ishizu leaned against Rashid. "Luzige's going to kill him."
"What about Keriam?" Joey demanded.
"The Daughter of Ra is going to save him," said Tamana.
"Is she crazy?!" Joey almost bolted down the hall but skidded short as Ishizu stepped in his way.
"Joey, please," she begged. "Keriam will be fine. I know you love her but you have to trust her on this."
"I do trust her! Is that asshole Luzige I don't trust!"
"Ishizu, where are the others?" Malik asked.
"Those that are with us are getting out now. Rashid is helping them but we must go. Now."
"Not without Keriam!!"
The soon-to-be-mother couldn't take it anymore and for one in her life that the blonde had known her, she yelled at him. "Joey Wheeler, we do now have time for this!! If Luzige kills Marik then the backlash may kill Malik as well!! We must leave now or our lives will be lost!!"
The outburst took everyone back but it seemed to work. Joey swallowed but nodded. Picking Malik up he nodded to them. "Let's go."
--
Marik glared at his bastard uncle hatefully, breathing deeply. Of all the times that he wished he was a spirit once more this was one of those times. Or at least to have the rod in his grip. "Luzige... what the hell are you doing? What do you have planned?"
"You'll see soon enough," his uncle grinned maliciously, the same grin Marik's father had before he scarred Marik's back. "After the Daughter of Ra is safely tucked away."
Marik pulled the rope the bound his wrists above his head. "You so much as even touch her, Luzige, I swear to all the gods that you will regret it!"
The older man laughed at him. "Right now, you are in no position to do anything, nephew."
The men who had sided with Luzige ran into the chamber. "Luzige!" Bakole panted. "The Daughter or Ra has escaped."
"What?!" Luzige stormed over to them. "You imbeciles!"
--Marik!--
--Malik!--
--Are you okay?--
--For the moment,-- answered Marik. --Where's Keriam?--
--She's still inside,-- Malik answered. --She'll get you out of there.--
Keriam was already inside the room before Bakole and the others brought Marik into the ceremonial chamber. It hadn't been easy to lose the three men that were after her, but Keriam managed a few twists and turns and a couple shortcuts she learned from Marik's memory that eventually helped her lose her pursuers. There had been no one in the hallways, which could only mean that Ishizu and Tamana had gotten everyone out.
Now there's one person left, Keriam thought. She gently ran her fingers along a large stone block, and once getting a slight grip, pulled the block out and crawled through into the ceremonial room. She found herself behind a large statue of Horus, which concealed her perfectly.
Peaking out from behind the statue, Keriam watched Luzige pace back and forth next to the reconstructed stone table, tossing a dagger into the air and catching it.
And I thought Russell was a sicko, Keriam frowned.
When Marik was brought in, Keriam had to fight the urge to rush over and him, but she knew that it would be bad for both of them if she did. She watched with seething eyes as Marik struggled while his captors bounded his hands and feet to the metal rings on the corners of the stone table.
With Luzige yelling at the others, Keriam took the advantage and crawled out from behind her hiding place. She moved quietly like a snake on water over to the table (which might actually impress Bakura). Reaching into her pocket, Keriam pulled out her pocketknife and immediately started cutting the ropes that were tied around Marik's wrists.
--She's here,-- Marik sent; he felt his light's relief.
Marik kept his hands above his head, as to not alert Luzige and the others while he removed the ropes from his wrists. Keriam in the meantime moved to the other end of the table and cut the ropes attached to Marik's ankles.
Marik quickly rolled backwards and pulled the ropes from his ankles. Then he and Keriam bolted to the statue.
"Luzige!" Bakole shouted.
The older man turned and saw the two youths running. Cursing, Luzige ran after them. Marik was halfway through the opening, and Luzige grabbed his leg. Marik then kicked his uncle's hand and the old man released him with a half cry.
"Get them!" Luzige shouted.
--
Marik and Keriam raced down the halls, heading towards the entrance. As they neared, three men came out from another path and blocked them. Skidding to a halt, Keriam and Marik quickly ran in another direction.
"I don't suppose there's another way out," Keriam said.
"Never found one," Marik answered as the rounded a corner.
Bakole jumped out and grabbed the back of Marik's shirt. Marik twisted around and leaned over, causing his shirt to slide off his body and ran off with Keriam.
They kept running, ducking behind corners at nearly breakneck speed but in the process, getting a bit lost themselves. When they hit a dead end they skidded to a halt, catching their breathe.
"We're gonna have to double back," Marik panted, struggling to control his breathing.
"No kidding. What if we run into your uncle?" Keriam asked, resting her hands on her knees.
"... He won't be missed if he dies, I'm sure. C'mon." Heading out of the tunnel they raced down a hall, hoping it would lead them to a recognizable path to the outside.
Luzige stepped out with half of his followers. The two stopped and turned, only to halt again as their route was blocked. They were trapped in the hallway. On one side was a set of wooden doors, the gathering room.
Marik grabbed Keriam's hand and raced through. They shut the door and quickly barred it before anyone could enter. Sighing with some relief, they backed away. But the moment was short lived as pounding began on the other side.
"Good while it lasted," said Keriam.
Marik nodded.
--
"They're trapped in the meeting room," said Malik.
Joey turned and headed to the entrance.
"No, don't!" Rashid grabbed him.
"Get off me!" Joey struggled.
"Joey, please," Ishizu begged. "It'll only make things worse."
"And much worse can it get?!" the blonde demanded. "My girlfriend's trapped down there with a bunch of psychos!"
"The door's broken…" Malik said quietly.
--
"A valiant attempt," Luzige said as he and the others walked towards the platform. "But, alas, it was in vain."
Marik stood in front of Keriam, shielding her. He glowered at his uncle. "If you wanted to kill me, you had plenty of time and the resources. Why wait for me to come back to Egypt?"
Luzige sneered. "The last thing I want is your blood on my hands. I had no intention of killing you when you came back--all I had to do was throw you out again."
"Then why bother with it now?" Marik demanded.
"For the Daughter of Ra."
"You didn't believe in the Sisters of the Moon," said Keriam.
"I don't have much choice to believe in you now, do I, my dear?" Luzige smiled at her. "I did my own little research as well, thanks to a few who would rather tell than be shamed."
"…You raped them…" Keriam hissed.
"My bed has long since turned cold. I needed warmth."
"You sick bastard," Marik growled.
"As to why I decided to kill you now, nephew," Luzige changed the subject as if it was nothing. "Each of the Sisters has three Guardians. That boy Wheeler, Malik, and you are the Daughter of Ra's Guardians. If a Guardian is killed then a new one must be chosen." He smiled at Keriam. "And who better than to give me a child of immense power, instead of that insipid woman that I married."
--That's sick!-- Malik's disgust flowed to Marik.
"I rather be celibate!" Keriam shouted.
"You even think about that any longer, Luzige, and I'll kill you!" Marik growled.
"Not surprising, after all, you killed both your parents."
"If anyone is guilty of killing Masika it was your brother!" Keriam yelled. "He had no right to kill Malik!"
"What?!" Marik looked at her.
"Halima told Ishizu and me everything. She delivered you. Your father only wanted one male heir. He killed Malik. Masika used her power to send Malik's soul into you--she wanted the two of you to be together. You and Malik are twins." Tears rolled down Keriam's cheeks. "Marik, you didn't kill your mother."
Marik couldn't believe it. All his life his father blamed him for killing his mother was she had died to protect them. And Malik... The link had been wide open and he felt the shock his light-
No.
No not his light.
His brother.
His twin brother...
Luzige frowned. "So she told you. No matter, once you are out of the way I'll deal with her personally."
Keriam blinked and growled angrily at him. "Don't you dare harm her, you sick bastard!"
"No one will stop me. Soon, I will do what my brother could never do. Everyone shall bow before me!"
"No... No they won't..." Marik closed his eyes tightly as the tears slowly fell, his hands forming into impossible tight fists. "I swear before this day is over I will make sure you pay for your sins, Luzige!!"
Luzige said nothing; he snapped his fingers and the group started towards them.
Keriam swallowed hard, keeping her hands on Marik's shoulders. She looked at the text on his back, staring at the picture of the Winged Dragon.
--
Keriam repeated what her Sisters had done, but her fingertips lingered on Marik's back longer than theirs did and he took note. The hieroglyphs turned golden, and then she walked over to the point with the name of Ra.
--
There was something else, Keriam thought. She touched the Winged Dragon and the hieroglyphs glowed.
Marik felt the warmth as the text glowed. "Keriam?" he whispered, not daring to turn his head.
"Lizuge," Keriam said, her eyes still on the text. "Say hello to my stepfather in Ammit's stomach." She began to recite the words.
Everyone's eyes opened wide in fear as the ground began to tremble and the room started to break apart. Dark shapes seeped through the walls, the ceiling and the floor, latching themselves onto Luzige and his followers.
"Get them off!" Bakole screamed in pain.
Keriam finished the spell and watched with Marik as the group began to collapse to the ground, their skin shriveling and turning a sickly color. A few of the dark shapes started towards Marik and Keriam. He pulled her to him and held her tightly. There was no way he was going to let anything happen to her.
Just as the shapes reached the platform, a white mist appeared surrounding them and the next thing Marik and Keriam knew, they were standing above ground behind the clan. Safe now, they released each other.
--Marik?--
"Behind you."
Everyone turned around. Joey and Malik raced to them. Keriam was swept into Joey's embrace and Malik ran straight into Marik's arms.
--
"So what have you been up to lately?" Cheri asked as she curled up on the armchair.
"Nothing much. I just came home when you called," Ryou answered, leaning back on the sofa. "Bakura was meditating."
"I was trying to," the thief growled.
"You two never cease to make me smile."
"So what did the doctor say?"
"It's gonna be a long process and it's not comfortable." She shifted some and continued to pet the large canine currently on her lap. "I won't go into detail but here's hoping everything works."
Bakura somehow managed not to snort. He knew that Cheri wanted to have children but he cringed at the idea of Seto being the one to give her that blessing.
Or is it a curse? Bakura thought. "I don't think that having him on top of you is going to help," he said.
"You're right. Down, Katsuya."
It wasn't really the fleabag I was talking about, Bakura thought, but close enough.
The wolf jumped off the chair and settled to the right of it, his eyes narrowing slightly on the thief.
Ryou looked over at his darker self and decided to change the subject. "How are your paintings coming along?"
"Oh it's getting there. I'm actually trying to apply for several scholarships for a major in art," she answered.
"Why apply for those? I'm sure Mr. CEO can pay everything for you," Bakura spoke up.
"I love Seto but I want to do this on my own. He has his company to worry about so why add to it?"
Ryou just nodded slowly, as if in agreement. "Have you finished any paintings lately?"
"Well I'm nearly done with one. Which reminds me... Bakura, can you please ask the Headless Knight not to go wandering around the mansion? I nearly ran into him in the studio. For a big suit of armor he moves quietly."
"Ask him yourself," Bakura chuckled. "I told him he has to listen to you while he's here." He straightened up and smiled. "Think of him as a personal guard."
Personal heart attack is more like it, Ryou thought.
"If you say so," Cheri smiled.
"I'm going to get a drink," said Ryou. "Anyone want anything?"
"Water, please," said Cheri.
"Scotch," Bakura requested.
"Three waters." Ryou walked into the kitchen, knowing full well that Bakura was glaring at him.
Cheri giggled softly and leaned her head back. "Bakura, can I ask you something?"
"Shoot."
"This thing about the Scorpion King… do you think we can beat him?"
"Yeah we can. It was your god that took him down."
"Oh gee that makes me feel better." She slouched in the chair.
"Sorry."
"No I'm sorry. I'm still kinda cranky and this damn mark won't stop itching. I feel like clawing the skin off." Reaching into her shirt she rubbed at her arm, feeling the tattoo begin to oddly tingle. "Glad I never got that tattoo on my back."
Bakura looked at her. "What tattoo?"
"Huh?" Cheri blinked at him.
"You said that you're glad you never got that tattoo on your back. What tattoo, Cheri?"
"I don't have a tattoo."
Bakura rose from the couch and walked over to her. Katsuya growled. "Back off, poochie," said the thief, "this is serious." He turned his eyes to the Daughter of Anubis. "Let me see your right arm."
"What for?"
"Let me see your arm."
"..." Moving her arm up she pulled the sleeve up then pulled it down. "There you saw it."
"What are you hiding? Let me see your arm." He reached out to take a hold of her arm but pulled back when he heard a sharp snap of a whip.
Cheri rose from the armchair, in her right hand holding a whip covered in sharp thorns. "Touch me again without my permission and you'll lose that hand, mortal."
Bakura stared at her in shock. The sweet-natured girl he had fallen for suddenly had turned darker. And with a whip in her hand!
"Cheri," he said in a gentle voice, the same tone he had when he told Cheri on her second wedding day that he would follow her anywhere.
She closed her eyes and shook her head. The whip vanished and she staggered a bit, her hands going to her head. Bakura was at her side in an instant, and guided her back to the chair. Katsuya didn't even bark in protest, just watched.
"Easy," Bakura whispered as she settled.
Cheri blinked a few times and looked at her hands. "…Was I holding a whip?"
"You were," Bakura answered.
"I... I remember you asking me about, a tattoo... then I just went blank..." she looked up at him worriedly. "What's going on?"
"I think I know, but I need to see your right arm." Gently resting one hand on her shoulder he pushed the sleeve up and stared. There, marked into her flesh was a faint outline of something but the longer he stared the darker the image became. That mark... it's happening... He lowered her sleeve and looked at her.
Cheri didn't like the way he was looking at her. Something was wrong but he wasn't saying anything. "Bakura, what did you see?" she asked softly.
"... It's a tattoo... it's faint right now but it's of a scorpion." He covered her hand, holding it tightly. "I'm sorry but... I think that assassin is trying to take over your body."
Despite hearing it from him and the little episode she didn't want to believe it. She slowly shook her head as she paled some. "No... Please tell me this is a joke."
"I wish it was that easy."
Cheri pulled her legs up and wrapped her arms around them. "What am I going to do?" she whispered, tears welling in her eyes.
Bakura gently put his arm around her shoulders, and she leaned against his chest. Katsuya stared at them, not approving. The thief ignored the wolf.
"Remember what I said?" Bakura asked quietly. "If you ever need me, I'll wait for you. And I'll follow you no matter what. I mean it. I'll help in any way I can."
"Thanks, Bakura," Cheri wiped her eyes and smiled at him. She leaned up and kissed his cheek.
He couldn't help but smile at her that without thinking twice he gently cupped her face and leaned down, pressing his lips against hers. Cheri gasped into the kiss, wide-eyed. But in the back of her mind she couldn't help but think that he kissed differently than Seto.
Seto...
She gently pulled back and get up from the chair, blushing lightly. "I have to wash my face," she said softly and made her way out.
"No Cheri wait." Bakura captured her hand in his own, ignoring the wolf as he growled threateningly. "If it's about the kiss-"
"No it's not that." She weakly smiled at him. "How could I hold anything against you?"
He watched as she slowly left the room and sighed, falling back on the armchair. Looking down he glared at Silver Fang who glared right back before following the young woman. Maybe he shouldn't have kissed her but he loved her!
More than he loved anything in his life.
Cheri slowly headed down the hallway, intending on going to the bathroom but for some reason, she passed the door. She kept walking down until she stopped at a set of double doors. Reaching for the handle she slowly wrapped her hand around it and turned the knob. Without another word she walked into the study. Katsuya took a step into the room before he drew back, growling/whimpering softly. Something was very wrong.
The young woman moved over to the middle of the room before kneeling and pushed the carpet out of the way. There, set into the floor was a safe with three dial combinations made of sold, stainless steel. She reached down and with a quick flick of her wrist set all three dials into turning. They spun rapidly and several audible clicks were heard. Grasping the heavy handle she gave it a quarter turn and pulled the heavy door up. Not very large inside the safe were documents, a safe box and a worn backpack. She reached inside, drawing the bag out and unzipped it. She slowly stood and dropped the bag to the floor.
"The Book of Shadows... my master will be pleased," she said to herself, smiling darkly.
Author's Notes!
Janime: Uh oh. Uh oh! UH OH!
Heikou: Cheri is having personality problems!
Janime: And she has the Book of Shadows in her hands! ::bows to Heikou:: You reign in this chapter.
Heikou: Thank you ::grins like a Cheshire cat::
Janime: And there you have it. Mr. Ishtar was a lot more twisted than everyone thought.
Heikou: Must run in the family. But hey the fun's not gonna stop there. Any hints?
Janime: Not this time.
Heikou: Now who's the cruel one?
