"Arise from Darkness"
By Heikou and Janime
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Letting Go
There was only one phase to describe what was going on in the City of Domino. Hell in a hand basket. Yami ran down the sidewalks, watching as people stood dumbfounded as the darkness enveloped the skies like a thick blanket. Once it surrounded them their forms twisted and changed into monsters. He saw the effect as a child around Mokuba's age was surrounded by darkness but as it passed there stood Doma the Angel of Silence.
"Already people are falling victim to their inner monster's instincts," Kenji said as he flew at Yami's side. He could have teleported them to the young girl's house but like Yami had said the magic was highly unstable.
"I can see but let's hope when we come across Mina and Tea's parents they won't attack first and ask questions later." He slowed down as he watched the darkness envelope another person but instead of changing they seeped into the ground with a scream. "... I hope that they at least have an inner monster."
Kenji watched, feeling pity but they had to hurry.
They ran/flew, keeping their eyes open for rogue monsters they finally reached Mina's house. Yami found the front door unlocked and ran for the girl's bedroom but he wasn't expecting an attack so soon. He cried out in pain as an arrow lodged itself into his left shoulder.
"Master Yami!!" Kenji went to his side and barely had time to block another arrow as it came right at him.
Amazon Archer stood in the doorway leading to Mina's bedroom, wearing what looked like a kind of wrap around skirt and a jacket of deep brown but on her back was a quiver of arrows and a bow in her hand. She said nothing but the look in her eyes was blank. She wordlessly knocked another arrow and pulled the bow back, ready to launch it.
Yami grunted as he pulled the arrow out and applied pressure to his shoulder. "Mina, I'm not here to hurt you!"
"..." She let the arrow fly and again it was blocked, making it hit the wall instead.
"She's not Mina she's the Amazon Archer and they rarely miss," Kenji hissed. She set a volley of arrows and he managed to deflect many of them, some scratching his light armor but one managed to lodge itself in his thigh. He knelt on the floor, gritting in pain.
"Kenji! Mina we came here because of Duke! Don't you remember him!?" Yami asked her loudly.
She was reaching for another arrow but her hand froze. A light of recognition meet her eyes but the blank stare returned and quickly she set two more arrows. Yami dodged one but the other pinned his jacket to the wall behind him. As he struggled she slowly approached them, getting her bow ready once more. "Prepare to die," she said emotionlessly.
Watapon suddenly landed before the two injured men, cooing loudly but in his mouth he held a picture frame. He began jumping up and down, still cooing. The archer first ignored him but her eyes looked at what it was carrying. Lowering her arms to her sides she slowly took the item.
It was a picture of Duke, smiling into the camera in his black and red attire. There was a mischief glint in his emerald gaze and slowly, recognition returned. Slowly the female warrior fell to her knees, her bow and arrow clattering to the floor she hugged the frame to her chest tightly and cried. Sugar, the light pink fairy, hopped into her arms and cooed softly as she hugged her as well. Yami watched as did Kenji. Mina battled the instincts of the Amazon and won.
--
Joey panted as he tired to run faster. He hoped Serenity was alright as he watched what some of the people were turning into. Or watched as their bodies melted into the ground.
"Is it wrong for me to hope Serenity is a Duel Monster?" he asked the crimson mage.
"Depends on what kind of Monster dwells inside," he answered honestly.
"Thanks." He skidded as he turned a corner, nearly falling but it didn't stop him.
"I'm sorry I can't teleport us," said Arcaida.
"The magic's unstable, I understand." Joey dodged a Sonic Bird. "I wish I had borrowed Tristen's bike."
"Then may I be of help?"
Joey turned his head to the left. "Katsuya!"
The wolf stopped and waited for the human to do the same. "I can run much faster than you. We can get to your sister's home a lot quicker."
"Thanks," Joey climbed onto the wolf's back and he took off. The Chosen of Ra was doing his best to hold on without pulling Katsuya's fur out.
In a matter of moments, the trio arrived in front of Serenity's house. Joey jumped off and ran up the porch steps. He paused, hand just above the doorknob, slightly fearing of he might or might not find inside. Swallowing, Joey opened the door.
Nothing seemed out of the ordinary so he entered the living room. Nothing there so he tried the kitchen. Again nothing. He was almost expecting the worse so he slowly moved to Serenity's room. Now he heard something. It was crying. Slowly turning the knob he gently knocked on the door.
"Sis? You in here?" he called out and opened the door wider.
There was a figure in the far corner, knees pulled up to her chest but the person was holding a sword. Joey motioned for Kasuya and Arcaida to wait in the hall and entered. He slowly moved closer until he was standing before her, and then slowly dropped to his knees. "Serenity?"
Said girl looked up, her eyes red from crying. She wore a breastplate that had been polished to a shine with gold trim and her hair had been tied back. She didn't say anything but released her legs and threw herself at him, causing him to fall back but she didn't let go. "Joey!!"
His arms came around her tightly, petting her hair. "I'm here sis, I'm here," he said softly, slowly rocking them back and forth.
"… M-mom…" the girl, now the St. Joan Duel Monster, sobbed. "She…She sank into the floor…"
Joey shut his eyes. "I'm sorry, Serenity." He pulled back from her a little. "Listen, we gotta get to Kaiba mansion. We'll be safer there."
His sister nodded and allowed Joey to help her up. They walked out into the hall and Serenity was mildly surprised to see Arcaida and Katsuya waiting. The four left the house and quickly started walking.
"Joey, wait," Serenity paused. "We're supposed to go left here to get to Kaiba mansion."
"I know but I promised Keriam that I would check on Zack and Terry."
They reached the Taite house and went inside. "Hello?" Joey called out. No answer. "Zack? Terry?"
Katsuya ran upstairs, while the others searched the first floor. Joey checked inside Zack's office, only to find several papers dropped on the floor and Zack's wedding ring on the keyboard.
Joey's heart sank. Oh no…
He walked into the kitchen and found Serenity staring at a small pile of folded towels, a laundry basket on the floor besides a pulled out chair, and one towel lying carelessly on top of the folded ones with a wedding ring lying on the table.
Terry… Joey wiped at the tears that began to well up. No, he wouldn't cry now. He needed to be strong. He had to be strong. For his sake, the world's, his sister's, his friend's.
And for Keriam.
--
"Mr. Gardner? Mrs. Gardner?" Yami called out but there was no answer. He cautiously entered the house followed by Mina who was holding Sugar in her arms and Kenji taking the rear. Silence met them but it wasn't a pleasant one. He looked around but he couldn't find anything out of the ordinary. Before they left Mina helped patched their wounds, apologizing over for hurting them.
"I don't hear anything, sire," Kenji said.
"Let's have a look around though. Mina, why don't you and Kenji take this floor. I'll check upstairs."
She nodded. "Okay."
They checked each room for any difference but so far nothing. However, when Mina came into the kitchen she froze. It looked like a meal was being prepared but there was a cutting knife on the floor with a wedding band next to it. She shook her head and backed away but nearly screamed when she ran into the mage.
"It's just me," he said calmly and looked down. One of them didn't make it. Saying nothing he gently led her out of the kitchen, Sugar cooing softly.
Yami knocked on the doors before entering, just wanting to be sure but no one greeted him. He had checked the bathrooms, Tea's room and finally the master bedroom but there was nothing. As he came down the stairs something caught his eye. Carefully kneeling down he found a wedding band nearly lost in the fabric of the carpet. He sighed and sat on the steps. How am I going to tell Tea?
"Yami?"
He looked up where Mina and Kenji were at the foot of the stairs. Just looking in their eyes he knew no one made it. He sighed deeply, running his hand over his eyes. "Let's go back. We can't do anything else here."
--
Joey looked at the ground as he, Serenity, Katsuya, and Arcaida slowly walked back to Kaiba's mansion. After leaving the Taite house, Serenity mentioned Tristen's parents. They raced to the brunette's house only to discover Mr. Taylor now as Cyber Commander, and Mrs. Taylor as Marie the Fallen One. Joey found a little irony as it took merging Marie the Fallen One and the Forgiving Maiden to summon St. Joan.
"Do you think that…" Serenity spoke quietly to break the deafening silence, "that this happened all over the world?"
"I'm afraid it has," said Arcaida.
Katsuya stopped then started to growl.
"What is it?" Joey asked.
"Stay back," the wolf replied.
A large white tiger sprang seemingly out of nowhere. Katsuya leapt at the larger beast, slamming against it before it could slash at anyone.
"Nice kitty," Joey said as he pushed his sister behind him.
"Sampson! Back down!" a male voice ordered.
The tiger obeyed and sat down. Footsteps from their right announced that someone was walking towards them. Arcaida raised his scepter, keeping his guard up. A young man, about eighteen came into view with another Duel Monster following him. The boy was wearing jeans, sneakers, a dark green shirt with a long dark coat, and a baseball hat on backwards covering his light reddish hair.
The Duel Monster was female, wearing a dark robe and a strange gem on her forehead.
Witch of the Black Forest, Joey recognized. Wait, All-seeing White Tiger and Witch of the Black Forest… "Thomas Drovin?"
The other boy blinked. "Wheeler! What the hell are you doing here?"
"I could ask you the same question!" he smiled and went to him. The two young men clasped hands, clearly happy to see the other.
Serenity wasn't sure what to say but she was also afraid to move. Katsuya moved back to sit at her side, watching the tiger carefully. "Joey?"
The blonde looked at her then laughed softly. "Sorry guys. Thomas, this is my sister, Serenity and my friends, Katsuya and Arcaida. Guys, this is one of my old friends." Looking at the two Duel Monsters he sighed softly. "Never thought you would be mixed up in all of this, man."
Thomas could only stare at Serenity. "Why is she a Duel Monster?" he asked. "I mean, everyone I was with before this thing happened just…melted."
"It's a long story," Joey sighed.
"We have told him most of it," said Witch.
"Sorry," Thomas apologized. "You've met Sampson," he gestured to the tiger, then to the other Duel Monster. "This is Maude. Freaked me out when they came to life."
"I believe it," the blonde smiled. "Listen, we're heading back to Kaiba mansion. Maybe you should come with us."
Thomas snorted. "I tolerate that cold-hearted prick as much as I tolerate mosquitoes."
"Yugi is also there," informed Arcaida, smirking a little when he saw the spark in the Duelist's eyes. "Perhaps you two could finish that duel before it was interrupted by said cold-hearted prick."
"... Okay I'll go. But if he mentions his blue eyes I won't be held responsible for my actions," he warned.
Joey laughed and patted his shoulder but he quickly sobered up. "C'mon, the sooner we get there the better."
"Why do I get the feeling that this isn't going to be over for a while, is it," the redhead said worriedly.
"Not by a long shot..."
--
Meanae was exhausted. After the ordeal of losing the other Keepers and the Books yet again she had left to the training area. She had challenged the other Scorpions, pushing herself farther than she had before just to numb the pain she was feeling. In the end, she had beaten them but she had left her guard completely down. She regretted it as not only did her body ache, but so did her pride.
I don't understand... I've never seen him act this way before... he never once laid a hand against any of us... she thought bitterly as she looked out of her chamber's window, letting the thoughts run around in her mind. Removing the scarf she idly traced the image of the cat goddess on her necklace. Something is not right...
"You've seen the destruction he's caused, Meanae."
The female Scorpion looked at the other woman. "I never believed he was capable of such destruction. Why would he do this?"
"The power has made him mad. He can never go back to the man you knew. The man who was your savior is dead."
Meanae sagged against the pillar. "There's nothing to stop him now… He has the power of a god…"
A hand was gently placed on her shoulder. "There is a way."
Meanae shook her head and groaned in frustration. "What is happening to me?" she whispered, covering her eyes with both hands.
A sharp knock on the door caused her to jump. Meanae quickly walked over to the door, opening it. She frowned at Necrophedious and started to slam the heavy wood in his face but the sorcerer caught the door and shoved it hard, forcing his way into the princess's chamber.
"Get out!" Meanae yelled.
"No so fast, my dear," Necrophedious smirked at her. "You and I need to have a little talk."
"And what in all the nine hells would you and I have to talk about?"
"Your reaction to my promising to kill the Daughter of Ra."
"I do not need to explain my actions to you," she hissed but she had paled.
"I believe you do. You recognized her. You called her by a name."
"Ke... Keriam...?"
Meanae shook her head but it was true. She had let the Chosen of Anubis escape when she had him. She slowly began to back away but Necrophedious followed, step for step. "I do not know her, only that she is the Daughter of Amun-Ra."
"Quit lying to yourself, highness. You know her for she was more than just a Sister to you." Still smirking he reached up and traced the edge of the collar. "Why don't you tell me all you know about her?"
Meanae was frozen to the spot. The turmoil inside almost caused everything around her to fade away. Lips pushed forcefully against hers, and she immediately regained her senses. Slamming her fists against the sorcerer's chest, he backed away.
"Was it good for you?" he laughed.
"Don't you ever dare touch me again," Meanae growled.
Necrophedious grabbed her wrists and held them behind her back, which caused Meanae to be unwillingly pressed against him. "I dare," he said and kissed her again.
"Meanae!!"
The dark sorcerer let her go, and she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand in disgust. She looked towards the door, relief sweeping through her as she saw Cliff standing in the doorway with a shocked, disturbed expression.
"Do you mind," said Necrophedious, "we were having a private moment."
Cliff turned hate-filled eyes on the sorcerer. "I may not approve of her choosing that impudent thief," said the Trap Remover, "but I'll be damned if you ever do that again to my sister."
"Do be careful of what you say, Cliff, you never know," the sorcerer warned. "Tell your king that the deal is complete, and I am taking my leave." Necrophedious cast a look at Meanae. "I merely came here to bid my farewell."
"Get out," she hissed softly. She watched as the mage left but she still didn't move.
Cliff also seemed rooted to the spot as he watched their king's ally walk out of the chamber he then closed the door. "Meanae, what is happening to you?" he asked.
"Nothing is happening to me... I'm fine."
"No you are not. How could you let him do this to you?"
"I don't know! I don't know what to think anymore!" she snapped at him and shut her eyes tightly as a flood of tears threaten to break free. "I don't even know who I am!"
The young man watched before quickly going to her and pulled her to his chest tightly. He held her as she struggled not to cry, trying to understand what was going on. She was not acting like she had when he had last seen her; she was different yet still the same. Was it because she had been reborn not only as a daughter of a god, but once more in this age?
I don't want to lose you again, sister. Not now, not ever.
--
When Tea heard the news about her parents Yami had almost expected her to strike out but instead she nearly crumbled in on herself. Yugi comforted her the best he could, letting her cry on his chest. The only hope he could offer was that if they managed to create a barrier, their lives and so many others would be restored.
Tristen didn't know how to take the news of his parents. He was happy that they were alive but… they were Duel Monsters, and now had the instinct of the Duel Monsters they had turned into.
Keriam was standing by the window, not moving ever since Joey told her about Terry and Zack. It was too painful, just as much as when her mother died. Taking a deep breath, the Daughter of Ra left the room as the others explained to Thomas about what was going on.
Marik watched her leave and looking at Ishizu she quietly nodded. Malik was still out so with the utmost care, handed the sleeping boy to Rashid who held him in his lap. Nodding he silently left the room. Joey watched and frowned. He was suppose to be comforting his girlfriend but Serenity was still a bit shaken up and Tristen was torn between happiness and sadness for his parents.
Just this once, Marik…
Marik slowly walked down hall, feeling on edge with the appearance of Duel Monsters he felt only slightly safe in the mansion. He paused when he heard movement and slowly pushed the door open. There was Keriam, looking out the window but he could feel waves of sorrow radiating off her. Silently closing the door he slowly moved up to stand behind her and slowly, wrapped his arms around her, letting her lean against his chest.
"Keriam… I'm here for you no matter what," he whispered in her ear.
"… I know…" she whispered in a shaking voice, failing miserably trying to hold back her tears.
"It's alright, Keriam," Marik said quietly, "let it go."
She broke down; turning in his arms, Keriam sobbed against Marik's shoulder. The Egyptian held her, gently stroking her hair as she cried.
"She is gone, Theliane," said the acolyte priest. "Isis and Ra have called her."
"No!" the young girl broke from the priest's grasp and ran to the still form on the litter. "Mother! Don't leave me! Please!"
"Sadiki, get her out of here."
Nodding, the boy ran to his childhood friend and gently eased her away. "Theliane, please," he said quietly.
Numbly, she allowed herself to be led away from the chamber.
Marik blinked as he regained his senses. That was Keriam and… me… he thought. We shared a lifetime before… And here he was again; comforting the woman he loved over the loss of her family.
Her tears slowed and she just held onto him, taking in his strength.
"You okay?" Marik asked.
Keriam nodded, slowly pulling away and in doing so the corners if their mouths brushed against each other. They froze, unable to move. Marik was about to speak, but the slight shifting caused his lips to move over Keriam's and it turned into a kiss.
She didn't back away, didn't protest, she only responded to his need. Marik's desire burned in his veins and he tightened his arms around her.
Enjoy it while you can, boy.
Marik shoved Keriam away, gasping.
Confused by the action, Keriam stared at Marik. When she saw the look on his face, she knew it wasn't because of their kiss. "It's him," Keriam said.
Marik nodded.
"Do you hear anything else?" she asked.
He strained to hear but there was nothing. "No. This time he blocked me completely," he said bitterly.
"We'll get him, Marik."
"I know." Sighing he took her hand and gave it a tight squeeze. "Any better?"
Keriam nodded. "Thank you."
He smiled. "Just leave out the… you know."
"You too."
"Are you going back?"
"In a minute," Keriam said. "I want to be alone for a moment."
Nodding, Marik left the room. I'm a danger to her, he thought as he stared at the door the headed back to the living room.
"How's Keriam?" Tea asked.
"She's alright," answered Marik, "she just wants to be alone for a little while." He ignored the look Joey sent in his direction as he walked over to Rashid. Marik reached out and brushed Malik's hair away from his face, frowning at the markings.
"He hasn't stirred," Rashid said with a hint of worry in his voice.
"How much longer will he be out?" Marik asked.
Rose looked at them and gently, handed Mokuba to Seto. The young Kaiba should awaken shortly but Malik she was unsure. "May I?" she asked softly.
Marik slowly moved to the side and she gently rested her hand along Malik's face. She was checking for signs she had been trained to but in her new form she also sought the answer from deeper within. Resting her other hand on his chest she could feel his heart beating but it seemed to echo.
The heart of the Shadow Realm.
Closing her eyes she concentrated, seeking a way to awaken him. After a moment she slowly opened her eyes and removed her hands. "I can't begin to say when he'll wake up. Even if I healed him it may have little or no effect on him. I'm sorry."
"It's not your fault," said Marik. He took Malik from Rashid and left the room, heading upstairs to their guestroom.
"You're awfully quiet."
Marik looked down at Katsuya. "How would you feel in my situation?"
"As I would in every duel my fellow deck-mates have fallen," the wolf answered. "They are my family."
Marik pushed the door open with his foot and went inside. Katsuya followed, watching him place Malik on the bed and sat on the edge beside him. "What are you thinking?"
"Necrophedious can still reach me," Marik sighed. "I'm a danger… to Keriam, Malik, Ishizu and Rashid, and their baby… As long as he's around, I'm a danger to everyone here."
"You've defeated him before, you can do it again."
"He survived because he has a piece of my soul. I forfeited the duel with Yugi and the Pharaoh to end it… but I'm still his puppet."
Katsuya looked at the Tomb Keeper thoughtfully. "And what do you plan to do?"
Marik closed his eyes and sighed. "I have to leave."
"What?!"
"It's the only way to keep them safe."
"And if it fails? What if he comes to attack them when you are not here?"
"He may have blocked the link but right now it's the best I can do. Staying here will bring them closer to danger but if I leave..."
"They aren't going to like this."
Marik gave a weak bark of a laugh. "Are you kidding? Wheeler will be happy," he said.
Katsuya snorted and looked at the sleeping child. "If you leave... Malik may try to follow and bring you back," he countered.
"That's why I want you to protect him to the best of your ability. I lost him once... and I never want to lose him again."
"... I can see why she cares about you so much."
Marik rose from the bed. "Not the same way I wished she did care." He leaned down, placing a light kiss on Malik's forehead. "Behave yourself."
"Are you going to say goodbye?" Katsuya asked.
"It would be easier if I didn't."
"No one to stop you."
"Or throw me out, literally." Marik walked to the door. "Keep an eye on them for me, will you?"
"You have my word, Marik Ishtar," Katsuya vowed and Marik left the room. "Farewell… Chosen of Amun-Ra."
--
The Scorpion King sat on his throne, the fingers of one hand drumming along the arm rest as the other merely rested. He was slouched down, a frown marring his features as he thought about the actions earlier this day. Meanae had spoken out of turn and his loyal Scorpions had lost the Guardians and the Books. AGAIN no less.
How am I to extract my revenge when I am surrounded by such incompetence? he growled angrily. He had come so close he was not going to let anyone stand in his way. Not even his own warriors
"The warriors..." That struck something in his mind. Meanae was still the Daughter of Anubis in title and blood but she was also a betrayer of Egypt like himself. Yet the other Scorpions, they vowed to lay their lives down for him so what better way was there for him to gain more power? A smirked graced his lips as he thought about it.
Each one has an ability I nurtured into perfection and if I take all their abilities as my own, none can stop me. I will regain my rightful place as the king of mortals and gods. No one will be able to stop me and my heart will never be judged.
A knock on the door jarred him from his musing. "Enter."
Cliff pushed the door open and walked towards his king, bowing deeply. "My lord, Necrophedious has left the palace."
"For what reason?"
"… He said that the deal was finished."
"Hmph," the Black Scorpion narrowed his eyes. "He did serve his purpose so I suppose it would be adequate to let him have some time to himself. I'll have him brought back when it is necessary. You may go."
"Sire."
"And Cliff."
The Trap Remover looked back.
"Do report to me any unusual behavior Meanae displays."
"Yes, your majesty." Cliff bowed again and left the room.
--
Mokuba groaned as he opened his eyes but blinked. Was he outside? Outside or not it was very bright. Sitting up he rubbed at his eyes and sighed deeply. It feels like I was electrocuted from the inside out, he thought to himself.
"I'm glad that you're alright," came a female voice.
He looked up and saw a pretty girl with pale skin and long blue-nearly white-hair flowing loosely down her back but her eyes were a deep blue. She wore a tattered and worn dress but he felt that he could trust her.
"Who... Who are you?" he asked.
She smiled kindly at him. "My name is Kisara and I am here to help you contain the Duel Monster within."
"Monster within? I don't get it."
"Tell me, what do you remember before you lose consciousness?" she asked as she knelt before him.
"I... I think I saw... my shadow engulfing me. I was scared and I remember calling out for help then, well it's hard to describe but it felt like static electricity all over my body only a million times worse. I thought I was gonna die..." he said softly, slowly wrapping his arms around himself.
Kisara slowly moved closer and wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into her embrace which he accepted almost immediately. "The monster inside was released but before it could take control your body and mind fell. You couldn't handle the power. Mokuba... resting deep inside you is the soul of a Blue Eyes White Dragon."
"A Blue Eyes?!" Mokuba jumped away from her. "How?! When?!"
Kisara smiled. "From me."
Mokuba just stared at her. "I don't understand…"
"Your brother will explain to you. I made a promise to him five thousand years ago, and I have fulfilled that promise."
"Seto knows about you? And he never told me?" he said in disbelief.
The woman smiled gently. "He had his reasons but know he was trying to protect you."
"I guess so but I have a right to know what's going on. It's my life too."
"I suggest then you let him know but now you must awake. Everyone is worried about you and your brother wishes for you to wake up."
"Alright... you sure this isn't a dream?" he asked, looking up at her.
She just nodded and hugged him tightly once more.
--
Mokuba stirred before slowly opening his eyes. He saw blue eyes looking down at him and for a moment, he thought it was the girl but they eyes were a paler blue. "Seto?"
"Mokuba," his brother breathed a huge sigh of relief. "Are you alright?"
Nodding, the younger Kaiba moved off Seto's lap and looked at him. "Kisara said you would explain everything to me."
Seto looked at his brother in shock. Kisara! How did he know, unless… "Yes, I have to tell you about her."
"Who is she? How come you never mentioned her before?"
"The reason is that I first meet Kisara over 5,000 years ago. Back then I was known as Seth, the High Priest of Egypt and I held the Millennium Rod in my possession," he began to explain.
"But you said you didn't believe in that stuff, that it was impossible," the young boy reminded.
"So did I but right now I'd be a fool if I chose to ignore it all. This is very real."
"Mokuba, Seto didn't know that you held a Blue Eyes in your soul, no one knew but when the Scorpions crashed the wedding Kisara came to me and told me what happened," Rose continued. "Kisara was the true host of the dragon but something happened and Osiris let her be reborn with you in case the dragon was ever set free."
"You mean there's more to this?"
"Yes but I promise I will tell you later. I didn't mean to keep it from you but… I was hoping it wouldn't come to this."
Mokuba didn't say anything but running his hand through his hand he noticed the white streaks. "It feels weird but, I'm not freaked out by it."
Seto smiled and rose laughed softly. Thomas was quiet but he had to look at the bright side. At least it wasn't the older Kaiba as the dragon or something worse. He sighed and scratched Sampson behind the ear as the tiger sat next to him.
"So what's the game plan?" he asked.
"Good question," Keriam said as she entered the room.
Joey looked at her, and relaxed when she smiled gently at him.
"Are you alright?" Yami asked.
She nodded. "I'll be okay." Keriam looked around, seeing that Marik and Malik were not in the room.
"He brought Malik upstairs," Ishizu answered her silent question.
"It would be best if the child wasn't left unguarded," a voice entered the room. Thomas was ready to jump from his seat as Shadi walked through the wall.
"Shadi," Ryou said, "your timing sucks."
"So I've been told," he answered simply.
Poor Thomas was staring at the stranger before turning to Joey. "Is he a ghost or something?" he asked.
"That's a good question... nah but he moves like one," he joked.
Ishizu ignored the joke and turned her attention to the guardian. "Why would they want him now that the barrier is gone?" she asked.
"Bearing the heart of such power means he is just a tool of war. Because he is a child he will be that more vulnerable to attacks and kidnapping attempts."
"Then we'll protect him," Mina spoke up. Since arriving she had been quiet, listening to the conversation but now she was done being quiet. "I still don't grasp what's going on but I'm not letting any of my friends or their friends get hurt."
"... Spoken like a true Amazon."
Mina frowned at him then looked at Duke. "Is he the one that you said was the PIA?"
"Yup," her boyfriend answered.
Shadi looked at Tea quizzically. "PIA?"
"Uh," Tea shifted, "abbreviation for 'pain in'…" she waved her hand hoping that the Keeper would catch on.
"Pain in arse," Yugi clarified.
Shadi gave the Book Keeper a slightly darkened glare, which he quickly let go when Mina tapped her index finger on the end of her bow, also glaring at the Tomb Keeper.
Ishizu cleared her throat. "Marik's been gone for a while," she said hoping to lessen the tension in the room by changing the subject.
"Now that you mentioned," Tristen said, "he has."
"I'll go check on him," Ryou offered. He left the living room.
"Have you heard anything about the Scorpions?" Rashid asked, bringing the attention to another important matter.
"The Gravekeepers have heard nothing but I shall find out more when the Spy returns," he answered.
"Have you heard anything about my daughter?" Rose asked.
Seto looked at his mother-in-law, opening his mouth to correct her but stopped himself. he couldn't do that to her.
"... I have heard nothing... but Anubis has been coming me to my dreams... he wishes to have his daughter back before she destroys herself."
Before anyone could speak up Ryou ran down the stairs and into the living room, his face paler than usual. "Marik's gone. Katsuya told me he left to better protect everyone and to hopefully draw his darker self away from Malik," he said in a rush.
"What?!" Ishizu cried.
Rashid jumped from the couch and raced out of the living room. He ran to the front door; flinging it open, he ran outside down the front path, halting when he reached the gate.
"Marik!" Rashid called.
"Marik!" Ishizu appeared beside her husband, tears flowing over her cheeks, as she looked past the metal bars but saw no movement. "Come back! Brother!"
--
Down several streets, Marik continued walking. He stopped, hearing the cries of his elder sister and brother, and other voices joining theirs, pleading for him to return. One voice stood out among them, causing his heart to ache. He closed his eyes.
"I'm sorry," Marik whispered, "but it's for the best."
He brushed away the tear that started falling, almost turning around to face-
No, he quickly stopped himself. Don't look back…
Shoving his hands into his pockets, Marik started walking and disappeared into the darkened streets.
Authors' Note:
Heikou: What's with the darker halves taking off?!
Janime: Search me.
Heikou: I rather search Kaiba.
Janime: (gives Heikou towel) For your drool.
Heikou: (glare) This is the second time you ended a chapter with a yami disappearing.
Janime: But under different circumstances!
Heikou: They're still leaving!
Janime: Why are you complaining? You have the King of Thieves.
Heikou: If only I could truly have him... (daydreams)
Janime: (rolls eyes) There you are people, Thomas Drovin has made an appearance in our story and we decided to bring Shadi back. He doesn't get nearly enough spotlight.
Heikou: You would think some of the fans out there would want to torture him since it was kinda his fault about the lying and misleading the cast around in circles.
Janime: He got his in Chapter 7.
Heikou: Deserves more…
Janime: (sigh) Anyway, Thomas, we hope that your appearance will satisfy you and that we got him somewhere close to what you imagined he'd be like.
Heikou: Don't worry, we promise to have you with larger parts and responsibilities later on.
Janime: On that note…
Both: Happy Holidays to everyone!
Heikou: I still can't believe you made him leave!
Janime: Do you have any idea how painful it was for me to write that?!
