"Arise from Darkness"

By Heikou and Janime

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Healing Hell

Rose sighed heavily. She was too tired to fold her wings so they hung heavily on her back as she washed her hands clean. When the group returned back to the mansion she was horrified to see the damage that had been inflicted upon Joey and Marik. She didn't have time for tears as she began her work. The spellcasters were able to summon everything she needed to get the job done but as much as she hated to she had the monsters keep the others away until she was done. It broke her heart when she heard Ishizu and Serenity scream in fear at the sight of their brothers. She wanted to scream when she heard that Keriam, Malik, and Mokuba were kidnapped but it had to wait.

She looked up at the mirror and took a really good look at herself. She had always thought herself to be pretty in her own way but now with the stress of the event bearing heavily on her shoulders she looked and felt so much older. She splashed water on her face, sighing deeply.

Joey's wounds took most of her energy since the Wings of Isis had been bestowed as a gift from so long ago. They had even brought back the limbs but it was useless to reattach them. She had tried but the nerve-endings in the wings themselves had been brutally torn apart and ruined. They were now useless. If she healed them back on they would be nothing but dead weight. So she used her magic to stop the bleeding and repaired the broken veins but with her own hands she had to stitch the skin together.

Marik's injuries were slightly worse. His ribs had been bruised thanks to the fight with Bakura earlier but now they were completely broken and actually pierced his insides. It was sheer luck none of the bones pierced his heart but she wished the same could have been said for his lungs. The breastbone survived but it was pushing down on the heart, making it struggle to beat but she managed to relieve the weight. Healing the bones had taken the rest of her energy though. During the healing more than once she felt herself begin to black out but Arcaida offered his own magical reserves to help her. She had done it but she was so burned out that even with the borrowed energy she could only lessened the swelling by half so the bruises weren't so tender. Now she had only her life-energy.

The boys were now resting in the guestrooms, bandaged and sleeping deeply but she didn't have time for such pleasantries. While the others comforted one another she silently walked to Cheri's studio. There was a large painting sitting in the far corner, the one her daughter had ruined and was now trying to salvage but there was a new one on the easel before the balcony. Moving to it she smiled softly.

It was a painting of a maiden looking up at the sky, wearing what looked like a white dress but taking up most of the painting in the upper left corner was a majestic dragon that looked like the blue eyes with slight differences. For one thing the dragon wore a locket that Seto wore around its long neck. It wasn't done but it was beautiful. Noticing the sketchbook on the stool she lifted it up and felt a tear roll down her face. It was a picture of a dragon and his mate, curled around a nest of baby hatchlings. Other pages were of two spirits with flaming wings dancing as a wolf with matching wings flew around them. After that was a couple dressed in fancy robes, holding up staffs that glowed with power while holding one another's hands. But it was the next page that made her choke back a sob. It was of their family; herself holding Cheri was she was a little child and Manuel with his arms around them but his face was completely in shadow.

If only I could change the past, sweetheart… but things happen for a reason whether we like it or not, she thought to herself, closing the book she set it back on the stool and moved to the balcony. Pushing the glass doors open she stepped out. The sky seemed lost without its moon that barely any stars were out. It creeped her out. "Isis… what can I do?" she asked softly.

"Rose?"

Numinous Healer looked down and jumped back before smiling weakly. "Arcaida. What brings you out here?" she asked, quickly rubbing the tears away.

He floated up and landed next to her, one of his hands behind his back. Looking at her he slowly brought his hand forward. In his hand was a bouquet of roses: red, pink, and white. "I picked these for you," he said a bit sheepishly.

She smiled and took the roses in her hands, taking a deep breathe of the flowers she had been named after. "Thank you…" she said softly but noticed how blood smeared his hand. "What happened?"

The mage looked at his hand and quickly hid it behind his back. "It's nothing."

Rose reached out, taking his hand in her own and gently inspected it. "Punctured wounds… made from a rose's thorns…" Not letting go she led him inside and gently setting the roses down she cleaned the blood with a clean cloth after dipping it in a jar of water. Still holding his hand she pressed her palm atop his and concentrated. Their hands glowed a soft white color and when it died down, the punctured marks had healed over.

"I want to thank you for earlier," she said softly, not looking up at him and still holding onto his hand. "I should've known better than to push myself… but I couldn't stop. Maybe it's my oath as a nurse, or the soul of the Duel Monster within, or my motherly instinct but I couldn't stand by and do nothing when I have the power to help those in need." Her hands tightened and a tear fell. "I just wish I could have done more… I lost what means the most to me because of a mistake I made…"

Arcaida reached up and wiped the tear away. "Mistakes are a part of life," he said, "we can only learn from them."

"True…" Rose whispered, "but there are times where the costs are too high."

Arcaida wrapped his arms around her in a protective embrace. Sighing, Rose leaned against the Dark Magician. She couldn't remember the last time she had felt this way, or when someone held her like Arcaida did now. For just a moment, she wanted to forget everything else and focus on the feeling of being safe.

--

Thomas sat in the chair next to Joey's bed, staring at his unconscious friend's back. The bandages hid the two horrible wounds, but the red-haired young man could still see in his mind what they looked like when Tristen and Duke carried the blonde into the mansion.

I can't believe I almost got sick, Thomas thought, after all the shit I've seen and lived through. He looked at Joey, smiling slightly. Do you remember, Wheeler? That first gang war we had when we were still with Kozaru, and we went up against the Grey Riggers?

He looked at the floor, thinking back. When I got left behind, I heard how Kozaru said it was my fault but you didn't believe him. You not only came back, you beat the Riggers from beating me to death. You've had my back then. He looked at him, smiling weakly. I just wish I knew how to repay you back.

The door opened slowly and Tristen walked in. "Anything?"

"Nope," Thomas shook his head. "He hasn't moved at all since we brought him here, except for breathing, which I am taking as a good sign. How's Serenity and Ishizu?"

"Serenity's asleep," Tristen sighed. "Ishizu… she started having pains in her abdomen."

"I don't like the way that sounds…"

"You're not the only one. She still has ten weeks to go."

"For her sake and the kid's, I hope it isn't labor pains."

"You should've seen Rashid." He looked at the blonde boy and sighed. "Last time I saw him like this... was when his dad nearly beat him to death."

"I've been meaning to ask whatever happened to him. I mean before this I tried tracking Joey's address but the complex was condemned or about to be demolished. One of the two."

"Long story but short version was a few of us racing to his place. Kaiba, Ryou, and Malik went to go get him and from what they told us Mr. Wheeler was holding him against eh wall, ready to stab him with a broken beer bottle. He wasn't himself and if the police hadn't gotten there, there would have been four dead bodies. Kaiba's still got the scars where the doctors had to give him stitches."

Thomas frowned. "I'm afraid to ask."

"Be thankful you weren't there. Joey almost didn't make it but Keriam pulled him through." He couldn't help but smile gently. "You can say she's been his guardian angel."

"Yeah," Thomas frowned slightly and looked out the window. "He's very lucky to have someone like her."

"Why don't you go get some sleep?" Tristen suggested. "I'll keep an eye on him."

The red haired duelist nodded and left the room. Deciding to get a quick bite from the kitchen, Thomas headed in that direction. On his way though, he heard Tea's voice coming from the living room.

"I'm worried Yugi; the last time we saw Necrophedious he almost killed you and Yami during that final duel," she said worriedly. "What's to stop him from harming Keriam?"

"I... Part of me wants to lie to you but I can't. I don't think he'll kill her... but I don't think he won't hesitate to hurt her either," Yugi answered honestly in a low tone. Looking up he saw the look of fear in her eyes he quickly pulled her into his arms. "I'm sorry I should have lied."

"No... No I'm glad you told me the truth," she whispered as she clung to him just as tightly. She quickly closed her eyes against the tears. "I wish all this way over and done with... I hate watching my friends getting hurt or taken away from me... I couldn't bear it if I lost you."

His arms tighten around her as he sighed deeply; rubbing her back in hopes to sooth her. "You won't lose me and I will do everything in my power to protect you. No matter what. I love you, Tea."

She sniffed and continued to hold onto him tightly. "I love you too, Yugi."

Thomas sent a glare towards the living room. The King of Games, he thought. Does he have to have everything?

Storming his way to the kitchen, Thomas then yanked the refrigerator door open and looked inside at the contents. He grabbed a plate filled with leftover meat pies, closed the door, and set the plate on the counter. He placed his hands next to the plate and sighed.

"Frustrated?"

Thomas whipped his head towards the doorway leading to the back foyer. Yami stood there, arms crossed and giving Thomas a look of concern.

"You could say that," the red-head answered.

"This entire ordeal has everyone on edge," the former pharaoh stated as he slowly entered the kitchen.

"Can't say that I blame them," he replied. Picking up one of the pies he bit into it.

"But not all frustrations deal with the Shadow Realm. Such as... jealously over one girl."

Thomas stopped chewing for a moment. He managed to swallow before replying. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"You're in love with Tea," said Yami, and quickly answered when Thomas glared at him. "Don't worry; you're not the only one."

"I know--Yugi."

"One more and he's also in the kitchen."

Thomas looked at the Pharaoh. "You too?"

Yami nodded. "She reminds me of someone I once knew when I ruled Egypt. Unfortunately, my memories of that time are still clouded. I don't know if it that was Tea, or she just resembles that person. But yes, I also love her."

"Why haven't you said anything?"

"Because Yugi loves her very much. He has had a crush on her since they were children and I think it would be wrong to interfere. I think... she might have had feelings for me but I cannot be there for her. When the barrier of the Shadow Realm is repaired, I may return back to being nothing more than a spirit." He sat and looked at his hands then looked at the young man. "Tea, is a wonderful young woman but she already has someone in her life."

"Yeah. So does everyone else. Even Kaiba and I pegged him to die alone." Brushing his hands he left eh kitchen with his food left uneaten.

--

"-riam."

"Ker-"

"Keriam."

Emerald eyes finally opened at the two voices speaking her name.

Malik and Mokuba sighed in relief.

"You guys okay?" she asked hoarsely.

They nodded. "What about you?" Mokuba asked.

"I feel like I've been run over by every Duel Monster in existence." Keriam slowly rolled onto her side and proceeded to carefully move to an upright position, fearing that any quick movement would make her sick. Once she was set, the Daughter of Ra took in their surroundings. "Nice," she said, looking around the small, empty room.

"Yeah it has real possibilities. Maybe some more color though," Mokuba said dryly.

"Keriam, are you sure you're okay? You've been out for a while," Malik said with concern in his tone.

She smiled and hugged him but looked down. "What happened to my key?"

"It got left behind. Necro nearly took it but someone pinned it to the ground with an arrow."

Keriam frowned slightly as she tried to remember then her eyes widened with dread. "Oh God… Joey…"

"You needn't worry about him." The door opened and Necrophedious walked into the room with Dark Thorns. "Or Marik." He smirked at Keriam's reaction. "Oh, that's right, you were unconscious when I gave him his own, crush."

"You bastard," Keriam hissed.

"I'd watch my tongue if I were you, my dear," the sorcerer walked closer, and grabbed Keriam's shirt, hauling her to her feet. "You don't know what might happen."

"Let her go!" Malik shouted. Both boys ran at him but Dark Thorns knocked them to the floor.

"Mokuba! Malik!" Keriam attempted to go to them, but Necrophedious grabbed her arms and pulled her to him.

"If you'll excuse us," he said, proceeding to drag Keriam from the room, "we need to have a private moment."

"Keriam!" the boys cried. Dark Thorns left the room and slammed the door.

Malik jumped to his feet and ran to it, pounding his fists on the metallic obstacle. After a while, when his hands were hurting, the young Egyptian sank to his knees and started to cry.

"Get your hands off me!" Keriam yelled, trying to twist out of her captor's hold around her waist. She wasn't even aware of where they were until he shoved her away. Momentarily losing her balance, Keriam veered towards the small table and caught herself. She turned to glare at Necrophedious, who had just shut the door and locked it.

The situation had gone from bad to worse, and then straight to hell.

Keriam just looked at him. "Who are you?"

"You know, my dear," Necrophedious smirked. "You put the Millennium Key into my forehead. You saw what is inside me."

"It doesn't make any sense. You don't feel like a soul. There's only a small part that does, and it's hurting like the rest of what you are." She took a deep breath, trying to remain on her feet. What in the name of Ra was happening to her?

"That's because I am not merely one soul but all those that were killed when the Millennium items were forged," he explained, watching her. "But then again I am the personification of every painful memory that was harbored deep inside. I was there when the Ishtars were born and as they grew, I fed all the suffering their father put them through. The old fool didn't realize what he was doing but he was making me stronger. But that damn fool Rashid should have been killed." Now his face was pulled into a fierce scowl. "It was because of him that I was pushed to the deepest part of the mind."

"I remember... but it just shows how weak you are," she insulted.

"Maybe so but the suffering still continued. When Malik finally controlled the Millennium Rod, I felt the power. Like that thief I wanted the Item but not for revenge but for power. With all seven items I would be more powerful than the pharaoh. But then I lost..." he smirked and moved right up to her, grabbing her face in his hand. "But why settle for those accursed things when I can have one of the most powerful women in history?"

Keriam slammed her fist against the side of his face, not hard enough like last time but enough to knock him away from her. She ran to the door and grabbed the lock. Hands grabbed her upper arms and yanked her from the only way to escape, and then she was on the floor.

"Again, brave and foolish," Necrophedious smirked then crushed his lips against Keriam's. Pain shot from his bottom lip causing him to grunt and he moved back. He glared at Keriam, seeing the blood on her lips, and then she spit into his face. He slapped her and grabbed a fistful of hair.

"It would be very wise on your part to be more cooperative," Necrophedious hissed in her ear. "There are two others whose welfare you should be concerned about."

Keriam's blood went cold. "You wouldn't…"

He started to move off her. She grabbed his shirt. "They're children!"

"Do you think it mattered then?" Necrophedious placed his hand over her eyes. "See for yourself."

"Stop!"

"No!"

Sobbing.

Pleas ignored.

"You are not a priest! You're a demon!"

Necrophedious removed his hand, smiling darkly at the tears falling from Keriam's eyes. "As you have seen, Daughter of Ra, that is what happened before they were melted into the gold for the seven Millennium Items."

Keriam looked up at him. "…What are you?"

"A sacrifice of ninety-nine lives. No one survived Kuru Emma… except for one young boy. He walks again, thanks to a friend of yours."

"Bakura…?"

"Beautiful and intelligent," Necrophedious stroked her cheek. "Yes, only I knew him as Doboro. He is my son, my brother, my nephew, my pupil, my friend, and my enemy. I am his entire family and village in one body."

"No," Keriam shook her head, "you're just the old emotions. You're nothing but an ancient memory!"

His hands went to her neck and tightened slightly. "A memory of pain and anguish that was created by your Mother Isis!" Necrophedious yelled. "And by Osiris! Nothing would please me more than to have your Sister, the Daughter of Osiris, in your place right now. But I guess I'll have to wait for her."

He lessened his grip. "As I have shown you, it didn't matter to the guards who attacked Kuru Emma, they took whoever they wanted. The same goes for me, but I will give you an option: it's either you or one of them." He smirked. "Or both of them, and you will be given the opportunity to hear them scream."

Keriam, her hands clenching the dark one's wrists in attempt to pull the hands away from her throat, released their hold and went to her sides.

"Good answer," said Necrophedious; one hand leaving her neck and began to unbutton her blouse.

Keriam turned her head to the side. To protect Malik and Mokuba, she had no choice. The hand that still gripped her throat then grabbed her jaw, forcing her to look at the psychotic entity above her.

"You don't have to enjoy it," he said, moving his face closer to hers. "But do try to be somewhat responsive."

--

Rose knocked on the door but she received no answer. She slowly opened the door and entered the room, closing it behind her but Marik wasn't sleeping as she thought. Instead he was sitting up. "Marik?" she called out softly.

He slowly turned to her then looked down at his lap.

The nurse slowly went to his side and being careful, sat on the edge and looked at him. For a moment, she said nothing but what could she say? "How do the ribs feel?" she finally asked.

"... Could be better. My body isn't threatening to suffocate but it still feels really tender," he said quietly.

"Can I see?" He did say anything but didn't protest as she gently ran her hands along his sides. He flinched but other than that there were no other sounds. Not even a cry of pain. "I used my energy in healing the bones but the rest will have to take time to heal on its own. Even if I had the energy the human body can't rely on outside help or else--well let's just say your body needs to help without outside help," she quickly summed up.

"..."

"Marik, please talk to me. What happened with Mokuba, Keriam, and Malik was not your fault. You did everything you could but we will get them back. We do not have time to mope around; we need to come up with a plan to find Necrophedious and get our loved ones back."

"..." He turned to look at her. "What about Cheri?"

"... It's hurts to say this but as long as Bakura is with her, she's safe for the moment. I want nothing more than to just lock myself in my room and scream, cry, rant but if we survive this then I'll let myself go. But first things first so we just have to swallow the pain and push forward." Smiling weakly she reached up and gently, tenderly cupped his face. "We will get everyone back and we will teach this asshole a lesson."

Marik finally let a small smile appear. "How's Ishizu?"

"She's fine. The pains were caused by the stress. Fortunately, it was false labor and stopped."

"And Joey?"

Rose let out a long sigh. "He's still unconscious… but his wounds aren't healing. I don't know what to do."

There was a gentle knock on the door.

"Come in," Rose said.

The door opened and Ishizu walked inside.

"What are you doing up?" Rose demanded and immediately went over to the pregnant woman. "I told you to stay in bed."

"I know," the Egyptian woman sighed, "but I'm stubborn. Runs in the family." She looked at Marik and winked.

Marik just smiled more.

"Stubborn or not I want you off your feet as much as possible," Rose chided and led her to the bed since it was more comfortable than the desk's chair.

"Forgive me for eavesdropping but I heard about Joey. I have a theory that may explain why he isn't getting any better," Ishizu began to say. "The Wings of Isis were given as a gift back when he was first known as Kasuyan. I believe that when they were removed, he lost a bit of his soul as it were."

"That actually makes sense. Right now he's showing symptoms of shock which freezes the immune system but if we can't get him healing soon he's going to die," Rose said worriedly as she chewed on her hangnail.

"What about reattaching the wings?" Marik asked as he moved carefully so not to further damage his sides.

Rose shook her head. "Tried but even I can't bring them to life."

"What if we gave him a new set of wings?" Ishizu asked. "They won't be the same but it might save him."

"Question: where the hell are we gonna find wings on such a short notice..." The young man blinked and trailed off. The siblings looked at Rose but her hair shadowed her eyes. Slowly, the wings moved over her shoulders and she lightly stroked the feathers.

"I'm not a fighter I'm a healer... so it's only fair to let someone who needs them to have them." She smiled lightly. "It was fun while it lasted."

--

Duke watched the funeral procession from the palace to the temple of Isis. "This is too freaky…" he said as his past self walked by next to Theliane's sarcophagus.

Then everything around him darkened, the people disappeared leaving a battered body of a young blonde man with a set of wings lying next to him.

"Joey!" Duke cried; he raced to his friend but Joey disappeared.

"He is dying."

Duke spun around several times. Seeing no one, he shouted out, "He can't die! Keriam needs him!"

A figure in a dark tattered robe appeared, holding faded white feathers in her left hand. She released the feathers and they fluttered in an invisible wind then vanished.

"The Wings of my Mother were a gift to one Guardian in order to protect the Sisters of the Moon. The last to receive them was Kasuyan, the Daughter of Ra's consort."

"Joey… but why is he dying? I know that what happened with the Wings was not the greatest feeling in the world, but shouldn't have his wounds started healing?"

"The Wings were not just attached to his body--they were also attached to his soul."

"Oh God…" Duke breathed.

The Daughter of Isis moved closer. "The Wings must be reattached."

"But Rose said that with the damage, they'd be useless."

"The Wings and the Guardian are bonded. They will heal each other." She pointed to him. "You must have her reattach the Wings of Isis!"

Duke bolted upright in bed, gasping.

"Duke?" Mina asked groggily. "What is it?"

He didn't answer. Jumping out of bed, the Dice Master grabbed his jeans and quickly pulled them on.

"Duke?" Mina looked at him as the state of sleep wore off. She watched as he grabbed a shirt and ran from the room.

He ran down the hallway to Kaiba's room. Not bothering with announcing his presence, he opened the door and went right over to the millionaire's bed.

Duke shook him. "Kaiba!"

Seto woke instantly and glared at the intruder. "Get the hell out of here!"

"Where are the Wings?"

"What?"

"The Wings of Isis! Where are they?"

Seto looked at him. "In the garage inside a garbage can."

Duke sighed in relief. "Find Rose and get her to Joey's room, pronto!" He ran from the room.

"What's with you, Devlin?!" Seto yelled after him.

"Kaiba! Just do it!"

Cursing he got up, grabbing his robe as he stormed out of his room. Part of him wanted to chase the DDM creator down and demand to know what was going on but he moved quickly to the guestroom Rose was in. "Rose, I need your help-" Oops.

"Seto!" Rose and Arcaida both sat up. They were still clothed but the mage had removed his armor and Rose had removed the pink sash. Her wings had been wrapped around the two of them but they slowly folded back. And now they were blushing brightly.

Arcaida already had his staff out protectively before them. "Haven't you heard of knocking?" he asked dryly.

Seto quickly shook himself and growled but brushed it aside for now. "Rose, Duke just woke me up to get you. He wants you to go to Joey's room right now."

Her eyes widen. "Is he worse?" she asked as she slipped off the bed.

"I have no idea but right now Delvin is rummaging in the garbage cans for the Wings of Isis!"

"What?!" She nearly fell as she raced out of the room and immediately headed for Joey's room. Seto glared at the Dark Magician before following his mother-in-law.

--

Where are they?! Duke tore the lids off the garbage cans, desperately searching for the Wings. They have to be here! They have to be!

He reached the last can. There was only one bag inside. Duke grabbed it and pulled it from the can, ripping it open by the knot. The foul stench made him gag, but inside were the Wing of Isis.

"Oh God…" Duke whispered when he had a good look at them. They were partially decayed and most of the feathers were gone. "Not much time," he said and sprinted back into the house.

He ran into Joey's room; Mina, Seto, Rose, Arcaida were already there. Duke opened the bag and removed the Wings. "You have to reattach them."

"Judging by the smell alone," Mina wrinkled her nose, "I'd say that's a bad idea."

"Duke, I already tried," said Rose. "And look at them now."

"They'll heal!" Duke yelled as he placed each Wing on the correct sides. "The Daughter of Isis said that they're bonded. The Wings will heal Joey, and Joey will heal the Wings. Rose, please," he looked at the older woman, "you have to reattach them. They'll do the rest."

"... One more time then." Moving to the blonde's side she rested her hands just over the damaged ends and closed her eyes. As she concentrated she threw everything she had plus a bit more. For a moment nothing happened but the stitches she had tried to make as small as possible bean to snap. Blood began to trickle but the appendages fastened onto the damaged skin.

Everyone gasped but Duke was silently cheering on. C'mon just hold on!

Rose struggled but the healing glow was beginning to fade. The healer was biting her bottom lip tightly, struggling to keep going but she was too low on energy.

"Rose, you have to stop, you're going to kill yourself at this rate!" Seto exclaimed but she shook her head.

"Can't... Won't... Keep going..." she whispered but now it was getting painful.

"We can get another healer! We can't let you kill yourself!" Mina cried.

"Another healer..." Seto repeated and raced out of the room. He returned and held a card before him. "Mystic Elf!!"

The card vanished from his hand and in the room was the lovely elf. She was puzzled but seeing Rose quickly moved to the other side of the bed. Reaching out she covered the nurse's hand and threw in her own healing energies. The glow intensified and the wings finally attached fully but they didn't stop. The smell of decaying flesh slowly faded from the air and new feathers began to slowly grow back. Once they were in full glory the healing stopped. Rose fell back only to be caught by Arcaida and the elf stepped back only to gently be caught by Mina and Duke.

"The Guardian... will continue to live..." she said softly. She looked up at Seto and said, "You summoned me although I am not part of your deck."

He snorted lightly. "Thank my wife for including you."

--

Malik and Mokuba looked up when the door opened. Necrophedious threw Keriam into the room. She stumbled and landed on the floor. The two boys ran over to her, and sent glares to their captor.

Necrophedious smirked. "Tell Marik he isn't missing much." And he shut the door.

When the footsteps faded away, they immediately went back to their friend.

"Keriam?" Mokuba asked.

"…I'm okay," she answered.

No, you're not, Malik thought.

Keriam pulled herself to her knees and crawled over to the corner of the room. She sat there, knees drawn up, and head down.

The boys slowly went over to her; Mokuba touched her arm and she looked at them. Tears started in everyone's eyes, and Keriam pulled them to her, sobbing quietly.

After some time, Malik spoke, "We have to get out of here."

"I wish I knew how to use my dragon powers," said Mokuba.

"What about your link with Marik?" Keriam asked.

"It's gone," Malik answered. "I can't feel him. Ever since it was blocked before the Heart entered me…"

Keriam turned his face to hers. "You have to try," she said, "I'll help you."

Malik nodded and sat beside Keriam. She placed her left hand on his forehead and they closed their eyes.

"Better?" asked Mystical Elf.

"Yes, thank you," Marik answered.

The elf nodded and left the room.

"It's a shame the Shadow Realm is so dangerous," said Ryou. "Certain Duel Monsters would be a great asset to the world."

"Indeed," Yami nodded, "but still, there are those who would use them like those who try to destroy everything we know."

Marik got up from the bed and walked over to the window. "How long do you think it will take for Joey to wake up?"

"However long it takes," Yami answered. "He will soon, though."

"Joey's not one to give up so easily," Ryou smiled.

"It's the reason why he's lived this long," Marik said quietly. Sighing he rested his arm along the cool glass and rested his head on it. Malik... I failed you as a big brother... Keriam... I couldn't protect you and because of me Wheeler got hurt...

... Marik...

His eyes slowly opened. Did he just hear his name?

... Marik...

He looked at the others. "What?"

"What what?" Yami asked.

"Someone just said me name."

"Neither of us said anything," Ryou said.

"Must be hearing things-"

... Marik!

"There it is again!" he yelled but not giving the others a chance to reply he closed his eyes. He could feel something trying to reach him, something just beyond his reach so he struggled to reach it half way. He gasped and nearly lost the connection but held strong. Malik! Keriam!

It worked! Malik cheered,

We don't have much time, Keriam sent. Marik couldn't help noticing how tired her voice sounded. Marik, get Katsuya and Milus and try to find us. I'll do what I can to give you some kind of location but I can't make any promises.

I understand, Marik answered. Suddenly the room he was in disappeared and he was above Domino City. Southwest of Kaiba mansion was a faint golden glow around Domino City's Community Center.

Sneaky Necrophedious but not sneaky enough. Alright we'll be there as soon as possible.

Just hurry. The voices faded and he found himself back in the bedroom.

"Marik? Marik, are you alright?" Yami asked, giving his shoulder a shake.

The blonde blinked and looked at him. "Get Kaiba and everyone else. I know where Necro is at," he said quickly.

"You do? How?" Ryou asked with hope.

"Keriam and Malik managed to contact me. Keriam showed me the Domino City's Community Center in a faint gold aura. But Necro is not gonna let us just walk in."

"So we bring in every monster to beat him." Yami looked thoughtful but nodded. "Let's let everyone know so we can get going. The sooner they're home, the better."

--

Bakura jumped down from the overhang and leaned against the wall of the community center not far from the door. Unbeknownst to the ones in Kaiba Mansion, the thief had been sent by the Black Scorpion to find Necrophedious.

When he did locate the sorcerer and watched the events unfold, Bakura went searching all over the city to find Keriam and the two boys. Hours proved fruitless until he saw the flickering gold glow around the community center, and he had no doubt that it was the Daughter of Ra.

Bakura quickly went to the door and turned the handle; he was surprised to find it unlocked, and quietly pushed it open. This was his former teacher he was going against and Bakura wasn't about to take any chances like he did on Battle Ship.

I may have joined the Scorpions, Bakura thought as he slipped inside, but he's as harmless as cobras around a newborn.

He listened for any unusual noises but it eerily quiet. Making sure he kept his breathe even he silently entered the building. If he didn't know any better, he would swear the psycho was waiting for him. Well, maybe not him but he had a mission. No one knew why the Scorpion King wanted the dark sorcerer back but it couldn't be for anything good.

And I definitely know he won't go peacefully, he thought to himself as he reached the end of the hall. Which way... he looked down either halls and tired to remember the map of the center from bits of Ryou's memories. He would keep there in a dark room so they wouldn't have any idea where they are so it has to have no window and only one door. Thinking quickly he headed to the right.

The sound was only of his footsteps but that didn't bother him. He was just wondering why there were no traps yet, when he heard a very distinct click. Eyes widening he launched himself in the corner where the ceiling meet the wall. He watched as the floor gave way to reveal spikes that would have skewed him alive. He actually recognized this trap from those the pharaoh's had built in their pyramids.

Swell. Now I remember why I had someone walk in front of me.

Taking a deep breath to calm his racing heart, Bakura eased himself to the floor again and to the other side of the spikes.

"Getting rusty," he said quietly, "I better watch it."

He continued down the hallway, walking carefully and avoiding whatever traps he discovered, escaping the ones he set off.

I'm beginning to get the impression that he sent me here to be killed, Bakura thought with a scowl.

"Try down here."

Bakura's head jerked towards the staircase at the voice and he quickly hid in a room as several footsteps descended. The new arrivals paused at the bottom of the stairs.

"Well, that's interesting."

Marik.

"We're not the only ones here, then."

Pharaoh.

"The Scorpions?"

Ryou?

"Probably."

Kaiba.

"Hang on for a sec."

Bakura didn't recognize him.

"Okay, Jinzo, do what you do best." Several flashes of light streaked past the door and destroyed the traps. "There we go."

"Come on," Marik said. "Katsuya, Milus, lead the way and be careful."

Bakura looked at the glass in the door across from him as everyone went by. He saw the backs of Marik, Yami, Ryou, Kaiba, Jinzo, and a redheaded person walk down the hallway. The thief was also thanking whatever luck he had that the two canines didn't pick up his scent.

And if they did, Bakura thought, maybe they figured I'm not a threat for now.

Once he was sure they were out of sight he left he room and headed down the opposite way. He couldn't just appear and ask to join their group. Kaiba still didn't trust him and no doubt Marik was still pissed about that kick and Ryou... he just didn't want to fight his brother.

He gave a soft laugh. I am getting soft.

The traps seemed to be more numerous down this way but it could only mean the captives were down here. Managing to disarm most he finally came to a door. He knelt and pressed his ear close. He could make out several voices he knew they had to be in there or Necro decided to capture some more people. Pulling out the dagger he easily broke the lock and opened the door crack. As it was pulled open he hid himself in the shadows.

Mokuba cautiously peeked out. Seeing nothing he very slowly relaxed just a tiny bit. "There's no one out here," he called into the room.

That's right squirt. You meet up with the others and I'll track Necro. Watching them the thief slipped further into the shadows.

Keriam and Malik peeked out into the hallway. Leaving the room, Keriam took both boys hands as they scurried down the hall and around the corner.

Necrophedious appeared next to the empty room. "There seems to have an infestation," he smirked. "I'll just have to take care of that."

Authors' Notes:

Heikou: How was your Christmas?

Janime: Pretty good, thank you. How was yours?

Heikou: It actually snowed! Firist time in over a hundred years even! ... or so my mom says.

Janime: Awesome! Did you have a snowball fight?

Heikou: Better believe it! This time, no rocks in the snowballs.

Janime: …Ouch.

Heikou: Yeah. Anyway, we'd like to elaborate on our current featured bad guy in this chapter.

Janime: Recently, on one of my many web surfing tours, I came across a site that has the anime listed with both Japanese and English VA's and background info on the characters.

Heikou: Fair warning, people, we are going to let loose spoilers here.

Janime: Necrophedious first name is Zork.

Heikou: Rhymes with spork.

Janime: And dork. This is why we kept him as Necrophedious. Seriously, can you imagine meeting a dangerous psychotic sorcerer and his name is "Zork"?

Heikou: LOL Ooh that was fun. But seriously if the gang heard that they would be laughing too much to fight!

Janime: You're crazy.

Heikou: I know. ;)

Janime: Don't ever change.

Heikou: I won't and you better not either.

Janime: Promise.

Heikou: That's all for today folks! See you next chapter and have a Happy New Year!

Janime: We've been writing this fic for a year already?

Heikou: Scary, isn't it?

Janime: Not really.