"Arise from Darkness"
By Heikou and Janime
Chapter Thirty
Lose One, Gain Another
Meanae frowned. Something was not right yet she did not know what. Bakura had yet to return and she was beginning to fear the worse but quickly scolded herself. Nothing could have happened to him so soon!
But something is wrong and I intend to find out, she thought to herself left her chambers. She had seen the army of possessed monsters approaching the castle but now there was no sign of them. The halls were bare so she left in search of them.
The palace was quiet except for the sound of her boots connecting with the polished floors. He eyes darted around, ears listening to any sounds she didn't recognize, her hand resting on her whip. Still nothing so where was everyone? Looking up she realized she was nearing the throne room and now she could hear someone speaking.
"-my army! Now that you bear the mark of my clan the Black Scorpions you will obey me and no one else!" the king stated. He was standing before his throne, Don Zaloog and Cliff standing at his right with Gorg and Chick at his left. "Together, we will overtake the mortal world and I will finally extract my revenge against he gods for taking what was rightfully mine!"
"Sire, why do we need that sorcerer?" Cliff suddenly asked. "I do not trust him."
"Are you questioning my order?" the Black Scorpion asked, turning to glare at him.
"… No sire."
"But we have an army why do we not attack now?" Don asked quickly.
"Because that fool of a pharaoh still holds power that could stop me though he does not know it. He is so soft he will be unable to attack these innocent fools," he explained as he gestured to the army before them. "Lord Necrophedious will deal with them and the Daughters of Isis while I settle my score with Anubis himself."
"But the gods have not been seen for many millennia," Chick brought up. "How will you go against them?"
He smirked. "By using the Daughter of Anubis herself."
"I don't understand."
"Each of the gods granted their Daughter a special gift. The Daughter of Anubis has control over his own personal Army--the same Army I once had command of. The only drawback for the Daughter of Anubis is that she must summon the Army herself. It's very dangerous since a mortal is calling them and not their god. Quite a few of Anubis' Daughters have died summoning his Army, but that is trivial to my plan." The way the warrior turned king spoke was as if the girl's life was worthless and didn't matter what happened as long as it worked with his own plan.
Cliff's eyes widen and he lost his temper. "It's one thing to strike at Meanae for no reason but I will not let you use her like this! She may be your daughter in this life but she is still my sister!"
Again the attack was unexpected but more painful as Cliff was fairly thrown across the room, falling in a heap as his back connected with a thick pillar surrounding the room. The other Scorpions backed away from their king as he stood there fuming.
"A word of advice to everyone here, defy me in anyway and I will make you wish you had been destroyed instead of becoming a monster," he growled as a warning.
The princess could only watch wide eyed and instead of running in to help her brother she ran back to her chambers. Closing the doors behind her she leaned against them, her chest heaving. Did her life mean so little to him? He was her father and he wanted her dead just so he could go after a god?
"No… It's a lie, it's all a lie!" she cried to herself, sliding down the doors until she hit the floor. She shut her eyes tightly yet the tears fell. "He's my father yet he wishes me dead… it can't be true!"
"I'm afraid it is," came Shadi's voice. He watched as she opened her eyes and jumped to her feet. Before she could grab her whip though Gravekeeper's Assailant quickly had her pinned. Despite the young assassin's struggles the warrior held strong. Shadi waited until she tired herself up before reaching into his robes and removed the Millennium Key. He was glad that the other spirit did not get it but until the Daughter of Ra was returned home he would hold onto it. Meanae tried jerking her head to the side but it was no use. Their eyes became blank as the key was turned and a click was heard.
"What is this?" Shadi asked. The studio was in ruins. The walls were badly damaged, the floor torn up, the windows broken, and the paintings were shredded. Glass littered the floor but the pictures within the frames had been burned completely. The room looked like someone had tried to destroy it from within.
The young guardian had never seen anything like this before and it worried him deeply. Was this why his friend did not know who she was? He searched the room, looking for anything but behind a pile of broken easels he found a door with the symbol of the black scorpion burned into the wood. He barely touched it and the door swung open. Against his better judgment he entered.
Now he wished he hadn't.
The room resembled a tomb from within with its stone walls, fire-lit torches and hieroglyphics adorning them with black and red banners, a kind of mural of the Black Scorpion clan but what was this doing here? Was this room to represent her past life? If so, why was her present soul room so damaged?
He remembered something about how Keriam had used the key to lock Meanae some time ago but with Performance of Sword gone what did this? Something is not right here. That's when he noticed the altar and the figure lying upon it.
"Cheri!"
She didn't respond, even as he tried to shake her awake. The young man gently rested his fingers along her neck, checking for a pulse but it was very weak and slow. He examined the chained collar but it was no use, nothing short of magic could remove this item but what was she doing here? What happened to her? If she was in a coma then why wasn't Meanae as well? Weren't their souls linked together?
--
Tea looked at the Book of Shadows, her right hand upon the metallic cover. I hope I did the right thing, she thought, and I hope it works.
"What's this?" Seto asked when Tea handed him a card, one he had never seen before.
"Use it when you see Necrophedious," she told him. "It will send him into a void, and he won't be able to return."
The CEO grunted. "Isn't that what your boyfriend said after Battle City when Marik forfeited the duel?"
"It's one thing to send someone to the Shadow Realm," said the Daughter of Osiris, "it's another thing to send a person into nothingness."
"Tea?"
She looked up to the door. "Yugi…"
He walked over to her. "Are you alright?"
Tea took a deep breath, returning her gaze to the Book. "I think so." She paused for a moment, closing her eyes briefly before looking at her boyfriend. "Yugi, do you think that I should have created that card?"
"You're doubting yourself."
"What else can we do to stop him permanently?"
"Sometimes, drastic times call for drastic measures. We have done everything we can so what other choice did we have?"
"But what if it doesn't work?"
"It will work." He moved over to her and covered her hand with his own, squeezing it tightly. "It will work and Necro will wish he never existed."
Tea gently pulled her hand from Yugi's. He watched as she walked away from him and looked out the window. She placed her hands on the cool glass and closed her eyes.
"I… I was reading the… Book of Shadows," Tea said after a long pause. "I don't know how I recognized the hieroglyphs, but I just started reading…"
Yugi walked next to her and touched her arm.
"I found the passage… that explained how to make the… Millennium Items."
"Tea?"
She turned to him. "Ninety-nine lives must be sacrificed… melted into the gold…" Tears ran down her face and she looked away. "Yugi, what did we do? What have we done? The Book of Shadows belongs to Osiris, and I… I'm his daughter… It's my fault those people are dead…"
"..." The young duelist looked at the book and as a fleeting thought, wanted to hurl the book into a furnace or trash compactor but he quelled that anger down. "This was not your fault... I don't know why Osiris had this written or why the Daughter of Isis agreed to this... but this was not your fault." He looked up at her. "I doubt even Yami knows how the items were created but if he knew I'm sure he would have never agreed to this. Unfortunately, what's done is done. We can't change the past but we sure as hell can learn from it."
Tea nodded, opening her eyes. Whoever you were, please forgive me…
--
Bakura continued his path through the halls of the community center, being very mindful of the traps, as they seemed to become more lethal in his journey.
I'll be glad to get out of here when I'm done, he thought.
He walked down the hall, reaching the basketball court. Cautiously, the thief peaked inside through the small glass window and saw nothing. Bakura turned around and found himself face to face with Necrophedious.
He definitely sent me here to be killed.
The sorcerer just smiled. "Care for a game, Doboro?" he asked then pushed on the door bar, entering the court.
The thief watched him carefully, wondering why he wasn't trying to kill him (not that he was complaining). "You actually know this game?"
Necro laughed as his boots echoed off the polished floors. "I have been locked within the mind of a young boy since his childhood to his teenage years. How could I not know of this game?" he asked.
"Marik doesn't strike me as the type to enjoy this sport. But what's with the pleasantries, father?" Just saying the word made him want to wretch.
"If it weren't for me you would have died in that desert along with your family and caravan. I took you in, fed you, clothed you, taught you a valuable trade, and again saved your life when the pharaoh's army came." He looked at him over his shoulder with a smirk. "You owe me."
"Really?" Bakura raised an eyebrow. "Allowing you to coexist within my body was how I was imprisoned inside the Millennium Ring five thousand years ago. And after what happened on Battle Ship, I say I don't owe you a damn thing."
"Very well then," Necrophedious turned around, "I'll just take my payment from the Daughter of Anubis."
Bakura growled. "If you ever touch her again-"
"Who will stop me? Certainly not the other Scorpions or the other two Chosen of Anubis," Necrophedious looked at his former acolyte with a malicious grin. "Marik still owes me, and I really should thank him for letting me have the Daughter of Ra before he did."
The thief stared at him in shock before turning into an angered glare. "You bastard!"
"Come, Doboro, you had your share of women then."
"Be that as it may, I never raped them!" Bakura yelled. "Even I'm not that sick!"
"The Pharaoh's soldiers were, however," said Necrophedious. "Be glad that your mother killed your brother and sister so that they didn't share a similar fate as hers. And I don't just mean being melted into the gold for the Items."
"Just shut up, or better yet let me rip out your tongue!" His hand went for his dagger but he didn't have a chance as Darkworld Thorns wrapped its vines around his arm tightly but it didn't give it time to wrap the rest of him up. He planted a good and sharp kick at the plant's giant flower head and lunged at his former mentor and father.
Necrophedious was surprised but as his back connected with the floor he quickly kicked the thief off and jumped to his feet. "Nice try but I taught you how to fight as well!"
"You taught me some things, old man; but everything I now know I learned from my friends," he growled deeply.
"Really Doboro you have gotten soft."
"Maybe I have but at least I'm happier."
"Are you really?" Necrophedious titled his head. "Sold your servitude to an insane man bent on destroying the ancient gods just to be next to a woman who had married another man--the former high priest of Egypt. And are you even certain that it's the same woman you fell in love with?"
Bakura gripped the dagger so tight that his hand was hurting. Without saying another word, the thief charged at his former master. The two fought for a brief while until Necrophedious sent Bakura flying into the bleachers.
His pride hurting more than his body, Bakura struggled to get up and was pushed back down by a booted foot on his chest. Necrophedious grabbed the dagger from the thief's somewhat unyielding hand and held the blade to his throat.
"You call yourself a Dark Scorpion but you still help those you betrayed. You say that you are the darkness and yet you crave the light." Necrophedious moved the dagger away from his pupil's neck and to the mark of the Scorpion on his arm. Grabbing Bakura just above his elbow, Necrophedious made quick slash over the tattoo.
Bakura grunted slightly from the pain but kept his eyes on the dark sorcerer. He watched in confusion as he then stabbed the dagger into the splintered wood next to him, and started for the door.
"Before you ask 'why'," said Necrophedious, "there are a few more pests I like to take care of first." The door closed in his wake.
Bakura grabbed his dagger; holding it between his teeth, he managed to get up from the bleachers. Sore but otherwise all right, Bakura cut part of his shirt and tied it around the wound on his upper right arm.
"If you think this is over," Bakura whispered, "think again."
--
Marik paused but continued walking with the others. "I hope they're alright," he said in a low tone.
"That makes all of us," Yami said quietly. "Anything yet?"
Katsuya and Milus said nothing but kept sniffing the floor and air. Katsuya paused though and move up a few steps. "I smell them."
"You sure?" Thomas asked.
Milus took a whiff of the air and dashed down the hall. "Quickly!"
Everyone ran after the two canines; both were so fast that they were only halfway down the hall when the two beasts turned into the next hallway.
Three voices familiar voices reached their ears.
"Milus!"
"Katsuya!"
They reached the corner and their hearts were overjoyed.
"Mokuba!" Seto yelled.
"Malik! Keriam!" Marik cried happily.
The two young boys ran to their older brothers. Keriam was kneeling on the floor besides her wolf, hugging him, and let out a happy cry when she saw the others. Yami and Ryou went to Keriam, kneeling beside her, and the Daughter of Ra just about latched onto Yami, sobbing against the Pharaoh's chest.
"Keriam," Yami said quietly and hugged her, "it's alright."
But something wasn't right. Yami could feel it emitting from Keriam. Something happened and the Pharaoh's stomach churned at the evasive knowledge.
Keriam leaned back and wiped her face. "Joey…" she said. "Is he…?"
"He'll be alright but he's still out of it," Seto answered. "Rose managed to reattach the Wings and he's healing, though it'll take some time."
"Thank Ra," she sighed in relief.
"I think we better go before Necrophedious find us," Ryou said with a look of caution.
"As much as I want to kick his ass to the deepest pit of hell he's right," Marik said. "Let's hurry."
Everyone stood and headed down the hall, trusting the two canines to lead them out but just as they were about to reach the front doors they dropped into crouching positions, ears flat against their skulls and fangs bared.
"Leaving so soon now? And some unwanted guests," the dark sorcerer mocked as he appeared between the group and their only means of escape. "Pharaoh..."
Yami frowned deeply and felt hatred begin to build in his chest. "Necrophedious..."
"You honor me with your presence."
"And you offend me with yours."
"Touché."
"Well, this is an interesting reunion," said Thomas, "but if you don't mind, Necro… Philadelphia--whatever the hell you name is, but we need to get going."
The sorcerer narrowed his eyes at the young man. They flashed and Thomas went flying onto his back and slid across the floor a couple yards.
"Master!" Jinzo shouted as Ryou went to him; he turned and attacked Necrophedious but the sorcerer sent a dark energy beam through the trap destroyer's left shoulder.
"Pathetic," Necrophedious smirked as Jinzo moved back. His eyes went to Keriam and flashed briefly.
Keriam screamed and fell to her knees, clutching her head.
Marik and Yami went to her side. "What are you doing to her?!" Marik screamed.
"Nothing that she didn't start," Necrophedious said. "She used the Millennium Key but she forgot to close off the link she created." His smile widened. "I'm only having her relive… our private moment together."
"Oh dear God…" Ryou whispered.
"And she was willing."
"Bullshit!" Marik yelled.
"He… he's right…" Keriam managed to speak.
Everyone looked at her in shock; her eyes were shut tight as she fought to keep the mental images at bay.
"I had no choice," she continued. "If… if I didn't… he said he'd go after Malik and Mokuba…"
"That's still rape!" Yami shouted but more at the villain instead of his friend.
Seto glared at him angrily, his hands forming into fists. " How dare you do this to her!!"
"Why are you upset at me? I did nothing to your wife. Bakura... is another story," he said loftily.
"Shut up! Just shut up!" Malik yelled at him, struggling to keep the tears from falling. "You're nothing but, but a bastard and I wish you were dead!"
"Then let's get this over with." Seto stepped before the group and reaching into his pocket, pulled out the card Tea had given him. This had better work. He held it out before him.
Necrophedious raised an eyebrow. "And just what do you plan to do with that, priest?"
"Funny you should ask," Seto grinned, "and just to be on the safe side." He pulled out the Millennium Rod and pointed it at Keriam. "Ryou!"
Ryou held up his hands and both Items glowed fiercely. Keriam gasped as her body jerked. At the same time, Necrophedious grunted and the link that connected them was severed.
Marik and Yami held Keriam as she lapsed back into their arms. They looked at Necrophedious, hunched over slightly and dazed.
"Now!" Seto yelled and threw the card. Everyone threw themselves to the floor, stabbing whatever they had into the tiles.
The card hit the wall behind Necrophedious and a large black hole appeared behind him. A large gale of wind began, papers and whatever wasn't bolted down into the hole. Necrophedious quickly gabbed onto the side where the fabric that separated the two dimensions.
Ryou and Thomas were holding onto Jinzo, but the force of the wind was so great, Ryou lost his grip. He screamed as he was pulled towards the void. Someone grabbed his wrist and he stopped. Looking up in surprise, Ryou's eyes widened as he stared at Bakura. The thief held onto his dagger embedded in the floor and pulled Ryou up, allowing his light to wrap his arms around him.
Marik was holding onto Keriam. He looked over, seeing Malik trying to hang on to Katsuya. However, both Katsuya and Milus were having a difficult time trying to hold onto the bench with their teeth.
"You will be forced to make a decision that will affect both of them."
Marik looked towards the hole; Necrophedious was still holding onto the edge. Shutting his eyes briefly, he steeled himself.
"Yami!" he yelled above the howling wind. "Take her!"
A little confused, Yami grabbed Keriam's arm and pulled her to him. "Marik! What are you doing?!"
"As my family watched over yours," the Egyptian looked at him, "please, my Pharaoh, watch over mine." He let go of his dagger.
"Marik!"
Necrophedious looked up and then Marik slammed into him, causing him to lose his grip on the edge of the hole.
"Seal it!" Marik shouted as they tumbled through the void. "Now!"
"Marik! No!" Keriam screamed.
"Ishtar!" Seto watched in horror.
"Damn it, Kaiba! SEAL IT!!"
Hesitating, Seto raised his hand up and the Millennium Rod glowed. The tear between their world and the void slowly wove itself together. When it was finished, the wind was gone and everyone stared at where it had been.
Malik sat there, tears running down his face. "Ma-rik… Marik… MARIK!!" He ran over to Seto and began pummeling the CEO's arm. "Why did you do it?!" the boy screamed.
Seto didn't move or say a word; he just let Malik take out his rage on him. Ryou finally pulled Malik away and held the sobbing boy. Seto looked over to where Bakura had caught Ryou, but the thief was nowhere in sight.
Keriam leaned against Yami, crying herself. He's gone…
--
Bakura remained hidden until he was certain everyone was gone, heading back to Kaiba Mansion. He walked slowly to the front entrance and stopped as something sparkled on the floor. Kneeling down, Bakura picked it up.
It was one of Marik's earrings.
A sad smile touched his face and Bakura stood up.
"So close yet so far, Marik," he said. Holding the earring in his hands, Bakura brought it to his left ear and pushed it through his lobe, wincing a little from the stinging pain. "You're a much braver man than I thought you were. Goodbye, my friend."
--
The Scorpion King paced in his chamber, his frustration growing with each step. Where was that thief? He couldn't wait any longer, his army was vast and if nothing else he could just have Meanae summoned Anubis' Army. Stopping he quickly decided to forget about the newest scorpion clan member and went to lead his army to the mortal world but stopped.
Meanae pushed the doors open, her chest lightly heaving and there were faint tears on her face. Despite the different in their height she marched over to him and quick as her whip, slapped him across the face. The force behind it was just enough to turn his head to the side. "How dare you..." she said in a low whisper.
He looked at her calmly, as if she were having a temper tantrum. "Something wrong, daughter?"
"You used me. I thought you cared about me but you didn't! I don't care what you say but I will not summon that army! I would sooner kill myself than follow anymore of your orders!"
"So, you would defy me?"
"I would do so with my head held high."
"Even if I threaten your brothers, your family, your friends, your lover?"
"Even if you killed me I would not be ashamed to show my face before them and my heart would not be weighted down with guilt."
"Such strong words." He chuckled and reached up, lightly tracing her jaw with his hand. "But you will summon the army whether you wish to or not."
Her eyes narrowed and she slapped his hand away. "I would rather die."
"That can be arranged." His eyes glowed and the tattooed mark of the scorpion on her arm glowed brightly. Meanae looked at her arm but before she could cry out her eyes lost their light and became dark and dull. "When the time comes you will summon the Army of the Dead but first, go get your brothers and let them know to prepare for battle."
"Yes sire." She bowed and silently left the room. The Scorpion King smirked and held the medallion he wore up to see.
"Soon my revenge will be complete and no one wills top me, neither the Daughters or gods say stand in my way."
--
The trek back to the mansion was in silence. Milus walked beside Ryou, who was carrying Malik; the poor boy worn out from crying. He would sniff now and then with a single tear going down his cheek.
Thomas had used a healing magic card on Jinzo, and the Duel Monster's shoulder was back to normal.
Seto held Mokuba's hand in his own. The words Keriam had told them replayed in his mind. He glanced over to her, knowing that nothing in the world would ever repay her courageous act of sacrifice.
Keriam sat astride on Katsuya's back, Yami and Thomas walked on either side of the wolf. She kept her gaze to the ground, and finally spoke, "Don't tell anyone."
Everyone looked at her.
"I'll tell them myself," Keriam said. "When… when I can."
Yami very slowly rested his hand on her shoulder in reassurance. "We understand but we'll also be there for you no matter what."
She patted his hand but couldn't bring herself to smile back.
Mokuba unconsciously squeezed his brother's hand, the sharp talons pricked the skin lightly. "If he ever comes back I'll make he wish he had never been created," he threaten in a low voice but Seto heard it all.
"He'll never show his face around us ever again," he assured. "Tea specifically created that card for that reason alone and Marik..." He sighed deeply. I wish there was a way I could have thanked him.
"He's gone," Malik whispered, "and he's not coming back…"
Ryou sighed and closed his eyes briefly, deciding to keep quiet. Bakura…
--
Serenity sat next to Joey; gingerly she touched the Wings on her brother's back. They were almost back to normal; a few patches still needed to grow in but other than that, the Wings were fully healed. And thank heaven the smell was gone as well.
"How is he doing?"
The young girl looked back at Tea and weakly smiled. "A lot better. I just hope he doesn't overwork himself."
The female spellcaster laughed and entered the room. "Well that's just the way he is. I just hope the others get back before he wakes up."
As the girls talked the wings twitched a bit. A groan punctured the air and they watched as the wings moved. The skin strained against the movement. As they relaxed the young man slowly lifted his head up, arms coming up to support the weight. His eyes opened but the first thing to come out of his mouth was "Keriam..."
"Big brother. You should rest," Serenity said, glad he was awake but wishing he would go back to sleep for a bit longer.
"Thanks but I'm fine... I-I gotta find Ker..." He pushed himself up slowly, grunting from the pain as it washed over his body.
"No you stay here and rest. Yami, Seto, Marik, Thomas, and Ryou went to get everyone back along with Katsuya and Milus," she quickly explained but he ignored them and managed to sit on the edge of the bed.
"... I'm so pathetic... couldn't save my girlfriend... couldn't save myself..." He hung his head. "I'm sorry..."
St. Joan slowly sat next to him and wrapped her arms around the winged boy tightly. "You're not weak. You're stubborn and proud but you are not weak. You were never weak. Why else would you have the Wings of Isis?"
He blinked and lifted his head, looking at his wings as he folded and unfolded them. "I thought... they were ripped off..."
"Rose managed to reattach them," Tea explained. "Mystical Elf helped her."
Joey sighed; he still felt weak but stubborn as his little sister said, the blonde stood up. And collapsed to the floor. "Okay, that wasn't too swift, I'll admit it."
Serenity and Tea quickly went next to Joey and helped him back onto the bed, resting on his stomach. "You get some more rest, do you hear me?" Serenity looked at him.
Joey stared back at her. "I think you've spent too much time around Mai, sis."
Giggling, Serenity leaned over and kissed her brother's cheek. "I'll check on you in a little bit."
He nodded, smiling lightly and fell asleep. Both girls left the room.
Duke and Mina met them in the hallway. "How is he?" Duke asked.
"He woke up," said Serenity. "He's still weak though, and beating himself up about what happened… with Keriam…"
"Can't say I know how he feels but it wasn't his fault."
"Try telling him that. Joey failed in his duties as a Guardian so to speak," Tea sighed. "I just hope the others get back with Keriam, Malik, and Mokuba soon."
"You don't think that guy caught them do you?" mina asked out of fear. "I mean wouldn't they have been back already?"
"Don't think like that," said Duke, putting his arm around her. He felt bad not going with the others, but Marik insisted that he stay at the mansion.
"Master," Skilled Ninja appeared, just causing the three women to jump out of their skin.
"Where has he been?" Mina demanded once her heart calmed.
"He's been here all this time," said Duke. "And yes, Rose checked him so he's alright." He turned to the Ninja. "What's up?"
"The Daughter of Ra has returned," he answered. "Yugi and Tristen have already gone to greet them."
Tea raced from the hall, down the steps to the front foyer. "Keriam!" she cried when she saw her Sister and threw her arms around her. Something's wrong… Tea thought and moved back slightly. "Are you okay?"
Keriam nodded slightly. "I have to talk to Rose, privately… and I'll tell you later."
Tea looked at her in confusion, but nodded.
Rashid soon appeared and smiled. It vanished when he noticed someone missing. "Where's Marik?"
Everyone became silent. Malik looked at Rashid, and the tears started anew.
"Marik... he..." Ryou's voice was struggling not to break. "He's gone..."
"What??"
"Marik sacrificed himself to make sure Necrophedious never returned," Seto said quickly.
The older man couldn't believe it but why would they say something like this? He didn't know what to say but slowly kneeling down his held his arms open. Malik threw himself at him and finally let loose the tears. Rashid held onto him tightly thought it took a great deal of strength not to shed tears himself.
"Keriam!" Serenity finally made it down the stairs and hugged her as well. "Joey's awake! He'll be so happy that you're here!"
"He's awake?" the Daughter of Ra looked at her with hope.
"Briefly," Tea answered. "He went back to sleep."
Keriam nodded. "I have to see Rose first. Where is she?"
"Right here! No need to go anyplace!" the older winged woman practically sprinted to Keriam, Arcaida right behind her; Duke and Mina following close behind. Rose hugged her daughter's best friend tightly, feeling something dark radiating from Keriam. She moved back. "Are you alright?"
Keriam looked straight into her eyes. "I need you to check something for me."
"Keriam," Tea gently touched her arm, "what happened?" When her Sister didn't answer, she pressed on. "What did he do to you?"
Looking at everyone in the room, Keriam's eyes stayed momentarily on Malik and Mokuba before returning to her Sister. "I had no choice…" she whispered as a tear ran down her cheek.
"Come on," Rose gently guided Keriam away from the group and led her upstairs.
Tea watched them leave; she quickly spun and looked at the new arrivals with horrified eyes. "Did he…?"
Yami nodded. "He told her that he'd go after Malik and Mokuba."
Her eyes widen and her hand flew to her mouth. "Oh dear gods..."
Duke didn't say anything but the look in his eyes looked like blazing fire. Mina looked ready to be sick but she also looked ready to use the first moving object as target practice for her arrows.
"Where is he?" Arcaida asked his voice calm but one could tell he was keeping himself in check.
"In a void. Marik let himself be sucked in to make sure Necro would never return," Seto answered and gently steered his brother for the stairs. "I need to speak with Wheeler."
"Seto don't tell him!" Yami suddenly said, his eyes wide.
The CEO whirled at him, his eyes blazing. "I do have a heart, pharaoh! Get over yourself already!" Still fuming he led his brother upstairs to make sure he got some rest.
"I'll tell Ishizu the news," Rashid said and followed after the Kaiba's, still carrying Malik in his arms.
--
Rose didn't know what to say or think but she was thankful Keriam was alive. She just wished she hadn't gone through that. "Keriam, honey I'm sorry but, the best I can do is heal the damage it did to you. But you have this, kind of dark covering hiding your aura. I can't despell it no matter how hard I try. I'm sorry, hun." She reached out and tenderly brushed her hair back.
"It's okay," Keriam said then became serious. "Am I…"
Rose shook her head. "No."
Keriam let out a huge sigh and covered her face. "I was scared because my doctor took me off the birth control and I kinda lost track…"
"You are no where near that time of the month."
"Thank Ra… I don't know what I'd do if I was."
Rose gently placed her hand under Keriam's chin, lifting the girl's face up. "I think it's time you tell Joey."
Nodding, Keriam left the room.
Rose sighed and leaned against the counter. "Oh gods, Keriam…" she wiped the tears away. Strong arms encircled her waist, and she allowed herself to lean back into the strong embrace. "How much more must they suffer, Arcaida?"
"I wish I knew the answer to that," he whispered to her
She sniffed and leaned her head back against his chest, holding his arms. "Do you think… when this is over… that everything will go back to normal?"
"As normal as it can be. Worried?"
"I would be lying if I said no. They have gone through so much in such a short time… I'm surprised they haven't gone mad with the pressure," she admitted in a soft voice.
The crimson mage turned her around so they faced one another and tilted her face up to his. "No matter what happens, they will pull through it together. We must have faith in our abilities."
The healer smiled and didn't move or stop the spellcaster as he leaned down and pressed his lips against hers.
--
"You're lucky we kept the wings. I was tempted to burn them," Seto said as he watched the way they slowly moved.
Joey couldn't help but make a face. "Gee thanks, I didn't know you cared."
Joey couldn't help but make a face. "Gee thanks, I didn't know you cared."
Seto looked over the Wings and he almost still couldn't believe how they managed to regenerate so quickly. And I still can't believe I was the high priest of Egypt.
"How's Malik holding up?" Joey asked.
"I guess he's alright," said Seto. "I'm concerned about Ishizu… when Rashid tells her. She loses one brother, and he's returned… but she loses the other."
The door opened slowly and Keriam stepped in. Joey's eyes brightened and he shifted to his side. "Keriam."
"I'll leave you two alone," Seto walked towards the door. He stopped placing his hand on Keriam's shoulder. "Are you alright?" he asked quietly.
"Yeah," Keriam nodded. "The one fear I had Rose put at ease."
"Good," he said, removing his hand and left the room.
Keriam walked over to the bed. She knelt beside it and reached out, touching the Wings of Isis.
Joey's hand cupped her face, bringing her to him and they kissed. As they kissed, Joey noticed the lack of life in Keriam. Something was wrong--he could feel it. It was like a film of darkness was on her skin, draining her essence.
He pulled back and looked into her eyes, seeing how the light had dimmed. "What did he do to you?"
Keriam looked away slightly, trying to figure a way to tell him. She couldn't and the tears started flowing.
"Oh God, Keriam," Joey wrapped his arms around her.
"H-he said he'd go after Malik and Mokuba," Keriam sobbed against his shoulder. "I couldn't let him… I'm sorry…"
"Don't…" Joey whispered, fighting his own tears. He moved back on the bed slightly, allowing Keriam room and she lay down next to him. Joey pulled her close and wrapped his right Wing around her.
Neither of them said anything as Joey gently stroked her hair. Keriam felt some comfort as the silky soft feathers enveloped her in a living embrace. Although the link was gone the memories of what happened threaten to burst free yet she continued fighting them back. She had been scared to tell Joey but he didn't fault and continued to love her and be there for her.
"Kaiba told me... how Marik made sure Necro would never hurt you or anyone else again..." the blonde spoke up. "There were times I really hated that guy... but there were also times I was glad he was on our side."
She nodded mutely. "I still can't believe he's gone..." she whispered.
"Me either... but wherever he is, I hope he's beating that asshole to a bloody pulp. I just wish I could pay him back for what he did to us." He sighed and hugged her tightly. "No matter what, I'll always be there for you."
"And I will for you."
--
Ishizu leaned heavily against the pillows, her hands over her face as she cried softly. "Marik…" she whispered.
Rashid moved next to his wife and put his arm around her. She leaned against him. Suddenly, a cry of pain replaced her sobs.
"Ishizu!" Rashid looked at her in alarm.
She gasped and clutched at her abdomen. "Get Rose, quick!"
He nodded and ran out of the room. He wasn't sure where to look but just as he was rounding around a bend he found her coming out of a room with Arcaida. "Rose! Come quickly, it's Ishizu!" he called out.
The nurse looked up sharply. "Please do not tell me it's the baby."
"Just hurry!" He didn't wait to see if she was following as he ran back. He made it back to his wife's room in record time and Rose was right behind him. Rose moved quickly, going to the young woman's side and gently rested her hand on her stomach.
"Rashid, you better go find Mystic Elf and Tea quickly. Tell them it's time. Okay Ishizu I need you to take deep breathes, that'll help to relax your body."
She winced as another spasm raked her body. "B-But why so soon?" she cried out.
"I'm guessing the stress may have been affecting it but this must be done now. Now, relax and take deep breathe."
Rashid returned with the girls and thanks to the elf they managed to block the pain for a short time. Rashid stayed at Ishizu's side, coaching her into taking deep breathes and being a pillar of strength for her.
Outside in the hall, everyone waited impatiently.
"How long does labor take?" Milus asked.
"Depends on the human," answered Katsuya. "A few hours to a couple days."
Time dragged on, marked only by the occasional scream from Ishizu.
Rashid held her hands, grimacing when she just about crushed them in her grip.
"You are never touching me again!" Ishizu hissed through her teeth.
Rose couldn't help but let a wry smile grace her lips. "I actually threaten my husband if he came within 30 feet of me. Okay brace yourself but I want you to push. You two ready?" she called to her helpers.
Tea nodded as did the Mystic Elf. "We're ready."
"Okay Ishizu, push!"
Another cry of pain filled the room as the young woman nearly doubled over, trying her best. Rashid actually winced but wisely kept his mouth shut."
"Okay stop. Take a deep breathe. Okay I can see something but push again!"
Ishizu did and an overwhelming shock to her almost knocked her unconscious but it was over and she collapsed against Rashid, panting. Moments later a baby's cry filled the room. Ishizu smiled weakly and the next thing she knew, her baby was placed in her arms.
"Say hello to your daughter," Rose smiled.
Despite exhaustion, Ishizu smiled down at her newborn baby girl. "Hello, Layla."
Authors' Notes:
Heikou: Ooh I love babies! Just wish it wasn't so painful.
Janime: No kidding. And that classic line of 'never touching me again'.
Heikou: A very nice touch, may I add.
Janime: Add on, and I want to ask you to pardon me for something.
Heikou: What?
Janime: WAAAAAAAAAAAAHH!!!
Heikou: Why are you crying?
Janime: Because Marik is gone! (sobbing)
Heikou: And whose fault is that?! I didn't write that part!
Janime: (continues crying)
Heikou: Oh brother…
Janime: I want my Marik-bear.
Heikou: Okay, Janime's out of it at the moment so I guess I'll have to do the commentary on this chapter by myself. Forgive us if Seto and Bakura seem out of character. Yes, we mellowed them somewhat but I've read fics where they've been mellowed to the point of comatose. Anyway, hope you enjoyed this chapter, and we hope everyone had a very happy holiday season. See you later!
