"Arise from Darkness"

By Heikou and Janime

Chapter Thirty-Two

Choosing Fate

Shadi watched as the monsters outside the barrier just stood there. With the tunnel blocked off there was nothing they could do but at least the forces had lessened some. He was still torn about what he saw in Cheri's soul room and how he had not told anyone. How could he? The Gravekeepers were patrolling the mansion's grounds, making sure to keep an eye open. So far, everything was quiet.

"... Will she come back...?" a voice asked.

The poor man jumped and turned but there was no one behind him.

"... Will she come back?"

"Who's there?" he called out. Something moved from the corner and he watched in surprise as the Headless Knight moved to stand before him. "You spoke?"

"... Though I have no head I can still do a great many things," came the answer which seemed to echo from the empty suit of armor. "Will the Daughter of Anubis return?"

"... I do not know. Whatever was done to her... I'm afraid she will not survive for much longer."

"… Can not the Daughters of Osiris and Ra help?"

"Again I don't know but I doubt it. The Scorpion King did this and I'm afraid it is only he who can unite their souls."

The knight didn't say anything but stood there like an unmoving statue. "Master Bakura entrusted her care to me… I failed in my duties as a knight… Be that I did not have a head I would cut it off myself!"

"You are not to blame in this," Shadi looked at the armor suit, "none of us are. What happened has happened. The gods sleep, and it is us who must make right of what was undone."

Headless Knight faced out towards the shield barrier, seeing the other Duel Monsters beyond the reddish haze. "Why did the gods do this to us?" he asked. "Gave life energy a form of its own, and be able to be called upon to do battle against another's life force."

Shadi pondered what he said. Why did the gods give their life energy a form? Why did some people have it and other's not?

"Master."

Shadi turned and sighed softly. "Please do not call me master," he told the Gravekeeper's Spy.

"The monsters outside have not dared try force their way inside but they still surround the fortress." Though Shadi didn't duel much himself he did have a kind of connection with these warriors. Almost how the Daughter of Anubis had a connection with the Scorpion Clan.

"I see. Where are the others?"

"Outside. We are waiting for the King himself to show."

The knight turned to face the cloaked figure. "You are no match for him even together."

"Even so," Shadi straightened his posture, "we will not surrender so easily."

-

Bakura sat alone in his chamber, trying to sort out his jumbled thoughts. He hated not being able to think clearly. No thanks to the scorpion tattoo on his right bicep, the Black Scorpion kept him and the others in check. However, the other members of the Scorpion Clan were loyal to their king till the end.

Or are they? Bakura thought, remembering the other assassins' private conference that he had "unintentionally" eavesdropped on.

For the first time as far as Bakura could remember, he felt lost. Shutting his eyes, the King of Thieves sighed heavily. He needed to get away from this place for a while. He needed to see someone who was important to him as much as Cheri.

Ryou…

-

Marik slowly opened his eyes, staring at the back of Keriam's head as she slept on her right side, him spooning her with his left arm draped over her side and holding her hand. Carefully he let her hand go and gently touched her shoulder, fingers going down to the lines on her back where her wings appeared from.

All the dark markings on her body were gone. Marik frowned slightly, remembering what had happened a couple hours ago. Granted that the physical release was expected… there was no real pleasure.

Marik rolled onto his left side, fighting the emotions conflicting within.

"You love him?"

Theliane nodded. "Very much," she answered.

Sadiki smiled. "That is your wish, I will respect it."

The Daughter of Ra smiled back, faltering for a moment. Was that a look of pain in his eyes?

"Theliane." Agalameia walked up to her Sister with her Guardian and consort, Khalfani. "Mother calls for us. Peisimemne is already at the Temple."

Theliane nodded and walked with her Sister to the Temple of Isis.

Khalfani turned to Sadiki. "You love her."

"Since we were children, but she doesn't see me in any way except that of a cherished friend. She has chosen Kasuyan."

"An outsider, and this does not upset you?"

"It does greatly," the slightly shorter Guardian answered. "But I do swear to this-in our next life, she is mine."

Marik wiped away the tear from the corner of his eyes. So much for keeping a promise to myself, he thought. He loved Keriam with all his heart. And once again, she had chosen another. Two lifetimes in a row… what are the odds?

Keriam shifted behind him, and then he felt her fingers lightly trace his scarred back. "I know you're awake, Marik," she said quietly.

He rolled over again, facing her. Looking into her eyes, he saw that the light and life she had was almost back. Marik knew deep inside that it would be a long time before those emerald orbs sparkled like they did the first day he met her. He reached out, gently running his fingers in her hair, playing with a few of the strands as if giving them an inspection. "Are you alright?" he asked.

"I don't feel it anymore," Keriam answered, "but I can still feel you."

Marik looked at her quizzically.

"When I helped you and Malik last year and you came back with me… after Tea sent you back to Malik… I don't know who to explain it. There's a part of you that did stay with me. Sometimes I can tell what you're feeling."

"Birds of a feather as one would say."

"How come you never told me? Your true feelings for me."

"... At first, I just assumed we would always be together and when Kasuyan arrived I didn't think anything of it. When I first meet you all I thought was there was something strange but also familiar about you. It wasn't until later that I found out why... I just can't seem to win. I failed at taking over the world, I nearly lost my family, I housed an ancient evil that nearly destroyed us, and I love the love of my life in both lifetimes."

She reached up and gently stroked his cheek, having him look her in the eyes as they spoke. "You shouldn't put yourself down like that. No one is perfect and everyone has at least some dark corner they would rather forget."

He looked down then back up at her. "Answer me truthfully. If I had showed interest in the beginning like Wheeler, who would you have chosen?"

Her eyes slightly widen. "Why are you asking me this?"

"Please Keriam, tell me."

She closed her eyes, unable to look at him as the questions swirled through her mind. If circumstances last year had been different, and Marik had shown greater interest… But he was a spirit…

A spirit that she could see and touch.

"I… I don't know…" Keriam whispered, tears escaping her closed eyes. Was it possible to be in love with two men?

Marik wiped them away with his fingertips then wrapped his arm around her and lightly kissed her forehead. "You're going to tell Joey." It wasn't a question.

"I have to."

Marik sighed and closed his eyes. They opened quickly when he felt Keriam's lips against his chest. He looked at her, not noticing her hand disappearing under the blanket. "Keriam" he asked then gasped.

"Please, Marik," she whispered.

He caught her lips in a passionate kiss, pulling her close.

Tonight she was his.

-

"Going somewhere?"

Bakura rolled his eyes before turning around. "Don't you have anything better to do than annoy me?"

"New hobby," Chick grinned "and I'm really enjoying it."

"So it seems." Bakura turned around, continuing his original path.

The youngest of the assassins followed. "Who are you going to see?"

"No one so bug off," he snapped.

"You're heading for the main entrance.".

"How would you know that?"

"This halls leads to all the chambers but the trek you're taking is leading for the front gates. Who are you going to see?"

Bakura stopped and turned to him. "Let me ask you some questions since you insist on making me your new hobby. What do you think of your king right now? You know what he's gonna do to Meanae, will you still follow him if she does summon the army and dies? Will you continue to fight even as she lays cold and lifeless on the ground? Will you obey every order, even if he tells you to take your own life just because?" he asked, looking at him with dead seriousness.

Chick went quiet and Bakura left. He felt like smirking but fought it down. Going out the front gates he dealt with the many species of scorpions that guarded the palace but since he was part of the clan they didn't bother him but he got a gleeful joy when he kicked some of them out of his way.

All his hair practically stood on end as he passed through the barrier. He rubbed his arms and headed to the mansion. The closer he was the better but he wanted to talk with Ryou in person. His head fell fuzzy and he nearly fell over a few times but held his ground. What he saw nearly did make him fall over.

He looked at the barrier and blinked. "Kaiba upgraded his security system," he said sarcastically but grew serious as the army of monsters. And if they can't get in then neither can I. Looking around he settled in a high ranch in a nearby tree and made sure he was comfortable before closing his eyes and concentrated.

-Ryou…-

-

The young bearer of the ring sat at the counter in the kitchen, absently stirring his now cold tea with a spoon. He had been up for quite a while now but he couldn't sleep anymore. The tension was so thick it felt like they were suffocating or drowning. Either way he wished his darker self was here so he could have someone to talk to.

-Ryou…-

His slowly lifted his head. Did he just hear his name being called? Looking around he didn't see anyone but closing his eyes he felt something brush against his side of the link. He reached for it and held on.

-Bakura- he called out softly.

-Who else-

Ryou could feel the smirk Bakura had. -Why is it that when I think about you, you tend to make yourself known- Ryou asked.

-Talent-Bakura answered. -How's Keriam-

-Weak but still alive. Necrophedious is no more, and Marik got his soul piece back.-

-You trust me too much, aibou.-

-What makes you say that-

-Giving me all this information.-

-I know I can trust you.-

-What makes you so certain even after what I did to you?.-

-Aibou.-

Bakura was stunned. Had he really said that? Noticing his darker half's hesitation, Ryou asked-What's the occasion for connecting-

-I… I need to see you- Bakura said. -Is there a way for you to come outside this… thing-

Ryou paused; as far as he knew, it could be a trap.

-Bring Tea with you- Bakura said before Ryou could counter his request. -I need to speak with her as well. And if you're still edgy, bring Yugi as well.-

Yugi, he had said. Not Yami. Ryou guessed that Bakura didn't want a confrontation with Yami anytime soon.

-How much time do you have-

-As much as I want. The Scorpions couldn't care less about me.-

-Alright, give me five minutes or so... I'm glad you're okay.-

Bakura reached up and covered his scorpion tattoo. -I'm glad you're at least protected.-

The thief waited, watching for any sign of the barrier fading. When a few minutes passed he was about to talk to his light, his aibou, when he saw the barrier very faintly and quickly ripple. He would have missed it if he wasn't watching it carefully but he dropped to the ground and headed towards the fence. Circling around back he saw that a part of it was open and standing there was Ryou, Tea, and Yugi but to his dismay there was also Seto. He frowned but didn't say anything.

The four of them passed under and the barrier dropped once more. Ryou smiled and Bakura gave a half smile but dropped it. "I wish this was a casual hello but it's far from it. Tea, what do you know about the Army of the Dead/" he asked.

The young woman blinked and thought back. "The spell opens a rift in the earth that allows those that have died to enter our world. Because Anubis was the original God of the Dead the army only follows his bloodline. But the Daughters in the past died... Zashida died just after summoning them-" Her eyes went wide but the thief was slowly nodding his head.

"The Scorpion King is gonna force Meanae to summon the army. And he doesn't care if she dies from it just as long as he gets his army back."

"Oh dear gods…" Tea paled and stepped back.

"And just how do we know that this isn't a setup?" Seto glared at Bakura. "Meanae in control or not, I doubt she would ever do something like that against her will."

"The Black Scorpion did something to her" Bakura tried not to snap. "It's like she's a zombie-she won't move unless he commands her to."

"Do the other Scorpions know?" Yugi asked.

"Yeah but that's what I wanted to talk about. As far as I know they're against it but would they even follow their king if one of their own was sent to her death," he asked.

Ryou thought about it before speaking. "Loyalties can only go so far. Why don't they just rebel against him?"

Bakura lowered his hand. "Before Necrophedious was banished he sliced at my tattoo. When I return back to the castle I drank some Red Medicine but instead of healing the tattoo it began fading. Turns out the tattoo itself was some kind of poison."

"How did it heal back so quickly?" Seto asked accusingly.

"Because I confronted the king. He said I could leave but if I did..." he closed his eyes and looked down. "He would make sure that Anubis' bloodline would die out and that not even Bastet could help."

Bakura suddenly found himself pinned against the tree with Seto's forearm pressing against his throat. "You better make sure it does not come to that, thief!" the CEO spat.

"Kaiba!" Ryou and Yugi grabbed his arms and tried pulling him away. Only with Bakura's strength were they able to slightly move the tall blue-eyed millionaire from their ally/adversary.

"Hear me now, priest," Bakura rubbed his throat and glared at Seto. "The next time we see each other, it's just you and me. And from there, fate will decide who will save her."

"Fine with me," he growled in his face. "Not even Necrofear will save you."

"And your dragons will be useless," the thief said quietly.

Yugi and Ryou led Seto inside but he shook them off, storming back onto the property as Tea quickly made an opening in the barrier before he tried to walk through it. Yugi left with Tea but they waited as Ryou stayed with Bakura for a moment longer.

"Bakura... I know nothing I can say will stop you from fighting Seto... but as to your question earlier maybe, just maybe if you can get the other Scorpions to resist their king's control, then we may have a better chance of winning."

"That's what I figured you would say but I had to be sure." Giving him a small twitch of the lips he gently pushed him towards the others. "Go back. I don't want the pharaoh out here."

The young man nodded and passed under the opening. As it slowly dropped Ryou gave a small wave. Bakura did the same and sighed deeply.

Now to talk with the others, he thought to himself as he headed back to the castle.

-

"I don't like this," Thomas grumbled as he watched Tea and the others head back to the mansion from the second floor window.

Maude didn't say anything, just watched her master frown at the scene below.

"Perhaps," Sampson spoke up "Bakura is trying to make amends for his earlier actions."

"That or he's setting us up," Thomas cast his tiger a glance. "Kaiba had him pinned against a tree and was just about cutting off his air supply.

"Hot-headed just as he was five thousand years ago."

"Shadi, haven't you heard of knocking?" Maude asked the Keeper.

"So everyone has asked me," he answered simply.

"What brings you here?" the tiger asked.

"The thief has revealed a weakness to us about the Scorpion but he has also proved just how ruthless the Scorpion king truly is. He will force his daughter to summon the Army of the Dead."

"So we're gonna have an army of zombies running around the place, we can take them down," Thomas said with confidence.

"If Cheri summons the army, she will die. Such is the fate for all the Daughters of Anubis who call upon his army."

"Oh no…" Maude whispered.

"Every Daughter of Anubis died?" Thomas looked at Shadi, eyes wide in horror.

The Keeper nodded. "And if she does live, it will still be short. The Daughter of Anubis will die at the hand of the Daughter of Osiris."

Téa… "You can't be serious," Thomas shook his head.

"Osiris is the father of Anubis. In her veins runs the blood of a god... and a betrayer."

"How do you think Tea is gonna feel?"

"She already knows what she must do."

"No no I am not gonna let her do that! I am not gonna let her life be ruined like this!" he said angrily.

Shadi looked at him before looking out the window. "Nothing can stop the hands of fate. But they may be changed to lead to a different future. One not ruled by death."

"By sacrificing Cheri and Téa?" the red-haired duelist snapped.

Shadi gave a solemn nod. "If need be…"

"Go to hell!" Thomas shouted and ran from the room. How could this happen?

Thomas was so lost in his thoughts he didn't know where he was going until he literally ran into someone. Luckily no one fell but when he cleared his head his heart seemed to drop. Tea blinked and looked at him in confusion.

"Thomas? Is something wrong?" she asked softly.

"N-No sorry. That Shadi guy kinda got on my nerve," he said after a quick moment of thought.

"He means well but you should have seen what we did the first time he showed himself before us. I thought Keriam was really going to kill him."

"Heh glad I'm not the only one who feels that way. Tea, is there somewhere we can talk in private"

"The bedroom." Leading him down the hall she silently closed the door behind them. "Something on your mind?"

"Kinda... how long have you and Yugi been together," he asked softly as he shoved his hands deep in his pockets.

"Going on two years. He asked me to marry him a short while ago" she said softly, lightly twirling the engagement ring around her finger. "I never saw myself getting married so young..."

"Yeah... Yugi's a great guy and the best duelist around... Tea, there's something I wanted to tell ya for long time but I never had the nerve to say anything... and after I've said my piece I don't blame you if you hit me but just hear me out." Slowly he turned and stepped closer, reaching out and holding both her hands in his own.

Tea didn't say anything as she looked at Thomas with mild confusion. His ocean blue eyes locked with her cerulean ones.

"I… I'm in love with you."

Tea blinked. Did she hear him right "You… when…?"

"Not sure when I started," he confessed, "but during Battle City I kept looking for any sign of you-or Motou, Wheeler, Taylor since you hung out with them."

"But... why... how come...?"

"I want to tell you so many times but every time I wanted to something either came up or I froze."

"Thomas... I'm more than flattered but... I love Yugi."

"I know and I wish I had said it earlier. But I still love you." He leaned down to kiss her lips but Tea turned to the side and he ended up kissing her cheek. Thomas didn't say anything but slowly released her hand and left her lone. Tea continued to stand there but she shut her eyes tightly and tried to keep herself from breaking down.

-

Marik sat on the large balcony rail on the second floor entertainment room of the mansion, staring out at the remains of Domino City. Keriam had left before he had woken up, and he decided not to pursue her as she had enough to deal with already. She didn't need him shadowing her steps.

I just hope that Joey doesn't overreact when she tells him, Marik thought with a sigh.

"Marik."

He froze, and then shut his eyes. Time to face the music…

Joey walked over to the railing and leaned against it besides the Egyptian, refusing to look at him for a long time. He took a deep breath before speaking "Keriam told me."

Marik bit his lip, turning his head slightly to look at the honey-blonde. "Joey, if there had been another way-"

"I know."

Marik was slightly irked at being cut off but let it drop. "I don't want to come between the two of you. She loves you."

"She loves you, too," Joey said, and looked at the startled Keeper. "She didn't tell me directly but… I pretty much figured it out."

"You aren't mad?" he asked.

"I'd be lying if I said no but I'm not going try to keep Keriam from loving you" he said and looked out at the city. "I just want her to be happy."

"Even if it means to love another man? A rival?"

"... Yeah. But if she gets hurt because of you in anyway... You know what'll happen." Leaving the threat as it were Joey left. When Keriam told him, he wanted to kill the blonde but he couldn't hurt her like that. He sighed deeply and ran his hand through his hair, knowing this would take time but he would get through it.

One way or another.

-

Keriam was curled up at the edge of the bed in one of the unoccupied guestrooms, and judging by the appearance of it and the bathroom, it was hardly used.

He looked at her, the hurt and betrayal in his eyes was unmistakable.

"Joey, please say something…"

He stepped back. "I… I need to… I…" Joey turned and left their room.

Keriam buried her face in the pillow. After Joey had left, she couldn't stay in their room any longer, which was why she was in the guestroom. She wanted to be alone for now, and if someone wanted to find her, they could have Katsuya track her scent.

I told him the truth, Keriam thought as silent tears escaped her eyes. I didn't lie… oh Father, help me… I don't know what to do…

Katsuya was lying before the door, worried. He could smell the faint trace of salt in the air. Now he was lost and didn't know what to do either. He looked up when he heard footsteps and watched as the pharaoh slowly approached him.

"Katsuya... is Keriam inside?" Yami asked softly.

"Yes but she is crying," he said softly.

Yami looked at the door and closed his eyes. "I saw Joey... he didn't tell me what happened but I would like to talk to Keriam." The wolf looked at him before standing and sat next to the door. Yami knocked first. "Keriam... its Yami... if you want to talk I'm here to listen..."

He didn't receive an answer. Yami was tempted to open the door but he wasn't like that. Whatever happened between Joey and Keriam, the pharaoh knew that they had to sort it out themselves. Sighing, Yami turned and walked away.

Katsuya looked at the door briefly then headed downstairs in search of someone to feed him.

Malik peaked around the corner once they had left. He ran to the door and opened it slightly. Maybe Yami did have issues about going into another person's room but Malik had no trouble (after all, he did manage to take the money-filled envelope from Bakura not too long ago).

Entering the room, Malik shut the door and walked over to the bed. "Keriam."

"I knew you were in the hallway," she said, raising her head from the pillow, to look at him. "You were there for quite a while."

"I was waiting for Katsuya to leave."

"Protective pooch, isn't he?"

Malik smiled lightly. "Are you okay?"

Keriam sighed and moved to lie on her side. "Yes and no."

"Wanna talk about it?"

"I don't know if I can."

"You can trust me not to say anything. And you also know I won't judge you." He sat on the edge of the bed and gave her a small smile. "I just want to help."

Patience was the top priority here as Malik listened and didn't say anything. He could see why Joey looked like someone crushed his heart but he would have felt worse if Keriam didn't tell him at all. He thought about what to say and held her hand tightly to show he was still there for her.

"I wish I knew what to say or do... but I can almost understand why Joey is upset but he does love you. Marik loves you two but this was the only way to get rid of the last trace of Necrophedious. But you and Joey should talk about this. This sounds so weird coming from a ten-year-old, I bet."

Keriam nodded. "Fortunately, I know you're really my age. Thanks for listening, Malik."

Malik smiled. Deep inside he knew Keriam was still upset, and he hoped that their talking relieve her a little. A strange feeling began inside his chest, becoming stronger with every heartbeat. He moved off the bed and walked rather stiffly to the door. Halfway to the door, he stopped.

Keriam watched him, confused by his sudden behavior change. "Malik." She rose from the bed and walked up behind him. "What's wrong?"

He turned around. His eyes were no longer the gentle lavender surrounded by white, but completely a deep purple almost black color.

The Daughter of Ra stepped back. "Oh my God… Malik…"

His eyes glowed, and Keriam felt something inside her swell becoming painful. It pulsed, trying to match her heartbeat. Keriam fell to her knees, clutching her chest, ignorant of the gold glow around her and Malik.

-

Tristen watched Joey and Marik do their best to avoid each other. Whatever happened between those, the brunette decided to stay out and as far away as possible. He glanced at Serenity, who was looking at her older brother with concern.

Sensing her worried concern he gently squeezed her hand. "Whatever is going on, I think we better leave them alone for now," he said softly.

She slowly nodded but didn't look too happy. "I know they didn't like each other, but Joey looks ready to throw him out," she answered.

"I know but I think it would be better if they work this out themselves." He pulled her into his arms and gave her a brief hug.

Serenity relaxed in his embrace, sighing with mild content as she listened to his heart. She frowned, as it grew louder and backed away to look at him.

"What?" Tristen looked at her.

Even though the rhythmic sound continued, it wasn't his heart. "Can't you hear it?"

"Hear what?"

"It sounds like a heartbeat…" Serenity looked towards the staircase. "It's up stairs."

"Serenity, you sure-hey, wait up" Tristen yelped as she ran to the second floor. He followed her down the hall to one of the unused guestrooms. Or so he believed until he noticed the golden light coming from underneath the door.

Serenity quickly opened the door. The light temporarily blinded them both, and then they saw two figures-one standing, one kneeling-as the source of the light.

"Malik! Keriam!" Tristen shouted. He ran into the room and grabbed Malik's arm. A massive jolt went through his body making Tristen gasp, and at the same time the light vanished.

Keriam and Malik fell to the floor; Malik was gasping and convulsed.

Oh no! Tristen quickly gathered the young boy into his arms. He looked at Serenity kneeling beside Keriam. "Stay with her," he ordered and ran from the room, screaming for Rose and Marik.

Serenity returned her attention to the unconscious girl and gently shook her. "Keriam? Keriam, wake up."

A low groan came from the collapsed young woman.

"Keriam?"

"Serenity…"

Relief swept through the younger as Keriam managed to raise herself on her forearms. The Daughter of Ra gagged, and then vomited on the rug.

-

Cliff was resisting the urge to use the thief as target practice when he returned. When Chick came back, he repeated what Bakura had asked him and now they were facing the thief down.

"Our king took us in when all we had was each other," he hissed at him. "I promised Meanae that we would make a name for ourselves no matter what. And now you want us to turn our backs on him?"

"Use what little brain you have, Trap Remover," Bakura growled. "This king of yours is going to use his own flesh and blood-your sister-to summon the deadliest army in the world. He doesn't care if she lives or dies, just as long as she summons the army. What better way than to permanently destroy the legacy of Anubis. Does this sound like a doting father?"

"He's right. Face it Cliff, the king has changed since we last knew him," Don Zaloog said quietly. "We're assassins yes but we also follow our own code of honor."

"We cannot betray our king… he knows our every move, our every thought," Gorg added a bit angrily.

"Because the king has poisoned our minds. Why do you think these damn tattoos can only be given and removed by the Black Scorpion himself?"

The other four looked at each other.

"And what of Meanae?" the thief went on. "Do you like seeing her acting not of her own will but a mind-slave like Duel Monsters serving him?" Ever since Bakura saw her like that, he had to get Meanae out of here, find a way to reawaken Cheri and return her home. Even though it meant she'd be with Kaiba, Bakura would rather see her with the high priest than a mindless puppet.

They fell silent but their body language was speaking loud and clear. Zaloog looked at him with a smoldering eye. "How do you propose we get her back? None of us know what happened to the soul that resides in this modern world."

"We'll come to that later but right now you have to decide. Continue to be mindless slaves to a king who doesn't whether you live or die; or finally break free and stand on your own grounds."

"Breaking free is not an option."

The five assassins turned to the door, finding the Black Scorpion King and Meanae standing there. The king raised up his left hand then clutched into a tight fist.

Bakura felt the sting in his arm where the tattoo was, his own left hand flying to the mark as the pain increased. From the corner of his eye, the thief noticed that he wasn't the only one.

"I must admit that I am disappointed in all of you" said the Black Scorpion. "But you know that my work is absolute and you are not to question my orders. Am I clear?"

"Yes, sire," answered four voices.

"Bakura," the king said, flexing his hand and clenched it again. Bakura went to his knees as the other Scorpions were released from the pain. "I did not hear you."

Bakura was infuriated. He never in his entire life knelt before anyone"…Yes, sire," he finally gritted out. The pain ceased and Bakura let out a quiet sigh of relief. It was short lived as he was then grabbed by his hair and hauled to his feet. His eyes locked with the Black Scorpion's.

"I'll give you one last chance to redeem yourself, thief," he said. "The next time you see that priest, kill him."

He quickly cast a look at Meanae but she stood there quietly. He looked at the king and answered. "I'll kill him but not because you told me to. We have a score to settle."

The king smirked and released him. "Arm yourselves; we will be leaving the castle in order to confront the pharaoh and his followers. Those that oppose the scorpion will die by its poisonous sting."

"Sire." The young men headed to their chambers but Bakura watched as the king headed back to his chamber with Meanae following close behind. He clenched his hand tightly but turned back to his own chamber.

I will win this fight, Seto Kaiba. I'm tired of losing but this time, the prize is much more precious than all the gold and power in the world.

-

"… Ryou…"

The pale-haired Book Keeper quickly turned his head. "Keriam," he sighed in relief and sat on the bed next to her. "Are you alright?"

"I guess," the Daughter of Ra answered, placing her hands over her eyes. "Gods, what happened? I remember talking to Malik, but nothing after that."

Ryou frowned slightly, trying to piece together how to tell Keriam. "Malik… he's… in a coma again."

Keriam's eyes widened. "Oh Ra…"

"Keriam, don't get upset."

"How can I not get upset?" she demanded as she sat upright, on the verge of tears. "Where is he? I have to see him."

"You can't," he said, taking her hands into his. "Rose said that it was the Heart of the Shadow Realm. Somehow, it reacted to you… your emotions."

Keriam sank back onto the bed.

"Rashid is watching him right now," Ryou continued. "Joey and Marik asked me to tell you something when you woke up." He waited until she looked at him. "One is waiting at the pool house; the other is waiting at the gazebo. Whichever direction you choose, you will choose who you want."

Keriam watched the Guardian rise from the bed and leave the room. She looked up at the ceiling; everything inside her mind was swirling about, and she couldn't help smiling a little.

You guys never change… she thought.

Getting up slowly, Keriam walked out of the guestroom and went to the one Yugi and Tea used when they would visit on occasion. Fortunately, neither of them were in the room, and Keriam took the liberty of borrowing one of Tea's silk scarves from the top right small drawer. She grinned lightly, remembering how she and Cheri would tease their Sister about the scarves.

Tonight, the smooth, white material had another use for the Daughter of Ra.

Keriam left the room and quietly snuck down the stairs and out the back door through the kitchen, grateful for her luck of not running into anyone, though she had no doubt that a couple others besides Ryou knew.

It was oddly quiet, except for a couple of the bird-type Duel Monsters making hushed noises as they slept and a few others patrolling the grounds. Keriam looked at the path ahead of her, leading away from the mansion and split into two different directions that were hiding their destinations under the cover of foliage from the estate's massive garden.

She knew which paths led to the two places Ryou had told her, but Keriam was literally going to let her heart lead her. With trembling hands, she place the silk scarf over her eyes, tying in a firm knot but allowing enough slack so that it could be loosened easily. Taking a deep breath and clearing her mind, Keriam started her journey.

Time hardly seemed to pass as she walked and before she knew it, Keriam could feel the warm of the lights from a nearby lamppost. She stopped, waiting patiently. There was a slight movement, and then footsteps towards her. Hands reached behind her head, loosening the knot and pulled away the scarf.

Keriam slowly opened her eyes, and looked into his. She couldn't hold it anymore and broke down, flinging her arms around his neck and sobbed. He held her, stroking her hair as she cried, whispering he loved her.

From the pool house, another pair of eyes watched the couple at the gazebo. When he saw Keriam walking the path with the scarf over her eyes, he was a little confused at first then realized that she didn't her eyes to lead but her heart. She had chosen her path and in doing so, her love. It stung deeply, but he wanted her to be happy. That was what mattered, and he smiled a little.

"You take care of her, Joey," Marik said and headed back to the mansion.

-

Seto sat behind his desk, his elbows resting on the wood and his chin resting on his hands. He had been in that position since the thief left but he couldn't help but worry and wonder. It was true that Meanae did have control over his wife's body, so that to at least mean that Cheri wasn't dead (or so he hoped). But he had failed in protecting her again, how could he stop her from casting the spell to summon Anubis' army?

He sighed deeply and leaned back in his chair, tapping the fingers of his hand on the armrest. Maybe he could ask one of the girls to summon his other blue eyed dragons from his deck but thinking about Mokuba he didn't want him anywhere near the battle field.

"I have more money than people have dreamed up and I still couldn't protect my family..." he murmured softly to himself. "Maybe she is better off with Bakura-" Before he could finish his thought he stood up angrily and knocking everything off his desk, letting it crash and break before slamming both his fists on the surface as hard as he could. "No, I am not giving up so easily! I don't care if I die I will get my wife back and protect my family with everything I have!"

"Powerful words."

Seto looked up, finding Shadi standing by the office door.

"Can you fulfill them again, high priest?" the Keeper asked.

"What are you doing here?"

"You're heart is troubled," Shadi approached the desk. Holding out his hand, the Millennium Scales appeared and he set the sacred Item on the polished wood. "Care to weigh the love of you wife against your doubts?"

"I don't have for your stupid games," he snapped angrily.

"This is not a game but when the war begins you must have a clear mind. You must not let your temper get the best of you."

"You have no idea what you're talking about."

"Will you weight your heart then?"

Seto glared at the other man but pulled his chair back and sat down rather stiffly. "Let's get this over with."

The Keeper held out his hand again and a single white feather appeared. "A feather of Ma'at is used to weigh against a person's heart when they are trailed in the underworld." He placed the feather on the scale, waiting quietly as the plate slowly lowered to the desk. "Clear your mind, Seto Kaiba. Release your anger and frustration. Focus only on what is important to you right now."

Seto closed his eyes and took a deep breath. His anger and rage slowly dissipated as images appeared in his mind: Mokuba, Cheri, Rose, Keriam, Wheeler, Yami, Yugi, Tea, Ryou, the Ishtars, Tristen, Devlin, Nan, and his mother and father.

He opened his eyes and looked at the scale. Slowly, the plate with the feather began to rise as the empty plate lowered. They passed each other briefly then went into the opposite directions again. The plates seesawed briefly and grew still, even with each other.

"You have passed," Shadi said quietly, waving his hand over the Millennium Scales, which vanished along with the Feather of Ma'at.

He didn't realize it but Seto slowly released his breath. He rubbed his eyes a bit wearily and looked up at the Keeper. "Let me ask you something, when this is all over what will you do? Where will you go" He didn't know he was asking but he felt compelled to.

"That is for the gods to decide." Shadi turned and left the office.

-

Joey looked out at the garden within the stone walls guarding the Temple of Isis. He knew he was dreaming. After Keriam's tears had slowed, the couple returned to the mansion and to their room. Keriam had fallen asleep in Joey's arms on the bed.

Why am I not surprised that this evening wouldn't stay as smooth like it was? Joey thought ruefully.

"She has chosen you."

Joey turned to his right, facing a figure dressed in dark ragged robes. The voice had been a woman's. "Daughter of Isis" he said.

"Chosen of Ra blessed by Isis," she replied. "The Daughter of Ra has chosen you again."

"I'd be lying if I said I did have my doubts that she would…" Joey hung his head, ashamed.

"It was her decision. Have you wondered why each Daughter has three Guardians?"

"Not a clue."

"When one cannot assist, another will be able to," she explained. "Necrophedious tainted the Daughter of Ra and though she is your beloved, you could not help her this time."

"I noticed," Joey grumbled.

"Do not be angry with your fellow Guardian," the Daughter of Isis wavered. "He was not the only one in love with her in that lifetime."

Joey blinked. "Duke?"

"Three Guardians are chosen for three reasons. One to hold the Book, one to safeguard her life, and one to give her a blood child." She started to fade slightly. "But whoever holds the book cannot be with the Daughter they are bound to. It was easier for those three Guardians to release their passion."

"Hey wait! Tell me more!" But she didn't say anything else. Joey watched as she faded away and felt his body stirring. His eyes opened and he found himself looking down at the woman of his dreams. Being very careful not to disturb her he held her closer and stroked her hair.

I guess... No matter what Marik is gonna be a part of your life whether I like it or not, he thought to himself. I just have to learn to deal with it then. "I love you, Ker." Kissing the top of her head he closed his eyes.

Authors' Notes:

Heikou: Hello! We were hoping to get this chapter up last night-

Janime: But the assholes I work for at my part-time job fucked up my damn schedule! I was supposed to have Tuesday night off but they changed it to 5pm-10pm, and no one bothered to tell me! My co-worker called me quarter to 6-that's how I found out! (fumes)

Heikou: Talk about your rotten luck.

Janime: Tell me about it.

Heikou: Well I'm sure the readers understand. And I may say again you are the Goddess of Torment! I was actually scared who Keriam was gonna choose!

Janime: So did I, that's why I flipped a coin on it.

Heikou: Seriously?

Janime: Yeah, I deliberately wrote that part leaving whomever Keriam chose obscure, but when I got to who said the line "You take care of her", I stopped. Couldn't type. Grabbed a quarter. Heads-Joey. Tails-Marik. Flipped. Heads.

Heikou: Good. Lotsa love triangles we have in this fic.

Janime: You're not kidding! Poor Tea-she's practically in a love square! Yugi, Yami, and now Thomas!

Heikou: Good thing her heart is set on just Yugi. He's such a sweetie!

Janime: Yeah he's cute but Joey and Marik are sexy!

Heikou: (laughs) Down girl!

Janime: That was a close one with Seto, wasn't it? I was getting nervous.

Heikou: Oh yeah… (big sigh) But he passed! And now Bakura. Isn't it cool how he's playing double agent?

Janime: Not completely. I seriously doubt that he's going to let an opportunity to kill Seto slip away. They didn't like each other in Ancient Egypt.

Heikou: And they still can't stand each other!

Janime: A grudge held for 5,000 years… Man, that's a long time.

Heikou: Too long if you ask me.

Janime: The battle will be coming very soon and so will the fight between Bakura and Seto. hold onto your hats folks, this is gonna be one bumpy ride!

Heikou: You're telling me! I'm co-writing and I'm wondering who's gonna save Cheri!

Janime: That makes two of us!

Heikou: Until next chapter folks!

Janime: And if you'd like to catch the mood of when Keriam picked Joey, listen to "In the Land of Twilight" from .hackSIGN-that was my inspiration.