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3-16-05
Normal Writing: Common Time
Italic Writing: Dream/memory.
(………) Yami thinking
/………/ Hikari thinking
'………' Normal thought
"………" Normal speech
(A/N:………) Author's Note
Chapter Nineteen
Malik and Marik burst into the warehouse and were shocked.
Bakura stood before Ryou, blocking him away from Yami and the others.
The air fairly crackled with Shadow magic, and most of it was pinning Yami and the rest to the walls of the warehouse, swirling out of Bakura and around the building.
Bakura turned to glare absently at the intruders, then his eyes widened and his jaw dropped at the sight of his two friends.
Or, rather, the sight of Marik.
(back to memories)
Mariku?
But………Mariku was dead. He was DEAD! The Pharaoh and his puppets killed him!
But there he was, as alive as ever, running towards Bakura.
(Real world now)
Yami was in conflict over the arrival of the two sandy haired Egyptians. On one hand, they could help, but on the other hand, they might join in for the fun of it.
But right now they looked surprised at what was going on and even more surprised when Bakura's swirling magic slowed as he stared at them.
"Mariku?" He whispered, eyes wide, though still glazed and reflecting the Shadows from around and within him.
"He recognizes you!" Malik whispered, shoving his startled yami forwards.
But as Marik approached his friend, Bakura cried out and backed away.
The Shadows around him swirled faster, turning upon Marik.
And, as Marik used the Rod's powers to protect himself, he heard Bakura shout out in what seemed to be anguish.
"Shadows, heed me: Destroy that which causes me this pain!" He howled, dropping to his knees and grabbing his head, tugging on his wild hair. Ryou fell beside him, trying to comfort and help.
And the Shadows turned to the person who was causing this.
Or, rather, the OBJECT that was causing this.
The Shadows attacked the silver scarab in Marik's pocket, causing it to heat unbearably and Marik hastily tore it out and threw it, nursing his burned fingers as the Shadows consumed the shining jewel.
Everyone watched in shock as the Shadows devoured the brightly glowing object, causing the room to darken once more when it was gone.
Ryou was cradling Bakura's limp form on the floor, staring with the rest at the sudden departure of the jewel and the slow disappearance of the Shadows.
"Ryou?"
The hoarse whisper caused Ryou to glance into the wearied eyes of his yami.
"The memories…they're gone." His voice echoed with surprise.
"The jewel…it must have caused this." Ryou said with wonder, staring at the spot where the Scarab had been.
"So, that thing caused Bakura to remember his memories?" Joey asked incredulously. It didn't seem right.
"That doesn't make sense. Why Bakura?" Yugi piped up.
Yami frowned, and was going to say something, but Ryou shook his head and held up a hand.
"Let's discuss this at my house. I don't want to keep Bakura here." Ryou said, and he helped Bakura to his feet and they made their way out.
(At Ryou's house.)
"I still don't understand why it's Bakura that got the curse thingy." Joey complained.
"He was the first to touch it, naturally." Ryou reminded him. "He opened the little box it was held in, remember? Or were you not there?"
"I don't think I was there." Joey answered, before flopping down onto Ryou's couch. Everyone was ranged around the living room, with Bakura huddled away from them.
"Okay, so Bakura was the first to touch it, and it did what? Cause him to relive memories? Why would it be specified to do that?" Yami muttered.
"Maybe not memories." Yugi said.
"Hnh?"
"Maybe it is something else?" Yugi trailed off, quailing under the attention he had attracted to himself.
"Like what?"
"Er…."
"Fear," Bakura's whisper came out. "My worst fear is my memories, my past."
"There! Then it makes sense now!" Joey exclaimed, snapping his fingers.
"Yeah, it does." Yami said, watching as Ryou comforted Bakura.
"So, it's over now? The Bug is destroyed and you don't see your past again?" Yugi asked. Bakura nodded, but he was still troubled by what he had done and had almost done.
"Don't worry about it, Bakura. It'll get better, you'll see." Ryou said, trying to smile. He knew his yami was going through a difficult time, and he was trying to cope, so Ryou was going to put aside his feelings for what had happened and deal with Bakura's anxiety.
So Ryou threw his mind open. Mind and soul he flooded the link with comfort and love, soothing feelings and his own pride that Bakura had overcome his fears to do what was right.
Bakura blinked, confused as the emotions running amok around him.
"Hey, guys? Can we be alone for a little while?" Ryou asked, and the others nodded and left.
"Hope ya feel better, Bakura!" Joey called out as they left.
Marik and Malik hung about until the last of them had left.
"'Kura? Just wanted you to know that I don't blame you for what you did earlier." Malik said, smiling slightly as he rubbed a finger along his bruise from where Bakura had hit him.
Bakura nodded, not trusting his voice.
The two Egyptians left, leaving Bakura and Ryou alone.
"Gah, Ryou! I feel horrible!" Bakura mumbled, laying back on the couch and throwing an arm over his eyes.
"I can surely understand why," Ryou said lightly, smiling. "You've had a long, busy week."
Bakura frowned at him. "Long and busy? More than that! I've had to relive all my worst memories! That's more than just long and busy." He shook his head as Ryou giggled at him.
He was then hit by a couch pillow.
"Oh, lighten up. It's over, it's done with, and look for the bright side now!" The ever-optimistic boy said.
"What bright side?" Bakura muttered, throwing the pillow back at his light.
"Now everyone understands why you are the way you are. They understand, and hopefully can cope. I saw Yami was scared. Actually scared of you, back at the warehouse." Ryou smiled as he saw the smug smirk on his yami's face. "I also know for a fact that Joey is on much better terms with you."
Bakura snorted, but did feel a bit better knowing that he had frightened the usually smug pharaoh. Joey's friendship was a side, but still useful if he needed it. And now that he realized it, Bakura noted that he did indeed want friends.
Ryou was continuing.
"Malik forgives you, and I think Marik had a lot of fun, Yugi understands and even if Yami wants to be pigheaded, Yugi will make him see." Ryou said, smiling.
Bakura blinked in shock as he realized it was true, and it was really over now. He smiled at his light, a real, genuine smile. It was over, and he was over it, and life would go on, and he could go back to living like he usually did.
"Pity the jewel was destroyed though." He commented, just to see Ryou's reaction.
"Yami!" Ryou said, exasperated. "Come on, let's go out to eat for a change. I don't feel like cooking."
Bakura quickly got to his feet, eyeing the darkening sky outside. Darkness…night…perfect time for any hustler to try and rob someone.
Maybe someone will try to rob them on the way to the restaurant………that way Bakura could have some entertainment before a meal.
"Let's go to one of the sit-down restaurant." Ryou said, grabbing his wallet and heading to the door.
"Raw steak?" Bakura asked hopefully, trailing behind.
"Rare, probably. But yes." Ryou said, with a shudder.
"Good."
And life went on.
(End Story)
IT'S OVER! FINALLY!
Sorry people, but with school work, job-hunting, college stuff, and all that, I've been busy. This last chapter isn't quite to my liking, but I'm frustrated and ready for it to end, so, oh well.
Thanks to all who reviewed and followed this story!
Sirithiliel
