Alrighty, not much to say except I'm surprised that no one has called me earlier on not having a disclaimer. Well I just want to say it is really not an issue because I have about 84 cents to my name right now after paying for the first semester at college. Maybe I'll sell my body to science to pay for second semester… hmm interesting thought. On a second, more serious note 'You Wish' is finally out so enjoy the Anzu/Malik romance. After 'Thinking Over' is done I will be doing one or two of about five ideas that I have. Most likely a Yami/Anzu romance, or I even have a cute Jou/Anzu one buried in my head. Anywho, you'll just have to wait in see.
And the vote count will influence the out come of the story but unless I see an overwhelming number on either side, or even better an actual race between the two, I get the deciding vote. So if you wanna see a certain guy win either review your opinion or e-mail me, but make sure you indicate in the subject line you are a reader somehow or I will delete it.
Disclaimer(Exciting huh?)~ This disclaimer will be used to cover all chapters, past and fore coming, of the story 'Thinking Over'. 'Thinking Over' is merely the result of a very bored senior in suburbia America. I do not plan to profit from it in any way, shape, or form. The characters, excluding Rory and a few others, belong to a group of magna, anime, and gaming companies in Japan. I am in no, way, shape, or form from Japan (though I'm going next year!) and know nothing of the legal formalities of 'Yu-Gi-Oh' on which this fanfic is based.
(Hehe, you guys like my fancy disclaimer? It is the result of spending many a days answering the phone in my mom's office. I learned a lot of, and I quote, "lawyer talk")
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"Seriously?"
"Seriously"
"Are you sure?"
"Yes"
"Totally one hundred percent positive?"
"Nothing in the world could change my mind"
"But are"
"JOU!!!!!" Honda suddenly screamed cutting him of. "Would you just shut the hell up! If she wasn't still pissed at you she would be now. Dear God you're annoying!"
"Honda," Jou said in an abnormally controlled voice, "run. Run as fast and as hard as you can. You have ten seconds."
"What do you," Honda started but Jou cut him off.
"One, Two,"
"Is he serious?" Honda asked no one in particular as he Jou, Yugi, and Anzu excited the school for the day. After obsessively asking Anzu for forgiveness all day Anzu had snapped under the pressure and forgave him as they exited the day's last class. And for the past fifteen minutes Jou had been confirming the sincerity of the pardon, it was enough to drive anyone crazy.
"Five, Six," Jou continued. Honda was laughing hysterically making Anzu cringe and wish they were still not on speaking terms. After her 'moment' with Malik Anzu had been too rapped up in thought of it to give any thought to Yugi and the others. When she finally snapped out of her daze all three were begging for forgiveness and Anzu, being the person she is, was obliged to give to them.
"Penny for your thoughts Anzu?" Yugi asked noting the expression on Anzu's face.
"I'm starting to have second thoughts about forgiving Jou. I mean silence is golden and all."
"Eight, Nine, Ten!" as soon as ten was out of his mouth Jou leapt onto Honda who went toppling over into a group of girls from the year below them. Neither seemed to notice though as they tumbled about on the ground. Anzu sighed heavily and Yugi looked slightly panicked.
"Come on you guys! At least wait until we're off school grounds!" He walked over to the two trying to detangle them as the girls they bumped into watched, looked very miffed.
"Did I miss something?" Ryou asked coming upon the scene.
"Nothing out of the ordinary," Anzu commented dryly. She shook her head again and pressed her knuckles to her forehead trying to deter the on coming headache. "Could you do me a favor and tell the guys I went onto dance?" She asked him.
"Actually I'm on my way out as well. Mind if I join you?" He asked this sweetly and despite Anzu's desire to be alone with her thoughts she just could not say no to Ryou somehow. She nodded in compliance and the two left together, leaving poor Yugi alone to deal with Jou and Honda who were still in a tangled mess. The two walked in comfortable silence, though Anzu dared not dwell to deep into her mind for fear she might mention something to her white haired companion. He seemed to have something on his mind as well and was obviously struggling with it in his mind.
"Ryou," Anzu prodded, "are you ok? You seemed to have something very serious on your mind. Anything I can help with?" Ryou looked down into Anzu's cerulean eyes, he wasn't much taller then she was yet always felt small around her.
"I was just thinking about what you said the other day."
"And that would be what?" Anzu questioned. Yesterday's events seemed so far away in her mind and she wondered what he could be dwelling on.
"You asked if me or Bakura had seen Malik," Ryou informed her.
"Oh, I guess that was kinda stupid of me." Anzu said. She hadn't thought yesterday that Bakura had not been seen since the events of Battle City. She wondered what Ryou must think about that. The tomb robber, was of course in Anzus mind, pretty much as awful as they came for the way he treated Ryou but knew that he, like Yami was to Yugi, a part of Ryou. She couldn't comprehend what it must be like to lose a part of yourself, no matter evil or good. 'But then again,' she thought to herself as the computer image of Tea Gardner came into her minds eye, 'maybe I do.'
"Well the thing is," Ryou said breaking into her thoughts and looking obviously uncomfortable, "he's back."
"Who?" Anzu asked already knowing the answer.
"Bakura, Bakura's back. That's why I was so shocked when you asked me. I thought you might know." Ryou looked nervous once more. "He just showed up about a week ago, his image came out of the Ring. I haven't seen him since but I know he is there," he pointed to his chest, "inside me again." They were silent for many more moments, both seemed unsure of what to say or do. So they just kept walking on together. Finally Anzu could go no further. She stopped and Ryou turned to look at her.
"What do you want me to do?" Anzu finally got the courage to ask.
"Do?" Ryou inquired. Anzu nodded, swallowing hard. "Nothing," he said turning away from her, "what can I ask you to do except maybe." He paused in consideration. "Could you keep this a secret between us? I'm not sure how Yami is going to react and I'm not sure I want to know." He turned back and smiled at her. "I know I can trust you Anzu. Because well cause your just a really, well your," he seemed to be struggling with the words and a blush crept up on his cheeks. "You're just really a great person!" he forced out and took off running leaving a positively puzzled Anzu behind.
"Well that was odd," Anzu said to herself watching the boy run off. 'Seems as if everyone is changing lately' Anzu thought as she made her way to the dance studio.
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So from my head to toe
My mind body and soul
I'm taking full control
This time
So watch me shine
Better watch out
Going for the knockout
And I won't stop
Till I'm on top now
Not gonna give up
Until I get what's mine
Better check that
I'm about to upset
And I'm hot now
So you better step back
I'm taking over
So watch me shine
"You'd get more power in the first turn if you used the whole side of your foot instead of just your toe," Mika Mitsui's voice rang out across the polished wood floors and shining glass mirrors, breaking into Anzu's thoughts and the music. Anzu reached over and turned the stereo off and the turned to face her instructor.
"What was that? I couldn't hear you over the music" Anzu asked.
"The music or your own thoughts Anzu?" Mika asked knowingly. Anzu gave her a puzzled look in response. The trainer walked over and repositioned Anzu's feet and then stepped back to admire her work. "Try it now," she commanded. Anzu did as she was told and the turn, once a wobbling mess, became a beautiful 360-degree rotation. Anzu smiled at her teacher.
"Do you always have to be right about everything?" she asked coyly and Mika shrugged.
"If I didn't than why would you be paying me? Now will you take advantage of my free counseling services and tell me what is going on." Anzu bit her lower lip.
"How'd you know?" Anzu asked gazing at the floor.
"Because six months ago I had you fix that turn. You've been landing it ever since. I know something must be up if it effecting your dancing this much. You haven't acted like this since that Battle Town thingy." Anzu giggled at her instructor's opinion of Battle City. "And don't get me started on when you disappeared for the island tournament thing. You know Anzu," Mika paused and seemed to recollect her thoughts, "your friends have always been a big part of your life, and you dance better for it. I've always understood that. But as of late it as if your friends are causing you more harm than good. But I trust you and your choice of friends and therefore I have come to a conclusion." Anzu waited for what Mika had to say, curious to her opinion on what had changed her lately. "I've decided that something must have changed you and at least one member of this 'group' of yours. Possibly a romantic relationship?" Mika let the words hang in the air waiting for Anzu's reaction. The young girl looked as if she had just swallowed something very hot and had just realized it.
"I have no idea what you are talking about. Nothing is wrong, nothing has changed." Anzu looked away from Mika, feeling shame from lying. She seemed to be lying so much lately. 'For once it hasn't been Rory's fault' Anzu thought with a small amount of annoyance. She heard Mika sigh before turning away from her once more.
"I can't force you tell me anything Anzu, but I wish you would." The tone of Mika's voice surprised Anzu who turned in time to watch her instructor shut the door firmly behind her. Anzu rushed after her and came face to face with her in the narrow hallways that led to the studio's various class and practice rooms. Mika had and all knowing look on her face as well as a semi cocky smile. "Took you long enough" Anzu scowled at her.
"You going to listen to me or merely patronize me?" Anzu asked walking back into the room. Mika followed her bouncily.
"Can't I have both?" she asked causing Anzu to glare at her. Anzu walked over to the room's stereo and hit it to a certain track. One could talk and dance at the same time of course.
I hate you, I love you
I just can't remember to forget you
Who are you, who needs you
You make me feel alive
I die so high
I'm crawling on the ground
And I found I can fly
One of these days it all comes together
One of those days it goes on forever
Think I sound crazy maybe whatever
What's it all about
Its about life, its about fun
Its over before it has begun
Its about you, its about me
Its about everything between and I say
I say goodbye to you
I say hi to you
Without a clue
It's about time that I make up my mind
"You see the thing is that," Anzu struggled to say as she found her way into the music, "it's just that." Anzu seemed to have a hard time finding the words and Mika waited in good fashion for her to figure it out. "Let me start this way," Anzu finally said, "there is this guy. Who wasn't really a friend before, at least I didn't think he was a friend." 'I didn't even knew he existed,' Anzu thought to herself. "But ever since 'Battle Town'," Anzu said mockingly, "we've become really close. And I guess I realized that I had a crush on him." Out of the corner of her eye she saw Mika nod.
Its simple, confusing
The truth is I'm winning but I'm losing
I'm pulling and pushing
Won't do me any good
It could, it should
I'm honest to myself that the truth is I lied
One of these days it all comes together
One of those days it goes on forever
Think I sound crazy maybe whatever
What's it all about
Its about life, its about fun
Its over before it has begun
Its about you, its about me
Its about everything between and I say
I say goodbye to you
I say hi to you
Without a clue
It's about time that I make up my mind
"Well, I didn't think he felt the same way but apparently, he did. And it wouldn't be a problem if there wasn't someone else." Anzu stopped for a moment so that Mika could absorb all of it. "And this someone else is someone I should hate." Mika snorted a laugh interrupting Anzu's train of thought.
Time is creeping behind me
Surrounding around me
Claiming the words so desperately
Now give me a reason that I can believe in
Time is something you can't rewind
"Sorry but I didn't think that you had the ability to even contemplate hating anyone let alone actually doing it. But sorry," Mika added noting Anzu's expression, "please continue."
"But this guy I should totally hate, I can't help but feel somewhat attracted to him. It's like he just draws me in. I can't really help myself when I'm around him. But even when my mind is totally on him the other guy is always there in my subconscious. I can't forget about either and feel guilty no matter what I do."
One of these days it all comes together
One of those days it goes on forever
Think I sound crazy maybe whatever
What's it all about
Its about life, its about fun
Its over before it has begun
Its about you, its about me
Its about everything between and I say
I say goodbye to you
I say hi to you
Without a clue
It's about time that I make up my mind
The music came to an end and Anzu looked over her shoulder at Mika who was watching her with an odd expression on in her eyes. She finally spoke. "Who are you and what have you done with Anzu?"
"Mika," Anzu groaned but Mika looked totally serious.
"No I'm serious. Just now, that look in your eyes, you looked as if you had seen the whole world in a matter of moments. You looked so tired all of the sudden. This isn't just it is it Anzu?" The brunette didn't answer but looked away slightly flushed. "That's ok Anzu, you don't have to tell me. I understand that what ever your going through you want to get through it yourself." There was a moment of uncomfortable silence before Mika continued. "But in regards to the problem you presented, I can only tell you what you probably don't want to hear or already know. Just follow your heart. And remember you are young, love doesn't always happen the first time around. I'm a testament to that if nothing else." There was a sadness to Mika's voice and Anzu could sympathize. Nearly everyone at the dance studio knew the story of Mika's fiancé who had committed suicide when Mika told him they had to wait to get married. She told him she had to confirm what love was. The event obviously still ate away at Mika and Anzu felt suddenly a bit stupid for asking Mika for advice on matters of the heart.
"Mika I," Anzu started to protest when her teacher rose from her sitting position to walk to the door. The older woman looked back over her shoulder and smiled sadly at her young prodigy, her eyes reflecting the same tired feeling Anzu felt creeping at her insides.
"Don't Anzu, you did nothing wrong. What kind of teacher am I if I can't listen to my own students' problems without diving into my own?" She had reached the door and had her hand on the knob to turn when she paused for a moment. Anzu waited with baited breath for what she had to say. "Remember Anzu, the whole side of your foot for the turn, not just your toe." Mika smiled at Anzu truly and Anzu returned the favor. However when Anzu was exiting the studio nearly an hour later she walked past Mika who was in a room all by herself, dancing harder than Anzu had seen her do in a long time and Anzu felt a bit of regret for involving her. After her fiancé had committed suicide Mika had given up on her professional dancing career and taken up teaching. Anzu wondered if she ever regretted.
'Really makes you take a hard look at your own life' Anzu thought as she exited the dance studio. Her peaceful, melancholy thoughts were interrupted by a now all too familiar.
"Irony is a funny thing isn't it?" Rory's cool voice quipped from behind Anzu. The brunette whipped her head around, bangs obscuring her view of the older woman for a moment.
"What do you want? And what is so ironic?" Anzu asked pushing the hair from her eyesight. Rory gave a low chuckle, barely auditable to the young teen. She took another breath from her freshly lit cigarette before putting in out on the wall she was leaning against.
"Well that tells me you didn't read the paperwork I gave you in that envelope yesterday" Rory told her coming off the wall and pushing her sunglasses to the top of her head.
"Envelope?" Anzu questioned. It took her a moment to remember the brown paper envelope hiding beneath her mattress. Yesterday seemed so long ago. "Oh that thing," Anzu continued getting her bearings back, "I burned it." Rory raised an eyebrow.
"Did you then? Well then I guess that I will just have to come by your house again to drop off another copy. Then maybe I will introduce myself to your lovely father and" she would have continued but Anzu cut her off.
"Enough," she snapped. "What do I have to do to get you to leave me alone!" Anzu shouted at the grey eyed woman who narrowed her eyes in response.
"I'm trying to be nice here Anzu. Just cooperate and don't test me," Rory hissed looking very frightening. Anzu felt her heart tighten in chest.
"Anzu!" a voice called not a few feet away. Both women turned to face the new presence and Anzu felt a wave of relief was over her. Yugi, Jou, and Honda, all out of their uniforms were jogging up to were Anzu was standing with Rory.
"And the Calvary arrives," Rory quipped and out of the corner of her eye Anzu saw her slip her sunglasses back on. Meanwhile Yugi and the others had arrived.
"Anzu you disappeared while these two were fighting," Jou and Honda looked sheepish at Yugi's comment, " and we were worried."
"Smart girl," Rory put in bringing the four friends' attention to the red head.
"And just what is she doing here?" Jou asked, hands in fists at his side.
"She was just leaving," Anzu said meaningfully looking at Rory.
"Ahh, you don't have to hide it Anzu. You can let them know." Rory drawled out and Anzu felt her face turn flush.
"What are you," Anzu started but Rory cut her off.
"Lets just tell them Anzu. The truth between us that is," she explained seeing the groups confused looks. Rory whipped off her glasses in a dramatic display and continued. "You see Anzu and I are actually lovers."
"What!!" Anzu exploded, her face on fire. Yugi, Jou and Honda looked like deer caught in the headlights. "That is not true!" Anzu quickly shouted at them snapping them out of their daze. "She is some weird secret agent private investigator person who won't leave me alone about being someone I'm not!" Anzu felt herself pale as soon as the words were out of her mouth. Her three best friends were looking concerned and confused at the same time. Rory had an odd expression on her face, a mix of remorse and of satisfaction. She placed the stem of her black sunglasses in the corner of her mouth.
"Looks like the cat is out of the bag," she said simply. Anzu looked at her tears in her eyes, realizing she had set that up. "Oh cut it out Anzu, it's not like you did anything wrong. Stop it with the lost angel routine." A moment after she said that she had twisted Honda's arm painfully behind his back immobilizing him. The former bully had made a move to grab her, and was now facing a dislocated shoulder for his trouble.
"Stop it! Let him go Rory" Aznu commanded. Rory gave a tiny frown of disapproval before thrusting Honda at Jou who was moving to help him in the first place. In doing so, the sleeve of Rory's shirt pushed up, revealing the minor burn marks that she had decided were not worth wrapping.
"Burns?" Yugi said out loud without realizing it. He hadn't spoke since Anzu's outburst. Rory smiled coyly at the smaller boy.
"Yea, I had a small run in at Kiaba Corps last night." The four looked astonished.
"I knew it was you," Anzu said pointing a finger. "You are the one that blew up that complex last night."
"Correction, Kiaba blew up his complex last night. I was just 'poking around'."
"Even if I don't like Kiaba whatever you did was low" Jou spat.
"Hey it's not my fault that Seto Kiaba has an arsenical larger than most third world countries." Rory shot back. She turned her attention to Anzu, "glad to know you are speaking to me." Anzu looked furious with herself.
"Leave Anzu alone!" Yugi protested and Rory stared at him hard.
"Shut up half pint. Go buy some platform shoes or something." Anzu made cried out in protest but it was Jou that acted first. He moved to hit Rory but ended up a few feet down the sidewalk fighting hard to get the air back in his lungs. Rory had moved so quickly that no one had been able to follow her moves. "Try it again kid. I'm practically trained killer and will not hesitate from making it impossible for you to get up next time." Rory watched as Anzu and the others rushed to check that Jou was ok. "Anzu," Rory commanded and the brunette turned her head to look at her. Rory slipped her glasses on partially and continued to look at Anzu, "remember that cooperation is that key to making this easy on everyone." And then she walked out of sight.
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"You wanna explain it?" Jou asked about forty minutes later. They sat at Honda's kitchen, which was closest to where Jou had been knocked flat by Rory. It had taken him a good fifteen to twenty minutes to become fully mobile once more. Anzu had barely uttered a word, not that anybody did. Outside there was the tiny occasionally 'tink' 'tink' as Honda's father worked on his project car for the moment.
"What is there to say?" Anzu asked finally seeming to get the words unstuck from her dry throat. Honda looked aggravated.
"Umm you could try explaining why there is a psychotic woman out there stalking you and attacking your friends! Not to mention," he lowered his voice incase his mother or father were about, "blowing up Kiaba Corps." Yugi looked as uncomfortable as Anzu felt and she felt bad for putting her friends through what she was going through.
"I," she paused. All three waited with baited breath. "I really don't think that there is anything to talk about. And further more," she said knowing that she had their attention, "if there was anything to talk about, I don't find it necessary to share it with you." She felt a pang in her heart as she spoke but knew that in some ways she was right. They didn't need to know every assorted detail of her life, she was a big girl and could take care of herself.
"But Anzu," Yugi protested. "We always tell each other our problems. We always help each other. You were there for me in Duelist's Kingdom and Battle City. What is so different about those times and whatever you are going through now?" Yugi questioned. In the back of his subconscious he could feel Yami's irritation with the situation. He had tried to take over when they were out on the street but Yugi hadn't let him. The feelings Yami felt for Anzu were shared by Yugi, though he knew that that dream was impossible. (AN: Poor Yugi!! I notice this a common theme in pro Anzu romance fics. Often times Yami and Anzu's relation is hindered by there common friendship love for Yugi. I should make a Yugi/Anzu fic, but I'll have to say I am not terribly fond of the couple but it is all good.)
'They don't know about me and Malik,' Anzu thought almost snidely in her mind and felt guilt for it. 'What is going on with me?' Anzu wondered. Yugi saw her look away from them, arms folded and eyes downcast.
"Anzu?" Yugi softly questioned.
"I don't want to talk about this Yugi. Whatever is going on with me is going on with me. And right now I am not in a sharing mood." Anzu said this coolly and stood. "Excuse me, I have to be home for dinner."
"Anzu," Jou called after her as she reached the kitchen door. She looked back at them, tears once held in her eyes now spilling over onto her cheeks.
"I'm sorry you guys, but just not right now." And with that she left.
All day
Staring at the ceiling
Making friends with shadows on my wall
All night
Hearing voices telling me
That I should get some sleep
Because tomorrow might be good for something
Hold on
Feeling like I'm headed for a breakdown
And I don't know why
Well I'm not crazy
I'm just a little unwell
I know right now you can't tell
But stay a while and maybe then you'll see
A different side of me
I'm not crazy
I'm just a little impaired
I know, right now you don't care
But soon enough you're gonna think of me
And how I used to be
Me, talking to myself in public
And dodging glances on the train
And I know
I know they've all been talking bout me
I can hear them whisper
And it makes me think that there must be something wrong with me
Out of all the hours thinking
Somehow I've lost my mind
Well I'm not crazy
I'm just a little unwell
I know right now you can't tell
But stay a while and maybe then you'll see
A different side of me
I'm not crazy
I'm just a little impaired
I know, right now you don't care
But soon enough you're gonna think of me
And how I used to be
I've been talking in my sleep
Pretty soon they'll come to get me
Yeah, they're taking me away
Well I'm not crazy
I'm just a little unwell
I know right now you can't tell
But stay a while and maybe then you'll see
A different side of me
I'm not crazy
I'm just a little impaired
I know, right now you don't care
But soon enough you're gonna think of me
And how I used to be
Yeah, How I used to be
How I used to be, yeah
Well I'm just a little unwell
How I used to be
How I used to be
I'm just a little unwell
As she wandered in the late evening light along the streets of Domino Anzu's mind had chance to wonder. And where her thoughts took her frightened her. As a child, like many young girls, Anzu was convinced that she was some sort of princess from some far away land brought to Domino for safety from some fantastically evil enemy. She even had the memories to back them up, or so she thought. Now these memories were fuzzier and more frightening as a sense of foreboding reality set in. She did not want to give Rory's absurd proposal a second thought but she raised many questions in Anzu's once peaceful mind and these questions were eating away into her everyday lifestyle, and worse her friends. Anzu had never been so rude or cold to her best friends ever before as she had been those few hours before. Night was falling when Anzu wandered into the park that wrapped in a 'U' shape around her neighborhood. She wandered close to the spot that Malik had first tried to kiss her and that Rory had approached her again. She took another path not wanting to chance another meeting.
When she approached a bench that looked suitable Anzu stopped an pulled a pair of jeans out of her bag and pulled them over her tights to shield her against the cooler night. She also pulled out a sweatshirt and then folded up the now nearly empty bag and set it as a pillow. Despite the fact that it was the earlier months of spring the night was still cool. Anzu was lucky that night that the sky's were clear and showed every star perfectly through the branches of the trees overhead. She thoughts back to those few months before at Battle City when things were normal and she had to laugh at herself. If ancient Egyptian spirits and magic dueling monsters were normal than she must be mental. After laughing out loud for a minute or two Anzu quieted herself and resumed her study of the heavens. She wasn't sure how long she had been out there when the weight on the bench shifted. Sitting balanced on the back of the bench Rory was sipping something hot out a Styrofoam cup and held a second.
"Been out here long?" she asked looking at the stars as well. She bent over slightly and handed the other cup to Anzu who was now propped up on her elbows.
"What are you my guardian angel or something?" She asked taking the drinking, some sort of vanilla coffee, and sitting up.
"Far from it," Rory responded, "I'm more like a sort of fallen angel sent from hell to cause you and the rest of the world grief." She said it so easily that Anzu was slightly surprised. Earlier Rory had called her a lost angel and now here she was calling herself a fallen angel.
"How do I know that this isn't poison?" Anzu asked pointing at the drink. Rory gave a tiny laugh.
"I don't collect if you are dead" Rory told her simply. Time passed and the two sat in silence. Anzu was curious as to what was crossing Rory's mind but had her own questions running rampant through her mind.
"Rory?" Anzu questioned. Rory gave tiny 'hmm' in response. "Why do you act like this?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well when it is just the two of us you are almost well, likeable."
"Um, thanks?" Rory said.
"You know what I mean!" Anzu said slightly frustrated. "Why do you act so rotten around other people?" Anzu stood up off the bench and stood to face her. Rory studied her silently for a moment.
"I don't like people," she said as simply as saying 'the sky is blue'.
"And you like me?" Anzu questioned.
"That's about the gist of it yes." Anzu looked angered.
"You are incorrigible!" Anzu yelled at her.
"Listen Anzu, the truth of the matter is that this is a job. Me liking you had nothing to do with it. I don't like a lot of people, and that unfortunately at the moment includes your friends. Now do me a favor and read the packet that I gave you. It might encourage you to give me and my theory another chance."
"I don't care about what you or the Gardners have to say. So leave me and my friends alone." Anzu said with defiance. Rory gave a shrug of her shoulders and jumped off the bench.
"Your choice, but Anzu," she stared at Anzu hard, "I have never not gotten a job done. You will not be number one." She started to walk away but seemed to change her mind. "FYI, you father and friends are frantically searching for you. You might want let then know that you are still breathing." Anzu watched her go for a moment before stepping after her.
"Why do you say it like that?" Anzu asked reaching her.
"What do you mean?" Rory said without looking at her.
"When you told me that my friends were looking for me. You said it like it was something awful." Rory sighed, stopped, and turned to face Anzu.
"I thought we had concluded without saying anything Anzu that we are two different people."
"What is that supposed to mean?" Anzu questioned looking up into the older woman's eyes.
"It is my personal opinion that attachments such as those you seem prone to have are a weakness."
"That's not true! Having friends and loved ones make you work stronger and harder. They give you strength and the courage that you don't have to go on" Anzu preached and Rory chuckled slightly.
"I will admit that having someone you love as an inspiration to from is a strength. But what about the other way around?" Rory asked and Anzu looked confused. "Think about it. Right now your father and friends are searching for you, fearing the worst and hoping for the best. What is that doing to them?" Anzu cast her eyes downward feeling a weight on her heart. "You see," Rory continued, "it goes both ways. The courage you draw from them is strength from their hearts. I just can't do that in good conscious."
"How can you think like that?" Anzu asked feeling her heart break. She knew of Seto Kiaba who just didn't believe in friendship at all but here was Rory. A confident, able young woman who believed in friendship but saw it as an unfair, unattainable goal. Like Sisyphus who rolled the stone up the hill, it was just out of reach.
"Don't be like that Anzu" Rory said breaking into her thoughts. "I am who I am, if I wanted to change I would. But this is the person I have chosen to be."
"I won't accept that!" Anzu shouted as Rory moved to walk away. Rory stopped and smiled smugly back at her. "Now you know why I won't give up on you. We are even and now you can't get rid of me." Anzu looked positively flabbergasted.
"You are an awful, awful woman Rory! You hear me!" But Rory had already walked off and was humming some tune. "And you leave the Kiaba's alone!" she added and Rory stopped.
"Now that is my business and I'd kindly ask you to keep out of it," Rory said sweetly.
"You are one to talk. 'Stay out of people's business' my foot! Is your one mission in life to irritate me to no end?" Anzu questioned. Rory looked thoughtful for a moment before speaking.
"You should go home, it is late and you have school tomorrow." Anzu looked as if she might explode and Rory took that as a cue to leave. When Anzu arrived home a half an hour later she found the house empty, silent, and dark. Moving inside, turned on a few lights, and called her father's cell phone. Somewhere in the house Anzu heard the 1812 Overture and knew that her father had not brought it with him. She thought for a moment of trying Yugi's or the other guys phone but decided against it. She didn't feel much like talking to anyone right now. So instead she curled up on the couch and slept, nightmares of the day's events running rampant through her head.
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The following morning, or at least it had been morning half an hour earlier Anzu awoke with a start. She was surprised to find her self in her room and assumed that her father had carried her up to her bed when he had returned home that night. The ugly numbers 12:48 blinked at her from her clock and Anzu resolved that it wouldn't even be worth going to school that day. She rolled out of bed and wandered down stairs to where she read a note from her father about how they would be having a talk when he got home about her behavior as of late. Feeling a bit down Anzu climbed the stairs and drew herself a bath. After successfully wasting another hour Anzu got out, dried her hair, dressed, and then left for a walk. The streets were fairly empty in the mid afternoon hour, save for a few late lunchers and those who wandered like Anzu with no real purpose.
As fate would have it two of these wanderers were Ryou Bakura and Malik Ishtar. However all three were unaware of one another's presences. As Ryou wandered his mind was on the being that had returned to him. Malik's mind wandered on various subjects but mostly fell to Anzu and the intimate kiss they had shared the day before. Anzu's mind was surprising void of all thought, but to her it felt overwhelmingly good. The relaxing sensation of simply walking for the sake of walking, not to think or escape someone, was all Anzu wanted at that moment. So running into Ryou and Malik was the one thing she didn't want. Anzu came upon Ryou when she looked up suddenly feeling eyes on her. And sure enough Ryou, still dressed in his school uniform for only having skipped his afternoon classes, was watching her from up the street. They only looked at each other for a moment; both seemed surprised to see one another. Finally Anzu raised her hand in greeting and the two met half way down the street. For a moment neither said anything but finally Ryou spoke.
"Yugi and the others wouldn't tell me anything, but I know something was up. Care to talk about it?" he asked but then quickly added seeing her face, "you don't have to though." She smiled at him.
"No its ok, it was just nice not to think about anything for a while," Anzu explained. "Why aren't you in school?" she ventured honestly curious. He grinned at her sheepishly.
"You aren't the only one who likes to have a clear mind. Or skip school for that matter," he said noting her casual dress and smiling. Anzu returned the smile.
"How appropriate," said a new voice. Both Anzu and Ryou turned quickly to see Malik had joined them. "The two people I wanted to see waiting next to one another. How convenient for me, two bird with one stone. " Next to her Anzu felt Ryou stiffen for a moment before a cool chill over took her completely and the next time she looked upon her friend it wasn't him but the spirit of the Millennium ring, Bakura. Anzu stumbled backwards from him for a moment, surprised at the sudden transformation.
"Ba, Bakura," she stuttered. The tomb robber calmly acknowledged her for a moment before turning his attention fully on Malik who was smiling coolly.
(AN: On the note of Bakura and Malik. It is my understanding, though I am not 100% sure, that he betrays Malik in some way and hides in the Millennium Puzzle because the he is attacked by Malik. This is my understanding and what this part of the chapter is based on. If this is terribly incorrect please let me know. I want to be as correct as possible. Kassie had told me that Bakura died, but I am not sure. I missed the new episode this Saturday so I don't know if anything happened. Let me know if you know please!!)
"So glad to have you join us Bakura," Malik said.
"What do you want Malik?" Bakura asked. Anzu was forgotten in the sidelines. Bakura looked as menacing as ever and Malik looked positively murderous. Anzu couldn't help but shudder at the fact that she was so close to two of the most dangerous people she had ever known.
"I believe that you know what I want Bakura, just a little pay back for the betrayal you gave me." The white haired spirit laughed at him.
"And what do you think that you could do?" he asked. Malik let a tiny growl escape his throat as he moved toward to Bakura. Anzu who hadn't spoken or moved since the two had begun to 'talk' moved in front of Malik. She placed her hands against him, trying to slow his advance. He did only because he was surprised by her actions.
"Don't do this Malik," she cautioned.
"Move out of the way Anzu," Malik ordered pulling his surprised eyes away from her to glare at Bakura once more. Anzu was forced to put more weight against him to stop him from all together lunge at Bakura who was laughing at the moment.
"Go ahead Malik, let her get into this, all the more fun for us," Bakura taunted. Malik spoke to Bakura in Egyptian and as soon as he finished Bakura moved at him. Anzu removed one hand from Malik and braced herself against Bakura as well, stopping the two for a moment, but only for moment. She couldn't even register what had happen or who had pushed her but the moment that she realized that she was about to hit the ground she was caught. Anzu looked up and Rory smiled down at her.
"You seem to be having a bit of trouble with gravity," she said and then righted Anzu on her feet. "You all right?" she asked with seriousness. Anzu nodded mutely and Rory turned to Malik and Bakura who had stopped the barely started scuffle when Rory had spoken. "Problem here boys?" Rory asked surveying the two, hands on her hips. It was amazing how alike the two boys were as the both sneered at her.
"Nothing that concerns you woman," Bakura told her and Rory smiled.
"Try me albino, I'm just itching for a fight," she said bouncing slightly on her toes. "And besides," she continued, "anything concerning this girl concerns me too." Bakura looked slightly taken about for a moment before returning to his usual cruel smile.
"Is that so?" Bakura mused. Malik looked both annoyed and furious.
"Anzu get your friend out of her," he ordered and Anzu snapped at his tone.
"Oh, we are far from friends," Rory answered first. "And by the way," she said moving over to Malik. A moment later he was nearly knocked off his feet after Rory hit him squarely in the jaw. He stumbled back a few steps before regaining his balance and automatically rubbing his chin. Rory looked at him with frighteningly controlled fury and said simply, "touch her like that again and I will not hesitate form killing you." Anzu felt a shiver run down her back understanding suddenly why Rory was known the world over. "The same thing goes for you kid," Rory said looking at her shoulder at Bakura who was holding his head in his hands. He collapsed to one knee as the air suddenly changed and Anzu moved to his side knowing what was happening. When he looked at her it was Ryou looking at her.
"Anzu?" he questioned obviously confused. "What happened?"
"It's all right," she said.
"Like hell it didn't!" the forgotten Malik exclaimed. He moved toward Anzu and Ryou were only to fine Rory in his way. "Get out of my way," he ordered.
"Try me," was all Rory said. Malik seemed to be wrestling with the notion of taking her on when Anzu spoke.
"Stop it Malik!" The only person to not look at Anzu was Rory who keep her green-gray eyes on Malik. "Just stop it Malik. Go away and leave Ryou alone." Malik looked as if he wanted to argue but Rory shifted her feet just enough so that Malik's attention was brought back to her. He growled in frustration and turned away from the three. When he was safely out of sight Rory turned back to Anzu and the boy who was now on his feet. Rory stepped away to give them some privacy and to get herself a cigarette. A few minutes later she looked up from where she was standing over to Anzu who she noted was walking away with the boy. Rory too turned to walk away but stopped suddenly when ran up behind her and threw her arms around her in a hug. Anzu pulled away after a moment Rory turned to look at her surprised. "I just wanted to say thank you for helping Ryou." Rory blinked a moment.
"I was helping you," Rory said simply. Anzu shrugged.
"But you still helped," she said. Rory didn't meet her eyes but looked over to Ryou who was leaning up against a wall looking pale.
"Is he going to be ok?" she asked nodding in his direction. Anzu turned to look at him and frowned.
"He gets sick sometimes, he's got some," Anzu looked at her feet as she spoke, "problems." 'Yeah, problems called Bakura,' Anzu thought to herself. Rory looked at the girl who was in thought.
"Do you need help getting him home?" Rory asked and Anzu snapped her head up to look at her.
"You'd help?" Anzu asked. Rory shrugged her shoulder.
"Why not," she said throwing her half used cigarette on the ground.
"Then yes, I'd appreciate that," Anzu said. The two smiled at one another and went on their way. However as Anzu walked beside Rory who was supporting the semi conscious Ryou she couldn't help but think of one thing. It was Malik who had pushed her away, nearly causing her to fall and she shuddered at the thought.
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Ok so that is it for now. Chapters will be a bit slower now that I am in school. Ok and so I don't get sued the songs in order of their use that I have no rights to: 'Watch Me Shine' by Joanna Pacitti, 'Its About Time' by Lillix, and finally 'Unwell' by Matchbox 20. So that is it. Please Review. It is appreciated! Have a good day and God Bless America!