Crystal: Gomen nasai for the long wait. I had to battle moving, writer's block, work, and school starting up with classes again. Arigato for being patient with me, and I hope you will forgive me.
Kris: They'll forgive you aibou. Here's the next chapter, minna. We hope you enjoy it.
"Blah" speaking
'Blah' thoughts
))Blah(( yami to hikari
)Blah( hikari to yami
Blah Ancient Egyptian
Chapter Fifteen: Shadows of the Past
"I summon Holding Legs." Marik declared from across the dueling field, causing a monster very similar to Holding Arms to appear.
Suddenly, a giant stone appeared behind Mai, causing Crystal to shriek in fear and cling to Seto. She knew what that stone was, seeing it in her nightmarish-visions about the sacrificed Egyptian girl. Marik laughed aloud at Mai's question of it being a hologram, before stating that everything in the Shadow Duel was real. Then his voice turned towards Crystal, stating that she had already seen the Sacred Stone of Ota and knew its purpose. Crystal lifted her head from Seto's white trench coat, tears streaking down her cheeks as she glazed terrified between Mai and Marik.
"Pharaoh, the ceremony of Dark Offerings is about to begin." Marik said, turning to Yami, "Ra has three special abilities, but I can only tell you one, for now."
"No, stop this." Crystal whimpered softly, "Please, stop."
"Great beast of the sky,
Please hear my cry.
Transform thyself from orb of light,
And bring me victory in this fight.
Envelop the desert with your glow,
And cast your rage upon my foe.
Unlock you're powers from deep within,
So that together we may win.
Appear in this Shadow Game,
As I call your name.
Winged Dragon of Ra!" Malik chanted, crossing his arms smugly.
Hearing the Ancient chant was all Crystal's mind needed to be overwhelmed and snap from deep within. Crystal felt the sharp burning pain in her chest, signaling that she was about to have a vision. The last thing she saw before darkness overtook her was the massive Winged-Dragon of Ra standing behind Marik, glaring fiercely across the dueling field at Mai. Crystal found herself in the desert at the base of the black pyramid once again, but this time it was dusk not quite night yet. Suddenly someone ran past Crystal; it was Sanura and then a man cloaked in violet raced past Crystal as well, the wind blowing back his hood.
"That's Namu, Bakura's friend." Crystal gasped in sudden realization, "Oh, Ra, he's Priest Marik, too."
She raced after Priest Marik into the black pyramid, knowing full well what would happen inside. She raced down the halls, following the sounds of Sanura and Marik's footsteps as they ran through the pyramid. Finally Crystal found both of them, in the room that the sacrifice would take place within. Marik summoned Holding Arms and Holding Legs, causing the Sacred Stone to appear behind Sanura, holding her in place as he came closer to her. When he ran a finger along Sanura's cheek, she growled angrily and went to bite him, but Marik pulled his hand away and glared at her.
"You shouldn't be so disrespectful to the one you are to wed." Marik taunted.
"I'll never wed you." Sanura said, spitting him in the eye, "My heart already belongs to another."
"That foolish Tomb Raider, Bakura?" Marik spat acidly, "He's not worthy enough to have you. Besides, what would your Dear Brother say?"
"Seth would understand how I feel." Sanura answered, "He doesn't trust you near me anyway."
"Then if I can't have you, no one can." Marik declared, pulling out the Millennium Rod, "You shall be sacrificed with you Dear Brother's own Item."
Crystal could only gasp in horror as she watched Marik slash at Sanura mercilessly, causing Sanura's screams to echo throughout the room. Tears rolled down Crystal's cheeks as she found herself unable to turn away from the gruesome scene. Then, like always, Marik sheathed the dagger into the Millennium Rod, leaving Crystal to be the only one to weep for Sanura's tragic end. The scene melted into darkness and Crystal felt herself coming back from the vision, but not back to consciousness. Now she found herself in a room that had no walls and was very dark.
"Where am I?" Crystal asked, her voice echoing slightly.
"You are in your soul room." Bakura's voice answered.
"Bakura-san?" Crystal asked in surprise.
"Yes, Nura." Bakura chuckled, "You'll be awakening in a few seconds. The Pharaoh and your brothers are watching over you in my host's room."
Crystal moaned softly and opened her eyes slowly, seeing a blurred Seto above her that slowly came into focus. Mokuba was beside him and latched on to Crystal after she had sat up, saying that he was afraid he had lost his ane-san. Relief flooded both Yugi and Seto's faces when Crystal started to soothe her younger brother, stroking his hair gently. When Crystal asked what had happened after she fell into the trance, Yugi looked at his feet, tears threatening to fall from his eyes. Seto explained that Mai was now unconscious in her room, much like Ryou was after his duel, but she was in more critical condition.
"Then I dueled against Isis Ishtar." Seto went on to explain, "I defeated her, and she helped snap you out of your trance, saying that the circle had been complete."
"What was I chanting?" Crystal asked, looking to Yugi, "I know you understood."
"Friend was foe and foe is friend. The circled journey has reached its end." Yugi chanted, "Light once bright shall begin to dim, alone to grieve for the loss of him."
"What does it mean?" Crystal asked numbly, "I don't understand."
"We don't either, Neko-chan." Seto said, "But Yugi, Malik, Isis and I were the only ones to understand that chant."
"Isis knows." Yugi said, "However, she said that Crystal must find its meaning on her own."
"Well, it's time for lights out, so you can either stay here or come back to my suite with Mokuba and me." Seto said firmly, "I changed the password to something else, considering how Fuguta wasn't able to stop Malik from entering the room. So, only Yugi, Anzu and I know it. I gave it to Anzu so you have another female to turn to."
"Arigato, Seto-kun." Crystal murmured, "Let go, Mokuba. You need to go with ani-san. I'm staying here with Ryou."
"Okay, but promise to stay safe, ane-san." Mokuba replied, "I don't want to lose you to that creep, Malik."
"You won't lose me." Crystal whispered, "I promise."
After the three boys left the room, Crystal walked slowly over to Ryou's bed, where he lay still unconscious. After the vision she had, all Crystal wanted was to be near Ryou to protect him if Marik should realize that once again he was too late to have her. Crystal didn't know how she would protect her friend, but somehow she had to make sure that Marik would not be able to harm her friend anymore than he already was. Brushing aside his bangs, Crystal saw a small smile form on Ryou's exhausted looking face. Then she felt Bakura's presence behind her, as the Egyptian Tomb Robber appeared in spectral form.
He will be safe, Nura. Bakura said gently, You are the one in danger.
"Namu was an alias that Marik used." Crystal said cautiously, looking up at Bakura, "Priest Marik killed Sanura because she was in love with you."
Now, he wants you. Bakura said, I understand why you fear for the boy, now. You're afraid that once Marik finds out how close you are to Ryou that Marik will kill Ryou.
"Hai, Bakura-san." Crystal whispered, "Someone's coming."
Bakura faded away from sight and the door to the room opened slowly, revealing Anzu, holding the Millennium Ring, which was suppose to be around Ryou's neck. Anzu's body stiffened at the sight of Crystal, and Crystal could see the blank look in her friend's eyes. However, Anzu continued to walk over to Ryou's sleeping form and held the Ring beside his head. Ryou's eyes snapped open, and Crystal could tell at once that it was Bakura, not Ryou who had awoken. Bakura slipped out of the bed, smirking at Crystal and Anzu, before Anzu collapsed on the bed.
I need your help. Malik said, appearing beside Crystal in spectral form.
"You?!" Crystal cried out, stumbling back into Bakura.
I never wanted to hurt you. Malik said softly, as Bakura held her protectively, It was because of him that I approached you so many times. I'm sorry if I scared you.
"You're lucky that you have no interest in her." Bakura said in a dangerous tone, "Otherwise I'd have to rip you limb from limb."
I want my body back, and to do that, I need help from both of you. Malik said, I need you to duel against him, Bakura, and I need you to keep to this room, no matter what happens, Hikari-san.
"He's right, Nura." Bakura stated firmly, "You'll put all four of us into jeopardy if you were to be present."
"Then you have to promise me that you'll be okay." Crystal said, turning and facing Bakura, "I don't want anyone that I care about to get hurt."
"I'll defeat him." Bakura chuckled, "Don't worry."
"Promise me, please." Crystal begged, "I don't want to lose you or Ryou."
"Fine, I promise, Neko-chan." Bakura sighed, "Now, stay here."
Crystal nodded slightly watching as Malik faded away and Bakura walked out of the room, feeling her stomach tighten as the door hissed shut. Hoping that her friend would remain safe Crystal silently walked over to the chair she had been sitting in and sat down. Her mind mulled over all of the events that had taken place within the past hour or so, feeling as if there was nothing she could do to help. She was always told to stay back, keep out of the way, or was left out of important conversations. Crystal knew everyone didn't mean to isolate her, but it didn't seem fair that only she was kept in the dark so much about everything that was going on around her.
Girl, I'm coming to get you. Bakura's mental voice said in a harsh manner, causing Crystal to jump, Marik knows the code, so you won't be safe there anyhow.
Fear shone in Crystal's eyes as she watched the door to the room slide open with a slight hiss, light silhouetting the figure in the door. Crystal sprang from the chair and ran to the figure, clutching him around the chest tightly and whispering that she was scared. Bakura's arms encircled her trembling body, as he told her that once he got rid of Marik she would have nothing to fear. Sniffling slightly, Crystal nodded and buried her face into Bakura's wild silver-white hair as her tears fell. Only Malik's mental reminder about the duel broke Crystal and Bakura apart, but Crystal still held his lower arm as they walked down the hallways to the dueling arena.
v"I want you to stay close to me for this duel, Crystal." Bakura said firmly, "He won't be able to pull anything funny with you nearby."
"Hai, Bakura-san." Crystal murmured softly, "How's Ryou doing?"
"He's sleeping." Bakura answered gently, "Without me to take most of the pain for him, Ryou's been exhausted."
Are you sure this is wise? Malik asked mentally, What if he uses the Rod upon her mind?
"I'd be very surprised if it worked." Bakura replied, "The Millennium Rod belonged to Seth."
It was used against her past self. Malik retorted half-heartedly.
"The dagger within was used against her, not the magic." Crystal countered, a shudder running down her back.
When they arrived at the arena, Crystal couldn't help but tremble when Marik's eyes rested on her. Marik chuckled, saying that he was grateful that Bakura had saved him a trip back down to acquire her. Growling deep in his chest Bakura stated that he only wanted to make sure Marik wouldn't use a servant to harm her. Smirking Marik told Bakura that he was correct to worry about the girl, but was foolish to subject her to the Shadow Realm's power. The comment made Bakura lose his cool and demand that the duel begin so that he could claim the Rod. Malik appeared beside Bakura stating that once Marik was gone, he would reclaim his body once more.
"So you want two things for winning?" Marik queried, raising an eyebrow, "Well, it only seems fair since I want two things as well."
"She is not a prize in this duel." Bakura growled, Crystal grasping his arm.
"We'll see about that." Marik chuckled, "The duel begins, now."
Dark, violet-black fog started to surround them and Crystal took a step back concealing herself behind Bakura. The rules were laid out for the duel and because of the Shadow Realm, with every Life Point they their bodies would disappear as well. Marik also explained that no one could enter or exit the area, so that the duel would not be disturbed. Crystal gulped quietly, wondering if Bakura really had been wise to bring her along to the duel, especially if Marik had the ability to trap her within the Shadow Realm. She was even more frightened by the fact that al the rules seemed to change once a duel started in the Shadow Realm.
"I'm summoning protection for you." Bakura told Crystal, "Don't be alarmed."
There was a flash of light and a Man-Eater Bug appeared, looking around hungrily at those before it. Noticing Crystal's trembling form, the large insect made its way over to her, until Bakura shouted a harsh order in Egyptian. The Bug stopped and looked over at its master as Bakura began to speak again in the same harsh manner. Man-Eater Bug growled, but nodded in compliance. Bakura then turned to Crystal, telling her that the Man-Eater Bug would give her enough time to summon her own monster, should the need arise. Crystal nodded shakily, and the Man Eater Bug took its place before her, ready to use its one-shot ability. Marik found the entire situation to be amusing, watching the large insect pace before the trembling girl.
As the duel continued on, Crystal began to worry as more and more of Bakura's Life Points and body began to disappear. Somehow he had taken possession of the Winged Dragon, Ra, and was about to summon the creature. Then Marik played a trap card that stripped all of the attack points of Bakura's sacrificial monsters, leaving Ra with none. Bakura became furious, sacrificing the God Card to summon a stronger card and special summoning two more monsters as he blamed Malik for the inability to use the God Card. As the two of them argued, Crystal couldn't help but notice the wicked gleam in Marik's eyes and the smirk on his face.
"One Turn Kill. I'll destroy you in one round." He chuckled at Bakura and Malik.
"You're bluffing." Bakura sneered.
"You think so?" Marik laughed, "I know a few more things about this card than the boy."
But I thought I knew everything. Malik protested.
"Well, apparently you didn't." Bakura snapped back.
Crystal felt her skin become clammy as Marik began to chant after he summoned Ra from the graveyard, invoking what he called instant attack. Then he started to transfer all of his Life Points, except for one to the Golden God, bringing its attack up to 8549 points. As Marik's body disappeared on the ground, it started forming on Ra's forehead, a wicked smirk on his face. Ra was more than enough to wipe out all of Bakura's monsters combined, and everyone present knew it. Marik destroyed all of Bakura's monsters in one fell swoop, as Bakura, Malik, and Crystal stared in horror.
"Now for the players." Marik chuckled sadistically, "And don't worry, King of Thieves, the Desert Kitten will be with me."
"No, Kura-kun!" Crystal screamed, as the flames engulfed the ancient spirit, "You can't die."
"Prepare to join the darkness thief." Marik snickered, as Bakura began to dissolve into the Shadow Realm.
"Okay, I lost this time. But I'll be back, and I'll kill you." Bakura replied coolly, "I'm originally a member of the darkness."
The Millennium Ring clattered to the ground at Crystal's feet and the Man-Eater Bug growled menacingly at Marik. The dark spirit only chuckled as the Shadow Realm melted away and the protective insect vanished as well. Seizing the Millennium Ring Crystal backed away from the former priest, fear racing through her mind and flashing in her eyes. Suddenly her back is pressed against something warm and a hand is on her shoulder, causing her to turn her head slightly. Relief flooded through Crystal as she saw Yami's stern face as his crimson eyes glared at Marik.
"What have you done to Ryou Bakura?" Yami demanded fiercely.
"Where does anyone go after losing a Shadow Game, Pharaoh?" Marik snickered in response, "You'll be joining him shortly, and the girl will be mine."
"You monster." Anzu remarked, as Crystal clutched the Millennium Ring closer to her chest.
"Anzu, take Crystal and go." Yami ordered, turning Crystal to the taller girl.
"I don't think so Pharaoh." Marik shouted, pointing the Millennium Rod at Crystal, "I said she was mine."
There was a flash of light from the Millennium Rod as Marik focused his powers on Crystal's trembling form. Her eyes went blank and her body stiffened in Yami's grasp, as though she were in another of her trances. Wind picked up all around them as another flash of golden light sparked from Crystal, forcing Yami to release her. Placing the Millennium Ring around her neck, Crystal glared at Marik with empty eyes, causing his to feel fear, an emotion he never felt before. His focus on his powers broke, and he dropped the Millennium Rod, which clattered on the deck.
"How dare you try to use my Item upon my sister." A male, baritone voice accused from Crystal's mouth, "My Item shall never be used against her mind."
Then Crystal's body went limp, falling into Yami's arms, as the golden light about her body faded. Yami was thoroughly confused as was Yugi, who had seen everything from within their Soul Room. However, both recognized the voice that had come from Crystal as Kaiba's, but with a heavy Egyptian accent. Lifting Crystal into his arms, Yami and Anzu headed back into the elevator, Marik glaring as they went. When they reached the bottom, Yami told Anzu that he was going to find the Kaiba brothers and leave Crystal with them. The cerulean-eyed girl nodded, saying she was going back to Mai's room so that Shizuka would not be alone.
"Kaiba, open up." Yami said, kicking the door a couple times, "It's important."
"You better have a good reason for making all that racket." Kaiba grumbled, cracking the door, "You woke up Mokuba."
"Marik had cornered Crystal up on the dueling deck." Yami explained briefly, "Don't be too mad at her; she's lost someone dear to her just now."
"What happened to Ryou Bakura?" Kaiba asked, taking Crystal into his arms, "He never takes off the pendant that she's wearing now."
"You wouldn't believe me." Yami shook his head, before leaving, "Just keep her close. It will be safer, and she'll understand this time."
"Ani-san, what happened to Neko-chan?" Mokuba asked, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, "I thought she was staying with Bakura-san."
"I don't know, but she is staying with us now." Kaiba replied, taking Crystal over to the bed and tucking her in, "According to Yugi, she's been through a lot tonight."
"You should get some sleep. The finals are in the morning you know." Mokuba chided.
"I know, but I still need to figure this out." Kaiba said gently, "You go back to sleep and I'll go to bed soon."
The smaller boy nodded and started to head back to the couch where he had been sleeping, but a soft whimpering from Crystal caused him to pause. In her sleep, she was clutching the large pendant that he had seen Ryou Bakura wearing during his duel. There were tears in his adoptive older sister's eyes as she continued to whimper and cry in her sleep. Not knowing what else to do, Mokuba climbed on the bed beside Crystal and started to rub her back as Seto had done for him when he had nightmares. The motion seemed to work on Crystal as well, because her crying ceased and she fell into a deeper sleep, still clutching the golden Ring.
"Ryou, Kura." She mumbled softly, before her grip loosened on the Ring.
"Sleep well, ane-san." Mokuba said gently, before curling up behind Crystal and falling asleep himself.
Kris: And the "Aw" factor hits the roof.
Crystal: I kept my promise. Marik never got to touch Neko-chan.
Kris: Good, cause I would have…
Crystal: I know Kris, I know. Read and review is all I ask. Jan e for now, and hopefully I'll be a bit quicker posting but I can't make any promises.