Chapter V: Inner Wishes

I've stricken you
I don't want to live with the lie
Feed on your nothing
And you'll never live up to me

The beautiful night sky was filled with glittering stars, the half moon shining down onto an open window. The cool night hair billowed softly through the curtains, leading directly into a barren and empty room, nothing but a large bed, a dresser, a mirror, and a canvas remained in this room. A young teenage girl slumbered in the large bed, her red and black hair strands falling over her face in a delicate manner, leaving a fair and cold appearance on her face. Her arms were bare beneath the sheets, the only thing covering her body beneath them was a black tank top and normal blue jeans around her slender legs. Her body twitched slightly as the cold air touched her warm flesh. Inside her mind, though, she was drifting farther and farther away, longing, gripping onto the edge of reality as it slipped through her fingers. She opened her eyes, staring down into black field, stars sparkling below her. She felt her body balance on a railing of a balcony, staring down at the black night sky. She then realized that if she were to fall, she would plunge into the dark sky below her. Yet something behind her gripped her shoulders.

"Jump. I'll catch you," whispered a cold, malevolent voice in her ear. She was confused of how they will catch her when they were right behind her. And once more, she felt like she's heard that voice before. The hands on her shoulders released her and she felt her foot instinctively move forward. She felt the cold blast of wind sweep around her body, and her hair flew up over her head, responding to the sudden wind. She felt her body sway forward, and then felt the banister beneath her vanish, causing her body to fall into the blackness below. But just as she thought of a new death for herself, her head began to spin lightly, and a sharp pain surged through it. She let out a scream and crossed her arms over her body, feeling the pain flow through her

"Don't be afraid, Rika. You are safe," that same malevolent voice spoke. It was calming and relaxing to her, sounding so familiar. She let out another cry of pain as it washed over her, completely taking over her body. She closed her eyes, blinded by the pain, that at that moment a golden eye appeared on her forehead, followed closely by a pair of beautiful, golden wings sprouting from her back, catching the wind and keeping her safe.

Rika was falling unconsciously through the darkness, and she hit something solid. She moaned, turning her head once more, and then felt the pain rush away out of her. She opened her eyes and found herself in her bedroom, completely normal. It was all a dream. But then…why did it feel so real to her? It was as if that very thing has happened to her.

Dark eyes stared up at the large building, the cool night air whipping around his body like a cape of the night. His long white hair billowed elegantly behind him, his bangs raised slightly to resemble somewhat of horns, but this was quickly ignored by his own dashing looks of his host. He smiled at the fact that now he knew where his future queen resided. His lips curved into a maniacal smile as he thought about the young girl. Her short black hair with crimson streaks in random places was quite an unusual style and option for hair, but then he thought about how unique the girl was. Dark, violent, strong, and somewhat rude. She was just like him, and a complete opposite of his other, his hikari. Ryou was nothing but sweet, caring, sensitive, and innocent. A complete and innocent soul. But the thief had to thank the young boy in several ways for allowing him occupancy into his body. It wasn't as he had much of a choice.

Though his innocent one was in love with this girl, he had to admit it to himself, he, also, held strong feelings for the girl, but not in the same way Ryou did. Bakura knew the girl was secretive and was hiding something. So, why not prod it out of her? He would become close to her, fool her, and then gain access into her mind, where he'll be able to see just what power she had. This girl was far from normal. Especially after what he saw earlier that day.

Around Seto and Mokuba Kaiba, she acted completely different. She was nicer and more polite, at least to Mokuba. But to Seto…something must've happened to them to cause Kaiba to recoil like that. Something drastic…could have Kaiba and her….

Why not find out the answers? He looked up at the window that led into the young girl's dreams. She dreamt so peacefully, so quietly, it was like being far distant from the rest of the world, the rest of reality. Bakura smiled at this thought. Poor Rika, you can never escape reality through your dreams. Reality is real, it's your worst nightmare. And soon so will I.

"But, Seto, why can't she baby-sit me this up-coming weekend? You're going to a meeting in downtown, and we both know you can't take me," Mokuba spoke. Though he was closing into his teenage years, he was acting like a little child not getting his way. Kaiba Seto sat at his desk, staring at his computer screen, lost in thought. He looked up at Mokuba, and saw determination in his little brother's eyes, he smiled at this. He was just like him, willing to do anything to get what he wants.

"There's a reason, Mokuba, but I can't tell you. I'll take you with me, it won't be life-threatening," Kaiba spoke. Again, Mokuba gave a groan and threw himself onto the sofa before them. Kaiba was thankful he wasn't throwing tantrums and all that, like a little five-year-old. He was determined, though. Now he was giving his older brother the puppy-dog-pout, where he hung his bottom lip out and lowered his eyes to resemble a dog crying. Kaiba always gave into it, but not this time.

"No, Mokuba, and that's final," he spoke, returning to his work. Mokuba ceased at the pouting, but he was still determined to be baby-sat by Yukari Rika. The girl was probably his favorite person besides his brother. She was nice, sweet, and sincere, mostly to him. She acted the same way to Kaiba as she did to everyone else while they were dating. Then, one night while she was baby-sitting, something amazing happened, something that changed them completely, something that embarrassed Kaiba when he saw her earlier that day, hoping she didn't remember it.

It was about a year ago, and they were a normal couple, but never showed affections outside in public, something they both preferred, though Mokuba would edge them on to show affections for one another more. Never worked, but that didn't mean Kaiba and Rika didn't care less for each other. They thought that it wasn't anyone's business if they dated or not, and no one really needed to see them kissing or holding hands. The closest they got was a slight blush. But when alone, they did show affections, especially when they were home. Kaiba had never truly had a girlfriend before, and it was a sweet sensation to have one, especially one who was almost exactly like him. She didn't mind having him as both a boss and boyfriend. She told him once or twice that it sent a little excitement into her boring life, which she truly needed, and Kaiba was always glad to hear that. He never knew if he ever "truly" loved her, though.

However, that all changed on one simple night. He came home late after a business meeting to find Rika on the sofa in this very room, waiting for him to come home. Mokuba was already in bed and asleep, and when he came in, he wanted to talk to Rika alone. Unfortunately, on that night he had no idea that he was leading her to his room, had no idea that he was leading her on to his bed, and everything drove on from there. It was on that night, though, that their relationship changed completely. It was only a week later that she talked to him again, and broke it off between them. He really wasn't affected by it, for some reason, but was embarrassed by all belief that he had taken something very important from her, and in such a weird way. It was his first time, as well as hers, it felt so weird to them both, and even to this day, he feels embarrassed for what he did, even though they never talked about it once after that night.

That was the main reason why he wouldn't let her baby-sit Mokuba. He didn't want to embarrass himself in front of her and in front of Mokuba, also. Mainly because before they started dating, Mokuba had a large crush on her. Kaiba suspected that he still did. He never told him what happened on that night, because he didn't want to break the little one's heart. He would be devastated. So what was he to do? Just ignore her completely?

He didn't think that was the right solution, but he felt so weird and embarrassed in front of her, it hurt, sometimes. He didn't hold any emotions towards her. He just felt really embarrassed and strange towards her, mainly because of that one passionate night. A passionate night that changed them both forever.

"Morning!" Mazaki Anzu called to her friends, grouped together at Yugi's desk. She approached them, surprised to see Ryou Bakura not amongst her friends, but at the back of the room, talking excessively with Rika at her desk. Yugi looked over and saw the bangs of Ryou's hair raised to resemble horns, and his eyes held serious gaze in them, contorted into a devilish stare. Yugi knew that wasn't the Ryou Bakura he knew, it was the spirit inside the powerful Sennen Ring, the thief from ancient Egypt, his yami that they've come to name Yami no Bakura. What was he doing talking to Rika?

As Yugi watched them, he heard bits and pieces of their conversation. Not much, but Yami no Bakura told her stories, jokes, and bad puns that led to her laughing or giggling. Apparently, he knew what made her laugh and smile like that. It wasn't something Yugi was used to seeing, but ever since he introduced them yesterday, it's like they've become friends. But…what if he is exactly the friend she wanted?

"So, anyway, I was thinking about this cool little Goth café across town, and I want to check it out for myself. You want to come with?" Yami no Bakura spoke low to her, but it was loud enough for Yugi to hear. He gasped at this offer, and was praying inside she wouldn't say yes. Obviously, his prayer wasn't answered.

"Sure. I'll meet you out front after school," Rika spoke. Yugi sighed. Rika was going to be in for the ride of her life, knowing Yami no Bakura, he's probably using her to get the Sennen Items. Either that, or trying to kill her to hurt Yugi. But there was no chance of talking to her, because the moment the bell rang, signaling the end of the day, Yugi found Yami no Bakura and Rika standing at the wall, talking, and walking away. He really prayed that Rika would be alright.

"Follow her, just to make sure."

He didn't know why Yami insisted on that, but he obeyed. He began to follow them, just to make sure she was safe and protect her where she'll need it.

That one pathetic fool may not have been Horus, but I won't stop my search. I'll search high and low, day and night, until I can find him. He's not going to escape me, no one can. Not even the Pharaoh, and not even my other could escape me. I came back, and I'm ready to play….

The sunlight was shielded from a dark alley where an Egyptian stranger and serial killer stood, waiting for his next prey. This alley he was especially fond of, mainly because it was between an apartment complex and a dark and depressing, Gothic café. The café was a large building with dark indigo bricks, decorated black pane windows, some decorated with boards, others with black lights, some even with fake cobwebs and spiders. Along the black pine door was crimson paint that ran down the side, and inside was probably the most dark, Gothic place there is. Like Halloween all year long in there. Yami no Malik enjoyed looking at the place, not only because it was dark and creepy and scared any soul that passed by, but also because the alleyways had the perfect angle for watching unsuspecting victims pass by. A stairway was also hidden in the alley, leading up to both the roof of the café and the apartments. The stranger always took advantage of this, because then he could see down into the streets and watch anyone. Right now, he was sitting on the bottom step of the stairway, shielded from the sun completely, shadows crossing over into his golden hair, his dark face, and his already dark amethyst eyes. The only light piercing through was the gold eye on his head. This, though, he had no control of.

Voices crossed his ears, and each time he stroked the gold amulet around his neck, searching for Horus. The places he was between of were quite popular. If Horus should even pass by here, he was sure to find him. A couple of familiar voice lifted to his ear, causing him to look up drastically.

"Bakura, you're so sure of yourself that I'll like this place?"

"Don't you?"

"Yes! Of course I do!"

Yami no Malik instantly recognized the voice of the thief that he met upon Kaiba's aircraft during Battle City. That fool dueled against him in order to take the Sennen Rod and for his other to regain his body. Unfortunately, he didn't succeed and was banished completely to a world of shadows. The fool was desperate enough to even fight with a portion of his other's soul within him. The other voice, though, he did recognize somehow, but from where? An image came to mind of a tall girl with shoulder length black hair, crimson streaks placed in random places within it, her eyes silver and dark, holding the same dark and soulless stare he gave. It was that girl from the museum. And…from the house where he killed that handsome blond boy. He didn't know her name, but he remembered how she acted towards him. Dark, malevolent, and interested in the fact he killed her uncle and her friend. She showed no sign of remorse, regret, depression, or any negative sign when she spoke it. In fact, he remembered seeing excitement and happiness in her eyes when she faced him. What was she doing here with the thief?

At that moment, though, the gold eye with the black opal for a pupil around his neck began to glow bright gold, almost blinding, and an echoing siren, like a phoenix song, rang through the alley. Horus was nearby, so close, but where was he? Yami no Malik looked up to see someone staring at him, a taller boy with light brown hair and green eyes, fear demolished on his face. He stared at him, his hands shaking. Could he be Horus?

"Come now, it's rude to stare," Yami no Malik spoke, his voice dark and malevolent, anticipating the moment when he'll strike. He approached the stiff less boy and gripped at his throat, his eyes widening. He couldn't wait to ensure this boy's death will come. The boy's scream was choked by the grasp as he raised the blade from his pocket.

"Are you alright?"

Rika looked up into Yami no Bakura's eyes and smiled at him. She had never been with anyone so like her. This boy acted just like her, just as dark, just as violent. Not at all like all the other boys she's been with. Especially not like Kaiba Seto. He never got a clue about what she was truly like. She was only nice to Mokuba mainly because he was so adorable and reminded her of someone. But with Bakura, she felt at home, she felt sane, she felt like she could actually have a conversation with him. He smiled darkly at her, and at that moment, she felt so strange. She wasn't in love with him, she liked him, but it was like she's been in love before with him. She's met him, seen him, even, before in her past.

That's ridiculous, Rika, she told herself. You barely just met the guy. How could you have known him before? Her mind was playing tricks on her. She stared down at the spider-like table they sat at, and thought about that other boy she saw. The one with the golden spikes, the dark amethyst eyes. That boy killed her uncle and her neighbor's boyfriend. Yet she couldn't stop thinking about him. Why?

At that moment, though, her eyes flew wide and her face turned red. Bakura grabbed her chin and tilted her face back before he placed his lips on hers. She was so red, she has never been kissed like that before. What was he even thinking! But at that moment, she realized that no one has kissed her before like that, not that sweet, not that gentle, yet when realized what he was doing, he kissed harder and she gave into it. She didn't know why, but she did enjoy it. She enjoyed the kiss, but never wanted it to happen again.

When he pulled away, though, he noticed her whole face was red from blushing of embarrassment and surprise. He smiled at her sweetly, then pulled away completely, no longer touching her or looking at her. He knew it would take some time for the moment to absorb completely into her, but soon she'll fall for his charm like the rest of the idiotic girls there.

"I need some air," she spoke suddenly, calm and coolly, the dark tone returning. He watched her stand up and leave out of the corner of his eye, and saw her go through the side door, leading to the alley. He knew that in order for his plan to work, he had to do that. There was no other option. As he looked around the café, he noticed a couple of the girls in there staring at him with shocked expressions and blushing even. Some were even brought to tears. Was he really that charming?

Outside, Rika felt so hot and embarrassed. No one has ever kissed her like that. Luckily, it was just a kiss and he didn't try to go to second base. That she was thankful for. Out in the alley, though, she heard a scream. She ran deeper into it, and then towards the stairway leading to the roofs. There she saw the stranger again, his hands covered in scarlet blood, his eyes gleaming maniacally. Next to him, slumping against the wall, was what used to be a young brown hair boy, but now his face was slit up into several opening, that same scarlet blood running down his face, his throat nearly split in two. The boy's whole body was streaked with scarlet, and his head was staring at her, half off the neck. She looked up at the stranger, knowing he had done this. He turned to her, and at once recognized her.

A dark smile of excitement and interest crossed her lips, causing him to smile also. "So, you've killed again, huh?" she asked him. He smiled darkly, raising the scarlet blade to his mouth and licking off a bit of it. This made her smile even more. "What are you?"

"I think the question here is what are you? You're definitely not a normal girl," he spoke. He approached her, lowering the blade to his side.

"And how do you figure that?" she asked.

"I can see it in your eyes. Those magnificent, silver eyes. They show into your soul, and they tell me you enjoy seeing my work," Yami no Malik spoke.

"That's part of it. I like seeing these kinds of things. Death, murder, it's all the same. It makes me think, 'where do we go after death? Are we reborn again, or do we not exist at all?'" Yami no Malik was surprised by this girl's creativity and understanding of reality, understanding of life and death.

Awaken you, oh no,
Can't live up to me
I've stricken you
Feed on your nothing and you can't live up to me

Rika looked up into the stranger's eyes, mesmerized by their beauty. Suddenly, he asked a question that she understood, but did not answer, because she had no answer.

"What is your inner wish, my dear? Is it to understand life or death? Which do you prefer?" he asked. She didn't answer, but at that moment a bright light shot between them, startling Rika, sending her back into the wall behind her. Yami no Malik stumbled back, but didn't fall over. He looked up to see a familiar face staring at him. The thief, Yami no Bakura, whose smile was dark and secretive.

"You leave her alone, Yami no Malik, if you know what's good for you," he warned him. He only smiled at the threat.

"Why, it's you, Yami no Bakura. How was the Shadow Realm? Did you enjoy it?" Yami no Malik mocked. "Why are you so interested in this girl?"

Yami no Bakura didn't answer, but he looked at Rika. She was staring at him, confusion on her face, but no fear. He was surprised at this. He thought she would be scared. But instead only flickers of confusion shown in her silver eyes, mesmerized by the sparks of excitement running through her face. Why was she so excited, so happy? Yami no Bakura leaned down to help her, but she shook him off, standing up on her own. She stared ahead at Yami no Malik, and then smiled sinisterly.

"Have you told anyone yet?" he asked teasingly. She smiled at him.

"No, not yet. Do you want me to?" she asked.

He didn't answer. Instead, he turned to his work and kicked it aside as he stalked away, Rika staring after him. She didn't understand how, but she felt like she was beginning to like that stranger. He killed her uncle, her neighbor's boyfriend, and now some innocent kid on the street. She liked that he attacked anyone at any time, holding no remorse or sanity. It made her smile.

"Rika, we have to go," Bakura grabbed her arm and dragged her out of the alley. As he did so, his mind was wondering a mile a minute. What was Yami no Malik doing back from the Shadow Realm? Why did he approach Rika? How did they know each other? And…what is he searching for? What could possibly be more valuable than the Pharaoh's power? As he thought this, he completely ignored the fact the Rika was right there beside him, staring at the sky in a daydreaming gaze. What could possibly be going through her mind?

FD: That's all for now, sorry I wasn't able to update right away, I've been at my dad's over the weekend. Next week I'll be gone for the whole week, so there won't be much updating. So, because of that, I'll try to update as much as I can this week before I leave. I'll be back on the 21st of this month, so then I'll start updating. Anyway, peace!