Chapter 10: Airport Adventures
"Man I've seen the way you eat food, but that was just wrong." Tristan said as he stared at Akari's empty food trays.
"Yeah, I'm so proud…" Joey said as he wiped a tear from his eye and smiled, "I've taught her well."
"If by 'taught' you mean by how you managed to nearly destroy the hospital room begging for her food, then yes you've 'taught' her well." Duke said in his most boring voice as he stood behind Joey with his arms crossed.
"Just be grateful that Yugi and I decided to split the bill," Kaiba said as he looked at them over his shoulder and smiled as everyone stopped to look at him. "even I don't have that much money."
"Yeah, but I can't help but wonder where all that food goes…" Yugi wondered out loud as Tea gave him the strangest look that clearly said, 'Well it certainly doesn't go to her hips!'
"COME ON GUYS! OUR FLIGHT'S LEAVING!" Mokuba yelled as their flight began boarding, immediately everyone took off running and as they stood in line Tea looked around to make sure everyone was still together.
"Hey where's Akari?" Tea asked as she realized the young silver-haired girl wasn't with them.
"I think she's still back at the food court." Serenity said thoughtfully as she remembered that Akari had said something about getting sleepy.
"I'd better go check on her," Yugi sighed as he turned around and ran over to the food court. And he couldn't help smiling as he saw that she'd fallen asleep. "Come on Akari, we're gonna' be late!" Slowly Akari opened her eyes to see Yugi smiling at her.
"Huh? What happened?" Akari asked in a very tired voice as she rubbed the sleep out of her eyes and blinked as she looked around and realized she wasn't at the hospital. "Where am I?"
"Don't you know what an airport is hun?" Mai asked as she smiled at Yugi and helped Akari to her feet.
"Air…port?" Akari wondered out loud as Mai smiled.
"Apparently not…" Mai said dryly as Yugi silently laughed to himself.
"So this is what flying is like," Akari said softly to herself as Yugi looked on and smiled at the childlike expression on her face. "Kisara would have loved this…she always liked flying. I wonder how Bakura's doing…"
"I don't know where he is or what he's doing, but I'm sure he's waiting for you." Yami said as he materialized in her thoughts and began talking with her.
"Really? Do you think he'll remember me?" Akari asked anxiously as Yami smiled warmly.
"When Bakura came to live in the palace as my servant, all he could do was talk about you and how beautiful you were. Sometimes when he got lonely he'd go to windows and watch the stars." Yami said as he fondly remembered his old friend. "I'm sure he still thinks about you."
"Thanks," Akari said softly as she smiled at Yami, "that means a lot to me." Then she yawned and rolled over and watched the clouds pass by the plane It's strange, but somehow up here… I can almost feel Bakura's presence. He's close by… and slowly the sweet darkness of oblivion surrounded her as she fell into a deep sleep.
It felt like springtime
on this February morning
In the courtyard,
birds were singing your praise
I'm still recalling things
you said to make me feel alright
I carried them with me today, now
As I lay me down to sleep
This I pray
That you will hold me dear
Though I'm far away
I'll whisper your name into the sky
And I will wake up happy
When Akari woke up again, she was in a dark endless room and as she slowly looked around, a grayish blue smoke filled the room. Then she felt a powerful wave of energy wash over her as she fell back to sleep. But she wasn't alone…
I wonder why I feel so high
Though I am not above the sorrow
Heavy hearted
Till you call my name
And it sounds like church bells
Or the whistle of a train
On a summer evening
I'll run to meet you
Barefoot barely breathing
After all these years, you've finally become a guardian… slowly Akari fought back against the urge to sleep as she felt a warm familiar energy envelop her.
As I lay me down to sleep
This I pray
That you will hold me dear
Though I'm far away
I'll whisper your name into the sky
And I will wake up happy
Bakura…is that really you? Akari asked as she sat up, opened her eyes, and looked into deep ocean blue colored eyes.
Yeah, it's me… Bakura whispered softly as he gently took a hold of her hands and gazed into her eyes. You must leave this place and forget about me if you want to live.
I don't understand, why? Akari asked softly as she looked into his eyes.
The reason you can see me is because, you're on the verge of death. Bakura said sadly as he looked into her eyes, and blinked back the tears that threatened to fall from his own. Look, something big is going to happen to you, and your body is desperately trying to prepare for the change that's to come. That's why you feel so tired, and that's why you mustn't come after me. It's too much…too dangerous for you to handle and I want you live your life to the fullest. Even if it's a life without me…
It's not too near for me
Like a flower I need the rain
Though it's not clear to me
Every season has its change
And I will see you
When the sun comes out again
I don't care how dangerous it is! Akari screamed as she forced Bakura to look at her. I miss you so much, it hurts whenever I think about you. Can't you see Bakura? I love you…and I would do anything or face any danger to save you.
Then I want you to have this. Bakura said softly as he held his hands out and a butterfly shaped hair pick appeared in his hands. Whenever you this, think of me and the promise you made to come and save me. You're my world, Akari and I would wait for an eternity and even longer than that for you to return…I…I love you Akari. I know that it's not real, but I've waited for forever to give this to you…
And as he finished speaking, Bakura slowly leaned forward and kissed her on the lips. Though she was taken back at first, Akari suddenly wrapped her arms around him and pushed against him and gently deepened the kiss as she slowly ran her fingers through his hair. Then before she knew it, the kiss was over and she could feel herself being pulled back to the real world.
As I lay me down to sleep
This I pray
That you will hold me dear
Though I'm far away
I'll whisper your name into the sky
And I will wake up happy
Goodbye Akari! Bakura called as she began to disappear and smiled as she waved at him. If something should happen to me and I don't make it back, then I want Yami to take care of you and love him as you loved me. Oh, and one more thing, tell Yugi and Yami that what happened wasn't their fault either and that I forgive them both.
I will Bakura, and thank you for everything… Akari whispered softly as tears of joy ran down her face and she woke up in the real world once more.
"As I Lay Me Down to Sleep" Performed by Sophie B. Hawkins
Von Stupor: Plot twist, ooh... I can't wait to find out more.