AN: Took way too long, I know! I wanted to get it posted before Christmas but it just didn't work out. I made it a bit longer than the others I think to try and make up for its lateness.(looking at the word count its not THAT much longer but 9 pages in Word impressed me!) Sorry for the wait, I've just been so busy! (Note to others: DO NOT PROCRASTINATE ANYTHING! It will bite you in the rear end eventually!) Please excuse any typos (there's always some no matter how many times I read it over- and its late so I just want to get this thing posted NOW!) and/or innuendos in this and previous chapters! Lol it's inevitable when talking about the Millennium Rod (or maybe I'm just a perv!) Anywho! Hope you all enjoy it!
Chapter Sixteen
The footsteps of Yugi and the gang had faded by the time Akeno pulled Ryou out of the kitchens but the sound of voices, mostly agitated, were enough for the pair to find their way. Just as they reached the room, Yugi, Joey, Tristan and Tea rushed past them.
"What's going on, guys?" Ryou called after them. "Are we leaving?"
"No time to talk, Ryou!" Tristan shouted back.
The two shared a confused look and stepped into the room. Duke Devlin turned to face them as they entered. Akeno blushed slightly and involuntarily squeezed Ryou's hand. Like Kaiba, Akeno had seen Duke's face on posters around Domino City for a long while for having created a game… Dungeons and Dragons? No, but something close to that. She had to admit he was rather cute… Shaking her head, she looked away from him.
"Where were the others off to?" Ryou asked.
"Kaiba and Mokuba are missing," Duke explained. "They went to find them so we can get off this island in one piece and that's if this blimp takes off."
"You mean it won't fly?" Akeno asked.
He shook his head solemnly.
Ryou nodded. "I suppose we just wait here.."
Akeno's eyes landed on Mai. She stood with her back to them, talking to a young brunette. She's… she's okay! Thank God! She's back too! She almost laughed. Gee, I can't believe I care so much for someone I barely know!
She scraped the tips of her shoes on the hard floor, twisting her lips as silence settled over herself and Ryou. The conversations of the others and Kaiba's suits were drowned out in Akeno's thoughts. No wonder I was never interested in Duel Monsters- everyone involved is nuts! Who in the hell blows up an island because they lost a game?! I've seen ten year olds lose with more dignity! What a rich brat! The least he can do is make sure the damn blimp can fly! He probably spent the money on explosives! Who allows this kind of-
She felt a tug on her sleeve; it was Ryou. He smiled weakly at her.
"I'm feeling a bit under the weather. Would it be alright if I go lie down?"
"Oh yeah, of course. Can you make it to your room alright?" Akeno asked.
"I'm not sure. Maybe it'd be best if you come with me."
She nodded. "Ryou's feeling sick, I'm taking him to his room," she announced to the others.
"Alright, we'll let you know if anything happens," replied Duke.
"Hope you feel better!" smiled the young brunette.
Akeno wrapped an arm around Ryou's waist as a precaution and he slung an arm over her shoulders. She blushed and turned her head so that he wouldn't see. Their footsteps echoed down the hall as the two walked without a word in between them. Suddenly, Ryou stopped and turned towards a door.
"Hm? Ryou this isn't your room."
"Good girl, you're actually right about something."
Her heart skipped a beat as she looked up at Ryou. His eyes were sharp and he wore a wicked grin on his lips. It's him! Quickly, she retracted her arm from his waist and took a few steps back. He ignored her and opened the door.
"Come." he said, stepping inside.
Akeno watched him walk a few strides into the empty room.
I can run. I can go back to Duke and Yugi's friends and they'll help me! I can escape him!
An image of Ryou's smiling face passed before her eyes. Akeno thought back to the brief moment back in the Shadow Realm when he realized the Spirit of the Ring had hurt her. "He… he cried for me," she whispered to herself. Bakura turned impatiently to face her.
I can't leave him… I won't leave Ryou in this alone.
Akeno shut her eyes and stepped into the room, letting the door slide shut behind her.
"Whose room is this?" she asked looking around.
A smack in the back of the head made her cry out.
"Are you disobedient on purpose or can you not remember the simplest of commands?"
She rubbed her head and gave him a look that she only just got away with. "It's not on purpose, master…"
He snorted and dragged her to a chair and forced her down. "Stay," he said crossing his arms and giving her a once over.
Bakura frowned. "Better yet…"
He roughly pulled her up by the arm and flung her on the bed. "Cry," he ordered.
"W-what?"
He slapped Akeno in the face, gaining a yelp from her. She looked at him like he was insane. Oh that's right, he is!
"What was that for?" she gasped.
"Don't question me," he barked, smacking her again. "Now cry!"
What the hell! Akeno tried pushing him away from her but he wouldn't have any of it. He held her down and continued slapping her until she finally starting whimpering. He released her and gave her a smug look. "You make it much harder on yourself by not obeying me. Not that I care, it's more fun for me if you insist on learning the hard way."
Bakura glanced over his shoulder then back at her shaking form. "Stay… and don't spoil this," he warned, moving into the shadowed part of the room.
She wiped at her eyes and gulped as the door slid open.
"Brother, was it wise of you to not relinquish your Millennium Item to the pharaoh?" said a young woman's voice that drifted in from the doorway.
"It was given to me for a reason, Ishizu. I abused it's power but now I can respect it and use it for good," came Marik's voice. "I won't fall to darkness again, I promise."
He turned from Ishizu and inhaled sharply at the sight before him. Akeno was sitting on his bed, quite obviously distressed and even though the lights were out, he could see she had been crying. "Akeno?" he said worriedly.
He turned to Ishizu quickly. "We need to be alone," he told her.
"Are you sure? Maybe I could help," Ishizu said uncertainly, looking at Akeno with an apprehensive expression.
Marik shook his head. "It'd be better if we're alone," Marik said letting the door slide shut. He hastily made his way over to the weeping girl. "What happened?" he asked.
Akeno sniffed and rubbed her eyes.
"Was it Bakura?" Marik pressed, taking her hands. She could see his eyes filled with concern and something else that made her skin crawl. The last thing she wanted was to be in a dark room with him looking at her like that,on his bed no less! Her eyes started to tear up again.
Marik embraced her, more so for his sake than hers. He shushed her as she shuddered with dread that he assumed was from previous events when really it was fear of what was about to happen. She watched over Marik's shoulder as Bakura stepped from his dark corner. The look in his eyes was murder.
"I thought I told you to never lay a hand on her," he said, startling Marik out of his peaceful reverie.
Marik nearly jumped out of his skin and spun around to face the angry spirit. "Bakura! How did you get in here?"
"That's beside the point, Marik. You have something that belongs to me," he said icily. "Hand it over now and I'll consider letting you off lightly for touching my property."
Marik's brows knitted together for a moment then he appeared to relax and stand up straighter. "Of course, Bakura. I didn't mean to upset you." His tone was careful and revealed a trace of nervousness within him.
Marik pulled the Millennium Rod from one of the belt loops of his pants. With a quick glance between Bakura and the Rod, he hesitantly held it out for him. Bakura smirked and took it from him as Marik involuntarily shuddered. He didn't like the thought of being without the Item though the thought of it being in the hands of a psychopath didn't quell the knots forming in his stomach either. His heartbeat pounded in his ears yet he was aware of the thick dreadful silence that hung in the room, broken by Akeno's shaky breathing. He gulped.
"If that's all the business we have together," Marik said carefully. "Then I have to excuse myself…"
Bakura took a step towards him and he quickly stepped back, cursing himself for showing fear. Bakura grinned at this. "We're not quite finished yet, Marik. You never told me about this ancient power you sought after."
Marik smiled nervously. "I thought the deal was you defeat my darker side then I'd tell you."
Bakura's eyes flashed and in an instant, Marik was pinned to the wall using the Millennium Rod's magic. Marik tried to struggle against it but in vain. "I was only joking! I'll tell you of the pharaoh's power, just let me go!"
"You're not one to give me orders, Marik. If anything, you're one of my puppets now!" Bakura smirked devilishly.
Bakura suddenly made the Rod's hold on Marik drop and he fell to the floor with a yelp.
"How does it feel to be on the other end of the strings, Marik? Your actions as well as your fate are being determined by someone else now! Shall I make you kill yourself? Jump off a building or impale yourself? Perhaps I'll make you scratch your skin off and bleed to death."
"Please, I'll tell you what you want!"
"Perhaps I'll have you kill your sister, strangle or stab her to death," Bakura grinned.
"I'll tell you everything!" Marik shouted, looking up at Bakura fearfully.
Bakura chuckled softly. "Of course you will. It's too bad you won't be of any use to me once you relay your one piece of information. Now tell me or I'll force it out of you."
Marik gulped. "How do I know you won't kill me after I tell you?"
"You don't but if you test my patience any longer, I'll kill you for the hell of it and see if your sister will be more cooperative."
"Alright," Marik sighed, knowing he had no other choice. "The secret to the pharaoh's power lies within his Millennium Puzzle. You'll have to defeat him and gain it as well as the three Egyptian God Cards."
"That's it?" Bakura asked suspiciously.
Marik nodded, uneasy that he just gave up the only piece of information that made his life somewhat valuable. Bakura snorted and turned to leave. He signaled for Akeno to follow. She eyed Marik wearily. He was still crouched on the floor, looking nervously at Bakura's back. Akeno slid off the bed and walked over to Bakura, giving Marik one last look.
Bakura grabbed Akeno's arm and moved her in front of him, closer to the door. He turned back to Marik. "This can be your final memory of your Millennium Rod," Bakura said with a deranged look in his eyes.
Marik's eyes widened in shock as the Rod was pointed in his direction. It started to glow and a intolerable pain spread throughout his body. His scream was cut off by his throat closing up. Marik thrashed about the ground, clawing at his face and pulling at his hair. Akeno went to take a step towards him then stopped herself. She clearly remembered how Marik reacted to her being tortured in the Shadow Realm.
He hadn't helped me when Bakura was attacking me, trying to kill me. He deserved this, a taste of his own medicine…
Marik wretched his eyes open, tears of agony sliding down his skin mixing with his sweat. He looked imploringly at the two of them. His lavender eyes locked with Akeno's. She froze looking at him, terrified. No... I'm… I'm not a monster like him!
"STOP!" she shouted throwing herself at Marik's side. He immediately grabbed her, pulling her closer, his nails digging into her arms. She winced and looked back at Bakura.
"Please, stop it! You'll kill him!" she pleaded.
Bakura looked at her impassively. "Would you rather it be you?"
A tear escaped her lashes. "Please, master!"
He looked at her a moment longer, watching her cry for a near stranger and put herself in jeopardy. He'd never understand why these mortals acted so foolishly for the sake of others. He snorted and released his hold on Marik who collapsed into Akeno, gasping for breath. She tried to comfort him as he lay shaking in a cold sweat in her lap.
Bakura leered at them. "Come, girl. I'm done here."
She didn't move. "Wait, just let me make sure he's-"
"NOW!"
She jumped and carefully stood up, making sure she didn't hurt Marik. Akeno drew in a shaky breath, glad he was alive but still scared for her own safety. She couldn't meet Bakura's smoldering gaze as she walked over to him. He roughly pushed her out of the room and turned to glare at Marik's trembling form.
"I won't be merciful next time," he said just before the door slid shut, leaving Marik alone in the dark.
Akeno walked silently in front of Bakura, the sharp wings of the Millennium Rod at her back. They returned to Bakura's room. She took a step forward when Bakura's foot caught her ankle making her trip. She let out a scream before hitting the ground. She tried to get back up only to have Bakura knock her arms out from under her.
"Stay," he growled.
She watched him pull out a few drawers searching for something. Well, he already has a knife, he can't be looking for that… If he wants to kill me he'd have done it already…though torturing me isn't out of the question yet!
Bakura came back holding a something circular. As he got closer she could see it was a roll of duct tape. I don't like where this is heading… He knelt before her setting the Rod beside them. A quick shriek from the duct tape made her gasp. At this he smirked slightly before ripping off the length of tape with his teeth.
"Don't move," he ordered before hiking up her dress.
She screamed and tried crawling away from him but he grabbed her ankle and dragged her back towards him. "Stop it! What are you doing?" she gasped.
He growled. "I said to stay still." He pulled her left leg up so that it rested on his shoulder. "If you struggle, I'll just force you to obey," he said grabbing the Rod.
She swallowed hard and watched as he put the Rod against her inner thigh and proceeded to duct tape it to her. She blushed as he bit off another piece.
"W-why?" she asked hesitantly.
He considered her a moment before answering in an irritated tone. "If I was seen in possession of the Millennium Rod, a fool could figure out who was in control of this body and I don't want those idiots knowing I escaped the shadows. They won't expect an attack from someone long gone, would they?"
Once Bakura finished, he looked up to see her staring at him uncomfortably, a blush across her face. He narrowed his eyes at her and swatted her leg off his shoulder. She quickly scrambled to pull her dress down. Oh God, that was awkward in so many ways!
A loud beeping filled the room and red lights covered their forms. She jumped and let out a scream. This can't be good! Bakura quickly pulled her up and headed for the door. He kept a firm grip on her arm as they ran through the empty corridor to make she didn't get away or lost. Turning a corner, they saw people running. One stopped and turned to them.
"Tristan!" Akeno shouted.
"Good thing you're here! We gotta get out of here pronto!" he yelled over the sirens.
"Its gonna blow!" Joey yelled to them as he ran by frantically.
The three of them took off in the same direction catching up with the rest of the gang. "I thought there was something wrong with the blimp!" Akeno shouted.
"Yeah, that's why we're taking a plane!" Duke answered back.
"Why didn't we do that in the first place?!"
"Cuz these goons like waitin' til da last minute for a dramatic effect!" Joey yelled angrily.
The engines were already running when they reached the plane. They all scrambled in, eager to get off the island. Bakura headed towards the back with Akeno though there weren't many seats open. He spotted two seats together then just at the last moment, Tea sat in one of them. He growled at her but it went unnoticed in all the panic. He sat in the open seat, startling Tea.
"Oh Ryou, I didn't see you before," she looked at Akeno. "I'm sorry, were you going to sit here? I'll just move-"
Akeno was about to object, happy to sit somewhere else, when Bakura cut her off.
"Don't bother, we'll be fine," he replied, pulling Akeno into his lap. There was no way he'd let two valuable pieces of his property out of his sight for a second.
Her stomach tied itself in knots and almost immediately she wanted to jump off him but she restrained herself. He wouldn't let me get away with that, not in front of everyone. He'd surely have my head for it!
She looked over to Tea who was laughing slightly. "I wonder where you two were all this time."
Akeno blushed horribly. Dear God! It must really look like that! Disappearing then coming back all messed up! She really thinks that… that he and I…. that me and…and Bakura! Oh my God, no!
She turned away from Tea and tried to disappear.
"What's the matter?" Bakura asked in his fake voice.
"I…I think I'm going to be sick…" she groaned.
"Nyahh!" Joey yelled jumping away from her. "Not on me!"
"Please, sit down, sir!" the pilot yelled.
"Keep your eyes on da clouds! You tryin' to crash?!"
"Into what? A bird?" Duke snorted.
Akeno tried to tune out the rest of the arguments and closed her eyes. Let this be a dream. Please let me just go home… Please… Please...
"Akeno!"
She jolted upright to find Tea smiling at her. "The plane landed; we're back in Domino!" Akeno quickly got up, stumbling only for a moment. Tea pulled her on ahead before Bakura could grab her though he was close behind.
"You looked so cute sleeping on his shoulder!" Tea whispered. "He looked sort of uncomfortable though, I think Ryou's a bit shy about being in a relationship."
"Uh yeah… relationship..." Akeno said distracted, looking around the dock for an escape route. I wonder if I could make it to a phone booth… No, if I was going to get away all I'd have to do is yell 'Hey this creep took over Ryou and is holding me prisoner! Help!' and everyone would come to my rescue (or he'd just kill us all). But I already told myself I can't run. For Ryou's sake, I have to see this out…
The group was huddled together, each going their own ways and saying their goodbyes. Akeno looked sadly at them. I wish I had a group of friends like them back when my… back when I needed them… Bakura came up behind her.
"Well, it's time for us to go!" Bakura announced cheerily, leading Akeno away. "Bye guys!"
They all said farewell to the two when suddenly Mai caught up with them. "Could I have a word with Akeno?"
Bakura looked surprised for a moment then nodded, releasing her. Confused, Akeno walked over to the blonde. "Yes?"
"Back in the Shadow Realm… I remember what I saw now," Mai said. "You and that evil spirit were together. You turned your back on me."
Akeno's heart skipped a beat.
"No, I- there was nothing I could do! I mean, he said-"
"'He said,'" Mai interrupted looking angry. "So you left someone to rot in that hellhole? You're a sweet girl, I can see that, but if you don't get away from him now, no one can help you. If you go with him…"
Akeno lowered her head. Ryou…
"I'm sorry, Mai. I'm really sorry and I understand if you don't forgive me…"
"C'mon, it's getting dark," Bakura called to her again in Ryou's voice.
She flinched. "Sorry," she said again before turning and running to Bakura who snagged her arm in a vice-like grip. I'm sorry…
Just before nightfall, the pair reached Ryou's apartment. Bakura opened the door and prodded Akeno into the dark room. She gulped as Bakura shut the door, extinguishing the light from the hallway. She heard the door lock. He placed his cold hands on her bare shoulders and leaned in close, sending shivers down her spine. She could feel his cool breath as he whispered in her ear.
"Welcome to your new home, my pet."