AN: Wow! It's been so long! This chapter was so hard to get out, I don't know why! Thank you to everyone who reviewed and was patient enough to wait for this update! It's longer than usual so maybe that'll make up for it. Let me know what you think!
Also, I've referenced Bakura's nails on more than one occasion and decided to actually look them up to see if they really are long enough to mention. (There's no such thing as creative license!) Surprisingly, I found a good close up of him holding his cards and I'm glad to report that his nails are somewhat long, for a guy at least. They go past his fingertips but aren't exactly Nosferatu long. Ahem. That was important to know. Well, now that that's cleared up!
Chapter Twenty-Five
Akeno opened her eyes, suddenly awake. She panicked for a moment, feeling arms around her waist then calmed down at seeing a sleeping Serenity. That's right; I'm still at the beach. Momentarily, she wondered what had woke her up so suddenly then heard Tea snoring. Akeno sighed. She turned her head to look out the window. The sun hadn't come up yet but there was just enough light to see by.
The last time I woke up like this was when I slept over Emi's house… It feels like ages ago. Here I am, at the beach and my best friend is probably worried sick back home…
Her brows furrowed as a weight arose in her chest. An idea occurred to her suddenly. She carefully freed herself from Serenity's embrace and stood. Akeno couldn't help but smile at the young girl despite her gloomy mood- she was downright adorable. Akeno tiptoed to the door and entered the main room, where Yugi and Duke were sleeping. She quietly walked over to the phone. Her hand hovered above the receiver then she lifted it a few inches. The dial tone droned on, waiting for her to dial.
I could call her… and leave her a message saying I'm okay. But I couldn't exactly explain anything which might make it worse… I don't know…
She hung up the phone and stood there, rethinking her decision. The room was silent aside from the soft breathing of the two boys. She bit her lip, unsure of what to do.
"Good, you're awake."
Akeno gasped and spun around, eyes wide. "Bakura! What are you doing up?"
"Come with me," he said quietly, ignoring her question.
She blinked, confused at his request. "Huh? Where? Why?"
"Stop talking," he hissed, grabbing her wrist. "You're supposed to obey without question."
Akeno pried at his grasp and locked her legs, impeding his steps forward. He turned to glare at her. "What do you think you're doing?"
"I just want to know where you're hauling me off to in the middle of the night," Akeno frowned.
"It's the morning, you dolt," Bakura replied dryly. "And if you keep resisting, I'll drag you out by your hair."
Akeno lowered her gaze, knowing Bakura would follow through with his threat, whether or not Yugi was sleeping in the same room. "I'll cooperate," she whispered then looked back up. "Could I change clothes first?"
"No," he said simply, pulling her out the door.
Akeno sighed. She noticed that he was dressed in shorts and a T-shirt, whereas she was still in her pajamas. I hope nobody sees me… but then again, if a witness is around, it wouldn't be so bad.
"Wait a second," she called as he headed for the stairwell. "Can't we just use the elevator?"
Bakura's grip on her wrist tightened and she heard him growl. She continued anyway as they started down the stairs, "We're on the top floor! It'll take forever to make it down."
He turned a few steps down and yanked her forward. Akeno yelped and crashed into him, making him grip the railing with his free hand to keep from falling backwards. She awkwardly pushed herself from his chest, looking up at him meekly. Bakura, still gripping her wrist, swiftly pushed her into the railing, forcing her to lean over it backwards.
"W-what are you doing?" she gasped.
"You will walk down the stairs without complaint or I'll throw you over the rail, either way you'll make it to the bottom," Bakura said smirking. "It's your choice, so what will it be?"
Akeno gulped and looked down. There were at least thirty floors below her, that kind of fall would definitely kill her. She looked back at Bakura who looked both amused and irritated. Akeno wasn't quite sure if he'd actually push her over but all the same didn't want to risk it.
"I'll… um walk down," she said slowly.
He grunted and released her, starting down the stairs again. Akeno stared after him then frowned. Okay, he's just being ridiculous. Thirty flights? He totally has a phobia of heights; I'm convinced. She followed him, trying to pace herself. I wonder where he's taking me… and why. I can't imagine what he'd be up to… I hope it doesn't involve the Shadow Realm. Her eyes widened as she gazed at his back. Could that be it? He's distancing us from Yugi so he wouldn't sense his dark powers? Does he plan on torturing me again? For what, sunblock? Even if that's it, couldn't he wait a bit longer till we go back? Today's our last day here.
"Can you walk no slower?" Bakura growled, casting her an annoyed look.
Yes… "Sorry, master."
Better stay on his good side… Yeah right! As if he has a good side.
The pair exited the hotel quietly and stepped into the cool morning air. Akeno noticed there wasn't anyone else around and grew nervous. She followed Bakura a good ways up the boardwalk, to the point where their hotel was obscured by other buildings. She couldn't stand not knowing where he was taking her but knew better than to keep questioning him.
Akeno sighed slightly. I wish he let me put shoes on… Stupid jerk!
Bakura whipped around to glare at her. For a moment, Akeno thought she had said it aloud, or worse, that he could read her mind but then he grabbed her arm and pulled her forward.
"You have got to be the slowest, most pathetic creature I have ever laid eyes on," he snarled. "Why do I even bother keeping you?"
He didn't let go of her arm, making her walk beside him. She frowned at him, growing a tad irritated. "Something about my soul being pure and you needing it," she said, knowing he wasn't looking for an answer. "You never really went into detail about it…"
His grip tightened, making her wince as his nails dug into her skin. "Let me make this clear," he said through gritted teeth. "I don't need you or your soul. I merely wanted to possess a soul such as yours. You're completely disposable to me. Don't forget it."
Akeno looked away from him to hide her angry expression. It took everything in her power to not lose control and yell at him. I'm just around for kicks, isn't it? All this soul business is an excuse. He'll probably end up beating me to death and won't even care! And for what? What exactly was accomplished by keeping me around? NOTHING! That big stupid jerk! You are SO lucky you have evil magic powers! Or else I'd kick your sorry evil a-
"Ahh!" Akeno cried as she tripped going down a step.
Bakura released her arm, letting her fall. Her knees hit the cool sand and she looked around. "Hm? The beach?"
"Get up," Bakura said impatiently.
Confused and somewhat curious, Akeno stood, brushing off her knees. "What are we doing here?" she asked before she could stop herself.
Bakura grabbed her arm and led her towards the water. "You said you wanted to go in the ocean."
She looked at him, shocked. "Um, well, yeah… though I kind of meant during the day… when it's hot out."
He snorted, "You're in no position to complain."
"I'm not complaining!" she said quickly. "I just… wasn't expecting…"
"Wasn't expecting what?" Bakura asked, sounding aggravated.
I wasn't expecting you to be nice in any way, let alone somewhat thoughtful! I can't believe this is happening. Get a hold of yourself, Akeno! You're a hostage not a blushing bride! Wait, how long does he plan to keep up this relationship ruse? Months? Years? What if- what if we do end up getting married and all in the name of a cover story? No, no. This has to be some weird dream. I'm walking along the beach with Bakura, of all people! And after he tortured me, no less! I know he's supposed to be my fake boyfriend but he's taking it way too seriously! I mean, this is borderline romantic!
She felt herself blushing slightly and put a hand to her face.
"I asked you a question, girl," he growled.
Akeno's expression dropped and she glowered at the ground. On second thought… I take it all back. He hasn't changed a bit! I'm such an idiot to even think Bakura's capable of a decent act!
"I wasn't expecting uh… high tide!" she exclaimed. "There's barely any beach left."
Bakura merely snorted in response, not bothering to call her out on her obvious lie. He led her to the ocean and tensed as the waves washed over his feet.
"IT'S COLD!" Akeno gasped, jumping back.
Bakura snorted. "Pathetic."
She glared at his back. "Well it is! You can't tell me it isn't."
He turned to glare at her. "Enough talking," he said, irritated. "I'm growing tired of your constant whining."
Akeno pursed her lips but said nothing. Bakura almost smirked at her sudden silence. She had been acting up as of late but it was good to know that he was still able to control her easily. Those wretches were a bad influence on her and being stuck with them was taking a toll on him as well. The sooner this little trip was over, the better.
He narrowed his eyes at her as she continued to frown at the cold water. Grabbing her wrist, he dragged her deeper into the ocean, much to her discomfort. The tide would ebb and flow, fluctuating between stopping at his ankles and knees. For a moment, he stared into the moonlit ocean. The girl had been right about him never seeing the ocean before. The largest body of water he had seen was the Mediterranean Sea when he'd pilfer merchant vessels but it just didn't compare. The ocean was as vast and endless as the Sahara.
Akeno stared at him, a curious expression on her face. He seems so… peaceful. If I didn't know better, I'd think I was looking at Ryou. At the thought of the kind boy, her heart dropped a little. Poor Ryou, we've spent a whole weekend with his friends and he didn't get to see them once… He must feel so lonely or… or is he always asleep?
Bakura looked at her suddenly. "You're staring," he stated.
"Was I? I'm sorry. I didn't notice." She smiled nervously but stopped as Bakura grabbed her hands.
"I almost forgot," he said softly.
"Forgot…what?" she asked, looking into his eyes.
Bakura smiled- wait, no- he smirked, then kicked Akeno's legs out from under her while releasing her hands. She plunged into the cold water with a gasp. Akeno shrieked and stood up, her pajama pants and shirt soaked. Bakura had already begun walking away, leaving her to glare daggers at the back of his head.
WHY YOU…YOU…YOU…
"Hurry up, girl," he called over his shoulder.
JERK!
By the time Akeno changed out of her wet clothes and climbed back into bed, the sun was already starting to rise. She groaned and hid her face in a pillow, only to hear Tea yawn loudly and Serenity start to stir. So much for getting any sleep...
An hour later, Akeno sat on the sofa between Bakura and Yugi, finishing a bowl of oatmeal. She was still very tired and was trying to keep from nodding off.
"Aw man," moaned Joey, looking out the window. "I can't believe its rainin'!"
Duke walked up beside him and frowned. "Yeah, just bad luck."
"I'm sure we can find something fun to do in the hotel," said Serenity.
"Duel monsters?" suggested Yugi.
"No!" came Tea's desperate reply. "I mean… I'm not sure if that's a good idea."
"Aw, c'mon," Yugi pouted.
"I've got to agree with Tea, Yug," said Tristan.
They continued to talk but Akeno dazed off. She was somewhat glad for the rain. Even though it was their last day at the beach, she hadn't been looking forward to being stuck in the hot sun with Bakura again or going on the amusement rides like they had planned. Somehow the thought of being at the top of a Ferris wheel or on a speeding roller coaster next to a homicidal ancient spirit doesn't sound too appealing.
"I know!" said Tea, snapping her fingers. "How about spin the bottle?"
"We don't have a bottle," Duke pointed out with a frown.
"Hold on!" exclaimed Joey, running to the fridge and chugging a Ramune soda. "AH! Problem solved!"
Yugi leaned over and whispered to Joey. "You do realize Serenity's part of the game too?"
"Eh?" The blonde's face fell. "Awright, never mind! Game over!"
"Aw, Joey," whined Serenity. "Why can't we play?"
Joey huffed. "No one here is kissin' my little sister."
"Why don't you let her decide?" frowned Tristan.
"He's right," added Duke, looking at Serenity. "She's a mature young lady who can kiss whoever she likes."
"Stop ooglin' at my sister, Devlin!"
Duke pouted at him.
Tea stepped in between them. "Why don't we put it to a vote?" she suggested and Joey sighed. "All in favor? One, two, three, four… Those against?"
Joey's hand shot up.
"Four to one" Tea said, clapping her hands happily.
Joey growled, "Dat's not fair! Those three didn't even vote!" Yugi and Akeno smiled sheepishly while Bakura didn't appear to be listening.
"It doesn't matter," Tristan replied. "You still lose."
Joey meandered over to the door.
"Where are you going?" asked Tea.
Joey pulled a face, "I don't have ta watch dis!" he pulled open the door, about to leave when two familiar voices were heard out in the hall. "Hm?"
"…since when does a little rain stop a helicopter?" said a male voice. "What am I paying them for?"
"Relax," said another voice, much higher than the first. "It shouldn't be that long of a delay."
As the pair rounded the corner, Joey's jaw dropped. "KAIBA!"
The aforementioned Seto Kaiba took one look at the blonde and narrowed his eyes. "I wasn't aware the hotel let in mongrels like you, Wheeler," he sneered. "Tell me, do they make you pay for the exterminator to get rid of the fleas when you leave?"
Joey growled, not helping to discourage the dog jokes. "What'd you say?"
Yugi joined his hot headed friend in the doorway. "Kaiba, Mokuba? What are you guys doing here?"
The younger Kaiba spoke up, "We were just taking a vacation after the Battle City Tournament. It's nice to just relax and take a break from all the Kaiba Corp stuff!"
"Well, if you guys don't have anything to do, you can hang out with us," Yugi offered.
Kaiba snorted. "I don't think so, Moto."
"C'mon Seto!" pleaded Mokuba. "We never have time to have fun!"
"Mokuba..."
"Please, Seto..."
Kaiba stared at his brother for a moment then pursed his lips with a growl. "Fine."
"You're the best, Seto!" Mokuba cheered as they stepped into the room.
"I seriously doubt that," muttered Joey, shutting the door behind them.
"Alright, now everyone in a circle," said Tea.
Akeno reluctantly slid from the sofa onto the floor, joining in the circle of people. On her right was Bakura, still in the guise of Ryou, and on her left was Joey. Beside him was Serenity then Tristan, Duke, Tea, Mokuba, and finally Yugi. Kaiba sat off to the side in an armchair with his laptop open.
"Aren't you going to play, Kaiba?" Yugi asked.
He didn't look up from the computer screen. "I've got better things to do than play adolescent games."
Joey glared, "Coming from the guy that owns a gaming company…"
Kaiba ignored the comment and kept typing.
Tea placed the bottle in the middle of them. "How 'bout we make it a little more interesting? Whoever the bottle lands on has to play Truth or Dare."
Most of the group liked the idea while a few people went red in the face, Akeno included. I could see this turning awkward really fast!
"Okay, here we go!" Tea smiled and spun the bottle.
Everyone watched as it spun and spun with growing anticipation. It started slowing down… Then stopped pointing at Tristan. He straightened up.
"Alright, Tristan, truth or dare?" asked Tea.
He thought for a moment, "Truth."
Tea grinned. "Is it true you have a crush on someone in this room?"
He faltered for a moment. "...Yes."
"Oh? Who is it?" asked Serenity, completely unaware.
"Uhh," Tristan stammered, started to blush.
"One question per spin!" Duke intervened.
Tristan sighed in relief. "My turn." This time the bottle landed on Yugi.
"Truth or dare?"
"Truth."
"Hm… I've always wondered, how weird is it to share a body with an ancient spirit?"
Yugi laughed and scratched the back of his head. "It's not that bad," he admitted. "You kind of get used to it."
The bottle spun again and landed on Akeno. She paled. No, no, no! Not good.
"Akeno, truth or dare?"
"Uh…truth?"
Yugi smiled at her nervous face. "What classes are you taking this semester?"
Everyone fell over. "What kinda question is dat?" cried Joey.
Yugi grinned, "I was just curious if she had any classes with us…"
Akeno was thankful he hadn't asked about Bakura, or Ryou, whoever! "Um, well I have Algebra II, Bio, Language II, World History, Computer Tech and Calligraphy."
"Oh, cool," smiled Yugi. "We both have math class together then." Akeno smiled back.
"Awright, enough school talk!" Joey groaned. "It's your move, Akeno!"
"Oh, right," she said and spun the bottle. Now I just have to hope it doesn't land on me again! "Tea, truth or dare?"
The brunette looked nervously at Yugi then chose truth. Akeno thought for a moment. "Are you still training to be a dancer?"
Tea grinned. "I sure am! I've come a long way from Ms. Amuri's ballet class!" They both laughed and Tea spun the bottle.
"Now we're talkin'!" exclaimed Joey when it pointed to him.
"Truth or dare?"
"Dare!"
Tea grinned. "I dare you to call Mai and tell her how you feel!"
"WHAT? She's not part of the game though!" he protested.
"A dare's a dare!" Tristan smirked.
Defeated, Joey pulled his cell from his pocket and proceeded to dial Mai's number. Akeno blushed for him when he quickly told her he liked her then hung up, cutting off her shocked reply.
"Why'd you hang up, man?" Tristan cried.
Joey huffed, "Having a conversation wasn't part of the dare."
Tea sweat dropped, "No wonder he's still single…"
The game continued on for awhile and room service brought up a huge selection of food. Akeno was lucky enough to not get called on again which she was thankful for. Bakura actually was picked five times, each time being asked relationship questions. He lied flawlessly in his best Ryou voice; Akeno was actually impressed. If I didn't know him, I'd think he was a normal person… Oh, hey, it had stopped raining, Akeno noticed, glancing out the window.
"It totally landed on you though!" Joey shouted.
Akeno snapped out of her thoughts to see Joey glaring at Kaiba. She looked down and the bottle was pointing at the glaring brunette. "I told you before, Wheeler. I'm not playing your game."
"Don't be such a killjoy," teased Tea.
"Yeah, Seto. It can't hurt," Mokuba added.
Kaiba wouldn't budge this time. "No."
Joey scoffed. "Aw, Kaiba's just scared! He got creamed in his own tournament and now he's afraid to get embarrassed in another game! That's it, right?"
Kaiba glared at him. "The only embarrassment in this room is your pitiful dueling skills."
Joey stood up and glared back. "We'll see about dat! Truth or dare?"
Kaiba paused for a moment then shut his laptop. "I can take whatever you throw at me, Wheeler. Dare."
Joey grinned mischievously, trying to think up something Kaiba would never go through with. "I dare you… to kiss someone here! That isn't Mokuba… or Serenity!"
Kaiba narrowed his eyes at him but didn't move.
"Ha! See, what'd I tell ya?" Joey beamed. "Scaredy cat Kaiba! Eh…?"
Kaiba stood up abruptly, laptop case in hand. He scanned the circle and his eyes landed on Akeno. Her face went red as he approached her. He's not… he isn't going to… To everyone's shock, Kaiba got on one knee in front of Akeno and took one of her hands. She stared into his blue eyes, oblivious to the dangerous look Bakura was giving them. It seemed to last forever but it was only a few seconds. Kaiba leaned down and brought her hand to his lips, gently brushing her knuckles. She felt ready to pass out even after he stood back up and headed towards the door, not giving her a second glance.
"Dat doesn't count as a kiss!" Joey whined.
Shut up, Joey! Shut up!
Kaiba smirked back at him. "Perhaps you should have been more specific then, dog-face," he said coldly.
"Dog-face?"
He ignored the blonde's tirade of curses. "Let's go, Mokuba. Our helicopter's here," Kaiba said evenly.
Mokuba stood up quickly. "It's been fun! See ya, guys!
"Bye!"
"See you around!"
Everyone bid farewell to the Kaibas, mostly to Mokuba while Akeno sat, stunned, on the floor. I never particularly liked Seto Kaiba but… I can't stop blushing!
Serenity yawned.
"Why don't we call it quits, guys?" Tea asked.
"It's getting kind of late," Duke agreed. "Plus we need to get up early to drive home."
Akeno avoided Bakura as best as she could. He hadn't stopped glaring at her since her kiss with Kaiba. It wasn't even a kiss though! Besides he kissed me! I was innocent in the whole thing! And it wasn't a kiss! She went to bed as soon as Joey did- she didn't want to be the first to go to sleep. She lay in bed still awake, long after the rest of the gang went to bed. Again, Tea's snoring didn't help.
This is it… and then I'll be stuck with Bakura 24/7… But then again, school might help… I doubt he'd sit through an algebra class- wait didn't the Egyptians invent that? Oh dear…
Akeno sat up in bed, looking over at the two sleeping girls. She made a determined face and got out of bed. If this is my last night here, I'm going to make the best of it!
Akeno stepped off of the elevator in her swimsuit, towel in hand and walked down the carpeted hall towards a set of glass doors. Tea had mentioned before that the hotel had an indoor pool and now seemed like a good time to take advantage of it. The room was dark and empty but the pool was lit by blue underwater lights, giving it a whimsical atmosphere.
"Wow," she breathed. "It's beautiful… and I've got it all to myself!"
She grinned and put her towel on the side of the pool. Akeno walked over to the ladder and dipped a foot in; the water was a pleasant temperature, not too cold. She climbed down the ladder into the pool and was chest high in water. Laughing softly, Akeno waded out into the middle of the pool. She took a deep breath and submerged under water.
The blue lights bounced off of the ripples she made as she swam, making reflected patterns on the pool walls. Had she not been holding her breath, she would have smiled. Akeno swam to the shallow end of the pool and popped back up for air. Her gasp echoed off the walls of the room. Standing up at this end, the water reached her waist. She laid on her back, floating in the water, her legs kicking gently.
Who would've thought a pool was more serene than the ocean? Of course, it helps if the water isn't freezing! She scowled thinking of Bakura and shook her head. No, not now. Don't think of him.
After she caught her breath, Akeno dove back under. She swam with her eyes open, watching her long dark hair float around her. Had she been a bit more of a graceful swimmer, she'd have thought herself a mermaid. Silly thoughts. She slowed in the middle of the pool and stayed still, looking around.
I wish I could just stay here… where there are no problems or pain…
She swam down further so her feet touched the bottom and stared up at the water's surface where the lights danced against the black ceiling. If only this moment could last…
...Hm?
A distorted noise reached her ears through the water. And then again. Is someone there? A shadow came up beside the pool. Her eyes widened and she quickly surfaced, coughing and swatting her hair from her face. She gasped when she saw him standing at the edge of the pool, looking down at her.
"Y-Yugi?"
He was wearing black shorts and a tank top, the Millennium Puzzle resting on his stomach. She looked him over again. No, he's different… Not the sweet little Yugi who was playing truth or dare… It's the pharaoh!
"Do you mind if I join you?" he asked.
Akeno shook her head. "No, o-of course not."
The pharaoh sat down beside the pool. Suddenly, Akeno felt very nervous. She looked down at herself, hoping her bruises couldn't be seen. So long as I stay in the water, I don't think he'd notice. He looked very pensive and solemn as he stared into the pool.
"So… what are you doing up?" Akeno asked, breaking the silence.
He looked at her and smiled. "I could ask you the same thing."
Akeno blushed and was thinking of what to say next when he spoke.
"I think by now you know I'm really not Yugi Moto."
She was surprised that he just came out with it. Actually, she wasn't sure if she should let on that she knew or not.
"You're a pharaoh, right?"
"I was, yes."
She was quiet a moment. "What was it like?"
The pharaoh frowned slightly. "I don't really remember…" he said, looking as if he were trying to. "I'm not even sure of my name."
"Oh… I'm sorry, ma-" She stopped herself, covering her mouth. Luckily he seemed too wrapped up in his thoughts to have noticed her slip. I almost called him... What's wrong with me? I can't even talk normally without everything leading back to Bakura!
"You can call me Yami."
"Hm?" She looked up at him and nodded. "Okay… well it's nice to meet you, Yami."
He smiled back, "It's nice to meet you too."
Akeno bent her knees slightly so that the water reached her shoulders.
"Do you remember what happened back on the blimp with Malik?" he asked suddenly.
She looked at him questioningly. "Huh?"
"When he tried controlling your mind, how did you fight him off?"
"Oh. I… really don't know," she said truthfully. "I was just so scared and the next thing I knew I was glowing and… he let me go. I think it's because I have a pure soul, that's what Bakura said anyway."
"Bakura?" Yami repeated, looking more alert. "You mean the Spirit of the Ring?"
She started to fidget, playing with her hair. "Yeah…"
"Akeno, has he escaped the Shadow Realm?" asked Yami, looking at her seriously.
She looked up at him, into his deep violet eyes. She remembered back on the blimp when he tried protecting her from both Bakura and Malik. He could help… He could save me… She broke eye contact.
"No," she heard herself say softly.
Yami stared for a moment longer then nodded. "Bakura has never stayed gone for long… If you notice a change in Ryou, please tell me, Akeno. I can protect you from him. Remember, you're not alone in this. "
"And… what about Ryou?"
The pharaoh frowned slightly. "I'll do my best to help him. I promise."
"Thank you…"Akeno said, nodding and Yami stood up. "I'll see you tomorrow, Akeno. Good night."
"Night…"
She watched him go and felt much heavier once the glass doors shut. As much as I'd like to believe him, I'm not so sure if he could protect us from Bakura... I'm not leaving Ryou alone in this. I have to be strong for him… Akeno stared into the depths of the pool, thinking. She hadn't noticed the figure in the shadows of the room with her.
Bakura stayed in the corner of the room, concealed by the darkness. He had been there for some time, actually. He had immediately known when Akeno left the hotel room as the pain in his chest increased. Bakura had followed her and hid in the dark room while she was underwater. He watched as the pharaoh talked to her, growing more agitated with every word. But then the girl surprised him. She had the perfect opportunity to foil his plans and run to the pharaoh but she hadn't. She was either too afraid of his wrath or just plain stupid! It didn't matter though. He had her under his heel and now the pharaoh was out of his way for the moment. He smirked then glanced at Akeno as she swam to the edge of the pool.
Akeno waited a few moments before getting out and toweling herself dry. In a few hours, they'd be heading back to Domino and everything would be back to normal, if one could call it that. She looked back at the pool and sighed.
I wish I could stay here…