Chapter Twenty-Six

Akeno stood in front of the bathroom mirror, pulling the blue tie around her neck into an even bow. She stared at her waist up reflection, scrutinizing her clothes. The Domino High uniform wasn't very appealing in her opinion, the girl's uniform at least. She didn't have any problems wearing pink but this particular shade was… irritating.

"I guess it could be worse," she said to herself. "At least it isn't bright orange or green…"

She stepped out of the bathroom and looked around. Bakura was in the living room already dressed in his dark blue uniform. He leaned up against the back of the couch, his book briefcase by his feet. As she stepped into the room, he glanced at her.

"It's about time," he growled. "If we're late, you'll regret it."

"Sorry," she mumbled, grabbing her schoolbag from the ground.

He glared and she realized her mistake. "Sorry, master," she corrected.

It's too early for all this…

They set off towards school in silence. It was early morning and the city was coming to life. Even with a grumpy Bakura beside her, Akeno couldn't help but feel a little uplifted.

"It sure is nice out, Bakura," she said aloud.

He froze, anger flashing across his eyes.

"What?" she asked, looking at him sideways. "You told me to call you Bakura when we were in public. Don't you remember?"

Bakura growled and continued walking, pushing past her. She stared after him.

"You do remember, don't you?"

"Just keep walking!"

It's the first day of school. New classes and teachers and schedules… Normally, I'd be nervous and anxious but now, I'm just thankful! Hours and hours of time without Bakura watching me like a hawk! I don't think I've ever been happier about school!

The two of them walked up to Domino High, once again in silence. Akeno looked rather eager to get through the doors while Bakura wore an expression of distaste. He wretched the door open and held it for Akeno all the while leering at her. He seemed ready to slam the heavy metal door in her face and she was fairly surprised that he hadn't.

"Thanks?" she uttered in passing.

Oh, he must be putting on the boyfriend act. Just brilliant.

"You'll wait for me by the front gates," Bakura told her. "Don't be late."

"Oh, uh, o...kay," Akeno replied but he was already halfway down the hall. She watched him round the corner and sighed. "Hm, now where was my locker?"

The hall was beginning to become crowded as the other people filed into the building. Akeno made her way through the mass of students and teachers, trying to avoid being stepped on or pushed.

"Geez, we seem to have more freshman than normal," she said to herself. "Okay… Locker 221B. It should be right over…"

As she turned the corner, Akeno froze. Standing at her locker was a pretty girl with short blonde hair and choppy bangs, a streak of pink running down one side. Her arms were crossed and she looked very anxious, worry clear in her eyes.

Akeno took a step back. "Emi…"

Suddenly shaking, Akeno turned and fled back the way she came. All thoughts of her locker abandoned, she hid in the nearest bathroom. She ducked into a stall and bolted the door. Akeno leaned against the wall to catch her breath, her hands tightly gripping the straps of her backpack.

That was close.

She frowned, thinking of her best friend and all the messages she had left. Emi must be worried sick. She always looked out for me like an older sister and now… How do I explain this? "Oh, hey! Long time no see. This is my boyfriend, Ryou Bakura, who I just met and spontaneously moved in with. Only he's not really my boyfriend or Ryou Bakura. He's a scary abusive evil spirit living inside of a necklace."

Akeno groaned and hung her head. Her brows furrowed as a weight sat in her chest. What could I possibly say to her?

With a dejected look at the floor, Akeno unlatched the stall door and stepped out. She looked up and gasped, nearly jumping out of her skin. Before her, standing just in front of the bathroom sinks was the robed man from her dream. She noticed with a start that the large mirrors on the wall only showed her reflection as if he weren't even there. His blue eyes pierced her to the spot as he stared out from beneath the shade of his turban.

Shadi!

"Akeno Hitoshii," he began, his voice laced with an accent she wasn't familiar with.

So he really was real!

"Have you yet decided your place in this war?"

She blinked, taking a step backwards. "War?" she echoed, screwing up her face in confusion.

"The war that will decide the fate of the world," he explained in the same monotone he always spoke in. "It is a battle that has raged for over five millennia between the forces of light and darkness."

"But what does that have to do with me?"

"I have told you once before that you must resist the Thief King and that there is hope of his evil being destroyed for good. Is this not what you wish?"

"Well, of course it is!" Akeno flushed. "Someone has to stop him. He can't go around hurting people for his own gain. What does he even want? To take over the world or something?"

"If the Spirit of the Ring has his way, the world will be bathed in an eternal darkness and the most fearsome monsters will be unleashed from the Shadows," Shadi said in an ominous voice.

Akeno frowned. "I still don't know what I can do. Shouldn't this be Yami's job?"

Shadi inclined his head slightly as if almost to nod. "The Great Pharaoh has another role to play in the war of light and darkness. This task is solely appointed to you, Akeno Hitoshii."

"Tell me what to do, then," she replied earnestly. "If I'm supposed to stop Bakura, at least give me a way how."

For a moment, Shadi paused then looked as if he almost smiled but Akeno thought she imagined it. "All will become clear to you in time. As for now, you must not lose yourself. You must keep your heart and soul strong in your trials and only then will you be able to overpower the thief."

She glared slightly and put her hands on her hips. "Look, I really appreciate all the mystic mumbo jumbo but could you give me a little more to go on. 'Cause right now, I'd hardly consider myself-"

Akeno stopped upon hearing a toilet flush. She blushed as a girl emerged from a stall, giving her an odd look. She's been here the whole time, listening to me and-with a start, Akeno noticed that Shadi had disappeared –listening to me talk to myself... The girl hurriedly washed her hands and left but not before shooting Akeno another weird look. Akeno sighed.

Then the first bell rang, signaling the start of class. She sighed again, this time, louder.

The halls were empty, save for a stray freshman or two running to find their class. Akeno took her time, walking back to her locker. After her meeting with Shadi, it left her with a pile of questions, none of which she could answer. She trudged up to her locker, making sure Emi wasn't hiding around a corner. With a frown, she undid her lock and opened it, stuffing in her schoolbag and grabbing the books she needed.

Emi… how long can I avoid her?

Her stomach tied itself in a knot when she stopped in front of the classroom door. She hated being late, not because it was frowned upon but because everyone would be watching her. Akeno hated attention and the fact that her algebra teacher was known for being strict didn't make her feel any more at ease. She pressed her books tightly to her chest, staring at the door. She could hear the teacher's voice droning on inside.

Just go! You'll only make yourself later.

Akeno bit her lip and seriously considered skipping first entirely.

Stop being a wimp! Go! Open the door, it's not that bad. C'mon, Akeno! You can do this!

She groaned inwardly.

How are you supposed to defeat Bakura if you can't even face your math teacher?! This is just sad!

"O-kay!" she said to herself, squaring her shoulders. Akeno took a deep breath, grabbed the knob and pulled it open.

She immediately deflated when Mr. Kimura stopped his blackboard scribbling to look at her. Her face grew hot and she knew it must be red.

"Miss Hitoshii," he drawled. "How nice of you to join us."

Akeno ducked her head sheepishly. "I'm sorry I'm late, sir," she said quietly.

Mr. Kimura let out a 'humph' of disapproval before speaking. "Would you like to explain to the class why their lesson was interrupted?"

"I… uh." Akeno was at a loss for words. I should have just skipped! "I don't have a reason, sir," she replied, staring at her feet.

"Well," Mr. Kimura huffed, "Perhaps you can think up a reason in detention, Miss Hitoshii. After school today, room 414. Don't be late."

"Yes, sir," Akeno muttered and quickly stalked down the aisle. She slid into an empty seat and kept her head down.

Just great. My first day back and I've got a detention… Bakura's not going to like this.

After a few moments when Mr. Kimura was babbling on, Akeno relaxed enough to look up from her desk. Most of the students were paying attention, or at least trying to. Scanning the room, she saw Tea sitting a few seats in front of her, taking notes. As Akeno's gaze traveled towards the window, she spotted Yugi and his unmistakable hair. He appeared to be fighting off boredom, as well as sleep, with his face rested in his palm and other hand playing with a rubber eraser. Yugi seemed to notice her eyes on him and turned to see who was staring. At seeing Akeno, he gave a smile which looked slightly sympathetic. She returned it, although it was mostly forced and tried to pay attention once he turned back around.

She found her eyes drifting back to Yugi throughout the lesson, trying her best not to be creepy and stare. The Millennium Puzzle hung from his neck as if it were nothing more than a gaudy trinket but she knew better. Like the Ring, Yugi's Millennium Item housed an ancient spirit, a pharaoh.

It's so weird. Imagine how many times I must've walked by him and Ryou in the halls and never suspected a thing… How was I supposed to know that magic and spirits existed? And that I was going to be caught in the middle of a war for good and evil…

Akeno glanced blankly at her notebook. She thought back to a few days ago, back when she was at the beach, specifically, the pool. Her encounter with the pharaoh came to mind, recalling the little details like how the pool lights danced over his Puzzle, the far off look in his eyes as he tried to remember his past, and the gentle way he had spoken to her and promised to protect her.

Why couldn't I get stuck with a nice spirit like him? One that's a gentleman and caring and thoughtful and has a kind smile and wants to help me and has really pretty eyes and- Whoa, whoa, Akeno! Where did that come from? Are you really that starved for positive attention that you gush over the first nice guy to smile at you?

She bit her lip and ducked her head, letting her hair hide her unsettled face.

But… it's not that, not really. The pharaoh, I mean, Yami, has been trying to help me from the beginning. During his duel with Bakura back on the blimp, and from Malik, and again, trying to make sure I was safe. And I lied to him.

Akeno's lips turned down into a frown.

I keep thinking that I should have told him. I'd be safer, wouldn't I? But Ryou. Always Ryou. I barely even know him but I'm risking my life to stay there for him. Am I actually helping him? Does he even know I haven't abandoned him? Would it make a difference if I escaped from Bakura? Surely, Ryou would be okay if Bakura was… destroyed or whatever is supposed to happen.

Akeno sat up straighter, briefly glancing at the board to see what had been written. She rested her face in her palm, unconsciously mirroring Yugi and gazed ahead, lost in her thoughts.

But Shadi said that defeating Bakura was my job, not Yami's… If that's really true then maybe it's a good thing I didn't tell him. I couldn't see Yami just sitting back and wishing me luck. Hm… I still don't know what to do though but I don't recall Shadi saying that Yami couldn't help…

The bell rang, making Akeno jump as everyone began to pack up. She looked at her empty notebook then back at the board which was covered in problems. Oh geez, I missed the whole lesson. Way to go, space cadet!

"Hey, Akeno."

She looked up to see Tea and Yugi in front of her desk. "Oh, hi, guys," she said evenly, gathering her books into her arms.

They quickly exited the classroom due to Mr. Kimura's unnerving glare and mutter of 'kids playing poker'. "So are you okay?" Yugi asked, looking at her with something unreadable in his eyes. Is it concern or curiosity?

"I'm fine," Akeno replied. "Why do you ask?"

"Well, you were late today and I don't remember you ever getting a detention before," supplied Yugi.

The kid didn't even know me before a few weeks ago, or maybe I was the one that hadn't noticed him… I guess we had classes together and I never paid him any mind. It's not like I was ever into Duel Monsters or people who played it. It figures that he'd take note of everyone in class no matter if they talked to him or not.

"I just had some trouble at my locker," Akeno said, giving a shy smile. "I forgot the combination."

And had to avoid my best friend and talk to a mysterious magical man in the girl's bathroom.

"Oh, okay."

"That's so unfair that Kimura gave you detention though," Tea frowned. "Maybe if you explained, he'd let you off."

Akeno shrugged. "It's not that big a deal. Besides, I doubt Kimura would be understanding."

"Hm, if you're sure... Well, I have to run," Tea said. "My second's on the third floor."

"See ya, Tea," Yugi waved and Akeno gave her a nod.

She suddenly felt nervous, being alone with Yugi, well, aside from the mass of students surrounding them. It's Yugi, you idiot, not the pharaoh. Not that it would matter if it was. But if I asked to speak with him…

She bit her lip.

You could tell him right now. Let the cat out of the bag and see what happens. Just take a deep breath and say it! I mean it's not like I'm asking him out… Not that I'd want to! I mean-

"So what's your next class?"

Akeno glanced at him, having to look slightly down to meet his eyes. "Uh, I have Biology," she answered.

He stopped walking and raised a brow. "Isn't the science wing the other way?"

"Huh?"Akeno uttered, struggling to push her thoughts away to focus on what he said. The other…way? "Oh no! You're right! I'm gonna be late again!"

She took off down the hall and yelled over her shoulder, "Thanks, Yugi. I'll talk to you later!" If I can pluck up the courage, that is.

Akeno slid into a desk just as the bell rang and let out a sigh of relief. Just in time! She shut her eyes, trying to catch her breath. Now I just have to make it through the rest of the day.

"Alright, class, today we'll be studying Microbiology. Now, who can tell me what that is?"

The day was progressing uneventfully with Akeno trying to immerse herself in taking notes and hoping that it'd make more sense later. She felt a bit too anxious to actually try to comprehend anything her teachers were saying. Her train of thought always led back to whether or not she should talk to Yami. She ran a load of different scenarios in her head of how it might play out, some ending happily with Bakura being exorcized and Yami looking suspiciously close to a knight in shining armor while others ending quite the opposite with Bakura killing everyone in a psychotic rage and Shadi giving her a fierce look of disappointment for failing miserably.

Akeno stopped herself from sighing as she grabbed her lunch tray from the counter. Her eyes quickly scanned the cafeteria and felt relief when she didn't see Emi. I should probably lay low in case she shows up… She spotted Yugi and his group sitting at a table and wondered if she should join them. She stood by an empty table, unsure of what to do. I've always ever sat with Emi at lunch and now… Just as she was debating going over to Yugi's table, a hand tapped her shoulder.

She turned around and her eyes went wide. Her grip on her tray almost slipped but she managed to set it on the table before it could fall. Akeno put a hand to her chest as she looked at the one person that she hadn't expected to see.

"R-ryou?"

He looked back at her with his large brown eyes and uncertain expression. "I know we don't know each other very well but, well, you're the last person I remember talking to," Ryou said sheepishly. "You wouldn't happen to know how I got here?"

Akeno stared at him, unable to mask her shock. It's really him! It's really Ryou!

Ryou started feeling awkward under her gaze and began to think it was a mistake that he approached her. "I'm sorry," he murmured, "Maybe I shouldn't have-"

He let out a gasp as Akeno threw her arms around his neck. "I can't believe it's really you," she beamed, not yet letting go. A blush covered his face, clearly not expecting such a friendly welcome and was unsure whether or not to return it. "Uh, i-it's me," he reassured, aware of the number of people staring at them.

Akeno finally pulled away and smiled at his red face. Poor guy, I forgot how shy he was.

"Do you think you could tell me what happened?" he asked again, the blush slowly fading. "The last thing I remember is being on the blimp and then I was sitting in class."

Akeno nodded, sobering up. "Sure. Let's sit down," she said, motioning to the empty table.

The two of them sat down, trying to ignoring the batch of whispering going on around them. "Well, we got off the island alright, in one of Kaiba's planes," Akeno explained.

"I take it Bakura has been in charge?" Ryou asked cautiously.

Akeno nodded. "Yeah."

"But he's never taken control for this long," he said, mostly to himself. "What has he been doing?"

Akeno thought back. "Well, the first thing he did was get the Millennium Rod."

"He has another Millennium Item?" Ryou asked, eyes wide with surprise. "How did he get it? I thought Marik owned the Rod."

"Marik... sort of gave it to him," Akeno said carefully.

"Just like that?"

She recalled how Bakura intimidated and tortured Marik who barely escaped with his life, thanks to her. "Yeah," she answered, "Just like that."

Ryou nodded, thinking something over. "And after you got back to Domino?"

I should probably leave out the time when he nearly tortured me to death… "Well, Bakura wanted to keep me around so he made it seem like we…" she stopped, as a blush crept onto her face. "That you and I were, um."

Ryou watched her, oblivious to what she was hinting at. "We were what, Akeno?" he asked innocently.

She grinned nervously. "Er, dating?"

The shade of red his face turned was bright enough to match a tomato, well outdoing Akeno's pink cheeks. "Oh!" he squeaked, trying to hide his embarrassment.

"And, well," she continued, not really wanting to divulge any more but decided he had a right to know. "We're kind of living together…?"

Akeno thought it was impossible that he could turn any redder or look any more horrified but he managed it. In fact, she was starting to believe that it was very possible for someone to literally die of embarrassment.

"It's all an act though," she stressed, hoping to calm him down. "Really, it's not that bad. Unless, oh no. You… didn't like someone, did you?"

Ryou seemed thrown off by the question and forgot that he should still be blushing. "Like someone? Me? No, I- I suppose not," he answered. "I haven't really gotten to know anyone that well… Did you?"

"Hm?"

"Did you like someone?"

"Well, no," she said after a moment. "Not seriously anyway."

The pair was quiet for a moment and Akeno looked at her untouched lunch tray. I'm not that hungry… and it doesn't look too appetizing either.

"So, um, you're living with me then?" Ryou asked suddenly.

She looked at him and nodded. "Sorry. I didn't have much choice but to impose."

Ryou shook his head. "I understand. It's just, well, your parents were okay with it?"

Akeno felt as if someone drove a stake through her chest. "Oh, uh, my parents… I don't live with them anymore."

He could tell she was uncomfortable talking about them and nodded. "I suppose we could walk home together?" he suggested.

"I sort of have detention after school," she said guiltily, rubbing the back of her head.

Ryou seemed a little surprised. "Oh? Well, I could wait for you, if you'd like."

"Are you sure?"

He shrugged. "It's no trouble. Besides, I'd feel bad if you walked home alone. It'll be getting dark when you get out."

Akeno gave a half smile. "Thanks, Ryou. That's really sweet."

Lunch ended and the two parted ways to their final classes. Akeno was much happier as she took her seat in her writing class. Her time with Ryou seemed to give her more hope. That's who I'm fighting for. The sweet boy that I sat with. It doesn't matter how much evil is attached to him, I have to find a way to free him. Him and myself. And possibly the world. Doubt started to creep back up on her. I am not in over my head. I am not in over my head…

Akeno set her brush down when the last bell rang. She cleaned her calligraphy brushes and collected her books. The halls were filled with students eager to leave but she walked slowly down the corridor. She peeked around the corner to see if the coast was clear to her locker. Emi wasn't in sight but if she knew her friend, it'd be a matter of time before she stopped by. Clutching her books to her chest, Akeno turned away, not wanting to risk it.

I'll just drop my books off after detention.

Room 414 was designated for detention only and was located on the third floor. Akeno hadn't been there once but always remembered the miserable faces of those inside as she passed by. She hesitated but then a familiar voice called behind her.

"Hey, Akeno!"

She turned and saw Joey walking up to her. "What cha doin' up here?" he asked, his backpack slung across one shoulder.

"Uh, detention," she admitted.

"Oh right. I forgot Yug mentioned it. Guess we're detention buddies," he grinned.

"You too?" asked Akeno. "Were you late?"

"Nah. Just caught sleepin' in class. Maybe if da teacher wasn't so boring, I'd pay attention!" Joey laughed. "Though I probly shouldn't have said dat to his face…"

Akeno laughed quietly.

Detention wasn't as scary as she expected. It was mostly boring and tedious. There was no talking allowed but that didn't stop Joey from making silly faces at her. She learned that she wasn't any good at reading lips unless, of course, the only thing Joey had been saying was 'turkey sandwich'. After twenty minutes, he had fallen asleep much like the other unfortunate dententionees. She, on the other hand, let her mind wander back through the day and concluded that, detention aside, it went okay. It dragged on for an hour longer and they were finally released.

"I'll catch cha later, Akeno," said a tired-eyed Joey, just before he yawned.

"Bye."

It was always weird being in school when it was empty, and more so when the lights were out. Akeno made it to 221B and set to unlocking it. She set her texts inside and grabbed her book bag. Just as she put it on, a pale hand slammed her locker shut. She jumped and faced who had done it.

"What did I tell you about being late?" Bakura growled.

She stared at him, so shocked by his sudden appearance. Of course, it's him. Why would you expect to have Ryou? "Bakura, I-"

He shoved her against her locker with less force than he could have, she realized. "Well?" he demanded.

"I'm sorry," she told him. "I got detention and-"

"And you thought that this facility would punish more severely than I would?"

Akeno stammered, trying to think on her feet. "W-well, no, but, I thought it'd be better if I went because I could get suspended if I skipped and that would attract attention and that would be bad and um… I promise I'll be more careful."

His eyes narrowed at her rambling and walked away. Akeno stared after him, unsure if he was still mad.

"Come!" he barked and she ran to catch up.

"I really am sorry," she said, once she was next to him.

He snorted. "Don't think you aren't being disciplined for this."

Akeno frowned and tried to suppress a sigh. They exited the building and began down the pavement in silence, the same as how they came. The sun was low in the sky and deep orange, ready to plunge below the horizon and cast Domino into night. Akeno gripped the straps on her backpack. It's supposed to be Ryou walking me home, not him. Is he only going to let Ryou take control during school? Because that's awful- living at school! What an existence! But I doubt if Bakura would be considerate and let the guy breath a little fresh air!

Akeno jumped slightly when Bakura put his hand on her arm. She looked at him questioningly but he kept his gaze straight ahead, eyes serious and focused. "Walk faster," he told her.

Eh? Hold on, why the change in personality? He should be upset me with still. Not that I'm complaining but, I mean, he knows how to hold a grudge.

She acquiesced and sped up but her confused expression deepened as he steered them off course, the opposite direction of their apartment. His apartment, she corrected herself and then again, Ryou's apartment.

"I said faster," he hissed through his teeth.

"This is fast," Akeno quipped, before she could stop herself.

A frown crossed her features as she nearly jogged to match his long strides. Bakura led her through a row of old shops, most of which looked run down and closed. Akeno felt more nervous, realizing they were in a somewhat bad neighborhood.

I'm not sure if I should be more worried about the locals or Bakura… What is he up to? If he was going to torture me, he could do it in the apartment like before. There's no need to drag me all the way out here.

"Why the rush?" she breathed heavily, silently cursing her school shoes.

Bakura made a noise that was a cross between a snarl and a scoff. She didn't think he was going to offer a reply but he did.

"You're such a sorry creature," he smirked. "Have you no senses at all or do you not know how to use them?"

She made a perplexed face. "What do you mean?"

He snorted. "I can't believe I'm stuck with such a dolt. You honestly haven't noticed? Even now?"

Akeno was starting to get more annoyed. "No. Obviously. What have I missed?"

Bakura smirked once again and glanced at her briefly, a gleam of excitement in his eyes. "We're being followed."

AN: I just want to say I genuinely adore everything you lovelies write in your reviews and messages. Every single word. I just gush and blush and fall over in the best way possible every time I read them. And I reread them SO MUCH, it's probably unhealthy haha. I'm so thankful to have such PATIENT readers (not that there's much choice- IM SO SORRY) that put up with my sporadic updates. I'll skip excuses but I'll say this again- I HAVE A PLAN. No matter how long the wait- this story will be finished. In case you're wondering, it's not close to being done. I'd say the halfway mark if anything.

Well, I want to hug all of you in a bear-like fashion. And I'm excited to hear what you have to say. Really any thoughts or feedback is so much appreciated and loved.

PS: There's a picture of what Emi looks like but this site hates me and won't let me post the link even variations but whatever. Its on my Deviantart account (same name as this account). Or if you just google search this: Emi-336175641. Should be the only result lol.