Hey there everyone! Well, sorry about the late post. I've had a busy day, plus I did a lot of proofreading on this chapter, which took a while. Life in general isn't that bad I suppose. I'm going to see grandpa tomorrow, so it should all be a good day.
Wow, my last chapter seemed to really get some positive feedback. I'm glad everyone really liked how I did it. The anime does a very poor job of explaining Jaden's past, so I slapped something together. I think it would explain why Jaden wouldn't really want to go home. Thank you all for sending all the feedback on that chapter.
Last time, Illidan explained things to Jaden, and Jaden in return explained his past. Now that Jaden knows who Illidan is, and who he is himself, what will happen?
This is going to be the best review session ever!
x-knight20: Heh, don't you know Marie (real life one) is a half cat demon? (/Watches her catch you with ease and drag you to the ground and beat you nearly to death with a frying pan.\) Ouch, that's got to leave a mark. Thanks for the comment.
Ultimate Legendary Master: Yeah, that's how he got the Neo-Spacians, but there is more to it, trust me. He'll explain later. Thanks about grandpa.
pink-kiss-candy: Thanks. Lol, yeah, Shippuden is pretty cool. I saw like the first 8 or so episodes, but stopped watching.
Knives91: Lol, yes, you gotta hate a burnt salad. Thanks, and yeah, I know, Jaden's story is a bit depressing. Thank you again for your comments. LOL! Uh, yeah, I kind of hid the popcorn…
Isis the Sphinx: LOL! I think he's turning a shade of blue there Isis. You may want to let go of Jaden before you kill him off. I'm glad you really liked this chapter. I think it was one of the saddest I've written, although I must say there are a few others that tie it. Thanks about grandpa.
Metal Overlord 2.0: WOW! That is a long review! Well, let's get started, I suppose, hehe. Thanks, I'm glad you liked how I wrote up Jaden's parents and what happened to them and why he never goes home. Heh, I thought the origin of the Shadow Charms did tie things together pretty well too, so thank you. Very true, the origins of the Neo-Spacians is a very big mystery yet, with Jaden only mentioning where he got the cards, and not much else. Well, other than he is connected to them. Heh, like I've said repeatedly, I hadn't seen season 2 or knew of it's existence till after I had begun this story. True, Sartorious is the type to use Marie as ransom against Illidan, if he was in this story, which he might be… or not, lol. So, you have an idea of who one of the baddies are, eh? Feel free to PM me to find out if you're right. Yeah, the tag team duel was kind of one sided, I admit. It kind of ended up that way, but then again, you have a couple of pros going up against kids who can't get their teamwork act together. As for original cards, hmm, should I or not say? I guess I will. Yes, there will be more original cards. This fourth Sacred Beast though isn't really a fourth, but more on that later. Thank you for your review.
ardee: Ah, I see. Lol, yes, having him insult Marie's cooking and see what you get. Hmm, Zell a villain you say? Well, that's kind of hard when he's dead. Eh, he's not reincarnated into Jaden, just so you know that much. Thanks about Jaden being better. He does occasionally say dumb things in my story, but not completely dumb like the show has him do sometimes. Thanks for your comments.
Wow, that was a lot of reviews! Well, at least long ones, lol. Thank you all again for them. I enjoy reading them and trying to answer them. Btw, thank you Raymond Barrett for your PM. I enjoyed reading it, and glad you were inspired to write a fan fic of your own.
That's it for me today guys. Sorry this is late again, but like I said, I got busy, and when I'm busy, I can't do anything, lol. Enjoy the chapter!
Chapter 34
A few days after Illidan and Jaden talked, on the eve of Christmas Eve, all of Illidan and Marie's family and friends began to arrive. Shadi, along with a very pregnant Ishizu, their three children, Odion, Marik, and a very shy girl whom hid behind Marik at all times arrived first that morning.
Mariah, the oldest of Shadi and Ishizu's children, dragged her mother and father off immediately to show the pair her room in the dorm. The couple kindly asked Marik and Odion to look after the two younger children, whom agreed to.
While they were gone, Marie noticed that the shy young girl was still hiding behind Marik, trying hard to not be noticed. Softly smiling at this, Marie walked over and said "Hello there. Who is this Marik?"
Lightly blushing, Marik stepped to the side and gently pulled the girl from behind him. The girl looked down immediately at the ground, trying hard not to look into Marie's face. Instead of saying anything or doing any kind of greeting, she held her right arm with her left hand in a shy manner.
Seeing the girl fully, Marie noted that she was a very nice looking woman. She had sandy blonde hair that reached her shoulders, with tan skin that shimmered in the light, and an oval face with perfectly oval eyes that were green. She wore a red sweater that wasn't too tight with a pair of comfortable looking jeans.
Still blushing, Marik gently said "This is my girlfriend, Gabriel Harding. Gabriel, I'd like to introduce you to…"
Stopping for a moment, he pondered on something and then asked "Uh, what relation are we?"
Marie anime sweat dropped at this and finally replied "I've always just figured sister-in-law or something to that effect."
"Ah yes, that's right. Anyways, Gabriel, this is Marie Stormrage, my sister-in-law."
Seeing that Gabriel was still acting rather shy, Marie offered her hand to her, saying "It's very nice to meet you Gabriel."
After a moment of deliberating, Gabriel let go of her left arm with her right hand and reached out and shook Marie's. In a very quiet mumble, she responded with "Hello."
"She's a bit shy, if you hadn't noticed." Marik quickly said while putting an arm around Gabriel's shoulder.
Smiling, Marie nodded, saying "It's alright. Feel free to make yourselves at home. Our home is your home."
"Thank you." Marik curtly replied. With that said, the pair went back to watching the two children.
Walking back into the kitchen to check on a few things she had cooking, a small smile escaped Marie's lips. "I'm glad Marik found someone."
About ten minutes later, Illidan with Jaden closely behind him returned from outside. Ever since talking with Jaden, the pair began to get closer and closer. The two almost seemed like brothers in a way, which made Jaden, as well as Marie, happy. To Jaden, Illidan treated him as an equal, not a kid. In return, Jaden treated Illidan with the same respect.
Seeing the pair enter, Marik walked over and gave Illidan a hug, saying "Good to see you again, Illidan."
Patting him on the back, Illidan replied "It's good to see you too Marik."
Separating, Marik noticed Jaden and curtly said "Hello. Who are you?"
Smiling, Jaden instantly replied "I'm Jaden Yuki."
"Nice to meet you Jaden. My name is Marik Ishtar."
Knowing Marik was curious to why Illidan had brought Jaden along, Illidan quickly said "Marik, you may or may not believe this, but this is one of your long lost relatives."
Cocking an eyebrow, Marik asked "What do you mean by that?"
"Jaden comes from my family line from when I lived in the past. He was my son's, Fahd, descendant from five millennia ago. You and Ishizu as you know are descendants from another of my sons, Kai. So, you're like long lost cousins in that manner." Illidan explained.
Both Jaden and Marik nodded, and Marik extended his hand and warmly said "Well, this is interesting. It's good to meet you Jaden. Welcome to the family."
"Thanks." Jaden replied hesitantly with a look of pondering on his face.
"Something wrong Jaden?" Illidan asked after noting Jaden's troubled look.
After a moment, Jaden finally responded with "Well, I was curious of something Marik. Can I ask you a question?"
"Of course, ask me anything." Marik kindly replied.
Taking a moment to construct his question, Jaden finally asked "Are you the same Marik Ishtar that faced off with Yugi Moto at the Battle City Tournament Finals?"
Bursting out into laughter, Marik asked "Is that all?"
"Sorry, I didn't mean to offend you…" Jaden began, but got cut off.
"No, you didn't. I'm just laughing because very few people remember that duel anymore. But to answer your question, yes, I am the same person." Marik responded with a smile.
Looking Marik over, Jaden finally said "You look different from what I remember in seeing the duel."
Lightly chuckling, Marik said in response "Well, I've changed since then. Illidan, have you explained everything dealing with Shadow Magic and all, right?"
Getting a nod from Illidan, Marik nodded in reply and said "Good. The reason I look different is king of simple. A powerful darkness was born in me as a child when I took what was called the Tomb Keeper's Initiation Ritual. In it, our family's most closely guarded secret was cut into my back. When I received the ritual, unlike others previously in my family, I grew bitter and a great darkness was born into me. My step brother, Odion over there, managed to keep it dormant throughout most of my young life until he was defeated in a duel that angered the Egyptian Gods. He was knocked out and my darkness got free and consumed me, fully taking control of my body. This was during the middle of the tournament, right before I dueled Mai Valentine. What you saw on T.V. or in films was the darkness dueling."
"Ah, that explains it." Jaden quickly said as he smacked a fist in his open hand.
Seeing someone standing behind Marik for the first time, Illidan lightly smiled and asked "Who is this hiding behind you?"
Blushing a bit, Marik reached behind himself and grabbed the young woman's hand and gently pulled her in front of himself. Kindly smiling, he said "This is my girlfriend, Gabriel Harding. Gabriel, I'd like you to meet Marie's husband, Illidan Stormrage. He is my brother-in-law."
"It's very nice to meet you Gabriel." Illidan kindly said as he extended his hand.
Gabriel didn't look up, but offered her hand, which Illidan kindly took and shook. Instead of letting go after shaking it, he brought it up and kissed it and kindly said "No need to be shy here. You're among friends."
Hearing that, Gabriel looked up and shyly smiled, and in a mere whisper said "Thank you."
"We're back!" Mariah yelled out, instantly interrupting the conversation.
Hearing this, everyone turned around to see them all walking in. Mariah stopped short of Jaden and gruffly asked "What are you doing here!?"
"That was rather rude Mariah!" Ishizu admonished
Turning to her mother, Mariah sorrowfully replied "I'm sorry momma."
"It's alright dear." Ishizu soothed as she walked in after taking her shoes and coat off.
Lightly chuckling, Illidan calmly said "Mariah, Jaden is here due that he's family."
"Huh?!" Mariah asked in a bit of shock.
"So, you told him then?" Shadi asked as he walked into the main room.
Smiling, Illidan nodded, saying "Of course. He's family. Mariah, Jaden is a distant cousin to you. Jaden, along with yourself, are a part of the family line that I started five millennia ago."
"Oh… Ok!" Mariah excitedly said after a moment.
Without a moment's hesitation, she leaped forward and embraced Jaden, saying "Welcome to the family!"
Shocked, Jaden hugged back, replying with "Thanks."
Ishizu was next to hug him, followed by a handshake from Shadi. Odion finally came over after dealing with the two younger children and introduced himself as well. The children were last to say hello to Jaden.
"This one is Riku, and the other the younger one is Sora." Ishizu said as she pointed at the two.
Riku had silver hair that reached his shoulders, and had strange aqua eyes. Meanwhile, Sora had spiky brown hair and bright blue eyes. The two were only a year apart, and were four and three age wise, with Riku being the older one.
Once the introductions were done, Ishizu sank down into the couch, letting out a loud sigh.
"Are you ok?" Shadi asked his wife, immediately moving to sit down beside of her.
Smiling, she replied tiredly "I'm just a little tired. All this traveling is a lot more tiring than I thought it would be."
"When is your baby due?" Jaden asked, not meaning to be nosy, but was more curious than anything.
"Hmm, sometime in a month or two I believe." Ishizu remarked. After a moment, she gave a sly smile and added "I'm a little over the seven month mark, meaning it's all downhill from here. Then again, it's also all pain from here on too."
"Any names picked out yet?" Illidan asked.
Thinking for a moment, Ishizu replied "A few, but nothing definite yet. We're not even sure what the baby is yet."
"Hopefully a little sister." Mariah chimed in from across the room.
Lightly chuckling at her daughter, Ishizu teasingly said "Perhaps. Or perhaps you'll have another brother."
"I'd rather have a sister." Mariah said with a bit of a pout in her voice.
The group all lightly chuckled at her. Noticing Marie wasn't in the room, Illidan decided he should check on his wife.
"Excuse me." he said as he bowed out and went into the kitchen.
Seeing Marie in there, he asked "How are things?"
Lightly smiling, she replied "Good. So far, the food is normal…"
"And not burnt?" Illidan teased.
Ignoring his comment, she added "Shadi and his family are the only ones who have arrived so far."
"That's alright. I have a feeling the others will be here sooner or later."
"Yeah." she said with a small smile.
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Around noon, another group of Illidan and Marie's friends arrived. A silver haired young man with a brown haired young woman, along with a young girl who had bright blue eyes and silver-brown hair appeared at the door.
Illidan welcomed them in. Seeing Jaden had no clue who they were, he softly smiled and said "Vash, Blue, and Kaia, I'd like to introduce you all to Jaden Yuki. We found out earlier this semester that he is a descendant of mine and Marie's from the past."
Extending his hand, Vash warmly said "Pleased to meet you chap."
Taking it, Jaden shook it, saying "Thanks. It's nice to meet you too."
Blue next stepped forward and gave him a kind hug, saying "A friend or family member of Illidan's is always a friend of ours."
Kaia was last to step forward and gave his leg a hug. Jaden only smiled and ruffled her hair lightly.
Picking Kaia up, Illidan smiled, saying "My, you're getting big, now aren't you? So, how old are you Kaia?"
She only lightly chuckled and sweetly replied "I'm six now silly."
"Wow, pretty soon you'll be older than me!" Illidan mockingly remarked.
"That's pretty old. I think I'll stay six for now."
Illidan, Vash, Blue, and Jaden all lightly chuckled at her comment. Setting her back down, Illidan said "Well, come on in. Only Shadi and his family are in for now."
Looking around, Blue asked "Where is Marie?"
Illidan pointed towards the kitchen, in which Blue nodded and walked off towards it.
Tugging on Vash's sleeve, Kaia asked "Daddy, can I go play with the other kids?"
"Go ahead sweetie." Vash said as he patted her on the head.
Smiling, Kaia ran off to play with Riku, Sora, and Mariah. Deciding to leave the group, Jaden followed after her.
"So, how are you Vash?" Illidan kindly asked.
Smiling, Vash replied "Pretty good. Mostly just trying to keep the bloody company going afloat in the market is all."
Nodding, Illidan said "Good to hear."
After a moment, Vash said "It's been rather quiet around home with Bakura gone. Then again, we have Kaia to keep us on our toes, although she badly misses her uncle."
"Yeah, Bakura was been her playmate a lot of the time, wasn't he?" Illidan quizzed.
Nodding, Vash replied "Yes, and she loves it when he comes home, which isn't very often now. I just wish he'd stay more often to help out with things."
"He has his reasons Vash. After the kind of life he's had to endure, I think he deserves a bit of breathing room."
Sighing, Vash smiled and sadly nodded. "Yeah, he has had it rough. Still, he does have some responsibilities he should come home for."
Patting Vash on the back, Illidan kindly said "I know, but he has some other ones that require him to be away too. Ever since he got his Shadow Powers, he seemed a little afraid to stay with you and you're family for too long. Don't forget, those same Shadow Powers are the ones that Ryou used to do so much damage with."
With a ragged sigh, Vash nodded in understanding. "True. I just wish Bakura could find happiness."
"I wish the same thing, but that's up to Bakura. Trust me, he'll find true happiness one day. Just be patient with him."
Smiling, Vash lightly chuckled, saying "You always know what to say to make me feel better."
"Comes with the territory I guess. Heh, I had a lot of wisdom given to me over two lifetimes. Not that I paid much heed to some of it." Illidan commented with a smirk.
Both lightly chuckled and joined Shadi and the worn out group of Marik, Gabriel, and Odion.
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After another hour, there was another knock at the door. Opening it, Illidan welcomed more of his friends into his home.
The first group consisted of a sandy haired young man who had brown eyes, a woman with blonde hair that reached her mid-back and had violet eyes, and two small children. The first was a young boy who had blonde hair that was down to his shoulders, and had violet eyes like his mother. The other child was a girl who had sandy blonde hair that was semi short, and had brown eyes like her father.
The next group that followed was a young man with a strange brown haircut and brown eyes, a sandy blonde haired young woman with hair that reached her butt and hazel eyes, and four children. The first child was a girl that had brown hair that was short and had a pair of curious brown eyes. The next was a young girl who had brown hair that came down to her shoulders and similar brown eyes. Next was a young boy who had long brown hair twisted up in a pony tail and had hazel eyes. Finally, the last young boy had sandy blonde hair that was down to his shoulders and had one brown eye and one hazel eye.
The last group consisted of a young man with long black hair that was held up in a pony tail and had green eyes with a die earring in his ear, with a young woman with sky blue eyes and brown hair that came to her shoulders, and finally a young girl with black hair that had pink and blonde highlights, and beautiful violet eyes.
Walking into the main living room, Illidan noticed Jaden close by and motioned for him to come over. Jaden instantly came running to Illidan's side.
Waving a hand towards Jaden, Illidan said "Guys, I'd like to introduce you to Jaden Yuki. He's a second year student here at the Slifer Dorm. We found out recently that he is also a descendant from my family line from the past."
Motioning towards the first group, Illidan pointed to the sand haired young man, saying "Jaden, this here is Joey Wheeler..."
"THE JOEY WHEELER!?" Jaden asked with enthusiasm.
Nodding, Joey smirked and responded back with a thick New York accent "The one and only kid!"
The smile on Jaden's face only widened as he said "Wow, it's a real honor to meet you!"
Chuckling at his reaction, Illidan said "Well, you've not met everyone yet. Next we have Mai Wheeler, Joey's wife."
Again, Jaden's eyes shined brightly, as he said "Wow, you know both Joey and Mai Wheeler! Awesome!"
"Well, you're a strange one, aren't you hun?" Mai said with a thick belle voice. She lightly smirked at Jaden, who only stared in awe.
Lightly chuckling, Illidan simply said "He gets a bit excited, as you can tell. And these two are their children. The boy here is Valen, and the girl is Jaina."
Smiling at the group, Jaden said "It's good to meet all of you."
Both the children smiled and nodded, each saying "Nice to meet you too."
Seeing Mai glancing around, as were the children, Illidan quickly commented "Marie is in the kitchen with the other women, and the kids are in the other room."
Nodding, Mai replied "Thank you. Valen, Jaina, do you want to go play with the other kids?"
"Sure mom." Valen replied immediately, and Jaina soon nodded in agreement.
"Be good." Mai lightly commanded as the two walked towards the other room. Mai herself then walked towards the kitchen, seemingly looking for company.
Seeing the next group was ready for introductions, Illidan smiled and said "Jaden, this is Tristan Taylor, and his wife Serenity Taylor. Serenity is Joey's sister by the way. These are their four children also."
Pointing to each in order, he said "This is Tina, the oldest. Next to her is her sister, Kathryn, who goes by Katie. This young man next to her is their brother, Michael. Lastly, this is their last brother, Tristan Jr."
Offering his hand, Tristan said "Nice to meet you Jaden."
Taking it, Jaden smiled and curtly replied "Thanks, and it's nice to meet you too."
"Kids, do you want to go play with the others?" Serenity sweetly asked.
All four nodded, and she said "Well, go on ahead."
The four all rushed off in a hurry at those words, seemingly excited to go play. Turning back to Jaden, Serenity smiled and gave him a light hug, saying "It's nice to meet you."
Lightly blushing from all the contact from all day, Jaden replied "Thanks. It's nice to meet you as well."
"I'm going to go sit with the other girls, alright honey." Serenity said towards Tristan.
Nodding, he said "It's cool. Me, Joey and the others will just hang out here."
Giving him a quick kiss on the lips, Serenity glided away with a smile. Tristan lightly blushed, causing Joey to roll his eyes and grumble out "You're blushing again."
Shaking his head, Joey pushed Tristan along, thus allowing the next group to step up to be introduced. Seeing them, Illidan smiled, saying "Allow me to introduce you to Duke Devlin. He is the creator of the game known as Dungeon Dice Monsters."
"You're the creator?!" Jaden asked excitedly.
"You got it. I created it back about ten or eleven years ago." Duke remarked.
"Wow!"
Chuckling at Jaden's reaction, Duke said "I'm going to see if I can catch up with Joey and Tristan."
"Ok Duke." Illidan said as he looked at the last two.
Pointing at the two, he warmly said "Jaden, this is Tea Moto, and her daughter Yoshi Moto."
Brow furrowing, Jaden asked "Are you related to Yugi Moto?"
Sadly smiling, Tea nodded. The light in her eyes seemed to be so weak, making Jaden sorry for asking. "I… I didn't mean to offend you." he began.
Shaking her head, Tea softly replied "It's alright. Me and Yugi are married. This is our daughter."
"Jaden, why don't you go on ahead and take Yoshi to see the other children?" Illidan asked nicely.
Seeing Illidan wished for him to leave, Jaden nodded and replied "Sure."
Reaching his hand out to Yoshi, Jaden was somewhat shocked when she pulled back out of his reach.
Noticing her daughter was slightly afraid of Jaden, Tea encouragingly said "Go on dear. It's alright."
Nodding, Yoshi shyly took Jaden's hand and walked off towards the room where the other children were.
"He's still not come home, has he?" Illidan gently asked as the pair watched them leave.
With a heavy sigh, Tea slowly said "No."
"Are you alright?" he asked, knowing the answer.
"Can we go outside?"
Softly smiling, he nodded, saying "Sure."