Title: A Christmas Carol – Revised

Epilogue: New beginnings

Dedicated to: My best friend for nearly three years now, "Divey." I love you, gal. It's been three years of wonderful e-mails, love, hugs, tears and laughter alike. You mean so much to me. Never forget that.

Notes: Italics will take on one last use, since I have no further need for flash backs. This time, it's to add emphasis to a certain…note within the story. You'll see.

Review replies:

Pequena: Thanks.
Masaka1: Mmm. So true. All three points you mentioned were, in fact. Merry Christmas to you, too.
Green-Eggs: ...-sweatdrop- Yes, but traditionally it's taboo for the last ghost to speak.
dragonlady222: Yeah. I'm glad too. His relationship with Jou won't be -easy-, but he thinks it's worth it.
Anyway, sorry to hear it and don't worry about it.

Kaiba13: I'm pleased you liked it and I agree. Seto needs to -live-. Thanks for your review!
Yamiace1321: Oh? Well, I do sort of mention that, but unless this isn't clear...Yugi promised Yami...
Eh, naughty things. -giggle- Bakura was helped in his relationship with Ryou...and Marik...well, that's what the first scene's about.

Malik Fangirl: -Laughs- A woman, eh? I'm not surprised. For instance, Yugi's voice is HIGH in the Jap first season and I'm convinced he is also is either voiced
by a woman or a very small child. The jury is out on Yami, though.
Pennypigeon: Thanks!

AND THANKS ONCE AGAIN TO MY REVIEWERS! YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME!

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…

Darkness surrounded him, but it was not the same. No. It did not reach for him, with unendingly long, hungry arms, dragging him down, drowning him further in the mouth of utter destruction. He did not hear the never-ending sound of desperate whispers and moans of agony from the souls that were too far-gone. He did not feel raw, white fear that pumped through every vein in his body.

It was a peaceful kind of darkness…a quiet, which soothed the soul…but ever was it a reminder of what should become of him, if he could not remain strong. If he, too, was too far-gone. A test, it was. But before he even took it, they knew.

The agony of the wait bent and twisted his mind, a tiny thread of patience and self-control was all he had left. He clung to it now, for salvation. For life, for light.

'Please. I only ask…for one more chance.' He prayed, silently and as reverently as any mortal could. He laughed, only for a moment, at himself. Praying, no less. What business did a blackened soul have in prayer?

The business of change. The matter of hope.

It felt like eternity was slowly swallowing him as he waited…but at last, he heard the beautiful noise of a creaking door and he almost collapsed, oozing to the floor in relief. He raised his hooded head, barely able to contain the question, which furiously clawed at him mind. "A-and…?"

The illuminated figure at the door stared into his eyes for a moment…and in this time, he was reminded of all that had come to pass. It was painful, and yet…it made him dare to hope.

Then, a dazzling smile broke from the solemn lips. Marik had seen very few things more beautiful then such a blessed sight. This moment, he knew he'd remember for the rest of his existence. Just like another memory…from so long ago.

"Your freedom is restored, spirit. You are free." The celestial being murmured, sounding gentle as the coo of a dove, but resounding like a thunderclap.

Marik felt his entire being vibrate with that one sentence. 'You are free' and for a moment, Marik felt a burden, like a load of bricks…it lightened, if only a little. Like a spark: faint…but it was there. "Not yet." He replied softly.

In response, he saw the glowing figure nod and smile knowingly. "Then go…and seek your freedom."

Marik nodded, smirking. "I will." And as a bright glow engulfed his cloaked body warmth filled his heart… 'I'm coming back…I'm coming back to you.'

---

Feathers ruffled in frustration and a figure watched an illuminated form pace back and forth, irate. "I TOLD him not to talk! It's against the ruuuules!" A voice whined.

"Oh, hush. It's almost Christmas." Another voice admonished playfully. "The season for goodwill and forgiveness. He did his job, anyway."

"I guess so…"

---

"Hey, Mokie! I could use some tape, you know." Seto called, standing on a ladder, decorating for the Christmas party at their house. Upon hearing that Seto was open to the idea, Mokuba glomped him soundly and squealed like a stuck pig. After a contract or two concerning the party…the matter was settled.

"Sure thing, Seto!" Mokuba called from the kitchen, trotting into the large living room where the party was to be held. "Looks great, so far!"

Mokuba, however, did manage to rope Seto into decorating, complaining that he was so much taller then him and he –needed- help. Seto eventually gave in and was hanging up wreaths, streamers, homemade snowflakes…and just about everything else that required height.

"Yeah, well…thanks. I may have the creativity of a tree-stump, but at least I'm tall, right?" Seto asked dryly, snatching up the tape and repairing a streamer.

Mokuba giggled. "Yup. At least you have me here to help you, too, huh?" He winked at Seto, grinning impishly. To his surprise, rather then looking indignant, Seto's eyes softened into that loving, older brother look that elder reserved for him.

Seto nodded quietly in response, remembering the dreams…or whatever they were. Finally, finding his voice again, he mumbled a soft "yeah."

Mokuba stared at his older brother in concern, finally approaching a looming topic. "You know…you were so against this idea, at first. What made you change your mind?" He asked, gently.

Seto couldn't answer immediately, but after a moment of contemplation, he figured it'd be best if Mokuba didn't know everything…at least, right now. "It's kind of a long story, kiddo. But, I think I figured out that a little…prioritizing was in order." Of course, Mokuba didn't know the other 'priority' that Seto was thinking about.

Mokuba giggled. "I've been trying to tell you that for YEARS!"

The brunet rolled his eyes. "Okay, okay. Enough 'I told you so's…you can gloat later. We have work to do. Are the cookies done?" He glanced down at Mokuba, raising an eyebrow.

Mokuba 'eep'ed. "Oops! Uh…I'll get 'em!" Mokuba raced back into the kitchen…but after a couple of moments of clattering, banging and crashing…Mokuba yelled, "they're fine!"

"I hope the kitchen survived, too!" Seto yelled back, smirking. He attached one more streamer and leaned back to survey his work. "If you broke something, just tell me now and get it over with."

Mokuba came back in, laughing. "Nope. Everything is intact this time. Including me…and…Seto?"

Seto turned, hearing the sudden softness in Mokuba's voice. "Yeah?" He asked, stepping down from the ladder and setting the roll of tape down. His eyes flashed with slight concern.

Mokuba smiled. "It's been a while, ya know…since you called me 'Mokie.' It's kinda nice…hearing you call me that again."

Seto smiled back. "I'll remember that."

Without warning, Mokuba flung himself at Seto for the second time that day and grinned up at his older brother. "Hey…Seto?"

"Yeah?" Seto asked, tousling his brother's hair.

"I love you."

"I love you too…Mokie."

---

That night, the Kaiba mansion was more alive then it had ever been in its entire existence. Its rooms echoed with bubbly laughter, music…and the sounds of life. Seto surveyed the scene, a little warily. He'd only been to formal, stuffy, 'suit' parties. He'd never cared to go to any other kind save Mokuba's, otherwise calling them a waste of time.

Of course, the raven-haired boy had invited everybody and their dog. And speaking of dogs, Joey had just arrived, making Seto just a little more skittish in joining the festivities.

Bakura and Ryou, Seto noted with some amusement, were sitting together on his couch. Bakura hadn't touched a single object for theft and currently had his arm possessively around his hikari who appeared, for the moment, like he didn't want it any other way. Seto had a sneaking suspicion that this had something to do with his…'dreams.'

Though he certainly wouldn't ask.

Yami and Yugi were standing by the punch bowl, laughing and talking…and giving each other certain 'glances' which probably meant something like 'As soon as they're not looking, let's duck into a more…private area, ne?'

Again, Seto had his suspicions. Perhaps Yugi's…generous nature was responsible in this case.

Tristan and Duke were doing heaven only knows what…it looked like, avoiding each other and trying to get near Serenity.

The three girls of the group, Serenity, Mai and Anzu, were giggling and talking together, enjoying life and being…girls, really. Seto watched with some amusement, but limited interest.

He remembered that Isis had respectfully turned down his invitation, explaining that she had things to do. Seto wasn't surprised and replied that he was sure she was always busy with –something-.

Her brother, however, was more then happy to come and enjoy the party. Except…he'd been very quiet, aside from the chats with Yugi and Yami. Apparently, something serious was on his mind—but Seto couldn't ask. It wasn't his business and Malik didn't have much to do with him.

Seto did take the time to notice that the platinum blond was currently enjoying the fresh air of his balcony, out of the way in his private little space. Seto –also- noticed, with a smirk, that Yami looked a little disappointed that Malik picked –that- area to be 'alone' in.

He was so busy in his musings that he never noticed the soft footfalls of the blond behind him. He barely noticed the hand that shyly rested on his shoulder…but still, he –did- notice. Taking a moment to realize that this meant something, Seto turned to see Joey.

Joey tried, very hard, to look Seto in the eyes. He failed miserably. His gaze dropped like a rock, accompanied by a shy blush. "Kaiba."

Seto smirked at the blush, very amused. For once, he saw Joey red from something other then anger. It looked good on him. "Mutt."

Joey's eyes shot up and blazed angrily. "HEY!"

Cobalt eyes softened a little. Just a –little-, though it might have been Joey's imagination. "…Joey." He murmured, making the blond's blush a couple shades darker.

Joey adverted his gaze again. "Uh…listen, about yesta day…I, uh…I wanted ta thank you for…what ya did. F-for my sista. Y-ya know. I, uh…it meant a lot ta me and…it was very nice of ya."

Seto nodded understandingly. "Don't mention it." Then he paused. "Really. Don't mention it. I'll never hear the end of it from Yugi." Then, he did something neither of them expected. He laughed.

Joey, who had never heard Seto actually –laugh- out of plain –amusement-, was very…and perhaps pleasantly surprised. He found himself chuckling, after the shock wore off. "Yeah. I guess so. Ya never…told me why ya did that, though. I mean, ya don't even know Serenity and I'd guess da only reason ya'd do that is 'cause of me and dat…doesn't make any sense."

Seto glanced back at the scene below them. Reminding him, once again, that they were on the second floor and above the 'crowd' enough so that they wouldn't be heard. A moment of contemplation passed between them.

"In the past couple of days, Joey, nothing has made any sense. Honestly, though…I don't care. I know I'm not…very good at…expressing my feelings."

Seto felt his own face heat up for a moment. But, Joey nodded understandingly. "Yeah. I kinda…noticed that." Amusement laced his every word.

Seto turned, glaring at him for the jabbing comment. But Joey looked a bit sorry for interrupting to begin with and Seto found himself forgiving him.

"I'm sure you have." He replied. "After all, even dogs have to have some sense." The comment was a knee-jerk reaction, but…it didn't –exactly- help the situation.

"Kaiba…" Joey growled.

Seto chuckled. "I…didn't mean that. Force of habit. Listen…Joey…" He bit his lip, thinking his words over carefully. "I know how you…feel about me."

Joey's eyes nearly popped right out of his head, but Seto stopped him before he could pose any kind of question to the brunet.

"I think…I've known for a long time. I'm not really sure. The thing is, though…I guess, without really trying to…or even –wanting- to…I guess I care about you. A little. Maybe."

Joey gawked for a moment. A moderately public confession? Of…caring? Was this for real? Was Seto just playing with him or was he actually trying to tell him that he felt…something? "Uh—um—well, dat's…" Joey trailed off, completely at a loss for words.

Seto smiled. Another real, genuine smile. "This may be the first time I've ever seen you speechless. I didn't know it was possible."

The shock wore off and the blond snorted. "An' I didn't know it was possible for ya ta care about anyone but yerself. I guess we both got surprised ta'night…Seto."

The brunet nodded. "I guess so." He murmured, amused. Then, thoughtfully, he added "think it's possible for us to ever stop fighting or trying to kill each other?"

They looked at each other for a long moment, considering the question…then came the resounding, dual answer: "No."

---

Malik stood, all alone in the moon light, surveying the scene. His pale skin, untouched and unmarred by the desert sun was illuminated by the pale patron of the sky as she smiled down at him, almost lovingly.

The Egyptian teen heard himself sigh. It was nice, seeing Yugi and the pharaoh again. They welcomed him warmly and for that, he was grateful. He couldn't make himself feel like he belonged, though. Malik felt…alone. Empty.

His thoughts naturally drifted to Odion and Isis. They'd helped him all along the way—through the nightmares and the new beginning of a life, above ground and as one person, rather then two. It had been difficult, adjusting. But with the love of his brotherly guardian and his dear sister…he'd been okay.

Except lately. Something felt…different. As if something inside him had suddenly awakened and started kicking. A face flashed in his mind for a moment. A face he didn't want to remember. Yet, he could never forget.

"You're gone. You're never coming back. And yet, you still won't get out of my head. I can't ever get rid of you, can I?" Malik whispered softly, looking out to the horizon.

…For a moment, all Malik heard was the wind whispering in his ear. Then, he heard a voice reply—a voice that sent a shiver down his spine.

"No, you can't." Marik murmured, stepping out of the shadows. He'd been standing only feet away from his hikari as his mauve eyes burned into the back of his spiked head. "It's been a while…Malik."

Malik spun, eyes wide, breath catching in his throat. Marik revealed himself fully, coming into the moonlight, though keeping his distance. Malik gripped the railing, fear and shock flooding through him. "I thought—no. No. You can't be here! You were gone! The shadow realm and, a-and—"

Marik nodded, emotionless eyes ever on the fearful teen in front of him. "Yes…" He murmured low, in almost a purr. "But I'm back. And this time, I'm not leaving." He took a step forward.

Malik, seeing this, took a step back and glared viciously at his darker double, growling from deep in his throat. "Stay away from me!" He hissed. "I hate you! I never wanted to see you again…you destroyed my life! You nearly destroyed my family!"

A solemn silence passed between the two as Marik could almost feel the anger radiating off his hikari. He pursed his lips. "I know what I did. I know you hate me…and I don't blame you. I'd apologize, but I don't think you'd believe me."

"Damn straight!" Malik snorted. "I have no reason to believe you after how you lied to me. You murderer…"

Marik appeared to wince at that comment, his emotionless mask slipping for a moment, but it quickly returned. He couldn't—not yet. "Yes. I lied to you. I took your father from you. I won't ask you to forgive me…and I don't expect that you will. But I've been given…a second chance. And if it's humanly possible, I'll find some way to fix what I did."

For a split-second, Malik saw the change in his former tormentor. But, he couldn't believe it was there. Couldn't believe that Marik had it within him to be human. "There isn't any way." Malik snapped stubbornly, the glare returning to his features.

Marik let his mask slip again, forgetting to care. "Maybe not. But I want to find that out for myself." The total sincerity in his voice came as a shock, but not as much as what followed.

Feeling just as stubborn, Marik took as step towards his hikari, who tried to take a step back and found that he couldn't. Approaching him to a point within grabbing range, Marik grasped his hikari's wrist.

"Whaaaa—?!" Malik started to protest and to jerk away, but Marik had already let go. And, to his surprise, his darker double had left a piece of paper in his hand. "Huh?" Malik looked up, confusion in his lavender eyes.

Earnest mauve met his questioning eyes and he could almost feel the words written in those depths. 'Open it. Read it' Marik seemed to whisper, though his mouth never moved and his gaze never faltered.

Malik examined the paper warily…it appeared a little roughed up and was crumpled slightly, he could see a little bit of scribbling from a previous attempt to write and a couple of jagged tears from the rough handling. He cautiously opened the paper and this is what he read:

Though I'm fighting myself to do what's right,
I know I'm not gonna give up this fight.

I was lost in the dark,
My strength drained and gone,
Only a memory kept me going on.

I found what I wanted,
it was here all along,
and from some place inside me,
again, I became strong.

I'm back and it's true,
I'm paying my dues,
Now with a heart still repairing, but true.

But what you don't know is…
I came back for you.

Malik stared for a moment, re-reading that last line over and over. He couldn't believe his eyes. A…love poem? From his worst enemy? Had Marik just dove into a new low of insanity? Was this even real?

Malik looked up to speak, to say something, anything and—Marik was gone. Gone, vanished, as if he'd never been there. Yet, no. No. The paper was still there, in his hands. Malik gripped it slightly, not trying to disturb its already battered form—but, rather to prove to himself that it was really there.

Then, Malik noticed something. On the ground by his feet lay a single blood red rose. Malik stooped to pick up the frail beauty with amazement. Marik must have been trying some kind of magic act. Vanishing into thin air? Making flowers appear?

The teen sighed, going over the poem again. It was heart-felt. It had to be. Sure, his darker side was no Shakespeare, but honestly…this was…sweet?

"Marik." Malik breathed, shaking his head in utter confusion. After a long time of silent and intense contemplation, the Egyptian decided that his darker side was way too complicated to psychoanalyze in one night. Finally sighing and temporarily giving up, Malik headed back into the room and returned to the party to see…the entire room gawking at Seto and Joey.

They were…KISSING?!

Everyone watched or covered their "virgin" eyes as the pair of teens proceeded to do some kind of role-play about mistletoe or something. Yeah, definitely something. Maybe a little something else too. Muwaha.

When the brand-new couple finally broke apart, they saw the entire room watching, their faces now the color of freshly crushed palmagranites. Joey waved to Yugi and Yami sheepishly; who waved back, both smirking.

And Seto? Seto just stood there silently, now convinced that life could not get any weirder.

Until Mokuba came out of the kitchen with glazed eyes, sporting a huge grin and frosting that had been plastered all over his face and some of his hair--while wearing a--Santa suit? "Hey, -hick- Seto!" He giggled. "Ya know, that icing we got for the cookies is –aaaawesome-! So I figured –hick- I'd 'ave a taste while you were smoochin' with Joey. You shou' –hick- try some."

Seto shook his head as he sighed, now blushing like a spring rosebud. "Mokuba's sugar high, Bakura and Ryou are making out on my couch, I just kissed Wheeler and threw a Christmas party. What else is there to say?"

Mokuba giggled. "I know!" He chirped as if it was some wonderful secret. With a big sugar-induced grin, Mokuba glanced around and yelled "MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY!"

Everyone nodded in agreement, sharing laughter and smiles. "Merry Christmas!"

'Merry Christmas, hikari.'

OWARI!

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MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYBODY! EVEN IF YOU DON'T EVEN REALLY CARE ABOUT ME WISHING YOU WELL! HUZZAH!

Don't forget to review on your way out!