A/N: I guess you all were expecting an update from one of my other stories, but since this story is on the brink of concluding soon, I decided to keep working on this one until it's finished. Don't worry, I will keep updating my other ones too. I just want to hurry and finish them all one by one. So, here is thanks to everyone who reviewed my last chapter:

Tears Of Us All
dancers of the night
Atem's Sister Atea
Divinitas
LivingLegends
fantasia-49
Koragirl
EarthGuardian
Blackened Gem
takerschick

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh!

Summary: Five years have passed since Atem and Tea got married and had their twins; Yuki and Kimika, but there is a woman who is infatuated with Atem and is doign everything in her power to take Tea's place in his heart and his life. Will she succeed?

Recap:

"Honey, stay with me!" Atem lightly shook Tea to keep her awake. "Don't close your eyes...you're going to be okay." He could see she was trying her hardest to stay awake, but her body was doing the opposite. He was scared...the worst feeling in the world, a feeling that he never wanted to experience again. But looking at Tea closing her eyes, not knowing what was wrong with her, made him so afraid. Afraid of losing her...and he was not going to allow that to happen.

He needed to get Tea to the hospital, getting her cared for is what mattered to him. But as soon as he got the news that Tea would be all right, his search would begin.

And when his search ends...the life of the one responsible...

....will also end.

Chapter 14

His mind was spinning faster than a top, since Atem arrived to the hospital with Tea, he was not able to think clearly. Since the moment her eyes slipped shut, it was like Atem's sense of peace was shattered completely. So many things were flowing through his head all at once, and he just wanted it to stop. To make the pain in his chest, his head...basically his entire body disappear.

It has been over an hour, and there was still no word on Tea's condition. Atem would find just about anything to keep his nerves calmed from having to wait this long. He paced the floor, sat down, look towards the room where they took Tea into, paced again and just repeated the cycle all over again. A few times, Atem thought he would actually burst from this torture. Just how long was he suppose to wait before he got any news on her?

"You really need to calm yourself." Atem had almost forgotten that the Kaiba brothers both tagged along with him. They were seated in the chairs against the wall. Kaiba was checking his phone for any important emails and Mokuba was holding on to Buyo; who was taking care of his little, sprained paw. His whimpering sounds were dying down, but just as they were on their way to the emergency room, he was going absolutely crazy. Atem was also afraid of what happened to the little guy. His guessed that Buyo was trying to protect Tea when the burglar entered his home. And in the process, he got hurt badly.

He was only a few seconds away from the house, how is it that Atem did not hear the intrusion in time? Why is it that he is never in time to protect Tea from harm? Why couldn't he be the one to take her pain instead? He continued pacing...it seemed to be the only thing that would keep his head clear, but it was on a constant whirlwind of worry.

"I told you to calm yourself." Atem turned back to Kaiba. Only this time, he was met with his stare. He just glared back, not in the mood to dealing with him at a time like this.

"How can I calm down when I don't know the condition of my wife? No one is willing to tell me anything, but they expect me to just sit here and wait. While they take their sweet time to tell me what I need to know."

"Well, what you are doing right now, is not going to make the doctor come out any faster. If you want things to right, you have no choice but to wait. It's hospital procedures anyway." Kaiba replied as he went back to reading his emails.

Atem could care less about any sort of procedures. The only thing he cared about...was Tea and how she was holding up. He wanted...no, needed to be in there with her; to be close at her side. Why couldn't anyone understand that that was where he should be right now? He could feel that Tea needs him, his heart was tugging to go to where she was. But because of the doctors' orders, he couldn't do anything until they gave the word. However, he did not want her to know she was alone; that he wasn't there for her. People would think he was insane for explaining this, but how many people can understand how he feels, until they actually know what it's like to be in love?

Tired again from pacing the floor, Atem sat back in his chair and supporting his elbows against his legs. His hands were covering his face as he went into his thoughts and the last thing he and Tea were doing before all this happened. Just not too long ago, they were holding each other and laughing together. She was safe within his arms, he was like a shield for her...now this? Just when his back was turned or when he was not around, Tea was hurt, or someone hurts her purposely. How did something so peaceful turn into something so horrible?

Atem couldn't stand this waiting anymore, he has done it long enough. So, he went in search of Tea's doctor. Whether the doctor had answers or not, being away from his wife and not knowing her condition was driving him crazy. He didn't know where he was going, but his heart knew where Tea would be. That feeling would lead him straight to her. The hallways seemed like an never ending tunnel, but it was much different. There were lights, yes, but there was a particular light that he was searching for. The lights from the ceiling and the rooms felt dull to him. He wanted his light. He needed to know that it was safe, that it would not go out on him.

He was getting close; and the closer he walked, the more his chest constricted on him. He placed his hand against the wall, to keep his balance. His body was severely shaking. Sweat was forming along his forehead, and he could hardly breathe. This never happened before to Atem...and for the first time in a long time...he grew afraid. What was wrong? What was happening to Tea? He didn't want to have negative thoughts, but when his entire body was reacting this way, how could he not?

Looking up, Atem found a door opening and a doctor coming out from the room. She was there...he could feel it, and this woman was her doctor. She would have the answers to his questions. Surely, she must know of Tea's condition and if she was all right. So, trying to compose himself, Atem went forward to try and catch up to her. He watched as the doctor glanced up from her medical charts in time to see him coming.

"Sir, do you need help? You don't look well..." she said while taking off her stethoscope.

Atem stopped her, he did not need to be physically checked out. "My wife, Tea...you're her doctor, aren't you? Please...you have to tell me if she is okay."

"You're Mr. Muotu, yes I do have news about your wife-"

"How is she?!" Atem interrupted her. "What has happened? I have been waiting too long to know about her condition."

The doctor nodded her head, understanding completely to how Atem must be going frantic with such worry over his wife. In her years working in the medical field, she has witnessed these kinds of emotions from other families whenever their loved one was seriously hurt or ill. Wanting so much to know how their conditions were, so that the right treatment can be given to help them become well again. "Mr. Moto, your wife is in stable condition right now, but I still have some concerns."

Atem's face took a confusing look. "What do you mean concerns?"

"When your wife was brought in, we ran some tests on her. It was found that there was a substance injected into her body, which caused her to go into shock."

"Tea was drugged, and she went into shock?!" He was just about to rush into the room, when the doctor stopped him.

"Calm down, she's fine now. We were able to get her out of it in time." Atem sighed in relief from hearing this, but he was still afraid about what was not being told to him. Just what was it that she needed to say? "The substance that was found caused an allergic reaction, and since there was a great amount of it...I won't lie to you, there were times when we almost lost her." she tried to explain in an easy way.

Gravity took control as Atem's body suddenly dropped into a chair next to him. He came so close to losing Tea; a fear that he would have not been able to deal with. He couldn't stand the thought of it, she was his life. Losing her would have been the same as someone plunging a knife repeatedly through his heart. The same someone who caused this in the first place. Whoever did this, would suffer a fate worse than the firing pits if bloody hell.

Collecting himself once again, Atem found the strength to stand up. He would concentrate on finding the culprit who put Tea in this position later. Right now she needed him by her side. "I need to see her, is it alright if I went inside?" he asked the doctor.

She, of course, nodded her answer and led him inside Tea's room. Once the door was opened, Atem slowly walked inside and the first thing he heard, was the beeping sounds from the heart monitor. His eyes landed on the one he was desperately wanting to hold. Her eyes were still closed, but he could not begin to imagine what happened when he was in the waiting room.

His legs moved forward in slow steps. He grabbed the empty chair that was sitting against the wall and slid it over next to Tea. Sitting down, Atem gently took her hand into his and held it carefully as if it was fragile. There were tubes connected to her. The color of her skin was lighter than normal.

"She's so pale..." he whispered and turned to the doctor standing by the door. "Are you sure she is all right?"

"Yes, she will be just fine. It's going to take a lot of recuperating, but I promise you, Tea will be one hundred percent better in no time. Your wife is very strong, one of the strongest patients I have ever seen in my time as a doctor." She walked over to recheck Tea's vitals once more, making sure there was nothing missed. "With the amount of the drug that was in her system...it would have meant her death, but she refused to give up. It's what makes my job worth it, to see and be amazed to how a person can make it out of the impossible." she said smiling.

Atem had to give a smile himself. He was proud knowing that Tea had been fighting to come back to him and their family. It just proves how much their love was strong, invincible and impossible for anyone to destroy. He brought her hand up to his cheek, feeling the same warm, silkiness of her creamy skin along his face. It brought a little bit of comfort to him, but he would feel so much better if she opened her eyes. Because once Atem caught her blue eyes staring lovingly back at him, he would then concentrate on finding the one who did this to her.

"Thank you so much for saving her. You have no idea how much she truly means to me...and to my family."

She laughed softly, careful not to disturb the quiet atmosphere. "It's in my job description; to make sure I do whatever I can to save a patient, so you are very welcome."

Reluctantly, Atem stood from his place next to Tea to take out his phone. "Um, I have to make a few phone calls. Could I be contacted in case there is a change on her, or if she awakens? I really want to be here for her to see me, so she's not alone."

"Of course, it is no problem at all." She quickly excused herself when she was called in to check on another patient.

Atem just stood for a few seconds and stared at the open door. His expression was sullen, he felt exhausted and being in this hospital was enough to make him go insane. He hated hospitals, it was just plain and simple. Though all those feelings did not compare to the rage that was itching to be released. The person who dared to enter his home and almost kill his wife, there would be no mercy shown when Atem finds him.

He walked back over to Tea and had hoped to see something that would show she was waking up, but...she just remained still and unknown to what was around her. His hand caressed her cheek, waiting for just one little reaction from her. Did she even know that he was there? Was she having any dreams now? If it wasn't for the beeping of the heart monitor or the warmth from her body, he wouldn't be able to tell if Tea was still....

'Damn it, stop this, Atem! She's not gone...she's still here with me.' It was just as the doctor said, Tea was still alive and needed time to get her strength back. He just had to wait for her, no matter how long it took. Atem would always wait for Tea in any situation. Which brought him to remember the time when he waited to know of Tea's feelings for him. He knew he was making a bold move in telling her how much he loved her; with her just getting over Renku. He understood that she was not ready for a relationship and he respected her wishes.

He didn't want to rush her at the time, but his heart was urging for him to whisk this beautiful woman away, and give her all the love she deserved. And just when they're first date ended that night, Atem's waiting had finally paid off when he heard those wonderful words flow from Tea's mouth. He can still remember the feeling of his heart beating so rapidly. How happy he felt knowing she was allowing her feelings to come to surface.

Leaning over to her, Atem placed a gentle kiss on her head and stayed close to whisper to her. Hopefully, apart of her would be able to hear his words. "Don't worry...I won't be long, okay? I will come back to you as fast as I can. Just work on waking up for me..." He gave her one more kiss and walked out the room, closing the door gently while leaning against it. He wanted, so much, to just stay with her, but he needed to let Katie and Koji know what has happened tonight. Plus...he needed to figure out how to explain the situation to Yuki and Kimika.

"So, she was drugged, huh?" Atem didn't need to turn around in order to know who spoke to him, but he did anyway. Kaiba and Mokuba must have followed him when he was trying to find Tea's room.

"Yeah, she was...and I plan on hunting down the bastard who did this to her." Atem said in a low, but cold voice.

Kaiba can't remember the last time he has seen Atem like this, but this is not something new to him. He knows that when Atem is hurt in a personal way; whether it be to him or to someone he loves, his personality switches completely. He was a totally different person, and it took a lot to get him back to how he was before. "How do you plan on finding the guy?" he asked.

Atem sighed. "I don't know...there has got to be some kind of clue that would give me a lead. But he was wearing dark clothing, so I can't be sure on where to start. First things first, I need to make some calls." he said.

"Well then, I guess there is no need for us to stick around any longer. You planning on taking your mutt back?" he asked referring to Buyo sleeping in Mokuba's arms.

Without giving an answer, Atem thanked Mokuba for taking care of the little puppy. He had to get him home, but he still had things to ask Kaiba before he left out. "Thanks a lot for your help, but you didn't exactly have to wait around here. In fact, you didn't have to come along at all...so why did you?" Atem was not able to ask this at the time, seeing as Tea was more on his mind the moment he got here. He didn't even know what Kaiba's reason was for showing up at his home tonight.

"Hn, well for one thing, Mokuba would never let me live with myself if I did not offer any sort of help." Kaiba gave a glance to his little brother, seeing him grinning innocently. "And second, I also need to find out about the lunatic that was crazy enough to run out in front of my car."

"I'll find him, there is no way I am going to let that guy off easily." Atem said while petting Buyo.

"When you do, let me know. I'm itching for some good entertainment." Kaiba signaled Mokuba that it was time to leave and Atem watched as the Kaiba brothers disappeared out of the hospital doors. From all the years Atem has known Kaiba, he still could not understand him sometimes. There were moments when he was against him, like when it came to business. But, of course, being rivals with him, it was no surprise.

Then there were times when Kaiba dropped everything just to help him. This was the second time that he has put things aside and assisted in caring for Tea. He says that it was for Mokuba's sake. Maybe on a count of him being friends with Yuki and Kimika, and Tea's kindness towards him. Or...could it also be out of friendship? Atem does not know if Kaiba sees him as a friend, it was hard to tell with his exterior. So, if it was indeed true, then Atem would not mind calling Kaiba a friend. Joey, however, would probably chew his head off.

His watched beeped, and Atem checked it to see that it was one in the morning. He did not realize how much time has passed just by being here. So, without wasting anymore time and wanting to hurry back inside with Tea, Atem carried Buyo out to his car. He needed to get the little guy home to rest. He would need to stay with Katie and Koji until the situation was sort out.

Taking out his phone, Atem decided to call ahead rather than showing up without notice. Seeing that it was late and knowing the kids were asleep, it would make things a bit harder when they find out their mother was hospitalized. He finally got an answer on the other end.

"Katie, it's me...I'm sorry to call so late, but something has happened."

Three days later

The afternoon was quiet and peaceful for once. Atem was sitting under a sakura tree watching Yuki and Kimika running around with Buyo. The exercise that the little puppy was getting really helped his paw to become much better. Looking at the twins, Atem was glad that they were occupied in their little game. The morning after he arrived at Katie's, telling Yuki and Kimika the news about Tea was a lot harder than expected. He did manage to tell them, making sure to keep out the major details to what really happened that night.

Kimika was very upset, which was no surprise to Atem. His little girl was easily frightened and worried when something goes wrong. He couldn't remember how long she cried for, it broke his heart seeing her tears. She even went so far, that she cried herself to sleep. Atem stayed awake most of the night just to check on her. Not that he could exactly sleep anyway. Without Tea in their bed, Atem was just so restless. The bedroom was so empty and cold without her warmth.

Now, Yuki was a different story. When he heard the news, he was upset as well, but he showed it in another way. Usually, Yuki would be very talkative...but lately, he's been so quiet; hardly saying no more than two or three words. He knows that his son is doing his best to be brave, caring for his sister more than himself. He was proud to know that Yuki was strong, but he was just a little boy. He needed to know that it was okay show your sadness when it was necessary.

They had just left visiting Tea, and still, she has not awaken. Though, the doctor tells him that she is progressing well. Atem was just very anxious to see her open her eyes. It may have just been a few days, but the longer he waited, the more it felt like an eternity. Kimika was telling her about how much she was enjoying school and her little classmates. She even made a beautiful 'Get Well' card for Tea to see when she wakes up. If there was anything that would keep Kimika in good spirits, it was telling about all the things she has done in a whole day. And that was good, it kept her distracted and worry free.

Yuki was quiet throughout the entire time Kimika was talking about their school day. He just stared at Tea, as if he was waiting for her to move. Even when Atem came back from the gift shop with Kimika, he seen that Yuki had crawled up to lay next to Tea; with his head gently over her stomach. After seeing that, Atem felt so helpless that there was nothing much he could do. Except give comforting words, talking with the twins and just hugging them when it was needed. But he really needed to have a talk with Yuki.

Checking the time, Atem noticed that it was much later than he expected and called the kids over to leave. He did not know if he wanted to be home tonight. To take his mind off of things, he was thinking about getting some work done. So Katie agreed to have the twins over for the night.

The drive was quiet, but smooth. Kimika would every now and again ask Atem a question; which he happily answered. She would even try to get Yuki to join in the conversation, but he still would not talk as he normally would. There were times when Atem would look back and see that same, depressing look. It did not take long for them to arrive at Katie and Koji's. Alicia was outside kicking her soccer ball around a bit with Koji, while Katie was doing some planting when they pulled up in the driveway.

Once out of the car, Buyo was the first to jump out and run to chase after the soccer ball. Atem led both Kimika and Yuki to where the front of the house, where Katie and Koji both greeted them.

"Hey, you guys made it. How's Tea, any change?" Koji asked.

"Not yet, but the doctor says that she's getting better." Atem looked over to where Yuki and Kimika were now. Kimika was talking with Alicia about something while watching Buyo lie on his back and panting from playing all afternoon. Yuki was sitting on the step, rolling the soccer ball back and forth with his foot. "Thanks a lot for watching the kids for me."

Katie smiled, "It's no problem, boss. You know Yuki and Kimika are welcomed here anytime...how you holding up?" she asked.

Atem sighed, not knowing the right way to describe this emotional roller coaster ride. "I'm barely trying to keep it together, for Yuki and Kimika's sake. Though, if it was not for them, I would probably be much worse than I am now."

"I know, Koji and I just hate seeing you like this. Have the police tracked down the guy who did this to her?"

"No, and it's so frustrating that I am no where near close to finding him. My wife is in the hospital, while he's roaming around somewhere...possibly doing the same thing to someone else. Fortunately, there were no reports of any more break-ins or victims who were drugged. So, I guess that's a relief there." Atem explained.

Koji placed a reassuring hand on Atem's shoulder. "Hey man, he's going to be found. That dude can't hide in the shadows forever."

"Things are going to be just fine. Tea will be awake soon, you'll be able to take her home and that idiot will be behind bars. Trust me, boss, and I tell Koji this all the time. I am always right. And even when I'm wrong, I'm right." Katie smiled.

Atem was confused, but he felt Koji lean in close to his ear. "She's right, I just go along with it. Especially, if I don't want a place on the couch at night."

He just chuckled slightly. Katie and Koji had the most interesting relationship as a married couple. It's a little similar to how he and Tea react with each other...he really missed her so much. Atem shook his head a bit to clear his thoughts.

"Well, I'll remember that. Before I go, I have to talk with Yuki for a bit." They both nodded and went to tend to the girls. This left him to look at Yuki, who was still preoccupying himself with the soccer ball.

So, he joined Yuki to sit next to him. "Hey son, you okay?"

"Yeah..." he answered quietly. Atem had expected that to be his response. But of course, being his father, he knew that Yuki was not all right.

"Are you sure...or are you just saying that?"

Yuki looked up at him. "What should I say?" he asked.

"How about what you are really feeling? I know these past few days haven't been easy on you and your sister. And I noticed that you haven't been your usual self lately either." Yuki just turned back to rolling the ball around, which gave Atem the notion to continue speaking. "You can tell me how you're feeling, sometimes it's not always the best decision to hold things in." he said wisely.

Yuki stopped rolling the ball, but he didn't take his eyes off it. "...It's just, I really miss Mommy. I want her to wake up and come home."

Atem gently picked up Yuki and placed him on his leg. "I do too, that is something I want more than anything else right now. But I don't want you worrying about that. The doctor said that she is fine, she just needs to keep resting. And it's okay to feel sad. You and Kimika have never been away from your mother this long before. So, I know that it's scary not having her at home."

"But if I feel sad, then I can't be strong for Kimika...or you."

Atem blinked in confusion. Yuki was trying to be strong for him? He could understand his need of strength for his sister. He is the first born twin, and he had the instincts of an older brother...but needing to be strong for his father? That was something Atem was not expecting to hear from his son.

So, he pulled Yuki into a hug. "Yuki, listen to me...that is not your job, understand? Your job is to be a kid. I'm suppose to be strong for you, your sister and your mom. You do not have to feel the need to hold in your emotions because you worry about how I may feel. I know you want to be strong for Kimika, but I am the one who is suppose to worry about you. Not the other way around." Atem heard a little whimper escape from Yuki, and knew that tears were coming. He rubbed his son's back in comfort. "It's okay, just let it out." he said.

And that is just what Yuki did. Atem let his body rock back and forth when Yuki started sobbing into his chest. The last time his son cried like this was when he was just a small baby. Yuki was a very tough, little boy, and he reminded Atem of how he used to be when he was little. Times when he had to protect Yugi from neighborhood bullies and keeping his emotions under locked up. Maybe that is why Atem lost control so much whenever he was angry. He didn't want the same thing to happen to Yuki.

Yuki's crying was dying down and only little sniffles were heard from him. Looking down, Atem noticed that all that crying had made his son very tired. Just holding him like this made Atem think back to the day he and Tea brought their twins home for the first time. Time flies by so quickly, so Atem cherished and treasured moments like this.

"Is he okay?" Atem looked up when he heard Katie next to him, then looked down to find Yuki falling asleep.

"Yeah, he just needed a good cry. I think he'll be okay, you mind if I put him to bed now?" he asked.

Katie, however, gently took Yuki from Atem and smiled. "Don't worry, boss, I'll do that. I know you have things to take care of, Yuki and Kimika are in good hands." she said.

"I know, you and Koji are life savers. I think I'll go by the company and get some work done. It just feels empty going home right now."

"Work? Oh, no you are going straight home." Katie said firmly.

"Katie, I-"

"Look, I know it feels strange not having Tea at home with you, but are you just going to avoid being there? That will not help you, Atem, and I can bet you that you haven't slept a wink since she has been in the hospital, now have you? I'm worried about you too, so promise me that you will at least get a little bit of rest. Even if it's just for an hour. Go home and rest...please."

He was hesitant about it, but Atem nodded, knowing that what Katie said was true. He then watched Yuki opening his eyes slightly. "Night, Dad..." he whispered tiredly.

"Goodnight, son...sleep tight, okay? I'll see you tomorrow." He closed his eyes again as Katie took him to bed. Now, Atem needed to say goodbye to his daughter; who was now running towards him.

"Are you leaving now, Daddy?" she asked.

Atem smiled and stooped down in front of her. "Yes, I have to go now, but I will be back in the morning." he said.

"Can we see Mommy again tomorrow?"

"Of course we can. We'll see her everyday until she wakes up and is able to come home." After it was confirmed, Kimika gave her father a hug of her own, which was making Atem feel a little better than before. It was amazing to him how a simple hug can wash away sadness, even if it was a small portion of it. Atem carried Kimika to Koji, giving her a kiss goodnight and thanking Koji again for the favor.

As he, Alicia and Kimika went inside, Atem went straight for his car to drive off. He knew that he promised Katie that he would go home and rest for the night, but Atem just was not ready to head back yet. So instead, he just drove around until something would catch his eye.

Just how long has it been since he just drove through the city like this? With no exact place to go? If he wanted, Atem could drive for the entire night and not even be the least bit tired. Except for the fact that he has not slept once, so maybe that idea would not be such a great one. The drive was getting too quiet for his taste. Atem decided to turn on the car radio to see if there were any good tunes playing tonight. Shuffling through the stations and still nothing good was playing...that is until he found a song he and Tea once danced to together on a date they once went on together.

So many things were reminding him of Tea; not that he was trying to get it off his mind. It just hurt so much knowing that she is not here with him now. She is stuck in a hospital bed, where she should not be.

After driving for almost a good thirty minutes, Atem found himself where he did not expect to be, but his heart led him to. The lake. The same lake where he first took Tea, the one where he found her when she found out about Rachel, the one where they went to on his birthday...and the one where he proposed to her. This lake always brought them closer together whenever they appeared here. It was their lake, and it was what made it so special. Because no one else knew of this lake or knew how much it held a significant meaning to them. No one appreciated its beauty like he and Tea did.

Turning off the engine, Atem got out the car and walked down to the lake. The sky was getting darker, but there was still just a bit of sun left and it was reflecting into the water, bringing out a golden glow. The fireflies were beginning to come out as well, adding their own glow to the waters. Being here was bringing some comfort to Atem. And though it was comforting, it still was not the same without having his Tea with him. In fact, it was making him miss her even more.

He just wanted, so badly, for her to open her eyes. Just for her to open those beautiful, azure eyes that he fell so madly in love with. He needed her embrace, he needed her touch, to hear her voice, her kiss...he needed her. People telling him that she was okay was not enough to satisfy him. He needed to see, with his own eyes, that she was okay. He wanted to see her move, not listen to medical words. Only then will that return Atem back to his normal self. It will also make his children feel happier again; to know that their mother was awake and all right.

If Atem wanted to, he could stay here at this lake all night, but there was a chill and he had to keep his promise to Katie of returning home tonight. Breathing in the calming air around him, Atem stood up and walked back to his car; silently promising himself that he would come back again...and next time, he would have Tea with him.

Unlocking the door, Atem stepped inside the house, being greeted with silence...which was strange to him. Whenever he came home from work, he would always be used to silence, since he lived alone. But that was not the case anymore. He was used to Yuki and Kimika running to him at the door with their little smiles, used to picking them up and hugging his little treasures. He was used to smelling a delicious aroma from the kitchen, where Tea would come out and greet him also, with a sensual kiss. He was used to hearing her angelic voice, asking him how his day turned out.

But there was nothing, but darkness.

It was one of the reasons why he did not want to be here. Because he knew that no one would be here, but himself. This house would not be a home again until things were back to normal.

He was not ready to sleep yet. Maybe he could find something that would occupy him until sleep took him over. It was then that he looked over to the bookshelf, where all of Tea's reading material were organized together. She always found time to just sit and read one of these amazing stories. And they were indeed amazing. Atem could remember the nights they had curled up together and reading when sleeping was not an option. Sometimes, before coming home from work, he would buy a new book that match the taste in the genres she loved the most. He smiled whenever Tea's eyes lit up. Atem just loves seeing that happy glow from her.

He took a book from the shelf, it was actually the one he bought for her five years ago. Tea favored this book the most, because it was the first book Atem gave to her as a gift. He smiled, remembering how emotional she was from the surprise. She always made sure it was in a special place on the shelf.

This book was also a favorite to him as well. And it was the first book he has read, in a long time, that was not work related. So, deciding on this one, Atem took it from the shelf and placed it on the coffee table. It would be something to ease his worries for a while, and also make him feel a little closer to Tea.

Atem had an urge for something warm to drink, so he decided to make some hot chocolate. Just when he was making his way to the kitchen, there was a knock at the door. Atem was not in the mood for any visitors tonight, and he wondered who could possibly show up at his doorstep this time of night.

Opening the door, he was surprised, and yet irritated from who his visitor was.

"What are you doing here, Vivian?" he said in a bored, tiring voice.

Yes, it was Vivian once again at the door. She was wearing what appeared to be a black, woman's trench coat and high heel shoes. It was strange on the way her appearance looked. Usually, she would have some sort of hand bag or a fancy purse over her shoulder, but there was not one visible.

"Oh, Atem...I'm so happy you're here. I heard about what happened with Tea, and I wanted to be sure that you were okay." she explained.

Atem grew suspicious. "And just how exactly did you hear about Tea?"

She seemed a bit off at first, but Vivian quickly regained her composure. "O-oh, well...I was making a generous donation to that hospital that Tea is in now. So, you know, it's been lots of talk from the nurses about you and I put two and two together." she lied. "How are you doing? You must be completely frantic."

"I'm fine," Atem quickly answered, "Now, it's late and I am in no mood for anything you have to say, Vivian. So, why don't you leave?" He was about to close the door, when Vivian stopped him and pushed it back open to slide herself inside.

"Wait, don't you want some company? You know, just to talk?"

Atem could only take so much of this woman before he lost his patience. He did not have the time nor the strength to deal with Vivian. He just wanted to make his beverage and start on reading Tea's book. "I want to be alone, I don't need you here. And I thought that you had some play you're suppose to be staring in. Shouldn't you be leaving and concentrating on that instead of what I do in my life?" he asked angrily.

All Vivian did was smile. "Once I heard about Tea being hospitalized, I had to stay here. I knew that you needed someone, so here I am." she said presenting herself like a wrapping present.

"The only person I need is Tea. Now, like I just pointed out before, I do not have the patience to deal with your games. Please, just save us some time and leave. There's the door, use it."

"I can't do that, Atem." she said in a strange voice. Atem was even more suspicious and confused by what this woman was up to. She walked to the open door and shut it closed. Plus, to make things worse, she locked it. She then turned back to face him. Her eyes were half lidded and when Atem concentrated more, her eyes showed a bit of lust to them. Something was up, and Atem did not like where ever this was going. "Leaving you now...would be a big mistake, Atem. You need me..."

Atem remained silent as Vivian walked past him, and not just walking. She added a bit of swing to her hips. He had a feeling of what she was up to...and his suspicious were clear when Vivian opened her coat to reveal...not a dress, or anything formal that she usually wears. It wasn't even anything casual.

It was lingerie.

He was furious, this woman had the nerve to show up at his home, with barely anything covering her body. "Just what the hell do you think you're doing?"

"Giving you some comfort." she said as plain as day. Vivian boldly walked up to Atem and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I figured this would help you to relax and unwind from the pressures that has been going on. You feel so tense, Atem...and I'm willing to give you my entire body. Take me...take me however you want and I'll fulfill your desires." she whispered. Vivian felt confident that she was breaking through to Atem, and she even made the first move.

Her hand was quickly stopped and gripped fiercely by Atem. It was gripped so hard, that she was afraid that it would actually snap. But the grip of his hand did not compare to how his eyes were looking when she lifted her head to him. They were filled with such intense anger, or maybe it was hate? And...was she imagining, or did his eyes suddenly change colors?

"You really have lost your mind completely, Vivian. My wife is in the hospital...and you come here, dressed in this little get up and expect me to have fucking sex with you?! Did you honestly think I was going to betray Tea this way?! And what about my children?! You better be counting your lucky stars that they were not here to see you like this!"

"I just wanted-"

"No, save it! I don't want to hear anything from you." Atem pushed her off and went to grab the coat Vivian dropped on the floor. When he picked it up, he threw it at her and pulled the door opened to push her out. "I do not care where the hell you go, but if you come near my home again, I will make sure it will be the last thing you ever do." Before she could even get out another word, Atem slammed the door in her face. The loud sound made the glass and everything else that was by the door vibrate.

His body was shaking, anger was engulfing him and he needed to find a way to calm down. But how can he after what Vivian just pulled here tonight? Atem took a few deep breaths in order to calm himself. His head was pounding so hard, that it was killing him. With so much that has happened, Atem was on the verge of breaking. He really wanted to read, but after Vivian's little stunt, he wasn't up to it anymore.

Grabbing the book from the table, Atem placed it safely back in its spot on the shelf. Maybe he'll still make that drink he was planning on having. So, he went into the kitchen, but not without tripping over something first. Looking down, he found that one of the tools from the fireplace was on the floor. Now, because Atem barely came home because of his need to be close to Tea, he did not notice it being here. But thinking back to the night of the break-in, this must have been something Tea was using to defend herself from the person who drugged her.

With that thought in mind, he wondered if there were any clues that could help him figure out the person responsible. Searching the floor for anything strange, Atem found something else that caught his eye. Picking up the item, the object was confirmed to be a medallion that looked awfully familiar to him.

'I have seen this before...but where exactly?' He thought back as far as he could, but no place or person was helping him to match where Atem saw this medallion. Why couldn't he just figure it out? He was so close...and he could not help but think about the night Tea was hurt. Just before everything turned horrible, he was just putting on a simple movie for them to watch. Plus, he wanted to forget about that stupid interview being broadcast about Vivian and...

That was it.

Atem's eyes widened when he finally figured out where he saw this medallion. Vivian was wearing this around her neck. And after what happened here tonight..."Damn it! Why didn't I see this sooner?!" He knew now, Vivian was the one who showed up in his home. She was the one who tampered with the fuse box. She was the one who drugged Tea.

This was the final straw.

Vivian has hurt his family long enough. No more will he let this woman interfere and play with their lives again.

Trying to keep his anger under control...not going to happen. Vivian has broken the last of his control. She was now going to see, just what he meant, when she messes with the most important people in his life.

If Vivian wasn't afraid now, then she was going to be.

A/N: Well guys, better get your safety supplies ready. Because in the next chapter, all HELL is going to break loose. Atem is officially a ticking time bomb and is now counting down the seconds of explosion. Readers, you know what to do. Let me know how this chapter turned out and I will update again very soon.