Cherry: OK, extremely bored now. I'm sick in bed with nothing to do so I'm using the laptop to write this chapter right now. Let's pray my Pikachu stuffed animal gives me luck. Anyway, I think my story might get more serious as it goes on… I don't own anything involving YGO except my own characters and storyline.

Chapter 22: The Real Enemy

Ame ran out of Ryou's apartment in a haste to get to the others. Although she was in shock, you wouldn't know it due to her stoic expression. I can't let this happen again! She thought, if the others have to suffer again, I'll never forgive myself! Her destination was clear; the hospital. If someone had to know who was hurting everyone, it had to be one of their victims. But should he really know? Ame thought, stopping in tracks. Yes! Another voice shouted within her mind, I was helpless 5000 years ago because I didn't know what would happen! But you know, and you're going to keep it to yourself?

Ame shook her head in response. Leave me alone! I know I have to tell them what happened all those years ago, but what if Ryou hates me for it? I could've prevented half of everything that happened to us, Acenath!

Ame charged past all the people in the sidewalk, passing out apologies like party favors. As she ran, the voice was tormenting her. You know you can't make it! It sneered, there's no doubt in my mind about that! Once you get there, it's all going to be over! Ame almost stopped and yelled at the voice. It's my mind as well, you witch! Ame snapped, just leave me alone! The voice cackled loudly, giving Ame shivers. But she didn't let up her pace. She had to get there in time, she just had to!

She slid through the door easily and made it to the receptionist's desk. "I need to see Ryou Bakura," She said, breathing hard from running. The receptionist looked at the bewildered teen in front of her in surprise. "Alright then," She said simply. Ame let out a breath of relief when she heard that. She wasn't too late! I think you celebration is going to have be cut short, the voice said. Ame looked at receptionist and saw what the voice must've seen; confusion and uncertainty. "I'm sorry, but Ryou Bakura isn't here." Ame's heart skipped a beat when she heard that. Oh no, she thought, this can't happen again!

"What do you mean?" Ame nearly shouted. The receptionist looked taken aback by the teen's behavior. "He was checked out not too long ago," She replied, "The one who took him claimed to be his brother and I have no reason not to believe him." Ame's heart nearly gave out at that thought. She held her head with her left hand, while her right was placed on her stomach. "Ma'am, are you alright?" the receptionist asked. Ame didn't answer her question directly. She just let her knees buckle beneath her, and let herself fall painfully, but gracefully to the ground. The last thing she heard before letting herself slip out of consciousness was the voice laughing victoriously.

Ame opened her eyes to see bright lights. She shielded her green eyes with her hand, letting her eyes adjust to the overly bright room. "Ame? Ishizu, she's awake!" A voice said. Ame put her hand down and sat up in the bed she was in. She looked around and saw Nieme walking towards her. "Where am I?" Ame asked. Ishizu stood by the bedside, crossing her arms like she usually did in public. "You fainted in the lobby and have been out since then," she replied. Ame then remembered why she came in the first place and her eyes widened. "How long have I been out?" She asked frantically. Ishizu looked at her partner in justice with confusion.

"About an hour," Said a male voice. Ame snapped her head towards the doorway. Seto Kaiba stood there, leaning against the door frame. She got over her shock and recollected her wits. Ame swung her legs over the bedside and placed her feet on the ground. Her knees felt weak at first, but then she willed them to work correctly. They didn't disobey. "Ame, what are you doing?" Ishizu asked. "Is Marik awake yet?" Ame asked, slipping her sneakers on and ignoring Nieme's question. "Well, yes but…" Ishizu started, "OK, follow me," Ame interrupted. She walked past her and brushed by Seto. Ishizu and Seto exchanged glances. Seto shrugged and walked after Ame with Ishizu following.

"Hey, let him go!" A voice shouted. It sounded like Nieme! A loud scream was heard, followed by a heavy thud. Ame ran into Marik's room with the two adults following. Ame screamed. They exchanged looks of shock before rushing behind her. On the floor lay Nieme, unconscious, with the hospital bed left in a mess, as if there were a struggle. And Marik was gone.

"You just had to throw the crystal!" Maya shouted at Night. Night narrowed her green eyes at her friend. "Well, how was I supposed to know it wouldn't go in the lock?" she snapped. Malik sighed at the two teens behavior. They've been arguing ever since their Godfather conversation had come to an end. Akito had been secluded to himself in the corner, which Malik found odd. The water had risen to their ankles. Or, in Malik's case, knees. They were soaked and couldn't do anything about it. Maya and Night continued their quarrel when finally the door opened. The water rushed out of the newly opened entrance, past the feet of a figure. The two girls stopped fighting to see who it was. Malik couldn't see anything, so he couldn't tell what the others reactions were.

"It's been awhile, hasn't it?" A voice asked. It was male and Malik found it extremely familiar. "Bakura?" the teens said in unison. Malik didn't have time to react when he started laughing. "Fools. I'm not him, but you're awfully close," He said. Night tried to stand, but failed due to the chains around her wrists and ankles. "Who the hell are you? And how would we even know you?" She snapped. He laughed once more. "Poor, poor Airi," he said, causing Night to stiffen, "Always clueless. You do know how to make one laugh though." Night backed away from the man. "T-that's not my name! It's Night and it always will be!"

He laughed once more at the young girl. "Oh come now," He purred, "I saw the flash of recognition in your eyes when you heard that name." Night looked down, as to avoid the gaze of those around her. "Now then," He said suddenly, "Why don't we get you all ready for the others?"
_

Cherry: OH GAWD! This took FOREVER! I AM SO SORRY! It's just, I've been busy! Again, sorry. Read and Review!