D.H. A.N.: Here is the final Chapter befoe I have to go off the top of my head for ideas, sigh. There is a bit of romance between K+C. I didn't plan it that way at first, but hey it works Important: When you get to the slash, start reading to the tune and rythym of Point of No Return (The Song). Hope you like it. R&R Please. Thanks to those of you who have.
Disclaimer: I do not own the song "Point of No Return. " Andrew Lloyd Webber does. I hope that my lyric changes aren't too bad.
Chapter Four: Past the Point of No Return
Mhera went backstage for the last time before the tryout results were to be announced to retrieve her bag from where she had left it, but something was eerily wrong. My key, where is my key? I have a spare, but even so, my father is going to give me a long lecture on responsibility that I don't need right now. I have too many other things to deal with. Mhera ran her hands through her auburn hair, as she always had a habit of doing when she was worried. She descended the steps of the theater, pulling her silver blazer over her shoulders, as this was a cold evening. Sheon was waiting for her. He had left with his sister before the audition, but had returned to accompany Mhera home. She let a smile cross her face. Sheon smiled as well.
"How did it go?" "Do you mean the audition?" Sheon only nodded. "The audition went well, but something isn't right. I can't quite put my finger on it." "Does it have anything to do with that ring that was floating over Bakura's head during his tryout?" "I think so, but I cannot be entirely sure. Something's up, though." "I feel it too. Did you see the look my sister had in her eyes while she was singing the duet with him? It was really creepy. It was eerily similar to something I've seen before." They both knew where they had seen it before; they just would not speak of it, for the sake of mentioning unwanted memories. Instead, Mhera brought up one of the better memories. "Remember how we met?" "Of course, how could I forget?" Sheon spun her around lightly as they reached the apartment door. The two had met at one of the meetings of the old organization that they had been involved in. They met before either of them was involved fully. Mhera literally fell for him. She wouldn't have been so fortunate if it had been anyone else who had come to her aid. Mhera had been so tense, and this conversation was somewhat relaxing. It was as if she could express just about all of her worries around him. Not one thing would go unnoticed by either one, regarding any subject their conversation happened to fall upon.
"We're here." Sheon whispered in her ear. "My sister stayed and watched your audition." "Really? Funny, I didn't see her." "She has a way of not being seen. I don't know how she does it, but if I find out, I'll let you know." "You should get back to the theater, your sister is waiting for you." Mhera stated, her tone possessing worry, and at the same time, a faint echo of urgency, as that nagging feeling in her head was about to be proved to have been telling her what she feared most had come to pass.
Mhera's worries were ceased by a question from Sheon regarding his sister. "My sister has the same dueling composure problem that I do, and I was wondering if I could bring her to my session tomorrow?" How could Mhera say no to helping the one who saved her from losing that earlier duel? "Of course. Same time as usual. Oh, Sheon, be warned, I may be using cards that I create for the play, just to see how well they work in a duel. " "Then you might want this." Sheon handed her a deck of Duel Monsters cards. Mhera flipped one over, and to her surprised satisfaction, it was blank. "I knew you only had enough of those to create one extra deck, and besides, we wouldn't want to tamper with that often lucky deck of yours"
"Luck has nothing to do with it, although I'm not one to push the power of fate or luck intervening in a duel completely out of the picture. Mainly it' s the fact that I know my deck, and my strategies that go with it." She cracked a rare conceited smirk. "Of course lady luck can always lend me a hand, I wouldn't mind." As quickly as it appeared, the smirk that had crossed Mhera's fair tan face vanished. "Be that as it may, our talking is keeping your sister waiting. To answer questions one's mouth asks is a different thing to answering questions one's mind asks of them." "Mhera, some of the words that pass your lips form such interesting conundrums." Sheon laughed, "Well, see you tomorrow." He kissed her on the hand as he left her at the doorstep.
Mhera's hand wavered as she dug the spare key out of her pocket. It shook even harder as she turned the lock, which she turned more slowly than usual, for that indescribable feeling of fear came back to her, the fear that haunted her sleep, and the fear that would never be rid of until these bizarre circumstances revealed all the twists that held their complicated knot together. Mhera took a deep breath, and opened the door slowly. What hit her was the thing she least expected.
A blur of gold almost smacked her out of nowhere. Mhera held her hands in front of her, in order to protect herself. Her mouth was wide open when she saw that her scar was glowing. The strange thing was, that unlike the last time the scar had done so, it was painless. She slowly lowered her hands, and the gold object was not a blur anymore. The Millennium Rod was staring her in the face, its ornamental eye beckoning her, somehow leading her to something that was undoubtedly wrong. The object lurched back from the door into the living area. Mhera had just stepped into the doorway when the Rod practically flew up the staircase, with Mhera close in tow. Can't this thing slow down long enough for me to remove my coat? Mhera fumed. She almost kept going as it stopped at a door. She stopped, as well and held something back. She held back a scream, but her thoughts screamed what her mouth couldn't, as the Rod stopped and fell to her feet. No, no! Please, no! Her heart stopped racing, or at least it slowed down long enough to let her calmly step over the fallen object, and over to the bed, where her father lay on it. He looked as if he was sleeping peacefully, but Mhera knew it was something else, especially if her father's former Millennium Item was involved. Show me what happened. Her thoughts were useless in trying to communicate with him. She looked at the object on the floor, knowing that things like that don't just appear. Mhera was about to pick it up, but remembered what had happened the last time she had done so. That look she got from her father was the least of her worries. She had fallen on her knees in excruciating pain. Now, after thinking about it, Mhera decided to try again and hope for better results. She picked it up; it was cool to the touch. She heard a calm soothing voice with a bit of mystery entwined within it. "You know what this item is capable of, yet it is only you who can keep it out of danger." "Danger, what danger?" Mhera asked, but the only answer she got was silence.
She heard the door slam, and at first, she thought it was her brother, but that nagging feeling told her that it was someone leaving, not entering. Without another thought, Mhera thrust the Rod into her belt, and ran out the door following whoever it was, vowing that when she found who had done this to her father, Mhera would not spare the Rod from them. She ran out onto the sidewalk, hoping that the person she was following wasn't too far off. Her hopes, and also her fears were confirmed, as she saw a silhouette leaning against a wall feigning tiredness. She cautiously stepped towards the silhouette, her silver dagger drawn. "I believe the other item on your belt may be of more use to you." The silhouette suggested. Mhera still held the dagger, not feeling ready to wield the object that had given her the painful scar. "I found you, now tell me, what have you done to my father?" She lost her resolve as the silhouette emerged from its hiding place, and revealed itself, to be Bakura. "Well, we meet again, Mheralo Ishtar." "Skip the introductions, and tell me what I came here to find out, you creep!" Bakura sneered at her, remarking, "That's no way to greet a fellow tryout." You're not one that I would wish to greet with words of friendly competition Mhera thought bitterly. She knew she would have to be wary, around this one any swift unplanned maneuver could lead to a Shadow Game, something that Mhera wasn't psychologically prepared for after her recent duels. "Tell me what you have done with him, Bakura, otherwise…" The only thing that had to be comprehended was that Mhera had her hand within the reach of the Rod, should she need to use it to get the answer she sought from him. She couldn't explain how, but Mhera knew how to extract the desired information from her target. Perhaps it is something that every Rod wielder knows by instinct. That seemed a logical explanation as any she would come across, but Bakura provided her with an explanation she would have never would have thought possible, at least in her days before the tournament, but now she would definitely listen. But first, Mhera would have to stand through Bakura's dramatic explanation of where he had put the one who could be considered the root of this event's second twist.
/"You have come here, in pursuit of your deepest fear, in pursuit of the fear that you wish not to be true…be true. Fate has brought you to find that which you seek and more. To find more than your mind ever hopes to have found before fate takes its own place in destiny's mind set." Bakura was speaking to a tune Mhera found eerily similar to something she had heard before. "Past the point of no return, that's where I've sent him, your hopes are crushed, and your worst fears confirmed, past where silent pleading aids or where your heart leads. Surrender for there's no way that you'll win."/
He's right, and as much as I hate to admit it he speaks the truth about this peculiar circumstance Except for the "I cannot win." part, I don't see anything wrong with what this creep just said. Mhera thought, slightly annoyed at the fact that Bakura would use this method of informing her. She tapped her foot in annoyance, waiting for a less cryptic explanation so that she could somewhat comprehend what was being said, and so she could throw Bakura against a wall and hold him there until he explained what he was doing in her house in the first place if her temper rose to that level. But what she wanted was not what she got. "Tell me, what is meant by the 'point of no return'?" Mhera asked as calmly as fate would allow her to, for her father's irritable temper was making itself present, once again.
"Honestly, Mhera, you should know of where I speak, for you have been there many an occasion." Bakura's last words dripped off his tongue with a great deal of slandering malice. The true meaning of her antagonist's rather cryptic statements finally hit Mhera like a bullet. She slumped onto her knees, trembling with rage and fear. Her words shook with the same combination of emotions. "No, not there. Please tell me he is anywhere but there." Bakura looked down on her, satisfied, as he had gotten the exact reaction from her he was hoping for. "It appears the pursuer has now become the pursued." His malicious smirk widened as he spoke, each word sending chills down his victim's spine. "He is there, Mhera, and there he shall stay until your final performance, or, until I see fit to release him. Start praying you get the lead role." "You left after the first audition, didn't you?" Mhera got to her feet and proceeded toward Bakura. She held the dagger close enough to him that Bakura could feel the temperature difference through his nostrils. "Tell me," Mhera threatened menacingly, pausing for emphasis, and perhaps a little leverage, "when did you take my key?"
"It should be fairly simple for one to figure it out. I snuck backstage and took it during your match. You shouldn't be so irresponsible with something so useful in the wrong hands." Mhera would have preferred those words have passed through her father's lips. She desperately wanted that lecture, unlike before. Any word from her father, even one of his stern lectures, she would have taken in stride with confidence. Bakura changed the subject rapidly "I must say, your dueling skills are quite impressive. I am honestly surprised that you declined to participate in the finals." Bakura stated, trying to lure his adversary into a false sense of security. Mhera, who would have been flattered had anyone else delivered the complement, answered, "I did not choose to for my own benefit, destiny chose for me. Although, at the time, I was disappointed, I am glad that destiny chose this fate for me." She drew the dagger away, as it wasn't producing the effect that she desired.
"Oh, and as to how you know to get what knowledge you seek with the item on your belt. Your mind is sharp and specific in remembering details. Combine that with the fact that you are familiar with what the item does and there's your answer. I would keep an eye on that scar if I were you. It may help to solve the mysteries that will ensue." With that, Bakura slipped away, silent as a shadow.
Mhera just stood there, unsure of where to go next. She remembered an odd detail about this alleyway that didn't reveal itself until now. How ironic that I remember a detail just after I was told that I have the mind for it. Mhera bitterly chuckled. It was here that she realized that Kariu was in fact her sister. She had met her in the bookstore earlier that night. Mhera never got to tell her what she had realized. The sister reunion was never able to be, as Kariu had been followed by her father's former lackeys. Why Kariu was followed was a mystery to her. Mhera felt a hand on her shoulder. It wasn't her brother, but it was still a tender touch she knew. "Mhera? That is your name, right?" Mhera looked up and saw Kariu's green eyes. "Hey Kariu, did you find out what your real last name was?" Kariu helped her up smiling as she did so. "I can't believe you're still here! I hope you haven't been sitting here since… well you know." Mhera snickered as she pictured the picture Kariu's words were painting. " No, I haven't been sitting here the whole time. How was your trip to Egypt?" "Uneventful in terms of finding my last name, but it went pretty well otherwise." "I don't know how to put this, but I think the answer to your question has been right under your nose the whole time." Mhera began. "Kariu, you're my sister." Kariu just stared at Mhera, her eyes showing disbelief. Mhera removed a card from her deck, the one that Keimo had given her, and handed it to her.
Keimo had just finished his performance when Coletta came towards him. He didn't notice her at first, as he was wondering why his sister ran off after her finish. She had a good reason of this he was sure. His thoughts were broken by a sweet voice, "You're worried about your sister, aren't you?" "Yes, I am. " He didn't know why, but he wanted to say 'sisters'. He looked into Coletta's eyes, and knew that something was up. "What do you want?" He asked almost coldly. "I was wondering if you would accompany me somewhere to get a warm drink. It's cold tonight. I'm really sorry for the duel I put your sister through." Keimo smiled, "She's been through worse. Tell you what, let me drop some stuff at my place, and we'll go to a coffee house. Do you know of any good ones?"
"So, I have a brother, and you two just tried out for the lead parts in a musical, Man! I miss everything!" Kariu fumed. "Actually, it's not all it's cracked up to be. For once I'd like to do something that doesn't turn into a fiasco, it looks like that won't happen this time." Mhera sighed ruefully. "You look like you've been through a tornado hanging by your teeth since I've been gone." Worry was etched upon Kariu's tan face, her green eyes showing the same concern. They walked out of the alley and to a nearby park. The elder sister supported the younger onto the bench, and seated herself next to the shaken sister she never knew about. "If you don't mind me asking, what brought you here?"
"Several things brought me here. None of which I can easily explain. I can explain the fiasco comment. The 'tornado' that I've been through sucked me into a dueling tournament, then threw me back to find that my brother had been working for a nut-job for the past ten years. I thought my life was finally getting back to normal, only to find that there is nothing I can do to stop this maniac who is trying out for the role of The Phantom. And the last scene has been changed to include a big duel as the finish, which I have to create the decks for. And to top that I've been trusted with this." Mhera showed Kariu the golden object that had caused her so much pain through the years. "That… that…item. I saw it in that book you found for me. Are the rumors true; can that item really allow you to control someone's mind?" Kariu asked apprehensively.
" Unfortunately, yes. The rumors are true. I should know. I have had it used on me before. You never forget the feeling of someone being in your brain, controlling your every thought, every word, every action, and even when you're in control, you still feel them there. Therefore, I wouldn't have the heart to put anyone else through that." Mhera just broke into sobs. Kariu gathered her into the arms of comfort. "Have you told anyone else that? Maybe you should come and stay at my place tonight. It'll get your mind off what troubles you." Kariu suggested. "A change of scenery sounds good, just let me contact my brother… oops, I mean our brother to let him know that I'll be with you for a few days."
Kariu grabbed her cell phone out of her pocket. "What's the number?" "He doesn't have a cell phone." Mhera said, embarrassed. "Keimo, I need to speak with you." "About what?" Mhera could just picture him with his eyebrow arched, as it would be during these types of conversations. "Brother, I would like you to meet someone." "Where are you? Who are you with? Is it that boyfriend of yours, if it is, I've already met him. I don't like him." " No, no, this person is someone who you may remember." Mhera had the strange inkling that someone was with him "Who are you with? I need to meet you somewhere, the three of us need to talk." "Three, what do you mean three?" Keimo sounded perplexed." As for whom I am with, that is for me to know, and you to find out. Meet me outside the coffee house next to the park." He then left her mind.
"I know where he is. Is there a coffee house near here?" Mhera asked. "As a matter of fact there is. Come on!" Kariu just beamed at her. Dragging Mhera through the park, Kariu asked Mhera what musical it was. When informed it was one of the best selling musicals of all time, the expression on her face was just priceless. "You tried out for Christine? Wow, that takes a lot of skill. Did Keimo tryout for The Phantom?" Mhera nodded. "Here's the coffee house." Kariu tossed Mhera a wink, "It's cold out here, why don't we get a latte?"
They entered the warm coffee house with smiles between the two. Keimo motioned his sister over. "Kariu, why don't you order the lattes, and meet us over there." Kariu smiled "Be there in a second." Mhera then caught her brother looking at her with a look that said "Who is that?" She responded with a look of "Just give me a minute"
Mhera was relieved when she saw that Coletta was with her brother. Perfect! Keimo would want to give her a good impression, so he might not be too hard on me. Her hopes were dashed as Keimo helped Coletta out of the seat and walked out the door, his hand in hers. Kariu came up behind Mhera, breaking her concentration on her brother. Her tone was somewhat worried. "What are you going to tell him first?" "What do you mean?" Mhera asked, her tone exhibiting an equal amount of worry.
" Are you going to tell him that his father is past the point of no return first, or are you going to tell him he has a sister that he has no knowledge about? Still, you could tell him about the object that is now in your possession first. Quite a difficult choice " Kariu elaborately explained. " How did you know that he was talking about my father?" Mhera asked, forgetting that she was the one who had brought the identification to light. Realizing that, Mhera asked, "How much did you hear?"
"I was hiding above the alley, on the roof. I heard everything, including how much he scared you." Kariu had the heart to hold back the customary smug sibling smile that Keimo would have shown. "I…I wasn't scared; it was just stress." A voice shot her back to reality.
Well, isn't this an intersting twist. Next up: How and what will Mhera tell her brother regaurding 1.: The Rod 2. Their Sister, and 3. Bakura? It's all in: Chapter Five: The Phantom's Deck takes Flight. R&R Please.