Chapter 26- The Saf Gissi Lamentation

At the Valencia Port, a passenger ship was present. Rare Hunter men at the port were familiar; Luanne had seen the purposefully recognisable and presumed to work for Marik. She remembered how they had used the aircraft until now, which was a change. Seagulls were screeching as Luanne saw the waters. Luanne wishes she had planned more clothes as travel by sea prolongs boredom.

Carissa, Abbey, and Oliver were already onboard. Huxley then got off with Bryn and ran over to the young parents.

Luanne helped Odion with the bags again as Marik commenced his way as the Leader of his Rare Hunters role. Marik grunted as he walked past some of the lowest ranks, despising them. They all bowed as the degrading of positions was evident. Luanne smiled at some of them, and they smiled back.

"Lu, you gotta check Cloud 9!" Bryn ran back to her.

"Sure! Why?"

"Cause it's the happiest place on the ship." That comment earned him a glare from Marik.

Luanne followed Bryn and Carissa to the so-called Cloud 9 place. Soon they took her through the elevator.

"This level 9 is cloud 9?" Luanne pointed out the peculiar nickname.

"Yeah, it is!" Bryn beamed.

"Your Master doesn't look too happy calling it the happiest place on the ship, though." Luanne looked puzzled.

"He won't admit it, but a very sociable leader such as Master Marik often locks himself here and in the Throne room." Bryn snickered.

"Through this way…" As Bryn led her there, the place was vibrant, with lively neon lights and party signs. There was a stage with musical instruments and a kitchen and dining area. There is also a lounge and games table.

"Told ya!" Bryn furrowed his eyes. Luanne ran around the level exploring every aspect of the ship.

"Miss Luanne, how do you like this place?" Odion came to them alone.

"This is SO COOL! I mean, you guys have boats and planes. But this place is like everything!"

Bryn laughed, "All thanks to me because I made it what it is."

"Where is Master Marik?" Bryn asked Odion.

"Catching up on his alone time, I think. He did not specify." Odion said to them.

"Yeah, cool, we're not needed right now, so we can hang out here. Feel free to join Odion!" Bryn invited him.

"How kind of you, Bryn," Odion replied courteously.

"How would you like to join our horror story season? It's called the 'Creepy Pasta' session.;" Bryn but the suggestion mortified Odion.

"Horror… No, thank you, I will pass then. Ask Master Marik when he is free." Odion changed his mind.

The teens laughed, and Bryn became beet red. "Oh, come on!" Odion walked away. Horror stories were one of Bryn's favourites.

Luanne watched as this Creepy Pasta session unfolded. Candles were scattered around the area by Carissa as Bailey was on his keyboard playing eerie times. Jun Yoon played the flute eerily. What's worse is that the clouds outside have huddled together to create a foreshadowing sea.

Meanwhile, in the Throne Room, Marik was currently conducting a hearing of technological advances by a few Rare Hunters. Low-Ranks, of course, never pleased him.

"We discovered the best way to steal from the Industrial Illusions is through the Dark Web." One of the Rare Hunters presented the case. Marik was least impressed with the advertising. Bryn's expertise was far more advanced than that one currently shown.

Marik began to chuckle as he thought of the Dark Web as a free and accessible place for Criminals. Why would anyone use a free platform for theft? "And how do you suggest we steal from the Dark Web when their security is the very nature of a Dark Web? No ordinary person can access the Dark Web except the ones that created the Dark Web. What's there to steal?" He rubbed his Millennium Rod as he was bored of this bumbling buffoon.

"I– don't know–sir."

Marik chuckled. "That's right; you didn't research, you fool! And the notion of your imbecilic research has made you a bigger fool; I'm impressed I have recruited an ignoramus in this rank!"

"I thought you could steal from the Dark Web, sir." The Rare Hunter gulped.

"It's harrowing to see you have a deficiency in your cognitive and logical skills at this age. We order our substances from the Dark Web, and we can conceal our activity. What is your name again?"

"Trey—"

Marik used his Millennium Rod to pin him down. "I can't hear you, you imbecile!" He used a powerful aura to suppress the man and cause excruciating pain. Marik was truly indulging in this man's misery. Sadistic enough for the meeting attendees to tremble before Marik.

The man named Trey screamed. Marik laughed in the thrill of witnessing insubordination suffer before him. He stood up to view the man closer. Marik stepped on the man as he had decided to break this man mentally but gradually. "Not even a healthy brain with sufficient serotonin and dopamine can survive this ordeal. Are you finished?!"

He has other Rare Hunters around him that will beat Trey to a pulp. "Kick him to see if he will remember the correct information." Marik's cruelty was at its finest. "Odion, see if you can bring Bryn's research and utilise the next plan. Perhaps your interest in the Dark Web may interest you in the product I ordered? How about trying some Fentanyl?"

"No– no, no— NOOOO!"

The Rare Hunters dragged Trey to the corner, strapped him into a seat, and gave him a highly prescribed drug. Marik was pleased with the tormenting of Trey.

There was no answer, as Odion wasn't present. The silence indicated that both Odion and Bryn were absent, and the other next Elite were Rivah and Oliver. Marik almost growled, but he needed to keep his composure.

"Perhaps I will ask them for you, sir," Oliver suggested.

"I will relay this myself when I see them. Perhaps we will discuss our new plan to eradicate the new ultra-rare releases at the Beirut convention. Who here is willing to be an undercover stall keeper, artist or illustrator, cosplayer, and even food vendor?" Marik walked over to his seat again at the piece of paper.

"Sir, we are not skilled in undercover tasks." One of the Rare Hunters said.

"Perhaps you should! I am not here to up-skill any of your incompetence since you can only do something creative. The task is a mere undercover as we can forge pretenses at the venue."

"I will step in as a good vendor," One of the Rare Hunters said.

"Excellent! Anyone else?" Marik surveyed volunteers. "Perhaps the lack of motivation is the issue here. If one of you volunteer, you will be rewarded with your payment by fifty percent more incrementally."

Oliver bowed and informed Marik. "Master Marik, I know Bryn, Bailey, and Jun Yoon could take on those roles as they are very young and creative."

Marik thought for a minute and nodded. "I will address those roles to him in due time. Perhaps you, Rivah, and Joseph would like to take the illustrator role?"

"Of course, Master Marik."

Cloud 9 was so dark and eerie to start the session. Even though Odion decided to participate, he ended up not leaving.

"And this first creepypasta is the Russian Sleep experiment. In the 1960s, there were the Soviet Unions who wanted to make their own…." As Bryn started, Luanne and Carissa cuddled one another at the lounge as Carissa was leaning on Luanne's shoulders.

"I thought you weren't going to be here." Luanne said to Odion.

"I have to keep an eye on Bryn's curfew and Master Marik's strict orders," Odion said.

Luanne smiled, thinking about how another teenager governed this young teenager with curfews.

As they kept listening in, Luanne started closing her eyes at the details of organs being eaten alive. Luanne squeaked, "That's gross!"

"I know, right?" Carissa agreed, but in truth, desensitisation by horror stories from her background. When Bryn showed the image on the projector, Luanne screamed, and at the same time, lightning flashed. What a coincidence!

Marik heard the scream from the Throne Room. He smirked as the horror stories with Bryn were one of his favourite things to do with him. Marik was glad about making this into his hobby of making people frightened. The meeting was complete, as he was the only one in the chamber. Marik also enjoyed today's meeting, even if Odion and Bryn were absent. Fear was evident in his Rare Hunter's eyes whenever he was on this Golden Throne. Marik pinched one of his earrings, wondering what was causing the scream. He walked over to the exit and hence the elevator to the place they call 'Cloud 9' on Level 9. As he entered, the surroundings were petrifying to Luanne, no doubt.

Bryn's stage arrangement was interesting as he watched from the back. His stage presence was quite amusing as he shared other accounts of horror stories. Luanne squealed again at the following image of Jack, the Killer.

"Luanne, you okay sis?" Bryn checked on her.

"Uh-huh!" Luanne replied.

"Okie Dokie!"

"Perhaps I will send Jack the Killer to the Shadow Realm," Marik smirked. Luanne screamed as lightning flashed, illuminating the dark room to reveal Marik's icy orbs. This time it was Bryn's turn to yell as he saw his Master's Shadow on the projector.

"Hey, Master Marik, great for you to join us! Also aka. The Lord of Creepy Pasta himself."

Marik yanked Luanne out of her seat as he chose to sit on the most expensive armchair in the middle of the lounge area. Marik invited Luanne to sit beside him. "Frightened are we?"

Luanne nodded. "And you're not?"

"Perhaps I'm the worst case for a suspect." Marik chuckled. He looked at his Millennium Rod; the dagger hidden inside it was his favorite part. He touched the pointy end of his finger and smirked to see a reaction from Luanne.

"Okay, no need to prove that… And please keep the sharp pointy thing hidden." Luanne sat a little bit apart from him.

"I highly doubt you will survive tonight without nightmares." Marik slowly traced his dagger through Luanne's jawline without drawing blood as he looked hungrily at her. Her fear rose as she knew he could kill her with the current instrument near her face.

"I see tears of fear; could it be that I am the vilest criminal?" Marik was playing with her.

Instead of retaliating, Luanne turned away, and the dagger slit a laceration on her right cheek. "AHH! You're so immature, you jerk!" Luanne lashed out. Marik quickly sheathed his Millennium Rod. She ran to the lady's bathroom.

Marik smirked to himself.

Luanne checked the mirror and grabbed still the toilet paper she could. Even when it rolled to the ground, those she left on the floor. She took the non-contaminated tissue, ran to the sink, soaked the tissue, and started dabbing on the two centimetres wound. Carissa came in to check on her.

"What is with him?" Luanne huffed. "He's like so different yesterday, and now he shows off his dominance like–"

"You should come out and enjoy the Creepy Pasta session properly. The first aid kit is at the lounge." Carissa said in a monotone voice, and her eyes looked very tranced.

Luanne stormed out of the bathroom, and Marik was just right there. His Millennium Rod controlled Carissa as he was nonchalant, with his arms folded and tilted his head. "You did this to yourself."

"SAYS–says the one was showing off the dagger for no reason" Luanne tried to quiet down.

"I was only playing around, and you flinched." Marik held her cheek to examine the wound.

"WHY DON'T YOU CALL IT MURDER TO THE FACE? THIS WAS CLEARLY–This was unprovoked, and I said to keep that hidden, but no, you had to play with the dagger. Who gave this to you anyway?!" Luanne was very agitated.

"Let's just calm down, pat your shallow laceration up, and forget it happened. It isn't a deep laceration, so relax." He dragged her to the lounge area.

"BUT I'M GOING TO HAVE A SCAR!" Luanne stomped her foot and hit his shoulder.

"Now, with that attitude, I will refuse to treat your wound and leave it for infection. Who is Ra's name would murder you and apply first aid on you?" Marik chuckled as he found it quite humorous.

"The Lord of Creepy Pasta!" Bryn called out from the stage, unsure if he needed to cancel this session.

"Bingo! That's me." Marik winked at Luanne, but Luanne just rolled her eyes. Luanne thought for a while; she did overreact, but still, what he did was dangerous enough.

"You're such an ENTP. " Luanne stared at Marik.

"I know. What an irrelevant change of subject." Marik smirked.

"How did you know all your MBTI and Enneagram?

"It was with good intentions that I wanted you to enjoy tonight. Some may mistake me for being an ESTJ, ESTP, ENTJ, or ISTP. I took the quiz multiple times but had a solid ENTP result with a 6w7 enneagram five times straight.

"Now that we've changed the subject, did you know anyone can be a psychopath?"

"There is plenty downstairs. Do you want to meet the psychopaths? And hold still."

"Whoa—Ouch! So you're keeping criminals downstairs".

"That's what I said, little Lu. Now I haven't shown you where your room is. Do you want to follow me?" Marik took his Millennium Rod and packed the first aid kit back in its place.

"I guess so. What did you think about my singing and catwalk?" Luanne asked.

"Why would my opinion matter if you know I will give you the most honest and critical answer?" Marik raised his brows.

"You hate it!" Luanne laughed.

"Hate isn't a critique; it's a matter of first-hand opinion supported by standards against personal preference. My honest answer for your catwalk is that you are not slim enough for the real catwalk. Your walk, making your leg shorter than the other, makes you look like a block. Your singing, on the other hand, and stage presence are quite natural. Do I hate that you can do all these things? Yes, because I didn't know you could do it, and it is quite embarrassing to have you steal the show. You sneaking in was an embarrassment. You find excuses to attach yourself to my Rare Hunter Bryn is an embarrassment. However, you are great at what you did." Marik turned around.

"WOW! You are so jealous!" Luanne laughed again.

"Who said I was jealous? Not an embarrassment for me, for you, my dear. You, of all people, should know you are not a Rare Hunter. Weaving your crafty fingers into my Elite will not give you redemption." Marik nonchalantly said.

"Redemption from what? Were rock songs too heavy for you? I bet you don't even listen to pop or rock songs."

"Figure that out yourself. I listen to Alternative Rock, classical rock, punk rock, and occasionally jazz." Marik is hinting at something sinister as he smirks.

"You listen to Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Nirvana, and The Cranberries?" Luanne asked.

"Yes, and The Cranberries were my favourite band when I met Bryn in Toronto. I listened to 'Zombie,' and it remains Bryn, my favourite song. I also listen to Björk, Tori Amos, Marilyn Manson, REM, Radiohead, and Nirvana," Marik smiled.

"Oh."

"We both love Alternative Rock, as an ENTP and an INFJ. Our taste in music is similar, and it is an embarrassment for you again to assume I don't listen to any rock music. Regarding Enneagram, I was lying about being a 6w7; I came close to a 3w2." Marik casually said.

"And I'm not embarrassed at anything. I had fun. Say what?!" Luanne smiled.

Bryn was rooting at her, "Yeah, Luanne, you say it to him!"

"See?" Luanne pointed to Bryn. Luanne shrugged and smiled, followed by an air fist pump with one.

Marik sighed as he thought about the past and how girls he had manipulated always went his way, but Luanne was different. Marik grabbed Luanne's wrist and then dragged her to the elevator. "Come on."

"What are your favourite Alternative Rock Bands and artists?" Marik finally asked.

"Paramore, Halestorm, Avril Lavigne, and Radiohead, " to name a few. Even if it's called Alternative, it's very mainstream.

As they walked through the small corridor, Marik wondered what room she wanted to be in. "Did you want luxury or simplicity?" Marik asked.

"I don't mind." Luanne shrugged.

"Luxury in my room, then," Marik smirked.

"No—"

As he dragged her into his room, the room was elegant and warm. Also, some aspects scream self-glorifying, as his bust is on the side table. Luanne's jaw dropped as she peered in.

"You're not going to have a room of my own?" Luanne sighed. "Fine, I choose simplicity…."

"Too late; you are sleeping on the spare bed in my room," Marik smirked.

"Okay, but why do I owe such a privilege to be in this room?" Luanne gawked.

"My other Rare Hunters are predators. You should stay with me in this vessel for six to seven days until we reach Beirut."

"Wait, I thought we were going to Egypt?"

"Beirut first, as it is on the way."

"That's misinformation!"

"Spontaneous changes are necessary sometimes." Marik smiled as his nature as a perceiver was right on the ball.

Luanne poked her tongue out and rolled her eyes at the same time. "What is in Beirut anyway?"

"Those that were very dear to me." Marik looked solemn and almost saddened.

"Who were they?"

Marik smiled, "You will know when you get there." He slowly regained his contentment.

"Okay… so… what else do you want to ask me?" Luanne slowly sat on the armchair.

"The Beirut Duel Monsters' Annual Convention is what we're planning. One day is all we need, and I need you to draw for me as a pretend illustrator and sell art. It is like an anime convention or comic con but for Duel Monsters." Marik revealed one of his purposes in Beirut.

"Why would I draw and sell art? I have no business skills, and let alone my art sucks! You flushed my drawing in the toilet, remember?" Luanne stood up and walked frantically up and down.

"I know what I did was demeaning, but I have the skills in business, and I want you just to pretend that you are one for one day." Marik, in a convincing faux tone, was persuading Luanne.

"I refuse!"

"Are you sure? I'll have your family in ransom and great danger if you refuse. Perhaps I should send them to the Shadow Realm." Marik sounded more grave in his threat.

Luanne thought calmly, with her nerve on the verge of tears. "Can you draw? You are threatening me for an ability I'm not even confident with is bizarre!"

"No, but I learn fast. I have Rare Hunters that will draw for me, but they are undercover. I believe you have the potential to be a real illustrator, Luanne. Our business partnership is all I need." Marik snaked his arms around her.

"Your negotiation has threats! I need convincing to help you. I mean, you need to help me draw and mass-produce artwork. So much pressure!" Luanne teared up suddenly. Marik then puts his arms around her into a hug.

Marik chuckled, "You will do as I say, or else I will send your little family to their new home in the Shadow Realm."

"How about artisans or jewellery making or selling plushy merch? Someone can draw, and I make artisans' merch by using resin. Will you still send my family to the Shadow Realm?" Luanne suddenly feels her panic attack.

"They sound like wonderful ideas. While you say you will do all that creativity, you better execute them well. I did say I will provide support when you agree, so you did agree." Marik rubbed her tears with his hands.

Luanne then pushed his hands away. "No, before you threaten me, I will revoke any partnership with you, and I will go to the Shadow Realm! Even so, I will find my way out of that realm and destroy that realm. My creative passion for an INFJ is not to be threatened by the likes of you!"

Marik laughed, "You? Destroy the Shadow Realm? And I, as an ENTP, highly doubt you; an ordinary girl can lay one finger on the Shadow Realm. When encountering the Shadow Realm, you don't even know its manifestations of one's mind. I have other ways to dispose of and even distort your existence. You think you are safe, don't you? But I assure you, my kindness will also reach a limit towards you, my dear little Luanne Issa Quibilah Khait." His tone changed so suddenly.

"Then, I will try to conjure up an art or two. You do the rest in making the art merch. I will do the rest of the resin artisans. You don't have to threaten me, you know." Luanne hated to admit this boy was something else. Why did she agree to be invited to his first event? She would be at home spending time with her twin brothers and helping out with her father's next campaign, learning more from her mother's psychology lectures and being the model daughter she is.

"You're making it like it is not fun at all. I said I will assist you in drawing if you need it. The rest is up to my entrepreneurial skills. I also will help your dream come true if you so desire it. I don't waste time in idle idealism, little Luanne. There is a cosplay session, too, and we can make costumes with each other." She gave him a weak smile that only Luanne would give when she was unsure with defeat and sadness.

Luanne looked around, and the windows splashed with a rain storm on the glass. It would mean this is another week gone. Her family would be worried for her safety, and a report of a missing teen may happen. She saw a small spare bedroom simple enough for a guest to sleep in the walk-in wardrobe with a small desk and some of her belongings already set up for her.

"If you are worried about personal affairs, I will enable your communication with your family to convey your absence. Your extra week will mean your hard work matters. And your full cooperation." He whispered into her ears. Marik was twirling her hair and surveying her from top to bottom.

The ship was rocking tremendously from the storm, so Luanne sometimes struggled to keep her balance. Then she tripped and fell on top of Marik.

"Perhaps we may have miscommunicated, but that is my room, right? The Walk-in wardrobe?" Luanne asked as she stood up.

"Yes. Also, your production and creative space until we reach Beirut." Marik notified her and left her in his bedroom.

Luanne walked in and saw a spacious room, mainly housing Marik's clothes, a disk, a window, and a stash of Rare Cards. She looked up at the clock and realised it was already four am. The storm was so active, and Luanne was still awake with Marik. Now that Marik was out of sight, she could sleep a little.

Luanne remembers the Monarch deck she assembled a while ago. Even though she played it with one of her seniors in school, she was a winner. Vance was Eohan's brother, who taught her how to duel and challenged her, and Luanne won. She wondered if she would be able to duel Marik. He is too discreet, and Luanne has not seen him play against professional players. She could remember at least Di'Ja was no match for him too quickly.

The morning was misty from the storm, but the ship had moved closer to the destination. Luanne rose from her slumber as it was ten in the morning. She scrambled out of bed and out of the room. Luanne anticipated that the day would be late but was hoping no one caught a glimpse of her. She pressed the elevator to Level 9. What if Marik got pissed at her lateness?

Instead, Bryn played with Huxley, his sister Abbey, and Oliver. He was stamping his foot with a spoon yelling, "Aaiwil Zen U Tooda Sharoo Welm! HAHAHA," He repeatedly shouted, making Bryn and his parents laugh. What pure talent could imitate the Leader of the Rare Hunters better than a two-year-old? Luanne then started giggling. She was holding her stomach so hard.

"You're late… Lu!" Marik arched his brow at Luanne, then caught the attention of the young Huxley imitating him, the Leader of the Rare Hunters. He gaped his mouth in surprise, followed by a palmed face. Marik walked up to the toddler with his arms crossed.

"And who are you sending to the Shadow Realm?" The imitation of him by a toddler baffled Marik. Huxley saw Marik's stern and intimidating face with his icy lavender eyes. He was frightened as he saw the Millennium Rod. He started sniffling and threw the spoon at Marik, but his cape deflected the scoop as he raised his arms.

Huxley said, "You go!" as he stomped his foot on the ground in a pure tantrum. Marik shook his head and picked up Huxley to only cuddle him.

"Alright, alright, I'll go to the Shadow Realm." Marik glanced at Luanne and rolled his eyes with a shaking head while pointing at Huxley while calming the toddler down. "Indeed, your Millennium Spoon will banish me, shhh."

"Master Marik, you know Huxley is inspired by you, right?" Bryn laughed in amusement whenever his Master interacted with his nephew. Luanne stood next to Bryn, still giggling.

Even Abbey and Oliver were laughing. "Perhaps Huxley's Shadow Realm gives Master Marik a good cuddling discipline." Oliver shrugged.

Huxley then found Marik's earring to be interesting to fiddle. "Uh uh, no touching, Marik slapped the toddler's hand gently. Huxley whined, and only Marik let him lay on his shoulder for a bit of snuggle.

"Oh Lu, there is Breakfast in the kitchen; go help yourself." Bryn smiled.

"Sure, I will."

The aroma of fresh bacon and eggs was so delicious. Some baked beans and sausages were toast, avocado, pumpkin soup, eggs benedict, corn fritters, and many more.

As he helped herself to some corn fritters, she saw Bryn going up the stage and jamming and guitar runs. This song is 'All I Wanted' by Michelle Branch. Luanne had heard this song before and started singing to herself.

I wanted to be like you

I wanted everything

So I tried to be like you

And I got swept away

I didn't know that it was so cold and

You needed someone to show you the way

So I took your hand, and we figured out that

When the tide comes, I will take you away

If you want to, I can save you

I can take you away from here

So lonely inside, so busy out there

And all you wanted was somebody who cares

I'm sinking slowly

So hurry, hold me

Your hand is all I have to keep me hanging on

Please, can you tell me?

So I can finally see

Where do you go when you're gone

If you want to, I can save you

I can take you away from here

So lonely inside, so busy out there

And all you wanted was somebody who cares

All you wanted was somebody who cares

If you need me, you know I'll be there, yeah

Oh, oh, whoa, yeah

If you want to, I can save you

I can take you away from here (I can take you away)

So lonely inside, so busy out there

And all you wanted was somebody who cares

If you want to, I can save you

I can take you away from here (I can take you away)

So lonely inside, so busy out there

And all you wanted was somebody who cares

Can you tell me?

So I can finally see

Where do you go when you're gone

Carissa was working on costumes to cosplay at the corner. Luanne quickly sat as she remembered she had to make art to sell. Luanne quickly gobbled up her food but felt a food coma approaching. She glanced at where Marik was, but he was no longer with Huxley. Huxley is with his parents. She drank her Peppermint Tea as she felt like throwing up to calm herself. She saw Marik watching Bryn near the stage and talking to Odion in the most bratty way. What did Odion do? She pushed her plate and leaned onto the table, feeling very sick, and the boat rocking wasn't helping at all.

Why one more week? She sat up as Bryn finished his first song. The next song was "Bitter Sweet Symphony" by The Verve. She also had heard this song before, as she was only seven. Her mother, Samara, had a client that wanted to commit suicide. Who was it again? Cadence Willow Glayson. She was 15 and had written many suicidal letters at that age. She wondered what made the teen depressed. However, she had become a victorious Duel Monsters duelist. She only remembered listening to that music after Cadence got out of depression. This song was about conformity that brings inhumanity and that one moving to that conformity is inevitable.

"Hey, Lu! Do you want to sing? Get up here!" Bryn asked Luanne. Luanne got up.

"Huh? 'Kay!" Luanne slowly dragged herself to the stage and caught Marik's attention again.

As the music ended, Marik turned around and smirked at Luanne. If no one reminded her where and why she was here, she would probably forget she was with the Rare Hunters.

"Hold on, how about we sing 'Killing Me Softly." Abbey joined instead, making Luanne stop.

Marik walked over to Luanne, "You look like you will throw up."

"Nope." Luanne tried to hold it.

"Stop pretending you're fine. I know you're not. You should rest more!" Marik almost yelled. He knew she had not recovered from the cold. Marik provided a paper bag for her. He was right. After all, she instantly snatched the bag and vomited inside the bag.

"See, I told you so," Marik chuckled.

Luanne ran to the bathroom this time and vomited more. As she finished, Marik walked up to her and grabbed her hand to go back up. His bedroom was her guessing where he would take her to but the Throne Room.

He dragged her to the Throne, where he sat first, and allowed her to sit on his lap. He was domineering, "I want you to spend time with me here. You have to illustrate here only with me." She resisted, but Marik's hold was stronger.

"All the drawing equipment is in your room."

"Not anymore; I have brought them here; your resistance is futile." Marik was holding her so tightly. Odion had already brought her drawing equipment and a desk down. As he glanced at her, she looked red. "Oh, Ra!"

Luanne was secretly stamping this boy as she turned red. She was fanning herself frantically.

"The way you handle me… I just can't!" Luanne tried to get out of his grasp.

Marik then let go of her suddenly. "You have five days and fifteen art pieces to complete as we produce three pieces of art a day."

"Three pieces a day? What am I going to draw? Why so much?!" Luanne was baffled by the number of art she had to produce.

"Do you not know your multiplication? That is what I said. Five days with three art pieces make fifteen, or did you want to make more?" Marik was planning everything. "What you draw, or I draw, is entirely up to what our deck consists of."

"Oh, I have fairy type, psychic type, and dragon oh and more—" Luanne didn't want to reveal her Monarch deck, but she didn't do a good job concealing it.

"Spill it out…" Marik said to her.

"Nothing… Anyway, what are you going to draw?"

"I want to see all of your deck," Marik demanded.

"I uh— okay…"

"I already know what I'm going to draw, and they are the three Egyptian God Cards." Marik proudly said.

"I see, so you want me to do that too?" Luanne rolled her eyes.

"If you want."

Luanne started drawing. "Serene Psychic Witch, Esper Girl, and Madolche Magileine." She started doodling on the paper at the table. Marik had a table in front of his golden Throne. Marik first pulled Obelisk, The Tormentor, since he is still pursuing the Card. She saw the reference to her Serene Psychic Witch and started drawing, but she paused.

"Stupid Art block…." Luanne banged her head on the desk. She puffed and dropped the pencil. Marik looked over and furrowed his eyebrow.

"What's wrong little Lu? You're losing more brain cells with all that banging." Marik smirked, then chuckled.

Luanne stopped, "'I'm fine; I need a moment." She looked at the reference again.

Marik sighed as he was still drawing his art. "If I can access your mind, I could aid you."

"It's not that I want to be alone." Luanne was thinking about her energy and solitude.

"I see; you are an introvert and need your own time. However, I am an extrovert and don't want to be alone. Perhaps you should see if I can help you in any way, but you get fewer commissions if you do. Since this is work, your incompetence will cost you gravely." He walked to Luanne and saw her messed up drawing with a reference next to her.

"I can't work when I'm not well, and with this much pressure, you're very loud." Luanne is now hugging herself.

"I am an extravert, and I gain energy from the interaction. And this illustration. How appalling! I can't have a fifteen-year-old draw like a five-year-old in my presence. And I won't allow you to have alone time as our schedule is tight." Marik spat harshly. He picked up her paper and ripped it. He leaned forward and stared at her mockingly.

Luanne's heart sank; Marik reminded her of her bully from school when they used to rip her homework book. Perhaps that was where her panic attack kicked in. "I CAN'T!" Luanne pushed the table and knocked Marik in the process. She ran out of the Throne Room, perhaps it wasn't ideal, but she needed to. She pressed Level 9, and things will be okay.

Marik picked himself up and growled. No one had ever pushed him like that. Yet using his Millennium Rod on her is futile. He just remembered her Evil Eye symbol; she wore it in his presence to protect her from forces against her. He has also swapped bodies once because those two powers exchanged something. Removing the Evil Eye and the contract will free her from the binding of that force, and his Millennium Rod can be in use. It may take work. There was the thorn crown in her soul, whatever that is, he needs to figure it out too.

He picked up the paper he had ripped and tried to draw it on the new fresh paper using the reference she already had; he neatened the space and sat down; facing his Throne. As he helped her colour the picture of the Serene Psychic Witch, he felt like a child again.

"A panic attack over what?" Marik started talking to himself. "Luanne pushed the Leader of the Rare Hunters over a panic attack. Only a weak monster Luanne possesses. Very foolish move! That's right. If it were a Rare Hunter, I would send them to the Shadow Realm; yes, the Shadow Realm! I would have Obelisk the Tormentor by now if it weren't for my sister! As I am the new Pharaoh, as my destiny wills."

Marik sensed Odion approaching him. "What is the matter, Odion?"

"The girl is having a meltdown," Odion informed him.

Marik chuckled, "I know! I was merely pointing out her pathetic art. I will deal with her once I fix her art and mine."

"However, sir, she is messing up the Level 9 lounge," Odion said.

"It doesn't matter, Odion, the problem started from this, and I'm fixing it for her. Perhaps bring her to me!" Marik glared.

"Yes, Master Marik." Odion bowed and left to bring Luanne back.

Marik knew himself to be creative, even making flower crowns when he was little for his elder sister. He completed Luanne's first art piece for her. So he went back to his own.

Bryn and Odion had brought Luanne to the Throne Room. Marik smirked as Luanne shrugged them off. Marik walked over to Luanne and showed her his two accomplished art of Obelisk the Tormentor and Serene Psychic Witch.

"You nearly tested my patience, little Lu. I made your art in one hour and Obelisk in another hour." Marik was now right in front of her. "Your panic attack, what triggered that episode, and most importantly, what?"

Luanne felt guilty as tears flowed down. Bryn tried to comfort her by patting her back, but Marik disapproved by glaring at him. Luanne was silent but seemingly adored the art Marik did. She closed her eyes again as tears dripped down to the ground.

Perhaps a softer approach, Marik thought. "I'd like to know what triggered your panic attack. You have the temperament of a Melancholic-Phlegmatic, and you are very reclusive, pessimistic, rigid, and moody." Marik saw the Evil Eye on her hands; he'd love to rip it off, but not now. "I do want you, for– I mean you, to rest and continue with your pa–your life in Egypt, but you have worked here. Odion, Bryn, let go of her." Marik tried to tame his tongue by not hailing more insults at her. Bryn wanted to giggle, but Marik was giving the side eye.

Luanne didn't seem convinced, but she nodded anyway. "When I was little… I was catching up, reading because Wati was in the hospital; I was in the library, and classmates ripped my homework into shreds."

"I understand. It would help if you despised it. You need your alone time, so how about you return to my room and start working on the second piece?" Marik suggested.

Luanne nodded.

"I expect results when I see you in two hours," Marik suggested.

"It's fine; I can stay here. And um. I'm sorry…"

Marik didn't expect that, and he wiped Luanne's tears. He smiled and said, "Apology accepted, Odion, Bryn, you may leave us."

As they sat down, Marik on the Throne and Luanne on the chair, they started drawing their second piece. Bryn quickly came back to hand Marik a Bluetooth Speaker and left shortly.

"Appreciated. Bryn." Marik said to Bryn.

Marik took his phone out to play some music. Luanne didn't respond as she was trying to draft her next fanart. The tune was familiar, but I needed to figure it out. "Do you have any preference for music? If not, I will listen to Björk; It's, Oh So Quiet'."

Shh, shh

It's oh, so quiet, shh, shh

It's oh, so still, shh, shh

You're all alone, shh, shh

And so peaceful until

You fall in love, zing boom

The sky up above, zing boom

Is caving in? Wow, bam!

You've never been so nuts about a guy

You wanna laugh, you wanna cry

You cross your heart and hope to die

Till it's over, and then, shh, shh

It's nice and quiet, shh, shh

But soon again, shh, shh

Starts another big riot

You blow a fuse, zing boom

The devil cuts loose, zing boom

So what's the use? Wow, bam!

Of falling in love?

It's oh, so quiet

It's, oh, so still

You're all alone

And so peaceful until

You ring the bell, bim bam

You shout, and you yell, hi ho-ho

You broke the spell

Gee, this is swell; you almost have a fit

This guy is "gorge" and I got hit

There's no mistake; this is it!

Till it's over, and then

It's nice and quiet, shh, shh

But soon again, shh, shh

Starts another big riot

You blow a fuse, zing boom

The devil cuts loose, zing boom

So what's the use? Wow, bam!

Of falling in love?

The sky caves in

The devil cuts loose

You blow, blow, blow

Blow, blow your fuse, ah!

When you fall in love

Shh

Luanne didn't like this song. It was obscured with the music being loud and switched back to the mellow jazz. How can she concentrate? She quickly checked her phone to see what type of personality the song was an ESTJ. She made some progress, though; hopefully, Marik likes the art. Luanne used her fingers to measure the proportion this time, and her concentration regained for forty minutes after Marik kept playing other Alternative Rock songs at random.

Marik knew this song didn't sit well with her. So he smirked and continued drawing. Doing this to an INFJ amused him.

"She is a great artist, Luanne, my dear. She does write songs for your taste." Marik chuckled. He started singing along to the song as though he was mocking her. As she remembered, the ENTP loved to challenge people with views. Luanne just sat there huffing as this maniac was enjoying himself while screaming. Luanne remembered the mess downstairs; she was embarrassed when Bryn and Odion tried to calm her down but had no choice but to take her arms by force. She wanted to cry a bit more as her energy drained. Marik stopped singing as he could see the girl before being distressed.

Your first day in illustrating is a torment for you. Let me see what you have done." He walked over and surveyed the piece.

"I don't know… it's Esper Girl." Luanne said weakly.

Marik nodded, seemingly impressed with this one. "Much better, but such a weak card. The colors are much more accurate here, and the proportion is perfect. I guess my music did help you regain some lost skills."

Luanne looked at her art and realised her drawing was okay. Marik smiled, "May I help you complete this one?" Luanne quickly stood up and let Marik sit on her chair. "In such a short time, you did look distressed from far away, and you already made satisfying progress. While I color this for you, why don't you freshen up yourself." Marik smiled at her.

"Oh–um, you sure?" Luanne is aware that Marik is doing most of the work.

"But you must come back; I'll give you two hours. Get lunch, socialize, bathe, whatever you desire, and return to me." Marik clarified with her again as he colored her drawing with professional alcohol markers.

Luanne freshened herself and headed down to Level 9, where she wanted to fix things. The table was crooked, so she pushed back, and the contents from the table rejuvenated into place. She picked up an ancient book. As she read the title, 'The Theurgist Book of Reverie.' She dared not open it but placed it on the table for safekeeping as the artisans with purple and scarlet cloth intricately assembled the book cover. More books and decorations had been restored to their ordinal place; as she remembered what she had thrown.

It had been over an hour and fifty minutes as she opened the cover for a synopsis. There were none. Mainly Marik's notes are vigorous notes of some prophecy.

"Thy road to resurrection is forsaken for those who reject the resurrected Pharaohs. Saf Gissi is thy victory when one pries the truth of Hemsut. If Saf Gissi fails, Lucile shall arise. If Ebon and Astarte were alive, the Shadow was recreated in the image of the—" Marik was in front of her, and he snatched the book.

"Who told you, you can read this?" Marik gave Luanne a death glare.

"I was just–" Marik backhanded her.

"NO!" Marik roared.

"I'm sorry; I didn't mean to look at this." Luanne covered her face. Marik's temper was getting the better of him. He held his Millennium Rod before her, yet he knew nothing worked on her with his magic. The sting on her face began to grow on her right cheek.

Marik laughed in disbelief as she dared to take his belongings. "YOU THINK THIS IS FOR YOU TO READ?!"

Luanne shook her head vigorously, "No, I didn't mean to!" Marik didn't resort to any more violence. He could control himself if needed as long as Odion was around.

"This…" Marik regained his composure for a minute. "This is the very reason why we are going to Beirut." Luanne nodded but didn't fully grasp how this boy could be so enraged with just reading a small passage of a book he had lain loosely in Level Nine.

"This book was nothing but folklore. No prophecy stood fulfilled, only mere disappointment for the one that beholds this book." Marik muttered as though there was no energy left in him. That may explain why he left it openly on this ship. Morbidly, as he thought of the time he had tried to resurrect his own ancient beloved, Layla Leopold or, more accurately, Rehema. Carissa and Layla were cousins and their mothers, Emalia and Tasara were sisters sent from the heavens with supernatural gifts." Marik explained the connections of the family to Luanne as she listened intently.

"Emalia took Odion and I when we began our journey to seek our revenge on the one who was responsible for my father's death. Emalia and Layla were murdered while giving us refuge by the Lebanon Authorities. Emalia was the closest to a mother to me as I never met mine. For Layla, we could never fulfil anything in this book. Perhaps in another reality, another world, another dimension; I did succeed, but not this reality."

Luanne glanced at him as though he was talking in riddles. Marik smiled weakly, "I believe you have met Kjetil; he was Layla's father. Layla was a reincarnation of Rehema, and Rehema was an ancient lover of my past self. Also, Layla's mother, Emalia, was the reason and sole purpose of support to the Rare Hunters. Without them, Rare Hunters would be nothing. Therefore I founded this organisation in tribute to them."

Luanne now understood how being stuck in a prophecy loop would be frustrating. He did mention the need to pursue the power of an ancient pharaoh and now this, a reincarnation of an antique lover.

"I'm sorry–"

"I don't need your sympathy. Shall we continue our art session?" Marik quickly said, as he hated people feeling sorry for him. So what if this Cosmic Split was unsuccessful? He has others to do his bidding, others to take for granted, others to make him feel important, and if they fail, he will dispose of them. Not to mention love life is not meaningful right now. Or the girl in front of him is destiny's answer.

"Oh yeah, it's been two hours; my apologies." Luanne scrambled up, took Marik by the hand, and dragged him instead of the other way around.

"Well, eager to draw now, are we?" Marik laughed.

"Mmhmm, you did more than me, so I should get a move on!" Luanne felt an embrace from the back. Marik was now embracing her. She turned around and slowly accepted that warm embrace.

Authoress Notes (meijosui): So I think this history can be found in Life Of Trifolium where Marik went through refuge as he first set off in his revenge on the Pharaoh. It was a deep connection to how Rare Hunters began and how it was an orphanage in Lebanon but Marik made it his organisation from ground bottom to up. Anyway I hope you enjoy this chapter.