A.N: Still considering to discontinue this if no reviews are being made by the next chapter. I really don't time for this cos I need to apply for uni and work but writing is not a chore either. You may find mistakes but when I have time I will correct it my self. Yup seven page totalling in this chapter. Love meijosui.
Chapter 4- Party and Bullshit
The air was arid, with a glass of red wine on the most elaborate lounge, Marik was waiting for Odion to explain how he had met this Luanne girl and how she had been an inconvenience. Odion was bowing hoping he could protect the girl somehow without making a huge deal in his decision to let her join their journey.
"Well, why did you meet this arrogant, buffoon? Our simple task was to gather information from the so-called 'rulers of Egypt' yet you have to make us blow our cover. Marik was scolding his elder brother.
"When I met her, she was intelligent was beyond her age Master, she reminded me of you. She is as you would probably would know, the daughter of Badru K-." Odion humbly said.
"She is nothing like me… she is delirious; a naïve girl who thinks she can speak to me that way. I'm aware with whose the little brat's father and best you don't blow our agenda, you fool!" Marik butted in, he sneered.
"It is your first time meeting a girl of the post modern era with great influence. He experience and knowledge will come in handy." Odion explained.
"In that case for this strange looking girl, I will continue to win her trust and in the end betray the trust. And sever the hopeful ambition she holds fast to, her dreams, aspirations and her sentimental life. It always works with my mind slaves. All of them are useless… hmm I can't wait to see her break when she finds how easily I can manipulate her." Marik chuckled, while grabbing ice and dropping a few in his wine glass. Then his phone rang, "Oh and it's the little girl, wouldn't you believe."
"This is Marik," he said nonchalantly
"I locked myself out. I'm ready though but I accidently left the invitation and key card in the room. Could I meet you at the lobby quickly?"
"What! Now? You know you only have thirty minutes to do all that? I need to be there early… Fine…" Marik almost yelled.
Marik looked around and finally saw her. She was different with her straightened hair with crystal clipped sides; contact lenses and a red embellish maxi dress with red lipstick and ballet flats. Marik was in his formal suite sitting and talking to a little boy who was plump.
"I like to eat but people tease me all the time." The boy said sulking.
"You know what, kids at school teased me for being bookworm, no matter where you go, you will always find mean people who feels like they want something more. Hey don't loose heart, you're probably the fastest eater at school if there is a competition. A good friend of mine used to say, "Play duel monsters, not war." It's fun if you do it with a group of people and if you're good. No one cares anymore" Luanne cheered him up by hugging him.
"Thanks" the chubby boy hugged back."
"Luanne, there you are. So you want to reclaim your key?" Marik asked.
"Actually it was one of those rare blond moments where you're holding something that you're looking for. Well not that being blond is bad…" Luanne trailed off; Marik was not in the mood.
"Having a blond moment happens to me too, it is not uncommon when you have to go through the daily grind." Marik sighed.
"So is everyone from your company?" Luanne asked
"Most are my employees, some are regular card seekers like you. Just have fun." Marik smiled.
"Oh…"
" Just stick with me, nothing will go wrong. If you have both of them, we shall go together?" Marik rolled his eyes. He offered his arm and Luanne linked it.
As they arrived to the function room, there were empty seats and tables with violet satin tablecloths for the function. There was a dueling arena on stage. There are minimal decorations, only purple fairy lights dropping like rain and fake leaves scattered around the table. Luanne furrowed her eyes and they stopped at the front table, which was decorated with differently. With gold tablecloths, scarlet maple bonsais and indigo candlelight around the table.
As Marik chose his seat, Luanne wanted to sit opposite him at the large round table. He dragged the left chair beside him and pointed to the chair. "This is where you'll be sitting Luanne, sit here." Marik demanded.
Luanne pouted and shook her head cheekily. "I want to see the duel if there is one." Without a doubt Marik still sat opposite and so did Luanne as he rolled his eyes. Marik brought out a gold scepter to place it on the table and his dueling deck and sat there nonchalantly looking at them. Luanne took out her a piece of paper and a pen and started to sketch the bonsai. "So what's your religion, mister?" Luanne casually asked.
"You mean what I believe in? Well I believe in polytheistic system designed by our ancient forefathers. At least that was my birthright religion including the Sun god Ra who is the provider of the land. Amongst other ones, I believe that we may be granted a portion from Ra himself if power and rule is evident in the individual's capabilities." Marik explained quite nonchalantly. "How about you my dear Luanne?"
"Mine is more a relationship than a religion. I'm a Coptic Christian and I believe in a God that saves through His Son Jesus Christ. He died in place of our sins and we are completely atoned for and raised again. So I don't have a system of that sort where I have to gain power, goodness and works to be greater. It's Salvation and Eternal life given freely." Luanne puts down her sketch. "Bonsai!" She held it cheerfully.
"So does automatically mean I'm not saved because I don't believe in your God? I think my religion is sufficient to save souls and condemn souls as well. Sending a weak man to die will not bring salvation to people." Marik glanced at her drawing.
"Well I think you assume too much mister. My religion's prophecies have all come to pass. I'm no theologian but at least I know I have full assurance in. Like politics I know my father will deliver great policies to the people." Luanne said proudly.
"And I'll have you think that you're in a delusional world once we get out of hear. That's really beautiful dear." Marik snidely said.
"Do you know how to write in Hieroglyphs then?" Luanne asked.
"Yes, I'll write something for you." Marik set his cards on the table. Luanne came over and watched Marik draw a lion then a quail, a vulture and a wave. Luanne looked at the golden scepter and slowly about to touch with one finger. "Don't touch it!" Marik snapped and slapped her hand.
"Why not…? It looks like a flying one eyed monster with a pogo stick." She gave a skeptic look.
Marik slammed the pen on the table. "I will not have you insult my Millennium Rod. This very item will determine whether one lives or perishes." Marik said gravely.
"So it has a kind of magic to access…minds." Luanne said nervously.
"Who told you that?" Marik growled. He sighed remembering he cannot lose her trust, not yet. "Odion must have told you that, it does many things to the minds; I've many lose their minds before. It also provides sustenance in spells I do and it is a portal opening to a realm. If you have heard of the Shadow Games then this is one of the elements of… delivering souls to the feared Shadow Realm." Now holding the Millennium Rod in his hand.
"Oh, okay… so what's that saying?" She bit her lips and slightly shivered. Looking back at the hieroglyphs Marik drew, showing a bit of fear now that she had confirm the Millennium Rod to be magically crafted.
"Now I believe I have embedded fear in you and that's how it should be. Now to the changed subject, I believe it's your name. Though it means nothing in Egyptian, it symbolizes a warrior like trait and graciousness. Like the English meaning." Now writing the sounding of the consonants and vowels beside her picture. People were starting to come in and sitting on the allocated seats.
Luanne was starting to feel uncomfortable sitting with this guy, where was Odion when she wants him to be? As the seats were almost filled, Odion came and bowed to Marik. "Master, all members of the Rare Hunters are present. 96% of the special guests or regular duelists are present as well. Including Miss Khait." Marik accepted the information and whispered something to Odion's ear. Odion then instructed two men in suits to close the door for it was now 9:30 pm. The lights have dimmed and classical music was now playing in the background.
"Excellent, let the show begin." Marik was somewhat sounding sinister in his tone. Luanne was sitting tensely and Marik could sense it. "It's not an exam Luanne, relax." Marik smiled and resumed looking at his deck.
The waiters and waitresses were now serving cannelloni for entrée and as it reached their table Luanne realized how hungry she was as she soaked in the aroma. Odion and Marik were discussing something. Luanne decided to say grace quietly as she closed her eyes in silence. The she could hear Marik chuckling in the background as well. After praying, Luanne resumed eating as she picked up a fork. Then Marik leaned over and said, "There will be a duel…that is if you've brought your deck with you, would you like to participate with one of my most loyal employees?"
"W-what? I did bring it but I'm an amateur duelist even if I love dueling at school. None of your employees would want to duel me professionally, trust me." Luanne fiddled with her napkin nervously. Marik laughed, her statement was amusing from someone who was determined about politics and journalism doesn't match as a duelist.
"Well in that case, how about a professional duelist like me duel an amateur like you, just for fun and no catch." Marik convinced her. Luanne stared at him blankly and shook her head.
"I'm not in a dueling mode when there are people around, next time. Besides, it'll be great to meet new people." Luanne shyly said and looked around. Most of the people are male. Only ten female is present with a partner.
Suddenly Marik pulled her clutch and took her deck out and started browsing through her cards. "I see you fancy Utopia Archetype, some Chrysalis, Atlantean and Spellcaster Types. Mainly Light Attributes with an abnormal amount of common Union Monsters plus Spirit Monsters. Sadly you highest monster has a level of 7."
"Gosh you're evil, this means we'll never duel because I've just had my card analyzed by my opponent." Luanne playfully pouted and Marik just chuckled looking back at her cards.
"Well without my analysis, you would have lost because your trap cards and your spells are not sufficient enough. I would have humiliated you in front of an audience and you would've been shattered. So you said you have played at school and how many games have you won? Marik neatened her deck and placed it on his side.
"One in five chances I think or even eight but winning was a recent thing." Luanne sighed.
"Yet the 'evil' guy has had provided constructive feedback. No what do you say about that? So you have 39 cards all together and you are supposed to have around 60, you can never win in a tournament and let along participate." He winked at her.
"What's your deck like?" She grabbed Marik's deck and it all fell on their laps and floor.
"Are you insane girl, go quickly pick it up or you'll experience an unforgivable magic of mine!" Marik pointed at the cards as he growled at Luanne. They both squatted down and pick up the scattered cards.
"Magic Shcmagic, really is not that bad and it's gone down the drain. Exercising authority over someone, over a trivial thing is not going to solve everything." Luanne calmly picked up the cards and then started placing the cards she gathered on the table. Marik however gathered his and started counting. With the last card, Marik and Luanne picked it up together and their hands brushed one another's. Luanne blushed.
"My deck is not a mere trivial factor, it writes my destiny to be someone great, Luanne." Marik almost raised his voice as he was picking up more cards.
"There's 35 cards of yours up there so 25 in your hands. Correct, Mr. Grumpy Pants Ishtar?" Luanne winked at Marik. He pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed shaking his head. He packed deck in his suit pocket and helped Luanne up.
"Master Marik, we have gathered more information about the three exports from the State Antiquities. Most of them are from a lady by the name of Ishizu and another by the Rosetta Foundation." Five male in a suit bowed in front of the table. "However, we could not get a hold on the database set by the government to legalize our finances." Another voice came from his subjects.
"Ishizu is making things easy, it would prove that our next reunion will be incessantly soon. As for the finances, I need every possible hacking device planted in the Rosetta system. Any leads on the three cards must be reported immediately to me. If failed, I will not be merciful and I will see-" Luanne tapped on Marik's shoulder.
"You could just register as a small business with shares and bonds to invest legally. Hacking is only creating lost opportunities for your organization. Also the Rosetta Foundation is not a reliable source as they scavenge for secondary sources from the government's contingency plans. Globalizing different nations does trades; you need records of private shipment from that area, which you can get easily from the mailing database of Egypt. So research this better, you five… half good news to your employer is not expectable, unless you want your souls to be eternally damned in the shadows…? Then I suggest you work harder!" Luanne said despite of Marik's surprise state. He then smirked, applauding Luanne. The five left somewhat confused mixed with fear; though one was staring at Luanne sinisterly.
"I wasn't angry with their set backs but you're a natural in the threatening demeanor… Thank you for the information. You do learn fast… just be careful when you deal with them, you are not me." Marik smiled and took her up by her hand to the dueling arena with their decks. Luanne stepped up to the podium and Marik was behind her rather than opposite her.
"Just imagine you are in a real tournament, your opponents usually has the first hand strategy but not the backup. This doesn't mean cheating but planning in advance. If you have more than ten combination cards in you deck, you have a higher chance. Your average duelist will only have two to three and the rest are fruitless wonder. Also when you win you have to have faith in your deck like a companion. Though power also makes a difference, the more levels you get in your deck in every combination with annihilate your opponent's strategy. This arena is simulated with a dueling memory so go ahead and place with my deck Get ready for your draw phase." Marik explained to Luanne.
"And you couldn't be on the other side to duel me… oh and look I picked my best monsters too soon and no trap cards and spell cards, so that makes me a total failure." Luanne showed Marik her weak monsters.
"That's because you didn't shuffle it well enough and you need to be serious or you will lose this game in less than five minutes. In this case, you could put them in the graveyard and draw what is essential to play it on the arena. That's where you strategy comes in. You can't be nervous now, Lu." Marik was leaning against the rail.
"It feels intimidating I guess. Well have you forfeited a game before? Like letting go of a game even if your life depend on winning?" Luanne asked retrieving all her cards, showing that she has forfeited before even started a game.
Marik looked at her as though she had gone crazy. The crowd started stirred a little. Marik shook his head with disapproval with pursed lips at Luanne, "No, even if my destiny depends on one duel, I will never surrender any game." He sighed, "I could have help you win this duel but next time."
"How about a deal, you upgrade my deck and I will give you access to some government data? I for one hope to major in Media and Communications in Media Studies so I can provide some leads to making whatever you seek possible. Especially with a reputation and so on. With catch…" Luanne grinned and jumped off the arena and stage. She made her way back to the table. Marik stayed looking at the crowd, he realized these people are his pride, they work directly for his destiny and he has to greet them. As he stood there, he caught everyone's attention by raising his arm.
He looked at Odion to pass him his golden scepter. Odion held a lavender silk cloth to pick it up and walked over to Marik. As Marik held his scepter, "I like to thank you all for coming to this event. As you all know, our company supplies subsequently rare cards. In the fifth year, I hope gather more duelists like you to an expedition of fortune to gather more rare cards. Now sit back and relax for you are in for a long ride." Marik smirked and as Odion made the announcement. A large screen was brought down and the lights dimmed for footages of promoting the company.
As Luanne watched, an ancient Egyptian tune was playing in the beginning of the introduction. The eye of Wdjat shone through the projector. People started chanting in purple robes dueling and then cargos of ships delivering cards. 'For revolution' flashed before her eyes, 'For vengeance'; ' for power'; '…lets conquer the past and rewrite prophecy…' Luanne was bored after a while so she continued eating and fiddled with deck. Unbeknownst to her, the footages with the hypnotic music was mind controlling the audiences as Marik's Millennium Rod was at work. Luanne looked around and many of the audiences were in some kind of trance but she ignored it. She stood up to head to the bathroom. Marik was surprised the footage didn't affect her and hoped that she would come back soon. Luanne was simply indifferent,
As she entered the bathroom, a girl was looking intently at her. She wore a mauve robe, she's got tattoo around her neck and rolling a sheet of marijuana. With a quarter of her hair shaved and the rest with red dyed hair, Luanne knew she was a punk. She licked the sheet of rolled pot and smirked at Luanne. "This ain't no place for good little girls, especially for a child of the 'crown' family. Oh, I'm Sybille and I know everything about the Khaits."
The bathroom door was just close by so she walked pass smiling and quickly shut the door. "Hmm, especially if you are around our Master Marik. You should have stayed in your hotel room because all we are…Rare Hunters are naughty people. You are very rude you know, wait till I tell Master what you did while I'm talking to you. You should stay away from Master for I belong to him. You dirty dirty bitch." Luanne could smell the marijuana burning and every word of the girl's was menacing. Then she heard her leave and the door slammed.
Luanne thought for a minute, "Does everyone here have issues? And what's with the robe?" As she finished washing her face she had a short flash of premonition of a labyrinth entrance, she hadn't had since she was eleven. As she walked out, something was different. Small groups were in robes, and were scattered around the room. They had hoods on and some kind of machetes and ricochets. In front of them is a duel between two individuals. Some were dancing at the techno music. Some had stalls of cards being traded. She could also see people snorting drugs and drinking bottles of whiskey. Some in robes were lounging promiscuously and making out. Luanne walked towards the table and Marik was being served like royalty. Sybille was on his lap making out or rather forcefully to make her do something as her expression is of submission and oppression. Luanne was surprised as Marik hand was down where it shouldn't be and grabbing her roughly by the arm. Other Rare Hunters were assisting Marik in some kind of playing around with other women. It was like a harem.
Odion however went over to Luanne, as he knew what it was about. "Miss Khait, come meet some of our leading employees."
"What just happened?" Luanne asked, wondering why Marik is now acting provocatively and slyly with Sybille.
"You should not encounter any Rare Hunters officially. Even if you haven't talked to them, Sybille is one of the elite Rare Hunters and she is highly regarded to him. "
"You mean to highly regarded… reminds me of my sister's love life…more like a sex toy is more I like it. It doesn't bother me, besides I'm just here for the cards." Luanne gave a sigh of annoyance.
"Anyway this is Carlton Rima; he is involved with Public Relations. You might know him from the Press Conferences and he co-runs the Al Jazeera. Bianca Hill, daughter of the Treasurer Von Attar Hill and you may recognise her too. Halima Ghada, card researcher and an affiliate marketer and Inas Hassan, photographer and media production. These people are safe Rare Hunters you could say and much more educated. They are also elites you can work with closely. Here are you cards Marik have added to you deck to make your dueling stronger. Though you are not a Rare Huntress, I will still support you." Odion said to her. The four teenagers came to meet Luanne.
"Oh my God! It's Luanne isn't it? I'm Bianca and I heard a lot about you. Oh and yeah stay away from that girl Sybille, she means trouble." Bianca cheerfully hugged her. She had a cocktail dress on and she was really skinny.
"They're not together though, Master Marik is just showing his authority and affection over Sybille just to tame her. I heard ya like journalism and stuff." Carlton asked.
"Very fond of journalism but not as much as dueling but I suck at dueling. So that's the little irony in my life" Luanne laughed.
"Oh man, at least your talent is not wasted." Inas said
"We should probably head back to our rooms, it's getting late. We're surrounded by goons and not to mention we are one of them." Halima added. "Luanne you're gonna like how this team turned out. We're gonna be rich as well by working here."
"So you guys have been working in this Rare Hunting business for how long now?" Luanne asked
"6 months." They all answered
"So why is everyone in an illegitimate company?" Luanne asked finding out from them.
"It's because it's legal to take cards from the loser of the game. We're just enhancing the productivity line." Carlton said.
"You Fool, if you don't obey me, I will strip of your title. NO! YOU DARE DEFY ME GIRL?"Marik slapped the girl hard across the cheek. Now pointing his Millennium Rod at Sybille Luanne and the others now watched the stir up. Sybille was weeping but stopped with pure anger she attempted to punch Marik but he dodged it with the pointy end of the Millennium Rod, which scratched her forearm. Now everyone in the room were watching the fight
"You can't make me leave my family… I WON'T!" Sybille yelled and she was kneeling before Marik. Marik mockingly laughed.
"I think your feeble mind have forgotten who I am, Sybille my dear. I can strip of all that you hold dear. That means all your family, your friends, your home, your work and even… your dreams." Luanne was shocked at the demeanor before her. Marik was now hostile and full of mockery, poor girl. Luanne wanted to go to Sybille but Odion stopped her.
"I know you girl, my direct orders for an apology is not hard. You haven't even found the location of the God Cards and you dare report you little dilemmas on my guest? I have been far too lenient on you, little Syb but I'm afraid it all end here. Take her back to the Headquarters and she'll have the honor of imprisonment and I Marik Ishtar, am sentencing her to life as my personal slave." An inkling of evil sounded when Marik laughed as the girl got taken away. "Odion, where is Luanne?" Marik looked directly at Luanne who was standing afar. Now with a genuine smile, though his tone was sadistic, he walked to where Luanne and the other six people were. The crowd was silent but the music was still on.
When Marik was in front of her, he pulled her away from the crowd towards a balcony. "Now that you have seen my wrath, is there a reason why you went to the washroom without any notice?" Luanne just stared at Marik blankly. " You have cost my one of my elite and now where am I going to find another one?" Marik looked annoyed.
"Uh, what did she do wrong?"
"Nothing that concerns you but her foolish jealous brought her to hell." Marik look away, speaking in a menacing way.
"Who… me?" Luanne gasped.
"No need to second guess that, do we? Let's dance and enjoy the rest of out evening." He held her waist and pulled her towards him. She was now leaning on his taut chest as a slow ballad song was playing.
"W-were you close to that lady by any chance?" She asked, trying not to stutter.
"No that wench was just a loyal subject and it'll be the last thing on earth I'll ever be close to her." He chuckled.
"You cause such a scandal for a young employer and you have also violated the Human Rights for keeping her in hostage, violence against women would put you straight to juvenile sentence…and I want to call it the night." She separated and walked inside. "I hope that embeds some fear to you Mr. Ishtar." She smiled and said calmly.
"That was self defense and if you were in my shoes you would also want your employees to respect you." Marik knew she was joking but she does have a point.
"Hmm where is your Millennium Rod?" She was smirking now. Marik was surprise she has a witty banter within her. He pointed at the table.
She stopped, "Good, as a representative of women civil rights, this is my vengeance." Luanne grabbed a glass of water and splashed it on Marik's face and kissed him on the lip. She giggled after a long while as Marik made an audible growl and followed by a chuckled. Her actions were confusing him and all he know is she tired and just playing. Though he could feel his blood boiling, as many of his subjects were present. How he wished he was close to his Millennium Rod now but the only way out is to act cool.
Marik then pulled her to the table and retrieves his Millennium Rod now with some blood and sheathed it. He won't use it on her yet because he knew they were testing each other. He picked up an unused napkin and continued their forsaken dinner. Luanne took the bonsai as a souvenir.
Marik led her to her room and she was definitely tired. He secretly examined her mind and she was being playful, not purposely humiliating him. A little way back, she was thinking about magic a lot. In the bathroom, it was strange as there was a mental block and a lapse. It must be a premonition but he can't access it. No matter how he looked around it, no loophole to be sighted and it was a black hole but he knew Luanne had already accessed it.
"Good night and get dried up, okay? Thanks again for personally inviting me again." She smiled
"I shall see you in the morning then. Oh, change of plan, as my desire to stay here for another night will prove to be productive. As you said to aid us, I want to make an official contract with you, not a verbal contract. Now I understand it isn't Rare Hunter but I am also willing to give you what you truly desire." Marik said suggestively. Y-yeah goodnight…"
"Oh sure…" As Luanne shut the door a telescope was by the balcony It wasn't there before... It had a tag on it, 'Look across and we shall commune, as your sight is just a telescope away. MI'
