A/N: Thanks to Grammarly I can check my mistakes much more efficiently. Thanks to Ataahua for the review. At least this getting somewhere. I'm writing c6 so keep your eyes opened. I had a writer block in this chapter so hopefully it does make sense. I know c4 wasn't awesome so neither is this. I need suggestions... :(
Chapter 5- Deal with the Jackal
Tossing and turning, Luanne was never used to sleeping outside of her home, her own bed. Even if this hotel promises luxury. Also, there are many questions are being unanswered ever since she met this boy. She had never seen his Millennium Rod work against anyone's will, maybe just her otherwise she wouldn't have been here. However sending souls to another dark realm is too unrealistic. It's absurdity to its best. Could he read her mind? Could he bend her to his will? Could he send her to the shadow realm if he is displeased with her? What if he destroys her family? Why is she helping this boy? Is he a dangerous boy to work with? Odion at least seem trustworthy at first, but she had second thoughts in his agenda. Luanne checked the time, and it was 5:43 am with her cellphone. Still dark and chilly, she switched on the lamp beside her. As Luanne took a deep breath, she stood up to sit near the balcony. Knowing a few things about her telescope, she tried it searching for Marik's room. She could see Odion sitting at the dining table studying his own cards. No sign of Marik... She lay on her bed again.
Luanne waited as her lids started to consume her once more; the warm breeze caressed her face. The Hotel was like a horseshoe. She received a message on her phone. "I see you're indecisively tired. If you have never beheld a moment of crime, you are in for a surprise. Meet me by the pool lounge." Luanne went to the balcony again, and Marik was by his balcony too. Leaning against the rail, shirtless holding his cellphone and his Millennium Rod and a telescope also in front of him too. Luanne blushed and tripped, almost sending the telescope down.
The pool was empty, and all services were not operating, and Luanne could see Marik already there in a robe identical to the ones the Rare Hunters were wearing. There was a wine glass and a scroll where there was a table used to serve drinks. Odion was there as well with eight others. Whilst everyone was hooded, she could tell Marik was sitting in front of the table rubbing his Millennium Rod. Whist the Rare Hunters were bowing in submission, Marik stood surveying the new acquired cards his minions have stolen.
Marik chuckled, "Cards from India, Hong Kong and Vietnam seems rather unstoppable. I can see my patients have been tested long enough, and only one of you deserves a trip to the Shadow Realm. Xavier… fool, by bringing me a counterfeit deck will cost you dearly." He growled gravely and pointed his Millennium Rod at his Rare Hunter.
"I'm s-s-sorry, mmmm- Master M- Marik-" The young cloaked lad pleaded, "It won't happen again I promise!"
"And it and happen again, fool. Your word is as correct as mine." He chuckled, and the luminous glow of the Millennium Item glowed.
"NOOO!"
"I'm not as foolish as you goons play out to be. I'm your master and let this be a warning to you all." Anger seeped though his words.
"Master Marik, Luanne had arrived for her initiation." Odion bowed.
"Excellent Odion, bring her to me." Luanne just walked towards Marik without Odion, and she sat on the cold ground right in front of the lifeless Rare Hunter.
"You didn't tell me about any initiation. I refuse to help you then. Poor guy, you really had to put his lights out just for " Luanne crossed her arms and pouted. She closed the man's distraught eyes. Inside her mind she was panicking, she's in a place where the real magic happened.
Marik smirked and sat on one of the sun chair by the table. "My dear, of course I didn't mention any initiation. This is not just any initiation; it's your initiation to serve mine. " He grabbed Luanne's wrist roughly. "Duel Odion, you win… it will be just as you promise: a worthy ally and leave it as that, and if you lose… You are my Rare Huntress or even sign your blood to be my servant. Depending on how badly you lost."
"Let go of my wrist…" Luanne glared dangerously.
"As you wish… now bring your deck so that we may begin the test of fate." Silence between them lasted for a while. Luanne rubbed her wrist then Marik pressed the coldness of the Millennium Rod against her skin.
"Tsk, secret societies… more like a stand up dueling comedy." She said sarcastically Luanne sat at the table and so did Odion.
After 15 minutes of dueling Luanne was struggling with her newly established deck and Odion was in the lead of 3800 Life Points and Luanne 700 Life Points, she sighed. Marik chuckled, amused with Luanne's embarrassing outcome.
"Luanne, the deck is a full proof device, and it has monsters stronger than your last." Odion reminded her.
"As I don't know this deck well, I would pretty much love to sign my precious blood to be your servant a-and what the hell is with this meteor of destruction? They keep popping up, and they are sent to the grave so I can't concentrate when it's this early-" Luanne now talking fast from her frustration. And slammed the cards I hand on the table.
"Whoa, calm down and read your cards. Luanne, just play them." Marik sighed. "I thought you are fond about Duel Monster? Place these as your main phase… Odion…" He continued and looked over to her cards in hand and brushed her hands as he casually took the cards to place it on the table and Luanne blushed and Marik just smiled.
"Luanne Khait, I Odion Ishtar as the second in command of the Rare Hunter will forfeit this match. You're not in the state of dueling, and you have done well. I see you as an ally more than a servant." Odion placed his cards down. "It's much more interesting in a Hologram dueling simulator than this."
"What's the meaning of this fool?" Marik growled dangerously and stood up. His amusement was brought to an end. He hit the Millennium Rod on the left cheek. "May I remind you that this is not some kind of proof of allegiance? You mocked me, and you abused your authority Odion under the Ishtar's name. You're lucky I'm in one of my better moods and Luanne, we will be an ally with Odion's forfeit …however you will still be signing your name in blood and … the Shadows." Marik said still staring in his brother's olive eyes. "She would have won anyway, Odion. She just doesn't know the unique abilities of her cards just yet." Marik said gentler.
"I should go back to sleep first, I have a headache. Besides, you're lucky to have a brother that looks after you… being an ally is all I ask, then again you still be careful because I have the national security in my hands…" Luanne held her forehead. Standing up to the table with her blade, she grasped the handle. She got a quill and placed it in front of the table.
"Stop…" Marik smirked. "You don't even know the ritual. He walked over to her, and he pressed the sharp end of the Millennium Rod into her forearm was. "It's a pity, you have a headache now like many oaths I desire the pleasure of the subject's pain. Do you know that means Luanne?" Rare Hunters ceased her, and Marik held her wrist tightly and stabbed her pinky.
"Ouch, you poked too hard idiot!" Luanne yelled as she flinched. Then shoved Marik's hand and he glared at her.
"No fool, you just didn't anticipate a mere feeble pain." He held the contract and the quill against her pinky, and she snatched the quill and signed her name. "You know you should read before you sign this. In case, there are fine prints or cryptology to be solved-"
"I did! Now if you don't mind, I'm gonna sit by the pool." Luanne walked to watch the dawning sunrise. Sucking her pinky until the blood ceased.
Marik glared at her, she was too arrogant, and no one treats him like that. "Perhaps I should unfold some valuable lessons to this brat." He thought.
"Hey little girl, Wanna sees something cool? Don't tell Master Marik." Luanne realized she must have dosed off, and only some Rare Hunters remained. It was broad daylight, but the pool wasn't in service yet. Another Rare Hunter showed her a briefcase filled with photos of a woman holding three cards. She was tall with silky ebony hair, definitely an Egyptian. The pictures were taken from afar.
"So why are you showing me these photos?" Luanne inquired.
"You see, it's your first assignment to get me all three of these to me." The man chuckled. "Name's Dixon Trixter and I'm gonna run this organization better than our current Leader. I can do it without that golden Rod of his that poses many threats to us all. Consider it and haha, I will take this until you've come to the conclusion." Dixon took Luanne's deck and scrambled.
"Hey come back with my of cards! HEY!" Luanne ran close to the edge of the pool as Dixon did. She accidentally stepped on his robe, which caused misstep to happen as Dixon dashed. Luanne subconsciously grabbed his robe and both of them fell and SPLASH!
"Let go you crazy girl", Dixon tried to pry her grip from his robe.
"No, not until you give my deck back you creep" Luanne reached for her deck, but her head was pushed down by Dixon. While Dixon swam away, Luanne's inability to swim would cause her, her life. She knew Dixon had already scrambled to the edge and out of the pool leaving her to her demise. Black out…
Dixon scrambled passed Marik with fear as entered again. "Luanne! Where is that girl? And why was one of my Rare Hunter wet in the first place?" Marik glanced at the pool. "Ra dammit! Odion get this girl out! Odion…? Anyone…? Fools!" He was furious that no other one was there to do his simple bidding. Well he could leave her there but with his panic rising he took off his cloak and dived. He hated the fact that he had to dive into the pool full of unclean low lives. The girl was only wearing a satin night white gown, and he was wearing his black pants. He swam to reach the floating body and wrapped her waist and lifted her up to the surface. As they reached the sides, the Rare Hunters quickly ran to their Master.
"Sorry Master Marik, w-we only just heard you." One of the Rare Hunters said timidly.
"I don't care she's not breathing. DO SOMETHING!" His voice was shaky but stern. Marik stood there and watched them, but the Rare Hunters weren't sure what to do with Luanne. "Actually do not lay a hand on her, you will be severely punished." Marik hoarsely said, he pushed one of the Rare Hunters roughly and knelt beside the unconscious girl. He started to check her vital signs or response and commenced CPR.
The ceiling… Luanne opened her eyes, and all she could see is the beautiful ceiling and a king sized bed. This could not be heaven; no she's in some kind of robe. She still felt cold, so she closed his eyes again.
"You're awake," Marik sat beside the bed. Now she remembered she was drowning, so someone had saved her.
"And here I thought I was close to see the light at the end of the tunnel and then I find two lavender orbs staring down at me." Luanne said blankly and sat up.
"You know death is not to be joked around. Anubis will punish you for it." Marik smirked. "You were suffering from hypothermia and dehydration. Work has been delayed, but your works start by answering some of my questions. You happen to land on the 22nd December, and as time passes we stay here longer."
"I slipped by the pool so I couldn't swim and yeah." Luanne said pondering how to answer Marik.
"Okay, For Ra's sake! Please explain how could your deck of cards are missing too? Clearly someone wanted to cause harm. Luanne, this does not make sense. Was there someone saying anything about me or for that matter Duel Monsters?" He was holding his Millennium Rod to add that this was also an interrogation as it was glowing.
"Alright, a guy named-"
"Dixon, it always involves someone."
"Welcomed me and he...stole my deck so I chased him and I slipped bit he still successfully got away with a small briefcase."
"With that kind of action, he must be keeping something from the others so what did he tell you? In case you were wondering I do know the truth, but I to test your honesty."
"And if I'm not honest and truthful what will happen?" Luanne bit her lips.
"Many misfortunes will be brought before you. You are cursed by your contact, and I'll see top it that punishment takes place." Marik sniggered.
"You, punish me? Why can't you interrogate Dixon yourself? I mean... well he came to me and introduced him, showed me a few photos of a lady who kind of reminded me of an Egyptian Angelina Jolie holding three cards. Then he talked about how he feared the you and sped off with my deck, and I chased him, and we both fell..." Luanne could see shop parks pod anger forming on Marik's face. Who could blame him? His own complained about the secret organization and involving the girl.
Marik growled and gripped his scepter tightly. Then he smiled at Luanne. "Thanks for your honesty. It's noon. Also, I had you hotel room cancelled. Your belongings are here, we wouldn't want your room to be ransacked while your unconscious. Also, I have contacted your family and your older brother knows of your whereabouts. " He took a long breath remaking eye contact.
"You talked to my brother? He's not to be trusted and-"
"I know that, your brother Wati had an astounding conversation and that all you need to know. I also happen to know that you are the daughter of Badru Khait. You have a substantial family with four siblings. I informed your brother that we both are in a relationship together" Marik said smugly.
"You lied! Unbelievable. Why would you be my boyfriend? I would bet my life for you to be my boyfriend. You hardly know me!" Luanne was outraged. Not only that, she only knew Marik as a friend and wanted to see what a Secret Society is like.
"Oh Luanne, dear, to save you from explaining to your family why you aren't back in Cairo. Besides, you're only an asset to me because you promised me you would help me with some marketing business a whole lot of other things. I promised you that I would help you with dueling, politics and a prospective future. If anything, I'd prefer to have a housewife to be my mistress than a headstrong girl like you. Why complain?" Marik chuckled; he swung his arm around Luanne's shoulder.
Luanne's energy was low. She sighed and said, "Do you know I can smell exploit from here?" She leaned on her newfound so-called 'friend'. Luanne looked up at Marik.
A knock on the door caught their attention as he opened the door. "Master Marik, Here's the koshari you wanted. "
"About time, but what about the girl? She happens to be hungry, and that's not enough." He glowered. He opened the box. Luanne looked at the food as Marik using the plastic fork and help himself to his own koshari.
"That koshari doesn't look organic. I can make better koshari than that." Analyzing its quality. "The paste is to thick and to top it off the models looked like frozen via preheated. I make my own noodles, and I know. Most stores kept it for convenient usage. There is a public kitchen downtown for demonstrators, and I have a pass. I can cook a storm."
Marik sat down at the dining table. Afterwards, he sealed the package again and threw it in the trashcan "Odion get the team for some grocery shopping. There is a feast Luanne is preparing for us. Unless she could withstand wearing the same clothes for another three days and we'll send you home."
"I felt as though I'm being held in Alexandria out of my will. Why do you need to stay here?" Luanne asked. Marik chuckled louder. Now this teenager was beginning to frighten her.
"I have a little family business to take care of. The lady in the picture is supposedly someone we know. So without further ado, we need to shop for your supplies."
"That's very thoughtful of you Master Marik..." Odion remarked sincerely.
"I know. Now shall we?"
The shopping mall was massive, and three Egyptians followed suit. Marik went straight to a dress shop where none of what Luanne would wear. She speed to a more elaborate store for formal and semi formal dresses. With a black midriff tank top, Marik looked pretty attractive. It had gold chains down the side.
Odion followed her and helped jet to choose. Marik felt awkward and inwardly sulked. Had he knew what kind of girl Luanne was, he would be in Odion's position. Perhaps mind reading isn't so bad after all. Distract Odion or assign him to another task.
"Wow so expensive but it's appropriate for work. What'd you think?" Luanne held a light peach coloured dress with off White laces.
"Good taste. Hold on. Master Marik would like to see me." Odion bowed and walked off. Odion approached his Master as he was standing at the entrance.
"As of now, I want you to stay away from this girl. I have an important assignment for you. Prepare the troops for a little visit to the museum. This commences after this girl get what she wants." Marik glanced at her smirking. Then she did something that made him chuckle. She was spinning around a bit too fast and then almost tripped. Luanne blushed after she saw Marik looking at her amusingly.
Now that Odion was gone, Marik took the dress from her hand. "I think you should try the white. You seem to like petite looks mixed with corporate."
"I'm glad you picked up before going to a store that sells sexuality more than modesty. This is what I normally wear. Hey where did Odion go?"
"He's gone back to the hotel, he's feeling a little light headed." Marik lied. "Besides it is quite cold and you need… a cardigan and shawls to go with that too." He then bitterly suggested. As she took her items to register and was about to pay, Marik tapped her shoulder. Shooing her away, he used a credit card.
Luanne seemed to like a café opposite the shop. It had a vintage look to it and books that people would lounge and read. "Since we hadn't had anything to eat, lets go to this place."
"I don't like the looks of it, little Lu. There's a restaurant upstairs that has better settings and cuisines." He dragged her.
"Fine", Luanne rolled her eyes.
"I can't do this, and that. I was drowned, and he, controlling secret society kid, saved me. Now exploiting me to stay with him and lied to my family about. Idiot, perhaps he didn't have a lot of choice as a kid, so he's trying to climb the corporate ladder and boss everybody. Well no one bosses Badru Khait's daughter." Marik heard her thoughts with his Millennium Rod.
Marik inwardly growled. Subconsciously amused by what he had heard from her thought, he grabbed hold of her chin. "I think dear, you need to heed Odion's warning. No one crosses me, even in the lights of a politician's child." Marik whispered dangerously.
"Then that's too bad, you can't go up to you palace and dine there. I have reports to write so ideally speaking you have the right to go separately. You use your scepter as a means to access my inner thoughts because you hate the fact that everyone's will is not in line with yours. I may not know you well enough, but you're a manipulator pretending to be kind. If it does help to speak up my mind, then fine. I'm not hungry anymore." Luanne almost screamed. She turned around just as a tear formed.
"You're coming upstairs with me whether you like it or not fool. You give me no choice but to use my Millennium Rod." He drew it out from his belt before conjuring anything. Luanne held her hand out as an invite. Pointing up with the other hand as a sign of surrender.
"We're pretty childish to fight over the matter of what to eat and reminds me of my sister's last meal we had. Anyway, I can always read a novel back home." Marik reluctantly held her hand. He lowered his Rod and looked closer, her glasses were fogged up.
"Look no need to cry, I just like... Fine we'll go to this place…"
"Booyah, drama classes totally paid off!" Marik heard and mentally noted her pretense. Then grinned as he examined the half-truth in her thought to be genuine. She did have a fight with her sister. "Weakness number one: losing family."
Both of them ended up at a restaurant that specializes with books, the aroma of African cuisine. The seats were mahogany timbers and the waiters. One particular book, 'Wicked- The Life and Time of the Wicked Witch of the West' written by Gregory Maguire, caught her eye.
"Wicked, what is it about?" Marik asked
"It's about how a girl named Elphaba, with great vision and ambition wanted to change the world. Her purpose was to free the animals, and she often questions the actual basis of wickedness. Does it exist in such a world and why? She became an activist with a cause, and she sought out the Wizard of Oz. Being born green was her disadvantage as discrimination against her was inevitable. As she rebelled against the wizard, she became a criminal, not by nature but by how the society perceived her to be. Then she succumbs to that title because of the society."
"Interesting... then I say we read it together. I'm sure it reflects a lot on the folly the society challenges when authorities don't have answers to everything. Let's sit first..."
