Authoress Notes: Hey, sorry for this long hiatus. I hated losing interest in writing because season change with work and study since I last published Life of Trifolium and I'm kinda trying to save get back to writing. I missed writing about this guy. I am working on Life of Trifolium too but yeah I hope I get more chappies done this year. Please enjoy the chapter.
Oh, I love Aladdin! the 2019 version is just amazing. Really can't compare the animated to live-action because they both were unique. Kept repeating Naomi Scott's 'Speechless. XD
Chapter 22- Lovesick, a placebo curse or good omen
Luanne pressed harder towards him; the tinge of pain from the vision was so real that Marik held onto her. She spewed her cough and realised Marik inched away feeling his back stinging again. It has been far too long to even remember the searing pain. The abrupt knock on the door broke their touch. Marik got up considering the weight of the water escape. He cleared his mouth with a gargle and pondered for a second. Bryn must be ready with a whole lot of packing. Marik clutched his white shirt and slid into the cosiness of the arms. He closed the window gently. He was in this girl before…
He held her and carried her to the bed as he felt the stings reawakened. Every first and last cut was a marred the memory of the Tomb Keepers Initiation. Odion has yet to prove his true loyalty. He dried her up and he screamed. Both were in pain as the night bears the coincidence to his first nightmare. What spirit was that?
"Marik…?" Luanne awoke.
"Yes, it's me… please get dressed… now that we have our bodies back…" He watched Luanne emerge from the bathtub.
"I kissed you!" Luanne touched her lip and turned around. Marik rolled his lavender eyes.
"I'd rather put this down as it means nothing. Just keep it silent because I rather not talk about it. We have regrettably stolen each other's first kiss." Marik spat.
Marik paused feeling slightly guilty for leading her here. What was he meant to do? What mission is the honing to take everything from her?
"There is nothing between us…" Her tears rolled, "My memories were hidden for so long, I forgot each day when I follow my parents to Karnak. I don't recall the 23rd of December as though they are my bad memories. How long have you been in slavery?"
"It has been 3000 years since our clan were bound to this slavery, 2500 years of reform and 1000 years of prophetic deciphering. My family, Odion and the entire clan were committed to the darkness. I was the only one that has to bear the name for the Nameless Pharaoh." His voice tightened, as there was so much strife in his eyes.
Luanne grabbed his shirt, "Let me know more about you… How you became a Rare Hunter and how you plan to… to take over the religious and govern— I mean just the religious aspect."
Marik took her hair and tied it up. "This time… I think this kiss meant something, don't you agree?" He whispered. His lavender iris twinkled into the usual cold demeanour.
An instant blush crept up on her. She knew she went too far with getting to know an employer too closely. The body swap was a fate's mockery to both of them.
"Marik… I will cease writing about you and the organisation…." Khait whispered.
"Why, it's not like you will expose me. I know you too well enough to pull a stunt like that." He grasped his Millennium Rod that was left by the tabletop. Ishtar marvelled at his hands again. These hands will be the ones that take the life of the Nameless Pharaoh.
"I know you will be acquiescent to our initial settlement. I happen to find that our missions here are longer than expected."
"THE PAPERS!" Luanne scrammed out of the room in a panic attack as she remembered the exposure to his reputation.
"I'm sure that news coverage stems further than traditional media…" The elevator was so slow that she bites her nail. Marik followed her out with a black headband he found as his bangs were pushed back and he had his Ray Bans on again.
"I'm doomed!" Luanne wailed with a pout and Marik laughed.
"I'd say, don't be too troubled about it. It just means there may be a doppelgänger in Spain that happened to have fun with your reputation. I had to serve in darkness…" Ken Doll slung his jacket over his shoulder.
"I know this sounds weird, you don't have parents, you run this society and you make money out of stealing cards. From my observation, many fear you and them…"
"They fear us all because of all the treasured Rare Cards."
"May I fix your hair this time?" Her eyes pinned on the blonde silk strands.
Marik lowered himself so that she could adjust the headband. His lavender eyes, however, tracked the taboo-rearing bracelet. "I have a feeling that this is not the end of the phenomenon."
"You say that you 'feel' that it is not the end of the body swap as though it will happen in any consecutive time." Middle Crown advised.
"Oh, I am certain it is that bracelet, your spooky doll maid bestowed upon you on Christmas day." Marik attempted to grab her wrist but she tickled him. It did not faze him, however.
"I thought you were ticklish!" The moping Khait sulked.
"Nope! I could have you punished for sexual misconduct and harassment as an employer."
"I honestly can't take you seriously. Perhaps to other girls but you managed to be intimidated by you."
"Lowering in my perspective, your position and status is important to me. Go in!" His arms launched a sudden force like a pinball machine at Luanne.
"AGH!" She banged her shoulder on the elevator.
"I sometimes manage cruelty for non-intellectuals because they are too easily swayed by what is dear to them. You don't seem to care about anything…"
"How many have you encountered with the 'already-ruined-lives'?" Luanne chuckled.
"Plenty and as I have recalled my life was ruined by a—
"THE PHARAOH RUINED MY LIFE!"
"You'd be damned—UGH!" Marik held his head as a sudden presence of the darkness came over him as the ordeal of his memory revived.
"Marik! What's wrong?"
"Nothing… AGH!" Marik held on to his head firmly with his Millennium Rod.
"Do you need to see a doctor or do you want me to call a cab?" Luanne was beginning to worry.
"The Darkness…" The Egyptian boy murmured as the lights began to flicker and Luanne embraced him. As the elevator reached the level, Bryn was just in front.
"BRYN HELP!" Luanne shrieked, and Bryn got to her aid.
"It hurts… I need Odion…" Marik groaned as both his Rare Hunter and Luanne watched, as an entity was about to manifest.
"Master Marik… Odion is on his way to Barcelona…"
"I DON'T CARE!
Luanne then pulled out a card that Odion had given to her earlier. "Marik… Bryn, what is going on?"
Bryn flipped his phone and called Odion he answered. It was a video call that saved his life when Marik read the ancient texts on Odion's face, that was what Marik believes. The spells and initiation of the protector comfort him.
They sat on the lounge of the hotel and Marik cover his face with his knees. He felt a bit chilly as Luanne grabbed a magazine from the coffee table with Shakira on the cover. The girl and the celebrity resemble each other substantially. Although she wouldn't a professional dancer as she failed while she was twirling. However, he was still gritting his teeth in pain.
Then Odion was there for him after all. Marik pushed him hard. "WHAT TOOK YOU SO LONG?" The sharp yell echoed through the hotel lobby and one could be terrified by the raucousness that the boy had conjured from his throat. Both Luanne and Bryn glanced at each other. It wasn't even long; Odion must have followed them the whole time.
"You never said me you assigned Bryn to this mission. So I naturally tracked you down in case you needed me." Odion slowly got on his two feet. Although he could feel a little bruise from the fall, he held back.
"It's no longer a mission… it's our regular protocol now. Assemble them!" His tetchy mood had been restored.
"Master Marik, Odion aborted the Madagascar mission for New Years." Bryn nervously said.
"Did you find it?" Marik questioned Odion with the idea that that was what he wanted to hear.
Odion shook his head and Marik strikes Odion's face. "I hope you know you have yet to prove your worth as you have promised father," Marik whispered to Odion's ear as though it is a deadly threat.
Luanne stooped down every time a person passed by and realised no one noticed her. She would probably offer Marik her assistance because she doesn't want to duel anymore.
Luanne then patted Marik, "Think about the types that you want… I always keep this around. I truly have collected Dark cards because they are easy to contest them." She held a deck.
Masked Beast Des Gardius, Melchid the Four-Face Beast and Humanoid Worm Drake was one of the ones that he favours. Marik smirked, "You know, I have never met one so willing to tender their deck to me. Even one that is strong, I usually had to use force." As Luanne blushed, she felt his tan hands swipe her frizzy strand away.
"Oh, what will I get in return?" Luanne asked.
"Your wages… perhaps Bryn has already heeded your request about the paparazzi hounding on my accidental disclosure." Marik chuckled as he eyed on Carissa who trotted her way to Bryn.
"The Madrid flight is somehow accepting the late booking." Carissa bit her lip. She glanced at how willing Luanne just gave him a deck.
Luanne checked the papers that were displayed and there was no sign of the name Luanne anywhere. No article was indicating that she was concerned in a siege.
Odion didn't want to ask Luanne further as he was leading another team. "I'm amazed you haven't brought Wati with you to see Luanne." Marik flexed his hands, Odion was right about comprehending where Marik will do.
"I may need to rest..." Luanne said hesitantly.
"See you later then Lu." Marik smiled. she waved in return.
Bryn was irked by how Rare Hunters having to recruit siblings, as Abbey never stayed long and he had to complete her missions. Abbey Leigh Reinhart was the most disciplined Martial artist and the choicest fighter; no one can brush a hair of hers. She secured immense chakra when she was 2 and a half. He waited for the call and Abbey was feeding their nephew Huxley Reinhart from a video call.
"Hi, Huxley!" Bryn pulled his face and Abbey had puffy eyes from the deprivation of sleep.
"Brynny, you must be absurd about setting the Cloud 9 on fire. Guess what, Oliver nearly left the stove on for the whole day."
"I need to go to the Lon someday and catch up with Oliver. Hey! I have to visit mental penitentiary soon in Madrid." Bryn bit his tongue and felt the shivers.
"Badass Leader wants a new Mind Slave." Bryn sighed.
"Look, we do believe Marik and Marik trusts us. Bianca isn't really a Rare Huntress because of her rank. She isn't ranked… No Hux!"
The ordeal of Abbey watching her daughter regurgitated made Bryn cringe. He definitely wouldn't want to be her right now. Huxley then finally screams and Abbey had a handful of things to do.
"Okay, I think I'd better let you go." Bryn sighed, then Marik leaned took a seat next to the brunette.
"Huxley vomited…" Bryn snorted.
"I can see that and boy I wish she would be in the Rare Hunters again…" Marik rested nonchalantly as he watched Abbey rambling to Huxley.
"OH MY GOD HUXLEY, DON'T WIPE IT IN YOUR— UGH! Marik… sir, I'm sorry you had to see this but this is motherhood!"
Odion turned from the back to see the ex-Rare Huntress managing the toddler naturally.
"I know it is motherhood, and there is another coming out. I can see you have been busy." Marik smiled perpetually but Bryn elbowed the blonde really hard. Oliver, who looks more like a father than a Rare Hunter, helped Abbey with clean up until he sat by the iPad.
"In three days, Rome will open its Door of Mercy to the whole public domain. As gruesome as Rare Hunters are, we have a fresh plan. The clergymen are safeguarding what seems to be Seto Kaiba's early archetype of the Slime deck… I could be wrong but amongst those are also Grave keeper Oracle."
Bryn shoved the iPad to Marik to let him talk to the former Elite. "No I mean if we ever see my deck transform in this mission, I know who to thank. In fact, I'll have the Pope punished for leading the world into thinking that there is another God there than Ra."
"Well… you can't possibly kill Godzilla for thinking that King Ghidorah exists." Oliver said without thinking. Marik sent a Lavender death glare.
"Sorry…"
"Oliver, you need to trust us on this, Rare Hunters will be fine without yours. I still have Odion and Bryn to help me out."
"How about the Middle Crown?" Oliver pointedly suggested.
"She will be a bait to Badru Khait…" Marik reluctantly said.
"Oh, I would have thought she was going in Bianca's path," Bryn observed his brother in law load a pistol.
"She is still in her conceited state of mind. I'd much rather let the girl freely serve us without a title." Abbey narrowed her eyes as she remembered the okay night Marik recruited her and her brother as Rare Hunters without a choice.
"Bryn is at the top now. Six years ago we found Rare Hunters to be the only to live with very few…"
Marik grumbled as he didn't want to recall the past. He met a girl that presented him a responsibility to bear but he couldn't resurrect her.
Marik, Odion and Bryn drove to Ssm Servicios de Salut Mental as Mother Verda had spoken to one of the fellow Kenosha members. She is the Jade Feist whom she had acquainted with since the Founder has given its allegiance to the Rare Hunters.
"She isn't very lucky to be caught and detained," Bryn said to Odion. Marik just ignored them.
"Just be glad there is an undercover…" Odion said to the short Rare Hunter.
"Okay…"
"You two need to be silent as I need to find the Jade Feist Leader." Marik went alone inside the precinct. Di Jia Lien was one of the top Kenosha he had met.
The trio Rare Hunters followed the corridor and the lights kept flickering. On the left was the psych ward; they were really going into the psyche ward! "Master Marik, I'm pretty sure Dia Jia Lien is sane…" Bryn said feeling the chills in his bones. He had apprehended of her as the notorious 'Asian Mother of Crime'.
"And that will make our dearest little Lu Pee Wee a gifted genius." The corn silk blonde Egyptian boy smirked.
"But should I mention that I was in her body?" Marik pondered.
As they have reached the door with a glass window and Marik waited for the guards to access the code. The deranged woman was a constraint in a straight jacket. She was evil and Marik could relate to her intentions in seeking corporal punishment. He memorised the code that the guard had foolishly keyed in. It was too easy to remember the combinations of '3891208'. Marik's smirked.
Her eyes were swelled with bags and she seemed malnourished from a distance but Marik knew she was as cunning as Lady Verda.
Marik sat on the chair and Odion beside him with Bryn hiding behind the two Egyptians.
"I thought you'd never show up after all these years after the Kenosha's Amazing Race. I am not obliged to give you any leads to the Pharaoh. Perhaps in extending my service as an ambassador to my organisation, I'd have your Rare Hunters expend our common slaves." Di Jia Lien was smirking and eye on the little Rare Hunter. However Marik noticed how terrified his little footman was of her, he began his terms with her.
"I'd summon my well-trusted counterpart for our bilateral Intel but the Trifolium is sufficient enough to meet 'The Quiet One'." He grabbed his little lackey and forced him forward.
"Then I wonder how equipped you are in divulging me out so that I may help you in the most approaching hour." Madam Lien chortled euphemistically in hopes of defying the Barcelona security.
"Oh, very soon… I will facilitate time for you to slip through these corridors in a matter of minutes, but from what I have gathered, have you intended to join forces with the Rare Hunters?"
Di rolled her eyes, "I kenned this was a conditioned agreement… Of course!"
Bryn quickly came to face Marik; "Master, this is not the time…" he seethed as Di Jia Lien glared deeply into his eyes. However, Marik's cold demeanour matched hers.
"Excellent, all I need is for you to lead me to 'The Quiet One', take some of my pathetic lackeys whom I have previously dismissed in the Shadow Realm and yield me access to the Vatican." The room was hushed as Marik lay his terms.
"You have no insight of time, do you? My ranks are not as strong as your ghouls. We don't obtain cards because we have rather obtain players. You would make a magnificent duelist in Canadian Heights, Marik."
"What is the Canadians Heights"? Bryn asked prior to the blonde boy.
Di Jia Lien broke the silence after a couple of seconds. "Remember the days when we used to duel, side by side in Nepal, Canada and Shanghai? I provided you with all the valuable cards as you sailed the vast seas. We met at the border of Asia Minor…"
"How could I overlook, you omitted me in Lebanon and framed me and my organisation." Marik leaned smugly as he has forewarned my double-crosser and luckily my most loyal Rare Hunter was able to rescue me.
"I was stirring you to the right cards. Then your Rare Hunters can be so ungrateful. Didn't you obtain Lava Golem?" This caught Marik off guard.
"The Canadian Heights is the reason you need the Egyptian girl with you. You two will be playing in a room filled with robot-simulated devices and testing each other. I was lucky to play and score well."
Marik was amazed by how Di Jia Lien was perceptive of his use of Luanne. What gain would it be to duel alone? He'd much prefer a companion. Bryn then directed to face his Master, and he mutely uttered something that only he could conjecture.
"Canadian Heights for the three of us." Marik finalised.
"Then that will be resolved. Now if you could assist me in my escape, love—
However, Marik ignored her and used his own golden rod to render Di Jia Lien unconscious. He smirked as he had plans to break her free. Why were there no guards? One must wonder…
"Odion… take this dear ally to our headquarters." Marik ordered.
Bryn pulled Marik's hand, "don't you mean four, and I mean there is the fuzzy haired girl."
"I'm not sure if you are aware, little Bryn that I want all my Rare Hunters to do my bidding, I will be spectating."
Bryn quirked his brow as he could detect tone laced with sarcasm.
Marik then sighed, "I think you will understand that I do all my task with fulfilment. I will appoint you my little servant to do my bidding."
"No not that, I don't see much of you duelling opponents when I am with you. I want you to-" The blond Egyptian found it hard to second-guess what Bryn wanted. The most loyal servant he had known since they were young, sail the seas and sworn to protect their dogma.
"If we move back to the oceans, I guarantee it will be like the same as usual. Politics happen to consume time little Bryn." Marik eyed for the surrounding and spotted Odion who had successfully knocked out a few guards.
"FOUR- mm" Bryn yelled and was soon met with Marik's hand. His death stare sent enough signals to the young Harkin.
"I have a plan. If Luanne and I duel, will you be my support?"
Bryn nodded
"Excellent, my plans never fail. Call it ego but I think I have full confidence in…"
"Yourself…" Bryn smiled cheekily.
"Of course I am confident but are you. All those years I have taught you how to be ruthless and tactful, it must have changed your attitude at some point."
"I have hacked into Mr Khait's archive though…"
"How about Seto Kaiba's software?"
Meanwhile, Bryn bit his lips as he considered about all the malware devices he had countered.
"Uh… almost…" Marik's kind expression changed. Soon he seized Bryn's hand and yanked him along.
" My ingenious plans have no limits, and you are one of my exultant investments. I must find the decks including Egypt—"
"EGC?"
"Let me finish… yes the Egyptian God Card…"
Marik sighed, as his energy level was the same as his phone: seven per cent. The night was eerie enough to send Bryn's spine to shivers. One of which his Master was planning a Bonnie and Clyde duel with Luanne, a random girl he had picked up prior to their mission. The prison was a taboo landmark to him, and if continues this, he may as well go in there for working with this criminal syndicate.
The only object that was set aglow was Marik's Millennium Rod, which he was subconsciously using for mind reading. Bryn felt his head crawl with maggots. It was his power after all. Reading his mind. It painted a picturesque flow of thoughts enough to convey Bryn's fear about the prison as he imagined the possibility of Marik leaving him in a mission of a crime, torn into pieces and broken.
"I won't forsake you, my friend… you have to trust me on this, little one." Marik whispered.
"What happened after Dubai?"
This reality was different from how any of them. Layla did not appear and hence, this was another reality he had to accept.
"I met Inas and his team if you recalled at an abortion clinic. As news didn't cover why they were imprisoned, I will tell you now…"
Bryn was agreed but said nothing. Marik prompted for his flunky to speak up but the Irish boy merely shrugged.
"Just between you and me, I ought to consult you about an arduous time, which realm this was. So rather, for me to envision our missing Layla, I rushed out of the lab, so that revealed why I was missing for 3 months." Bryn grinned cynically with the inaccurate duration. It was close to four and a half months, he had to escape from the authorities because he couldn't find Marik.
The signs of protest were held up as Inas and his friends tried to control the crowd. The crowd disfavoured the media for covering up the killings of the unborn babies. Luanne was amongst the enraged demonstrators were trying to challenge their way inside the bureau but was met with a short departure as the bureau was later on fire. Her vehicle had driven away. Marik had obliterated the recollections of the demonstrators and even Luanne as he convened the team of paparazzi.
Inas primarily was uncertain what had befallen as he as fighting with the demonstrators and the next he is met with this young Egyptian boy.
"You must be Marik Ishtar… the boy who solicited after the files of a client." Inas granted the boy a box dates, as the sweet fruit was share amongst the Arabic world as a sign of respect.
"I want to locate the girl that left her details a moment ago, Nubit Khait. I am not urging you to be an abortionist but she was pregnant and the media must not leak that out." Marik felt uneasy trying to prevent abortion from happening.
Inas stared at Marik wondering what he meant. "I'd work for the paparazzi for abortion, why would I not disclose such a piece of useful information?
"So you saved Nubit's baby?" Bryn was in scepticism as he learnt the past.
"Yes, not because I wield such compassion for that child but if she had aborted the child I could not have been able to contact...her."
"Who?"
"L-
BANG!
Their driver hit into another car as he hit on the break hard. The Egyptian boy looked ahead and saw the driver went proceeded apologetically as the car ahead was littered with duel monster cards. The driver ahead wasn't even present but another Rare Hunter grabbing onto a boy's attire. Marik smirked, as he knew this was the work of his goons. As Bryn moved forward to the driver seat he sounded the horn for laughs. Marik knew he was just playing around.
"Now, Bryn, no need for that." Marik chuckled as he felt for once he was with a friend. Beside Odion, a brother of his Bryn was a comical relief in his ranks.
"Oh come on, when do we get to celebrate when shits happen to people?"
"It's not that, our driver deserted us but he won't get away from me…"
The duelist that befell victim looked pale from his defeat. The other Rare Hunter was pleased with himself but Marik was contemplating something else. His smile faded as he opened the door as he used his Millennium Rod as it rendered the man to a schizophrenic state of mind.
"I want his rare cards…" Marik sibilates gravely as slammed the door. He was determined to get what he wants.
"Sir I have them all here…" The Rare Hunter uttered as he reached his pocket.
Marik swiftly took the rare cards from his Rare Hunter. This was a standard pursuit and not the best. As for the boy, he looked terrified like prey that was about to be devoured.
"Now in what conditions would you be driving back to Madrid? A tournament? Those cards look expensive." Marik taunted the victim.
Bryn then pressed the horn again.
"WHAT IS IT BRYN?"
Bryn panicked as he found information about Madrid's gaming convention on his phone. He held it up.
"He umm well he is heading to a convention in Madrid!"
Marik ignored him, he would stay another night here but it meant he had to entertain Luanne. Bryn got out of the car, hoping to further share information with him.
"Beau did catch him for a reason at this time, aye bro?" Bryn smiled at the Rare Hunter beside Marik.
"Yes, Sir R.H and Trifolium." Beau bowed as he trembled. He didn't expect Bryn to solve his remote plan to help Rare Hunters.
"I assumed that your task was to ambush the black market?" Marik said casually as though his mission for Beau was dismissed.
"I've already fulfilled actually, I possess all the reports written." Beau effortlessly pleases Master Marik.
"Yuhoo! F.Y.I. we need to head back to the Mansion!" Bryn giggled whenever Marik was in a good mood.
The Blond Egyptian rolled his eyes as he read about the convention. He could leave a few of his goons here whilst all four of them head to Rome. Then the phone buzzed, it was a message from Abbey to Bryn.
"Abbey: I got stuck in the customs because my luggage was missing. I will be able to join you guys but tell Master Marik, Oliver will be late."
"It's Abbey…" Marik decided to text with Bryn's phone.
"Bryn: This is Master Marik, why would Oliver be late? Good that you will join us again."
Marik could see Abbey was typing but erased everything through backspacing. Bryn silenced through the indiscretion.
"Abbey: Greetings Master Marik, Oli will have a later plane because he will meet a representative from KC."
Bryn watched Marik typing to Abbey. He dared not to dispute his Master's usage of his phone. Many abhorrent things happen if he misused his position. Bryn's grunt of frustration escaped his lips; he failed to hide his embarrassment.
Marik kept heeding his own liaisons, much to his distaste, the couple after marriage was semi-retired. "Bryn: KC? Kaiba Corp? Then it is a situation outside of our mission. Tell him to resign his appointment to reach you."
"Abbey: I'll try Master Marik, but his meeting is useful for us as Rare Hunters."
Marik typed "Bryn: OK". "I need to revise my plan in the car, Trifolium. His little Bryn always obeyed him. He was straightforward to work with and he doesn't protest.
Luanne watched a Carissa measure her height as their next trip to Rome could mean dolling up.
"So have you been part of the Rare Hunters long?"
"You are part of a Rare Hunter if you do simple favours to Mr Marik Ishtar." Carissa checked the measurement on the paper. "I fell one and I am just an associate."
"You can't leave them?"
"To be honest I cannot leave them. I am forbidden to be part of them or leave them. My mother has committed crimes against the Chasseur Rares and the world of crime will remember the controversy. Marik managed to rescue the world of creepy crimes from her." This awed Luanne.
When Luanne said nothing, Carissa starred at her and continued. "We all fear Marik Ishtar for he has the audacity to destroy one's life beyond repair."
"I think his self-absorbed temerity descends from the male ego and competition," Luanne added.
"If only you know him through my lens of my soul, you will run from him—" Carissa paused as someone invasive entered her mind.
The pastel-haired girl's iris clouded into her pale peach pools; surely Marik could see the girl in front of her with concern. It only took a few seconds to register to him that Luanne was talking about him. He let out a growl through his host, which, Luanne winced as she apprehends it is the puppet master.
"I hope you have brushed up your duelling skills… I'm not going to let you fight by my side with that reclusive attitude of yours. I bet you didn't even practice singing…" Marik's head, throbbed a little as it had been a while he used mind control and humidity in the car made was one of the things he realised he didn't have time to wind down the window.
"Why am I duelling?" Luanne asked the host.
Marik muttered something, "Wind the window down Bryn."
"Look sir Ishtar, I don't think you know women enough to understand that… you know… it's the time of the month."
"You're having a menstrual cycle?" Marik panicked. "Ask the host for assistance…"
"No I have that covered, I meant we need a vacation."
Marik chuckled; he had come to a realisation when he is working in the Rare Hunters, it has always been structured. His plans always work in advance. Marik could see Luanne's hair half tied. She was revising the dancing steps in her head.
"When I'm back, please have your items packed thoroughly. Kindly learn how to sing too." Marik chuckled. She wasn't really paying attention to Marik. It would do for now. Marik picked the most natural individuals to achieve with him closely.
Luanne didn't bother packing; she could hear Marik's voice. His calculative footsteps escalated up the stairs as he reached Luanne's door, he sighed. It was a sigh of exhaustion and relief.
"Master, I will pack my stuff yeah?" That was Bryn's voice.
"Mister, you aren't going anywhere!" Lady Fendi's voice could be heard.
However, the most obvious sound was Marik stepping in as he opened her door quietly and closing. Luanne closed her eyes pretending she was asleep. The least she gets to work with this freak, the better. She was expecting him to uncover her quit but instead, he plonks on the bed. Why did he choose her bedroom?
"Master Marik, I can't find my itinerary!" That was Bryn knocking on her door. Marik groaned and chose not to answer Bryn. Luanne felt the weight shift as he turned to face her.
Ken Doll Marik sat propped his head up and his hands in his chin. He gently used his hand to touch her lips. The teenage girl was part of him once.
"Oh Come on! Open the door to help me find it!" Bryn pleaded.
Something pulled Marik closer as he inches his own lips towards Luanne. She had willingly given her first kiss. Then her eyes opened as it dawned on her. She places her finger on his lips.
"MARIK!" Her hand grabbed onto something that was forbidden as she thought it was a quilt, which was the boy's crotch. He grabbed her wrist tightly and unsuccessfully pinned her. Great… more cussing!
"Master Marik, are you okay?" Bryn stormed in. Marik was in a foetal position and Luanne was apologising. Marik smiled darkly in soaking the awkwardness. He'd rather be a rotten cadaver than being embarrassed.
Luanne pulled her blanket over her head again, "Bryn, ship this fragile boss out of this bedroom." Her voice was deadened and disconcerted.
"Let me re— Phra—phrase that… I am in your bedroom to check if you have packed. However, you may have to spend two more days with Lady Fendi."
Bryn slowly closed the door behind him so that Marik could have a quality time with the important 'mistress'.
"But I must apologise again for grabbing, you know..." Luanne screened her orbs.
The night was a lavishly warm, much to her liking. Marik didn't answer, much to his delight he aspired to see her croon for once.
"Sorry that cannot be plausible and I'm not that special girl to do that."
"I couldn't agree more but aren't you curious whether you've obtained a creative side from your family?"
"I'm not your Eliza Doolittle and nor am I your Frankenstein." Luanne almost screamed.
"However I will be your RuPaul darling." Marik faked a flamboyant imitation of the socialite.
"You did a good job pretending to be me… perhaps if we do change bodies again, you can be 'LuPaul' and have you watch a 'whorrer' horror movie." Luanne laughed.
"Well, RuPaul had been a well known public figure in the LGBT+ community. I do quite admire people admire him but I'm not gay." Marik agreed.
"So you're sure that you have had your gender and pronoun figured out?" Luanne giggled.
Marik arched his brows and cleared his throat. "Yes, I am a cultured and identified as cismale. Anyway, how well do you know the 1992 Disney classic 'A Whole New World'?"
"Why of course!" Luanne crimsoned.
"That was your song you won third place when you were 4 years old when you sang with your father. It is one of your good memories, is it not?" Marik sat up as buttressed his knees.
"Okay, ever since I have joined this working environment, all I take from you is your unswerving disdain of how untalented I am in creativity. You don't even teach me duelling nor have we spent time talking about cards. I have helped you obtain your prize and last but not least, when are we going to sleep because you seem exhausted." Luanne sighed.
"I don't really need to sleep because I rest mainly through having a conversation with you," Marik said plainly.
"But you think nothing of me when I need to rest…"
Marik smirk, that fact was very spot on. Most ladies critique him for being the most terrifying criminal in a non-intellectual persona but Luanne was frank.
"Shall we sing?" Marik gently placed his arm over Luanne.
Marik took her hand and took her to the balcony. There was another set of stairs that led to the rooftop. However, the solar eclipse caught their eye.
As Luanne climbed up the stairs, Marik placed his Millennium Rod on the ground. It is like a small forest as a garden with an outdoor sitting facility was present. There were also two swings adjacent to the dining area.
"Okay, so how should we start?" Luanne sat on the swing and started bouncing off the ground for a sting pendulum. Marik stood facing her as well.
"I'd thought if I didn't blindfold you'd be less appreciative of the scenery." Marik frowned and strutted to the swing.
"Do you always treat your colleagues with sincerity?"
"No. Most Rare Hunters don't deserve the title of elite and let alone a colleague."
"Except…" Luanne dawdled.
"Except you, Bryn, Odion and a few others…" Marik felt the light that he had with those I have regarded worthy in my presence." Marik justified his relations within his ranks. Luanne paused to soak in the worthiness. Marik bit his own lips; he had never been mesmerized with a meek confession to a girl. He was always on top or rather gratified in treating people lowly.
"If we did not meet in an employment level, would you bully me?"
"Perhaps but you are someone with high status, you will be hard to be victimised and rather my hostility towards you is something I'm not accustomed to. Now, that we have cleared this unnecessary… this Solar Eclipse is a significant one." Marik stared at her bracelet. He narrowed his eyes, which were no ordinary trinket.
"I can show you the world…" Luanne began with Aladdin's part.
"But don't you want to sing Jasmine's part?" Marik chuckled.
"You were I…" Luanne pouted and she covered her bracelet.
"I was but not now…" Marik growled. "Bryn did a duet with Carissa on her birthday and recorded 'Tale as old as Time', and I guess it was something I wished I could try with someone."
"We had Bryn singing as the Beast? Nah, I can't imagine that." Luanne giggled as she stopped swinging. She viewed the night with as chilled.
"Fool, you don't believe me?" Marik grabbed his phone and turned a video on of Bryn recording himself with Carissa. Bryn was playing the guitar under the Eiffel Tower singing with Carissa. It made sense that they sang in France because of its foundation of the movie.
"No way!" Luanne gasped.
"I told you, this is no ordinary organisation. We have our seriousness most of the time and fun when necessary," He had to hide his reclusive side from Luanne but he could see her reaction change as the video. Luanne simply thought, 'If one refuses to sing with Marik, it simply meant they are in some kind of treason or condemnation'.
"Just enjoy your night and stop overthinking…" She is like Bryn, feeling like she is not deserving of being his presence. "...I just want to see how it feels to do something together with someone without conditions attached.
Luanne nodded, "So we're recording this but can we use an instrument?"
"I have it all mapped out. See over there? There is a keyboard where Lady Fendi uses when Bryn and I first visited here. I can ask Bryn to assist us with the sound system." Marik dashed down from the swing and called out to Bryn.
Bryn was surprisingly fully garbed in his Rare Hunter attire. He was fully concentrated in his work.
"Master Marik, you really haven't had time to yourself for a while…" Bryn placed his laptop next to Marik's Millennium Rod. "I really haven't even played the piano since I was like eleven so it's going to be tough." He unlocked the door and he took the keyboard, keyboard stand and mike stands. The fairy lights, of course, were already decorated beforehand, apart from the fact it was a Christmas decoration leftover they wouldn't mind borrowing that festive atmosphere. Only Luanne helped Bryn as Marik sat on the swing.
As Bryn wanted to get something way high, it was the sound stereo, he couldn't. "Hey Lu, could you help me. It is darn heavy and really high."
Luanne rubbed her eyes, "Do you need me to boost you to boost you up?"
"You're a lady; you can't carry that Stereo or me. I'm short but I can carry you I think."
"We can't push it down…"
"HURRY UP! Marik called from outside.
"He's tall and sturdy enough to carry it down." Bryn scratched his head. "I hope his mood is okay… because sometimes if we ask for the assistance he gets mad."
"Should I ask him then?" Luanne asked.
"It is Master Marik, you can't ask for assistance from him because... sometimes he won't."
"BRYN! Marik shouted as he comes in the storeroom and both Luanne and Bryn jumped. Marik must have heard that.
Luanne pointed to the sound system and Marik quirked his brow. The storeroom was neat but there was a lot of stuff. Marik smirked, as he pretended to be oblivious. He leaned against the doorframe and stared at Luanne as his usual self was invited laid for a red carpet.
"If you can't ply the politics of negotiation of bringing the stereo system down, I wonder how you're going to render Egypt in the future from any emerging riots." Marik tried riled her up.
Bryn cleared his throat and intervened, "Well we both aren't strong or tall enough so we need you to help."
"I figured you might need a ladder for that," Luanne added.
"Not really, your problem-solving skills are deficient and shall we say, disquiets me." Marik added, "while I have my patience now I wonder if this prolongs in let's say duelling, I would rather have another duelist achieve my bidding." Marik squeezes into the room and takes the ladder out and lets it lean on the shelf.
"Well, at least I perceive my limits, as I'm not an official Rare Huntress but a mere journalist and encoder," Luanne said shakily.
"Aw don't say that Lu. You're my friend." Bryn tried to settle the differences.
Marik paused in discomfiture. Bryn was always on his side but not this time and he resents that. How could he flout his Master like this? "Even friendships have a degree of accountability."
"Master Marik, I was the one that also thought of asking you for assistance and we both agreed." Bryn tried to reason. Not that he wants his Master to feel confined in this matter but Luanne was really a delightful friend to him.
Marik carried the speakers down to Bryn and Luanne. As Bryn fixed everything, Marik stood in the middle with a microphone. Bryn was fixing the camera.
"Master, are you sure you want to be recorded?"
"The notion is that we have a tight agenda and while Spain is dreaming, we should have a little benign fun." He glanced at the female beside him. She was rehearsing her part as she remembered it. She wasn't as bad at all. Luanne was definitely in tune. Both of them sang and recorded to the end.
Marik was lucky to experience something modern. Perhaps it was the Pharaoh mocking him for serving him. All he knows is he rather staying in the path of radicalism and rebellion while leading people astray from decent morality. Who cares if the Pharaoh succeeds in defeated the shadows but he battled shadow with shadow. The two Egyptian God cards were impressively Luanne and Bryn's effort…
"Why did you go on the career path of Communications and not IT Luanne?"
Luanne's voiced abruptly cawed, she blushed as the sensation of a habanero red set. However, the sensation spread wildfire to Marik's cheeks as he let out something unimaginable from his anus: an instinctive reflex flatulent.
Marik turned to Luanne and then Bryn, to see that they are very bright red. Luanne tried to hold her laughter but Bryn was ahead of her. He uncontrollably held his tummy as he retrieved the video and replayed that fatal incident. Marik viciously jerked the phone from Bryn.
"DELETE THAT PART!" Marik yelled as he felt the mixture of panic, frustration and embarrassment.
"It's not like we're going to publish it." Bryn giggles and finally caught Luanne snickered. Marik then replayed the video again as he sat alone on the swing.
Luanne went over to the semi-embarrassed teen and approached him from the back. Marik turned but ignored her.
"You sang harmoniously… but pitchy at times." Marik commented.
"Is that a compliment?"
"It can if you want it to be but I need to go back to work," Marik said sourly.
She giggled, " Thanks, you sounded perfect though." Luanne complimented in return. "I can help you with the final take if you want."
She used her video editing skills to cut and add voiceover to make the clip presentable. As Marik watched her fix the clip he smiled at the incidental humour. Marik sighed, as she was somewhat able to tame his sentiments.
The morning was slow as Marik felt a mixture of emotions overcoming him. No one was awake nor were they there to accompany him. He's always been lonely, even when there are people that will look out for him. Luanne definitely hasn't packed; he would rather wait a little longer just to fix his routine. Why did he care if she could sing? Marik wasn't sure as in the past; all the Rare Hunters were easily trifled with. Odion was already returned from his trip, but he didn't notice the return. As he walked downstairs, there were already a few Rare Hunters reporting to him. What a surprise…
"Sir, we managed to locate the Rare Cards in the Vatican but we cannot retrieve them as the security was tight."
"Then we shall wait for Master Marik's next instruction."
"Tight?" Marik growled.
Why did they have to ruin his morning? The two Rare Hunters grovelled before him. Then he remembered what he and Luanne said to each other. He could be interpreting the news severally.
"They will proceed to Rome but I already had plenty of delays to waste any meticulous plans. " Marik sneered.
"You mean I will go as well." Bryn's voice came from above. "After all my omitting my usual commitment in Rare Hunter, you want to leave me behind…"
"No Bryn, I intended for you and I will continue our assigned duties. As for you two, I expect you to find the next batch without fail. You two will retrieve information about the next tournament as well." Marik commanded.
"Perhaps we should leave sir." Odion could rile up any time if work wasn't done properly.
"I know we will be inconvenienced if Abbey arrived without us," Marik said as his former Rare Huntress is of importance to him.
"Actually, Abbey is at a hotel near the Airport she will meet us there Master Marik," Bryn said daintily. Marik snorted thinking he would have a lovely morning.
"I need a moment…meet you all at the Airport..." Marik pinched the bridge of his nose; he isn't himself as he kept thinking about Luanne and her delicate smile.
He grabbed his Millennium Rod with him and stormed outside, the weather was cloudy, of all days he knew Spain was a disappointment when it comes to efficiency. If he sees Ishizu again, this time he will surely win. As he took his motorcycle to the gate, he noticed there was a slight scratch on his motorcycle. The street was empty and he was the one controlling the road.
Every guest of wind on his face made him remember the note the girl sang. 'A Whole New World' was just the song that triggered a memory of lovesick. "FOCUS!"
As hours past, he reached the Airport, he searched the location of Abbey using him and she was really nearby. At least he could scoff at the fact he is out of the mansion.
The horn shrilled as the traffic from the arrivals was full. Parking at the hotel is good enough. As he turned in, he was met with an abrupt halt as a blue convertible blew the horn. The couple cusses at him, but they were in the wrong lane. He decided to scratch the car.
"¡Que te jodan dos Ruedas!" Marik heard the profanity from them. What cretins they are. He got off his bike and walked over to them. He broke the mirror and soon went straight to his motorcycle and mounted on their car. He didn't care and the least they will recognise him, as they will be in the Shadow Realm before they notify the authorities. Two wrongs make his right, as he loves that feeling. No one disrespects his riding of the motorcycle, not even rule breakers.
He entered the elevator only to meet Abbey carrying her baby. "Master Marik!" The sister of Bryn Wesley Harkin, she is Abbey Leigh Rinehart. Marik smirked as he remembered her successes when she was in his rank.
"Mrs Abbey Rinehart…" Marik chuckled. It had been a while since they met and whenever they did, it was always pleasant. He had utter respect for his Elite's sister.
"It's been a while, hasn't it?" Abbey started as she bowed. Marik nodded as he glanced at the young child.
"It surprisingly has, well I will add I haven't acquainted with this dear little one." Marik was shocked as the toddler changed his expression as though he had seen the first Stephen King's horror film. Marik sighed and rolled his eyes.
"This is Huxley Enzo Rinehart, I was sure I sent Bryn photos of his birth." Abbey hinted that Bryn would have relayed about the new family.
Marik nodded as he remembered chatting with Bryn on time but they were both too busy. "And he did but I was preoccupied with finding leads to the E.G.C. I was aware enough to know you have a child." The blonde noticeably felt guilty for not congratulating her earlier but he followed his domineering character.
"Do you want to sit for a while? The hotel is a little messy so forgive me." Abbey added. Marik ignored but he hates messiness even though it isn't his space. The infant started sobbing, it was because Marik was naturally intimidating. "Hux, you must be hungry…"
As she opened the door, the first thing Marik noticed was her former Rare Hunter attire. A mother meeting her old criminal boss would do anything to impress. Marik sat on the sofa and glanced at the newspaper. The Headline: 'Mysterious Missing Prisoner Suspect". As she placed Huxley on the high chair she gave him his little shaker.
"Mummy is going to make you more puree okay?" Abbey tapped his nose. "We did speak over a video call, so I was hoping you could assign me into a team."
"I think not Abbey, you have a child!" Marik refuted.
"Come on, I can do it just get Carissa or someone to look after Huxley when I'm on a mission."
"That would be an inconvenience to me, you and my ranks." Marik added, "I also have an enemy in our midst."
"You mean Luanne?" Abbey asked. Marik got a shock with that name recently.
"The Middle Crown will be a mere convenience as her skills and the final outcome in destroying her," Marik said shakily. Abbey could sense his uncertainty but that was not for her to dictate.
"Tea or Coffee Master Marik?"
"Please, just Marik, I'm not your Master anymore." He growled, as his voice was hoarse in the process. "Mocha! That will do." Marik added.
"Look, I can tell when one person is overthinking about the opposite sex. Do you have feelings for her?"
"NO!" How could Abbey ask that question?
"Okay, Okay… you need to chill out. Just asking. I mean Bryn had been going on about her like how you torment her in a charming way. She is pretty wealthy."
"You could've done more for us if you didn't leave Rare Hunters this soon. You were exceptionally one of my most loyal and effective Rare Huntresses. Now I have an all-male Rank, I can figure out whether I trust even Carissa to lead Bryn away from me." Marik chuckled.
Abbey sighed, as she felt left out. "I'm an exception because you valued me more than those other buffoons. How's Bryn nowadays?"
"That's true but you and Bryn were someone I value, including Oliver. You all made Rare Hunters the way it is." Marik's sincerity meant everything to the Irish girl.
As Huxley was eating, the boy fell asleep making Marik glad he didn't do anything stupid. Kids…
"Your little brother is doing well. He…" Marik has never told anyone about Bryn like his lackey was really close to him. "He is doing more than I expect and sometimes without my consent." His voice laced with resentment of Bryn's radicalism.
Abbey took Huxley to bed and sat back with Marik. Perhaps Abbey could come back just as a casual role. What harm would she do with a child? Undeniably it is an aspiration to bring the legendary Harkin family back to the old days. Marik felt a jolt from his Millennium Rod, did it really want him to see Abbey. Abbey in his vision was patting the child to sleep, it wasn't important until he spotted a document near the cot. It is a contract from the Jade Feists? Interesting…
Abbey glanced at the document and sighed, this would make some sense if one came back to Rare Hunters meant a pursuit in a career of crime. She picked it up with a pen and read through it. She hesitated and sighed, "I need to be loyal…" She whispered. This action pleased Marik, as he trusts her.
"I should tell Master Marik about this…" Abbey dropped the pen. She kissed her little Huxley and came out. Marik folded his arms in amusement as he sipped his mocha. Abbey placed the contract on the table.
"You seemed troubled Abbey..." Marik furrowed his brow.
"I think you will be disappointed if I work for the Jade Feist. Who are they and what do they want from us?" Abbey's voice was raspy as she confronts the Leader of the Rare Hunter about her potential employment with another syndicate.
"You're not keeping this a secret from me? Huh! That's no fun. Then I commend you for loyalty." Marik applauds her.
"I prefer working alongside with Bryn…" Abbey vulnerably said.
Marik nodded as dealing with his Elites are different from the other buffoons. He looked slightly crossed. "If Bryn isn't where he is, would you leave?"
Abbey sighed, "What do you mean?"
"Let us say he found his future career elsewhere and he has moved on, would you come back to me in pertaining information about the Jade Feists?"
Abbey was silent, that explains a lot…
"How did you, my dear Mrs Rinehart cross paths with them?" Marik ignored her speechlessness.
"Star newspapers or local papers were advertising them so I emailed them. And I would come back to Rare Hunters if Bryn had found his career elsewhere." Abbey answered a little late.
"Barton Andorra and Shark Adams were the main recruiters of Jade Feist and Tien is the lady in charge. With minimal leads to any link to the Kenosha, they only depend on organisations larger than them for support. They depend on us."
"How do you know so much?"
"I have my ways with them… they are easy to manipulate." Marik chuckled. Soon the door knocked.
Odion was outside with the other Rare Hunters. Marik ripped the contract to shreds with a smug look. "You should get that, but before you do, I am willing to take you in once again in an extended contract, including Oliver."
Odion and the two Rare Hunters entered as they kneeled before Marik. Odion looked around and was stunned to see Abbey once again but he couldn't say it out loud, in fear of stepping out of line in front of his brother.
"You better be quiet enough for a toddler to not wake… Where are Bryn and the others?" Marik inquired.
"We do not know Sir," Odion said.
Marik's pupils dilated, as he was vexed about Bryn not following his orders. "And how would you not know where he is?" Marik hissed vehemently at them.
"Shortly after you have left, they went for a walk." One of the Rare Hunters answered.
Abbey got a call and answered it and it was much to her relief. "Brynny? Yeah, I'm with Master Marik. Yeah!"
"Tell him to come to this hotel; I will be booking a few rooms for us. And put the speaker loud." Marik informed sourly.
Bryn: "Please tell Master Marik we will find a place to stay, maybe on the streets, aye Carissa? Like there is a gig nearby for one night."
"Master Marik will book a few rooms for you so that we have another night. Well, you can stay in my room as Huxley would be thrilled to spend time with Uncle Bryn." She giggled.
"You better show up little Bryn, you have a curfew as usual," Marik warned him.
Bryn: "Holy Shit! Sorry Master Marik, not curfews again."
"I'm not in the mood to debate. You will do as I say." The Egyptian teen growled.
"Yes, Sir… Oh, I'm with Oliver at the moment. I think reinstating them to their position is a good idea." Bryn giggled.
"Where is the girl?" Marik asked.
Bryn: "She is sitting alone watching the vid… yeah, you know what." Bryn almost spilt the beans.
"I see… When you have time, please take some limited edition cards from the airport." Marik chuckled.
Bryn: "But I have spent my last peso on magazines…"
"Without pesos, you know the drill as a Hunter." Marik implied stealing.
Bryn: "Thought you'd say that, okay…"
He turned off the phone and felt the inkling unsettling thoughts about Bryn being with Luanne, Carissa and Oliver. Odion is with him but all of them will go to the next country soon.
Luanne was starting to like the recording of Marik and her singing. Although she wondered if he had left early to get his mind off last night's singing. It was simple and special. She could definitely see Bryn chatting to a handsome guy, his name is Oliver as she heard from their conversation and he is Bryn's brother-in-law.
Carissa was shopping with a bagful of fashionable coats and earrings. She would have joined her but this was not the plan to hang out in the airport. She merely followed Bryn because he was immersed in a convo early with her. He was well mannered as a Rare Hunter, the type that helps all people.
"Gissi, you used your last peso to buy clothes?" Bryn panicked.
"Why?"
"Cause I don't want to steal cards, today." Bryn groaned.
This made Luanne smile, Bryn had a conscience of healthy moral and ethics and would limit his law-breaking professionalism if necessary.
"If the boss tells you to do something for him, then it is for a good cause." Carissa blushed guiltily. Bryn is such a darling, even Luanne felt like she would know him as a next-door neighbour.
"I'm sure I can assist like old times bro." Oliver nudged him.
"So Master R.H wants limited editions from Urban Strainers, just there. I have checked their products and their storehouse is located in and around that forklift there." Bryn checked his laptop.
Bryn was sharp, too sharp to know what stores contain Duel Monster cards. "Lu, um I kind of need you to pay attention 'cause we can't leave without you." Bryn gave each of them a phone cancelling chip and a locator for location.
"I'm no designer and nor does this is going to work all the time but I have a feeling when we get pass the storehouse door, there will be boxes. Oliver will be the van driver. I will manoeuvre the forklift and we all dress as workers. We meet at the junction where the hotel is facing the North East. I'm going with Lu and Oliver, you go with Gissi."
"Got it!" They all said in unison.
Luanne followed Bryn as they wore safety reflective coats and went to the store, pretending to be security guards. Bryn discontinued their phone signals and went to the closest forklift and helped Luanne up. As they picked up some boxes, Bryn was muttering to himself as he was so focused on the mechanics. Luanne spotted a few security guards but she kept quiet.
"Hey, Lu did you see a ghost or something?" Bryn asked as he also sorted them.
"Yeah, we need to be careful." Luanne felt helpless as she watched Bryn do all the work.
"Anyway, they are gone now…"
As Bryn drove to the van, Oliver was sitting on the driver's seat. Bryn hopped off and so did Luanne.
"This is the best drive through you'll ever experience Lu." Bryn giggled.
"BRYN THEY ARE FOLLOWING US!" Carissa screamed.
" I'll handle that, hold tight guys!" Oliver started the engine and the wheels screeched. Bryn closed the van waved to the security guards as they were dashing towards them but to no avail, they cannot catch up to them.
"Master Marik will be thrilled to... ah another message from him… and he wants us to meet at the function room." Bryn sighed.
"As usual, Master Marik is always well versed in his insight of formal meetings because Abbey wants to be reinstated in the ranks," Oliver affirmed.
"Our boss is just really awesome; I'd make his day without thinking twice. Gissi, you should talk to him more." Bryn hugged her from the back.
"I do but he has a temper that scares me," Carissa said.
"Then I think Luanne would be a great candidate for pairing up with the boss." Oliver chuckled.
"NO! I mean why would he attract to me? I just like writing about you guys." Luanne blushed.
"She is a great journalist you know." Bryn praised Luanne.
"Everything is spontaneous up to now. How I met Odion and Marik was well unexpected." Luanne shyly said.
"Us elite Rare Hunters look after each other so you just have to be compliant," Oliver added. "But there is no guarantee if Marik will turn against one outside of the ranks." Oliver parked the van where there are shipping containers lined up.
Luanne stilled as she thought about what he said. Should she really trust Marik?
"I mean, don't get me wrong, we all have our lives and him…"
"I have a feeling he is preventing me from going to the gig tonight. I think he won't let any of us have fun at the moment." Bryn spotted Marik and a crowd of Rare Hunters making their way to the function room.
"Whenever we have a meeting like this, it will be long and enduring. He keeps running through the same agenda but his brainstorming needs refreshing." Oliver said as he remembered.
"Oli, could you just attend the meeting?" Bryn pleaded.
"Perhaps if you reason with him, he will let off the hook? I can attend the meeting with you." Luanne said.
"Carissa and I will make it quick. Thanks, guys!" As they were about to leave Abbey was just front of Bryn.
"Bey!" Bryn hugged a stranger? Luanne was surprised that Bryn shows a resemblance to her.
Then the crowd of Rare Hunters moved towards them. Marik noticed them and Bryn regrettably hoped he didn't hug her that early.
"Well done Oliver and Bryn, we will commence the meeting now," Marik smirked.
"But I have a gig." Everyone was silent after Bryn said that.
Marik's smirk was lost as he turned to Bryn and before Bryn could react, Marik backhanded Bryn. Luanne and Carissa chose to not confront Marik as Bryn shook his head at them.
"I think you should revise your position. You should set aside personal matters when I'm conducting a meeting." Marik grabbed Bryn's shirt. This time he aimed his Millennium Rod towards him.
"S-sorry Master Marik... was I'm so sorry I don't have g-gig!" Bryn scared of him at times.
Marik smiled as he got a bit of satisfaction in having his way over Bryn. "Yes you have nothing on tonight and that is why we have our assembly. You wouldn't want to be punished for doing good in my ranks now would we?"
Bryn shook his head, he didn't mind if Marik bullies him a little, actually he minds. It frightens him when he is pissed.
"No…" Bryn whispered he's in trouble for being caught trying to miss meetings.
"Your defiance is irrelevant… and it won't make ends meet." His lavender pools were locked to the young olive pools. "Odion, take the rest of them to the meeting, we will commence early." Marik couldn't care less about the rest of them witnessing his wrath. He used his Millennium Rod to control Bryn.
Carissa pulled Luanne towards Abbey, as the girls must stay away from this meeting. She said, "follow me" as she mouthed those words. Luanne felt sorry for Bryn and it was probably an opportunity to ever do a gig near the Airport.
Bryn tried to look up or stop his tracks but Marik's power was much too strong. There were times he wanted to collapse but the Millennium Rod supported his
The function was dark and only a single armchair was present, in which the most important individual will be sitting upon it. Odion was already bowing and so were the Rare Hunters. Marik needed a moment to feel superior so he slung his Millennium Rod to release Bryn. Bryn counterbalanced as he realised his heels were doing trying to find the ground and he tripped. Bryn crawled in a submissive position next to the second in command.
Marik's hand quivered out of excitement by breaking one's mind and that is the boy that is new. Wati was soon arriving with short notice. Why Wati, one might say, no reason or rather a fun. "Have the boy arrived?"
Odion lifted his head, "N-no sir, he is still on the plane and has successfully obtained a few cards-"
"That doesn't matter to me, I'm more interested in how much he can handle a little psychological challenge?" Marik wondered. Even if he had never spoken to Wati personally, he would rather make him his mind slave. Bryn gasped, as he knew Wati was Luanne's brother. Perhaps he should tell Luanne.
"...I also have Bianca in mind, she is of no use to me." Marik chuckled. One of the Rare Hunters dragged her over. Marik tapped his fingers as he pondered about an excuse for claiming her as a victim. But there was plenty to go in his favour.
"How pitiful… you caused such an inconvenience to all of us. Even Lu-" That name again, he couldn't say it so he paused. Perhaps by referring her as the middle crown would be helpful. "...The middle crown is more capable of helping me find the Egyptian God Cards. Yes, your peers think you disqualify as a Rare Huntress. Perhaps I have made it publicly known, you are a little whore who used us for a swindling pregnancy."
"No sir I didn't…" Bianca pleaded.
"You thought the authorities convicted you but it was I all along. From the day you submitted your application for a false identity card. I made you pass that examination in your driver's test and your college entry. Did you not remember how you were bailed…?"
She sobbed, "Please...stop…" Bianca's mind was filled with ugly truth and perhaps exaggerated memories were conjured by Marik's most feared instruments.
"Why I could but I won't, for the fun had just begun my dear Bianca." Marik's chilling mockery was enough to set the whole room into a panic attack as she screamed.
"Of cause you little brother and mother died and it was your fault…" Marik finally knew how to set the mental wreckage as he condemns her of the truth. "... You knew there was a storm all along in Oslo but you in your selfish ambitions sent them to the flight so that you could go to the prom and have an after party." Everyone in the room could tell Bianca's mind will be oblivion. Marik chuckled as he watched the girl become broken and the rest of the Rare Hunters enjoyed it except Bryn. The immense hurt was enough for him to turn away and his kneeling wavered.
"BRYN!" Marik shouted.
"Yes, your… Excell…-"
"Excellence? My most loyal Third-in-Command Elite Rare Hunter: Trifolium, your next task before we leave for Rome is to bring Wati to this assembly. Should you succeed in this simple task, I will allow you to join your little unnecessary gig in the last hours." Bryn was shocked; no he can't do that to Luanne or Wati.
"I- um… it's not important… I mean the gig..."
Marik leaned forward, like an older brother to Bryn sternly gave him a glare. "I knew you'd say that! This little test is one you have experienced before as a new Rare Hunter and it the psychological and martial arts test. Do not test me… and if you do, I will remove all your rights." He said simply.
Odion nudged the Irish-Nepali boy. "O-Oh, Absolutely… sir…" Bryn has definitely adhered in this pit. That was a terrible example of bribery and the worse. Bryn walked out internally beating himself up for accepting this task.
"Good… be on your way!" The Egyptian boy chuckled deeply.
Abbey showed pictures of Oliver and her wedding to Luanne. So perhaps having family working in the Rare Hunters isn't too bad at all. Luanne smiled, as there was a photo of Marik not smiling at the wedding. Typical… "So you guys were at Los Vegas?"
"Yeah, it was hard to keep Master Marik happy and stay long." Abbey laughed and consequently did Carissa. The rest of the Rare Hunters were having fun, even Bryn was close to Marik but not once had Marik smiled.
"I will rest in the other room now girls," Carissa said.
"Sure Gissi!" Abbey replied.
Huxley threw a yellow maraca at Luanne as he started having temper tantrums. "Ow!"
"Oh, Huxley…" Abbey sat up and gave him a cuddle. "Don't tell me you did another poo…" and Huxley whined. Luanne imagined brunette Huxley with a Millennium Rod and Marik with a maraca as she stared at the musical instrument.
Luanne huffed, "Marik is Huxley… Huxley is not Marik… silly mind… silly me! Those two are not alike! Huxley is a sweet adorable nephew of Bryn's and Marik is a crazy Ken doll!" Luanne surveyed the hotel shelf and she spotted a Holy Bible before she could reach the bookshelf her phone buzzed.
Bryn: "Hey' a! Try not to be alarmed but Master Marik is going to do something with your bro but does not tell anyone I told you. He is going there the 3 fundamental tests for Rare Hunters. It's my job to kind of prepare him and not."
Luanne then typed, "Will it be life-threatening?"
She waited for a few minutes but Bryn did it return a text. As she waited a little longer… still nothing. She then left the room as Abbey asked, "Hey do you want to get a coffee together of something-"
Luanne hastens through the hall and into the lift. Hopefully, she will be there in time to save her sibling.
