Chapter 24- Runway Enigma


"We're here… sir…" Odion announced. Luanne saw their new location at a pier where there seemed to be another function taking place. It was grand enough for limousines to drop off their attendants. It wasn't Barcelona or Madrid anymore.

"Welcome to the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias!" Marik smiled at Luanne.

"Oh great, another raid?…." Bryn muttered, only to him a harsh glare from Marik.

"No, we're here to have fun. Why don't you get your musical instruments and play them there?"

Marik clarified. He took off his robe, revealing a semi-formal attire.

"Really?" Bryn beamed and took off his robe revealing his punk attire.

Luanne only remembered wearing jeans and a T-shirt under her jacket, so she needed to prepare. Even Odion was dressed well, and all the Rare Hunters were hidden as attendees as they followed Marik.

Marik scoffed at Luanne's clothes. "It may appear that you have not checked your message from a few hours ago. You're now the ugly duckling, and I don't feel like helping you."

"What message?" Luanne asked as she pulled out her phone. Marik snatched it off of her hands as he browsed through her phone.

"You can't just snatch someone's phone like that…" Luanne sighed. Marik just tilted his head and scowled.

"You have poor etiquette… hmm, and I can see an unintelligent argument brewing from your head", Marik continued to taunt.

"That's just gaslighting the whole situation…"

"Oh, I can! You have no right of passage Little Luanne. This was my message, but you missed it, and I am very disappointed. Goodbye, Cinderellulu…" Marik stated sarcastically and calmly and offered her phone back. As she reached for it, he refused to return the phone by holding it tightly. "Therefore, it is your right to be excluded."

"Odion… keep an eye on this little girl… and make sure she stays out of this place as she is officially Missing in Action." Marik chuckled as he commanded Odion. However, he was doing it; he wouldn't stay with Luanne physically. It was through technology. Hence Luanne is still alone. Marik handed a tracking device to Odion to place on Luanne's hand.

"But I did not have time to look at my phone and the library incident and all…."

"It's not like you're Prince Charming material… JERK! YOU GOOD FOR NOTHING!" Odion followed Marik, and they disappeared to their destination.

Bryn muttered, "Master Marik makes a good Step Sister Lu."

Marik ignored her. He would deal with her later, even though he had the right to stop her insults with harsh discipline.

"Seriously, leaving me out here?" Luanne was puzzled but soon realized she had to wait out here all night. Nothing but corner stores and shelters for people experiencing homelessness outside this grand structure. "So we're in Valencia after all… where winning is addictive, and I'll just chill here." The Valencia Museum has a grand function, but not many were invited.

Marik and all his lackeys followed him. He was greeted by Danielle, who was ready to duel him.

"I thought you were going to bring that girl with you?" Danielle questioned him.

"And I thought your intelligence has been sold out since we last cross-fired." Marik referred to the last heated encounter with her.

"You don't understand; I could barely own my predicament, so I failed to deliver what we had bargained for."

Marik chuckled to rattle Danielle, "Perhaps we focus on the future, not the past. I will draw a lot and have you start the duelling with me against our opponent, or are you willing to sacrifice your lackeys to the Shadow Realm?"

"Yeah, sorry, I received the number 3. You're not serious about excluding that girl from this function, right?" Danielle asked.

Marik said nothing. He focused on the duelling arena as all the duelists are partnered with one another to face Artificial Intelligence. "Never mind what I do with that girl Danielle. She is mine to deal with." Marik finally said.

"I suppose taking her with you from Egypt has potential advantages of ransom, felony and treason as she is the prime of betrayal to herself. How do you know she won't betray you?"

This was too much for Marik, "I said, neither here nor there. If she dares to betray me, I will send her to the Shadow Realm."

"How come you never did it to me?"

"Di Ja Lien, I am not here to discuss who would be, as we all know we have a prize to win." Marik held his Millenium Rod tightly as he taunted the girl sworn as his duelling partner.


Luanne was phoneless, as such, feeling dreary as she sat at the edge of the dock. Bryn and Carissa were close to the entrance. Carissa took a purple robe and started cutting it up. Like the Textiles Designers she is, she used her portable sewing machine to sew a dress up. From afar, Bryn and Carissa were happy with one another as he cradled her. Luanne admired that kind of relationship. Bryn also suggested adding trinket pieces along the neckline and bodice. As easy as it was, the Pastel Pink-haired said something to Bryn as they nodded and turned Luanne's way. They ran to her and waved to her.

"Hey, Lulu! Check this one out!" Bryn said to her as Carissa held a newly made mauve dress for her. Luanne was embarrassed to try it on; at least there was no place to change.

"It's okay, guys; I don't need to be in there. Even your Master doesn't want me in there." Luanne said bitterly.

"Well, only because you didn't read the message and didn't wear formal attire." Bryn reasoned with her.

"And the least we could do is help a colleague. Better than being here out in the cold all night. And besides, there is a runway show, so you better attend." Carissa said to her.

"Wouldn't your Master get infuriated if he finds out your uniform has been distorted just for my sake?" Luanne got worried.

"Nah! I've been in the Shadow Realm with Master Marik before." Bryn nudged her.

"That doesn't mean you should risk it…."

"So… Are you gonna try this dress?" Carissa offered her.

"Yeah, I suppose I will. And thank you." Luanne subconsciously bowed to them.

"hay un baño aquí." A homeless lady informed them

"Gracias señora". Luanne replied.

The bathroom was not a bathroom but a divider and an outhouse. Although it was dark to see, she had trouble putting the dress on as one of the trinkets had entangled her wavy locks.

"A little help here…" Luanne yelped. Carissa lent Luanne a hand as Bryn unhooked the tangles. Bryn quickly stood out as Carissa examined Luanne.

"Here are my spare shoes, and you look perfect." Carissa was proud of her work.

"Gissi, imuna, check my band and all. That's the tracking device Master Marik placed on you to ensure you remain where you are." Bryn checked his phone, then the collar of her shirt. He brought out two phones as he checked his online ticket. "But… before I do… the reason Master Marik excluded you is that you didn't read his invitation and didn't dress up."

"Well, that was cruel… can I still come in with this dress?" Luanne asked.

"There is a chance if you turn up, he will be infuriated with us. However, Luanne, you are my friend, so I wouldn't count on the loss of helping you out just for once." Bryn assured Luanne. Luanne, for some, felt a burst of relief as the trio hugged the cold out.

"Let's go!" Carissa took Luanne by the hand and Bryn's second phone with the invitation for Luanne. As they reached the entrance, they stumbled upon bouncers.

"Identity, please." The deep voice said.

Carissa then showed her invitation for the fashion event from her phone and Luanne's general admission on Bryn's phone. The Bouncer needed convincing by Luanne's invitation. However, he didn't bother questioning further. Luanne was highly nervous; Carissa held her hands and smiled at her.

"You may pass." The Bouncer finally said. Both Carissa and Luanne giggled as they were granted entrance.

"So this is where Bryn will be playing, this is the catwalk I will be attending, and the duels are there. I mean, I do need to see if Bryn is okay, and if you want to avoid Master Marik, you should avoid the duelling section." Carissa said to Luanne.

"He'd probably want to avoid me because I'm not done insulting him…."

"Try not to…"

"I'm curious about Bryn's band. You know, he said he was desperate to play to relieve stress." Luanne remembered.

As they walked towards the concert hall, Bryn was tuning his guitar. Luanne and Carissa waved at him, and he waved back, smiling. Jun Yoon, and Bailey who are Bryn's bandmates, were there too. The crowd was increasing as Luanne guessed; some Rare Hunters were prowling for cards while the Elite Rare Hunters were having fun.

Luanne saw various lights on the stage as they focused on the band; the crowd cheered.

Bryn then tested the Mic and cleared his voice. "WELCOME! WOOO!" The crowd cheered louder. "Isn't it great to be here? I mean, look at you all! So our band GissiLine is a name we've agreed on for so long. I've never thought I had the support from fans from Spain, and I wouldn't be here without you guys. My boss isn't a fan of my band but tolerates me, so I have to thank him too." Bryn started playing his guitar as he talked.

Luanne could hear other people shouting Bryn's name and even "I'M A FAN!"

Bryn continued, "This song is called, 'Pluviophile Somber!' So I wrote this song with my pal Jun Yoon because once we were stuck in traffic on the way to work, hoping our boss wouldn't kill us for being late, we were making jokes about getting the punishment in the most serene way possible. Fortunately, he only got a few lashes and yelled at us." Bryn chuckled. "Only joking… It was my downtime, but the rain got me through it."

Bryn started singing, and Carissa knew all the words too. Luanne was enjoying the live performance.

'On my way to spare, as the day went slow,

Leaving home with the air, so cold, so cold.

I walk away thinking that there may be no chance,

To make it in time for the next romance, oh, uh.

I thought hard enough that the world be a dreamer,

In this new hope, I found my miracle maker.'

Of this bittersweet nuance, I have yet to ponder,

The world requires a pluviophile sombre.

The chorus was very catchy already; the crowds went wild.


Odion glanced at his Master as he noticed Luanne's remains outside. "Master Marik…"

"What is it?" Marik growled as he turned off the AI simulator to make the duelling arena a one vs one.

"The girl remains outside."

"Report something new, you fool!" Marik yelled. "Have the Rare Hunters and Danielle's henchmen, Jade Feists, assemble here now. We will soon find out what little Lu is up to."

"Yes, Sir." Odion left to do just that. Soon one of the building managers moved a group of different people.

"Her time spent idly will teach her a lesson. And Odion, make sure you check on her. Don't rely on the signals from the tracking device."

"We're sorry to have to use this venue for the fashion show as one of our designers is late, and there was a gas leak in the dressing room. We promise after this show is over, you may duel later." The man in the suit announced.

Marik walked over to the announcer with his Millenium Rod flashing. The announcer was petrified. "Remember who you are dealing with, you imbecile. I see you have forgotten our end of the bargain."

"B-but sir…"

"Hmm… perhaps I should remind you that you still owe me a large sum of money from the damage you caused in the last event." Marik taunted further. Marik changed the train of thought of the announcer as the man was about to scream. However, he ceased his power as the fashion was about to take place. Instead, he silently sent the man to the Shadows, where he deserves to stay for the rest of his measly life.


As there was an intermission for the concert, Bryn, Carissa, and Luanne headed straight to the Fashion Show section, but it was empty.

"The large screen said that it is the duelling arena due to a gas leak," Bryn said as his two friends joined him. Bailey and Jun Yoon have been Bryn's Best friends since preschool and have always stuck together.

"That's the last place we want to be in…" Carissa said.

"Maybe Master Marik may not care if Luanne enters since she contributes to the event?" Bryn thought. "I think it may not be true. I have made Master Marik punish me once for one small mistake before. Taking his food by accident that Odion specially made for him."

"How did he punish you?" Luanne asked.

"It's kinda embarrassing to say… He made me prostrate before him and tried pet food as he shoved it into my mouth." Bryn said it anyway, carefree.

"EWW," They all said.

"Guess the banquet is after the duels, so yeah, I think we should just wait and see if none of us eats Master Marik's food…." Bryn said bitterly, still resenting that moment.

"Carissa, you must go to the dressing room now, right?" Jun Yoon said to Carissa.

"I know, Luanne, you can be a model in disguise!" Bailey said. He pulled out a Turquoise Wig. Carissa pulled out her makeup kit.

Bryn took a bunch of magazines from the doorway and placed them on Luanne's head. "What's this for?" Luanne asked.

"The Art of Balancing is the key to your disguise and the way you walk. I know Marik will see through our devices sooner or later, but it's worth a try. At least we'd be in trouble together. Most importantly, no expression, no distraction, but look ahead." Bryn assured them. Carissa then steps in to correct Luanne's catwalk. Luanne keeps staking with her shoes that are high with the rhythm.

"I don't know if I can keep a straight face for one hour…." Luanne gawked.

"You can, and I'm going to help you." Bryn helped Luanne with her breathing.

Luanne kept tripping, but finally, she got the jist.

"She's ready…" Bailey said.

"Ready to conquer the catwalk…." Jun Yoon added.

"Pft… in a Dueling Arena…" Bryn laughed.

Luanne peeked out as the fashion show commenced to see where Marik was. Visible as day, it looked like he was tormenting a man who previously now lays limp. This was where the fun for Marik extended. Techno Music can be heard as more crowds gather. There were some well-known criminals in the gathering as well. One is Lady Verda, who admires the Rare Hunters and Marik's work in crime.

Luanne gulped as she felt butterflies in her stomach. She was now wearing a pink Lolita dress. Then Carissa said, "My mother used to say, just focus 10 minutes ahead and cut them in half; you will achieve the goals without knowing it."

The models started walking, and Luanne panicked. "Oh my god!" Luanne then walked out, following them to the fashion runway. Although she could tell Marik was not holding his Millennium Rod in his hands, it was tucked between his belt. Then Marik looked in Luanne's way and looked away as he talked to Lady Verda and Danielle. That meant he still didn't notice anything. Luanne walked faster to reach the end and return to the agonizing walk backstage, which took ten minutes.

As she came to Carissa, they both squealed in extreme nervousness. "Okay, okay, next outfit. It's boujee style…." Carissa helped Luanne undress.

"I'm sweating so much." Luanne laughed. Carissa wiped her old makeup and sweat.

"Doing well, sis…." Carissa smiled at her.

"Let's go! Round two!" The fashion coordinator announced.

Bryn sneaked over to Marik's back and tapped his shoulder. "Hey, Master Marik, how's it going?" Marik turned around to see Bryn sitting next to Odion. Although Marik was not in the mood to be approached by Bryn in such a casual manner, he ignored his Rare Hunter. Marik took out his Millennium Rod and spoke to him through telepathy.

"You know your manners still apply here when you approach me. I'm fine." Marik said to him.

"Okay, I don't know when to address you after your duel. Since you and Odion will be away in another country." Bryn was trying to distract Marik.

"You know I can search your mind, Bryn. And who said we are leaving for another country?" Marik crossed his arms and turned to Bryn, giving him a mistrustful look.

"It's just a speculation, Master Marik; I wasn't sure, so I asked." Bryn blurted out. Marik then covered Bryn's mouth to spare them from embarrassment. However, onlookers still looked their way.

The Second Round of Catwalk commenced as Marik could see the models walking. Although he wanted it all to pass, he had to admit he immensely enjoyed the expensive tastes of fashion. Luanne almost tripped as she saw Marik covering Bryn's mouth. Luckily no one noticed, and so she continued the routine.

Marik signalled for Bryn to bow before him, so Bryn came over. Bryn noticed the lifeless body, so Marik kicked the body aside. Bryn dared not to look Marik in the eye. Lady Verda shifted a seat across so that Bryn may sit next to his Master Marik and tapped the seat to invite Bryn to sit beside him.


"What do you want, little Bryn, hmm?" The Egyptian teen asked as he lifted Bryn's chin.

Bryn averted his eyes, so Marik wouldn't try to read his mind. Bryn still needs to answer. Instead, he said abruptly, "…nothing I gotta go back to on stage." Marik let him go and 'tch'.

As soon as the models went back, Luanne wanted to throw up. Carissa patted her back; four more walks to go. Carissa's concern grew as she vomited in a plastic bag.

Luanne held onto Carissa's hand sarcastically. They both laughed. "The… show… must… go… on…"

Carissa helped her dress for the third outfit. The third style is Bohemian, and Luanne remembered her school trip once; she had a Bohemian-themed prom, and her sister Nubit would always debase her for trying to be different. Luanne wanted to forget everything about the past. Like Marik, he also has bad blood with his sister, who she had met. Was Marik an immoral individual that both his sister and he had exchanged?

As Luanne stepped out onto the runway once again, she saw Bryn just exiting. Marik probably didn't suspect a thing. Her feet were getting sore for half an hour. Nervous again since Marik was holding the very instrument that accesses minds. Although for her, it is a different case. This time her eyes were locked with Marik's. Hopefully, Marik didn't notice as she wore coloured contacts, and the cosmetics hid her completely.

Marik felt as though he knew someone from the runway. He was distracted as Bryn's voice could be heard from the other side of the building while talking to the audience.

"Hey, this is a cover since I love Avril Lavinge and I'm also Canadian… and this is for a special friend. Here's 'Complicated'."

Uh-huh, life's like this.

Uh-huh, uh huh, that's the way it is

'Cause life's like this

Uh-huh, uh huh, that's the way it is

Chill out; what ya yellin' for?

Lay back; it's all been done before

And if you could only let it be, you will see

I like you the way you are

When we're driving in your car

And you're talking to me one on one, but you become

Somebody else

'Round everyone else

You're watching your back

Like you can't relax

You try to be cool

You look like a fool to me

Tell me

Why'd you have to go and make things so complicated?

I see the way you're acting like you're somebody else

Gets me frustrated

Life's like this, you

And you fall, and you crawl, and you break

And you take what you get, and you turn it into

Honesty and promise me I'm never gonna find you faking

No, no, no

You come over unannounced.

Dressed up like you're somethin' else

Where you are and where it's at, you see

You're making me

Laugh out when you strike your pose

Take off all your preppy clothes

You know you're not fooling anyone

When you become

Somebody else

'Round everyone else

You're watching your back

Like you can't relax

You try to be cool

You look like a fool to me

Tell me

Why'd you have to go and make things so complicated?

I see the way you're acting like you're somebody else

Gets me frustrated

Life's like this, you

And you fall, and you crawl, and you break

And you take what you get, and you turn it into

Honesty and promise me I'm never gonna find you faking

No, no, no

No, no, no

No, no, no

No, no, no

No, no, no (no, no)

Chill out; what ya yellin' for?

Lay back; it's all been done before

And if you could only let it be

You will see

Somebody else

'Round everyone else

You're watching your back

Like you can't relax

You try to be cool

You look like a fool to me

Tell me

Why'd you have to go and make things so complicated?

I see the way you're acting like you're somebody else

Gets me frustrated

Life's like this, you

And you fall, and you crawl, and you break

And you take what you get, and you turn it into

Honesty and promise me I'm never gonna find you faking

No, no

Why'd you have to go and make things so complicated?

I see the way you're acting like you're somebody else

Gets me frustrated

Life's like this, you

And you fall, and you crawl, and you break

And you take what you get, and you turn it into

Honesty and promise me I'm never gonna find you faking

No, no, no

Luanne smiled slightly as that song was one of her favourite songs too, and it fitted in this situation ironically. Will Marik think of her as a fool for dressing up like this? The following few songs were more songs written by Bryn. Luanne turned back and strutted back to the stage. As she saw Marik, Marik smirked at something. His Millennium Rod set aglow.

Luanne wanted to go backstage as soon as possible. Did Marik find out about her? As she walked back, Carissa gave Luanne her fourth dress in a style of Vintage.

"Master Marik knows." Luanne said.

"He might have accessed Bryn's mind or mine," Carissa said.

"Should we continue…?" Luanne was panicking.

"I don't know; I thought I felt a throbbing in my head moments ago," Carissa told her.

"Do you have enough water?" Luanne asked Carissa.

"No, I didn't, but we have to risk this. We get in trouble together, not alone." Carissa was stressed too. She made sure Luanne was completely disguised.

One of the other models got jealous of a short model's beauty, so she was gossiping with another model as they laughed it off. Luanne and Carissa noticed the two models were being mean. They shook their heads as the shade hurt the girl the bullies threw at her. Luanne pretended to know the girl.

"Hey, I was looking for you!" Luanne hugged the girl. The girl smiled because she didn't want to be a victim of bullying. The tag wrote Astrid, and that was how Luanne knew her name. The girls turned away in disgust as their opportunity of debasing Astrid left them.

Carissa helped Luanne dress up, and this time she wasn't afraid. Luanne looked at Marik, and he seemed bored. Marik got up to find other things to attend to. Luanne saw he went toward Bryn's concert as Odion followed him.

Luanne felt relief as she returned to the dressing room, but there was an intermission on the fashion runway.


Bryn, playing a riff, suddenly saw Marik standing there backstage. A mix of nervousness and joy overcame him. He had felt unappreciated by his Master before for staging music. He waved at Marik, but Marik didn't wave back. Instead, he glared at him from their last encounter. That made Bryn mess up a chord in his riffing, but the crowd was forgiving as they didn't notice the mistake. As Bryn finished his song for the moment, he bowed to his Master.

Marik's dominance over Bryn made Bryn forget he was still playing. A few minutes were needed for his Master's attention.

"Master Marik is not pleased with you, Bryn." Odion began. Marik chuckled, enjoying Bryn's demise.

"Enough, Odion; I will privately deal with Bryn if you don't mind." Marik rolled his eyes.

"I apologize, sir." Odion consoled Marik.

"Why ruin Bryn's night? I highly appreciate my Rare Hunter's openness. However, it has costs." Marik bent down as he had granted Bryn to look him in the eyes. Bryn dared not to say a word. He just wanted this encounter to be over soon.

Bryn said nothing.

"I see you have discarded your cloak; where is it?" Marik already knew the answer to Bryn's aid to Luanne's entry. "I'm not a fool, child."

Bryn remained silent as the tension rose.

"Odion, go check that the girl remains outside. If she is absent, I will see that Bryn spends the night in the Shadow Realm." Marik ordered him.

"Yes, Sir."

"Okay, I let Carissa alter the cloak for Luanne to dress up!" Bryn spilt the beans.

Marik patted his loyal lackey on the head. "Aren't you, my little Rare Hunter and not Luanne's friend? Where is she right now?"

Guilt suddenly swamped into Bryn's consciousness as he betrayed the person who trusted him. Luanne will probably hate him now.

"I asked you a question!" Marik hissed. "Testing my patience, are we?"

"I don't want to reveal any more, sir." Bryn finally said.

"Oh, why not? I thought we were striving to be on good terms, little one. Oh, you will reveal everything to me. OUT WITH IT!" Marik pulled his hair for Bryn to be closer to him.

"LOOK, THIS IS WHY I DON'T WANT TO BE HERE WITH YOU IN SPAIN! YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH LUANNE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ME HELPING HER AND CARISSA. YOU'RE JEALOUS THAT WE HAD A REAL FRIENDSHIP AND ARE ON YOUR HIGH HORSE ABOUT YOUR MATTER!" Bryn yelled.

"ENOUGH, BRYN!" Marik pointed his Millennium Rod at Bryn.

"I DON'T CARE IF YOU SEND ME TO THE SHADOW REALM BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE TO SEE YOU. OH, AND YEAH, THAT CLOAK IS MY WAY OF SAYING I HAVE DISHONOURED YOU! YEAH PROVES YOU NEVER VALUED ME IN THE FIRST PLACE. I FUCKING HATE YOU!" Bryn lost it. His Master doesn't even care if he is lost too.

Marik growled; an Elite Rare Hunter had stabbed his heart with those words. Marik backhanded the younger teen as this was personal. Bryn left the backstage, and the organization was the best thing. Marik usually would send a Rare Hunter straight to the Shadow Realm without a clue of guilt, but this time, not this one. Bryn was everything to him. Like Odion, Bryn was his backbone to Rare Hunters. He had no blood brothers but two loyal, adopted ones. One older and one younger.

He glanced at Bryn's open guitar case and saw a picture of him taken with Odion, Bryn and him in Nepal. Bryn holds his pincer heart cheerfully, himself confident and dominant in the centre; Odion is not smiling, but gladness is apparent in his eyes. He turned the photograph and found Bryn's handwritten note. "Brothers from the other mothers. Rare Hunter Nepal Trip =P"

Flashback

Bryn showed Marik what he found in his solo mission. The Ultra Rare Cards in Sudurpaschim Province as Marik had just won a duel against one of the Rare Hunters' enemies. Whilst still seeking the Egyptian God Cards, some other cards were of value. He smiled at Bryn as this boy managed to find those cards by himself. Odion was always with Marik, so this was a remeeting point for all three.

"I didn't even ask you to find them, Bryn, but you did." Marik was pleased beyond words.

"I overheard and hacked and delivered! I mean, who would have thought you would win Kosanil." Bryn laughed.

"Not only did the amateur lose, he now resides in the Shadow Realm." Marik laughed. Bryn didn't laugh along, but he smiled. "Perhaps I should antagonize him in his suffering." Odion only nodded, and Bryn sighed.

"Well, I thought you wanted to know about the cards that the Monks revered, and if we lose them, we will be cursed. That's the creepypasta I was talking about, Master Marik."

"To those opponents who go against those cards, I believe. Until we test them, we will never know how formidable they are." Marik examined the sacred case.

"Ebon Illusion Magician… He looks like Master Marik." Bryn showed him the card.

"Does he now? I want to think I was a Magician from the Ancient Days." Marik surveyed one of the Ultra Rare cards.

"You even use Dark attribute cards, right?" Bryn asked.

"I do indeed." Marik smiled.

"Oh, hi, Saranti. Could you take a picture of us?" Bryn asked a boy who fed the sheep for a simple favour.

"Niścita." He bowed.

"Dhan'yavāda," Bryn replied in gratitude.

End Flashback

Marik was tempted to tear the photograph but held against his insensitivity. Was it worth having his dominance over Bryn? Bryn personally didn't do anything wrong. He sprinted to find Bryn.


Odion reached outside the venue, and there was no trace of Luanne. Luanne's clothes were laid on the ground as he searched the signals. As he picked up her clothes, he returned to Marik. Other musicians were playing, so Bryn was one of many musicians.

Abbey came onstage as she was a former band member. Odion approached Marik with Luanne's clothes, but Marik swiped them aside. He finally caught up with Bryn in the men's washroom. When Bryn closed the door, he sniffled. Marik could hear his Rare Hunter finally crying.

"Bryn… open up…" Marik knocked on the door.

No response as Bryn kicked the door.

Marik sighed, "Perhaps you should reflect on your little charade now."

"How convenient, I'm to blame… I'm the one that needs reflecting." Bryn whispered to himself.

"Yes, I don't see what is wrong with telling me what Luanne is doing. Perhaps I should have asked you more gently." Marik continued.

"Master Marik is never gentle, so Bryn deserves to be harshly treated," Bryn told himself again.

Marik palmed their face and despised how Bryn's emotions escalated into this. "True…."

"You told us to have fun, and we did. Then you want us to explain our fun like it is a crime." Bryn blew his nose.

"We still can have that fun, Bryn. I'm just surprised you could sneak her under my radar." Marik held Bryn's photo. "But then, I shouldn't be, as that Nepal trip we had, proved to me otherwise; you are capable of great things." Marik slipped his photo underneath. Odion came in as Marik was trying to help Bryn with his emotions.

"Sucks being an Elite Rare Hunter… I can't get impersonal with you, can I?" Bryn muttered sourly.

"Excuse me?" Marik frowned at how ridiculous Bryn was reasoning.

Bryn slipped the photo back out. "I don't buy that sentiment right now… if you want to know what Luanne is doing, just use that damn Rod to squeeze the answer out of me. That's what you normally do anyway." Bryn said sarcastically.

Marik hated being scoffed at, "I will, but to mock me comes with a heavy price." He paused, "I'm not an empath, I admit. I probably won't be the best at comforting you. However, I am concerned about your well-being. If you have taken on too many tasks that I'm unaware of. As your authority figure, I need to know how you are fairing. Whether you are obedient in other situations can depend on your priorities. And you don't mean it when you said you hated me, right?" He said calmly. At the same time, he held his Millennium Rod in his hands as he picked up the photograph.

"I meant every word, all of it including my priorities." Bryn kicked the door again.

Marik frowned as he carefully thought about what he wanted to say. He had been cruel to his Rare Hunters who had failed their tasks, resigned from their posts or displayed traitorously and boldly challenged him unwisely. They all end up in the Shadow Realm. They were the usual low-ranking Rare Hunters. All cowered before him and were tormented. "Stop fooling yourself, Bryn; you do want more of my attention. You're right, I do resort to seeking answers forcefully, and I'm sorry I applied to the wrong situation." Marik apologized.

"Master Marik apologized… welp! I can't believe he just did that. I want less of your attention. Since you think I deserve mercy, I am also sorry for ruining the Rare Hunter cloak." Bryn talked to himself again.

Marik smiled, "That's replaceable, but not you. I don't think being close to me is not a bad thing at all. My mercy to you all is extremely rare." Marik was uncomfortable about this conversation, and he cleared his throat.

"Are you trying to say I'm lucky that you care so much for me? You show mercy to all the girls, and I'm not Man enough to be punished. I don't even know why you treat me 'nicer'. I just said I wanted to quit." Bryn found it odd to have this conversation.

"Because I know you too well. I'm exploring with you what you want to escape from. I don't think mercy and luck are relevant. I have no real female Rare Hunters. Mainly Ghouls. Bianca isn't a real Rare Hunter. They do not duel at all. Carissa is classified as an ally, not a Rare Hunter or a Ghoul. Ghouls and Rare Hunters have different contracts. Luanne and Abbey are allies. You are my third-rank Elite Rare Hunter; you are not subjected to being banished to the Shadow Realm. You have earned your position. Moreover, we know each other; we've been through a lot together." Marik tapped his fingers on the door. "I'm not judging you, am I?"

"Nope, but you want to." Bryn debated.

"I said I do not!" Marik banged on the door and growled. Bryn received a jump scare.

"Sir, Luanne is not outside. She may have escaped." Odion informed Marik.

"She isn't in any danger," Bryn said. "You'd probably laugh if I told you what she is doing."

"She had no intention of running away," Marik said.

Bryn finally opened the door and hugged Marik. Relief came to Marik as he finally saw Bryn. "Okay, I will keep it oblivious when I see Luanne. She is granted access, and It's between you and me," Marik informed Bryn. He held Bryn's shoulder.

"Really?" Bryn was shocked. Marik nodded.

All three came and proceeded to the Runway and Dueling Arena. Marik returned to his original seat as the fifth catwalk commenced with the punk style. The catwalk began as Marik took his seat. He took Luanne's belongings and placed them on his lap. He eyed Bryn as he wasn't returning to his concert but stayed with Marik.

As the models walked out, Marik got bored again. He checked Luanne's phone, even remembering her passcode. However, one of her messages was interesting. Nubit, Luanne's sister, had asked for help, but Luanne had no further reply. Wati was on probation. Her father, Badru, sent her pictures of political articles, and her mother sent concerns about Rare Hunters. Marik smirked as he used Luanne's phone to reply to her mother.

LUANNE: "Oh, Hi, Mom; the Rare Hunters are great friends of mine. Yes, my recent trip is quite refreshing."

"Why are you snooping on Luanne's phone?" Bryn asked Marik.

Marik smiled and continued replying to everyone for Luanne. "She'll thank me later."

"She'll hate you!" Bryn shook Marik as though this was a ridiculous idea.

LUANNE: "Hi, Dad; I'm too young to assist with your political issues. I need to finish school, go to college, land a stable job and find the love of my life. :)"

"We'll see about that." Marik pressed send and showed it to Bryn.

As Bryn sighed, he recognized Luanne by Carissa's design.

LUANNE: "Hi Nubit, you never helped me, so good luck with your demise. BITCH!"

Bryn gaped as Marik typed something so vicious. "I am looking after my employees."

LUANNE: "Hi, Wati; keep out of trouble, okay?"

LUANNE: "Eohan, Hi I'm fine. I'm sick of you stalking me. The Rare Hunters are great people."

EOHAN: "Luanne, I have terrible news about your sister Nubit. She is currently in hospital. If anything about the Rare Hunters, please stay away from them until we know more about them."

EOHAN: "They have control over syndicates; just stay away from them."

Marik paused. Should he reply to this personally? "Probing is all I need."

LUANNE: "So you think the Rare Hunters have my father's best interest?"

EOHAN: "They are up to something. Control of parliamentary affairs."

Bryn asked, "Who is Eohan, and why is Luanne working with him?"

Marik found this intriguing, as Luanne had forgotten about exposing the Rare Hunters for a while.

LUANNE: "Nonsense… Nubit is fine."

"Master Marik, I don't think this is a good idea to talk to him. He just said that Luanne's sister is in the hospital." Bryn said suddenly. He could sense Marik's temperament brewing.

EOHAN: "You better come back soon, Luanne, your family is breaking apart, and you're overseas. It isn't like you to not care."

"I want this Eohan in the Shadow Realm…." Marik said darkly. The final catwalk of Natural Elegance came into the scene shortly after. With the dress, Carissa made for entry.

"Delete him and block him, Master Marik!" Bryn was shocked. Bryn saw Luanne in the dress with a purple trinket made from his cloak.

"I will end it there," Marik smirked. He immediately recognized Luanne in the purple dress. I'm still feeling unsure about Luanne's intentions now. He will keep a closer eye on her. Luanne got a glimpse of Marik recognizing her.

Eventually, the fashion show ended, and Luanne walked over to Marik. "I'm impressed how you snuck under my radar for so long, yet I found the key to destroying your family," Marik smirked. "Does the name Eohan, Nubit, Badru, and Samara ring the bell?"

Numbness. The world began to spin.

"Master Marik, her sister is in hospital; you can't break the news–" Bryn said, but Odion shut his mouth with Marik's signal.

"Naturally, we are not going to play the silly exposing game. We are beyond that. Your sister is in the hospital, and here you are at my special event." Marik browsed her phone.

In showing her the messages exchanged, Luanne was calm, unlike anyone. "Eohan is probably just worried about me. I did tell him I was going away. As for my sister, I don't have any relationship with her. It would be kind of you to send me back, but if not…."

"You are not permitted to go anywhere because you said so yourself." Marik showed her his conversation. Luanne pulled the phone out of Marik.

"You replied to those messages for me?" Luanne laughed. Marik shrugged. "Such an ENTP thing to do. That was my sister going to drug rehab. I mean, she was into drugs in a Playboy bunny phase. Sometimes she must visit the hospital, but it isn't an emergency." Luanne showed Marik Annabelle's message to her recently. "Eohan is my childhood family friend. We discuss conspiracy theories sometimes, including you guys. As far as your presumptions go, did you enjoy the catwalk?"

Luanne outsmarted Marik as he looked at the previous message with Eohan and Luanne, all about the MK-Ultra, Illuminati, Priory of Sion, etc. Marik went tomato red as read, as he was scrolling up.

"I'm famished, Bryn. Let's go eat." Luanne linked arms with him and Carissa. All three of them laughed and sang 'Complicated' together.

"Banquet time Gissi!" Bryn laughed.

"Interesting girl…" Di'ja Lien complimented Luanne. "Are you sure you cannot use your Millennium Rod on her?"

"Indeed." Marik kept reading Luanne's message. "I cannot." He said as he brushed his Millennium Rod.

Luanne was trembling, and Bryn could feel it. "Are you okay, Lu sis?"

She broke down in tears suddenly. She knew that it was more than a rehab. Luanne quickly wiped her tears. "I'm just exhausted."


Authoress' endnote: This is still not meant to be a Mary- Sue but a real insight to the Character's issues. Yeah Marik does want to control and also enter Luanne's mind but something is stopping him. Still a mystery as this is a spiritual story. I could do drama but that's too easy with abuse, psychological dilemmas, which I have done in the past. The brewing of issues is what I need. I don't have a solid plan of where this story is going to go. I mean it started ten years ago and it will be longer than Downfall to Affection. I'll try not to rush things and possibly rewrite. So yeah next week I will try to publish more chapters if I can and engage in more conversations with you guys. My Hiatus had thrown me off the grid. So sorry.

Bryn is also not a typical kid so you may wonder about why he is one of the main characters and not a side character. Kindly review when you have time!