Closed to thetombkeeper

[moonlightshine]

[Usagi wasn't sure how they all decided to take a quick trip to Domino, but she was happy for it. She would get to see the place where Marik made a name for himself. Be able to explore a new city, and over all make more memories with her friends. The girls decided to go with them as well, which made it easier when it came to getting transportation and hotel rooms. Plus, going as a group and not on a date made it easier to convince her parents.

Leaving their hotel room, she turned to Marik, gauging his expression. She had a feeling he might be nervous being back in a place that was both good and bad. They could take things at his pace. If he wanted to show her around, or if they wanted to explore, that was fine. Either way, she would be happy as long as they got to spend time together.]

The girls said we could meet up with them later in the day. I know Ami-chan wanted to visit a museum or two, and Mina-chan wanted to do shopping...

[Usagi told her boyfriend, her hand easily slipping into his, hoping it would help calm any nerves.]

I'm curious to what you'd like to do. We could wander the city, or stay at the hotel and enjoy a relaxing day.

[Heck, they could make a game of pointing out how many 'KaibaCorp' symbols or buildings were around if he wanted.]

We can do whatever you'd like, Marik-kun.

Comments

[thetombkeeper]

[It was... not a good comparison but her heart was in the right place so he lifts a hand to rest on one of her's.]

Right...

[They were on a date, after all. That would be the natural way to end this little encounter.

Yugi exchanges multiple looks with Teá, especially about the fact that they both skirted around the subject but... Marik only knew scheming and violence. If the two really did fall for each other that quickly, that would explain why he acted like that, being unfamiliar with girls and the like. The multicolor haired boy takes a sip of his drink.

A few months wasn't a super long time but it was enough to get to know someone - if they actually opened up. But Usagi says she met Odion so it must be serious. Odion has been corresponding with Joey since Battle City. It's no surprise he didn't mention it given that it is a private subject.

"That's good... I'm glad you two get along! You s-seem like a really cute pair..."

Which was true. Despite Marik's jittery, annoyed body language, there was a shine to his eyes that hadn't been there before. Even Atem chimed in to tell him he didn't sense any new dark energy coming from him although... there was something in the distance. His odd.

Yugi has to ask the question though: "has he taught you Duel Monsters yet?"

Marik decides to finally contribute to the conversation.]

A little, yes. And she's been teaching me how to play video games.

[Games of any type are something Yugi loves, although he's more familiar with the tabletop kind. Still, his face lights up and he grins. "Really? What kind?"]

Hn. The Sailor V game was what we started off with... I bought a home console for the holidays and we've been playing a bunch of other games on that. It's... it's been fun.

[moonlightshine]

I tried to play Duel Monsters a few times and it didn't work out very well. [There was a sheepish smile and chuckle from the shorter blonde.] I'm not very good with tabletop games. My other friend, Ami-chan? She's very good at it, and great at chess. She's at a museum with my other friends. We plan to meet up later.

[Teá shot Yugi another look. Marik had one girl with him, and other girls around him. Was he trying to hide something? It was odd enough that he had a girlfriend in a seemingly short amount of time, but he was hanging around a group of girls? Didn't seem like the beginnings of a scheme?]

Mm! It's been really fun. [Usagi echoed, squeezing Marik's shoulders again, moving to sit next to him and have a sip of her drink. Off in the distance there appeared to be dark clouds gathering. The dark energy Usagi had been sensing was growing, making her stiffen but even more tired than before. No, she couldn't act weird or suddenly leave.

Not without a valid excuse first.]

If we're not playing video games, we're doing homework together or visiting new places. The other month we went to Kyoto. Took the train and everything. [Now that seemed interesting to Teá.

"Yeah? I know that's one of the places I've been wanting to visit. Where did you end up going?"

If it was just a sweet date, surely, Usagi or Marik would be able to provide some details.]

Ahh, we went to Fushimi Inari Shrine with the torii gates? It was very pretty and romantic to go..under them.. [There was a pause as she felt the communicator on her wrist start to beep. It could only mean trouble. The brunette at the table tilted her head.

"New watch?"]

Something like that. Ami-chan likes to make things. [Usagi looked to Marik, giving him an apologetic smile.] I think my mom is trying to call me. I'll be around the corner. [To the rest of the table, she bowed and uttered an 'excuse me,' then calmly left the table, heading further down and around the corner as promised.

A few seconds later Marik would get a text, telling him to get to some place safe.]

[thetombkeeper]

["Aww, that's okay. It's not for everyone. I'm not really good at chess myself. Our classmate is a master at it. ... And pretty much everything else he puts his mind to."

A group of girls. Yugi, being a teenage boy, just smiles sheepishly at Teá. Surely they're just friends but... that's still... kind of hot. He swallows, trying to hide the blush on his face.

"That sounds fun. We should go there sometime, right, Teá?" Maybe without Joey and Tristan.

Marik watches curiously when the wrist communicator goes off, knowing it's a notification from one of the girls. He hopes everything is alright but... the dark clouds on the horizon, the dark energy he's been feeling... Something is going on and it isn't the Millennium Items.

Before Yugi has time to start engaging in conversation with just Marik, the blonde checks his phone.]

... I'm sorry to cut things short. I just got a weather warning on my phone so... I'm going to take Usagi back to the hotel to wait out that storm. You two should get somewhere safe as well.

[Yugi blinks, looking over at the dark clouds. There is a strange air to them now that he points them out.

"It's okay. You be careful, Marik. Maybe you can come visit grandpa's shop sometime while you're still in town. I'd really like to catch up with you."

Marik stares for a moment as he rises out of his seat, taken aback by the smaller Duelist's words.]

You... would want to do that?

[Yugi nods. "Yeah, of course. Don't feel pressured though if you'd rather not."

The Egyptian tucks the box of cookies under his arm and finishes off his drink before responding.]

Maybe. I'll take to Usagi about it. I... I appreciate the offer, Yugi. Thank you. I'll talk to you later.

[And with that he heads off, walking quickly in the direction he saw Usagi disappear to. Did she have to transform...? Why was there a youma in Domino of all places? He should get back to the hotel though as there's nothing more he can do to help her at the time. He just needs to trust that she can handle herself.

Please be careful, Usagi... This is unknown territory for you...]

[moonlightshine]

["We should, I've been meaning to go there," Teá replied, keeping a neutral expression, not realizing that Yugi might've meant the vacation could've been for just the two of them. Teá noticed how flighty Usagi was, but didn't say anything. If Yugi wanted to have a conversation with just Marik, she could excuse herself...

But that wasn't a problem as the other blonde needed to go. Yugi extended an olive branch and, she wondered if it was the right thing. Or maybe he wanted to ensure Marik wasn't up to his old tricks. The dark clouds...the sudden change of weather, she looked over at Yugi.

"He might've changed..." She mused out loud once Marik was out of earshot. "Still, it's a bit weird that he comes back here, and then the weather starts to take a weird turn."

Meanwhile, Usagi had to transform. She found an alleyway and changed into the heroine, Sailor Moon. She managed to jump from roof top to roof top to get to where she needed to be. It was very strange that a youma was in Domino of all places, but it was stronger. The other senshi were having a hard time fighting it off and they would need to combine their powers in order to do away with it.

The dark presence Marik felt previously was growing stronger, tugging at the darkness that clung to him. The air began to heavy, but there wasn't anything in sight. He might start to hear a low, warped voice in his head:

Look what you've become. So close to having power, and yet you let it slip through your fingers. Perhaps history will repeat itself and you will lose the girl too.]

[thetombkeeper]

[Yugi looks over out at the clouds again, placing a hand over the Puzzle. "Yami says it's not the power of a Millennium Item so... I think he's innocent this time. But there is something going on... I don't know if we should check it out or not."

It might not be Marik directly causing it but he finds himself gripping the nearby wall as that voice echoes in his mind. His heart beat picks up and he feels everything become distant and cold as he falls into panic mode. Is that... him? But it can't be...! Yami banished that part of his soul! It feels so familiar though.

His eyes are wide and he looks over his shoulder, his gaze unfocused. If it hadn't have been for running into Yugi and setting off his fight or flight mode, he'd be able to handle this situation more calmly but it's been one thing after another and it's wearing on him mentally.

A fragile mind still so close to snapping, even after all of this time.]

S-Shut up...! You know nothing! I'm still...

[Still what? He's a rich student trying to live a normal life with his super hero girlfriend. Still able to sense the darkness, still yearning to feel that power once more. Even with the light of Usagi chasing away those thoughts and tendencies...

Marik will always be Marik deep down. A corrupted soul.]

I don't know how you... clawed your way out of the Shadow Realm but I'm not going to lose her. Especially not to the likes of you.

[moonlightshine]

["If it's not the Items, then I don't think we should check it out." Teá might have a point there. If it was some other supernatural force, could they handle it? Could they defeat it? A new enemy couldn't be on the horizon, and yet the dark clouds told a different story.

The voice cackled, causing the area around Marik to distort and warp. The shadows all seemed to gather in one place, opening a dark portal where two glowing eyes peaked through. Eyes a bright white, but didn't hold any warmth to them.

Shadow Realm? The power of Nemesis is NOTHING compared to the Shadow Realm!

More sounds of maniacal laughter that start to fade into into the dark portal. The eyes seemingly narrowed at Marik. A floating hooded figure began to appear from the portal. Their gnarly hands nearly touching a floating crystal ball.

You do not have any power to defeat someone like me. You would not be able to stop me or anyone from taking her away.

Their hands waved around the crystal ball, casting illusions of Usagi in her school uniform being kidnapped and taken for ransom. Her body tied up with a gag in her mouth, begging for help. The demon or creature didn't seem to know the blonde was Sailor Moon, but the imagery was still damaging.

Instead of Marik coming to Usagi's aid, it was a man with jet black hair and ocean blue eyes. Dressed in a tuxedo, and using his own power to save Usagi from the kidnappers. The scene shifted to Usagi and the strange tuxedo man kissing.

You cannot protect her as you are. You will fail over and over again, destined to be alone FOREVER!

Lightening streaked across the sky and a loud clap of thunder echoed in the sky.

Such will be your sad, pathetic life....or, I could give you the power you need. The power to protect what matters to you.

Would Marik give in? Would he believe the hooded man's lies and make a grab for what was before him?]

[thetombkeeper]

[While Yugi doesn't just like leaving things like that, they don't have enough information to act. So he drops it for the time being.

Marik seems mostly unphases by the reality shifting and locks his gaze on the glowing eyes, not daring to look away - not so much out of fear but rather wanting to intimidate this intruder in his mind even if it was pointless. The power of Nemesis...? What was that? If it was more powerful than the Shadow Realm then...

The creature's words ring true, bringing the tomb keeper's darkest fears to light. Without the Rod, he's nothing. Just a regular human with a sixth sense for dark magic. What good would that do to help Usagi in her mission? He was just... just a hindrance. He held her back.

The color drains from his face at the vision, reaching his own hand out pointlessly towards his girlfriend. At the sight of the masked man coming in to save the day, Marik screams and claws at the air, his paranoia getting the best of him.]

SH... SHE'S MINE...! I'll kill that man...!!

[As the lightning strikes, Marik looks down at the ground, his eyes hidden by his hair. His mind is racing in so many different directions, creating false narratives and ideas, trying to reason why he should turn down this offer when all he's ever wanted in life was continously taken away from his. His freedom, his life, his back, his own body, his Millennium Item, his right at the Pharaoh's power.

He can't lose Usagi. He refuses to. This deal seems too good to be true but... he's so desperate.

The tomb keeper steps forward, meeting the eyes of the creature once more and slowly raises his hand out towards him.]

Give it to me. I must... protect Usagi at any cost...!

[moonlightshine]

[Hopefully none of this will come back to bite them later. Still, there's a nagging feeling in Teá's mind.

"I think you'll want to call him later...just to make sure he wasn't impacted by the weather."

Teá didn't have Marik's contact information, nor would she want it. She wasn't going to reach out to him to check on the Egyptian, that fell more into Yugi's territory than hers.

The illusions are doing their job and Wiseman couldn't be happier. He sensed darkness in this area, but to find someone who had such a strong connection to it, now untethered...he would prove useful. The destruction of the 30 century would come true! Screw Dimande and his obsession for Neo-Queen Serenity. If they combined forces, they would be unstoppable.

Seeing Marik's outstretched hand, Wiseman reaches out to grasp it. The flesh of Wiseman's hand melts away to reveal a skeleton as power crashes down onto Marik's power. A dark power that he has never felt before, but it doesn't harm him. No, it welcomes him, as though he's always belonged to Nemesis.]

Be reborn with the Dark Crystal's power! [His voice boomed out, wrapping Marik in a tornado of black and purple energy. Marik would see Nemesis as it was, and understood he would serve a new master, Wiseman.]

You will be powerful enough to strike down your enemies, and protect what is yours--but you must find the Silver Crystal. When you have it bring it to me.

[thetombkeeper]

[Yugi hums in thought, taking a sip from his drink. "Yeah, I will. Just leave everything to me."

Deep down, Marik knows what he's doing is reckless. Dangerous. That it could blow up in his face. But he's been so good for so long... Ignoring the dull thrumming of the Shadow Magic inside his soul whenever Usagi wasn't directly with him. He thinks nothing of the skeletal hand, far too lost to his own insecurities and his desire for power.

As the tomb keeper takes the new dark powers into him, feeling it surge through his very essence, he holds out his arms and welcomes the sensation and energy, a low rumble of a laugh coming up through his throat and evolving into a loud cackle.]

Yes...! Yes! This is... exactly what I've been searching for...! This power, this darkness...!

[When the Wiseman speaks, Marik snaps to look at him. He's more in control of his emotions again, feeling far more in his element than he has in a long time...

Ah, yes. But of course. That's what the catch was.

Like striking a deal with the Spirit of the Ring. The blonde smirks and crosses his arms.]

Silver Crystal, eh? Very well.

[He steps closer.]

But no pulling the "you gave me what I want, I'm taking your powers and throwing you out like an old toy" card, got it?

[moonlightshine]

Of course. [Wiseman says, her hands still hovering over the crystal ball. Marik wouldn't be able to tell if he was lying or not. Wiseman could give power as well as take it away, but as long as Marik did what he was told, then things would be fine. He began to slink back into the portal.]

But find the Silver Crystal and bring it to me, no matter what.

[There was a silent but prominent 'or else' laced in those words. Wiseman disappeared back into the darkness. The world around Marik began to return to normal, with the dark clouds finally disappearing. It appeared the two were connected, not that it should bother Marik.

Sailor Moon and the senshi might have defeated their enemy and needed the chance to regroup, rest and talk about what happened. Usagi agreed to the group, but she had to check on Marik first. Yes, she could've texted him and told him to meet her at the hotel, but she was concerned. She hadn't mean to leave him hanging.

Marik would receive a text from the blonde telling him she was heading back to the cafe.]

Are you safe? Are you okay?

[thetombkeeper]

[You don't become a multimillion dollar syndicate boss being dumb. Marik knew both he and this demonic entity would be using each other to get what they wanted. That's just how it went. But the blonde wasn't going to be the one to be backstabbed this time.

Because what if he became the master of Nemesis? Overpowered this creature and took everything for himself? Yes, that's what he could strive for...

Keeping up appearances, Marik offers a slight bow before the Wiseman disappears.]

Of course, partner.

[As the darkness fades, he does make note of the connection of the clouds. Curious. So they were connected... Was it because of him or Usagi and the Senshi that brought them here? If for him, why not go after the Ring Spirit instead? Whatever the case, it wasn't important at the moment.

He looks down at his phone when it buzzes from the text, smiling when he sees who it's from. Usagi. She was okay...]

Yes, I'm safe. How about you? Was it youma?

[moonlightshine]

Yes, it was. We'll need to regroup later to discuss. I'm okay! Just trying to get back to you.

[Usagi was not okay. She was exhausted and ready for a nap, but she couldn't leave Marik to walk alone in Domino. She hoped her sudden departure hadn't cast him in a negative light. He seemed to be doing better up until she had to leave. Maybe this was a sign of things to come? Maybe the others, Yugi included, could see that he had changed his ways.

The blonde picked up her pace, managing to get back to the café and started to look around. She didn't know if Yugi and his friend (or girlfriend?) were still around, but all that mattered to her was Marik.

She couldn't call out his name and risk drawing attention to him or to her. But, seriously, how hard was it to find a tall, Egyptian boy?!]

[thetombkeeper]

[What Yugi and Teá had thought of him was the last thing on his mind. Meeting back to with Usagi and making sure she was okay was his top priority.]

Okay. I'll head back to the café.

[Having not wandered far, it doesn't take him very long to get back to the café. Marik looks around for those familiar pigtails and eventually spots her. Rather than calling out though, he slides up like a shadow and gently places a hand on her shoulder to let her know he's there.]

Hey, Usagi...

[moonlightshine]

[Usagi was starting to get worried when she couldn't stop her boyfriend. Had something happened to him and someone used his cell to impersonate him? Or was there something going on? No, she couldn't let her mind wander down a rabbit hole. As soon as she could find Marik, then everything would be okay--!

She stiffened suddenly feeling a hand on her shoulder. Her body was in fight or flight mode, prepared to do either in a split second. It's not until she hears a familiar voice that she calms down.]

Marik-kun! [She turned around to face him, wanting to check him over and make sure he was okay. Her expressive blue eyes showed so much concern for the boy who held her heart.]

There you are! I was about ready to call you... [She slowed down towards the end, the adrenaline running through her system made it hard to talk at a normal speed.]

Are you sure you're okay?

[thetombkeeper]

[If Usagi isn't distracted by everything else that's been going on she may notice his eyes appear dull again like when they first met. A lack of light to them.

Marik gives her a soft smile, moving his hand to cup her cheek.]

Of course I'm okay. I'm more concerned about you. Are you alright? Do you need to rest...?

[moonlightshine]

[The affection was comforting. It was something Marik had done nearly dozens of times before. But in looking into his eyes...there was something wrong. The light in his eyes...where did it go?]

Are you sure? I know I left you with Yugi-kun... [Which was stressful enough as it was, and she can imagine how he was itching to leave within a few minutes.]

Mmm, I am tired. [Exhausted even, and it feels like she's feeling it even more as she's not running around.]

But you're my priority. I didn't think anything came this way. So... [Was he truly fine?

She reached up to gently touch his forehead, brushing his hair away from his eyes.]

[thetombkeeper]

Your text made a convenient excuse. I said it was a weather warning and that I was going to find you and head back to the hotel. I think... I might shoot him a text later. I have his number from Odion.

[His expression softens more as she brushes his hair out of his face, Marik in turn stroking her cheek.]

Nothing came this way. Don't worry. Why don't we head back so you can nap for a bit? Then maybe we can stop by Yugi's grandfather's game shop. Yugi said we were welcome to come by...

[moonlightshine]

[Cue blinking from the shorter blonde. He was willing to text Yugi? That....that was good. Even better was the fact that he wanted to visit his grandfather's shop?]

You feel comfortable enough to do that? You're not stressed?

[His comfort and happiness were her top priority. If he was feeling okay to text Yugi or visit him, that was an impressive improvement. It made her wonder what happened after she left.]

If you want to visit him, we could do that.. But, I am feeling tired. [Even sleepy in fact. The aftermath of that battle was hitting her harder than the other battles she's faced.]

A nap...a nap sounds so good right now. [And to think, she didn't have any of those cookies from earlier!]

[thetombkeeper]

I mean... he invited us, right? If it's just him, I think I can deal. He didn't have to do that but... he did. Besides, I've always been curious about the shop.

[He'd have to tell her in detail about what he'd done when he was the wielder of the Rod eventually. Probably sooner rather than later if they were to bump into Joey any time soon. Once Usagi had gotten to nap, maybe.

Marik lets go of her cheek to turn around and kneel down slightly.

He'd dropped the cookies in the alleyway. Hn. He could say he forgot them if it came up.]

Come on... Let's get you back to the hotel.

[moonlightshine]

He did... [Well, technically, he invited Marik, but Usagi was more than happy to go with him to make sure he was okay. It seemed harmless, and hopefully no one else would suddenly appear.[ We can figure out a time for us to go over.

[Usagi blinked, seeing the position that Marik got into and stepped to his side.]

No, it's okay! The hotel isn't far. I can make the walk over there. [She wouldn't pass out like she did that one time he was walking her home! She wasn't a little kid who needed a piggyback ride--even though she was short for her age.]

It'll be a ten minute walk at most, I can hold out for that long.

[Usagi waited for him to stand up and moved to take his hand like she normally did. Little did she know, by being in such close contact with Marik, it was going to drain her energy faster.]

[thetombkeeper]

[Eh. Although Marik doesn't know Yugi very well, he's very easy to read and he suspects part of the reason he invited him was to see what he was up to. That was a game he could easily play though.]

If you're sure... You know I don't mind carrying you.

[Marik takes a hold of Usagi's hand, completely unaware that he is the reason she's feeling so tired. He just knows that he feels... quite incredibly right now. ]

How did the battle go, by the way...? Do you think it was connected to those clouds?

[moonlightshine]

I know you don't mind, but you've done enough today.

[Coming out to Domino with her, and being her tour guide of sorts. Not to mention, he handed her exit so gracefully.

Usagi took his hand, threading their fingers together. She was finally feeling better, feeling more comfortable and at ease. Yet, her energy was starting to fall faster. Her steps started to slow down and leaning on Marik a little more.]

Rei thinks there was some connection....and the youma was stronger this time.

[She made sure to keep her voice down, not wanting others to overhear them. They were about five minutes away from the hotel. Usagi was being stubborn and would not fall asleep on her boyfriend again. She had to think of other things to talk about. Talking and walking were easy enough to do.]

We're not sure what happened, or if it was a fluke... [She wasn't sure, the regroup was necessary.

As they walked, the blonde paid attention to how close they were to the hotel. In passing by a few people, there was a taller man wearing a fancy tuxedo. He had jet black hair, but grey colored eyes. Usagi turned her head slightly, caught off guard to see someone dressed so fancy.]

Oh...how interesting. [A man in a tuxedo. It made her think of weddings...nothing else.]

[thetombkeeper]

I didn't go fight monsters, now did I?

[Which is entirely fair.

As they continue to walk, Marik can't help but notice Usagi starting to falter in her steps. He really should have carried her...]

Were they? That's concerning... Do you think it's a new enemy...?

[Although he had managed to calm down, the tomb keeper's eyes almost instantly hone in on the man in the tuxedo and it immediately riles him up as the vision the Wiseman showed him pops up in his mind. Marik actively lets out a snarl, letting go of her hand to instead grab her by the waist and pull her closer as they walk by the poor clueless stranger.]

[moonlightshine]

No... [He didn't fight monsters, but he did other things! Things that were hard to think of at the moment, but he did plenty for them.

She wasn't sure if they should continue to talk about the youma they faced, not until they we in the hotel room. The most she could do was nod--

Until Marik was holding her and practically snarling at the poor man in a tuxedo. Usagi looked over her shoulder at her boyfriend, feeling a strange warmth rise up in her, but also shock. What was he thinking?!]

Marik-kun! [The poor stranger practically ran away at that moment from the couple.] What was that for? [Did the guy look at them in an inappropriate way? Was something said that she didn't hear?]

He was probably on his way to somewhere important.

[thetombkeeper]

[He didn't though. He was just moral support. That fact had always bothered him, that all he could do was sit by while everything happened. He couldn't even give her a strategical advantage since they could all already sense the dark energy without his needed input.

He was useless to her... Was. But not anymore.

But his little outburst had been reckless. He should have controlled his emotions better. Seeing that man in the tuxedo though just made his blood boil. Who was that man in the vision...? He would have to keep an eye out for him.

Marik looks down at Usagi then away from her like a scolded cat, pursing his lips slightly.]

Sorry. I... didn't like the look he was giving you...