***NOTE- Remember that when there are asterisks around someone's name inside the brackets, they are in their or someone else's mind!

<Kibira> *is getting ready to leave* *talking to herself* Everything is going to be just fine… No one will see it coming…
<*Ari*> *is seething in anger, wanting to know what's going on* No one will see WHAT coming?
<Kibira> *pushes Ari back into her mind* It's none of your business!
<Marik> *sitting in the window* Is it any of mine?
<Kibira> *turns around, startled* Marik! Wh- what are you doing here?
<Marik> I think the real question is, where are you going?
<Kibira> *folds her arms* I don't have to tell you.
<Marik> What's gotten into you? You're supposed to be my girlfriend, and yet you snap at me and act as though you don't care for me at all.
<Kibira> *fed up* Correction, Marik: ARI is your girlfriend. Not me. No one asked for MY opinion when you two got together, and I therefore have no loyalty to anyone!
<Marik> *walking over, grabbing her arms softly, looking into her eyes* Then will you show loyalty to me by choice?
<Kibira> *glares* Get out of my room.
<Marik> *frowns* This is Ari's room, not yours. *lets his hands drop off of her* You're up to something, I know it. And if it's something that's going to hurt Ari, or anyone else… I will stop you.
<Kibira> *sneering* I'm so scared.
<Marik> *glares at her, then leaves through the window*
<Kibira> Gods damn it! *glares out the window making sure Marik's leaving* You'll regret that later Marik. Mark my words! *grabs her coat and bolts down the stairs, leaving for the docks*
*meanwhile*
<Setsuna> *is juggling a phone while she cleans and gets the house ready for later* *into the phone* Seto, I really need to put down the phone now…
<Seto> *on the other end of the line* Yeah… I suppose I should let you finish up so I can go over there early…
<Setsuna> *laughing* You know my parents aren't leaving until 5. That's why I told everyone to show up after that.
<Seto> *skeptical* Do your parents even know everyone's coming over?
<Setsuna> Of course! The deal was that no one showed up until after they left.
<Seto> Oh… *sigh* I guess I can't come early then…
<Setsuna> *giggles* Seto don't sound so sad. If you show up right after 5, I'm sure you'll still be the first one here.
<Seto> Yeah… but I wanted to be early enough to help.
<Setsuna> *sigh* Seto, I'm hanging up now…
<Seto> *laughs* I could just speak telepathically to you still.
<Setsuna> *sweatdrop* Then why on earth did you call me on the phone in the first place??
<Seto> Uh… Just because?
<Setsuna> =_=' *hangs up*
<Seto> *hearing the dial tone* Woops… *sweatdrop*
*meanwhile*
<Kibira> *walks into the warehouse that she meets Ryou in* Ryou? Are you here yet?
<Ryou> *comes up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist* *whispers in her ear* You're late…
<Kibira> *still in a feisty mood* You're awfully bold… *takes out her Seidan and presses it against his side threateningly*
<Ryou> *smiles and lets her go, backing away* Still not going to admit it, eh?
<Kibira> *raises an eyebrow* Admit what?
<Ryou> You know what I'm talking about.
<Kibira> *opens her mouth to say something, but closes it, deciding to say something else instead* So what if I don't want to admit it? *fighting a smile*
<Ryou> *grins wickedly* Shall we get on with today's lesson? If you're going to show everyone your abilities today… you have to be ready.
<Kibira> Sure. What's the lesson?
<Ryou> So far, you have mastered moving the Seidan with your mind… But you have yet to realize the full potential of your Item. You once tapped that power when you saved Marik… Your souls are intertwined now… You have the power to change a person's soul from evil to good.
<Kibira> *staring* My Item has such… such a powerful attribute? *looks at her Seidan* So I do have power after all…
<Ryou> *walking over, pulling her chin up to look into her eyes* All of the Items have deadly powers that can be used for good or evil. That is the nature of the Items. All were spurred from a twisted past… never quite good… and always nearly evil.
<Kibira> So what is the lesson then? You want me to turn your soul good for a change?
<Ryou> *smirks* Earlier today, I took a piece of someone's soul. My Item is a thief's dream… I can steal powers, I can seal powers, I can steal souls, seal souls, release souls… *bows* And I'm proud of it. You lesson today is to break through my mental defenses and remove the piece of the person's soul I took… and send it on it's way to the rightful owner.
<Kibira> *skeptically* If your Item has such power, how is it Marik's second spirit took control of you so easily before?
<Ryou> *sweatdrop* None of the Items are all powerful. You need them ALL in order to be unstoppable… he is a Kage spirit. They're stronger than us Yukikurerus.
<Kibira> Very well than… Shall we start?
<Ryou> *grins* There's more to it than that… You think when you're fighting with someone, they're just going to stand and have a mental fight with you? You must fight me physically too.
<Kibira> Ryou, I don't want to hurt you.
<Ryou> Don't worry about it… you won't hurt me. Are you ready?
<Kibira> *nods*
<Ryou> Then let's go! *lunges in an instant, taking the Ring in his hand, the spikes poised to cut into Kibira*
<Kibira> *brings the Seidan up, turning it into its dagger form and deflecting Ryou's attack easily* Ha! *spins as Ryou falls past her, slashing at his side with the Seidan*
<Ryou> *quickly brings the Ring back around, guarding his side from the slash* *loses his balance and falls to the floor, vulnerable*
<Kibira> *fans the Seidan out to it's full star form, making the points huge and throws it at Ryou*
<Ryou> *eyes widen, frozen for a moment* *rolls away, but gets his shirt caught under the point of the Seidan that embeds itself in the ground inches from his side* *mutters* Damn…
<Kibira> *walks over, stomping on the Ring so he can't lift it off the ground* Ready to give up?
<Ryou> You still haven't ventured into my mind…
<Kibira> Perhaps I'm waiting to tire you out first? *barrels into his mind without warning, sending him into a dazed state*
<*Kibira*> *looks around* It's dark in here… Ryou must not want me to see much…
<*Ryou*> *walks out of a shadow* Maybe I'm just trying to hide the prize from you.
<*Kibira*> What use? I already can feel where there is a soul that doesn't belong.
<*Ryou*> Really? *folds his arms* Then where is it?
<*Kibira*> *walks over to him, putting a hand on his arm* Oh… just right… *in a flash, pulls the dagger-form Seidan up and thrusts it into his chest* Here.
<*Ryou*> *eyes go blank* *recovers after a moment, smiling* Wonderful job…
<*Kibira*> *pulls the dagger out and watches as the mental-Ryou fades into a small orb of light* Let's see who you really are… *puts her hand over the orb, closing her eyes* *sees one of the kids that's at the park all the time* *smiles* Go on to your rightful owner now… *pushes the orb away, and it fades slowly, returning to the child*
<Kibira> *retreats from Ryou's mind, stepping away and pulling the real Seidan from the floor* Did I pass?
<Ryou> *sitting up slowly, rubbing his head* Did you have to stab the protector?
<Kibira> *grins* Yeah… that was the way to break the spell.
<Ryou> *sigh* Yes, you passed.
<Kibira> *looks at her Item* With this kind of power… can I… can I take parts of people's souls? Not just take out parts that shouldn't be there?
<Ryou> *narrowing his eyes* Yes. You can separate souls… purify them… merge them. *gets up, meeting her eyes* Just as you merged your soul with Marik's.
<Kibira> Marik? *thinks* … When I saved him…
<Ryou> *looks down* Your souls are intertwined because of that.
<Kibira> *finally decides to truly decide what she wants* I'll change that tonight. I'll separate our souls again, and I'll be able to chose who I want for my own…
<Ryou> *looks at her suspiciously* "Chose who you want"?
<Kibira> *looks him in the eye* I don't think Marik is the one for me… if the dreams I've been having are true… then I know that he isn't.
<Ryou> *whispers* I knew it… you have been dreaming of the past.
<Kibira> I'm not going to fight my past any longer…
<Ryou> *goes over to her, wrapping his arms around her softly* No one should fight what's in their heart. *kisses her softly*
<Kibira> *kisses back, finally able to accept that this is what she wants*
*meanwhile*
<Crystal> *is getting all her stuff ready for the sleepover, with Yugi's help* Yugi… have you noticed anything strange about Kibira lately?
<Yugi> *looking at a picture of Crystal and some friends on her dresser* Hmm?
<Crystal> *sigh* I guess I'm the only one -.-
<Yugi> *actually was paying attention* I've noticed it too… I don't think it's anything to worry about though.
<Crystal> I've seen some things with my pendant that worry me though… I have this horrible feeling that something bad is going to happen at the sleepover tonight. *sits on her bed*
<Yugi> *sits next to her and puts his arms around her* It'll be okay. All of us have pasts that aren't quite clear… maybe Kibira's just discovering hers.
<Crystal> *looks into Yugi's eyes* Promise you won't tell anyone?
<Yugi> *nods*
<Crystal> *sighs* I think Kibira is going to try to take Setsuna's Item tonight.
<Yugi> Now why would she do that??
<Crystal> I've picked up her thoughts… for some reason, she's jealous of Setsuna. They've been friends forever, so I can't see why… but I think Ryou's been getting to her.
<Yugi> *nodding* They have been acting a little strange lately… We'll keep an eye on them tonight.
<Crystal> *leans her head on him* Thanks. ^^
<Yugi> *blushes* Anything for you… *tilts her head up to a kiss*
*meanwhile*
<Setsuna> *unlocks the door now that her parents have left, expecting Seto to show up at any minute* Okay… *puts her hands on her hips, surveying the living room where everyone will be sleeping* All that's left to do is move the table so everyone can put their sleeping bags down… *starts pushing the table back*
<Seto> *comes in quietly, watching Setsuna move the table* *after a moment* Need some help?
<Setsuna> *nearly falls over* O.o Geeze! Don't sneak up on me like that! *sigh* And no, I've got it. *gets the table against the wall*
<Seto> *comes over and gives her a quick kiss hello* Anything else to do?
<Setsuna> *smiles* Nope, that was it. My parents left some money for pizza, so when everyone gets here I'll have to order it.
<Seto> Ah… *puts his sleeping bag on the floor* I suppose we're all sleeping here?
<Setsuna> *is about to answer, but there's a knock on the door* Gotta get that ^^ *runs and opens the door* Oh, hey Marik. Where's Ari?
<Marik> *raising an eyebrow* She's not here yet?
<Setsuna> No… I figured she'd come with you.
<Marik> =_=' I stopped by her house before and she didn't seem to interested… or rather, Kibira didn't.
<Setsuna> *biting her lip* I hope everything's okay…
<Marik> *sighs, stepping inside* Join the club. *waves to Seto*
<Seto> *waves back as he sits in a chair*
<Setsuna> *stays by the door, seeing Yugi's car pull up* Am I the only one who's afraid that Yugi can drive?
<Seto> =_=' No, you're not.
<Marik> *snort*
<Crystal> *coming in with Yugi* I heard that! *hugs Setsuna* Can I talk to you for a sec?
<Setsuna> *nods* Sure. Seto, you'll get the door if Ari or Bakura show up, right?
<Seto> *waves in answer, talking with Marik and Yugi*
<Crystal> *as she walks with Setsuna to the kitchen* They're getting rather chummy… hard to believe that a few months ago you couldn't get those three to stay in the same room for more than 5 seconds without wanting to kill each other.
<Setsuna> *laughs* Yeah… what's up?
<Crystal> Well… I just wanted to be sure things with you and Ari were okay.
<Setsuna> *raising an eyebrow* What do you mean?
<Crystal> *explains what she saw in her Pendant* I'm just a little worried…
<Setsuna> Ari and I have been friends since we were born… I mean, we've had our problems, but we work through them.
<Crystal> I know… but I think Ryou has something to do with this. I think he's done something to her.
<Setsuna> Like what? The Ring doesn't have any mind-control capabilities… that I know of at least…
<Crystal> *sighs* I don't know… just… be careful tonight, all right?
<Setsuna> *smiles* I'll be fine. Thanks though. *goes back into the other room*
<Bakura> *is already there with Ari* Oh, hey Setsuna.
<Setsuna> *somewhat shocked* Did… you two come together?
<Ari> *sigh* You didn't hear Marik's angered yell?
<Marik> *anger mark* Why on earth did he take you here?
<Ari> Marik, I told you, he happens to live 3 blocks away. He offered to give me a ride. For crying out loud, grow up!
<Marik> =_='
<Bakura> It… it's not that big of a deal, Marik… If you don't want me to, I won't again…
<Marik> Damn straight I don't want you to! *grabs Ari and puts his arms around her waist possessively*
<Ari> =_=' Marik, stop it.
<Setsuna> Okay, change of subject everyone… Let's play a game or watch a movie… and take a survey of what kind of pizza we're ordering.
<Yugi> Yay! Dinner!
<Bakura> *looking around* =_=' I feel like the odd one out… again.
<Crystal> You'll find someone sooner or later, Bakura. ^^
<Seto> I say we get one with pepperoni and sausage.
<Setsuna> And olives!
<Marik> Ew, olives?
<Ari> Yeah! ^^
<Yugi> How about just cheese?
<Bakura> How plain… what about anchovies?
<Everyone> EWWW!!!
<Bakura> Just kidding! *laughs*
<Setsuna> Well we can get two pizzas…
<Marik> I'd like pepperoni and sausage, but no olives…
<Crystal> Cheese for me ^^
<Setsuna> *takes a vote and they end up ordering one pizza that's just cheese, and one that's half pepperoni and sausage, and half with olives* There. They said it should be here in 15 minutes or so.
<Yugi> So do we want to watch a movie or play a game?
<Ari> Let's play a game… movies are fun to watch once it hits midnight. ^^
<Seto> I agree. *nods*
<Setsuna> Well we could go with our old favorites, Truth or Dare, or Spin the Bottle…
<Marik> *sweatdrop* Don't we always end up trying to kill one another over those games?
<Yugi> That's true…
<Crystal> Setsuna, do you have any board games?
<Setsuna> Yeah! *gets up and looks in a closet in the next room* We've got Mouse Trap… Oh, this cool trivia game called Outwages… Hey! I forgot about this; we've got a poker set!
<Bakura> Poker?
<Ari> Yeah, out parents used to play poker all the time. *laughs* Setsuna, do you remember that one time when they let us play, and we actually beat them?
<Setsuna> *snorts* Oh yeah… we just about kicked their butts.
<Yugi> Hey, it's a card game… I'll play.
<Seto> I'm in.
<Marik> Sure.
<Setsuna> That okay with everyone? *falls over with the outburst of "YES!"* *pulls it out and sets it up*
*Everyone plays for a while, and takes a break when the pizza arrives*
<Ari> I think we should play Truth or Dare… just as a matter of tradition.
<Crystal> *gets a worried look* *thinks: that's what happened in my dream…* Maybe we should play another board game…
<Seto> Nah, T or D is our signature game, other than dueling. I'm up for a few rounds.
<Bakura> *getting a gleam in his eye* Yeah… we should play.
<Setsuna> *not suspecting anything* Sure!
<Marik> Well Ari, you suggested it. You can start.
<Yugi> *glances at Crystal, who is getting a little anxious* *whispers to her* You okay?
<Crystal> I'm fine…
<Ari> Hey I've got an idea… how about we let all the yukikurerus play? I'm sure they'd like to have some fun…
<Marik> Well, 'sept for me…
<Bakura> I think it's a great idea. Ryou's been wanting to come out for a while anyway.
<Yugi> Well, Atem is better at games than me anyway. ^^
<Everyone> *let their spirits take over*
<Kibira> My start then? Let's see… Seth, truth or dare?
<Seth> *thinks a moment* Truth.
<Kibira> What do you remember about the day you met Liana?
<Seth> O.o Ak… Well, I remember I'd snuck out of the palace… I was trying to get away because of my father… and I saw her at this little oasis. She was upset for some reason… I don't really remember.
<Liana> *staring into space* My family had been killed. *looks at Kibira* In fact.. I thought you had too. What ever happened to you?
<Kibira> *thinks: not yet…* I don't really remember. I must've found the Seidan somewhere along the way… all I remember is leaving with the caravan, and then nothing.
<Nawra> *nodding* I can remember part of that too… Seth, your father was the High Priest. He was a terrible man…
<Atem> I remember his trial… he was going to overthrow me and put you on the throne.
<Seth> *hangs his head* Wasn't my idea, believe me.
<Atem> I never questioned your loyalty. We were cousins, after all.
<Marik> O.o Hold on, you two are related??
<Liana> *laughs* You could never tell from the way their hikaris act towards each other, eh?
<Seth> *fighting a smile* My turn… Ryou: truth or dare?
<Ryou> *grins* Dare, if you please.
<Seth> *rubs his hands together* I've been waiting for this. *smirks* I dare you to allow these three ladies to put your hair up in any fashion they wish.
<Ryou> O.o My… hair? *puts his hands over his head*
<Seth> If you don't, you have to strip down to your boxers and take 3 laps around the block.
<Atem> *laughs*
<Marik> Oh that's just cruel… you don't mess with a man's hair.
<Ryou> O.o For once, we agree on something. But I don't want to go around in my skivvies either!
<Liana> *snort* Then let us play with your hair for a bit! I promise we'll make you look oh-so-pretty…
<Nawra> Yeah! Let's give him odangos!
<Kibira> *bursts out laughing*
<Ryou> *sigh* Fine… do as you will…
<Liana> Woo hoo! *runs downstairs to her room and gets a brush and hair things* I actually do know how to do odangos… we're in luck!
<Seth> *looks around* Where the hell is Seto's bag? I think he took a camera with him…
<Liana> *laughs* Setsuna's is in the closet if you can't find his.
<Nawra> *is brushing out Ryou's hair* Wow, what kind of conditioner do you use, Ryou?
<Ryou> Oh just some store-brand stuff…
<Marik> *snort*
<Atem> *is laughing his head off*
<Liana> *in a few minutes, has Ryou's hair up in two odango-ponytails* Oh Ryou, you're so cute!!
<Ryou> =_='
<Seth> *has been snapping pictures*
<Ryou> Cut it out before I send you and that camera to the Shadow Realm!
<Marik> *is laughing so hard he's tearing up*
<Ryou> Okay, okay… it's my turn now. Marik: truth or dare.
<Marik> *between laughs* Dare.
<Kibira> *nods to Ryou*
<Nawra> *catches the nod* *whispers* Oh no…
<Atem> *glances at her worriedly*
<Ryou> I dare you to spend 5 minutes in the closet with Kibira… and leave your Rod out here…
<Marik> *raises an eyebrow* Again with the closet lock ups?
<Kibira> *obviously hamming it up* I don't see the point of this…
<Ryou> *smirks* There's more… Marik can't touch you.
<Marik> =_=' Wow, how difficult. Kibira always wants to punch me recently anyway.
<Kibira> *anger mark* Only because you snuck up on me in my room. Sheesh.
<Ryou> Well?
<Marik> Yeah, yeah… *tosses his Rod over to Seth* Keep an eye on that for me. *walks into the closet*
<Kibira> *follows with an odd grin on her face*
<Liana> So what's the point of this dare again?
<Ryou> To prove something *shrug* Not sure what yet.
<Nawra> *thinks to Liana: I don't like this…*
<Liana> *looks at her oddly*
*meanwhile, in the closet*
<Marik> *is watching Kibira walk around* So how does this work… I can't touch you, but you can touch me?
<Kibira> I imagine so… *grins, walking over to him* I imagine I can do whatever I want…
<Marik> *his tone changing from playful to serious* What's going on with you, really?
<Kibira> Nothing. I just want my part of my soul back. *reaches up and touches Marik's forehead before he can do anything to protest*
<*Marik*> *looks around in his own mind* No… she's going to separate our bonded souls…
<*Kibira*> *walking by* Smart boy… *spots a piece of green light in a corner of Marik's mind* Ah, there it is.
<*Marik*> Wait! *reaches to grab her, but is thrown back by an unseen force* Ungh!
<*Kibira*> *waving a finger at him* Ah, ah, ah… you can't touch me, remember? *walks over to the green light, seeing it is fused with a purple light* I want what is mine back. *takes out her Seidan* Now. *slashes it through the center of the two bonded lights, cutting them free from one another*
<*Marik*> *lets out a yell of pain* AH!!! *claws at his head*
<*Kibira*> *smirks* Of course, doing this is going to give you quite a headache… *retreats from Marik's mind after putting the piece of her soul back in her own mind*
<Marik> *drops to his knees, holding his head in his hands* Wh- what did you do to me?
<Kibira> *coldly* I took back my choice.
<Marik> *looks up at her* You do love him, don't you?
<Ryou> *opening the door* Time's up… *smiles* Ah… looks like something was proved after all.
<Liana> *pushes Ryou out of the way, seeing Marik on the floor* Kibira?
<Kibira> I'm tired of being bonded by something that wasn't really my choice. It's my life now. *glares at Liana* And I won't be held back by you any longer! *lunges for her, a point of the Seidan to her neck*
<Seth> *seeing them crash out of the closet* Liana!
<Ryou> *glares* I wouldn't if I were you, Seth. You've got a very powerful evil in your hands… I'd hate for it to be triggered by rage.
<Seth> *looks at the Shadow Rod in his hand* Wh- *tries to drop it, but he can't open his hand* Damn…
<Nawra> No! This can't happen! *suddenly the Pendant begins to glow and she's sent into a new vision*
<Atem> *catches Nawra as she goes limp* Oh no…
<*Nawra*> *looks around* I'm… still in Setsuna's house? *sees Setsuna on the floor* Setsuna?? *rushes over, and stops short, holding back a scream*
<*Setsuna*> *is staring blankly at the wall to her right, blood spilling from various cuts, obviously near death*
<*Nawra*> *kneels down* Setsuna, what happened?
<*Setsuna*> Ch… Chain…
<*Nawra*> *notices that the Chain's arm band isn't on her arm* Oh no… no… *gets up, looking around the room again, seeing the bodies of Atem, Seth, and herself on the other side of the room* No… *looks in the closet, seeing Marik's lifeless form, the Shadow Rod stuck straight through his heart* Oh… my god…