<Ari> So you only have to multiply once?
<Setsuna> Right. Then you put it in the formula.
<Ari> Gotcha.
<Setsuna> *slumps down* Ugh my brain hurts from all this studying.
<Ari> *raises an eyebrow* I thought you liked math.
<Setsuna> Even future Math teachers need to take number breaks now and again.
<Ari> *closes her notebook* Why am I even arguing? I don't want to study right now either! ^.^
<Setsuna> …Ari how are things between you and Marik?
<Ari> Marik? Well… erm… *breaks down* Not good… I don't know what's going on anymore.
<Setsuna> *looking her in the eye* Has he been hurting you?
<Ari> No! No… it's just… I haven't been able to say that I love him in a long time… I'm not sure I do anymore… and he keeps getting angry at the slightest thing. It's like the person I fell in love with changed… and I don't like the person he's become.
<Setsuna> Well I already told you before, Ari… this is your decision… I want to help you in any way I can, but I can't make the decision for you.
<Ari> *tearing up* Setsuna I just don't understand anymore… I can't… I can't see clearly. Kibira is so in love with Ryou and when they're together I can't help but feel like I'm supposed to be with Bakura! But then the way Marik acts… it's like I'm not supposed to… like… I picked him first and now I'm stuck with him.
<Setsuna> No one is ever "stuck" with the first person they pick, Ari… I mean hell, most people aren't even stuck with the first person they marry now-a-days! If Marik is becoming something you don't want, you don't have to settle for him. Have you talked at all to Bakura about this?
<Ari> Not really… Ryou and Kibira keep trying to throw us together but the last few times Marik's walked in on it and we didn't get a chance to talk… *wipes her eyes* The last few times I've talked to Marik it's ended with me in tears… It's like… I'm not his girlfriend anymore, I'm a prize he won and is defending from a challenger.
<Setsuna> Ari I shouldn't say this… but I'm going to give you my honest opinion. And don't make up your mind on what I say alone, please… this is just what I think from what I've seen… But I honestly think you'd be better off with Bakura. Marik doesn't seem your type… I mean think about it: you have Bakura; shy, smart when he wants, cute, with a badass wild side. Then you have Marik; explosive temper, sees only one thing at a time, with a badass wild attitude all the time.
<Ari> *nods* …So you think I should leave him…
<Setsuna> In so many words… yeah.
<Ari> I'm afraid. I'm scared to.
<Setsuna> I'll be here for you, Ari. Nothing's gonna happen.
<Ari> *gives her a look* Setsuna this is us we're talking about. Holders of these crazy mystical Egyptian artifacts called Millennium Items. The terms "us" and "nothing happening" hardly EVER come in the same sentence.
<Setsuna> *smiles* This is true. I forgot.
<Ari> *laughs* *looks at the clock* Oh shit!
<Setsuna> What?
<Ari> Er… I didn't know you were going to be here this late. Ryou's supposed to be coming to meet Kibira in like, 10 minutes.
<Setsuna> No problem. I should get going anyway… This is about the time Seto starts trying to connect to me telepathically. *points to her head*
<Ari> Are you two getting better at that?
<Setsuna> Hmm… So-so. I mean… Liana and Seth are practically always connected now… but Seto and I have a hard time keeping a link over longer distances.
<Ari> I wish my Item gave me telepathic abilities…
<Setsuna> Haha… don't. Believe me, its more trouble than it's worth. Especially when you don't know how to control it that well. You hear things you shouldn't hear… and you hear things you don't WANT to hear… *shudders*
<Ari> Yeah but once you get it under control… your Item may well be one of the most powerful. Ryou told me…
<Setsuna> Because of the telepathy?
<Ari> No… you've got the power to cage up spirits inside our minds. Ryou's been trying to communicate with Kaminari, to learn about what happened in the time of the kages. So far all he really knows for sure other than the fact that Taireru was absolutely insane, you and Sesu were the ones that beat him… and you saved Kaminari.
<Setsuna> Saved?
<Ari> I'm not sure I understood that well… you know how it is watching the other spirits talk… but I think they said Kaminari had nearly died by Taireru's hand… and before he did, you sealed his spirit inside the Millennium Ring, thus saving him.
<Setsuna> I should try talking to Reira… see what she remembers. *picks up her bag* Anyways, I'm off. I'll see you on Monday.
<Ari> Bye!
<Setsuna> *thinking as she closes the door behind her: I'm not sure what I fear more… The fact that Ari said Ryou told her all that, or what Ryou said.*
<Ryou> *walking up* Setsuna? What are you doing here?
<Setsuna> *startled* Oh, hey Ryou. Ari and I just got done being study buddies. Don't worry, I'm not going to intrude on your alone time ^_-
<Ryou> *looks down a moment* Did you two talk about… Marik or me at all?
<Setsuna> *sighs* Why ask me? Look if you want to know, ask her. She's the one you're after anyway. *starts to walk away* *stops and turns back* Ari is my best friend, and I won't let anyone hurt her. Not even Marik.
<Ryou> What about me?
<Setsuna> *smiles* As crazy as it sounds, I'm not too worried about you hurting her. Your god on the other hand? He better stay clear.
<Ryou> *smiles back* Thanks, Setsuna.
<Setsuna> *nods and walks away*
<Ryou> *goes up to the door and knocks*
<Ari> *opens it* Oh… Normally its Bakura who comes up first.
<Ryou> Yes well I felt like driving today. *eyes her* Why so sad to miss Bakura?
<Ari> *turning red* I'm not sad. I wanted to ask him his opinion on the final is all.
<Ryou> *chuckles* Riiight. And I'm just here to talk to Kibira. You just keep believing in innocence, Ari. Might work out for you in the end.
<Ari> *glares* You have no idea what I believe. Or what I want. Or how I feel!
<Ryou> Oh contraire, Ari. I know more than you think. *walks up to her, his face inches from hers* You believe that Marik is going to hurt you or someone else if you leave him. You want to leave him but you're afraid. And you feel torn because you don't love him, and you love someone else. Am I right?
<Ari> *backs up until she's against the wall, Ryou pressing ever closer until she's pinned* S-so what if you are right? It's my decision in the end.
<Ryou> And you're the one hesitating to make it. Why are you so afraid? Just decide already.
<Ari> I… I just…
<???> *from the top of the stairs, just above them* I knew it.
<Ari> *looks up in dismay, recognizing the voice* No…
<Marik> *descending the stairs* I knew something was going on. I knew it!
<Ari> Marik wait, please, this isn't what it looks like.
<Ryou> *stepping away from Ari* I'm here for Kibira, Marik. The one whom you have no claim on, remember?
<Marik> Shut up you stupid Brit! I saw the whole thing! You're trying to make Ari leave me. Well its not going to happen!
<Ari> *torn, unable to speak*
<Ryou> Maybe you should ask the lady's feelings before jumping to conclusions, Marik.
<Marik> *looks at Ari* You aren't going to let him con you into thinking I'm wrong for you, are you?
<Ari> *shakes her head slowly at first, then determinedly* No Marik…
<Marik> There, you see? She's not going to-
<Ari> *cutting him off* I said no, Marik. I'm not going to let him con me. I'm going to decide for myself.
<Marik> What??
<Ryou> *smiles*
<Ari> You act like I'm some kind of possession. Like if I were to break up with you, it would be like losing a precious antique. I'm not a thing, Marik.
<Marik> But… Ari I love you… I love you more than anything else in this world. What can Bakura say to that?
<Bakura> *taking over* A lot more. *glaring* I can say a hell of a lot more than "I love you" to her. I can say she's my world… She's everything I've ever wanted. She's always got my attention. She only has to smile and everything else fades. I'm so far in love with her that I don't even know I have other things in my life. I forgot about them the moment I saw her.
<Ari> *staring at him, almost in tears* Bakura… Why didn't you ever say anything?
<Bakura> I was afraid… You were interested in Marik and Ryou would never let me out… I didn't think you'd like me the same way.
<Marik> *fuming* Damned right she wouldn't! Ari you chose me! You can't decide all over again, that's not how it works!
<Ari> Marik I can decide whenever the hell I want! *glares at him* People change their minds all the time, and I'm changing mine now! Maybe I had some attraction for you in the past… but the more I dig into the core of who I am, the more I see that that attraction may never have been real. I don't know what exactly it is… but it's not love. It's not love in the sense you're taking it.
<Marik> No. No this isn't happening. I'm going to wake up and this will be a dream. *looks at Ryou* I can punch you in the face and it won't hurt.
<Ryou> *glares* Oh yeah? *punches Marik*
<Marik> *falls to the floor, his lip bleeding* You bastard! *gets up, wiping his mouth* I'm going to beat you to a bloody pulp and let you whine like the dog you are!
<Ryou> I'm sorry, dog? No, that's the other half of me, he's not here right now, but I'll be happy to kick your ass for him.
<Ari> Stop it! Stop it both of you!
<Marik> Shut up! This is between him and me now!
<Ryou> Don't you speak to her that way!
<Marik> I'll speak to her any way I please! After I kill you, she'll be mine and no one will ever take her from me again.
<Ari> Marik stop it! Leave him alone!
<Marik> *backhands her in the face, sending her to the floor* I said SHUT UP!
<Ryou> How dare you strike a woman?! *punches him again, turning into an all out fist fight*
<Ari> *screaming* Stop it! STOP BOTH OF YOU! STOP!!
<Ryou> *gets knocked down a moment, his lip bleeding*
<Marik> *pulls out the Shadow Rod, unsheathing the dagger* Die, bastard! *lunges for him*
<Ari> NO!
<Ryou> *brings the ring up just in time, the blade of the dagger sticking in the hole of the Millennium Eye on the design* *grits his teeth* Back off! Leave now and never come back!
<Marik> *pressing down with all his weight, slowly forcing Ryou's arms to sink closer to his chest* I'm going to kill you! *eyes flash an ungodly purple, Taireru obviously eager to take over*
<Ryou> *rage in his eyes, Kaminari starting to seep through* I won't let you kill me again!
<Ari> *screams* Marik stop it! *tries to pull him off*
<Taireru> *elbows her in the side, making her fall back and crash into the wall, knocking her unconscious* I killed you last time, and I'll kill you again. The past repeats itself, dear cousin, and so it shall again!
<Kaminari> Not this time! I got a second chance at life, and I won't give it up so easy! *shoves Taireru back with all his strength, freeing their Items and giving him time to stand up*
<Taireru> *breathing heavily* Fine then… *looks down* If I can't have her… *puts the dagger of the Rod to Ari's throat* No one will.
<Kaminari> NO! Taireru stop now!
<Taireru> Then swear you'll leave her alone! Swear her to me and I'll let you and her live!
<Kaminari> She is not mine to swear, nor is she yours to have! She is her own mind and she makes the decisions. If she chooses me over you, so be it!
<Taireru> Then if that is the case… *presses the dagger into her skin* What cannot be mine, cannot belong to anyone else!
<Nadirei> I don't think so! *pulls the Millennium Seidan up, knocking the blade from Taireru's hands* *instantly has the blade of her Item at his throat, forcing him up so she can stand* If you won't take the word of a hikari, then take the word of a kage, Taireru. You and I were never meant to be. I love Kaminari. Kibira loves Ryou. Ari loves Bakura. That is the way it is. Either deal with it, or leave.
<Taireru> *glaring into her eyes* I will not be denied!
<Nadirei> *glares back* Too late.
<Taireru> *steps back, anger still piercing from his eyes* This is not over. *picks up the Shadow Rod, giving her one last glare before leaving out the front door, slamming it shut*
<Nadirei> Yes… it is.
<Kaminari> *goes to her, taking her in his arms* Nadirei… gods… are you all right?
<Nadirei> I'm fine… *returns the embrace* I've missed you.
<Kaminari> We should let the hikaris talk…. They have much to discuss.
<Nadirei> *nods*
<Kaminari> But first… *pulls her into a kiss before letting Bakura take over* <Nadirei> *slowly turns into Ari*
<Bakura> *breaking away suddenly* Sorry… Kaminari just pushed me out.
<Ari> *shakes her head* Its okay… *looks at the door* I can't believe that just happened…
<Bakura> I can't believe it either.
<Ari> Did… Did you really mean all that?
<Bakura> *looks her in the eyes, finally able to say what he wants* Yes. And I know you probably want to wait a while before you start a new relationship but… would… would you be mine?
<Ari> *smiles warmly* I've been hoping you'd ask me for a while now.
<Bakura> Really? Wow… That was a lot easier than I thought it would be.
<Ari> *laughs*
*The next day, at the math final*
<Setsuna> *is sitting on the steps of the school, Seto at her feet* Remember what happened last time I was sitting here?
<Seto> *looks up at her, upside-down* You were kicking me?
<Setsuna> Yeah, and you were an idiot.
<Seto> Why? Because I did this? *grabs her leg and runs a hand up it*
<Setsuna> GAH! STOP IT YOU PERVERT!
<Random people in the schoolyard> *give them odd looks*
<Seto> *sweatdrop* Sure, make everyone think I'm a pervert.
<Setsuna> Well you are. *folds her arms*
<Seto> Would a pervert do this? *leans up and kisses her softly*
<Setsuna> *grins* Yeah.
<Seto> *hangs his head* I can't win…
<Ari> That's right. Guys aren't supposed to win.
<Setsuna> Ari! You're finally here! And you… *blinks* Are holding hands with Bakura?
<Bakura> *turns red* Don't act like its so hard to believe…
<Ari> *smiles* Presenting Bakura, my boyfriend.
<Setsuna> Ari you broke up with Marik?? Are you okay? Did… what… who… DETAILS!
<Ari> O.o Oy girl chill out!
<Crystal> *walking up with Yugi* What's up?
<Setsuna> *before Ari can say anything* She broke up with Marik for Bakura!
<Crystal> Woo! Good for you, Ari.
<Ari> Geeze totally different reaction O.o
<Seto> *Sigh* It's almost time for the final…
<Setsuna> *not paying attention* So what happened???
<Ari> *gives everyone a quick explanation* So… yeah that's about it.
<Yugi> Marik hasn't made contact since last night then?
<Ari> *shakes her head* No… I don't think there's much to worry about.
<Setsuna> I do. Marik is crazy enough to pull some stunt to get you back. Not only that but it sounds like he and Taireru are getting pretty closely related in terms of the mind.
<Bakura> I wouldn't be over cautious at this point, but it's not a bad idea to keep our eyes out. I mean, we hold the Millennium Items… we always have something to watch our backs for.
<Crystal> True… We are always fighting something or someone.
<Setsuna> I wonder what Marik will do now? Go back to Egypt? *something clicks when she says this*
<Ari> *looks at her* I'm sure if he went back to Egypt he'd go back to the tomb keepers.
<Bakura> I doubt it. He hated them. If anything he'd find some archeological company and show them the ruins… try to find some way of undermining the rest of the Items. Or find out about the Shadow Items.
<Setsuna> *looks frightened now* Do you think he'd find people like that?
<Ari> *firmly* No. Setsuna, no.
<Everyone else> ???
<Setsuna> *hearing the bell signaling that people need to get seated for the final* Let's go. *thinking to Ari: If Marik goes back to Egypt, I'm going to be a basket case*
<Ari> *thinking back: Don't. There's a million-to-one chance that he'd find Kazuhiko, and the two of them probably wouldn't even get along anyway*
<Setsuna> *God… I hope you're right*