Destined to be Yours

Chapter 98: Beginning of the End

The next day, the twins woke up bright and early to meet up with their friends at the airport. Needless to say, neither of them did get much sleep after the events of the night before.

"Are you meeting up with Marik before going to the airport?" Yugi asked his sister.

She shook her head. "No, it would've taken too much time to make the detour."

They went down with their luggage, bidding farewell to their mother and grandfather and embark into the taxi that would drive them to the airport.

The ride was silent, both of their minds reeling concerning what they might encounter or discover during this trip.

Arriving at the airport, they were greeted by their friends who were waiting for them at the check-in counter. Marik immediately went to Akia and took her luggage from her.

"Can't let my princess carry all that," he said as he gave her a loving kiss on the forehead. He then looked at her face with concern, "are you alright? Did you get any sleep last night?"

Akia shook her head, "I'll tell you all about it when we sit down in the plane."

The group of friends got into line when it was time to board the airplane. Akia had made sure that her ticket and Marik's ticket were next to each other and next to the window.

"Ah," Akia let out a satisfied sigh as she sat in her seat which was right next to the window. "Even though it's not the most comfortable of seats, at least it's just you and me in this corner."

Marik smiled and brushed some of her deep black hair out of her face. "So, what kept you up all night? I hope you catch up on your sleep in the plane at least."

Akia looked into Marik's eyes. "It was Ryou, or more like... The Evil Spirit of the Ring..."

Marik's gaze turned grave. "Did he hurt you? I swear if he hurt you..."

"No he didn't," Akia took Marik's hand in hers to reassure him. "He just said some things that were a bit concerning."

"What did he say?" The young man asked while rubbing his thumb on the back of his girlfriend's hand in comforting little caresses.

"He said that... He was going to kill you... and make me his." The young woman's hands started trembling, the threat affecting her more than she'd imagined.

Marik, seeing her so shaken, took both of her hands in his. "I promise, I won't let that happen. I'll protect you, and I know that you will too. Don't let that jackass get to you, my love." He then sealed that vow with a warm kiss on her hands.

Akia smiled shyly at his sincerity. "Thank you, Marik. I really do feel a lot better after talking to you about it."

"Anytime, princess."

Since Akia did not get much sleep the night before, she slept, leaning on Marik's shoulder, for most of the flight to Egypt.

Once they got there, the group was greeted by Ishizu and Rishid who were waiting for them in the airport. Marik greeted his family with warm hugs.

"Welcome to Egypt, everyone," Ishizu warmly welcomed us.

"Thank you for coming to get us at the airport," Yugi expressed his gratitude.

"Man, I'm beat, that was a long flight," Jounouchi groaned as he stretched.

Rishid helped them load the luggage into the taxi and his car. Marik, Akia, and Yugi rode in Rishid's car, while Jounouchi, Honda, and Anzu rode in the taxi.

They got driven to the hotel where they will be staying during their trip. They all had their own room, except for Akia who shared the room with Marik. When both her and her boyfriend got to their room, she immediately dropped herself heavily on top of the plush bed.

"Ah, so comfy!" The black-haired girl exclaimed gleefully.

Marik, seeing her sprawled on the bed, couldn't help but go join her, laying next to her. They look lovingly into each other's eyes.

"Should we take a shower and get refreshed from the long plane ride?" Marik softly told her as he brushed away a strand of hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear, the gentle touch sending shivers down her spine.

"Together...?" Akia suggested, a shy smile on her face.

"If it's okay with you," her boyfriend grinned at her sudden bashfulness.

He then placed a searing kiss on her lips, showing his hunger for her. She cupped his face in her hands, and he placed one of his on the back of her head, tangling his fingers into her hair, deepening the kiss. His tongue explored her mouth in a sensual dance. Akia moaned into the kiss as his hands started exploring every curve of her body. Before they went any further, they break off the kiss, panting for air, their faces flushed.

"Let's go shower," Marik eagerly said as he pulled Akia up with him.

"Yeah, let's go," Akia quickly agreed, following after her boyfriend.

Their shower lasted a lot longer than what a normal shower would, and, when they were finally done, their bodies were spent and they fell into a deep sleep, entangled into each other's arms under the warm covers.

The next morning, the group of friends met up in the hotel lobby, where Rishid and Ishizu were as well.

"Good morning, everyone," Ishizu greeted them. "I trust you're well rested for the journey that's ahead of us today?"

"The beds were so comfortable," Anzu replied.

"Man, I'm starving, though," Honda added as his stomach started grumbling.

"Can we get some breakfast before leaving?" Jounouchi asked.

No one objected as everyone was pretty hungry that morning. After eating their fill at the hotel's breakfast buffet, they got into Rishid's off-road truck and headed to the Pharaoh's tomb, where their destinies were about to clash and be rewritten. The journey was long. They had to take a boat and drive for a few hours more afterwards. It was already sunset by the time they got there.

As they arrived there, Akia's heart squeezed uncomfortably, feeling the anxiety creep up on her. Noticing her look of unease, Marik put a protective arm around her waist.

"This is it, the Pharaoh's tomb, where his memories are sealed," Ishizu explained.

"To unlock the door to his memories, you'll need to insert the Millennium items and the three god cards in his tomb," Marik added, looking to Yugi.

Yugi nodded as he took out all the items required, his eyes widening as he realized that he was missing the Millennium Eye.

"I've got it here," a voice sounded from the entrance of the inner chamber. The group turned around to find none other than Kaiba Seto.

"Kaiba?" Yugi called out in question.

"I'm here for answers. Your lunatic friend Bakura said I might find some if I came here," the young CEO replied, tossing the Millennium eye to Yugi.

"Ryou..." Akia whispered, her anxiety becoming more palpable. As if on cue, Bakura appeared, possessed by the Spirit of the Ring, earning a gasp from the young woman. Marik tightened his protective grip on his girlfriend, glaring at the newcomer.

"I think you'll also be needing this last piece," he flashed an evil grin as he tossed his Millennium Ring to Yugi. "Now, let the final game of destiny begin."

So sorry for the long wait and the short chapter! It's really hard to find time with a newborn on my hands. I'll try to sneak in some writing whenever I can to update this story :)