Welcome to Gaia! ::

((I don't know whether Lerena and Caroline would sense the shadow realm or not. I'm having Lerena notice though. Caroline thinks Lerena is psycho. XD))

"Fair enough." said Caroline. It was better if she just let it go. Bakura may be harsh, but he had a point; if she let her emotions get the better of her, she could end up dead. "I hope this will be an interesting match." she remarked. "I know Marik is going to win; it's just a matter of how." said Caroline with a smirk. "Lerena, want to place your bets?"

"This isn't some game, Caroline. Unless Kiba's skills have diminished with age, I do believe Marik has to keep an eye out for his pathetic tricks. Besides, we both agree that Marik will be the victorious person. There's no need to bet when we agree with each other." explained Lerena. She sipped her Dr. Pepper. "Is it me or is the air getting heavier?" Lerena asked her friend.

"Are you hallucinating again? I thought your mother put you on medication for that." said Caroline.

Lerena blinked. "You don't sense it, Caroline?" she asked.

"There's nothing to sense." explained Caroline. "Bakura, do you sense the air getting heavier?"

She bit her lip to keep herself from starting a heated argument with her friend. Bakura didn't want to hear that.

((The text in red is a character that will probably never be used again. XD That's one of Cobra's gang members so Cobra finds out that Kiba disobeyed him. ))

Lerena walked with Caroline. The game was interesting and it kept her entertained, but the fact that Kiba almost won annoyed her. She waited at the exit to greet Marik. It was too close for comfort and she wanted to hear Marik's voice again to make sure he was still alive. "It's good that Marik won." said Lerena with a smile at Caroline.

"Indeed it is. I need your ear." said Caroline. When Lerena gave it to her, she whispered. "Tell him the truth, Lerena-sama. Tell him that Kiba is your enemy."

"If the Natsuki Clan is playing a game with me, I can't. It's too dangerous." remarked Lerena whispering back in Caroline's ear. "This is my problem. Unless he asks, I say nothing."

Caroline nodded. Lerena and her kept waiting for Marik to reach the exit.

Kiba wasn't afraid of the chills; it was thrilling. But the fact that he lost; not only did he lose to Lerena long ago, he lost to Marik too! He growled as he walked out the exit. He glared at Lerena. "You! It was impossible for me to lose! Why did I lose?!" he asked Lerena angrily. "Did you somehow gain mind powers?!"

"Take the loss and walk away!" ordered Lerena. "If you think I'm so evil, why are you the one complaining about your own weakness?"

"I was close to winning. I felt your eyes on me, Lerena, then he passed me. Don't act stupid, Lerena! I know you did something!" insisted Kiba, glaring into her eyes.

Lerena returned the glare. "Are you accusing me of being a witch?!" she asked Kiba, pressing a finger into the center of his chest. "If you hurt me in front of Marik, I still won't hold back. You are my enemy."

Kiba laughed. "Do I have to smack you?!" he asked her.

"Just try it. I know what happened long ago. You lost to me." said Lerena, glaring more fiercely now.

"I was a child."

"You're right. Perhaps you've leveled up to getting a knife through your chest." retorted Lerena sarcastically.

"You wouldn't dare."

"I would if I had a knife."

"If you hurt her, you'll have me to answer to." said Caroline. "It's nice seeing you two face off, but...Kiba isn't a child anymore, Lerena. He's physically stronger than you now."

"I've taken a lot of pain in my life." said Lerena darkly. "I'm not afraid of Kiba."

Kiba slapped Lerena across the face and snorted. "Filthy creature you are! You should be!"

Lerena felt her face. Her eyes turned red and she glared at him. "I dare you to hit me again. We'll see who's victorious." she remarked.

"It's you again!" said Kiba, his eyes widening in fear and him backing up.

"So you think you can pick on a lady?" asked Lerena, flipping her hair and placing a hand on her hip. "How pathetic."

"Pathetic?!" asked Kiba. "You almost murdered me!"

"Marik will be here soon so I don't want to be in control when he gets here. However, I don't think the red mark on my face from when you slapped me will fade fast enough." said Lerena smoothly. "The name is Darla and I'm in control, because you triggered a response from me."

"You're a witch! I would never have hurt Lerena if I knew you existed!"

"LIAR!" screamed Darla. "If that was the truth, you wouldn't have slapped me. I should've killed you when I had the chance, you sore loser. Know your place!" Darla pressed on a button on her earring and pepper spray got into Kiba's eyes.

"AHHHHHHHHHH! WHAT IS THAT?!" he screamed.

"Pepper spray, for stalkers. I moved here to Domino City to start fresh, not find a tie into my past. Do you want me to find Marik and get him to tear you limb from limb?" she asked darkly.

"I...I'll be leaving now." said Kiba, gulping and trying to run away.

"Not so fast!" said Darla. She ran up to Kiba and kneed him in the gut, then grabbed him by the shirt collar violently and pulled his face closer to hers. "You will leave Lerena alone or you will have me to deal with. Do you understand me? I don't have time for punks like you!"

"Just let go of me! Please! I beg of you! Don't hurt me anymore! This was an experiment!" said Kiba. "Nothing more!"

"You're boring me." said Darla. She punched Kiba in the jaw and then let Lerena take control again. Lerena looked back to the exit to see if Marik had seen what happened. Her eyes gradually turned back to purple. She really hoped he didn't. For some reason, she remembered this time. She knew what happened long ago too and everything. It was as if she wasn't in control and someone else was. It was as if someone much stronger than her had power over her actions.

"So you're back in control, Lerena." said Kiba, his eyes glaring at her. He backed up against the wall. His mouth was dripping with blood from Darla's blow.

A woman with long red hair snorted. Kiba was incompetent. Ever since he landed a hand on Cobra's niece, his fate was sealed. It was finally time for Kiba to die, and yet, she had received orders from Cobra not to kill him. Did Cobra know that the time of Kiba's death was approaching? She heard from Cobra that his warning probably wasn't enough to keep Kiba from making the wrong move. She left the Underground to report to Cobra that he was right and that Kiba lost the match anyway.

Lerena blushed. He saw her?! But that wasn't a bad thing apparently. If she could take care of herself, then she'd be less troublesome. She smiled when he was tormenting Kiba, but she was surprised. All of this was really cool, especially how Kiba followed his instructions. And yet, she couldn't figure out what was going on. Perhaps that wasn't the important thing right now, because Marik was right; it was about to get bloody. Even though she loved to see blood spill, she didn't want Marik to see her less desirable traits. He brought out the best in her and she wanted to keep it that way. "Agreed." said Lerena. Then Bakura sent the loser to the shadow realm. Kiba was no longer alive and Lerena could tell something supernatural was going on. Luckily, she was into the supernatural and she wasn't afraid of it. Yet, she did want supernatural abilities of her own and she wished she had them. Her dark half was enough for now, but later...nah, Marik protected her. She was happy that he cared that much for her. Since he did, there would be no reason to need her own magic. "I'm hungry." said Lerena. She was certain Marik had some questions to ask her about what happened and why Kiba attacked her, but she was starting to figure out that she wasn't some ordinary girl and she liked that.

Caroline was surprised at what she was seeing. It was all very interesting, but perhaps these two could help Lerena unlock her powers. Then again, that would be risky. If Lerena's powers didn't unlock on their own, they might come out in large bursts of energy. She didn't need that and Lerena knowing about her powers too soon could cause problems. She was glad that Marik protected Lerena. After all, she knew that Lerena loved him a lot. "I'm hungry too." said Caroline with a brief smile. Something bothered her about Kiba accusing Lerena of being a witch. Did Kiba know what Lerena's powers were or was that her imagination? She walked with Lerena and Marik to get away from the bloody scene. She knew that Lerena wanted to see it, but it was good she kept her darker half hidden.

"Where would you like to go, Lerena?" asked Caroline. She herself enjoyed buffets just like her superior.

"It doesn't matter. I'm in the mood for a buffet or some Mexican food myself." Lerena answered. She smiled at Marik when he took her hand, then looked back at Caroline. Her friend seemed to be deciding where to go for lunch. This was a nice change in scenery. Because of the Demonic Sisters, she rarely got a chance to associate with a guy when business matters weren't involved. She knew that the Demonic Sisters had matured since she left and Raven became the temporary leader. After all, Raven decided the Demonic Sisters needed more order and discipline and would be better off creating a road for their future instead of tormenting people all the time. That was what Raven told her as she boarded the plane for Japan not too long ago. And yet, she had a feeling that Caroline had something very important to tell her. Well, Kiba could've been a warning she was sent by the Demonic Sisters to give her. Either way, she was glad to be with Marik. The full story of the Demonic Sisters' status would be sent to her soon and was due by midnight.

"Mexican food sounds good. Are there any Mexican restaurants around?" she asked Marik. This was going to be a nice meal, because she had others to eat with for once. Caroline often cooked for herself and texted her friends during lunch, but they weren't there face to face. She preferred face to face contact. Whenever she did have company to eat with, it was usually a family member or a Demonic Sister. Why didn't Lerena's powers awaken during that fight? The thought just occurred to her. She was in potential danger, but her powers did not awaken. Did her dark side prevent her powers from being revealed? it seemed that Bakura and Marik were no strangers to magic so she didn't know why Lerena's dark side was so paranoid about letting Lerena's powers be used freely. Then again, the two girls didn't know that until after Lerena had control again.

Caroline also wandered why Bakura was bothering to stick around. It definitely wasn't a crush. She was certain that Bakura didn't believe in that sort of thing, but even so, something about the two girls must have made him stick around. If he usually went off after getting his money then certainly he was suspicious of them. There was nothing to be suspicious about. The Natsuki Clan were the Helena Clan's enemies and they likely cared less about Marik and Bakura as long as they didn't interfere. Should she risk being considered insane by Marik and Bakura and tell her friend everything over lunch? Was that going to be an intelligent move? She stayed quiet and deep in thought, but she was happy that Lerena had a reason to get stronger. Perhaps her love for Marik was the key to her powers awakening. And yet, she had to make certain of that before she went throwing theories around. One mistake could give the Demonic Sisters away and that would be a bad thing for the wrong group of people.

"Sounds great." said Lerena with a brief smile. She looked at her friend and could tell she was deep in thought. Both her and Caroline thought Kiba was dead after Darla 'killed' him. It was nice that she had some memories back, but what was she supposed to think of Darla? If she didn't learn to control her darker half, what would become of her? She felt safe with Marik, but something about Justin's mention of a game disturbed her. What was going on? Why didn't Caroline feel safe telling her in front of Marik and Bakura? Lerena was hungry and her stomach also growled. A lot of excitement made her hungry. After a horror movie, she usually had a nice meal. Caroline was Lerena's body guard and she was supposed to protect her, but the emergence of her dark side probably meant that Caroline trusted Darla to overpower Kiba again. She was happy with Marik and she didn't want the Natsuki Clan to get in her way. She may be lost in thought as well, but these were simple thought patterns for her. "I can't wait to get there." she said at last. "I'm sure at least Caroline heard my stomach growl."

"You didn't eat breakfast, did you, Lerena?" asked Caroline, raising an eyebrow.

"I had something earlier. It's called fast metabolism or something." Lerena explained. "But no, I didn't eat breakfast."

"I keep telling you that it's bad for your health to miss out on breakfast." said Caroline. "But at least we're about to eat now."

((EDIT: I edited this post slightly due to boredom. Since these characters are alone in this post, the differences shouldn't matter.))

Lerena ordered black tea while Caroline ordered sweet tea. When Bakura suggested something, she couldn't help but use it as an excuse to speak with Caroline about what was going on. "Of course. Caroline, come with me to the lady's room." she said with a smile at her friend and a lazy gesture to the bathroom. The two girls walked to the bathroom and they took out their cell phones. "You felt it too, didn't you?" she asked her friend. "This cruel game...I'm so clueless."

"Let me fill you in on the status of our current enemies. Eva and Diva of the Natsuki Clan are trying to capture you." explained Caroline. "For some reason, they weren't with Kiba when he attacked earlier, but they should be more of a challenge then Kiba. And yet, you have yet to learn of your true power. More importantly, what does your call from Anne say?" Caroline finished.

"My true...power? I know about the game between the Helena Clan and the Natsuki Clan. It's a cruel game, but interesting nonetheless. Anne wants us to speak with both of us on our cell phones as soon as possible." explained Lerena. The two girls called Anne at the same time and prepared to hear her straightforward explanation of why she had texted the two girls.

Annemarie answered and hooked her phone up to take both lines. She smiled. "Hello, Lerena-sama, Caroline. I trust you two are having no problems aside from the current...casualties. Three members of the Natsuki Clan have been taken care of. I want this game to end; it's so boring. It feels one-sided. Keeyla, Raven, and I are on our way to the hospital to check on Hope. " explained Annemarie, getting straight to the point. "As soon as Hope is taken care of, the Demonic Sisters will check in with Renoko-sama and transfer into Domino High School. These terms are not negotiable. We're staying and that's that. Additionally, Lerena-sama, we seem to be facing a problem. While we were transferring, two girls, Eva and Diva, headed to the Mexican restaurant I traced your current location to. Before you ask, I did some research on the Underground. I know you prefer to go out for Mexican food after an exciting event, because it's a family tradition. Therefore, I did some research on the nearest Mexican restaurant on my laptop and realized that Eva and Diva were headed in that direction."

"Understood. Thanks for checking in, but I don't need a novel. I know you over-analyze situations and that can sometimes lead to your downfall. Learn to be more brief." suggested Lerena. "My situation is interesting. It seems they expect me to be civilized, but that isn't how I dance. Caroline, is there anything you've forgotten to tell me?"

"There is something I want to discuss with you, Lerena, but I believe that Renoko-sama wishes to discuss the point in question with you. This is the point in the game where she can't keep her juice hidden from her most trusted comrade. Anne, we need Eva and Diva taken care of pronto. As the Demonic Sisters, we simply can't allow those losers to roam free." explained Caroline on her cell phone. Lerena and Caroline had taken their calls to the stalls. Since they were in the women's room, they were safe from Justin at least. "Lerena-sama must be safe at all costs!"

"Would they attack me with Bakura and Marik with Caroline and I? I'd ask for Eva's and Diva's descriptions, but that could be everyone and their mom, plus they might end up not sitting anywhere near us." explained Lerena with a hand to her forehead and a pained expression on her face.

"I don't know, Lerena-sama. Those girls are unpredictable. I can't wait until you learn about everything; there is so much that you need to know, so much that you need to do. Yet, after this game, will our path lead to darkness? We're an educated group full of insane murderers, but I still long for that abnormal life even after we win the game." explained Annemarie softly.

Lerena ran a finger along the far side of her upper arm. "The darkness is so beautiful. It lures me into it as if it's where I belong; where I must dance and my flower petals bloom. I must admit, the darkness is comforting and may yet be consuming me alive. I am not fit to be a creature of the light. It's too late to do the right thing. Wherever my life takes me, at least my feelings will never disappear."

"Oh, that's right. You have a new boyfriend, don't you, Lerena-sama?" asked Annemarie, trying to confirm things.

The American girl blushed. "I do. I love him a lot. That's why I don't want him to see these feelings of darkness that I harbor. I wanted to see Marik torture Kiba himself for what he almost did to me, but I didn't tell him that I enjoy things violent and bloody. I don't think he'd like me if he found out..."

"I've met Lerena's boyfriend. He's quite protective of her and is definitely her type. I'm sure there's more to him than meets the eye. I believe he showed me just a sample of his power earlier." said Caroline.

"Power? Good; he may be a valuable ally to our cause. However, you girls better not get carried away. Caroline, we may need your assistance, so wait for my word if the case should arise. Lerena-sama, I know you're in love, but realize that your boyfriend can't truly love you until he sees all of you. I need to go for right now. You girls behave yourselves." explained Annemarie before hanging up.

"Let's wash our hands and get out of the bathroom before Marik and Bakura get suspicious." Lerena suggested.The two girls washed their hands and then walked out of the bathroom. Anne was right, but she couldn't let Marik see that side of her until it was absolutely necessary.

((This part is important. Evil villain plotting. LOL! Remember Eva and Diva? Perhaps you don't, so here they are. They're not stirring up trouble yet though. They actually plan stuff unlike Kiba. I can only take one impulsive villain. Did I mention that Kiba is loosely based on an ex-boyfriend with a lot of huge tweaks and changes? Actually, they're not really alike at all. I just stole my ex-boyfriend's nickname and made a character with it. XP I'm glad I didn't have to come up with powers for Kiba. He was getting annoying to play, LOL.))

Two girls walked into a Mexican restaurant and took their seats out of earshot from the other group and vice versa. "Mexican? Again? Diva, honestly." said Eva with a sigh. Her eyes widened when her glance drifted to Lerena. "It's our target! Ugh! I can't fight her on an empty stomach! So, Eva, what should we do about those Demonic Sisters? They killed three of our fighters."

"Cobra isn't much help either. He's beginning to care more about his niece than our plan!" said Diva. Someone asked for the drinks they wanted. Eva ordered tea and Diva ordered Dr. Pepper. "Transferring into Domino High School was difficult. I didn't think we'd have to use 'them'." explained Diva with a sigh. "Sister, did you see? I saw her too, but her body guard is there. We can't fight Caroline now; we're in a public area and we need an organized plan."

Eva nodded. "And for one, Caroline's powers have awakened. No Demonic Sister has mastered her powers, but they keep strengthening in numbers! First, it was only Lerena and Renoko, but that gradually changed as they made more friends. It seems the Demonic Sisters are full of powerful females with amazing abilities. Not just anyone is eligible. They must go through a painful ritual to get in; a ritual of great darkness. Our village is insane to accept a gang like that. It's the Helena Clan who are evil, not us."

"Ah, yes, our village. It has long since been transformed into a city full of ancient beliefs, rituals, books, the works. It's the most mysterious village in America and outsiders are rarely accepted, though it can happen." explained Diva. "Many houses, mansions, and apartments are haunted by the dead. Our settlers have not lost their uniqueness and individuality just because our village is now a city. Eva, I have a question for you. Do you ever want something more from life? Mother makes me feel like a mindless drone."

"Same here. She's so demanding too. I don't understand why we have to fight the Helena Clan to the death. Justin needs to just get over it. But Mother likes Justin's idea, because she wants Lerena to be miserable. Why don't we just kill her, then the Helena Clan?" Eva suggested.

"Good. We'll kill Mother after our food finishes digesting. Let's talk about something more pleasurable." Diva answered with a smirk. She took a sip of her Dr. Pepper that was just placed on her side of the table. "I hope Lerena and Caroline can't hear us. That would be bad."

"But who are they with?" asked Eva, looking at her sister. "I know they don't associate with normal people, so which powers do they possess?"

"They must be powerful to stand Caroline and Lerena. Either that or the Demonic Sisters aim to just strike fear into the Natsuki Clan from now on. Disgusting fools." retorted Diva.



"I'm ready to eat. I'm quite hungry. Lerena, I might have what you're having, so what do you want to eat?" asked Caroline.

"I'm ready to eat too. And Caroline, I'm having the usual. What's wrong?" Lerena asked, noticing Caroline squinting.

"Sorry. I just...I thought I heard my name in the distance. It must have been my imagination." Caroline remarked. She didn't realize it, but she must have been staring in the distance. She saw Eva and Diva, but she wouldn't let those fools lay a finger on Lerena. Plus, if they were eating here too, they wouldn't start a fight with Mexican food in their stomachs.

"Now who's insane?" asked Lerena sarcastically.

"Fine. We're even. Now drop it." ordered Caroline.

"Don't speak that way to me." Lerena ordered back, momentarily forgetting that Caroline was supposed to be her friend, not her subordinate and body guard right now. "Sorry, I couldn't resist." she said in a more cheery voice.

"You really have a scary commanding tone, no matter how playful it is." Caroline remarked. "So, are we ready to order our food?"

Lerena nodded and looked pleased at Caroline when she commented on her fantastic commanding skills. "This is going to be good."

((I have no idea if this place is a buffet or what. I can't tell. But, what Lerena wants requires her food to be served by a waitress. It's just better that way. =3))

((That's fine. I'll try to get some form of discussion started while they're eating and waiting on their food. I hope I gave you something to work with. XD

EDIT: I decided to add on to this post.
EDIT 2: Post modified.))

Lerena looked at the price of her order. She was in the habit of doing that simply because prices mattered to her. And yet, there was really only one thing she craved at a Mexican restaurant. She looked up. "I'll take a bean burrito with only cheese on top and a side of rice." said Lerena. "Caroline, my friend here, will take a large nachos." she explained and smiled.

"You know me well." said Caroline, pleased that her friend still remembered her favorite food. She knew she'd have to share them with Lerena, but that wasn't a bad request. Nachos were absolutely delicious. Instead of worrying too much about Eva and Diva, she decided to strike up a conversation after the waitress finished getting down their order. When the waitress walked away, she calmly asked, "Lerena, have you watched any more of that show I recommended?"

"Which show did you recommend me to watch?" asked Lerena, taking a sip of her black tea. "Ah, fine black tea. I love it so much." explained the young American.

Caroline sipped her sweet tea. "The World God Only Knows." she answered. She couldn't be the innocent girlfriend for Marik forever and it was time Lerena started to learn that. But for now, they could have a light humorous discussion.

"I haven't had any time to do that unfortunately." Lerena told her. "I've only gotten past the first episode."

"No rush, but you should still watch more of it." advised Caroline. She looked at Bakura and Marik. "The World God Only Knows is about a seventeen-year old boy who's obsessed with 2D girls and is known as the Capturing God on the Internet. Needless to say, he doesn't find any interest in real girls, but then he receives an email and makes a contract with Hell. He has to 'capture' real girls, which have escaped spirits in their hearts. It's quite interesting and hilarious nonetheless. He at first refuses, but if he didn't accept, his head would be cut off."

"He's a loser. He's captured like 5,000 2D girls or something." remarked Lerena.

She sipped some more tea. Lerena was bound by a duty to defeat the Natsuki Clan and regain her freedom. "Is there anything you two would like to discuss?" she finally asked.