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[thetombkeeper]

"Hello, this is Marik Ishtar. I'm unable to answer your call right now. Please leave a message and I'll try to get back to you as soon as possible. If you have questions pertaining to my business, please direct your messages to [at]THECYCLITZAR. Thanks!"

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[thetombkeeper]

June 21st, 2022 - Arrival in New Bark Town - WIP

[thetombkeeper]

Marik wakes up with a start before anyone enters his room, eyes darting around frantically as he takes in the bizarre sights around him.

This... is not home. This isn't even the plane I was flying in. I know I had fallen asleep on the flight back to Egypt but now I'm in... someone else's bed? With a strange monster looking at me!

He looks down at the Yamask, taking a second to study it.

It doesn't look like a Duel Monster but it's definitely not a hologram. It seems real...

This has to be a dream though. After all, I did fall asleep... and my other half isn't with me anymore so I can't be unconscious...

Marik pinches the bridge of his nose and simply lies there for a few moments. The aforementioned, a Yamask, sits obediently by his side while he tries to process all of this. Marik turns his head to meet eyes with his new unrealized companion.

Hm. This thing doesn't have any bad energy to it. At least nothing I'm able to sense. So it's not from the Shadow Realm...

Huh. Which reminds him...

Ah... It's so quiet. I don't have any invading thoughts. It's just... me.

---

"You-"

She interupts him before he can get another word in. "Hello, Dear! Glad to see you're awake. I've packed your bag so you should be good to head out whenever!"

The Egyptian just stares, dumbfounded.

Was I kidnapped? What in oblivion is going on? Gods, there are so many questions and I expect I won't be getting any answers any time soon.

How annoying. I must find a way to gather more information!

-------

Sometime later after heading out (and tearing up the entire house for the Millennium Rod while the bizarre woman just sat there smiling), Marik had become more familiar with the predicament he'd found himself in as he lurked on the network.

What a strange twist of fate if I'm to believe what's going on. I no longer need to worry about another aspect of myself for the first time in years... And this world isn't my own so there's no need for a tomb keeper, no need to protect the Millennium items. Perhaps... perhaps this is a chance for me to see the world like I've always wanted to since I was a child. If time does indeed stop, then I doesn't need to worry about any of those things or about concerning Ishizu or Odion with my disappearance.

The boy looked to his companion. "I suppose... if I'm going to be here for a while, I should name you."

The Yamask tilts his head.

"Chenzira. It means 'born during a journey.' What do you think?"

Chenzira lets out a soft, pleased sound and rests on his trainer's shoulder.

"I'm glad you like it. I thought it was clever," he replies, looking rather satisfied with himself.

Yes... This life will do nicely. Perhaps I can even acquire another motorcycle!

August 14th, 2022 - New Bark Town Reunion

[thetombkeeper]

That was...

That was something. He hadn't felt invasive thoughts like that in a few months now and it wasn't a thing he had missed. While it obviously wasn't the destroyed portion of his soul, he could tell it was something powerful, perhaps something even more powerful than the Egyptian God Cards. Although he had been too disoriented at the time, Marik did his best to pay his respects to whatever it was that was speaking to him.

The high pitched frequency and the bending of reality eventually caused him to pass out and he woke with a start.

WHUNK.

The poor teen clonks his head on the kitchen table and falls right back down, holding his throbbing head. He was already disoriented from the time travel! He didn't need this!

Once recovered from that and told by the strange lady pretending to be his mother that she had been watching over his team while he was gone, Marik takes no time in running out of the house, even shoving a few people out of the way. He looks around, heart racing. There's only one thought in his mind now and it's...

"CHENZIRA!"

A small but familiar shape pops up from a dark spiky mound and upon laying eyes on his trainer, the Yamask throws up his arms and cheers. The Egyptian's rushing over before he can even think things through, leaping through the air and grabbing his ghost companion to pull him into perhaps the tightest hug he's ever given. He doesn't even notice the sort of mochi feeling dark spikey blob he's leaning against.

Why... Why does his face feel wet? Is he... crying?

It has been over a month since they got pulled through time. And that entire time, Chenzira was on his mind. Was he okay? Was he safe? Was he lonely? Was he scared? Who was looking after him? Had time stopped for them?

"I-I'm here now, Chen... I'm back..." He whimpers, unable to hold back his tears. The Yamask's crying too, uttering soft little howls, his little arms wrapped around Marik's neck as best he can manage. The two share a good cry together for a few minutes and then...

The Egyptian yelps as the thing he's leaning on shifts and turns to reveal-

"...Usi!"

The massive Haunter cackles happily and holds up his trainer. The sound of other critter-like cheers join in as Marik looks around to see the rest of his pokémon here. ... Which makes the tears well up again.

He's back. Everyone's here. Chenzira, Usi, Anippe, Qeb, Dendara, and... he sees you in the back Gahiji.

This... this is the best day of his life.

Whoever you are, whatever you are... Thank you. Thank you for returning me to... to my family.

August 29th, 2022 - The Ruins of Alph

[thetombkeeper]

Marik stares in disbelief as he looks over the cheesy brochure he was handed upon arriving at the Ruins of Alph. This place... is a freaking tourist trap! From everything he had heard, it sounded like it was the closest thing to home this place had to offer. He was looking forward to learning more about ghost pokémon!

Not gods damned alphabet soup pokémon! He rips the brochure up and snarls, tossing the bits over his shoulder. Chenzira frowns. Even his spirits have dropped a bit.

"This is ridiculous," the blonde huffs. "I don't even feel anything around here. At least nothing similar to you and Usi. There has to be something here... If the Ruins are an absolute waste, then the next best thing is to look for more Yamasks out in the surrounding field and forest."

Chenzira makes a soft sound, something akin to a question.

"Yeah, we probably should have started with that." He glances back at the cave that holds the Ruins. "... I was hoping to show you what my home was like back in my world but... this is just insulting. You'd think this place would cease to surprise me after these past few months but it still manages to throw me for a damn loop every time."

Another string of murmurs from the Yamask. He's seen the Seal on his trainer's back. Marik has attempted to draw landscapes to show him. He has a small grasp of the vibe this Egypt place might be like.

The tomb keeper sighs, unable to stop a small smile as he reaches over his shoulder to ruffle Chen's head. "I know you don't mind. I'm just... disappointed is all. You know I don't like doing things half measured. We'll set up shop over there though and see if we can lure out some of your kin." A pause. "Or maybe you can try reaching out?"

Chenzira blinks and takes a moment to consider. Maybe. ... But then he slinks down to hide himself behind Marik's shoulder.

Once a shy boy, always a shy boy.

Audio - Before the Team Disappearances

[ironchef]

Hey man, long time no talk! It's Hunk.

If you're still interested, I'd love those Egyptian and Japanese recipes we'd been discussing. And like... I hope the the time travel adventure wasn't too bad on you. You're a cool guy.

Audio

[thetombkeeper]

Hey! It's good to hear from you, Hunk. I think I can write up some recipes for you. Like I said, I'm not the best cook but I remember the basics.

Honestly besides missing my pokemon, the time travel wasn't terrible. Someone from my world ended up showing up and we've been traveling together ever since. It's been nice.

[Ah... someone thinks he's cool...?]

How about you? How have things been for you?

Re: Audio

[ironchef]

Hectic so far. [Though he'll feel worse about it when he gets the news about Lance and Pidge.]

Hey, if you can remember most of the recipes? I can probably logic out the rest. Then it's taste trial and error from there. Plus I've been trying to come up with cute names for things. [He sends him a picture of the menu.]

Dec. 23rd

[blue_ice]

[ It's morning. Everything's nicely lit, and the Pokémon are happy and bustling about. Kaiba knows today isn't the greatest memory for Marik, so he doesn't want to make a big deal, but... ]

[ Marik will find a basket in his room, carefully tied with lavender, deeper purple, black, and gold ribbons. It contains a fine array of snacks from Olivine's culinary world, a heated blanket with a cute Gengar design, and the TM Toxic Spikes.

Kaiba's just going to make a breakfast with some of those Olivine spices, let Marik sleep in. Good morning, friend.]

[thetombkeeper]

[Kaiba is either incredibly stealthy (he is) or Marik was dead to the world (he was) because he didn't wake up at all to his roommate slipping into his room to place the gift basket in it. The thing that wakes him up is the smell of the spices. It reminds him of the when his siblings occasionally cooked for him back in the tomb.

He shifts and rolls over, eyes fluttering open to find that... he's in his room at the apartment. That was a weird feeling... His gaze falls on to the basket. What is...

Marik climbs out of bed, stretches, then heads over to the basket to inspect it more closely before opening it.

... Kaiba. He smiles and grabs the blanket to wrap around his shoulders. A quick peep out from his bedroom before he walks out and heads into the living room. Of course, as soon as he's in sight he's tackled by the majority of his pokémon. Happy Birthday!

Kaiba can probably hear the very Marik sounding yelp followed by a loud THUD.]

12/25

[nellacerniera]

[On Christmas day, Marik will receive a package from Bruno! The package includes a box of homemade cookies, treats for his Pokémon, a gift card to an online retailer, a Spell Tag, and... some notes Bruno's taken on the Ghost-types he's caught since their previous discussion (namely, Phantump and the Dreepy line). These notes include what research Bruno was able to find on each species, accompanied by ones on the behavior of each. There's also an accompanying note--]

I hope the cookies are to your liking and the treats to your Pokémon's, and I hope the notes are helpful for your research. Happy holidays!

- Bruno

[thetombkeeper]

[The amount of gifts he's received today may have made Marik a little teary. Outside of his siblings, no one's ever given him things like this before he arrived here. It's... truly a wonderful feeling.

He reads over the note with a smile, happily munching on a cookie (the boy has a strong sweet tooth), and briefly thumbs through the research papers. Unlike his player, he's actually been keeping up on it.

Later in the day, he sends a text back to Bruno.]

Hey, Bruno. I can't thank you enough for all of the gifts. I really appreciate it. The cookies are amazing and the notes are super helpful! I'll be sure to add those to my research ASAP. Usi's equipped with the Spell Tag you sent. He's excited to try it out.

I hope you've been doing well and have a great holiday too!

feb 7th - video

[blue_ice]

[ The video feed opens to the room that used to be Atem's bedroom. It's been converted into a mini dragon sanctuary, with heating lamps, sunning rocks, and a little water fountain...which is the focus of the shot.

Three baby Pokémon sit in the shallows of the fountain, two Horsea and a Goomy. The proud parents, King and Mizuchi, lean in from the sides. King claps his hands, and Mizuchi blows a little line of bubbles to amuse the babies. One Horsea tries to jump at the bubbles, the other watches warily...and the little Goomy wiggles and dances, oblivous. Like father like daughter.

Kaiba leans into frame, shaking his head and smiling. ]

Apparently King and Mizuchi really like the new nursery. How are you doing over there?

[ King waves happily, and Mizuchi releases another string of bubbles. ]

[thetombkeeper]

[Marik's face lights up and he leans in to the gear in a pointless attempt to try and see the video feed more closely.]

Kaiba...! Are those... babies?!

[DID SOMEONE SAY BABIES. Oba flings himself at the side of Marik's face and bumps him out of the way - and out of the video feed's view. There's the usual "nyyagh!" noise from the blonde as he falls over.

Give them a second while he climbs back up with Oba on his shoulder.]

They settled in quickly, didn't they? That's good!

[Oba vibrates on Marik's shoulder which is kind of brain jostling.]

Looks like Oba's excited to be an uncle.

And I've been doing well. I've been working with Hunk to try and get some Cyclizar eggs going. As soon as we've gotten a successful batch, I'll be sending one your way!

[There's a pause.]

Hey, Kaiba... Perhaps this is a silly question but... you're good with designing buildings and the like, right?

Video 02/27

[shiningkindness]

[ It isn't unusual for Fluttershy to call or text Marik throughout the week, depending on how busy either of them are. So it shouldn't be any surprise when he gets a call that afternoon, around the usual time that Fluttershy gets off from work.

But when he picks up, he might notice a bit of a bemused expression on her face, even as she smiles to greet him. ]

Hi, Marik.

[thetombkeeper]

[And as always, Marik's happy to see her in any capacity. His face immediately lights up when he starts his video feed.]

Hey, Shy.

[There's a pause as he notices her expression. His eyebrows arch slightly but he continues smiling, hoping that it isn't anything he's done to warrant that look.]

Everything alright...?

March 30th - Concerning Yugi's Friends

[thetombkeeper]

[Although not an urgent matter, this was still something he needed to discuss with his close friends. With the influx of people coming from his world, something was bound to come up. Better to nip it in the bud before it came back to bite him in the ass.

Once he returned to the Sevii Islands and to the Voltron home, he found a quiet moment of downtime to pull both Allura and Fluttershy aside. He'd talk to Hunk a bit later.

Marik paces with his arms folded behind his back and Chen on his shoulder, obviously slightly agitated by all of this. But they have a right to know, particularly Shy of all people. He waits for the two girls to get comfortable before he stops pacing and turns to face them.]

So I've... noticed an influx of people from my universe trickling in as of late. I don't know if you saw one of the more recent posts on the network... a brunette girl with a taller boy she called Tristan. They just recently arrived.

[He could never remember the poor guy's name. The only reason Serenity's stuck with him was because he lived in Joey's head for a bit.]

I'm not... asking you to avoid talking to them. Only that if you do, I'd appreciate if... you don't mention me. They're part of the Pharaoh's friends.

[He should probably explain why.]

I didn't do anything... particularly bad to either of them.

[Outside of trying to kidnap Serenity and having the first thing she sees after her eye surgery was her brother about to die but you know. Not that bad.

Marik purses his lips.]

Most of Yugi and the Pharaoh's gang forgave me for the things I did but I still want to be careful. Besides, Joey will more than likely warn them to be cautious of me.

[He sighs, Chen giving him a little pat on the head.]

I promise I'll show my face when I'm ready. I just don't want to be caught flatfooted again like when the Pharaoh arrived and my presence here was announced without my knowing.

[They'll notice his tone softens with what he says next, and Shy in particular can tell his previous tone was the one he generally uses when not his seemingly usual chipper self, where certain words have very precise emphasis and there's almost a growl to his voice.]

I'm... I'm sorry if it seems like I'm making a big deal out of nothing. I want to be honest with you both.

[heartofalioness]

[Yeah, this... really doesn't sound good. She stays quiet as Marik talks, concern, surprise, and suspicion all playing out in turn and in unison across her face.]

I see... [It takes... probably a few seconds longer than Marik feels comfortable with before she nods.] As you wish, Marik. We appreciate the forthrightness.

[She means it... but she still has a LOT of questions she wants to ask. But for one, she doesn't want to get in the middle of another feud here, and b. .... she doesn't feel comfortable interrogating her friend's boyfriend when Fluttershy's standing right there. If Fluttershy asks, that works, but if not... Allura'll debate whether it's wise, or right, to pull him aside alone later.]

A few days after prom

[rolltoavoidpossession]

[It's a few days after prom when Ryou texts Marik about something on his mind.]

Is it weird that I'm still curious about the Items?

I don't want the Ring back or anything, but I still wonder sometimes.

[thetombkeeper]

No. They played a big part in your life whether you wanted it or not.

What in particular are you curious about?

4th Wall Weekend - After the Wedding

[thetombkeeper]

[It seemed just like another normal day for the teen. Get up, get ready for the day, help his siblings with various things, go out and ride his bike while running errands. This just happened to be one of those times he was about to head out to grab a few things. He pushes the door open while shouting over his shoulder. Dressed in his "biker" get up, makeup and hair on point as always.]

I'm leaving with Odion now, sister! We'll be back in a few hours-

[Except now there's a weight to his other shoulder as well as his belt. He blinks, stumbling slightly as he holds on to the door knob and realizes the door he just opened doesn't lead to outside like it should.

... This is Shy's room. He recognizes it in a heart beat. And the weight to his shoulder... is a very confused looking Chenzira.]

Chen...!

[His eyes widen and he looks forward, his eyes falling on the only other occupant in the room he's wound up in.]

...Shy...!!

[As the memories come rushing back the tomb keeper steps forward, holding a hand out, those familiar lavender eyes wide with wonderment and a hint of disbelief. They look more healthy than before his disappearance. The shine is back and his pupils are no longer constricted at all times.

He can hardly believe it... He's back. But... he's not in New Bark which must mean... it's one of those weekends. How much time has passed here? How long has he been gone for? His voice is shaky as he speaks. The only way to confirm this is indeed happening is to ask.]

Ih... Is it really you...?

[shiningkindness]

[ Fluttershy hadn't quite realized yet that it was one of those weekends, having settled down in her room just to be by herself for a while. She had been reading on her bed when the door suddenly opened, but as she glances up her breath catches softly, and her eyes widen when she sees the figure standing there. ]

M-Marik...?

[ In a moment she's up and hopping off the bed, but stops just a little in front of him, almost afraid that she's hallucinating or dreaming. That he isn't really here. ]

I-I...yes, it's me. I...I can't believe you're back...!

October Date

[thetombkeeper]

[Since coming to the pokémon world, Marik had gotten to experience and learn about all sorts of manner of holidays, as well as educate friends on the ones he celebrated at home.

Halloween was quickly becoming one of his favorites. A playful but respectful way to pay tribute to the dead and other fun things. Not to mention his pokémon loved it as well. Mostly Oba. Because candy. Chenzira had to make sure the baby didn't eat too much every year. (That usually proved difficult. Oba was a vaccuum for food.)

The tomb keeper had finally had a house built in Lavendar town, along with purchasing the Memory House to manage, expand, and maintain it. There was now a large Egyptian-style tomb in the basement of the building, one that engaged in the practices he had learned as a child to keep the dead at peace. Of course, his Cyclizar business was still as successful as ever. Marik had limited his hours at the dealership to shorter shifts and made online ordering available, as well as hiring some trusted people to run the place while he wasn't there.

This year, as they were decorating Marik's home, he'd planned on him and Fluttershy heading to Celadon to do a bit of shopping, as well as pick our their costumes. This year he wanted to do something that went together. After taking care of the Memory House and now expanded tomb, along with Chenzira finishing up the decorations in their house, Marik dusted his hands off as he approached his girlfriend.]

I was thinking... it's still pretty early in the day. Would you like to go to Celadon? I thought we could... ah... pick out our costumes. M-Maybe themed ones this time?

[shiningkindness]

[ Admittedly, Halloween wasn’t Fluttershy’s favorite holiday. Honestly, it was probably her least favorite. She didn’t mind that other people enjoyed it, but some of the spookier elements were a bit too scary for her.

But she knows that Marik enjoys it, and knowing his history she wants to be supportive. So when her boyfriend makes the suggestion, she manages a small smile. ]

Oh, sure! We could do that. [ Actually, the idea of them wearing matching costumes was pretty cute. ] Did you have anything in mind?

Valentines Day - The Next Step

[thetombkeeper]

[When it came to making his girlfriend feel special and loved, Marik thought he excelled at it rather well for never having been in a relationship prior to meeting Fluttershy. They'd just passed the two year mark together and the tomb keeper made sure to take things slow as far as affection was concerned. He let the pinkette sort of take the lead on that front, never wanting her to feel pressured into anything she didn't want to do. (In all manners of life as well.)

But the mood was perfect after a quiet, romantic evening at their usual Valentines Day spot. Perhaps it was because of the holiday, perhaps it was just how madly in love he was. Whatever the case, things felt right. They'd been making eyes at each other all dinner.

The moment the pokémon were left to do whatever in his mansion (Chenzira picking up on that they needed to leave the two alone), Marik led Fluttershy to their bedroom, closing the door behind them, and immediately wrapping his arms around her waist to pull her against him.

He gives that oh so charming smile with the usual blush that betrays his confidence as he gazes down at his girlfriend for a moment.]

Happy Valentines Day, albi.

[And then the tomb keeper leans in to gently press his lips to her's.]

[shiningkindness]

[ Having never been in a relationship before either, Fluttershy certainly felt spoiled with Marik. He was so kind and attentive and patient, she isn't sure she would ever find anyone better, and was glad she didn't have to worry about anything like that for now. And she made sure to take care of him too, to be there for him especially in some of his darker moments. More than anything, she wanted to give him the happiness that he so deserved.

And despite her own shy nature, she is still a teenager, and one how was deeply in love with her boyfriend. They were navigating so many new, uncharted waters together, but she felt nothing but safe and secure with him.

So when they headed up to the bedroom, her heart is already racing as her mind fills with thoughts of what they could do, and she shivers as he draws her into his arms, leaning against him a little bit.

She meets his smile with a gentle one of his own, one hand reaching up to gently cup his cheek. ]

Happy Valentine's Day, love.

[ And as he leans in, she tilts her head up to meet his lips with her own. ]