This is so odd. Um, I don't know what to say. It wasn't supposed to be this way, but that's how it turned out. I know they're Japanese, but I wanted to write something at least. Hope you like it.

DISCLAIMER: I don't own. No time for wittiness!

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Another firework flashed and died down. Bright green reflected in the violet eyes that gazed at the sky. The young teen sat cross-legged in the grass, looking rather relaxed. After a few more colorful explosions, he glanced toward his family at his right. The eldest was smiling slightly at the beautiful show. His sister seemed content with this calm night. This made the boy grin happily. It wasn't very often that they were all so at peace.

It was the Fourth of July, and they were seated in Ryou's backyard. His best friend had invited them along with everyone else. Joey, Tristian, Téa, Mokuba, and Yugi were all scattered across the lawn, watching the display with awed expressions. It was such a pleasant evening.

Malik should have known something wasn't right.

Pretty, aren't they?

At first, the Egyptian didn't notice the random interjection. It was just mixed in with other flowing thoughts. Then, he noticed the foreign (but familiar) presence.

And yet he wasn't at all surprised. Everything always turned for the worst, right? This should be expected. Any little happiness would be taken away.

You're back? he question grimly.

A low chuckle echoed in his mind. Naturally.

Brilliant blue zoomed through the dark sky, exploded, and fizzled. It was followed by an assortment of purple and red sparks. He heard a few surprised noises from across the yard, but paid no attention.

Why?

He felt the false disappointment course through his consciousness. Do I need a reason? I am part of you, dear hikari.

The teen started at the sky, ignoring his crafty tone.

Don't be like that, the demon cooed. I know you missed me.

"Sure. A slave really misses his captor," he mumbled softly, frowning deeply.

Ishizu turned toward me. "What was that, Malik?" Shouldn't she have seen this coming? Oh yeah, he mentally laughed; he forgot. She didn't have her item anymore. None of them did.

"Nothing."

And that was that.

Hm, you're so tense, Malik...

He snorted in his head. I have no idea why!

The darkness chuckled darkly, unfazed. Always the sarcastic one, neh? Can't you just be straightforward for once? This is really starting to bore me. Malik could practically feel the sneer. And, Marik laughed, I don't like to be bored.

Straightforward? Okay. I hate you.

An amused emotion flickered slightly. That's better.

I should warn Ryou. If you're back... he trailed off.

Marik mental-shrugged. Whatever.

Then, silence.

Yellow flash, silver flash, orange flash.

Ooh, ah!, amazing!

And while all seemed so perfectly happy, with the finale blaring in the sky and all, Malik was preparing himself for the mental torture that would surely come upon him soon. He was thinking of the best way to hide it, and how to tell Ryou and Yugi. Should he tell Ishizu and Odion? Oh, this was going to be an interesting battle. A fight-to-the-finish free-for-all. He would win his mind back. Malik couldn't lose.

A fitting spirit for Independence Day, is it not?

Soon, I shall be free from you.

Bring it on, Malik. Bring it on.

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Eh, Happy Fourth of July? Have a good time (if you even celebrate it…)

- Unique Art