"Mom! You'll never guess what happened today!" I said flinging open the door. A wave of sadness fell over me when I saw the frozen dinners and a note that said:
Gone to Egypt. Put these in the microwave for 3:00 minutes. We will we back in five days, be sure to call!
-Hugs and Kisses from Mom and Dad
Really? When I don't want to listen to my mom, she is here. But when I do want to, she's off on business. Usually Dad is home but not this time. But if I ask her for girl advice, she gives me advice on how to be more ladylike and that just isn't me. But then she'll reply 'And you ask me why guys don't like you?'. Yeah, it hurts. I love my mom to death, but I'm not the gorgeous prom queen she was in school. I'm more like my dad in so many ways, even in looks. He has brown hair a little lighter than mine, it is long but still he looks serious. He always has been my pal, he never let mom blame everything on me if he had something to do with it. One day I was wearing a pretty new white blouse when I was eight, but I got mud all over it. Well, it was all Dad's fault. We were exploring the woods together and then out of nowhere a clump of mud hits me. I wasn't just going to stand there and be weak. Well, let's say it wasn't white anymore after that. Thank Rah, Dad told Mom it was him who started it because I was about to get the whooping of my life.
No sense in moping of the fact they aren't here, so I just let myself fall down on my worn out couch. I didn't mention this but, my home isn't the best. My mom's job is hard on her and the pay is even worse. My father's salary is alright at the police office but I worry so much about him and his job. He goes into pretty dangerous situations and could get hurt or worse. There are places in the walls that are cracked, my furniture is torn, and our air conditioner busts every week. Some days I want to beg mom and dad for a new home but then I just tell myself other people have it worse.
I am the kind of person who can't stand to be alone for more than a hour. So after eating I scanned through my phone to see who I could talk to about Yami! Anzu was a no. Marik was a definite no! Maybe Kisara, but I want someone who will tell me like it is and not soften it all up. That ruled out my friend Shizuka. Then my eyes scanned across a certain number, it read Mai Valentine. She is a lot older than I am, but she is still very cool. I like taking advice from her and I've even snuck out a few times with her to drive around or go see a movie but never anything super bad. She understood I didn't want that. I call her up, she picked up after two rings.
"Hey hon! Whatcha need?" she asked.
"Mai! It's about aboy!" I nearly screamed. I heard her gasp. Is it that abnormal? "He is super hot!" I felt a blush spread across my cheeks. What did I just say? "I think he is in to me. But Marik told me to stay away from him."
"Marik is not your daddy. As long he isn't going to take advantage of you or hit you, go for it!" She said cheerfully. "Deary, this isn't something to talk about over the phone I need to talk to you in person!"
"But Mai, it is past 7:30 and that is my curfew and my parents are…" a smirk spread across my face. "..in Egypt."
"Meet me at the café! See you soon!" she said hanging up. I threw on a jacket over my school uniform and burst out the door. I locked it carefully, even though no one would want to rob it. I walked quickly down the sidewalk, the air felt cold.
'Darn! I wish I had put pants on and not this thin flimsy skirt!' I mentally cursed myself. I felt a soft mist hit me. Great. Rain? But no rain fell then I saw something move. Not a person..a shadow. A hand touched my shoulder behind me. I jumped and broke into a sprint; I looked back and saw no one. Its official. I'm insane! I arrived at the café where Mai worked as a waitress. I sighed when I saw her wearing that tight sleeveless black short dress that defined her curves perfectly. I would die to have her looks. She had long blonde hair that was wild in very beautiful way, impeccable skin, and blood red lips from her newest lip stick. She is by far one of the prettiest women I've ever known. I waved to her, her face brightened at me and walked over to me.
"Hey Mana! Hey, Dano, take over my tables for a few." The male waiter lifted his finger saying okay, Mai gave him a wink. Her flirting skills were amazing. If Mai didn't like people doing things for her, she could get complete strangers to do her job.
We took a seat a empty booth. "So, what does he look like?" asked Mai.
"He looks alright."
"That isn't what you said on the phone." Jeered Mai, laughing to herself.
"Fine, he is a sight. But I don't know what to do. I think Anzu is mad that he sat with me in class. Kisara and Shizuka will only tell me what I want to hear. Marik is likely planning to fight Yami." I exclaimed.
"Yami? Yami Mouto?" she said widening her eyes.
"Yeah."
The smile on her face got brighter. "He works here with me. I think he gets the most tips out of all of us."
"Wha? Is he here?" I exclaimed, my facing burned from embarrassment. What if Yami was sitting there in the next booth laughing as I talk about him.
"No worries. He is off tonight." She said cooly. "Oh, he is a looker!"
"Aren't you dating Jounouchi?" I smiled at the thought of her boyfriend. He is one of my favorite guy friends, but he is older than me and I don't see him as much as I'd like to.
"That doesn't mean I can't acknowledge his divine features." she teased. "Listen to me. Yami is a great guy when you get to know him, but people look at him and think he is either a punk or a player. Don't let others decide your opinion of people."
I smiled. "Thanks Mai. I'll take that to heart." I glanced at my watch. It read 8:30. "I got homework to do and so little time. I'll see you later Mai!" She waved at me.
"Bye!"
I rushed out the door and felt a gush of wind hit me. Oh how I hate cold weather! I love summer..I wish I could be in my homeland enjoying the hot sun. I wrapped my jacket closer to me and bit my lip. I would have to bear it. I walked as fast as I could, I didn't want to be alone on the streets when any shady characters show up.
"Hey little girl."
Oh..crap.
"You shouldn't be out here all alone, you could get hurt." Said gruff voice. I turned to see a older man, he had short greasy brown hair and the hair on his chin was patchy in many places.
"I was just headed home. I'll be fine." I said nervously. This is why I have a curfew that is so early. I don't live in the safest neighborhood, but usually they leave me alone since I am a cop's daughter. But I am alone now. I cursed myself when I saw there was no one around.
"But what if someone tried to take advantage of a pretty little thing like you..someone like..me?" he growled. I felt a lump in my throat. I tried to turn and run but a hand clamped over my mouth. I kicked and flailed my arms but he pinned my wrist back making me scream in pain, but it wasn't that loud, I could barely get a sound out. He started pulling me towards a dirty white van. I tried to pull away but it was pointless. The doors opened and he threw me in. I hit to other wall with a thud. He slammed the doors behind me before I could scream.
I sat there in shock. My parents were going to come back to an empty home. My friends wouldn't see me at school tomorrow. No one would sit next to Yami tomorrow. No, Anzu would plop down next to him and start her games. I wanted to cry, but I wouldn't give my kidnapper the satisfaction of seeing his prey break down. I kept waiting to hear the engine start up and drive me away. But it never happened. Was he collecting more girls? Did he have a partner with him he was meeting up with? I heard shouting outside the van. I slid up and looked out the window. The man was being held up by the collar of his shirt.
"Please! Don't! I'll let her go! I will!" he pleaded. Were they talking about me? I couldn't see the face of the man holding him up. Did Dad get back early? Did Marik see it happen? Marik lives close and might have seen me being grabbed and he wouldn't hesitate to try and save me. But I gasped as the face was revealed. It was Yami!
"I know you will." He said in low voice. It wasn't the same voice he flirted in, it was threatening, dangerous, and it scared me. He threw the man so hard against the van it made a perfect imprint of his torso. I screamed in surprise. I saw blood trickled out of his nose. Was he dead?
I jumped when the doors flew open and I saw Yami looking at me worried. "Mana? Are you alright?"
"Yami!" I exclaimed and crawled as fast as I could under the low ceiling. For some reason I pulled him into hug and he wrapped his arms around my waist. "Thank you. I thought I was done for."
"Let me call the police." He said.
"Oh no!"
"What is wrong?" he asked.
"My dad works as a cop and when he gets back from his trip, the other cops will tell him I was out later than I should have been and this will just reinforce that I should have such an early curfew." I groaned.
"Well, then let's leave him here. He won't be waking up anytime soon and someone will find him and send him in to the hospital. As soon as the police stick their nose in it, they will know who he is. He is very notorious for kidnapping young girls." He said quickly.
"Thanks for saving me. I've been in bad situations before but never that close." I've had my purse taken before. Had a gun pressed to my head until I gave my attacker all my money. Even tried to be kidnapped before, but someone saved me before it got too far. This was too close. Too scary. "I was so frightened." I felt a tear stream down my face.
"I know you were." He said. "Let me walk you home." I didn't object. We walked slowly and silently down the sideway. The cold didn't bother me anymore. But then it hit me. What was Yami doing so close to me that he saw the whole thing unfold? Where was he when he saw it? Was he following me? We stopped at my house. He tried to follow me in my door but I stopped him.
Perhaps his intentions were innocent and he was just making sure I was okay, but I didn't feel very trusting right now. "Thank you, Yami. Good Night." I said. He placed his hand on my shoulder and smiled.
"Sleep tight, sweetheart." He said softly and walked away. As soon as I knew he was gone, I ran up to my room and cried. I was almost abducted. I shouldn't have gone to see Mai. Thank Rah that Yami saw it. What would have happened if he hadn't been there? The thought horrified me. I just hope Yami was right about the police getting him before he gets me. But now I think not calling the police was a bad idea. What if he woke up and wants revenge? Will one of his partners come after me? I should tell Dad when he gets home. I glanced at the clock and saw it was now past ten and time to go to sleep. I would tell Kisara tomorrow, and maybe Marik. It wouldn't hurt. I laid my head down on my pillow and let one more tear fall before I drifted off into sleep.
The room was dark and the air was stale. The floorboards creaked with every footstep that rang through the air.
"You're late."
"She was in danger."
"You couldn't handle it faster?"
"You didn't expect me to leave her out there all alone did you? It is my duty to protect her until the time comes she will become useful."
The two figures sat at a rotting table in the middle of the room. It was far too dark to catch a glimpse of their faces. "You are getting too close to her, what happens when you have to fulfill your task."
"If I decide I don't want to do it, he can't make me." The voice was low and soft .
"You are thinking of going up against him?"
"Look, we are not here to discuss that. Any dirt on the others?"
"Every single one of them are here in Japan. But she is our main priority."
"I understand. I will protect her until the time comes."
"Make sure you are good on your word…"
"Trust me..I will not fail." He said in a taunting voice and pair of crimson eyes flashed through the darkness.
"Ahh!" I screamed popping off my pillow. What was that dream? Who were they talking about? Me? Only one person I know has red eyes and protected me from danger. Yami. Maybe Marik is right and he is dangerous. What are they talking about the others? The right time? Who is he that is making Yami protect me?
My mind reeled. But my breathing slowed as I calmed myself. It was only a dream. Yami was on my mind and I think I am in danger. It is perfectly normal for him to show up in dream like that. I should just relax. I felt exhausted. I was about to lay back down but the sunlight pouring through my windows said otherwise. I gaped at my clock, it was far past time to be at school. I jumped out of bed and got dressed as quick as I could. I burst out of my house and ran as fast as I could.
"Need a ride?" called a out a familiar voice.
"Jounouchi!" I squealed. I ran to his old rusty car and smiled gleefully. "Thank you so much!"
"Anytime Mana. Hop in!" he said winking. Not in the way Yami or Marik winks at me, but rather as a friend or a pal.
"How are things at the university?" I asked. I loved to listen to Jounouchi's stories, they always made me laugh.
"Same old. But I heard somebody has set their eyes on you." He winked.
"Uh..Mai told you?" I asked. Gah! How could I forget? That girl lives to gossip.
"Don't worry, I am the only one she has told." he said almost as if reading my mind. "Mana, just be careful. I mean he is a nice guy but he gives me a bad vibe."
"Yeah. I'll keep that in mind" I said frowning.
"What's wrong?"
"It's just..Kisara and Mai said I should go for it with Yami, Marik is fully against it, and you said I should be careful." I rested my face on my hands. "I wish my parents were home."
"Don't worry. My door is always open." He said kindly. My school came into view, sighing I unbuckled my seatbelt. I saluted him pressing my finger to my forehead, it is like my trademark. Then I ran into the school. I could see it! My class! So close! Maybe if I can sneak in I won't be late! I'm almost th-
"Miss Hasina. Late again?"
No! I turned around to see the cold eyes of my principal, Mr. Dane. He is a short, pudgy man with a horrible gelled down comb over and a thin pencil mustache. "I overslept sir. My parents are gone and my clock is a piece of crap."
"You use such vulgar language around me, Young Lady?" he snapped. I know why he hates me. My dad pulled him over for speeding and Mr. Dane's temper took control. So Dad ended up taking him in to the police station. He spent like fifteen minutes in the cell and then came out despising my family. I get blamed for everything at this school. I am guilty until proven not completely guilty. "Office!"
"Fine." I snapped. I turned around and stomped to his office. I loath him. I'm not mad at Dad for hauling his fat self down to the station. He deserves a few weeks, months, perhaps years in jail. I plop myself down on the seat and sigh a heavy breath.
"Now Miss Hasina, you have two weeks detention!" yelled the principle. I felt so angry right there. He said it loud enough the class across from his office could hear.
"That isn't right! You act like I committed a crime!" I snapped.
"That is what you will likely do when you are older." He spat at me. I growled at him, literally. I would never do that. I despise crime, violence, and murder. I am a cop's daughter after all.
"Uh, did I hear Hasina?" said timid voice behind the principal. The man's face was almost completely red. There was a woman behind him, she had a small fragile looking body that looked like it didn't fit the business suit she wore. Also, she had soft baby blue eyes and blonde hair tied up in a bun.
"Yeah, what about the delinquent?" snapped Mr. Dane. I scoffed, offended. Delinquent?
"Oh, um. I am from the police station, I was told to question Mana Hasina." She said.
"Well well well…getting yourself into more trouble. Not surprising. Daughter of a power drunk cop." He jeered.
"Take that back! Don't ever talk about my dad like that!" I snapped. He smirked and made me go into the office with him and the lady. "Mind if I stay here. I want to know what crime she committed."
"No, this is confidential." That a stronger voice. Mana gasped. It was a close friend of my dad's. He was a fellow cop, his partner.
Mr. Dane's face went red again as he stomped out of the office. Mana swore she heard him grumbled a curse word.
"Mana..do you know why you are here?" asked my Dad's partner. His name is Natsada. He had short black hair and cold eyes.
I gulped remembering last night's events. "No sir."
"This morning we found a man laying against a van bleeding. He had this in his hand." He held out a gold necklace that had a ruby in the middle. I gasped and reached for my neck to find my precious necklace missing. He must have ripped it off and I was too frantic to notice. How did I not notice? It was my most precious belonging. It had been given to me by my Grandmother before I left Egypt. It belonged to a priestess in Ancient Egypt. Through it I felt a connection to my family heritage.
"How did you get that?" I tried to swipe it away but he closed his hand.
"Don't play dumb Mana. What happened?" he asked. I remained silent. Yami would get in trouble too for not reporting what happened. How foolish of me to leave evidence behind. "Listen, I know this wasn't somebody who tried to simply rob you. He woke up saying 'I almost had the pretty girl but then the demon showed up.'"
"D-Demon?" I studdered. Was he talking about Yami?
"Yes, whoever this 'demon' was must have gave him a bad concussion. But weirdly he could describe every detail about you. Then your necklace matched up and it all made sense." He said. I wanted to choke. "Tell me Mana..what's going on?"
"He tried to kidnap me. I was out past curfew." I stated. "I was able to escape him. I was scared so I ran off. I wasn't thinking straight."
"…and the concussion?" he asked, not convinced.
I shrugged. "I don't know." I said, trying not to twitch.
"Mana please. If it is someone you care about who did it we won't lock them up, but what if it was a rival gang member? Or another kidnapper who want to get his hands on Officer Mahado's daughter? Tell us." He said.
I knew he was right. Maybe Yami would understand.
"It was my friend. Yami Mouto." I said barley above a whisper.
"Yami Mouto. Nina, bring me a copy of his student file." He ordered the timid girl. She brought him a file quickly. He flipped it opened and gasped. "It is completely empty!"
What? No record?
"Gah! Darn it! We will have to bring him in for questioning." I instantly started to protest. "Don't worry Mana. We will just say a neighbor saw him doing it." I smiled in relief.
"If this case if solved by the time my Dad gets back, he doesn't have to know about me sneaking out?" he asked.
"Sure thing, Mana. But I am going to place someone to guard your home until we know if he is working alone or has some goons waiting to get you." He said. I gulped.
"Thanks Officier Natsada." I said. He ruffled my hair.
"Sure thing, kid. Be safe." He walked out with Nina trailing behind.
I got up and tried to leave before Mr. Dane said anything. I saw him talking to Natsada trying to get information but Natsada is rock solid.
I slipped out and into my class. It was third period now, so I missed first period with Yami. Darn it! I arrived in my English class and plopped down in my seat. I sat next to Marik in this class. Perhaps I can tell him. I smiled at Marik as he sat down with me.
"Hey Marik." I said. He returned a smile.
Marik tried to strike up a conversation but I was too focused on what my next action was going to be. I was going to find out what Yami is hiding. I must eavesdrop on his questioning with Officer Natsada.
"Uh..Mana?" Marik stuttered. "Could I ask you something?"
I pulled myself from my thoughts and turned to Marik."Yeah..sure"
"Would you ever..consider going on a date with me?"
