Hey guys~ I don't have many reviews on this story so I'm a little discouraged about the story (but I love those of you that are reviewing! 3) but here's the next chapter! Sorry it took longer than usual to post...
"Someone had to tell him!"
"You didn't have to be so harsh and straight forward! You knew how he would react!"
"Well nobody else was saying it..."
Malik was waking up slowly, listening to the conversation going on in the room around him. He could tell it was Yugi and the Pharaoh arguing and he knew what it was about. Marik. His other, darker half. How could he be back? He was gone! He couldn't hurt me! And now...
"Malik! You're awake!" he heard Yugi call out as he opened his eyes slowly.
"Yeah," he mumbled in response, then sat up, despite his head swimming. "Listen, Yugi. Can I just get out of here? I appreciate the concern, but I just want to get home." Yugi sighed heavily, glancing over at Atem.
"I know how you feel, Malik," he said, "But I need you to listen to what we have to say about them. Malik, they're different. They've changed in the past five years. Maybe if you talked to them you would-"
"Yugi, stop!" Malik yelled out suddenly. "I know you're trying to help, but I don't want to hear it! Your life was different from mine. With the Pharaoh, you got a friend. With...him, I got sent to the shadow realm. I'll never, EVER trust him."
"Malik...you can go home if you want to," Yugi said, eyes filled with guilt and pity. "It's not like they can keep you here. But I really wish you would reconsider."
"Thank you," Malik said, although he didn't sound grateful. "And I'll be taking Ryou home too." Of course, he was still really angry at Yugi for keeping Bakura and Marik a secret. That wasn't something you keep from people!
"Malik, please! Just-"
"No! Leave! Please..." Malik said, turning away from the two spikey haired men and pushing a button to call for a nurse. Atem stood up instantly and headed towards the door, but Yugi stayed seated for a few moments, frowning worriedly. But he reluctantly stood and walked out, just as the nurse was walking in.
"What do you need help with, sir?" the nurse asked with a smile.
"I will be leaving soon," Malik said. "And I was wondering if you could let Ryou know that he should come with me. He's the one with the white hair. I think he was in room 133."
"I know we can't force you to stay, sir," the nurse said, "But you should at least stay a little longer to make sure you don't go into shock again."
"No, it's ok," he replied, standing up and stretching gently. "See? We'll be fine."
"Ok, I'll go get him then," the nurse said with a sigh. "Stay here and try and rest a little more." Malik nodded and sat back down on the hospital bed, and stared at the ceiling. He tried to relax, but Yugi's words just kept repeating in his head.
They've changed...Maybe if you talk to them...
"No!" he mumbled. "There's no way I'll ever trust them. Not after what they did to us. To everyone."
Suddenly, the door opened, and he walked in.
"B-B-B-" Malik stuttered, staring with wide eyes.
"Hi, Malik," Bakura said, keeping his eyes on the ground. "Um, the nurse said you wanted to see me, but I think she got me mixed up with...Ryou." As soon as Malik heard Bakura's voice and knew that he was really there, he jumped backwards, falling off of the bed.
"Get back! Stay away! Don't come near me!" he screamed, backing up until he was in the corner of the room, shaking violently. Bakura took a single step, but decided against going any further.
"I'm not going to hurt you, I promise!" Bakura said, still not looking at the terrified Egyptian cowering on the floor.
"Like I could trust your promises," Malik scoffed, glaring at Bakura with venom in his eyes.
"Why would I want to hurt you?" he asked, eyes furrowed in an unusual way. It almost looked like he was sad, but Malik refused to believe the evil spirit could be sad. His only emotion was anger and hate. "We worked together, Malik...we were partners for Ra sake. I went to the shadow realm for you!"
"That was back then," Malik replied, squeezing his eyes shut to repress the memories that were trying to surface. "Back when I was evil too, but now it's just you and that sicko! I left all of that behind and I apologized to everyone and made up for my actions. You can never make up for the terrible things you did, you murderer!"
"Of course I can't make it up to you if you won't let me," Bakura huffed, crossing his arms in an aggravated fashion. "I already apologized to Yugi, and I came here to apologize, but you won't let me talk so I guess I'll just be going then!" Malik looked up anxiously. That sounded a lot more like the Bakura he was used to, getting angry easily and clamming up. But before he could leave, he turned back one more time.
"Please, just know that I'm sorry for hurting you," he sighed, rubbing his neck nervously. "I know that I was in the wrong and I shouldn't have done anything that I did. I'm sorry." Then, he bowed slightly, his hair draping down in front of his eyes, hiding them from sight. "I'm pretty weak right now, so I think I should go back and lay down. I'm sorry for disturbing you. I'll tell the nurse to get Ryou instead." Then he turned back around to leave the room, shoulders shaking slightly as he rushed down the hall way.
Malik was astounded. There was no way that was the Bakura he knew before. Bakura would've never apologized. He would've never admitted to being weak. And most of all, he would've never bowed to anyone. He had hated the Japanese tradition of bowing. It reminded him of everyone bowing to the pharaoh all the time. He would never have bowed before, and yet, he just did.
Maybe...just maybe...no! No, it's just a trick!
He was still on the floor, shaking, when Ryou got to his room.
"Malik! What's wrong?" the pale man exclaimed, running to his best friend and crouching next to him. But Malik knew he couldn't tell Ryou that Bakura had been here just a few minutes earlier. He would freak out and probably feint. They couldn't have that because they had to get out of the hospital now! Before he decides to make an appearance and cause trouble. "Malik?"
"I'm ok Ryou," the Egyptian replied with a forced smile. "I just fell off of the bed. That's all."
"Oh, ok," Ryou said, nodding worriedly. "Well the nurse says that you wanted me to come here. Did you feint, too? Are you ok?"
"Oh yes! I'm fine now. But I think we should go back to the apartment," Malik said pointedly, standing up. "We need to figure out a plan after all."
"Good idea!" Ryou exclaimed. "We'll be ready for anything if...he tries anything."
"Exactly," Malik nodded. "Now let's get going. The sooner we get out of here, the better." He started to leave, but felt Ryou pull on his sleeve.
"But Malik...I'm scared," Ryou mumbled, biting his lip.
"Don't worry, I'll protect you from him," Malik insisted, taking Ryou's hand and gripping it gently. "It'll be ok."
He would never admit it, but he wasn't even sure if Ryou needed protecting from Bakura. He was certainly different now...But one thing was certain in his mind.
Marik was always and would always be pure hatred and evil! And nothing could change him!