(rolls eyes) All right. The chapter you've all been waiting for: background information on Marik and Malik.
Readers: About time!
Ferris: Feh. >.
Shakespeare'sWorstNightmare: (grins evilly) Like the murder scenes, eh? Good. There are plenty more to come. (Minkah: Yay!) I know you're confuzzled about Marik. You're supposed to be. You'll get some insight on his situation in this chappie, k? Glad you're loving the story so much. (tackles again) Ha! I'm victorious! (Minkah: O.o)
DarkRoseDamael: (laughs) Yes Ryou's a cutie. (Minkah: What am I, chopped liver?) -.-; Hmm...we're in to poking now, are we? (pokes)
Under Finger and Thumb: O.o...your brain keeps melting and turning to mush. You might want to have someone take a look at that, honey. (laughs) Reviewing for two stories here, eh? Well, that works I guess. Glad you liked that Yugi died. (Yugi: > )
DayDreamer23182: (nods) Yes, Yugi is being very open-minded about Minkah. He's not a naive little kid, believe me. It's...well, you find out a bit more about Marik and Malik in this chappie. It kind of explains Yugi's open-mindedness...sort of...
xxxJennxxx: (smirk) I'm trying to be confuzzling. (cackles) That's how I am. (Minkah: Unfortunately...) Humph. Anyhoo, no, Minkah's "gang" did not hurt Marik. A lot about our little Mariku is told in this chappie. SAD!
Joey-lover: (laughs) Yesssss! She's frikin' DEAD! (Minkah: Twas long overdue.) Agreed. Okay okay, sheesh, here's the info on Marik in this chappie.
RubberDuckyMadness: (points) NEW REVIEWER! (tackles) Hi! Glad you've joined us! Whoot! What's wrong with Marik? I'm finally telling you a bit about that in this chapter. Please review again!
shiroyuki004: Another new one! (tackles) Yay! This makes me so happy! (shiro: O.o...) Hmm...liked the "happy" ending to the last chapter, eh? (snickers) Well that's good. There's another such ending for this one. (Minkah: You know, I don't think that's what they were asking for...)
Freedom of Darkness: Yes the markings are why Marik talks quietly. No, Minkah doesn't have them. He just knows what they are. Spork of Doom? Grrreat. (snaps in half and hands it back) There. That's better. (Minkah: but now it's pointy!) O.O
Silver Mirror: Glad you enjoyed the cliffies! (silver: That's not what I said and you know it.) heheh. I'm looking forward to the next chappie of your own lovely story! (nods enthusiastically)
Spryte: Need better female characters...couldn't agree with you more there. I like Mai...but not hooked up with any of the guys save Jou...and I find that dull...(shrugs) (Mai: I tell ya, with fans like her...-.-;)
BluegrassElf: (snort) Waddaya mean "did anzu die?" He frikin' slit her neck! (minkah: Mwaahahahaha!) No he's not mean...well...okay mabye he is, but still...(twitches) It's not his FAULT! (Yugi: -.o;)
dragonlady222: (laughs) No Yugi isn't falling for Minkah. He's just aware of what happened to Marik and Malik in the past...He's being open-minded and friendly...(like he always is...-.-;)
TheGodFish: (holds up hands in peace) All right all right! Here's the explanation of Marik in this chapter! Yeesh! About the pairings...it's really...complicated. VERY. "Life can die for all I care." O.o...um...doesn't that mean You die? (confused) Hmm...interesting...(Minkah: Stop thinking. You're confusing yourself)
Tabby: (smirk) Yes yes, the "elegant" murder scenes have returned! (Yugi: O.o) Hehe. Glad you enjoyed Malik getting knocked out. You were actually the only one who mentioned it. (Malik: Thank the gods!) > Hey! I worked hard on that scene! (Malik: Amd?) -.-;
New reviewers! Whoot! This chapter will be dedicated to shiroyuki004 and RubberDuckyMadness! Yay!
People are like stained glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is light from within. (anonymous)
Chapter 10: "Friends"
(Malik's POV)
A yawn escapes my mouth as I open my eyes. Immediately I realize something's wrong. There's sunshine outside. Glancing at my watch my eyes widen. 9:30 AM. What in the hells of Egypt? Why didn't Grandpa yell at us to get up for school? I scramble out of my sleeping bag, glancing over to find everyone else still asleep. Quirking an eyebrow I cross the room silently, not that I need be. It's not like a train rushing through the room would wake them.I make my way downstairs to find Grandpa sitting at the television, face grim.
"What's happened?" I ask coming over and sitting on the arm of the sofa.
He turns to me, eyes dismal. "No school today, Malik."
I frown. "But why?—not that I'm complaining."
He sighs turning back to the television. "That."
I stare at the screen, eyes widening at the sight of the girl with blue eyes and brown hair. She goes to our school. A happy-go-lucky prep. The red bold words underneath the picture say it all: Head Industrial Engineer and Family Slaughtered at Home. My stomach quivers. Murdered?
"They know who did it?" I ask softly.
Grandpa shakes his head. "They have no leads. Whoever did it is incredibly experienced in the area of execution. The school closed for the day for investigation as well as mourning."
I quirk an eyebrow. "They think it was someone from school?"
Grandpa shrugs helplessly. "Who knows?...It's horrible. She was so young."
We both stare at the screen in silence, the reporters standing outside the ritzy mansion where they'd lived…and died. Apparently none of the staff heard anything…which is incredibly suspicious. They're all being interrogated by agents who are checking for any ties or alibis. I sigh leaning back. What a mess.
"Is anyone else awake yet?"
I shake my head. "No. Marik woke a few times in the night though."
"Bad dreams?" Grandpa asks with concern.
I nod dismally. "That thing with the bullies and Minkah yesterday brought back old memories."
He reaches over and rests a hand on my arm. "And how are you doing?"
"I'll live," I manage with a weak smile.
"Malik, if it's getting to you…"
"I'm fine. Just relieved he didn't break down again, you know?" I whisper, haunting images clawing away at my mind.
"Indeed. It's a relief that Ryou's cousin was there. What was his name again?"
"Minkah. He's…I don't know. He makes everyone really uncomfortable," I answer.
"Hmm…well, it must be hard for him to fit in…get to know him before you make any judgments of him." Like grandfather like grandson.
"I know. That's what everyone's telling me to do," I grin. "Which reminds me…" I stand.
"Going out?"
I nod. "I want to go check on him and Ryou…and thank him."
Grandpa smiles warmly. "Well then, go get dressed and I'll get you some breakfast."
(Minkah's POV)
I squint my eyes in the sunlight as I walk "home". Stupid CEO wanted to address tons of issues he had with last night's procedures. Of course he would be concerned. It was my first assignment for him. He's naturally going to be anxious. After going over the details around thirty times he seemed…satisfied…sort of. His nerves weren't completely settled until the story was all over the news this morning and he saw there wasn't any evidence of who was behind it. Then I was finally allowed to leave…at seven-thirty in the morning. Yeesh. At least he's letting me leave all my equipment at Kaiba Corp. It'd be a pain trying to hide it all back at the house. I could manage it; it'd just be aggravating. The bastard's watching my every move. He no doubt goes through my room while I'm out. Speaking of which…
I can just make out the light on in the kitchen window. Surprise surprise. Someone's awake. Most likely the bastard. Damn. Now I'm going to get bombarded with all sorts of questions. He's no doubt watched the news. He'll know. Ah well. It's not like he can do much about it. He wouldn't dare. Not yet anyway. I turn my head when I spot the silhouette of someone with spiky hair approaching the house. Oh. It's the guy I knocked out yesterday. He goes up to the porch steps with an uncomfortable look on his face, shaky hand rising to knock on the door.
"A bit early for visits, don't you think?" I smirk.
His hand freezes. In a moment I'm staring into two violet eyes that are slightly covered by blonde bangs. He's wearing a leather jacket and white shirt, the legs of his jeans ripped and frayed.
"I…well, it is after eight," he replies in Arabic as well.
"Is it? I hadn't noticed," I mumble tiredly.
(Malik's POV)
Man he looks beat. What's he doing out already? Somehow I didn't picture him as being a morning person. His hair is pulled back in a pony-tail, spiky bangs falling into his face and sticking out at almost unnatural angles. Well, it's not like I can talk about unnatural hairstyles…heh. He's wearing all black; a worn jacket slung over his shoulder.
We both jolt as the door flies open. My eyes widen when Mr. Bakura lunges at him, ramming Minkah roughly into the railing of the porch.
"Where the hell have you been? Gone all night! Speak!" he shrieks, hair disheveled, eyes wild and deranged.
Minkah stares at him passively not intimidated in the slightest. One has to give the guy credit for not so much as flinching in surprise. I move forward, seeing the verbal assault that's about to be inflicted on Ryou's cousin.
"You were there, weren't you? It was you!" the man continues madly in Arabic shaking Minkah roughly.
"He was with me," I state calmly.
Mr. Bakura turns and stares at me in shock. Minkah's gray eyes widen but he quickly masks his surprise. Damn this kid's good.
"Malik? Wha…?" Mr. Bakura stutters.
"He came over to our place last night. Didn't you get the message?" I ask, fully confident. I'm the king of lies, baby.
He blinks in confusion. "Message?"
I sigh dramatically. "Don't tell me Yugi didn't call you! Damn that kid. He was supposed to tell you Minkah was spending the night at our place."
Mr. Bakura's jaw drops, this being too much for him. All right, so maybe it's a bit far-fetched; so what? It's all going to depend on how well Minkah can play the part.
"I…you…he…"
"We just were stopping by to see if anyone was awake before we went for a walk," Minkah adds calmly.
Mr. Bakura's head twists back to Minkah's face. The teen stares at his uncle unreceptively while Mr. Bakura's face is contorted with suspicion and doubt. I hold back a growl when I notice the man's fingers locked around his nephew's arms are digging in mercilessly. Deciding enough is enough I step forward, grabbing Minkah's hand and tugging him down the steps. Mr. Bakura releases him from his grasp, still eyeing us dubiously.
"Well, see you later!" I call cheerfully, wrapping an arm around Ryou's cousin's shoulder all 'friendly-like' as we stride away.
Mr. Bakura stares after us dumbly, hands twitching at his side. It looks as if he's fighting the urge to chase after us. If he does I'm bolting. This morning's getting too weird.
"So we're buddies now, eh?" Minkah chuckles somewhat darkly.
I frown as we continue on, my arm still over his shoulder since we're not out of sight of the house yet. He doesn't have to be condescending about it.
"Hey I'm doing you a favor here. Call it a way of thanking you for yesterday," I reply quietly, remembering why I came over in the first place.
He quirks an eyebrow. "For what?"
I look over at him in surprise. "For saving my brother."
"I didn't do it for you." The words are scathing, defensive. He reminds me so much of…
"I know that. But it means a lot. You don't know what Marik's been through," I whisper.
He glares. "Most people wouldn't. The procedures of the tomb keepers aren't well known nowadays."
I halt, letting go of him. I turn and stare at him with wide eyes. There's no bloody way! His own eyes are dark, impenetrable. How did he…?
"You…"
"You're not the only ones that grew up in the underworld of Egypt," he smirks continuing down the road. I follow in a daze. "So how was it then?"
I blink. "What?"
"The procedure. There must have been a reason. A parent doesn't cut their child's vocal cords just for the heck of it."
My fists clench as we continue on. "Our mother…died giving birth to him. My father always blamed him…didn't want to hear the baby's cries or giggles. Marik was a curse to him. So he turned him into a silent shadow…beat both of us…"
My body's shuddering now. Gods, why am I even telling him this? It's not like I know this guy at all. But it seems that he understands. Yami and the others…they saw for themselves but didn't…it wasn't the same…I'm not going to tell him about Marik though. I can't. I don't even want to think about that. It's over. Time to move on.
"We escaped one day…Mr. Mutou was on an expedition in Egypt at the time. He found us and brought us here. We've lived with him, Yami, and Yugi ever since," I smile fondly.
We both stare ahead of ourselves, cars passing by every so often. The sun's up in the sky more, beating down on our backs. I sigh heavily. This is such a bizarre day. There's something incredibly weird about it. Everyone's acting so strange, myself included.
"You're the lucky ones. You got out," he suddenly whispers scathingly.
I look over at him in surprise. Didn't Yugi say Minkah had been through something horrible? But what? I can't bring myself to ask. I'm afraid of the answer. I've got my own problems to deal with. I don't think I can handle any more right now.
"But you're out too now," I say reassuringly.
"Sure." He stares ahead of us, gray eyes narrowed, face contorted in a scowl.
I clear my throat. "So...you and your uncle don't get along very well, eh?"
He snorts. "That ass? He's nothing but a gutless coward."
I frown. "I must tell you that I've never seen him act like the way he just did back there."
He shrugs. "He's always been like that around me."
"How long have you known him?"
"You mean the first time I met him or how long I've been around him?"
"Uh…"
"I saw him twice when I was younger," he hisses venomously. "I'd hoped that be the last I'd see of him."
I wince. "Not a good relationship then? I'm surprised, to be honest. He's really a nice guy once you get to know him."
He stops, turning and piercing me with his gaze. "And just how well do you think you know him?"
I don't answer. What does he mean by that? This kid's got issues. He doesn't really bring out the best in people, I can say that much. Uncomfortable under his stare, I start walking again.
"To be honest, I only see him on occasion. Marik and Yugi are over there almost every day."
"Hmm."
"So how are you and Ryou getting on?" I ask, instantly regretting it. Damn that was dumb. I already know it isn't going well.
"Kid's got more spine than the bastard gave him credit for."
I quirk an eyebrow. "What?"
"His father."
"He said something about Ryou?" I ask angrily. Is there some strange dark side to Mr. Bakura that I don't know about?
He shrugs, not elaborating on that. I bristle. What is with this guy? He's so arrogant. Cold. Although…I think I recognize this…but from where?
"I'll be heading off now."
I glance over to see him staring ahead of us, hands in his pockets.
"Huh?"
"I…am…lea-ving…" he says slowly, rolling his eyes cynically before walking away. "Say hi to the kid for me, neh?" The kid?...I'm guessing he's talking about Marik.
I glare at his back as he strides away. He's very confident—overconfident. Aloof. Not interested in socializing at all. It's obvious he's been hurt. I just wish I knew what to say to make him a little less…harsh. My chest gets heavy as I stare after his retreating form and finally realize who he reminds me of.
(Yami's POV)
I glance up at the glass door of the game shop when the bell over it rings. Malik walks in, eyes worn and burdened. Immediately I rush over, wrapping my arms around him. He buries his face in my neck, sighing heavily. I frown, leading him behind the counter and sitting him down on some unopened cardboard boxes.
"Malik?"
He shakes his head eyes downcast. I kneel down in front of him so our faces are level with each other. His jaw is clenched, that old fire visible in his violet orbs.
"Grandpa told me you went to see Minkah. Did something happen?" I ask quietly.
"It…hurts…"
He's shaking. I can see it. What's gotten him so depressed? I reach up running a hand through his hair. He closes his eyes, relaxing slightly against the touch.
"He's just like me…how I was before…" he mumbles softly.
"Minkah?"
He nods, eyes remaining shut. I sigh deeply. Damn.
"You've gotten through it, Malik. He will too," I reply reassuringly.
He looks into my eyes, hurt. "It's not that."
"What?" I ask in surprise. "What is it then?"
"It's just…I'm remembering. AndI don't want to remember. Why can't the past just go away?" he hisses angrily.
I hold him against me as he cries silently, rocking him gently in my arms. Why can't the past go away? Why can't we start over and never even think of the time before?
So there you have it! (nods)
Marik: What the HELL! He cut out my vocal cords!
Ferris: You got it.
Marik: -.-;
Malik: Yay! He didn't cut MY vocal cords!
Minkah:...although he should have...
Malik: >.
Ferris: All right, I gave you info on Mariku. Reviewsies!