Ataahua AN: Where are all these updates coming from? Well, now I've probably jinxed myself, but hooray for the plunnies being nice lately! Even if they're very, very evil plunnies and this chapter isn't particularly upbeat like the last ones, though there are still some funny bits. If you've read my alternate universe fic for this pairing, Toying With My Emotions on my personal account, you might just appreciate a few little nods thrown in this chapter for that fic. We like to reference TWME in IAN and IAN in TWME where possible - they are sister fics! :D
Important Note: This chapter has a lengthy flashback, so we didn't want to put it in italics. Instead, we point out where the flashback starts and ends. Hope no one minds and that it doesn't ruin the flow of the writing.
Warnings: Don't want to spoil the chapter, but just an FYI that any opinions relating to the use of medication in this chapter are the character's alone and are not meant to offend anyone. Professional advice is always the best way to go! Also, there's a bit of vulgar language, because the situation called for it. You'll see what I mean.
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Dark Yugi: Heya! Thanks for the lovely review as usual! Happy you're still enjoying the writing! :)
Please enjoy In A Name's twentieth chapter, Who's Worse?
Chapter Twenty: Who's Worse?
A gasp sliced through the speaker. Followed by shallow, shaky breathes. Then silence. A long, painful silence.
A'isha spared a glance at the phone screen. She'd already used almost thirty seconds of time. Just as she opened her mouth to say something – she hadn't figured out what yet – the silence was abruptly interrupted by a name she hadn't expected.
"Hunter!"
Julie's nickname for her beau of four years – also known as his surname. Wherever her bestie was, she must've been with him. That was fine. Actually, that was more than fine. After all, Aiden was undoubtedly the closest thing she had to a big brother.
Ish heard shuffling… rushed steps… a deep voice, brimming with confusion. She could tell it was Aiden's.
A'isha caught movement from directly ahead. She barely registered that she was biting her lip as she glanced up to find her captor still occupying what was apparently his favourite chair of the four that circled the table. His stoic expression hadn't faltered. His bare, toned arms were still folded across his chest, somewhat crinkling the navy blue cloth of his tank top. But he'd decided to cross his legs. That must've been what caught her eye-
Slam!
Ish stiffened in fright where she sat on the burgundy two-seater couch, having been a hair away from throwing the device in her hand clear across the room. It sounded like the girl had slammed a door.
A little crackling, like someone fumbling with the phone on the other end.
Then.
"Ish?" a hushed voice breathed through the line. "Holy crap! Is it really you?!"
"Y-Yeah."
"Are- Are you okay?"
A'isha knew what her bestie was really asking: 'Has whoever you're stuck with hurt you in any way?' She was just glad that Julie hadn't voice it, along with copious amounts of embarrassment thanks to the jerk being right there with her.
She swallowed hard, hating the lavender gaze currently fixed on her. She stared a little too hard at the phone in her still-shaking grip, shying away from his sights. The only thing keeping her from squirming further still was the fact that she was actually talking to her best friend, something that had seemed so inconceivable after the week she'd had. And yet, here she was.
"I'm okay… For the most part."
"Oh, thank God!" Julie cried through the line. "She's okay, Aiden!"
"Thank goodness for that!" Ish heard the boy's voice, though it wasn't quite as loud as his girlfriend's. He was probably standing beside her. "Ask her if the lowlife pricks regret taking her yet."
And just like that, A'isha was torn between missing her friends like crazy and bursting out into a fit of laughter, especially considering the 'lowlife prick' in question had just heard him say that.
"Aiden!" she heard Jules shriek, and was sure the girl had smacked him.
"Ow!"
Yep. She'd smacked him.
"Jules, do you remember how much she hated me before we went out?" Aiden pointed out, sparking scores of memories in her mind's eye.
Back when they were twelve. It had been April. Aiden picked on Julie once. Ish found out and went all 'protective best friend' on his butt. He never did it again. And a few months later, the duo were dating. Of course, Aiden had been picking on Julie because he was crushing. Typical boys.
"Aiden, you numpty!" Julie barked. "This isn't the time for tosh!"
Julie's Britishness always loved to emerge when she was upset. Loose translation? Quit talking nonsense.
"Guys, it's- it's fine!" A'isha bit her lip briefly, pausing until they fell silent. "I need some human interaction that doesn't drive me completely mental right now." She peeked at Marik once more, only to glare upon finding a stupid smirk had snaked across his lips. Even his eyes were laughing. Apparently this conversation was hilarious. "But, uh, just a side note. You're on speaker phone and the, um… the call is being monitored so I don't say anything that gives away who has me or where I am."
"Well then," Julie began, sounding as though she was gearing up for a particularly passionate speech. A'isha paled instantly, knowing exactly what was to come. "Dear Pricks and or Prickettes who have taken my best friend-" Ish cringed, albeit not at all surprised "-you are the sickest of the sick; the lowest of the low; the most despicable excuse for a bloody human being to ever walk the Earth and you'd best be praying the fuzz find you before I do or I'll paste your stupid face so bloody hard you'll think you're in a Quentin Tarantino movie!"
For the first time since meeting Sir Jerk-A-Lot, A'isha welcomed his amused smirk. It was marginally better than him being peeved, for she might have just taken the wrap for it if he had been.
"Jules, I get that you're pissed, but I'm sorta on a time limit so-"
"Sorry, Ish," Julie murmured, and Ish could just imagine the girl rubbing her temples as she strived to find her composure. "We're all just so unbelievably miffed and I've been freaking like you wouldn't believe and I-"
"You're blabbing, Julie Wulie."
"Shove off, will ya?" the girl teased through the phone. A'isha couldn't help but smile, even despite the circumstances. It was just plain old nice to be talking to her friend in some fleeting form. "Okay. I think I've gotten a grip. We have questions and I know you do too. Shoot."
"How is everyone?"
"Everyone's freaking the fudge out. Dani's been making fire breathing dragons look like puppy dogs."
Ish didn't know whether to smile or frown. One thing was certain: she wasn't surprised. And then she realised her lips had opted for a frown.
"And my family's freaking," she continued, "same with yours, everyone at school, even complete strangers- your Facebook is being bombarded with posts; Mar's too. Even The Tank posted saying she hopes you're okay, and when Amarillo is posting well wishes, you know shizz just got real a-"
"Dani doesn't think I-"
"Not for a second." He must have told her about the phone call in which Creeper McCreeperson had forced her to lie that she was sleeping with him. Ugh. "Dani heard you say you'd been taken, but the call disconnected before you finished and said who had actually taken you."
"Unfortunately," she grumbled into the mouth piece, then sighed. "They crushed my phone."
"The bastards."
Ish heard a subtle chuckle from the blond across the way, his hand covering his lips and muffling the sound. She glared at him, only fuelling his amusement and encouraging his grin to grow. Typical.
"How's Mar?"
Ish bit her lip, wondering that very same thing. "I'm not with her right now, but when I last saw her she was… okay."
Her brows knitted together. It felt like she was lying. After all, the last time she'd seen her cousin, the girl had been balling her eyes out following yet another usurp on her mind. Not that she could tell Julie that. That likely fell under Marik's intangible TMI list.
"You don't sound so sure."
"Well it's been two days since I last saw her." She bit her lip, something she seemed in favour of these last – what? – seven minutes. Crap. Ish suddenly felt cheated, wondering where the heck all that time had gone. "But I'm sure she's fine. And I only have three minutes left to talk so-"
"Okay. So is there anything you can tell me or-"
"No. Sorry." She hated being so abrupt and to the point, but time was running out and she hoped to make every remaining second count.
"Okay. Fire away another question."
"How's Ahad?"
"Doing everything he can to save you."
"And… And Dani?"
"He's… well. You know."
A'isha's lips settled into a firm line, guilt worming its way through her mind once more, along with endless amounts of sickening sadness.
"Super pissed?"
"Yeah..."
Ish heaved a sigh. "I knew he wouldn't handle a call from me well… that he'd be too upset." Not to mention the thought of speaking to her well-beyond-peeved-and-concerned boyfriend in front of Mr High and Mighty was far from appealing. "C-Can you… please not tell him I called?" Ish had a feeling he might just take it to heart that she'd used her call on her bestie rather than him; something Julie no doubt knew too.
"We won't."
"Thanks."
"He, uhh… He just left my house a minute before you called."
Ish was ridiculously torn between relief and regret. Relief that she'd missed him, but regret because she missed him. She wanted to talk to him... to tell him she was okay, putting his worries at bay. But she hadn't been able to bring herself to dial his number. Not with Marik around.
"Why was he over?"
"Trying to convince me to go on that trip to Italy. Him and Hunter. But it-" She heard her friend sigh, "-it just doesn't feel right with what's happened to you and Mar and I-"
"You should go."
"But I-"
"Julie," she said slowly, softly. "You deserve it after all this craziness. Please."
"But the flight's tonight!"
A'isha didn't miss Marik straighten in his seat. She knew he was wondering where exactly Jules was going, if she'd be heading to Italy tonight. She caught him mouth something. It only made her squint, her brows knitting together. Then she realised.
Where?
He was asking her to check where Julie was going. No doubt he wanted it done subtly. Ugh. The freaking jerk!
"Well," she drawled, hating Marik with every fibre of her being that very second, "I guess you'd better start packing." She paused. "Where are they taking you?"
"No clue."
A'isha didn't even bother to hide her smirk. Particularly when her captor frowned. Served him right.
"Oh?" Ish voiced.
"Well, y'know; it's a part of that birthday surprise." She sighed again. "I'm not meant to know till I get there."
She caught Marik glance at his watch.
Ten seconds left.
"Anyway."
Nine seconds.
She quickened the pace.
"Guys, I have to go but I love you both and I miss you and please enjoy that trip and don't worry about me!"
He smoothly rose to his feet.
Three.
"Love you too! Miss you and-"
Snap.
In one fluid motion, Marik had simultaneously snapped the flip phone shut and snatched it from her grasp.
The glare she sent him was venomous. Couldn't he have at least let them have a proper goodbye!? This was all his freaking fault in the first place!
"You're beyond insufferable," she hissed through clenched teeth.
"You're welcome," Marik shot back, surprisingly without a smirk. If anything, he'd fallen back to the same stoic expression he'd worn when she'd dialled her friend. "Now then," he began, stepping over to the exit, "I'll be back this evening. You have fifty Euros for room service and no more." He lugged his backpack off the floor and over one shoulder. "And you are not to leave our room."
"Wouldn't dream of it," she muttered, diverting her glare to the grey carpet beneath her feet.
The only reply she received was the click of the door, shut perhaps a little too harshly. And this time, A'isha couldn't bring herself to rejoice in her solitude.
It took thirty three minutes for A'isha to pick herself up off the floor in the figurative sense. She'd dragged herself from the couch to set up the next season of How I Met Your Mother, half wishing for Friends in its place. At this point, watching something that the jerk enjoyed wasn't exactly appealing. Though, fortunately, she still managed to crack a smile at some points amid her binging.
And speaking of binging, another hour ticked on by before A'isha gathered up enough motivation to order any room service. But when she did, Ish made sure to spend as close to fifty Euros as possible, partly to spite her infuriating captor, but mostly to make sure she got her money's worth. It was the least she deserved given her current, crummy circumstances.
A'isha exhaled slowly, curled up in her bed as she watched one of the last episodes of the season. Somewhere amid her seven-hour-and-counting binge, as she watched the adorable on screen couples and heart-warming displays of friendship, throws of regret had thwacked her hard over the head. She'd felt a hint of home sickness this whole dang week, lingering in the back of her mind amid her stressing over this drama and that. Perhaps a little more than a hint for the first few days that she'd found herself in this mess.
But now, as she stared at the screen through watering eyes, A'isha felt more home sick than ever. She almost wished she hadn't accepted the offer to call someone. It had only made her feel worse. Had thrust to light exactly what – or rather, who – she was missing. It made her wonder exactly when – if! – she'd see her loved ones again.
She hated him.
So much.
A'isha propped herself up in bed to spare a glance at the clock. 9:47 PM.
Marik still wasn't back.
That was fine by her. Actually, that was more than fine. It was fabulous. The longer she didn't have to tolerate him the better.
Ish inhaled deeply, then exhaled a slow, shaky sigh. She was exhausted. Her eyes ached and stung and welled up all at once. They were heavy. And the TV screen was suddenly painfully bright to look at. Maybe if she closed her eyes for two seconds they'd… stop… hurting. . .
"Do you want to talk about it?"
A'isha jolted where she sat. Then felt herself slipping. A pair of warm hands came to her rescue, one rushing to wrap around her waist as the other urgently gripped her upper arm.
"Geeze, Ish!" a genial voice cried, oodles of concern strewn through it. "It's just me." Her eyes snapped right to find a familiar set of lavender irises. "Hakuna your tatas!"
Instantly, Ish exhaled the breath she'd been holding in the aftermath of her fright. "Gosh, Marik!" she shrieked, tightening her grip on the thick branch on which she sat. Her blue eyes were on the smiling blond beside her. "You startled me!"
"Sorry about that," he murmured meekly, sending a sheepish grin her way as he lightly rubbed his neck.
"It's fine." She smiled to back up her claim. "I mean, how could I possibly stay mad at you?"
Marik's visage grew dramatically grave as he stared straight ahead, eyeing the scores of emerald green leaves draped over the tree, as the azure sky peeked through the cracks. "Many have tried," he murmured, reminding her of a second rate drama film. "None have succeeded."
"And speaking of succeeding," Ish enunciated, peeking over the branch's edge to find his fancy leather shoes laying forgotten at the base of the tree. "You finally conquered the almighty tree! Good for you!"
"Yeah!" And just like that, his expression rivalled that of a child's in all its innocent joy. "Who knew bananas could make tree climbing so easy?"
"Well didn't I tell ya?"
A light laugh shook his shoulders, before seriousness swept across his face. "Okay, Ish. Back to business." She felt the reassuring warmth of his hand as it settled atop her bare shoulder, and had to show a slight smile. "What vile insult did The Wicked Witch Of The West spew forth this time to give you no choice but to scale this tree?"
"She-" A shaky sob caught the word in her throat, the despicable dribble still fresh in her mind. Ish could still clearly see the way they'd rolled off that monster's tongue. "She called potatoes… disgusting."
Sheer horror swept across the blond boy's face, as though he'd just learnt that his company's aunt had slaughtered half the planet in cold blood.
"She what?!"
"I know," A'isha breathed, hating the tears that clawed at her vision. It took everything in her just to keep them at bay. "I… I couldn't believe it either."
"That's…" Marik paused, still coming to grips with the new found knowledge. "That's just low… even for her."
"And she claimed that celery is better than potatoes!" she screeched, flaying her arms about for emphasis. "Freaking. Celery."
His eyes bulged. "What in Ra's name is wrong with that woman?"
"I know, right?"
Marik shook his head in total disapproval. "I commend you on tolerating such a tyrant for this long."
"Well," she drawled thoughtfully, "I suppose I've had a lot of practice when it comes to dealing with psychopaths."
"Oh?"
"I mean, that Amarillo girl at school takes loopy to a whole new level."
Marik nodded in agreement. "Quite right. You know, I almost forgot about her."
"How could you possibly forget about such a crazy nutcase?"
"I guess I just try not to think about all the horrible people that exist in this world." Marik fell sombre once more, disheartened by the mere thought of the terrifying world he lived in. "All the murderers… the rapists… the conmen and, Ra forbid, the jaywalkers."
"And the thieves that steal Duel Monsters cards?"
"Don't be silly, Ish," he insisted. "What kind of criminal steals children's trading cards?"
"Yeah, I guess you're right." She then gave her company a once over, finally noticing Marik's chosen attire. She arched a puzzled brow. "By the way, what's with the little red dress?"
"It's liberating."
"Is that why you wear that purple dress you call a cloak?"
"Shh." He held a long, slender finger to his lips. "Don't tell anyone."
"Your secret's safe with me."
A'isha couldn't resist a grin as he slid a dark-skinned arm around her shoulder and shuffled closer. "I knew I could count on you, Ish." She wasn't sure of the exact second her smile had faded. But she knew it had happened at around the same time that the gentle warmth of his fingertips had began to trace soft circles across the bare skin of her shoulder. She bit her lip. Hard.
"What's it like?"
Her brows gathered. "Hm?"
"To kiss someone." She stiffened. "What's it like?"
"I… I don't know." Ish looked right, then immediately wished she hadn't. His amethyst orbs were piercing, any and all innocent warmth suddenly swept from existence, replaced by an all too terrifying ice. She felt herself shrinking under his gaze, like she were sinking into the thick bark beneath her. "I- I mean." She swallowed hard. "It's… nice." She ripped her eyes from his. "It- It's hard to explain!"
A'isha froze when Marik's hand slid under her chin, his touch drawing forth a shiver.
His next words were no more than a husky whisper as his hand, with its delicate grip upon her chin, willed her to meet amethyst orbs. And in that moment, they were all she saw.
"Then show me."
A'isha woke up. Not with a jolt or a gasp, or anything dramatic like that. She simply woke up, and realised she'd been dreaming. Or rather, she'd been having a nightmare. One that made not even an iota of sense. Thank the universe a nightmare was all it was.
She stretched and inhaled a deep, satisfying breath of air. And as the haze of sleep cleared, A'isha wondered what the time was, and if Marik was back. One of those questions was answered a second later.
"Are you aware that you snore?"
Only then did her dream come crashing down on her, as the familiar ice of his voice rung in her ears. She buried her face into the thick, silky blanket to hide her reddening cheeks, and peered left.
Unsurprisingly, he was in that same chair at the dining table, with what looked like a hard-covered notebook set out on the table beside a sturdy beige mug. It was freshly brewed, based on the swirls of steam that danced from the mug, only to be greedily absorbed by the atmosphere.
A faint click woke her up a little more, drawing her attention to his right hand. A ballpoint pen was loosely in his grip. It looked thick and fancy and, of course, was a deep shade of purple with a hint of gold. She sighed, recalling his question.
"I only snore when I'm exhausted," she pointed out, allowing her eyes to slide shut. The light overhead was a little too bright, despite the fact Blondie seemed to have turned it down to the dimmest setting. Had he actually been that thoughtful?
"Hm," she heard him voice, and pried one eye open to peek at the blond. His sights has settled on the notebook. She silently watched as he pressed pen to paper. Each flourish of his hand was swift and fluid as he wrote. Not once did the pen's tip leave the page. "Pray tell, what has you so exhausted," he finally breathed, glancing up from the notebook to send the slightest of smirks her way.
"Funny."
It wasn't. But she was in no mood for arguing. It was far too late for that. Or was it too early?
"What's the time?"
"Four AM," he answered through a languid sigh.
"Have you even slept yet?"
"No."
"You should."
"There is something that requires my attention first." He sounded beyond exhausted.
It was her turn to sigh. "R.H. stuff?"
"You could call it that." She didn't miss the mirth that lined his voice.
"And it can't wait?"
The mirth remained as he asked, "Why do you care?"
"Because I have to deal with your sleep-deprived butt," she grumbled. "You were annoying enough yesterday and that was after a sleep in."
The steady sound of pen gliding over paper was the only reply she received. She wasn't sure of exactly how much time had passed when he finally did say something. All she knew was that she was drifting off once more, and the smooth sound of his voice made her jolt back to consciousness.
"Your cousin is fine, by the way."
She opened her eyes to glare at him, before twisting in the sheets to face the wall to her immediate right. "You really think I'd take your word for it?"
"No," he said tersely. "However, I imagine Odion's holds more credibility in your eyes. I spoke with him this evening and he assured me that your cousin is safe." He snorted. "Apparently she and Jordan thought a little midnight baking was a fine idea." He paused, presumably for dramatic effect. She wasn't looking. "They broke the Ra damn microwave."
"How?"
"Tinfoil."
"Amara, you blonde... Why am I not surprised?"
"That guess about me dying my hair," he drawled lightly. "There's a reason it popped into your head."
"Yeah…" She rubbed her eyes, then settled on leaving them shut again. "Elsie dyes her hair blonde."
"Elsie?"
"Elissa," she yawned. "Jules says Evil Elsie has a nicer ring to it."
For a while, Marik said nothing. She figured he had nothing more to say. He proved her wrong.
"Who's worse?" he basically blurted out.
Puzzled, her brows knitted together. "What?"
Marik was silent, pursing his lips as though mentally scolding himself for the abrupt question. "Who's worse?" he finally repeated, the words barely above a whisper. "Me… Or Elissa…"
A'isha's visage twisted with hate-fuelled fury, her mind hurling two weeks into the past.
-flashback start-
"A'isha, are you sure you're fine to help me pack up?" Miss Mutton, her drama teacher of three years and counting, asked for the third time that hour.
The girl in question looked up at the concerned woman, a pretty brunette in her late twenties, and smiled. "Liz, it's really no problem at all," she insisted, talking a little louder than usual, thanks to the heavy rain that battered unceasingly against the roof of the near-empty auditorium. "My uncle finishes work at nine and he's picking me up after," she continued, returning to tossing a few small plastic props into a clear storage tub. "I figure I might as well make myself useful by helping you get outta here faster."
Despite A'isha having her own car, the thought of driving in this heinous weather was unsettling at best, so she'd gotten a lift to today's play practice from Dani. He was decidedly more confident when it came to driving in the pouring rain.
Miss Mutton watched her student for a moment, appearing lost in thought. "Well alright," she finally drawled, heading over to a lone table placed at the centre of the stage. "As long as you have a lift home. I wouldn't want you walking home alone at this time of night. Especially in this downpour."
They both stilled as the battering intensified to raucous pounding, reminding A'isha of some ravenous beast slamming serrated claws into the buildings flimsy rooftop, desperate to reach its prey.
Yep. She was definitely glad to not be behind the steering wheel tonight.
"How's your uncle doing, by the way?" Liz continued as she crouched somewhat to find a comfortable grip on the table.
A'isha straightened, then rushed to her feet upon seeing the woman was struggling a little. "Hold fire!" she called out, jogging across the stage to grab the other end of the table.
"Thanks, Ish," her teacher offered as they lifted the table in sync, and shuffled towards one corner of the stage.
"Don't sweat it," A'isha said, the words slightly strained under the table's weight. It was heavier than it looked. "Ahad's good, by the way." She flexed her fingers after setting down the hefty object, her digits reddening faintly where she'd had a firm grip on the table. "He got a promotion recently."
"Yeah, Kadin told me."
Kadin, her fiancé and an officer in the police force. He was also one of Ahad's closest friends.
"Good for him, I say," Liz enthused, smiling across the table at the younger girl. "He's wanted that detective role for years. Goodness me, it sure sounds like they need someone like him calling the shots too; what with all these silly robberies lately. All this card game nonsense must be driving him mad!" She pulled a face. "There are people getting murdered, raped and who knows what else. And these thieving scum are busy wasting all of the police force's time and resources!"
A'isha pursed her lips, wondering if she could be bothered justifying her uncle's cause. The poor guy was working later and later, even to the point of obsession, over these cases. "I wouldn't exactly call it a waste," she drawled, scouring the stage for any missed props. "Ahad was saying the other night that the Rare Hunters are attacking people – one guy was even hospitalised just recently – simply over their Duel Monsters decks. Apparently rare cards are worth more than a pretty penny."
That reminded her…
A'isha spared a glance at her leather backpack, dumped against a charcoal grey wall near one of the auditorium's exits. Tonight, she'd be seeing her uncle for the first time all week, save for that one time she'd ran into him on her way to the bathroom, the guy looking every bit the part of the generic zombified policeman from the horror movies her and Dani often watched, all geared up in his uniform as he dragged himself upstairs and into his bedroom. That had been in the early hours of Tuesday morning, if she recalled correctly. It was now Saturday night. She really needed to see to it that he finally got the deck that Dani found.
"Really?" Liz asked, slicing through her thoughts. She sounded just as appalled as she looked. "What low-lives make a living by stealing and selling children's trading cards?" She shook her head in obvious disapproval. "I didn't realise it had gotten this bad. I mean, the Rare Hunters have been around for a few years now. Why get worse now?"
"There are rare cards everywhere," A'isha said with a shrug. "They've probably been wreaking havoc in other parts of the world and we just haven't heard about it." She straightened as that last word left her lips, feeling the abrupt vibration of her phone in her left bra cup.
A'isha withdrew the sapphire flip phone and flicked it open. She arched a smooth brow, seeing a text from Ahad.
'Hey Ish. Just had another assault across town. Victim's deck was stolen. Have to check it out and may take 2-3 hours. Elissa picking you up instead and leaving now, so will be there in about fifteen. Sorry! I'm sure you understand.'
Ish barely registered the dismayed sigh that slid from her lips. Well, so much for being treated like a human being tonight.
"Is everything okay, Ish?"
She spared a glance Liz's way. "Yeah. It's fine," she drawled, half concentrating on typing up her reply. "Change of plans. Elissa's picking me up in fifteen."
"Fifteen minutes, huh? Well, that works out pretty well," she announced, giving the stage a once over, "because I think we're done here." Liz revealed an enthusiastic grin. "What say you and I stop by the staff room for a quick cup of cocoa before we brave the weather? My thanks for helping me tidy up instead of playing Snake or whatever it is you kids do on your phones these day."
A'isha smiled, grateful to have such an awesome drama teacher. "Yeah! Sounds like a plan!"
One soul-warming cup of cocoa later found A'isha huddled beneath the awning of the school auditorium, having bid Liz farewell despite her teacher's insistence on staying until her ride arrived. The raven haired girl, put off by the idea of being a burden to any extent, had assured her that her aunt wasn't too far off, convincing the reluctant woman to be on her merry way.
And now she regretted it.
A'isha scanned the street beyond the barren parking lot for any sign of Elissa's white sedan, straightening in anticipation with each set of headlights that sliced through the darkness, illuminating the downpour that fell in sheets from the heavens above. Sadly, dismay drove through her along with the icy-cold wind, its every gust like a million razors slicing her bare flesh. She hadn't expected to need an umbrella, what with having a lift lined up to get her there and back. And her tank top, leggings and chucks weren't quite cutting it in the warmth department. Of course, she'd left her jacket at home.
But at least she was dry.
A few street lamps were scattered about the vicinity, barely keeping the daunting darkness at bay. One lamp in particular, directly across the parking lot, kept flashing erratically just to heighten her already-mounting unease. She really needed to have less horror movie marathons with her friends. Next time she'd make them binge watch the entire first season of How I Met Your Mother. Or maybe Friends. Either was far more uplifting and far less terrifying.
As thick droplets slapped the pavement, painting it a darker shade of grey beneath the lamplight, A'isha continued to glance at her phone, then the street across the parking lot, and back again. Occasionally, as she nervously chewed on her bottom lip, her cerulean eyes would also dart around the area. With each passing car, her dismay grew into haunting anxiety as her patience shrivelled into nothing. She couldn't shake the sickening feeling that drilled its way into her core, settling in the pit of her stomach.
Whether her shaking was from the chilling wind or a terrible case of trepidation, A'isha couldn't tell.
The cars were becoming less frequent. She glanced at her phone, making note of the time: 9:32 PM.
An aggravated growl grated her throat. She was near certain that Evil Elsie had never planned on picking her up. Fifteen texts. She'd sent Elissa fifteen texts. And had tried calling her at least ten times.
No reply.
Not surprising either.
And Ahad's was going straight to voice mail.
Peachy.
"That's it!" A'isha hissed, resignedly opening her contacts to find her beau's details. She'd hoped to avoid bothering him, seeing as he was having a boy's night with Aiden, but she knew he'd sooner drop everything than let her walk almost forty minutes alone at this time of night, let alone in such horrendous weather.
A'isha clicked the button baring a green icon shaped like a phone and pressed the device to her ear. A few seconds trudged on by before her brows gathered. Where was the dialling sound?
She lowered the phone to waist level to gaze at the screen. It was black.
"No," Ish breathed, worry weaselling its way into her brain as she urgently pressed her thumb against the power button and held it there.
Nothing.
Her face sunk as her alarm soared along with her shaking. "No no no no NO!" she cried, desperately pressing random buttons as her last sliver of hope depleted just like her damn mobile's battery.
"SHIT!"
A'isha barely resisted the urge to slam the device against the nearby drenched pavement as sheer panic took hold.
"Shit shit shit!"
Her mind raced and, after a ten second freak out session, common sense finally caught up with her fretting.
"Okay," Ish firmly said, striving to regain her composure. "What's the next safest way to get home?" She briefly pursed her lips in thought. "The bus. There's a bus stop nearby. Last one's due at nine forty and is probably running late, especially in this weather. If I run, I should make it… hopefully."
Mind made up, Ish quickly scooped up her bag, pausing to shove her phone deep inside it where, hopefully, it wouldn't end up waterlogged. Then she threw the backpack over her shoulders, face twisting in self-pity as she stared out at the parking lot. The mere thought of braving the buckets of rain that battered the earth was cringe-worthy.
"Alright," she tried to psych herself up. "Here goes!"
A'isha charged into the storm, wincing the second icy water slapped against her, rapidly soaking her inadequate attire as the liquid snaked its way through the thin material. It only exacerbated her shaking.
She ran on light feet, lest she slip on the soaked and slippery concrete, and tried her hardest to keep her head down, looking ahead with her eyes alone. Dripping, freezing face? No thanks.
A'isha ignored the pavement, instead opting on a short-cut over grass. She cringed at the muddy ground, but welcomed the second-long shelter a group of trees offered, their thick branches extending like twisted tendrils as sporadic water droplets dripped from them. It was better than nothing.
She was soon dashing along the side-walk, the soles of her shoes slapping against the concrete, occasionally thumping through a puddle with a shrill splat that sliced through the consistent sound of rain. Ish kept a firm grip on her backpack. It was annoyingly inching from her shoulders with each pace she took, forcing her to readjust it every few steps. It hadn't done that in the past? Apparently every little thing was taking great pleasure in her misfortune tonight. Just typical.
A few minutes later, A'isha skidded to a halt across the street from the bus stop. She glanced both ways, relieved to have done so when the first car she'd seen that minute rolled on past and-
Scratch that.
It sped through a particularly deep puddle and, suddenly, a steady stream of water was lunging at her, clinging to her already soaked clothes. A gasp spiralled from her lips to greet the icy atmosphere.
"I'm going to kill that bitch," she panted, lugging herself across the street to sink into the bus stop seat that, to her immense relief, was under cover.
A'isha was distinctly warmer and thankfully not so out of breath. Between her dancing hobby and semi-weekly jogging sessions with Julie, she liked to consider herself fairly fit. Unfortunately, the warmth didn't last long, thanks to the chilling wind that whipped at the drenched clothing currently clinging to her skin. Ish supposed that wet, tight-fitting clothes were less irking than baggy ones.
Dani was Mr Positive, and all about silver linings. She, on the other hand, usually sucked at finding them. It was a side of herself that she didn't particularly care for. But, sadly, it's hard to change one's ways. A fact she knew all too well, living with three people who could do with some improving, themselves. Especially her despicable aunt and her high-strung cousin.
A'isha shuddered, then glanced at her attire. She leaped to her feet, feeling obliged to ring out her dripping wet clothes as best she could. The thought of soaking the bus seat only made her feel guilty for the next person to potentially occupy it. Maybe she'd stand… but then drip on the floor and potentially cause someone to slip.
Her tank top clung to her body like latex, sucking into every roll, curve and crevice. She gripped the portion of the material that was pasted to her stomach, peeling it away from her goose-flesh to twist oodles of liquid free. Rinse and repeat. Soon she was marginally less wet, but a far cry away from being even remotely dry.
And, of course, the bus was running late.
It must've been verging on ten o'clock when it finally did arrive, its brakes screeching through the monotonous slapping of rain against the street as the vehicle eased to a halt, along with her panic that she might've just missed it.
"Thank goodness for that," Ish breathed, relief spreading its warmth through her as she stepped onto the bus, the bright red floor smeared with water, dirt and shoe-prints. "Hi," she managed to greet the driver through chattering teeth. "Bolos Avenue p-please." She slid her backpack off her left shoulder to hang it from her right one. "S-Sorry. Just fi-finding my wallet," she stuttered, unable to shake the guilt her disorganisation spewed forth. She was too busy shaking from the ruthless cold.
A'isha bit her quivering lip, knowing she was just making the bus even later. Apparently her brain just wasn't functioning this evening. Ish blamed the cruddy weather paired with the time. She should be in bed right now! Ugh!
The man behind the wheel, a middle aged gent with patches of facial hair, just nodded, not even bothering a smile. She couldn't blame him. Working, not to mention driving, in this weather must suck.
Though not as much as running in it, she decided, withdrawing her wallet after a little fishing and flicking it open to find-
Nothing.
And anxiety, paired with piles of despair, rammed into her at full force. She fumbled through every single compartment. Twice.
It was empty.
But that didn't make sense. Once or twice a week, she and Julie would do an hour or two of odd jobs around the house for her friend's mother, Maria, in addition to all the cleaning and Amara-sitting that Ish did at home for free. Gardening and generic housework mostly. A bit of painting lately, because her parents were renovating their family home.
This morning, A'isha had done over an hour's worth of work, earning thirty pounds in the process. So where the heck was it?
And then it hit her.
Amara.
The girl had been nagging Ahad that morning for money to pay for her junk food that night, seeing as she was heading to a girlfriend's for a sleepover. Ahad rarely carried cash and Elissa had been out, so Mar ended up empty handed.
Or so Ish had thought.
"I'm going to kill her too," she whispered, thankfully too quiet for the driver to hear.
The man cleared his throat and shot her a glare. "Do you have any money or not?"
"S-Sorry!" she stuttered, shrinking under his narrowed gaze. "I- I thought I did, but I-"
He flung his index finger toward the door. "Then quit wasting my time," he barked. "I'm already late!"
Ish wished she could smack the rude jerk, but knew that wouldn't work in her favour. "Is there s-some way to- to p-please pay back later o-or something? My ri-ride ho-home bailed and-"
The glaring man propelled his pointer finger to the exit once more. "No money. No ride."
"S-So there's n-no way t-"
"Get. Off. My bus."
A'isha's face sunk, trepidation tearing through any hope she had left for a safe mode of transport home as she stumbled off the bus, rushing over to the bus shelter for cover once more. She spun on her feet just as the bus rolled back into motion, while her features twisted in rage.
"Y-You miserable asshole!" she roared, shaking a trembling fist at the vehicle whilst hoping he'd heard her.
A'isha wrapped her arms around herself, re-evaluating her options like a fleeting list flashing through her mind's eye. Dani was busy. His parents might be home, but they live just as far away from here as she does and in the opposite direction. Julie lived near her, so no point in trying there.
Her frown was beyond deep-set as it dawned on her that no one who could help her – or, rather, no one she felt comfortable asking for help from – lived nearby.
One of her friends, Karissa, lived maybe a thirty minute walk away. Her place was closest, but it would be a detour on the way to her place, and she'd might as well walk those extra ten minutes instead than risk her friend's family not being home. Not to mention she'd feel terrible if she had to wake them up.
A'isha turned to her bag once again, this time for her keys. She kept pepper spray on them, though she wondered how effective it would be in this downpour. If worse came to worst, Ish figured she could use her keys to stab a potential assailant's eye out.
I really have been watching too many horror movies, she surmised, maintaining a deathly tight grip on her keys. Ish was worried she might just drop them amid her trembling if she held on any looser.
A'isha breathed a shaky sigh, hating the vile dread that she simply couldn't shake as she made haste in the direction of her home, jogging just to warm herself up.
Twenty minutes later, A'isha was jogging through a quiet neighbourhood, as exhaustion hypnotically whispered in her ear, almost willing her to resort to power-walking. She didn't listen. Instead, Ish soldiered on, her eyes darting around the dimly lit street a little too skittishly. She wished a car would drive past, simply for the false sense of security it would bring her.
But what if the creep is the person in the car?
A'isha shook her head roughly, fighting to free her fretting mind of the frightening thoughts it couldn't help but conjure up.
She couldn't, for the life of her, banish that sickening feeling. It had burrowed its way into the forefront of her mind, whispering that danger was imminent, filling her with fear-fuelled uncertainty.
Ish's irises darted across the street once more, her grip on the pepper spray tightening. She felt like eyes were on her. She had since leaving the auditorium, the feeling sparking to life as a slight notion in the back of her mind, festering and growing into something more as time ticked on by.
All of sudden, a slap of feet that weren't her own hissed through the night. They sounded close.
Her eyes darted to the direction of the sound.
No one. Just drenched pavement, barely lit by the lamp post twenty feet away.
Another sweep of her surroundings.
Alone.
I don't like this, she brooded, gripping her keys so tightly her fist shook violently. Not one bit.
A'isha swallowed hard, willing her limbs to move faster. She wanted- no, needed to get home. To get dry. To get warm.
Stupid. She was so, so stupid. Why the hell had she thought this was a good idea? Walking off into the pouring rain late at night!?
There must've been another option. She just hadn't thought of it. She hadn't thought hard enough.
Oh, she was so, so, so stupid!
She wanted to cry… wondered if she already was. The battering rain made it near-impossible to tell.
Her limbs didn't ache. She was sure they should be, the muscles manipulated by exertion. No, instead they felt cold and numb and flimsy. Painless. It terrified her. And yet she could feel herself shaking, her every tremble seemed forced, her body betraying her as it shivered her last shreds of energy into the atmosphere. She just wanted to sleep. To slide into bed, safe and warm, and forget.
Slap!
Ish sucked in air, pulling a one eighty to find the sound's source.
Every inch of her tensed.
A silhouette stood beneath a lamp post, their body bathed in its artificial glow like some cruel imitation of divine light. A dark cloak was draped from their form like some skinned corpse, drenched and dripping on the pavement. And yet their face was shrouded in shadows, hidden beneath a hood, shielding their visage from the lamp light as it clung to any bit of flesh that it could.
A'isha was petrified.
Her limbs suddenly ached, and she welcomed the feeling, as bursts of adrenaline snaked through every inch of her. She was running. No. She was sprinting. She didn't know when she'd started. Just that she refused to stop. Dread hissed through her in buckets, only heightening as each and every slap of her feet upon the pavement laced with the sound of her pursuer's. Wait- There were several steps. At least three sets.
Oh God. Three ominous figures and they all wanted to hurt her.
She was screaming too. Or rather, she was trying to. Was the rain that loud or had her voice box just forgotten how to function?
A'isha heaved for fresh air, her lungs tightening with each passing second. She rounded a corner onto an equally quiet street, only to skid to a halt. Another figure. Mere feet away. Cloak hanging from their thin frame like some dead thing. Face hidden beneath a hood.
"Where do you think you're going, girl?"
She blinked, her grip furiously firm on her key chain. Why was she holding it again? She- What- Her mind. It was in disarray.
The figure stepped closer. She gasped. Across the street. She had to get there.
A'isha willed her feet into motion, sure they felt far heavier than they had only moments ago. She was so cold. Soaking wet. Horrible.
She had to get away from the silhouettes.
But she was so tired. So, so tired. Exhausted. Shaking. She had to run… to get away.
She was half way across the street. Something yanked her back.
"I don't think so," they growled, their voice like venom as it drilled its way into her racing mind.
Her back slammed against something hard. The road? She was drenched- but wait. She was already drenched. She felt cold liquid swirling about her. Was this a puddle?
"I think you have something of mine."
Steps. Behind her. She had to get away.
A'isha willed herself to stand, every movement taxing, sucking more and more energy from her quivering body.
A chilling chuckle met her ears. "She's completely out of it, boys." They were close. Far too close.
"N-No!" she cried, not knowing why. She took two steps, but something pulled her back all over again.
A gasp propelled through her lips. She was suddenly nose to nose with the figure. It had a face. Ghostly pale. Stone grey eyes. Hollow cheeks. A putrid grin.
"It's in her bag."
What is?
"Are you sure, Michaes?" Another voice. It was deeper.
"'Course I'm sure!"
Her shoulders felt lighter. Her bag. They'd ripped it off.
"My… stuff…" she managed to force through quivering lips.
"It ain't yours, missy," the pale face hissed.
"Got it!" the deep voice called. "C'mon! Let's go! This bitch's made us freeze our balls off long enough!"
The grin the pale face suddenly sent her was wicked. "Maybe she can warm them up for us, eh?"
A'isha sucked in air. Her mind was in pieces, but those words… she'd managed to throw them together. Terror twisted her features. No. This wasn't happening.
"Michaes, let's go before a car comes or something!"
She tried to move. Pale face was holding her down.
"Let me have my God damn fun!" he barked.
He was on top of her.
"The R.H. won't approve of-"
The R.H.? Wait-
"Master Marik doesn't have to fucking know!"
Silence. A long one, save for the rain that punched the pavement.
Then.
"You said his frickin' name, you idiot!" the deep voice barked. "She's the new detective's daughter or some shit!"
"She- She's ou-out of it," he was whimpering.
"Guys!" A new voice. "A car's coming! Hurry the hell up!"
"Michaes, get your ass up!" the deep voice yelled.
"B-But she might-"
"There's no time to shut her up, you idiot!" It was the new voice again. "You bes' hope the Master doesn't frickin' find out!"
The weight was gone. He was off of her.
She heard slapping sounds. Foot steps. Running?
A shrill sound roared through the rumbling rain. What was that? A car horn?
"Hey!" Another deep voice. But this one she knew. "Hey, assholes! Get the fuck back here!"
More slapping. Two sets. One was distant. The other was getting loude-
Someone was leaning over her. That face. She recognised it.
"Aiden…?"
"Holy shit! It's Ish!"
"Wh-What?" The new deep voice sounded terrified. More slaps of steps. They sliced through the shrill hiss of the rain.
"It's A'isha!"
The steps stopped. "Holy shit, Ish!" that familiar voice cried. Something warm… against her cheek. "She- She's freezing! We have to get her to the hospital!"
"I'll drive!" the other voice shouted out over the elements.
"Grab her things, Aiden! And blast the heaters!"
Suddenly, she was off the wet ground. In something warm. No. Someone. Their arms. She glimpsed their face amid the darkness.
"Dani…"
They looked down at her, face twisted by trepidation. "Geeze, Ish…" Slap slap slap. Steps. On the road. "Shit, you're shaking…"
All of a sudden, the sickening shadows that slowly gnawed at her vision were swept from existence.
-flashback end-
Dread sprung forth from beneath her, its eerie skeletal hands sinking into her goose-bump covered flesh as it endeavoured to drag her down into the very depths of her despair.
She was upright in a bed. In the hotel room. She was shaking where she sat under the sheets. Freezing. Her breaths were shallow… choking for air… heart pounding… hands clammy… lips quivering… Sweating. Nausea. Dizziness.
She could hear her heart thumping in her ears. It was that ravenous monster. Back in the auditorium. Its serrated claws battering. Its vile breath hissing death threats.
Thump thump thump!
Was she dying?
She heard a voice. And saw lavender eyes. Her back was instantly against the wall, her nails scraping against its rough surface.
Thump thump thump. That sickening sound.
"You're shaking."
He appeared calm, but she didn't miss the hint of alarm swimming within those lavender depths. In fact, it was all she saw.
Thump thump-
He thought she was crazy. She just knew it. Maybe she was. Maybe he-
"You're having a panic attack," he said in an unusually delicate voice… so gentle… so warm. He reached out for her shoulder, his hand like fire against the bare skin. She stiffened. "You need to relax."
Thump. Thump. Thump.
"I- I don't know." Her mouth was moving, but her mind felt far away. "I- I-"
"What's your favourite episode of How I Met Your Mother?"
"Wh-What?" She blinked frantically. Her mind raced. What a stupid question. Why would- What brought him to-
Soft, rhythmic circles across her shoulder… fingertips grazing her skin and spreading their warmth.
"What's your favourite episode?" he repeated carefully.
"I- I don't kn-"
"A funny scene?"
"An-Anything Barney does."
"Such as?"
"The- The shiny shirt," she stuttered. "A-And Lily says they have the s-same one."
"And then says it was just her shirt reflecting in his?"
"Y-Yeah."
His voice… How was it so warm?
Thump… thump… thump...
"What happens then?"
"He… He says about the fish." She realised her breathing was somewhat steadier. "The shiny objects."
He was smiling. It was small, but it was there. "How there are twenty four similarities between women and fish?"
She swallowed and nodded slowly.
Thump. . . Thump. . . Thump. . .
"That they're… they're both attracted to shiny things," she breathed, wondering when she'd slackened against the wall.
A'isha was staring down the bed sheets. She swallowed, looking up. It was Marik. He was propped at the edge of the bed, his thumb tracing reassuring patterns across her shoulder. Her eyes narrowed.
"G-Get away from me!" Ish barked, wasting no time in helping him do just that as she shoved him chest-first. "I'm fine!" she hissed. "I don't need your help!"
A'isha hated the part of her that knew she was lying.
Marik wore an unreadable expression. He took slow steps back, before smoothly turning on his heel to head into his bedroom, her pointed gaze following him through it all. She heard the zip of a bag. Then rattling, like pills against plastic. She heard him mutter something. Ish thought she caught Odion's name somewhere amongst it.
He returned a moment later, her suspicions confirmed as she noted a white, plastic medicine bottle in his right hand. She watched him step across the room, rummaging through the kitchenette and filling a glass to the brim with clear liquid. As he approached her half a minute later, his sights settled on the spot he'd previously occupied.
"Can I sit?"
Ish pursed her lips, eyeing the plastic bottle in his grasp. Then, eventually, she nodded.
Marik reclaimed his prior spot, the bed springs groaning faintly under the additional weight. She watched him set down the glass on the floor, unwind the bottle, then tip a capsule into his tanned palm. He proceeded to swap the glass on the floor with the bottle, curling the pill in three fingers and holding the glass in that same hand.
"What are they?"
"Sleeping pills."
She tensed. "The bottle's full," she quietly observed, sinking from the wall to slide into the bed sheets, still slightly warm where she'd just laid.
"I don't care for them."
"But you'll give them to me," she pointed out.
"You need them more than I do."
She nervously toyed with the sheet covering her lap. "Don't you need a doctor's prescription for-"
Marik's hand encircled her wrist and, despite the abruptness of the action, his hold was somehow light and gentle. His fingers slid to her own, flexing them for her to set the glass in her grasp. Then he held out the pill in that same hand.
"Drink it," he ordered. "You need the rest."
A'isha stared at her hand. It still trembled. It was barely perceivable, but she could feel it.
She hated feeling like this. So weak and helpless. Pitiful. Frightened. So unlike herself. And in front of him of all people. She was usually so good at hiding it. Especially from herself. Her current circumstances helped smother the past, too. And yet here she was, that terrifying night returning at full force; fear manipulating her feeble mind, bending her to its merciless whims. So pathetic. So-
Marik cleared his throat, ripping her from her reveries.
Ish gripped the glass hard as she hesitantly picked up the pill from his awaiting palm, shuddering slightly as her cold fingers brushed over his unsettlingly warm skin. She hated the idea of relying on medication to ease her nerves, but she knew Marik was as stubborn as she was exhausted. That was why, after a long moment of reluctance, she threw caution to the wind just long enough to chuck back the pill, downing the whole glass of water in the process.
The bed emitted a slight squeak as Marik left it, taking the glass and plastic bottle with him. "Now lie down and get some sleep," he commanded, that familiar ice now lining his voice. A'isha complied, albeit a little begrudgingly, sliding into the sheets to bury her face amid their silky texture.
Her eyelids slid shut. The swirl of steady pen strokes were loud and clear. She heard his every sigh. Every sip he took of what must've been his millionth coffee. The occasional growl of a motor beyond the window across the way.
An unknown amount of time trudged by. She'd stopped shaking, her body now slack and still.
The strokes of the pen were quieter, lulling and rhythmic.
And then there was only silence.
Ataahua ANs: So we never touched too much on how Michaes, that stupid Rare Hunter, slipped Marik's name to Ish. Really, we didn't plan to go in detail about it, but the plunnies had other ideas – or rather, TDH's plunnies did when she just had to put that "Who's worse?" question into Marik's mouth. Yes, I'm blaming YOU for Ish's misfortune, TDH! XD
But, oh ho ho, this isn't the end of Ish's night in that flashback. I might be spoiling it but, in case you're disappointed to not see how the rest of her crappy night went, fear not! We've split the flashback up because that felt like a good place to end it, and more will be in the next chapter.
Also, y'know when you have dreams that make perfect sense at the time, then you wake up just like... W. T. F. Yeah, we couldn't resist adding one of those in here.
I hope everyone enjoyed this anything but happy chapter! Now then, I'm off to see Beauty and The Beast and I'm hoping it's good. Anyone else seen it yet? Have a great evening and, as usual, please review! :)