Okay things are just going to get darker and darker from here on out. Not very much humor at all. There's no room for it! Besides, it'd dampen the plot line. Now where was I? Ah yes, you currently have four chapters after this one! Congrats! I'll be starting college in a little over a week and will have no time for all of this. (Readers: Noooooo!) I have some important notes at the end of this chappie, k? Onward!
xxxJennxxx: -smirks- Ah late reviews..better late than never! -nods enthusiatically- Indeed. Ahem, you feel bad about Otogi's death even though in most cases you wouldn't be? That was my intention. I understand that he's not a favorite character of a lot of people so I tried to make him a bit more...likeable? (Otogi: Yeah. Only to be butchered after the fact) Oh hush. " Five times as much romance? That's even POSSIBLE? Dude! That can't be good! D At least you have inspiration for the story, right? CONGRATULATIONS" Ummm...actually, I have no sig other. Haven't found a good guy yet. Why do all the creeps want to go out? The druggies, drunks, and just...creepy guys. (Yami: Ah one of life's many mysteries.)
Riesay: A nervous little bundle of nerves? -blinks- Yay! I've reduced you to a shivering mass of...nerves. Whoot whoot! You're daydreaming about the story? -squeals in delight- Excellent! I used to do that with so many stories of other people too!...they just haven't updated in so fucking long...-smiles pleasantly- Ah the main question: will Yami and Malik last? Very good. (Yami: I think she wants an answer) -rolls eyes- I know. But I'm not going to give one. You should know this by now. (Yami: Silly me) Hehe. "Miss Independent"? Never heard of it. -smirks suddenly- Aha! Finally someone's curious as to Mokuba's whereabouts!
Spryte: "Oo Don't tell me Kaiba sent Minkah to kill Otogi?" -blinks innocently- Ummm...Okay. Then I won't tell you. (Minkah: That's not the answer they were hoping for)
ladygoddess: " I can daydream on a happy ending for this, as it doesn't look like we'll be getting one any time soon!" -laughs- Good idea! Actually, the end song I've picked is titled "You and I" from the musical Chess. Heard of it? -smirks- Well it fits PERFECTLY. Trust me on this. What am I going to do about Kaiba? Well...-shudders- He gets his, let's put it that way. Actually, it's not amusing at ALL. I didn't want people to feel too giddy about his death. After I wrote the scene out I read it over and couldn't believe how disburbing it is. -shudders again- (Good luck with your job! -winks-)
Joey-lover: -rolls eyes- Yes yes Kaiba's going to have Minkah kill someone. You don't actually get to see it happen. Just the aftermath, which is plenty, thank you very much. Besides, it's important that you not know how it happened until the sequel! -winks-
Felynna: "It's chapter 24 and I'm still reading this story I'm amazed by your writing skills" Awww! -tackleglomps- I luffles you! Trouble at school? Uh oh. Well don't worry 'bout reviewing if it's too much of a hassle! Just concentrate on get whatever's going on straightened out! Take care!
Muse of Sarcasm: "Otogi is going to die? no... wel... better than someone else..." I must concur, but it's still going to be a hard hit. (Minkah: That's an understatement.) Shhh!
inuyashapup: O.O...wow. I...erm...Wow. That's got to be one of the most enthusiastic reviews I've ever received. (and people wonder why I respond to all the reviews!) Well all I have to say to all that gratitude is: You're adorable and I luffs you! -huggles-
Black Kitsune Veela: -laughs- Yes I've mentioned that before myself. It really IS a modern day soap opera...only it's classy! (Minkah: So you say...) -.- Humph. Anyhoo, don't worry about missing a few reviews. I understand it's a stressful time with all the back to school and all that shit. Hiss! "DIE KAIBA DIE!" -laughs- That just about sums it up, doesn't it?
bakura240: Ah yes, as adorable and smexy as Malik/Minkah would be there are a few little probs with it, no? (aka: Kaiba!...oh, and Yami/Malik) (Yami: What the fuck! Why was that reason less...?) -rolls eyes- Have you been up to date on what Kaiba's been doing? (Yami: so? I'm hot!) True true...(Kaiba: Ow...-brain exploded after being 'death glared') hehe.
Sagira98: Yes the gang finds out about Minkah and Apophis in THIS chapter, actually. (Minkah: Damn) Where's Afika? He's off doing his own thing. Kaiba gave him his own list of assassinations to do. "Why does everyone go to Otogi for relationship help?" A very good question. -shrugs- They just do. I dunno. (Sagira: -.-;) Heh. Yes yes Kaiba's gonna get killed off. Give it time!
The Bloody Wretched: TRILINGUAL! -crawls under rock- Damn. And here I am: a stupid american that can only speak a handful of phrases in Spanish. Americans don't care about educating their children in other cultures and languages. A very self-centered country. (coughunderstatementcough)
Under Finger and Thumb: -laughs- Yes! Burn Kaiba! (Kaiba: Aieeeeee!) (Malik: Why must I suffer so?) (Minkah: -grumbling- You think you're doing bad?)
dragonlady222: Yes Otogi's gonna die. Thought it would be Grandpa? Well, that could also work...Everyone's agreed that Kaiba needs to die. -smirks- Still suspicious of Khalil, are you? "Yami is going to have to deal with the aftermath of this" Very good, honey. Very perceptful.
Lorna Shadows: Yes the poor group just wants to help. It's hard to help when you're oblivious to what's happening. But how long can that last...? -smirks- " Is it possible there's gonna be a threesome?" -grins smugly- Oh the possibilities...
koinu27: "Kaiba is so going to die!AGAIN" Uh...did he die before? (koinu: Yes. I killed him...as did over half the other reviewers.) Ahhh yes.
mistress oblivion: -points excitedly- I think I see a new reviewer! -tackleglomps- HI HONEY! Glad you've joined us! Also pleased to hear you're enjoying the story. "I hope the story has a semi-happy ending at least." -winces- Wellll...there's a sequel! (Minkah: That's not what she was suggesting) Ah yes, a lot of people asked why Marik and Minkah aren't closer. The fact of the matter is: Minkah's getting driven further and further away from the others by Kaiba. Besides, Malik's the one that goes looking for him. Marik's not the type to do that otherwise he probably would be closer to our white-haired bishi.
Sirithiliel: -looks thoughtful- I suppose an e-mail could work...Although I have been meaning to test my pychicness more. -winks- Ah yes, the ol' Kill Kaiba call. Let us repeat it in a chant until it truly comes to pass!
Kanashmi no Tenshi: "holds Bat over shoulder and inspects fingernails ) Lets see how cocky you are with a broken and deflated 'ego'." -is currently dying laughing- Hahaha...ehehee...whoooooo...All right. I've...-starts snickering again- (Minkah: She's currently unable to finish a sentence. Let us all rejoice!) Characters: WHOOP WHOOP!
TheGodFish: "Think of the tic tacs! THE TIC TACS FERRIS!" -sobs- You're right! You're right! -pops tic tacs into mouth- There. All better. (Fish: Grrrr...) hehe. Anyway, yes Kaiba's going to ruin all the romance that's trying so hard to blossom between our two hot Egyptians. "Uh oh, Minkah saw the files that Ryou left out on the table. That won't end well." Indeed not!
I shall dedicate this chapter to our newest reviewer: mistress oblivion! Whoop whoop! Note: alright, we've got a lovely song from Disney that fits so perfectly that I had to use it!
One of Us
Deception
Disgrace
Evilness plain as the scar on his face
Deception
An outrage
Disgrace
For shame
He asked for trouble the moment he came
Deception
An outrage
Disgrace
For shame
Don't know these outsiders type
Evilness plain as the scar on his face
Deception
An outrage
Disgrace
For shame!
He asked for trouble the moment he came...
Born in greed
Raised in hate
Helpless to
Defy his fate
Let him run
Let him live
But do not forget what we cannot forgive!
And he is not one of us
He has never been one of us
He is not part of us.
Not our kind.
Someone once lied to us
Now we're not so blind
For we knew he would do what he's done
And we know that he'll never be one of us!...
He is not one of us.
Deception...Disgrace...
Deception...Disgrace...
Deception...
(Lion King II)
Chapter 25: Draining the Glass
(Yami's POV)
"Where on earth have you been?" Grandpa asks sternly when my koi enters the kitchen.
Malik looks up with tired eyes, avoiding my gaze. "Oh...just went for a walk."
"A pretty long walk," Yugi puts in glancing at the clock.
"Are you all right?" I ask coming over and wrapping my arms around him. He tenses.
"I...Otogi wants us to stop by tomorrow morning," he states suddenly.
We all blink. Well that was...out of the blue. I glance at Marik who shrugs, pulling out a chair for his brother. I lead Malik over who gratefully sinks down onto it. Violet eyes narrow when he spots the papers littering the table.
"What's all this?"
"The files on Apophis that Ryou left here," Yugi explains. "We're thinking maybe they're behind all the assassinations recently."
"And...where does that get us if it is? And why's Marik in here?" Malik asks sharply, turning to his brother with concern. "I told you not to look at this stuff!"
"I'm fine, Malik," Marik replies quietly. "Really."
"I've been keeping a close eye on which documents he looks at," Grandpa puts in assuring. "Now, what's all this about Otogi?"
Malik doesn't answer, wide eyes frozen on a page before him. The expression on his face is pure disbelief quickly spiraling into horror. I reach over to find him shaking.
"Malik? Malik, look at me! What's wrong?" I press urgently.
He opens and closes his mouth several times but can't seem to manage to speak. Finally he points a shaky finger at the paper before him. We all lean in, becoming all the more confused by the small drawing he's motioning to. It's some type of black cobra.
"An Egyptian asp. Apparently it's Apophis' symbol," Grandpa says, still eyeing my koi uncertainly. "Malik, what is it?"
"I've...seen this before," he whispers hoarsely, eyes still locked on the snake. "Until now I couldn't remember..."
"Where?" I ask, getting scared by how he's acting.
He looks up with dark eyes, voice trembling when he speaks. "As a tattoo on Minkah's arm."
The room goes dead silent. We're all staring at Malik in shock. Grandpa clears his throat.
"Malik, just because Minkah has a tattoo of a black snake it doesn't necessarily mean he's in league with..."
"It was in the exact same position!" Malik cuts in urgently pointing defiantly at the page.
Yugi, Marik, and I exchange uneasy looks. I sigh heavily, touching my koi's arm.
"Malik..."
"You believe me, don't you? Think about it! It makes sense now! The quick reactions, the incredible senses, Mr. Bakura's unease..."
"Malik..." I begin pleadingly.
"And Kaiba! That's why he's still going out with Kaiba!" Malik continues hysterically, not hearing my voice now. "How else is he going to kill Kaiba unless he gets close to him first? Kaiba has some of the best security systems in the world!" I gawk at my koi as his words sink in.
"And the tunnels under Kaiba Corp..." Yugi suddenly whispers from beside me. "Minkah knew about them...he knew how to get through them even..."
"What tunnels?" Grandpa asks, brow creased with doubt.
My mouth goes dry as the truth of the situation clearly sinks in. Oh my Ra...Minkah's not in danger of being murdered at all. Kaiba is!
"He's been toying with us the entire time," I whisper disbelievingly.
"W-what do we do?" Yugi whimpers, trembling.
"I'm calling Kaiba," I state firmly standing and hurrying over to the phone.
"Are you kids sure about this?" I vaguely hear Grandpa's voice ask as the other end of the phone rings.
"Yes," Yugi whispers, quivering in his chair.
"Kaiba Corporation."
"I need to speak to Kaiba immediately!" I say into the phone.
"Sir, I'm sorry, but Mister Kaiba is an extremely busy..."
"This is urgent!" I shout insistently. "I'm sure he has time for calls that his life could depend on."
There's silence in the kitchen and on the other end of the phone. The operator clears his throat.
"And who shall I tell him is calling?"
"Yami Mutou."
"One moment please."
"Yami?" Yugi whimpers from the table. Grandpa reaches over and squeezes his shoulder.
"What is this about?" Kaiba's voice growls suddenly.
"Kaiba! It's Yami!"
"Yes I know. Now do you have a good reason for interrupting me and Minkah or..."
"Minkah's after your life!" I yell cutting him off.
"Oh come on..."
"It's true!" Yugi screeches suddenly next to me, having heard my side of the conversation and knowing it isn't going well. "He's an Apophis assassin! He's the one going around murdering all those people! He...!"
Grandpa hurries over and leads my brother out of the room. All the while Yugi's watching me over his shoulder with wide, frightened eyes. Malik is holding Marik against his chest, eyes still fixated on the drawing of the asp.
The other end of the line is quiet for a moment before Kaiba speaks. "I see. It all makes sense."
"I know! It's hard to believe but..." I agree.
"You really are desperate to get him back, aren't you?" Kaiba cuts me off, voice mocking. "My goodness, who knew the King of Games would stoop to such levels."
"This isn't a joke!" I protest, heartbeat racing. Oh gods, he doesn't believe me!
"Of course it isn't."
I jolt when a hand rests on my shoulder. Turning I find Malik staring at me adamantly with narrowed eyes.
"Let me talk to him, Yami."
There's something in his gaze that makes me hand the phone over without question. I step back, watching my koi nervously.
(Malik's POV)
"Kaiba, you've got to listen to what we're telling you," I say firmly into the phone, my body trembling.
"Ah look who's here. The blonde who snuck into the dressing room to fuck my boyfriend."
My mouth hangs open as he states this like he's talking about the weather. How the hell did he...? Kaiba chuckles darkly.
"My my, do you honestly expect me to believe you after all these stunts you've pulled in an attempt to win Minkah's affections?" the CEO sneers.
"Kaiba...!"
"Let me explain something to you, because it's obvious it hasn't sunk through your thick skull: Minkah is with me. Nothing you can say or do is going to change that. Now be a good little street brat and go fuck with your own boyfriend."
"Kaiba stop...!" I shout frantically.
"Later scum," he chuckles. The line goes dead.
I stare in a daze at the device in my hand, fingers clenched around it turning white. Yami's beside me, eyes wide. Marik's at the table, trembling violently. Damn.
(Ryou's POV)
I groan, sitting up slowly on the couch at the insistent knocking. Rubbing my eyes tiredly, I realize it's light outside. Great. I spent the night down here. Glancing around, I wonder if either Otousan or Minkah are home. Another knock on the door brings me back to my senses. I hurriedly stand and go over to the front all.
"Khalil!" I exclaim in surprise. "I...hi! Come on in," I say, ushering him inside the house.
His face is troubled, eyes watching me nervously. "Ryou...there's something I need to tell you."
My heart stops. "What? What happened?"
"Let's sit down, all right?" he suggests pulling me over to the couch that's still warm. I sit tensely beside him.
"What happened, Khalil?" I press, grabbing his hands with my own trembling ones.
He looks up with desolate brown eyes. "I got through the extensions for that archaeologist."
I blink, unsure of what's coming. "And?"
Khalil sighs heavily, running a hand through his midnight hair. "He's gone, Ryou."
"Gone?" I ask slowly, mind buzzing.
He looks me straight in the eye. "A man answered the phone—and officer. He said Jim Korshnak was abducted last night."
My breath catches in my throat. "Apophis?"
He gives me a questioning look. "What?"
"Oh, they're..." I'm cut off as there's an insistent knocking on the door.
We both look at one another, hurrying over and opening it. Yami, Yugi, Marik, Malik, Jou, and Honda are standing before us, faces tense.
"Well this is just the morning of good news," Khalil sighs, moving aside so they can come in. "What's your report?"
They glance at one another as if begging anyone else to speak. My stomach churns as I motion for them to sit. No one moves, all of us standing stiffly in the middle of the living room.
"Guys?" I whimper.
Yami sighs heavily, running a hand through his hair. "Ryou...there's something we need to..."
They all jolt, eyes bulging out of their heads when Minkah enters the room. His face is emotionless, a dark bruise lining his jaw. I glance back and forth between him and the silent group before me.
"Yes?" I press but they don't speak.
"What's going on here?" Minkah grumbles. "Isn't it a bit early for visits?"
No one moves. My brow creases with worry. Yami finally clears his throat, eyes watching Minkah nervously.
"We were just wondering...if Jou and Honda could hang out here for an hour or so...Otogi invited us over...said it's important. But with the way he and these two get along..."
Unease boils in my veins when neither of them makes any snide remarks about the dice master, both watching Minkah warily. Khalil and Minkah notice as well, both becoming still.
"I...sure. That's fine," I manage weakly.
"Do you guys want to borrow my car? It's parked out front," Khalil offers, trying to break the ice encompassing the room.
"No. Otogi's shop is only a few blocks from here," Yami smiles faintly. "Thanks though. All right, we'll be back in an hour. Come on guys."
Yami, Malik, Marik, and Yugi walk briskly for the door. Jou and Honda stand stiffly beside us, casting nervous glances at one another. Khalil looks over at me, raising his eyebrows.
"Wait."
They all freeze in the doorway, turning to stare at Minkah. He's standing by the couch, fists clenched, eyes sharp.
"Yes?" Yami asks slowly.
"Don't let Marik go."
I blink at him in surprise. Yami's face goes dark. He walks silently over to Minkah who stares straight back at him.
"Why not?" Yami asks softly, voice strained.
Minkah stares at him helplessly, jaw clenched. "Believe me. Just...don't let Marik go over there."
Yami doesn't move, although his body begins to tremble. The people in the doorway look terrified. Jou and Honda both clench their fists, sharing an edgy look.
"What the hell's going on here?" Khalil scowls in exasperation.
He and I jump as Yami lunges at Minkah, grabbing him roughly by the front of his shirt. Minkah doesn't respond, eyes unchanged.
"Tell me and tell me now: Why shouldn't Marik go to Otogi's?" Yami hisses, eyes ablaze.
Minkah doesn't reply, his own eyes somber. This seems to be all the answer Yami needs, releasing Minkah and backing away slowly with a look of terror on his face.
"You didn't...!" he whispers.
"What did you do to Otogi, you bastard?" Malik suddenly screams. My eyes widen in shock.
"Guys, what are you...?"
They don't answer, all of them dashing out the door. I glance at Minkah for a moment to find him standing there with his hands at his sides, eyes downcast. Khalil and I hurry after the others who are racing off down the block.
(Malik's POV)
None of us speak as we run with all our might in the direction of Otogi's shop. Gods please! Don't let it be true! Let us be wrong about Minkah! Please! Let Otogi be all right!
"Guys!" We look over our shoulders to find Khalil and Ryou in an old brown station wagon driving along side us.
"Don't try to stop us!" Yami yells furiously.
We all skid to a halt as Khalil swerves the car sharply onto the sidewalk in front of us.
Marik and Yugi back up behind my koi and I, eyes wide.
"What do you think you're...!" Yami growls.
"Get in." Khalil's eyes flash with determination. When he sees us hesitate he continues: "I'll take you to Otogi's."
We all pile into the car silently. As soon as the door closes the vehicle speeds off down the street, tires squealing. I lean forward, eyes widening when I spot the horrendous sight ahead. The shop is roped off with yellow tape. Hordes of police officers are rushing about. Eight cop cars are parked outside, red and blue lights flashing.
"What happened here?" Ryou whispers in alarm.
I don't wait for the car to stop, opening the door and jumping out of the moving vehicle that's already slowing.
"Malik!" Yami screams. "Wait!"
I tumble to the ground, rolling a few feet. Heedless of the cuts and bruises this brings, I race to the front door, tearing through the yellow plastic roping it off.
"Hey kid! You can't go in there!"
I ignore the numerous yells of the officers and my friends, hurrying into the front of the store. Immediately I'm met with the sight of a clerk lying across the counter, neck slashed, eyes wide in fright. Blood is dripping onto the floor where a pool of the liquid is already dormant.
"Stop!" an unfamiliar voice yells desperately, feet pounding towards me.
I don't heed them, turning and racing up the stairs. My heart's hammering in my chest, threatening to burst at any given moment. Please...please...!
There are two somber faced officers outside of Otogi's office. They turn when they spot me running at them, tensing.
"Hey! What do you think you're...?"
I shove past them skidding to a halt at the scene before me. A sob climbs up my throat as I stare in horror at the body on the ground. Otogi's lying on his back, emerald eyes wide. His mouth is open as if he was trying to speak, no breath coming. There's a grotesque hole where his stomach should be, blood gurgling up and slowly pouring out over the crimson-drenched floor. Across his neck is a single deep slash, head pulled back unnaturally; the gouge cavernous and pronounced. I fall to my knees, tears streaming down my face.
"NO!"
I struggle as two sets of hands gently grab me by the shoulders, pulling me to my feet and away from him.
"No! Otogi! Otogi!" I scream even as he disappears from my vision.
(Yami's POV)
I hold a sobbing Malik against me as we ride back to Ryou's house. Marik's face is ashen as he similarly holds my brother's weeping form against his chest. Jou and Honda are quiet, both staring ahead of us with determination. The car finally gets to the house. It felt like hours even though it was only a few minutes. Even as tears stream down my own face I lead my koi into the house only to freeze as we enter the living room. Minkah's sitting on the couch, elbow on his knees, head bowed. Malik's suddenly not next to me any more. I watch in shock as he rushes at Minkah, slamming the other across the face.
"You BASTARD!"
Ryou's beside Khalil, watching on with wide frightened eyes. He doesn't move to help the Egyptian on the floor though.
"Why?" Malik screams pulling Minkah up by the collar of his shirt, eyes alight. "WHY?"
Minkah doesn't answer, staring back with pain-filled gray eyes. There's blood streaming from the cut on his lip.
"You can't even give a reason?" Jou hisses from beside me. "Ra, they were right. You're nothing but a bastard. A cold-blooded bastard!"
Minkah still doesn't speak, eyes meeting mine. My muscles tighten through my body. Suddenly I'm not sad. I'm not grieving. I'm just angry. Growling I lunge at the Egyptian, hurtling my fist directly into his gut. His breath hisses as the air is forced out of him, blood coming out as well. I don't care about being an example for Marik or Yugi. It doesn't matter. Nothing matters.
"Why?" I scream kicking him repeatedly.
He just lies still on the floor, cringing as my koi and I beat down our anger on him. I stop when Malik suddenly hikes Minkah up by the throat, pulling their faces close.
"Fight back, damn it!" he growls in Arabic, lip trembling. "Butcher me without a second thought like you did to all those people!—like you did to Otogi!"
Minkah doesn't answer, and he doesn't fight. He just stays limp in Malik's grasp, vision no doubt swimming from lack of oxygen. Blood's covering his face, wincing.
"Damn You!" Malik shrieks shoving him violently with a crash into the coffee table.
"Guys, stop it! Please!" I hear Marik beg from the doorway. This breaks the spell over me, my body stilling.
Minkah coughs, blood now drooling continuously from his parted, bleeding lips. Malik rushes at him again, foot landing swiftly against the Egyptian's side. Ryou's trembling violently against Yugi and Marik; all three of their eyes wide and terrified. I watch in a daze as Malik continues punching and kicking Minkah who's curled up on the floor, eyes clamped shut. The Egyptian doesn't make a sound though. Completely silent. Malik lifts his fist to strike again when Khalil's suddenly standing in front of him, brown orbs determined.
"Get out of my way," Malik's voice hisses.
"That's enough," Khalil says firmly. "I know you're upset, Malik, but beating him to death isn't going to bring Otogi back."
"I said move!" Malik screeches, tears cascading down his face.
I come over softly, wrapping my arms around him. He turns, breaking down against my shoulder. Sobs wrack his frame as he weeps bitterly into my neck, trembling uncontrollably. Khalil watches on with a somber expression.
"Well what do we have here?"
We all start, looking over to the doorway to find Kaiba smirking smugly, six burly bodyguards behind him. Yugi and the others back towards us nervously. Honda and Jou stand in front.
"We don't need you here now, moneybags! Someone just died!" Jou growls threateningly.
"And someone else almost did judging by the blood all over the room," the CEO sneers walking brusquely over to Minkah who's yet to move, lying on his side on the floor, rib cage rising as his lungs labor in painful breaths.
Kaiba stares down coldly at the Egyptian for a long moment. The rest of us wait tensely, unsure of what will happen. Kaiba simply raises his hand, snapping his fingers. Two guards come forward, grabbing Minkah by the arms and dragging him towards the door, leaving a trail of blood as they go.
"Kaiba, you can't...!" Ryou begins.
The CEO turns on us with a smirk. "And you accused me of mistreating him."
"You can't seriously still believe he's innocent," I protest. "Kaiba, he just murdered Otogi!"
Blue eyes narrow. "So I've heard. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll be on my way."
"Are you really such an idiot?" Jou yells marching forward, closing in the space between him and the CEO. "Listen, I wouldn't mind seeing you get humiliated beyond belief, maybe even lose your company...but I don't want anyone else to die...Even you," he says, gritting his teeth. I send the blonde a look of admiration, knowing that wasn't easy for him to admit.
Kaiba snorts. "Believe me, that's the last thing on my agenda."
We watch silently as he follows his guards out the door. Fingers curled around the doorknob, he suddenly turns.
"Oh, and don't bother mentioning Minkah to the police. They're not going to lay a hand on my koi, I can assure you."
"They'll get a warrant!" Yugi yells adamantly, shrinking back when Kaiba glares.
"Oh but that's where you're mistaken. He doesn't legally exist. And unless you find some evidence that he does your story will just be brushed aside. Besides, he didn't kill anyone. Later scum."
Jou rushes forward and catches the door. He watches angrily as the CEO strolls calmly over to the limo parked out front.
"You'll be next, Kaiba! He's just toying with you!" Honda shouts without much conviction, seeming to have given up. I think we all have.
"What on earth is going on!"
We all turn to the left to find Mr. Bakura hurrying up the sidewalk, eyes wide when he spots the blood on Malik and my hands. Ryou rushes over to him, clinging desperately to his father as he sobs.
"Mr. Bakura, what do you know about Minkah?" Marik asks softly.
(Ryou's POV)
We all sit in a morose assembly at the Game Shop. Otousan was shocked at the scene when he got home, but I don't think he was really too surprised. He and Khalil drove us all to the Mutous; Otousan said Mr. Mutou should be told what's going on as well. Malik and Yami both broke down repeatedly. We decided to just let Otogi's death sink in for a few hours before talking. Khalil and Otousan, who haven't met before, made lunch for everyone with Honda and Jou's assistance. As soon as we finished eating Malik stated he was done waiting. It was time to hear the truth about Minkah. About everything.
"It's...hard for me to say this. I'm afraid I've inadvertently caused your friend's death," Otousan says softly, hands together tensing.
"Don't blame yourself for this, Charles," Mr. Mutou replies gently placing a hand on my father's arm. "No one could have seen this coming."
Otousan sighs heavily, shoulders sagging. "I just wish..." He closes his eyes a brief moment, shaking his head. "What's done is done. I promised you I'd tell you the truth of the matter...I'm just sorry it's overdue...All right." He turns to me, eyes serious. "As you might be suspecting, Minkah isn't your cousin, Ryou."
I nod, my mouth dry. "Then...what?"
He runs a shaky hand through disheveled white hair. "Your half-brother...Yes, I had an affair. It happened while I was over in Egypt on an excavation."
"With...who was she?" I ask, heart pounding.
"A local prostitute. It happened once. And as it turns out...once was enough," he mutters dejectedly. "I'm not proud of it. But it's the truth."
"We all make mistakes, Charles," Mr. Mutou sighs. "But how did you find out about Minkah if...?"
"Now that," my father smiles wryly. "Is a whole different ball game. You see, I left soon after, going home to England. I didn't think anything of it until a few years later. Some companions and I returned to the region. There she was with a child. A son..." He clenches his jaw. "I offered to give her some assistance—you know, money to help raise him and that sort of thing. She wouldn't have it. Turns out she was a very independent woman with a lot of pride. Unsure of what to do, I left. The child didn't take to me at all. It was obvious he'd been neglected but I didn't realize how bad it was going to get..."
He breaks off, covering his face with his hands. I cannot touch him. It's like he's in a whole other realm, somehow contacting us and telling a tale of his own province. I jolt when a hand squeezes mine, looking over to find Khalil give me a encouraging smile. I manage a weak smile before turning back to Otousan who seems to have composed himself.
"I didn't visit that region again for a few more years. When I finally returned he would have been around eight years old. Curious to see how she'd been doing, I went to see her. First I tried the small house she'd lived at. Nothing. It was in ruins. I inquired to a neighbor about her whereabouts." Otousan's face has gone dark, eyes troubled.
"What happened?" Yugi whispers with wide innocent eyes.
Otousan smiles grimly. "He killed her. That eight year old boy raped and murdered his own mother."
We all gawk, breaths lodged in our throats. Minkah...killed his mother? And raped her? The person we've been running around with? The person I've been so adamant on getting close to?
"Why?" Yami asks quietly. "Why would he do something like that?"
Otousan sighs. "It's not completely understood, but what we think happened was he was abused...He was also exposed to his mother's profession. It no doubt de-sensitized him to that sort of thing."
"My god..." Mr. Mutou murmurs.
"Wait...what's all this 'we' you're going on about?" Marik suddenly asks, eyeing my father suspiciously.
"A group of other archaeologists I've worked with for a number of years. They helped me search for Minkah for what felt like an eternity. We gave up after two years, deeming him either dead or in hiding. I never thought I'd see him again, much less in an Apophis camp. My friend Jim Korshnak," Khalil and I glance at one another. "actually went looking for Apophis hideouts. You all know about Apophis by now," my father adds sullenly. "He was trying to find out just what was done with all our fellow archaeologists who'd been captured. It was then he told me of my long-lost son...not only living with Apophis but becoming one of them."
"But then how'd he end up here?" I ask, voice hoarse.
"That's where it gets tricky. A band of some associates of mine came upon Minkah in a small town near an archaeological site. He said he was trying to get away from Apophis. Well they immediately contacted me and we managed to sneak him here..." Otousan sighs. "We've been trying ever since he got here to get him to reveal the whereabouts of our captured companions."
"The 'counseling'," I whisper.
He nods sadly. "As the assassinations began, I had my doubts about him having left Apophis. But I kept my mouth shut. I told you all he was going to counseling but really a group of us got together and questioned him...trying to locate our captured friends. Gods, why didn't I do something? Why didn't I stop him?" he hisses angrily, face beet red.
"You wanted to have faith in him, Charles. We were all looking for the good in that young man," Mr. Mutou says kindly. "Was it so bad to try to have some belief in the boy?"
"Apparently," Jou mutters.
"So...what happens now?" Khalil asks, hand holding my own. "We can't just let him go off on more killing sprees. But Kaiba's going to make sure no one goes near him."
"We wait," Malik says decisively.
"Don't go out by yourselves though. Minkah's now aware that we know he's from Apophis," Otousan warns darkly.
"Will he...send someone to kill us too?" Yugi squeaks.
My father's eyes narrow. "He'd better not...For his sake."
(Yami's POV)
We say goodbye to the three of them, watching from the front door as they head off down the street. We don't step outside though. Who knows if Minkah's the only person from Apophis here in Domino?
"Well that was...a shock," Jou states slowly as we all head back inside.
Malik snorts. "Understatement of the century."
I note the weary look in my koi's usually bright eyes, wrapping an arm around him. "We should all probably turn in for the night."
Malik shakes his head. "I...don't think I can...Otogi..."
"I don't think any of us will be getting much sleep tonight," Grandpa puts in when my koi's voice cracks.
"I don't believe it," Marik mutters.
We all blink. When he notices are confusion he continues.
"I don't believe Mr. Bakura."
"What? That Minkah didn't kill Otogi?" I ask in surprise.
The blonde shakes his head. "No. What Mr. Bakura said about the events of the past. I don't think he's telling the truth. He's still hiding something...something important."
We all shift uncomfortably, not sure what to say. I mean, Marik's rarely wrong. If he says something's off, then something is definitely off. I find though, that whatever Mr. Bakura's hiding—if there is something—I no longer care what it is.
"We'd better get on home," Jou puts in suddenly glancing at Honda.
"Are you sure? We could call your parents and..." I begin worriedly.
"Nah. After all that...I just wanna see my family, ya know?" the blonde replies with a sad smile.
I nod, understanding. I walk with the two of them back out to the front. The sun's down. Streetlamps are the only light. The stars are veiled. No moon.
Jou turns as he gets to the doorway, turning to give me a serious look. "Hey Yami...about the...about Otogi..."
I look up, biting my lip in an effort to keep the tears at bay. Honda stands with his hands in his pocket, brown eyes somber. Jou just stares at me for a long moment.
"We're sorry, man. I know he and us never got along but..." He shrugs helplessly and I smile.
"Thank you," I whisper.
The both nod stiffly, obviously uncomfortable. With that they both turn, walking off into the dark night. I stand alone on the steps for a long moment, tears now slipping from my eyes.
"Thank you," I repeat even though they cannot hear me.
All right, how many people believe Mr. Bakura's story this time?
Readers: -silence-
Very good. You're getting better!
Now an IMPORTANT NOTE: I know you're all like: "Stop beating Minkah up! It's happening every chapter now!" It's part of the story and is a crucial part for the sequel. I know it's not fun to watch...er...read. It's not supposed to be. Bear with it for now.
Minkah: Easy for you to say!
Ferris: -wincing- Sorry
Yugi: Review!
Otogi: So she makes me all "I'm here to help! Don't fret" and then what does she do? She butchers me! -turns to other characters: Let this be a lesson! Never try to change your attitude for the story!
Yugi: But...
Kaiba: (enters with both arms and legs in casts, covered by burns and bruises) Listen to him.
Yugi: O.o Ummm...Review?