Ethan & Iyla find a way into Subreality, but their meeting with Nate & Yugi doesn't go as they planned.
... are thoughts/telepathic speech.
Escape to Subreality
by XMAN0123
------------
It had a been a fairly calm night in the Subreality Cafe. That was pretty strange, since there were quite a few Marvel fictives present. No one really seemed to be in a fighting mood...yet.
Over in one of the booths, a Cannonball was eating a bowl of soup, while his companion, a Magik, was busy experimenting with her portals.
"Ya gonna do that all night, 'Yana?" Sam asked, stopping to look at her.
"I have to practice, Sam. I've got to get these portals just right."
Suddenly, a Juggernaut charged past them, accidentally bumping Magik's arm. The portal she was stabilizing flew out of her hands and landed on the floor.
"That's a bad thing, isn't it?" Sam asked, peering over the edge of the table.
"I think so, yes," Magik agreed with a worried look. "I'd better close it before--"
A small girl flew out of the portal and landed in Sam's lap. A young man soon emerged as well, wearing nothing but baggy sweatpants.
Sam could only think of one thing to say. "Hi?"
The girl shook her head and looked up at him. "What is this place?"
"Uh...Subreality?"
Her eyes widened. "Really? You mean it?!"
"Yeah. You're in the Subreality Cafe right now, and--"
The girl squealed happily and flew into the arms of her silent companion. "Ethan, we made it! We really made it!"
As usual, Ethan said nothing.
Sam stared at him for a long moment. "Nate, is that you? Man, I know Cable said you looked different these days, but--"
"I don't think he's the Nate we know, Sam," Magik interrupted. "I don't think he's a Nate at all."
Ethan stared at the two mutants for a few seconds, then turned and walked away, clutching the girl tightly to his bare chest.
"Is it me, or were his eyes missing?" Sam whispered.
Magik didn't respond. She was too busy trying to figure out where the portal had opened up, and why the two travelers had given her a very disturbing feeling.
* * * * *
"Do they do this often?" Madison asked.
Didi shook her head. "Not really. Usually it's just Ethan that goes out, and he always leaves us here."
"So where'd they go?" Li asked.
Didi shrugged. "Probably just around the corner to the Alter Cafe. Ethan likes the way it smells or something."
"Will they be back soon?" Madison pressed.
Didi eyed her suspiciously. "I dunno. Why do you care?"
Madison blushed. "No reason."
Li gave her a curious glance, but he didn't say anything.
* * * * *
D was awakened in the middle of the night by an insistent knocking at her door. She groaned and dragged herself out of bed. "And here I thought an invisible house would keep visitors away," she muttered, pulling on a robe as she went to the door. Just for security, she grabbed a baseball bat. "Who is it?"
"D, it's me," said a slightly familiar voice.
"Yugi?" D slowly opened the door. "Is that you?"
The girl that stared back at her certainly looked like Yugi. And the person with her looked a lot like Nate. The only problem was that they looked pretty strange, too.
D calmly leaned against the doorframe. "Aren't you two a little early for Halloween? Nice costumes, by the way."
"D, this is important! There are two people going around impersonating us!"
"You sure they aren't just fictives?"
"No, but they're dangerous!" she insisted. "I think they might be from the Alter Café!"
D's eyes widened. "You mean that place is real?! I thought it was just a legend to scare us Muses."
"No, it's very real, and so are these guys. If you see anyone that looks like us, you should-"
"Wait a minute," D interrupted. "How do I know you aren't them? Tell me something only the real Yugi would know!"
The girl closed her eyes for a moment. "You ate a gigantic burrito for your first birthday."
D's face reddened. "Okay, but everyone in the Writer's Cafe that night knew that!"
"You were sick for two weeks after that," she added. "And so were we...from the smell." She opened her eyes. "How's that?"
"Okay, so it is you. Why are you dressed like that?"
"Because those fakes will be dressed like we normally are. This way, you'll know it's us."
D tilted her head. "I guess that makes sense. So what if I find them?"
"We're hoping to find them first. Do you know where they might go?"
"I guess back to Nate's place, or the Writer's Cafe. Maybe even Subreal-"
"No, we checked there," the girl interrupted. "Just a bunch of Marvels."
"I'll tell Unkie Dreamboat to keep an eye out, just in case they enter the Dreaming." D peered closely at the young man. "Hey, what's with Nate? He's never been this quiet, and he looks kinda pale."
"Part of the costume," the girl explained. "He's supposed to be a minion of Death."
"Cool!" D said, nodding approvingly. "Mom would be proud." She turned back to who she thought was Yugi. "Well, you guys better get back to searching. The sooner we find those fakes, the better." She went back into the cottage, closing the door behind her.
"That went pretty well." The girl turned to her companion. "Where should we start? The apartment or the Cafe?"
I sense my counterpart's aura from that direction, love. Ethan raised his right hand and pointed east. What will we find there?
"The Writer's Cafe. This way, Ethan." Iyla slipped her small hand into his large one and led him down the street. "Do you think we should call home first?"
Unnecessary, dear heart. Didi is perfectly capable of watching Madison. That Li is a cause for concern, but she can handle him.
* * * * *
It had taken nearly an hour, but Li had pried himself from Didi's grip without waking her. It was the first chance he'd had to escape, and he wasn't about to miss it. Of course, he had to take Madison, too. Sakura would have wanted that.
But then he ran into a very unexpected problem: Madison didn't WANT to escape.
"You WHAT?!"
Madison lowered her voice. "I...I want to stay here."
"But why?! These people are crazy! We have to get out while we can!"
"I don't care, Li. I want to stay."
Li could barely keep from tearing out his hair. "Have you forgotten that they killed Sakura?!"
"Of course not!" Madison looked very offended. "But...it's just that they...need me. Well, Ethan does. If I were to leave, he'd be...sad."
"Oh, it's official. Insanity is contagious, and it's gotten to you."
"I know he's crazy, but that's not his fault! He can't help the way he is! And when you think about it, he hasn't turned into the Eraser once in all this time. He hasn't done anything close to being evil, except for Sakura..."
Li sighed. "She wouldn't want me to leave you here, Madison."
Madison shook her head. "She'd want me to try and help Ethan, Li. I can't explain it, but I know she would. I can feel it."
"Well, I'm not staying here."
"I know." Madison lifted her head and looked into his eyes. "Good luck."
Li hesitated. He could see the determination in her eyes. For whatever reason she was really staying, he could tell that she thought it was the right thing to do. But he didn't feel that way. "I was about to tell you the same thing." He turned and slipped out of the room, hoping Sakura's spirit could forgive him one day.
* * * * *
"C'mon, Nate!" Yugi pleaded. "Just try it one time!"
"I don't want to."
"You HAVE to! It's part of the dining experience!"
"How?"
"Um...it's like having valet parking!"
"I don't have a car."
"You COULD, if you wanted!"
"If I might interrupt?" Hank asked politely. "The gentleman does not have to board the Blue Beast Express if he does not wish to."
"He does if he wants me to be happy," Yugi replied sternly.
"Oh. Well, since you put it that way." Hank tucked Nate under one arm.
"HEY! PUT ME DOWN!"
"I'm afraid I can't do that, sir. My patron's happiness is at risk, and I would not be an excellent Assistant Manager if I didn't ensure her overall enjoyment experience here at the honorable Writer's Cafe."
"Yeah, but I'm the Writer, and she's a Muse! It's my happiness you should be AAAAAAHHH!!!"
Though the ride only lasted a few seconds, it felt like an eternity of weightlessness to Nate. And when it was over, he really wished that he hadn't eaten at all that day.
"Wasn't that fun?" Yugi asked.
Nate stumbled out onto the sidewalk and fell to his knees. "I'll tell you when my head stops spinning."
Yugi patted his back reassuringly. "Don't worry. I can teleport us home."
"NO! That might make it even worse!" His senses reeled at the mere thought of one of Yugi's teleportations.
"Oh, fine. We'll WALK, Mr. Old-Fashioned."
"Thanks." Nate slowly got to his feet. "I think I can walk now."
"You don't look like you can."
"You're right." Nate pulled a pad and pen from his jacket. "My mind's not working. How do you spell wheelchair?"
"Forget it, I'll do it." Yugi waved her hand, and a wheelchair popped into existence.
"Thanks." Nate sat down. "Okay, push me."
"I don't think so, Writer o' mine." Yugi climbed onto his shoulders and waved her hand again.
Nate never actually saw the rocket. But since he couldn't hear his own screams over all the noise, he figured that it had to be a rocket.
Yes, it's a rocket, Nate. Are you gonna start complaining again?
Yes. Especially since I just wet my pants.
Ew. Good thing I wasn't sitting in your lap.
Yugi, just tell me you can get us home without crashing. Please?
Don't you have ANY faith in your Muse?
Nate managed to smile, despite the incredible forces acting on his body. That depends on if you mean D or you.
...just for THAT remark, we're taking the scenic route, buster.
* * * * *
Pinocchio wasn't in a good mood. It seemed as if all the drunk fictives had wandered straight from the Subreality Cafe and directly to the Writer's Cafe. He considered the front of the establishment his personal domain, and he'd had to kick many unruly characters out of it this night. In other words, the wooden boy was pissed.
So by the time Ethan and Iyla discovered him, Pinocchio was ready to pound just about anyone.
"Excuse me," Iyla said politely, "but have you seen a Writer and Muse that slightly resemble us tonight?"
Pinocchio peered at her face, as if he was trying to get a good mental picture. Then he snorted and replied, "I'm a bouncer, doll. I don't get paid to remember faces."
Iyla frowned a bit, but she quickly hid it behind a smile as she felt Ethan's grip tightening. No, Ethan. I'll handle this. "Please, sir. This is really important to me."
Pinocchio started to say something, but Hank's blue head suddenly appeared at the door. "Can I help you?" he asked. His eyes narrowed, then widened in surprise. "Well...that's quite interesting."
"What is?" Iyla asked.
"I would have sworn that you two just left," Hank explained.
Ethan squeezed Iyla's hand. My counterpart has been here recently, love. The trail is fading.
Don't worry, Ethan. We'll find him. Iyla turned to Hank. "Sir, could we use your phone book, please? It'll only take a moment."
"Certainly, my dear." Hank stepped aside and allowed the pair to pass.
"I got a bad feelin' 'bout them, Hank," Pinocchio muttered.
"You have bad feelings about everyone, my friend. They only want to use the phone. See?"
Pinocchio peered inside. Ethan was holding Iyla up in his arms while she dialed the number. "Maybe, maybe not. I say we keep an eye on the silver, anyway."
* * * * *
"So what do we do now?" Yugi asked.
"Nothing. Absolutely nothing." Nate demonstrated by flopping onto the couch.
"C'mon, you big lug! The night is young!" Yugi hopped on his back and began to bounce up and down.
"Well, I'm not. I'm still dizzy from your rocket ride."
Yugi stopped bouncing and flopped across his back. "So we just lay here?"
"I do," the Writer replied, stifling a yawn. "You can go home any time."
"I AM home," Yugi insisted. "Now, are you gonna get up, or do I have to do something drastic?"
Nate's answer was a loud and obviously fake snore.
"Fine!" Yugi hopped off his back and went into her room. She was actually considering going to bed when she noticed that there was an extra stuffed animal on her bed. "That's weird. I don't remember having a stuffed Deadpool doll."
The "doll" suddenly sat up and pointed a gun at her. "To be honest, kid, you don't."
Yugi swallowed noisily. "I guess that would explain it, huh?"
"Right. So be a good lil' Muse for Uncle Wade and don't try anything stupid."
* * * * *
Are you certain we can trust a mercenary?
Iyla smiled. "Trust me, Ethan. This guy is good."
I don't want my counterpart dead, Iyla.
"I know, and I gave Deadpool specific instructions. He'll only keep an eye on them until we arrive."
* * * * *
"This is humiliating," Yugi muttered.
"At least the big one caught you," Nate pointed out. "I actually got hog-tied by a midget."
"Hey! Keep it down over there!" Deadpool shouted. "Some of us are trying to watch cartoons!"
"Yeah!" Widdle Wade added. "And if ya don't shut yer traps, we'll shut 'em for ya!"
"I really hate that kid," Nate mumbled. "Don't you have a special escape plan or something, Yugi?"
Yugi shrugged, and the ropes fell away from her shoulders. "You mean like that?"
"You could've done that the whole time?!"
"Sure, but then they would've shot you, and I'd be out of a job."
"Good point. So now what?"
"I guess we wait and see what they're waiting for."
Nate groaned. "I can hardly wait."
* * * * *
"This is the place, Ethan. I can sense Deadpool and your counterpart inside. It looks like mine is in there, too."
Good. We must not waste anymore time. Ethan kicked the door in and walked into the apartment.
Deadpool aimed his gun at the door, then lowered it. "Oh, it's you guys. I was wondering when you'd-"
Ethan silenced him with a glance.
"Where are they?" Iyla asked.
Deadpool was still too afraid to speak, so Widdle Wade pointed to the couch.
Ethan grabbed Nate by the collar and hauled him up.
"Careful, Ethan," Iyla warned. "If you get too close, even one of my shields wouldn't protect us from the explosion."
Ethan promptly threw Nate to the floor. Yugi was instantly at the fallen Writer's side, glaring up at Ethan.
She seems to be protective of him, love. How can that be?
"I-I don't know, Ethan. They're supposed to be different from us."
"We're not different," Yugi replied with a defiant grin. "We're better!"
Something in Ethan snapped, and he started to reach for the Muse.
"No, Ethan!" Iyla grabbed his hand. "We don't fully understand this world yet! Erasing her might harm me, too!"
Ethan instantly stopped. This isn't right, Iyla. They're the same as we are.
That's what YOU think, Yugi snapped, narrowing her eyes. Nobody hurts my Writer and gets away with it.
Nate already knew what his Muse was thinking. "No, Yugi! Don't do it!"
Yugi threw up her hands. Instantly, hundreds of crystal shards appeared behind her. "I don't know where you two came from, but you're going back in pieces!"
Iyla positioned herself in front of Ethan. "Wait, sister!"
"You're NOT my sister." Yugi dropped her hands.
The shards flew forward at blinding speeds. Iyla barely had time to construct an energy shield. However, the shards were fueled by Yugi's rage, which had grown considerably in the last few seconds. Soon, the shards were leaving dents in the shield.
"Ethan, we have to get out of here!" Iyla shouted. "This was a bad idea!"
No. I must know why they aren't different, Iyla.
Suddenly, a shard pierced through the shield and slashed the skin of Iyla's wrist. She shrieked in pain, and the shield instantly vanished.
Reacting with lightning speed, Ethan grabbed his Muse and turned away. The rest of the shards struck his bare back.
"Yugi, STOP!" Nate screamed.
The shards faded away, and Yugi's breathing returned to normal.
Ethan fell to his knees, clutching Iyla tightly to his chest. He could feel the blood pouring down his back in streams. Yet, his first thought was, Are you hurt, love?
Iyla slowly raised her head and stared into his eyes. "Ethan...you saved me..."
I had to, Iyla. Ethan pressed his lips to her forehead. You are my heart. Without you, I do not exist.
Iyla peered over his shoulder. "Then maybe...they're the same way?"
Perhaps. Ethan glanced back at Yugi, who had gone to work untying Nate. Still, her eyes were locked on the other Writer and his Muse.
"We should go home, Ethan," Iyla suggested. "You're hurt."
He nodded and stood up, cradling her small frame in his strong arms. I'm sorry I didn't listen to you, love. I just had to know why they weren't different.
"Maybe they're not the ones who are different, Ethan. Maybe it's us."
Ethan considered that as he walked out of the apartment.
Nate slowly sat up and rubbed his wrists, trying to get the circulation back. "Do you understand what just happened here, Yugi?"
Yugi glanced at her Writer. "I don't think either of us ever will, Nate."
"Uh...you're not gonna hold this against us, are you?" Deadpool asked.
Yugi gave him the coldest look she could come up with. "Get. OUT!"
Deadpool and Widdle Wade quickly made themselves scarce.
"You okay?" Yugi asked, crawling into Nate's lap and slipping her arms around his neck.
"I guess. Though I'm starting to wish I hadn't landed on my arm."
Suddenly, a portal in the shape of an ankh appeared, and D ran into the room. "Guys, guess what?! I was reading these books, and..." She took in the damage to the room, and the fact that Yugi was in Nate's lap. "That's...really you guys, isn't it?"
Nate and Yugi both nodded.
"Good. Anyway, I found this book on Subreversity, and...HEY! GET OFF HIM!"
"I was wondering when she'd notice," Yugi said.
* * * * *
Madison was wondering how far Li had gotten when there was a loud noise somewhere in the house. She quickly got up and ran into the kitchen.
Ethan was sprawled across the table, panting heavily. It looked as if some sort of wild animal had dug its claws into his back many times. Iyla was on the other side of the table, gently holding Ethan's head in her hands. She seemed to be whispering something to him, but the words were impossible to make out.
Didi came up behind Madison a few seconds later. As soon as she spotted Ethan's back, she ran off and returned with several damp towels. She leaned over her Writer's back and began wiping away the blood with gentle strokes. All the same, Ethan grunted in pain every time she did so.
Madison merely stood in the doorway watching for a few moments. Then she walked over to Didi and asked quietly, "What can I do to help?"
Didi stopped working and stared at her, a puzzled expression on her face. Finally, she said, "Talk to Iyla," and went back to work.
Madison turned to the other Muse, who was still whispering to Ethan in what could only be described as calm, soothing tones.
Iyla paused and looked at Madison. "I'm trying to keep him from going into shock. I've managed to shut down some of the more sensitive pain receptors, but I can't do that and keep him calm."
Madison hesitantly reached down and took hold of Ethan's right hand. It seemed so big that it took both of her hands to handle the weight. She gently rubbed the center of his palm with her fingers.
Iyla gave her a brief smile before turning her attention back to Ethan.
Ethan's breathing gradually returned to normal, and he stopped grunting when Didi put slight pressure on his back.
After what seemed like hours, Iyla lifted Ethan's head, and Didi slid a few towels underneath to serve as a pillow. Iyla then used another towel to clean off her wrist, which had stopped bleeding long ago.
Madison wanted to help her, but she wasn't sure if it was okay to leave Ethan yet. Though his pupilless eyes were open, she didn't know if he slept that way, or if he was just staring into space.
"Y'know, he's asleep," Didi pointed out, resentment in her voice. "You don't have to keep rubbing his hand like that."
"Leave her alone, Didi," Iyla said, shooting the other Muse a look.
Did muttered something and left the room in a hurry.
"I must apoligize for her. Didi gets jealous easily."
"Jealous of what?" Madison asked.
However, Iyla only smiled, and didn't say much else. Instead, she spent her time stroking Ethan's head, humming a strange song that was somewhat relaxing. "It's easy to forget he's dangerous, isn't it?" she asked suddenly.
Madison blinked. "What do you mean?"
"It's only been three months since you first came to us, Madison. Surely you remember?"
"Oh. That." Madison lowered her head. "I try not to think about it."
"For all the good it does, I'm sorry. Ethan is, too. He likes you."
Madison froze. "What?"
"I said he likes you," Iyla repeated.
"No, I heard you. Why does he?"
Iyla shrugged. "He likes your voice."
"But you told me he was deaf and mute."
"Did I say that?" Iyla smiled sheepishly. "Okay, he is mute. I sometimes get carried away, and Ethan never bothers to correct my little mistakes. It's the big ones he doesn't let me get away with."
"Does he...punish you?"
"Punish? No, of course not. Ethan could never do that. He makes 'suggestions.' Sometimes he suggests more strongly than others, but that's about it."
"So he's not...mean?" Madison asked.
"Madison, I know your first impression of Ethan was a bad one, and you'd probably heard all the stories about Ethan the Eraser and how sick and twisted he was. But the fact is, Ethan rarely gets angry, so most of the time, he's just like any other Writer. In fact, once you get to know him, he can be very sweet. He's like a big teddy bear that can't talk."
"Well, that's an odd way to describe him."
"You'd be surprised," Iyla said with a smile. "He's a master when it comes to cuddling."
"I think I'll just stick to holding his hand for now," Madison replied.
* * * * *
"Pssst! Nate!"
Nate slowly opened his eyes. "Yugi, it's three in the morning."
"I need to talk to you!"
"Now?"
"Yes, now!" she insisted, giving his pillow a tug.
Nate grunted and sat up. "Fine. What is it?"
"I've been thinking."
His eyes narrowed. "There had BETTER be more."
"There is. I was thinking about how Ethan protected Iyla earlier."
"Your point being?" Nate asked, stifling a yawn.
"Would you do that for me?"
"Sure. Not that it would make much difference. That guy looked pretty ripped, and those shards would probably go right through me. So at least we'd die together in a bloody heap. Can I go to sleep now?"
"I guess."
Nate didn't move. "What else is there?"
"D told me that Ethan and Iyla are supposed to be our opposites."
"In theory."
"Right. Well, I was thinking...they weren't that different from us. But they're evil, right?"
"I dunno. They did make Deadpool tie us up."
"So...does that mean if I wanted you to fall in love with me...we'd both have to be evil?"
Nate tilted his head slightly. "You're jealous of them."
"I can't help it! They were so close, and...and..."
"Yugi, stop doing this to yourself. I'm not going to fall in love with you just because you want me to. Waking me at three in the morning is severely testing the love I do have for you. Now please, stop asking questions and go to bed."
Yugi did as she was told, but she couldn't stop thinking about Ethan and Iyla. There was so much she didn't know about them, too many questions left unanswered by their visit. In that moment, Yugi knew she had no choice. One way or another, she would have to find them, even if it meant going to the dreaded Alter Cafe itself.
----------
Disclaimer: Deadpool & Widdle Wade belong to Marvel Comics. Madison belongs to Nelvana/CLAMP.
... are thoughts/telepathic speech.
Escape to Subreality
by XMAN0123
------------
It had a been a fairly calm night in the Subreality Cafe. That was pretty strange, since there were quite a few Marvel fictives present. No one really seemed to be in a fighting mood...yet.
Over in one of the booths, a Cannonball was eating a bowl of soup, while his companion, a Magik, was busy experimenting with her portals.
"Ya gonna do that all night, 'Yana?" Sam asked, stopping to look at her.
"I have to practice, Sam. I've got to get these portals just right."
Suddenly, a Juggernaut charged past them, accidentally bumping Magik's arm. The portal she was stabilizing flew out of her hands and landed on the floor.
"That's a bad thing, isn't it?" Sam asked, peering over the edge of the table.
"I think so, yes," Magik agreed with a worried look. "I'd better close it before--"
A small girl flew out of the portal and landed in Sam's lap. A young man soon emerged as well, wearing nothing but baggy sweatpants.
Sam could only think of one thing to say. "Hi?"
The girl shook her head and looked up at him. "What is this place?"
"Uh...Subreality?"
Her eyes widened. "Really? You mean it?!"
"Yeah. You're in the Subreality Cafe right now, and--"
The girl squealed happily and flew into the arms of her silent companion. "Ethan, we made it! We really made it!"
As usual, Ethan said nothing.
Sam stared at him for a long moment. "Nate, is that you? Man, I know Cable said you looked different these days, but--"
"I don't think he's the Nate we know, Sam," Magik interrupted. "I don't think he's a Nate at all."
Ethan stared at the two mutants for a few seconds, then turned and walked away, clutching the girl tightly to his bare chest.
"Is it me, or were his eyes missing?" Sam whispered.
Magik didn't respond. She was too busy trying to figure out where the portal had opened up, and why the two travelers had given her a very disturbing feeling.
* * * * *
"Do they do this often?" Madison asked.
Didi shook her head. "Not really. Usually it's just Ethan that goes out, and he always leaves us here."
"So where'd they go?" Li asked.
Didi shrugged. "Probably just around the corner to the Alter Cafe. Ethan likes the way it smells or something."
"Will they be back soon?" Madison pressed.
Didi eyed her suspiciously. "I dunno. Why do you care?"
Madison blushed. "No reason."
Li gave her a curious glance, but he didn't say anything.
* * * * *
D was awakened in the middle of the night by an insistent knocking at her door. She groaned and dragged herself out of bed. "And here I thought an invisible house would keep visitors away," she muttered, pulling on a robe as she went to the door. Just for security, she grabbed a baseball bat. "Who is it?"
"D, it's me," said a slightly familiar voice.
"Yugi?" D slowly opened the door. "Is that you?"
The girl that stared back at her certainly looked like Yugi. And the person with her looked a lot like Nate. The only problem was that they looked pretty strange, too.
D calmly leaned against the doorframe. "Aren't you two a little early for Halloween? Nice costumes, by the way."
"D, this is important! There are two people going around impersonating us!"
"You sure they aren't just fictives?"
"No, but they're dangerous!" she insisted. "I think they might be from the Alter Café!"
D's eyes widened. "You mean that place is real?! I thought it was just a legend to scare us Muses."
"No, it's very real, and so are these guys. If you see anyone that looks like us, you should-"
"Wait a minute," D interrupted. "How do I know you aren't them? Tell me something only the real Yugi would know!"
The girl closed her eyes for a moment. "You ate a gigantic burrito for your first birthday."
D's face reddened. "Okay, but everyone in the Writer's Cafe that night knew that!"
"You were sick for two weeks after that," she added. "And so were we...from the smell." She opened her eyes. "How's that?"
"Okay, so it is you. Why are you dressed like that?"
"Because those fakes will be dressed like we normally are. This way, you'll know it's us."
D tilted her head. "I guess that makes sense. So what if I find them?"
"We're hoping to find them first. Do you know where they might go?"
"I guess back to Nate's place, or the Writer's Cafe. Maybe even Subreal-"
"No, we checked there," the girl interrupted. "Just a bunch of Marvels."
"I'll tell Unkie Dreamboat to keep an eye out, just in case they enter the Dreaming." D peered closely at the young man. "Hey, what's with Nate? He's never been this quiet, and he looks kinda pale."
"Part of the costume," the girl explained. "He's supposed to be a minion of Death."
"Cool!" D said, nodding approvingly. "Mom would be proud." She turned back to who she thought was Yugi. "Well, you guys better get back to searching. The sooner we find those fakes, the better." She went back into the cottage, closing the door behind her.
"That went pretty well." The girl turned to her companion. "Where should we start? The apartment or the Cafe?"
I sense my counterpart's aura from that direction, love. Ethan raised his right hand and pointed east. What will we find there?
"The Writer's Cafe. This way, Ethan." Iyla slipped her small hand into his large one and led him down the street. "Do you think we should call home first?"
Unnecessary, dear heart. Didi is perfectly capable of watching Madison. That Li is a cause for concern, but she can handle him.
* * * * *
It had taken nearly an hour, but Li had pried himself from Didi's grip without waking her. It was the first chance he'd had to escape, and he wasn't about to miss it. Of course, he had to take Madison, too. Sakura would have wanted that.
But then he ran into a very unexpected problem: Madison didn't WANT to escape.
"You WHAT?!"
Madison lowered her voice. "I...I want to stay here."
"But why?! These people are crazy! We have to get out while we can!"
"I don't care, Li. I want to stay."
Li could barely keep from tearing out his hair. "Have you forgotten that they killed Sakura?!"
"Of course not!" Madison looked very offended. "But...it's just that they...need me. Well, Ethan does. If I were to leave, he'd be...sad."
"Oh, it's official. Insanity is contagious, and it's gotten to you."
"I know he's crazy, but that's not his fault! He can't help the way he is! And when you think about it, he hasn't turned into the Eraser once in all this time. He hasn't done anything close to being evil, except for Sakura..."
Li sighed. "She wouldn't want me to leave you here, Madison."
Madison shook her head. "She'd want me to try and help Ethan, Li. I can't explain it, but I know she would. I can feel it."
"Well, I'm not staying here."
"I know." Madison lifted her head and looked into his eyes. "Good luck."
Li hesitated. He could see the determination in her eyes. For whatever reason she was really staying, he could tell that she thought it was the right thing to do. But he didn't feel that way. "I was about to tell you the same thing." He turned and slipped out of the room, hoping Sakura's spirit could forgive him one day.
* * * * *
"C'mon, Nate!" Yugi pleaded. "Just try it one time!"
"I don't want to."
"You HAVE to! It's part of the dining experience!"
"How?"
"Um...it's like having valet parking!"
"I don't have a car."
"You COULD, if you wanted!"
"If I might interrupt?" Hank asked politely. "The gentleman does not have to board the Blue Beast Express if he does not wish to."
"He does if he wants me to be happy," Yugi replied sternly.
"Oh. Well, since you put it that way." Hank tucked Nate under one arm.
"HEY! PUT ME DOWN!"
"I'm afraid I can't do that, sir. My patron's happiness is at risk, and I would not be an excellent Assistant Manager if I didn't ensure her overall enjoyment experience here at the honorable Writer's Cafe."
"Yeah, but I'm the Writer, and she's a Muse! It's my happiness you should be AAAAAAHHH!!!"
Though the ride only lasted a few seconds, it felt like an eternity of weightlessness to Nate. And when it was over, he really wished that he hadn't eaten at all that day.
"Wasn't that fun?" Yugi asked.
Nate stumbled out onto the sidewalk and fell to his knees. "I'll tell you when my head stops spinning."
Yugi patted his back reassuringly. "Don't worry. I can teleport us home."
"NO! That might make it even worse!" His senses reeled at the mere thought of one of Yugi's teleportations.
"Oh, fine. We'll WALK, Mr. Old-Fashioned."
"Thanks." Nate slowly got to his feet. "I think I can walk now."
"You don't look like you can."
"You're right." Nate pulled a pad and pen from his jacket. "My mind's not working. How do you spell wheelchair?"
"Forget it, I'll do it." Yugi waved her hand, and a wheelchair popped into existence.
"Thanks." Nate sat down. "Okay, push me."
"I don't think so, Writer o' mine." Yugi climbed onto his shoulders and waved her hand again.
Nate never actually saw the rocket. But since he couldn't hear his own screams over all the noise, he figured that it had to be a rocket.
Yes, it's a rocket, Nate. Are you gonna start complaining again?
Yes. Especially since I just wet my pants.
Ew. Good thing I wasn't sitting in your lap.
Yugi, just tell me you can get us home without crashing. Please?
Don't you have ANY faith in your Muse?
Nate managed to smile, despite the incredible forces acting on his body. That depends on if you mean D or you.
...just for THAT remark, we're taking the scenic route, buster.
* * * * *
Pinocchio wasn't in a good mood. It seemed as if all the drunk fictives had wandered straight from the Subreality Cafe and directly to the Writer's Cafe. He considered the front of the establishment his personal domain, and he'd had to kick many unruly characters out of it this night. In other words, the wooden boy was pissed.
So by the time Ethan and Iyla discovered him, Pinocchio was ready to pound just about anyone.
"Excuse me," Iyla said politely, "but have you seen a Writer and Muse that slightly resemble us tonight?"
Pinocchio peered at her face, as if he was trying to get a good mental picture. Then he snorted and replied, "I'm a bouncer, doll. I don't get paid to remember faces."
Iyla frowned a bit, but she quickly hid it behind a smile as she felt Ethan's grip tightening. No, Ethan. I'll handle this. "Please, sir. This is really important to me."
Pinocchio started to say something, but Hank's blue head suddenly appeared at the door. "Can I help you?" he asked. His eyes narrowed, then widened in surprise. "Well...that's quite interesting."
"What is?" Iyla asked.
"I would have sworn that you two just left," Hank explained.
Ethan squeezed Iyla's hand. My counterpart has been here recently, love. The trail is fading.
Don't worry, Ethan. We'll find him. Iyla turned to Hank. "Sir, could we use your phone book, please? It'll only take a moment."
"Certainly, my dear." Hank stepped aside and allowed the pair to pass.
"I got a bad feelin' 'bout them, Hank," Pinocchio muttered.
"You have bad feelings about everyone, my friend. They only want to use the phone. See?"
Pinocchio peered inside. Ethan was holding Iyla up in his arms while she dialed the number. "Maybe, maybe not. I say we keep an eye on the silver, anyway."
* * * * *
"So what do we do now?" Yugi asked.
"Nothing. Absolutely nothing." Nate demonstrated by flopping onto the couch.
"C'mon, you big lug! The night is young!" Yugi hopped on his back and began to bounce up and down.
"Well, I'm not. I'm still dizzy from your rocket ride."
Yugi stopped bouncing and flopped across his back. "So we just lay here?"
"I do," the Writer replied, stifling a yawn. "You can go home any time."
"I AM home," Yugi insisted. "Now, are you gonna get up, or do I have to do something drastic?"
Nate's answer was a loud and obviously fake snore.
"Fine!" Yugi hopped off his back and went into her room. She was actually considering going to bed when she noticed that there was an extra stuffed animal on her bed. "That's weird. I don't remember having a stuffed Deadpool doll."
The "doll" suddenly sat up and pointed a gun at her. "To be honest, kid, you don't."
Yugi swallowed noisily. "I guess that would explain it, huh?"
"Right. So be a good lil' Muse for Uncle Wade and don't try anything stupid."
* * * * *
Are you certain we can trust a mercenary?
Iyla smiled. "Trust me, Ethan. This guy is good."
I don't want my counterpart dead, Iyla.
"I know, and I gave Deadpool specific instructions. He'll only keep an eye on them until we arrive."
* * * * *
"This is humiliating," Yugi muttered.
"At least the big one caught you," Nate pointed out. "I actually got hog-tied by a midget."
"Hey! Keep it down over there!" Deadpool shouted. "Some of us are trying to watch cartoons!"
"Yeah!" Widdle Wade added. "And if ya don't shut yer traps, we'll shut 'em for ya!"
"I really hate that kid," Nate mumbled. "Don't you have a special escape plan or something, Yugi?"
Yugi shrugged, and the ropes fell away from her shoulders. "You mean like that?"
"You could've done that the whole time?!"
"Sure, but then they would've shot you, and I'd be out of a job."
"Good point. So now what?"
"I guess we wait and see what they're waiting for."
Nate groaned. "I can hardly wait."
* * * * *
"This is the place, Ethan. I can sense Deadpool and your counterpart inside. It looks like mine is in there, too."
Good. We must not waste anymore time. Ethan kicked the door in and walked into the apartment.
Deadpool aimed his gun at the door, then lowered it. "Oh, it's you guys. I was wondering when you'd-"
Ethan silenced him with a glance.
"Where are they?" Iyla asked.
Deadpool was still too afraid to speak, so Widdle Wade pointed to the couch.
Ethan grabbed Nate by the collar and hauled him up.
"Careful, Ethan," Iyla warned. "If you get too close, even one of my shields wouldn't protect us from the explosion."
Ethan promptly threw Nate to the floor. Yugi was instantly at the fallen Writer's side, glaring up at Ethan.
She seems to be protective of him, love. How can that be?
"I-I don't know, Ethan. They're supposed to be different from us."
"We're not different," Yugi replied with a defiant grin. "We're better!"
Something in Ethan snapped, and he started to reach for the Muse.
"No, Ethan!" Iyla grabbed his hand. "We don't fully understand this world yet! Erasing her might harm me, too!"
Ethan instantly stopped. This isn't right, Iyla. They're the same as we are.
That's what YOU think, Yugi snapped, narrowing her eyes. Nobody hurts my Writer and gets away with it.
Nate already knew what his Muse was thinking. "No, Yugi! Don't do it!"
Yugi threw up her hands. Instantly, hundreds of crystal shards appeared behind her. "I don't know where you two came from, but you're going back in pieces!"
Iyla positioned herself in front of Ethan. "Wait, sister!"
"You're NOT my sister." Yugi dropped her hands.
The shards flew forward at blinding speeds. Iyla barely had time to construct an energy shield. However, the shards were fueled by Yugi's rage, which had grown considerably in the last few seconds. Soon, the shards were leaving dents in the shield.
"Ethan, we have to get out of here!" Iyla shouted. "This was a bad idea!"
No. I must know why they aren't different, Iyla.
Suddenly, a shard pierced through the shield and slashed the skin of Iyla's wrist. She shrieked in pain, and the shield instantly vanished.
Reacting with lightning speed, Ethan grabbed his Muse and turned away. The rest of the shards struck his bare back.
"Yugi, STOP!" Nate screamed.
The shards faded away, and Yugi's breathing returned to normal.
Ethan fell to his knees, clutching Iyla tightly to his chest. He could feel the blood pouring down his back in streams. Yet, his first thought was, Are you hurt, love?
Iyla slowly raised her head and stared into his eyes. "Ethan...you saved me..."
I had to, Iyla. Ethan pressed his lips to her forehead. You are my heart. Without you, I do not exist.
Iyla peered over his shoulder. "Then maybe...they're the same way?"
Perhaps. Ethan glanced back at Yugi, who had gone to work untying Nate. Still, her eyes were locked on the other Writer and his Muse.
"We should go home, Ethan," Iyla suggested. "You're hurt."
He nodded and stood up, cradling her small frame in his strong arms. I'm sorry I didn't listen to you, love. I just had to know why they weren't different.
"Maybe they're not the ones who are different, Ethan. Maybe it's us."
Ethan considered that as he walked out of the apartment.
Nate slowly sat up and rubbed his wrists, trying to get the circulation back. "Do you understand what just happened here, Yugi?"
Yugi glanced at her Writer. "I don't think either of us ever will, Nate."
"Uh...you're not gonna hold this against us, are you?" Deadpool asked.
Yugi gave him the coldest look she could come up with. "Get. OUT!"
Deadpool and Widdle Wade quickly made themselves scarce.
"You okay?" Yugi asked, crawling into Nate's lap and slipping her arms around his neck.
"I guess. Though I'm starting to wish I hadn't landed on my arm."
Suddenly, a portal in the shape of an ankh appeared, and D ran into the room. "Guys, guess what?! I was reading these books, and..." She took in the damage to the room, and the fact that Yugi was in Nate's lap. "That's...really you guys, isn't it?"
Nate and Yugi both nodded.
"Good. Anyway, I found this book on Subreversity, and...HEY! GET OFF HIM!"
"I was wondering when she'd notice," Yugi said.
* * * * *
Madison was wondering how far Li had gotten when there was a loud noise somewhere in the house. She quickly got up and ran into the kitchen.
Ethan was sprawled across the table, panting heavily. It looked as if some sort of wild animal had dug its claws into his back many times. Iyla was on the other side of the table, gently holding Ethan's head in her hands. She seemed to be whispering something to him, but the words were impossible to make out.
Didi came up behind Madison a few seconds later. As soon as she spotted Ethan's back, she ran off and returned with several damp towels. She leaned over her Writer's back and began wiping away the blood with gentle strokes. All the same, Ethan grunted in pain every time she did so.
Madison merely stood in the doorway watching for a few moments. Then she walked over to Didi and asked quietly, "What can I do to help?"
Didi stopped working and stared at her, a puzzled expression on her face. Finally, she said, "Talk to Iyla," and went back to work.
Madison turned to the other Muse, who was still whispering to Ethan in what could only be described as calm, soothing tones.
Iyla paused and looked at Madison. "I'm trying to keep him from going into shock. I've managed to shut down some of the more sensitive pain receptors, but I can't do that and keep him calm."
Madison hesitantly reached down and took hold of Ethan's right hand. It seemed so big that it took both of her hands to handle the weight. She gently rubbed the center of his palm with her fingers.
Iyla gave her a brief smile before turning her attention back to Ethan.
Ethan's breathing gradually returned to normal, and he stopped grunting when Didi put slight pressure on his back.
After what seemed like hours, Iyla lifted Ethan's head, and Didi slid a few towels underneath to serve as a pillow. Iyla then used another towel to clean off her wrist, which had stopped bleeding long ago.
Madison wanted to help her, but she wasn't sure if it was okay to leave Ethan yet. Though his pupilless eyes were open, she didn't know if he slept that way, or if he was just staring into space.
"Y'know, he's asleep," Didi pointed out, resentment in her voice. "You don't have to keep rubbing his hand like that."
"Leave her alone, Didi," Iyla said, shooting the other Muse a look.
Did muttered something and left the room in a hurry.
"I must apoligize for her. Didi gets jealous easily."
"Jealous of what?" Madison asked.
However, Iyla only smiled, and didn't say much else. Instead, she spent her time stroking Ethan's head, humming a strange song that was somewhat relaxing. "It's easy to forget he's dangerous, isn't it?" she asked suddenly.
Madison blinked. "What do you mean?"
"It's only been three months since you first came to us, Madison. Surely you remember?"
"Oh. That." Madison lowered her head. "I try not to think about it."
"For all the good it does, I'm sorry. Ethan is, too. He likes you."
Madison froze. "What?"
"I said he likes you," Iyla repeated.
"No, I heard you. Why does he?"
Iyla shrugged. "He likes your voice."
"But you told me he was deaf and mute."
"Did I say that?" Iyla smiled sheepishly. "Okay, he is mute. I sometimes get carried away, and Ethan never bothers to correct my little mistakes. It's the big ones he doesn't let me get away with."
"Does he...punish you?"
"Punish? No, of course not. Ethan could never do that. He makes 'suggestions.' Sometimes he suggests more strongly than others, but that's about it."
"So he's not...mean?" Madison asked.
"Madison, I know your first impression of Ethan was a bad one, and you'd probably heard all the stories about Ethan the Eraser and how sick and twisted he was. But the fact is, Ethan rarely gets angry, so most of the time, he's just like any other Writer. In fact, once you get to know him, he can be very sweet. He's like a big teddy bear that can't talk."
"Well, that's an odd way to describe him."
"You'd be surprised," Iyla said with a smile. "He's a master when it comes to cuddling."
"I think I'll just stick to holding his hand for now," Madison replied.
* * * * *
"Pssst! Nate!"
Nate slowly opened his eyes. "Yugi, it's three in the morning."
"I need to talk to you!"
"Now?"
"Yes, now!" she insisted, giving his pillow a tug.
Nate grunted and sat up. "Fine. What is it?"
"I've been thinking."
His eyes narrowed. "There had BETTER be more."
"There is. I was thinking about how Ethan protected Iyla earlier."
"Your point being?" Nate asked, stifling a yawn.
"Would you do that for me?"
"Sure. Not that it would make much difference. That guy looked pretty ripped, and those shards would probably go right through me. So at least we'd die together in a bloody heap. Can I go to sleep now?"
"I guess."
Nate didn't move. "What else is there?"
"D told me that Ethan and Iyla are supposed to be our opposites."
"In theory."
"Right. Well, I was thinking...they weren't that different from us. But they're evil, right?"
"I dunno. They did make Deadpool tie us up."
"So...does that mean if I wanted you to fall in love with me...we'd both have to be evil?"
Nate tilted his head slightly. "You're jealous of them."
"I can't help it! They were so close, and...and..."
"Yugi, stop doing this to yourself. I'm not going to fall in love with you just because you want me to. Waking me at three in the morning is severely testing the love I do have for you. Now please, stop asking questions and go to bed."
Yugi did as she was told, but she couldn't stop thinking about Ethan and Iyla. There was so much she didn't know about them, too many questions left unanswered by their visit. In that moment, Yugi knew she had no choice. One way or another, she would have to find them, even if it meant going to the dreaded Alter Cafe itself.
----------
Disclaimer: Deadpool & Widdle Wade belong to Marvel Comics. Madison belongs to Nelvana/CLAMP.