¡Hola mis amigas¿Qué tal? In case you're wondering, it means "Hello, my friends! How are you?" in Spanish. (Luff: How 'bout "Bonjour mes amis! Çava?" I am soooo sad…I think the French is getting to me.) I know some of you will argue it should be 'amigos' but that's only if there are any males. And the Yu-Gi-Oh! fanfiction realm is rather dominated by crazy fan girls, although please correct me if I'm wrong and there are guys reading this! I don't know why but I felt like writing in Spanish. Nevermind...let's look at some replies to my lovely reviewers (who are still in short supply)!
Yugi and Mai – Don't worry about not reviewing, at least you did it eventually! I like how you separated it into the various couples and that as usual, Yugi and Yami get the most attention. But that is to be expected from a crazy fangirl I suppose… Also, thank you very much for the great amount of flattering you've done! But I don't think that the usual Ryou and Bakura relationship would have suited this, considering it's an AU. I know you said it wasn't cliché but I still consider it to be so… Your theory as to the Sun and Moon thing is also interesting but I think you're looking into it a little bit too deeply…I just thought that Yugi was a lot like sunshine. And yes, things will be very bad for them…heh. I agree with you on the Shaman King line though, it would have been a great comedy moment! But maybe not quite suitable for the scene. And of course the strawberries wouldn't have done anything, I wasn't there to feed them to you! As for your questions, you'll find out the answer this chapter. By the way, your reviews are not short, they're bloody long and I hope your fingers survived.
Hakiri-Nefertiri – Thank you for telling me that you didn't understand the Council. I'm not sure which bit you don't understand but hopefully things will be a little bit clearer. If not then I'll add in a scene in the next chapter to explain it. Is it one thing in particular? It's something I actually ignored really, which isn't really a good thing because it's made my story weaker. You mean Bakura's secret…ah well it was revealed last chapter so I suppose you know it by now. I know it was Yugi who pestered you to read this and for doing so, reviewing AND adding me into your favourite stories means so much to me! Thank you so much, you've made me very happy! #Pause# I sounded scarily like Tohru from Fruits Basket there…I don't know if you know the character but if you do, please reassure me I didn't.
Disclaimer: Yeah, yeah, I know I don't own it! I also don't own Super Smash Bros Melee, Nintendo do. But I do own a story...this one.
Warning: Some swearing, some references to sex, more bad nasty words, the society's coming out (no pun intended) in all it's...technicolour...glory...
Note: "Blah" is speaking, #blah# is thinking and songs /blah/ is emphasis and ((blah)) is mental link between Yugi and Yami. xxxxxx and xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx are dividers in a chapter.
The last chapter was relatively light and happy, which is just as well as this is the chapter where it all goes downhill for our group! If you're wondering what could happen, then you obviously haven't been reading the story carefully. For the following events will seem inevitable...but it will all work out. Promise. And at least this chapter is shorter (just about) than the last one...
Chapter five: Torn into Two
Marik and Malik were at Marik's house, sitting on his bed as they kissed. They had been taking a lot of risks recently, the others were worried about their behaviour as if they got caught, the others were in danger too. But they mostly ignored their worries; all that was important was their love. The fact that Yami had called them sluts hadn't really helped though. Marik still wouldn't talk to him and so Malik was trying to cheer him up.
"Just ignore him Marik, he doesn't matter." He whispered, rubbing his back.
"Yes it does! What if they all think that? I'm not a…" He didn't say the word; Malik knew how much it hurt him.
"They don't think that, you heard how the others reacted when Yami said it. They were just as outraged as we were."
"Probably because he was brave enough to say it! I know the others think it; I saw the look in Yugi and Ryou's eyes when he said it. And they've been avoiding me for ages."
"Marik, you're being paranoid. We are not sluts, we just enjoy being together. What's wrong with that?" Marik didn't reply to this and so Malik kissed him. "Marik?"
"I just wish things were different…" He sighed, closing his eyes and leaning against Malik.
"They will be, one day. But right now we'll just have to do with this." He looked down at Marik and their lips met once more but this time, they just stayed still, liking the silence in the room. Until they heard a voice.
"MARIK WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?" They looked around in shock and saw Marik's mum standing in the doorway, looking beyond angry. They stared at each other, unable to move as two sets of feet thundered towards their room and Ishizu and Odion entered.
Ishizu looked both guilty and shocked while Odion was merely saddened by the fact they had finally been caught. They had always been a beacon of hope in his eyes, that there could still be love in a place like this. But now that was gone and no doubt Marik would get taken away.
#No, I will not let Marik go again.# He thought and he waited to see what would happen.
"I asked you what you were doing?" His mum repeated, stepping closer.
"We were kissing mum and if you take one more step forward I'll warp your mind so badly you'll just be a gibbering wreck on the floor." Marik stood up and held the Millennium Rod in front of him, pointing it straight at her. "I'm not afraid to use it."
"You wouldn't use it on me." She replied.
"Oh really? Then let me change your mind." His voice had become deeper as he started to glow purple, white light gathering at the end of the Rod.
"Marik, don't do it. Please…" Malik said, standing up and placing his hand on Marik's.
"You keep your hands off my son you faggot!" His mum shrieked and he flinched at the word but still kept his hand where it was.
"Marik, this won't help us." He whispered and smiled when he saw the colour disappearing and soon his Marik was back. "Thank you."
"I hope that was the right thing to do." He whispered, putting his arms around Malik.
"Right, that's it! I'm phoning the police!" And she turned around and stormed out of the room. Odion looked panicked and turned to Ishizu.
"Please Ishizu, go down and do whatever you have to do to stop her from phoning the authorities while I talk to them." He said quickly and she frowned.
"But why Odion?"
"Because I am not letting Marik go again." He muttered and nodding her head, she ran out of the room and down the stairs.
Odion turned back to the couple and saw them kissing each other gently, both crying. They knew what was going to happen, or thought they knew anyway. It was their worst nightmare, to be torn apart like this. He walked towards them and they broke apart hurriedly but still held each other.
"I'm sorry we got caught Odion. Maybe it would have been better if none of this ever happened, if I had stopped it…" Marik said, crying even harder.
"Don't worry, if all goes well none of you will get taken away so you can at least see each other at school if nothing else."
"No doubt they'll put a restraining order on me though…" Malik pointed out and Odion suddenly remembered the conversation they had had. And by the looks of things, so had Malik. "I'm sorry I couldn't protect him Odion. I let him get hurt…" Marik looked from one to the other, confused by what they were saying.
"What?"
"I promised Odion I would protect you, protect you from what is happening right now." He paused, clenching his fists in anger. "The others knew this was going to happen, why didn't we listen to them?"
"Because we thought we knew best. Malik, there's nothing we can do now." He had calmed himself down and smiled at Malik. "I just wanted you to know that I love you and always will."
"I always have loved you and I still do. One day we will get out of here ok?" Marik nodded his head and hearing feet on the stairs, they shared one final kiss, like their first proper one, gentle and caring for the other. Then they stepped away from each other and waited for judgement.
"I have decided not to phone the police but you two are very lucky. Now you," She pointed to Malik. "I want you out of my house and if I ever see you near Marik again, I will phone the law enforcement. I will be putting a restraining order on you, I don't care what Shadi says, if this is what he meant, I'd rather things ended up different for Marik."
"What? You knew this was going to happen?"
"Be quiet boy, you're in a lot of trouble. Now go." Malik nodded his head and started to walk, pushing something into Marik's hand as he passed him. Soon he was gone and Marik turned to his mum.
"What did you mean by Shadi?" Marik repeated but he was ignored as his mum left the room with Ishizu. However, Odion remained behind and told him to sit down on the bed.
"Shadi told us that Malik was going to be important in your life, that he had a hand in your fate. Not only for bad, but for good too. He didn't know what would happen, or if he did, he refused to tell us. That is why you were allowed to be together at school, mum was going to have a restraining order put on him. But now it's happening anyway…" Odion explained and Marik thought about this.
"Why did you never tell me about this?"
"Because that was intervening in powers that are above us. It does not bode well to try and change fate, it will find a way of happening anyway."
"So I could still be with Malik?"
"Yes but the path to reach that may not be nice. It could be years, events have to be subtle, they cannot change overnight." He smiled and looked at Marik's hand. "What did he give you?"
"I don't know." He opened his fist and gasped when he saw the necklace. "I gave this to him not long after we got together…" On the chain was a small, silver ankh, one of most important Ancient Egyptian symbols, the sign of life. "And now he's given it back…" He looked so despondent at seeing it but Odion smiled.
"He gave it back to you as a sign that you are still important to him, that his life is gone until you give it back to him. Maybe if you get out of here…"
"Maybe…"
The door was flung open and his mum walked back in along with several bin liners, Ishizu following her as she stood in front of them.
"You go through all that therapy and /still/ you insist on doing…that…"
"What mum? I love Malik, what's wrong with that?" He said bravely but gasped in pain when he felt a hand across his face. His mum had just slapped him…
"I will not hear words like that coming out of your mouth again. Now you are going to take all of your stuff and put it in these bin liners. I knew I was being lenient with you when I let you keep most of it. Now get to work, I want all of this gone by the time I get back up in twenty minutes." She instructed, throwing the bags on the bed. "You have brought absolute shame upon this family…"
"How? No one knows about this." Marik snapped, snatching the bags up and turning away. His mum breathed deeply in order to control herself before leaving the room. "Odion…" He whispered before he sank down onto the bed, the events taking their toll on him.
"Shush, it's going to be ok. Ishizu and I will persuade mum to let us keep some of your stuff…" He replied, taking Marik in his arms and hugging him tightly.
"Yes, we will try and get as much as possible but we have to get started now." Ishizu added and Marik nodded his head.
"Ok."
It didn't take long to put everything away, most of Marik's possessions had been thrown out the first time and he hadn't trusted himself to keep much since then. It was still hard to chuck some of these things away though…
"Hey, what's this?" Ishizu said, holding up an envelope. "Can I open it?" Marik shrugged his shoulders so she lifted the flap and her eyes widened when she took out a Polaroid. "Oh Marik, you look so happy…" It was a picture of Marik and Malik together, their only one.
"Ryou took it a few months ago for us, he did one for Malik too." He explained, taking the photograph.
"You mean he knew about it too?"
"They all did, we told them. They didn't mind…" He sighed before putting the picture in the bin liner in front of him. "There's no point in keeping it."
"Why not? Marik, this is the only thing you two have, don't let it get destroyed." Odion said, taking it back out.
"It hurts so much though. I'll never be with him again." Nevertheless, he took the photograph back from Odion and put it in his pocket. "I'll find somewhere for it in a minute."
"There we go, I think that's everything." Ishizu said, looking around. "We'll take this bag and hide all of the stuff in it in our rooms." She suggested, indicating the one bag that Marik had put everything he wanted to keep in it. It wasn't much; just most of his CDs and cuddly toys but it meant a lot to him. In fact, this whole event meant a lot to him.
"Thank you guys." He mumbled, blushing.
"Whatever for?"
"For helping me with this. I know you could have easily just done what mum did but you didn't…"
"Marik, we're your family. Although I was a bit shocked to find out, I'm not angry. I could tell you love each other and that is the most important thing, not the sex of your partner. This place can be so unfair…" Ishizu said before standing up. "Anyway, I believe Shadi's words hold great importance in them, doing this will not help in your fate. But now Odion and I must go with your stuff." She bent down and gave Marik a quick hug before leaving the room with her brother.
"Remember what Malik gave you…life." Odion said as he stood at the doorway.
"I will." He took out the necklace and allowed it to spin in the air for a moment before putting it away again, feeling like he was putting his heart away too.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The next few weeks for Marik were heartbreaking. Every day he saw Malik but couldn't speak to him. He wasn't even supposed to see him; he usually sneaked a glance as he went past Yami's form room, his room too. Malik was never around, he had completely removed himself from everyone, including Bakura and they were best friends. Marik had tried to say hello once but he ignored him and that was the worst thing of all. The others soon found out what had happened and did their best to support Marik but at the same time, they were cautious. If anyone found out that they knew, they could get into trouble for withholding information from the police. So they could only watch as Marik gradually fell apart inside. Of course he had to act normal in front of everyone, particularly his family and his mother was fooled, but no one else was.
He was lying in bed as he thought about what had happened, the Polaroid in his hand. They were sitting outside in the park and Malik had his arm around Marik's neck, pretending to strangle him while they both laughed. The sun was shining, although Marik had a scarf on so it might have been cold still. He couldn't remember exactly when it was taken but he knew that everyone had had them done, including Duke and Tristan. But he hadn't told that to Odion and Ishizu, just in case. He missed him so much, not just because he loved him but the physical aspect too. He liked it when Malik kissed him, he felt so special. Now he was empty…
#That's it, I'm going to see him! Right now!# He thought and he got up, putting some clothes on before getting out a robe from the cupboard. He had worn it back in Egypt, when the weather was just getting cold. He had kept it; it was one of his favourite items. It was a deep purple and had on the hood a gold chain and an Eye of Horus for protection. There was a cloak as well, although he wasn't quite sure why.
He put it on and positioning his pillows so it looked like he was still there, he opened his window and climbed out onto the balcony, lowering himself to the ground. He stared up at the night sky, admiring the stars for a while before setting off for Malik's house. He had been there only once, on his birthday and then his parents were out so he didn't know what they were like. The stories he heard from Malik were enough though. He definitely did not want to run into them and hoped he wouldn't be interrupted. He walked along the roads, making sure the hood was fully covering his face so no one would recognise him if he came across them but he doubted it at this late hour. He looked at the houses as he went past, seeing the darkened interiors, the residents asleep. What if Malik was asleep too? Well Marik had to just hope he wasn't.
He arrived at Malik's road and remembered his bedroom was at the back of the house, which meant he would have to use the alleyway and count until he reached the right house.
#One, two, three, four…# But soon he had reached the higher numbers. #Twenty five, twenty six, twenty seven.# There, he had found the house and the gate was slightly open, allowing Marik to push it further back in order to get in. Now he just had to get Malik's attention… #Ah, gravel.# Not big enough to crack the window but not so small he wouldn't hear it. So he started throwing until he saw light appear in the room, muffled by the curtain. He stopped and waited for him to appear…
xxxxxx
Plunk. Plunk. Plunk…
On and on, it wouldn't stop. Was it rain? No, it was too loud, maybe it was hail… In May? Unlikely… Damn it, he was awake now and he had to go and find out what it was, to put his mind to rest. Rest about what though?
There was a figure, covered in shadow, the moon too new in its cycle to show who it was. He pulled the curtains apart cautiously, wondering if it was a murderer or something like that… Nah, nothing exciting like that ever happened here… Wait, they were lifting up their arms to their head, they were pulling something away, it was a hood. Finally they were revealed, shining in the small amount of light. Marik, he was so beautiful…but what was he doing here? Didn't he know?
"Marik?" He whispered, opening the window so he could be heard.
"Malik, please let me in." He replied, stepping closer.
"Marik, you know I can't do that. We're not supposed to talk to each other."
"I don't care Malik, I had to see you again and if this is the only way…" He looked up, desperate to hear some emotion in Malik's voice.
"I'm sorry Marik, you should go home, I'm not letting you in." He went to turn away and Marik crossed his arms.
"Fine then, I'll stay out here all night. Malik, I'm not moving until you let me in." He sat down on the grass to show he was being serious.
"Please don't do this to me…" He sighed and half shut the window. "All right, I'll come down. Just don't stand there, ok?" He left the window and taking the hint, Marik walked towards the kitchen door, assuming this was where Malik was going to let him in. He saw a figure coming towards the door and the lock turned before it opened and Malik allowed him in, shutting it behind him.
They walked up the stairs in silence to Malik's room but as soon as they were in there and the door was closed, Marik grabbed Malik and kissed him hard, he had waited so long for this… But something was wrong, Malik wasn't responding.
"Malik…"
"We shouldn't be doing this, you shouldn't be here. Things are bad enough already…"
"Do I mean that little to you? That you can just forget about me?" Marik said, glaring at him.
"Don't you dare say that! You have no idea how much I miss you…" He whispered, gripping Marik hard by the arm.
"Ow, let go Malik, you're hurting me."
"And you're hurting me too only you can't see it!" He let go and turned away. "I'm sorry Marik but I've missed you so much."
"Then why do you keep pushing me away? Why did you give me back my necklace? It was for you to keep…" Malik turned around and frowned when he heard this.
"You mean you didn't see it? Marik, it's not your necklace, it's a copy I had made." He put his hand under his top and took out the chain hanging around his neck. "/This/ is your one. If you look closely at yours, you'll see something written on it."
"Written?" He took his out and looking at it under the moonlight, could make out an engraving on it. 'My flower of life, Marik'. "You did that?"
"I got Duke to do it for me. I hoped you would have found it, that's why I gave it to you. To show you how much I cared…" He stood in front of Marik, waiting for him to say something.
"So…you weren't giving it back?" Malik shook his head and Marik smiled. "Thank you…"
"Seven months…it doesn't seem that long does it?" He took Marik's hand and led him to the bed. "Remember that day?"
"How could I forget? You showed me there was hope…"
xxxxxx
Odion got out of bed, feeling ominous about something. He was worried about Marik, he knew he had done something, he just didn't know what. He walked out of his room and into Marik's, instantly concerned by the lump, it didn't look like Marik. He went over and pulled back the duvet, groaning when he saw the pillows.
#He's gone and there's only one place he would have gone to…# Odion knew something like this was going to happen, he had hoped it would have happened sooner though. By leaving it for so long, he'd just reopened old wounds again. #I have to go and find him.#
Five minutes later and he set out for Malik's house. Luckily he knew where it was and had enough skills to be able to get into it without making a lot of noise. He just hoped he wasn't too late, that Malik's parents hadn't found him yet…
xxxxxx
Malik remained watchful while Marik was asleep on the bed, he would have to hide him if he heard any noise, there was no guessing as to what might happen to them, he knew. He glanced down at Marik and smiled, seeing the happy look on his face, knowing it might be the last time he would see it. There was no way they could risk being together like this again, his heart was practically in his throat, he was that nervous. They had talked and Malik explained why he had ignored him and Marik knew they wouldn't be able to talk anytime soon. Now he just had to worry about how he was going to get him out…
Knock knock knock.
#Shit!# Malik sat up properly and pulled the duvet up, covering most of Marik but the door was already opening… "Odion?" He walked into the room and pulled down the hood on his cloak, looking around the room.
"Where is Marik?" He asked quietly, stepping closer to Malik.
"Would you be angry if I said here?" He said nervously, leaning closer to Marik.
"No, of course I wouldn't. I just want to know he's safe." He was now next to the bed and Malik pulled back the cover in relief, showing the sleeping form of Marik. "I knew he was here…"
"He just appeared outside and wouldn't go away until we talked. So I had to let him in." Malik explained. "He was upset because he thought I had given him his necklace back."
"But you did…"
"No, I gave him a copy I had made, it's got an engraving on the back. But that's not the point." He paused and looked down at Marik. "He understands that we can't do this again…"
"Why is he asleep? Surely he knows the dangers."
"Well after we-" He suddenly stopped and blushed. "Um, nothing. He just felt really tired so I said I'd watch over him."
"What did you do?" Odion stared at him seriously and Malik looked away, feeling his face get even hotter. "Don't say 'nothing' because I'll know you're lying."
"We…had…" His voice died away, completely embarrassed by what he was saying. "We had…sex."
"You what? Well that wasn't what I was expecting…" Odion said faintly, raising an eyebrow. "You made sure he was ok with it before you did anything?"
"Yes, I would never hurt him. He was the one who brought it up actually." Odion thought for a moment and remembered the time he had tried to have a serious talk with Marik about the same thing but he wouldn't stop laughing. In fact, he had got completely hysterical.
"This has happened before hasn't it?" For some strange reason, Malik laughed at this question and nodded his head shyly.
"Um, yeah, it has." He smiled at the memory, remembering how he couldn't eat chocolate or strawberries for several weeks afterwards.
"Well I'm glad you looked after him so well but we have to go now before our mother wakes up and wonders where we've gone to." Malik nodded his head in understanding and leant down to Marik.
"Love you…" He whispered, kissing his cheek before moving so Odion could pick him up. "You'll want his cloak…" He pointed out, placing it over Marik's body, who was leaning against Odion's chest, supported by his arms. His head rested on Odion's shoulder and his eyes were still closed. "Do you want me to let you out?"
"Yes please."
Soon they were standing at the kitchen door and Odion left quickly while Malik watched them, sighing as he saw his flower being carried away into the night…
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Hey, I did it! I did one of the questions and I actually understood it!" Joey exclaimed happily as he sat on Seto's bed, maths homework in front of him. He had managed to persuade him to help with his work, hoping it might improve his skills. And by the looks of things, it was.
"That's really good." He stopped and looked at the window. Was it just his imagination or had he heard rustling?
"Seto, what's wrong?" Joey asked, noticing the frown on his face.
"Shush, I heard something…" Seto stood up and first of all looked out of the window before going to his bedroom door. He opened it and stepped outside but backed into the room again when he saw police at the bottom. "Shit…"
"Seto, what's going on?" Joey also stood up and looked over Seto's shoulder, gasping when he saw the men. "The police…"
"Come on, we're getting you out of here." Seto suddenly said, closing the door and walking to the window.
"Seto, there's three floors between this room and the ground! I won't make it without hurting myself." Joey pointed out, refusing to follow him.
"Looks like it's not an option anyway, someone's down there too." He turned around and faced Joey. "I'm sorry I let this happen…"
"Hey, there's nothing we can do about it. If it happens, it happens."
"Don't you know what they'll do to you?"
"I can only imagine but-" He stopped and stepped towards Seto, putting his arms around his waist. "I got the chance to know you and somehow that makes it worth it."
"What?" Seto had never heard Joey say anything like this before. It worried him, what if he said the dreaded words which always demanded an answer?
"Seto, I never got the chance to tell you this before but…I love you." He heard the feet coming up the stairs and continued to stare at Seto. "Seto?" He looked away, he couldn't hold the gaze. How was he supposed to tell Joey that he couldn't return his feelings?
"I-"
"Seto…" The door burst open and armed police ran in. "Please say something…"
"I can't…" He watched helplessly as they grabbed Joey, pulling him away while he struggled against them, trying to get back to Seto.
"SAY SOMETHING!" He screamed, his eyes burning in anger.
"I'm sorry." Seto turned away, unable to watch as Joey was hit around the head and then dragged out of the room.
There was silence for a while as Seto tried to readjust to the situation. Joey was gone, Joey loved him, Joey now hated him… He never thought he would say that, fine they had been together for five months but neither of them had ever done anything romantic. It was so sudden that he didn't know how to react. He didn't love Joey though…
#Wait, I think I do… How could I fall in love with him? Seto Kaiba never loses control…# He frowned and sat down on the bed. #I must love him, I've never felt...this...feeling before, this need...# He looked up, hearing a noise by the window and saw a woman standing outside on the balcony. He recognised her from somewhere…
"Good evening Seto Kaiba, my name is Ishizu Ishtar and we know what has just happened." She said, her voice deep as she stared at him.
"'We'? Who else is here?" That's where he recognised her from, she was Marik's sister, sometimes they said hi to each other.
"My brother Odion. I had a vision that this would happen, I had hoped I was wrong but the Necklace never lies." She stepped forward and Seto could see a golden choker around her neck, an eye at the front. "Will you stand by and let Joey be lost to evil or will you come with us and rescue him? To prove your love to him…"
"How do you know about that?" He demanded, had she been listening to what they had said?
"I can tell that there is a case of unrequited love but maybe you think things differently now… Will you come with us?"
"What about the others?"
"They are being torn apart too, or they soon will be." She paused and took her mobile out of her pocket. "Odion?" She listened to her brother for a moment before nodding her head. "Thank you, I will be as quick as I can." She ended the call and replaced the phone in her pocket.
"What was that about?"
"It appears they have just taken Marik." She said calmly. "If you are coming with me, we must leave now." While he grabbed his coat, she turned around and climbed over the balcony, letting go as he span round to face her.
Seto gasped, what was she thinking? There was no way she could make it with the boots she had on. He ran to the edge of the balcony and was surprised to see her standing at the bottom, looking upwards. How had she done that? Was it the Necklace?
"Are you coming?" She asked again and nodding his head, he went to leave the balcony. "Do not go that way, it is dangerous. Here, I will help you down." The Necklace started to glow and he saw himself surrounded by golden light before he floated in the air, over the balcony and towards the ground. He landed safely on the grass and she smiled at his astonished face.
"Thank you." He whispered.
"That is quite all right. Now do you know a clearing by the old cottage near the school?" He nodded his head; the others went there sometimes for a little privacy. "Go there and I will meet you soon."
"Where are you going then?"
"I must go and see Yami and Duke. I will try to be as quick as possible, Odion will be coming too with Bakura and Malik so you will see a familiar face soon." She bowed slightly before turning away. "Good luck Seto Kaiba and be careful."
xxxxxx
"Malik?" Odion whispered, shaking him gently as he lay asleep in his bed. He had to be quick, the police may come here soon and he didn't want to meet his parents. Eventually Malik opened his eyes and looked blearily at him.
"Odion, what are you doing here?" He sat up and rubbed his face. "Has something happened to Marik?" He asked fearfully, now wide-awake.
"The police took him not long ago and they may be coming here too. You need to get dressed, come with me and meet up with the others." Odion said quickly, stepping back to allow Malik to get out of bed.
"Why am I meeting up with the others?"
"Because the police are visiting them too. They have already taken Joey and I fear they will be going after Yugi next." Malik remained silent to this, finding the clothes on the chair and some underwear before stuffing it all on, Odion with his back turned to him.
"Ok, I'm ready."
"Good." He took out something from his pocket and gave it to Malik. "This was the last thing Marik gave to me before they took him…" Malik found out it was the Millennium Rod and there was a note attached to it. He opened it and read the writing.
Dear Malik,
I want you to look after this while I am gone. If you wish to find me, you will need it. Although your powers will not be as strong, I have allowed you to be its master until it is returned to me, if it is.
Love you lots, Marik xxx.
He stared at the Rod; he couldn't believe he had been given this. It felt warm in his hands, like he had always had it. He smiled and put it in his belt before turning back to Odion.
"Where am I going?"
"To the clearing you went to with Marik sometimes. The others will meet you there but now I have to go and find Bakura." He said as they walked together out of the house.
"What about Yugi? I thought you said-"
"Ishizu is dealing with that. Now go, we don't have much time." They went their different ways at the alleyway, both running as fast as they could.
xxxxxx
The door burst open and Yami and Yugi stared in fear at Yugi's grandpa who was standing at the entrance to Yugi's room. They had just been about to kiss each other; Yami was practically on top of Yugi.
"Grandpa, please…I can explain…" Yugi said hurriedly while Yami held onto him protectively.
"You don't have to explain, I understand you love each other very much but now is not the time to worry about that." He said, waving their worry aside.
"Grandpa, what are you saying? You don't…mind? Me…and…Yami?"
"I knew something was happening and as long as you're happy then I cannot stop you. I know they tried to do so with Malik and Marik but I don't believe there's much point." Yugi and Yami stared at each other, this they were /definitely/ not expecting.
"You know about Malik and Marik?" Yami asked.
"Yes, I heard what happened to them. But now you must go, both of you. I just got a phone call from Odion, the police are coming here and if they see you…" They looked at each other, the police knew about them.
"It's too late, we won't make it on time." Yugi saw his grandpa open his mouth to protest but he cut across him. "I can sense them." He turned to Yami and smiled. "If they take me, will you come and find me?"
"Of course I will! I'm not going to let you go so easily…"
"Then I ask that you take this, it will guard you against the dangers you'll face." He took the Puzzle and pressed it into Yami's hand.
"Yugi, I cannot take this, you will need the protection more than me." He said, holding it back out to him.
"No, if I keep it they will take it away from me. It will be safer with you."
"Why don't you ask it what it thinks?" Solomon interrupted, indicating the Puzzle. "Put it in between you and ask it to choose one of you. It /will/ answer your question…" Yami did as he said and looked up at Yugi.
"Puzzle, who will need you more?" He asked hesitantly and for a moment nothing happened. Suddenly it started glowing red though as it lifted up into the air, the chain extended. It slipped over Yugi's head and rested against his chest, ceasing to shine.
"See, it has decided. There is no point in arguing against it-" He stopped when he heard the door bell ring and Yami and Yugi held each other's hands.
"The police!"
"No, I do not think the police are polite enough to ask permission to enter a house. Nevertheless, I will go down and check who it is first." Grandpa left the room and Yugi and Yami hugged each other tightly, knowing this may be their last chance to do this for a long time.
"Yami, I love you so much…" Yugi murmured, burying his face in Yami's chest.
"And I love you too, my little sunshine…" Yugi glowed at the nickname; Yami hadn't called him that in ages.
"Good news boys, it's Ishizu." Grandpa said, walking into the room but he suddenly stopped when he saw them sharing an intimate moment with each other. He turned away respectively and waited for them to finish, nuzzling into each other's necks.
"Goodbye Yugi…" Yami whispered, kissing him on the cheek and standing up.
"Yami, you must come with me now." Ishizu said, walking towards the window. "Most of the others have been taken already."
"Including Marik?"
"Marik too. Joey was first and Ryou will be next so we must be quick. Seto and Malik have already gone to meet up together and Odion is helping me." She smiled kindly at them as they shared one final kiss before Yami followed Ishizu to the window.
"Police! Open up!" Gasping, Ishizu grabbed Yami's hand and jumped out of the window, landing a few feet away from the bottom of it.
"Now go to the clearing, Seto and Malik will already be there."
"Ok." Ishizu disappeared into the darkness but Yami stayed for a moment, looking up at the window before turning away to find the others.
xxxxxx
Ryou and Bakura had already heard the police were coming, thanks to a text message Malik had sent Bakura and were currently having an argument, mainly about Ryou leaving.
"Ryou, they are looking for you, not me! If you don't go then I will never forgive myself." Bakura yelled, turning away from Ryou in anger.
"Look Bakura, the others will be looking for them and the Millennium Ring will help but /I'm/ the link! It can home in on me better than it can on anything else because it is mine. Please don't try and disagree with me on this, this is not your fault, it just happened." Ryou remained calm, he felt sure he was making the right decision.
"I won't let you go…" Bakura whispered, turning around and holding Ryou tightly.
"I need you to let me go, just for now." He replied, taking the cord the Ring was attached to and passing it over his head, placing it on Bakura. "Take it and use it to find them. Please, for me…"
"Of course, I won't stop until I find you but I'm going to miss you so much." He continued holding Ryou, thinking about what was going to happen. #Sixteen months and this is what it comes to…#
"But we have a lot of good memories. I've put them into the Ring, all the memories of us together, just in case you find me and they've made me forget. I'll always be with you…" Bakura wasn't surprised that Ryou had heard what he had said; no doubt he could do that with the Ring.
"Will you be able to remember that they're in there?"
"That's your job unfortunately but hopefully I won't." He smiled gently and leant against Bakura. They didn't have to tell each other their love, they just knew.
So instead they cuddled on the bed, not saying anything, waiting for fate. They heard a loud bang downstairs, causing Ryou to jump and Bakura rocked him back and forth gently to keep him calm. They didn't hear the footsteps or the crash as the door broke down or even the yelling voices, they only heard silence and saw each other.
"Be as provocative as you can, I want to go with a bang…" Ryou breathed in his ear, a mischievous glint in his eyes. To prove his point, he practically shoved his tongue in Bakura's mouth, causing him to groan.
"Ryou…" He gasped, wrapping his arms around him and pulling them close together, feeling the heat in his groin. He felt a response from Ryou and bent down, starting to suck at his neck. He was going to leave a mark and hopefully scar the officers for life…
Ryou hissed, both in pain and pleasure as he felt Bakura's lips clamp down on his neck. He heard the silence and could only imagine what the police must have been thinking. Unfortunately he was facing away from them so he couldn't see their faces but he could tell Bakura was finding it difficult not to laugh, it /must/ have a been a picture. It was starting to hurt though, he knew what Bakura was trying to do and didn't mind but the bruise was really starting to make itself felt. He quickly realised this and stopped biting him, licking him once in apology before gently turning him around so that he faced the officers.
"So what are you going to do now Bandit Keith?" Everyone knew who he was, only by reputation though. You only ever saw him before you were taken away forever. His real name was Keith Howard but no one ever called him that. Mainly because he was a fraud and would use any method to get criminals. Even if that meant breaking the law himself.
Bakura licked Ryou's neck, hoping to provoke a reaction and smiled when he saw a nervous twitch appear in the corner of his cold blue eyes. He kissed Ryou's cheek, allowing him to rest against his chest.
"Men, get them!" He screamed and Ryou turned around, quickly placing his hand on the Ring and they watched it glow for a second.
"Ryou?"
"At twelve and twenty one Bakura." He replied before a cloth was placed over his mouth and nose and he collapsed onto the floor.
"RYOU!" He felt arms grab and pull him backwards, over the side of the bed and he remained on the floor as they took Ryou away, feeling a small kick to the side. He groaned, rubbing the area as he waited until they were gone. Then he cried, his beloved angel was gone and the last thing he had said to him was something he didn't understand. #Twelve and twenty-one what?# He rocked back and forth, arms around his knees, trying to cry himself to sleep.
"Bakura, I know you're upset but now you have to find the others…" He heard a voice murmur above him but he shook his head.
"Go away, please." He begged, covering his face with his arms.
"But what about this Bakura? Ryou gave it to you so you could find him. The others need to be with you too." He felt a hand near his chest, a weight being lifted: the Millennium Ring. He moved his arms and opened his eyes, looking into the face of Odion. "Come Bakura, let us go to the clearing. The group are waiting for us." Bakura sat up and rubbed his eyes with his hand before tucking the Ring under his shirt and taking the hand Odion held out to him.
xxxxxx
"I am /so/ going to kick your ass!" Duke stated as they sat in front of the TV, playing Super Smash Bros Melee.
"You wish! There's no way puny Falco can defeat the might of Ganondorf!" Tristan said, placing his counter on said character.
"At least Falco has fashion sense! Where did he get that outfit from, the reject bin at a charity shop?" He retorted, pointing to the screen.
"He may not have the best clothes but at least he can fight."
"We'll see about that." Duke said grimly as the start screen came up before the stages available appeared in the screen.
"Ice Mountain!"
"No, Big Blue!" And so they fought over the stage, the counter swinging wildly from one side to the other as the two boys pushed as hard as they could on their control sticks.
"We're going to have Ice Mountain!" Tristan yelled, giving a hard tug on the stick and finally getting it over the picture showing lots of platforms with mountains in the background. He pressed the A button before Duke could do anything and the screen went void, the only thing showing was the picture and white writing at the bottom stating 'Infinite Glacier: Icicle Mountain'.
"Tristan, I hate Ice Mountain!"
"Exactly, now I have the advantage." He replied, grinning at the disgusted look on Duke's face.
"That was a cheap shot because you know you're not going to win." He muttered.
"Yeah, whatever." They listened as the commentator yelled, "Ready? Go!" and after that 'GO' appeared on the screen. Then Duke heard the music.
"No, not the Balloon Fight music!" He shouted, ready to throw his controller at the TV.
"Ha ha, it gets even better for me!" Tristan cackled as his figure ran towards Duke's.
Purple and orange flashed on the screen as the fighters exchanged punches and kicks and Duke wasn't faring so well, mainly because his character was small and lithe compared to the might of Ganondorf. Duke watched as he soared off the screen, cursing loudly at Tristan. But then came the moment, which would give him the advantage: the screen started moving upwards rapidly.
"Ah ha, let's see if your hulking fat ass can keep up with this!" He said, pointing at Tristan.
"Easy." Only it wasn't and before Tristan knew it, Ganondorf was off the screen and off the stage.
"Now we're even." Duke said, nearly leaping for joy.
"Actually, my score is zero and you're on minus one because I hit you off the screen." Tristan pointed out.
"What? FUCK!" He was nearly steaming by this point. "Right, we're going to have to change this."
"And how are you going to do that?"
"Using this!" Falco brandished a Home-Run Bat and Ganondorf cowered, the legend of this item known only too well to players. "That's right, be afraid Ganondorf! Now you're gonna get an ass whoopin'!"
"Not if I have anything to say about it!" Tristan indicated the Freezie hidden in his hand and Duke shrieked but too late, his character was now a little ice cube, allowing Tristan to beat the crap out of him.
"You're going to pay for that!" He said, going on the rampage, swinging his bat everywhere, and eventually getting Ganondorf straight in the chest, the bat glowing blue and white as he was smashed off the stage. "Now the roles are reversed and we have only thirty seconds left."
"That's more than enough time for me to get my revenge." And he started chasing Falco all over the stage, Duke trying his best to avoid being hit, hoping he could last for another twenty seconds.
"Come on Falco!"
"Come on Ganondorf!"
"Come and take him boys." They turned around, hearing the voice and stared in shock at the sight of Bandit Keith, not noticing both of their characters going off the bottom of the screen and losing a point each.
The men leapt at Tristan and before he knew what was happening, he was handcuffed and being dragged away by the police.
"Why are you doing this?" Duke yelled, they hadn't done anything wrong. It didn't matter as he was ignored anyway and soon the room was empty.
"GAME!" The commentator yelled and Duke looked on with sadness as he saw Falco posing, having won the match while Ganondorf clapped in a lacklustre manner in the corner. He knew why Tristan had been taken, it was his fault. Because in a way, he still wanted to be with him, despite the talk they had had at Christmas.
"I know you feel guilt and confusion at what has happened Duke, because he didn't have a reason to be taken but I feel the police wanted the whole lot and would pin anything on you in order to do so." He listened to Ishizu, not questioning how she got here. He only wanted his best friend back.
"I need to get him back."
"And you will. The others feel exactly the same as you. Odion and I have collected them together and you will soon set off to find your friends and their lovers but you must come with me." She explained, walking back to the window.
"The others are gone too?"
"Yes, you are the last." Luckily they were in the living room so Duke merely climbed out of the window and set off with Ishizu to find the rest of the group.
xxxxxx
Duke and Ishizu eventually reached a ring of trees, which surrounded some fallen logs and a large, flat stone. The ground was dry and pine needles scattered it, crunching under their feet as they gazed upon the others who were waiting for them.
Bakura and Malik were sat together on one of the said logs, Malik's arm around Bakura as he cried, the pain of losing Ryou still affecting him badly. The others didn't try and interrupt, they knew how much he and Ryou had meant to each other and anyway, they had their own thoughts to contend with. Yami was lying on the rock, arms resting under his head as he stared at the sky, wondering if Yugi could still see the same thing. Before they had got together, he had never had a chance to admire things like this, so Yugi had taken him out and shown him the stars and their names. Seto meanwhile was standing at the edge, concerned about what Joey thought of him now, wanting to get on with the search, instead of waiting. Odion kept on the move, making sure that no one was nearby.
Overall it was a picture of silence and depression and Duke realised how much this must be hurting them. He almost felt guilty about being upset but felt reassured when Ishizu placed her hand on his shoulder, smiling at him. He stepped closer to the others and they looked up, seeming to notice him for the first time.
"Ishizu, you've arrived at last." Odion said in relief as he too noticed Duke and his sister.
"I am sorry to have kept you all waiting." She said, bowing in apology as Duke sat on the other log, feeling very lonely for the first time as he watched the others, lost spirits in the night.
Yep, another abrupt ending. This is a bad habit of mine, I must try and do something about it... So, let's have a look at any notes:
1. Yes, the capture scenes got a bit tedious but that's not my fault… Wait, yes it is…
Well, there's nothing else to report so until the next chapter/episode/part thingy, PLEASE REVIEW!
S. Chensu (Chen) xxx.