AN: Hi, here's the second chapter. Now, I know Marik is not a true Yami, but in my fics he will be. He always felt like one to me. He is also not as insane or childish in this fic as I usually like to write him. I feel that since he was created by Malik when he was a child, he should have some childish elements in him, including that special brand of cruelty that only children seem to be capable of. However, for this fic he is relatively sane and mature. Anywho, on with the show!

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-gi-oh! Or the characters.

Chapter 2: Suspicions

Atemu glanced at the other two Yamis. "Have either of you noticed that our Hikaris have been avoiding us? I know they've been a bit withdrawn lately, but now Yugi won't even talk to me."

Bakura shrugged, his eyes never leaving Ryou, who was sitting across the cafeteria with Yugi and Malik. "Ryou's hiding something from me. He's started locking his door and every time I walk into the room, the three of them stop talking and come up with some lame excuse to leave."

Marik nodded. "Something is definitely up. Ishizu knows, but every time I ask her to explain what's going on, she gets all teary-eyed and refused to comment. I have never seen her cry before, and now all of a sudden she's like a leaky faucet."

"I vote we go over there and demand an explanation," Atemu said, standing up suddenly. The other two nodded and headed towards the three boys, who had their heads together in whispered conversation.

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"I just don't know what to say. Writing this goodbye letter is harder than I thought," Ryou said, taking a sip of his soda.

"Don't ask me, I can't even talk to Atemu at the moment. Every time I try, my throat closes up and I have to run before I totally break down. I can't wait for Saturday," sighed Yugi.

"How about you say: 'Goodbye Yami. Thanks to you, I'm going to die exactly how I've been living these past few weeks. Invisible!'" Malik growled, stabbing viciously at his food with his fork.

Ryou gasped but Yugi looked closely at Malik. "You didn't really write that, did you Malik? I know you're angry but I didn't think you'd be that bitter."

"No, I'm not, and I didn't. It's just…I want him to be happy, but why must we pay the price? My fingers started fading yesterday when he came home. I had to run for the bathroom before he could notice. I don't think I can last until the trip!" Malik cried out, despair clear on his face.

"What trip?" came a familiar voice and the three Hikaris jumped. There stood Atemu, Bakura and Marik, arms crossed and identical looks of suspicion on their faces.

The boys exchanged panicked glances before Ryou fixed a false smile on his face. "Ishizu offered to take the three of us away for the holidays. We knew you lot had plans so we agreed," he said.

"Oh, would you look at the time! We should get going! Come on guys," Yugi exclaimed, standing up and dragging Malik to the door. With one last terrified glance at the Yamis, Ryou hurried after the others, leaving their confused darker halves to look after their retreating forms in bewilderment.

"That was close!" breathed Yugi, leaning against a wall when they were out of sight. "How much do you think they heard?"

"I don't know, but we're going to have to be very careful. They're suspicious of us now," Malik replied, rubbing his hands tiredly over his eyes.

"I hope they didn't notice us fading," Ryou said worriedly, watching carefully as his fingers regained colour and came back into view.

"I doubt it. They would have said something," stated Yugi, flexing his hand to regain movement.

"Maybe. Let's just keep better control. I find that if you concentrate, you can sort of keep yourself visible. We'll just have to watch out these last few days," Malik remarked before heading towards his next class.

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AN: Well, there's the second chapter. I know it's not that long, and quite boring, but I feel that people need to see that the dark halves aren't completely uncaring. Also, Malik is very angry and bitter in this, but can't you see how he feels. He spent practically his whole life underground, in the dark. He's finally out, has a life, has friends, and it's all being taken away from him. My poor little, crazy, blonde Egyptian.

By the way, thanks to all who responded to my story: kuroneko 1571; gothabie283; Panguins-in-American-Oh-my; Wander of Souls and Light.

To Olivia Greene, Angelheart01 and Wannabe WolfGirl, you know I love you guys and I couldn't ask for better friends, or sister!