I have returned my little preciouses! This is a pretty early update. Don't expect it to be this fast again, k? I'm finishing up chapter four (FINALLY) I've been working on the stupid thing for ages. Bleh. Oh and all of you who were like: "Took you forever!" It was only two fucking MONTHS! I've got stories on my fav list that have been going on for years and their still not done! Take some chill pills, eh?
Soki-Chan the Great: "How I loves your story, better than the actual series:) " -laughs- I find that with a lot of my favs too. Wish they'd show THOSE on television for a change..."I was wondering if you happen to know about gaiaonline?" Eh? Nope. Don't know about it. Should I? (Soki: Well you know now!) Yay! I shall have to look into it. -huggles-
cgflower: OMG OMG OMG! Your first review for the sequel! -dances around- How exciting, no? "and he's come back!! to kill them, admittedly, but back none the less!" -snerk- Yup. That's our Minkah. (Minkah: Die die die! Mwahahahahaha!) Isn't he cute? (Yami: Aieeeee!) "how will this turn out, i wonder?" Well wonder no more!
Tsucci: Yay! Tis been approved! -tackleglomps-
queen of golden sands: "squeals omg omg omg omg omg omg omg omg!" O.O Wow. You're all very passionate about this story, aren't you? (queen: Damn straight!) "I really don't care if the ground you walk on is dirty! I still worship it... or you... or... what was I trying to say again?" -smirks- Such loyalty. (Minkah: -.- You just HAD to go and feed her ego) ((E! Gaara!)) Eh? Wazzat? Wazzat? "so until next time ((which I hope is really really really times a gajillion(sp?) soon)" -laughs- Well is this soon enough?
dragonlady222: You're one of the more sympathetic people to Yami. Some people were like "neh! Malik and Minkah should be lovers. Ditch the Yami!" (Yami: -sob-) "I wonder why he wants to kill Yami.Well, actually I kind of know why but I don't like it. I thought he would go after Mr. Bakura first." -nods- An excellent thought. It shall make more sense...partly this chapter, but more next chapter.
Nayades18: " REALLY want to see Minkah and Malik together and finally sleep together -yes!-so Yami is a hindrance..." -laughs- Oh dear. Poor Yami! (Yami: Help help! I'm expendable!) :)
shadowweaver666: "Aw poor yami! hugs to yami hes loosing everything" Yay! Another person sympathetic towards Yami. I must say, you readers are quite split on whether he should be killed off or not. "Great title btw" Thanks! You won't believe how many different titles I wrote out to try an' find one that really clicked. -.- Maddening, it was.
Under Finger and Thumb: I like Kaiba!...just not in SOA. (Kaiba: And whose fault is THAT?) -grins sheepishly- "snuggles and licks minkah m... just like I remember.." So it begins...(Minkah: Ewww! They slobbered on me!) heh. "This was a great pick-up for me. I've been sick alot lately, and feeling down because I havn't seen my girlfriend" Awww! -tackleglomps- Well I'm glad it was a bit of a morale booster! (Minkah: How does any of this make a person HAPPY?) -smiles- "But then again, Ferris does have to stop somewhere.." -sigh- If only she had enough will-power to do so...
The Reader: "I blame the goverment" Yes yes! Everything's their fault! It's so true! "I think it is safe to say that we both believe that is an awesome chapter, and that we wished that it didn't stop." -grins- The neverending story, eh? O.o that could be a bit tiring for poor ferris. "But..but.. I love her stories whimper" awww! -huggles- It shall be all right, sweetie.
Felynna: " really don't know what to say about this chapter. I mean the chapter was very nice, but it was so short." Ouch. Always so brutal. -smiles- I know it was a shorter chappie. They get longer though, so all's well. "By the way I was really excited when I saw the sequel was finally here." Me too! (Minkah: Ferris, you posted the bloody thing) But I'm still excited! (Minkah: -.- sigh)
Tanithe: "Hey, you really are evil, How could you left the chapter like this?" -cackles- You think that was a cliffie? Just wait till you get to the end of this chapter! "It's the first time I review to you, because english isn't my first language and I didn't dare to write something, but I have been following you stories for a long time!!" Awwww! Squeeee! -tackleglomps- A new reviewer! You're so adorable! And just for the record: you speak english just fine, sweetie! What IS your first language then? (all you bilingual people make me feel infererior...-sigh)
IM NOT GOTH: "Minkah...realy reminds me of one of my older brothers." O.o...that's...disturbing. "Now, I shall be confused until the next chapter because everything will reclick." Let the clicking commence!
Spryte: -grins- Darkshipping? Oh indeed! (yamis: Yessss!)
DayDreamer23182: "So it seems Malik really likes Minkah now. Honestly I like MalikxMinkah more than YamixMinkah." -nods- That's what most people are saying...although not all of them are very sympathetic for poor Yami. (Yami: So unloved!)
Silver Mirror: "And of course the ending is just the best!" -grins- Whoot! The ending to this chappie's even BETTER! (Silver: Oh no...)
Sagira98: "Now are you finally going to tell what is with that girl in the sketches?" -laughs- All in good time, sweetie. "So is Mink going to actually kill them after all they did for him?" -shifts- Maybe..."you have two months to make up for" Hey! Do you know how many fucking stories I'm working on? FOUR! That's right, Four! (just haven't started posting the fourth yet. Neh)
mistress-oblivion: "That was great! I've been waiting for the sequel for so long (not really but it felt like it) and it did not diappoint!" Thank you! Some people are like: "Tis been forever, ferris! What the hell have you been doing?" -hands bag of orange tic tacs. I appreciate you sooo much! "I love the last line. It's so DUN DUN DUN!" -cackles- I know. It was a short chapter but I just HAD to end it on that line! " Is there more angst (and maybe some death)?" Oh there is plenty of angsty goodness to come, lovely thing!
inuyashapup: "I hadn't been to review the other stories chappies, so here I am! Miss me?" Oh indeed! -tackleglomps- "I'm still working on my story Amityville, you knowthe one based in Detroit." Excellent. Getting stuck in places? Well if you have any more questions just ask away. I'm fine with it. "Dang, cliffhangers to heck!" Ah you're going to HATE this chapter's ending then. -evil smirk-
Kanashimi no Tenshi: "IT LIVES! IT LIVES! IT FINALLY LIVES! And it had a great title too!" -laughs- I take it the story's up to par then? (Kana: -nod nod nod-) How'd the blue hair thing go? -smirks- (Minkah: I want blue hair too!) O.O
TheGodFish: "I should hate you for leaving a cliffie, but I'm just so happy the story is up!" -grins wickedly- Oh you're gonna really hate the end of this chappie. Mwahahaha! (Fish: -.-...can't be good...) "So, is this the part when a character finally dies? It's Yami?! Eh... Oh well! Now Minkah and Malik has a better chance of being together!" -snerk- Ah another who's fine with Yami kicking the bucket. (Yami: Waaaah!) "Thank's for putting the story up Reswet(haven't called you that in a while" Shnikies it HAS been a long time, hasn't that?
koinu27: "ANd then you had a cliffie(sniffle)hats not very nice." And who ever said i was nice? (Minkah: She's got a point there.) "So,does he really kill Yami?Most likely he does, but I could be wrong." Well now you can find out! "UPDATE SOON! Or else I will bombard you with rotten vegetables!" Hey! What's with all the animosity? I could just write these stories and never post them! (Minkah: No you can't. You're too weak.) -sigh-
This chappie shall be dedicated to Tanithe! And we have a short poem I wrote specifically for this chappie! Onward!
Running
Why do I feel
Like the world will decide
Who loves and who hates?—
Who lives and who dies?
Can't we drive our own fate
And make our lives mean
Something more than emotions
And what might have been?
Is everything truly
Out of our hands?
What's the point in facing
What we can't bear to stand?
Chapter 2: Insecurity
(Yami's POV)
"W-what?" I stutter taking another step back, my pulse pounding in my head like thunder.
He doesn't move. "I said I've come to kill you."
Minkah says it so plainly like this is your everyday conversation you have at the mall or by the water fountain. His words register in my mind yet something's off. He stays where he is, hands lax at his sides. My breath catches in my throat when I note the curved blade in its sheath at his belt. He doesn't reach for it though.
"I...well?" I ask after a moment of staring at one another.
"Well what?"
I muster my strength, wondering vaguely if I'm digging my own grave by saying these words. "Why are you just standing there? Shouldn't you be sneaking up behind me and slashing me through the head?"
He blinks in surprise but doesn't say anything, gaze falling instead upon Otogi's grave. I stiffen, waiting for him to lunge at me at any given moment.
"It was fast, you know."
My brow creases in confusion. "What?"
He doesn't look away from the headstone. "His death. It was fast."
I'm frozen, unable to respond to this. All I can do is stare at him as he gazes intently at the gravestone.
"Kaiba told me to gut him alive, make it slow and excruciating," he continues on dispassionately. "I knew he'd get his hands on the report of the murder from the authorities somehow to see that I'd carried it out."
I can't breathe anymore. Nor can I hear my heartbeat; and I wonder vaguely if it's stopped completely. How can he come back and say this to me? Perhaps as a way to make me defenseless before he finishes me off?
Minkah's gray eyes narrow and I can see the anger flickering in them. "I slit his throat. He was dead before he hit the floor. I only gutted him after that...so Kaiba wouldn't be suspicious."
Blood pours into my mouth as I bite down on my tongue. If there's throbbing, I don't feel it, completely immersed by what he's saying. He's suddenly staring into my eyes now, penetrating my being into my very soul.
"Was there...did he feel...?" I whisper hoarsely not recognizing my own voice.
"He was gone before his brain could register any pain," Minkah states with soulless eyes, face now completely lacking emotion.
I jolt when he suddenly turns, striding away down the dirt walk. After a few feet he stops, back still to me. His hair that's pulled back in a ponytail is swept slightly to the left by the breeze, loose strands twisting about freely.
"You have until tomorrow afternoon to get out. All of you."
My jaw clenches. "What...?"
He turns slightly so our eyes meet. "You didn't think they'd let you live? They sent me to kill you...to destroy the evidence."
I blink. "But then why...?"
"Do you need a fucking reason?" he suddenly snaps, eyes flashing. "You're being given a chance to save your hides. Are you going to take it or not?"
I nod numbly. "What...where should we go?"
"Away from here. Don't leave any traces of where you're going either. Don't give real names at hotels or use credit cards," he continues firmly. "In fact, avoid hotels and such."
"Before tomorrow afternoon?"
"Right."
I nod again, too incapable of doing much else. We should have recognized Apophis wouldn't let us off. We know too much. It's only logical that they want us out of the picture. But then...I thought Apophis ended in a mass suicide...And if we thought they were dead why would they come after us?...I'm brought out of my thoughts when Minkah's no longer in front of me. I look around frantically only to see him a distance away approaching the front entrance which is an old metal gate covered in ivy.
"Minkah wait!" I yell running after him.
He turns, giving me a quizzical look. I skid to a halt in front of him, panting slightly.
"What?"
What indeed. I have no idea. I just stare at him, wondering what the hell I'm doing.
"Aren't you...don't you want to see the others?" I say finally.
He snorts. "Not really. It'd just complicate things."
"They need to know the truth. We thought you were dead. They still do," I continue directly.
"Well then you can tell them otherwise now, can't you?" he sneers contemptuously turning to go.
"Minkah. Please, you have to talk to them," I beseech him desperately.
"Actually, I don't have to do anything," he snorts continuing to walk.
I rush at him to grab his arm only to pull back as there's suddenly a blade being held inches from my face. Gray eyes are ablaze in silent warning. The whole world is frozen in this split second, holding its breath in silent anticipation. After a moment he slides the weapon back into its sheath.
"It's Ryou," I whisper suddenly without a thought in my head.
He blinks. "What about him?"
I inhale shakily. "He needs to see you—to know you're all right."
"Too weak to take a hit, hmm?"
I glare at the teen before me. "He cares, is that so horrible? He won't eat. He doesn't talk to anyone. He just lies up in your bed curled up under the covers. Your..." I catch myself, careful. "His father is frantic. Marik's worried about him. We all are."
I watch him, waiting for a reaction. I specifically mentioned Marik for a reason. Minkah and him had some sort of understanding of one another. I think the gruff Egyptian holds Marik with respect.
Minkah finally exhales deeply. "You're sure about that? Are you certain it's not his 'boyfriend' that he's pining for?"
"You know damn well he cares about you," I hiss defensively not wanting to complicate things even more by bringing Khalil into this.
These words sink in for me as well as him this instant. Ryou cares for Minkah. This brusque, aloof person who seems so lacking of any true emotions. As the Egyptian and I gaze at one another in silence I notice for the first time the dark circles under his eyes. His face his worn, hair disheveled. Looking closer I realize he's shaking continuously as if in fatigue.
"They're not home right now," I continue softly, ridding my voice of the harshness. "At least...you look exhausted. Come to the Game Shop and I'll make you something to eat."
He narrows his eyes distrustfully. "Why?"
I take a step closer. "Do you have something else to do?"
Minkah hesitates. "...No."
My face breaks into a tentative smile. "Well then. Come on."
(Minkah's POV)
"So...what have you been doing all this time?" Yami asks uncomfortably as he and I walk side by side down the block.
I shrug, not answering. Partly it's because I don't want to. I don't want him or any of them to know what I've been going through. It makes me look weak.
"Marik had a relapse. He came home two weeks ago. They just took him out for the first time this afternoon," Yami states when it becomes apparent that I'm not going to answer his question.
"He's better now?" I ask uneasily.
Yami frowns. "He still has a long way to go. But compared to his condition right after..." He stops glancing over at me with uncertainty.
"After what?" I ask noting his agitation.
"With Kaiba ordering you to...when Marik and Yugi..."
"Oh. That," I mutter, suppressing a shiver from passing through me.
He eyes me insecurely. "We never had a chance to thank you for...for saving them. If you hadn't..."
"If I hadn't what? Gotten them away from Kaiba?" I snarl, suddenly livid. "If I hadn't come none of this would have happened in the first place."
Violet eyes become concentrated. "It wasn't your fault. Apophis..."
"I don't want to talk about them," I snap, body trembling. Those bastards...cowards...spineless...
His brow creases. "But aren't you still working for them?"
"They're all dead. I assume you saw the news," I reply soullessly.
"We saw you...or what looked like you," he states softly, voice quivering.
I roll my eyes. "That was the idea. Everyone's supposed to think we're dead."
"We?"
"What—you thought one person did all that themselves?" I snort scornfully shoving my hands into my jacket pockets as the wind becomes stronger.
He stares at me in shock, studying me as we continue on. I try to ignore this but become perturbed when something in his gaze changes. I can't even put my finger on what it is.
Why am I going with him? Since when have I been close to any of the freaks? Why should it matter whether or not I come to see them—let them be 'eased' that I'm alive? They'll just beg me to stay or write lovely little notes to them once a week. Yuck.
We continue on with hardly any words passing between us until we reach the shop. It's a small place, nothing fancy. Pales in comparison to Kaiba's places...My jaw clenches at this thought. No. Don't think about that bastard. He's dead. He's gone.
"Minkah?"
I blink in surprise, not having realized I'd zoned out. Yami's standing in the glass doorway. Can't he feel it in the atmosphere? Am I the only one who can sense that bastard's presence still? It's this city. Coming back is messing with my head. Afik was right...
"It's about time for a snack of some kind anyway," the other continues leading me into the living quarters of the building, through the diminutive living room into the kitchen. "Do you like grilled cheese sandwiches?"
"A what?" I ask standing awkwardly next to the small wooden table.
At this statement he smirks, turning and opening a cupboard. "Trust me on this one. You'll like it."
(Yami's POV)
I try not to stare when Minkah all but scarfs down two sandwiches as well as an apple, two and a half glasses of milk, and a few handfuls of grapes. He does seem a lot thinner, bony. I decide against asking whether or not his remaining comrades take care of him food-wise and such. I can tell it's a touchy subject that probably is out of bounds for me.
"So..." I break off, unsure of what to do now.
He stares back at me, both of us sitting uncomfortably at the table with empty plates in front of us. When I shift to stand he's suddenly on his feet, hand on the hold of his curved knife, eyes wild. I freeze where I am, watching him in shock. He blinks then, as if coming out of a trance, letting go of the blade and taking a step away from me.
"I..."
I stand slowly, moving cautiously towards him. He watches me with wary eyes, jaw clenched, limbs trembling ever so slightly.
"Why don't you go and sit on the couch while I clean up in here," I suggest, noting his mortification at how he just acted. "You look tired. Go ahead and watch something on the TV if you want."
He nods stiffly, turning and trudging from the room. I watch him go with sad eyes. That was more than nerves there. It was his automatic reaction to unanticipated movements. I force a growl down in my throat. If those bastards have been hurting him...
Wait...why am I feeling so protective of him? While it's true he's been through shit that doesn't excuse what he's done throughout his life. Raping and murdering his mother, falling in league with Apophis—which would result in only Ra knows how many deaths—Otogi's the most close to home for us...
I try to focus on anything but the Egyptian in the other room. My heart's pounding like mad. There's something I've been wondering since his "death." Now he's back and I know that I can't wait any longer for the truth. I turn swiftly, leaving the dirty dishes in the sink and striding out into the living room. Minkah's sitting on the couch, elbows resting on his knees, face covered by tan calloused fingers.
"Minkah."
Gray eyes meet mine. I inhale shakily before moving to sit in the chair nearby, pulling it so it's directly across from him. He watches me continuously as I do so, eyes narrowed slightly in surveillance, no doubt predicting what my next moves will be. Once I'm seated I fumble in my mass of thoughts, trying to collect them.
"There's something I've...I need to ask you," I breathe fighting the urge to break eye contact. I have to be strong about this.
"What?"
"It's about Malik," I say slowly, noting the change his eyes when I say so. "I...when you were here in Domino before...Did anything...what I'm trying to ask is..."
"You want to know if it went beyond the thing in the restroom," he states suddenly, eyes locked with mine.
My throat tightens, preventing me from speaking. To acknowledge this statement I nod stiffly, waiting in fear and anticipation for him to affirm my suspicions. It would explain Malik's dismal behavior the past two months if he lost someone he cared about that significantly. Minkah studies me with deep gray eyes for a long moment, mouth pursed in a thin line.
"Why haven't you just asked him this question?" he says finally.
I sigh heavily, looking away. "I...I can't. Besides, it didn't matter then because..."
"Because I was dead."
Ashamed that this is the truth, I morosely nod. My face is burning in disgrace as I force myself to admit this fact. Yes. Since Minkah was gone I had no worries. I thought Malik and I could get back to being 'us.'
"I thought you were smarter than assuming such. It appears I was mistaken though," Minkah suddenly snorts, leaning back into the couch cushions.
"What?" I ask coarsely, straightening in my chair in defiance.
"What you just said: If I was dead what does it matter whether or not Malik had feelings for me?" the Egyptian sneers, crossing his arms over his chest. "The threat of being replaced is gone, right?"
I'm trembling as I attempt to control the anger boiling inside of me, threatening to explode. How dare he! Minkah leans forward, eyes never leaving mine.
"I said: am I right?"
"Shut up!" I hiss lunging forward so our faces are inches apart. "Who the hell do you think you are to question Malik and my relationship? Since when is it any of your business...?"
"Since you brought it up," he replies simply, sitting back again.
I blink, mouth open. No words come as I fight to keep run of the situation. Minkah chuckles, shaking his head.
"And people say I have issues...Listen, you shouldn't take Malik for granted. Not many people like him come along and make it in this world. Besides," he adds darkly. "Even if I were dead, if your relationship is insecure there will be others to follow. Maybe not right away, but in time he'll look elsewhere." I gape at him, his words sinking in. My god... "This isn't my conversation; nor for any of your little freak-fest. This is between you and Malik. Don't try to heap you twos' relationship problems on me."
I can only gawk at him. It's true. I've been afraid of losing Malik. And how he's been acting the past few weeks...it's only driven my anxiety to an unhealthy level.
"I...you're right," I admit softly after a moment. Moaning, I bury my face in trembling hands. "Gods, what am I going to do?"
We both stiffen at the sound of the door to the shop. Minkah jumps to his feet, eyes fixated on the doorway connecting the living room to the store. I stand as well, waiting.
There's the sound of light-hearted laughter and chatter. The two of us remain still, unsure of what the others' reactions will be. The first to enter the room are Grandpa and Yugi. They both freeze, eyes wide in disbelief when they spot us.
"...besides that's not the point! It would be pretty pointless to string a guy's boxers over the telephone line unlessssss..." Jou's speech trails off on the sound as he and Honda come in as well.
The four of them gape in astonishment, seeming unsure if they should believe what they're seeing. They don't turn as two more people enter: Marik and Ryou. The former stands with his hands at his sides, eyes widening slightly when he spots the Egyptian next to me, though it isn't a look of absolute shock like the rest of them are wearing. Then there's...
"Minkah..." Ryou whispers in a scarcely audible voice, brown eyes that have been so lifeless the past few weeks suddenly brightening.
The Egyptian stands next to me tensely, unsure of what to do. It turns out he doesn't need to do anything.
"MINKAH!" Ryou shrieks lunging at the surprised white-haired teen.
In an instant the Egyptian is all but having the life squeezed out of him by a hysterical Ryou who's sobbing against his chest. Minkah stares down in shock, arms tense under the embrace.
"You're alive! You're here! You're alive!" the boy whispers in a trance reaching up and frantically kissing the other on the cheeks, forehead, chin...all of which seems to be leaving Minkah in a daze
Yugi and Marik exchange grins, rushing at the pair. A second later they all collapse on the couch, Minkah finding it impossible to keep his balance. Not that we can blame him: Ryou's still wrapped around his torso; Yugi is currently enclosed around Minkah's legs; and Marik's clinging to the Egyptian's right arm like there's no tomorrow. The rest of them relax, coming forward eagerly.
"Man Mink...it's good to see ya!" Jou breathes in relief. He reaches over and grabs the other's free hand.
Minkah scowls. "What did I say about touching...?"
He doesn't finish as Jou lunges, wrapping his arms around Minkah's shoulders in a bear hug. "Nuh uh! Not this time, man!" the blonde laughs.
As a miffed white-haired teen is showered with warm greetings and such my eyes wander back to the doorway. There, alone and silent, stands Malik. His gorgeous violet eyes are wide in bewilderment upon spotting Minkah under the pile of ecstatic youths. He stands there stiffly, engrossed.
"Shit we...we thought you were dead, Mink!" Jou continues happily when everyone finally backs off.
Yugi sits down on the floor next to Minkah's legs, giddily looking up at the other. Marik is snuggled on the couch next to Honda. Ryou's arms are still locked securely around his half-brother's waist, a huge smile plastered on his wan face. The light is back in his large brown eyes, the glow beginning to return to his skin.
"Where the hell have you been?" Honda presses equally exuberant.
Minkah has remained silent through the whole ordeal, thoroughly mystified by the affectionate welcome. His jaw is clenched. Gray eyes don't look at Marik, or Malik, or any of the others crowding around him excitedly. He stares down instead at the teen snuggled securely against his chest. Ryou's eyes are now closed, a look of pure bliss on his face.
Grandpa studies Minkah with concern. "You don't seem to be too hurt now. Your wounds were taken care of then?"
This statement brings the Egyptian out of his spell. "Yeah," he states haltingly, eyeing Grandpa suspiciously.
"Dis is just incredible!" Jou starts again, bouncing up and down on the arm of the sofa. "What are you doing back here? Why'd you stay away so long? Wha...?"
"Easy Jou. Take a breath," I cut in with a smirk. "He's worn out from the trip. Don't hound him." Out of the corner of my eye I catch the fairly appreciative look Minkah sends me.
"Right right. Sorry man. Just so glad to see ya is all..." Jou's cut off by the banging of the front door being thrown open.
Mr. Bakura dashes into the room, panting heavily. We all stand, Ryou still hugging his half-brother tightly against himself. Grandpa smiles in relief.
"Charles, you'll never guess who...!"
"Ryou, get away from him!" Mr. Bakura barks, eyes wild.
A taken aback Ryou releases his half-brother only to freeze as his father reaches into his jacket pocket, pulling out a handgun.
"Charles, what the devil...!"
Grandpa doesn't have time to finish as Mr. Bakura holds the weapon up, firing four times directly at Minkah who's standing next to me, bullets slicing into his chest.
Mwahahahahaha!
Readers: NOOOOOO! You cannot end it there!
Ferris: Until later! -runs away-
Readers: Noooo nooo NOOOOO!
Yugi: O.o Review?