OMFR!!! I am soooo sorry, sweeties! It's been waaay too long for this story! I've finally gotten through that sticky scene--I've switched it to a later part of the story (but I know how it's going to work now, so fear not for when we get to that part!)
Isaya831: -grimaces- Sorry sorry! Here it is! Here it is! Hey, are you new here? -tackleglomps-"I've NEVER been thiis obsessed with a stiry before! I'll die of suspense!" Ack! No! -recessitates- Don't do ever again! I might have been trained in CPR but it'll get very time consuming if I have to recessitate all my readers!
Kit-Cat Caitlin: "my boyfriend was like "Why are you reading so much all of a sudden?" and I told him the main plotline of the story and he was very interested, but he doesn't read much, so he jsut let me tell him it." Fweeee! I'm cool! (Minkah: She didn't say that and you know it) -pouts- Wellllll...my story's cool then! (Minkah: Once again...) -glares Hey! "And I too would happen to be an Afika Fan! yayness!" -grins- Yeah. he's hot...-blissful sigh- (Minkah: Erm...)
Soki-Chan the Great: "Minkah's been turned into the official sex object eh?" -laughs- Indeed. (Minkah: -mutters-) "Everyone wants to molest the poor thing." Myself included. (Minkah: O.O WHAT!!!)
Aria-Kanika: "I like how Malik and Minkah cuddled" I know, aren't they kawaiiii?! (Minkah: Feh!) (Malik: teeheehee! I feel giddy)
DayDreamer23182: "They took Minkah with them!?" Oooooh yes. (Malik: Damn. That was dumb, wasn't it?) (Yami: -tantrum- He bit me! The little bastard bit me!) (Minkah: Hey! You're shorter than I am, pal!) (Yami: -.-)
inuyashapup: "Well this littele American movie named 'Ice Age' is on and my family is about to eplode from laughing in the other room" -cackles- That's such an awesome movie! The sequel's good too, though not as good as the first one. Know what else is a kick-butt hilarious movie? The Emperor's New Groove! The beginning isn't all that, but it gets damn hilarious! (Minkah: Hey! What does this have to do with me?!) -shrugs happily-
shadowroamer: "I love how you add all the little twist to make the plot even better." Daaaaw! I love you too! -tackleglomps- (Minkah: erm...they never actually said they loved YOU, ferris...) D: SAD!
nayades18: "I REALLY LIKE AFIkA ,he is very possessive with Minkah , were they some kind of couple or something??" Ah yes, Afika and Minkah... Worry not! We'll be getting deeper into their past with one another by and by. (nayades: No! I want answers NOW!) O.o...
Silver Mirror: "I luv this chapter!!" OMR! I love YOU! -tackles- (Minkah: Once again, ferris, they're talking about the chapter, not you) -curls up in ball and sobs- I need a hug!...-brightens- Better yet! I need tic tacs! -dashes away- (Minkah: -SIGH-)
Street Trash: "Too bad this 'Apophis' group has no life whatsoever, but then, we'd have no plot here now would we?" -laughs- Yes well, don't worry; Afika touches on that fact a bit this chapter...but how does the rest of his group feel about chasing a bunch of teens all over Japan? (Niu: It's sucks, man!) -sweatdrop- "It's awesome that you thought of an original but not dull or stupid name for him." -smirks- Well thank you, but it's really not that hard. Just type in something like "foreign names" or--if you know a particular type of name you want--something along the lines of "Arabic names" or "ancient egyptian names"...Kapeesh? I got all the names for the Apophis group as well as Minkah from such a website. -nod nod nod- (Minkah: -snort- And here we thought you were so creative...) Hey!
queen of golden sands: -laughs- It's awesome how many fans Afika has. (Yami: I disagree.) Eh? (Yami: I said I disagree.) Welllll...no one asked for your opinion now, did they? (Yami: -grumble-) "THREESOME! please!? Minkah Malik Yami! omg! please!" (Yami: Yes! PLEASE!!!) O.O Passionate, aren't we? -smirk-
Ak4ne: "the pairing is Yamishipping I see, not that I'm complaining" -grins- Yeah, that threesome rarely gets too many complaints. " Too bad he isn't at all too interested in the two (or so it seems) and is duty-bound to Afika's group." (Afika: Hey! I'm extra smexy myself! You're acting like he's losing by sticking with me!) (Malik: -coughbastardcough-) (Afika: -GLARE-) (Malik: O.O;)
Arcanalirin: "Minkah's just tearing apart Yami amd Malik's relationship...even if it isn't intentional." (Minkah: Mwahahahaa! I don't even have to be aware I'm causing mayhem!) "I'm looking forward to finding out more about Minkah's past" (Minkah: -sigh- So am I.)
Kanashimi no Tenshi: "Oh, Minkah's PISSED" -cackles- Yup. (Minkah: Why do my annoyance and suffering always amuse you?) -snickering- Not always. Just most of the time. (Minkah: SIGH)
HieiWannabe: "Because both Kaiba and Malik committed a major no no. They both touched another man's lover" Also, Kaiba's a manic raping bastard. (Yami: Yes, there's that too.) (Kaiba: -grumble-) "Or maybe I've been reading too many goofy, lovey fics lately and have lust and revenge on the brain." -laughs- Yet another possibility! "Ever since I got your reassurance that Minkah was not going to be raped again, I've decided I love this story" -nod- Understandable. It's not a fun thing to watch...erm...read, is it? I think I might write about that subject so much because I understand it. I was molested when I was younger. -shrugs- Or maybe it has nothing to do with it. (Yami: Sooo many issues, ferris...) -grins- Yeah. "The bad guys, including our favorite psycho cutie, are really tough, but they're also very human, complex, and vulnerable." Oh indeed! I hate it when the bad guys are just so obviously evil with no redeeming qualities! I'm reading the Black Cat manga right now...the main bad guy's insane, but all of his 'team' are so complex; you can't help but love 'em even though they're intent on killing your favorite 'good' characters. Aiieee! So dramatic! I love it.
bakura240: "BWAHAHAHAHAHA! MINKAH HASH BEEN ABDUCTED X3 (and no i will not stop touching him" -grins- Yeah, he's soooo attractive like that. -salivating- (Minkah: That's gross, ferris) Shoot him with an ice cube gun, eh? -grins- I want one of those! (Minkah: -hiding under table-)
Sagira98: "Why is Ryou all huggy now? That just seemed a little weird." I took what you said here to heart and have extended an explanation of it a bit more in this chapter; though we'll get deeper into it later, k? So thank you for mentioning that. -kowtows-
MarshmellowPeepGod: " knew I was forgetting some peoples on the list of cookies!" Mmmm...gotta love cookies! 'Specially butterscoth oatmeal cookies! Ooh! And no-baked cookie! And...! (Yami: This is going to go on for a while, so I suggest just skipping to the story now)
Odji: "this is a certain fish, one of your reviewers" Oooh! A facade! A disguise! Hi honey! -tackles- (Odji: O.o) "I also liked the part when Ryou was snuggling Minkah, and Minkah was all O.o" It's fun to make Minkah go O.o. (Minkah: How many times have you typed O.o in this reply?) That makes four. -grin-
dragonlady222: "The only ones I want to see die are Akifa, Mr. Bakura and Apophis." Ah. -grins- I see not everyone is an Afika fan. (Afika: -scoffs- Impossible! I'm so damn hot it's sinful!) -drools- True true.
I'm dedicating this chapter to Sagira98 and Isaya831! Onward my preciousess!
His eyes upon your face—
His hand upon your hand—
His lips caress your skin—
It's more than I can stand!
(Moulin Rouge)
Chapter 5: Thorns
(Ryou's POV)
"When's it coming, dammit? It's as cold as shit out here!" Jou mutters while stamping his feet on the muddy pavement in an effort to bring some warmth to his legs.
We're standing outside the small station just off the nearly vacant highway waiting for the bus we're transferring over to. All the place is is a tiny run-down public toilet. The stench inside the brick building's "lobby" is too overwhelming so we've chosen the outdoor chill against the stink. Yugi and Yami are sharing Yugi's coat; Malik and Marik's sharing the latter's; Jou has Yami's; and Honda has Malik's. Minkah has his leather jacket zipped up fully and I have the jean jacket I wore yesterday on our outing completely buttoned.
"Jounouchi, watch your language," Mr. Mutou admonishes while wearily pulling the sleeve of his own jacket up slightly to glance at his watch.
Marik shudders, snuggling closer to his brother who's standing beside our luggage under a small withering tree. Honda and Jou exchange some annoyed words, both utterly impatient to get out of the cold. Not that the rest of us aren't just as keen on doing so. Yami sighs heavily; his breath puffing out like smoke as he wraps his arms around Yugi's who's huddling against his sibling. I stand awkwardly beside Minkah, casting uncertain glances at my own brother.
His face is literally lacking any type of emotion; frozen and stony. Arms crossed over his chest, he stares out at the empty highway as if picking up on some call undetected by the rest of us. Minkah hasn't said a word to me since the argument in the Mutous' living room; casting icy glances at each and every one of us...save one. Whenever those frosty eyes fall upon me I look away, shivering under their intense wrath. The others all react in quite the same fashion; except Marik, who is spared from the looks of hostility.
There are many other people huddled about in small groups muttering to one another quietly. The weather's bleak; a light mist of either rain or snow jabbing at our skin like prickly needles. It's not quite dawn, a grayish haze the only hint that the sun will ever be returning to us. Everyone stiffens, craning their necks as a bus enters the parking lot groaning in its metal skeleton as it protests of the elements.
"Is it...?" Jou whispers in anticipation
"Nope," Malik grumbles jadedly.
"Aaargh!" Honda moans burying his face in his hands. "When will it come?"
I watch Minkah out of the corner of my vision. His gray eyes are immersed in the crowd of people rushing eagerly for the bus, shoving at one another unceremoniously. The scratching and haughty mewling from what at first glance appears to be a regular carryon signals Misa's growing impatience at being cooped up inside her pet-carrier that has a mesh front so she can breathe and not get claustrophobic either. Like hell if I'd leave her behind with Otousan. That's why I insisted on Malik accompanying me over to my house a few hours before we left for me to collect my cat and numerous other possessions.
"It's just as well," Yami states monotonously. "I'd rather be on a less crowded bus."
"Less crowded? More crowded? Hell, if you make me sit on Honda's lap I won't care. Just get me outta this fucking cold!" Jou seethes, whilst the brunette begins pacing in circles.
Mr. Mutou sends Jou a warning look but doesn't say anything. My hands rise to cover my mouth as I cough harshly, my throat having become raw a while ago from the chilled air. Mr. Mutou turns to me with a drawn brow.
"How are you holding up?" he asks with concern, noting that my jacket is fairly thin. "We can grab another sweater for you from the suitcases."
I nod, the tips of my fingers having gone quite numb. The others hear this suggestion and seem to find it an excellent idea, hurrying over to our luggage.
"Jou, stop shoving! You'll get one, all right?" Malik growls in frustration as we all scrounge about in the fabrics, frozen fingers fumbling clumsily in their frantic search for warmth.
"Well 'den hurry it up! I'm freezing my ass off here!"
"Jounouchi!" Mr. Mutou states in his 'that's quite enough of that language' tone.
"Wat? I...!"
"Grandpa's right, Jou," Yugi manages to giggle. "We're all going to get a sweater so...Yami?" Yugi suddenly straightens, looking around. "Yami?"
"Maybe he went for a piss," Jou shrugs, going back to sorting through the bags.
I watch as Malik takes a tentative step away from us, eyes narrowed as they sweep over the people huddled about. The rest of our group look up when the blonde Egyptian glances around frantically, body stiffened.
"Malik? What's wrong?" Mr. Mutou asks unsurely.
Malik turns around, panic now visible in his eyes. Jou sighs heavily. "Look, man, I'll walk ya into that god-awful building to show you yer boyfriend's just taking a..."
"You won't find him there," Malik states grimly as his eyes continue to scan our surroundings. "Minkah's gone too."
(Minkah's POV)
I scowl, gripping my arms against my sides tightly in order to block the wind as I watch them all rush over to their suitcases, digging haplessly like a bunch of prairie dogs. The airstreams pick up again, coiling around everything they come in contact with, tearing and clawing madly to burrow within anything possessing any warmth. Before I can process anything further my instincts take hold of me as I tense.
Eyes. I can feel eyes.
I barely move, my gaze passing over each and every individual in the premises. My fingers mechanically slide across the hilt of my knife that is hidden beneath my jacket. All at once I stop on him: an ordinary enough looking middle-aged man wearing a long gray business coat standing near the far corner from the building; a good distance away from everyone else. His narrowed brown eyes meet mine for a mere second before he turns swiftly on his heels, stalking out of sight around the corner. Disturbed by this, I glance once more at the freaks gathered around the suitcases before walking nonchalantly between different groups of people, my fingers now tightened around my dagger.
I make my way slowly, eyes darting to and fro. There's never just one. I'm to the side of the building. There's a grassy clearing followed by trees. No on in sight. Growling under my breath, I move forward cautiously. They're not doubt setting a trap. Who they are is what I've yet to discover. This is, unfortunately, the most vital of information. It would allow me to make an educated assumption on their numbers, motives, and combat style; provided, of course, that they're not here only for the kill.
(Yami's POV)
As the others make simultaneous dives for the luggage I glance to my left to find Minkah's no longer among us. Narrowing my eyes, I turn, scanning the people in the vicinity. He's not hard to pick out, white hair like a beacon in this dreary weather. He slips to and fro between groups of people, seeming to be fixated upon something. Now where the hell does he think he's going?
Unnerved, I hurry after him, keeping myself hidden from his view nonetheless. If I can, I'll just see what he's up to. Although he's probably already sensed me. I watch as Minkah pauses, his hand under the right corner of his coat, obviously fingering his dagger before he disappears from sight. This can't be good. Is it Apophis? Who else could it be?
Cutting around to the back, I find him standing in the midst of an empty muddy clearing behind the building; staring fixatedly into the underbrush of the evergreen forest beyond. I note the way his fingers trail over the hilt of the knife at his belt. I strain my ears but hear nothing but the moan of the trees as the cutting wind forces its way through their branches. A shiver runs up my spine at the sharp heavy feeling in my gut as my eyes search desperately for the source of his agitation, but I find none.
"Minkah?" I ask, stepping up beside him. "What is it?"
"You can't sense them?" he replies quietly in his native tongue.
I fight the urge to shrug and say: "Nope. Who?" Without a single explanation he grabs my hand and turns swiftly, casually tugging me back the way we came.
"Hey! Wha...?"
"We're being watched," he hisses softly, maintaining a relaxed composure nonetheless.
"Apophis?" I ask, heart leaping to my throat.
He shakes his head, white locks whisking back and forth. "No. It's someone else. I didn't recognize them though."
"Should we tell the others? Change our destination?" I press, switching to Arabic as well as we walk between groups of people back to our companions.
Minkah hesitates for a moment, jaw clenching as he mulls through our options. "No. Don't bother worrying them. Not until we have an idea of what these people want. For the time being there's not much to be done."
"Agreed."
"YAAAAMI!" my brother's voice calls; under the tree Jou and Honda are grabbing the only two suitcases of our luggage left. I start, eyes falling upon the bus that's nearly done loading.
"Der you two are! Gramps is frantic! Ry's comin' down with something. An' the driver's threatenin' to leave without us!" the blonde rants as he and the brunette toss the luggage into the large side compartment on the outside of the bus. "Honda and I have been stalling. 'Accidentally' had suitcases fall open twice. One can only fake being clumsy so long before things get ridiculous!"
"Sorry sorry," I manage as we all shuffle onto the bus, earning dirty looks from the driver and several passengers.
We make our way to the back of the crowded bus where the rest of our group is situated. An ashen Ryou bundled in several sweaters is snuggled against Grandpa. Marik and Yugi are in the seat behind them; Malik's across the aisle from them, arms folded over his chest; relief flooding his beautiful features when he spots us.
"Thank ra! There you are!" Grandpa exclaims. "Where on earth were you boys?"
"Just...wandering a bit. Looking for a vending machine," I lie through my teeth as Minkah and I stop behind Jou and Honda as we wait for them to sit in the seat in front of Malik.
My koi's looking at me, violet eyes piercing me deeply, doubtfully. It's only now that I realize Minkah and I are still holding hands. I quickly jerk my arm away, noting Minkah's own surprise at our inattentiveness.
"Well next time do tell someone before wandering off like that," Grandpa is lecturing, unaware of the obvious tension. "I was beginning to fear the worst..."
Minkah moves to the very back, sinking down in the seat directly behind Yugi and Marik, scooting over to the window and gazing out it guardedly towards the small building and forest beyond it. I freeze suddenly. I only have two options of seats. Do I sit with Malik?—or Minkah? I can feel Marik, Yugi, and my koi watching me—waiting.
"Hey kid! Sit down so we can leave!" the driver bellows from up front impatiently.
"All right!" I grit between my teeth, sweat lining my brow. My eyes shoot from Malik—who's pretending he doesn't notice my plight—to Minkah, who seems completely oblivious to everything going on.
"Hey! I've got a schedule here!"
"Yami, for goodness say, sit down!" Grandpa scolds, his attention more on the pallid feverish boy beside him.
I stare straight at Malik, wanting him to look at me. He won't. Instead he stares out the window, muscles rigid. Why is he acting this way? Is this about Minkah and I holding hands? A growl threatens to rise in my throat. It didn't even mean anything. That's nothing compared to what he's done with the white-haired Egyptian. Making out in a public restroom...and just earlier today cuddling Minkah in his lap, all but fondling him. Not sparing him another glance, I stride to the seat behind Yugi and Marik, plopping down next to the silent assassin as the vehicle jerks and we head off into the dark.
(Malik's POV)
I'm trembling.
Why did he do that? Isn't it enough that I'm feeling guilty about all this?—but to have Yami hitting on Minkah just to get back at me? I bite down on my lip. Or is it something more? No. They don't even know one another. But...
I glance over at the two of them sitting side by side. Minkah's staring out the window, arms folded over his chest as he slouches next to my koi. Yami's leaning back into the uncomfortable cushions, eyes closed. It's hard to tell whether he's asleep or not. I quickly avert my eyes, not wanting him to catch me looking at him.
Just where did the two of them go while the rest of us were scrounging through the luggage? And what was with the hand-holding? What kind of things would they have been doing that would result in holding hands? My throat tightens, and I turn my head to face the window so Marik won't see...So no one will see.
(Minkah's POV)
The sunrise was barely perceptible from the night; a dreary gray sky looming over the tree line as far as the eye can see. I don't know how much further it is to this place they're taking me. Nearly all of the other passengers have departed, leaving only three or four towards the front of the vehicle. The friendship group is asleep, save for the old man and Yami. Though the latter's eyes are closed, his breathing is not at the low, deep rhythm of one who's sleeping. I cast an eye across the aisle at his koi who's sitting alone, head lulling to the side as he slumbers. Odd. Why isn't Yami sitting with Malik? Didn't he just confide in me yesterday about how he's afraid he's losing his boyfriend? One would think he'd be doing whatever's in his power to keep their relationship from breaking. Ah well, I'm not going to stick my nose into their love spat. I've enough problems of my own to sort out.
My eyes narrow as the bus teeters to and fro along the two lane road deep in some forest region; no buildings or sign of man in sight. This could be a good or bad thing; such an atmosphere does nothing short of encouraging our stalkers to act, as there are no witnesses around. I sigh heavily, craning my neck in order to see out as far as possible. Nothing but vast wilderness.
"What's wrong?" I turn to find Yami looking at me inquiringly.
"What?"
"You just sighed."
I snort. "And that automatically means there's something wrong?"
"Well, is there?"
"Perhaps. But that's beside the point," I reply crossly. I've had enough of this group and all their overwhelming 'protectiveness'. This isn't how it was supposed to happen. They were supposed to flee to safety, leaving me behind so I could...
"So what is it?" Yami's voice persists, drawing me from my internal ranting.
Might as well get right to the point. I've never been one to beat around the bush. "When the hell are you people going to accept that I'm not going to stay with you?"
He frowns. "Minkah, you don't know what it's like to be free. Malik felt very similar to what you're feeling now when Grandpa first took he and Mare in. Give it a little time. Please. If not for your own sake, then for your brother's."
"He's not my brother," I hiss, blood boiling. I hate how they've started referring to him as that. I don't have a brother. I don't have any family. She was all there was—all there ever will be.
Violet eyes stare at me mournfully. "And why ever not?"
"We're related through that bastard Bakura, nothing more," I reply in a voice laced with abhorrence. "Being connected through blood doesn't automatically qualify one as a brother."
Yami shakes his head sadly. "I don't understand what's so bad about considering Ryou as your..."
"You're right. You don't understand. And I don't care if you don't. It isn't any of your Ra-damned business," I snap, keeping my voice low nonetheless. The last thing I need right now is to have the rest of them getting involved in this argument.
Yami fixes me with a stern gaze. "Ryou is my business. He's like family to me. To all of us."
"Then why don't you bloody adopt him and leave me the hell alone?" I sneer contemptuously. "I'm sure he'd be quite pleased with that."
The other is silent for a long moment, allowing me to develop false hopes that he's done talking. "You know he cares about you. The rest of us...our affection isn't enough." Yami shifts slightly.
"Well he needs to get a reality check that not everyone he meets in life is going to want to hug him."
"You may very well disagree with me, but there's no need to be cynical about it." The teen beside me sighs heavily, shoulders slumped forward slightly as if under a heavy burden. "Listen Minkah. I think I know why he's so...why he's drawn to you."
"Oh?" I look over inquiringly. This should be interesting to say the least.
Yami nods somberly. "You probably don't know this, but he had a younger sister..."
"I know," I cut in soullessly, just wanting him to shut up now. Instead, he gives me a surprised look, brow furrowed slightly.
"What...?"
"Let's just cut to the chase, because it's obvious I'm not getting the message through clearly: I'm. Not. Stay-ing." I stress each hate-drenched syllable. "Nothing you people can do or say is going to alter that fact so you might as well start trying to accept it. That's all I have to say to you, so just shut your mouth or, Ra as my witness, I'll make you."
He knows I'm not kidding. I never kid. Still, he hesitates, considering testing my temper further. I turn away from him, leaning against the window, my breath fogging up the glass. The shifting sound of the seat's leathery material tells me his muscles have loosened: he's giving up...for the time-being, at least. I suppress a shudder as so many images and echoes capture my senses, taking me back to those times I just want to forget.
I'm definitely not going to be getting any sleep, am I?
(Mr. Mutou's POV)
He's getting worse. The fever is taking a heavy toll on him. Due to the fact that he hasn't taken care of himself in the last few months, it comes as no shock that his immune system is weak. That in itself only adds to my multiple concerns. As if it weren't enough that we have a band of brainwashed teenage assassins looking for us. Then there's Marik's condition to worry about. We have to be extraordinarily careful that he isn't exposed to anything that could upset him. Also, I have to see that all the boys' needs are met; that no one goes hungry or gets bored enough to go wandering off into trouble. Each has his own emotional scars and carries heartbreaking loads on his young shoulders.
I crane my neck slightly to peer over the top of my seat to two rows behind us. Minkah and Yami are discussing something, voices hushed. I can detect the harsh tones of the Egyptian's voice and can only imagine what Yami must be going through in trying to keep the peace back there. He's always been my shoulder to lean on when I feel like I'm at my breaking point. But will we be able to do enough this time?
"N-no...don't..."
I jolt; glancing down at the white-haired youth snuggled against my chest. His features are drawn in a pained look that makes my heart ache. Wan face lined with perspiration, his lip trembles as he continues to whimper.
"Please...pl-please...don't leave...?" he murmurs weakly, fragile brown eyes opening slightly, beseeching someone.
"It's all right, Ryou," I say softly, soothingly brushing damp bangs out of his eyes.
"N-no...don't leave...don't leave me..."
"I'm staying right here with you," I reply, knowing he really isn't talking to me but hoping these words might calm his fears.
"How's he doing?" I look up from the ill boy to find Yami standing in the aisle next to us, face worried.
"The fever's taking a hold of his mind; he's getting delirious," I speak softly in a solemn voice. "It's come on so quickly; that in itself is troubling."
"I...should we ask to stop?"
I look down anxiously at the wan boy limp in my arms. "I would...but there's nothing around here. Stopping would only prolong our being able to treat him."
"I could ask the driver how much further it is to the next town."
"Do that," I nod. "And see if we can possibly go a little faster. Tell him someone is in desperate need of medical attention."
"I'm on it," Yami replies, turning and walking unsteadily down the aisle of the quaking bus.
"P-please...don't...don't go..." the white-haired boy whimpers, tears in his reddened, cloudy eyes.
"Hold on, Ryou," I say softly in his ear, praying that it isn't already too late.
(Afika's POV)
I stroll up to the darkened shop nonchalantly, a simple customer who's checking out why his favorite store is closed on a Saturday afternoon. Other passer-byers spare me uninterested glances, nothing more. Standing on the front steps, I peer through the glass door into the minute store, that peculiar coldness seeping through my veins; it only comes on the very rare occasions when I return to a former target. Usually there's nothing but debris. Not here though. They just re-wired the electrical and phone lines and placed new panes of glass in the front. The corners of my mouth twitch. They probably got new carpet in the living room too, as it would have been soaked with Kaiba's blood.
My eyes narrow when I note the way the door is secured. To the average person it would seem normal, but I'm far from common. The way it's bolted...Just turned slightly askew. The lock's obviously been picked from the outside. The person was skilled, I'll give them that...But not skilled enough.
It wasn't Niu. He might have fucked up the operation so far, but he's never slipshod when it comes to technology and the likes. No. This is someone else. Not Minkah. He left with the freaks. I've yet to discover his reasons for doing so, but I'm not concerned.
Niu and Kasiya want to know why we're even bothering to come back and annihilate a bunch of shallow-minded teens that hadn't even been aware we were still alive. I don't have to explain to them; and I won't. It's of little importance to them. I have a score to settle with those freaks—particularly Ishtar. The blonde has crossed over one too many boundaries. And I won't rest until I have severed his head and cut off his dick.
I blink, glancing down at my left jacket pocket as the phone inside vibrates. Casting a final look at the door, I turn, stepping from the porch and heading off down the block while pulling the device from within the material.
"This had better be good," I growl, irritated at having been interrupted.
"Afika, I've been tracking them like you said. Haven't caught up to them yet..."
"Don't drone on with petty explanations. Just get to the point, Niu."
"I haven't confirmed it but...I think someone might be following them."
"Looked in the mirror lately?" I snort, scowling as the bitter wind cuts into my skin. "I must agree with you though. Consider your suspicions confirmed."
"You know who it is?" the black teen questions inquiringly.
"Not yet. But I have a hunch. I'm on my way to verify it right now," I reply as I approach my dark blue car—the color of skin after countless beatings.
"Should we consider them a threat to our plans?"
"Consider everything a threat. Just don't let them decapitate the freaks. I want the pleasure of doing that myself."
"So what should I do?"
"You just keep tracking them and inform me the moment you know where they're headed. I'll contact the others and have them meet up with me. We'll be out to join you by and by."
"Understood." There's the soft click as he severs the connection.
I climb behind the wheel of the car, sliding the key into the ignition. The vehicle rumbles low as it comes to life. "Let's see just what you're up to now," I whisper, heading off in search of my long-anticipated prey.
(Marik's POV)
"Nn-no...don't go..." my friend whimpers as I dab at his clammy forehead with a damp washcloth from the motel bathroom.
"Ry?" Malik asks from next to me, gently touching the side of his wan face.
"This is just what we need," Jou mutters, eyes worried as he stares at the pulled yellowish drapes to the one large window. "Checking into a hotel and now being seen by a doctor too. At this rate, Apophis is gonna find us in no time."
"Well it couldn't be helped. I'd rather give away some information about our whereabouts than sacrifice any one of you," Grandpa states unrepentantly from where he, Honda, Yami, and Yugi are setting up blankets and pillows on the floor for the rest of us to sleep on. There's only two double beds; Ry in one of them.
"I didn't mean..."
"It's all right, Jounouchi," the elderly man replies with a soft smile while fluffing one of the lumpy motel pillows.
I glance over to the corner of the room nearest the blocked window. Minkah's sitting in the wooden chair, eyes dark as if his stare could pierce the curtains. He hasn't spoken much since his return to us. After I reawakened on the bus there was a tension in the air even more heightened than when Yami chose to sit with Minkah instead of my brother. I'm still unsettled by that, and I know Yugi is too. This isn't the time to be bringing it up though; maybe later, once we're safe at Otogi's cabin and Ryou's doing better.
"Mare, you need to get some sleep," Malik states resting a warm hand on my shoulder.
I nod even though I want to look after our friend. There's no use arguing about it; it's my psychiatrists' orders that I get a substantial amount of rest. I allow my brother to lead me to the other bed in which Yugi's already snuggling down under the covers. I slip in beside him. When I exhale it feels like all the troubles of the day just pass out with the air. It's relieving. My eyes close and I welcome slumber's sheltering embrace from this brutal world.
(Malik's POV)
I sit on the edge of the bed stroking my brother's feathery blonde locks for a while until his breathing is rhythmic and calm. Yugi's asleep beside him, mouth slightly open as he mutters to himself, cuddling against Marik. I can't help but smile at them—at the innocence that they still pertain even after all they've gone through. Why couldn't I hold onto even a portion of that?
"...d-don't..."
I sigh heavily, turning to gaze wearily at the white-haired boy shifting uncomfortably in the other bed. Shaking my head, I trudge over to Minkah across the room who's watching the feverish boy. Leaning against the wall, I clear my throat.
"If you're going to say something then just say it," the Egyptian says gruffly.
"I was just wondering: why are you over here?" He gives me an inquiring look, so I continue: "What I mean is: why aren't you over there with him?"
He scowls. "What is it with you people and blood ties and loyalty? Just because I'm related to him automatically makes me responsible for him?"
"No. But you could show a little support and compassion..."
"He doesn't even know who we are at the moment. Do you really think it matters whether I'm present or not?" the assassin huffs crossly.
"Yes. It matters to him. And it matters to you. Minkah, why not at least try it? I know it's different than me and Mare since you and Ryou haven't known one another for that long..."
"There's a huge difference," he snaps, eyes blazing. "I wish you people would just stop badgering me about it because you're not going to change my mind."
"And why not?" I ask, figuring he's just being difficult but suspecting something else is amiss.
Narrow gray eyes glare across the room at the ashen teen. "We're complete opposites. He was sheltered and spoiled and loved...he had parents and even a sibling as a companion." Minkah's voice is dripping with antipathy now, body trembling. "He had everything I would have had—should have had."
I gaze at him in shock. "You blame Ryou for what happened to you and your mother?"
Minkah snorts. "Don't be absurd. I'm not that that thin-minded. I know it was all that bastard's doing...that his son didn't play a part in his dirty deeds..."—he sends a fierce look at his sibling—"but that doesn't make me hate him any less. He lived the life I always coveted, blissfully unaware of what his happiness cost me and my mother...For that, I'll never forgive him."
I don't respond in any way; don't know how to respond to something like that. It's not like I'm completely unaware of what he's talking about. When Grandpa first brought Marik and I to Japan, I used every opportunity I could find to make Yami and Yugi's lives a living hell. It didn't matter how polite and charitable they were, sharing their room, their house, their grandfather with two psychopaths. There wasn't a particular reason I hated them...not one they could understand anyway. Most likely, it was the same thing Minkah just said: those two had the life I'd always dreamed of for Mare and I, but knew we'd never had—or at least so I thought at the time. Whenever Yami tried to talk to me I'd snap; broke his arm once. Yet I was amazed when he kept coming back...and slowly, gradually, I fell for him.
But will the outcome be the same for Minkah and Ryou? Not in the romantic relationship way that Yami and I turned out with; at least, we did have. Now I'm not so sure. I'm not sure of anything.
(Mr. Bakura's POV)
"God damn it!" I shout shoving all the papers off the table in a frenzied whirl.
Damn Minkah. Damn Apophis.
How much more can I lose? Everything's been taken away from me. My lover; my wife and daughter; my co-workers and friends; the trust of Solomon and his boys; and now Ryou.
He was all I had left.
And because I allowed Minkah's words to get to me, they all actually believed I was in the wrong. That it's all my fault. Ryou wouldn't have gone with him if he'd known. They didn't give me a chance to speak. As soon as Minkah opened his mouth they all sided with him, not questioning his sanity or credibility.
I've been carrying the telephone with me constantly, waiting for their call. They'll find Ryou and the rest of them. I know they will. They'll put an end to Minkah once and for all. Then perhaps I'll get my son back. But afterwards will he even look at me without hatred burning in his eyes? Can we ever go back to what we were to one another before Minkah came?...before my world's last threads were sheered in half before my waking eyes?
I wander aimlessly into the living room. The house is empty and cold. I haven't even been able to locate the cat. I'm assuming Ryou took her with him.
Sinking down onto the sofa, I gaze forlornly at the photographs on the mantle. Of young Ryou. Amane. Charlotte...Unable to bear it anymore, I bury my face in my hands, sobbing uncontrollably, shoulders shaking. They're gone. I've lost them. I've lost them all.
"N-no," I hiss fiercely, fingers curling into fists in front of my tearstained face. "I haven't lost Ryou. Not yet. Not completely. There's still a chance...still hope."
"Hope?" a scornful voice laughs mockingly. "I can't believe you actually still possess such a thing. Have you really learned nothing?"
I jump to my feet, startled. Head whipping left and right, I cannot locate the owner of said voice.
"Who are you? Show yourself!" I bellow commandingly.
"Temper temper. Really, Charles, is that any way to greet an old acquaintance?"
My blood runs cold as I twist, my eyes falling upon the shadowy figure halfway up the stairs, leaning languidly on the banister of the staircase.
"You! What...! How...!"
"Tsk. Quite a dramatic tragedy you put on just now. And lucky me to get front row seats to the whole performance," the black haired demon smiles, strolling casually down the stairs until he's standing in the room.
"What do you want?" I growl even as my heartbeat quickens. The boy who'd claimed to love Ryou—Khalil, stands before me, a dangerous glint in those sinister eyes. "They're not here, if you're looking for them."
He chuckles, slinking forward like a shadow. "And there you go again, just out to save your own skin. No no. I'm aware they already left Domino. I've come to see you."
Beads of sweat are slowly sliding from beneath my hairline down the sides of my face. "W-why? I don't know where they went! I swear!" I exclaim as he draws nearer.
"I'm well aware that you're an incompetent bastard and that the freaks would do everything in their power to make sure you didn't come with them. So they've sided with Minkah, have they?"
I bristle but don't retaliate, knowing full well some of the things this monster in front of me is capable of. He's the one who decapitated Seto Kaiba.
"What do you want from me? I don't understand what use I am to you if you already know they left without my knowing. I'll keep my mouth shut and not tell the authorities if that's what you...!"
"Oh quit your blubbering. It's as pointless as it is aggravating," he sneers, fingering the slender deadly blade in his black-gloved hands. "Sit down and we'll get this sorted out."
"But I don't understa..."
He's suddenly in my face, eyes flashing dangerously. "I said: Sit." I take a seat quickly on the edge of the sofa, still watching him warily. "Now then, it has come to my attention through my own speculations and those of one of my comrades that the freaks are being tracked by someone other than ourselves. You wouldn't happen to know anything about that, would you, Charles?" he drawls out, brown eyes glowing like embers from underneath black bangs.
"I...I don't know what you're talking about," I stutter even as I warn myself not to.
He smiles, stepping closer, leaning down so our faces are level and close. "Let me rephrase that question: exactly who did you send after the freaks, Charles?"
The perspiration pouring down my face feels so warm that I wouldn't be surprised if it was blood. The metallic taste of the crimson liquid surges through my mouth between my teeth, invading all and every crevice. All the while the demon in front of me waits, blade gleaming in the dim light of the room. I lick my lips in an effort to sooth their burning parched state.
"I...I don't..."
I let out a howl of pain at the sharp sickening snaps; the fingers of my left hand resting on the arm of the sofa being bent rearward over the back of said hand, bones broken in one swift movement, sticking out in ghastly positions through the skin. His leather gloved hand is resting atop mine, applying an excruciating amount of pressure to my busted fingers. Tears welding up in my eyes, I stare up in terror at the lips curled into a vicious smirk, sharp white teeth sneering at my agony. The black-haired devil leans forward, eyes burning into mine until they're all I can perceive.
"Let's try this again..."
Whoot for Afika!
ferris and characters: Whoot!
Malik: Yami's cheating on me! -sobs-
Yami: -rolls eyes- Oh puh-leez!
Minkah: Drama queens
Afika: Didn't I tell you you'd be better off just sticking with me?
Minkah: -sighs- Yes.
Yugi: review! -edges away from Afika-
Afika: -evil smirk-