Shit it's been forever. I'll explain what the hell's going on with all my stories at the end of this chapter, k? nineteen pages! (not including opening song and responses)
Lorna Shadows: -ish tackle hugged- Eeep! Well hi there! It's been a while. -ish grabbed and spinned- Dizzzzzy...Well, I'm glad you're back and enjoying the story so much! "I'm sorry! I forgot all about you!" -winces- Yeah, well, as you might have noticed, I haven't exactly been updating at all...yeah. "Minkah just needs more hugs then he'll come around...maybe" -laughs- You think so?
Kitsu-cha: -ish tackled- Ack! That's the second time and only the second review. (I'm gonna be getting tackled a lot, aren't I?) Oh I'd LOVE it if you'd draw fanarts--provided I get to see it!--some people do so but they never show me! SAD! I've been working on sketches of Afika and the other former Apophis people. -drools- He's hot. XD
UnderFingerAndThumb: "But only Marik would actually be able to /touch/ Afika" Well, technically, Ryou's already snogged Afika on several occasions. (Ryou: -swoon- My Khalil! Parting is such sweet sorrow! -teary-) (Afika: -shifts away from Ryou-) heh. Glad you like Afika so much. He's got a Major role in this story. What I'm hoping to achieve is a type of story where no one's completely good and no one's completely bad--y'know, like REALITY. (oh! Or like in Black Cat) Best manga series ever! (not the anime show. It sucks) But now I'm ranting so ta ta for now!
Kit-Cat-Caitlin: "You have coolness growing off your head!...Off your head and ur fingertips...like mold or something!" O.o Oh dear. -glances in mirror- And here I thought all this stuff on my head was hair. The things you learn. -grins- Seriously though, I have molded. It ain't fun. Your skin molds (very painful) and falls off. I wouldn't recommend it. -shudders- (Minkah: You are a very odd girl. You know that?) -sigh- Yes
shadowroamer: -ish tackled and hugged- Gaah! That's the third time! -snuggles- I needs it. Ferris has been having a rough time. (Minkah: Oh boo hoo.) -growls- Anyway...I know I know, it's been forever since I updated any of my fics! There are...reasons. I'll go into further detail at the end of the chapter. Enjoy this one, eh? -winks-
Silver Mirror: -smiles sadly- Wow. When you wrote this you were all impressed I was on chapter 5 already. That was over 5 months ago...and I just now finished this chappie. -SIGH-
wallsmex: "HOLY CRAP I LOVE YOU" -smiles- Well that makes me feel good. "I think I've proposed before but I shall do so again." -thinks- Hmm...no, I don't think you proposed...I've had a few people do so...hmm...Oh! Were you the one who wanted to have my kids? Or for me to have your kids? O.o or something like that? -ish tired- Man, I'm confuzzling myself.
nayades18: "NO PLEASE! Yami is too soft for Minkah" (Yami: I am NOT! -tantrum) -snerk- Poor Yami. "I want some physical action between Minkah and Malik!" (Malik: So do I!) "I'm a little pervert" Aren't we all? -blissful sigh- Ah you're interested in learning more about Afika. Yeah, you won't hear anything more from him this chapter. Our "freaks"--as they are referred to by Minkah and the former Apophis people--have enough of their own drama that needs to be focused upon. (Afika: WTF! I'm waaaaay more important that any of their petty problems! Plus I'm smexy!) -ish salivating- Mmm...yesss...
Kyang-San: -smiles- My updates make people happy? Well then, it's about time I add a little sunshine to the world, eh? (ak4ne: -nod nod nod-) No, the new "secret society duh duh DUH" isn't going to save Mr. B. Go Afika! Whoot whoot! Gary Stu? -blink- Gary who? -ish completely lost- You have a possible idea of what Afika wants to get back at Malik for? Well good! Yes, Afika's hard to read. He was trained by Apophis not to show emotion. Don't worry though! We'll get further into his head later. (Yami: -shivers- Are you sure that's wise? I'm not sure I want to know what goes on in his head!...despite its hotness) -ish drooling- Mmm...indeed. Glad you liked Minkah's feelings--or lack of feelings--towards Ryou. That itself will be put to the test in this lovely chapter! XD
Xellimech: Ah yes, the whole Yami likes Malik but likes Minkah, Minkah likes Malik, Malik likes Yami and Minkah etc etc etc...(Marik: It's like a big pile of hormones!) -laughs- Sorry it's been so long since I've updated!
-Sporky- queen of the sand: "I could not remember why I said I loved Afika...I see why: he's a sadist psycho!" Yay! -drooling- How could you NOT love him?! (Yami: Erm...) -shakes fists at him- Don't say something you'll regret! (Yami: shutting up)
Isaya831: "What part was it you were having trouble getting right anyway?" Oh, lots of stuff...in a few different ficcies, actually. -sigh- I have to have things happen in the right order or it'll mess tons of stuff up. "Does Mr. Bakura die in this story?" Ah, the million dollar question...-smirk-
Sagira98: Who's following the gang? Well now if I told you then you'd know and it wouldn't be suspenseful! (Sagira: -shifts- I could be...) Oh you get a bigger explanation of why Ryou's so huggy in THIS chapter. It's really really sad, actually. (Ryou: Why can't I ever be HAPPY,dammit!) O.o...I ask myself that every day...
Reijin Hakumei: -laughs- Minkah needs to be brotherly to Ryou, eh? (Reijin: Damn straight!) (Malik: Oh believe me, Minkah is definately NOT straight!) -.-; Erm...that's not what we were talking about, Malik. (Malik: -blushing like mad- Oh...hehe...oops.) (Yami: Grrrr) -.o;
Memnochs-Heart: Ah Kana-sweetie, have I ever told you how much I likes this name of yours? What's a memnochs? -blink blink- Whatever they are, sounds cool! XD "And WHOOT for clinically insane Afika!" DoubleWHOOT! (Afika: -smirk-) (Malik: Hey! He's the main villain! Stop whooting for him!) -sigh- I can't help it! He's so dangerous and yet adorable! (kinda like Creed in "Black Cat". Ya love 'em but they're out to kill your other fav characters! Oh the suspense! XD) "How about I give you a knife an' set you free after show and tell?" O.O Yikes. How'd that turn out, by the way?
MarshmellowPeepGod: "I have a question!" Oh goody! "How do you pronounce Ryou?" -.- Oh it had to be THAT question...-sigh- Me thinks it's supposed to be like Rye-ow, but I myself prefer to think it's Rye-oo (much cuter, if you ask me. :P) "Mr. Bakura's hand must really hurt. But he deserved it, so...oh well." -cackles- My thoughts exactly!...Stalking Johnny Depp, eh? -grins- If you need a place to keep him, we've got some empty cages an' stuff in our basement. Petmaniacs, y'know. -ebil grin- (-loud thunks and shouting heard from below) (Minkah: -suspiciously- Are ALL of the cages empty?) -whistles innocently-
Zozz: "I have a question" Yesss! Another question! I love questions! -mutters to self: ones I know the answers to anyway...- "Will Ryou's state become worse?" Oh yes indeed it shall! (Ryou: why'd you sound so excited about this?) -shrugs happily- "Will there be any character deaths in this sequel?" Hmm...now you've got me there. I haven't decided. Some of my own characters, of course, will be kicking the bucket...I'm still contemplating about whether to kill anyone off in BTBT...(Malik: In both it'll most likely be ME.) Will you knock it off already?! (Malik: -mutters-)
Bakura240: "I hope yami and Malik get sorted out" Ah but they must go downhill first! (Malik: Oh of COURSE.) Was that sarcasm? (malik: ...maybe...) -rolls eyes- Anyway, you want Ryou to get better? Well I can't just kill him off so soon in the sequel now, can I? (Ryou: I don't know -narrows eyes- Can you?) -evil smirk-
dragonlady222: Yami sat with Minkah 'cause he was mad at Malik for being overly suspicious of Yami and Minkah doing "stuff", which in turn makes Malik more suspicious that Yami and Minkah are doing "stuff." (Malik: O.o) (Yami: I'm confused!) No, it's not Ryou's fault his dad is an ass hole, but Minkah just feels jealously towards Ry more than anything else. "Maybe afika can be of some use and get rid of Charles" (Afika: WTF! "be of some use"?! What--I'm not good enough to do anything else?! -ranting fit-) O.O Whoa. You're the first to set him off like that. Congrats...I think.
I shall dedicate this chapter to Lorna Shadows. We get a closer look into why Ryou's been so "huggy" towards Minkah--a view of our little white-headed Ry's childhood. SAD!
The End of the Innocence - Don Henley
Remember
when the days were long
And rolled beneath a deep blue sky
Didn't
have a care in the world
With mommy and daddy standin' by
But
"happily ever after" fails
And we've been poisoned by
these fairy tales
The lawyers dwell on small details
Since
daddy had to fly
But
I know a place where we can go
That's still untouched by men
We'll
sit and watch the clouds roll by
And the tall grass wave in the
wind
You can lay your head back on the ground
And let your hair
fall all around me
Offer up your best defense
But this is the
end—
This is the end of the innocence
O
beautiful, for spacious skies
But now those skies are
threatening
They're beating plowshares into swords
For this
tired old man that we elected king
Armchair warriors often
fail
And we've been poisoned by these fairy tales
The lawyers
clean up all details
Since daddy had to lie
But
I know a place where we can go
And wash away this sin
We'll sit
and watch the clouds roll by
And the tall grass wave in the
wind
Just lay your head back on the ground
And let your hair
spill all around me
Offer up your best defense
But this is the
end—
This is the end of the innocence
Who
knows how long this will last
Now we've come so far, so fast
But,
somewhere back there in the dust
That same small town in each of
us
I need to remember this
So baby give me just one kiss
And
let me take a long last look
Before we say goodbye
Just
lay your head back on the ground
And let your hair fall all around
me
Offer up your best defense
But this is the end—
This is
the end of the innocence
Chapter 6: All Alone
(Yugi's POV)
"How much further, eh? I have to use the john."
"Well I warned you to go before we left," Grandpa sighs from up front of our rental car, Honda driving. I'm sitting directly behind Honda, Ryou settled between Jou and me.
"But I didn't have to go then!" the blonde protests loudly, drumming his fingers on his knees.
"W-wha...?" the white-haired teen mumbles, roused by the noise.
The blonde winces. "Eh...sorry there, Ry."
Our ill friend doesn't respond, tiredly resting his head on the blonde's shoulder, eyes closing in exhaustion. I cast a worried glance at Jou who just sends me a helpless look. Honda's eyes every so often dart to the rearview mirror to check up on our friend. There's not much to be done for now. All we can do is wait. I bite down on my lip, casting a nervous glance through the back window at the black car following us. Yami and Malik's wan faces stare into mine; even from here I can see how tightly my brother is clutching the steering wheel, as if it's the only thing keeping him from completely losing everything.
(Marik's POV)
The vehicle is eerily silent.
Trying not to move my head, my eyes move to the right to the white-haired teen sitting beside me. Gray eyes are half-lidded, watching uninterestedly as an uncountable amount of fir trees whiz past the window. He seems immersed in his thoughts; mind somewhere far away from the rest of us. It's pretty predictable that Minkah act this way...but Yami and Malik?
It's something I've never thought I'd see: the two of them sitting next to one another, avoiding eye contact and completely quiet. Yami's knuckles have turned white from the death grip he has on the steering wheel. His jaw is set, violet eyes intense as he stares straight ahead. I can see the turmoil burning within his eyes; the inner struggle for him not to even steal a glance at my brother out of the corner of his eyes.
I myself am finding it hard to look at my sibling. I can see his face if I lean slightly to the left and look into the side mirror. His own lilac eyes are cold and angry. Could this all have emerged from that episode on the bus? What was that about anyway?
"Do you think Ryou's going to be all right?" I ask to no one in particular, the lengthening stillness making me perturbed. I just want somebody to say something; to acknowledge the fact that there are other people in the vehicle.
Yami sighs, voice weary when he speaks. "Well, that doctor got the fever to go down. Ry was a little more lucid before we left. Everything'll be better once we get to Otogi's and..."
"Would you stop calling it that?" Malik snaps sharply causing me to flinch. It's been forever since my brother spoke to his koi like that—back when grandpa first brought Malik and me to Japan.
Yami doesn't allow any aggression into his voice, staring ahead calmly as he follows the other car. "What?"
"It's not his place anymore. He's not there. He left it to us..."
"Otogi?" Yami asks, frowning. Eyes burdened with remembrance, he sighs. "Malik, it's been...It'll always be his place to us. Otogi..."
"Shut up, Yami."
"No. Malik, listen..."
"Maybe I don't want to listen...!"
"Well maybe it's about time you tried it! Gods, the world doesn't revolve around you!"
"Why don't you just shove the steering wheel up your...!"
"Oh both of you SHUT UP."
They freeze in surprise, craning their necks to look back at Minkah who's glaring at them both, arms folded over his chest. I'm trembling, breath caught in my throat as I wait in silent anticipation, hoping to the gods that he'll get them to stop fighting.
"Here's the jist: It's Ryujji's house. He gave it to you and I fucking killed him. I don't know what shit is going on between you two, nor do I care. Now go ahead and call the house whatever the hell you want but just shut the fuck up already!" the assassin hisses, gray eyes sharp like flint.
Both teens in the front get apologetic looks on their faces. Yami sighs.
"Minkah, listen..."
"We didn't..."
"Shut up. Just both of you shut up!" I rasp, surprising everyone, including the white-haired teen next to me.
An uncomfortable silence follows my outburst. I don't know if either Yami or Malik can perceive it, but I do. They might be too preoccupied with whatever it is that they're mad at one another for. I've noticed it though: the unbearable amount of guilt lining Minkah's words and features. He never wanted to kill Otogi—to hurt us. But Kaiba made him—Apophis made him. Now we're taking him to the very house of the dice master; talking of him and arguing about him while Minkah's forced to sit and listen...listen to how well he truly did wound us by killing Otogi.
(Honda's POV)
"This place is HUGE!" Jou exclaims as he and Yugi jog up the front stairs on the wooden deck.
"Boys, be careful of ice!" Mr. Mutou calls out wearily, his warnings ignored.
I've never seen anything quite like it. We'd made our way away from civilization onto some back roads. From there we dispersed into the mountains, driving through dense fir forests that surrounded us like cave walls drawing in tighter and tighter. We weaved up and up until I was sure it'd go on forever. Then there it was: this gigantic mansion. Not a cottage, as the others referred to it as. It's all made of a dark red wood, two stories high; though due to the steep slope towards the back, there is a third floor on that side of the house, following the incline. There are three separate chimneys as well as a four car garage off to the side that connects to the building.
"An' there's a high-tech game system in the basement and everything!" Yugi's chattering excitedly as he fumbles a key into the hole under a large brass doorknob.
As Mr. Mutou walks ahead of me with a suitcase, I carry Ryou's sleeping form against my chest. His wan face is pressed into my coat; the heat of his breath wafting onto my neck until I'm sure the flesh is burning. Despite the excessive warmth of his breath, the smaller teen is shivering continuously, limbs locked tightly against his torso. Looks like the fever's back.
As we reach the top of the porch, I turn around, unable to let my curiosity wait any longer. The occupants of the other car are unloading it. There's an unspoken tenseness in the air as they go about the chore noiselessly; eyes cast upon the items they're carrying, not so much as glancing at one another. Before I can observe further into this, Ryou lets out a hoarse cough that shakes his lithe frame. This brings me to my senses, and I hurry inside while Mr. Mutou holds the door open for me with his foot, arms full.
I breathe a sigh of relief, noting that although the place is cold due to no one having been up here in quite some time, Yugi and Jounouchi have already turned the furnace on and are now running about the building lighting the fireplaces. There's a gigantic one in this front lounge; long, dark stone that has reflections of the flames dancing on its glossy surface, making the fire appear twice as large.
Fatigued at the long drive and all the anxieties during our trip, I stumble over to the large couch positioned in front of the fireplace, collapsing on it, Ryou still in my arms, and exhaling deeply. We're here.
It seems like I should feel more relief than I am; especially since we weren't intercepted by Apophis at any given point nor did we run into any suspicious characters along the way. But the strain in my mind doesn't leave and my muscles won't loosen. I fight not to turn around as the four from the other car come trudging inside, silent as the grave. Mr. Mutou hasn't taken notice—or if he has, he's ignoring them—speaking earnestly to me to come and help him set up a bed for Ryou. I rise to follow him, ignoring my body's protests for a respite. By the looks of things, I don't think any of us will be getting one anytime soon.
(Yami's POV)
"Yugi, have you seen my bag?" I ask as he unpacks his assorts clothing into the dresser of the bedroom he and Marik are sharing.
My sibling gets a thoughtful look on his face, putting a finger to his chin in mock contemplation. "Well now, let's see..."
"Yugi," I growl in a warning tone, my patience worn down to its last threads after all I've put up with today. I don't want to blow up at my brother but if he pushes me...
"Oh I remember!" he suddenly exclaims, clapping his hands together. "Marik took it into the room across the hall."
I narrow my eyes, smelling a rat—possibly two. "And why would he do that?"
My younger sibling shrugs happily, going back to sorting clothes. "Something about dividing up you and Malik's clothes. Y'know, since Jounouchi, Honda, and Minkah are all about you guys' sizes and they don't have any extra outfits of their own."
I sigh heavily, shoulders slumping. This explanation does make sense. It's only practical we divvy up our garments so the other three won't have to constantly wear the same outfits.
"Well?" A finger jabs me in the side. I look down to find Yugi watching me pointedly.
"What?"
He huffs, rolling his large eyes. "You'd better go and get what you want before someone takes your favorite stuff."
I smirk. "Well, Jou and Honda are playing video games and I don't think Minkah will be all that interested in taking my favori..."
"Don't you and Malik always fight over that one shirt?" Yugi cuts in smoothly, examining his fingernails. "The black leather one with the Millennium symbol on the front...?"
"Shit!" I growl, twisting around and hurrying directly across the hallway, past Marik who's standing with a curious look on his face. The door wide open, I stride in to find Malik lounging on his bed with a dismal gloom about him. He sits up alertly, glaring when I enter the room.
"What do you want?"
"All right, what did you do with it?" I growl, folding my arms over my chest and standing my ground.
He looks me up and down scornfully, confusion in his eyes. "With what?"
It hits us at the same instant, our eyes widening in horror. I whip around just in time to see the door slam shut; the sound of twisting wire accompanied by frivolous giggles.
"Oh hells no!" Malik shouts, both of us racing over. Malik grabs the doorknob, twisting it back and forth desperately but to no avail.
"Yugi Mutou!" I yell angrily, pounding my fists on the solid wood. "This isn't funny! You and Marik open this door Right NOW!"
More giggles. "Or what?"
"YUGI!!"
"Nuh-uh. Not until you two work out whatever the heck is going on. You're making everyone uncomfortable and are hurting your relationship," Yugi announces decisively.
"This is none of your business...!" Malik begins.
"You should have thought of that before you started arguing in the car in front of Minkah and me," Marik's muffled voice retorts firmly. "We'll come back in an hour or two to check on your progress."
"Now wait just a...! Marik Ishtar! Get your sorry ass back here this minute!" Malik screams, repeatedly bracing himself against the door trying to force it open.
Nothing.
After fifteen desperate minutes of this, we realize that the door isn't going to budge and that they're not going to let us out. Panting, we collapse on the opposite beds, trying to regain our breaths.
"You know...this is all...your fault," the blonde snarls, chest heaving up and down.
I glare daggers at him. "The hell!...As I recall: I wasn't the one who all but shagged Minkah in a bistro restroom!...oh, and on a public bus full of people!"
My koi's fuming now, sitting up swiftly. "Well what about you? Disappearing with Minkah without so much as a word to any of us—then showing up holding hands with him! Just what exactly were the two of youdoing...?"
"You should know me better than that," I hiss, sitting too now. "I wouldn't do that to you. I'll admit I've looked at him. Hell, I'll admit I'm attracted to the guy. But Malik, I made a promise I would never leave you and I've kept that promise...Something I can't say the same for you!"
Malik's face is bright red as he sits there rigidly. "I apologized for kissing Minkah! And you forgave me, in case you've forgotten. You forgave me!"
"—with the understanding that you wouldn't do something like that again!" I cut in, tears welding in my eyes now. "And I believed you. I thought you would get over your little episode with Minkah..."
"Well maybe Ihaven't!" he bursts out, freezing in shock as he hears the words leave his own lips; the words that shatter my heart.
He sits there silently; mouth hanging open, violet eyes wide as he replays the words again and again in his mind. I bite down on my lip, the horrible words echoing in my ears too. Fighting back the stinging sensations in my eyes, I turn away from him, staring at the plain wall; not wanting to give him the satisfaction of seeing me cry.
His voice is weak when he finds it. "Y-Yami...I..."
"It's over, Malik," I whisper hoarsely, not turning back to him.
A long stillness follows these words, digging a hole deeper and deeper into my chest, gouging repeatedly into my heart. There's the soft creak of the bedsprings as he rises to his feet.
"No."
I face him, finding tears sliding unheedingly down his toffee cheeks. He's trembling, as am I.
"There must be some way..." he beseeches helplessly.
"Malik, what do you want me to say? What would you have me do?" I whisper, my vision going blurry as I continue to fight to keep my tears at bay. When he doesn't answer, I push back the covers of the bed, sliding under them and turning towards the wall, leaving him standing in the middle of the room with nothing left to say.
(Mr. Mutou's POV)
"Hey Ryou, how're you feeling?" I ask, relieved when weary red-rimmed eyes open late in the evening after we've finished settling in.
"Ah...kkh.." he opens his mouth but no words come, lips chapped. I reach over to the bedside table, retrieving a glass of water. I assist him in lifting his head slightly to sip from the cup; the palm of my hand cradling the back of his head. He chokes several times before leaning back into the pillows, exhaling shakily.
"Where...is he?" the teen manages to croak as I gently touch my fingers to his forehead to find his skin clammy.
"Who?" I ask, tucking the comforters tighter around him to keep him warm. "Oh, before I forget: Misa's calmed down a bit. She wouldn't eat her food but once she has a chance to get used to the house I think she'll be just..."
"Min-kah...W-where's Minkah?" he asks desperately, fingers reaching out and latching onto my sleeve.
"He's here, Ryou. He came with us. Do you remember?" I ask, noting how distant his brown eyes still are. Despite the fact that his fever's down, he still seems to be hallucinating a bit.
He frowns, brow creased with concentration and uncertainty. "Did he...did he...?"
"Minkah's here, Ryou. He's safe."
"W-where...?"
"We're at Otogi's. Do you remember we were heading here?" I ask, intent on finding out just how aware he is.
The white haired boy nods haltingly and I am reassured...until he says, "Yes...Is that where Minkah is?...He's with...Otogi and the others?"
My heart tightens in my chest. "Would you like to see Minkah?" I ask, avoiding the boy's question.
Glassy eyes light up slightly and he nods, leaning back onto his pillows expectantly. I stand and hurry out of the room, not wanting him to be alone for any amount of time. Unsure of where everyone ended up in the house, I knock on the door next to Ryou's; no answer. Peering in, I find two made beds on opposite walls of the room. The drapes have been opened to meet the last rays of red sun as dusk sets in. Squinting, I note the piles of comic books by one bed.
"Jounouchi," I mutter, closing the door again. There's no doubt his roommate is Honda. Those two are always together, creating some type of mischief or other. Not that I have anything against them—besides the blonde's tendency of using foul language—but I just can't imagine Minkah rooming with them. Curious, I try to picture it in my head and only one word fits what I see: chaos.
Across the hall from the bedrooms is a large bathroom. Shaking my head, I move out of the hall into the main lounge of the ground level of the cabin. This is the main entryway, the large oak door now securely locked; the drapes of the two small windows on either side of it closed tightly. I move around the large couch and leather chairs on either side of it that sit in front of a gigantic fireplace. Next to the fireplace in the back right corner of the room is the staircase. Up or down. Hearing voices from downstairs, I follow its winding course to the lounge of the basement.
Instead of a fireplace, there is one of the largest entertainment centers I've ever seen taking up an entire wall. No surprise, Jounouchi and Honda are seated on the leather couch, battling in some road racing video game.
"Nyeh! How's the heck'd you do that? 'Was cheating'!"
The brunette laughs as his car maneuvers around Jounouchi's wrecked one. "Well if I told you then you'd use it against me, wouldn't you?"
I do my best to ignore the stream of curses flowing from the blonde's mouth. I'll deal with that later. Moving into the hallway off to the left, I knock on the first door.
"Yup!" Yugi's voice chirps happily from within.
In an instant the door's open and I find two large violet eyes staring straight into mine. Behind Yugi, Marik is sitting cross-legged on one of the two beds in their room.
"How's Ryou doing?" Marik's soft voice questions.
I run my hand through my hair, getting anxious at how long I've left the ill teen alone already. "Delirious. He's asking for Minkah." I glance around. "Do you know where he is?" Yugi shakes his head apologetically while Marik looks thoughtful.
"I haven't seen him since we got here, come to think of it..."
Brow furrowed, I turn to look at the door directly behind me. My confusion only escalates at the sight of a wire hanger securely wrapped around the doorknob.
"What the...?"
"Yami and Malik needed to...settle some things," Yugi states with an all too innocent smile, coming up beside me.
I sigh, casting my eyes heavenwards. "I don't think I even will ask." Marik and Yugi exchange giddy grins. "Well that just leaves the third floor...Unless Minkah's decided to camp out in the garage."
"I'll check it for you just in case," Yugi volunteers, heading off further down the hallway to the door at the end; the door that opens to the four-car garage—which, incidentally, is only holding the two rental cars. There are several snowmobiles—horrid things—that the boys will no doubt be testing out tomorrow.
"Thank you," I breathe, turning to Marik who has continued to watch me with those soft lilac eyes of his. "Mare, come upstairs with me and we'll get you your meds for the night."
He nods, following me past the dueling duo of whom I tell to go to bed. Ignoring the upheaval of complaints and pleadings this order brings, Marik and I ascend the spiral stairs to the main floor. The flames have begun to go down in the fireplace. I jump slightly when a hand tenderly grasps my arm.
"You look exhausted, Grandpa. Go ahead back to Ryou. I'll find Minkah," Marik speaks reassuringly.
Too grateful to argue, I only nod numbly; trudging back to the bedroom to Ryou and to get Marik's medication.
(Marik's POV)
I silently go up the winding stairs, determination deterring any anxieties threatening to paralyze me. I haven't spoken to Minkah since...It's been a long time. We've both gone through hell since the last time we spoke. The memories of the actual events are a bit etchy, which is just fine by me. I don't want to remember Apophis. I don't want to go back to that day in the alley...
"Well what have we here?" Kaiba smirks coming closer. "A couple of little people who don't know when the time to leave is."
"Kaiba..." Minkah says hoarsely.
"Shut up, whore!" Kaiba spits.
The roof slants on the third floor, giving a triangular slope; the ceiling and floor coming closer if one walks in the direction of the large picture windows that look out on the evergreen forest.
Minkah suddenly turns to us, eyes sharp.
"Run!"
"But...!"
"Go!" he shouts before racing around the corner from where the guards had come.
"Minkah," I say, walking towards the still form sitting in an armchair, staring out into the night. There's no light in the room, allowing a clear view of the snow that's coming down rapidly, as if the clouds suddenly burst. He doesn't answer for a moment, gazing through the sliding glass door that leads out onto a large balcony.
"Hmm?"
"Ryou's asking for you," I reply, arms lax at my sides as I stand next to him, waiting.
"He's still hallucinating?" is the dull response.
"Yes."
Minkah shifts, pulling his legs up against his chest. It is cold up here—not even the fireplace is lit. I curl my hands into fists, the tips of my fingers growing icy.
"Then there's no need for me to be there," the assassin replies quietly, obviously wanting me to go away and leave him alone. I won't though. I'm angry now. Hissing, I stand my ground.
"It does matter. He needs you right now..."
"There are plenty of other people in this building who are more than willing to dote over him. Go ask one of them."
"How can you say that?" I snap, temper flaring. "What did he ever do to you?"
For the first time, Minkah turns towards me. Even in the dimness I can see the anger in his eyes, gleaming in the faint light cast off the reflections on the snow outside. He doesn't raise his voice or strike me though.
I don't want him to pity me. I don't want him to bottle up his anger when he's around me out of sympathy. Why can't he just yell at me like he does everyone else?
'Because he cares.'
I grit my teeth.
...Well why can't he care for Ryou, too, then?
(Minkah's POV)
How clever of them: sending Marik of all people. I knew they'd send someone to 'retrieve' me and take me to the bastard's son. Who better than the one person among them that I won't beat the crap out of?
Why can't they just leave me alone? Isn't it enough that I didn't put up a fight when they dragged me along with them? I don't want to be here any longer. I want to be back with Afik and the others...
"How can you say that? What did he ever do to you?"
I give the blonde a wry smirk. "What—are you going to start that whole 'brother' shit too?"
"This has nothing to do with that," he snaps. Whoa. The kid's got some backbone. "This is about the fact that you're completely disrespectful towards everyone who's been so kind to you—particularly Ryou. He's done nothing but care about you and defend you since day one."
"And where has that gotten me?" I retort, keeping my voice level nonetheless. "I see no benefits, despite his most 'gallant' efforts—as you all describe them. What do you want me to do?—go down there and hold his clammy hand while he mumbles thoughtless drivel? Since when does he owe that from me?"
"Since he held and comforted you when you had a complete breakdown back at the Game shop!" Marik states icily. "Since he defended you against the father he's known all his life and sided with youwhen you'd never done anything to deserve such compassion from him!" My mouth has gone dry by this point, heart pounding in my chest as the blonde leans in close, our faces inches apart. "If you can look at all he's done for you and not even go down there and hold his hand, then maybe you should go back to Apophis!"
With that, Marik spins on his heel, disappearing noiselessly down the stairs as I sit in the heavy silence he left behind with his potent words.
(Malik's POV)
Yami's...attracted to Minkah too?
I lie on my back in the dark, staring up at the ceiling. My mind is whirling, unable to slow down. Yami and I...We're over? We're done? That's it then? A swift cut, just like that?
...What happens now?
"And I believed you. I thought you would get over your little episode with Minkah..."
"Well maybe I haven't!"
My stomach is churning even now. Gods, how could I say that to Yami? I'm the worst boyfriend on the planet. Was there really nothing going on between him and Minkah? I bite my lip, glancing over at the bed across the room where my koi—no, ex-koi—is lying silently with his back to me.
"Yami?"
No answer. He's not sleeping. I can tell. When I said his name, his muscles tensed up.
"Yami, come on, I know you're awake. And you know I know you're awake so...Ra damn it, Yami, will you listen to me?" I hiss, propping myself up on my elbows.
He's trying to breathe evenly so I'll second-guess myself and think he's asleep. No such luck. I know him too well for that one.
"Fine. I'll just do the talking then," I state clearly, not bothering to keep my voice hushed. "I'm sorry, all right? I know that doesn't make up for anything. It's just...It's just...Damn it, I care about Minkah...and I know you do too! The sooner we both admit this, the sooner we can figure something out, because the silent treatment isn't going to be an option here! We're not like most couples, Yami. We live in the same house. We share friends and a family. What are we supposed to tell Yugi and Marik? They'll keep us locked up in here forever! And what about Grandpa, huh? Are we gonna break this family, that he's worked so hard to put together, apart? Do you want to do that to him, Yami? Do you?"
His breathing has quickened. If we were in the same bed I'd be able to feel his heart pounding. He's listening.
I chuckle humorlessly, looking down at my hands. "It's funny, isn't it? The two of us... broken apart by someone who isn't even aware of all the emotions surrounding him...doesn't even know how much we care about him." Sighing heavily, I turn onto my back again.
It is funny—in a sad, messed up sort of way. Life always has this way of fucking with our heads. All the misunderstandings and mistakes. Hell, it's surprising anyone finds any happiness at all. Just think of all the possible couples there are out there in the world! Okay so if there are roughly 6.6 billion people out there and they all had an opportunity to pair with one another...of course I've got to consider the heterosexuals, homosexuals, bisexuals, transsexuals...Oh gods, this is too complicated. I hate math.
Yami and I...Minkah and I...
I catch myself, trying to look at it from all angles and not focus completely around my own wants.
Yami and Minkah...Minkah and Yami...
I frown. Nope. Still isn't right.
Yami and I...Yami and Minkah...Minkah and I...Minkah and Yami...
My eyes widen as I repeat this as something begins to occur to me, our names whizzing behind my eyes faster and faster.
Yami and I...Yami and Minkah...Minkah and I...Yami and I Minkah and Yami Minkah and IandYamiandMinkahandIandYamiandIandMinkahand...!
I gasp, sitting up in a flash. Yami and Minkah and I!
"That's IT!" I exclaim, scrambling out of my bed; crashing to the floor and hitting my chin when my feet become entangled in the bedclothes.
Yami's up by this point, looking over at me in bewilderment. "Malik! What in the hells...?"
"Yami, it'sperfect!" I practically giggle—yes, giggle—springing onto his bed, nearly knocking heads with him.
He sighs heavily, rolling his eyes while trying to scoot away from me. "I think you hit your head hard on that fall, Ishtar."
"Shut up and pay attention to me," I bat his insult away carelessly, too excited by my own brilliance. "Do you want to get this whole mess sorted out or not?"
He quiets down and listens.
(Mr. Mutou's POV)
I don't know how Marik did it.
Minkah appeared in the bedroom doorway about ten minutes after Marik came to get his medications. My grandson left after saying goodnight to Ryou. I was just settling down in the large chair next to the window to watch the snowstorm come. There's only the double bed in this room. Apparently this was Otogi's room when he came out here without my grandsons.
The white-haired Egyptian stood in the doorway for a long time, staring in at the boy sleeping on the bed covered in layer after layer of heavy blankets. I finally felt enough pity to say something.
"Ah Minkah, there you are."
He stiffened immediately, grey eyes shooting over to me, slicing me thoroughly. I can't blame the boy for not trusting me. As far as I know, he's never had an adult treat him kindly. They always wanted something from him...or just wanted to hurt him.
Not speaking to me, he'd slowly crossed the room silently, seeming unsure of whether to keep his eyes on me or Ryou. I tried to ease this dilemma and make it clear I'm not a threat; settling back in my chair with a heavy blanket wrapped around me, and staring out the window once more.
I must have fallen asleep soon after that, all the hype and fears of the past two days finally crumbling down around me. My dreams were scattered, full of images of what all these boys have gone through...the fear of what may be in store for them next wrapping tighter around me than my quilt. It was the sight of Khalil's smirking face and sharp brown eyes bearing down on me that brought me awake with a start. Panting, I was sweating heavily, breathing out a sigh of relief when my mind became clear and told me it had be a dream. And I had been comforted by this...
...until I looked over at the vacant bed across the room.
(Minkah's POV)
"Min-kah," he whispers hoarsely, a frail smile pulling at the corners of his mouth.
"Hn," I grunt, standing awkwardly next to the bed. The old man by the window is dozing off now, giving me one less thing to worry about. What does he want, anyway?
I blink when the bastard's son clumsily scoots to his right, making room for me on the bed. Fighting back the scathing words threatening to spill from my mouth, I force myself to sink down on the bed, leaning back against the headboard uncomfortably.
"I've been...having problems...The fever...I've been...hallucinating apparently," he says softly, as if this is some big secret none of us know about.
"So they said," I reply dully, just wanting him to go to sleep so I can leave. Damn Marik and his guilt trips.
He shifts, turning slightly onto his side so he's facing me, head on his pillow. "I brought...some of your things from before." I quirk an eyebrow, wondering if the fever's just messing with his brain again. He notes this, the smile widening as he coughs. "N-no. I'm not making this up...In my suitcase..." The teen nods at a suitcase on the floor next to my side of the bed.
I lean over and open it, curious despite myself. My throat muscles tighten into knots when I spot my sketchbook. None of my clothes from before are in here—which is fine with me. Kaiba gave me most of them. Did the kid realize this and not pack them on purpose? I shake off this idea, trying to make it not matter. Instead, I focus on the sketchbook, pulling it out with quivering hands.
"I thought I'd lost this," I mumble to myself, flipping through the pages; her narrowed eyes cutting me multiple times. Remembering the teen next to me, I turn back to find him watching me with red-rimmed eyes. "Why...? Why didn't you just throw it away?"
He looks away, eyes nearly lidded. "Well they—the pictures...You obviously worked a long time on them and...yeah."
Yeah. I stare down at a picture of her; one where she's glaring out of the paper, grey eyes intense and angry...the way she always looked at me...when she even troubled herself to look at me at all. I feel him press closer to get a better view of the sketch. I slam the book shut before he can see—before she sees—causing him to flinch.
"Thanks," I mutter, my fingers curling around the edges of the book in case she tries to throw it open. I can't let her see this.
Not him.
(Ryou's POV)
"But you can't just leave!" I plead desperately, following my father down the stairs. "We just moved here! I don't know anybody! I can't even speak the language! We...!"
"You'll learn everything you need to know at the school. I've left plenty of money and just went shopping so you won't have to worry about that for a while. I'll send checks every month or so. You remember how to fill out the bills don't you? I'll call you. I'll write. But you must stay here. This is very important, Ryou," he replies without hesitation, slipping on his black overcoat as I stand beside the overstuffed suitcases.
'And I'm not?' I want to shout at him. But I don't. I'd never speak like that to Father. I want to rush forward and wrap my arms around his waist, bury my face in the front of the coat he always wears when he travels, and beg him not to leave me alone in this place. I don't though. We never hug. The only time I remember him hugging me was at their funeral two weeks ago; even then, it was an awkward embrace—not paternal or tender. It was more possessive, like he was afraid I'd jump in the caskets too if he let me go.
"Please!" I beg through my tears, desperate enough to grab onto his sleeve. "Don't leave me! Don't leave me all alone!"
"Ryou, let go," he states sternly, looking down at me with serious blue eyes.
I shake my head, sobbing now. "P-please! Please don't go! Don't leave me too!"
"Ryou, for the...Oh great! My taxi's here. Be a good boy and let go now," Father all but growls, prying my small fingers from his clothing.
"No! No don't—!"
"I'll be back soon enough, son. This is just for a little while," he states, picking up the suitcases and shutting the door resolutely behind himself.
I wail, scampering into the living room and pressing my hands and wet face against the cold glass. I watch Father and the taxi man pile his suitcases into the trunk. Heart pounding frantically, I wait for him to turn around and call to me. To tell me 'just kidding' and to come with him. Chest tightening when he gets in and slams the cab's door, I whimper as the engine starts and the vehicle moves away from the curb.
"No! Come back! Please! Don't leave me all alone! Come back!" I scream, pounding my fists on the window as the taxi disappears down the street, my father never once turning to look back.
I jolt slightly, wheezing as I look around frantically for...someone. I'm alone in a large bed in an unfamiliar room. Someone was here with me. I remember that much. But they're gone. They left me! But who...?
Amane...Mother...Father...
Minkah!
(Minkah's POV)
I wait until he's sleeping, his head against my shoulder. Scowling, I force myself to stay put even after his shallow breathing has taken to a slow, restful rhythm. My hands are cold now, still tightly clasped around the sketchbook. I've hung on rigidly in case she makes a sudden attempt to see. What would she do if she found out...? A shudder runs through me as I dare not meditate into this notion any further.
A sheen of sweat coating my skin, I vigilantly slide a hand between his head and my shoulder, easing my body out from under his touch; gently depositing his sweat-laden brow on a pillow so as not to wake him. Standing slowly, emitting a soft creak from the bed, I watch the still form by the window. No movement.
I ready myself quickly for the cold journey; taking a winter coat that was in the front closet and stuffing its numerous pockets with foodstuffs. I don some horrid, heavy boots—two layers of socks already encumbering my feet from much movement. Hands gloved, gray wool scarf wrapped around my face, sketchbook tucked safely within the coat in a large pocket, I leave. Stepping out the front door onto the wooden porch, I find over a foot of snow already covering the ground. Great.
I won't take the cars, wanting to give them as many options as possible should they need flee this place. No. I can walk. Gritting my teeth as a torrid wind cuts through my skin, I hesitantly grab the railing of the porch, knowing the dangers of ice beneath the snow. Cautiously making my way down them, I turn once more to look at the cabin.
All the lights are off, save for the dwindling flames in fireplace of the front room. The snow coming down all the faster has already layered itself on the slanted roof and the garage. This is good. The snow will hinder Niu, who is no doubt tracking us. Hopefully, I'll be able to find him—or him me—a good distance from here. If the others get involved, there's no chance. I've got to meet up when it's still just Niu. He didn't come to Apophis until an older age, unlike the rest of us, and therefore has never been fond of the killings. I might be able to convince him to let the freaks go. To say he lost the trail, with the promise that I keep him from suffering Afik's wrath.
Muscles rigid, protesting the elements, I head away from the cabin. The snow is heavy, crackling under my booted feet, trying to hinder my task. My teeth are already chattering, as I am not used to such frigid temperatures. I've had assignments in cold places, true, but have never been so painstakingly cast into one...and by myself too.
A shiver runs down my spine. All alone. Alone with my thoughts. My memories.
You've done nothing but ruin my life.
I squeeze my eyes shut as I continue to plod through the snow, knowing I can't outrun her voice. Even in my dreams, she's there. And when she's not—it's Kaiba. Kaiba and his guards...beating me, mocking me, raping me. And yet I'm alone.
"Min-kah..."
My body tenses up as the weak voice reaches my ears. No. It can't be. I must be imagining it. He couldn't possibly be...
"D-don't...don't l-leave!"
I whip around in amazement to find him stumbling after me; the legs of his light blue pajamas drenched from the snow, socks on his feet soaked through. White hair is whipping into his face as he struggles with the snow and his illness. He's nearly twenty feet back, obviously having had trouble on the icy stairs.
"Go back!" I shout over the wind's mournsome moan. "You have to stay here! You have got to stay here!"
"Don't l-leave...!" He collapses, hands catching him, arms up to the elbows in snow.
"Ryou, go back!" I yell angrily, heart beating frantically in my chest as I see him unable to get up. "I have to leave! It's...!"
"N-no!" he cuts in, eyes glassy as he stares after me pleadingly. "Don't leave m-me like they did! They all l-left. Don't leave m-me t-t-too!"
I realize he's not in the right mind to go back on his own and that, even if he were, there's no way he's going to be able to get to his feet. My jaw clenches. I turn around, continuing to walk away. Trying to ignore his cries, trying to keep the emotions I'm feeling from taking over me. Maybe the others will find him in time. Yes, the old man will come looking for him. Marik's guilt trips won't faze me. I did my part in repaying the boy. I came and sat with him—I comforted him, as he did me before. Done.
"You can't save the world, Ry," the bastard says softly to his son.
"It's not the world. He's my brother... You can leave now, Otousan. We don't need you anymore."
"Minkah p-please! Don't leave l-like my m-mother and sis-ter! Don't l-leave like Otous-san!" I wince at this sentence but continue steadfastly. No. I won't let his words stop me. There's too much at stake here.
Jou and Malik both grab him roughly by the arms, forcing him backwards toward the door. He stares all the while, face suddenly twitching in rage.
"Minkah you bastard! This is all your fault! Do you hear me?"
I fight back the sob rising in me, lodging it in my throat; making it hurt to breathe. That's what she says too. It's my fault...
"M-minkah please!"
I gasp as the boy's words come back to me; the words he spoke unflinchingly as he held me, shielded me from the bastard's wrath.
"Don't listen to him. He's wrong. Just ignore him. I'm here now. We're all here for you."
I hold him tightly against my chest as he shivers continuously on account of the cold and the sobs wracking his frail frame; my coat wrapped around him. I don't look at the road behind us, tramping quickly back through the snow—back to the cabin.
(Mr. Mutou's POV)
Frantic at the sight of the empty bed, I rush out into the hallway and all but run to the front room, quilt still wrapped around my shoulders. Mystification overtakes me at the sight of snow-covered boots lying next to the door. I furrow my brow, noting the roaring brilliance of the flames in the fireplace; the flames that had been nothing but smoldering ashes right before I went to sleep.
I walk around the couch silently, astounded at the sight I'm met with: Ryou's snuggled against Minkah, whose lying there, chin resting atop the younger teen's head; arms wrapped around the other protectively. A thick winter coat is swathed around Ryou's delicate form; gloves on Minkah's hands and a scarf wrapped loosely around his neck. On the stone floor in front of the fireplace lie Ryou's socks, both completely soaked.
Sighing in relief, I take the quilt from my shoulders and lay it carefully over the sleeping siblings; shaking my head and treading softly out of the room to leave them to rest.
Daaaaaw! Aren't they adorable? XD
Minkah: feh!
Ryou: W-wha...? .
So about my not updating in forever...yeah. So ferris went back to her suicidal ways and nearly offed herself. -sighs- I've dropped out of school for at least this semester, am gouging my legs worse than ever, am not allowed to drive a car, and have had all the medications in the house locked away from me. Now they're switching all my meds, so I'm on antidepressant detox. Already have lost 12 lbs (Bad. Really bad. I'm now lighter than my younger sister who's a twig!) have no appetite, and sleep about 18 hrs a day. The detox has been going on for about five days now...and we're not even sure if the new meds will work. So yeah, ferris has been going through hell.
It actually got to the point where I was planning on writing out a list of which of you I'd honor in giving the task to finish my different fics should I go through with the suicide. I figured I'd just leave a note for my sister to send to those people. Then I thought how morbid that was, but we'll see. I might write it out just in case. .
Now I'm actually being ENCOURAGED to work on my fics by my parents and psychiatrists. Basically, they want me to focus on anything but my life and how much it sucks. -.-; This is nothing short of miraculous. The problem is, in order to work on the fics, I have to be awake--which I haven't been much lately. -sigh-
So yeah, I'm working on a sticky part in BTBT, have done nothing with BTS; I'll probably be working on As I Fall next, seeing as how Baku's currently in detox in that story. It always helps when you can relate to the characters, no? -aggravated sigh- Anway, that's what's been going on, so wish me luck on that.
Wow, these were depressing end notes.
Reviewsies!