22 1/2 frikin' pages! (w/out the replies, end notes, and song!) Me thinks this is one of my longest chappies yet! (might very well be the longest yet!) Whoot! I say Whoot! XD

As you all know by now, I've sketched out piccies of the Apophis survivors. I'll go into more detail about all of that at the End of the chapter, k? (readers: -groan-) Yeah yeah, keep your shirts on. (Minkah: PLEASE) -snerk-

HallowedInk: New reviewer! -tackleglomps- Hi honey! XD "I've just read the previous story and this one in about...2 days, and they are amazing!"-grins- Well, I'm glad you like them. (Minkah: No! Don't encourage her! That'll just help her make up new ways to make me miserable!) -cackles- "I want to get into your head...oh that's disturbing" -waves hand dismissively- Oh believe me, MUCH stranger things have happened. At one point someone wanted my brain...someone wanted to marry me...someone else wanted to marry my hands...someone else married a chapter of one of my fics. -smiles- I've gotten quite used to this sort of thing. (HallowedInk: You're sure it's not a problem?) Nah. Tis fine. (HallowedInk: Okay then! -pulls out power drill-) Eeeep! -runs away-

Felynna: You've come back to me! -tackles- It's been what?--since chapter 2 or 3?! -snuggles- I missed you! "When I saw this fic had an update I was dancing for joy" Well I was dancing for joy when I saw you'd reviewed!!! -continues to nuzzle- Oh, never leave me again!!! (Minkah: Ferris, stop scaring the readers)

-Sporky-queen of the sand: -laughs- No, Malik won't be dying in this story. (Malik: Suuuuuure I won't.) -rolls eyes- Anyway..."the whole Jou thinking Minkah's mom is hot, Made my Whole week, and my friends' too..." -snicker- Yeah, a lot of people liked that scene. (Minkah: I didn't!) I didn't say everyone did. (Minkah: -glares-)

Xellimech: "I thought Yami would be happy! He seems to be a bit of a jerk about it." I'm inclined to disagree. If I had a significant other and they said one day: "Hey, let's spice things up and bring a third person into our relationship because you by yourself just aren't doing enough for me anymore" I'd knock their socks off and probably decapitate them. (Malik: Ulp. O.O;) So, I think Yami was pretty lenient about it. "So it's like both Yami and Malik competing for Minkah. This'll be interesting!" Oh indeedy-do! Yami just doesn't know he's going to be "competing" or "falling" for Minkah...not yet anyway. -winks-

bakura240: "I'm loving the one with BakuxJoey...I suck at remembering and can't remember the title..." -laughs- I hear you. And that would be As I Fall that you're talking about. Hope your friend is doing better, by the way. The Moscow Circus? oooh! How was it? "I'm stressing lately because of exams" -hisses- Stupid fucking tests! Taking my reviewers away from me! -picks up fire torch and goes on hunt for exams- I'm a pyro at heart. XD

katie: "one thing I really like about your stories is that almost every depiction of Bakura is at least slightly different." -grins- Yeah, well, as you May have noticed, most of my fics are centered around him and another character or two. (Baku: -fake gasp- No! REALLY?!) -.- Oh shut up, you!

nayades18: Oh they sings it in espanol too, eh? My brother is a Spanish Major in college but has also taken 2 yrs of Italian. Is in love with both languages. (Yami: Ferris, what have we talked about with getting off topic?) Oh pish! Sorry! "Jounouchi's part was excellent!" -laughs- Yeah, a LOT of people liked that scene with Minkah's mother. (Minkah: I didn't...!) We already know you didn't, so just can it! (Minkah: -goes off and sulks whiles sending ferris death glares-) "I like Afika so much! He's not good but he's not so evil!" -smirks- Well...we'll see about your perspective of him later on. Until the story is complete people won't be able to decide what to think of him. And about him not being completely good or evil: i'm striving to do that with all my "villains". I hate it when villains are all "Mwahahaha we're complete nutcases with no consciences whatsoever and will slaughter you without an ounce of remorse!" My 'villains' are HUMAN and they're going to act HUMAN...well, in a 'messed up human' sort of way. -sweatdrop-

MarshmellowPeepGod: "Update! You're making me get mixed feelings about Afika" Good. That's my intention. As I was saying in my reply to nayades18: I hate villains that are completely evil. These ex-Apophis members, while they've been trained to be heartless and ruthless, are still human. I'm going to continue to confuzzle you with Afika and the rest of them...well, maybe not as much with Niu...-waves hand dismissively- But we'll talk about that later.

dragonlady222: "You're right, it wouldn't be a good thing for your SO to ask for a third party to join them. I guess I thought because Yami liked minkah that he liked him that way too." You must remember, Yami and Minkah's encounters in SOA didn't go over well at all. I can't recall a single conversation where one wasn't mad at the other. The first Real conversation they had was in chapter two of this story. -smirks- Give Yami time for his affection to blossom. (Yami: You make me sound like a flower) -grins- With that hair? (Yami: Grrrr...)

Satra: "switches on red glow-in-the-dark eyes" Eheheheehehe! That amused me so! Hey, where'd you get those? I want some too! (Yami: Oh lord...) "so now there's only Minkah left to convince." Technically, Yami still hasn't been convi...(Satra: -flashes red glow-in-the-dark eyes) -backs up- Okay okay, so we'll say Minkah's the only one left to convince!!...even thought he's not. (Satra: -warning look-) -sweatrop- You're really freaky with those things, you know that?

Memnoch'sHeart: "best thing in the world that will still have me giggling tomorrow: Jou had the hots for Minkah's mum" -grins- Oh it was supposed to be a humorous/serious moment rolled into one. A lot of people thoroughly enjoyed that scene. "Peep's morale doesn't need lifting up--she's like a bundle of pink glitter and happiness." LOL I've never heard a description like that. -grins- It fits her so well. (Peep: Nrrrggh!)

cgflower: "no--Yami and Malik--NO!" -sigh- Yes, tis depressing, no? "Seeing pictures of hot Apophis guys would probably cheer me up! Please?" -laughs- Think so? Well it's worth a try, right? XD

Sagira98: "YOU'RE BACK!!! -runs and glomps ferris-" Eeeeep! -ish glomped- Well hi! -grins- And of course Afika's creepy! Just because I luffles him doesn't mean I can deny that! But he has been confuzzling a lot of reviewers, since he does have some redeeming qualities. I'm trying hard to make no 'villain' completely evil. As you'll see (and already know): Afika and the others are victims too. And no, no Yugi/Marik pairings. They're like brothers to one another. Neither is gay. And yes, you've only gotten a small glimpse of Minkah's life in Apophis. SAD!!! "So the girl is his mother eh? Well it's about time you revealed that! You have no idea how long I've been waiting!" LOL I know I know! -ish gleeful- I love to watch you guys squirm. (Sagira: -glare-) -laughs nervously-

Isaya831: "Hey I reviewed that chapter" -blinks- Yes, and I said I loved all of you that reviewed for doing so. I replied too. Didn't you see it? -frowns- You didn't see it? -sobs- "I LOVE YOUR WORK!!" Well I love YOU! -tackleglomps- "I was so sure the threesome thing would go over well with Yami..." -snerk- Yeah, well...it didn't. (Malik: -.- Understatement.)

I shall dedicate this chapter to Felynna and our new reviewer: HallowedInk. Whoot whoot! This chapter doesn't have much action in it. TONS of drama, angst, and action Next chapter, k? I've already begun to work on it so the faster you review the faster I'll update it. Savvy? :D In this chapter we have a similar scene as in BTBT: a Ryou vs Bakura (Minkah in this story) confrontation. Doesn't turn out the same though.

The song choice is for the Apophis survivors (if you hadn't guessed it already) though the happy parts of it apply more to Ry, Malik, and Marik. -.o

"One"-- Simple Plan

We are the lost
The ones forgotten
And this time
The future is ours
It's in our hands

We're the tear in your eyes
We're the blood in your veins
We're the beat of your heart
We're the sweat on your face
We're the ones that you chase
We're the promise that you made
We're the voice in your head
We're the lies that you said
We're the kids that you pushed away
We are...

We are the lost
The ones forgotten
And this time
The future is ours
It's in our hands
We are

One

We're the pride of your lives
We're the light shining deep in your eyes
We're the choice that you made
We're the smile on your face when you sleep at night
We're the best thing you had but you left us behind
We're the kids that you pushed away

We are
We are the lost
The ones forgotten
And this time
The future is ours
It's in our hands
We are

One

We're the pain that you feel
We're the scars that don't heal
We're the tear in your eyes
We're the reason you cry
We're the voice in your head
We're the lies that you said
We're the best thing you had but you pushed us away

We are the lost
The ones forgotten
And this time
The future is ours
It's in our hands

We are
We are the lost
The ones forgotten
And we've got nothing to lose
Together we stand up tall
We are

One.

Chapter 8: To Know Your Foes

(Ryou's POV)

Lunch time has a tension about it as we all sit around the fireplace in the front lounge. Jounouchi and Honda are on the floor in front of the chair Marik and Yugi are sharing. Mr. Mutou is sitting in the chair next to them. I'm on the long couch with Minkah; Yami on my other side. Malik is alone on a chair directly across the way from Yugi and Marik, picking at his food inattentively.

The conversation drifts from the snowstorm that's continued to keep us walled indoors—even though I wouldn't be able to go outside yet, as I'm still recovering—to talk about the snowmobiles; then duel monsters and video games.

When I awoke from my nap, Jounouchi and Yugi informed me that Yami and Malik are through. They didn't know the reason for it, and apparently neither of the former couple has even hinted at the cause for their breakup. Actually, neither of them has said anything at all on the matter.

Apparently Marik took it the hardest; though Yugi isn't faring well either. Jounouchi and Honda are both extremely agitated, watching Yami and Mailik nervously. Mr. Mutou has calmly gone about making lunch and idly chatting, outwardly ignoring the obvious strain everyone's experiencing.

I tilt my head, glancing at Minkah who hasn't joined in on any of the conversations. Yugi told me my brother had been the one who'd comforted Marik when our blonde friend had a breakdown. Whenever Minkah even spares a glance at either Yami or Malik there's a fire of rage in those grey eyes. He always has been protective of Marik. And now he's no doubt infuriated at how Yami and Malik are handling the situation due of the affect it's having on Marik.

I myself, as troubled as I am by Yami and Malik's breakup, can't help but feel a new warmth in my chest. Minkah's finally allowing me to be close to him, although he keeps trying not to let me make a big deal out of it; gruffly brushing off any affectionate gestures or words of encouragement. But when I look in his eyes I can see what he won't admit: he likes having a sibling--a family member; someone who truly cares about him and gives a damn about what he thinks and feels.

"...just have to wait until the snowfall lightens. The last thing we need is for you boys to get stranded out in the middle of a blizzard," Mr. Mutou is stating firmly to Jounouchi and Honda.

The blonde pouts. "But those snowmobiles look so damn...!" Mr. Mutou sends him a look. "...darn cool," the blonde corrects his word usage, knowing he's not going to win the argument now.

"I wouldn't worry about it," Yugi puts in at Jou and Honda's sulking expressions. "It's not like we'll be staying here for a short time." The two perk up slightly at this.

"That's true," Honda says thoughtfully, though a shadow crosses over his face as he turns to Minkah. "Or is it?"

My brother looks up. "What?"

The brunette fixes Minkah with a meaningful gaze. "Look, we all know you were going to high-tail it out of here last night." Yugi, Marik, and Jou shift uncomfortably at this while Yami and Malik look up in surprise.

"You...you what?" Malik asks in a strained voice.

Jou grins humorlessly. "Okay. Now everyone knows you were gonna high-tail it."

Minkah and Honda's eyes remain locked.

"I want to know why," Honda continues steadfastly. "Was it because you were going to sneak off and tell your Apophis pals where to find us?..."

"Honda!" Yugi exclaims.

"Well it could be!" the brunette states severely. He sits up straighter, intently looking across the way at my brother of whom all eyes are upon. "Tell us. We deserve to know the truth here."

Minkah's lips are pursed together as if he's deciding whether or not to speak. I reach over, tentatively linking my fingers with his. He jerks a little, breaking his gaze with Honda in order to look down at me with uncertainty.

(Yami's POV)

I watch the agony appear on Malik's face at Honda's announcement that Minkah tried to run out on us last night. Violet eyes lose their blank stare they've been holding, replaced by unquenchable hurt. My chest tightens with pity even as envy collects in the pit of my gut. He was so sure Minkah cared deeply about him; now only to find the white-haired Egyptian's feelings obviously aren't reciprocated to the extent he believed, as Minkah tried to leave without so much as a word of farewell to anyone as far as I can gather.

But then...why'd Minkah end up staying?

I'm pulled from my thoughts at Honda's insistent questioning of the Egyptian; my own curiosity and apprehension afflicting me.

"I want to know why. Was it because you were going to sneak off and tell your Apophis pals where to find us?..."

"Honda!" my brother cries out, shocked at the bluntness of these accusations.

"Well it could be!" Honda retorts unwaveringly, not looking away from Minkah. "Tell us. We deserve to know the truth here."

It feels like the silence following this statement is never-ending. Everyone's holding their breaths. Waiting. I'm surprised Grandpa hasn't spoken up. Perhaps his own worries are the same as Honda's: that Minkah is out to betray us.

Caught off guard, I watch in astonishment when Ryou reaches over and grasps his brother's hand and in even more shock when Minkah doesn't cuss him out or shove him away. They stare at one another for a long moment. Ryou's brown eyes pleading while Minkah's gleam with hesitancy. Since when has Minkah reacted like this towards Ryou? After what feels like an eternity, the Egyptian exhales shakily.

"I...can't stay here. It has nothing to do with turning you over to my comrades." Grey eyes are fixed with Honda's again, though he's speaking to all of us. "I tried explaining this to you before, but your shallow minds wouldn't grasp it."

"Wat! Why you cocky son of...!" Jounouchi makes to rise and attack Minkah, but Marik and Yugi's hands on his shoulders prevent him.

"Then perhaps," Grandpa says in a calm voice, causing the blonde to still, "you'll forgive us for that and be willing to enlighten us again." Minkah observes Grandpa untrustingly, only encouraged to continue when Ryou gently squeezes his hand.

"There are those among the group that see no point in pursuing you any further," the Egyptian states almost tiredly, weariness perceptible in his voice. "Unfortunately, some still do. If I went back to them, I might be able to convince them otherwise. Besides," Minkah adds darkly, "they're not going to let me just walk out on them. If I stay here, they will come. And as long as I'm with you they'll come."

We glance at one another somberly, letting his grave words sink in. It's true. As long as Minkah's with us the remaining Apophis survivors will hunt us to no end. Ryou's visibly trembling next to his brother; fingers constricting tightly around Minkah's as if he's afraid that if he lets go his brother will vanish.

"So...our only chance..." Yugi begins quietly, eyes wide and glassy. "...is if you return to them...and manage to convince them to leave us alone."

The Egyptian merely nods, turning and staring into the fire with a faraway look as the reflections of the flames dance within his eyes. We all jump as Jounouchi springs to his feet, hands clenched at his sides.

"Hell no! I don't care what those bastards think or want! We're not letting you go back to them, Mink! You've been used by enough people, an' they're no different!"

Minkah glares at the blonde. "You do realize you don't stand a chance in hell against them?"

"So what? We've just got to be ready for when they get here!"

This statement earns a sneer. "Do you even know what they're capable of?"

Jounouchi grins. "Nah. But you do."

"I've no intention of fighting them."

Jou's eyes bulge. "Wat! But Mink...!"

Malik joins the argument at this, voice solemn. "Minkah, I know how it feels to stand up against the people who've had control over you for your entire life. It's as frightening as it is bewildering because you're opposing everything you've been trained to think and feel..."

"It has nothing to do with that!" Minkah snaps harshly.

Malik's taken aback by this, yielding his speech. He wasn't expecting that response. None of us were.

"T-then...what is it?" Ryou asks meekly from beside his brother.

Minkah doesn't answer, jaw clenched, features twitching. I observe the emotions churning in his eyes, my mouth going dry as revelation dawns on me.

"You care about them," I whisper.

(Malik's POV)

"You care about them."

Yami's words echo in my ears like a curse being chanted over and over again. All it takes is one look at Minkah to see that it's true. He doesn't want to fight the Apophis survivors. In his eyes...

...he's one of them.

"That's not it!" Jou states stubbornly, though doubt is creased in his brow. "...Is it, Mink?" he asks, voice weaker.

The Egyptian won't make eye contact with any of us, staring once again at the fireplace. "Not...completely."

Honda frowns. "What's that supposed to mean? Do you care about them or not? It's a simple enough question."

Livid grey eyes turn on him. "Is it?"

No one replies to this. I don't understand. Why is he defending these people? Is he in denial that he cares about them? Does he feel obligated to stay by their sides because they rescued him from Kaiba and the leaders of Apophis?

"Minkah, you're going to have to elaborate a bit," Yami speaks quietly. "If you can't help us understand we're only going to unintentionally make you angrier at us."

The white-haired teen I've been so infatuated with sighs again. "It...I don't care about them...not all of them anyway."

Jounouchi grins at this, eased. "If you care about some of them, they'll help you, right? Well then, why not get those that you do care about to team up with us an' defeat the others?"

Minkah swallows, obviously uncomfortable with his next words. "Because...it's the ones I hate that aren't interested in coming after you," he admits softly, eyes downcast.

A lump lodges in my throat as I suddenly realize why he was so frightened about our 'abduction' of him; why he doesn't want to stay here...It's the ones he's close to that are after our lives. To leave with us like he did—it looks like betrayal.

He's torn. Torn between two groups of people he cares about; one wanting to annihilate the other.

It's Grandpa who finally breaks the deathly silence. "How many Apophis members are left?" He's choosing his questions carefully, considering how fragile a subject this has become.

Minkah's still gazing at the carpet. "Five...well, six including me."

Grandpa, Yami, Ryou, Jou, and I exchange chary looks, remembering all too clearly. The five that killed Kaiba and his whole corporation. The five that came to the Gameshop with the CEO's head as a trophy. The five that took Minkah away.

I can hear my heartbeat thundering in my head as I grasp one more detail that is the most terrifying of them all: these five assassins we're up against...

They're the five that eliminated the entire Apophis organization.

(Yami's POV)

"They're the ones...who came for you at the Gameshop?" Grandpa asks in a strained voice, mind obviously going back to that horrific night.

Minkah shrugs, staring blankly at the floor. "I assume so."

"I remember them...though it was really dark, seeing as how they cut the power line an' all," Jounouchi states somberly, hazel eyes troubled. "There were two big guys, a black guy and girl, and..." His voice trail off, a shudder passing through him; all of us aware of who he's left out. The one that deceived us into believing he was our friend.

Khalil.

Ryou's quaking on the sofa beside his brother, hand still latched to the Egyptian's. It was the pale teen who was so close to Khalil; tricked into believing they were a couple...that the black-haired bastard actually gave a crap about him. Minkah can feel the fury and fright radiating off our friend, but he doesn't make any move to soothe Ry.

Grandpa clears his throat. "Minkah, would you mind...telling us about them? Their skills. What they look like. I'm speaking for all of us when I say we don't want you to leave. But whether you decide to or not, we have to know what kind of individuals we're dealing with here. You know what they're capable of while we only have had a slight glimpse of their abilities."

'Slight' would not be the word I'd use to describe them coming into the Gameshop with Kaiba's decapitated head, but then again I'm sure that wasn't anything unusual for these people.

I'm somewhat taken aback when Minkah nods, still not looking at any of us.

"Hey! I've got an idea!" Jou snaps his fingers. "Why don't you sketch out pictures of them! You're really good at drawing an' all. S'not like we could see them very well before. Then we'll have a better idea of who to look out for should we meet up with anybody!"

"And who, pray tell, would we be meeting all the way out here?" Honda asks skeptically, though he doesn't argue Jou's suggestion. He, Marik, and Yugi never saw the other four, as they were upstairs when the assassins came for Minkah. They only know Khalil.

At Honda's question, Minkah and my eyes meet. The people who were following us; the ones he said weren't Apophis members. I'd forgotten about them. Should we tell everyone else about those people now? It might be a good idea, but I'm afraid it might have just been Minkah's nerves at having been brought along unwillingly that made him believe someone is after us. Considering the hell he's been through, it only makes sense he'd be extremely paranoid. I don't want everyone to get even more worked up over illusionary stalkers.

(Niu's POV)

The motel is in a minute town in the middle of the wilderness. I'd spoken to the owner; asking if a group matching the descriptions of the people with Minkah had stayed here, claiming they were friends I was trying to catch up with. It was hard for us to communicate, as he spoke with a heavy accent and my Japanese is limited. From what I could gather: they were here two or three days ago.

Sitting cross-legged on the bed, laptop before me, I continue my search; the computer's blue glow casting the only light in the room. I've got to find out where they're going. What the hell is out here that could make them feel safe? They're seeking refuge—and they have one. I've gone through Solomon Mutou's accounts and information; the small Game store the only piece of property in his name. Next I pull up the accounts of the Katsuyas, Bakuras, and Hirotos.

Nothing.

Nothing out here anyway. I frown. Well, there isn't anything in the mountains ahead but private mansions that are spread out greatly from each other. None of the group's families could manage to pay even a fraction of the rent for such a place, much less own one. Only an individual with a great sum of money would be able to afford to...

My eyes narrow at this; fingers flying on the keys searching under another name:

Seto Kaiba.

(Yugi's POV)

"So tell us more 'bout these guys, Mink," Jounouchi says, all of us remaining in the lounge as it becomes late afternoon. A tenseness has lingered in the air despite the fact that Minkah is cooperating with us now.

The Egyptian has moved a chair next to the fireplace off by himself, brow creased in concentration as he bends over his sketchbook. As Jou suggested, Minkah's agreed to draw portraits of his five companions.

We already know what Khalil looks like very clearly. A shudder runs through me. As I recall those bright brown eyes and nothing but friendly smile it's hard to believe all of that was an act. But the others attest to it; all chilled and angry whenever the black-haired teen is mentioned.

Ryou is the hardest to read when Khalil is brought up. My heart wrenches at the very thought of what my friend must be going through emotionally. I mean, he thought the guy loved him...

"In due time," the Egyptian mutters distractedly in response to Jou's pressing.

"What—you can't talk while you doodle?" Honda snorts from next to the blonde on the couch.

Grey eyes narrow but don't look up from the paper on which their attention is steadily fixed. "Do you want me to 'doodle' or not, Hiroto?"

"If you want to start something...!"

"Boys, that's enough," Grandpa interrupts, seated next to Honda on the sofa; Yami next to him.

Marik and I exchange nervous glances from our spots on the leather chair we're sharing. Ryou is wrapped in a blanket on the chair next to us. His eyes haven't left his brother.

Something happened between the two of them. Something changed Minkah's perspective of his brother.

Brothers...

Has Minkah finally begun to accept Ryou as his sibling? Is that why the Egyptian didn't leave last night?

(Malik's POV)

I'm so confused.

I stare out one of the windows as everyone else sits in the circle of leather chairs and the couch.

Minkah was...going to leave?

Oh gods, and I just broke up with Yami! There's no way in hell he'll take me back now. He'll see it as me viewing him as a rebound; me realizing I don't have a shot with Minkah. Yami wouldn't accept me now even if I crawled back to him on my hands and knees through red hot coals.

The blare of the white snow and the searing emotions are causing a stinging pain in my eyes. I make sure to keep my face turned away from the rest of them—from the two people who each hold a half of my heart...but neither wants it.

(Marik's POV)

I can feel my brother's agony even from here on the couch. As everyone wanders off while Grandpa, Jounouchi, and Honda make dinner, I remain in the lounge; Minkah by the fire sketching.

Every so often Malik's dejected eyes will glance over at the white-haired Egyptian's frame with such hopelessness, such longing.

Oh gods, it can't be!

I stand up, slowly walking over to my brother who doesn't seem to notice my presence. It's only when I gently place a hand on his shoulder that he jerks, turning his head to look at me with a surprised expression.

"Marik? What...?"

"We need to talk," I state before glancing at Minkah out of the corner of my eye. "Somewhere private."

My brother blinks in surprise before nodding mutely, allowing me to lead him up to the third floor. It's a bit nippy up here so Malik builds a fire in the large fireplace at the far side of the room. Once this is done he sits down beside me on the sofa, pain visible in his lavender eyes even as curiosity appears.

I take a deep breath, shaking nonetheless. "Malik...about Yami..."

He frowns, putting up the mask. "What about him?"

"Stop acting like we're fools. Everyone knows you two broke up," I reply tersely.

He pales. "E-everyone?"

I nod, watching his reaction to this news. He leans forward slightly, eyes wide, gaping at the floor as if it were all of our friends glaring at him with disapproving looks.

"Malik...It's about Minkah, isn't it?"

If he was shocked before, then this goes far beyond that. He's gawking at me in incredulity, mouth hanging open.

"Why did you do it?" I ask, hurt no doubt visible in my features. "Why did you and Yami have to...to...?"

He buries his face in tan hands. "It was all my fault. I...I care about Minkah...more than I should. I know you said before about me not being in love with him but..."

Malik doesn't finish—doesn't need to. Oh Ra. He broke up with Yami...for Minkah?

"But..."

"I know what you're going to say," my older brother continues with a humorless smile on his face. "Gods, I've fucked everything up so bad. You don't know the half of it. Yami will never take me back now."

"And Minkah?" I question, watching him intently.

Malik gazes at me in distress. "And what?! I can't go starting relationship with him!"

"I didn't say you should. But Malik, does he even know how you feel about him?"

Blonde hair whips back and forth as he shakes his head steadfastly. "No. At least, I don't think so. And I'm not going to tell him either! That'll just cause even more problems..."

"Malik, you need to talk with him. Until you do you're going to be like this: uptight, evasive and full of self-loathing. You need some closure, even if it doesn't mean a relationship with him and even if it doesn't bring Yami back." I rest an encouraging hand on his. "You and Minkah...so many things were left unresolved between the two of you when he was taken away. Perhaps speaking with him about it will make things clearer. Who knows?—Maybe you'd be able to move on and convince Yami to give you a second chance."

He sighs heavily, shoulders slumping. "I...It's just...I'm not sure that'd be enough for me."

"Hey everybody! Time to eat!" Jounouchi's voice announces heartily.

I smile, standing to my feet. "Well you won't know unless you talk to Minkah. Now come on. We'd better get down there before Jou and Honda eat everything."

My brother snorts but his usual smirk doesn't appear on his face, too deep in thought at my words. We head towards the stairs in silence. I have no idea what Minkah's response to such a conversation with my brother will be, but it needs to be done—for many people's sakes: Malik...Yami...everyone. I've done all I can.

It's up to Malik now.

(Ryou's POV)

Since Honda and Jounouchi have only been irking Minkah, Mr. Mutou had the duo help him make dinner. When they bring out two trays full of BLT sandwiches, we eagerly gather around the fire once again. It seems to have become our unofficial meeting place in the cabin. My brother refuses to eat, not even casting a glance at the sandwiches. When Mr. Mutou and Yami make a move to persist in trying to get Minkah to take some food I shake my head. The way my brother has been drawing—it's like he's in a trance. I'm afraid if they break his concentration, not only will he be irritated beyond belief, he might decide not to continue.

Small chat, once again about the snowmobiles and the like, seems to be cooling tempers. I note Malik hasn't eaten anything either; still gazing blankly out the window far away from us.

"All I'm sayin' is we don't have anything to worry 'bout these Apophis jerks...not with this freakin' storm going on," Jou's laughing with a mouthful of food.

Marik rolls his eyes. "Yeah. But blizzards don't last forever."

"I agree. Though Jou does have a point. This does give us a bit of time to figure out a plan," Yami nods before taking another bite of his sandwich.

"That's assuming they even find us out here," Yugi grins, hope glimmering in large violet eyes.

"Oh they will," a gravelly voice states forebodingly. We all turn to Minkah who tears his eyes from his sketchbook, expression ominous. "It's already begun."

(Niu's POV)

Damn.

After two and a half hours of searching the remains of the Kaiba Corp. databases I still haven't found any links to this region. Following the massacre of Kaiba, his young brother, and all personnel at the headquarters, the entire corporation's empire crumbled—its assets divided among countless individuals and companies. I've checked the lists of all the CEO's private places that are spread out all over the world; all auctioned off.

None are located around here.

Groaning, my spine aching from having been leaning over my laptop for so long, I allow myself to fall back onto the bed; head landing on the somewhat stiff pillow. Afika's expecting results, and I'd better have some for him when next he contacts me or I'm dead.

Literally.

After my screw-up of letting Minkah go to the Mutous' by himself I've no doubt Kek suggested butchering me. To my surprise—and apprehension—Afika's response to the whole mess was one showing little concern. When Afika doesn't react it means either he's lulling you into a false sense of security before killing you or he's plotting up a new scheme yet to be revealed.

Both possibilities are always very unsettling.

Yawning, I stare at the ceiling, wishing they'd just vanish: Afika, Kasiya, Kek, Severa...

Minkah?

I bite down on my lip. It's not like I've got anything against the kid. And it's not like he'd protest or hunt me down if I tried to leave the group. Maybe Kasiya wouldn't either—maybe. Kek wouldn't care about the betrayal necessarily. He'd just pursue me for the fun of killing me slowly. I have no idea what Severa would do. I'm not sure any of us know what's going on inside that girl's head. Afika...I don't even have a clue what he'd think, much less do.

It's just...I want to go home.

Home...

My fingers have been itching to type in their names—to search for my family...have been since I was kidnapped by Apophis six years ago. But I never checked to see if they survived the raid, afraid the Apophis leaders would find out and track them down and execute them. Apophis is gone now but...

What would Afika do if he found out? Would he go out of his way just to slay them? I can't risk it. Knowing whether they're alive or not will have to wait until I work up enough nerve to flee Afika and the others or figure out another way to get out of the group.

I sigh heavily, remembering that night—that horrible night full of carnage when Afika led us into the Mutou's home to fetch a battered Minkah. Those people...I'd never seen anything like it with our other victims. They defended him. They were ready to fight us, to protect Minkah, even though they knew they didn't have a chance in hell making it out alive.

A true family.

And now Afika wants to destroy it. My stomach twists in knots as I recall the determined expressions even as I pointed a gun at their faces. The older Mutou and Ishtar teens had been so resolute on shielding not only Minkah but their other friends and family as well. Not that I can't understand that. They'd already lost one friend to Apophis...

That's it!

I scramble into a sitting position once more, typing in the name of a person I'd completely forgotten about until now:

Otogi Ryuuji.

(Honda's POV)

"All I'm sayin' is we don't have anything to worry 'bout these Apophis jerks...not with this freakin' storm going on," Jou laughs, revealing a mouthful of chewed food.

"Yeah. But blizzards don't last forever," Marik puts in.

"I agree. Though Jou does have a point. This does give us a bit of time to figure out a plan," Yami concurs.

"That's assuming they even find us out here," Yugi states bubbly.

"Oh they will." We all turn to Minkah who's finally looked up from his sketchbook; a gleam in those grey eyes. "It's already begun."

"An' what's dat supposed to mean?" Jou asks loudly, pieces of his sandwich spewing from his mouth.

Minkah snorts, leaning back in his chair by the fire. "We were all trained in tracking. Though Yami was right to say the storm will impede them, once it's passed, they will continue their hunt."

Marik and Yugi huddle closer to one another, fear plain in their wide eyes. Mr. Mutou's expression is grave but he says nothing. Jou's gaping at the white-haired Egyptian, face pallid.

"So all five of them are coming?"

We turn to find Malik watching us now from his spot next to the window, arms crossed over his chest. Minkah opens his mouth but falters for a moment, glancing down at his latest sketch.

"...Eventually."

"Wazzat mean? 'Eventually'?" Jou questions in confusion.

"It means 'in due time', 'sooner or later', 'in the long run'..."

"Stop bein' a smartass!" our blonde friend shouts irately. "You know what I meant!"

"If they're not all coming at once, then whose presence shall we be graced with first?" I put in tiredly, knowing a fight between the two of them will only make it harder to get Minkah to tell us about his comrades.

Minkah's expression becomes serious at this. "That would be Niu."

He flips two pages back in his sketchbook before holding it up so we can see. Man, can this teen draw. Everything always looks so realistic. I squint my eyes to get a better look at the picture. It's a guy about our age with dark brown skin, short hair, and jet-black eyes.

"I remember him. He was one of the ones who came right up to us and held a gun within inches of our heads," Jou growls.

"Is he the leader?" Yugi asks quietly, trembling.

Minkah shakes his head, staring at his own drawing with an unreadable expression. "No. He was assigned to come along with me to Japan. To make sure I...got the job done." So this guy came along to assist Minkah in wiping us out.

"Then...why didn't he come with you to the Game shop?" I ask, my body numb at the thought of this guy barging in and killing us where we stood.

"I convinced him I could do it on my own," Minkah states quietly. "He went to raze the Apophis bases in Japan while I was supposed to..." His voice trails off. It's not like he needs to finish that sentence. We know what he was supposed to do.

"Waaaaait a minute. You mean to tell us Apophis had places set up here in Japan?!" Jounouchi exclaims in horror.

Minkah brings his arm down so the sketchbook is resting in his lap. "Don't act so surprised. They had bases on every continent, save Antarctica. That's why the other four didn't accompany Niu and I here. They're off destroying the other bases, fortunately for you."

The muscles in my throat have tightened. I look around to find everyone is in just as much shock as I am: It was all just luck and chance circumstances that only Minkah and this Niu returned to Japan.

"Why destroy the bases? Won't that just show the world some of Apophis is still alive?" Yami asks softly.

Minkah shrugs. "Apparently the threat of discovery isn't enough to faze the others. They're collecting weapons and certain materials from each base before blowing the places up." His eyes get a faraway look at this. "...just want to destroy any legacy left by the Apophis organization."

"That's understandable," Mr. Mutou nods, leaning forward with his chin resting atop laced fingers. "To demolish the remains of their slave-drivers...it's only natural to want to do so."

Malik walks over, standing next to the couch on which Ryou, Jou, and I are seated. "So this Niu—he's the only one tracking us right now?"

"Hopefully. That's one of the reasons I need to leave," Minkah puts in, irritation obvious. "He was captured by Apophis when he was thirteen and never got used to the slayings. I assume that's the reason he gave in so easily about me going off by myself. He didn't want any part of it. You might say he's the one all of you are most likely to get any compassion out of. I was hoping to find him and convince him to discontinue the pursuit before the others caught up."

"So...if he doesn't like killing people, what does he do?" Yami questions curiously, seated beside Mr. Mutou across the way from us.

"He's our technological expert. The guy can breach any system. Apophis used his skills to get into a lot of high-security places as well as forcing him to create new weapons...a lot of bombs and other devices. That's how the others are blowing up the bases now."

"Good god..." I hear Mr. Mutou murmur in disgust and pity.

Jou clears his throat. "So what about the others? Like those two huge guys! Man, were they gigantic! 'Specially that one dude! He was definitely pushing 6'7"!"

"That would be Kek," Minkah states darkly, shadows under his eyes. He flips one page back, holding the sketchbook up again.

I balk at the sight before us: A large, extremely muscular figure with bronze skin staring out of the paper at us with beady russet eyes. Hair that could be called either dark blonde or light brown is just reaching the tops of his massive shoulders. Shit, that guy could take three of us out in one punch!

"Is...is he the leader?" Yugi whimpers, quaking.

"No...though he wants to be," Minkah mutters, detestation of this guy obvious. "In the ranks of assassins Kek was always second...That never sat well with him. Even with Apophis gone he's still determined to be at the top."

"He looked like the strongest one to me back at the Gameshop," Jounouchi puts in, voice edgy. "How could he not be in charge?"

"It's much more complicated than physical strength," Minkah answers, still glaring at the man who's smirking arrogantly.

"I take it he's one of the ones you hate," I grin cheerlessly.

Yugi looks hopeful at this. "Does that mean he doesn't want to kill us?"

Minkah sneers. "Oh not any of you specifically. He'll slaughter anyone around him. Isn't very choosy about his victims."

A shudder passes through our group at this.

"So the guy's merciless and powerful. Not a good combination," I mutter grimly.

"There's more to being an assassin than sheer physical strength," Minkah states tersely. "Don't let his size make you forget that. The others are just as potent in their own skills."

"Can we continue to one of them now?" Marik asks, looking queasy.

"Yeah. What's this about another big guy?" I ask, already fearing what's to come.

Another page is turned, a new face now staring out at us with dark brown eyes. This guy isn't as buff as Kek but still seems tall. There's a thin, defined scar sweeping downwards under his left eye. There's a slick patch of hair under his lip but not covering his chin. The black hair on his head is short and spiked. His skin is tan; no doubt from a life under the sun of Egypt.

"I...I thought he had lighter hair," Yami says slowly, obviously trying to focus on his memories of that night. "Though it was hard to see..."

"Kasiya's hair was blonde at the time. He dyes it a lot and changes its length and style. So it might not look like this if you happen to meet up with him," Minkah nods in affirmation. "Because of his height and especially his scar, he's easier to pick out from the crowd—therefore, more memorable—than, say, Niu or some of the others."

"Like you," Jou smiles. "But no matter what you do to your hair you've got that scar. Nobody could forget that."

(Yugi's POV)

"Like you. But no matter what you do to your hair you've got that scar. Nobody could forget that."

Minkah's body goes rigid at this, fingers curling tightly over the edges of the sketchbook. Oooh Jou, you've done it again. The blonde, fortunately, has realized it this time.

"That is...erm...I didn't..." he fumbles, but it's already too late. What's said has been said. Nobody can undo it.

Narrowed grey eyes are burning into our alarmed friend but they're not focusing on Jou. It's more like Minkah's gazing at some scene before him that none of us can see. I look with pity at the Egyptian as I realize he must be recalling how he got the double-crossed scar that nearly covers the entire right side of his face. And judging by how deep and clear it still is, when the wound was inflicted it must've hurt.

A lot.

Yami clears his throat. "So...we've been introduced to Kek, Kasiya, and Niu. That leaves the girl..."

'And Khalil,' everyone finishes to themselves.

Minkah blinks slowly, coming out of his trance-like state, mutely holding up a picture of a teenage girl. She has brown skin and short braided black hair. What draws my attention to her are her eyes though. They're a deep cerulean blue. One would think they'd grant access for a look into the depths of her soul, but those eyes are as emotionless as a slab of stone.

Jou's grinning again. "Man, she's hot."

I roll my eyes, remembering what happened last time he said someone was hot: Minkah's mother, of all people. That hadn't boded well. Lucky for Jou, the Egyptian doesn't seem to care when it comes to our friend's attraction to this girl.

"Well don't get too infatuated. She doesn't take kindly to guys that hit on her...or anyone else for that matter."

"And yet she's working with a bunch of guys?" Marik asks with a small smile.

Minkah nods. "Yeah, but she's the type that'll turn on you without warning. We've just been lucky so far."

"And...well she's obviously doesn't pack the physical punch that Kasiya and Kek have," Malik says observantly, arms crossed. "So what does she do?"

This question draws a sickened smirk onto Minkah's lips. "She's a pyromaniac."

Everyone gapes at the picture of the seemingly harmless girl.

"So she...burns stuff. How is that useful when the Niu dude can just blow stuff sky-high?" Honda asks skeptically.

"Because many of the assassinations were meant to look like accidents. Using bombs and the like aren't exactly practical in such a situation. She's flawless at what she does."

"I'll agree that she's flawless," Jou comments gleefully, earning a light punch from Ryou. "Hey!"

Minkah continues on as if Jounouchi hadn't said anything. "I'd have to say she's the most unpredictable. If and when she comes, she won't outright face you. What she does is surround the target with fire so they can't escape and lets them burn to a crisp...and she enjoys it all immensely. The only time I've seen her smile is when she's 'working'."

"Hear that, Jou? Still think she's all that?" Honda nudges him in the side with his elbow.

The blonde huffs. "Well she may be a psycho, but that doesn't change the fact that she's hot."

Everyone rolls their eyes in exasperation. I swear, sometimes his hormones are the only thing controlling his mind.

My own mind becomes more troubled as I realize we've come to the last member of the five.

Khalil.

(Yami's POV)

"Well," Honda sighs. "That leaves us with one person."

Ryou's expression darkens, eyes narrow and full of resentment. I want to comfort the boy in some way but don't know how.

"Khalil," Yugi whispers, eyes wide.

Minkah snorts. "Oh, you're still calling him by his alias, are you?"

"You mean...his name isn't Khalil?" I ask in surprise though I suppose we should have expected such as the black-haired teen deceived us in every other aspect concerning himself.

The white-haired Egyptian shakes his head, staring down at the sketchbook. I note there's something different about his eyes this time. A look I can't place. Is it admiration? Affection?

"So, who is he then?—seeing as how the fucking bastard lied to us every step of the way," Jounouchi mutters angrily.

Minkah's eyes shoot up, fury smoldering the blonde who shrinks back as if he'd been burned.

"Call him that again and I'll rip your intestines out!" Minkah hisses before continuing. "His real name is Afika," he states quietly, still not holding up the drawing. Instead he turns to my brother, finally answering his earlier question. "He's the leader of our group and the most deadly of them all."

My mouth goes dry as something dawns on me: Minkah said it was the people he cared about that were after our lives. In order for them to come after us, the leader would have to give the go-ahead. So that means...

Ryou's suddenly on his feet, all eyes on him. Minkah's watching him with apprehension, as if fearing what his brother's response to all this will be.

Jounouchi's eyes widen. "So wait a minute...we were wandering around with the most dangerous Apophis member?!"

"He's the one who killed Kaiba then? And lead the others in the revolt against Apophis?" Malik asks in uneasiness.

"The one you care about," I state nearly inaudibly, but everyone hears it; all eyes shooting to Minkah who won't meet any of our gazes, transfixed with the sketch resting on his lap.

"I'm going to go to bed now," Ryou announces stiffly, retreating swiftly to his room down the hallway; the door closing with a loud bang. We all stare after him forlornly, especially Minkah who's looked up from his drawing; the shadows the flames are casting on his face warping the sorrow in his sharp features.

(Ryou's POV)

I lie on my stomach under the covers, sobbing uncontrollably into a pillow. No! Why does it have to be this way?

"The one you care about," Yami said.

At those words I couldn't take any more. I hurt too much. I loved Khalil like I have no one else. And I love Minkah like I loved Amane. Now I find Minkah cares about Afika, the true individual, while I only loved a shadow.

These people who've claimed to care about me: Otousan...Afika...It was all just some big masquerade—some cheap show in which they pulled my strings and I'd dance however they wanted me to.

I jolt when a hand rests on my back through the blankets; breath catching in my throat. I thought I locked the door.

"Ryou?" Minkah asks tentatively.

"What do you want?" I hiss, entire face wet from the soaked pillow.

"Come out from under there."

"W-why?" I retort, another sob escaping me.

"Because I want to talk."

"Well maybe I don't...!" I blink in shock as he rips the covers off the entire bed in one fluid movement, leaving me curled up in a ball on the bed.

Minkah's sighs, sitting down beside me. "I know you're angry. You have a right to be, but..."

"But what?!" I shout, sitting up, fists balled. "He made a complete fool out of me! He made me think he loved me! I loved him!" My tears are streaming uncontrollably but I don't care. I don't care about anything now.

There's pain in Minkah's grey eyes as he listens. "I know."

"Why didn't you stop him? Why didn't you tell me?!" I continue to yell, anger and hurt building up inside, threatening to explode.

He sighs. "You know I couldn't. And besides, I didn't..."

"Care about me?" I smirk humorlessly, watching his pallid features twist in agony.

"I..."

"You love him!" I spit out accusingly, although there's been nothing so far to even hint that that's tru...

Minkah looks away from me.

...No. It can't be! It just can't!

"Y-you...you love him," I repeat softly, trying to let this sink in.

I don't know what to do. Should I cry? Should I scream?

Minkah looks up in shock when I burst out laughing, tears pouring from my eyes as I laugh hysterically. I shake my head, pounding on the mattress with a fist as this maddened fit continues.

"Ryou...?"

"You love him!" I snicker, tears feeling like molten lava on my skin. "You love him!"

He watches mutely, unsure of what to do. Ha! This is the first time I've left him speechless! When I finally compose myself somewhat, I give my attention back to him, smiling with narrowed eyes.

"You're just like Afika! Just like Otousan!" I grin as he begins to tremble, at a loss for how to react to any of this. "You're just setting me up, pretending to care so you can betray me like they did!"

"What?!"

"I'm not going to wait for it to happen! Go back to your darling Afika! I hope he's been deceiving you too!" I shriek.

"But...!"

"Get out of here!" I scream, lunging forward and shoving him. He tumbles backwards but lands on his feet on the floor, eyes wide in disbelief.

I glare at him with the hatred that's developed from all the pain and the treachery and the heartache. He's backing towards the door now, pain-filled eyes never leaving me.

"You were never a brother of mine," I hiss fiercely, the tears coming forth again.

Face pale, body quaking, he turns and opens the door, silently retreating.

It's only once he's gone that I realize what I said to him. Things I didn't mean. I laid all the blame on him, something he didn't deserve. He was just trying to explain something to me because he knew how much I was hurting. He was trying to comfort me. I don't even know what he was going to say! I didn't give him a chance; just immediately lashing out.

"You were never a brother of mine."

How could I say that to him?! Minkah's been trying so hard to become closer to me as family--something I've been yearning for so long--and this is how I repay him? If anything, I've betrayed him.

Oh god.

I treated him just like Otousan did! Putting all the blame on Minkah...accusing him of being nothing more than a conniving, selfish demon with no heart. I saw myself what Otousan's words did to my brother. And now I've done the exact same thing.

I've wanted to be close to him so badly and now I've ruined everything. That look on his face, those lost eyes that were so bewildered, so wounded by my anger. He heard every hate-drenched word I screamed at him, and worse:

He believed them.

Self loathing and remorse take over me and I collapse into a heap, sobbing violently on the bed; left all alone with my tears...too ashamed to do anything else.

(Niu's POV)

I wake up from a light sleep at the cell phone vibrating on the small wooden table beside the bed. Groaning, I hurriedly turn over and grab the device, opening it.

"Niu."

"Have you found out where they're going yet?" is the abrupt question I receive.

I blink in surprise and confusion. There's something in Afika's voice that makes me cautious. It's almost like he's nervous about something.

Afika? Nervous? I guess it's not impossible. Sure he's been trained to hide such emotions, but hell, the guy's still human.

"Yes I did, Afika," I reply, using all of my willpower to suppress a yawn. He wouldn't appreciate that. "Apparently after the Mutous and Ishtars' friend Ryuuji was killed by Minkah his will went into effect. In it, Ryuuji left them some high-class lodge out in the mountains along with quite a sum of money. I've pinpointed the exact location and will head there as soon as the blizzard lets up..."

"You will do no such thing!" the black-haired teen snaps, and I flinch despite the fact he's far away from here. "I forced information out of that Bakura bastard..."

"Afika, what's going on?" Yes, I'm threatening my neck in interrupting him, but he's always straight to the point. This is unusual for him. To my bewilderment, he doesn't pay attention to my disrespect.

"Niu, I want you to get up there right now. I don't care if you have to fucking run the whole way and lose all your toes to frostbite!" he snarls and I'm suddenly very happy he's far away from here.

"You found out who's tracking them," I whisper, understanding why he's so tense.

Minkah's with those people and he's in no condition to fight. Afika would never forgive himself if something horrendous happened to the white-haired teen again. I know how close they are; how protective he is of Minkah.

That means these new nemeses are trouble.

"Yes," our leader replies tersely. "Now get off your ass and to that mansion! The others are meeting up with me along the way. You're the closest one to the location, so I'm relying on you to stop these bastards."

"Who are they? What are they going to do?" I ask, already dreading the answer.

And as I listen, that dread weighs down in the pit of my stomach, becoming heavier and heavier.

Oh the drama! Oh the angst!

Minkah: Oh SHUT UP.

Ferris: -ignoring him- So, we've been sort of 'introduced' to the ex-Apophis members, especially Niu. -huggles Niu- I luffles him so!

Niu: -being squeezed by ferris- Can't...breathe...-passes out-

Ferris: Oops. O.O -sets him on the ground- Ahem...

So as I've stated before, I've got sketches of the ex-Apophis members. Still have to take pictures of the darned things, but they're completed. As a note: I was re-reading SOA and parts of this story and realized I kept switching Kek's hair color from brown to blonde. So you might have noticed the part in Honda's POV : "hair that could either be described as dark blonde or light brown" -grins- Yeah, that was ferris covering her oopsies. -sweatdrop- So I had to go back and alter Kek's picture a bit. Surprisingly, he's the Apophis member I hate the most, yet he's the only one I did a color picture of. O.o

Odd, no?

Yami: And what about you isn't odd, pray tell?

ferris: hmm...good point.

So anyway, concerning the drawings: if you want me to email you the photos please tell me so in your responses. I know I know, some of you already have asked but please ask AGAIN. (I'm totally lacking a short-term memory right now, I swear. -.-;) Also, one or two of you who don't have a FFN account tried to give me your email addresses. Honeys, the site cuts those out of your responses. For example, you'll say something like: "My email is..." and it'll cut out the email and go on to your next sentence. You'll have to email me or if one of your friends has an account you can do it that way, k? Sorry about that inconvenience, but that's the website, not me. -growls at website-

Wow these have been long end notes! Craaazy!

Anyhoo, I probably won't get the pictures taken until this weekend. I'm hoping to be able to send them out to all of you then, so review! XD

note: I'm completely machine incompetent and have to have my older brother help me with the digital camera and flash drives and all that shit. (I break every machine I touch. No lie. -winces- It's my curse. And there's a looong story to go with it)

Anyhoos: REVIEW!!! XD