Hi pretties! Sorry I've been away so long! I've been to hospitals again! XD I had a cyst explode and still have two more! Had just about every intrusive test done...I might as well break out into "I Feel Like a Woman" right now (can you feel the sarcasm oozing off me?) Yeah. That's what I figured. -sigh-
XxYourXxDisasterXx: "*glomps!!*" Eeek! I've been glomped! "Say hello to your newest reviewer!" Well hi! -tackleglomps- Ha! You're concerned about a slight twist I might throw in involving Ryou's mom and sister? -grins evilly- Let's just see what happens, shall we? Your suspicions shall either be confirmed or be disproved in this very chapter! yay! "Anyways I think you've successfully got me hooked... on YOU. (damn that sounds creepy)" -grins- Really, it's nothing compared to what some others have said in the past -shudders- "Afika, hot as he sounds, needs to go die in a hole." (Afika: WHAT?!!) Aahahahahahahahahahahaaha! XD That's Awesome!
Nayades18: "so real and So incredibly disturbing,my suspicions about his mother could be confirmed soon.. !(i´m happy!)" We won't be getting to his mother's story quite yet. There's still a few other peoples' stories that need telling. -grins- But we'll get to her. Still narrowing down my choices of names...actually, I think I lost the list I made. (Afika: Brilliant.) -.-; Good luck with your therapies too! They really can be a pain in the ass, but can help too. -sigh-
Saffire Blade:Yes, Ryou made it out of that one alive. (Malik: I did too! -happy dance- XD) LOL indeed you did. "Poor Minkah he just wants someone to love him" It's true! Very very true! That will be stressed greatly in this chapter. (Malik: In a sexy sort of way?) Er...no. (Mali: damn)
Dragon Tooth: -laughs- I know, I've got my patterns. Bakura suffers, Malik dies, Yami suffers emotionally if at all. (Bakura and Malik: It's not FAIR!!!) LOL I'm working on breaking those patterns somewhat. Every author on this site has patterns. It's especially obvious with me because I only do Yugioh. While I'm a fan of a lot of other anime, books, movies, etc, i've never attempted to write any. And seeing as how I'm working on FOUR stories at the moment I think I shall not try and start another fic. -sweatdrop- My poor head can only take so much. Look out in BTBT though. Definately gonna be breaking some patterns there! -grins evilly-
snagglepus: Hn...I can't find you in earlier reviewings, so I'm going to say New reviewer! -tackles- "maybe niu can save minkah, they both seem to need help." They both certainly do, poor boys. (Niu: And whose fault would that be?) -whistles innocently- "he should burn that sketchbook before it posesses his brother again...0.o" ROFL!!! That is AWESOME!! (Minkah: -grumble-)I was interested and a little confuzzled by what you said here: "stupid afika he's to insane to love, he just lusts for minkahs killing." You mean he wants Minkah killed or wants Minkah to kill people? (Afika: -shrugs- Maybe both. I'm a complicated guy) no argument there. XD
x-hellfire-x: New reviewer! -tackles- Minkah art, eh? (Malik: -eager- Can I see it? What kind of Minkah art?) (Yami: I thought you said you didn't love him?!) (Malik: doesn't change the fact that he's hot! you said so too!) (Yami: Oh...right...-long silence- Yeah, let us see it!) (Minkah: -.-;) LOL"poor niu i actually love him he deserves kisses for putting up with the way Afika treats him, rebel my son and kill the bastard" (Afika: I've been sensing this hositily from a lot of the reviewers) How odd. (Afika: Thanks for the sarcasm there) Don't mention it. Anyway, we get further in depth with Niu this chapter...and with Afika, Kasiya, and a little bit with Severa as well. Yay!...I think...O.o
Kitsu-cha: Yes, Ryou made it out alive and Malik and Yami are two happy lovey-doves again. (Malik: That sounds so...fruity.) You're gay. (Malik: true true...) More Niu in this chapter! Yays! "So many other things are floating in my head...but I'll wait it out and see!" It can be hard to catch those things when they're floating like that. I use a butterfly net! XD
Fallin-Alone-Scared-Lost: "I'm sitting this term out at my College,also lost my aid money" -sigh- I'm sorry to hear about that. The world's economy is shot right now to add to it all...but back to the story. I'm glad you liked the ending. -goes back to check what it was- Ah yes! Glad you liked that! XD (Minkah: you are truly pathetic)
MarshmallowPeepGod: "There was something I wanted to tell you... but I can't remember." LOL Still waiting to hear from you on that. Do email when you remember. -grins- "Knives hurt. Especially when they are in your and, or tummy." O.o Uhhh... "At least I think they would..." Ah, that's better. I was about to get really freaked about what you do in your spare time...though, regardless, I don't think I want to know anyway. "If you don't have a job you can get health care through unemployment. Well, At least here in massachusetts. yup yup." -smirks- Well I'm in Michigan. We're in the top 3 for unemployment rate...can't remember who the other two are. And my parents got me new health insurance and are paying for it. I just make sure to do extra chores and pay for a little here and there so I'm not an expensive lump lying in their house. ^^; As for what made me freak out...that will have to be saved for an email if you truly wan to know. Looong story. -.-
Memnoch's Heart: I'm trying to be careful with my emo-ness. Tis a hard thing to control. I shalt not rant too much, but I've got about five annoying (some unknown) physical/psychological conditions we're trying to figure out. "Poor Niu, now all I can imagine is him turning into Malik...and then being shot to a pulp..." Ah, a Cry of the Wicked reference...good times...good times...(Malik: Grrrrrrr!!)
Satra: Yes the Zen of readers. "Yami and Malik finally talking it out and a nice fight to top it off, what more can one ask for? *hums gleefully*" Yeah, what's better than a little love followed by a dramatic knife-fight filled with crazed people? XD (Afika: I can't think of anything!) LOL
Sagira98: -grins- No killing Niu, eh? (Malik: Kill him! Kill him!) Just so long as it isn't you, eh Malik? (Malik: -shifts- Maaabye...) "So the picture Ryou didn't turn in was either Afika or Niu?" -smirks- I shall choose not to comment on that one. "Niu had family with him when he was captured?" We'll be hearing about the story of his capture later. I've mentioned before, can't remember where, that he wants to search for his family. He was captured while away from them, i'll give you that much. "Are you ever going to give Ryou a break?" That is the question of the hour. The answer is: not yet. Definately not in THIS chapter. This might be the motherfucker-of-hell-chapter for him actually. (ryou: oh joy)
Detonate: Glad you like the characterization and the fight scene. I take pride in my fight scenes. I try to get them from several different angles aka different characters to get an overall picture that is clearer to the reader. Like you said, this gives info that only the character and the readers (and me!) know. "It doesn't matter if your story takes a while for you to update. Sounds like, you have enough on your mind." -smiles- You all have been so nice about this...well, nearly all of you. -waves that off- Anway, I've had a hard time writing lately. Not really sure what it is. I wouldn't call it writer's block, I know what I want to happen, it just never comes out the way I want it. -sighs in aggravation-
dragonlady222: "I think that Akifa is the most screwed up, he seems to know nothing but torture and killing" He sure doesn't seem to know much else, does he? (Afika: I know I'm hot!) ...well, he's got me there. XD "I don't think he loves Minkah, he just considers him a possession and tool. Possible a weapon just waiting to be set off" -nods- Many people are leaning that way when Afika is concerned. His fans are switching to Niu. (Afika: They're WHAT?!) (Niu: Thanks, ferris, now he's gonna kill me for stealing his fangirls) -winces- Sorry sorry! "Ryou is almost as tortured as Minkah" Oh! Very good observation! And we shall see that more in this chapter!
cgflower: "and poor Ryou! he's going to have a MAJOR melt down soon" -grimaces- Yeah. He doesn't exactly have a good time in this chapter. In fact, I think this is the worst for him that I've written yet. (ryou: oh hell) -grins- You're very frustrated about Afika, aren't you? He's losing fans fast...or at least, they think he should die even if they still like him. I do think most of them have jumped over to Niu though. But you were already a Niu fan, weren't you? (Niu: Having fans doesn't guarentee I won't die!) Oh so true! Just look at Malik! (Malik: -panicked- WHAT?!) -grins- I couldn't help myself.
SPECIAL NOTES: This chapter has soooo much going on! Major plot twist, Severa's first narration (we finally get a look into the girl's head...it's scary in there! O.o), we get a better idea of Kasiya's psyche, and more on Niu as well. Also, flashbacks of kiddies Afika and Minkah! XD The chapter actually focuses a lot on the remaining Apophis members. Just to make it clear: in the next chapter or two I'm planning on it mostly being focused on the Yugioh charaters. All of this being said, this lovely chapter will be dedicated to XxYourXxDisasterXx, snagglepus, and x-hellfire-x.
Note how eerie the beginning of the second verse of this song is! I just HAD to use it! I see it as Minkah towards his mother.
Destroyed (Within Temptation)
I did my best to please you
But my best was never good enough
Somehow you're only able to see
All I am not.
Do you ever look behind?
Aren't you afraid of the pieces you'll find?
I have failed you
But you have failed me too.
It's so easy to destroy and condemn
The ones you do not understand.
Do you ever wonder if it's justified?
It's so easy to destroy and condemn
The ones you do not understand.
In your life, why didn't you ever try?
I close my eyes as I walk the thin line between love and hate
For the person with the same blood in his veins.
You show no regrets
About all the things you did or said.
I have failed you
But believe me, you failed me too.
It's so easy to destroy and condemn
The ones you do not understand
Do you ever wonder if it's justified?
It's so easy to destroy and condemn
The ones you do not understand
In your life, why didn't you ever try?
It's so easy to destroy and condemn
The ones you do not understand
Do you ever wonder if it's justified?
Chapter 13: Umi wa Akhi
(Severa's POV)
The small building is quiet now save for the crackling of the flames in woodstove and the moaning of the rickety cabin from the storm. The only lumber we could get was damp, giving off a stale odor. I lie next to it wrapped in several blankets that I have made into a makeshift bed in the kitchen. The others are each dealing with the cold in their own ways.
Kek keeps himself amused and therefore distracted by tormenting the captives. Afika has locked himself away in the other bedroom with the electric heater. He requires solitude often and will not suffer those who would disturb him unless for the uttermost need. Niu is brooding in the freezing loft above. Kasiya rests in the main room with the fireplace, having been complaining about the cold.
I have watched him most closely these past few weeks, taking note of every gesture or word no matter how insignificant it may seem. While it is subtle, I can see that he is losing faith in Afika. Aside from Minkah, I do not think any of us truly believed in our leader. In reality, it does not matter if you trust the one you follow. You just have to be able to read them. I can read everyone. I see into their minds and deep into the depths of their psyches. I watched them train, know how they function both mentally and physically. Each is unique.
Just as our group does not trust Afika, he has no faith in us. Not our loyalty. Our skills he can rely on as long as we do not turn our backs on him. There would only be one reason I would do so. He is the same reason that I agreed to join our little group.
The tall assassin with the thin scar sweeping under his left eye has been my partner in countless assignments. He changes his appearance so often that some people would feel they are working with a stranger every time. But I know him for who he is. He may be able to dye and cut his hair, get piercings, or change accents but he is still Kasiya.
My mentor.
I have observed he has been getting increasingly agitated. He is no longer in agreement with Afika on many things. He rarely voices his opinion though. Kasiya has always been confident in his own skills, but when around Afika whom he towers over physically, my partner stands down. He will not argue against our present authority. I want to see how long that will last. His impatience and displeasure can only be drawn out for so long. And when Kasiya turns against Afika, whether it be tomorrow or years from now, I will be by his side. He is the only person I have ever looked up to; the only person that deserves my respect.
Kasiya's skills would not save him if he were to take on Kek, Minkah, Niu, and Afika. He will need aid. I will give him that. I may not be as strong as Kek. I am not as agile and practiced with weapons as Minkah and Afika. Nor am I able to create lethal devices as does Niu. But there is one flaw they all possess that all of my previous victims shared. It is a commonality that brings the strongest and most intellectual to a mercy I never bequeath. I stare between the rusty metal grating at the garnet flames dancing in the stove, a knowing smile playing upon my lips.
All humans burn.
(Minkah's POV)
"We did it!" Afika laughs wrapping an arm around my shoulder. "That was beautiful!"
I nod, looking out of the airplane window as we wait for take-off. For some reason I just want to get out of this country. I want to be back at the horrid training camp outside of Asyut. I never thought I'd actually desire to return there. I prefer to be on missions with Afik, though this is only my fifth. It is the one that really matters to me.
"You haven't said anything since we left the scene," Afik observes curiously, silencing for a moment as a stewardess stops beside his seat.
Her skin is pale, as are many British, and her hair a soft brown. There aren't many people who look like her in Egypt. I'm still getting used to that. To me, she's ugly. She's from where he's from. That makes her repulsive.
"Are you two boys alone?" she questions, light blue eyes looking around the plane trying to locate our parents. This is understandable considering she's come across an 11 and 13 year old.
"Our uncle is a few rows back." Afik replies, pulling his arm away from me so we're no longer touching. Shifting, he turns awkwardly in his seat like a regular boy his age would, pointing three rows behind us to Burhan who is pretending to be reading from a book he brought along. "There."
The lady smiles, reassured. "Well in that case, is there anything I can get you, sweetie?"
Afika's left eye twitches as he rearranges himself in his seat, but he plasters a flawless smile on his face. "Will the snack trolley be along soon?"
"After the plane takes off," she answers pleasantly before leaving to check on the other passengers.
"Bitch," my friend spits causing me to smile. "What's that grin for?"
"She called you sweetie," I snicker. That is one of the last nicknames that comes to mind when I think of him.
He snorts, leaning back in his seat. "It's something you'll get used to the more missions you're on. They treat you like you're a normal kid. The pet names, over protectiveness, the pedophiles…" he adds with a smirk.
"Afika!" I groan. "Why do you always have to…?"
"Are my two nephews settled in for the ride?" a rough voice rumbles.
We both look up to find Burhan towering over us. His beady dark brown eyes are studying us suspiciously. I gulp, chastising myself for acting so casual with Afika when higher-ranking members of Apophis are around. The man with the bushy black beard barely pays any attention to me, focused on Afik who gazes straight back.
"Hi Uncle Matt!" He gives the burly arm a 'playful' punch. "Don't worry, I made sure Chris here turned his cell phone off this time."
Burhan's expression is murderous as he fights to keep control of his temper. Afika gives him a roguish smile as I shrink into my seat. The adult leans in, massive fingers clamping down on my friend's shoulder. I cringe, knowing that has to hurt, but Afik doesn't so much as flinch.
"Listen and listen well, you little brat," the man growls under his breath. "Don't let a successful assignment get to your head. You still have a lot to learn about respect, which I am going to give you a thorough lesson on when we get back to Egypt."
The majority of Apophis hate Afik. They wouldn't hesitate to try and kill him if given the chance. They loath the fact that someone so young could be so skilled. But Fenyang and the other heads are jubilant with his rapid progress climbing up the rankings of assassins. They favor him above the rest of us.
"Is that really your call?" Afik replies without a trace of concern. "I don't answer to you."
The corners of Burhan's mouth curl. "But Minkah here does. All trainees answer to me." I don't meet his eyes though I can feel them burning into me. "Even though he is behaving much better than you, perhaps I'll use him as an example to…"
"He's got a gun!" Afika screams, ripping himself from a startled Burhan's grasp as several people lunge at the man while several women shriek.
My friend presses me against the window as an older sibling protecting his brother, his back to me so I have to peek over Afik's shoulder to see what's going on. Burhan is on the floor of the aisle struggling wildly against several flight attendants and passengers. One of them is holding a gun that they had apparently gotten off him.
"Call security. Odds are he has accomplices on this plane," a crewman orders. "Everyone remain in your seats!"
"A-Afik?" I stutter, jolting slightly when his hand reaches back and grasps mine.
"Shh!" he hushes between his teeth. "We're supposed to be traumatized children here."
Well I for one am. Nothing like this has happened on any of my previous missions. What's going on?
"Here's the gist," my friend continues, voice inaudible to everyone save me amid the pandemonium. "Fida and Nimr are also on this plane. They won't attempt to help Burhan though they will interrogate us later. Our story is that Burhan was trying to get some dirt on Fenyang. We deemed him a threat to Apophis."
"You planted the gun on him," I whisper, impressed enough by the fact that Afik managed to carry the weapon onto the plane without detection. "While he was harassing you."
"Unfortunate for him," Afika tilts his head slightly so I can hear him better. "If he hadn't been so centered on his scathed ego he might have noticed. He's looking death in the face no matter what now. Apophis will make sure he's silenced quickly."
"B-But why did you…?"
"Burhan had become aware that we are close. He was using it against us, couldn't you see that? He was going to thrash you because he knows I care about what happens to you!" Afik hisses. "We have to be more discreet from here on out or they'll have both our heads."
"What do we do now?" I ask, shuddering. "That stewardess thinks he's our uncle."
"I'll simply tell her she looked at the wrong person when I pointed him out."
A shrill shriek brings both of us out of our conversing. My eyes widen at the sight of Burhan foaming at the mouth, convulsing on the floor. The froth is tinged with red that could only be blood. My eyes scan the astonished crowd surrounding him, heart skipping a beat when they meet Fida's cold stare. He must have been one of the people that apprehended Burhan. I know this particular assassin's talents and interests.
"Poison," I whisper hoarsely.
While Afika keeps the face of a frightened 13 year old, his voice is amused. "See? What did I tell you? Apophis is swift to silence traitors."
I nod absentmindedly, watching the lean assassin with the defined cheekbones and angular jaw. Fida acted immediately to make sure Burhan didn't give any of us up. He didn't even know why Afika had framed Burhan. Despite their aversion for him, the older assassins generally trust Afik when he calls out a deserter, as they think Apophis is all that matters to him.
"Might as well make ourselves comfortable," Afika mutters as they prod Burhan's lifeless body. "I have a sneaking feeling we're all going to be here for a while." My friend moves so he's back in his own seat. "On the bright side, it's a delay from going back to Asyut." He winks at me.
This makes me nauseous. I don't want to be in England anymore! The visions are still haunting me. Sure I've become quite accustomed to watching people die, but this was different.
"Are you going to tell me what's wrong or do I have to make that stewardess come over her and cradle you 'cause you're 'scared'?" Afika nudges me in the side with his elbow in an attempt to lighten my mood.
I take an unsteady breath. "She hasn't said anything."
His face becomes serious, voice lowering. "Nothing?"
I shake my head mournfully. Has she forgotten about me? Didn't she see? Afik notices my depression with ease, wrapping an arm around me. It won't seem suspicious to Nimr or Fida at this point. To them it will look like Afika is 'comforting' his sibling after nearly getting shot.
"You know she'll speak to you again eventually," he says softly. "She always has, right? So tell me what's really bothering you."
My lower lip is trembling now. "I wanted it to be him. That's what I've been training for the past five years!" Turning to my friend, there are tears spilling down my cheeks. "Why couldn't it have been him?!"
(Malik's POV)
I lie on the bed next to Yami, my boyfriend's head resting on my chest as he sleeps. There's a massive bandage covering the majority of his hand. That medic was very thorough, much to my relief. Running my fingers through Yami's hair, earning a sigh of contentment from him, I know how much I have to be thankful for…
…especially since I came too close to losing him.
A light knock on the door rouses me from my thoughts. "Come in."
It opens slowly, Jou's head peeking in. "Hey man," he greets quietly, coming over to us. "So how's he doing?"
I look down at my pale koi, knowing how much pain he's in despite the morphine. "He has no energy left. Lost quite a bit of blood. They said he's going to need surgery. The medic is coming back tomorrow to examine the wound again and decide how severe it really is."
Jou nods, hands in his jean pockets. "I came to check up on him...and to see if either of you needed anything."
"I'm good," I reply. "Jounouchi?"
"Yeah?"
"How's everyone else doing? Has Minkah woken yet?" I considered not asking the second question but it came out anyway. It appears I haven't lost my over protectiveness of the assassin. There's also the fact that we don't know what will happen when Minkah wakes up. Will he still be in that maddened state?
Jou shakes his head. "Nope. But the doctor examined Mink an' said he should be waking up in a few hours. That was a few hours ago. He's begun to shift and mumble a bit," my friend informs me, unable to conceal the trepidation in his voice.
"I suppose that's a good thing," I sigh, continuing to draw my hand through Yami's hair, feeling brown eyes watching.
"Malik, don't take this the wrong way, but…are you and Yami…?"
"So it seems," I smile again.
The blonde openly grins at this. "Well that's a relief. It's nice to have some positive news for a change. Everything's been so morbid lately."
"Sure has been," I agree tiredly.
"Well things just might be looking better now that Ryou gave those pictures to the soldiers," Jou says idly.
I would have sat up straight in shock at this news but restrained myself at a pained moan from Yami. "The drawings of Apophis?"
"Yeah. Only he didn't give them one. Three guesses who he didn't turn in."
Closing my eyes, I pinch the bridge of my nose. "Why is he still protecting Afika?"
Jou shrugs. "I dunno. Maybe for Mink's sake?"
That would be a logical explanation. I would readily accept it if not for my heart telling me that it is not the only reason Ryou kept Afika's picture. Just as I was confused about Minkah, I believe Ryou still has lingering feelings for the black-haired assassin. But those feelings will not be reciprocated. They could, in fact, put Ryou in greater danger than he already is.
"What do you think Afika will do?"
"I can't get a clear reading on him. I've never met anyone like him before. Plus, we only saw the true Afika for several minutes at the Game Shop," I respond, finding myself extremely apprehensive as to what he'll do. "He won't show leniency simply because Ryou has guarded him from those soldiers, that I am certain of."
Jou frowns disconcertedly. "Ry still cares about him, doesn't he?"
"If he does, we'd better make certain Afika does not find out."
"Why's that?"
"He'll take advantage of that affection however small it may be. You remember how Afika played us. He's extremely talented at masking his true thoughts and objectives. I have a feeling he would not hesitate to toy with Ryou's emotions if given the opportunity."
"Bastard," Jou mutters, anger vibrating in his voice. "And I don't suppose we can convince Mink to dump Afika?"
"Highly unlikely. Plus that could be hazardous for Minkah."
"Hazardous? I'll tell you what's hazardous: Having that psycho Afika for a boyfriend."
I snort to hold in a laugh. "Can't argue with you there. Yet he's also a form of security for Minkah."
"I guess," Jou says begrudgingly. "Having him as a boyfriend and bodyguard would be ideal. You'd be on his good side and you'd be protected…or confined, depending on if Afika controls Mink like he seems to everything else."
"I've worried about that myself," I admit softly. "The only one who can confirm that is Minkah. There's no way I'd seek out Afika or the other Apophis members and ask them."
"Ditto."
"Hey guys!" Yugi runs into the room. "He's waking up! Minkah's waking up!"
"Shit," Jou swears before turning to me. "Malik, I'm gonna go back to the others now just in case they need some extra help in restraining Mink or something."
I nod, tongue lodged in my throat. Any yearning to go with him vanishes when I look down at Yami's sleeping form against my chest. A small smile forms on my lips. This is where I'm needed—where I should be.
(Ryou's POV)
"Boys, back up a bit," Mr. Mutou instructs as Minkah stirs, eyelids fluttering. "Ryou, you especially."
I do so, standing beside Marik. Jounouchi and Yugi hurry into the room, both holding terrified looks on their faces. Honda, already injured from the fight in the kitchen, stands beside Mr. Mutou nonetheless; reserved to help in any way he can. Jou takes his place by him and Mr. Mutou.
"Minkah?" the elderly man asks, placing a hand on my brother's cheek who moans in response.
I bite down on my lip as Minkah's eyes slowly open. First, there's nothing. He gazes at Mr. Mutou blankly while the rest of us hold our breaths. As those grey eyes focus, the pain returns. He swallows, beginning to shake.
"Minkah?" Mr. Mutou presses gently. "Do you remember what happened?" My brother's eyes stray past him to our small group, zeroing in on me.
"Maybe you should try Arabic," Honda suggests warily.
"Minkah," Mr. Mutou continues in Japanese. "Do you remember what happened in the kitchen? You were fighting with the others." Minkah's lip trembles as he stares at me dejectedly. "You were trying to kill Ryou but…"
"I didn't want to do it. She told me I had to," my brother murmurs, a single tear slipping down the side of his face.
"That's right," Mr. Mutou nods, all of us stiffening as the Egyptian sits up swiftly.
He leans forward as if there were pain in his abdomen. He's completely fixated on me. I gaze right back, finding myself unable to look away from this wretched creature before me.
But who am I looking at? Is it the brother who has slowly begun to open up to me? Or is it the deranged son intent on fulfilling his deceased mother's wishes?
Or are they the same person?
"It…It wasn't…" he whimpers.
"What wasn't?" Marik asks from next to me.
Minkah breaks eye contact with me, staring at the floor.
"It wasn't…an accident."
"We know that, man," Jou forces a smile. "But it wasn't all your fault, okay? Sure a few of us got a little beaten up, but hey, everyone's still alive."
"No."
Jounouchi's face falls. Marik and Yugi glance at one another uncertainly. Honda shrugs when Jou gives him a questioning look.
'It wasn't an accident,' I repeat Minkah's words to myself. 'And when Jou said everyone survived Minkah said "no". But why would he say that? Perhaps he has assumed Yami and Malik are dead since they're not here?'
Mr. Mutou seems to have come to the same conclusion as me. "Yami and Malik are both fine." He places his hand atop my brother's in a reassuring way. "You didn't kill anyone…"
"Yes I did!" Minkah screams, recoiling from the touch. "She told me to," he seethes, the wild lost look in his tearing eyes making me fearful. "It wasn't an accident! We planned it out carefully to make sure we wouldn't fail. It didn't happen like it was supposed to. She told me to kill them but he didn't die!"
My mouth goes dry. No. It can't be. It can't.
"Ryou?" Yugi's voice is miles away as I gape in horror at my brother's distraught form.
"It wasn't an accident…It wasn't an accident…" he hisses, hands fisted in his hair as he repeats this single sentence like a mantra.
"Ryou, do you know what he's referring to?" Mr. Mutou questions from somewhere in the distance. "Ryou?"
Somehow, I find my voice, though it is hoarse and terribly quiet.
"The car," I whisper, the screams and shrill ringing echoing all around me. I'm suddenly back at that ghastly scene from six years ago.
Mother. Amane.
"It didn't happen like it was supposed to. She told me to kill them but he didn't die!"
He was talking about me. In all of the reports of the crash it said that it was a miracle I was alive. No one could explain why or how I'd managed to survive. The wreck was in shambles. It even burst into flames right after they pulled me from the ruins.
"We planned it out carefully to make sure we wouldn't fail."
Standing frozen between two times, I find myself staring at Minkah as that deafening ringing rips into my ears. All this time…
It wasn't an accident.
(Minkah's POV)
I stare desolately at the red sunset above the crumbling buildings of the Asyut training camp. The stench of blood carries on the dry breeze; a constant smell here. I would close my eyes but it is an unwise thing to do until you are safe inside your small quarters. Even then, there is the possibility of your roommates killing you during the night.
The revenge hasn't satisfied me at all. In fact, I don't feel any more at ease than before the mission. And Um hasn't spoken to me about it yet either. There's something wrong about the whole thing. I didn't enjoy it the way I always dreamed I would. How long have I been anticipating that day? All I'm left with is this emptiness.
"Psst!"
Jumping to my feet, I just begin to pull my knife from its sheath when a blade presses against my throat. Oh shit.
"What have I told you about letting your guard down?" Afik's voice chides as he pulls away.
I turn around to greet him only to find him with a large purple bruise along his jaw line. There isn't anyone here I know of capable of doing that to him. The only way it could have happened is if he allowed it to.
…or had to allow it to happen.
Giving a sideways grin, my friend slides his own weapon back into its casing. "What's with the look?"
"Fenyang beat you," I whisper.
"And?" He waits a moment before scowling. "What, that's all? That's why you're sulking?"
"Because of Burhan?" I press, wanting to know; praying that I am not the cause of this as I have been so many times in the past.
"Yup. Because of Burhan." He sits down nonchalantly on a large rock as if he weren't in any pain whatsoever. "I have noticed, despite everything, that I'm still in better spirits than you."
I sigh, sitting down in the dirt. "I can't get it to stop. It just keeps replaying in my mind." Looking at my black-haired companion, I smile wryly. "At least it's done. He'll suffer all alone now. Um can be at peace. Do you think he's realized it was me?—was Apophis?"
Afika looks away at this, brown eyes burdened. I straighten up, moving closer despite the danger someone might see us. Something's wrong. What isn't he telling me?
"I'm not stupid, Afik. Fenyang wouldn't thrash you because you 'saved' him from Burhan. If anything, he'd praise you," I say after a long silence. "Why did he then?"
Afik glances at me before turning his head to stare at the darkening skies. I note the blood seeping through numerous areas of his once white shirt. Why would Fenyang beat him? Afik and I both told the same stories regarding the incident on the plane. Did Nimr or Fida voice their doubts to Fenyang? No. Fenyang would take Afika's word over theirs' any day. He believes Afika is a heartless puppet. A dog that answers only to him.
"Minkah, you need to brace yourself because you're in for a lashing too."
I look at him in surprise. "Did they find out we're friend…?"
"Shhh!" he hisses between his teeth but doesn't look at me so it seems we're ignoring the other. "No, they don't know. How many times to I have to warn you not to mention that?"
"Sorry," I murmur ashamedly. "But then why…?"
"We botched the mission, Minkah." My heart drops to my feet as Afik's eyes meet mine. "We botched it big time."
"What do you mean?" I ask, voice rising in alarm. "The car was a complete wreck! There's no way anyone could have…" I break off at the somber look he's giving me.
"Well, someone did."
I can't stop trembling. We failed. I failed her! She's going to be as angry as ever when she finds out…
…then why is there also a feeling of…relief? Was it because it was too easy? Didn't I want them all to die? Yes, of course they should die. It is required that they die! Then that bastard Bakura will know what it's like to have everything taken from him. He'll know what it's like to suffer. That piece of shit will pay for his offenses.
Afika gets to his feet. "I'll leave you be. It wouldn't be wise to have anyone spot us together when Arif comes for you. He's the new head of the trainees now, just so you know. We'll talk later about the mission and what can be done, all right?"
As my friend walks away, I call softly. "Afik?"
"Hn?"
Staring at his blood-soaked shirt I whisper, "Which one?"
(Yugi's POV)
"The car," Ryou murmurs in a shocked state.
I gasp to which everyone else looks at me. Minkah is still repeating that one phrase that I only now understand the meaning. And Ryou himself is stunned. I can't imagine what is going through his mind. The emotions…reliving the crash…his mother and sister's deaths…
"Yugi?" my grandfather asks me.
I look at him, seeing that even he is agitated now. The others are quiet. Stealing a glance at Marik, I can tell he's figured it out as well. I clear my throat, unsure of how exactly to say this. What will the brothers do?
"The car crash…the one that killed Ryou's mom and sister," I explain slowly, barely able to believe it. "Minkah's saying it wasn't an accident." The color drains from Grandpa's face.
"You mean he…Mink planned out the crash?" Jou croaks.
I nod. "Ryou was injured badly but he survived."
"He wasn't supposed to," Marik finishes for me.
At this another suppressed whimper escapes Minkah who's practically curled into himself from where he's alone on the couch. He is not crying as far as I can tell though. Grandpa is at a loss. All of us are. What does one do in a situation like this? What does one say? The only people who really have any right to speak are the two who are hurting. Ryou seems to recognize this as he comes out of his stupor somewhat.
"…why?"
This syllable is all he manages but the anguish in his voice speaks volumes. Minkah's bowed head and messy hair prevent us from seeing his face, fingers clutching the white locks violently.
"To h-hurt him. She wanted me to take every…everything from him," is the heartbroken reply.
Mr. Bakura. It was an act of vengeance against him. A way to get back at him for all he done to Minkah and his mother. What better way than to kill the man's family?
"She's always m-mad at me! She hates me!" he cries, his words making my heart wrench.
I wish there were some way I could comfort him, but only one person can do that. I'm torn. Part of me wants to feel bad for Minkah but the other reminds me that he was the cause of the car crash. Ryou still hasn't said anything in response to Minkah's bleak explanations. I'm surprised he's holding face. I would have reacted in some way at this point. We stand helplessly, waiting for Ryou to do something.
Then Minkah says the unthinkable.
"I'm s-sorry." His hands move from his hair to cover his face as his shoulders sag in defeat. "I'm sorry!"
He's not speaking in Arabic! That means…I turn to Ryou who is watching his older brother with wide brown eyes. Minkah's talking to him. Back in the kitchen, whenever he was addressing his mother, Minkah would use Arabic. Not this time.
This time he's apologizing to Ryou.
(Minkah's POV)
He doesn't reply in any way to my confession. I don't expect him to forgive me. And I'm not anticipating any pity. Whatever scathing remarks or harsh physical hits they give me, I deserve. I took his mother and sister from him. If someone had done such a thing to Um, I would beat them to death…no, I would make them suffer. I would do everything I could to make sure they knew how much I hated them. This thought brings tears to my eyes. Now he hates me too. He…
"Ryou?" the old man's voice asks nervously.
My muscles tighten as I hear the footfall of someone crossing the room, approaching the sofa. Closing my eyes tightly, I ready myself for the bashing whether it's verbal or bodily. When nothing happens, I hesitantly lift my head slightly, peering above my fingers at him. He's paler than usual, brown eyes clouded with despair. We stare at one another for what feels like an eternity. I fight the urge to jump back when he kneels down so we're at eyelevel. Here he stays, gazing at me with an expression I cannot place.
Then he moves forward and I cringe, closing my eyes, ready for the hit. I deserve this after all. My eyes snap open when two arms wrap around me, his chin rest on my shoulder so I can feel his warm breath on my ear. I wait for him to pull back and laugh in my face. To mock me and curse at me. After a moment, he does move back, hands grasping my cold ones. I silently ask him 'why?'. He smiles sadly.
"You're my brother, Minkah," he murmurs. "We were both just kids then. Apophis was telling you to kill people…"
"But they were your family," I whisper, lowering my head in shame. "And I took them from you because she wanted him to suffer. I murdered them…"
He squeezes my hands. "And now you're my only family left."
I look up at him in bafflement. He's smiling tenderly. It's not fake. I do not understand. Why doesn't he hate me? He should hate me. He sees my confusion.
"My mother and Amane would want me to be happy," he continues softly, eyes glassy. "They would want me to not be alone, to still have someone to call family. This is what they'd wish for."
"A sibling that killed them?" I mumble bitterly, a second tear escaping.
"A brother that cares about me." He embraces me again. "A brother I care about."
Lump lodged in my throat, I cannot say anything more. Even when not looking at me it's like he can read my thoughts. One hand reaches up and touches the back of my head, easing it down onto his shoulder. Feeling awkward and bewildered, I surrender, exhaling unsteadily and closing my eyes. He's forgiven me despite all that I have done to him and his loved ones. A terrible weight is lifting from my chest. From the start, even if I was envious of what he had, deep down I never really wanted to kill him. Not him or his family. Just that bastard.
I cannot harm Ryou regardless of what Um wants. The very thought of her makes me ill. Never has such a reaction happened before. Maybe it's because I am now witnessing, experiencing what she wanted me to destroy.
Family.
This is how she was supposed to treat me. She was supposed to love me. But all she sees are my faults. The old man was right: no matter what I do, it will never be enough for her. Meanwhile, Ryou doesn't ask anything of me. Feeling the comforting hold he has on me and thinking of her cruel words, I know there is no longer any choice to be made between the two of them.
(Niu's POV)
I stare at the monitor of my laptop, praying the device won't freeze up here. Literally. Chewing on my lip in thought, I stare at the screen, wondering how exactly I should go about this. I've hacked into thousands of systems in my time with Apophis. Yet this feels much more dangerous than before.
Any information involving Minkah and his mother, if there is any tangible evidence still in existence, will be on Afika's laptop. There's no way in hell I'd attempt to sneak into that room and use it while he's off doing something else. He'd figure it out. Even this is risky enough. He's closing in on me and will be suspecting such acts from me. The question will be if I can cover my trail.
"Niu, why are you still up here?"
I ignore Kasiya, fingers tapping on the keys, eyes scouring the records before me. These files are those that I'd obtained for Afika involving governments across the globe as well as programs concerning the assembly and functions of the weapons I've created. There are many others I do not recognize, which comes as no surprise as it is Afika.
"Niu."
"What?" I grunt, not paying heed to the assassin who is currently kneeling beside me.
"What exactly are you doing?"
"Does it matter?"
"Niu, please tell me this isn't what I think it is." The consternation in his voice is apparent as he gapes at the screen.
"If I don't answer that and you leave now then you won't be guilty of conspiring," I answer casually, entering another section of the database.
"Are you crazy? You really have lost it, haven't you?" his hisses, grabbing my arm, large fingers constricting forcefully. "Turn that thing off right now before you do more that you'll regret!"
"I didn't know you cared," I retort, sarcasm dripping from every word.
"Afika will kill you for this, but if you do anything to sabotage…whatever it is you think you're sabotaging, the rest of us will be left with that mess!" he growls, grip tightening even more to the point where I can barely feel my fingers; my other hand continuing to type.
"Here is your perfect opportunity to stop me, Kasiya."
The tall assassin doesn't say anything for a long while. Even without sparing him a glance, I know he's not watching me. He's looking at the computer screen. Whether curiosity is getting the better of him or if he's searching for a way to get out of here, I cannot tell. His hold loosens nevertheless, for which I am thankful. My arm will be sporting some nice bruises.
"What exactly are you looking for?" This is spoken almost inaudibly.
"I thought you didn't want to be involved," I reply, getting frustrated.
It isn't completely due to Kasyia's questions. I'm used to people bugging me when I'm trying to work. No. There's nothing on this computer concerning Minkah or Afika. Virtually all of the Apophis files have been erased, which I did with every computer. Afika is no technological expert. This isn't that elaborate of a set up. Pretty much how an average person would store their data…only their data would be far less morbid.
"Niu?"
"What?" I ask in aggravation, just wanting to be left alone.
Kasiya's hand releases me so he can point at a folder near the bottom of the screen. "What is that?"
I inhale sharply when my eyes fall upon it. The seemingly innocent file that blends in with the rest of them sports a very different title from the others.
"What the hell…?" I whisper hoarsely, gazing in disbelief at its label.
(Ryou's POV)
"…That's why Otousan took me from England the day following the funeral," I mumble as Minkah and I sit alone on the couch; everyone else having left us to talk. "But I can't believe he figured out that it wasn't an accident."
"He didn't," my brother replies, a tinge of resentment lining his voice. "There were several raids in areas surrounding the site he was excavating at the time. At one point we found out his whereabouts and Fenyang sent me there so he would see me among members of Apophis that were known to the public. Then he knew I was with them."
Minkah shifts so he can view my face clearly. I can't meet his eyes, remembering how frantic Otousan had been. He hadn't been mourning his daughter or his wife so much has he'd acted like a hare ready to bolt at the first chance it got. He left me in Japan, most likely to protect me from Apophis…separating from me so Apophis—so Minkah wouldn't find me.
"Have you changed your mind?" Minkah asks timidly.
I look at him, the side of his face with the scar in the shadows from the light cast by the fire. It's a wordless description of my brother: so many ugly secrets he's been forced to bear alone.
"Change my mind about what?"
"Everything," he answers with quite a bit of apprehension.
"You mean about Otousan," I smile. My brother falters before nodding in confirmation. "Minkah, you and Otousan have both done some terrible things…"
"I've …committed worse acts than him," Minkah states bleakly.
"Like trying to kill innocent children?" I ask in order to reassure him, referring to when our father tried to kill Minkah.
"Yes."
I pause, soaking this in. "You've…killed children?"
He nods again. "At the training camp. We didn't practice on dummies. If you refused then you became one of them." I shudder, imaging being just a kid and being forced to murder others around your age.
"And the two drawings of those kids in the street…?"
He licks his parched lips as if stalling. "We were on a stake-out. They took me and several others along for a demonstration at how to pick possible recruits. They made us hide for three and a half hours watching those kids play." Grey eyes cloud over at this. "I envied them. It looked like so much fun. One little girl had this red ball that she was bouncing. Every time she caught it she'd start giggling. I wanted to be that carefree. All of us did…" Minkah stops a moment, eyes hardening with hatred as he remembers. "Then they just stepped out of the shadows and slaughtered every single one and ordered us to return to camp." He looks down at his hands. "I could never let that go. The older assassins weren't interested in finding any new recruits. They just wanted us to witness that. A few of the kids among us cried and thus became our live practice targets. Afik had warned me ahead of time that they were up to something. He instructed me to keep a strong face no matter what happened."
At the mention of Afika, we both go quiet. I'm still trying to come to terms with the information my brother has given me regarding my family. I'm not ready to talk about the black-haired assassin quite yet.
(Kasyia's POV)
"Niu, why is there a folder with your name on it?" I ask, agitation building.
That's all it says: Niu
"I…" He shakes his head in uncertainty.
The cold suddenly means nothing. I rack my brain. What could this possibly mean? Is Afika keeping tabs on everyone?
"Are there files for the rest of us?" I press while my eyes scour the other titles.
"…He knew I was going to hack into his computer."
"A trap?" I shift away from him and the device. "I don't think you should open that. It could be set so your laptop will detonate."
Niu's fingers remain frozen on the keys. "No, not with all the weapons and equipment in the cabin."
"You never know with Afika," I argue as I crawl towards the ladder. "It might be part of some warped plan of his. He might have a shelter and weapons elsewhere. We don't even know what he's really up to."
"There's a reason he put this here. Besides, blowing people to bits is not Afika's style." Niu's finger moves so the arrow glides to his name.
"Dig your own grave, but don't take the rest of us with you," I mutter, beginning my descent when I hear a soft 'click'.
Gripping the wooden bars of the ladder, I wait: for the explosion…a recording of Afika's voice…anything but the deathly silence that follows. I really don't care and it is in my best interest not to get involved. Inhaling deeply, I will my feet to move down so I can go sit by the fire and pretend I know nothing about Niu or that file.
Swearing under my breath, I climb back up to the loft.
"All right, what did he…?"
My words stop at my lips. Niu's face is visible by the pale blue glow of the laptop before him. Pure and utter agony is twisted into his usually composed features. The black teen is kneeling before the device, hands fisted on the damp floor.
Knowing I should leave now, that I shouldn't have even come this far, I edge over to him. I cannot believe the sight I'm met with. It's not anything I had anticipated.
There are pictures. The entire screen is full of grisly photographs. At least I thought so until I perceive the other pictures. They strike me as odd; are so out of place. These are normal, everyday people smiling at the camera. Some are at what looks like ceremonies…perhaps graduations or athletic events. These are mixed in with the shots of beaten, mangled corpses. Then I understand:
These are the Before and After photos.
"Niu?"
He doesn't budge, doesn't even blink. Are these victims of the mechanisms he created for Apophis? It would be a good way for Afika to hit home by actually showing Niu who died due to his weapons. I'm not sure if Niu has truly killed someone—I mean really killed someone with a knife or gun, not from thousands of miles away in an Apophis laboratory.
Glancing at his expression, it takes me several minutes to identify it, as I rarely have seen it. Grief. I used to see it on the faces of mourners when watching broadcasts of our victims. It is an emotion I have never felt…or if I did experience it, I've long forgotten. Is he really so sensitive that he feels responsibility for these people? Could the deaths of complete strangers in fact hurt him that much?
Wait. Those bodies, while torn apart and such, are definitely not victims of a bomb or any other such device. This was a physical beating. Person to person. It comes together in my mind as I recognize the little details of their wounds and the intricate ways they were mutilated before they were slaughtered. My conversation with Afika earlier...
Suddenly I comprehend who they are…or should I say: who they were.
"Are the photographs real?" I finally ask; he can spot a fake in milliseconds.
"…yes."
This is a subject I do not understand. No one here does except Niu. I tear my eyes from the pictures to study that foreign emotion again, thoroughly intrigued. I've never viewed it up close. From what I can remember witnessing, many reactions can stem from it. Anger. Violence. Sobbing. Screaming. Will Niu do any of those things? Will he lash out at me since I'm the nearest person? Will he commit suicide? Go after Afika himself? Curl up in a corner and cry his heart out?
This is what Afika wants. He wants to see what Niu will do. Also, it is a form of punishment for prying. I'm a bit surprised our leader could read Niu that well, but consider that he probably deliberated several of the most likely scenarios and made a plan to thwart whatever Niu was up to in each. I have to admit I'm impressed.
"Your family?"
His body begins to tremble after I ask this question. I don't do anything more, don't move or speak. My pulse is pounding in anticipation. This is my chance to see what grief does. The reporters never covered much of it, more focused on the 'horrendous acts of violence and terrorism'. Maybe they interviewed the mourners at some point, but I never saw such footage.
All at once his hands are slamming the laptop shut and he's heading for the ladder. This is the swiftest he's ever moved. His mind is set on one thing.
"Niu!" I call, hurrying after him.
By the time I've reached the hallway he's gone. Severa is standing before me with her impassive demeanor.
"Severa, have you seen…?"
"…all of them!"Niu's scream comes from the direction of the front room.
The door not far away from us opens, Kek poking his head out.
"What's the commotion? Are they going to fight?" Kek presses eagerly over Niu's shouting.
I roll my eyes, leading our small procession down the hallway. We find Niu standing in front of the fireplace, blocking it from Afika who is sitting languidly on the couch. The black teen is screaming at our leader, rage boiling in his ebony eyes.
"Tackle him, Niu," Kek suggests with amusement, crossing his arms over his broad chest.
This earns him a piercing glare. "You!" Niu hisses, advancing on Kek now, much to my amazement. "I saw the pictures. All of them were recent. The bodies had markings on them that were your signature torture methods!"
"Well I give credit where it's due," Kek smirks, predatory glint in his beady eyes. "Afika, he figured it out just like you said."
The black teen rounds on our leader again. "Kek wouldn't have been able to find them on his own. This was you're doing! Why? What the hell are you trying to prove to me?!"
"Niu," Afika croons. "I know for these six long years with Apophis you've been dying to find out what became of your loving family. It's been eating away at you. Well, I was determined to end that misery. Now you know their fate. Doesn't that ease your mind?"
"You bastard…" Niu whispers. "You fucking bastard!"
There's a gun pointing directly at Afika's head. Niu's arm is quivering terribly, breathing heavy as he gazes at our leader with murder in his eyes. I watch in awe. So this is what grief is capable of doing to a person. I never thought I'd live to see the day when Niu would outright threaten Afika. Let's see if he'll carry out that threat.
"Now this is more like it," Kek grins from beside me.
(Malik's POV)
"This is all just getting out of control," I murmur while stroking Yami's hair.
Yugi and Marik are sitting on the bed too. My brother is a bit shaken, but hasn't shown any signs that he's at the point of a breakdown. Yugi, meanwhile, is hopeful as he always strives to be.
"At least Ryou forgave him," he says in the cheeriest voice he can muster.
"He says he has. Whether that is true is another story. Either way, it doesn't mean there won't be internal turmoil for a long time to come," I object quietly. "While Ryou might claim he's forgiven Minkah there will be many conflicting emotions he has to sort through and come to terms with."
My brother nods in agreement. "And Minkah knows that. He realizes to some degree how hard this is for Ryou. Telling him the truth was just the first step."
Yugi's face falls. "What's the next step?"
"Well…" I sigh, shoulders sagging. "I suppose it would be the two of them being more open with one another. By what you've told me it sounds like both want to be siblings."
"But?" Yugi asks worriedly.
"But there are two obstacles standing in the way. I can't tell how powerful either will be or if they will move aside and let Ryou and Minkah be a family."
"What are they?"
"The first is Minkah's so-called mother," I hold up my right index finger. "I highly doubt this voice will stop just because he wants it to. It could be schizophrenia. It could possibly be memories of what she used to say to him…"
"We can work through that," Marik states resolutely, giving me a little more confidence. If we can trust anyone concerning how to deal with psychological traumas, it is my brother.
"The remaining Apophis survivors are the other obstacle, aren't they?" Yugi continues with a hint of fear.
"Afika—to be more precise," I answer gravely holding up a second finger. "I have no idea how he will react to Minkah and Ryou."
"Maybe he'd side with us?" Yugi proposes weakly. "You never know."
"That's what scares me," I reply clasping Yami tighter. "We don't know."
(Niu's POV)
"I don't think you want to do that, Niu," Afika says calmly, a hint of smugness in his voice.
"Why? Because I don't condone killing people?" I hiss, finger curling around the trigger. "There's a first time for everything, Afika."
He tilts his head back slightly. "I really pushed you to the brink, haven't I?"
"Come on, Niu, shoot him!" Kek booms impatiently.
We all know it's complete folly. Afika has been faced with much more deadly situations. To have someone who has never even killed with a gun point a gun at him…But I can't just back off. I could blow the entire building up, but Kasiya and Severa had nothing to do with this as far as I can tell.
"You still can't do it, can you?" the black-haired teen chuckles. "It's just as well. I have an assignment for you."
"And assignment?! You just revealed to me that you had my family slaughtered and now you're asking me to do a task for you?!" I bellow unable to believe what I'm hearing.
"Not asking. Ordering."
"What if I refuse?" I sneer, not letting my guard down. That statement could be considered my resignation from the group. The others possibly will attack me at any given moment.
Afika merely smirks, leaning closer in that intimidating way. "You won't."
"I'll be the judge of that," I retort angrily.
The smirk widens. "So you admit there is the possibility you will do it."
I glare at him, realizing I walked right into that one. And seeing how this has gone so far I most likely will be doing this assignment. He's read my moves so far even when I thought I might possibly have the upper hand with the computer. Not only did he kill my family, I have absolutely no evidence concerning Minkah or his mother. Afika just keeps backing me further and further into a corner.
Damn him to hell.
The other three are quiet waiting to see what will happen. Severa is the most perceptive so she will be able to predict outcomes easier. Kasiya seems perplexed. Kek doesn't care what the situation is about as long as it involves blood at some point. Lowering my arm with the gun slowly my eyes never leave Afika's as he studies me intently.
"What do you want me to do?" I demand coldly.
(Ryou's POV)
My heart is heavy as I sit alone upstairs by the fireplace. The others were protesting my being by myself in such a state, but Mr. Mutou had them back off. I need this. Being by myself is the only way I can think without being influenced by the people around me, whether they're intentionally doing so or not.
Minkah is in a similar circumstances as I am to some degree. We both are sorting through all of the information about our families. What we need to do is make it family. The most ironic part about it is that Otousan is what links my brother and I. The person from whom all the animosity and pain stemmed from is our single connection to one another.
My brother won't be able to let go of the past easily. Things with his mother…He's never really spoken about her. He's spoken to her—a illusion of her anyway. I wonder if she was as spiteful and cruel as it seems. Then again, considering the situation she was left in: a teenager in Egypt with a baby and a family that had turned their backs on her, I would be harboring more than a little resentment if I were in her place. Still, why did she have to take it out on Minkah?
"You would want me to be happy, right?" I whisper, imagining my own mother and Amane sitting on either side of me on the sofa. "Would you care that I've gone against Otous…Father?"
It's been forever since I called him that. I began using the Japanese word for 'father' after he'd dumped me in the country and fled into hiding. When he came back months later, he insisted I didn't need to call him that, but I merely replied that I'd adjusted to the culture and why wasn't he pleased. He never brought the subject up again.
"Minkah killed you," I continue softly, allowing tears to come now that I'm alone. "But I don't hate him. It wasn't his fault. Still, I feel like I should sense some sort of hatred towards him for it…but I don't. Is that wrong of me?"
I watch the flames twirl and weave, searching for faces and shapes in them. I hope to see Mother or Amane. Instead, two familiar eyes leap out at me. They are so kind, though they harbor an anger I do not fully understand.
"You okay?"
Those first words he ever said to me. They were filled with such concern, such worry. How could it have been all a lie?
The eyes narrow, burning me as though I'm engulfed in the fire itself. His face is before me, a malicious smirk twisting in the blaze.
"My my, who knew he'd take it so hard, eh?"
My fingers curl into fists as I stare at him, transfixed. How could he? Why?
Khalil: my boyfriend
Afika: my brother's boyfriend
Why is he plaguing me when I'm trying to sort out my emotions concerning the truth to my mother and sister's deaths? Minkah murdering them…there's just so much I need to come to terms with. It's not going to happen fast either.
Threading my fingers through my hair, I listen to the stifled voices of my friends a floor below me. As much as I'm yearning to go and be among them something is holding me back. I feel cut off from them somehow. Am I no longer the same person?
"Ryou?"
I don't turn to look at Yugi as he approaches.
"Do you want to talk?" Marik's whisper asks.
I shake my head, burying my face in my hands so they won't see the tears. This makes me only look like a fool because anyone could tell I've been crying.
A hand rests on my shoulder gently. "How about some company then?"
Not lifting my head, I manage a weak nod, allowing them to sit beside me in silence. Sometimes all a person can do is remain nearby just for support. Sometimes there aren't any words of comfort to give.
(Kasiya's POV)
I watch through the window as the snowmobile disappears into the whirlwind of white. Even when it's gone I can't look away. Is he really going to do it?
"You certainly seem concerned about Niu, Kasiya," our leader muses from where he's still lounging on the sofa.
"It may appear so," I reply quietly. "But that doesn't mean I am."
"Hn."
"I think he's making a break for it," Kek puts in gruffly. "If you ask me…"
"Which no one has," Afika cuts him off in irritation.
"Niu shall do as he was ordered…but he will alter it in some way in order to inflict justice or avenge his family," Severa states placidly.
I can feel her keen cerulean eyes on me but I turn to Afika instead. "What is your take on this? Why did you send him in the first place? It's obvious he's unstable."
The black-haired teen smirks, neck angled so he can view me. "Aren't we all just a tad bit unstable, Kasiya?" Kek chuckles at this. "Besides," Afika continues, "I have a hunch he will try to turn Minkah against us."
"Then why give him the chance?" I protest walking over to him. "We already have the army, not to mention the rest of the world searching for us! You're willing to risk having Minkah become another foe?"
"He will not become our enemy." There is a menace in his tone. "Nothing Niu says will sway Minkah."
"Nothing Niu says," Kek concurs, a glint in his eyes.
Afika's sharp eyes dart to him, narrowing. I hold my tongue as they stare each other down. Severa is watching them intently. Perhaps she can pick up on what this is about. It is obvious Kek knows something Afika does not want the rest of us to know…something he doesn't want Minkah to know.
"True," Afika finally murmurs, gaze falling on the fire again. "Kek, I suggest you prepare for when Niu gets back."
"Why?" the buff assassin asks suspiciously.
Afika's lips curl back as he grins madly at the flames. "We'll need to find out what he's done besides the task I've given him." He sends his archrival a meaningful look. "And he most likely won't tell us willingly."
A thirst appears in those brown, callous eyes. Kek nods, treading off quickly down the hallway. I glance at Severa who doesn't say anything more. Afika is still smiling at the fire as if he's already witnessing Niu's demise play out.
(Minkah's POV)
"Do you think he's all right?" I ask quietly staring at my hands.
"Hey, Ry is tougher than he looks," the blonde states as a few of us sit in the lounge. "Plus he's got Marik and Yugi with him. Apparently those three have been close ever since they met. They know him better than anyone else does."
I nod dejectedly. Really, I don't know Ryou very well. I know a lot about him; had to study his history before coming to Japan in the first place. But that isn't the real him. All of these people here are closer to him than I am.
Why is he still alive?!
Shutting my eyes tightly, I bite down on my tongue, tasting copper.
'Go away. Please just leave me alone!'
You are nothing but a coward! You ungrateful little dog! Just like your father—just like that bastard!
I can't hold back a whimper, wishing she would stop.
"Mink? You okay, man?"
"Minkah?"
'Please, leave me alone. I…I don't want to fight anymore.'
Pathetic. Utterly pathetic. That's what you are! You'll never be worth anything to him or anyone else! And you are nothing to me now that you won't even avenge me!
"S-stop!" I beg covering my ears.
"Minkah?"
I jump as someone touches my face, opening my eyes warily to find the old man before me, Jounouchi and Honda on either side of him. His expression is solemn as he motions for me to lower my arms, which I do tentatively.
"Is she speaking to you again?"
Throat tight, I can only nod. He takes my hands, making me jolt, not having realized how cold mine are. Violet eyes that resemble Yami's look straight into mine.
"Minkah, I know you've been hearing her voice most of your life. The things you are hearing now may very well have been things she said to you when she was alive, but I want to you believe me when I tell you that this voice is not your mother."
"Then I'm just crazy," I mutter, wincing when she…it gives me another emotional barb.
"Not crazy. Do not think that for even a moment," he admonishes softly, squeezing my hands. "We can help you overcome this voice and maybe silence it for good eventually."
I blink at him. Get rid of it? Never hear her voice again? Even if it isn't her, it sounds like her...or does it? A horrible thought comes to mind. What if that isn't what her voice sounded like at all?
What if I've forgotten Um's voice?
The old man sighs, leaning back. "I was going to wait until later to make sure things were finalized, but…" He stops, gazing at me searchingly as if deciding whether to continue speaking.
"What is it, Gramps?"
He clears his throat several times. "I haven't discussed this with my grandsons yet but I contacted Lieutenant Hiroki about getting custody of you and Ryou."
"You…what?" Honda stutters.
Confused, I inquire slowly. "…what does that mean?"
"That you two would be my grandsons as well. You'd be part of our family…if you want to be," he adds, leaving me the option.
A family? I could have…an actual family?
(Niu's POV)
They're dead.
I still am in a state of shock. Over these years I always knew there was only a slim chance that any of my family was alive. I'd prepared myself, but not for this. I figured they would have either been murdered right after I was taken or, in the future, I would find at least some of them still living.
The pictures, the fact that Kek tortured and slaughtered them, that Afika gave him the information on their whereabouts…it hasn't completely sunken in yet. It doesn't seem real. The burst of rage I experienced after seeing them was from getting a good idea of the timeframe in which they were killed. If it had been six years ago I would have been able to come to terms with that much easier. I would have Apophis to blame for that. It would have been easier to let go. The people in the photographs, while I did recognize them, had changed so much. They felt somewhat strangers to me, looking at the celebrations and good times they were having. They were enjoying life. My father had streaks of grey in his hair. My mother had more lines on her forehead. My nephew who was five at the time of my abduction looked around ten or eleven in those photos. Everyone else had changed in such ways too. They moved on without me. What choice did they have?
I stare through the tinted shade of my helmet as the snowmobile flies through the storm. Using thermals, a navigation system, and maps of the area, I'm able to maneuver myself through the forest. It will be harder for the army to detect me. I created a silencer for the motors of all our vehicles. Before doing Afika's 'bidding', I have one other stop to make.
My equipment informing me I'm close even though I don't recognize anything, I stop. Stepping cautiously off the vehicle, I glance around, metal detector in hand. Tramping through the deep snow, I find the car I abandoned here in a snow bank. It appears to be untouched. Hopefully the army never found it. Kneeling down, I begin digging with my gloved hands. The snow is heavy, packed down from the unbelievable amount that has fallen. There is ice as well. After about fifteen minutes and incredibly sore fingers, I find the trunk. Taking out a small object that looks like an ordinary pen, I use the laser to break the lock and melt the ice. Cracks open slowly as I brace my muscles. Breathing heavy, throat sore from the cold air, I exhale in relief when I spot it right where I left it.
Leaning into the crater that the car is in, I struggle to lift out the weighty metal case. Due to my fatigue by this point, it appears heavier than usual. Practically pulling it through the snow to my vehicle, I tie it down behind my seat with several wires, checking twice to make extra certain it is secure. This done, I mount the snowmobile again, taking off to complete my assignment by adding my own twist to it.
Afika, I won't let you finish this without a fight.
(Minkah's POV)
This offer is too good to be true.
"You just asked about me because it would be suspicious if you hadn't," I accuse miserably, pulling my hands from his. "You care about Ryou…"
"That's not it at all," the old man interrupts. "If Ryou were the only one I wanted to have as a grandson I would have told you so."
He wants me to be part of their family? Not just because of my brother? Not as a cover-up so the army will allow him to adopt Ryou? This is too much for me to process. I do not understand. Didn't I nearly kill a few of his grandsons hours ago? Why would he want someone like me in his life near those he cares about?
"Minkah," the man presses gently. "I can see the doubt you have in me. You probably have never been able to trust an adult before. And you never had a reason to. They mistreated you and gave you zero respect." I look away, body trembling. "Your mother…your father…those in charge of the Apophis organization…and the soldiers out there. Am I correct in saying this?"
I keep my eyes fixated on the carpet, afraid of what I'll see on his face. It will be more lies and manipulations. How could he be different from the other adults in my life? Then again, Marik and Malik were taken in by this man who had absolutely no obligation to do so. He had to deal with Malik's rage and mistrust as well as Marik's mental instability at the time. Psychological hospitals and care are not cheap. I've spent time with Marik and Malik. He's never used them in any way that would be to his advantage. In fact, he shelters and protects them. He also builds their self-confidence so they can be strong and live. The only way I'll be able to tell his intentions is by looking at him when he's saying things like he wants me to be a part of his family.
Fighting my fears I lift my head and gaze straight into his eyes. This brings a warm smile to his mouth, lips slightly covered by his grey mustache. The skin around his eyes creases proving these emotions sincere and genuine. I am not sure if I should be relieved.
"Why would you want me around?" I bite out. "I murder people…"
"But you also save people…like us."
"That's true. We would all be dead already if you hadn't lead that Niu guy off and warned us," the Honda puts in.
"And it's not like they aren't a weird family already. What, with Malik and Yami being a couple," Jounouchi agrees. "Ryou and you will just add to their wacky household." The old man gives him a dubious look to which the blonde shrugs innocently.
"Thank you for that…insight, Jou," Mr. Mutou utters, attention returning to me. "I'm not expecting you to make any decisions right now, Minkah. I want you to think about this thoroughly. This isn't a choice to take lightly."
"Sure, but it's awesome!" the blonde cheers. "Mink, you should do it!"
All thoughts are stopped when the hair on the back of my neck raises. My head snaps to the front door that is locked in several places. There's a presence approaching the house. The others note the change in my attitude with ease, tensing.
"What is it?" Honda asks skeptically. "I don't hear anything."
"That's the idea," I reply quietly, rising shakily from the couch, body extremely drained.
"Minkah, you shouldn't be getting up yet…!" the old man begins to chastise.
"Someone's out there," I mutter causing him to stop.
"How can you tell?"
"Oh he can. Trust me. I've seen 'im do this before," Jounouchi states edgily. "If Mink says there's someone out there then there's someone out there."
"But how did they get here? I didn't hear anything. Could your comrades be camped that close to the mansion without the army knowing?" the old man questions.
I stare at the door, mulling over the possibilities. The army, from what we've experienced with them, aren't very crafty when it comes to being subtle or sneaky. They wouldn't be able to pull this off. No one could get lost out here from the other residences in these mountains. They're too far apart. They would need some type of motor vehicle. But we would have heard it…My breath intakes sharply.
"What is it?" Honda asks as he and the blonde back towards the stairs.
Not answering, I stride for the door, fingers nimbly undoing the locks.
"Hey! What are you doin'?! Don't do that!" Jounouchi yells, he and his friend rushing forward to subdue me.
I yank the door open just as they reach me, a blast of frigid wind hitting me like a wall of ice, blurring my senses. Amidst the large flecks of snow pouring in, I find a lone figure standing on the frozen porch. They're wearing a thick winter coat with the hood drawn up and a scarf covering their face. In one gloved hand is holding a large silver case. Only one feature is perceptible and instantly recognizable. Piercing obsidian eyes meet mine, a fearsome spark burning into me like none I've ever seen in them before.
"Niu…"
Whoot!
Lots'a stuffs going on in this chapter!
Ah, I forgot to mention at the beginning. The title of this chapter means: "My mother and my brother" in Arabic. I thought it appropriate, as Minkah was making his decision between the two of them.
I've got a partial chapter for AIF. Nothing for the other two yet. As I told one reader, I don't have writer's block. I know what I want to happen and how, it just isn't coming out the way I want when I write or type it. Things just don't click quite right. So I'm not sure when the next updates will be.
I've got appointments gallore with my psychiatrist, therapist, counselor, as well as several types of doctors of wonderful specialties. We're looking for a neurologist to add to the list now! (it's funny how my notes always end up as my health journels, isn't it?)
Niu: Can we get back to ME and my suffering?
Ryou: Hey, I think I'm worse off than you!
Niu: Does Afika want to kill you?
Ryou: Yes!
Niu: ....wellll...he's closer to killing me off!
That's enough boys.
Reviewsies! XD