Geez...So hey everybody! If you didn't see on my profile page, our computer died! That's right! It erased EVERYTHING. I lost most of the AIF chapter that was nearly complete. Fortunately, I hadn't begun typing this one yet. The last few days I've been working like crazy so I could post something.

Sraytis: Hello hello! -tackles- How long has it been? (Minkah: How long has it been since you updated something?) Hey, this time is wasn't my fault! (Minkah: Psh) I'm glad you're enjoying the fic!

dragonlady222: Yes, Niu is one of them now. (Niu: Damn) lol Hope the army gets Apophis before Apophis gets the Minkah-clan? (Yami: Since when is it the Minkah-clan?)

pride1289: Yes, I think you're new to this story. -tackles- It was an adorable chapter, wasn't it? Well, time to stir up the fire again! XD (Minkah: Damn)

cgflower: lol Yes, Honda and Jou have a purpose. They just fit so well with him. Yes, it was a good breather chapter...but we must return to the main plotline now! XD

XxYourXxDisasterXx: Aren't Niu and those two cute? (Honda: You make us sound like a threesome) Oooh. Now I've got images I don't want in my head. Thanks a heap! You're right, Afika cannot be replaced--as much as you'd like him to be. lol Yes yes, keep the hole as a reminder to him. (Afika: Pish! I'm not scared!) We can change that. -evil smirk-

RyouLoverFoever: "fluffy-ish breather" sums it up pretty well, doesn't it? Ah I enjoyed writing that chapter. Ah, you are anticipating a view into Kek's mind? Don't worry, even when he's not narrating Kek's got a vital role in this chapter...(characters: O.O)...hmm...or maybe we SHOULD worry.

Chrys: It made you want to read the action-packed scenes even more? Well good! Here they are!

Peepz: Hiya sweetie! Haven't talked in forever. I really liked how you described Niu: "He's is not a bad person, by choice anyways. Probably a lot of people wouldn't understand that" It really does apply to him and to all the Apophis members...-glances at them- Wellll...to some degree. -sweatdrop-

Memnoch's Heart: I thoroughly enjoyed the translation confusion about sexuality. XD Poor Niu. Yes, Honda and Jou should never become translators, especially for anyone important.

Dragon-Tooth: "omg... he's straight! XD for some reason that makes me laugh... that and he's just adorable" LOL Yes! You recall your previous review where you pointed out how in yaoi fics there isn't a straight person in sight? Well I've noticed that too and made sure to keep that from happening. Borderline between handsome and adorable? -glances at Niu- Yup, that's about right.

Fallin-Alone-Scared-Lost: Man, everyone is gonna have to go back and re-read the last two chapters to remember what's going on. I know I had to. Stupid fucking computer.

Sagira98: I know! Honda is always such a minor character. I always try to give him a bigger role in my fics. Hell, I even have a one-shot all for him. Yes, everyone is praising ra that Niu is straight. I find that amusing. XD "You ARE going to kill Afika, RIGHT?" Ahahaahahahaha!...I haven't decided. (Afika: WTF?!) Well, I have two or three endings and have yet to pick one. (Afika: Brilliant) Hey, that goes for all my fics! (Afika: I'm not in your OTHER fics, bitch!) -.- With that attitude, at this rate, you might just die...

enigmaescatic: What do you mean by "all I can do is make fan art" I would LOVE to have more talent with art. Writing is my strong point, but I'd like to do more.

This chapter shall be dedicated to Sraytis, pride1289, Dragon-Tooth, and enigmaescatic! Prepare thy-selves! The adorable fluff hath ended!

They fall in line
One at a time
Ready to play
I can't see them anyway
No time to lose
We've got to move
Steady your helm
I am losing sight again

There's nothing left,
So save your breath,
Lying in wait.
Caught inside this tidal wave
Your cover's blown,
Nowhere to go,
Holding your fate.
Loaded I will walk alone

Fire your guns,
It's time to run,
Blow me away.
I will stay unless I may
After the fall,
We'll shake it off,
Show me the way.

Only the strongest will survive,
Lead me to heaven when we die,
I am a shadow on the wall,
I'll be the one to save us all.

(Breaking Benjamin)

Chapter 16: Falling Apart

It was a poorer district of the city. Not all of the roads were paved and the ones that were had been neglected. No skyscrapers or businesses were around. The buildings were run-down, most beige, stripped of their original colors.

It was a mixture of underprivileged and rural. Outcast and misfits made up the population. The residents did what they could , given their impoverished state. Pots with brightly colored flowers sat on window sills. There were few who owned cars in the area. Foot traffic was the norm. It was very rare for outsiders to pass through, and when they did they were regarded with contempt and mistrust.

Those that resided here relied solely on themselves and sometimes each other. They were wary of strangers. To add to that, a group calling themselves Apophis had surfaced, kidnapping children, raiding schools, homes and districts throughout the country. Small, insignificant places like this were perfect targets. No one would come to their aid if such a crisis were to occur. No one would bother because they didn't matter.

Suspicion wasn't only focused on outsiders. There were prejudices against different ethnic and religious groups that were clustered together in the area creating another wave of tension. The people who didn't follow the laws and teachings of their faith and culture were looked down upon even in such a place as this. And those who had neither were targeted by the rest.

A child was no exception.

He couldn't have been even eight years of age. Dressed in ragged ratted pants and torn shirt that were several sizes too big for him, light brown skin smudged with dirt, and messy black hair, he would have fit right in with the crowd. Except strangers were instantly recognized.

Terrified almond-shaped eyes looked over his shoulder at the angry mob of residents that had congregated upon his appearance to their territory. They made it immediately clear to him that he was not welcome. The cuts from thrown stones and the bruises from kicks and punches were proof enough. He'd begun to flee but had been blocked, forcing him to retreat further and further into their neighborhoods as the throng grew in number all around him.

Rounding a corner he let out a cry when something rammed into the back of his head sending him tumbling into the dust. Panting, he curled in a fetal position as he was surrounded, voices raised in anger, rocked pelting his small body. He could feel the warmth of blood oozing through his hair from the hit.

"Stop it! Back off!"a voice yelled amidst the chaos. "Leave him alone!"

If that didn't work, the gunshots did. The black-haired child peeked between his arms he was using to shield his head. The crowd had quieted, everyone glaring hatefully at a lone figure standing before them, gun in hand. She was a petite young woman with a dark blue wrap covering her hair, deep grey eyes focused on the child.

"No one touch him."

(Kasiya's POV)

I glance at the paned window lined with ice as the glass vibrates. Shaking my head, I resume my vigilant cleaning one of the guns Niu designed for me; wearing special gloves just for precautions.

"That was sooner than I anticipated."

"Well these guys are overconfident, Severa," I reply, not paying the girl much heed. A single mistake with this weapon would prove catastrophic.

"I wish I could have seen the flames," she murmurs, a trace of longing present as she declares this.

"There will be plenty to come, I'm sure," I chuckle. "You're here after all."

Severa regards me before drifting without direction around the enormous picture room. The place is majestic with its maroon rugs and aged portraits, and accented wooden trims stained a regal red. One would think people could find something more productive to spend their money on. Not that I have ever thought much about such trivial things. Money and possessions were never an objective of mine.

"Do you think Niu has told them everything?"

I squint my eyes while slowly cranking a small dial. "Couldn't say."

It's a question that has been plaguing me. Niu has a grudge with Afika and Kek for killing his family. As far as I know, Severa and I are in the clear. Meanwhile, the only person Minkah will devotedly defend is Afika. Niu and Afika's opposing views will create quite a stir in that mansion. Whether Minkah and Niu will fight or work together is crucial in not only the army's fate but our own.

"Kek will be along."

This time I stay my work. "You think he'd come here after squaring off with Niu? That's also to assume the army didn't capture him."

"You must never underestimate," the girl rejoins stoically, pulling out a regular silver lighter. The flame flickers on, blue at the core. "There will always be something overlooked." She stares fixatedly, insanely at the fire. "That is why you don't guess."

Severa is being uncannily talkative. That she's offering insight proves there is something going on inside that head of hers; almost always a bad thing.

"He has several options if he is still on the loose. He could go after Minkah and Niu's group. Then again, he was nearest to the army base the last we knew," I tally off. "Although, the guy's gotta be pissed at Afika for deceiving him. There's no chance he'll just leave, unfortunately. His beef with Afika has to be resolved first."

Severa makes a noise of agreement in her throat. I take this moment to listen intently. Besides the moaning of the wind the place is virtually silent.

"Speaking of which, where is our noble leader?"

"It is a large place. He seeks seclusion often."

"I've noticed that too," I mutter. "Do you think that's when he sleeps?"

She studies me but doesn't reply, face like a marble statue's. It's expressionless, nonhuman, giving no glimpse into her mind. That leaves me to make my own hypotheses.

In the past I observed Afika from afar. He was virtually untouchable. Only three times before Domino City had I worked with him. Besides our planning for the take-down of Apophis—which were often messages passed along, not actual meetings—I never got much of a glimpse of his psyche. Not having even spent such a vast amount of time with him, I had no idea what to expect. I'm still learning.

"Kek will target the army. Even though the soldiers are spread throughout the mountains, if he destroys the main base it will be a severe blow. They'll be even more unorganized than they are now…"

Soulless cerulean eyes pierce me. "And the Mutous' and their friends are no threat. Afika is positive Minkah will not betray him. He expects Kek to come back and fight eventually. The biggest concern is Niu," my long-time partner calculates. "Niu has weapons, he has kept secrets, and now he has defied us…changed character thoroughly."

I stare at the unloaded gun in my hands, one of Niu's ingenious creations. He doesn't need much to turn an everyday object into a lethal weapon. Hell, he could be building an arsenal in the Mutous' mansion this very moment. If he equips Minkah and their new comrades with such devices there's no telling what will happen. And who knows what sorts of information he can hack and recover? In addition, he himself is the craftsman of all of our weapons. He knows perfectly well what he's up against.

Severa's moving along the wall, fingers slithering like spider webs searching to snare a faulty wire within that could spark. This place is top notch with electricity, running water, a heating system…She's yearning for an inferno of some kind. This is not good.

"You know, Severa, the ideal thing would be to have a next destination plotted before burning down the current one."

She doesn't respond, persist in trailing her fingertips along the decorated wallpaper. It has a Victorian look to it. Odd for a vacational house. There was no sign the soldiers assigned here had evacuated the residents though.

Damn it, where the hell is Afika? I'd like to know even that much. I won't admit it to anyone, but when he does this vanishing act it unnerves more than any other time.

"He will not need us for the rest of his plans."

There's no need for me to concur aloud on that remark. Severa and I would be idiots to trust Afika would want to keep this group together. It's already falling apart at the seams at a rapid pace. One more tug and Severa and I are…

"He needs us," I mutter darkly, opening the small pack of ammunition for my gun. "He'll need us until Niu has been eliminated."

(Kek's POV)

I don't bother returning to that crumbling cabin. That twit Afika and those two drones will be long gone by now. I can't believe I fell for that trick! It was plainly obvious. That black-haired bastard is laughing his ass off at my expense. He played me for the fool yet again.

Riding Niu's snowmobile, I found an interesting switch that made the motor go quiet. At first I thought I'd turned the vehicle off only to discover everything was still working properly—but silently. A stealth snowmobile? Heh, leave it to Niu. He is on my agenda after burning my face with some type of pressurized gas he was hiding somewhere on his person. I'll make that runt pay for this. It's hard to see out of my left eye, vision blurred thanks to that little bitch.

I smirk even though it makes my face throb. The entire forest trembles at the large explosion off in the direction I'm headed. Swerving to a halt, I look up to see a dark black mass rising from the burning trees.

"So that's how it is, eh?" I sit watching the shapeless smoke expand across the sky.

This means they're gone. And they'll be able to travel exceedingly faster from place to place now that the 'extras' have been disposed of. The fact that he destroyed that rubbish bin means Afka no longer felt secure there. I have an itching feeling I know what the reason is.

Where should I head now? No doubt Afika and the other two have taken over a better equipped lodging. As Niu went with Minkah's new buddies, Afika will become all the more paranoid than usual. What I would give to be there to witness it. It's certainly an interesting twist. Niu has gotten Afika's chains rattled. Bloodlust gathers in my systems that such a cowardly weakling could unease my archrival. I'm supposed to be the only person who can do that! And Niu isn't necessarily even trying to draw attention to himself. Surely the opposite. Damn, it was supposed to be me! I'm the one who knows!

"So your little love is in over his head?" I ask with a grin as Afika packs his gear.

We're in one of the weaponry rooms at the station located at Luxor, a city rich in ancient history; one of the reasons we have a base here. It's a financial goldmine for Apophis.

"Classified information travels fast. Don't you have a mission of your own to attend to?" he replies blandly.

"Just returned from it."

I reminisce in the screams and gore, the crimson everywhere. Seeping, staining, saturating…I would love to only see in shades of red. It is the hue of both life and death. Provide it and one thrives. Take it away and they whither like a parched sapling. I want to view Afika in red more than anything else.

"Was there something you wanted?"

I randomly pick up a knife, delving in the near invisible hook-like edges. "Just wondering when you're going to relay more information regarding the take-over." Turning the blade over in my hand I let out a whistle at the craftsmanship. "That tech guy you picked is impressive. What do they call him again?"

"Niu," Afika answers expressionlessly though his hands are moving swiftly as if that will get him to his runt Minkah faster.

Setting the blade back in its respective place, I glance around at all of the guns, detonators and complex devices.

"You sure you wanna rely on this guy? If he can create weapons of this magnitude…"

"He poses no threat to us," Afika cuts me off. "He's against violence and killing. Most of all torture."

"Heh. So he and I won't be making friends, eh? In other words: he's just another genius pansy," I sneer.

"Niu is easy to predict. We'll use him to our advantage." I bristle at his cocky tone. "If he starts causing problems I'll leave him to you."

"Stop acting like you own me," I warn him, stepping nearer to emphasize the difference in our builds, something that's never intimidated him. "You may be able to brainwash the others into thinking you're their savior, but I harbor no such delusions."

"I expect nothing less of you." He slings his bag of weapons over his shoulder. "Don't fret. You can attempt to defeat me afterwards."

This being too much, I lunge with a snarl, freezing at the familiar blade pressed against my jugular. Those maddening brown eyes are laughing at me, taunting me. I hate those eyes. One day I'll make them full of fear.

"Don't lose your head, Kek. It would be a tragic waste before the revolution," he smiles with a silky voice before drawing back and leaving the room. I growl, rubbing my hand over my neck where a thin stream of blood is trickling down, smearing it across my fingers. Those eyes of his…

I'll turn them red.

(Minkah's POV)

All of us, save Yami and Marik, are gathered in the main room. No one is saying anything due to the tension brought by the presence of the soldiers. One is hovering over Niu and I who are being shown photographs of the aftermath of an explosion that occurred at the location Niu had given the army. Apparently they went to ambush it but were met with a grand blast instead that killed twenty-seven of them and injured many more. They should have known better than to attempt something so careless. On the bright side, Hiroki was among the injured, though not seriously. Even better, he has remained up there overseeing their search for any information. I hope he gets a good case of frostbite.

The soldier shoves several photos in our faces. "Well? Do these look like the assassins or not?" he demands impatiently.

I have to bite the inside of my lip to keep from laughing. Once again, Afika is several steps ahead of those in pursuit. But this is a flat-out taunt from him. Keeping my expression serious, I look up at the man.

"You said these ones weren't soldiers?" I ask.

He nods curtly. "What of it?"

"There are five bodies in these pictures," Niu points out, looking queasy.

"So what?"

"So I gave you the pictures of the assassins," Ryou explains for me. "There were four of them."

"Then who is the fifth person?"

"Who are any of them?" Malik rejoins, leaning in to take a look. "These guys wouldn't blow themselves up. They faked their deaths before. Why not do it again? All they needed were individuals that bore similar appearances to themselves."

"But why five?" another soldier pipes up.

"Because Niu was with them," Ichiro says, enlightened. "They captured a body-double for him too. But if they were going to make a quick getaway dragging an unwilling person along would only be a hindrance so they left his 'double' too."

"Lemme get this straight: they found people who looked like them, kidnapped them, and then used them as replacements for a death scene?" Jou exclaims.

"That is sick," a pale Honda croaks, as Niu averts his eyes from the photographs. My chest tightens. It's another thing for him to feel guilty about. Someone was killed because they were forced to be posing as him. Death seems to follow him wherever he goes regardless of the path he chooses.

The soldiers have gone to arguing amongst themselves while one radios their commander. Their hostility is practically vibrating in the air. They're infuriated they were unable to nab even one Apophis assassin. And to lose their own men and be deceived so easily…What's more, they know Niu and I are from Apophis. They just don't have concrete evidence, but enough suspicion they can trap us here. Although they could probably do that regardless. They're on a long loose leash by the looks of things.

"He shouldn't move around much for the next few days," the army doctor instructs as he, a soldier, and Yugi exit the first bedroom. "The wound is not infected. Some reconstructive surgery may be necessary, as there is muscle and bone damage…"

Mr. Mutou goes over to them, ignoring the hateful gazes of the uniformed men. "Is there anything else?"

"I've left medications and instructions on how to clean the hand with the two boys that accompanied us," he replies, referring to Marik and Yugi.

"Thank you."

"We're not doing this for your sakes," one man grunts as they exit. "Don't get too comfortable here."

When they first arrived they kept bringing up the repaired doors and the level of expertise required for such a job. It had aroused their suspicion more. Still, it's not proof. A collective sigh is released by everyone after the door closes and Mr. Mutou has locked it.

"Geez, can't these guys give us a break?" Jounouchi groans, he and Honda sitting on either side of Niu. I was astonished when Mr. Mutou told me those three have become fast friends. It was strange enough Niu chose Honda and Jounouchi. What blew me away was the news he wasn't just being polite. He's actually opening up to others.

"It's only going to get more treacherous from here on out," Malik states, arms folded over his chest while glaring out the window. "If they don't find proof against Minkah and Niu soon they'll fabricate some."

"I cannot disagree," Mr. Mutou grasps Yugi by the shoulder. "They are becoming increasingly impatient and irrational."

"Bad combination," Honda mutters under his breath.

"What should we do?" Ryou ask, gripping my hand, me doing likewise.

"We can't run. They took the snowmobiles," Yugi points out while staring at the glowing fire. "And the cars won't make it out of the garage due to the amount of snow."

"Running would only show we are guilty to some degree," I notify him.

"Damn, this is one of those times I really wish I were an Eskimo!" Jounouchi moans piteously. "Ow!" he yelps when Honda reaches around an extremely confused Niu and bonks the blonde on top of the head.

"Quit making useless stupid comments!"

"I don't see you coming up with any ideas!"

"That wasn't an idea, Einstein!" Honda retorts.

"Where are the guns?" Niu interjects quietly.

His two new friends immediately go silent. Mr. Mutou was against Niu bringing the weapons here. However, this may be one of the few upper hands we have.

"Afika doesn't know about them," Niu inform us while Yugi translates to the others. "Even if he is aware of their existence, he doesn't know how they operate. In addition, the army has no idea whatsoever."

"I thought you were against bloodshed," I say skeptically. "Are they some kind of tranquilizers or something to neutralize your enemy?"

"Only one is of that nature," he replies as if speaking to me and me alone. "The rest have few rivals."

I don't need to pry as to his reasons for wanting to use the guns. Glancing around the room at all of the people that have come to care about us and shelter us, I understand. And those photographs the soldiers brought were the last straw for him. If anyone else is going to die, in Niu's mind, it will be those who are responsible for what he deems atrocities. I don't view it quite the same way, as I've used body-doubles many a time.

"Let's just even learn how they work?" Jounouchi suggests while rubbing the top of his head.

"Do you hear yourselves?" the elderly man exclaims. "You're talking about warfare!"

"Actually, we're talking about self-defense," Honda intercedes, touching his swollen lip. "Sitting here doing nothing isn't going to stop the army and Apophis from making their own plans. We can be confident our opponents aren't dawdling."

Mr. Mutou heaves a sigh, glancing at each of us in turn. "Very well. Malik, would you retrieve the gun case?" he requests in defeat.

(Ichiro's POV)

"Can you believe those little fuckers placing a trap like that?" Inzanagi rants striding back and forth in our five-man barracks. It only takes about ten steps to cross it.

"It's fucked up," his buddy Kaede concurs, turning on me. "Yo Ichiro, wasn't it your job to get dirt on these kids?"

Even though all of us are the same ranking, Kaede and Inzanagi like to think they're above the rest of us.

Bristling at his tone, I reply steadily, "I collected all the available data. And I'm still looking into…"

"We're talking about now, genius!" Kaede yells, throwing his bag of tools across the room. "Can't you just plant something on them?"

Scoffing, I struggle to slip on a second pair of gloves while two pairs of angry eyes scald me. "Lieutenant Hiroki shall make that call. As of late, I've been given no such order. I'm not interested in insubordination."

Kaede growls as he cleans his sniper's rifle. "What the lieutenant and the rest don't know won't hurt them."

"While I don't like the idea, I wouldn't mind getting out of these wretched mountains," Mikio says, hinting to me in a less aggressive way to do it.

Our fifth man, Jun, is silent. His eyes are closed as he sits on his sleeping bag, as if meditating. Perhaps he's imagining a warm meal and house. I know the rest of us are.

This isn't good. Reporting this to our superiors would prove fruitless. They'd no doubt be in agreement with Kaede and Inzanagi. Basically, all the world leaders would be in agreement. Because the remaining Apophis members are teenagers they are being underestimated. This gives them further advantage, as we've witnessed today with the trap they set for us.

My perspective is quite contrary. I view Minkah and Niu's experiences and knowledge as valuable assets to be used against Khalil and his remaining followers. I truly believe those two have changed their ways. While it is understandable to be wary about them, what good is torturing them and locking them away? Torture gets answer but they're almost always false. Some kind of compromise would be better but those in charge are too proud and stubborn to consider it. They will not bargain with a bunch of teenage terrorists.

Before my fellow soldiers can urge me more, a voice crackles over my radio.

"Private Ichiro, Sergeant Teruo wants to speak with you in the headquarters now."

I push the red button to respond, holding the device close to my face. "Understood."

"Excellent," Kaede gloats while lounging on his back on his sleeping bag near the heater. "I have an inkling what this is about."

I try to ignore the ominous chuckles as I gather my computer and several binders of data. Just like them, in light of the catastrophe at that cabin, I too have a feeling what this is about. Playtime is over. The rules are gone.

(Yugi's POV)

It's dinnertime and the majority have congregated in the kitchen. The guns have been returned to their hiding area that even I don't know the whereabouts. It had been interesting to watch, yet Grandpa insisted that Marik and I not use the weapons. He finally gave at Malik's insistence. Niu taught us how to use the one tranquilizer gun. Apparently it gives quite a punch.

Yawning, I wander into the lounge to find the tech expert reading a book, hunched over it by the fire. Misa is resting on his lap, quite traumatized by the madness around here as of late.

"Afika should have told him to destroy this. There's no way he couldn't have known Minkah kept it. It was dangerous if Fenyang found it," Niu states quietly.

Curious, I come closer, instantly recognizing Minkah's sketchbook. Sinking down onto the nearest chair, I try to read Niu's expression but cannot.

"There are a lot of pictures of his mom," I recount. "Is that why? I know Apophis wanted the assassins to forget about their pasts."

"On the contrary…"

He stops talking, looking towards the hallway. Ryou is watching us, becoming embarrassed when he's been spotted.

"Sorry, I was just…Minkah wanted to sit with Yami and Malik for a bit…" he stutters.

"Niu was telling me about Minkah's sketchbook," I fill him in before turning to Niu. "Could he join us? I really think he should know…"

"Of course. Minkah is his brother," the assassin—if we can still refer to him as such—beckons to Ryou. My friend comes over in a meek fashion, possibly intimidated by Niu perhaps. He sits beside me, staring nervously at the book. The last time it was out his brother went manic.

"Niu said that Afika shouldn't have let Minkah keep the sketchbook," I tell Ryou. "Not if he was trying to protect Minkah. But he allowed Minkah to keep it. "

"That doesn't make sense…" Ryou begins.

"Leh, it make no sense," Niu sighs, reverently turning the pages. "We are supposed to forget. But Afika…" He pauses. "Encourage?"

I nod. "Afika approved of Minkah keeping it?"

"Aiywa."

"But why?" Ryou presses earnestly, hands clasped together tight.

"There is much I do not know. But when I hear he was going to Japan…to his father and brother, I wonder…"

Ryou and I wait for him to finish that thought. Perhaps he can't find a good translation. I'm about to offer assistance when I note the picture he's stopped upon stained with dried blood. Her grey gaze feels even more intense than ever.

"I wonder if it was secret at all," Niu finishes softly.

(Ryou's POV)

I gazed at him, dumbfounded. The sketchbook wasn't a secret? Is he saying Fenyang knew about it? No, that's not possible.

"Afika defied Apophis all the time, didn't he?" I ask to which Yugi translates to Niu.

The black teen tilts his head slightly, considering. "That is what we think. Does that make true?"

Yugi and I share worried glances. There is definitely something we don't know yet. Something that's been hidden in the dark from almost everyone. It's bigger than Afika posing as Khalil or even Minkah killing mother and Amane.

Niu's brow creases in slight alarm. "There are pages missing."

Yugi begins what I'm assuming is an explanation in Arabic about Minkah drawing pictures of his comrades and telling us about them. He'll also, no doubt mention the soldiers and how I kept Niu's picture. Even though I can't understand hardly a word they're saying, I'm aware when Yugi reaches the part about me. Niu's dark eyes are wide and bewildered. Taken aback, he looks to Yugi for an explanation who shrugs in response.

"Minkah said you hate killing…" I trail off, blushing. "I know it was risky giving you a chance…"

I cease my reason. How can I elucidate it to them when I'm still confused about it myself? Scared too. What if he hadn't been a good person?

"You are…"

I stare at the carpet in shame as I wonder how Niu will end this sentence. Naïve? Dumb?

"…a kind person."

My eyes shoot to Niu who his smiling warmly at me.

"B-But I was reckless! I was…!"

"True. But I tell you look for best in others. That is a rare thing. And now I owe you as well. Shokran."

Lifting my head, I smile back weakly. "Afwan."

(Afika's POV)

Niu has betrayed us and is with Minkah. Kek has broken from the group as well, though I planned that particular one. I didn't really expect he'd be defeated anyway. Kasiya and Severa won't be much longer in following their examples.

Running my hands through my hair, I pace the extravagant bedroom I've locked myself in. I need to decide what is the greatest threat and eliminate it. Then again, lesser threats are just a hassle that will cause more problems. But I'm not at the point where I can do this by myself.

Minkah is acting, fooling his scum half-brother and the brat's friends. They are idiotic enough to fall for it again. And when the time comes he will crush their fantasy, ruining the Bakura kid's life for good. I have the final preparations underway.

I'm incredibly fortunate Niu doesn't know the details of the past. Kek is a different story entirely. He knows more truth than Minkah does about himself. She's his world and he doesn't even remember her. All these years with Apophis shaped his beliefs and 'memories'. As long as he continues to follow her instructions there is nothing to worry about on that end. I have to keep Kek away from him.

The army, my fellow survivors, and the Mutous' crew…Once these people are out of my way I can carry on my real mission again. My lifelong mission.

(Ichiro's POV)

I trudge wearily through the snow, every fiber of my being aching from the blistering cold. Sleep deprivation, working around the clock, the explosion, everyone's persistence that I produce fake evidence…It's wearing me down.

The communication systems shut off right before I reached headquarters. That leaves us cut off from the outside world. We're on our own until repairs are made. While it's not good news, it brought to me a little relief. Everyone should back off about me framing Minkah and Niu since there's no great authority to brag to. Then again, they could use this opportunity to do whatever they please to the teens. No one outside would ever know.

Unsettled yet again, I pull my scarf over the lower half of my face at the biting wind. The Mutous must be warned somehow. I am not capable of contacting them. The radios are going haywire. And even if they weren't, all calls are recorded into the database for security purposes. The only way to reach them would be returning to their place. That would spell disaster.

I gasp, tripping over something solid and heavy beneath the snow. Regaining my balance, it occurs to me just how deep the snow had become; up to my shins. Where are the men who were assigned to keep the grounds clear? There's no one about, not even traces of their footprints. Groaning, I lean down and begin to dig through the heavy snow for the object I tripped over. I start in surprise when I come upon a long metal shovel. They left their equipment out here? Deciding to pass these things off as rookies slacking off since the lieutenant is not here, I pick up the shovel and take it with me to my compound, unsure of what to do with it.

Preparing myself for jokes and barbs, I push the door open with my shoulder to have my roommates shout in complaint at the bitter wind. Bracing myself against the door because of the snow gathered at the foot of the doorway, I manage to slam it shut.

"Wow, you got put on plow duty?" Izanagi laughs.

Kaede cackles, laying on his back 'reading' a porno magazine. "Wow, you must've really fucked up."

They laugh as I toss the shovel to the side. There's no point in explaining anything to these jokers. They aren't interested unless Apophis or women are involved. Everything else is white noise. Ignoring their chatter, I slump down on my sleeping bag, placing my binder and computer carefully nearby.

"Where the hell is Jun?" Kaede whines, clapping his gloved hands in an effort to warm them, magazine open on his chest.

"He went to fix something or other. I think it had to do with…ah, screw it, I don't give a crap," Izanagi snorts.

We all look up when everything goes black. I note the absence of the humming of the generators. We've lost power. This means the water will freeze up too.

"Damn Jun! What the fuck did he do?" Kaede's voice gripes as we all shuffle through our bags. Cracks sound out, light green given off from the glow sticks illuminating our barracks.

"The heat's off," Mikio confirms. "If he doesn't get the power on soon we're in major trouble."

I quickly gather all of my data into one bag. The others converse in coarse language that would make a rapper wince, cursing more than coming to any solution. Though I'm not any higher ranking than they are, I'm one of the more mature besides Jun and maybe Mikio.

"Hey Ichiro! Go give Jun a hand, will you?"

Rolling my eyes, I don't bother arguing. I do have more training in mechanics than any of them. I'm the obvious choice as I'm the most qualified. Stepping over gear, I open the door to find dusk has fallen upon the darkening camp no longer lit by the lights strung up around the perimeters. My breath intakes at the lack of sound. It's dead quiet. The others come up behind me, juvenile behavior ceasing abruptly.

"Hey, where is everybody?"

I shake my head in answer. Looking down, my lone footprints from earlier lead to our quarters. Besides mine, there are only one or two other tracks. It's not snowing. There should have been more people moving around the base, especially in a situation such as this.

"Anyone else thinking sabotage?" Izanagi mutters from behind me.

"There is a fair possibility," I admit, scanning the vacant area. "Our communication systems went out about thirty minutes ago."

"What an amazing coincidence," Kaede sneers, brushing past me before turning to us. "Everyone get your guns! Let's see if we've got ourselves some visitors."

"Should we aim for headquarters?" Mikio questions as he dons his gear.

"I vote the generator building," Izanagi states, machine gun ready. "If somebody's infiltrated the camp they'd want us running around in confusion in the dark, unable to contact each other or our superiors for instruction. Plus, since night is coming, the temperature is going to be dropping severely. We've got forty-three injured men in the hospital quarters. They won't last without the heaters."

"All right, keep up your guard. These kids got us once already. Like hell we'll allow them to do it again!"

"Enough with the speeches," Izanagi gripes, taking charge. "I want to secure two areas: the hospital and the generators. Ichiro here has all our information concerning the mission, so we'll leave headquarters until later. We'll split into two teams. Mikio and I will head for the hospital and do what we can there. At the most we can guard them, as they are easy targets. Kaede, you go with Ichiro to the generators…"

"Why do I get stuck with Ichiro? And who made you boss of this outfit?"

The taller soldier fixes his comrade with a stern look. "You're the sniper. Your keen eyesight will be invaluable for this operation. Ichiro and Jun will be working on the repairs. Someone needs to be a lookout and defend them if a surprise attack occurs."

Glowering, Kaede spits. "Whatever. Let's get moving then!"

Putting my aversion for him aside, we head off for the generator building. It's far too quiet, the crunching of the show beneath our feet the only sound. Kaede holds his weapon ready, sharp eyes darting to-and-fro. I keep the bag of information close. This could be all that's left if they wiped clean our database.

"Which way from here?"

I look around to get my bearings, holding my green stick up as we peer around the corner of the nearest building. These temporary shed-like places are not suitable. And the snow will give away our positions. However, if there is an enemy lurking about, it should do the same with them. Kaede has the same take as I do.

"I don't like this," he whispers, russet eyes focused. "It's too perfect. Look at the snow, how even it is. Like someone was covering their tracks."

"And everyone else's'."

We keep under cover as much as possible but there are large gaps between the buildings. The generator building resides in the center of the site. That should give us a better idea of the situation. Along the way we don't encounter a single soul. There are no signs of violence, but there aren't any people wandering outside to see what is going on. No guards patrolling. Nothing.

"Get ready. They're gonna be expecting us," Kaede warns me.

I'm about to pass around another corner when he grabs me roughly, throwing me to the ground. Muffling my cough, I rise shakily to my knees. Kaede is peering cautiously around the building towards the direction of the generators. I don't ask questions. He's one of our top snipers. I trust his instinct. Crawling closer, I steal a glance, gasping at the sight of a body hanging grotesquely on the wire gate surrounding the generator building. The head is bowed, lacerations covering the corpse from head to toe.

"It's Jun!" Kaede hisses, eyes narrowing in the eerie glow of our lights.

I'm numb with fear, unable to accept what I'm seeing. Just as like everywhere else, there are no footprints. Only blood. The snow is stained a dark red as the crimson liquid drips.

My ears then detect heavy breathing and rapid footfall to right of our position. Kaede whirls around only to stop when Mikio comes into view, face dead white, blood-soaked garments torn. He has no weapons or light. There is such a wild fear in his eyes which I've never seen the likes of in all my time in the army. He's several buildings away when suddenly he falls, screaming as he's pulled back in the direction he'd come, disappearing from our sight.

"Ichiro! Kaede! Hel…!"

The panicked outcry is immediately silenced by a horrifying crack. Kaede levels his gun, aiming at the spot our comrade had been. His hold is steady, eyes steel.

"We need to move now!" he hisses at me. "Mikio gave away our position!"

Mutely I nod, edging back while clutching my bag tightly against my chest, gun in my other hand. I nearly have a heart attack when a form appears from the same direction Mikio had come. Izanagi is heaving uneven breaths, gripping an arm around a large gash to his torso. I pull my bag's strap over my head, meaning to make my way across one 'intersection' to get to him. Kaede holds up a hand for me to stop.

"Stay where you are!"

"He's…He's coming!" Izanagi whispers hoarsely, reaching out to us. "Kaede! P-Please!"

His friend grits his teeth, freezing as a deep booming laugh echoes through the camp. He turns his head left and right, trying to locate the source.

"Kaede!" Izanagi cries, wriggling through the snow helplessly.

"Stay still!" Kaede warns him. "I'm coming to get you!"

The moment he's out in the open, the taunting voice begins:

"Three cheeky monkeys sitting in a tree...teasing Mr. Crocodile: 'Can't catch me!'....Along comes Mr. Crocodile, quiet as can be…"

"Naah!" Izanagi screams, clawing at the snow desperately.

A massive form drops atop him and there's a single ghastly crunch.

"Snap."

"Bastard!" Kaede screeches, shooting repeatedly at the place, unloading all his ammunition at an empty space.

I grip my gun tightly, trembling dreadfully as I continue to scoot away. It goes quiet again once Kaede's weapon has been emptied. He's panting, focused on the single body lying face down in the snow. Huddling against a post, my eyes shoot about in search of the assassin. Kaede strides across to Izanagi, kneeling over his friend. Lifting him by the shoulders, I retch at the way the head falls to one side, neck broken and limp.

"Come out, motherfucker!" Kaede shouts, allowing Izanagi to fall back into the snow as he takes up his friend's gun.

Another rumble of spine-chilling laughter.

"Two cheeky monkeys sitting in a tree...teasing Mr. Crocodile: 'Can't catch me!'"

"Come on!" Kaede repeats, shaking wildly from fright or fury.

His glow stick lies in the snow beside Izanagi's lifeless form, casting eerie shadows upon his features. It's like something out of a horror movie…something no one would ever believe as real. I still have my own light, holding it up to see as I wait in dreaded anticipation for my comrade to take this menace down, assuming there's only one.

"…Along comes Mr. Crocodile, quiet as can be…"

My eyes widen at the thud of a body ramming Kaede into the side of the building, his light now nearly extinguished beneath the snow. I can barely make out the giant outline of a man hunched over Kaede who lets loose a terror-filled shriek ending with that hideous noise.

"Snap."

I'm running. I'm running aimlessly as fast as my legs will carrying me through the deep snow. My destination? To get as far away from that man as possible. I hadn't even had time to take aim at him! Is there no one else alive? It appears to be so. I'm alone out here. Dashing between buildings, I break away from the base, fleeing into the woods for refuge. If I were to go into a building he would corner me. But can I outrun him? That doesn't matter either. I glance at the tracks I'm leaving behind me. Regardless of his pace, he'll find me.

Stumbling into a gorge of ice obstructing a stream, I slip across it. Falling once, I feel blood seep from a split lip. My light tumbles away. I abandon it. Ignoring the pain, I drag myself up, hurrying onward. A thought occurs to me. I have the information. Everything regarding the Apophis case. I cannot allow him to have it! Heart beating like mad, I reach into my pocket and pull out my radio. Pressing the red button, I turn the channel.

"Lieutenant?" I ask into it. "Is anyone there?" I urge, tumbling through bushes that rattle with icicles. Next the base camp frequency. "This is Private Ichiro," I rasp, cold air making my throat raw. "Do you copy?" Static. "Is anyone there?"

A rustling somewhere behind me is enough to double my speed. I have one more option. I switch the channel a final time. My entire body is on fire, muscles and lungs burning.

'Burning!'

Quickly kneeling down, I open my bag and scrounge through it. Pulling out the lighter, I set it to the binders overflowing with papers. Next I take my booted foot and slam it down onto the laptop repeatedly until not even the most genius of people could retrieve any information from it. The smoke giving off my location, I limp onwards. Just a little longer! I just need a little more time!

"This is…Private Ichiro," I wheeze, leaning against a tree, radio in my tremulous hand. "Is any…anyone there?" They won't answer right away. "This is Private Ichiro," I repeat, feeling my body begin to give from exhaustion. "Is…anyone…?"

Heavy footfall signals the presence of the assassin close by. No matter how I try to stifle the sound of my breathing, I cannot. I don't know when I lost my gun but I'm defenseless now. There is a small handgun I keep in my boot but that will do me little good with this individual. Steadying my nerves, I press the button again.

"Is anyone…?"

"One cheeky monkey sitting in a tree…"

My muscles tense up at the cautionary children's rhyme. My fingers tighten around the radio as I will myself to move. The solid unhurried footsteps assure me he's coming straight at me.

"...teasing Mr. Crocodile: 'Can't catch me!'"

I hold the button down. "Th-This is P-Private…"

"Along comes Mr. Crocodile, quiet as can be…"

"Is anyone…?" My eyes widen at the monster of a man standing over me, beady eyes glowing in the darkness, bloodthirsty smirk spread across his face. "…th-there?"

A large hand grips me impossibly strong by the neck, our eyes meeting for a split second, his deranged and animalistic. I open my quivering cracked lips to ask once more.

"Snap."

-winces- Ouch. Poor Ichiro.

...

Oh well, anyway, we're really getting a move on now! XD

I'm re-writing the AIF parts of the chapter that were destroyed. -sob- I'll post that as soon as I think I would have learned a valuable lesson from this experience, like saving my info somewhere else, but I'm a procrastinator to the end. Let's not kid ourselves.

I'd LOVE reviewsies! Got half the amount of reviews I normally do for the latest chapter of another story. I blame school starting up again...mostly. But it is QUITE a turn down and doesn't motivate me much. -smirk-Which means longer waits.

Yami: Did you just threaten them?

Maaabye...

REVIEW! XD