-hums- So, updating-wise it should have been BTBT next, but I'm just going with whichever of the three I feel like working on. You readers win! :D
Duckweed: "Epic" Well that just about says it all, doesn't it? XD
Flacks: Why kidnap Ryou? (Malik: Because he's easy to kidnap?) lol so true! (Ryou: If I weren't about to die from fright I'd kill you!) Daaw. He's adorable, ain't he? :) Wow. The dude cut his palm open? Sadly, I know plenty of people who would try that if I mentioned it...so I won't. lol
dragonlady222: Of course Kek is a liar! (Ryou: I think everybody is a liar at this point) So true. XD "I hope he doesn't hurt Ryou before they can find him." ...ummm...
Peepz:"I hate when animals die. Much more than when humans do... is that bad?" lol Not at all. I've actually put this topic in the end notes. :) Some people forgot about Misa completely. -winces- I really need to update quicker. Ja Kek is a sicko! Afika too. He just isn't as "constant" about it as Kek.
DMagic: The Rabiya family? Yeah, it was about time they got some actual information besides Minkah's repressed childhood memories, don't you think? :P "What's kek going to do to ryou?" Well if I told you it would ruin the surprise! (Ryou: I don't want to be surprised!) -sweatdrop-
Sagira98: -cackles- Yes yes! A cliffie! XD So many questions in that review too! "When the hell did the gang get a cat?" Since Son of Apophis. She wasn't mentioned very much this half. "I really don't remember that at all.(Though considering how often you update...)" Touche! XD
Memnoch's Heart: "My great uncle sang it to me. :3 And then he sang really suggestive songs about Mars and cigars." Rofl! That is teh awesomeness! XD "Kek kills the army? That's fine. Kek kills some kittens? NO." Yes, you and Peepz are in agreement about that. You're a bit more passionate though.
Fallin-Alone-Scared-Lost: Gah, Ryou is in trouble! XD (Ryou: And you are AMUSED?) Maybe a tad?
Dragon-Tooth: "Now THAT'S what i'm talking about!" Well I don't know precisely what I did, but Whoot! XD Yeah, it was obvious Kek was lying. "Niu is still one of the most kickass OCs I've ever come across." (Kasiya: -muttering- I MIGHT have been if SOMEONE hadn't blown my fucking FACE off!!!) Psh! You're still mad about that?
This chapter is a more...breather? Scratch that. The second half of it is. The first half: a definite NO. :P Things will be happening quickly next chappie if they go as I've planned. We'll see. The lyrics are taken from Breaking Benjamen's "Evil Angel". The chapter is dedicated to Memnoch's Heart and Dragon-Tooth. :)
WARNING: Some torture at the beginning of this chapter! Not as bad as some of my other stuff, but still, thought I'd put that up so no one whines. :P
Hold it together, birds of a feather
Nothing but lies and crooked wings.
I have the answer spreading the cancer
You are the faith inside me.
No, don't leave me to die here.
Help me survive here alone.
No don't remember, remember
Put me to sleep, evil angel.
Open your wings, evil angel.
I'm a believer, nothing could be worse.
All these imaginary friends
Hiding betrayal, driving the nail
Hoping to find a savior.
No, don't leave me to die here.
Help me survive here alone.
Don't surrender, surrender!
Put me to sleep, evil angel.
Open your wings, evil angel.
Fly over me, evil angel.
Why can't I breathe, evil angel?
Chapter 20: Enemy of Re
(Ryou's POV)
"Hello little one," Kek greets with a sick grin plastered on his face.
I tremble next to the bed in a terrified stupor. He is a massive man that the layers of winter garb only make him seem like a giant. He could snap me in half as easily as a twig. There is no false assurance from him. Kek holds no flare of benevolence. He isn't even trying to hide his intentions.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," Kek 'apologizes'. "There were some things I had to take care of to make certain we aren't interrupted without prior detection."
My fingers have curled up into fists against my sweaty palms. Kek is possibly the worst person for me to be kidnapped by. They told me how he revels in torturing people. It's his forte as a member of Apophis. He also doesn't get along with the other assassins. Where are they? Kek isn't in charge. Wouldn't the other Apophis members be here too? At least Afika for even a moment? I don't know how to act, what to say. Should I be defiant? Or would things be less ghastly if I don't put up a fight?
"You're confused," he affirms by my body language as if he were concerned. With a toothy grin he closes the door behind him. "And petrified."
I can't deny either of these speculations. It's more like he's telling me this is how I should feel; like he's casting a spell on me which I must comply with. It's working. The luxurious room all at once shrinks in around us. There's nowhere left to run. My breath hitches when my eyes fall upon a large curved knife with a serrated blade. It looks like something out of a bad horror movie. A weapon that seems absurd until you're actually staring right at it in real life.
"Don't be shy," he croons in a smooth voice. "And feel free to scream your lungs out. Your friends and half-brother are busy with other matters. The army has been disposed of. It's just you and me, kid."
"What did you do to my brother?" I demand shakily as I back away slowly, afraid to make any sudden movements.
He chuckles in a way that makes me shudder. It's the dread when you know something horrible is about to happen but there is absolutely nothing you can do to prevent it. The muscular assassin snorts.
"Brother? That's what he called you. How strange. Have the two of you been honest with each other, I wonder…"
"If you're referring to the car crash that killed my mother and sister then yes," I interrupt, the cold from the window running across my back as he approaches.
Kek seems to truly mull over this. "So…he cares about you then?"
My heart drops. He's before me, several heads taller. An enormous gloved hand grabs my chin roughly, angling my neck in a painful position so I'm looking up at him.
"Wonderful. It would be a pity otherwise."
"I thought Afika didn't want…"
"Afika?" His expression changes in a split second, eyes alight.
I cry in pain as I'm thrown by my neck across the room into one of the bedposts. Something cracks. Eyes tearing, I struggle to rise but slump back to the carpet at the pain in my side. I think my ribs are broken. The fingers find my hair and yank sharply to where it feels my spine will snap. I thought I would find anger but instead he's smiling. It's a victorious, bloodthirsty grin that makes my stomach churn.
"Afika wants Minkah. Minkah wants you. That's what they will believe. It's far too simple, wouldn't you agree?" All I can manage is a whimper as he runs the blade along my neck creating vertical bloody stripes. "You see, I've put up with him for years. Our whole lives practically. Always better, always more fundamental in the eyes of our leaders. While I was important if I died they wouldn't so much as blink. But if they lost him, their supposedly perfected assassin…" He cuts off at this, as if contemplating whether to continue. "Why am I bothering with this? It will have to be quicker than usual," he mutters in disappointment, the blade's movement halting at the base of my neck. "Much quicker. Who knows how long it will take before your brother arrives to try and save the day? He'll bring some of your pathetic crew with him. Niu as well."
I don't fully comprehend what's happening, only that I'm all at once on my back, a harsh ringing in my ears. There's a horrible throbbing in my head. The noise is like that I experienced after the car crash. Kek is perched on my chest, kneeling with a leg on either side of me. He's so heavy it's hard to breathe, weight pushing down mercilessly on my sore side. The assassin is fingering the knife as he studies me.
"How shall we begin? While I can't draw this out for too long we must still have a little fun."
My vision is swimming as I try to focus on something. It comes to me that perhaps it's better if I'm not fully aware of what's happening. If there were some way I could kill myself I would do it now. No one wants to die, but this is one of the last ways anyone would desire.
"You have to wake up a bit more, little one," his voice echoes around me. "It's not nearly as enjoyable if you are half-conscious."
I close my eyes and quiver as the blade presses against the right side of my face. No sooner than my eyelids touch then he grabs my bangs in his fist and shakes me roughly.
"Open your eyes!" he bellows.
Too alarmed to defy, I oblige without delay. He throws me back down again, still pinning me down like a single slip of paper under a paperweight. I want to puke due to the multiple areas throbbing in pain.
"Flaying takes time. And I prefer a heated tool for that..." This time the tip of the blade slices into my lower eyelid on my right side. "You want to be more like your brother, don't you? Want to be able to empathize with him? Perhaps we should start simple and work our way from there." It digs deeper, cutting the flesh in two halves. I'm almost in too much shock to comprehend the blood gliding down my face. Kek smirks in ill satisfaction. "I gave him that scar, you know. He will be so appreciative that his baby brother would undergo the same thing for him." Reality sets in like a sharp burn.
"No!" I shout hitting him repeatedly without any effect.
With a booming laugh he snatches my flailing arms together by the wrists and slams them on the floor above my head. Leaning close, I can smell his horrid breath. It reeks of blood. Terror taking hold of me I scream as he stabs the knife into my face and drags the blade down my cheek. The pain is like someone pouring hot gasoline on my skin and letting it burn through to the bone. Forcing me to turn my head, he examines his work like an artist would his painting.
"Well, it's straighter than Minkah's. He put up more of a fight than you. Now then…We need to cross it twice, don't we?"
"Stop it!" I scream as he moves his body up my torso so he's practically on my neck in order to keep my head immobile. I kick wildly but can't get him to budge.
"Don't you want to be closer to Minkah?" Kek asks mockingly as he positions the knife again.
"Please s-stop!" I wail, not caring how it looks. I haven't been in this much pain since the car crash.
A gleam in his eyes informs me that begging is precisely what he likes to hear. In fact, he's getting turned on by it. I scream as he takes the knife to my face again, carving all the way through the flesh. No matter how I strain my muscles I can't loosen his grip on my arms as he cuts away. So pleased by my reaction, he's going beyond the 'design' he left on Minkah's face.
"Did I mention Minkah's scar is incomplete?" he calls amusedly over my sobbing. "There's so much more to be done."
"Stop it! Stop!" I screech as he draws the knife across my face several more times.
Thinking the worst is over when he sets the blade aside, I began to struggle again wildly when he pulls out a length of rope, wrapping it expertly around my wrists so tightly my circulation is cut off. He ties it to the bottom of the bedpost. Chest heaving, I watch in horror as he pulls a packet from his pocket. Unfolding it reveals a collection of grisly tools that could only be his own inventions of twisted wire and razor metal. They are a mad scientist's works. Choosing a pair of tweezers with tiny teeth, his fingers clutch my jaw to keep me absolutely still. The tweezers pinch my top eyelid as he leans close with a smaller blade, measuring it with the cut through my lower lid.
"Don't…" I gasp, tears mingling with the blood. "P-please don't d-do this…"
A nauseating slice is the answer and I scream, wanting to clutch my hand over my eye but unable. He whips my head to the other side even as the blood begins to pour from the wound. Running his hand over the unblemished skin on the left side of my face, I know he's going to repeat his actions again. And what after that? Hyperventilating I gaze in horror at him out of the corner of my good eye.
Then he's off me at the sound of glass shattering, bitter cold hitting me. In my frightened state I am still able to note the door to the room isn't open. Kek is standing in front of it, gun in hand pointing at someone on my other side.
"It took you longer than I thought to get here," he sneers.
Something hits the bedpost with a sharp 'thwack' and suddenly my hands are free. Sitting up slowly, right eye shut tight, I look behind me to find a knife driven deep into the bed post, severing the rope and miraculously not so much as touching my wrists.
"Ryou, come here."
Body tensing, I force myself to turn to the owner of the newcomer. Afika is by the shattered window with a gun in his hand as well. I recoil from both of them, huddling against the side of the bed as I fight to suppress the sobs. Things have just taken a turn for the worst.
(Kek's POV)
At last I have him. This time Fenyang and the other Apophis members aren't here to defend him. Not even the other assassins. What a shame Minkah isn't here as well. I would relish in cutting them down in front of one another. Regrettably Minkah and Niu have decided to take their time. I can't wait for them. The element of surprise was already foiled to some degree. I'm just fortunate I noticed his presence.
"He's not going with you. In fact," I flip the bloodied knife in my other hand, aiming it at the boy. "Neither of you will be leaving."
Afika sends me a look of scorn. "Says the guy who forgot who he was up against when creating alarms. You're as incompetent as ever."
"I don't see an escape route for you unless you plan on plunging out that window headfirst," I rejoin never looking away from him. That would be suicide. I don't need to look at the boy in order to kill him. "I'm sure you've heard about Minkah?"
Those eyes I've loathed for so long flash. Heh. I've finally cornered you.
"Kek, what did you think you were doing?" Fida demanded of me after the lashing.
I had been tormenting Afika's little white-haired companion when my rival himself showed up. He had been madder than hell. This had pleased me and we had commenced in fighting while the stupid Rabiya kid whimpered in the mud. Afika cut me up badly and I was unable to match his speed. What I lacked in swiftness I made up for in strength. He received several deep gashes in return for the many he gave me.
Panting, I glared at the ground. "Someone needed to put that freak in his place."
"Brute strength won't save you in this world," the poisons expert informed me sternly. "You are overconfident and far too impulsive. Neither are qualities of an assassin."
My throat muscles tightened. Those who were deemed unfit were disposed of. If anything, this brawl with Afika proved I was no match for him…yet. He was wounded too. But would Fida have the same reasoning as me? If not, this would be my death sentencing.
Nimr stepped in. "Fida, he's twelve and one of our greatest potentials. Can you imagine what we could accomplish using him several years from now?"
"I'm in agreement with Nimr," Burhan, the man in charge of recruits, added.
Fenyang's second in command frowned, not convinced. "It is because Afika is the only one he cannot intimidate or beat no doubt. It doesn't come as any surprise to me." My fists tightened around my knife but I stayed down obediently. "We have to keep in mind what is in best interest for Apophis."
"Strong skilled assassins are what Apophis needs. Kek could become those things," Nimr stated.
Could?
"Very well, Nimr. If you think he could be of use. Kek!"
"Yes." I stood without delay.
"I have already tired of your beefs with Afika. If this happens again it will not be on my watch. Understood?"
Gritting my teeth in hatred I grounded out, "Yes sir."
They left me without further lecture and I pulled myself to my feet. To them I was a waste of time. Possibly useful. Never enough. I was never strong enough, skilled enough, smart enough. It was always Afika they focused on. What was my existence for if I could not best him? To be somebody in Apophis you had to be incomparable. The elite. You had to stand out from the rest. I had done this for the most part. There was only one obstacle standing in my way. I narrowed my eyes when I spotted Afika off in the distance, a smaller white-haired form trailing after him. Make that two obstacles.
'I am not useless! I show them! I teach them all to respect me!'
"He loves his baby brother," I deride gesturing to the traumatized youth trembling on the floor. "I gave Minkah the name he needed. He's with Niu as we speak. Your efforts here are fruitless. Everything you've worked for was for naught."
Afika's features twitch as he listens. Of course, I didn't tell Minkah everything. Just enough to keep him angry, get that bloodlust active.
"His main goal is slicing you to ribbons," I inform him with delight. "Well, besides retrieving his brother."
I've waited for this moment for as long as I can recall. Explode with rage, Afika! Lose control. Show me what a weakling you really are! Nothing more than a useless puppet whose strings have been cut. Everything and everyone has turned against him. He has no one! That is the difference between the two of us. I've always been a loner. Afika, even if he was just using someone or being used—he was never alone. There was always manipulation. But the lies have been revealed and his true colors have been shown. Break already!
A cool calm falls around him. "Come Ryou."
He's trying to avoid the reality of the situation. I laugh. "Stop deluding yourself! It's over! Look at him!" The boy is still crying. "Does it look like he trusts you? No. Because he knows what you really are! Isn't that just killing you that there's no one left to control?"
Afika isn't deterred. "Ryou, come here."
"Who's delusional now?" I ridicule. "Enough of this nonsense, Afika." I hurl the knife at the boy only to have it fly off to the side and slide uselessly across the floor. I grin at Afika who is holding his gun up, having deflected the knife by just a margin with a bullet. "You really believe there's still a chance to convince Minkah you're a saint?"
"Ryou…"
"Quit talking to the damn kid!" I roar aiming my own gun at said boy. As soon as I do this I find myself staring straight at the barrel of Afika's weapon. He's standing over the boy protectively blocking him from harm.
(Ryou's POV)
I stare in shock at Afika's back. What is he doing? Not only is he saving me from Kek, he's using his own body to shield me! This only makes me all the more frightened as I hold my sleeve against my mutilated face. I'm getting dizzy due to the pain and blood loss.
"Stand up," Afika commands while staying immobile like a brick wall. "Ryou, stand up."
I'm too scared to. I know what Afika has done and that he's capable of just as horrible things as Kek. If I go with him this torture may very well continue; just his own version. What does he want from me? Why is he here? Whimpering, I curl into myself just wanting to disappear. Where are my brother, Niu, and Malik? Where are Kasiya and Severa? None of this is making any sense. I'm too frightened to make a decision.
"Why the hell would he go with you?" Kek's deep voice scoffs.
"Why the hell would he stay with you?" Afika counters slickly. "Ryou, it's me or Kek. Which would you prefer? You want him to finish that pattern on your face?" I sob, shaking my head even though he can't see me. "Get up then."
Deciding the unknown with Afika is better than the flaying here with Kek, I attempt to rise. Everything goes blurry and I lean over and vomit. Kek laughs, exchanging more words with Afika as my head spins. A hand grabs the back of my sweater as I fall forward, trailing down until it finds my arm. I reach up weakly and clutch his coat as he backs away with me towards the window where freezing wind is tearing through; making sure to keep himself between me and Kek. My head becomes too heavy to lift. I can feel my grip loosening on him. No! I don't want to die here! Don't leave me! Please…don't leave…
(Afika's POV)
He's alive. In better condition than I presumed given the amount of time he was with Kek. This boy, this simple teenager is the key to everything now assuming the big boor speaks the truth. His hand slips from the back of my coat, his arm going limp in my hold. Well, that will make it easier. Having him crying and hysterical would only be a nuisance.
"And where do you think you're going?" Kek rumbles. "Going bungee jumping? Even if you manage to break your fall that snow is too deep for you to run through especially with that brat in tow."
"You really are bothersome, aren't you?" I smirk at him, both of us aiming at the other with unwavering poise. "With Apophis gone one would think you'd have something else to do."
"You were first on my list, or have you forgotten?"
"The fact that you had to make a list is beyond pathetic. It's amazing they kept you." I know what words will set his temper off as he does for me. It's all about who can hold face.
"And what of you?" he retorts, seething. "What has your existence been about?" He motions with his free arm, indicating the unconscious teen behind me. "Completely obsessive of Minkah and running his bogus quest! There you stand, utterly pathetic, clinging to your last ray of hope that cannot save you! Admit it! You don't know what to do with yourself! The puppet is falling apart at the seams!"
I plant my feet firmly directly in front of the window. "I would ask if you are done but I know better." Tightening my grip on the boy, I smirk. "You never do shut up."
"Cocky for someone who is cornered," he considers with a sneer. "I thank you in advance for jumping down there. It'll be like a shooting gallery for me. Please try to make it at least a little entertaining."
I cannot help but chuckle. "Sorry to disappoint you once again, but I'm leaving the way I came." His eyes widen in realization. "I'm going up."
(Ryou's POV)
My eye shoots open at someone shouting in rage and the sudden 'lift off'. I'm flung over someone's shoulder looking straight down at the snow far below. Terror overcoming me, I begin to thrash only to have the person tighten their grip as we're on what appears to be a roof.
"Quit moving!" a voice snaps.
Without delay they race across the icy shingles on nimble feet. Raising my head stiffly I see the edge of the roof where we came up. There is a cord lying there that has been severed so as to make it difficult for us to be followed.
I cannot see out of my right eye. It's swollen shut or something. Perhaps someone punched me. A scream is captured in my throat as we're going down the other side of the building fast. With an undignified thump we land in the snow. Then there's jostling up and down as they run. Loud pops are echoing somewhere behind us.
Why can't I remember what happened? Where am I? Where's Minkah?
More shouting. More of that strange popping like miniature explosion. A rumbling sound…a motor? But the army took our snowmobiles away. How could that be?
Time elapses. How much I do not know. I'm very cold. Soon this is all I can think about. A nice fire and a blanket sound wonderful. Perhaps someone to cuddle against. A hot drink like tea to hold in my hands and warm me from the inside. I'm frozen all the way through.
(Malik's POV)
"We should try a different frequency! Boys, don't run off like this!" Grandpa beseeches us as Niu, Minkah, and I don our winter garb and weapons. "Honda, talk some sense into them!"
He shrugs at my grandfather powerlessly. "There isn't anything else we can do. Kek had the army's radios…"
"And he may have Ryou. We cannot rule out that possibility," I remind them, regardless of Niu's speculations. "We can't leave Ryou to those people."
Yugi shivers, holding onto Grandpa's arm, large violet eyes frightened. Marik is in the other room watching over my boyfriend who we can't get to wake up. Time is of the essence now.
"No one else is out there to help us," Honda adds noting the frustration and apprehension on Grandpa's face. "Niu's located the nearest house. Malik and Minkah will go there. Niu, Jou, and I will head for the army base. When we find snowmobiles or something that can get through this damn snow Jou and I will ride back. Then we'll get to safety and Yami to a doctor Niu will try to catch up with Malik and Minkah."
"You remember how to use the guns?" Niu asks Yugi. Marik and Yami are the only ones who are not armed. Grandpa reluctantly accepted a real gun so Yugi would have the tranquilizer. Minkah has the sniper's rifle and another gun as well.
"I wish I had my knife," Minkah mumbles forlornly. He always carried that knife with him. He had told us it was the same one he used back in Domino. And probably before then too.
"We must make haste for the army base. It is much further away than the next house. Unless Kek's trail leads in the direction of the base you two should avoid it," Niu advises his comrade, seeing that look in those grey eyes. "While it would be in our best interest to kill the rest of the assassins, if we get Ryou and vacate the others from the area then that will be enough. Our top priority is getting those who cannot defend themselves to safety."
Minkah opens his mouth to dispute but I speak up. "They will follow us. It would be ideal to get Ryou and these guys away from them and then face the Apophis members ourselves."
"That should be left to the army…!" Grandpa begins.
"The army is dead," Niu emphasizes grimly.
In this instant we all share that same fear. It's the kind that eats away at you, gnawing slowly but something you are painfully aware of. If the army couldn't kill them then what are the chances a bunch of teenagers could…? Hell, the Apophis members basically are a bunch of teenagers. And we aren't at a complete disadvantage with Minkah and Niu at our sides.
"Watch out for each other. Jou and Honda will be back with some type of vehicle soon," I promise despite the slim chances. "We'll come after we've rescued Ryou."
Grandpa shakes his head. "There must be another way to…"
This briefly pulls Minkah from his quest for vengeance. "You said you wanted us to be a part of your family," he says quietly to our grandfather. "You said you wanted both of us." Grandpa's eyes water as he searches for words for a young man he was trying to save, to give a second chance. "I'm bringing him back so you can fulfill that promise."
(Ryou's POV)
'Cold,' is the first thing that registers in my clouded mind as I gradually crack open my left eye.
The right side of my face is burning. Reaching to my face my fingers meet several thin layers of fabric completely covering where it stings. My right eye is closed underneath the bandages. It hurts more than the rest. My heart skips a beat at the memory of Kek grinning down at me, whittling my flesh like wood. I was screaming. I remember that. Then it stopped when…
"Decided to wake up, hmm?"
I sit up straight only to yelp at the pang in my side. Everything goes hazy and a hand pushes me non-so-gently back onto on a sofa that I've been situated on. I stop breathing looking directly into those sharp brown eyes. Afika's scrutinizing me scornfully. There is a gun and a knife similar to the one my brother carried strapped to his belt. I realize haven't seen him since the night he took Minkah away at the Game Shop. He doesn't look so different, though it's difficult to tell in the dimness of the room. There aren't any lights on. His eyes have changed though; no longer pretending to be the kind-hearted Khalil. He sees the fear on the half of my face not covered in bandages.
"Don't break into hysterics, kid. Flaying isn't my style." He moves back to a chair where he must have been sitting in while I was out. "Besides, torturing you does not benefit me." Picking up a second knife from the floor he commences in whetting it on a stone or something creating a grating sound. "Even if it did, you've already lost too much blood. Kek was careless with you, wasn't he?" There is amusement in his voice at the mention of my former captor and his actions.
"C-Careless?"
"Hn," Afika grunts, seeming to ignore me in favor of sharpening his weapon.
After several minutes it appears he isn't lying. He has no intention of harming me. In fact, he's done quite the opposite by bandaging my face. My wrists are wrapped too from the cuts the bindings Kek had used gave me. Shivering from the cold, I try to lift my head to look around. Once again everything is spinning. Afika doesn't so much as glance at me.
"There's nothing to see."
"Where…are we?" I ask while marveling that he has enough confidence to sharpen an already lethal weapon in the dark.
"Different residence," he replies nonchalantly, obviously not interested in a conversation.
While I am relieved he isn't going to harm me further the fear simmers. It doesn't leave. I can still feel Kek's rough hands on me. That horrid bowed knife slicing into my flesh. I've never been so afraid. Back in Domino it had been different. I wasn't alone then. But with Kek…I thought that was it. I was going to be killed slowly and painfully with no one but that monster as a witness.
"Where's Kek?" I prod, praying the savage assassin is dead.
Afika shrugs as he continues his task. "I'm sure he'll be along by and by."
"Then shouldn't we be running?!" I gasp when I attempt to sit again, gingerly touching my aching side. Kek's still alive?!
"We already did that," he reminds me without concern. In fact, I think he's disgusted with the fact he had to retreat. If it hadn't been for me he would have remained and finished his long rivalry with Kek.
"Then…" It's challenging to talk with these bandages. "What are we doing? Why did you rescue me?"
"You're no good to me dead. I thought that much was evident. Otherwise all of this would have been a great waste of my time." He considers something, the fluid movements of his arms halting. Brown eyes flicker in the lightless room. "Or was it?"
It takes me a moment to understand. He wants me to verify whether or not Minkah does know the truth…and if so, how much. But what should my answer be? What does Afika consider the truth? What if he's just as confused as Minkah? Do I lie to him? Will I no longer be of use to Afika if Minkah is against him? I still don't know if Afika is a ruthless wicked person or a victim brainwashed like my brother. I can figure it out now before Kek gets here.
I need to find out.
"Cat got your tongue?"
Gulping, I squint to see the room better. It isn't nearly as large as the lounge at Otogi's. How far away has he taken me from them? And what does he have in store for me?
"I don't understand a lot of this…Everyone is telling a different story," I answer slowly, giving as little information as possible. I don't know how he'll react to what we have learned.
The black-haired assassin leans forward. "Stories? What type of stories?"
Shit, what do I do now? "Like Kek s-said…" I trail off, too afraid to give any more details.
He sits back, an unreadable expression resting on his face. Contemplating my words, he picks up the knife and begins whetting it again. Apparently I've given him a lot to think about with the little information I gave him. I can't stop shivering by this point. I don't have boots or a coat like he does. He and Kek both dragged me through the elements like this…and with Afika I had lost quite a bit of blood and was in a sort of shock.
Somewhere in my memories I visualize the smiling teen who, though not carefree, was always there to offer comfort and support. He cared. Staring at Afika, I wonder where that person went. Is Khalil a part of him? Perhaps buried deep within in his callous personality? He's complex, like Minkah. Maybe even more so. He has no one to connect to like my brother. Afika's, in a sense, all alone. Is it any wonder he wants my brother back? But is it because he loves him or is it some game to him?
"Do you love Minkah?" I question timidly.
"There are many definitions for that word."
What kind of answer is that? I should have guessed he would be evasive.
"You've always looked out for him, I know that much," I bring myself to say even though my voice is wavering. Surely that means something to him?
"Your reality is quite different from ours. You see me through the rationality you were taught, as I do for you," he replies stoically.
I would shake my head but it would be too painful. "Minkah doesn't think like…"
"And what would you know about him?" he snaps at me causing me to recoil from the conversation. "What the hell would you know about anything?" The viciousness of his tone warns me I'd better not contradict him.
"He's chosen not to kill. He doesn't want to kill any more people."
"I seriously doubt that," Afika chuckles with his head bowed. "There are a few people he still must kill."
"He doesn't have to kill anyone! Apophis is gone. You don't have to kill anyone!"
'Besides Kek,' I add silently to myself.
Afika rests his elbows on his knees. "It's that simple, is it? Just lay down our weapons and pretend to be like everyone else?"
I bite my bottom lip. Maybe it isn't as easy as it sounds. We're talking about a lifetime of being ordered to murder, being taught it was the only way. Why is it easier for Minkah than it is for Kek and Afika?
'Because they don't have anyone to help them. They're not really free,' I comprehend with pity. 'Even if everything they know is a lie, no matter how many masks and facades they put on, when it comes down to it they don't know how to actually be normal and relaxed. They don't know how to have fun. They've always faked smiles and laughter. Have they ever actually been happy?'
"Let me tell you something, kid. When I want someone to die: they die. No exceptions. When I plan out their death and act upon it no one has ever escaped it."
"You're wrong." He lifts his head from his work. I do my best to be brave. "I know you and Minkah were the ones that caused the car crash that killed my mother and sister. I lived."
To my dismay a smile creeps onto his lips. "I'm afraid you are mistaken. In his quest to avenge his mother Minkah needed targets. He needed people to kill. Goals, if you will. If his task were completed he might have lost his fighting spirit. Then the elders would have had him eliminated. So he needed prey. I made sure he was always left some." Dark eyes gleam at me. "Of course, I had to make it look like you were meant to die or the Apophis leaders would have been suspicious. Fida was as it was. I paid a heavy price for your life," he adds in mirthless laughter. "Isn't that ironic how it played out?"
My eye is wide as I gape at him in stupefaction. He spared me? I was supposed to die in the crash with Amane and mother but was allowed to live because of Afika's plans. There is something else that hits me: He did it for my brother. Like he said, if Minkah no longer wanted to be an assassin after he had finished his revenge spree then he would not be alive today.
"So Minkah has been telling you things," he mutters gazing at the knife in his hands. "Kek as well by the sound of it."
This unnerves him that Minkah would confide in us. This assassin is a mystery to me. I'm afraid of my brother coming and unleashing all hell on Afika…especially if he doesn't deserve it. I still want to believe he's just confused, that he can be saved like my brother. I gave Niu a second chance as well and he accepted it. Afika will be harder to convince. But I can't give up if it is even remotely possible.
"What really happened with his mother?" I dig up the nerve to question.
"I don't see how that concerns you." There is a new edge to his voice. It's becoming personal more and more.
"Minkah knows," I whisper. "He knows she wasn't cruel or abusive. He also remembers…" My breath catches when Afika looks straight at me. "…you living with them."
His jaw clenches and I do my best to melt into the couch and disappear. Instead of getting angry he stares at the knife he was sharpening. Why won't he speak?
"Why did you lie to him? Why did you let him believe those horrible things?" I demand on my brother's behalf. "He doesn't even know her name! Couldn't you have even told him in secret? Why couldn't you have done that?"
Afika sneers at me in such a hateful way, fingers curling around the knife's hilt. "You're too naïve. You honestly believe he would have survived in the ranks of Apophis without his hatred? Lies can be a form of protection. They can make one stronger."
"What other lies are there?" I insist to know. "What else have you kept from him?"
He snorts. "All of his beliefs are based on lies. Do you really think it's a smart idea digging up his past?" He tilts his head. "Tell me, how did he react when he remembered?" I'm taken aback, thinking how distraught, torn, and enraged he was. Completely out of control. Afika doesn't need me to tell him. He knows. "Do you think it wise for him to continue to do so?"
A gloom overtakes me. Which is worse? Minkah remembering and becoming increasingly upset or leaving him blind to the truth? In the end will the truth be more damaging?
"Our lives are the realities others have shaped for us," Afika states, the knife reflecting in his eyes.
"Apophis raised you on lies!" I object. "And you knew they were wrong! You went against them!"
"They were wrong?" he echoes hollowly. "I suppose in a way they were. More than anything I did not wish to be controlled any longer. They were holding me back. But they made me who I am today. They made me strong. So, in a sense, they ultimately were their own adversaries by training me the way they did. That was their choice."
Wait. Is he saying…Apophis was right? Is he condoning their actions?
"How can you even say that? You slaughtered them!"
"You can kill someone and still have many of the same opinions as them. It was necessary. I surpassed them. That's all."
My heart sinks as I listen in disbelief. How delusional is he? And even if he answered my question about Minkah…
"Are you going to kill my brother?"
"No, he's going to kill you," Afika corrects me with a smirk. "I did bring your dear father along. Unfortunately, he was a burden out here in the mountains. I discarded him at the second residence I stayed at."
"Wh-What? Is he…?"
"Severa burned that place to ashes," he chuckles. "Few escape of her traps. And he was bound and injured. It would be impressive if any remains are found. So," he gets back on topic. "That leaves you."
"He won't kill me for his mother! He knows better now!" I raise my voice as loud as it will go, which is barely above a whisper. "He wants to kill you!"
"We'll see."
The confidence is radiating off of him. He must still hold some cards. Perhaps he thinks he has a way of reeling Minkah back in. It makes me hate him. He's just in it to control my brother. Afika is not capable of feeling love for someone else.
"She told lies too. Does he judge her for that?"
It takes me a second to realize as to whom he's referring to. "If Minkah's mother lied it was only because she was protecting…" My voice trails off as he stares at me.
…because she was protecting him.
(Afika's POV)
It's too late then? No matter how I argue I know how this will play out. I won't leave though nor will I let this boy walk away. It must be finished. I want to see Minkah for myself. He never so much as raised his voice against me, let alone a weapon. Could he do it now despite what he might have learned?
She told lies. She said we would be a family. Even then she knew what I was. From the very beginning she knew. I was nearly swayed by her gentleness and loving nature. The environment she had created for Minkah and herself, the false reality to block out the hatred people felt for her, was enticing to my young mind. No one hit me there. When she told me she wanted to me to stay and be a part of their family I knew it was because she was afraid to let me go. She knew I would go back to Apophis and direct them to her little sanctuary. Even after that, when they'd dragged us back to the base, she proclaimed that she cared about me. That was a lie as well…I open my mouth. He can make what he wants of it.
"Afika," she croaked from the floor where she lay.
The room was dark and blood covered the floors. The back of her dress was open, her back covered in welts. The bottoms of her feet were scalded as were her hands. Fida had been using chemicals for torture both physically and psychologically. She wasn't going anywhere. They didn't bother with restraints. She had been there for several weeks. There was no strength left in her body as she slowly, agonizingly withered away.
The dark haired child stood in the doorway staring at her. He had a knife in his hands. He was watching her cautiously.
"Afika," she repeated. "Have they hurt you? Where is Minkah?"
Her grey eyes were dry as she stared at him so helplessly. She couldn't protect her son. She couldn't even protect herself. In the boy's eyes she was nothing but pathetic. And yet…
"Malak," she tried weakly. "Is he all right? Please look out for each other. Please escape with him. You both…" She began a hacking cough with painful spasms. He waited with a blank face. "You both deserve better," she whispered hoarsely when she recovered. "You deserve to be free."
He stepped closer to her, pulling the knife from its sheath. Her eyes widened before becoming sad.
"Malak…ohebak," she whispered with a tear running down her cheek before he slashed her throat open…
"…He accepted her lies, that dim-witted child," I mutter to myself. "Partially it was because he wanted them to become the truth. That maybe if he protected her son then it would make a difference somehow. What a fool. Then Fida made it my duty to protect Minkah. Our elder created an elaborate tale of misery about Minkah and his mother and I fed it to the boy over and over until he believed it. I even drew several pictures of her with livid expressions. He took it from there."
"You killed her?" I'm drawn from my memories to find the Bakura whelp with a horrified expression. "You killed Minkah's mother? But why? What did Apophis want from her? What did she do to you that was so awful that you would…?!"
"Because it was required."
"They ordered you to…?"
"No. They wanted her to live, in fact."
"So why…?"
I smirk, all my teeth showing. "To be honest? She deserved to die. What a wretched excuse for a life. There was no reason for her to continue living."
He's angered now. "That wasn't your call to make!"
"That is your own opinion based on your own morals."
(Ryou's POV)
There's no way of redeeming him now. He killed Minkah's mother and has no remorse about it. He thought of her as some worthless inanimate thing. My brother will never forgive him for this. The difference for Minkah is he's sorry he killed my mother and Amane. Afika is not. He's not sorry for any of the atrocious acts he's committed. He's unremorseful for the lies and the pain he's caused.
Shivering even worse, I turn away so I cannot view him. I should have left it be. I shouldn't have asked him anything. He really is a monster. He just doesn't show it constantly as Kek does. That makes him more dangerous because he can catch people in his webs of lies. People let their guard down around him, unlike with Kek. That grin he wore when he said she deserved to die…It was so malicious, like he enjoyed even the memory of killing her.
I jump when something covers my torso. Gazing up in fright I'm looking at Afika's back as he returns to his chair. His coat is warm from his body heat and I bury my frozen fingers in it. It was not a gesture of kindness but to make certain I don't get hypothermia and die before Minkah comes. The heartless assassin has gone back to his work on that knife. He holds it with care and sharpens it in an almost loving fashion. This makes me sick, yet I need him to keep talking. I need to stay awake. His voice is the only thing that's keeping me from blacking out again. I try to think of a safer topic.
"What's your real name?"
He glances at me briefly. "Hmm?"
"Your real name," I repeat while pulling the coat tighter around myself. "Apophis changed many of the children's names, often replacing them with ancient Egyptian names."
"You've been talking to Niu, I see," he chuckles. Instead of answering my question he asks one of his own. "Speaking of ancient Egypt…Do you know who Apophis was?"
Dumbfounded by the change in subject but deciding to humor him, I answer. "No."
"He was the enemy of Re, the sun god. Every evening Re travelled to the Netherworld and had to face many hazards. Apophis was his greatest adversary: a mighty serpent who aimed to swallow the sun. It was fitting they chose the name for the organization, as Apophis was the main enemy of Re. Rather like we were the enemies of all that did not belong with us." Afika looks at me with serious consideration. "Do you know how Re was able to defeat Apophis?"
Why is he telling me this? Wouldn't it be more productive for him to interrogate me with questions about Minkah? Or preparing for Kek to arrive? Why talk about some ancient Egyptian myth? I fail to see the relevancy bearing in mind our current situation. Nevertheless I humor him again.
"No."
He doesn't give me an answer like I thought he would. Instead he stares as me before sitting back and scraping away at that knife again. I'm at a loss. What am I supposed to do? Ask him about ancient Egypt and Re and Apophis? I don't care about those things. They are meaningless.
"It's all the same," he murmurs, holding up the knife to examine his thorough work. "I never did like that story anyway."
Yup yup. A good place to stop. I considered a cliffie but that would have been cruel at this point. Especially since I'm going to try and work on at least the next chapter for BTBT and possibly an AIF chapter.
It's important to keep in mind that up until this point we really haven't been in Afika's head that much and that his character has changed since the first half, just as the others. We just don't witness he and the others as they change as often. So at this point he really wasn't out of character considering where I'm leading this to. I'm still keeping a few options open for him. Haven't decided his ultimate fate. Though XxYourXxDisasterXx has a hole dug already. lol
It's so funny. One or two of you brought up how you're sad when animals die but not as much when people do. I've found this to be so true with almost anyone I talk to! I've cried at...three or four movies total? Three of them the animals were dying/abused/whatever. Yet when some dude's head explodes (choughKasiyacough) I don't even blink. We're a messed up society, that we are. :P
It'd make me smile to see reviews in the double digits again! I miss some of you guys! (shakes box of orange tic tacs) Come and get 'em! XD