Hi lovelies! I'm off to vacation where there are no computers and such, so I had to cut the chapter a bit shorter than I wanted. Felt it had already been too long and it was time for an update! ;)
Less of you than last chappie. Sad! D:
XxYourXxDisasterXx: lol I figured you wouldn't think Afika would become a "good guy" but I didn't want to take the chance of a tantrum ensuing. (Afika: *scoffs* What the fuck are you talking about? They throw tantrums about how I need to die every single chapter!) haha! So true! XD (Afika: Why are you smiling?) *sweatdrop* And isn't it just plain cute how Minkah protects Malik? (Malik: He knocked me out AGAIN?) (Kasiya: At least you still have your fucking face...) Oh go away. You're dead.
cgflower: I know, isn't it fun how you guys are learning a lot but the characters aren't? Isn't it just...maddening? *licks lips* I'm glad you enjoyed the flashbacks. It's my first time using a dead person for narrations in first-person. I like to "test" different writing styles and stuff like that in my fan fics. This one was a success. Whoot!
Fallin-Alone-Scared-Lost: You only like Afika because he's insane and bad? Well good! He'll keep at least one fan then. (Afika: Umm...yay?) lol Glad you like Dimah's narrations. I was a bit concerned about her...you know, having a dead person narrate and all. But it's turned out really well. :) Ah, the comparing of Afika and Malik. I like to have things examined from different angles, such as having a few characters (in this case Marik) who realize it's not all black and white. (Minkah: Yes it is! My hair is white and his *points at Afika* is black!) -.-;
DMagic: Doha ya doha...It's the only part that's a bit iffy on translation. Doha is the capital of Qatar, and the literal translation is along the lines of "the big tree". Not sure which it's in reference to, if either. *sweatdrop* More likely the city. The fight scene. *rubs hands together* Yesss! I too am looking forward to that!
Peepz: "Now my minds all like, "poor little baby" and "DIE YOU MOTHAFUCKA" at the same time." ROFL! That's Awesome! XD Hope Minkah learns the truth, eh? Time for him to come face to face with Afika! Whoot!
Sagira98: *grins* I was wondering if anyone would question Honda and/or Niu's sexual orientation after that scene. (Honda: You make it sound dirty) lol No, they're not gay. (Niu: Well that's a relief. I could do sooo much better) (Honda: Hey!) I felt it was all right they show the amount of concern and emotion they did due to the fact they both feel Niu is going to die. "And Ryou and Niu had better live, otherwise I'm not going to be speaking to you for awhile." *grins slyly* Is that supposed to be a threat? jking! ;D Anyhoo, you shall not deter me! No one shall! Mwahahahaha!
Memnoch's Heart: "Why do I have the sinking feeling that one day I'm going to open up my documents and find all of the 'Minkahs' turned to something like 'Stuart'?" *whistles innocently* I have no idea what you're talking about...have you been talking to Peepz? What, you don't want it to turn into a smut fic?...Oh geez, now those images are in my head too! Thanks a lot! Ryou, put your damn clothes back on! (Ryou: B-but the reviewers s-said...!) Put them on! (Afika: Heh. You got in trouble. *smiles and a parrot drops dead*) O.o Wow. Would you look at that! You were right! (Afika: O.o) Oh I know what you mean about Doha ya Doha! I've never heard it either but it's like my mind has created a tune for it and it's THERE!
dragonlady222: Yes, Afika had a childhood before Apophis but he doesn't realize it. Sad, no? (Malik: *grumbling* He still needs a slow painful death) Confrontation time! Let us commence! 8D
So no one raised their hand for a chapter dedication. Sillies. :P Let's see, it shall beeeee....dragonlady222 and Sagira98! Song is "Had Enough" by Breaking Benjamin. It could fit in for sooo many different characters' POV's! XD
Milk it for all it's worth.
Make sure you get there first.
The apple of your eye.
The rotten core inside.
We are all prisoners.
Things couldn't get much worse.
I've had it up to here, you know your end is near.
Intoxicated eyes, no longer live that life.
You should have learned by now, I'll burn this whole world down!
I need some peace of mind, no fear of what's behind.
You think you've won this fight, you've only lost your mind.
You had to have it all,
Well have you had enough?
You greedy little bastard,
You will get what you deserve.
When all is said and done,
I will be the one to leave you in your misery and hate what you've become.
Heaven help you
Chapter 23: Loyalties
(Dimah's POV)
The sky is neither an endless black nor a dark velvet blue. It is grey. This is odd for there are no storm clouds. I shiver at the unnatural, uncanny way it remains so still and empty like a dirty piece of parchment stretched to its limit. I search for the seams, for a patch of that dark indigo or even a single star peeping through a small gap. There is nothing.
It is blank like the tainted promise I made to the boys. The determination of Afika and the hope in Minkah had impaired me of my better judgment. I'd never seen Afika grin the way he did then. I could not bear to lose that moment so soon when they begged that we leave this place. How could I have been so selfish?
While Minkah's curiosity of another home where people might accept us is pure, I am no fool as to the reason behind Afika's persistence. There is no doubt in my mind as to the cause. It's been several weeks since I brought the boy into our home. Apophis is on the move. He is surely being missed by now. They will be hunting down the child that has opened up to my son and me. He allows emotions to show that I'm not sure he even knew he was capable of feeling.
With the help of Yarah our neighbor I was informed of strangers entering the village seeking a certain child. She told me of this yesterday, saying she could not visit anymore. It's too dangerous to fraternize with me. That means word has traveled throughout the area by now.
We're already caught.
I tighten my lips as pain blisters behind my eyes. How do I tell them? Shoot down their dreams like a songbird riddled with bullets. It goes beyond that, for there is a darker intent approaching us, slithering like snakes in the eerie quiet under cover of night.
My fate is death. I have already accepted this. It is a fate long in the waiting. As for the boys? My fingers trail across the gun strapped under my outer robe. I cannot allow them to be taken and brainwashed. To be used as living weapons against others? They would lose much more than their freedom. They would themselves be lost to the 'cause'.
That depravation of humanity is far worse than death.
"Do we know where we are going yet?"
I gather my nerves before turning to look at Afika standing before the bedroom door. Every evening he has come out and asked the same questions. At first there was anticipation in him. He was excited about the idea of freedom and of a new life. That has since soured as time as waned onward. Doubt plagues him as that old suspicion he was taught returns.
My heart bleeds when I see that pain in his eyes that have become so alive. Our care and love breathed life into those previously empty orbs. It ripples across his features as an acknowledgment to the world of its presence.
"You don't plan to go," the boy states monotonously as if reading my thoughts. "You never planned to take us from here."
"Malak, that's not true…" I make to correct him even as his words dig deep.
"You lied to us!" he shouts while circling me in accusation. "You said we would leave this place!"
I try to think up a reason: "Malak, you must understand. I only have a passport for myself. Even with it, it will be difficult enough for me to get out of the country—let alone you two boys. And it's too late now."
I haven't seen that look of utter disbelief since the day he arrived. "That's your reason? You promised us! You promised!"
His temper is rising and he's becoming frantic at the idea of me betraying him. He's been deceived far too many times in his life already. Should I tell him the truth? That they're coming for him? That death is the only way out? The only chance of escape?
"I'm sorry, malak," I entreat him instead. "I…"
Tears.
Tears come forth in a torrent from his brown eyes. How many years worth of bitterness and aguish are within those droplets? He shakes his head when I make to speak.
"You lied to me!" he screams and I am sure Minkah must be awake by now if not already. "You promised to be my family! You said I could trust you but you lied!"
There it is.
The hopes he had and believed. Everything I was able to teach him and convince him in many difficult weeks snatched back in an instant. My tremulous hand closes around the gun. This is what I've been avoiding the entire time.
The last thing I wanted to do.
"Malak…" I try again, fraught for it not to end like this.
Not like this.
"You promised!" he emphasizes the word. A word I told him meant something, had a great valuable purpose.
I step towards him cautiously, my hand straying from the weapon in favor of reaching out to him. "Please listen to me…"
"No!"
Without warning he turns and races out the front door. In the chaotic tension I had not noticed he'd circled that far around me. I'm left in a moment of shock before realizing he has indeed run out into the streets.
"Afika!" I shout frantically chasing after only pausing to call to my son as I slam the door. "Minkah, stay inside!"
(Afika's POV)
I've been fighting an uphill battle for so long. Only one person has known it. I'd rather have my worst enemy be the one aware. Whether it is worse to have Kek know my weaknesses or strengths, I am not sure. It is of little matter for he knows both.
The tides are about to turn in my favor. I can snatch Minkah back from the disillusioned world those bastards have pulled him into. It is enticing; I'll allow the façade that much credit. But that's all it is. There is no 'truth' they spew that cannot be easily snuffed out like a candle. I was once captivated by that world. She bewitched me. She led me to believe in so many things that were nothing more than an earful of lies.
"How ironic I have done what you told me regardless," I muse with an ill smile.
The growl of a motor outside announces a new arrival. There is no need for caution on their part concerning traps. I wouldn't bother with such things at this point. Whoever wishes to face me, I am prepared to take.
Ryou has gone quiet where he lies on the couch. He is alive. I would have it no other way at this point. The injuries inflicted by Kek have taken their toll at long last. No more of his constant questions and inept accusations. I have not decided whether I want him to regain consciousness for when Minkah arrives or not. He does know too much now. Then again, I don't know how much my lover himself is aware.
"What's more important to you?" I ask my absent partner who is already climbing the stairs to this floor as the silent predator I trained him to be.
I walk over to the window and stare down at the lone snowmobile parked almost directly below. There is a single set of prints leading from it. He is alone then.
Good.
After a moment of hesitation the door creaks open across the room. I don't bother looking at him. The floorboards creak under his boots as he enters.
"You came alone," I comment mildly. "Why is that, Minkah?"
"Where is he, Afika?" he demands in a low voice laced with venom revealing his true objectives.
"Is it true that you're trying to protect those people?" I spit out contemptuously as he keeps his focus entirely on me, the back of the couch to him. "Have you forgotten what you came here to do?"
"I came here for my brother," he retorts aggressively. "And to fucking kill you!"
My blood boils at those words. Not the ones he expected. Not the outright threat. No. The subtle one. The one he does not understand.
The one I will now correct.
(Marik's POV)
It's been quiet for a long time. The only sounds are the crackling of the fire, occasional pained moans from Yami, and the high-pitched whistle of the wind as it seeps through any nook and crack it can. Half an hour ago we put the last of the wood in the fireplace. If they don't come back soon we'll have to start breaking furniture to throw in there.
Grandpa wrings his hands every time his eyes stray to the clock. Time seeps slowly in the mind but rushes quickly in truth. It's as if I were in a fog, unaware of what was going on around me. Yugi grows increasingly edgy as his brother's breaths slow into shallow ragged rasps. Fever burns through Yami at an alarming rate. Having done everything we are capable, we are forced with the tedious task of waiting for help to come to us.
As things stand there is no chance this can be resolved through means other than bloodshed. No treaty will be reached. There is no negotiating with people in that frame of mind. My adoptive family was extremely fortunate with Marik and me. The results could have easily been very different.
Resting my chin on my fists I sit in a chair across the way from Yugi and Grandpa who are tending to Yami, using a shirt to rewrap the infected wound. It is hardly proof of what Minkah is capable of; the same being said for my brother.
I'm all too aware of the scars covering my throat, marking me as unfit for life. Grandpa had remarked how well I've held myself together these past few days. I haven't had any real meltdowns. Normally I would. I cannot afford to shatter. None of us can afford it.
"Where are they?" Yugi asks no one as he eyes his brother worriedly. "What's taking so long?"
"Patience," Grandpa murmurs though it's clear he's just as uneasy. "It isn't like they were just walking down the road."
I bite my lip as I stare at the door. There are far more than the natural elements out there. Apophis isn't going to let us escape. Regardless of who is in charge, if anyone is leader anymore, the fact that we know about them is enough. Considering this, I stand slowly, listening intently for any sounds. Just as before there's a deathly hush. Far too quiet.
Unnerved, I tread cautiously across the room, not heeding Grandpa's admonishing for me to return to my seat. This is the perfect opportunity. Would they really pass up on it? Aside from one gun and a tranquilizer gun we are defenseless.
"Marik, please come back over here," Grandpa calls. "I don't want anyone going near the windows or doors."
"It's too quiet." Even in my whisper of a voice they hear me due to the silence.
"With the way the weather is there wouldn't be any animals or anything around," Yugi points out as I move towards one of the windows.
"He's right, Marik. It's just your nerves," Grandpa tries to assure me. "Now come back here."
Inhaling in frustration, I notice a faint odor. Nearing the door, it gets stronger and stronger. Carefully crouching down I can smell it clearly near the base of the door.
"Marik, what are you doing?"
My heart bounds when I recognize not only the source but the reason for its presence.
I jump back with a gasp at the orange flash outside the windows. The amount of heat that came from under the door warmed my skin to the extreme in an instant. Grandpa and Yugi leap to their feet in shouts. The inferno immediately takes the entire front of the house without delay. The windows break from the tremendous heat, smoke billowing into the room. Turning sharply my watering eyes can already see the black smoke flowing in from the kitchen as well as up the stairs from the basement.
"Marik!" Grandpa coughs somewhere in the chaos.
Trying to adjust my eyes as I scramble to my feet I swear I see a lone figure standing outside of the shattered window. They are alone and motionless.
A spectator to watch us burn.
(Malik's POV)
You don't have to come with me.
Throbbing pain… my head…
"Malik."
Where am I?
I was with someone…wasn't I? A voice is calling my name but…it's not…
"Malik."
Minkah.
No, it's not Minkah. But wasn't that who I was with? Weren't we going somewhere? Wasn't something bad happening?
An ache in my neck as someone gently lifts me slightly. Fingers press against my throat testing for a pulse. Why are they doing that? I'm here.
"Malik, wake up."
Wake up?
I told you I won't let you do this alone!
In order to wake up I would have to be asleep. I wouldn't doze off if something important were at work. Minkah needs my help. He's counting on me.
Oh god.
My eyes shoot open only to shut immediately as my vision swims. The person lowers me back onto something soft yet firm. Some piece of furniture. Taking another deep breath I open my eyes slowly this time. Niu gazes down at me with concern.
"I was afraid I'd have to drag you to the vehicle and have you jolted around in the back," he states with a fake humor to his voice. He pushes me back down as I make to sit. "Regain consciousness a few more minutes…"
"There's no time! Where's Minkah?" I gasp out struggling against him, only partially registering what he says.
"Stay down or I'll knock you out this time," he warns me. There is no teasing in his features. "I don't know where he is. I assume he went on ahead by himself."
I allow myself to fall back, breath in-taking when I spot the coat wrapped loosely around me. He knew Niu was coming. The tech-expert uses that damn radar. Minkah knew he'd find me here.
Safe and sound while he does the dirty work himself.
"We came upon two army transporters," Niu fills me in while waiting for me to recover. "Jounouchi and Honda have taken one back to the mansion to evacuate."
A different fear sets in my gut at the dark stains literally covering his clothing. The metallic reek is unmistakable. Despite the amount of blood Niu doesn't seem harmed. Not in a physical sense. I see a deeper wound though. His eyes have changed yet again.
"He can't do this alone. We must go after him!" I implore the now 'official' assassin who listens to me with a grim expression.
I don't know who Niu fought, but he killed. His eyes tell it all. Was it too much for him? Will he refuse to continue now that his hand has been forced? Or has it ignited a thirst for vengeance?
"I never said we weren't," he replies stonily. "You can regain your strength in the vehicle. We need to get moving."
(Minkah's POV)
"Your…brother?"
Afika asks in a measured uncertain tone as if he's confident he hasn't heard me correctly. It's hard for me to tell what he's thinking. For one of the first times since we became assassins, I attempt to read him. It's no easy task. That is the problem. I always followed him without question, blindly trusting him.
"Yes, where is Ryou?" I demand keeping the smaller of the two guns I'm carrying aimed at him. "I know you have him! Where is he?"
Like me, he is not wearing a coat. The house's heat is not on. Aside from the wind it's as freezing in here as it is outside. To leave himself to the cold like this is reckless. It will impair his effectiveness and accuracy. I had a reason. The chills shivering through me are a reminder that Malik is safe.
What is Afika's motive?
"Your brother, as you refer to him, is right in front of you," he grounds out disdainfully. "Haven't I always taught you keep yourself keen to your surroundings?"
It is then and only then that I notice the shallow breaths. Approaching with caution, I make my way around a sofa. There lies my brother, half of his face covered expertly in bloodied bandages. His skin is wan and his eye closed as he slumbers fitfully. Afika's coat is draped over him.
I don't know what to make of it. Placing a hand down almost protectively on my brother's head I quickly return my attention to Afika. Ignoring him could prove fatal. He's yet to look at me. Or so I think.
"What's with the gun?" he asks in mocking amusement. "They were never your choice of weapon before."
There is no answer I can come up with, my arm shaking as I glare at him. His words instantaneously take me to my knife that Kek returned.
"Niu hid his new designs from us. Practical bastard that he is. Have you become so spineless to hide behind something like that?" he scoffs in disgust.
Even as I do my best to keep my attention on him, my eyes stray to Ryou's motionless form. We know Kek had him first. Afika then stole him away. That brings me to the conclusion the wounds on his face are from Kek. Afika's been taking care of Ryou, guarding him even.
But why?
"If you hate him so much why haven't you killed him?" I ask slowly, placing myself between my brother and Afika.
"That is simple enough." He turns for the first time to face me. "I was saving that pleasure for you."
Even in the dim light my sharp eyes can view how much he has changed. The black hair is wild from the blistering elements. One hand is wrapped tightly in bandages. He's complexion is pallid as if he were sick. It could be so depending on how long he's been without his coat. Something about the way he's looking at me sets me on edge. The ill intentions show through clear and he makes no move to mask them. As he remains silent, I comprehend he answered me and what he's expecting me to do. Planting my feet firmly I ready myself to shoot.
"Take note of the one I am aiming the gun at."
He smirks at me. "It's not what she would have wanted."
A snarl rises in me and I force myself to keep in check. He would dare use that against me? "No it is not. I remember things now, Afik. I know the truth," I tell him bluntly, hoping to spark a reaction. "I know what she would have wanted."
"I see." He takes a confident step towards us, eyes trained on me. "Tell me: is this what she would have wanted then?" he asks calmly motioning to the gun. "The two of us turning on one another?"
My finger curled around the trigger freezes. He regards me with a baleful consideration as if waiting for the right moment to pounce. Everything inside of me screams to shoot him. His tormenting words prevent me from acting upon this driving urge.
"She trusted you," I remind him viciously. "My actions here will be forgiven."
"That's absurd," he scoffs in spite. "She never trusted me. Not for an instant. Trust is essential in many ways, but it is not everything. You can only depend upon a person to a certain degree."
"At least I can agree with that."
Afika's features darken but he doesn't move to strike. "You have been sorely misled by these people, Minkah. I'm merely setting things right."
"By having me kill them?"
This time his brow creases. "You're troubled. What is so hard to understand? It's what we've always done. You've never questioned it before."
"Maybe I've changed." My fingers run through my brother's hair matted with dried blood. He releases a small whimper in response. "I'm not going to kill anymore."
Afika's lips twitch before he frees an irrepressible chuckle. His shoulders shake as he bows his head mocking everything I have become. It's the perfect opportunity. A clean shot. One bullet will silence him for good.
He senses my hesitation, lifting his head with a sly smirk. "Of course you won't kill anymore…after finishing me off, right? Oh, and let's not forget Kek is still out there as well." Rubbing his chin in thought he says, "Then you'll be free of this at last. You can pretend to be one of them. Just like we've always pretended…"
"No!" I shout striding toward him meaningfully. "I'm done with that life! Once I've severed your head I'll be done with this for good!"
The wicked delight vanishes on the spot. In its place appears inquisitiveness.
"Sever my head? I assume that means you plan to use your khepesh to kill me?"
It's a challenge. Not only that, it's what I really want. With the gun I'm keeping my distance. I'm not really doing it myself. I owe it to Um to spill his blood with my own two hands. Slipping the gun into its holder at my side, I pull forth the curved blade Afika gave me all those years ago. Even though he is more skilled than me, he appears to be in a weakened state. It should give me just enough advantage. As if in answer to my proclamation he draws his knife in a leisure scraping sound while never looking away, never blinking.
"What are you just standing around for?" he asks with a sardonic smirk. "Don't tell me I have to attack the brat just to get you to…"
That's all it takes. I aim for his jugular. Slashing at him with my knife he blocks with ease, movements far faster than mine. He twists his arm skillfully, the curve of his knife catching mine, nearly ripping the ancient sword from my grasp. Almost immediately I'm on the defense, unable to match his speed. If he's experiencing pain or weakness it's not showing anymore.
Jerking sharply, I'm able to put several steps between us. He doesn't allow me to catch my breath, diving at me without delay. The next thing I know is stinging pain, blood oozing from long cuts to my upper arms. He comes at me again, this time catching me across the sides repeatedly in rapid succession. They aren't deep enough to be fatal. Just proof that if he wanted he could dice me into pieces anytime he feels like it.
Proof of who is superior.
"Is that it?" He slides his knife back into its sheath as if the fight were already over.
With a snarl I leap at him, taking advantage of his ego, choking as his booted foot lands to my gut forcing the air from me. It sends me tumbling across the floor. I keep my hold tight on my knife instead of protecting myself better from bruises as the room spins round in a battering cycle. Twisting my hips, I jump to my feet planting them squarely on the ground. Chest heaving, I attempt to catch my breath from the frozen space around us. It eats away at the tender lining of my throat like acid.
"You've been through a bit, haven't you?" he states more than inquires. "They can't even protect you. And you say you want to be a part of a world that treats you like this?"
"Speak for yourself!" I hiss advancing on him.
He offers a wry smile. "I'm not the one who keeps attacking, Minkah. My actions are simple retaliations to the blows you attempt. You know as well as I that I could kill you with ease if I wanted."
"Then try it!" I shout at him heatedly.
Fight me! What aren't you fighting me?
Instead he stares at me in the most infuriating way. "And why would I do something like that?"
Mind games. He's playing mind games with me again. I can't allow myself to be sucked into another of his delusions.
I collapse again by the force in his arm after another failed effort to stab him. Sliding unceremoniously across the floor I wince, glaring with hate at the person I love most in the world. He's watching me with that knowing look of his, arms at his sides as he waits for me to make the next move.
"This isn't very productive, Minkah. Are you quite through with your tantrum yet?"
"Tantrum?" I force myself up, feeling the blood gliding from the many shallow wounds. "You betray Um and me! You try to kill my friends! You raise me on a load of lies!" Crouching in a fighter's stance, I snarl: "And you dare call it a tantrum?"
Racing at him I'm certain it will hit him this time. He leaves himself open. My eyes bulge when he catches me by the wrist, twisting my arm behind me so my back is to him. His lips ghost against my ear as he speaks softly while holding me in an iron grip.
"You think my time with the two of you meant nothing to me?" The pressure around my wrist increases and I cannot free myself no matter how hard I resist. "All of this has been for you. Everything you've ranted, made into a stupid tragedy. After she died I took over that role of protecting you, loving you, teaching you. Is that so easy to cast aside for you?" I swallow the lump in my throat. "Am I so easy to cast aside?"
With a frightening grace he turns me around in one fluid movement. His fingers remain locked around the arm with the knife. He pays little attention to it. I shouldn't look at him but am immediately drawn in by his dark alluring eyes peering out from under uneven black bangs. It's terrifying how he can manipulate me solely by meeting my gaze. Again and again I repeat to myself that I'm here to kill him…and am finding it harder to believe.
(Niu's POV)
"We must be cautious when it comes to Afika. Especially you, Malik," I say while maneuvering the large vehicle through the dense undergrowth coated in ice.
The blonde Egyptian nods while gingerly rubbing the lump forming on his head. "Yeah, I know."
"No, I don't think you do." I glance at him. "While Afika was intent on killing off your entire group because you knew of us, it was not the sole reason. I could tell just by the way he spoke of it…when you were mentioned."
I've caught Malik's attention now. "He spoke of me specifically?"
"You sound surprised," I scoff, pausing a moment as we're jolted about crossing a half-frozen stream. "I'd say out of the entire group he has three main targets. You and Ryou are at the top. Next would most likely be Mr. Mutou. Everyone else would, of course, are marked as well."
"Grandpa?" Malik exclaims before asking aggressively, "He hasn't done anything to Afika. There's no reason to involve him in this!"
"That's the problem. He is involved," I do my best to explain while also keeping my attention on the many gauges and monitors as well as finding a route ahead of us. "The three of you pose the greatest threat to Afika."
"How is my grandfather a threat?" he demands.
I shake my head. "Think about it. What are the essential roles Afika has played in Minkah's life?" Malik stares at me in perplexity. Sighing I hold up my thumb, beginning the tally.
"The parent."
Index finger.
"The friend."
Second finger.
"The brother."
Ring finger.
"The lover."
Malik gazes at the digits in shock. "I never even considered…I just thought he wanted to get back at me!"
"If only it were that simple," I snort while glancing at my radar for any sign of life. "By my calculations, anyone who can fit any of those roles is a target for him."
"So basically: everyone."
"He will eliminate all possibilities."
"That is assuming Minkah doesn't kill him first."
My fingers clench but I keep eyes directed straight ahead. Something in my gut tells me that won't happen. It's something I cannot elucidate to Malik. He would not understand. How do you explain something as complex as an intuition? We both witnessed firsthand how enraged Minkah was when he 'remembered' what had become of his mother and Afika's part in her demise.
This is where the problem arises. He has to weigh Afika against his new friends and a mother he's almost completely forgotten. Angry, remembering her and finding out about the betrayal, it seemed simple enough. But when they come face to face everything will change. The rules go out the window. From this moment onward there are no certainties.
It's time to find out where Minkah's loyalties truly lie. Something I don't think even Minkah himself knows.
(Jounouchi's POV)
Murder.
How many video games and violent movies have I played and watched? I always thought it had steeled me from this sort of thing. Thought it meant I was more capable in some way. That, if necessary, I could do anything for the sake of the people I care about.
The last part is true.
…I'm nauseous from it.
Even when I vomited I tasted blood. The smell hasn't faded. If anything it's grown stronger. Everything reeks of it. I want to strip from these clothes except for the cold. Then I would yank out every last hair on my body and peel off my skin. Maybe then the revolting stench would depart.
I watched the life leave them. First came that surprised look on their faces…gaping eyes straying to me as they swayed and fell in a bloodied mess. Nothing but a heap of sewage the soul left behind. The last breath never came. No final words. Unlike in so many depictions of death, they died with their eyes wide open. Blind gazes staring, searching for someone to blame in an everlasting pursuit.
They're still chasing me.
Honda mutters he drives the vehicle. I don't bother looking at him, too disconnected. I don't even know if he's talking to me or not. He could be lost too. The sensations of crimson spray and the explosion of gunfire accompanied by muffled screaming drown me in my own senses. It's an ocean of zero visibility with no surface.
"…look at this!"
I left my gloves back in the disgusting red snow. Even so, I keep my hands clenched in front of me. They no doubt reek of blood. I don't want to smell it. Instead I hold my breath. Again and again I inhale through my mouth and wait until my lungs burn.
My upper arm is tightly bound where either Honda or Niu slowed the bleeding. It doesn't hurt. Or maybe it does and I just haven't realized it.
"…is burning!"
What do I do now? I can't take any of it back. I can't confess it to anyone. Those were Japanese soldiers I killed. Do I just move on with my life as if nothing happened? Is that even possible?
"Jou!"
Malik and Mink will know. They'll be able to tell me what I should do. How to blot out the images and mute the God-awful sounds. What about the smell? How do I get rid of the stench that's clinging to me, hanging in the air as a horrid reminder?
I nearly jump out of my skin when someone grabs my shoulder. Reaching for my gun I aim it at the offender, readied to shoot. Honda removes his hand slowly, a shocked expression carved into his face. Only after several seconds pass does it register in my brain. Lowering the gun in a daze, I just want to throw it into a snowdrift and be done with it.
"Sorry man, I…"
"Jou, snap out of it!" Honda completely writes off the fact I just held a gun point-blank to his chest. "There's smoke ahead! A lot!"
I blankly stare at the frantic, borderline crazed look in his eyes. What does this mean? I thought he was driving us away from all of the fighting. We're going to pick up Gramps, Yami, Marik, and Yugi to take them away.
Honda has returned to the controls, the vehicle picking up speed. I carefully get to my feet and take several unsteady steps to him. Leaning down I gaze out the front window. The sky is black, clouds swirling like hundreds of mini storms churning within the clouds. Then it hits me.
'Those aren't clouds.'
"Honda?" He doesn't respond. My anxiety increases tenfold. "Honda?"
"Hn?" he grunts distractedly, attention set on getting us closer to that billowing smoke.
"Where are we going?"
Mouth set in a tight line, he manages to answer. "Ryuuji's mansion."
(Afika's POV)
"You just have to kill him," I state smoothly. "Then it will be done."
"What will?" Minkah growls wriggling to free his arm. I don't grant him that freedom just yet.
Where has his head gone? I never imagined spending so little time with those people could have altered his perceptions so greatly.
Foolish. I should have known because the exact same thing happened to me. She did the same thing. While it's true I spent longer time and was younger than he is now, it's still almost identical.
Almost.
This time around is different because he has me. I had no one until I met her and Minkah. But he had me for practically his entire life.
It's completely dissimilar.
"Charles Bakura is dead."
Minkah stiffens, going still as he searches my face for any trace that I'm lying. He should realize I wouldn't lie about something like that. Then again, those people have planted seeds of doubt in his mind. They've manipulated him to turn him against me. With Niu as their new ally it makes their stories seem all the more credible.
My lover comes out of his stupor enough to attempt to ask.
"Y-You…?"
"I told you I would let you do the killings to avenge her," I remind him with a grim smile, feeling him begin to tremble under my hold. "His wife and daughter I helped you achieve. I brought him all the way out here for you. Sadly, I'm afraid the credit must go to Severa."
He narrows his eyes in suspicion. "Severa?"
"Your confusion is nothing to blame," I assure him. "She never was interested in our mission. After Kasiya's death I'm afraid she has gone haywire."
The shock spirals even further. "Kasiya is…?"
"That's of little importance," I wave it off. "He served his purpose."
Minkah's muscles flex under my fingers in retaliation to my words. "Niu said you thought of us along those lines."
"Us?" I echo hollowly, cursing the tech expert for meddling. How dare he put such thoughts into Minkah's head! "Who's this 'us'?"
"The other assassins. He said we're just pawns in your game…"
I snatch his chin with my other hand and draw our faces close. "You are not a pawn. Anyone who says otherwise I will personally disembowel. Have I ever treated you with anything less than my care and respect? The others had their uses. That's all."
The white-haired teen goes silent as he processes all of this sudden news I've thrown upon him. I can see him trying to separate truth from lies. Deciding who to trust…who's the enemy…This is my chance now that I have him away from those bastards. I can set things right again.
"Ryou was a mishap." I gently stroke his cheek with my hand and he flinches as if I'd struck him. "So he survived the car crash. It's of little consequence because…" Riding on my instinct, I uncurl my fingers from his wrist. Trailing my other hand across his clenched jaw and down his throat, I murmur, "It is easily corrected."
With a tremor in his gaze he takes a step back, putting distance between us and closing the gap between himself and the boy. Minkah doesn't turn from me as if I would stab him in the back if he did. Since when did he become afraid of me?
"Finish it," I encourage him motioning to the teen behind him. "End this once and for all."
"And then what?" he asks as he approaches the unconscious form, khepesh in his right hand. "What happens after he's dead?"
He's weighing his options. They offered him something. What is it? It must be something he feels I could never give him—or they have convinced him I cannot. They will not have him so easily.
"We leave this place. We'll be free at last. Just as I promised you."
Minkah stops above the boy reaching his free hand back to find the bandaged face. "And what does that mean, Afika?"
The doubt in his voice creates a tension in the atmosphere. Sensing his faltering I take a step forward. He's asking too many questions. "What are you talking about?"
"Freedom." Grey eyes dart to me. "What does it mean?"
(Kek's POV)
All of the pieces have come together at last.
Minkah arrived. Alone. Afika is upstairs in the house with the Bakura brat. Minkah was positively seething when he went in there.
Perfect.
I could not have planned it better myself. The only people unaccounted for are Kasiya and Severa. At this point I have concluded they either ran off or Afika disposed of them. I could care less either way. They would have only been nuisances.
How do I want to make my grand entrance? I suppose I can't wait out here any longer. If I give them too much time they will kill one another.
No. That's not correct.
Afika won't kill Minkah. Not right off the bat. He has to get riled up first. The boy I tortured should provide the necessary fuel for that. Minkah will want to protect him. That will get under Afika's skin like nothing else.
The truth will be mind-numbing to Minkah. He won't know what hit him. He's been betrayed on so many levels, but this one takes all. It's the one that is unforgivable by the world's standards. Which is why Afika did everything in his power to make sure the kid never found out.
I've got a few surprises up my sleeves that they won't be ready for. It's not meant to kill but to contain. Even if I have to go to the extremes and go down with them it will be worth it to see the suffering on Afika's face. I'll dig out those damn eyes of his and silence him for good. It will be done gradually though.
I want to savor this.
Licking my lips, I don't even make a step forward before the low rumbling reaches my ears. I know that sound. Don't tell me more of those army maggots are still sneaking around the forest? Cursing them and the nuisances that they are, I make my way along the tree line bordering the clearing surrounding the house. Even as I do so the noise gets louder.
"Don't know when to quit, do you?" I grumble taking out a pair of specialty binoculars I picked off one of their own.
Zooming in, I search the distant woods as the branches above tremble, snow falling down in cushioned thuds. Any moment now. While this isn't my preference in the ways of killing, it can't be helped. I'm on a tight timeslot. There is, unfortunately, no time to play with them tonight.
Well, fortunate for them.
The engine dies. A silence suddenly fills the air. They stopped before they reached the explosives. Why? There's no way they could have detected them! It would take an absolute genius in weapons and warfare to be able to…
I run my tongue across my teeth as I grin, drawing a gun while scanning the area ahead. The snow crushes under my boots as I tread vigilantly between the trees and bushes in search of my prey. Then I stop.
Listening intently, I hear it. Footsteps. Two sets. This has gotten interesting indeed.
The bullet whistles through the air, hitting the trunk to the left of my head. Smirking, I turn to face the newcomers.
"Come on out, Niu," I jeer while moving swiftly through the trees. "You didn't come all this way just to hide from me, did you?"
Footsteps to my left and right now. Those on the left are more hesitant. It's either fear or they're waiting for their partner to keep me preoccupied. No matter. I can tell from the way they walk that neither is a trained assassin. Therefore they are no real threat.
A figure appears from the brush and I recognize Niu. He carries a gun I've never seen before. A second is tucked through his belt, resting on his hip. Heh. It figures he would save the best for himself. They probably have all sorts of safeties. Nevertheless, I should do well to be cautious. If he took enough energy to hide their existence from us then they must pack a quite a punch. I smirk at his stony expression.
"Keeping the greatest weapons for yourself and you don't even gloat. You don't look happy to see me." Motioning with my empty hand towards the whereabouts of his hidden partner, I inquire: "Isn't your friend going to come play with us?"
"He has more important things to attend to," Niu replies in an unusual composure for him. It's different than his bland manner. There's an edge to his voice. A poise.
It's then I spot the bloodstains covering his dark garments. Could it be? Whoever bled out that much is no longer of this world, that's for sure. I remember the army vehicle they used to get here. It puts me on guard; proof he isn't as much of a pansy as he once was.
"You killed the Japanese army? You actually pulled the trigger?" I let out a low whistle of condescending approval. "Niu, I didn't think you had the balls."
The bullets come like a hailstorm. These aren't the same as the one shot earlier. When they hit the tree trunks the bark splinters in mini explosions. Tiny pieces of metal fly in every direction. Bullets that burst into fragments upon impact. A hit like that would rip through a human body, tearing muscles and nerves all along the way.
Dodging behind a large tree for cover I get my bearings, keen senses searching out the buddy he brought along. The shots were all fired by Niu. While he was aiming to kill, it was more of a ploy than anything else so the other weakling could slip past me. Niu, having managed to sniff out my traps, has no doubt given his co-conspirator some way of getting the rest of the way unscathed. He wouldn't send him if he felt otherwise. I don't sense the second presence anymore. They went on ahead.
"Who's hiding now?" There is a taunt to the fucker's tone as he stands there smugly with his special weapons. "What?—you can only fight people who don't have a means of defending themselves? How do you expect to defeat Afika if you can't even face me?"
I laugh at the pathetic attempt to rattle my nerves. "And your IQ has given you a false sense of security." Carefully reaching into my coat pocket my fingers nudge against another 'souvenir' of mine. "In the real world if you can't fight you die...as you are about to find out."
(Dimah's POV)
The door creaks open slowly. I don't bother to open my eyes, listening for the heavy footfall of Nimr or one of the other leaders. They don't bother to be silent, making their presence known; demanding respect and acknowledgment.
Fida is the only quiet one. The poison expert has used a range of chemicals on my skin. The soles of my feet have been scalded, the skin melted away by some substance he concocted. My hands received the same treatment. Although I was not trained as long as some of their recruits, I know enough about weapons as well as escaping. My robe is torn open, my back ripped apart.
They want me talk. I won't. They threatened to harm Afika and my son. It was then I had to weigh the balance of lives. I couldn't do it. Not even for the boys.
"Malak," I croak from where I lay on the filthy floor.
Cracking my eyes open I'm met with the sight of him standing there with one of the khepesh in his small hands. The bronze blade has been replaced with a deadly steel one. It is something I have had to become accustomed to.
"Afika, have they hurt you? Where is Minkah?"
He approaches slowly, standing over me with those hollow eyes regarding me unreceptively. The life has once again been sucked from them leaving an empty void. It's impossible to say whether I can bring him back a second time. While it's obvious he has lost faith in me, there's still the fact that he has repeatedly snuck into my cell over the past few weeks.
The child never speaks. He doesn't get angry and blame me for our current situation. Nor does he ask questions. He just stares at me as if gazing forlornly at a life that was obtainable for but an instant.
Perhaps the most difficult part of it is that I don't know what has become of my son. I can only imagine the confusion and fright Minkah has gone through. I know it is for the best though. If he knew that I am here he would be begging to see me. That would get him killed for certain. No, this is the only way. I hate it but it will keep him focused and that will keep him alive.
"You should go. You will be missed," I warn Afika of the impending danger of being found here.
He doesn't make any sign he hears me. He turns the knife over and over in his hands while staring at me in a trance. Unnerved, I raise my head slightly.
"Malak, please say something."
This draws a reaction. He turns and walks away. I lower my head back to the soiled floor in defeat. Then he stops, pausing in contemplation of whether to speak. My heart stops beating, hope fluttering in my chest. Raising his hand with the altered khepesh, his voice is an uncannily calm murmur.
"He'll do it for you. All of it will be for you."
My blood runs cold. He wouldn't…!
"Malak…"
Turning around he pierces me with a hateful glare. "That is my promise to you."
(Minkah's POV)
Afika stares at me as if a second head had just sprouted from my shoulder. My question has confused him. Or perhaps it's that he doesn't have an answer.
This is heartbreaking to me. All of this time when he spoke of escaping, of being free, I thought he knew what he wanted in life. The fact of the matter is: he knows nothing about freedom. Apophis twisted his mind and notions on reality until there was nothing left but the lessons of being an assassin and the push for freedom. Even if he didn't know what it entitled, he wanted it. I don't fully understand it either, though the others have tried to explain the concept to me.
What's even more baffling is how he came upon the idea of a revolution in the first place. Who planted the seed in his mind? He must have witnessed something that made him yearn for life outside of Apophis. I just don't know what that thing is.
Ryou moans in agony, dividing my attention between the two of them. It's a reminder that I have to decide. Do I go with my brother and the others? Strive to live what most would call a 'normal' life? Or do I remain by Afik's side? Can I really hoist all of the blame onto him when I myself am so much like him?
"It doesn't have to be this way," I say quietly, silently imploring him to yield even though we both know it won't happen. "Afik, I wasn't going to abandon you for them. I never planned to and it has never been my intention." That coldness seeps through my veins again as I recall the atrocities he's committed against me. "But I cannot trust you anymore. There's no way I can believe anything you say."
He regards me in a pained silence, turning from me and striding back to the window. It's beginning to snow outside. The wind carries the flakes every which way in a befuddled frenzy.
"Just kill him and it will be done."
"I'm not going to kill him!"
Another long pause at the sound of bullets from somewhere in the forest. My heart leaps to my throat. Who would come? And who are they fighting? Afika's keen eyes track something like a soaring eagle spotting an unfortunate mouse in a field far below.
"So you would kill me instead? You would replace me?"
I shake my head in disbelief to what I'm hearing. "I have never…!"
"That's a lie and we both know it!" he snaps harshly at me, eyes alight. He stalks back towards us. "You would kill me for them? For a mother you barely remember?" he murmurs desolately making certain I cannot look away from him. "What do you really remember about her? How long have you actually known those people?" A fierce glint sparks in his eyes the likes of which I've never seen. "I sacrificed everything for you! My entire life! I did all of it for you and you would repay me by replacing me?"
I'm beyond stunned. "I never was out to replace you! Is it so horrible to care about more than one person?"
"Of course it is!" He's livid now. "Why do you think I only shielded you? Only looked after you? The more bonds you have the weaker you become! It leaves you exposed and vulnerable. Take him for instance." Every muscle in my body tenses at the fierce look he sends my brother. "If I were Kek what would you do? You couldn't possibly protect yourself and that kid. Sacrifices have to be made. I learned the hard way about betrayal and was trying to spare you the same."
"What are you talking about?" I exclaim unable to control my anger. "You betrayed me!"
"No." The crazed gleam in his eyes warns me he's been pushed to his limit. "You betrayed me. Choosing that little brat and his pathetic friends and a life that you will never be able to be a part of!" To my surprise and horror he draws his khepesh from its sheath. "And now you have the gall to bring him here," he hisses.
Before I can question or react, the door swings open with a loud bang as it hits the wall. On instinct, I swerve while drawing my gun and aim at the newcomer, ready to shoot Kek straight to hell. My arm goes rigid at the familiar lavender eyes glaring right back at me over the barrel of one of Niu's guns. Even with my back to Afik I can feel the rage vibrating in the air. Now his sudden change of mind-set and hostility towards me makes sense.
"Minkah," Malik speaks in a stony voice, eyes veering past me to Afika. "Move aside."
Oooh the excitement! A cliffie! A cliffie! 8D
And now I'm off to vacation for a little over a week! No internet and other technologies. It shall be glorious to get away. :) I will, however, work on this one and AIF...just on paper instead.
I for one can say it's been a very busy time of year, but I'd love the reviews! XD
Fight scenes next chapter! *waves them in front of readers* Come an' get 'em!