Painful Memories: Part III: Consequences

A Surprise Visitor

"Are you sure this is the right way?" Ryou followed breathlessly as the two dodged around crowds and side-stepped luggage, strollers, wandering children, and businessmen on phones. They had just reached the main lobby again and the echo of noise seemed even louder than before.

"Pretty sure," he called over his shoulder. A string of children suddenly cut between them and Marik had to bite his tongue to keep from blurting out a curse. He felt Ryou link fingers through his and glanced back just in time to catch Ryou's soft smile.

"Lead the way. They should be landing pretty soon, right?"

"I think so. Rishid should be here to pick us up soon too."

They had to squeeze through a line of baggage toting teenagers before they had reached the center of the lobby. Marik was glad Ryou had taken his hand, otherwise they really would have been separated. He also wasn't too sure how well Ryou could speak Arabic, and didn't really want him getting lost in this place. As much as their relationship did go hot and cold, Ryou still seemed frail to him and it didn't take a stretch of the imagination to see someone taking advantage of that.

They had nearly reached the hallway they needed when Marik heard a familiar voice cry out from behind, "Ryou! Hey, wait up!"

He froze and turned to Ryou who looked just as confused. Marik scanned the crowd but didn't see anyone familiar near them. "Do you know of any women around here?"

"No, but that sounds like-"

"RYOU!" Anzu appeared out of nowhere and tackled Ryou so hard both of the bags she had over a shoulder fell down her arm, and smacked into him. "Oh, I'm so glad to see you! I was worried cause Yugi wasn't answering his cell phone, and I didn't think anybody else would be here yet!"

"Anzu... hi," Ryou muttered as Anzu released her bear hug. She glanced once at them holding hands, but didn't make anything of it.

"Did you all fly in with Yugi and Pegasus?"

Marik stepped forward and put a hand on her shoulder, "Not so loud! You want everyone to know they're heading in?"

Anzu arched an eyebrow at him, "Well it's nice to see you too, Marik. Why the secrecy?"

He sighed, "Just follow us. We have to save them from the crowds."

"Crowds, what crowds?"

"The fans actually," Ryou said. "There's a regional tournament going on. They could get mobbed."

Anzu brighted, "Really? Oh that would be so cool! I bet Yugi would love it!"

"No," Marik added. "I don't think you get the idea of what he means by mobbed."

Ryou nodded, "Marik said they didn't bring enough body guards for all three, not if they get surrounded or something. It could get rather intense. Hopefully all they want to take are photographs."

"What do you mean by-" Anzu's eyes went wide, "OH."

She started sprinting ahead, despite the fact that Marik was pretty sure she hadn't a clue where to go.