Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Tearing Down the Sky ❯ The Reunion ( Chapter 11 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Tearing Down the Sky

Hato-chiisai

YAOI There is a lemon in this chapter. I*ll let you know when it starts so you don*t have to read. This is your official WARNING!

And this fic is still dedicated to Mally-chan! ^_^

Disclaimer: Ownership is not mine.

Chapter 11

The Reunion

The demon opened his eyes and looked a the sleeping angel, resting on his chest. He smiled, and kissed his new lover*s forehead, with a tender gentleness he rarely showed to anyone. The little angel slowly opened his eyes, and looked up at the demon. He smiled.

*Good morning.* The demon murmured, and the angel smiled, closing his eyes again. The demon stroked his cheek, then kissed his lips, gently. The angel moaned, and clung to his demon counterpart.

*Wake up, love. I have a surprise for you.*

*What is it?*

*You have to get up to find out, Malik.*

*Ohhh, fine.* Malik whined, and sat up. Marik got out of bed, and went to the closet to get dressed. Malik followed. He curled has arms around Marik*s waist, and let his head fall to the demon*s shoulder. Marik smiled.

*Come on. We have to go.*

*Where?*

*You*ll find out when we get there. But promise me one thing, love.*

*Anything.*

*Behave yourself.*


*Huh? Why?* Malik asked. Half an hour later, he found out why when Bakura appeared on the other side of the door that Marik had just knocked on. Malik glared in hate, and Bakura looked him up and down.

*Bring him in.* He said, and let Marik and Malik in. *You are Malik?* He asked. Malik nodded. *I am Bakura. And I*m glad to meet you.* Malik scowled. Bakura smirked, and chuckled. *Bring him up, Marik. You can take the leash off, too.* Marik nodded, and took the leash off of Malik*s collar, and had Malik proceed him up the stairs after Bakura. They emerged into Bakura*s bedroom, and Malik frowned. Bakura turned, and looked at Malik. Then Marik covered Malik*s eyes with his hand.

*Use your other senses first.* He said. *What do you hear?* Malik listened.

*Breathing.*

*What do you feel?*

*............ scared.....* Marik looked surprised by this answer. *And..... cold.* Marik smirked, and led Malik over to the bed.

*I can fix that.* He made Malik lie down, and covered him with the blankets. *Listen again.* Malik frowned. He heard his own breathing, and Marik*s breathing, and Bakura*s behind Marik*s but.... There was more breathing coming from someone in the bed that he was lying in. *Now.... What do you smell?* Malik sniffed the air.

*Insence. Cinnamon insence....... And...............* His heart pounded. *Gardenia.........* Marik*s hand left his eyes, and he blinked them open.

*And.... what do you see?*

Marik and Bakura watched Malik*s entire body stiffen and his eyes widen as he stared at Ryou lying next to him in bed, only inches away, breathing softly in his sleep. Bakura exchanged a glance with Marik when Malik slowly reached a hand out and brushed his fingers over Ryou*s cheek. Ryou*s brow furrowed slightly, as he moaned and shifted. Malik sat up, and leaned over Ryou, eyes wide. Then, his eyes closed, and he bent down. Both Bakura and Marik felt their hearts rise into their throats when Malik*s lips embraced Ryou*s. Ryou frowned slightly, and then, slowly, his eyes blinked open. Malik pulled back, and opened his eyes. Ryou and Malik stared at each other, as if unable to believe that this was happening.


*M-MAlik.....?* Ryou gasped. A tear fell from Malik*s eye, and fell to Ryou*s cheek. Ryou blinked, then sobbed, and crushed his mouth to Malik*s. Malik held him close, and kissed him back with as much passion and vigour as the smaller angel. Tears streamed down their faces as they kissed more passionately than Marik and Bakura had ever seen anyone kiss; not even themselves. Bakura looked at Marik, then slowly left the room. Marik followed, closing the door behind him. Both went downstairs in silence, unable to bear the sight of their lovers together like that. They sat on the sofa, side by side for a moment, until Bakura broke down and crawled into Marik*s arms. The pair of demon*s held each other, and cried.

**************************

Ryou sobbed beneath Malik, unable to speak as his angelic lover kissed him all over his fce. He held Malik to him, stroking his hair, and kissing his face himself. Malik wept over Ryou, holding him tightly.

*Ryou!* He whimpered, pressing his lips to Ryou*s. *You*re alive! You*re alive! I thought you were dead! You*re alive!* Ryou laughed through his tears.

*Yes. I*m alive! Malik, I thought I*d never see you again!* After nearly another fifteen minutes of joyous tears and kisses, Malik finally got control over himsefl and pulled Ryou into his chest, letting him rest his head on his shoulder. He ran his fingers through Ryou*s silken locks, feeling the younger boy*s heart beating against his abdomen.

*Ryou....How have you been?*

*Fine, Malik.*

*Has he hurt you?*

*Who? Bakura?*

*Who else?*

*No. He has*t hurt me.....* Ryou replied, and bit his lip. He suddenly felt ill, but tried to ignore it. *What about you? How long have you been with Marik?*

*Two, three days...*

*Has he treated you well?*

*Yes. As a matter of fact, he has taken good care of me.*

*They are very surpising, aren*t they?* Ryou said, smiling and rubbing his cheek agaist Malik*s chest.

*Who?*


*The demons. They*re not what we expected.*

*No. They*re not.*

*They have been very kind to me, Malik. Especailly Bakura. I find it hard to believe myself, but.... I*m happy here.*

*What?!?*

*All that was missing, was you....*

*Ryou.....* Malik murmured, squeezing Ryou, tightly. *I know what you mean. None of the demons have tried to hurt me.*

*I wish I were so lucky.*

*What do you mean, Ryou?*

*A demon named Keith.....*

*Keith?!? You met Keith?!*

*Unfortunately.*

*He raped**

*Marik. I know.* Ryou finished. *He... He tried to rape Yami. And... me.*

*What?!*

*He tried to rape Yami, and I stopped him.*

*You stopped him?*

*But he tried to rape me.*

*Ryou! Are you alright?!*

*Bakura saved me.*

*Oh, thank Heaven!* Malik breathed, clinging tightly to Ryou. *So, this Bakura has taken care of you.*


*Yes. He has taken very good care of me. I no longer fear him. I... I trust him. Do you trust Marik?*

*Yes. I do. Marik and I have become very.....*

*.... close.* Ryou finished, softly, then suddenly sobbed. And couldn*t stop.

*Ryou?! Ryou, what*s wrong?!* He rocked Ryou, shocked and disturbed by his sudden outburst. After a few minutes, Ryou calmed down.

*Malik....* He hiccupped.

*Yes?*

*I have to tell you something.*

*You can tell me anything, love.* Ryou sobbed again, and clung to Malik tightly. Malik held him closer when Ryou let out a pain-filled moan into the taller boy*s chest. *Ryou, you have nothing to fear from me.....*

*Malik. I love you. You know that, right?*

*Of course I know that. What*s wrong.*

*We promised that we would be each other*s one and only.*

*.... y-yes. We, we did.* Malik stammered, and felt his heart clench in guilt.

*Malik, I*m so sorry...*

*For what?*

*Bakura and I....* Malik held his breath. *We*ve gotten really close. Malik, I think I*ve fallen in love with him.* Malik let his breath out, and let his head fall.

*I, I see.......*

*Malik, there*s more..... Last night, I, we, I.... I broke the promise we made.*

*................*


*Malik, Bakura made love to me last night. And.... I let him. I, I wanted him to do it. Even thought I promised that you*d be my first.... Malik. Bakura is my first.... I*m so so sorry! Please! Please forgive me!* Malik stared off into space. His heart felt dead. Slowly, he removed his arms from Ryou, and slid out from under him. Ryou sat up and watched him, with tear filled eyes, as Malik left the bed, and turned his back.

*Malik! Please!* Ryou gasped, as the other boy began walking towards the door. Ryou flopped to the bed, and wailed into the sheets. His sobs tore at Malik*s heart; he could feel them more than hear them, and felt tears burning his own eyes. All he could think, was that Ryou, his lover, whom he trusted more than anyone, had betrayed him. But then, a nasty little voice in his mind made him remember last night. Ryou had not betrayed him anymore than he had betrayed Ryou. But he argued with himself. There WAS a difference. Ryou knew Malik was alive when he had allowed the demon to bed him. He, on the other hand, thought that Ryou was dead when he lay beneathe Marik. So Ryou*s betrayal was far more than his own. He warred with himsefl over this, but through it all, he could not escape the cries of a broken heart coming from the smaller angel. Malik felt the tears stream down his face, as his knees hit the floor. He felt a sob torn from his own chest, and he turned and looked back at Ryou. He couldn*t do this. He stood, and stumbled back to the bed throwing himself on Ryou, crying.

*Ryou! Ryou, don*t cry! Please don*t cry!*

*I, I betrayed you Malik! I betrayed you! I*m so sorry!* Malik shook his head, and pulled Ryou into his arms, rocking him.

*No Ryou. Don*t apologize. You haven*t betrayed me any more than I have betrayed you.* Ryou gulped, and pulled away, looking at Malik.

*W-what?*

*You are not alone in you sin, Ryou.... Last night, I let Marik take me to bed....* Ryou*s eyes widened in shock, as the tears coursed down Malik*s cheeks. *I*m so sorry, Ryou. Don*t cry. I forgive you.* He hugged Ryou tightly, burying his face in Ryou*s hair. *Can you forgive me?*

*Yes!* Ryou cried, his voice filled with joyful releif. *Of course I can! I love you! How can I not forgive you?! I love you!* Malik and Ryou cried in each other*s arms.

*********************

*I wonder if Malik will tell him.* Marik mused, aloud.

*Tell him what?* Bakura asked.

*I had sex with Malik last night.*

*You what?!*


*I took Malik to my bed last night, Bakura.*

*You did? I... I....*

*You got laid too, didn*t you?* Mariki asked, looking at Bakura, who nodded. *I feel so guilty. We shouldn*t have done it.*

*Why?*

*Do you know that they were lovers?*

*Yes?*

*Are you aware that they made a promise to one another?*

*A promise?*

*They promised themselves to each other.*

*Themselves?*

*Their virginity, Bakura. Ryou and Malik promised one another their virginity.* Bakura*s eyes widened.

*They broke their word........ They gave themselves to us......*

***********************

Malik cuddled Ryou gently, just like he often would, and Ryou, still sniffling, was curled up in his lover*s arms.

*Malik?*

*Yes?*

*I*m sorry I can*t give you my innocence.*

*Shh... Don*t worry about it, Ryou. And by the way. Happy Birthday.* Ryou looked up, eyes shining.

*Malik.... I love you.....* He kissed Malik.


*Ryou..... I know that you gave your innocence to Bakura, and if you love him, I understand. I love Marik as well. But I loved you first Ryou. And... I was wondering.....*

*Yes?*

*Bakura was your first. But, will you do me the honors, of being your second?* Malik nervously avoided Ryou*s gaze. Ryou brushed Malik*s bangs from his face, and gently kissed his lips. Malik*s eyes snapped back to Ryou*s, as they gazed at him. Ryou smiled.

*Yes.....* He whispered. *That would make me so happy.* Malik looked surprised.

*R-really?!* Ryou nodded, a beautiful smile on his face. He pressed his lips to Malik again, and traced his lips with his tongue. Malik gasped, and parted them, allowing Ryou to slip his small tongue into his mouth. Malik moaned, and gently nipped Ryou*s tongue, smiling at the little squeak that came from his lover, and forced his tongue into Ryou*s warm mouth. Ryou slowly rolled off of Malik*s chest and onto his back, pulling Malik on top of him. Malik moaned again, and ran his fingers through Ryou*s hair. Ryou responded by bending his knee, and rubbing his leg against Malik*s hip. The bed sheet slipped down, revealing his bare thigh. Malik smiled at that, and moved down to kiss Ryou*s throat, while stroking his creamy leg. He brushed the bed sheet down Ryou*s body until his torso was bare.

*Ryou?*

*Yes?*

*Are you wearing.... anything?*

*You mean under the sheets?*

*Yes.*

*Umm...... No.* Ryou said, and blushed, shyly.

*Ryou....* Malik breathed.

*Malik....* Ryou whispered. *You are way too dressed.* Malik chuckled, and kicked off his shoes.

*Okay then.* He said, and threw off the light shirt he wore. He smiled when he felt Ryou*s hands on the waistband of his pants. *Where in heavens name is my shy little angel?* Ryou giggled.

*Taking a nap.* He said, and kissed Malik again, sliding the fabric down his tan lover*s thighs. *I love you Malik. And I*m not shy with you.* Malik smirked, and tossed the bed sheet off of Ryou, who yelped and blushed. Malik snickered when Ryou covered himself with his wing.


*So you*re not shy with me, huh?* Ryou scowled, and blushed darker.

*You startled me, that*s all.* Ryou said, and flared his wings, exposing his nude body. Malik sat back, smiling and looking over Ryou*s body. Ryou snorted and looked away, blushing furiously.

*Ryou, you act like I*ve never seen you naked before. We grew up together, I*ve seen you hundreds of times.* Ryou smiled slightly, and looked at Malik.

*Then let me see you.* He said, and Malik nodded, taking his pants off all the way, and sat naked on his knees by Ryou, who smiled and sat up, hugging Malik close to him. The pair cuddled each other, nuzzling and stroking the other*s bodies, as they would to put one another to sleep when they would sleep together.

*I love you...* Ryou crooned, as he nuzzled Malik*s throat, and caressed his stomach and inner thigh. Malik ran his hand over Ryou*s buttocks and his other hand through his hair, while he kissed his forehead. Ryou kissed Malik*s lips, then straddled his thigh, and rubbed against him. Malik gasped at the feeling, then turned and lay Ryou back on the bed, placing one knee between Ryou*s legs. He leaned over Ryou, rubbing his thigh against his growing arousal, and gently sucked one of Ryou*s nipples into his mouth. Ryou gasped and shivered as Malik nibbled it. His hand teased Ryou*s other nipple, while he suckled the first, lovingly. Ryou moaned, and arched his back, rubbing against Malik*s thigh.

The angels* wings rustled, and the smell of cinnamon and gardenia combined into an exotic perfume that filled the room, as their soft moans continued. They continued to kiss deeply, as they rubbed their heated flesh against each other.

*M-Malik!!!* Ryou gasped, and Malik looked down at his lover, groaning as the pale boy spread his legs wide enough to fit Malik between them. Malik blinked, as Ryou pulled his tan lover over him, his lower body falling between Ryou*s legs. The two rubbed against each other desperately, as they kissed, over and over again.

*Ryou.... Oh, Heaven, Ryou!!!* Malik cried, as his lover licked and nipped at his ears and throat. Below them, Marik and Bakura heard Malik*s cry, and held one another tighter, trying to contain their tears, with no results.

*I think they*ve made their choice.* Bakura gasped, and a sob escaped his chest, at the pain in his heart.

*We, we knew this was possible, Bakura.*

*What do we do now?*


*We cherish the one night we had that they were ours alone.* Marik whispered, as Bakura*s breath came in ragged gasps. *And know that I will always be here for you, Bakura.* Bakura looked up at Marik, but let a low wail of sorrow out, and his head feel to Marik*s chest when Ryou*s voice rose into hearing range.

*Oh! Malik! Malik, please!!! Yes!*

Malik smiled at Ryou*s shout as he gently stroked his sex, amazed as always at the boy*s satiny skin. It was so soft, so warm, so smooth... Malik bent down, and his tongue trailed up Ryou*s abdomen, making the boy shiver and moan. Malik smiled as he took Ryou*s nipple into his mouth again, suckling like an infant on its mother. Ryou moaned at the feeling of Malik*s mouth on his chest, one hand in his hair, and the other hand stroking the stiff flesh between his thighs. Malik smiled, and brushed his wing over Ryou*s chest, adding to the pleasure.

*Malik!* Ryou gasped. *Enough! Please! I need you!* Malik found himself pulled up to Ryou*s mouth again. Ryou pulled him between his legs again, never releasing the tan angel from the kiss. Malik moved into position. He had asked Arch Angel Rishido not long ago what to do in this position, after telling him of his plans to bed Ryou on his birthday, and Rishido had told him what to do. Malik went through the information carefully, wanting to please his pale lover. Still kissing him, he slid a finger into the boy*s body, making his lover hiss slightly at the pain, left over from the night before. Malik twisted his finger, before adding a second. He nuzzled Ryou gently as the boy squirmed and groaned as he scissored his fingers, before adding a third, and thrusting them in and out a few times. Malik frowned slightly, and shoved his fingers in as far as they could go, feeling around. According to what Rishido said, he should find something that would* There it was....

*MALIK!!!* Ryou threw his head back and shivered as Malik rubbed that one spot that sat deep withing him. Malik grinned. Rishido had said it would get a reaction from his lover, but he didn*t expect one like this. Then, he remembered last night, and remembered what it must feel like. He smiled at the look on Ryou*s face, then removed his fingers, chuckling at Ryou*s whine.

*Malik! Malik, please! I can*t take it anymore!* Ryou cried, and Malik slowly moved above him, kissing him tenderly. Malik slowly positioned himself at Ryou*s entrance, stroking his thighs. Ryou moaned and spread his legs farther apart, making Malik snicker at him.

*A little eager, are we?* Malik teased, and Ryou smiled.

*I*ve waited for this moment for years, Malik.* He sighed. Malik smiled and bent over him, engaging in another kiss.

*So have I Ryou. So have I...* Malik murmured.


*Kiss me...* Ryou gasped, and Malik complied. Ryou moaned, as Malik began to press into him, and Malik took the opportunity to invade his body in a second place, slipping his tongue into the younger boy*s mouth as he slid his erection into his tight passage. Ryou arched his back, and threw his arms around Malik, trying to draw him as deep into his body as he could. Both closed their eyes and clung to each other, trying to keep as much contact between their bodies as they could. Malik moaned. He had waited all of his life for this. And he never thought it would be so beautiful. The feeling of Ryou*s tight warm body enveloping the most intimate part of his own form, brining them closer together than they had ever been in their lives.

For Ryou, it was the same. He smiled as Malik filled him, physically, and spiritually. Ryou moaned his angelic lover*s name as Malik kissed his throat, and slowly rolled his hips against Malik*s, making Malik gasp and thrust forward. Malik drew out of Ryou*s body, before slowly pressing back in, making Ryou shiver and lift his hips, drawing him into his body as much as he could.

*Malik........ Don*t stop...... Please......* He whimpered, and Malik smiled, nuzzling Ryou*s ear. Ryou smiled, and nuzzled him back, mewling as Malik pumped in and out of his body, ever so gently so as to bring Ryou painless pleasure. Ryou shivered and gasped with each thrust; and curled his leg around Malik*s waist. Malik kept his thrusts at an easy pace, trying to draw it out for Ryou and himself, and moaned into Ryou*s ear as the boy cried out softly in passion.

*Harder, Malik...* Ryou managed to gasp, and Malik complied going just hard enough so that Ryou knew it was harder, but not enough to satisfy him. *Malik! Stop teasing me!!!*

*Mmmmm..... no.....* Malik giggled, and stopped halfway out of Ryou. Ryou gave an exasperated cry, and bucked his hips, desperately, curling his wings around Malik*s body. Malik smiled, and rubbed his cheek into Ryou*s soft feathers.

*I love you, Ryou....* Malik murmured.

*Shut up, and hurry!* Ryou whined loudly, and began moving his hips and whining, for Malik held him in such away that the stimulation from his desperate movements was minimal. Malik slowly drew out of Ryou, slow enough to make Ryou whine again, and clench his inner muscles, trying to keep Malik from leaving his body. Malik watched Ryou toss his head back and writhe, whimpering desperately. Malik decided he had done enough to drive Ryou mad, and thrust in. Ryou cried out, and arched his back.

*MAALLIIIK!!!!!* He groaned, and shivered as Malik*s gentle thrusts rocked his body slightly. Malik took Ryou*s lower lip between his teeth and gave it as gentle tug, teasing it with his tongue, before kissing Ryou with tender loving that Ryou had missed immensely. This time, it was Ryou that slid his tongue into Malik*s mouth and curled it around Malik*s tongue. Malik sucked on Ryou*s tongue lightly as he continued his thrusts. Both angels were covered in a soft sheen of sweat and their breathes came deeply. Malik began moving faster as he felt his orgasm approaching.

*Ryou.....* He whispered into the boy*s ear. *I love you. I always have. I always will. No matter what happens. You know this, right?**


*Malik..... I do...... I will always love you. For the rest of my life, and longer. Oh, Malik, I love you!* Ryou panted. He grit his teeth and bucked his hips, meeting every thrust. His body began to tremble as he was brought closer and closer to the edge.

*Malik... Oh, I*m, I*m gonna.... MALIK!!!* He threw his head back as he released, splashing Malik*s stomach and his own with his seed. Malik cried out as Ryou clenched around him, and thrust hard, desperately trying to find his release. A few more well placed thrusts, and he drove his length deep into Ryou*s body and held, as he poured his fluids into his lover*s body. Ryou gasped and moaned as he felt the wet heat filling him, and Malik slumped forwards onto his chest.

Ryou made no move. He stared at the ceiling, a shocked look across his face. Malik*s head moved up and down as it lay on Ryou*s chest, which rose and fell as the boy breathed. Malik was staring off into space as well, with an equally shocked and devastated expression on his face.

*R-Ryou....* He gasped. *It felt... It felt......*

*..... wrong.......................* Ryou finished, in a small gasp. Slowly, Malik lifted himself off of Ryou, and let his limp penis slip from Ryou*s body. They stared at each other, confusion evident on their faces.

*Why?* Ryou breathed. *Why does it feel so wrong...?* He sat up, and stared at Malik.

*I think..... My love for you has..........* Malik began, and once again, Ryou finished his sentence.

*Changed.* He said. *Malik..... I don*t love you like that. Not anymore. I*m sorry.* Malik simply nodded.

*I know. Me too.*

*It*s Bakura, Malik. I love him. And you love Marik.* Malik nodded at Ryou*s words, then pulled him into a gentle embrace.

*I do love Marik. But I will always love you too, Ryou.*

*Malik...* You breathed, as he rested his head on the blonde*s shoulder. *My brother.....*

***********************

Marik and Bakura listened to the sudden silence after Ryou*s last cry, calling his lover*s name.

*It*s done.* Marik stated, flatly, and Bakura*s head fell into his hands as silent tears flowed freely from his eyes.


*Ryou...* He gasped, and Marik looked own at the floor.

*What now?* The taller demon said.

*We let go. We give them our blessings, and......* Bakura trailed off, but Marik knew what he was going to say, and finished.

*We must set them free, Bakura.* He said. *We may never see them again, but they have each other. They will be happy.* Bakura nodded.

*Yes.* He whispered. They both looked up when Ryou and Malik appeared. The demons slowly stood, staring at them. Malik was the first to speak.

*Thank you.* He said, softly, holding Ryou*s hand in his own. Ryou smiled, and embraced Malik again.

*We, we*re just glad to see you happy.* Marik said, and sighed. He slowly approached Malik, and fastened his collar on his throat. *Come on. We*re leaving.* Malik*s eyes widened.

*All ready?* He gasped and watched as Bakura slipped Ryou*s collar on.

*Ryou, you*re coming too.* Bakura said, and Ryou blinked.

*Where are we going?* He asked. Bakura gulped.

*Home.*

*But, this IS home......* Ryou said, confused.

*No Ryou. Marik and I have decided that.....*

*We*re letting you go.* Marik said. *We*re taking you out of Hell, and setting you free.* Malik and Ryou*s eyes widened.

*F-free?!* Malik gasped, and looked at Ryou, who looked distressed. The boy whimpered, and began unfastening the collar, and flung it aside, before throwing his arms and wings around Bakura.

*No!* He gasped, and clung to Bakura tightly. *No, Bakura. Malik and I also had a talk.*

*We don*t feel about each other like we did when Ryou was taken. We love you.* Malik looked straight at Marik as he said this.


*I want to stay here, Bakura.* Ryou breathed, and Bakura and Marik stared at the young angels.

*You want to....* Bakura gasped.

*Bakura.* Ryou said. *I love you....* Bakura eyes widened.

*And I love you, MArik. I never want to leave you. We want to stay here with the both of you.* And with that, Malik and Ryou leaned forwards, and pressed heir lips to their demon counterparts. The demon*s pulled their angels closer, and felt the tears trailing down their faces to mingle with the tears of the angels.

*Ryou....* Bakura whispered, as he broke the kiss. *I*ve never been so happy in my entire life. I love you, my precious little angel...........*

*And I love you, Malik. Forever.* MArik whispered, and the four sunk to the floor, weeping in their joy.

******************************

Looks like things have worked out among these four. Next chapter, we bring in Yami ad Yugi, and Ryou, Malik, Marik and Bakura decide to play matchmaker for their two friends. Next chapter: The Challenge