Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Reverse of Arcadia ❯ Epilogue ( Chapter 14 )

Reverse of Arcadia

Game novelization by Sakura (aka L-sama no Miko)

Epilogue

Life went on as it always does. Jack still refuses live with us here on Satellite, but he does show up every once in a while for a visit, well mainly to challenge Yusei or me to a duel or two. I may not truly forgive Jack for what he did so long ago, but I am willing to let bygones be bygones - besides, I missed my `big brother' figure.

I still don't have any memory of my past, but every now and then I'd get these odd flashes only to forget them almost as soon as they came. None of that really matters anyway. I've got friends here now and I wasn't about to leave them for anything in the two worlds.

Yusei's been mostly busy practicing and working on his D-Wheel for the upcoming World Turbo Grand Prix but still takes an odd job or two. So I don't get to see him much these days.

Aki's the top student in her class - according to the twins - at the new Duel Academy that opened over in Neo Domino. She sure does look adorable in that uniform of theirs. Speaking of Luna and Leo they're in Duel Academy too and are doing quite well.

I'm still sharing a house with Crow. Boy was he ever miffed that he missed our last, great final battle against Goodwin! Crow's a delivery boy now - for his own company no less! I help out as well, taking orders and sometimes making deliveries with the Valkyrie if the load gets too big. It's good to be doing something without having to worry where you're next meal's coming from. Of course most of the money we make goes to the rent and the few kids Crow's still looking after.

Oh yeah, Luna and I still hop on over to the Spirit World every now and then too. It really is a fun place now that there's no danger in spite of it being so wacky most of the time. Speaking of wacky, who knew that brat of a mage Torunka really was an old man!!! Dark Sage to be exact! I felt bad for always doubting him and calling him names, but Torunka never really minded much it seems. He's been offering to teach me how to use what little power the Crimson Dragon has left me, but I keep turning him down. I'm just fine the way I am. Besides, that power couldn't possibly do what I really wanted it to…

As for the Dark Signers, well… Misty along with Carly and Bommer were brought back to life. Something to do with the Crimson Dragon wanting to give them second chances since they've repented. Misty's returned to her supermodel career and keeps in touch with Aki - it seems the two have become good friends. I'm glad really, Aki needs more friends. I hear that Misty's been thinking of maybe going into acting soon.

As for Carly, well she's still a bubble-headed pushy journalist and is still chasing after Jack along with Mikage - who's still oblivious that Ushio's head over heels for her. Bommer went back to his people, who were also returned, but only after I totally kicked his butt in another duel - it was the only way to get him off my back - and told him that I may never truly be able to love him. I know it's not healthy, but I'm still mourning the loss of my boyfriend after all these months.

 

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I sigh as I sit on the crumbling wall overlooking the ocean of my team's old hideout and stare at the sunset over Neo Domino and the bridge connecting the city with the island. Who knew that Goodwin had left strict instructions in his will that the bridge would be built no matter what. Well, at least he did one good thing.

"It's dangerous to be sitting there like that,” someone says coming over to me, “You could fall to your death. Is that what you really want, Io?”

I nearly do just that as I yelp in shock. There was only one person who'd call me that without using any honorifics. I feel a pair of strong arms wrap around me and pull me back over the edge and into the old war room.

"What were you thinking?!”

“K-K-Kiryu?!” I shout, after forcing myself to look up at my rescuer. Tears begin to endlessly flow from my eyes upon seeing that familiar head of silver hair, those engaging gold eyes and lightning bolt shaped marker.

“I'm sorry I took so long,” he says, holding me close as I sob uncontrollably, “I-I wasn't sure if you'd want to see me any more after…”

How the hell could he think that?! All this time, Kiryu was the only thing on my mind for any length of time. “Y-You… i-i-idiot!” I yell between sobs, slapping his unmarked cheek.

“Io?!”

“H-How c-could you… l-l-let me think… y-y-you w-were… d-d-d-dead?! I-I've b-been miserable… without you!”

“Io… I'm sorry. I really am! I should have known that if you weren't angry with me then, you wouldn't be angry with me now. Can you ever forgive me for staying away for so long?”

I blink the tears from my eyes so I can get a good look at my boyfriend. His hair was much longer, reaching past his shoulders and his eyes held a profound sadness and guilt that had never been there before all that Signer/Dark Signer fuss. He looked like someone who'd been to hell and back and had the scars to prove it.

His fashion sense seemed to have been affected as well - not that I was complaining, mind you - gone was the boyish and roguish bandana, fur trimmed vest, red shirt and jeans. He was wearing a gray shirt with black leather pants and a black leather trench coat over the shirt and pants. A harmonica hangs from a bit of string around his neck. He was definitely even more drool worthy now than he ever was.

“J-Just don't… d-d-do that again,” I sniffle, wrapping my arms around him as tightly as I can, fearful that he'd go up in a puff of purple flame. I bury my head into his chest and breathe in the scent I missed so much - vanilla and cinnamon.

“I… I'll never leave you again,” he says, bringing his head to my pale lavender locks as he continued to hold me. “I swear it. I'm not gonna waste the chance I've been given this time.”

“K-Kyo…” I begin, but my words are cut off by his lips as he tilts my chin up.

“I've always loved you,” he says, running his fingers along the un-equal sign marker on my cheek, “Even then when… and I always will.”

The tears continue streaking down my cheeks, this time with even greater force. I reach up and pull his head down and resume our kiss where we'd left off. We continue to clasp onto each other as the kiss became more passionate.

It wasn't until well after sunset that either of us felt brave enough to let go. “I-I should head back. Crow's probably way past worried sick right now,” I say glancing at the diamond studded sky.

Kiryu nods, albeit reluctantly. “Can I see you again, tomorrow?” he asks.

I scowl at my boyfriend. “I thought you said, you'd never leave me!” I say in mock anger, making him squirm a bit.

“B-But… the others… Crow and Yusei…”

I snatch his hand and wrap my fingers around it tightly. There was no way in hell I was letting him go! Not now, not EVER!!! “You're coming with and that's final!! I lost you too many times to just let you walk away now.”

“Iolanthe…” he says, a sullen look on his face. It was a few moments later that he smiles at me, truly smiles and leads me from the old hideout.