Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Ryou Bakura: Harbinger of Trouble ❯ Introductions: Enter Sami ( Chapter 2 )

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh. Takahashi does, and he's iffy with me using Sith here. Trust me, most people are. I don't really care, either.

 

“So,” Sami said, as Ryou finished his meal, “How exactly did you get here?” Ryou drank his water, swallowing hard to remove the horrible taste in his mouth, and relayed what he could to her. All he remembered were the vampires bursting in, and his feeble attempt to stop them, but he knew nothing more. Sami listened as best as she could, saying only “I see,” when he finished. She looked down, obviously having something else on her mind, and when she didn't appear to respond to him, he decided to ask her about herself this time. Even though the last time ended in nearly killing him, something told him she might be a little more persuasive.

 

“And you?” he asked her. Sami looked startled by the interest, but answered anyway. It wasn't that she didn't want to, but she didn't know what he'd believe. Though he didn't know, she could sense that he was somewhat afraid of her, which she found to be both amusing and worrying all the same. She sighed as she looked down once more.

 

“Myself,” she began, “It was a quick pass for me. I was involved in a car accident… a serious one. The details shouldn't be spoken of now, but I wound up in the hospital. By all rights, I should've been dead, but I'd managed to survive. Unfortunately, when they came, I was… helpless to stop them. I was barely able to move then, my injuries were that great.” Ryou's eyes widened as Sami's seemed to narrow almost bitterly. He couldn't believe that she was even more helpless than he had been; after all, she nearly killed him with a dagger with little effort. Had they disarmed her before then?

 

“They took you!?” he asked, that being the only question he could form right then. Many others formed quickly, but that was one that struck the most in his mind. He couldn't believe creatures like them had been able to take hold of someone like Sami.

 

“Yes. From what I've gathered of this place, they work directly with the Mystic of this realm,” she replied grimly, her eyes glowing just a slight blue, “One of whom we should beware, Ryou. She has us here for a purpose, though of what is it, I would be foolish to speak of.” Ryou noticed she tensed a bit when she spoke, and he didn't want to think of where they'd end up, should they meet this Mystic, whatever that was. He sighed. He had so many questions, but not one of them seemed to be answered for right now. Sami was obviously hiding something, but he couldn't understand what or why.

 

“What is this place?” he asked, thinking that a relatively safe thing to ask. Sami looked around before answering; she must've been afraid someone else would overhear. It started to grate on Ryou a bit. He didn't know why anything could cause her to be so cautious.

 

“We're in a place called Sylatone,” she replied grimly, “Some form of prison, I think. What it does, I'm not entirely sure, but I know that a Mystic is running it, and that whoever that is can control the dead. And because you're not dead, I'm taking you with me when I escape.” Ryou had no idea what a Mystic was or how anyone could control the dead, but what really got him was when Sami basically implied a kidnapping. He barely knew this woman, and she was already making plans on taking him away from here. He didn't know whether to be thankful or terrified. He banked on terrified.

 

“What!? Why!?” Ryou asked, “I don't know you!” Sami laughed, hearing the complete panic in Ryou's voice. Her eyes twinkled, and her frown began to disappear. He was amusing her. Leaning over the table again, she spoke in a much softer tone.

 

“But you do know I'm alive, and that's what matters,” she replied gently, “I'm not letting her turn anyone into her slave if I can avoid it. I… managed to save one boy. A real work he is, too. He refuses to talk to me, but… in a sense, I'm not overly surprised.” She sounded both amused and upset by this, and Ryou tilted his head. She saved another boy? It sounded almost like she was aiming to storm the place and revolt, but when Ryou had asked her about that, she simply laughed again.

 

“I'm serious. Are you revolting?” he asked again. Sami narrowed her eyes, her smile widening just slightly as she nodded.

 

“And what of it?” she asked heartily, and then grew somber as she said, “It's necessary. They have no right caging us up, Ryou.” Just as she spoke, a guard happened to be walking by. He glared menacingly at Sami as he passed, and Ryou saw his hand flying toward the mace he carried. Ryou glanced at Sami in warning, but she was much faster. She mumbled something, and the guard stopped, eyes widened. At first, Ryou thought he'd seen something frightening a ways away, but then he dropped dead, his head slamming to the floor in a mighty crash. Ryou stared right at Sami, wondering just what she said.

 

“What did you do!?” he asked, backing away. He had guessed that whatever she'd done, she just murdered a guard. And, she didn't even flinch with it. She let out a heavy sigh, trying to remain as calm as she could. Even if she wanted to react, Ryou was already frightened enough.

 

“…if you think I just killed a man, you're correct,” she began, and shifted her seat back, “And I will kill again if they look at me in such a way. It's an act of mercy. I'd really rather not set them aflame.” Ryou blinked as he watched her walk out of the dining hall from that point. She had just killed a man, and for all intense and purpose, she didn't appear to care. He bit his lip. He was alone now. He had a choice: he could still follow her and have a chance to leave, or he could stay and never leave. It all depended on how much danger he was willing to risk right then. And the answer was that he was willing to risk anything to get back home. He ran right after her, ignoring the stares he got as he left the hall. If he had any hope left, it would rest with her.

 

“How do we escape?” he asked her suddenly, as they walked down the hall together. She glanced at him, and stopped. As it was, she really wasn't sure she wanted a friend sticking by her, but now that she considered it… an ally would be useful to her. At least for a while. She smiled, as they continued.

 

“Explosives,” she said simply, her lips breaking into a confident grin, “Might not work, but it's worth a shot to me.” She stopped after a few moments, and looked at the door they were in front of. Silently, she opened it and peeked inside. When it satisfied her, she slipped in, dragging Ryou with her, which caused him to yelp. He had never expected to be sneaking around with so many guards around them. Nor had he expected her to have the strength she did have. Even for a non-human, she was incredibly strong.

 

“What are we doing in here?” he asked nervously, as she bent down and laid something on the ground. She looked back at him and smiled vaguely, moving her hand to reveal the device she was using. It was a small, brown circle with a red flashing light; a land mine, from the looks of it. Ryou eyed it carefully, but she seemed to have no worries about it. She must've used them before.

 

“I'm setting up the explosives. I want you to be a lookout. It'll be no use if we're caught,” she explained, and Ryou knew that in a way, she was telling him to do his job. He nodded, and turned as she continued setting up more of the mines. The hallway seemed awfully dark now that he actually looked at it, and he wondered just what secrets this castle held. Not that he had any intention of finding them. Sami wanted to leave, and he certainly wasn't going to object to her. Not unless he wanted another dagger aimed at him. Which he definitely didn't.

 

“Who sets them off?” he asked when he heard her set a third one down. He could more feel than see that she was grinning again as she stood up, walking over and putting a hand on his shoulder. He felt relieved; she had some sense of comradery, it looked like.

 

“No one,” she explained, walking out, “They're set to explode when someone other than I enters the room once I leave. I've placed them above the sewer line, which weaves out underneath the castle. I think it'll be the easiest way out. At least, if we plan to live.” Ryou nodded; he didn't feel the need to argue with her logic just yet. As much as he hated sewers, the sewer was a classic way to escape unseen. He went to touch the ring, to fill Bakura in on what happened for the past while, but he soon found an obstacle regarding it. Mainly, it was missing. He couldn't remember not having it before, and now he glanced at Sami, wondering where it could've been. She hadn't mentioned it.

 

“Sami? Can we look for something while we wait?” he asked, and she raised an awkward brow, “I lost a necklace of mine, and I want it back.” Sami smiled, nodding, and they continued on, turning a corner. She glanced at him again.

 

“What does it look like?” she asked. After all, if they were going to find it, she'd need to know what it actually looked like. Ryou looked up at the ceiling. He should've recognized it by heart, but his head was still cloudy from just waking up.

 

“It's… well, circular, with a triangle in the middle, with an insignia on it,” he began, “It has five dangling points, and it's golden.” Sami brought out the object in question, and it shone a resilient color. “How did you get it!?” Ryou exclaimed as she handed it to him. Her sly grin returned.

 

“I'm good at many things, Ryou,” she replied, “I stole it. They kept it in the entrance hall, and when I saw it, I knew I'd be needing money when I escape. I was going to sell it, but if it's yours…” Ryou put it back on his neck, smiling gratefully at the woman. He hadn't expected much from her, but he was surprised with every second. What surprised him most was her willingness to help him. He wanted to thank her, but she had already turned away. Quietly, she led him down another short hall that opened up onto a large balcony above the entrance hall, overlooking a beautiful fountain in its center. The water sparkled with many different colors. And it threw light everywhere, making the room feel bigger and more cheerful than it was. It seemed out of place, but it was pretty.

 

“It's gorgeous!” he whispered, and Sami nodded.

 

“That it is,” she replied quietly, “The last fountain I visited, my dog rushed in and splashed himself with water.” Ryou looked at her, and noticed that as she spoke, her voice went distant. He began to wonder if she had anyone to go home to. She hadn't mentioned it, or spoke of anyone she was planning to see. And that made him… sad. He felt she should have something more in her life, and taking a huge leap, he made an assumption about it.

 

“Your family must miss you,” he said gently. He expected a smile and a nod, but what he got startled him. She turned to him, her face gaunt and hard. She stared at him for a moment, and then she laughed mirthlessly.

 

“I have no family,” she replied bitterly, and walked away, “Come now. We need to leave before the guards get here.” Ryou blinked, wondering what he said to make her so upset, or if she was actually serious, but he shrugged and followed. He didn't plan to lose her just yet. But as he watched the stiffness with which she walked, he was sure he would lose her, and he'd lose her fairly soon. They continued on until Ryou began to recognize the hallway. Somehow, they had done a full circuit around the castle. Either it was a small circle, or they'd been talking longer than he thought. Only when they came to right outside of his door did Sami stop. She turned to him slowly, her face almost grave in the dim light.

 

“I don't like to involve children, but circumstances find myself wanting to take you along. It will be dangerous to go, but if you decide otherwise, know that now,” she said firmly, “I will be back in three hours for your answer. Please try to have one by then.” She turned and walked down the hallway before Ryou could answer her. He felt that might've been just as well; he had no idea what he would've said to her, anyway. Part of him was scared. She was obviously planning something, and she was definitely hiding something from him, as well. That made him suspicious. If she knew anything that would help him, he really wished she'd just tell him about it. It was better for him to know ahead of time. But then he reasoned that if she was hiding anything, it was for a good reason. And he probably shouldn't pry unless he wanted another knife nearly buried in his chest. And, he really didn't want that. Silently, he went into his room and closed the door. He needed some time to think about what was actually going on. Thankfully, Sami had given him three hours. Taking the ring off, he sat down on the bed. Normally, he'd have wanted Bakura's opinion, but he felt he should've cleared his own head before letting an old spirit fill it back up. And that's what he was doing as he laid his head in his hands.

 

“This is more magnificent than anything I could've thought up in a game,” he said to himself, quietly at first, “I don't understand it at all. First, I was attacked, and I'm not even sure why. Why attack me? Why bring me here? Sami seemed just as confused about that as I am.” He felt relieved that he wasn't the only one thoroughly confused with that riddle. He had no idea what a Mystic was, or what one would've wanted with him. Likewise, he had no idea what Sami was, or why she was helping him, either. That brought him to his next observation.

 

“Sami… I don't even know who or what she's supposed to be,” he whispered, looking up at the mirror, “I've never seen anyone with cat ears before. Or wings. Or a tail. What the hell is she supposed to be? Is it a costume?” Ryou severely doubted that. She seemed way too serious to be parading around in a costume. It had to be something else, “And what did she do to that guard, anyway? She mumbled something, and he just… died.” He thought about it carefully. The guard stopped before falling, as though something had terrified him. But nothing had been there. Or had it? He hadn't seen anything… but that didn't mean that whatever Sami said hadn't conjured it. His skin paled when he came to magic as being the answer.

 

“Magic… magic…” he whispered, unable to believe it, “Magic… it can't be magic. Can it? I've never seen it before…” The only magic Ryou had ever experienced was with card tricks that his uncle had taught him once. But nothing else. Nothing unseen. Nothing… genuine. But what else was there to believe? Sami had killed a guard without touching him. She had a knife. Why wouldn't she just stab him if it wasn't magic? She even said she was the one that did it. But how she did was what bothered Ryou. She hadn't done a damn thing. Except to mumble just one word.

 

“…it has to be magic. She spoke just one word,” he said, shivering as he watched his reflection, “But what did she say!? What did she say that could kill a man with one word? And why?” Now that he accepted that magic might've been the cause, it terrified him. He had read enough fantasy novels to know that magic was never something to be tampered with. But never once had he thought it might've been real. Never, in his life, did he even think he'd be involved with it. And there he was, stranded in a strange place filled with evil magic, about to be kidnapped by a person who knew magic. It seemed so unrealistic, but at the same time, it was what was happening.

 

“Magic… I don't understand. Why me?” he asked again, lying back to look up at the ceiling, “What do I know about magic?” The answer, unfortunately, was nothing. He had known nothing about magic. At least, not until Sami had uttered that one word. That one, simple, unknown word. He wanted to know desperately what it was. If it was just a random word, she had to have been simply cursing. But he knew it was more than that. He took a deep breath.

 

“I have to ask her about it. I don't believe it, but I have to know what she did,” he told himself gently, watching the ceiling, “I have to decide what to do. Magic… if this place is full of magic, I'll go insane from being here. But if Sami can kill me with one word… how can I know I'll be safe?” The answer was that he wouldn't be safe. As much as he respected Sami and the strength she exuded, he couldn't trust her. She nearly killed him with a knife, for one innocent question. If he hadn't known she was non-human, he'd have thought she was insane. Which, with respect, she most probably was. It was all terribly confusing for him. Closing his eyes, he knew the one person who, while he couldn't solve every problem Ryou had, would most likely listen and try to offer some form of advice. Gently, he fingered the ring. If anyone could help him make a decision that affected his life, it'd be Bakura.

 

-----------------------------(End Chapter)

 

After finding out some information regarding just where on earth he is, Ryou now must decide what to do. He can either join Sami and help her out, which might get him killed, or he can stay behind, which will definitely get him killed. So, what will he decide? And how can Bakura help him make a decision? Find out next chapter, so click that Review button!