Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Ryou Bakura: Harbinger of Trouble ❯ Free moments and Better Times ( Chapter 13 )

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh. Takahashi does. I wish he didn't, because I'm running out of witty things to say in the disclaimer.

 

Being on the ship felt amazing. Ryou watched as the land below rolled out from under them, slowly, but all too quickly at the same time. He had never been flying before, even on a regular airplane. It was so new. Inside, Sami had proven skillful with flying the ship. After the careful maneuver to get away from the range, the trip had been smooth. Now, she was looking for a good place to land the ship. It was large. He highly doubted it would've fit in the town's square, but she seemed to be aiming for that regardless. Bakura had stayed by her side, but as she began to descend, he backed away. And he turned to one of the many windows.

 

“Where'd you learn to drive ships, my dear?” he asked her, interested by her skill with driving. She just grinned.

 

“I used to have an uncle who flew airships like this,” she replied confidently, “Not much I remember about him. But I did get his skill, I suppose.” Bakura just nodded, frowning slightly. It must've been hard for her to not even remember her real family. Then again, she had stated she'd been taken in when she was young. But then, how'd she learn to fly? None of it made any particular sense to Bakura.

 

The ship landed gently in the square, proving to Ryou that it indeed fit in the cobbled courtyard. To his surprise, Malik, Yugi, and the other two spirits were already waiting for them, bundles in hand. When the ship finally opened its doors, Malik rushed in, dropping his bundle before clapping Ryou on the shoulder. They took a seat at a nearby table as Sami came over to join them. Yami and Bakura proceeded to pack everything else up, as Yugi rushed in. Soon, the ship was ready to go. Except that Sami wasn't at the wheel.

 

“Okay, there's not a damn thing in Algon,” Malik told her, raising a brow, “Where to next, boss?” She grinned slyly. Ryou just chuckled, as Bakura and Yami argued behind them about something.

 

“Wherever Katsaiga destroyed next,” he joked. Sami got up and walked toward a large monitor, making sure to smack Ryou on the back of the head as she passed. Pressing a button on the monitor, a large-scale map showed up. The cities of Algon, Musuta, Duran, Ard, and Dice appeared, with Domino in its center. She tapped the one labeled Musuta.

 

“We can, and probably should, assume that most of the cities in this area are targeted, if not then destroyed,” she began seriously, “Musuta is technically closer than Domino. Not only does it have the necessities we need, my sister is there as well. Taking these facts into account, I'm afraid I may need to delay getting you all home. If there's a problem with this, please state so.” To her surprise, no one raised a finger. Yami and Ishtar glanced at each other, both having been the ones in charge when the Bards Three came along, but they said nothing on the matter. Bakura grinned, patting Sami on the back.

 

“Seeing as how we're already knee-deep in this shit, I think we'd better come along to see this thing wash away,” he stated, speaking for everyone. Sami just grinned in return. Malik, however, finally gave protest. He didn't understand why they couldn't take a slight detour to get most of them out of the fire. Technically, this really wasn't their business. Technically, if Sami hadn't come along, they wouldn't even be here. Including having gotten out of the castle at all.

 

“Wait a second! Why are you taking us?” he demanded, getting up and pushing his chair back, “Sami, I appreciate the fact that you like us, but what the hell? This isn't our fight!” Ryou looked up at him in surprise, and Sami just let out a heavy sigh. She, of everyone, knew this fact. But she had to ignore it for their safety. She sat back down, and gestured for Malik to do the same.

 

“While I am the one chasing Katsaiga around, the fact that your very world was thrown in signifies that you are involved, whether we want that or not,” she replied very sternly, “This isn't just about me, either. This is about the entire universe. Every world, every facet of Oblivion, could be put in danger if these Mystics aren't stopped.” Any adversity Malik held vanished with that. His eyes softened, and his voice lightened.

 

“Is it really that bad?” he whispered. Sami gave him a critical look, and nodded, taking off her glasses. In the light, her eyes were a steel jade. And cold. The look in them betrayed her age.

 

“It's worse than bad,” she told them all grimly, “It's nearly catastrophic. This world's suffered enough as it is, and if one world does collapse, there's a chance that the void surrounding it will try to overcompensate the lost, sucking in other worlds around it. Effectively, this would destroy many worlds in one shot.” That was a bit of an understatement to her, now that she spoke of it. Collateral damage was unavoidable in that instance, but Oblivion was too unstable. Everything within it could collapse.

 

“Has this happened before?” Yugi asked her. She looked at him, and something in her, without even speaking, said that it had. Possibly many times.

 

“Yes,” she said at length, “In many corners, through many worlds, yes. Destruction has occurred.” That yielded silence. Ryou couldn't begin to imagine how something like that could happen, but Sami sounded too severe to be lying. And, trusting her hadn't led to bad results yet. She had no reason to lie to him. Ryou, no matter how skeptical, knew he could believe her. And that he should believe her.

 

“…will our world die?” Bakura asked her, and for a moment, she said nothing. That couldn't have been a good sign. She stood up, walking over to the wheel to drive it again. Then, when she saw that their path was correct, she sighed and turned to look over her shoulder. Everyone was still at the table, waiting for her answer.

 

“…it will if we do nothing,” she told them honestly, “All worlds… die one day. This one is no different. But if we don't act, it surely will die, with us still in it.” No one spoke again. No one knew what to say. Sami turned back to the wheel. There was nothing more she could do right then. Eventually, the time passed and everyone began to leave, either to explore the rest of the ship or to get some rest. Only Ryou remained at the table, and Sami, who'd let the autopilot take over for her, came over to him. Sitting across from him, she asked, “How are you faring?”

 

“I'm… okay,” he said slowly. He wasn't quite sure how to respond to a question like that. Being told that your world is doomed wasn't the best way to top a day. But he knew why Sami had done it. They had to know the danger they were in… and were prepared to walk away from. Sami looked at him curiously. She didn't believe his answer for a second.

 

“You're okay, are you?” she asked, and reached under the table for a bottle that smelled amazingly similar to whiskey, “Well, then, why are you sitting here? Everyone else has left.” Ryou's lips thinned as he watched her take the seal off and pour herself a small glass. He was actually surprised she drank. Then again, she was allowed to. She took a swig, and then set the glass down, peering at him through the distorted glass.

 

“I… I don't know,” he said after a minute, “How am I supposed to react? You just said we're doomed.” Sami took another sip, and grinned as she felt the liquid wash down her throat. A drink, when the time was right, was a miracle to behold.

 

“No, I said that eventually, we're doomed,” she correctly, her grin broadening, “As of right now, we're in moderate danger.” Ryou growled. That wasn't helping him. If he wasn't so afraid of her sticking her sword through him, he'd have yelled at her for it. As it was, though, he already knew she was drinking.

 

“Moderate? Being chased is moderate? Walking through the ruins of what was once a nice city is moderate!?” he asked her, his voice growing high with disbelief, “What is extreme, then!?”

 

“I insist you calm yourself,” she replied flatly, losing any tone of amusement in her voice. But, Ryou didn't heed her this time.

 

“Calm myself!? Are you insane!?” he asked her, standing up, “You're confusing me! You're telling me we're going to die if we do nothing, but at the same time, you say we're not in extreme danger! Sami, I'm sorry, but when vampires come to kill me, and when some witch comes to kill me, and when some thing comes to capture me, it's extreme!” Sami finally stood up, slowly, purposefully. Her chair flew from behind her, and she crossed her arms, her wings going stiff. Only then, did Ryou realize he crossed a line.

 

“I am not a thing,” she spat, her eyes growing even colder than before, “And if you insist we're in danger, then by all means, we are. But I don't see you working to stop it. Nor do I expect you to, but do not ever insult me like that.” She stepped back, and Ryou noticed that out of the corner of his eye, Bakura and Yami were racing down the stairs. But he ignored them as they ran right into the parlor, Bakura setting something up quickly as they began to dance to some sort of music Ryou couldn't decipher. Sami turned to the parlor to join them, and looked back just once to say, “You wouldn't want me as a foe, Ryou. You wouldn't live to have another breath.” He didn't disbelieve that for a second. She walked into the parlor, and after a few seconds, Ryou followed. Bakura and Yami seemed to have decided on whatever they were doing before, for the music died.

 

“I win!” Bakura exclaimed, and pointed to Yami, “I win, pharaoh!” Yami, who'd managed to fall onto the floor, just scrambled up and glared at Bakura. It was pretty obvious he felt otherwise.

 

“What!? You certainly didn't!” he yelled back, eyebrows furrowing in agitation, “You fell over as well!” Sami sat in the back, watching them with a mixture of amusement and annoyance. Personally, Ryou didn't blame her. This could escalate into something absolutely ridiculous. And, knowing Bakura, it most probably would.

 

“No, I tripped! You hit the floor way before me!” Bakura yelled back. That didn't help, and it definitely started something ridiculous. For minutes on end, they yelled, they bickered, and they insulted each other. Ryou was sure he'd try and kill one of them if they didn't stop, and as he glanced over, he saw Sami would kill them. Her sword was drawn again. Finally, they reached a decision: they'd just ask the most mature person on the premises.

 

“SAMI!” Ryou just wanted to snort. He couldn't see just how they thought asking Sami was a good idea, but they did. And they'd soon learn to regret it. She sheathed her sword, but her arms crossed again. She didn't look the least bit likely to placate them.

 

“Neither of you win, so stop the racket before I kill you,” she stated, tapping her foot, “Now I suggest you both get off the dance floor before someone, most probably myself, decides to kick you. Let someone else play.” Neither spirit liked being scolded, but they obeyed nonetheless. Yugi took the chance by storm, running down the stairs and practically sliding onto the dance floor. Malik came shortly after, wondering just what was going on. He regretted that wonder. He came across Yugi doing a move that looked like a cross between disco and tai-chi.

 

“Who the hell taught you to dance?” Bakura asked, snickering, “Your grandfather?” Malik snorted, shaking his head as he sat next to Sami. Yugi just turned, and smiled widely. He must not have known what an insult was, because that was it, and he wasn't offended.

 

“Yes he did! And I'm very proud of it, too!” Yugi piped, earning another bout of laughter from Bakura. That's when he realized that Bakura was insulting him. Brows furrowed, he said, “Stop laughing! My grandfather is a great dancer! It's not my fault you're jealous!” At that point, he had stopped dancing. Which meant that, unfortunately, he had just lost. But he didn't seem to notice.

 

“Jealous!? Ha! I've nothing to be jealous of,” Bakura stated, and grinned, “I'm not the one who just lost, anyway.” That's when Yugi realized what he did. His eyes widened, and he shook his head, turning to Sami. Ryou could only laugh. Obviously, they thought she was playing referee. And, by the look on her face, she didn't enjoy it. She huffed, waving a hand dismissively.

 

“You've lost,” she stated, almost disinterestedly, “Let another person have a turn.” Yugi begged for her to let him keep going, but she shook her head and eventually had Bakura escort him to a seat. Ryou actually managed a laugh. Yugi had never looked pissed off before. And now, he looked about as angry as a rabid Doberman. Ryou turned to Sami.

 

“You should give it a go,” he suggested. Sami just laughed hysterically, and shook her head. Yugi, at that thought, just smiled and nodded his head in agreement. Any trace of anger was extinguished now.

 

“You'd do awesome!” he added. But again, Sami shook her head.

 

“Boys, I don't dance,” she replied with a snort, “Besides, I certainly don't do music. I battle and battle only.” Yami looked over at her and raised a brow. To him, battle wasn't something that should've been a prominent skill. Dancing was much more fun. And a bit easier to learn, too.

 

“Are you serious?” he asked her, and when she raised an equally quizzical brow, he said, “Can't you try?” Sami just sighed. They wanted everyone to play, and unfortunately, that included her. So be it. She rose from her seat.

 

“Fine,” she replied, and then grinned, “But I only dance to swords and fire.” Yami just nodded, and the floor cleared for her.

 

Ryou had assumed that when Sami said `swords and fire,' she was referring to a song. And, now as he watched, he knew he was dead wrong. She literally meant she danced with a blade and with fire. Lots of fire. Fire that could've set everything, including themselves, into a raging inferno of pain. It was pretty, there was no doubt; it looked similar to a circus performance. But in such an enclosed space, no matter how big the room, it was a dangerous stunt. But it was easily the best dance. If only because of the fire.

 

“Damn, and here I thought she was talking about a band we never heard of,” Malik commented, watching as her blade whirled, her hands moving it to perform various stances consecutively, quickly. It really did seem as though she were dancing.

 

“With Sami, I don't think we'll ever know what she's talking about,” Bakura said, snorting as he watched. The fire around her alone should've stopped her from even attempting such a stupid move, but she must've been proving a point of some kind. Technically, everyone did harass her to dance. And now, she was dancing. Never mind how dangerous it was, how stupid it was. She was dancing.

 

“Think she could go pro with that?” Ishtar asked, finishing the rest of her whiskey for her. No one answered. There was no answer to that, because it all depended on where she went, and most of all, if she wanted to go pro. And chances are, she didn't. Finally, with one final flick of her blade, the fire died, and she swung the blade in a slow arc over her head, letting the tip rest gently on the ground. Then, she pointed up. Everyone looked up at the ceiling, and Ryou laughed again. On the ceiling, in slash-marked letters, spelled the words `Sami wins.' Immediately below it was another word, which spelled `assholes.' If anything deserved winning, it was that. Malik's mouth just dropped open.

 

“You win,” Yugi agreed, wondering just how she had managed to write it from all the way up there. She hadn't jumped up at all during her `dance.' She just grinned, and went back to her seat. There was no use rubbing it in. Bakura and Yami silently stalked up the stairs, still thinking on their unusually confusing defeat. Ishtar helped Malik unplug the stereo, and then they too went to their rooms. Yugi remained for a moment to get something to eat before hightailing it as well. That left Sami and Ryou again. Which made Ryou very nervous.

 

“…are you going to bed?” Sami asked, when neither moved for nearly ten minutes. Ryou didn't like being left alone with her. He wanted to be friends, but she scared him. Especially when she had her sword with her. Which was all the time. He wished she'd take it off for a few seconds, just to make him less terrified.

 

“Yes,” he replied, and stood up, “Do you need anything before I go?”

 

“Like what?” she asked, looking up at him, her frown softening a little. Ryou felt a slow blush creeping onto his face, which he tried to hide. But he was sure she could see it. He shrugged it away.

 

“Food, a drink, maybe a book,” he listed, biting his lip, “Anything?” She just chuckled. It brightened her normally gaunt expression. It was a nice change. She stood up and shook her head, letting her arms uncross. She seemed to be relaxing now that the commotion was gone.

 

“No, thank you,” she answered kindly, and smiled, “I'm going to be down here for some time before heading up myself. You just go up and get some sleep. It'll be a traveling day tomorrow.” Ryou just nodded. Today had been a traveling day, and today, he would've loved a nice, little nap. But that was neither there nor then. He looked around the room quickly, trying to find anything to say to her. He wasn't exactly tired, but he had nothing to bother her about. He felt awkward, standing there before her.

 

“I suppose this is goodnight,” he said quietly, having nothing else to say. She nodded, and clapped his shoulder encouragingly.

 

“Yes. Get some rest,” she stated again. Ryou nodded, and then very quickly kissed her on the cheek. Almost as quickly, she stepped back, staring at him. Her eyes had widened, making her look both terrified and angry with him, and he found he had probably caught her off guard. And he regretted it. She opened her mouth to speak, but he was too fast. He ran right up the stairs, into one room, and slammed the door. Quietly, he waited to make sure she wasn't following. When he heard she wasn't, he slid down the door, onto the carpet.

 

“Stupid!” he hissed angrily at himself, “Stupid! I did something so stupid!” Right then, he wished she had stabbed him with her sword. Seeing such a look on her face set him back many paces. Bakura, who'd been silently reading on the bed, put his book down and looked over. He could only guess as to what was making Ryou so mad.

 

“Getting angry won't help you,” he reminded the boy, and sighed when Ryou looked up at him, in tears, “What did you do this time?”

 

“I kissed her goodnight,” Ryou replied, and Bakura seemed almost intrigued, “She stepped away. Bakura… she looked so angry with me! She hates me! What the hell do I do?” Seeing Ryou so flustered almost made Bakura laugh. He shook his head and gestured for the boy to come over. Which, Ryou did. He sat next to Bakura, who ruffled his hair sympathetically.

 

“What will I do with you, eh?” the old thief asked, “First, you're afraid to even look at a girl, and before I know it, you're kissing one. One who's in her twenties, might I add.” Ryou sniffled. That was also true enough. He was still too young.

 

“What do I do?” he asked the spirit, “Bakura, you're good with women! Tell me what to do! I can't take her hating me. I can't!” Bakura patted his back, and looked up at the ceiling. It was a dark blue.

 

“I doubt she'd hate you, Ryou,” he finally said, and Ryou sighed, “Look, kid, you've got a crush on her. That's all. It'll pass. It's just because you're not used to women. Just give it a few days, you'll probably be sick of her by then.” Ryou sighed again, looking at the carpet. He really didn't know how to feel. Was that really all it was?

 

“I hope you're right,” he said, as Bakura hopped off the bed, “I really hope you're right.” He climbed under the covers, and shut his eyes, even though he wasn't tired. His mind was racing, trying to get a grip on what just happened. It really wasn't a big deal. He just had never done that before. Bakura came over and patted him on the head before heading to the window to close it.

 

“Just rest, kid. Everything will be better tomorrow,” he assured gently, “I know it.” Ryou didn't know just how accurate Bakura was, but he didn't argue. He just did his best to let sleep overcome him; sleep would probably clear his head and help him think straight. Thankfully, for him, sleep came quickly. On bad days like that, sleep always did. And it was always welcomed.

 

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

 

Now in control of the ancient ship, Ryou is well on his way to Musuta, where Sami's sister is waiting for them. With Sami driving, and with everyone else resting, all should be well as they arrive. But, has Katsaiga already laid waste to the fair city? Or will she come just as they arrive? And will tomorrow really be better for Ryou? Find out next chapter, so click that Review button!