Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Ryou Bakura: Harbinger of Trouble ❯ Strategy: Enter Katt ( Chapter 17 )

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh. Takahashi said that Sith's power was impressive, but it wasn't his style. What a Stiffly Stifferson.

 

Some time had passed since Katsaiga peered into her orb to see how things had unfolded. And, now that she had, she regretted it deeply. Radical Retro Specter had been killed, killed by the man that Sith Winchester had traveled with so many years ago. It pained her to watch; she had hoped that the magician would've been able to speak with Sith, tell her what she needed to know, before he was done in. Obviously, her old friend had other ideas. He had killed Radical, in a rage and anger that Katsaiga couldn't begin to explain. Then, there was her own daughter, Amber. Amber hadn't called Radical Retro at all; she merely threw Sith into the portal. Which was as dangerous as it was stupid. Sith wasn't one to be messed with, even though now she was currently out of commission. Damn it all, everything was going to hell.

 

“My lady,” came a deep voice, “Are you well? You look ill.” Katsaiga looked up calmly to see a young guard, with blazing red hair, stand before her. Unlike many of her men, he wasn't so easily fooled. Nor did she intend to fool him. She sighed, letting her orb drop to the ground.

 

“Sith… dear lady Sith is at odds now,” she said quietly, “And she will not be joining us in this war, I'm afraid. At least, not anymore.” The guard blinked quickly, wondering if he'd even heard right. Sith Winchester? Not in the battle that had been raging since her exile? That seemed too unrealistic to be true. Something had to be wrong.

 

“What happened, my lady?” he inquired worriedly. Katsaiga smiled gently. Of all of her knights, she respected this one, Amarant, the most. He had been there for that terrible war, that terrible battle that nearly killed this world now. He had been the one to save Katsaiga from the onslaught that occurred afterwards, slaughtering nearly all of the Espers and every human on that battlefield. And now, he was the one who understood what must be done. With their master, with this world… with Sith Winchester herself. Katsaiga almost pitied him. He was throwing his life away for it.

 

“The boy… that boy has disgraced her and caused her great anguish,” she replied carefully, “She was close to… she nearly had the answers she sought out, and Ryou destroyed them. She couldn't handle such a shock. In less than a second, he tore it away. And she can't get it back. Not now.” Katsaiga sounded exhausted as she said this. Amarant wasn't surprised. Of all the Mystics, Katsaiga had opposed this from the very beginning. And now, it was playing out as she had said it would. And Sith was losing sorely.

 

“Tell me she will win!” he cried, but Katsaiga shook her head, her eyes watering only slightly. Definitely not enough for Amarant to see, but enough for her. Thank Bahamut Rath wasn't with her; her master would kill her if she'd seen this.

 

“She… will neither win nor lose now,” she stated weakly, “He's shattered the little resolve she had. In this case, he is now the bigger threat.” She stood up suddenly, all traces of tiredness gone. She walked down the aisle, and stopped just beside Amarant, “I ask you, as a friend… and as an old adviser to Sith… kill Ryou.” Amarant's eyes widened, his normally calm, blue eyes now filled with terror.

 

“What!?” he exclaimed, quite sure he misheard. But he hadn't. Katsaiga looked stern. And she looked sane. She wasn't mad.

 

“If she is to win… and save not just this world, but Oblivion, then she must know who she is and what she was running from,” she explained grimly, “She is the greatest source of magic in this universe, greater than even our master. Ryou… through stupidity and youth, has ruined her chance to understand herself. To know what happened that haunts her so. He is a threat to her. Destroy him. Save Sith.” She let out a saddened sigh, and hung her head, “If you love this world, and you love me, you will save my queen from this.” Amarant couldn't argue. He departed immediately to fulfill his quest, all the while praying that Sith could save herself.

 

---

 

Sami was lying in her bed, eyes wide as she stared up at the white ceiling. It'd all happened so quickly, she wondered if that other world had been a dream. She didn't know what the others had gone through, but she found herself not caring a lick about them. She had come so close to the answers she wanted. She had come so close to asking this blonde man what he knew. He would've answered her. And then Ryou came and ripped it all to ribbons. Reality had crashed around her again. Reality that what she had once been, if anything, was no longer important. To her, or to anyone else around her. That part of herself that she didn't know was gone. The man's final words hit her all too hard: `Live your new life. I don't care.' That shattered her. She didn't even know who this man was, but that was too much. And, Ryou had caused it.

 

“…Ryou,” she whispered, eyes watering again. She'd fainted when Ryou brought her into the ship, but she awoke just as he left the room. That'd been some time ago, and she was glad he didn't come back. Right then, she hated him. If he'd kept his juvenile mouth closed, she would've answered her questions. But fate decided not to rest with her, for the door slowly opened. Sami shifted to see who it was. It was Ryou. Immediately, her eyes narrowed.

 

“Sami, you're awake,” he whispered, in awe of it. She'd been out for some time, at least according to his mind. But she wasn't groggy. She was wide awake. She must've been up longer than he thought. And she looked angry.

 

“Get out,” she growled, her voice hoarse. Ryou winced. There was malice in her words.

 

“Sami, please…”

 

“Get out!” she demanded, more furiously this time, “Leave me alone!” Ryou's fists clenched. This was getting out of control. There was no need for her to be so rude to him. He wanted to protest, but the door opened again. Yami popped his head in, smiling warmly when he saw Sami was awake. But the smile wasn't returned. He turned immediately to Ryou, who looked ready to snap with the pressure Bakura put on him. It was just supposed to be a simple apology. And now Ryou couldn't say a damn to her. He turned away from her, and to Yami.

 

“What is it?” he demanded harshly, not caring how he sounded. Yami blinked, wondering what had placed Ryou in such a bad mood. He waved it off. This was by far more important. Ryou's little drama could wait.

 

“Bakura wants you downstairs,” Yami replied grimly, “Now.” He left the room, but didn't close the door. Ryou looked back at Sami. She didn't turn to him, nor did she make any move to get off the bed. He just shook his head and stormed out. Let her be a bitch for now. He'd deal with her later. He walked down the hall, and descended the stairs to the first floor. Ishtar, Malik, and Yugi were all in the living room, all of them worried and fidgeting in their seats. Yami seemed perturbed by something out of the window, but Bakura was by far the worst off. His skin went white as he looked angrily at a monitor near the helm of the ship. Ryou walked in cautiously, aware that all eyes were on him.

 

“Bakura, what's wrong?” he asked gently. Bakura just snorted. Then he turned so stiffly, Ryou barely recognized the action as being one from him. He pointed to a seat in a corner.

 

“Sit,” he growled, and when Ryou did so, he explained, “Musuta's destroyed. Just got word in from someone there. It was wrecked a week ago.” Ryou's eyes widened. Sami should've been down to hear this. But she didn't appear at the steps. Ryou just shook his head again. He couldn't believe the luck they were having now. It went from bad to worse in less than ten seconds.

 

“What!?” he asked, standing up suddenly, “Destroyed!? By who? By Katsaiga!?” Bakura shook his head, and Ryou sat back down. If it hadn't been Katsaiga… who was it?

 

“No. Another Mystic,” the old spirit growled darkly, “Came and just blew the place apart looking for Sami. No one saw her face, but it wasn't who we're looking for.” That was just wonderful. Not only were they running from one Mystic, Ryou had the distinct impression they'd be fighting two. At least two of them. There could be even more than that. That led him to worrying about the villagers in Musuta. He prayed many of them survived. Including…

 

“Is Sami's sister safe?” Malik asked, and Ryou looked at him. He hadn't expected Malik, of any of them, to care. But obviously, the news was shaking Malik up as well. Bakura frowned for a second, and slowly nodded. That, at least, was good news. Sami needed her sister's help.

 

“Yes. She's the one who called me about it,” he replied, and grinned, “Seems she's been trying to get in touch with Sami ever since the woman's been captured by Katsaiga. Now that we're close, she got a signal. It's a damn shame Sami didn't pick it up, though. That'd have made her happy.” He looked directly at Ryou as he spoke, and Ryou felt his shame return. He still hadn't apologized to Sami, and Bakura wouldn't be happy until he did. Thankfully, Bakura was a gentleman… sometimes. He said nothing on the matter, but everyone felt his attention being focused purely on Ryou.

 

“So, what do we do now?” Ishtar asked, glancing sideways at Ryou as he spoke. Bakura finally turned from the boy, to the spirit. His frown returned again as he went back to the wheel.

 

“Nothing. We're landing soon,” he replied, and added, “Whatever business you people have to do, do it before we land. And damn it, someone go make sure Sami's still alive.” That was their dismissal. Not wanting to anger Bakura, everyone took it.

 

Ten minutes later, they all stood outside of Musuta. Sami had finally forced herself to move, and with her dog, descended the ship onto the packed earth. She made sure to stay away from Ryou. Ryou tried to ignore that as he looked on at the ruins of what had once been a fair city. Almost nothing remained; there were no houses left, and very little land. Anything that did stand were in piles of rubble and ash. Like Algon, there was no beauty left. Whoever destroyed the city made fair sure of that. Yugi bent down to pick at a scorched stick that was poking out of the ground. It crumbled upon his touch.

 

“This… this is too much,” he whispered, and turned to Sami, “Why would they attack here?” Sami took a minute to respond, moving slowly, speaking slowly. That worried Yugi a great deal.

 

“To retaliate,” she said lowly, her voice flat, “You know nothing of before I came by. We were already locked in a battle with those bastards long before we met.” Then, she walked ahead, into the city. The dust obscured her after several feet. Yugi blinked profusely. He was used to her being full of confidence. Arrogance, even. But this was worse for him than the sight of the city. She didn't bother to explain anything. And now, she was leaving them there. He sighed, and Malik clapped his back.

 

“She'll be fine, buddy,” he assured the small boy, “Let's go before we lose her.” Yugi didn't argue. They walked into the city, Ryou being the last one in. Everything had been decimated for some time, though the smoke of the onslaught still lingered. It hurt Ryou's nose. As they walked, they saw the residents of the city trying to salvage anything of use from the ruins. There was nothing. Ryou wasn't surprised at all. Many paid little attention to the group as they passed, but some did look up. Like Sami, their eyes were cold and judging. It sent chills up and down Ryou's spine to see them. Did they know what happened to Sami?

 

“What's going on?” Yugi whispered to Bakura, “They keep glaring at Ryou.” Ryou's blood froze with those words. Malik shrugged, grinning it away.

 

“They probably think we're funny-looking,” he said easily, waving to an old Esper as they passed, “Think they're all Chesiers?” Ryou didn't want to know. If they were, they'd learn what had happened soon enough. Bakura was angry enough as it was; any non-human would easily be worse to Ryou.

 

“We are,” came Sami's voice, and Ryou looked ahead. There, before them, she stood. She looked grim and forbidding underneath the pale light of the day, and her frown had worsened since then. Next to her stood a woman who looked very much like her in the facial features. But, her hair was red, and cut short. And, unlike Sami, she wore no gloves, and on her legs were shorts, not pants. Blue tiger marks ran down her bare legs, ending in two well-built, brown boots. Like Sami, she looked used to adventure. Bakura stopped before her and smiled, nodding to the second woman as well.

 

“Good to see you up,” he said calmly, “Feeling better?”

 

“No,” she replied simply, and patted the second woman on the back, “This is my sister, Katt.” Katt just smiled, waving to them all. Malik felt his cheeks redden already, and Ishtar simply nudged him hard to keep him from talking. Like Sami, Katt's eyes were steel jade, and they rested directly on Ryou. For just a second, a frown flickered across. But it passed before Ryou knew what it was.

 

“Nice to meet you all,” she said, her voice amazingly airy compared to Sami's, “I see you've had the privilege of traveling with my sister, eh? Not many live to say they actually enjoy it.” Malik just snickered, causing another nudge from Ishtar. But Ryou found it hard to laugh. He had already seen why. But before he spoke, Sami looked over at her sister.

 

“Not many live to tell of it in the first place,” she growled, “Because not many listen to me, and they wind up dead. Either from nature itself, or from my hands.” She glanced at Ryou darkly, and he swallowed hard. He knew the threat when he heard it. He remembered she still carried her sword. Trying to break out of Sami's gaze, he turned to Malik. Malik seemed to have no fear for Sami's words; everyone doubted he even heard them. He stepped toward Katt, and grinned widely. No one was surprised at what came next.

 

“My name's Malik!” he said brightly, “I've been helping your sister out since day one. Nice to meet you!” Katt just raised an eyebrow, and looked to Sami skeptically. Sami shook her head, indicating that Malik had just lied. Katt laughed, and smiled as she turned back to him.

 

“Is that so, eh?” she asked kindly, and shrugged, “Good for us, then! Now, how've you been faring since you ran off, sis?” She turned back to Sami, her smile cheerful and bright. It looked so wrong next to Sami's grim expression. Sami herself let out a sigh, crossing her arms stiffly across her chest.

 

“Not good, but we're alive,” she replied tiredly, “What happened here, though? Place looks like a bomb hit it, and hit it dead on.” That was an understatement. The place looked like several bombs had been set off, many just to make sure the place was dead. Katt's smile faded rapidly. Sadly, she took a deep breath and gestured to the entire city. Or, what was left of it.

 

“Another Mystic came and just began to set fire to everything,” Katt explained sadly, “She had her own army, and they took everything from us. We tried to hold her off, but… all of the humans are dead. The few werewolves we did have fled to head back to Nesce. All of the Espers are in outrage. They too ran back to Nesce to discuss this… and the Chesiers… we're all ready to collapse as well.” Sami turned to look. Katt was right. Many of the few residents remaining looked like they were going to drop dead soon. Her fists clenched. This wasn't right. And it magnified the problem. There was only one saving grace to this: It couldn't have been Katsaiga's doing.

 

“And you're sure it isn't Katsaiga,” Sami concluded. Katt nodded, and her mouth thinned appropriately.

 

“It wasn't. Of everything, I'm sure of that,” Katt replied bitterly, “Doesn't matter anyway. I'm going to find this bitch and slaughter her after we deal with Katsaiga.” Ryou wasn't sure just how alike Katt and Sami truly were, but he knew they both shared a lust for battle. It scared him; if her sister found out what he'd done in the other world they'd been to, he was done for. But Sami simply waved Katt down and shook her head.

 

“We'll deal with her in time,” she replied sternly, “Katt, who else is dealing with this problem?” Ryou glanced at Sami questioningly, but she ignored him. As did Katt.

 

“I have IRPO coming to do some reconnaissance after we move everyone here down to Duran,” Katt explained, and Sami nodded with approval, even if her face didn't show it, “S-P-K offered to do some investigation, but I didn't think they'd be overly effective. The Mystic left very little physical evidence of the attack.” Sami wasn't surprised. Many magical attacks left little physical remains, unless the victim actually lived through it. And that was so rare, she didn't consider it much of a deal. The residents here had seen nearly nothing; anything S-P-K did find would have to be physical for their boss to even believe it. Or so she'd been told.

 

“You did what you could,” Sami finally said, actually smiling this time, “Katt, thank you.” Katt's bright smile returned as well, and for a moment, the two sisters stared at each other. Then, Katt broke their gaze and turned to the rest of the group as the residents behind them began to sort out what they found for when they'd be leaving. Which would be soon, from how Katt spoke.

 

“And what about them?” Katt asked, indicating Ryou and his friends, “They coming with us, sis?” Sami looked pointedly at Ryou, but she didn't answer for him. He understood why. She wasn't going to take that responsibility anymore. He couldn't blame her, personally. He nodded and stepped forward.

 

“Yes,” he said for everyone, “We're going.” Katt looked at Malik, then Yugi, and then at the three spirits. Everyone nodded in agreement. Then, and only then, did Sami actually address any of them. She looked at them all with such a gaunt expression, she actually looked as stiff as marble from it. Was she forcing herself to speak to them?

 

“You realize that there will be no turning back,” she said darkly, her arms slowly unfolding as one hand went to her sword, “There is no running away. There will be no coward. Either you fight, or I will kill you. There is no room for obstacles here.” Ryou wished she'd just say she was angry and stop subtly threatening them all. But she was stern. She said nothing more as she waited for a response, if any. Ryou just snorted.

 

“We're going, Sami,” he replied, just as pointedly as she was being. She wasn't amused with it. She leaned closer to him until they were simply inches apart. He smelled roses and juniper again, and wrinkled his nose from it.

 

“Then I hope for your sake, you die quickly,” she whispered, and pulled back so suddenly, Ryou almost fell over. His fists clenched again. If he hadn't been so worried about death, he'd have sent her into the pavement for her words. But she had turned away from him again. And he hated her for it. To him, he'd done nothing wrong to deserve such a cold reaction.

 

“How touching of you, lady Sith,” came a voice from behind. Sami turned, her eyes wide as she drew her sword. There stood a man with crimson hair, in white armor, his sword drawn as well. But he was in no pose to attack them. Sami's eyebrow rose questioningly as she felt Katt reach for a dagger behind her.

 

“Who are you?” she asked sternly, almost harshly. The man smiled weakly, his blue eyes twinkling in the sunlight.

 

“My name is Amarant, and I am a servant to Katsaiga,” he replied, “And to you, lady Sith. We are not your foes here.” Sami's expression didn't soften as the man spoke to her. Ryou just watched silently. Right now might decide if Sami lived, as she aimed her sword higher along the man's slender form. Was she really going to strike him? Ryou didn't doubt that for a second. But for right now, she kept her arm steady.

 

“Not my foe? Then who is?” she demanded again, “Tell me if you wish to live.”

 

“The one you seek is a woman named Rath. She is the one who is destroying this world with her power,” he explained, “Katsaiga has been forced to track you down, but she wishes only to speak with you. She has never wanted to kill you, lady Sith. For, long ago, you used to be friends.”

 

“We have never been friends with you traitors!” Katt roared angrily, scaring Ryou as he stepped back. She had yelled with such ferocity, such anger, that it even caused Amarant to stagger back. But Sami held her hand up, and Katt fell silent. Something about the name `Rath' had reached her. Her face crossed a number of bizarre emotions, but it never quite settled on one. It remained neutral after a moment. Obviously, whatever connection she had made, she dismissed. Ryou was actually impressed; her ability to control herself was decent. But how long would it hold?

 

“I implore you to explain yourself immediately,” she said forcefully, but not unkindly. Ryou glanced at the older man, who smiled weakly, as though he had expected her to ask him this. He nodded.

 

“I will,” he replied, and for a moment, it felt as though the sky darkened with the pressure of the words Amarant was about to speak, “Long ago, a war began between the Espers. They fought, and nearly destroyed themselves. It was… within this world that this terrible war was fought. After that day… Espers split themselves into two races; only the eldest were allowed to retain their titles.”

 

“That'd explain the Chesiers, eh?” Malik asked, but Sami silenced him with a wave of her hand. Amarant nodded and continued.

 

“The two races, struggling for power, fought each other, on and off, for thousands of years since then,” he continued calmly, his voice firm, “But only one such has the power to stop this terrible war. Lady Sith, we beli…” He was cut short. Blood, black blood, suddenly sprouted from him in a long stream as a blue shard erupted from his back. Katt screamed as he staggered over, and then onto the floor. Sami's wings tensed immediately, and she drew her sword again, arcing it over her head. Even though she had magic, she didn't need it to know something evil was there. Ryou looked around wildly, but no one was there, save for them. And yet, a voice permeated from somewhere, and nowhere at the same time. This voice held such an evil, it made Ryou's skin crawl.

 

“Well now, if it isn't Lady Winchester again,” this voice said, in a smooth tone, “I'm glad to see you've made it far, but I'm tired of this game. It isn't time for you to know the answers you seek, little rodent.” Malik looked to Sami as the voice spoke. Her lips were tight, her face pale with terror. And yet, she wasn't shaking. She looked around carefully, as though waiting for something to spring up and attack.

 

“Where are you!?” she demanded, “Who are you? Show yourself, coward!” The voice laughed.

 

“Defiant as ever. You've always been a thorn in my side, little rodent,” the voice said, “Well, then here are my rules. Come to Domino. That is our final battlefield. And decide: is Ryou worth protecting? Or is your life more important than his? Decide this, Lady Winchester. And don't run. I will destroy this world, and destroy the man you seek as well if you dare to run from me.” Then, the voice was gone. But this time, Sami fell to the ground. It was too much. Ryou was at her side in an instant, along with Katt. They helped her to stand. She was horribly unstable.

 

“What the hell was that about?” Malik asked her, as they slowly began to lead her back to the ship, “Was that Katsaiga?” Sami shook her head as her dog rushed toward them, growling when he saw the state his master was in.

 

“No… that was not her,” she replied darkly, her voice low with weakness, “That… that was… Rath…” Her voice sounded strange when she spoke the name. Ryou hummed, wondering what was going on now. Who was their real enemy? More importantly, what would Sami actually choose? Whoever that was, they threatened her. They threatened her badly, and she had no choices left. Ryou knew the answer, but he asked anyway. He had to be sure she knew what she would do now.

 

“Sami… what are we doing?” he asked firmly, as they helped her get onto the ship. Bakura took the wheel for her, and slowly, she looked up at Ryou. Her eyes looked red, as though she'd been feverish for some time. It looked ghastly against her white skin. Her entire face looked gaunt; almost dead. Ryou realized that finally, finally, exhaustion was getting the better of her. But her answer was definite.

 

“We go to Domino,” she replied, “We fight them. We win. Or we die.” That was answer enough for Ryou. He patted her back, and then turned to Bakura. The old thief nodded, and turned the wheel as the ship began to rise into the air. Soon, it would be decided. Not just whether Ryou lived, but of their world. It would decide who was far stronger: Sami, or their enemy. It would decide if the world would live to see another day, or be destroyed in one fell swoop. It would decide the harbinger of trouble. And all they could do was go nearer to it. It would be all too soon.

 

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

 

Now that Katt has finally joined her sister, Ryou now finds himself heading home. But this will be no home reunion for them. No, this will decide if Ryou lives to see another day. What will Sami choose, and can they stop the Mystics? If Katsaiga is not their enemy, who will they be facing? Find out next chapter, so click that Review button!