Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Ryou Bakura: Time Master! ❯ Recollections ( Chapter 14 )

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh, Forte, or Basch. Takahashi, the godfather of all things competitive and cardly, owns Yu-Gi-Oh. Capcom owns Forte, and Square Enix owns Basch. Not one of them approve of their characters being trapped in a frozen wasteland.

 

“Okay, so please remind me why I decided to believe in magic and why we decided to follow Sami's orders to the exact,” Kaiba mumbled, as he, Ryuuzaki, and the others who had stayed behind tramped through the desert as the afternoon sun hung over them, “Because right now, magic is making my life a nightmare.” Ryuuzaki simply snorted with laughter at Kaiba's complaints as he held what looked like a long, metal board. They had been searching for over two hours for the machine, but their efforts showed next to nothing, even with Forte's help.

 

“Because if we don't do what she says, we could be stranded here forever,” Ryuuzaki reminded him, grinning as he set the metal down, “I'll admit, I don't like her being the ringleader forever, but she's gotten us through enough scrapes for me to trust her. Forte, is this the area?” Forte, who'd been trailing behind to adjust his maps, looked over at the two as Jou and Honda came running up. He nodded.

 

“According to the new maps I downloaded off of the wireless connection my mom installed in me, this is where we landed,” Forte replied, “I'm picking up weak signals of metal, though, and none of the technology Mr. Ishtar used seems to be responding.” Kaiba's eyes narrowed angrily as Jou took out a shovel and started digging. Ryuuzaki glanced at him for a second, feeling that another complaint would be made, and decided he had to intervene. After all, technically, Sami had left him in charge.

 

“That just means that we have to do some repairs on those things,” Ryuuzaki said calmly, shrugging the problem off, “The machine took a pretty bad beating. I'm surprised it lasted in the disco era.”

 

“I'm surprised Ryou lasted then, too,” Jou commented, looking up as Honda dragged Basch over to help them dig a very messy hole, as they scattered sand wherever they felt, “He was humiliated when Sami saw it. I'm sure his dad's going to haunt him forever!” Ryuuzaki looked at Jou with a mixture of annoyance and amusement, and then nodded with agreement. Then he turned back to Kaiba.

 

“Hopefully, the repairs won't be too bad,” he said grimly, crossing his arms as Kaiba overlooked the digging, “You do still have those tools you used earlier, right?” Kaiba eyed him and nodded, opening his coat to reveal that he had various devices strapped on in case of a quick emergency fix. Ryuuzaki smiled with approval.

 

“Of course. I run a full-scale technologic company. I'd be a fool to leave them behind,” Kaiba replied smugly, and then his voice softened, “But that won't mean much out here. Even if we repair them, we get no signal. Electricity wasn't around in this ancient time.” Ryuuzaki's head lowered, realizing that in the midst of the excitement of doing anything helpful, he had forgotten that problem entirely. Kaiba was right; without the signal, the machine wouldn't function anyway. Forte, however, smirked as he pulled a USB cord from one of his ears.

 

“You guys forget I'm part-robot. My mom installed me with wireless connection, remember?” Forte asked, but that clearly had no relevance in Kaiba's mind, for the man protested soundly.

 

“But what connection is here?” Kaiba retorted, frowning sternly, “We're in the distant past, where nothing short of flint and limestone exists. Yes, there are working devices, but none of them mechanical. How can we reach a wireless signal?”

 

“Nesce has them,” Forte replied simply, narrowing his eyes confidently, “Nesce is built on a system of magic, crystal, and machines that provide sources even better than electricity, though much like the signals we get at home. Being from such a futuristic period, my sensors can pick up those signals from anywhere and use them. That's how I was able to download the maps we need.” He grinned again at the end, and this time, Kaiba shared that profound pride. Finally, it seemed that something was coming together.

 

“I misjudged you, Forte,” Kaiba said, as they shook hands, “You're not just a broken-down pile of metallic rust.”

 

“Likewise, you're much more intelligent than the sack of crap I took you to be,” Forte replied, and though both statements were meant to be insulting in some way, both man and robot laughed hysterically. And, as their luck continued, Jou looked up frantically as Honda and Basch pulled out a large, red canister-shaped compartment, coated with sand as it spilled from the broken door.

 

“GUYS! We found it!” Jou cried, and Kaiba looked over as Ryuuzaki beamed, helping Honda to set the compartment on its bottom, “We found the main chamber!” Kaiba walked over as Forte pressed something on his wrist, his eyes glowing red as he began to scan for other fragments of the machine.

 

“Good. Jou, continue digging where Forte tells you to dig,” Kaiba commanded, “Ryuuzaki and I will set about fixing this thing.” Jou nodded, and once again, activity bloomed among the group as they began to search for the missing parts to their ticket home.

 

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Despite having taken several minutes with Katt to choose the safest route downwards off of the mountain, Sami's decision proved as equally reckless as simply jumping off of the cliffs themselves. Snow covered many hazards that tripped and foiled their movements, and even though the two Espers had wings, neither could fly in the storm. They were forced to move slowly to avoid accidents, and spirits were being pushed too hard as a result.

 

“Does it always snow like this?” Malik asked through pants for air as they slowly descended off of a cliff face Sami had picked. It was short, and the footholds were strong, but ice threatened to freeze their hands, and Sami had to stay behind to make sure everyone else was able to get down before her.

 

“Most of the time, yes,” Sami replied, jumping off the cliff herself and landing carefully next to Malik, “There is a period in which we go through to spring, but winter occupies much of the continent's landscape. It's because of how high up we are. The sun can't properly warm the land, and so it stays nearly eternally cold.” Malik bit his lip as Sami descended to catch up with Ryou, and Katt tapped him to tell him they had to move. They descended another ten feet, and then Sami took the lead, weaving them down a sloping path that widened as they came to a smaller summit of one of the lower mountain tops.

 

“Did this continent always float?” Yugi asked curiously as Sami stopped briefly to sweep the small plains. She found a decent route, and looked down at Yugi.

 

“I don't know,” she replied calmly, as she slowly walked ahead, “If it ever was part of the earth, it was many, many eons ago. Through every tome of Esper history I've explored to find my own origins, not one ever recalled a time when Nesce wasn't in the sky. It's said that not even Bahamut himself was born before Nesce was created.” Yugi's eyes widened in wonderment as Sami continued to explain more of Nesce's structural lore, and Ryou snorted in amusement. Having actually seen the ancient god of the Espers before, he knew Bahamut was well past any span of life from any other Esper. For Nesce to be even older than that was hard to grasp.

 

“So if Bahamut didn't create Nesce, who did?” Malik asked, as Katt held his arm to guide him through the mental path Sami relayed to her. Sami, who had been helping Yugi cross safely as they spoke, looked back at him for a second. She felt his wonder about her and Katt, and chuckled.

 

“It wasn't anyone from our family,” Sami replied, “From what Sith explained, along with the tomes, royalty wasn't always a constant, and the Winchester line wasn't in rule for as long as you'd expect. The Winchester rule started with Sith's… our grandfather, Skylon Winchester. It was passed to… to our father.” Ryou noted the pain Sami felt at saying the word `father.' She had never met her own father, could remember nothing about him, and he knew that pain hurt deeply. Sami looked down, unwilling to continue the tale.

 

“Do you think your father's still alive?” Malik asked, but Katt quickly shook her head as Sami glanced at him.

 

“No. Remember what Sith said? Her brother is the king of Nesce,” Katt replied, and Sami added grimly, “Royalty is only passed if the previous king is dead.” Malik looked away, feeling terrible for asking such a question. Yami laid a hand on Sami's shoulder, and she glanced at him, almost shocked at the contact.

 

“I'm sorry we didn't travel far enough for you to meet him once more,” Yami said sincerely. Sami let out a heavy sigh, nodding slowly.

 

“It is how life goes, Yami,” she replied sadly, “I'm… not meant to see my father. But I will see my brother, and that matters just as much to me. And it must matter to Katt as well.” She looked back and smiled at Katt, who nodded, but seemed hesitant about something. Worried, but unable to understand her sister's hesitancy, Sami looked ahead and continued downward, slowing to make sure the others followed safely. As Katt passed with Malik, Sami offered a hand to help Anzu and Miho, both of whom took it gratefully. Then, they continued as Ryou brought up the rear with the three spirits. The snow finally stopped falling, and the clouds began to thin as small rays of sunlight sliced through to reveal afternoon glory. Sami smiled, glad to have the sun shining against her wings, which were glossy from the snow. Katt's wings ruffled ecstatically, and Malik had to keep a tight grip so she didn't simply fly off.

 

“The light's so beautiful up here!” Miho exclaimed, as Anzu pointed excitedly to the capital below, which shone in all colors imagined as the light bounced off of every crystal surface. Ryou's eyes shined as he looked upon the lights, which he felt were a wonder in and of themselves. Sami's smile widened.

 

“We're blessed. Very rarely can the sun poke through the clouds like this,” she said, “Either we're just in time for the spring season, or we're simply very lucky.” Katt nodded, and they led the group off of a small jump toward a wider path that circled the inner ring of the mountains surrounding the kingdom, leading almost directly into the city. In fact, a few inhabited caves lined the path, and as they slowly walked down, they felt the warmth and smelled the food from within. Ryou's mouth watered, as he hadn't eaten much before they left. Sami's eye twitched from feeling everyone's combined hunger.

 

“Do you think they'll give us food when we arrive?” Bakura asked as his stomach growled expectantly.

 

“Most people won't,” Katt said with amusement, dragging Malik away from an entrance to one of the caves, “Espers are generous, but in this harsh condition, they need to rationalize their food.”

 

“Our brother might be different, though,” Sami countered, taking off her glasses to wipe them clean of the snow, “He'll probably give us a feast for visiting. But, that's only assuming he believes our story. If he thinks we're here to trick him, we'll have to run.” Malik glanced at her, eyes widened. They had dealt with magicians before, but her brother had to be even more powerful than her if he was the king of the Espers.

 

“Will he actually kill us?” he asked shakily. Sami's lips thinned, and slowly, she nodded.

 

“If he's as skilled and tactical as Sith had said, he would,” she replied sternly, “Magic isn't his only skill. He has many ways to take down any enemies he encounters.”

 

“I'm sure we can handle him,” Ishtar said, smirking and crossing his arms as they walked past another large cave, “We've dealt with three people attempting to destroy the world. He's easier than they are, right?” Sami looked back at him with disbelief; not even she would think she could take the king of the Espers down.

 

“He's an Esper, Ishtar. His magical power is incredible because of his pure line. Our battles were against opponents who couldn't understand the true power of magic, henceforth abusing it as a substitute. My brother,” she said grimly, eyes narrowing, “Knows exactly how magic works. I have no doubts that he would attack if he didn't believe us.” Then she walked ahead, promptly dropping the subject at that. No one asked about their chance of victory if her brother did strike, mainly because no one would like Sami's answer. Silently, they walked down the path, and as they slowly came to the city, where small houses and crops took the place of caves for a short distance, Sami explained their vegetation to everyone. Anzu and Miho loved hearing every bit, and Ryou smiled at Sami's willingness to explain it all, despite the many tiring questions Miho asked her.

 

“Many of the crops here are said to hold higher concentrates of minerals and vitamins than the agriculture on earth, so it's no surprise that our immunity is so incredible,” Sami said, as they walked past the crops and gardens as Espers peeked out of their windows at the group, “Unfortunately, trade routes are incredibly difficult to maintain, even after my brother agreed to keep them open, so the chances of finding them on earth is very slim. I'll… ask if I can have a few seeds and start a garden to grow these.” Ryou nodded, taking her hand as they walked past. Espers that were tending their gardens or simply walking through the streets gasped when they saw Sami, even more so when they laid eyes on Yami as well.

 

“Lady Sith has returned to us!” one of them exclaimed, “Hoorah! The princess!” Sami glanced around nervously, wondering if she truly resembled Sith that much. She knew she had, but to have everyone mistake her for… well, herself, just felt wrong.

 

“Princess! Have you come bearing good news of Egypt?” another asked, but Sami simply stared at him in confusion, unable to answer.

 

“The pharaoh's with her! Are they here to seek out a consul with King Sceppiro?” Many Espers murmured excitedly as Sami passed, and Ryou felt pangs of jealousy at every turn. Many Espers cheered and shouted for joy at Sami's appearance, but she had to ignore them as they followed the main street. Shopkeepers had come out, clearly wanting a look at the “princess,” and Ryou had to do his best to keep the crowd away from Sami, who didn't seem to be enjoying the attention at all. Finally, she turned around and addressed the crowd, hoping to be as eloquent as Sith would be.

 

“Please! Let us be!” she cried, and the crowd silenced, “I am sorry, my dear friends, but the pharaoh and I are not here to stay for long. We must speak with my brother, and then we are off again. Forgive me, but we must be going. If I have time, I will answer any questions you may have for me.” She looked at the large crowd, most of whom nodded with understanding and began to file away. Only a few remained, and they watched her walk off again, with her friends behind her. Ryou glanced at them carefully, and realized that they expected something of Yami, which he didn't appear to understand. When they realized that the “pharaoh” wouldn't be speaking, the other Espers left as well, and the trip continued in near silence. Miho and Anzu were still enthralled at the beautiful crystal scenes of the continent, every so often asking how light could reflect into such colors. Katt took to explaining, feeling that her sister was getting tired, and grumpy again. Finally, the road gave way from dirt pavement to crystal bricks winding into a path through a gate made of ice and capped crystal shards. The iron doors stood open, and the castle's front doors could be seen. They were golden, with stained glass adorning the sides, as the clear crystal walls reflected even more light, throwing soft hues of blue and green everywhere.

 

“Is that the palace!?” Malik asked, staring up as far as he could at the tall, pointed towers on each side, “It's… it's enormous!”

 

“It's… my home,” Sami whispered, beginning up the crystal walkway. Ryou felt how filled with wonder Sami was at seeing the castle up close, and felt her body react to the familiar magic swirling around. She sighed as she went through the gates, everyone running to keep up with her. The courtyards inside of the gates were astounding, each filled with flowers the color of periwinkle or snow, and plants that thrived despite the wintry conditions of the area. Each one gave off soft glows of blue around them, and Ryou was sure the view was magnificent at night. When they came to the front doors, two guards stopped them.

 

“Halt!” one of the guards said, “Thou shalt not pass!” Sami glanced at him. Like her, he had large cat ears and a long tail, though it was golden rather than black, and there were no markings on it. He looked at Sami, confused as to why she was there, and then the front doors opened. Between them was a man in a long, green coat over dark blue armor, with black pants ending with grey boots. His hair was pitch black, save for a silver streak down the front, and his hair swept past his waist, ending in a tie at the bottom. His eyes were the sharp jade green that Katt's were colored.

 

“Let them through, Lazaner,” the man said, looking at Sami, “My sister, Sith K. Winchester, Knight to the Pharaoh of Egypt, told me that you would be coming here. I am to guess that you would be Sami.” He stepped down from the crystal stairs and held out a hand to Sami, who nodded and shook it.

 

“That is correct, sir,” Sami replied, bowing politely, “I have brought friends, as well. Two of which I would like you to meet. Ryou, my husband, and my sister, Katt.” The man tilted his head as Katt and Ryou both stepped forward. He smiled at Katt, but at Ryou, he frowned.

 

“You resemble that scum, Bakura,” the man said bitterly, “My sister told me your story. If you two are truly from the future, I pray you aren't descended from him.” Ryou looked away, slightly insulted at the man's first impression of him. Sami, however, didn't let the ill will go on for long. She held Ryou's hand.

 

“Sir, no disrespect, but if Sith told you about us, then surely you're suspicious of me?” Sami asked calmly, “I may be her, and yet I could simply be an impersonator.”

 

“You resemble my sister too much to be so,” the man replied, “And in any case, you came to confirm what you are. I wish to help in any way that I can. I'm Sceppiro Winchester, king of Nesce, the world of the Espers. I welcome you gladly into my home. Now, before we discuss what you must know, I would like you to join me for dinner. You all have traveled far.” He turned to lead the group into the castle, and no one objected, especially as Malik's stomach growled to prove just how hungry they truly were. Sceppiro chuckled when he heard it, and simply led them through the large entrance hallway. The floors were made of crystal, and anything that touched it sounded with a small clack. The walls were made of similar material, but were more clouded to provide privacy. Every door and window frame was made of gold, and sculptures and plants adorned the corners.

 

“This place looks amazing,” Yugi said breathlessly as they walked through the long hallway, “Where did you get all of these?” Sceppiro looked back at him, and smiled. Malik blinked, as his smile resembled Katt's very strongly.

 

“I made most of these myself,” Sceppiro replied casually, and everyone stared at him, “Espers are masters of art as well as battle. As proud creatures, we usually fill our homes with artwork we make ourselves.” Everyone looked around, unable to believe that one man could create such wonderful sculptures. There was one of the Esper of the Moon, Fenrir in the hallway before the two large staircases leading upwards. From the statue's mouth poured clear water, lights dancing at the bottom of the shallow pool. Alcoves lined the walls in between doors leading to different parts of the castle, and one of the alcoves held a statue of Sceppiro, and another of Sith. Ryou stared up at the one of Sith.

 

“She looks exactly like you, Sami,” he commented, as Sami joined him, “Same hair, same wings… same expression. She IS you.” Sami nodded in agreement, and then looked at the statue next to hers. It was of a man named Cydandilus Skylark.

 

“That's our uncle Cyd,” Sceppiro said, as Sami looked the statue over carefully, “He's our engineer and pilot major. He's responsible for the power sources and machines you'll see all around the city.” Sami looked down, and Ryou felt her curiosity for her family rise drastically as Katt brought Malik over. Everyone else was still looking at the statue of Fenrir.

 

“Was he related to our father?” Sami asked quietly, taking off her glasses to clean them. Sceppiro shook his head.

 

“No. Our mother. He was her younger brother,” he replied, frowning at the mention of his mother, “She died when I was only 124. Sith was barely one hundred years old. She doesn't even remember mother.” Sami's eyes watered, as a small memory floated into her. She was young, running toward a man with black hair, but that fleeting memory vanished before she knew who he was.

 

“What was… your father like?” Sami asked. Sceppiro blinked, interested as to why Sami would ask, and then decided there was no harm in explaining. He led her over to a statue of a man in leather armor, a torn cape billowing behind him. He held a large spear in one hand, with two prongs on one end, and a shield in the other with the crest of a lion. His hair was messy and long, his bangs growing wildly around his handsome face. He was stern, and frowning.

 

“Father was a strong man, and he was very wise,” Sceppiro explained, as Yami walked over, “He ruled Nesce with a gentle heart and taught me to do the same. When he went into battle, his strength was amazing. It's said that the Lightning Valley was formed because of the huge dent he had made with a Comet spell while thrusting his spear into a stone golem.” Sami's body shook as she looked on at the statue of the man, and memories flowed through her, showing her memories of her sitting with her father in his study, or running around the gardens with him watching her carefully. They brought tears to her eyes, and Ryou felt her sadness rise.

 

“Did… did he… love me?” Sami asked, turning to Sceppiro, “I mean… did he love Sith?” Sceppiro gave her a gentle smile and patted her back comfortingly.

 

“He loved you more than anyone could understand. When you were 1,014, he sent you to Egypt to protect you from an onslaught of Dark Espers just so you would be safe,” Sceppiro said, smiling as he returned his gaze to the statue, “He died in that battle… but he prayed that the pharaoh would watch over you as he promised. And, his prayer was answered. Both the pharaoh and his son thought of you very highly.” Ryou glanced at Yami, whose eyes were widened when he heard that he had been involved in Sami's life. He knew from seeing Sith and Atemu, but to hear it for himself was shocking. Sami, however, stared at the statue, eyes watering. She began to remember, just slightly, of being told to leave Nesce, to seek out a friend in the desert. She saw a flash of lightning in the distance as she looked back at her home. Slumping onto her knees, Sami cried.

 

“FATHER!” she screamed, her voice echoing through the halls and many of the crystal rooms. Ryou knelt down next to her, hugging her tightly. She touched the base of the statue, and continued crying. Sceppiro and Katt bent down, each holding one of her shoulders. Her body trembled, and she continued to sob, the pain of seeing her own father proving too much to stop. Only when she stopped, did Ryou dare lift her up.

 

“Sami, dear?” Ryou called. Sami's eyes were red from her tears, and she wiped them away.

 

“My father…” she whispered, “My father… I… I never knew him… I can't even remember much about him, but he's… he's the man I always heard whenever I closed my eyes. When I was little, and I was sad… I saw him.”

 

“If anything, that proves that you are my sister even more so,” Sceppiro replied calmly, stepping back to let Ryou hold Sami again, “Even incarnate, Espers sometimes have flashes of their pasts when they're upset. Will you be all right?” Sami sniffled, and nodded as she laid her head on Ryou's shoulder, her ears lowered in sadness.

 

“Yes. I just need… time to get over this,” Sami said weakly, “Bakura was right. Now that I'm here, everything is coming back. It's… difficult to deal with.” Ryou stroked her back comfortingly, glancing at Bakura, who nodded grimly. He guessed what Ryou was thinking.

 

`Her wounds over her father never fully healed,' Bakura said to Ryou in their minds.

 

`But it's been nearly 3,000 years since this time. How come she never resolved it?' Ryou asked, looking at Sami with concern. He missed his own mother, yes, but he had accepted her death a long time ago. How could Sami not do the same? Bakura's eyes narrowed, hearing every thought running through Ryou.

 

`We don't know the whole story, Ryou,' Bakura reminded him, `Before we ask why she never forgave his death, or why it still hurts her, we should probably see what happened to her to make her incarnate herself.' Reluctantly, Ryou agreed. After a few more moments, Sceppiro asked them to follow him into the dining hall, which was as large as any ballroom Ryou had ever seen. It put even Atemu's grand chambers to shame, and the walls lit up with white lights that reflected off glass and golden columns alike. Sceppiro sat at the head of the table and clapped, and servants began to bring out food. Everyone began to serve themselves, but Sami didn't eat much, nor did Ryou or Katt. Ryou could sense many different thoughts flying through Sami, and he knew she wanted to answer them all.

 

“So, Ryou, do you like Nesce?” Yugi asked suddenly, as Ryou lost himself in his thoughts, “…Ryou?” Glancing over, Yugi snapped his fingers, and Ryou came back, looking at him as a servant cleared one of the empty platters.

 

“…what?” Ryou managed to say, not having heard Yugi in the least. Yugi and Malik both gave him concerned stares as Malik repeated the question.

 

“We want to know if you like Nesce at all,” Malik replied, “It's too cold for me, but Yugi loves it, and I know the girls are ecstatic to see everything… the only one who isn't enjoying herself is Sami. I wanted to know if you felt the same.” Ryou blinked, looking down at his food. He liked Nesce, but he knew being here was putting Sami in discomfort more and more as time passed. He couldn't imagine what she could be thinking about her family, seeing them for the first time in who knew how long.

 

“I like Nesce. It's beautiful, but I know it's making Sami depressed to be here,” Ryou replied quietly, sipping his soup, “Seeing her father… Malik, it snapped something in her. She was just coming out of the shock from her near death before, and now she's right back where she started. What am I supposed to do?” Malik glanced over and saw Sami talk to Sceppiro, who nodded, letting Sami leave the room. She walked to the door, and then ran down the hall toward the large entry hallway. He blinked, and sighed.

 

“Right now, you should probably go and make sure she's truly all right,” Malik said, pointing to where Sami had gone, “Sceppiro let her leave.” Ryou blinked, and then stood up, rushing out of the room after Sami. Everyone turned to him in confusion, wondering why he was running so fast, but he ignored them as he pushed past servants and guards to get through. As he went into the large hallway, no one else was in sight. It was silent, save for the sound of rushing water from the statue of Fenrir. Ryou looked around, but Sami was nowhere in his sight.

 

“Sami?” he called, his voice echoing despite how quiet he was. There was no response. Closing his eyes, he sensed her power close by, on the second floor, and opening his eyes, he rushed up the stairs, his shoes clacking on the crystal floor. He ran into the dark hall where he felt her power strongest, near the west wing of the palace, and stopped dead when he found only one of the many doors down the hall open. Carefully, he peeked his head inside. Sami stood in the middle of the room, and Ryou saw that it was a large, spacious room filled with dolls, books, beautiful furniture, and a warm fireplace. Snow began to fall again outside of the window.

 

“Sami, are you all right, dear?” Ryou asked, walking inside. Sami picked up a doll, but didn't turn around. Her eyes lit up as she looked into the burning fire in the fireplace.

 

“…I never thought about what I'd feel when I found my home again,” she said flatly, frowning, “How I'd feel when I finally learned who I was, what part of your lives I played, and how it is I know so little about myself. I… didn't expect to feel regret.” Ryou walked up and put his hands on her shoulders, unable to understand what he should say.

 

“Why do you feel regret?” Ryou asked, “If it's because of our adventure, Sami, it's…”

 

“It's nothing to do with that,” Sami cut him off, turning to look up at him, “Ryou… that day… that day that I was last seen on Earth. I remember it.” Ryou's eyes widened. Of everything she remembered, that was exactly what they needed. That would answer how she had come to his time, and how old she truly was, if she even had an age anymore.

 

“You… you what?” Ryou asked, “You remember it!?” Sami nodded, and then turned around, walking to one of the large windows overlooking a beautiful courtyard.

 

“Yes. It was… the worst day in my life,” Sami said, looking out the window, her voice growing distant, “It was… just after Yami had died. I flew into outrage at the lone remaining priest, Seth. I couldn't… believe what had happened, after everything Yami had done, despite Bakura's success. I couldn't take what happened… to either of them.” Ryou's shoulders slumped as he heard Sami's voice break up.

 

“Sami, calm down,” Ryou said softly, leading her toward the bed and sitting her down, “Yami and Bakura should probably hear this. I'm going to get them.” He ran to the doorway, but Sami's voice stopped him. He looked back at her questioningly. She looked at her lap, and sighed.

 

“Get everyone,” she said sternly, “Everyone needs to hear this. This will… explain quite a bit.” Ryou nodded, and left again. Sami sat for what felt like a very long time, unable to shrug off the feeling of deep regret that she had. Looking up, she stared out the window again, watching the snow falling softly. Her eyes watered, but she didn't shed the tears. She barely felt them at all.

 

“I might have been… what caused my kingdom's… downfall,” Silently, she waited for Ryou to return.

 

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

 

And so, as Kaiba and Ryuuzaki continue to rebuild Malik's time machine, Ryou and his friends arrive in Nesce, immediately seeking consul with the king of the Espers, Sceppiro Winchester. With memories awakened at seeing her home for the first time in eons, Sami has a hard time dealing with them, but what will she relay that could change the course of their adventure? Why is she feeling such regret, and will Ryou take what she has to say well? Will he accept that she might be what ended the kingdom of the greatest magical race in time? Find out next chapter, so click that Review button!