Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Ryou Bakura: Time Master! ❯ Of friends, lovers, and... zombies? ( Chapter 18 )

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh. Takahashi does, and he can't believe Ryou rebelled against his own father! Takahashi is quite proud.

 

The battle tank rumbled slowly down the dusty road toward what appeared to be a barren wasteland just outside of Domino City. All had been silent since Ryou returned; he had told them all to climb in, and then said nothing more as he had pulled out, driving out of the city. Everyone knew that something was wrong, but Ryou didn't speak. He was too angry, too frustrated with his own father to relay what had actually happened. And, he was angry with himself, too. He had never known to ask how Yaten felt about all of this. Silently, he looked out the windshield, feeling that they had a fair distance between themselves and the city. And yet, he also felt more and more isolated from his life the farther he drove.

 

“So… how far do we have?” Honda decided to brave, as they passed a large cactus. Ryou sighed, looking at a map he had taken from the office. He didn't actually appear to know, and it made him even more irritated than before.

 

“I don't know!” he snapped, and Honda backed away, terrified that Ryou might actually harm him for speaking. Ryou growled and looked out the windshield again, eyes narrowed furiously as he drove along. Jou's lips thinned.

 

“Ryou, seriously, what's wrong?” he asked, “You're not acting like you, man. What did your dad say?” Ryou sighed again, and shook his head. He didn't want to talk about it, but when Jou asked again, he knew they wouldn't let it up unless he controlled himself, which at that point, he found he couldn't do.

 

“He called Sith a monster,” Ryou replied angrily, “My wife is not a monster. Sure, she's a non-human, but so what? He had no right to say that about her. I… I tore into him. I told him he can't stop me. I… left.” Jou looked down and patted the man's back comfortingly, but it didn't make Ryou feel any better. And, Bakura's words hit him even worse.

 

“Well, with all due respects, Ryou, Sith isn't exactly the nicest woman out there. In fact, she's damned scary when she's angry. Remembering her Final morph should've told you that one. She nearly slaughtered everything within the room because of what happened to you,” Bakura reminded him, “On the one hand, I can see your point. Sith has been through more than any of us; she has no idea how to go about this. But on the other, your father has a right to be worried. You're his only son, and his only living child. He's just trying to watch out for you.”

 

“But he had no right to insult Sith,” Ryou retorted crossly, “People always think she's some sort of monster, like she's going to kill them all for getting too close. But… damn it, I yelled at my own father.” He let go of the controls and looked down, ashamed of what had happened as he recalled just what he said. It wasn't too bad, but he was too respectful to yell like that.

 

“…did he deserve it?” Bakura asked, sitting in a chair. Ryou's eyes watered and he shook his head.

 

“No. He deserved it as much as Sith did when I yelled at her for my life,” Ryou replied, shivering, “Neither of them… deserved what I've said to them both.”

 

“That's all well and true, but I'm sure they'll forgive you when we get back,” Kaiba said, and everyone looked at him in shock, no one actually believing he'd be trying to help someone else, “Well, your father is the problem. Sith already forgave you by marrying your wussy ass, though why she would is…” Kaiba didn't finish his sentence as a blast of wind knocked him right in his stomach, causing him to fall over. Ryou stood, glaring at him as he lowered his arm. Everyone stared at him this time.

 

“Oops,” Ryou spat, and then turned to the controls again, “I guess I have wussy control over my wussy powers.” Bakura snorted with laughter, as Ryou's tone turned to a mocking one very quickly. Kaiba just growled as he stood up, unable to believe that Ryou had the nerve to actually use magic. Especially since Sith made it clear again and again that she didn't want him to use his power. But, then again, Sith wasn't currently with them.

 

“Okay, insults and personality changes aside, we should probably focus on what to do once we reach Scapples,” Ishtar offered, crossing his arms as Katt nodded, flipping through a magazine, “We have no idea when Sith gets out of work, or if she knows how to get there, so I doubt we need to worry about those ruins for some time. That's good. It gives us time to focus on something more important.” Malik glanced at him as he put down the book he was reading.

 

“What's more important than saving our world from a psychotic mess like Rath?” he asked, raising a skeptical brow.

 

“Food and beer,” Ishtar replied, grinning. Malik snorted; he should've expected that answer. Katt simply shook her head. Food and beer should've been the least of their worries right then, as the tank was loaded with emergency provisions left from Yaten's last trip with the tank. Then again, no one really knew if they could trust anything Yaten touched.

 

“If Scapples is anything like a normal town, they've got to have a market, right?” Anzu asked, looking out the window, “The only problem I see is money.” Ishtar snorted. That may have been true, but it was pretty obvious that Anzu had never been in a desert before their time travel, and he intended to let her know that.

 

“Girl, look out the window,” he said sternly, “We're in the middle of a damn desert. What food would possibly be growing out here, save for cacti and snakes? If, and this is a big if, since we're in a desert, they have a market, I highly doubt they'd have food you'd be used to.”

 

“Excuse me for not growing up in a dirt hole for most of my life,” Anzu muttered silently, and Malik actually laughed this time. Technically, it insulted him as well, but he knew it was aimed directly for Ishtar, something he would always be pleased with. Ishtar himself rolled his eyes and ignored her insult entirely. Ryou just sighed and shook his head. The argument itself was ridiculous, but Anzu did bring two very important points up: they needed food, and they definitely needed money. Both of which, with the exception of whatever Yaten left, they had nothing of.

 

“We'll cross that bridge when we get there,” Ryou told them all calmly, and for once since leaving, smiled. Bakura, however, looked around the interior of the tank and grinned.

 

“Let's hope the tank doesn't destroy that bridge,” he commented, and Ryou sighed again as he said, “Hey! That gives me a great idea! If this is a tank, it should have cannons on it, right!?” Everyone's eyes widened, wondering just why Bakura would want to ask that. Bakura himself seemed to be traversing the corridors of madness as his grin widened to a terrifying degree. Yami blinked, glancing at the deranged thief, hoping he could douse whatever terror Bakura was concocting in his head.

 

“Why would you need the use of a cannon?” Yami asked flatly, “In fact, who do you think is insane enough to let you use one?”

 

“Well, if we had a cannon, we could shoot birds out of the sky!” Bakura replied wickedly, “And then, we could roast them! Instant dinner, and we can take down those nasty bastards in one blast!” Yami's eyes narrowed, shaking his head in disbelief. Bakura obviously never heard of collateral damage before; if he shot the cannon, the kickback alone would do a lot of damage to either himself or everyone else. Ryou looked back, a flat expression on his face.

 

“We're not shooting the cannon so you can get your divine fury out on birds,” Ryou told him sternly, “Besides, with your lousy aim, you might accidentally miss them.” Bakura blinked, not expecting Ryou to actually say that to him. He snorted with amusement as Ryou turned back to the controls.

 

“Haven't you ever heard of aftershocks? Even if I miss them, the resulting tremors from my first attempt will have them falling right out of the sky!” Bakura exclaimed proudly, “It's called physics, Ryou. Maybe you should pay attention.” At this, everyone fell completely silent, stunned by the stupidity Bakura had just displayed. Ryou was sure that, if Sith were there, Bakura would probably be knocked to the floor by now. For moments on end, all anyone did was stare at the thief in utter disbelief. Then, Malik finally decided to speak.

 

“…Bakura, that only works if they're on the ground,” Malik told him calmly, and when Bakura raised a skeptical brow, he added, “Birds fly, dumbass. Any aftershocks you do make won't affect them.” Bakura growled, glaring at Malik for questioning his logic. Ryou snorted, feeling with certainty that Bakura wouldn't have any other points to his crazy idea, but he was soon proven wrong as Bakura's grin returned.

 

“Then I'll banish their wings so they can't fly!” Bakura retorted, grinning triumphantly as something heavy slammed onto the roof of the tank, “…THAT BETTER NOT BE ONE OF THEM! BANISH TIME!” He went to climb the deck, but Yami quickly stopped him.

 

“If you're going to waste your power banishing their wings, why not banish them entirely!?” he hissed, and Bakura stopped trying to escape, “What logic are you trying to base this on?” Bakura blinked again, and silence fell between the two spirits as he pondered that. The top door into the tank flew open, and Sith jumped inside, landing next to Ryou, who stumbled back upon seeing her. She crossed her arms.

 

“Don't try and ask that, Yami,” she sighed, as Yami turned to her, “You'll lose your sanity if you delve too far into his thoughts.” Yami snorted, and nodded with agreement as Bakura simply glared at the woman. Sith, however, ignored that as she turned to Ryou, who blinked as he straightened himself up.

 

“I thought you had work,” he said, resulting in a raised brow from Sith, “How'd you find us, dear?”

 

“I did, but after putting in four hours, I told Pierre that something was up, and he agreed I should check it out,” Sith replied calmly, “As to finding you, it's pretty easy when your little sister is willing to tell me everything that happened while I was gone.” Ryou's eyes widened. That was why Amane didn't follow him! His lips thinned a bit, but when Sith said, “She's a chatty thing when she likes you,” he laughed.

 

“Well, I'm glad your back,” he stated genuinely, “We were wondering about what to do for food. I didn't see what my dad left us, but I don't think it's much. Do you have any money?”

 

“A bit,” Sith said, sitting down next to Anzu and Miho, “I'm not sure what it can buy us, but we should be fine for at least one meal. Did you find anything else while I was gone?” Ryou shook his head sadly as Kaiba took the wheel for him. He walked over and sat across from Sith, who stared at him intently.

 

“Nothing relating to the Espers, anyway,” Ryou replied, and then frowned, “My father thinks you're a monster, though.” Sith hummed, but she wasn't overly surprised by that. Many people thought she was a monster, which didn't bother her too much. Technically, she kind of was. Her wings ruffled a bit.

 

“I'm not entirely surprised he said that,” she told Ryou gently, “But I don't blame him. Ryou, this is a dangerous game we're playing. I can see why he was furious when you left. Amane said he went straight to his room when you were gone. I couldn't help but wonder just what was said that would make you storm away from him like that. With me, I don't care too much, but he is your father, Ryou.” Ryou looked away. He expected Sith to say something about Yaten's lack of knowledge on the subject, but he was thoroughly shocked that she was defending him. But, he knew she was right.

 

“…did you talk to him?” he asked quietly. Sith looked at him critically, and nodded, making the knot in Ryou's stomach tighten.

 

“Briefly, but yes. I did,” she replied, “As much as I dislike your father, I dislike what you said to him even more, Ryou. I understand why you did it, but not even I would disrespect his wish like that. He…”

 

“What did you expect me to do, Sith!?” Ryou cut her off, standing up furiously, “He… he was willing to let Rath roam off so I didn't get hurt! You're telling me you would rather have me sitting in my room than by your side?” Sith looked up at him, her calm expression unchanged… or so he had thought. But, when she stood up as well, her eyes hardened, and her ears lowered.

 

“I expect you to respect those that are older and wiser than you are, Ryou,” she said sternly, crossing her arms again, “I expect you to think about this rather than simply doing what you wish. I have this problem with your friends; I don't need it from you. Now, sit down.” Grudgingly, Ryou sat, and Sith continued, “I agree with your father, Ryou. I don't want you going into this. I never have, but time and again, you still insist on it. And, you are here regardless of both our wishes. But I suggest you heed my warning about crossing me again, Ryou. I wasn't lying about any of the danger. And, if I ever hear you storming on your own father like that again, you will be dealing with me. I don't handle disrespect well at all.” She sat as well now, and for another moment, they stared silently at each other. Ryou's fury evaporated with Sith's words; Sith's, however, did not. She was serious. Only when Ryuuzaki spoke, did her eyes leave Ryou.

 

“So… how come you're defending Yaten?” he asked, “You usually hate him.” Sith gave a sly smile as she glanced at Ryuuzaki.

 

“Normally, I do, but when it comes to losing your only child, I have sympathy for him,” she replied calmly, “I don't even remember my own father. It's been so long, most memories of any of my family have vanished. I… don't want Ryou to ruin what may be a last memory by disrespecting his only parent.” She looked down herself now, and Ryou bit his lip. He never thought of it like that, but it was obvious this would always bother Sith. He patted her shoulder.

 

“I'm sorry,” he said gently, but Sith shook her head.

 

“I'm not the one who needs the apology,” she told him sternly, “But, it'll be up to you to decide what you plan to do to fix it, Ryou.” Ryou nodded. He knew what he could do once they reached Scapples, but he also knew it wouldn't be enough. For now, calling his father would have to work; he wasn't turning back now, not with the end of his magical chase coming so soon. However, just as he made this resolve, the tank suddenly stopped, throwing everyone forward. Having toppled over, Ryou looked up and saw Kaiba barely hanging onto the wheel. He also saw a figure in front of the windshield. A boy with short black hair and crimson eyes was waving frantically at him, adorned in what looked like a sweatshirt and a pair of jogging shorts. Ryou laughed; it was his friend, Shimbou.

 

“Damn it, get out of the way,” Kaiba growled angrily, honking the horn in an attempt to scare Shimbou off. But, it didn't work; Shimbou remained there. Ryou ran over and turned off the tank, much to Kaiba's dismay.

 

“Relax. He's my friend,” Ryou replied, and clambered up to the trapdoor to the deck of the tank, exiting the interior. Sith and Bakura followed immediately after as Ryou jumped down, landing next to the boy. He smiled and said, “Shimbou! I haven't seen you since the wedding!”

 

“It's been too long, dude!” Shimbou replied, as the two hugged for a moment, “Man, I'm glad to see you! I didn't think we'd ever run into each other!” Ryou bit his lip, knowing fully that he had spent most of the summer inside, trying to help Sith out. Sith walked up, to which Shimbou hugged her as well.

 

“That would be my fault, Shimbou,” she admitted, “I was working most of the summer, and Ryou didn't feel he could leave me for anything.” Ryou's mouth slanted. That wasn't entirely true, but he could see why she felt she was at fault. He didn't speak on the matter. Shimbou, however, patted her shoulder.

 

“Ah, don't worry about it. I mean, none of it made too much sense when he told me on the phone, but it sounded like you were going into a mid-life crisis prematurely,” he explained, and Sith snorted in amusement, “I mean, you're still young! I can understand trying to find your parents, but he said you're going back through lifetimes! Are you into that spiritual sort of stuff?” Ryou blinked slowly, unable to believe Shimbou was asking all of this. If only he knew the truth! Sith, however, continued to snort, eventually simply laughing at the statement. Only when she calmed down did she even attempt to explain… or reply in any form.

 

“It is… quite difficult to explain right now,” she replied calmly, as Ryou snorted in agreement, “But that isn't overly important. What are you doing out here?” Shimbou looked at her for a minute, and then grinned. Ryou had a feeling whatever the answer was, it would probably be unbelievable.

 

“Well… my girlfriend kind of told me to get out of her hair for once, so I decided to go on a ten-mile jog and hope she cools down a bit,” Shimbou explained, as Ryou snorted again, “So, I jogged out this way. Of course, I'm kind of lost now. I've been hitchhiking for over five hours! You guys are the only ones who stopped to help me.”

 

“Gee, I can't imagine why,” Bakura mumbled, as Sith nudged him angrily. Ryou shook his head, not sure if he should believe the tale or not. But, Shimbou did seem genuine. He chuckled.

 

“So, let me get this straight. Your girlfriend threw you out, and you're not even mad?” Ryou asked, “You decided to jog the pain away?” Sith side-glanced at him, raising an interested brow. Shimbou simply shrugged, taking out a water bottle and drinking the rest of its contents.

 

“Well, Nanisaka is always in a bad mood, so I figure it's just her having a really crappy night of sleep,” Shimbou said, and inwardly, Ryou burst into a fit of laughter, “I mean, we stayed up kind of late last night, but that never really put her in a bad mood before.” Ryou tried to keep his laughter in, but Sith simply stared at Shimbou, having met both he and Nanisaka previously. She couldn't possibly see how they matched up.

 

“You… and she… but… how…” Sith started, unable to get a full sentence out in sheer shock, “I just don't… what do you both… how is it…” Ryou glanced at her, still struggling not to laugh at the scene, but it was proving too hard for him as he watched his own wife sink further into confusion from the thought of Shimbou and Nanisaka actually dating.

 

“I think you broke her mind,” Bakura stated, raising a worried eyebrow as he looked at Sith, “So, does this mean you're coming with us?” Shimbou tilted his head, looking from Sith to Bakura, and then to Ryou, who snorted and raised an interested brow. His grin widened and he nodded.

 

“Sure! Hell, it was fun the last time I went with you guys!” Shimbou replied happily, “I'll have to phone Nanisaka, though. She might actually worry about me if I'm gone too long.” Sith looked to Ryou, and he felt her immediately tell him that Shimbou wouldn't be using her phone for this. Ryou sighed, shaking his head as Sith and Bakura proceeded to get back into the tank. Then, he took out his phone and handed it to Shimbou.

 

“Well, let's go,” Ryou said, leading Shimbou into the tank as the man opened the phone and dialed a number. It rang for three minutes before someone picked up, and her sheer shrillness cut through the air like soft butter as he spoke into the phone.

 

“WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN!?” Nanisaka yelled from the other end, “I've been sitting here waiting for your athletic ass to come back!” Shimbou grinned again and proceeded to explain what was happening as Ryou told him what he didn't already guess. Nanisaka listened, and when Shimbou finished, she said, “...you mean to tell me Ryou said he has to stop these… what are they? Mystics?”

 

“That's what he's saying, babe,” Shimbou replied, as Sith nodded, “Anyway, I'm going to go with them and make sure they'll be okay. Who knows? Maybe I'll end up helping to save the world!” Though he didn't see it, Ryou knew Nanisaka was frowning. He could feel her mood drop, but not into anger. She was depressed. Shimbou waited for her response, but when she didn't speak, he called, “Nanisaka, are you okay?”

 

“…be careful, you idiot,” she finally said, “Don't wind up dead.” Shimbou agreed to be careful, and hung up, handing the phone back to Ryou. Ryou and Sith both looked at each other, both sensing what was going on. And, both of them felt sympathy for it as well. Shimbou, however, sat back in a chair, his grin still remaining despite his girlfriend's grim response to his news. When he saw how Sith and Ryou reacted, he actually laughed, causing them both to look at him.

 

“Guys, relax. I'll be fine,” he told them, “I've never been hurt in my life! Pain takes one look at me and says `hey, why bother?' I think they know I'm a natural predator!” Ryou raised an amused brow, and Sith practically fell to the floor, snorting in utter mock. Everyone else just stared at Shimbou, obviously no one sharing that opinion. After all, Shimbou was no bigger than Ryou, and Ryou wasn't overly strong himself.

 

“Predator was never something I'd see you as, Shimbou,” Ryou said, kicking Sith in the shin for laughing at his friend. She stopped and stood up, but inwardly, she was still laughing, shaking her head.

 

“In all honesty, I've never seen a human that looks able to handle anything bigger than a large dog,” she commented calmly, and snorted again, “Once you can successfully knock an Esper flat on their back, then I might consider you a predator.” Shimbou nodded vigorously, and Ryou could tell he was determined to meet Sith's rather impossible expectations. Ryou himself turned to her, raising an interested brow as she glanced at him, nearly laughing at his expectant expression as she asked, “What?”

 

“Considering the fact that I knocked three Mystics flat on their butts, don't you think you should be giving me some form of credit?” he asked her. She settled down and then looked him over carefully. That was true, but he conveniently forgot one fact: he wouldn't have been able to without her or her magic. She grinned slyly again and proceeded to remind him of this. His eye twitched, and this time, Bakura laughed.

 

“She does have a point, Ryou,” he stated, causing the man to glare at the old thief, “Hey, we all know that if little Miss Bitchy over there hadn't waltzed in and dragged you out kicking and screaming, you'd probably be dead.”

 

“Or a zombie,” Malik added, “Wait… that'd be even worse than being dead. Zombies with magic… imagine that thought.” Ryou shivered. He didn't need to imagine it to know it was bad; he knew that the first Mystic he encountered had mentioned undead servants. Everyone else seemed to want to think of it though, because they all whispered and murmured about how creepy that would have been to encounter. Sith, however, said absolutely nothing. In fact, the entire subject seemed to bother her as she looked at the floor of the tank. Ryou bit his lip. He tried to read her mind, but whatever she was thinking was too complex for him to understand.

 

“Sith, are you all right?” he asked her, causing her to jump just slightly, shocked out of her thoughts by his voice. She turned to him and nodded slowly, but her frown worsened.

 

“Yes,” she replied, “I'm just… the undead will never be a subject I'm comfortable with.” Ryou blinked. He had never dealt with anything really undead, or at least anything he could remember. Had she, though? He had no way of knowing.

 

“Why?” he asked gently, “Can Espers become… zombies?” Unfortunately, his question reverberated off of the walls, and slowly, everyone looked over at Sith, no longer whispering excitedly about their current topic. And, her grim expression seemed to already answer Ryou's question. Her lips thinned.

 

“…if there is one thing my uncle taught us, it's to never let anything become a zombie, especially if it's an Esper,” she told him darkly, looking away, “It's difficult to tell if an Esper is a zombie or not, but yes… we can become undead.” Everyone glanced at each other, some whispering, others too nervous to want to speak on the subject. Jou looked right at Sith.

 

“How?” he asked her, and once again, all eyes fell on her.

 

“Some of us simply run around as spirits, much like Yami or Bakura,” she replied, “Fueled by an energy known as Amphorite, and kept… `alive' in crystals made of it. But, there are those who… are not quite as lucky. They get bitten by the creatures of Hell and are turned into zombies that way, or they become infected with a weapon, or… they get infected with a spell.”

 

“There's a spell that turns you into a zombie!?” Ryuuzaki asked. Sith nodded, glancing at Katt. Katt looked back with worry.

 

“Yes, if used incorrectly,” Sith replied, “It is called Death. Some Espers… Espers of higher blood can't be killed with Death. But it hurts them so badly that they become undead. Not the soulless zombies you see in movies, but they are unable to die properly, and at all because of Death. They remain here for… thousands of years past a normal Esper life span. And, they're stronger than a regular Esper. Far, far stronger. The undead is nothing to joke of.” Ryou frowned. Sith was getting more and more hesitant to even speak on the matter, but he still couldn't see what was wrong. But he knew he was getting close. He narrowed his eyes, an inkling suddenly becoming visible, and one he certainly didn't like.

 

“Sith, what happens if you shoot or stab an undead Esper?” he asked her, causing her to look at him, “What would happen if you gave them a wound they shouldn't heal from?” Sith stared at him critically for a moment. Everyone waited, and yet it took minutes for her to speak.

 

“…nothing,” she replied finally, “They would come right back as though nothing happened.” Ryou frowned. Everyone else nodded, and then turned back, as it was clear Sith was through with the subject. They began to whisper again, but Ryou kept his eye on Sith. Whatever she was thinking, it was magnified from his questions. She caught him staring, and frowned again, but this time, she didn't look grim. No, she looked… sad. She whispered, “Keep on thinking of this, Ryou.” Then, she turned away, speaking to Kaiba about where he should be driving. Ryou blinked, unable to understand why she would say that. Shimbou seemed concerned as well as he walked over to Ryou.

 

“Was it me, or did she seem really agitated with the subject of zombies?” he asked, “I mean, I'm pretty sure Malik was joking. Come on, she doesn't honestly think zombies exist, does she?” Ryou shrugged, but he didn't let his gaze leave Sith. It was obvious she did feel the undead existed. Why would she lie about undead Espers? He kept wondering why she told them so much about it, and then a new thought came to his mind. What she had said about them being unable to die… he realized how many times she had been nearly killed off, and how she always pulled through… when in reality, she really should've been dead. Even Katt said she shouldn't have lived through those instances, and now… Ryou frowned.

 

“It… no, that's too weird, even for her to go through,” Ryou told himself, as Shimbou glanced at him carefully, “But it'd explain… how she lived through the Goddess… and… is she really one of them?”

 

“Is she one of what?” Shimbou asked, but Ryou ignored him, walking over to Sith, “Hey, Ryou, what's going on!?” Ryou didn't respond. He tapped Sith on the shoulder, causing her to turn around and look up at him, her frown still remaining. He narrowed his eyes again. She looked too alive, too healthy to be what he feared she actually was. But, if she was, it would explain so many things that he couldn't have answered: how she managed to live no matter what had happened to her. He never questioned it at that time, he was just too thankful she did live, but now that they had gotten onto the subject of death, he realized that she really should've been dead long before now, considering how many blasts of Ultima she had managed to survive. At first, he thought she survived simply because she was an Esper, but now, he realized that many Espers had fallen from less drastic attacks, some of which were much more powerful than she was.

 

“Sith, I need to know this,” he said seriously, “Are you a…” Suddenly, he stopped as something crashed into the tank, throwing everyone over like rocks tossed into a whirlpool. The engine stopped, causing Kaiba to curse angrily, even as Forte rushed forward to see what had happened. They waited, but another crash didn't sound. Slowly, everyone stood, but only Sith and Katt moved for the door, throwing it open as they rushed out. Immediately, Ryou pursued them, with Shimbou rushing after, still unable to understand what was bothering Ryou so much so suddenly. Anzu and Miho followed shortly after, only to see that what had attacked them wasn't a monster as they first thought, but a man with long, green hair and very large, black wings. He had smashed into the tank, as one of his wings ruffled limply at his side.

 

“Who the hell is that!?” Kaiba asked, coming out next, “And why did he feel a need to total our tank?” Ryou glanced at Sith, who looked absolutely outraged to see the man they now faced. He frowned, realizing she knew who this was. And, when she spoke, he knew she definitely did.

 

“You,” she said, calmly at first, until the man actually landed, “Get away from me.”

 

“Now, now, Lady Sith, you don't need to get so angry with me,” he replied, and then looked at Katt, “…Sceppiro? What did you do to yourself?”

 

“It's none of your business,” Katt growled, “Why are you here and what do you want? We have no time for you, Gilden, so leave us all.” Ryou stared up at the man in terror, fearing that there might be a battle right there, and none of them were prepared for it. But, the man, Gilden, simply frowned, turning back to Sith.

 

“On the contrary, I think you have more time than you need for me,” he replied, “Lady Sith, I insist that you come with me before you repeat the same mistake you made before. Do not face Rath again.”

 

“Do not tell me what to do,” Sith retorted furiously, “I go nowhere unless Ryou is with me. Now, leave or I'll kill you just as I killed the last man to get in my way.” Ryou looked over at her nervously, and knew that everyone else was behind them, watching and wondering what was going on. Gilden simply sighed.

 

“You're just as stubborn as ever, Sith,” he told her, “Seth was a fool for trying to oppose you and Rath, we all know this. But I'm not him. I've no intention of opposing you.”

 

“Then why are you here!?” Sith demanded angrily, and Ryou held her arm for fear she would attack this man, “This is not your place. You have no right interfering with us. I thought… I was rid of you when I left you in Nesce. How did you find me, and why are you trying to stop my facing Rath? Do you not understand… that she's going to kill Ryou? To kill me? To kill us all until she takes this world as well?” Ryou looked at her critically again, wondering just what Sith was talking about. It was obvious that she knew this man for some time, yet she never spoke of him. Ryou frowned, wondering why she had never told him any of this. How much had she actually hidden since he met her?

 

“I understand it all, Sith. I understand why you finally chose this era, but that doesn't mean you're ready to face her,” Gilden told her sternly, crossing his arms, “Please, hear me out.” Ryou felt Sith shake in fury, but she didn't move to draw her sword. Instead, she looked at Ryou, and he realized she wanted him to make that decision. He nodded, and turned to face Gilden.

 

“Start speaking,” he said bitterly, his breathing heavy as he felt Sith's anger for seeing this man, “But if you do anything, I will kill you, not Sith.” Gilden sighed, and closed his eyes.

 

“I do not intend to harm any of you…” And then, he let the silence around them fall like the flakes of sand that his wings kicked up.

 

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

 

And so, with Sith once again back by his side, and with Shimbou joining them soon after, Ryou and his army of friends move through the small desert on the outskirts of Scapples, only to come face to face with another Mystic. But, who is this man and what is his connection with Sith? What information on Rath could he have that would warrant him forbidding them to move forward? And, is Ryou's fear of Sith possibly being undead real, or is she simply spooked by the prospect of zombies? Find out next chapter, so click that Review button!