Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Ryou Bakura: Time Master! ❯ Sith's Victory ( Chapter 23 )

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh. Takahashi does, and he's being stubborn in not letting me own it. I even offered Sith, and he said she's not enough, despite her being totally awesome.

 

The courtyard remained completely silent as Ryou sat against the rim of the broken fountain. No one had spoken a word since they agreed to stay and wait for Sith's return, and likewise, there was no sound from the environment, either. The sky was slowly darkening into a natural night, but the air felt too thin for comfort. It felt as though all form of life had been eradicated from the kingdom. Ryou sighed gently in the gloom, the only sound that had been made for what felt like hours. It shocked him, just slightly, to hear it. In the dead of silence, even a tiny sigh felt like an awesome rumble. His eyes watered; times like this, Sith would call it the `perfect night.' She had preferred silence like this, but in her absence, that seemed so long past. Everything seemed so long past to Ryou, and he shook his head. Even now, Sith would tell him to stop thinking only of her.

 

…But how could he? Even now, when he was trying to focus on keeping his own team morally high, he was still thinking of her. She would've handled things like this for him, even though she always said that he'd have to learn his own someday. He just wished today wasn't that day. But it was, and there was nothing he could do about it. He closed his eyes, cursing Rath for having sent him away. That ultimately led to Oblivion being opened, and now only time would tell if his world would be allowed to live or not. Times like this, Sith always said it was best to think. She thought on this all of the time, Ryou knew. Always thinking, either of their situations or of other things, but Sith was always thinking. Constantly. He shook his head. He had to clear it if he hoped to stay sane. When he snapped himself out of his thoughts, he noticed Malik had come beside him, glancing at him.

 

“You doing okay, Ryou?” he asked gently, as they heard a small crackling fire behind them. Yugi had taken the responsibility of starting a campfire. Ryou's lips thinned. He wasn't fine, but he wasn't doing badly, either. He just… was.

 

“I'm worried, Malik,” he replied, though his eyes didn't leave the shallow pool of water in the bottom of the fountain, “If they don't win, they die. And even if they do… what if they have to leave?” He finally looked over at Malik, the latter of whom whistled slowly, almost reassuringly as he looked up into the sky, where stars began to twinkle and glow. In Nesce, they seemed all the more closer.

 

“Then we just accept it,” Malik told him, and Ryou's eyes widened, “Look, Ryou, I'm not fond of this, either, but we'd have to cross it eventually. Sith was clear from the start that she didn't want you getting too attached, and this is why. Katt already warned me long before now that she might not be in my life forever. I just chose to accept it.” Ryou's eyes narrowed, but he knew Malik was right. He never accepted the fact that Sith had seen this far ahead, though what she actually saw wasn't truly known to him. He simply sighed, looking back into the water. It shimmered, but did nothing more.

 

“You really think… she knew this would happen?” Ryou asked quietly, his face only partly illuminated by the fire behind him, “She didn't even know herself until recently. But… was she planning this far ahead?” Malik snorted. It wouldn't surprise him if Sith had.

 

“I have no idea,” he admitted, “But I think she had a feeling shit would hit the fan, so to speak. Ever notice how stiff she'd always get in the midst of danger?” Ryou nodded. He recalled hundreds, possibly thousands of times Sith had gotten tense in a situation. Did she really think she'd leave after every one of them? Ryou blinked, and looked down as he considered that. It was highly possible, and now her reactions told him he was right. And her memories… At times, she had wanted to leave this world. And Ryou didn't blame her for any of them. He let out another heavy sigh and leaned a bit against the rim, just enough to see his reflection in the water.

 

“…what was she like when she and Rath fought?” Ryou suddenly asked, keeping his voice as calm as he could, “This was the last battle against them. What was she like?” Malik glanced at him, blinking as he tried to recall Sith's reaction. He hadn't seen much. It had happened so suddenly, and in just short moments, all four of the outlanders were gone. His lips thinned, and Ryou braced himself for the answer.

 

“We barely saw her,” Malik told him regretfully, “I know she was angry when you went missing like that. But… I don't know how she felt. If anything, she was probably pretty damn sad.” Ryou half-closed his eyes. That would make sense. Sith was just beginning to carve out a comfortable life and it was going to hell for something that happened so long ago. Malik glanced at Ryou again, and when neither boy spoke, he asked, “So, what did you see? Where did you go?” Ryou hummed, not sure of how he could explain what had happened, but he did want to share it. He smiled thinly.

 

“I think… I saw Sith's memories,” he said, and Malik tilted his head in confusion, “I know. It doesn't make sense to me, but Rath threw me into her memories.” Malik's eyebrow rose, and for a moment, wondered if Ryou seriously expected him to believe that. What would have been the point of going there? Sith told him everything… hadn't she?

 

“Why'd she do that?” Malik asked, frowning slightly, “Didn't Sith tell you about herself? Why go through her memory like that?”

 

“I don't know, but Sith didn't tell me about how she felt through everything,” Ryou explained, “And I finally got to see it. I finally know how she feels about living here, with us.” Malik glanced again, a flicker of worry crossing his face. Ryou sounded confident, but Malik could never tell exactly what Sith thought at any given time. Hell, he doubted even Katt would know what her sister thought.

 

“And those feelings would be…?” he urged on. Ryou laughed.

 

“She doesn't want to leave even though her new life's been hard as all hell,” Ryou replied, a genuine smile on his face, “I think… she'll stay with us.” Malik grinned, looking up at the dark sky. He knew Katt would stay, and though he and Sith never got along because of Katt… somehow her being there comforted him as well.

 

“Good,” he said, “It'd be lonely if she weren't around to disapprove of me. Match that up with this crazy life of ours, and I'm pretty sure we'd get pretty bored pretty easily if she just up and left.” Ryou nodded, but somewhere, just a small part of him wondered if his confidence in Sith was warranted. He loved her, that was true, but their own relationship had hit so many hard spots that he wasn't sure if she'd find it worth breaking the rules. It could cost her everything if she and Bahamut didn't agree on it. Malik seemed to guess what he was wondering, for he said, “If you bring that crap up when she comes back, I'm going to kick your ass.” Ryou blinked, his skin paling at that. Malik had never really gone against Ryou, but he had never really been on Sith's side, either.

 

“But…”

 

“But nothing, Ryou,” Malik cut him off, “Do you really think she's going to want to reassure you of the fact that she loves you? You really think she'll want to deal with that just seconds after getting her ass out of Oblivion?” Ryou looked down. He didn't like feeling like he was the one who constantly needed to be reminded of the fact that he was cared for, but Malik was stating the truth. And right then, the truth was that Sith did always need to remind him that she loved him. He sighed. One more thing to make him feel just that more needy.

 

“…no,” he replied, half-heartedly accepting his defeat. Malik laughed, and knocked him on the side of the head.

 

“Good guess,” he said, “You should've stopped with this shit when she married you.” Ryou's cheeks flushed a bit, but Malik still had one more thing to say before he let the subject slide, “…idiot.” Ryou glared at him, but all that did was cause another bout of laughter. Ryou could just barely see that Yugi was looking over, wondering what the hell was going on.

 

“Malik, I'm not an idiot!” Ryou cried back, but it didn't lessen Malik's laughter in the least.

 

“Yes you are,” Malik simply replied, “That woman's stayed with you even when you were a total asshole to her, and you still think she doesn't care? That's idiocy 101, my friend.” Ryou huffed, not liking whenever Malik got that frank with him. He wanted to tell Malik off, but the blonde boy did have a point, once again. And, just to prove that everyone agreed with Malik, he turned to Yugi and asked, “Yugi, is Ryou an idiot for doubting Sith's love for him, like he does?” Yugi looked up, perking a brow. He hadn't contributed to any of the conversation, and to be asked something like that felt… awkward to him. But, they were friends, so he'd do his best to help.

 

“Yup,” was the contribution he gave. Kaiba just snorted, shaking his head. Bakura, who'd been busy burning scraps of paper from when he and Ishtar shredded the Bards Three's poems, stood up and crossed his arms. Ryou wasn't even surprised when he voiced his opinion on the matter.

 

“I think Ryou's the biggest moron in the world if that's what he's thinking about!” he exclaimed, and Ryou's jaw dropped. Bakura, who was always trying to get Sith's attention, was going to insult Ryou for questioning her loyalty? That was… well, that was typical Bakura, but his nerve still amazed Ryou. He tried to speak, but Anzu already beat him to it.

 

“I'd be too worried wondering if Sith was even alive to care about if she loved me or not,” she stated, and Ryou knew that his own defense would just go straight to hell at that point. Miho nodded vigorously.

 

“That's right!” she agreed, and looked at Ryou, “Stop being stupid.” Malik couldn't help his laughter now. Miho Nosaka had never called anyone anything, even if they did something that was obviously lacking common sense. To hear her telling Ryou that he was stupid was just comical. Ryou's jaw dropped again, and finally admitting defeat, he hung his head.

 

“You guys are assholes,” he mumbled, though he did it low enough for almost no one to hear. But Malik was right next to him, and snickering, the blonde patted Ryou's back a bit harder than was necessary. Ryou stumbled a bit, much to Malik's continued amusement.

 

“Hey, it's like Ishtar says: it takes one to know one, asshole,” he replied, half mocking Ryou, half serious. Ishtar just roared with approval that one of his lessons actually managed to stick in Malik's mind. Ryou forced himself to laugh, and finally sat down by the campfire. The tension had ceased, at least for a moment, but some things were still bothering Ryou. Including the fact that all three bards had gone missing even since the fight actually began. He simply watched as everyone began to talk amongst themselves, but the bards just weren't around. His lips thinning, he tapped Yugi on the shoulder.

 

“Where are those three spoony bards?” he asked. Yugi answered something from Anzu before replying to Ryou. At first, he quickly surveyed the scene, thinking he could just point out the bards among the camp, but then he saw why Ryou asked. They weren't in the area. Yugi blinked, wondering where they could've gone. No one had seen them leave.

 

“I have no idea,” he replied, worriedly, “You don't think they went into the castle, do you?”

 

“From what I've seen, they're idiots,” Shimbou reasoned, stuffing a burnt piece of bread in his mouth, “If they went in to try and find Sam, I say all the more power if something chomps their arms off.” Yugi snorted, but Ryou just shook his head. That wouldn't do, and he knew Sith wouldn't want blood staining whatever was left of her carpets.

 

“Um… maybe I was wrong, but what's actually here that could kill them?” Jou asked, munching on a hot dog, “I sure didn't see anything when we were running through the castle like bats out of hell.” Ryou nodded distantly. That was true enough. There had been no birds, no rats, nothing to show them anything other than Rath was here. That had bothered Ryou at first, but now, he didn't know what that was actually supposed to mean. He was sure either Rath just killed everything or the animals ran away. Even Rosco seemed to refuse to follow Sith into the ruins, and he was as loyal to her as a dog could've been.

 

“They probably fled when the place started crawling with evil magic,” Ishtar replied, though his tone gave an impression of boredom rather than any interest in the conversation, “Animals have a tendency to do that. Birds especially.” Bakura's eye twitched, and Ryou sighed, wishing Ishtar hadn't said that. He purposely set Bakura's rage up, and as usual, Bakura let it flow aimlessly.

 

“Those damned mockers dare to impose their logic on us!” he screeched, and stood up, shaking his fist at a nearby tree, “Well, guess what, you bags of shit with wings! We destroyed the bitch who ruined your home! You should be thanking us!!” Ryou growled, and was pleasantly surprised when Yami grabbed Bakura's arms and tried to drag to older spirit back down, resulting in them both tumbling to the floor. They scrabbled in the dirt for a bit, but a soft rumbling soon stopped that, and one by one, everyone looked over toward the fountain, as the rumbling seemed to be coming from there.

 

“…what on earth is that?” Basch asked, when the rumbling stopped momentarily. Ryou blinked, and slowly stood up. It started again, and this time, he felt something in the air. It felt familiar, but wispy. It was magic. But that didn't bring a smile to Ryou's lips. It was fading magic, which meant that something was wrong in Oblivion.

 

“…Sith?” he called softly, walking toward the fountain. The rumbling grew just a bit louder, and then, Ryou saw just a patch of air being distorted. It swirled for a moment, and then the patch grew. Ryou blinked, looking carefully at the air. He had seen portals forming, but never like this. It always happened so quickly. But this seemed strained. What was going on?

 

“Dude, she's not back, is she!?” Honda demanded, referring to Rath. But Ryou didn't answer him. He continued to look at the swirling air. Gently, he poked at it, and it warped where his finger made contact. He pulled away, his eyes widening. The patch started to darken to a deep black, with twinkling white specks in it, and then it sped up. The swirling pattern continued to grow, and Ryou continued to back away, falling as he slipped on a stone. Malik's brows creased as Yugi helped Ryou to stand, and he took the staff he'd taken from Scapples, jumping in front of the group as he faced the portal.

 

“Who the hell is coming through!?” he demanded, fully prepared to die if it happened to be Rath. A figure solidified, stepping through, but immediately, Malik dropped his staff. This figure was much smaller than Rath, her red hair tucked neatly behind her pointed ears. In her arms was Rath's cloak. Malik grinned when he realized it was Katt. She turned to him.

 

“First of all, it's me, you moron,” she said, smacking him lightly on the face, “Second, Bakura, you didn't kill Rath. She did.” She pointed to the portal, but no one else came out. Katt dropped the cloak at Ryou's feet, and he bent down. It was splashed with black blood, which meant Rath had bled profusely on it. But then… where was Sith? She had to have lived. He looked up at Katt, to find Malik practically tackling her to the ground, crying as he hugged her.

 

“Katt… where is Sith?” Ryou asked, slowly standing up. Katt frowned when she realized Sith wasn't behind her, but as she opened her mouth to speak, the portal admitted another figure to pass. But, that wasn't Sith, either. It was Gilden. His coat had been singed at the bottom, and one of his wings were stained a deep blue, but he was fine for the most part. His hair swirled majestically as he looked at everyone assembled. Then, he looked directly at Ryou, crossing his arms.

 

“She'll be out soon,” he replied, “She's just retrieving something to show you, Ryou.” Ryou's eyes widened. She was coming out. Which meant Rath was dead… which also meant…

 

“Sith is alive?” he whispered to the Mystic. Gilden snorted, almost unable to believe Ryou would actually ask him that. He nodded.

 

“Of course she is,” he replied, grinning as one of his fangs gleamed, “Rath barely did a dent in her. I, of course, was blasted with a damned meteor.” His damaged wing shifted as if to prove his statement. Ryou frowned, but Katt made a grunt that suggested there was a definite different between why Sith was unharmed but Gilden was hurt.

 

“That's only because you jumped in its way, you idiot,” she replied, and both Bakura and Ishtar began to howl with laughter, “I told you that spell wasn't going to hit Sith, but did you listen? Nope. Like the stupid moron you are, you jumped in the way and nearly fried yourself to a crisp!” Ryou snorted with amusement when Gilden's mouth opened to yell, but nothing came out. Which meant Katt was right. Somehow, Ryou could see that happening, and for just a second, he found himself glaring at the Mystic. That was something Bakura would do for Sith to just notice him. He barely caught the portal admitting a third and final form, this one bringing with it the northern gale of the entire continent by her bidding. Her wings ruffled as she stepped out, her overcoat billowing from the gale she created. Her hair had been let down, its tie having been snapped off in the fight. And her eyes… pierced right through Ryou's soul, as they normally did. It was Sith herself.

 

“That is typical Gilden for you,” she replied, and smiled warmly when she saw Ryou, “Hello, dear.” Ryou's eyes watered, but he was too shocked from seeing her alive and well to move just then. Malik looked down to the object in her arms, raising a slender brow.

 

“What's that?” he asked, pointing to it. Sith snorted, and dropped it at Ryou's feet. It rolled, and showed Ryou two glassy, gray eyes staring up at him, its mouth thin beyond even Sith's grimmest expression. The hair on the scalp was stained with blood, as was the slimy entrails coming off of the severed neck. Everyone either screamed or gasped; that was Rath's head. And the black blood dripping off Sith's sword only confirmed the story going on in their minds. She had sliced off Rath's head as proof that the world was safe.

 

“Proof,” Sith replied, “Proof that Ryou is free from harm. Proof that this world… no, that Oblivion is back to normal, and all of the worlds connected to it. Proof that… that I am now Queen of Nesce once more.” She looked down at the severed head, but there was no sympathy in her voice as she spoke her words, “…proof that this world is as it should have been. We are… freed from their hold on us.” She looked up, and finally saw that Ryou was on the verge of an absolute breakdown. His eyes spilled tears, and his mouth opened to speak to her. But no words came from him. She sighed patiently, and then, in one quick motion, he grabbed her and hugged her with more force than he'd ever felt before. Gently, she returned his embrace, his body shaking under her hold. She stroked his back and said, “It's over, Ryou… you are pursued no longer.”

 

“SITH!!!” he sobbed, his tears splashing onto her armor, “Sith, you saved me! You saved us all! You… you…” His breathing was fast and weak, and Sith had to keep hold of him so he didn't collapse. She sat him down gently, taking her cape off to wrap around him.

 

“Yes,” she replied, her voice calm, “I've fixed the mistake I made so long ago. And this time, she won't come back.” Ryou sniffled, nodding as he wiped his tears on her cape. She patted his back again.

 

“Are all of them dead?” he asked her, “Amber… and Falnika… and all of them?” Sith smiled gently.

 

“Yes. All of them are in Oblivion,” she replied, “I made sure of that. Any Mystics that are still alive will be gathered here.” Yami looked at her critically for a moment, at first unable to understand why she'd choose that. And then, it slowly hit him. She would be bringing her kingdom back after all.

 

“Why?” he still asked, despite knowing her answer. He was the only one who knew it for sure. She took off her glasses, her eyes staring at nothing as she looked on the blur of colors she now saw.

 

“…what else is a queen supposed to do?” she asked, her voice holding an amusement that seemed out of place in the situation, “My father would want to see this kingdom come back. I'm sure of it.” Ryou smiled slightly, remembering the slight conversation he had with her father, in his mind. He still didn't know if he had made that up or not. It seemed real, but only he had heard it, and he didn't know if Katt was humoring him or not. He looked at the red-haired Esper, and she seemed slightly shocked that Sith had come to that decision.

 

“Sis… you're serious?” she asked, and Sith nodded.

 

“Yes. It's time that we get our race back together, isn't it?” she replied calmly, “Besides, who else here can actually fulfill the role?” She looked around at everyone, tilting her head and occasionally tapping her chin, “By the looks of it, not one of us, but I'm the best suited by far, I'd say.” Ryou snorted, for that definitely got a response from not only Yami, but from Bakura and Kaiba as well.

 

“Excuse us!?” they all demanded in unison, and Bakura immediately added, “You think you're smarter than us!?” Sith looked up at the old spirit, but her eyes moved in such a way as to say that she didn't think; she knew she was at least smarter than him.

 

“If you truly want the throne, take it,” she simply told him, her brows raised in amusement, “I'm not one to want it.”

 

“Then why take it in the first place?” Malik asked skeptically. This wasn't the first time Sith pulled this. She chuckled.

 

“Someone has to,” she replied, “And it has to be someone who's capable of ruling a country with a good head on their shoulders, Jou.” Everyone turned and saw that Jou was currently raising his hand in excitement, a gesture that proved he felt he even qualified for such a daunting task. Even without Sith pointing him out, everyone disapproved of him being chosen. Jou just grumbled and let his hand fall to his side. Gilden just grinned as he turned from Jou to Sith. She could tell the former Mystic had an idea. And, she had a feeling she wouldn't like it.

 

“Why not let democracy do this for us?” he suggested. Sith cursed her feeling, because she hated this idea. But she reluctantly agreed. If anyone had decent judgment, it was someone within this group. She merely sat down patiently on the cobblestone.

 

“I think Katt should try her hand first,” Malik suggested, and Katt laughed hysterically, shaking her head. Sith had considered that, but when she suggested it, Katt handed the responsibility back to her immediately. She was sure Sith would've abandoned it.

 

“Why don't we all rule it?” Honda asked, but if anything, that was an even worse idea than letting Jou rule the kingdom at all. Ryou watched as his friends nominated either themselves or the person next to them. Only a few had agreed that Sith should keep the kingdom, but she didn't seem to care much for the `democracy' Gilden was trying to implement. Ryou walked over to her and sat down beside her, wondering what she could've been thinking. He tried to sense her feelings, and found that his ability was getting weaker. He couldn't tell what her emotions were. She glanced at him, and guessed at what was wrong.

 

“I'm not surprised,” she said, “The reason you were absorbing my magic was because Oblivion had been opened. Now that it's sealed again, your power's fading.” Ryou looked away. He had never really physically used magic before, but being able to read Sith's mind had been useful, and for the most part, incredibly interesting. He would miss that. She patted his back comfortingly, understanding how that loss would feel. She had lost her power multiple times.

 

“…will your magic fade?” he asked her, and she hummed, putting her glasses back onto her face. Her wings ruffled.

 

“No,” she replied, slowly at first, “I'm an Esper. My magic won't fade because Oblivion is sealed.” Ryou grinned, and at first, Sith couldn't see why. She didn't feel she said anything remotely amusing. Raising a brow, she asked, “What?”

 

“That's never been the case before,” he replied, and Sith's ears lowered, “The last two times your magic was sealed was because something somewhere was sealed and it affected you. Why'd the rules change now?”

 

“Because Rath is dead,” Sith told him, looking ahead, “I asked Fenrir. Right after I cut Rath's head off, he showed up, and I asked him why so many things had been warped and twisted whenever we've won the battle.” Ryou frowned. He remembered Fenrir. It'd been nearly two years, but he remembered his encounter. He wouldn't be looking forward to meeting that wolf again.

 

“What did he say?” he asked, and Sith noted the lack of enthusiasm.

 

“That it was true I used the forbidden spells when I shouldn't have in order to win, but they didn't seal me up,” Sith replied, almost perplexed about it herself, “That was entirely Rath's doing, all three times. It appears that even Bahamut wasn't aware of just how much power Rath amassed in there.”

 

“Did he even know!?” Ryou blurted, suddenly furious with the dragon in question. Sith looked at him, her calm expression unmoved. She nodded.

 

“Yes. He went along with it, because he wasn't sure who had sealed me up,” Sith replied, “Just that someone did. But that's in the past now. Everything, on both sides, is as it should be. And, the forbidden spells aren't forbidden any longer.” Ryou's eyes widened. That was definitely a shock to hear.

 

“Why's that?” he asked her, as an argument behind them broke out between Kaiba and Jou.

 

“I have no idea. Fenrir merely said `The spells have been unsealed once more, and never again shall we seal them in Oblivion.' My guess is, they don't want another cataclysm like the one in this world to happen again,” Sith said, shrugging, “And I don't blame them. I'm getting too damn old to continue this up forever.” Ryou nodded, but said nothing as he looked ahead toward where the argument had started. He didn't want to remember how old Sith truly was. He glanced at her for another second, and swore that, for just that second, he saw her hair turn gray, not the black that it usually was. His eyes widened, wondering just what that meant. But the second fled, and her hair was black when he looked a second time. She noticed his wonder, and her brow told him he'd been too obvious.

 

“Sorry,” he replied, “I thought… I saw something. For a moment.” Sith let out a hum, and both of them continued to watch the argument. Apparently, no one could decide on who should rule Nesce, even though the decision had been made before Gilden suggested his god-awful idea. Ryou looked over just as Sith got up, and wasn't surprised at all when he heard her yell at them to shut their mouths. Also unsurprising was the fact that they managed to listen to her, for everyone within the group fell right to the ground in silence, looking up at her carefully as she scanned their faces for some form of explanation. She huffed after a moment.

 

“First of all,” she began, taking a seat on a crumbling part of the outer wall, “Gilden, you aren't allowed to suggest ideas any longer.” Gilden crossed his arms in a sulky pout, but didn't offer an objection, even when Honda managed a snicker in his direction. Sith ignored both reactions as she continued, “Second of all, not one of you even qualifies for ruling an entire kingdom. That is my job, though I appreciate that you want to help. But honestly, you need to stop fighting before I literally set you all on fire. It's making my head hurt.” Ryou snorted, knowing that Sith would definitely back up that threat with no problem. Some people laughed, but some didn't, understanding the grim undertone in Sith's message. Ryou heard it as well, and let out a sigh. She turned to him critically, but he didn't speak. Instead, Shimbou did that for him as the black-haired boy stood up again, stretching his legs.

 

“Sam… er… Sith… does that mean you're staying here?” he asked, frowning slightly. Sith's lips thinned again, and she looked away for a moment. Ryou didn't need her to answer. He knew she'd have to for a little while, at least until everything was straightened out. He gave her a pat on the back, forcing her head back up as she gave him an apologetic look. But it wasn't needed. He smiled.

 

“She'll have to if she has any plans of reviving her world,” he replied, and Sith was shocked to hear how calmly he was taking this, “It won't be forever, will it?”

 

“No,” she answered, a slim smile beginning to form, “Not forever. A week or two, perhaps three, but I need to talk this over with some of the more powerful Espers before I can just leave. Council must be formed, because this is a matter that's taken so much toll on so many worlds.” Ryou nodded. He didn't know exactly what an Esper council would entail, but he understood the general application. If Sith played her cards right, she could leave Nesce in someone's care while she lived her life here. She smiled, as if replying to his thoughts. Katt just snorted in aggravation.

 

“Councils suck,” she replied, and Sith gave her a quick glare, “Look, sis, you're the boss here, but even you say that Bahamut doesn't know what he's doing!” Sith's eyes widened a bit, and Ryou couldn't help but laugh at her sudden exasperation. Her face relaxed after a quick moment, and her confident grin returned. Ryou enjoyed seeing it on her face now; there wasn't much danger that could wipe it off unless she killed herself.

 

“And sometimes, he doesn't,” Sith retorted, “But that's another story for another time. I'll need to list off who I'm going to bring here. Katt, any recommendations?” Ryou looked from Sith to Katt, and instantly wished Sith hadn't asked for her sister's opinion. Katt's grin grew mischievous and playful, two things that always spelled trouble with her. Sith seemed to see this as well, but didn't utter a word about it. She perked a brow, urging her sister forward.

 

“Well, you seemed awfully fond of the little geniuses living in the world next door,” Katt stated, “Why not invite some of them?” Ryou laughed as Sith's face went white. Her memory of them was clear, and obviously, that idea would be rejected. She shook her head.

 

“No,” she replied quickly, “I'm not inviting any of them. I need a council, not a circus. And trust me, if I invite them, it'll turn into a circus.” Katt snorted again, a smug look on her face. Sith took a moment to consider who she should invite, and she scanned the ranks for the three bards. They were sitting next to Yami, and she beckoned them over. They came, and Ryou was surprised at how they reacted to her; they knelt before Sith and handed their hats to her, which she took with a stern nod.

 

“What may we do, our queen?” one of them asked, and everyone's eyes widened. They had already accepted the fact that Sith was the Queen of Nesce. Sith herself hummed for a short second.

 

“First, one of you will need to inform to the Bard Lord that he is to attend this council,” Sith replied, “Second… another of you will need to go to the Sentinel building back in Domino City. Inform the Esper in charge that all… `Chesiers,' will be required to attend as well. The last of you will need to wait with me. I need to make a list of who will be required to come, no questions asked. When I do this, you are to take the list to the Sentinel and deliver the invitations. Understood?” Ryou was relaxed once he heard the ease of which Sith issued her commands. The bards all nodded, and immediately left to prepare for their assigned tasks. Sith turned to Ryou again and said, “…I expect you to join me at the council.” Ryou blinked for a moment, not sure that he had heard right. But Sith's expectant look meant she was serious. It wasn't even a question; it was a demand. Ryou laughed. At first, Sith took it as an insult, but when she saw him smile again, she understood what he had found so humorous.

 

“I'll be there,” he said, “But I'm not sure my father wants me to stay in Nesce for three weeks.”

 

“I had no intention of keeping you here,” Sith replied calmly, “Any of you. Only Katt and Gilden need to stay. The rest of you are free to leave, and you all may join me if you want at the council.” Ryou's smile weakened just a bit, but as he saw his friends considering their own decisions, his hope was regained. At the very least, Anzu and Miho would definitely be attending; both of them had become pretty close with Sith. Yugi seemed to have decided to go as well. Malik would go just for Katt.

 

“I'm going to go, too,” Forte finally said, “In fact, I'm going to stay here.” Sith looked at him, but his resolve was already stronger than any scold she could give. And to prove it, he said, “It's not like I can go back to the future, mom. It doesn't exist.” Sith nodded slowly, and reluctantly agreed to it. Technically, Forte was right. Sending him to the future would be pointless.

 

“I'd like to attend, but I need to get back to the past,” Basch stated, and Sith nodded. She ushered Malik to take care of that when they returned to Domino. In the end, most of Ryou's group would be attending the meeting, after all. Only Kaiba said he wouldn't be showing up, and everyone could only guess as to why. Sith dismissed it with only slight annoyance, and when everyone's decisions had been made, she observed the group a bit more carefully now. Ryou could tell this was a difficult thing to do, because if the council didn't agree, Sith wouldn't be coming back to Domino. He laid a hand on her shoulder, and she smiled just vaguely.

 

“So then it's decided now,” she said, and everyone nodded, “There's nothing else to do but to see you off.” Ryou's lips parted in an effort to speak, but he decided against it as Sith began to walk forward. Slowly, she led the group out of the courtyard, and through the streets toward where the crumbling Lion's Gate stood. Though the tunnel was very long, Ryou could see the rusty color of the beach on the other side already. He didn't want to head there just yet, but Sith was already close to the small path leading to the tunnel's edge. He sighed, and the group finally came to a halt outside of the tunnel. It was close to crumbling entirely, but Ryou knew that the walls would stay for at least a little while longer. The tunnel was dark, the only light coming through was a soft ray of fading moonlight. He didn't know exactly how time flowed in Nesce, but it was definitely night in his world. Sith turned again, the moonlight from the tunnel illuminating her wings that somehow didn't match her in the least.

 

“Well, my friends, this is goodbye for now,” she replied calmly. Everyone nodded, but no one said a word. As each of them began to pass through the gate, they hugged Katt, and then Sith. Forte was the only one in the entire team that stayed by Sith's side, and he waved to everyone who passed through the gate. Malik stayed with Katt only until everyone else left, and Ryou was tempted to stay regardless of either Sith's wish or his father's worry. But, in the end, he knew Sith would never let him dismiss his life for that. And he knew ultimately he'd never follow through with it either. It was just a wish. When he finally reached Sith, he looked at her. For a moment, her steel green eyes judged him again, but she simply nodded. He hugged her.

 

“Please visit if you have to stay here,” he said, “You're still… my wife, right?”

 

“I'm not sure,” Sith replied, as he pulled away, “That, too, will be in question at the meeting. But I will make a heavy point of it, Ryou.”

 

“I'll bring my dad's tank as a threat if they think to still break us apart,” Ryou promised, and Sith actually let out a laugh. She had no idea how much a tank would ever scare her kind, but it did a decent job on humans. She patted Ryou's back, a familiarly sly smile playing across her face. Ryou had a feeling even if he didn't see her again, he'd see that smile in his own mind every time he thought of her.

 

“Ryou, I'm glad I met you,” she said genuinely, “If you bring the tank, we'll blow our way out if things get too out of my control.”

 

“Imagine the shock on their faces!” Katt added as Malik snorted in complete amusement, “They'd never believe a human would want to keep an Esper here, would they?” Sith chuckled. They all knew Bahamut would be in complete bewilderment if an army of humans decided to stop the meeting with a battle tank. For just a moment, the four of them stood, with Forte looked back toward the courtyard. It felt like a familiar scene to them, and Malik broke it by clapping Sith's hand. It surprised her at first, but she accepted it, even if it was grudgingly. She would never like Malik, and departure didn't change that. All Katt could do was laugh, and all Ryou could do was roll his eyes softly.

 

“Well, our darling Espers, I guess we'd better leave and get home, eh?” Malik asked. Sith nodded grimly, crossing her arms as she looked into the tunnel.

 

“If you don't want Jou driving the tank, that would be a decent idea,” she murmured, and Ryou's eyes widened as Malik laughed. They both knew that possibility was just too likely, especially since Ryou left the keys in the tank. After another farewell, Ryou walked out through the tunnel with Malik, leaving Sith, Katt, and Gilden in their own world, even though they were so close to it. He didn't want to leave like that, but he knew he wouldn't if he had stayed any longer. And he knew he'd meet Sith later, to hear the verdict if he managed to miss the council. They walked across the beach silently, the silence breaking only by the battle tank as it rumbled forward and came to a very slow stop. Kaiba popped his head out, something Ryou was glad to see; that meant Jou wasn't driving the tank. Kaiba helped Malik to climb into the tank, but Ryou hesitated. He turned to look back at the gate. Before, he couldn't see the top of the castle, but now… he saw it. He could see the city of Aeroglyph from here. And, he saw someone standing of the roof of the castle, looking back at him. Neither waved, but he knew who it was. Sith was continuing to watch him. He smiled, and turned away again. This truly meant it was all over. His life would be going back to being as normal as it could be.

 

“And I have to thank her for all of it,” he said, “Sith… I promise I'll meet you again one day.” And then, he got into the battle tank. Only time would tell what the decision would be, and he'd do his best to wait for it. Sith deserved at least that much from him.

 

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

 

And so, the battle was finally won, and everyone who was going to come after Ryou's life has been defeated. Ryou's life will be returning to normal, or as normal as it can be, but with the council of Espers still so close at hand, Ryou doesn't even want to assume that all of the magic from their presence is fading. But what has the ending battle done to Domino City, and what of the small Chesier settlement nearby? What will the Espers decide, and who will attend the meeting alongside Sith? Will Ryou be able to convince the Espers to let her stay in his world? Find out next chapter, so click that Review button!