Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Shattered ❯ Changes ( Chapter 1 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh! or Duel Masters, the song “The Reason,” or any brand names, places, stores, etc. mentioned.

Note: This is not meant to be yaoi or shonen-ai at all. Those of you who know me know that I hate yaoi. So, consequently, I will obviously not be writing it. This will just be sort of “brotherly love” or whatever you want to call it.

IMPORTANT: First off, this is written according to the American version. Therefore, it takes place in America. Second, I know Kaiba's supposed to be in Yugi's class, but to me he seems to be a couple years older (if not a couple grades higher), so that's what I'm making him to be. (Almost) the same thing with Yami (Yugi) and Yami Bakura. Third, this fic is a slight crossover with Duel Masters, starting near the middle. However, it will still make sense if you are lacking in that field, but people who have seen Duel Masters will understand a little more. And lastly…I'm “pretending” Ryou is really British. :P

So, on to the story…

Funny. Funny, amazing, and weird all at the same time - How things can change so much and you don't notice. Then you look back in retrospect and think, “How could I have missed that? All those changes?” But then you realize, “I didn't miss anything. I was there the entire time.” Still, being there - wherever “there” was - didn't insure that those changes were made into memories.

Do you understand what I speak of? Good, because I am starting to become confused. Do you even know who I am? Guess not. Well, maybe if I tell my story you'll understand…

- - {Part 1} - -

Battle City made me realize something: the Evil Spirit of the Ring and I…We're connected more than we thought. If devastation were to fall upon him, I would be shattered, and vise versa. Whether shattered emotionally, physically, or both, I do not know. But it wouldn't be good, to say the least.

A few months after Battle City, the world seemed to have returned to normal. Now in our junior year of High School, Domino students Yugi Mutou, Joey Wheeler, Tristan Taylor, Téa Gardner, and myself went about our days as usual. Well, almost usual; save for the fact that the Spirit of the Ring insisted on forcing me to cheat on every test (he was especially forceful during our Egyptian History quiz, since he excelled in that field). Yugi told me once that Yami whispered answers in his ear during that quiz, as well.

No one knew where Seto Kaiba went. I doubt anyone even cared, save for Mokuba, who was most likely one of the few who did know were Kaiba was. We saw him often enough around Kaiba Corp. Too often for the Spirit of the Ring. Some say Kaiba went to Princeton, or Harvard. Others claim he enrolled in a private college or online university. Either way, the entire population of Domino High was glad he wasn't present in our halls to make snide remarks or insults. Joey was the most grateful. In second place came the Spirit of the Ring. Speaking of which, that year - our third year of High School - brought about the first of a series of changes within and with him.

About a week or so before Christmas break, my friends and I were gathered around Yugi's TV set, watching It's a Wonderful Life (courtesy of Téa) when the electricity abruptly shut off - or what seemed like that happened. I jumped in my seat; the Spirit of the Ring, who had been sitting to my left in spirit form, grabbed my arm. Whether it was to comfort me or himself, I do not know, but I am guessing the former. I quickly glanced around and saw Yugi staring at a figure behind the couch. I turned my head to see an Egyptian man in tan robes - an Ankh-shaped key around his neck.

My first thought: Could this be the Shadi Yugi had told me about? Most likely. Five minutes later, I discovered my suspicions were true. What's more, this Shadi had a proposition for us. The details are not of importance, but an interesting conversation, a round-trip flight to Egypt, and some Millennium magic later, two became four. Now, it wasn't just Yugi and I who stood in the Domino airport a few days later - it was Yugi, Yami, the Spirit of the Ring, and I.

Joey, Tristan, and Téa came forward, running, as soon as they spotted us at the gate. The newly-embodied spirits didn't notice - they were too busy taking in all the sights with their own two eyes instead of somebody's else's, for a change. Joey immediately dashed over and gave Yugi and Yami an unwanted group hug, while Tristan playfully slapped the Spirit of the Ring on the back (which, too say the least, he didn't appreciate very much). Téa simply laughed and smiled at their childish behavior.

“Tristan, I wouldn't do that if I were you,” she warned.

“I agree with the girl,” enforced the Spirit of the Ring, crossing his pale but muscular arms. Even though he kept my Albino complexion and brown eyes, you could still see the faint residue of the scar on his right cheek.

“Do we need anything else before we go?” Joey spoke up, attracting our attention.

“Actually, yes,” I answered affirmatively, while everyone else shook his or her head. Feeling their gaze on my back, I fished in my pants pocket for the familiar feel of paper money. I pulled out two twenties and a ten, then placed them in the hands of the surprised Sprit of the Ring. “You need to buy yourself a new outfit or two.” He squeezed the dollar bills in his hand, staring at them speechlessly for a minute before replying.

“Thanks, Ryou,” he said. “I'll meet you back at the house.” Then, he walked off in the direction of the nearest men's clothes outlet. I smiled, but inwardly I frowned. He was the only one, besides my father, who called me by my first name (hence the smile); But he would never call our house a home - always “the house.” As his figure disappeared behind a corner, I couldn't help but want to ask the others,

“Does he seem different to you?”

- - - - -

I'm not a perfect person
There's many things I wish I didn't do
But I continue learning
I never meant to do those things to you
And so I have to say before I go
That I just want you to know

- - - - -

But I didn't ask anything. For some reason, I felt I didn't even want to know the answer. I just followed the others back to the car in which they came (the airport being a ways away), confident that the Spirit of the Ring would have enough spare cash after his purchases to take a taxi. Or, he could always walk home. The airport wasn't that far away.

So we made our way through the vast crowd to the in-airport bus station, and from there we took the bus back to the parking lot where Yugi's grandfather had the car waiting. Yugi and Yami sat in the middle and Téa, Tristan, and Joey stole the back seats, therefore forcing me to claim the front. Goodness knows what we would have done should the Spirit of the Ring have come with us. He would probably have suggested for someone - most likely Yugi, the smallest - to stow away in the cargo space in the way back.

Thankfully, this dilemma was avoided. Once we returned to the Turtle Game Shop, the others wished to hold a small party in celebration, but I refrained from joining. Fatigue plagued me this night, so Yugi's grandfather kindly drove me home. After thanking him profusely, I unlocked the front door and walked inside. At least nothing had changed here. The smell of a cucumber air freshener wafted up my nose when I entered the living room. Then, I sat down on the couch and watched meaningless TV until you-know-who came home. Or, according to him, came to “the house.”

I ended up watching approximately 45 minutes of Grease before the front door opened for a second time that night. He walked in carrying three bags from various retailers and an undefined expression. After dumping what I presumed to be bagged clothes on the kitchen table, he walked over and slumped onto the couch beside me. Sighing, he handed over a few dollars and some cents - obviously change from tonight's purchases.

“What'd you buy?” I asked. An innocent question.

“Stuff,” he replied gruffly. I smiled, even though I didn't receive my answer. That reply wasn't very different from his normal “none of your F-in' business” attitude. Maybe he hasn't changed…that much…

- - - - -

I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
And the reason is you

- - - - -

Life was very different with the Spirit of the Ring and Yami around. They went to High School with us - surprisingly, without being forced to - which I admired. (However, I didn't appreciate the phone calls from the principal saying the two had instigated yet another argument.) Everyone should receive a quality education - even Ancient Egyptian spirits.

But something seized my curiosity and attention, not to mention brought me worry, even more than his fights with Yami. The Spirit of the Ring might have willingly gone to High School (not a task many people would undertake), but he refused to wear the required uniform. He showed up at school in whatever he felt like wearing, whether it be brown leather pants and matching jacket[1], simple jeans and a T-shirt, or khaki shorts a miscellaneous top. He told me once it was to retain his “individuality in this damn asylum,” and he was probably speaking true, but that leather was probably just meant to attract those of the female gender.

Either way, he got in big trouble for it. But he didn't care. Not in the least. Insisted on continuing this forbidden practice, too. The teachers and principal gave him office detentions and lowered his grades, but they stopped when our English teacher mysteriously disappeared after a Monday detention. The Spirit of the Ring claimed with a smirk that he had no information of the subject, but I knew otherwise. Remarkably, he gave in when I persisted on the teacher returning from the Shadow Realm. Although, I was forced to let the Spirit of the Ring remove enough of his memories for the teacher's occupation to be undoable. Only because this teacher was my least favorite of all. What I wondered day in and day out was why the Spirit of the Ring even listened to me in the least during these situations…

- - - - -

I'm sorry that I hurt you
It's something I must live with everyday
And all the pain I put you through
I wish that I could take it all away
And be the one who catches all your tears
That's why I need you to hear

- - - - -

My junior year was probably my favorite year of high school: No worrying about tournaments or Millennium Items and whatnot. Just living peacefully with the Spirit of the Ring and my other friends. But this happiness was not to last. Along with a suggestion by my traveling father, the urge to return to my “native culture” - if you will - persuaded me to move to England for my senior year and beyond. Maybe, someday, I'd return to Domino, but for now, England was to be my home. When I informed the Spirit of the Ring of this change, he surprised me greatly by asking,

“Can I come too?”

I blinked. I had expected him to want to stay here in America, or maybe try and push me to take him to Egypt instead. I had at least anticipated an order to bring him along, as opposed to a question. In my confusion, all I could do was nod and say, “Of course.” Actually, in fact, I would love his company - a companion in a place where I would start with no friends. Also, I felt this move would do him good.

Leaving was much harder than being gone. Yugi and the gang all saw us off at the airport, for which I was very thankful. Téa even gave me a hug. She attempted at giving one to the Spirit of the Ring as well, but failed. In contrast, Joey and Tristan claimed to think “good riddance” at his departure. Still, despite all their uncaring gestures, I could tell they would miss him somewhere along the road of life. Yami, however, was 100% true when he acted as though he would only miss me. Not that the other Egyptian would care.

So, after multiple good-byes and shed tears - the latter by a select few - the two of us boarded the plane that would take us to our English destination.

- - - - -

I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
And the reason is you…

And the reason is you…

- - - - -

Remember how I spoke of changes? Well, London, England, was where most of those changes took places. Not only changes in the Spirit of the Ring, but changes in myself as well. The first few years after we arrived were when I changed the most. Maybe I continued to change throughout the next years, but the Spirit of the Ring was predominant in differences after those first few years.

Oh, and the Spirit of Ring? We mutually chose a name for him. Read forward, and you'll see…

- - {Part 2} - -

London was much different than I had expected it to be. Much less modern. Antique buildings that paled in comparison to Kaiba Corporation crowded the streets, yet they still filled my heart with a welcoming sense of simplicity and belonging. I detected practically the same feeling on Ori's face.

Who's Ori, you ask? Think about it. Who else could it be but him? [2]

After a while, we became use to the ways of the British city. I'm not exactly sure how, but Ori somehow managed to achieve his high school diploma before we left Domino even after all those years locked away in a Millennium Item. Consequently, I went to my senior year alone. Yet, not all alone. I had his support, or so I felt. The most surprising thing I found when I entered the school on the first day was that no one had even heard of Duel Monsters. They continued on confusing it with what appeared to be the popular game at the time: Duel Masters, from Japan. At first, I was distraught, but was instantly hooked into the new card game.

That was the day I started changing. My hair was already growing longer, but it somehow obtained a blue tint that darkened and darkened as the months progressed. Some of my fellow classmates said I was born to play Duel Masters, and maybe they were right. Because I was an expert at it. Not to brag, of course, just a statement of fact proved true when, one day, a man came forward asking me to be the head duelist of what he called “The Temple.” I presumed it be an honor, and took the job. I never knew such a simple word as Yes would make me what I am today. Of course, this inter-country occupation required a bit of travel to Japan at times, since that was were the actual Temple was located, but I saw this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Which it probably was. So I grabbed it by the horns, as they say. Again, not to brag, but the Temple earned me a pretty wholesome salary in addition. And that might be an understatement. A spacious, beautiful house verging on mansion? No problem.

But enough about me. This story is supposed to be about Ori, too, after all. Since he was exempted from high school, he had to do something with the 24 hours of each day. Thus, he claimed himself a job at the nearest bar/night club. Something I very much disliked, but he didn't care. When I told him of my dissatisfaction with his choice of occupation, he simply smirked and walked out the front door - clad in brown leather. Once he said he wished to buy the bar and modify it the day he “turned” 21. I add the quotation marks since no one really knows his true age…

You wish to know something I just thought of? If I didn't know my real age, I would be distraught; yet he takes it very calmly…

- - - - -

I'm not a perfect person
I never meant to do those things to you
And so I have to say before I go
That I just want you to know

- - - - -

Ori seemed to enjoy his job, though, so I tried to act positive about it. With the salary he earned, he insisted on paying at least some rent. Insisted so much, in fact, that he even threatened me over dinner one night. I'll never forget that truly unexpected intimidation…Who could?

“You let me pay the damn rent or I'll punch your lights out!!”

Only Ori would say something like that. Makes you laugh when you think about it…

Anyway, he came home every night with a contented sigh, so I happy for him. And it was really home, too. He never called that vast building “the house,” for which I was very happy. They say home is where the heart is; I'm glad he found a place where his heart could feel comfortable and where he could enjoy his stay, however long this serenity might last. Hopefully for at least a few years.

I, however, spent my days going out to unpredictable business meetings. Once, I saw Seto Kaiba at one an open meeting; after inquiry, he informed me that he was “investigating the competition” in England, soon on his way to Japan to further his so-called “research.” Seeing me, the once-shy Ryou Bakura, as a significant authority in this conflict did nothing to soothe his nerves.

Our daily routine of my meetings and a newspaper and his work and a random movie brought us ease. But the peace was not destined to last. I found this out one early spring day - I was a little over seventeen and a half - when the front door slammed shut at 8:34 in the morning. Four or five footsteps sounded in the entry. Sitting at the kitchen table, sipping at sweetened tea, a thousand worried thoughts rushed through my head. Ori never came home last night… He usually arrived at a punctual 9:15 PM, but not the previous night.

I immediately stood up and went to the doorway between the kitchen and entry. Ori was just standing there, by the wooden desk, staring downward with his hands on the polished, cherry surface. With one hand on the doorframe, I gathered the courage to ask,

“What's wrong?”

- - - - -

I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
And the reason is you

- - - - -

“You want to know what's wrong!? I'll tell you what's wrong!!” he screamed, “Everything, that's what's fuckin' wrong!” At this point I was clearly taken aback by his frustrated demeanor. Despite my fear, my feet stepped forward on their own.

Three words: Very. Bad. Idea.

SMASH!!! The mirror above the desk shattered into a million pieces upon contact with an angry fist. Automatically, I lifted up a sleeved arm to protect my face from any flying glass. Little did I know that a thousand shards were headed straight for me. Sharp pain shooting throughout my entire body, I collapsed onto the floor, wary of glass scattered about the parquet yet unable to do anything about it.

Why was he doing this to me!? What did I do wrong!?!

Through my agonizing haze, I barely even heard the footsteps coming toward me until it was too late. Slowly, I started to lift myself off the ground, but another punch immediately knocked me back down. Then he started yelling again.

“You and your stupid business! I bet you think your life's perfect, huh!? Well, guess what”- He stopped for a few moments here, to beat the wall - I presumed, since I heard more blows, but felt nothing -“Some people's lives aren't so damn perfect! They got problems, damnit, and I bet…you…I think…I…” A thump sounded in my buzzing ears as he trailed off. I opened my eyes - Since when were they closed? [3] - to a horrendous scene.

Ori was crying. Really crying. Moreover, his hands were covered in cuts and scratches and…blood. Crimson regret streamed down his face, mixing with the tears. I carefully sat up, trying to avoid the shattered pieces of the night scattered about the floor.

“Ori…” I whispered softly, earning his attention. At first, he glared, but that stern expression soon softened. He turned so that his entire broken body was facing my direction, then lowered his head onto my legs. After one more sob, he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a pocketknife. My eyes widened slightly at this, but I wasn't truly surprised. I was too exhausted to be surprised. Placing the knife in my left hand, he said,

“Hurt me, Ryou. Make me pay for all the times I've hurt you.” I just couldn't believe my ears. Yet, for some reason, that day my limbs seemed to move by themselves. As much as I hated to, my fingers flipped open the dark blue knife. As the silver blade approached Ori's right cheek, my heart pounded beneath my chest.

Five seconds later: Blood easily seeped from a newly opened wound - three crossed lines across unnaturally ashen skin.

“I'm sorry, Ori…” I whispered, leaning over and laying my head on his snow-white hair, “…for everything.” Tears fell, my eyes closed, and sleep claimed my soul.

- - - - -

I've found a reason to show
A side of me you didn't know
A reason for all that I do
And the reason is you

Footnotes:

[1] The “Bakura in brown leather” idea was actually thought up by DarkShadowFlame at fanfiction.net.

[2] Yeah, Ori is a real name. In fact, in any of you readers can guess what it means, we'll just see if I can fix you up with a prize…

[3] Hehe…I used this same line in “Cry For Me.” :P

::sniffle:: I felt really bad for them while writing that last part… Well, happy belated birthday to Ryou! :P ::throws confetti::

Please review! Oh, and this will have a sort of follow-up/continuance, up sometime, titled “The Long Road.” So, if you liked this, keep on a look out for “The Long Road”!