!NOTICE!
[This story is a direct sequel to Acid Rain. I highly recommend you read it first if you have not yet! Starting here will probably spoil some stuff for you, but the choice is yours!]
ARC NIHIL
Drowning in the Sands of Regret
Arc Summary: Rain recovers from a five-month coma to an empty hospital room and dead flowers. All memories of her were erased by a curse from her dark sign months ago. Well, a cold look or two won't kill her. Hopefully. She searches for her partner in Crash Town, a lawless frontier where losing a duel means a fate worse than death. With what she finds, it's more like she's been chasing a ghost.
Characters: [OC, Kiryu K.] Nico, Yusei F. | Genres: Western/Romance
Chapter One
Bittersweet Return
I shot up and groaned. Soreness strained every muscle in my body, and my throat felt like it was stuffed with cotton. My ribs ached the most. A series of machines beside me emitted a gentle hum. I was wired into them, so I pulled the tubes out of my arm. Intense pain wracked my body. What the hell? That hurt so much! Was I being brainwashed again? Er, no, that couldn't be right…
Upon closer inspection of the whitewashed room, it seemed I was in a hospital. I stumbled into the bathroom and gulped down water from the sink. I splashed some on my face and looked into the mirror.
There were dark circles like bruises beneath my blue eyes. The one beneath my right eye was not so obvious because of my yellow criminal mark. The mark was shaped like two combined crescents: One faced upward, outlining half of my eye. The other faced outwards on my cheek and its top edge blended into the first crescent. My long, white hair had been washed clean, and my thick bangs had grown a fraction of an inch longer.
"My clothes," I squeaked. I cleared my throat and tried again: "My clothes?"
That sounded more normal. "Hospital gown" was not quite my style. A vase of flowers on the bedside table caught my eye. They were long since wilted. There were some empty chairs against the wall, but dust had gathered on the seats. I touched one of the dead goldenrods. A dark stem twirled towards the floor. My eyes tilted down. "No one's… been here."
The door creaking open distracted me. A woman in scrubs stepped in.
"Y-You're awake!" Her eyes widened with shock as she stammered. For some reason, she bore an expression that reminded me of an abused puppy. "Uh. H-How are you feeling?"
"Stiff," I answered.
"Oh, right. That happens when you've been comatose."
"Coma?" She winced. Shouldn't I have been the one doing that? "How long have I been out?"
Her expression darkened. "Five months."
"Five months?" I shouted. She winced again. "How could that have happened?"
"According to the records, you were in terrible shape when you arrived. The worst was probably your broken ribs."
"Oh." I rubbed my abdomen without thinking. "Right. That. Happened…"
"Um, this really weird thing happened while you were staying here. Actually, it happened within, what, the third week you were out? The nurses who'd been taking care of you claimed they had no memory of you. The records were there, but that's all we had. Your friends stopped coming, too."
No way. She was serious? Could it really have been that long ago, too? The nurse shifted uncomfortably. "There was another strange thing about your records. From what we recovered, there's no last name on any of them. We only have your first name. It's Rain, right?"
"That would be me," I responded. "I don't have a last name."
Not anymore, anyway. She asked, "Don't have one? What do you mean?"
"I'm kind of a… special case."
That's putting it lightly, a gruff voice in my head commented.
Nice to know you have my back, Crimson Dragon, I thought.
Always here to help, Rain.
"Oh, I see," said the nurse. "Well, that's alright. I suppose you want to go now. You have catching up to do. So much changed while you were out!"
What to do? Well, everyone's forgotten about me. I had to get them back somehow. I knew who I needed to find first, but how? "Yeah, I would like to leave."
"Will you be okay? I mean-"
"I'll be fine," I said quickly. "I'm an adult."
Her eyebrows jumped. "Y-you are?"
I pouted at her. Was I really that short? "Yes, I am."
"Don't you want to know what's happened?"
I raised my eyebrows. "What do you mean?"
"Well, like I said, a lot has changed since you fell incapacitated. Most importantly, a bridge, called Daedalus Bridge, was built to connect the City to the Satellite!"
"Wait, really?" I beamed. Crow's dream, and everyone's… became a reality.
The Crimson Dragon said, It is wonderful to share joy with you again, young dragon.
I wouldn't get used to it, chimed in a high-pitched voice. You'll see her mood plummet once reality slaps her in the face. Oh, I can't wait for your hopeless attempts at winning your 'friends' back!
I ground my teeth at the voice. The nurse stared at my quizzically. "Is something wrong?"
"No, nothing. What happened to the Satellite?"
"Oh, the island is being reconstructed. There are still some trashy parts, but a lot of the Satellite has been rebuilt!"
"That… that's great," I said in awe.
What does it matter to you? Cruelty wavered in the voice's undertones. No friends, no family, no love! You're all alone. You have nothing left!
I scowled. That voice again! I should've known you'd do something like this.
Yeah? I agree. You should've. But you were too busy sleeping! Its wicked laugh resonated through my mind.
"Ma'am?" the nurse asked. "Someone left a present for you, and I need to grab your clothes."
I tilted my head. "What'd they leave?"
"I'll go get it. Wait here, okay?" She rushed out the door before I could ask more.
"Present, huh? Who'd do that?"
"Someone who's forgotten about you, likely!" She was leaned in the shadows of the corner of the room. A black cloak lined with blue was cast upon her shoulders, covering a matching skirt and black shirt. Her hood fell, and the features of her face matched the shape of mine. Outside the blue irises of her eyes, though, black replaced white. Her criminal mark was blood red. She didn't carry the scars I did, but the purple outline of her dark mark, the Giant, was constantly visible.
I sneered. "You're the spirit of the Dark Signer, the Giant. I have to deal with your commentary on top of the Dragon's?"
She observed her fingernails. "Lucky for me there's not much going on up there, dearest Rain. I'll still have a nice amount of quiet time."
"Shut the hell up," I snapped, to which she snickered. "Maybe taking you on was a bad idea after all."
"Yeah? You think I'm happy about this?"
I snorted. "Right. I'm sure you much preferred-"
"Don't even say his name!" she roared. "That foolish, weak-"
The door opening again cut her off. Violet flashed at my right forearm, and the Dark Signer was gone. The nurse paid no notice to the change of atmosphere.
"Yay! You're still here! I'll leave them right here." The nurse dropped the bundle on one of the chairs. "I have other rooms that need me. Good luck out there, Rain!"
On top was my knight's cloak. I pulled it off and froze. Beneath it was a Team Satisfaction vest. Tears welled in my eyes; I fell to my knees and buried my face in it. It… it even smelled like him…
"Aw, how cute!" The Dark Signer faked a sweet smile. "I wonder how he would feel about this. Oh, wait. He doesn't care. Because he has no idea who you are."
She broke into laughter. I shut my eyes hard and swept off my face. I clutched the vest in my hands and stood. "He'll remember. No matter what it takes, he'll remember… somehow… I hope..!"
A voice deeper than the Crimson Dragon's whispered in my mind: Believe in yourself, young dragon.
The Dark Signer shouted, "What the hell was that? Is someone else in there?"
I believe so, said the Crimson Dragon. Something even more ancient than me… and more powerful.
"So there are three whole spirits locked in her? Poor suckers. What is that thing, Rain?"
"None of your business."
Oh? Keeping secrets, are we, dear? said the Dark Signer, who had vanished without me noticing.
This relates to your past before the Satellite, doesn't it? Those memories have been kept under lock and key ever since I met Rain. It is a fruitless effort trying to pry them open.
The Dark Signer cackled. Not including some of the messier details, like the hundreds of murders she committed, right?
Beneath the vest was my one-armed black shirt and khaki cargo pants. I changed into them and wore the vest on top. My ebony velvet cloak rested upon my shoulders.
My blue crystal bracelet was on my left wrist, and my Orichalcos pendant fell onto my chest. The last item with the clothes was my black fingerless glove. I slipped it onto my left hand. Its etched-on initials, K.o.D., represented the Knight of Destiny, my duel spirit half.
I checked my pockets. Cuffs from my Team Satisfaction days were in the right front pocket, my runner's remote was in the left front pocket, and Kalin's old deck was in my back right pocket. Pulling out the cards, I noticed the headband had disappeared.
"Oh, right." I touched my temple and felt its cloth there. I untied it and wrapped it back around the deck. "Wait, where's-"
Bright green sparkled beneath the window. I gripped my sheathed Orichalcos saber. I attached it to my right side by tying it to one of my belt loops. The familiar weight was heavy yet natural.
Hold on, said the Crimson Dragon. You're going to walk around modern day civilization wearing a cape and a sword?
Is there something wrong with that?
Oh, young dragon, he sighed. I glanced through the window at the sun. It wasn't very high in the sky, so I figured I had about two hours before sunset. My focus fell to the cityscape, and my jaw dropped.
The window had a clear view of the massive new bridge – Daedalus Bridge, named after the hopes Rex Godwin had created in the Satellite. The main strip, which led to the Satellite, had five separate lanes. The bridge itself was colored a bright blue similar to the water it spanned. Crisscrossed underneath the main bridge were several other roads. Duel runners raced on them.
Tears built at the corners of my eyes. It's… it's so..!
Heartbreaking, the Dark Signer finished. The dreams you shared, your Satellite struggles, and the 'happy' ending you reached have winked out of existence like a dying star. You are nothing. Your existence is less.
The formerly yellow flowers by my bedside were soft in my caress. The darkness death had stained them with couldn't erase the sentiment they carried. "A star near death burns the brightest. Our bonds are stronger than you think! Just like when I made my mistake, I'm sure I can earn them back! In a way, maybe this is… what I deserve."
"Rain?" The nurse was back. "I had one last thing I forgot to tell you. Woah, you look… regal? Anyway, you did have a visitor recently. It was super exciting! The famous Misty Tredwell returned from being on world tour, and the first thing she did was visit you!"
Misty remembered me? Why? Wait, if she was on world tour… Maybe the Dark Signer's powers only affected the City and the Satellite! "Yeah, I know her! Where can I find her?"
"Oh, she lives in this fancy apartment complex! Hold on, I can get you the address."
She gave me the details. I thanked her and left my room. The elevator was on the far end of the hall. I rode down to the lobby and left through the main doors to find myself on a bustling city street. I tried following the flow of the crowd but eventually tucked into a back street to have some breathing room.
The Crimson Dragon said, Are you already lost?
N-No! I'm not good with crowds, okay? I stopped when I saw a poster pasted on the side of a building. "Misty Tredwell – World Tour! Returning to New Domino City August 2nd through August 12th."
Oh, shit! Has she left already? I looked to one of the many giant screens on the tall buildings around me. It displayed the date as Tuesday, August 8th. I sucked in a deep breath. Okay Rain, keep it together.
I followed the woman's directions perfectly but had trouble navigating the throng of people. Once I was one turn away, I bumped into someone. I went to apologize but gasped. "Crow, is that you?"
Yes, it was him: spikey orange hair, triple criminal marks, and brown riding leathers. He gave me a once-over, and his face twisted in disgust at the sight of my Satisfaction vest. He said, "Look, I don't have time for autographs or anything."
Crow pushed past me. I couldn't move. It felt like I'd been punched in the stomach and air couldn't find my lungs. I clenched my fists. An empty mask fell over my face.
The Crimson Dragon said, What is this feeling? Rain, are you all right?
She's falling apart! The whole 'no one remembers you' hadn't hit her yet, and now her heart is freezing over! The Dark Signer laughed and laughed. You share a heart with poow wittle Wain, don't you, Dragon? Just how cold is it?
The Dragon growled. I did not feel. I shoved my way through the crowds, my face blank.
Misty's building stretched high into the sky. I strolled inside, noting the automatic doors and decorative lobby. There were gold accents… everywhere. Grand chandeliers hung from the ceiling. A man wearing a strange uniform addressed me: "Excuse me, ma'am?"
"Yeah?"
"Is there a reason as to why you are here? We don't appreciate gawkers."
I resisted the urge to retort. "I'm here to visit a friend."
The man glowered at me. "We don't accept visitors. For the record, I know exactly what you're trying to do."
"Um… what did I do wrong? I just need to see my friend. It's really important."
"You're not wanted here-"
"Wait!" The voice came from behind the man. Misty Tredwell stood on a set of stairs, gaping at me. Seeing the whites of her eyes was startling. I was so used to the jade rings of her irises between pure black. "I-It's fine. I know her. Come on, Rain."
"Misty," I breathed. I hustled past the rude man and towards her. She glanced around.
"Come with me." She took my arm and led me to the elevator. Her white gown flowed like water with her movements. While we were riding up, she kept looking me up and down. Finally, she reached over and pulled me in for a rough hug. "I can't believe… you're really okay! Rain, I'm so sorry for everything. With Akiza, and with the Arcadia Movement-"
I wanted to smile but couldn't muster the strength. "All is forgiven. Everyone makes mistakes, and I- well, I know it, too. I had a brother. If someone had killed him, I'd have been in your shoes exactly. Worse, probably. Don't tell me you were worried about me."
"Of course I was! We all were…" The elevator stopped and the doors opened. "Sit over there. I'll make us some tea."
"Tea makes everything better," I repeated, remembering an old friend. That memory warmed me. I sat on the chair she had pointed to. The glass wall offered a beautiful view of the City. I found myself staring at sparkling spires and the crisscrossing bridge.
"Amazing, isn't it?" Misty sat down next to me, placing two full cups on the table. The lovely scent rising with the tea's steam told me she'd made black. "So much has changed. It must be quite strange for you."
"It feels like I've been left behind." I didn't see her expression; I kept looking out of the window.
"Rain! Without you, we couldn't have come this far."
"That's… not exactly what I mean."
"Then what do you mean?"
My jaw tightened. I wondered if I should tell her, if she'd believe me, and if she'd even care. She probably came to see me out of guilt. No, none of that was as important as…
I sighed and explained my situation to her. "You're, uh, kind of the only one I have left."
I picked up the teacup and took a sip as she stared at me, taking it all in. It's good. Actually, it reminded me of the tea he used to make. It would always calm me down.
"That's terrible. I'm sorry for you. What can I do to help?"
"I was actually wondering if you could tell me something." I opened my mouth to ask, hesitated, and blushed.
"What's the matter?"
"Well, it's just- I wanted to know where Kalin is, and you were friends…"
"Oh, right. I should have known." I blushed again, and she laughed. "You're too cute!"
"S-stop! Do you know where he is?"
"He actually did mention it to me. He said he was going on 'vacation', which made no sense. Rain. He was by your side every single day and every single night. His number one priority was always you."
I grabbed my pants leg in an attempt to distract myself from my burning throat. "T-tell me he at least took care of himself."
"I can't say for sure. We both know how hardheaded he can be. One thing's certain, though. He wanted more than anything to be there when you woke up. I'm so sorry this happened – to the both of you."
A sob burst out of me. I buried my head in my hands, simultaneously crying and cursing myself for doing so. Misty crossed to my couch, wrapped her arms around my neck, and held me against her. "There, there, hun. He was right. You are emotional."
"H-he said what?"
She dropped her arms. "Nothing."
I wiped at my face, sniffled, and said, "Sorry about that."
"Don't apologize, Rain. I probably shouldn't have mentioned it. Anyway, before he left, he told me he was going to Crash Town."
I frowned. "I've never heard of it. Where is that?"
"I'm not sure. Hold on just a second." She went over to the counter. I heard some clicking sounds. She said, "Looks like it's far to the south of the Satellite. I never knew anything was out there."
"Southside of the island? Thanks for finding that out for me."
She tossed a smile my way. "Guess you'll be going now, huh?"
"Actually…" I observed the other items on the desk. An unopened letter from Akiza Izinski rested beside a framed photograph of Misty with a younger boy. Her smile in the picture was much wider than what she could manage now. "How are you doing?"
"I'm living," she responded. Misty rested her elbows on the counter, and concern crossed her face. "It's… tough, but staying in touch with Akiza helps. Oh, and Kalin- he gave me some advice that keeps me going. The last time I saw him, though, he was so different. I hope he's okay. He seemed lost."
Lost. I finished my tea. "Aki forgives you, if you didn't know."
"Yes." She stared at her reflection in the black countertop. "Akiza is wonderful, and she's finding success in every aspect of her life. I couldn't wish better for her. That's why I'll stay away and keep my memories to myself."
The good news of Aki lifted my spirits but Misty's somber mood brought it back down. "Doing one bad thing doesn't make you a burden to the world. We'd- I mean, uh, they'd love to see you. As friends!"
She peered at me with one emerald eye, and sable locks tumbled down her shoulders. Damn, was she enchanting. No wonder she was such a famous model. Her mouth quirked up. "You sound just like him, Rain. Stop worrying over me. Go on and find him."
"B-but-"
Misty straightened and set her fists on her hips. "I'll kick you out if I have to. Someone has to look after that boy, and I'm a busy woman."
"Uh, okay!" I hopped to my feet, gave her my two-fingered salute, and made my way to the elevator.
"Good luck, Rain," she whispered.
"I appreciate your visit, your kindness, and the delicious tea." Her grin widened. The elevator opened with a ding. I hopped in and rode it back down to the lobby. I kept my head low to avoid the rude employee.
Sigh. Setting yourself up for more heartbreak. You are a glutton for punishment. Why not leave your 'friends' without the burden of your bond? The Dark Signer's voice was so cold. I shook off a chill and reached for the remote that commanded my duel runner. I clicked the green button, which would make it come to my location by itself thanks to the Orichalcos chip in my brain.
My runner had parked beside me, and it showed no changes: plating the color of bronze mixed with gold, a frame that stacked over itself in pieces like dragon scales, and an Orichalcos battle scythe duel disk attached. The frame bore horrible scratches and dents from my crash during my duel with Kalin. The memory automatically brought my hand to my ribs.
The wicked spirit snickered. What a wonderful night that was, when the guy you're chasing after nearly killed you! What a keeper!
Ignoring her, I slipped on the matching helmet resting upon the runner's seat. I slid on, grabbed the handles, and sped off. The wind in my hair and my cloak flapping in the slipstream brought a smile to my face.
As I was saying earlier: you're fooling yourself. Building up false hope only sets you up for a bigger fall. Honestly, you may as well return to the death you longed for! She cackled. Besides: who'd want to be friends with a murderous, inhuman monster like you?
"I'd never give up on my friends," I said aloud. "Not after all they've done for me."
I raced along Daedalus Bridge towards the Satellite. Next to the center of the bridge, a large monument rose from the ocean. It shone gold and was crowned by a gem like a diamond wedding ring. The bottom of the ring was curved, and both sides went into the waves. Looking at its reflection on the water, it resembled an infinity symbol. Our friendship is like that: forever.
Denial! The first stage. Oh, watching you fall to pieces will be so entertaining!
I thought, You're wrong! I'll prove it; just wait! Stupid Dark Signer… ugh. That's too long. I'll give you a name. From now on, you're G.
Why that?
Shorthand for Giant, the Crimson Dragon answered. I suppose Rain's much cleverer than you are.
A smile stretched my lips. I was riding through the Satellite. The reconstruction had replaced much of the dank, trash-cluttered area. The streets were pristine like New Domino's. The buildings that used to be run-down were rebuilt into glittering glass towers. I thought about checking on some old places: the hideout, Martha's place, the stage.
No. I couldn't keep my partner waiting any longer.
The further I went, the more sand billowed behind my runner. Every now and then I'd had to dodge cacti. Dry air and bits of dust burned my skin.
The sun was setting at my back as the town came into view. I stopped on a ridge below the front entrance. The light around me was quickly fading. I took off my helmet and clambered up the ridge. The place appeared small and old-fashioned. By the time I made it to the first buildings, it was dark out. There was a wooden arched sign above the entrance that read, "Welcome to Crash Town."
Guess this is the right place.
It looks kind of… dusty, G commented.
What else can you expect of a desert? I walked under the arch and into town. There was a main road with houses on either side of it. I could hear whooping and hollering in the distance, but my location was eerily silent. I reached a crossroads in the path and followed the North Star.
This place is too quiet. How will I find- "Agh!" A sharp pain erupted in the base of my skull. I fell to my knees and gripped the sides of my head. "This… pressure!"
Rain! The Crimson Dragon's call sounded far away, as if he were talking through thick glass. You have to hold on!
Blue light flashed around me, and I fell into blackness.
End of Chapter One
A/N: IMPORTANT: Constructive criticism in reviews and/or PMs is extremely valuable and appreciated! If you have anything to say or suggest, feel free to! I am always trying to improve and need your help! I make a point of responding to all reviews, too.
The summary, characters, and genres are listed at the top because they all change from arc to arc. Thank you for reading!