… So, it's definitely been a while.

How long? Oh, you know, only 2 years.

Well, at least I can say that I came back to it!

However, I'm going to do something that's probably incredibly stupid- I'm going to attempt to rewrite this story and make it "better". I'd like to think that I've improved a little in my writing style, so we'll just see how it goes :)

And for those who haven't read the old version, just know that I had started this story long ago. Hope you like this version anyways!

Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I can't take credit for any of the Yugioh characters and related content ~

*Revised*

Ryou's POV

The train station was loud and overcrowded, with people pushing to get by, the train whistles screeching, and the intermingled voices lost in conversation. I adjusted the bag on my shoulder as I scanned the station for my destination, trying not lose myself in the bustling crowd. Once I found the train I was supposed to board, I climbed in and made my way towards the back of the small cart where I sat in an open spot next to a window. The train wasn't departing for another 15 minutes, so turned my attention to my little brown bag to make sure I had all of my belongings.

I didn't have much. I had a few pairs of clothes, a toothbrush and comb, a few snacks for the trip, and my favorite book. I let out a sigh and picked up the book, staring at the old and worn down red cover. I had read it over and over again, to the point that I could probably recite it from memory. It was special to me for a number of reasons. For one, my mother had given it to me for Christmas long ago. While she didn't want me to know, I had found out that she spent all of her savings to get it for me. Ever since then, I've never gone anywhere without it to have it as a reminder of her. I ran my fingers along the spine of the book, thinking back to the times I shared with my parents. Before I left, my father had helped me pack up my things, including the book. I distinctly remember those few minutes; the sad smile on my father's face, the quick embrace at the doorway, and the deafening silence we shared throughout it all. He hadn't said anything all morning, and I realized that I hadn't either.

I was brought out of my thoughts by the sudden blow of the whistle indicating that train was about to depart. I held the book on my lap and watched as the train moved out of the station, leaving behind all of the commotion as it traveled into the stillness of the countryside. My aunt's house, which is where I would be staying for the next few years, was tucked away in the valley- which meant I would be on the train until at least the next morning. My eyes darted over to the clock on the wall while, unbeknownst to me, a little boy had made his way over and had taken the seat directly across from mine.

"Hi mister!" He chirped at me, causing me to immediately shift my gaze from the clock to him. I stared at him in surprise, then peered around to see if there was anyone else with him. I found it a little odd that a small child just happened to wander up to me on his own. Then again, he might've snuck away from his parents while they weren't looking.

"Oh… Um, hello." I smiled back.

"What are you reading?" He asked me, curiosity filling his voice. He looked to be about five or six years old, with light brown hair and glistening blue eyes.

"It's just an old book." I answered as I turned the book over, showing him the book in its entirety.

"Can you read it to me?" He responded, climbing down from the seat and instead moving onto the seat to the left of mine.

I was a little bewildered by the request, for a number of reasons. For one, this boy had no problem in walking up to me, no doubt a stranger in his eyes, and just asking me to read to him. I tried to muster up an answer, still a little confused and a tiny bit worried, considering his parents hadn't come looking for him.

"Are you… Are you sure?" I stammered. "Your parents are probably wondering where you are…"

"It's okay; I want to hear the story." He gave me a grin before getting comfortable in the seat.

I contemplated what to do. Should I really just read to a kid I had never met before? I mean, it was an odd request. However, when I glanced at the clock and noticed only 10 minutes had passed, I let out a sigh and opened the book.

"Why not…" I muttered to myself before turning to the first page.

Hopefully this is better than the first try, and I'll really try to keep up with it this time :)

On an additional note, I'm putting *Revised* on the newest versions of all of the chapters, but it shouldn't really mean much.