Chapter 16

I regained consciousness in Domino Hospital. Yugi and I were placed in the same room with a curtain that could be drawn between us for privacy. Thankfully, we received treatment in time. We had severe burns, but there was no permanent damage. A minute more and we could have loss a limb… or worse.

I tried not to think about it as we lightheartedly chatted with Joey, Tristan, and Tea. We had survived – all three of us – and that was all that mattered. Yugi felt the same way. Our friends still thought we were nuts, but that was to be expected.

Yugi's grandfather and my siblings were the next to visit. They all gave us a good scolding before expressing their relief that we were safe. Kenji cracked jokes with Joey while Sakiko latched onto me like I was going to disappear on her. Poor kid. She had also been through a lot with Mokuba's previous kidnapping and me running off to Duelist Kingdom.

Only Raiden made me uncomfortably. He said little and kept looking from Yugi to me. More than once I saw him eye the Millennium Puzzle. It was then I wished I was a normal girl and that the suspicion I felt from him was merely due to a supposed romantic pull between Yugi and me. Instead, I sensed that my eldest brother saw – and knew – much more than he was letting on. I was too afraid to question him.

Eventually, everyone left for the night, and Yugi and I could talk in private. We were both comfortable in our beds with no curtain between us. Still, awkward silence filled the air. I took a deep breath. I might as well be the one to break it.

"Yugi," I began, taking his attentive gaze as a sign to continue, "when we were in that fire, did you feel that surge of strength that let us hold on a little longer?"

Yugi nodded. "And I heard Yami say it came from you. Do you know what he meant by that?"

I bit my lip and shook my head. "No. I don't have that kind of power – at least that I'm aware of. I never saw my mom do anything like that."

Yugi appeared thoughtful. "Maybe it has something to do with your connection to the Millennium Puzzle."

I glanced at the folded hands in my lap above the sheets. "Maybe." I hoped that was not the case.

"Thank you for helping me, by the way. I know you're trying to keep your distance from Yami and all this Millennium Item stuff, but you stayed with us when anyone else would have fled. I know he appreciates it too."

Despite my misgivings, his words filled me with warmth. I was glad I could do something for him – for them. Still, this proved that there was something here I could not run from. I held in a sigh as I turned my head to look at Yugi. "I don't know why I did it. I mean, you're my friends and I wanted to help, but it was like there was something inside of me that refused to let me leave even if I had wanted to."

"I know exactly what you mean."

I felt a shiver pass through me as our gazes locked. This was not just about the Millennium Puzzle, was it. It was about the Spirit inside the Puzzle. Then I remembered something that suddenly seemed important. He deserved to know what Bakura and I were doing there in the first place, even if the Spirit of the Millennium Puzzle had been on his side this time. "Yugi, there's something I've got to-"

"Samia! There you are!"

The desperate cry snapped my attention, and my eyes flew to the door. A very distressed Bakura – the good Bakura – stood there. Just as I wondered why he had not come earlier, I had a very bad feeling about what was about to go down.

"Hey, Bakura!" Yugi said much too cheerfully. "Good thing you left when you did, then? I would hate to see caught in the fire as well. Thanks again for your help back there."

Bakura let out a heavy sigh. "That's just it. That wasn't me, was it?" His eyes bore into mine, but thankfully they were not accusatory. Still, my throat grew dry and my body rigid.

"What's he talking about, Samia?" Yugi's voice came out confused and concerned.

"It was the Spirit of the Millennium Ring who brought Samia to the warehouse," Bakura said, his eyes never leaving mine.

"But I thought Tristan got rid of the Ring."

Bakura reached under his shirt and pulled out the Ring, making me flinch. "That didn't work, see? It seems once you're bonded to an Item it's nearly impossible to get rid of it."

Guilt washed through me as I looked from Bakura to Yugi. "I'm sorry, guys. I didn't sense the presence of the Spirit until this morning, and then it was too late. He-he said he wanted to help, so I went with him."

Bakura's expression softened. "It's not your fault, Samia. It's mine. I may not have been in control, but I was still with you and couldn't protect you."

"If the Spirit took over, there was nothing you could do," Yugi said.

"Right, you couldn't know he would do that," I said.

Bakura smiled ruefully. "It doesn't matter. He put you in danger, and I was not strong enough to stop him. If you had not been there with this morning, you would not have been dragged into the whole mess."

"Well, yeah, but-"

"And it's only going to happen again if I stick around."

My body went cold as I sensed the seriousness in his emotions. "Wh-what are you saying?"

"I think we should spend some time apart. The Spirit could hurt you and I could do nothing about it. I would probably put Yugi in danger too." His eyes were full of sorrowful resignation while my own filled with tears.

"You don't have to do this. We can help you!"

Bakura shook his head. "I think it's too late for that. If you want to find a way to help, do it when I'm not around. Any information you find out would probably be used against you anyway." He stepped closer to my bed and reached out his hand but then hesitated and pulled it back. "I'm sorry, Samia. I think this is for the best. It won't be forever."

What could I say to that? Part of me knew it was true. I still feared the power of the Millennium Ring, but admitting that meant I had to finally face everything I had been running from. It did not help that I could feel how hard this was for him. "I – I'll miss you."

"Me too."

"Are you sure about this, Bakura?" Yugi said.

Bakura gave him a sad smile. "I am. Take care of her, Yugi. She'll be safer with you – both of you."

"Th-that won't keep me out of danger," I said. Turning to Yami meant I would have to get even further involved.

"But you'll be on the right side. And I think it'll end up worse for you if you keep denying what you're feeling. You're stronger than you think, Samia. Find your courage and do what's right."

"You can count on us," Yugi said.

Bakura nodded. "Thank you." Then he turned his sad gaze back on me. "I'm sorry, Samia. Goodbye." He turned and fled the room just as his emotions threatened to take over him.

Once he was gone, I choked on a sob. I understood what he was doing, but my heart felt like it had been pierced. I rubbed my eyes with my arm, but my vision was still blurred. "Bakura…" I whimpered.

"Samia?" Yugi spoke cautiously yet compassionately. "I understand if you want to be alone… but you can come over here if you want."

Normally I would have preferred to be alone at a time like this, but the idea of losing my best friend made the prospect terrifying. I slipped out of my bed and scurried across the floor. I climbed onto Yugi's bed and lay next to him outside the covers.

"I'm sorry about Bakura," Yugi said in a gentle tone. "He's only trying to do what he thinks is best for you."

I stared up at the ceiling. "I thought things could get back to normal. Was I a fool?"

"No, not at all. I think we all thought things could get back to something close to normal." He sighed. "I didn't choose this either."

I met his sad gaze. He was as stuck as I was, wasn't he? He must have felt as pulled to the Millennium Puzzle as I did. While he had made his own choices, it probably felt like there was only one path for me. Would I eventually feel the same way?

I swallowed and found my throat dry. "I – I need some time to think about this. Maybe later I will be ready to dig into my past – and all this magic stuff." I still had not opened the puzzle box my grandma left for me.

Yugi nodded. "Me too. I don't know what's going on either, but it almost feels like we were brought together for a reason, you know?"

I had to agree, and the thought thrilled and scared me at the same time. I guess I had to take the bad with the good.

Yugi and I were released from the hospital on Tuesday, four days after we had been admitted. My siblings fretted over me some more, but I was in a sullen mood. Back at school, Bakura had switched seats with another boy, so I basically found myself sitting next to a stranger. My former friend ignored me whenever I got near, and I sensed it was because this was as hard on him as it was on me.

Yugi seemed to be almost as moody. He must have been trying to take everything in as well. While we both had chatted lightheartedly with our friends in the hospital, now neither of us had much to say to anyone – or each other.

I started walking home from school alone on Thursday when someone grabbed my arm, stopping me. It was Tea. I gave her a blank look. "Yes?"

She hesitated, uncertainly all over her face and emotions. "Are-are you alright, Samia? You seem to be pretty down, lately. You and Yugi both."

I shrugged. "We both realized how much danger we're in, and we don't even know who the enemy is or what to do about it."

Tea bit her lip and glanced down. "I see. Have you talked to him recently?"

I shook my head. "I don't think either of us have talked to anyone recently. We want to be alone."

Tea looked up. "I understand that, but I don't think it's good for either of you! If you can't confide in me, then I think you should try to cheer each other up. Nothing is going to get accomplished like this."

She had a point, but I did not know if Yugi would want to talk to me. Still, I could tell me friend was trying to help. I did not want to cause her pain by continuing to ignore everyone. "I can try, but I don't know what good it will do."

Tea immediately felt relieved. "Thanks, Samia. If you need help with anything, I'm here for you."

I smiled slightly, genuinely touched by her kindness. "Thanks. I'll talk to Yugi the next time I see him." I probably would get my chance the following day. Right now, I just wanted to go home and play with my cat.

It turned out Yugi wanted to talk to me as well. He thought it would be nice to get away from everything and have some fun together. I was kind of surprised but also pleased. We agreed to meet at Domino Station early Sunday morning.

I wrung my hands in front of me while I waited at the edge of the station. I did not know why I was so nervous. This was just Yugi. We hung out all the time. It was not like it was a date or anything.

My mind wandered as I gazed at all the people around me. Then I snapped to attention when I saw Yugi depart a train. I was about to call out to him when I saw him stop and… talk to himself? Getting closer, I realized that Yugi had suddenly switched places with Yami – unexpectedly it seemed like.

"Yugi, this isn't a duel!" Yami said, yelling at the Puzzle and earning some odd stares from passersbiers.

"Er, Yami?" I said cautiously.

His head snapped up and he looked at me with panic in his eyes. "Samia! I'm sorry about this. Yugi set me up. I'll try to get him back."

I frowned. Why did his words disappoint me? I was still avoiding him, right? I had not talked to him since we got back from Duelist Kingdom. Yet, standing here, I found myself wanting to do anything I could to keep him there with me. He could not possibly feel the same way. I lowered my head, letting my hair cover my eyes. "You don't want to spend time with me. I get it."

"What? No! I thought you did not want to talk to me."

I looked up to see the confusion and distress I felt form him mirrored in his eyes. "It's not that I don't want to. It's just – I thought it was best that way." Like how Bakura thinks it's best to stay away from you? I pushed the voice away. "Besides, you've got Yugi to talk to. You're not missing much."

Yami's expression softened, and he took a step towards me. "That's not true at all. You have been a wonderful friend to me, and I would love to spend more time with you. I thought I needed to give you space. I suppose Yugi did this because he got tired of putting up with my emotions."

This surprised me. He really missed me that much? I did not think that was possible. I bit my lip and shook my head. "But you're so strong and confident – like a lion. You're on a whole different level than me. You shouldn't want someone like me hanging around you. I'd only drag you down."

"A lion, huh?" He placed a hand on my shoulder, and I looked up into his blazing eyes. "Do you know what I think you are? I hope I've learned my animals correctly – a badger."

I blinked. "Huh?"

"Badgers are calm and peaceful. They mind their own business and don't want to trouble anyone – like you."

"I – I guess so."

His second hand fell to my shoulder, and my heartbeat quickened. "But if someone attacks them or their friends or family, they are some of the fiercest animals around. They are defenders and protectors. That is how I see you."

"I – you must be mistaken."

A smile played on the edge of his lips. "I am never wrong." He dropped his arms to his sides, and I could finally breathe. "I do not wish to force anything on you. I have left you alone because I did not want you to get hurt, but now I see you'll be in danger regardless. I can protect you better if you're with me. I would be honored to have you fight by my side."

His confident words had my head spinning. I did not like his talk of fighting, and I doubted the ability he saw in. Still, some of what he said struck a cord. "I need some time to process this, okay?" I took a deep breath. "But I do know I want to be your friend."

His expression relaxed, and he gave me a genuine smile. "That is enough for now. Shall we get this day started?"

I led Yami into a coffee shop and ordered us a couple of drinks. I played with my fingers, not knowing what to say. The idea of spending the entire day alone with him made me nervous. Yugi must have been very serious, for I could not feel his presence at all. I marveled at the connection between Yugi and Yami and how they could choose how close they were to the surface.

"This is good," Yami said, motioning to his coffee mug.

I smiled slightly. "Just don't drink too much. I'm not sure Yugi's body can handle all the caffeine."

He chuckled. "I'll keep that in mind." He took a sip. "Do you have any idea what we could do today?"

"Well…" My eyes fell to the newspaper on the table, and the word 'Egypt' caught my eye. Curious, I picked up the paper and quickly scanned the article. "Hey, it looks like a new Egyptian exhibit has opened up at the Domino Museum. And look – one of the carvings has the same symbol that is on the Millennium Items." I flipped the paper over to show him the photo.

Yami's eyes lit with interest. "You're right, Samia." Then doubt clouded his emotions. "But can it really be that easy to find out about my past? I've lived for so long with no memories at all."

I bit my lip and set he paper down. My heart swelled with the desire to do something – anything for him. I hesitantly reached out my hand and placed it on top of his. I felt his surprise, but then his emotions softened as he took hold of my hand and squeezed it, sending warmth up my arm. "You have new memories now, and learning about your past won't change that. And I – I need to learn about my family's history and who I am. I think I'm ready." I took a deep breath. "So I think we should check out the exhibit."

Calm resolve took over Yami's features, and he nodded. "If you're sure."

"B-but we don't have to go right away." The idea of delving into all of this still frightened me, and I needed some time to work up to it. Maybe we both did. "You haven't had a chance to relax and explore the city like a normal human, right? Since Yugi is giving you this day, we might as well make the best of it. Let me show you around town and have some fun."

"That does not sound like a bad idea." He stood up and placed his hands on the table. "We should do it."

So I led him out of the coffee shop and into the city. Not knowing where to go first, I just started to roam downtime. We stopped at anything that caught our eye. We checked out a few stores, saw a movie, hung out at the arcade, and then came across a game shop. I had to smile when Yami acted just like a kid in a candy shop while he searched for new Duel Monsters cards.

I grew more relaxed the more time I spent with him. It was obvious that there was something different about him, but he was still human just like everyone else. I found myself wishing it could be like this every day, and I kept delaying our trip to the museum. Something told me that the closer we got to his past the closer I got to losing him.

After a fantastic meal at one of my favorite sushi restaurants, we unwound in a small park near the pier. I liked this place because there were never too many people around. Today, for example, a young couple sat on the bench on the other side and several children attempted to climb a tree. I walked with Yami along the edge of the park lined with trees.

"Thank you for today," Yami said. "I have had a good time."

I smiled, feeling my heart warmed. "So did I. I suppose we'll have to thank Yugi later."

He chuckled lightly. "Indeed."

Sensing something, I held out my arm to stop him from going further. "Hold on."

I felt him tense beside me. "What is it?" he said in a low voice.

I felt bad for putting him on guard like that. Sometimes I forgot that others could not read the mood as easily as me. "It's nothing like that," I whispered. I put a finger to my lips and he nodded, relaxing a little.

I crouched down and reached my hand forward towards the bushes. I held my breath as I kept completely still. Finally, a small nose peaked out form the bushes followed by a white snout and then red head. I smiled as the fox took one hesitant step after the other. She fully exposed her bushy tail as she sniffed my hand. When she pushed her head into my palm, I knew I was in the clear.

"Amazing," Yami whispered. "I've never seen anyone get that close to a fox."

"Wild animals seem to like me." I smiled as I rubbed the vixen's head. "Do you want to try?"

Yami suddenly felt alarmed. "I will surely scare it away! And what if it bites?"

I scratched under the fox's chin. "No, she's very sweet. Come here. Just stay calm and let me show you."

The fox was on guard as Yami knelt beside me. He gave her a weak smile, and I could tell he was trying hard to reign in his emotions. He cautiously raised his hand.

"Good. Just take it slowly." I placed my hand over his and guided it closer to the fox. The animal bristled at first, but she did not run away. When Yami's hand hovered above her head, my hand moved to pet her. Once she was comfortable again, I took his hand and gently placed it on top of the fox. Then I moved my hand down her back. "See? She likes."

"That's incredible. You have a gift, Samia. It must be your gentleness and sensitivity that animals love."

I felt myself blush. "I guess so. I always thought it was connected to my powers. My mom was good with animals."

"I'm sure she was a wonderful person. You must miss her a lot."

"Yes." The vixen must have sensed my sadness, for she gave a little 'yip.' I withdrew my hand and nodded at her. "Thank you." I watched until she retreated into the bushes. Then I sat down and sighed. "It hurts to think about my parents or anything to do with Egypt." I gazed at Yami. "Sometimes I think it would be easier if I didn't remember them at all. Then I would not know what I had lost."

Yami looked at me silently for a minute, but I could feel his compassion and understanding. "I am sure it would sadden me to remember everyone I must have left behind in Egypt. However, I would also gain happy memories of wonderful friends. I would remember the lessons they taught me. I feel lost without knowing who I am and how others have affected me."

I had not considered this perspective before, and I supposed he was the one who would know all about it. "Perhaps you're right…" If Yami and I did have to part at some point, I would not want to forget him, no matter how painful the memories would become. I would not want to forget any of my friends.

Deciding something, I stood up and brushed off my pants. "Come on. Let's get to that museum. Let's find out something about your past – and mine."

"Are you sure?" Yami said as he stood. "I can go alone."

I shook my head. "No, I'm ready to face it now. I'm done running away. We'll do this together."

A bright smile lit Yami's face. "Thank you."