Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh, How to Train Your Dragon, or any songs used in this story. The OCs are mine and mine alone.
This chapter has been putting me through the ringer for over a month! I've been editing and editing and editing...
Chapter four is almost done as well, but it needs more editing before I can publish it.
"Hey Yug, call us if she wakes up kay?" Joey said as he and Yugi went their separate ways after school.
Yugi nodded and shot Joey a grin, "Sure thing Joey!" Yugi strode down the sidewalk where Grandpa's game shop sat at the far corner. Customers filtered in and out of the shop. Yugi increase his pace. Grandpa needed all the help he could get between running the shop and keeping an eye on Jackie who was sleeping in the guest bedroom upstairs. It still felt surreal to Yugi. His, thought to be dead, twin sister was alive and here. His greatest dream had come true.
Flashback
The four friends stumbled into the Muto home late that evening. Grandpa was drumming his fingers on his arms almost giving Yugi a tongue lashing for being home so late, but he stopped when he saw Jackie's limp form in Joey's arms. Her clothes were ripped and her arms bloody. He was intrigued by her bracers, but Jackie's distinctive hair color and style made him gape.
"What on earth happened?"
Yugi quickly explained the afternoon's strange events being sure to include Jackie's relation to them. Their tale caused Gramps to sink to the couch in shock. Joey laid Jackie down on the couch while Tea grabbed the first aid kit. Gramps ran his fingers through Jackie's hair numb with shock. He couldn't believe that his granddaughter was alive after all these years. Injured and looking like hell, but alive. Tea worked to clean Jackie's injuries while Yugi talked. After awhile, Joey carried Jackie upstairs and onto a bed in the guest bedroom. The friends left after that wondering how to explain away the day's events to their parents.
End Flashback
Yugi ducked around a couple coming out of the shop carrying several bags filled with games. Gramps was dusting off a shelf as Yugi shut the door.
"How was school Yugi?"
"It was fine. Has she woken up yet?" Yugi asked hopefully. Gramps shook his head. Yugi sighed and went upstairs to deposit his bag before helping Gramps close up shop. He paused outside of the door to Jackie's room. Yugi peered inside and watched the steady rise and fall of Jackie's chest. Faint echoes of a violin weaving an exotic tune kissed his ears. It still puzzled him that the music was coming from Jackie herself as if it and Jackie were one. Her jaw was clenched and her brow was furrowed. Yugi wondered if she was dreaming. Gramps' voice called for him and he ran back downstairs.
_
Yugi stretched wringing his cramped hands. His homework lay completed on his desk. It was a bit rushed, but he got it done. Gramps wasn't letting him help with Jackie otherwise, and Yami made Yugi hold to his promise much to Yugi's dismay. He stepped out into the hallway and into the room across from his. The sun was setting casting many colored hues upon the objects in the room. Gramps was sitting in the desk chair pulled up to the side of the bed. He was stroking Jackie's hand quietly singing a lullaby.
"Good night, good night
little baby mine
such a beautiful smile
rest those beautiful eyes
good night, good night
time to turn off the light
rest your head on your pillow
dream of this sweet lullaby
sweet dreams, sweet dreams
all the things that you've seen
all day long, little baby, making new memories
sweet dreams, sweet dreams
counting sheep, 1, 2, 3
rest your head, little baby
fall asleep, fall asleep"
Yugi smiled as he joined Gramps by the bed. Gramps had always described how Yugi's mother would sing that lullaby to the twins every night. Yugi didn't remember, but the song still resonated with him. He brushed Gramps' shoulder singing with the elderly man. Gramps sent him a warm smile. Yami appeared beside them and hummed the tune. They watched as the tattoo on the left side of Jackie's face shimmered and danced to their beat. Jackie's brow relaxed, and her left hand slid over the sheets. The quiet violin melody that Yugi had heard earlier dissipated. He grinned as Jackie's eyelids slowly opened. She squinted and glanced around the dusky room in confusion. She attempted to sit up but groaned putting a hand to her head. Grandpa and Yugi gently pushed her back down on the mattress. Her eyes widened with remembrance at the sight of her brother and apparent grandfather.
"Hi." Jackie rasped wincing at her raw throat.
"Hi." Yugi replied blinking the tears out of his eyes, happiness and relief coursing through him.
"It's nice to see you finally awake." Gramps said stroking her cheek. Jackie flinched at his touch, but she did not move away. Gramps, realizing his mistake, blushed in embarrassment and removed his hand. He jumped when Jackie snatched his hand back. She turned his hand over running her fingers along the age spots and deep set lines and wrinkles. Jackie then compared her hand to his. The tune of the lullaby was echoing around them as Yugi and Gramps watched her. She looked up, met Gramps' gaze, and reached out putting a hand on his cheek. Gramps covered her hand with his free one gaze still locked with his granddaughter's. Jackie blinked sitting up again. "I see now." She whispered before throwing her arms around Solomon Muto's neck. Sobs wracked her body as the two embraced. Gramps hugged Jackie for all he was worth as tears ran down his cheeks. Yugi knelt on the bed and put a hand on their shoulders. Jackie glanced up at him and pulled him into the hug. She softly chanted, "I have family left."
Jackie pulled away after her tears dried and lay back against her pillows. She hummed the tune of the lullaby before speaking in a small voice, "I don't have any memories except for that lullaby, but my heart speaks the truth." She let her words fade as she let go of their hands.
"Your mother would always sing it every night when she put the two of you to bed." Gramps whispered while drying his eyes.
"How are you feeling?" Yugi asked. "Well enough." was Jackie's reply. Her bracers gleamed in the final rays of the sun as she pushed her upper body up. She wobbled as dizziness clouded her vision. Yugi wrapped his arms around her for support as Gramps piled pillows behind her. The puzzle clinked against Jackie's bracers sending a jolt through the minds of the spirits within each item. Jackie sank back down rubbing her temples. Before either Yugi or Gramps could offer her something to ease the dizziness, the tattoo on the left side of her face lit up like a beacon. The twisting pattern shot down her arm and back up to her hand sending sapphire light throughout the room. The men shielded their eyes from its intensity. When it faded, Jackie sighed in contentment as her dizziness faded.
"Sorry about that." She said seeing Yugi and Gramps blink away the spots in their vision.
"What was that?" Yugi asked.
"My mark." Jackie brushed her hair behind her ear revealing the entire tattoo. "This is the symbol of my people. It affords me special abilities such as advanced healing."
"That's amazing." Gramps said biting his tongue to stay his archeological curiosity.
"What do you mean your people?" Yugi asked.
"I..rather not talk about that right now." Jackie looked away face darkening.
Gramps and Yugi glanced at each other but decided not to push. "That's alright, Jackie, I'll get started on dinner until everyone gets here. Promise that you'll take it easy." Concern and love for his granddaughter shone in his eyes. Jackie glanced at Gramps and nodded. Satisfied, he got up and kissed her brow. Her stomach rumbled loudly in response making her blush.
"I'll be sure to make plenty extra." Gramps chuckled before exiting the room.
"Who's coming?" Jackie questioned Yugi.
"My friends are coming over tonight." Yugi said shyly. "They can't wait to finally meet you."
"Oh." Jackie turned away letting her hair fall in her face. She rubbed her shoulder where the memory serum had been injected. This saddened Yugi. Her body language screamed help me, but he wondered if she was willing let anyone do that. It certainly wouldn't stop him from trying especially since he experienced one of her dreams. A few nights ago, he had had a weird dream. The dream had contained flashes of fire and intense screams along with a single voice crying out in sorrow. He had known on instinct that it was Jackie's voice. The dream had frightened him so badly he spent the next day visibly shaking. He and Yami knew that the dream had come from Jackie herself even though she wasn't aware of it. Their connection to each other still puzzled the boys. Yugi watched as Jackie composed herself and faced her brother a mask covering her expression. He wanted so badly to ask her what happened in that dream, but he pushed the matter aside.
"This will make it official." Yugi said grinning, "If you're up to it of course."
"I think I can manage it." Jackie said matter of factly gesturing to her prosthetic which lay on the desk gleaming in the sunset. Yugi gingerly picked up the prosthetic and offered it to his sister. Yami appeared beside him watching intently. Jackie started, almost dropping the metal leg, at his appearance. Her face hardened for an instant before relaxing again.
She can see me. Yami thought to which Jackie nodded.
"I can apparently hear your thoughts too." Jackie said.
"You can see him?" Yugi asked.
Jackie nodded noticing her bracers glowing slightly. The boys looked at them and then at each other. Jackie cleared her throat.
"We haven't been properly introduced. What's your name?" Jackie asked as she rolled up her left pant leg exposing her scarred stump.
"I am known by many names, but everyone calls me Yami." Yami replied watching as Jackie secured the prosthetic and lowered the pant leg.
"I thought I saw you that night, but I guess-" Jackie started as she braced herself on the nightstand. Another wave of nausea and dizziness clouded her vision. She stumbled forward, but Yugi caught her before she could face plant into the desk. "Sorry." She muttered. Yugi grunted and helped her to her feet. Jackie swayed as another rush of dizziness overcame her.
"Maybe you should stay in bed."
"No, I'm-fine. Just-give me a minute." Jackie stuttered as she centered her weight. Her mark briefly flashed again.
Yugi hesitated but didn't push the issue. He hooked an arm around her shoulder and together they went out and down the hallway. Walking was uncertain as Jackie's muscles were still sore from the fight two days ago. They paused at the top of the stairs and could hear voices coming from the kitchen. "Hey Tristan, hand me that knife will you?" Yugi recognized Joey's voice. Yugi glanced at Jackie and saw trepidation on her face as she stared at the stairs. "Yugi, I don't think I can make it down the stairs like this. I don't think-" Her voice cracked as Yugi helped her to sit on the top step. He put a hand under her chin pulling her face towards him. Jackie was silently crying. Wanting to test their twin connection, he pulled her small frame into a light hug. Yugi concentrated on thoughts of his friends: their adventures in Duelist Kingdom, their faith in him, his affection for the four, and his new love for his long lost sister. Jackie relaxed as Yugi's emotions swept through her body like a refreshing dip in a cool lake. She pulled away from him. Get it together. Jackie reprimanded herself before uttering how odd Yugi's emotions felt.
"This twin connection is strange."
Yugi chuckled. "I'll get Joey and Tristan to help you down the stairs." He stood up and strode down the stairs and into the kitchen.
Joey was the first to notice Yugi's arrival in the kitchen. He paused in his work of cutting vegetables. Yugi's face was joyous, and he walked with a skip in his step. Joey smiled knowing the deep sibling bond that ran between him and his sister, Serenity. He was happy that Yugi was able to experience that bond.
"How is she, Yug?"
Everyone else stopped what they were doing and looked over at Joey. They had all volunteered to help Gramps with the shop and the house while Jackie recovered. Tea had gone shopping after school to buy food refusing to let the boys come with knowing they would just beg for treats. Everyone was excited when Gramps had told them Jackie was awake. Tristan was stirring sauce in a pot under Gramps' watchful eye and Tea was putting rolls in the oven. They all gazed at Yugi with hopeful expressions. Yugi blushed from the attention he was getting but gestured to the stairs. "She's ok, but she can't make it down the stairs with just me." He didn't mention the mental turmoil Jackie was going through. Joey grinned and walked to the doorway motioning to Tristan. The taller boys disappeared walking up the stairs. Low murmuring was heard, and Tea and Gramps resumed preparing dinner smiling.
Yugi made a cocoon out of the couch pillows for Jackie to sit in. Joey and Tristan appeared a few minutes later on either side of Jackie. They were marveling at her prosthetic leg making Jackie blush heavily as they hobbled to the couch. She sank into the cushions and murmured her thanks. The boys patted her shoulder as they went back into the kitchen. Yugi noticed Jackie flinching at their touch. What's happened to her to be so closed off from everyone? He thought.
"Awww, she's definitely Yugi's twin. She blushes as red as he does!" Tea teased. Everyone laughed as Jackie's and Yugi's faces went red. Jackie grumbled and ducked her head out of sight.
Talk to her. Yami prodded at him. Yugi glanced at Gramps and found him staring at Yugi. Gramps jerked his head towards the couch. Yugi walked over to the couch and sat on the other side of Jackie. Jackie glanced at him, but he averted his gaze.
"So, am I what you were expecting?" Jackie said sensing his shy attitude.
"I've always dreamed of finding my lost sister even though everyone assumed she was dead." Yugi dipped his head in embarrassment. "Now that you're here...I-I don't think I was expecting this." He gestured to her scars and prosthetic leg.
"Indeed." Jackie sighed turning to face him. "No one ever expects a damaged sibling."
Yugi wondered what she meant by damaged.
"You remind me of myself."
"Oh?" At that Yugi raised an eyebrow. Jackie smiled softly.
"Your aura is almost exactly like mine was before...before the war."
"The war?"
The kitchen went silent at Jackie's words. She took a slow breath and willed away memories of torture and heartache. "You don't have to talk about it." Yugi said watching apprehensively. Jackie shook her head echoes of past sorrows flitting across her amethyst orbs. "Yugi, I will have to talk about what happened eventually. You have a right to know, but I don't feel ready right now." She said dipping her head. Everyone's face was grim as they watched the conversation. Yugi cautiously wrapped his arms around her for a hug. Jackie flinched at his touch. A shudder ran through her as she held back a sob. Moments later, Joey, Tristan, Tea, and Gramps joined in on the hug. Jackie buried her face in Yugi's neck as uncontrollable wails spilled from her lips. She cried for her lost life, her many friends she had to leave behind, her family she grew up with, her people who were now gone, and for the fear and uncertainty that lay before her now.
When Jackie's sobs slowed, she pulled back from Yugi and the others wiping the tears from her puffy face. Yugi's face was also red and stained with tears. "Sorry," Jackie mumbled. Yugi took her by the shoulders and gave her a determined look, "Whatever happens, we'll be right here by your side when you find yourself again."
"That's right," Gramps said, "You are my granddaughter, and nothing will change that."
"And you have us!" Joey exclaimed. Jackie raised an eyebrow at him.
"Us?"
"Yeah! You have yours truly," Joey went on with a small bow, "Tristan and Tea. We've always stood by Yugi's side especially at Duelist Kingdom."
"And we'd be proud to stand by your side as well." Tea said putting an arm around Jackie's shoulder and giving her a sisterly squeeze.
"But why? You don't even know me." Jackie pouted.
"We don't have to. Your actions from that fight proved your good heart." Yugi said.
"Besides, now we won't have to listen to Tea complaining about not having female friends anymore." Tristan said winking at Jackie's startled expression. Tea glared at Tristan for his teasing, but cast a hopeful glance toward Jackie. Jackie dipped her head letting her hair fall in her face. For a moment, there was silence. Jackie's body language was unreadable. Everyone glanced at each other concerned.
"It would be an honor to have you backing me up when Victor shows his face again." She said face impassive.
Joey and Tristan whooped, and Tea squeezed Jackie's shoulder again. Gramps gave Jackie a small hug and went into the kitchen. The taller boys followed him moaning about their empty stomachs. Yugi couldn't hear Gramps' reply, but smirked when Joey and Tristan were heard pleading and promising to behave. Tea shook her head and went to help Gramps handle the food before the two goofballs could get their hands into it. Jackie relaxed against the couch cushions once more. Yugi felt her emotions shift drawing his attention. He put a hand on her leg causing her eyes to snap to his. "I don't know the pain you've been through, Jackie, but I promise that we will never leave your side. I'm glad you're here sis." A tingle ran through him as he said sister. It felt good to say it to Jackie.
"Yugi, I don't want to lose anyone else."
"I will do my best to make sure you don't." Jackie flinched when she heard Yugi's voice deepen. She saw Yugi's aura disappear and knew Yami had switched places with him. His crimson eyes were firm in his promise. Jackie dipped her head.
"Thank you, Yami, but no one can stop the whims of fate."
"Alright, feast time!" Joey shouted as the group came back in from the kitchen. Yami switched back with Yugi, but Jackie saw him stay in his spirit form. He sat on the arm of the couch watching Joey and Tristan with amusement as the boys ate with gusto. Jackie stared at the two with incredulity. Yugi laughed at her expression as he dug into his own plate that had been brought from the kitchen. Jackie shook her head and turned forward once more. Tea handed her a plate and sat in a nearby armchair munching on a moderate version of the boys' plates.
The rest of the evening was spent gorging on food, talking about their misadventures, and getting to know Jackie a little bit. Jackie even shocked them by eating twice as much as Joey and Tristan although she did so in a dignified manner. She mumbled about a high metabolism and gave her finished plate to Yugi to take into the kitchen.
There's somethin I've wonderin Jackie." Joey said around his mouthful of spaghetti. "You said that Yugi's aura was like your own. What's an aura?"
Jackie glared at Joey for his lack of manners. "First, don't talk with food in your mouth, Joey. It's impolite. Second, to answer your question, an aura is something unique to each person. It's kind of like a fingerprint. The Keepers are a race that can manipulate sound waves. We use sound waves to invigorate the land making it flourish. Much like how plants give us oxygen, they also emit certain frequencies that fuels our power. You would see it as music, and a lot of times it is. Our genetic code enables us to manipulate these frequencies to our will. It's also an avenue of communication. I won't get into the technicalities now. It's a bit complicated, but perhaps the reason why Yugi's aura reminded me of myself is because we are twins. We share the same aura. Also," Jackie smirked, "a Keeper can sense when a person is nearby rendering us almost impossible to sneak up on."
"Wait, does that mean Yugi has these abilities too?" Tristan asked. "I mean you guys are twins…"
"I don't know. That's one of the many questions I have."
"Is there a way to find out?" Yugi asked apprehensively.
"There is…"Jackie drew on her power causing her hands to glow a sapphire blue. It died away after a few seconds, and she sighed sinking deeper into the cushions. "I don't have enough energy for it right now."
"That's alright, you need your rest." Gramps said from his chair.
"Jackie," Tea straightened as a thought came to her, "What does your tattoo mean?"
Jackie's expression turned sorrowful.
"It is what the royal bloodline bears. It signifies me as Queen."
Everyone stared at her.
"Your kidding." Joey muttered.
"I'm not." Jackie replied imbuing her words with what little energy she had. The air dropped a few degrees making everyone's hair stand on end. The others shivered as they watched Jackie's features school themselves into an expression of regality and authority.
Conversation soon turned to Duel Monsters. Jackie had seen the game but had never played it. Joey practically begged Yugi to bring down his deck so Jackie could see it. Jackie rolled her eyes at Joey's antics as Yugi obliged and brought down the gold box that contained his cards. From his experience at Duelist Kingdom, he had learned to keep his cards close. However, he relented in this case because he was eager to share the Muto gaming passion with his sister.
Jackie's eyes scoured the monster, trap, and spell cards before landing on a card Yugi called Dark Magician. The spellcaster garbed in his strange outfit seemed to be calling out to her. The runes in the background of the portrait were foreign. "Yugi, could I see that one?" She pointed to the card. Yugi looked from the card to his sister's puzzled expression. He chuckled and handed Jackie his faithful magician. Her hand gently slid over the polished surface. She could feel a weird aura coming from the card. "Is there something wong, Jackie?" Gramps asked noticing his granddaughter's odd expression. Jackie's bracers started to glow as his words fell from his lips. Everyone tensed remembering their adventures into the shadow realm. Yami immediately switched places with Yugi. Jackie continued to stare at the card in her hand unperturbed.
"Jackie?" Yami said hesitantly.
"I-" Jackie shook herself and handed the card back to Yami who put it on the table.
"I could feel an aura coming from that card." She glanced at her bracers as they faded back to normal. "This is just so weird. My life was never this odd until my sixteenth birthday." She pouted.
"Well that puts all of us in the same boat." Joey nodded in affirmation.
Yugi agreed, "Our lives never got weird until I finished the puzzle. We don't know much about the Millennium Puzzle or Yami's connection to it."
Jackie sunk deeper into the couch and crossed her arms deep in thought.
_-
Jackie bid Yugi and Gramps goodnight after Joey and Tristan helped her up the stairs. She was exhausted from the evening's activities. She sank onto the mattress with a sigh and placed her prosthesis on the desk beside the bed. Jackie sunk into deep slumber as Yugi bid his friends goodnight. The bracers on Jackie's forearms glowed casting shadows upon the blue walls. In the next room, the Millennium Puzzle lit up in response as Yugi drifted off to sleep.
Jackie was aware of dark shadows when she opened her eyes. She was standing in what looked like a maze. The room she was in was laid with stone the color of sand. Hieroglyphics with ancient drawings and paintings littered the walls and extended down the hallways out of sight. Jackie looked down and saw a massive painting of the Millennium Puzzle surrounded by what looked like a shield. More glyphs surrounded the shield. Movement caught Jackie's eye and she whipped her head to her left. A figure approached from the dark shadows of the hall. Sister stepped out into the light and gave Jackie a smile.
"Sis!"
"I've haven't been able to bring you to this place until now." Sister said stopping a few feet away from Jackie.
"Where are we?" Jackie asked looking around again in amazement.
"Inside the Millennium Protector. It's kind of like a maze. The halls take you to what you're thinking of at the time or what your deepest desire is." Sister explained brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. She looked away from Jackie and studied the floor.
"I've been worried about you, Sis." Jackie said stepping towards her partner. "When did you wake up?"
"I woke up about a day before you did. I've been quiet, because I've been thinking about the fight with Victor. I wanted to apologize for my actions." Sister said hanging her head in shame. She hated to see Jackie hurt, and she had been the cause of it this time. After she had pulled Jackie back into their shared mind space during the fight, Jackie had lashed out using her power to knock Sister unconscious.
Sister tensed as Jackie stepped forward and hugged her. Calm, ambient music seeped from Jackie's inner being into Sister. Sister sniffed feeling a sob rise in her throat. Both girls landed on the floor crying as the stress and emotions from their fight with Victor overwhelmed them. "I forgive you." Jackie blubbered wiping away tears that stained her face for the third time that day.
"But why?"
Jackie laughed humorlessly. "After everything we've been through, you still ask why? The magic you unlocked was too much for your mind. It drove you to do things you wouldn't normally do. The same thing happened to me remember? The Queen's Rage pulled me into a darkness I thought I couldn't escape. You did all you could to rescue me. Heck, you even forgave me when everyone else refused. You gave me the strength to keep going, as sisters do." She cupped Sister's face in her hands wiping away the stray tears that fell down her cheeks. Sister nodded her head humbled by Jackie's words.
"Sisters together," Jackie whispered.
"Sisters forever." Sister replied.
(A/N: The lullaby I used is found on YouTube. It's instrumental and quite soothing. Here is the url for the clip. watch?v=gYvyCkMZ_FY The lyrics are included in the description.)
I would be overjoyed for reviews!
