Chapter Twelve

Old Friends, New Team

It was a woman's voice. I was busy avoiding Yusei's stare. She continued: "The Signers need to meet there so he can explain some things to you."

"Why should we?" Aki said. "That man isn't to be trusted!"

"It's all your choice. I'll give you some time to think about it. In the meantime, Akiza, there are some things I need to show you. About the Arcadia Movement." Aki followed the woman out the door.

"Rain, I'll be back," Yusei said. He chased after Aki.

He was so quick to go after her. My chest ached at how familiar it was. Leo's voice gratefully stole my attention. "Well, I know I'm going!"

"I'm going, too! Rain, what about you?"

"Um, yeah, sure." The two continued to converse until the other three returned. Leo and Luna went up to them, so I slowly followed.

"Wait a second! Aren't you the shadow?" The woman's startled voice brought me to look at her. She had short blue hair and dark yellow eyes. Her clothes matched the official suits of higher-ups in Sector Security. "You must be! Godwin will be happy to finally meet you!"

My reputation had gotten around, it seemed. I asked, "Who is Rex Godwin?"

"He is the Director of Sector Security," she explained. "I'm his assistant, Mina Simington."

Director? Nonono. If I went with them, I'd be arrested. I'd go back to Armstrong…

My fear must have been plain on my face. She said, "Don't worry, Rain. You won't be returning to the Facility. Godwin has other reasons for wanting to meet you, I swear it."

"Rain." Yusei and I locked eyes. "Don't worry. We can protect you."

Yusei, who tried his damnedest to save my partner… Yusei, who fought by my side… How could Kalin believe he would betray us? Blister had called me 'saint of the Satellite,' but that title truly belonged to Yusei. I said, "I trust you."

Luna, Leo, Aki, Yusei, Mina, and I were packed into a limousine and taken to the mansion owned by Rex Godwin, Director of Sector Security. We were led through tall iron gates, past a sparkling marble fountain, and through fancy glass doors until we reached his office.

Rex Godwin wore a pristine pale blue suit. His shirt bore the symbol of a bird in flight. Part of his long, dreaded white hair was pulled back. His silver-blue eyes had a hint of humor in them as they flicked over us and stopped on me.

"So you finally turn up, and with my Signers no less." His voice was soft yet threatening. His hand drifted down from his face, and two guards restrained me. "After the Fortune Cup, I was afraid I had lost you. I am sorry for what I must do now, but please know it is for the good of us all. It won't be as bad as the torture you had to endure at the Facility. Shame that had to be done to you, but you know how Armstrong is! Always angry when one escapes. Lazar!"

"Yes sir?" The man dressed like a clown answered his call.

"Now is the time for the test. I believe we've finally found the Crimson Dragon."

What the hell? How'd he know? The guards dragged me away. Yusei knocked down two, but swarms appeared and held him back. He couldn't save me. Rough hands dragged me into a dark room and strapped me into a machine. My panic shattered through its ceiling.

The Dragon said, I must hide in your heart. They will not locate me there. Before this, I've only been in your mind with your thoughts. Now I'll share your feelings as well. I didn't want to have to do this, but we must keep our secret.

The crimson spark fired through my veins and stopped in my heart. After I was strapped in to the machine, it whirred to life. Red bolts of electricity sparked around me. Pain followed in a strong, continuous shock that never seemed to end. My skin was searing, but I caught my screams in my throat. Like Godwin had said, it wasn't as bad as the torture.

Several minutes later, the machine stopped. I couldn't move my limbs. It had affected all but my heart as the Crimson Dragon claimed. If they had, I would be dead. I was thrown to the ground back in front of Godwin's desk. I felt an arm bring me to my feet and hold me there.

Lazar saluted. "We found nothing, sir. Truly sorry."

"My, my," Godwin muttered. "Either the Dragon is good at hide and seek, or you really don't possess its power."

"What the hell did you do to her?" I almost didn't recognize the familiar, accented voice. I tried to say Jack's name but the pain in my throat kept me from doing so. He was the one holding me up.

"I had to search her for readings of the Crimson Dragon. If we could find the Vessel it has chosen and bring them to our side this early, we may be unstoppable to the Dark Signers. However, he isn't here. We checked everyone else from the Facility, which is the last place the Crimson Dragon appeared on our sensors. That means there is only one more person who it could be. Rain, where is Kalin Kessler?"

Hearing his name struck me to the core. My breathing was heavy, my eyes were closed, and I couldn't lift my head.

"Dead," I managed. "He's dead."

"That can't be possible. His body was never found. He must have escaped."

"You… sound just like Armstrong. I felt his heart stop. I watched the light leave his eyes." A tear traced down my criminal mark. "His body disappeared after he was already dead. I saw it, I swear. Kalin is dead. Kalin's- My Kalin is-!"

"We aren't going to need to use the machine again, are we, Rain?" I recoiled, shaking Jack off of me and slamming against the back wall. I lifted my head and stared at the Director, my eyes wild in fear, sorrow, and pain.

"Please leave me alone!" I gripped the sides of my head and fell to my knees. "They did the same thing! Asked me the same question over and over and over… Then they'd start that damned machine… It hurt so much… I can't tell you what I don't know! I don't know, I don't know, I…"

"Just leave it! She's obviously telling the truth!" Jack stood between Rex and me. Tears were streaming down my face. The memories were flooding back. Nihility captured me in its arms.

"I'm only trying to help. This could be a tremendous asset to aid us in saving the world! One broken person is worth it."

"Listen to yourself," Yusei told him. His voice was shaking. "I'd rather do it on our own than have to hurt anyone!"

"The same goes for me," Aki stated. Luna and Leo added their agreement.

"If you all really refuse, I suppose I must let you go."

"No." The voice came from my mouth, but I wasn't the one who had spoken. Tears stopped flowing. Inside, I felt as though they should be. I stood up and said, "I'm staying with you. I want to be a part of this. I want… to help my team."

I'm sorry for taking over without consent, the Crimson Dragon said, but I meant what I said. You do need to hear this despite the pain consuming us.

I thoughtspoke back, I… I thought you said you couldn't control me.

I cannot control you when you are your normal self. At the moment, there is an emptiness I can fill.

…Okay. You don't need to apologize. I… I think I need you, Crimson Dragon. He was luckily hiding my eyes. Despite not being able to control myself, I kept my senses. What's that odd feeling in my mouth?

Fangs.

Wh-What? Fangs? Why do I have fangs?

They pair with the crimson spark now that I am in your heart. Another small side effect. I will make sure no one notices.

But… fangs? Really?

You'll get used to them eventually.

"Look, Rain, it's okay," Yusei said. His expression was pained. "You can take some time alone and we'll fill you in, I promise."

"I told you, I'm fine," the Dragon answered.

"Let us go," said the Director.

"One more thing," Yusei said. "Godwin, you've done enough to her. I won't take another step until you agree to drop her charges and search."

The Director's head dipped by the smallest of movements. "Excuse me?"

"You heard him," Jack added, his bellow a harsh command. "You'll let Rain go if you want our help."

My teammates were… standing up for me. There was a kindling of hope within the nihility, but it was so impossibly far away from where I was falling.

"…Very well," Godwin said. "She is of no interest to us anymore. She will be wiped from the records, the news reports will stop, and the posters will be taken down. I'm afraid the criminal mark cannot be taken back."

That's fine. It's one of the few things I had left that tied me to him. We were all led out, but I stumbled on the way. Jack caught me. He offered an arm to help me walk. "Thanks, Jack."

"It's what teammates do." There were questions he wanted to ask; I could tell by the way his gaze lingered on me. He let it go, though. "You're clearly not fine, Rain."

"I've made it this long. Another few minutes won't kill me."

He only grunted. Jack looked very different. He wore a long, white trenchcoat with purple lining and matching white pants and boots. Large earrings bearing the letter "A" dangled from his earlobes. He looked nice, I thought.

"You… look nice, Jack."

Oh, dumb dragon… He wasn't supposed to say that out loud. The compliment gave Jack the same smug smile he had every time he won a duel. "Thank you, Rain."

"We're here," Rex said. We had been descending in an elevator for several minutes. The doors opened to reveal a huge underground cavern. A red light emitted from the earth, revealing an etching of the Crimson Dragon glyph around a gargantuan staircase. Each Signer noticed their marks on the symbol: Yusei had the tail, Jack the wings, Aki the back claw, and Luna the front claw.

The Crimson Dragon said, This is the Stairway to the Dragon Star, the pinnacle of an ancient civilization that worshipped me.

"Surrounding the Stairway is indeed the symbol of the Signers. It has been passed down as a legend of the People of the Stars, an ancient civilization from thousands of years before our time," Godwin explained. The Signer's birthmarks glowed in correspondence to the glyph. The Dragon was tempted to fly above them but stayed with me considering the circumstances.

"Jack, Yusei, don't you remember your first encounter with the Dragon?" The scene surrounding us shifted according to their memories, showing us a duel between the two. Their ace cards, Stardust Dragon and Red Dragon Archfiend, were attacking each other, bringing forth the Crimson Dragon. Its fiery red hide lit up the arena as it soared through the sky. "The Dragon guided both of you here so that you may reunite."

"Not true," Jack and Yusei rejected in unison.

"We had a grudge to settle is all," Jack told him.

"That's not right, either," Yusei said. "It was Godwin's scheming!"

"I did nothing of the sort. Your meeting was fate; I merely followed the Dragon's guidance in my actions."

Yusei scowled. "Do you really expect us to believe that?"

"It's up to you whether you believe or not, but know this: None of you can escape your destiny. You have been chosen and brought together for a reason that must be followed through."

"But my mark has only every brought me pain," Aki said. "Is that the kind of fate you mean?"

"If it weren't for the powers the sign granted you, you never would have met the other Signers. The mark is given to duelists deemed worthy by the Dragon itself. Your fate not only includes this war coming up, but may link to other affairs as well. Isn't this correct, Luna?"

"Yes," she answered. "Now I know that I have to save Ancient Fairy Dragon and the Spirit World, no matter what!"

"Precisely," Godwin agreed. "You all share the same birthmarks as the original chosen Signers of the People of the Stars. As reincarnations of these warriors, it is your duty to stop the evil attempting to envelop this world."

"Wait a second," Yusei interrupted. "Aren't there supposed to be five Signers? Where's the last one?"

"The fifth Signer was already awakened long ago. They and the Dragon's real Vessel will surely come to your aid when they are needed."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"It will be long before any of us truly know. Now, on to the next topic." As Godwin said it, the scene around us shifted to ancient looking designs in the ground.

I'd been there before. I was sure of it. Er… was I? When? The memory slipped away like grains of sand caught in the current. Jack said, "Those are the Nazca Lines. It said on the news they disappeared a few days ago!"

"That's right, Jack. These lines are actually ancient seals on dark incarnations beneath the earth. The Crimson Dragon trapped them there five thousand years ago. The Lines have recently disintegrated due to the work of the Dark Signers." A glyph that resembled a spider lit up and slowly disappeared. I noticed the lizard mark I saw on that lady's arm in the distance as well.

"Dark Signers possess dark marks similar to the signs you bear. Their duels are Shadow Duels, where the damage is entirely real and your very lives are at stake. They have special Dark Synchro Monsters, which use negative levels in order to tune. They are the equivalent of your Signer Dragons. I'm sure all of you will encounter these threats as you face this evil.

"When a Dark Signer appears, the same glyphs will surely follow as a duel begins. They are similar to the Nazca Lines, but they glow with a purple flame. Their arrival spells destruction for New Domino City and the Satellite. You may also have seen their most powerful monsters, the Earthbound Immortals." The scene shifted again to show the outside of the Arcadia Movement building the night of the attack. Two large beasts were situated there: the giant lizard I saw and a massive hummingbird beast with orange veins instead of the lizard's green.

"The two before you are Earthbound Immortals. They are summoned by absorbing the souls of people around them. Your marks will protect you from this, but ordinary citizens are not so blessed. Hundreds are already unaccounted for."

"And what happens to those who are sacrificed?" Jack's voice lost its apathetic edge for a split second.

"I do not know at this time. As you can see, this phenomenon calls for immediate action. If we stand aside now, the people of New Domino and Satellite will surely fall prey to the Dark Signers, and the entire city will collapse.

"This battle is and always has been unavoidable. You can try to run from destiny, but it will always find you. You all are the only ones with the ability to defeat the Dark Signers and save the world from destruction."

"Wait a second." I was the one who spoke up. The Dragon was gradually releasing me as I regained my composure. "These Dark Signers… They're actually people, though. People who had lives. If we defeat them, isn't there a way we could-"

"No. The Dark Signers are the souls of the dead, who walk this earth once more for one final purpose. They have merely been awakened to these new dark abilities, but they cannot be brought back to life. They are messengers of the Underworld, wanting to capture this world for their own."

Aki spoke up. "But… The one after me is Misty Tredwell, the famous model. Are you saying she can never be brought back? I'm sure she gave up her life to get revenge on me for something I didn't even do!"

"Some people make poor choices," Godwin answered. "This was her destiny, just as fighting her is yours."

Aki shouted, "But that's not right!"

"He's right," the Dragon agreed, probably oddly to the others. "Their choices landed them where they are, even if it is for the right or wrong reasons. If there is a way, we will save them, but if what he says is true then we can't wait for answers that won't come."

I thought, Why would you say that, Dragon? Winning these Shadow Duels means killing people! I thought you were supposed to be a symbol of hope or whatever!

Rain, it is imperative you understand the nature of a Dark Signer. They are evil humans dedicated to the purpose of seeing civilization as we know it destroyed. Recall that the fate of the world rests on our Signers' shoulders. The Dark Signers are their antithesis; they would place their entire beings towards the cause of murdering our Signers and destroying the world.

Maybe it was true, but I couldn't outright say that meant they deserved to die. No one had the right to extinguish a life of another person.

They have set us up so we have no other option. You must listen, young dragon. The Dark Signers are evil.

Okay, okay, I understand.

Are you certain? Because as I said, it is of the upmost importance you keep this resolve in mind. He placed deadly emphasis on the next words: Every. Dark. Signer. Is. Evil.

Yes, I get it! Geez! Why are you beating it into my head?

He did not answer. Instead, through me, he said, "I don't know about all of you, but I'm going to do whatever I can to help this fight, Signer or not."

Jack snorted. "I don't follow anything, even fate… but if you all really need my help, I suppose I could spare a few duels."

The scene changed back to the staircase. The Director said, "Destiny is in motion. There is no turning back. Decide now whether you want to fight the Dark Signers or not. Time is running out."

Godwin walked out.

"Well I've made my choice. I don't want to stay here any longer," said the Dragon. When I was almost to the elevator, a voice called out.

"Wait a second!" I barely turned my head to see all five of them behind me. The Dragon hid my eyes and smiled slightly. The elevator opened, so I stepped in and held the door for all of them. They filed in, one by one.

"I have to go," Luna told us. "Ancient Fairy Dragon and the Spirit World need me. It's my job to save them."

"That's good. I wouldn't want to be stuck with Torunka alone." She laughed, but the Dragon must not have had it in him. "Yusei, what's got you so down?"

He gave me a bewildered look, but I could still see his sorrow. "Kalin's… he's really dead?"

The emptiness threatened but the Crimson Dragon fought it off. It will be all right, young dragon. Feel the bond you share with our Signers. Hold onto it with everything you have.

"Of course he is," Jack answered for me. "Rain wouldn't lie. Not about that."

"Um, who's Kalin?" I had forgotten about the others in the rising elevator before Aki spoke.

"No one," I answered her myself. "Forget you heard anything."

The doors opened, and I was the first to leave. I found the way outside and exited as fast as I could, closing the door and breathing slowly. It was nice to find fresh air.

I stood on the far side of the lawn, upon which sprouted a healthy rose garden. I headed deep inside until I found a bench. The Dragon relinquished full control, and I fell onto the seat. The Dragon's words about bonds had helped me to find myself. I could feel my friends' concern for me.

This has been an enlightening day, the Dragon said.

I snorted. "Yeah, I've got fangs, Aki's got emotional stress, Yusei and Jack want to drill me about you-know-who, and finally, I have to protect two children who might end up being more trouble than they're worth. If I would've known what you signed me up for, I probably would have ended my life then and there after all."

That is not true. You are glad to have purpose.

"It is a purpose, but it's not my purpose. I didn't choose it. You sort of forced me into it."

I said you chose to help me, Rain. After all, the circumstances said that you were the only one who could.

The only one? No way. He had all of these Signers at his disposal but somehow he needed me?

I can still hear you, you know.

"Shut up!"

A rustle of leaves caught my attention. Aki peeked at me from behind a rose bush. "Rain? Are you okay?"

"Yeah," I answered, offering a slight smile. "I think I'll be okay."

She sat down next to me. "It really was awful what he did to you in there. I'm so sorry-"

"Don't be," I interrupted. "You never did anything to me, and don't even try to blame yourself for what I did to myself. That's causing yourself to suffer needlessly."

"All right," she sighed. "You know, you're more stubborn than you look."

"So I've been told," I stated, laughing. "Will you be fighting for the Crimson Dragon, Aki?"

"I think I've decided to, yes," she responded. "My mother and father were actually worried about me. Can you believe that? Worried about me! Plus, my… friends… need me."

"I'm glad you think that now, and good luck against… Misty, was it?"

"Yes, Misty Tredwell." Her eyes went blank. "She claims I killed her brother… But from what Mina showed me, it was Sayer who did something to him. I don't know if I can believe Sayer would do that, though."

"The truth will come out eventually," I said. "I wouldn't trust him if I were you."

"Why's that? Did he do something to you?" I met her eyes. The sunset lightened their brown irises. The truth would hurt her. Was it worth that?

…Yes. I always believed honesty was most important. "Well, if you consider brainwashing me so he could use my ability to reach the Spirit World for himself something, then yes, he did."

"B-Brainwashing? Are you serious?"

"Don't worry, that wasn't the worst part."

"What could have been worse than that?"

I showed her the nasty scar on my inner left arm. "He tried to kill me, Aki. It was only by some miracle I survived, and I landed next to you."

Her hands flew to her mouth. "H-He wouldn't do something like that..! Please tell me it isn't true!"

I covered my scar, and my mouth twitched down. "I'm sorry, Aki. He used me and then decided I wasn't worth the trouble. The same could have happened to you."

"No, he never would! He treated me differently. He's my angel, like Kalin is to you!" My lungs deflated. Her fury drained and she asked, "What are we supposed to do, Rain? We'll never belong again."

"That's not true." I breathed in deep. "I mean, I used to think it was. It was actually Luna who showed me more. She said that two halves make a whole, so the true can be for you and me, Aki. When she said that to me, I… Ha. Luna made me smile when I never thought I would again. Remember what I said about reality being different from what you feel, because it's so true. We're all here for you even when it feels like the ground is breaking beneath your feet. Like Yusei! He's the most trustworthy person I know, and he's been helping you out, right?"

Pink touched her cheeks. "N-No! He… He's nice, sure, but he can't help me. You know how it is. Being a psychic means he can't possibly understand. We're too different."

It hurt to remember, but I… I wanted to help Aki. I stared at my bare feet. "My partner wasn't a psychic. He never acted like my powers were bad, though. Actually, he… called them superpowers and said I would be a hero. He showed me I can belong anywhere, and I'm betting Yusei makes you feel the same way."

Her eyes widened, and the heat in her face intensified. "A-absolutely not!"

"Hey, hey." Wearing a wide grin, I scooted closer and nudged her with my elbow. "You can tell me. Just us psychics here."

She pursed her lips. "Mkay. It sounds crazy to say out loud, but there's something about his voice. It's just so… soothing. To be honest, I've always had a bit of a temper problem, but when he speaks it's a special kind of magic that calms me down. Whenever I hear him, I feel… like I can have a family again. I didn't know before, but he showed me family is so much more than blood."

"Oh, hell yeah! We can be like sisters!" She was able to match my smile. I cleared my throat. "Don't tell anyone, but he's into you, too."

She sputtered, "I n-never said I was-"

"Well would you look at the time! It's exactly I-need-to-go o'clock!" I dashed away from her, skirting around sharp-leaved hedges as I did. Searching for my two old teammates proved fruitless, so I wandered about the lawn. Luna's voice stopped me.

"Leo, wait! Stop him, Rain!" The boy was running towards me, looking like he was about to cry. I grabbed him by the arm before he could pass.

"Hey! Let- me- go!" He kept trying to break free, lashing out wildly, but I managed to keep my grip. Luna came up behind me, and tears sparkled on her cheeks.

"Leo, you can't stay here! I need your help!"

"What help am I?" He turned towards her, so I let go. "You're the Signer, a legendary hero who needs to save the world! Before, I thought you were just dead weight to me. I always wanted to go play outside and duel, but you were getting sick all the time. Now I'm the dead weight. I'm not a Signer… I'm not even a good duelist! I'm no help at all…"

"That's not true," Luna retorted as tears formed in her eyes. "You're my brother, my hero! I need you, Leo! I can't do anything without you. I'm still glad you stayed with me all of those times, too, but… I'm sorry for holding you back."

"You… you need me?"

"And hey, even if you aren't a Signer, you sure have the heart of one," I said, pointing at his chest. His eyes shone at my and Luna's words.

"Hey, you guys," Yusei said while he and Jack came out to meet us. Aki also exited the garden. "Have you all decided? Jack and I have chosen to go."

"I'm going, too," Aki stated.

"So are we," Leo answered for them. Luna smiled through her tears.

"Me too, obviously." I hid my eyes so I wouldn't have to look at them. "Looks like the day is almost over."

"The sunset is beautiful," Aki pointed out.

"Everyone, we have a problem!" The Security woman, Mina, rushed out to us. "Something bad is happening in the Satellite. Really bad."

Jack, Yusei, and I sprinted inside. She took us to a room filled with screens, all showing the Satellite. A black fog was engulfing the entire island.

"Some sort of abnormality occurred, and we cannot contact Sector Security in the area! This footage may not even last for very long-" The screens went dark. "Oh no…"

"That's it," Jack said stepping forward. "We're going to the Satellite right now. We won't stand by while it's turned to ruin!"

"Okay. You're all going too, I suppose?" We told her yes, so she called our ride. She pulled out a communication device – a "phone," Luna explained to me – and spoke with Godwin. She hung up after a few words and led us to the roof of the building. While we were waiting, I heard Jack and Mina talking, after which everyone seemed to break off into their own conversations. I did my best to avoid Yusei and Jack. Luna bugged me about why I had no idea what a phone was, so I had to explain my lost memories to her. Godwin arrived to meet us, and we gathered again.

"The mist is from the original Ener-D Reactor, meaning that destiny must be guiding its creator, Professor Fudo's son." The others seemed astonished, but the news wasn't exactly relevant to me. "Everyone, remember your mission: defeat the Dark Signers and get that reactor turning in the right direction."

Godwin left after that, not planning to follow us to the Satellite. Our ride still wasn't here, so I decided to consult the Dragon. What did the mist do? And you better answer me this time!

The black mist consumed the residents of your precious home. Once the Dark Signers are defeated, they will be returned.

W-What? Everyone? Crow and Hiro and… all of them?

You were the one that asked.

…At least I get to be the one to save them.

Yes. At least. I almost snapped back at him, but a helicopter began to land at that moment. A man in a Sector Security uniform stepped out then stopped in disbelief at the sight of Yusei.

"Y-Yusei? Why are you here?" His voice was deep and a tad raspy.

"Trudge! You're the one bringing us to the Satellite?" The man named Trudge looked even angrier and almost continued the argument until Mina stepped in.

"Trudge, please, we need you to bring us. I know you may not like Yusei, but you're the best man we've got now." Trudge's fury immediately softened as he looked at the woman.

"Of course, ma'am. I'm completely capable of the task ahead of us," he stated, blushing. "It is an honor to serve you!"

I found myself wondering if Kalin and I had been this obvious. If Kalin-

No, nope, hold it together, keep moving forward. Now was not the time to look back. That was a good way to fall.

He stepped aside and opened the door, letting Mina in first. Yusei entered next, and Trudge shot him a nasty look. Then the others entered, and finally it was my turn. The officer recognized me. "Hold on a sec! Don't I know you from somewhere?"

"Me? You may know me from my several appearances in 'This Week's Fugitive.' I'm quite infamous."

"Yeah, that's right! You're Kessler's shadow!"

"Ah, fame never gets old," I grumbled.

"It's okay, Trudge. She's been cleared to help us," Mina said. He gave me a skeptical look but let me on board. I sat next to Leo who was beside Luna then Mina. Across from me was Jack, and adjacent to him was Yusei then Aki. I sat with my back against cold metal and looked out the window behind me. I saw three people on the shore sending us off: Bolt, that old man I saw at the Arcadia Movement, and some other young child. Everyone else was waving, so I gave Bolt my two-fingered salute. He noticed and returned the gesture.

"Do you mind telling us about the Ener-D Reactor and Yusei's father?" We had been sitting in silence for some time, and I was glad Aki had broken it. She had asked Mina, who seemed happy to answer. Yusei was deep in thought but didn't protest. I merely shut my eyes and listened, exhaustion tugging at my bones.

"Eighteen years ago, the Ener-D system developed a problem and caused Zero Reverse, the incident that separated the Satellite and New Domino City. The media pinned this on natural disasters so that the real cause would never be found out. The head of development for this segment of the work on the Ener-D system was Professor Fudo."

"Wait, so Yusei's father was in the explosion?" You know a story is interesting when even Leo will pay attention and act serious. A silent answer was applied, and everyone's heads dipped.

Trudge spoke up. "Wait. Why would they put a Satellite resident in charge of such a major project?"

"Yusei was originally born in the City," Jack responded.

"Oh really? Go figure…"

"Yeah? Well, I was born in the Satellite. Got a problem with that?"

"N-No…"

"Good, then." I was glad Jack shut him up. Outside, the clouds were dark.

This storm isn't normal, the Dragon explained. The Dark Signers have never been welcoming.

"This lightning spells trouble," Trudge declared. "If we get hit, it won't be pretty."

Yusei stood up and headed to the front. "Land us there."

"Um, what?"

"Land there," Mina reaffirmed. Trudge obeyed after she gave the command. Looking out, I was relieved to see Martha's house was where Yusei had taken us. Then again, I feared the storm that would be coming… no pun intended. After we landed, I exited last, after even Trudge.

"So," he whispered to me, "what did you do to land you in the Facility? I know it sounds wrong, but you don't really look like the kind of person that would-"

"Save it. I've heard it before. I aided a fugitive and hurt Securities like you to do it."

He frowned and started to say something but a familiar voice spoke up first. "Rain? Rain, is that you?"

"C-Crow?" I dashed over and pulled him in for a hug. "It's really you! You're okay! It's so great to see you again!"

He had gained two criminal marks since I had seen him. Their bright yellow lined down from his gray eyes and stopped at his chin. He wore a brown leather riding jacket and pads over his yellow shirt and jeans. Crow said, "Right back at you! What all happened to you? How did you get back and meet up with these fellas?"

"Uh, long story," I muttered. "How're Hiro and Yuki?"

The instant their names passed my lips, melancholy dampened his usual energy. A strange mix of forlorn fury lay in his whisper. "They… disappeared in that fog. I don't know how they are, or if they're alive, or if I'll ever see them again. They asked about you a lot, Rain. 'Why doesn't she come over anymore?' I couldn't tell them the truth of how he screwed up and you bailed him out. You're both nuts. But. Damn am I glad to see you again, Rain. Having you and those other two back makes this place feel more like home."

They… really were gone. I held in my tears for Crow, who was on the verge of crying himself. "I'm so sorry. It's all those goddamned Dark Signers faults, and we're here to take them down. We'll save them."

He was unmoved. "I hope so. Anyway, please tell me you saw that sorry bastard Kalin at least one more time and gave him a talking to. You should've seen how torn up Yusei was after what he did."

I never had a chance to respond.

"Rain!" My hairs stood on end as Martha stomped over to me. "Never have I ever heard of anyone doing anything as foolish as what you did!"

I avoided her eyes as she ranted. "That boy didn't deserve any kind of help for his actions and you knew it! For you to go to the lengths you did – relinquishing your own freedom like that – makes me only hope being in love doesn't make everyone as much of an idiot as you!"

She pulled me in for the biggest hug I've ever given or gotten and added, "But I'm so glad you're home safe now."

"Come on Martha, you're suffocating her!" Crow managed to pry me from her arms. I still wasn't smiling. "Eh..? C'mon Rain, she's just giving you a hard time. She still cares about you."

I held back tears. "It's… not that."

"Hey, you two, give her some space," Yusei said. "She's been through a lot."

Martha and Crow stared holes through me but obeyed Yusei. Martha invited everyone in for dinner. I lingered before going in. Yusei stayed behind, too. He did not speak to me but his presence was a small comfort.

"Well, if it isn't Rain, my little promise breaker." Blister came up behind me and hung his arm around my shoulders.

"Blister! What're you doing in the Satellite?"

"I told you I had ways. Trash boats are easy to sneak onto. It's going back that's the hard part. Say, where'd you disappear to? I missed my roomie."

"Not caught by who you'd expect," I answered. "Give a big thanks to the Arcadia Movement, and especially to that evil brain they had, Sayer. Guy overheard me telling you about my dream and brainwashed me for it. Can you believe that? I didn't even think brainwashing was possible!"

"Wow, really? Sayer himself came up to you and captured you right after I left? That's insane! I looked for you on the news and everything, but the search wasn't dropped! I looked myself but couldn't find you. Then I come home to run into this Yusei fellow, and he ends up spouting out that same stuff you said about Aero! To be honest, it only really made me miss you a bit more."

"Rain, I know this may sound odd, but I've been to the places you've been and seen what you've done," Yusei said. "What you started at the Facility, how you helped Blister, Luna, and even Akiza! You've done some amazing things, teammate."

I blushed. "Aw, you're too kind. It's nice to finally be home. By the way, Yusei, how did Bolt get out?"

"Bolt? I won his freedom for him. I could see the good in all of those guys, the good that you brought out, so I made a wager with Armstrong and won."

A shiver crawled down my spine at the mention of Armstrong. "That's awesome. I… I felt bad leaving them behind. Thank you, Yusei. You've done great stuff, too! Your Fortune Cup run was sick! I'm proud to call you a friend."

"Rain…" Concern shone in his sapphire eyes. "We're still teammates. I have your back."

"I'm here for you, too. Um. Th-thanks again, really." I stared at my feet. "For trying to save him. You're the greatest teammate we could have asked for."

He muttered, "I can't imagine what you must have gone through on your own."

I held up my index finger. "I survived, and that is what matters. I have to thank you for giving me exactly the burst I needed to get my memories back. You really do always have my back!"

That got a smile out of him, and the straightening of his shoulders as though a weight had lifted allowed me to join him.

"Come on inside, you three," Martha called. "We need to talk to y'all."

I followed the others in and plopped down next to Luna at the end. Martha sat at the head of the table and sighed. "I understand y'all know of the black mist that blew through yesterday. The truth of it is the fog took everyone away. When it cleared out, we were alone."

"Does that mean… Rally and the others?" Yusei's worried look made me wonder whom he was talking about.

"They haven't been found, either," Martha lamented. "The Satellite is practically empty."

"That's why we've come to save it," Jack stated.

"Right," Yusei agreed. "Together, as friends."

Jack only snorted. "Friends? I don't know if I consider anyone my 'friend.'"

Why would Jack say that after what he did for me in Godwin's mansion? Was this some sort of act, or…

"As long as you rely on others, you'll stagnate because you never learn how to do anything on your own."

I hadn't considered it deeply when Jack said it, but that must have been some point of pride in his life. Maybe… I should keep my distance and not bother him.

"Stop fighting, boys! We're all together in this. Everyone, dinner is served!" We chowed on Martha's stew and I left as soon as I finished. I really wanted to head back to my stage, but I decided against it on account of my exhaustion. I ended up sitting at the base of a tree, thinking.

"You look tired." Luna knelt next to me.

"Hah, I am. It's been a long day, one that's definitely given me a big headache."

"Be glad we didn't go to the Spirit World, then! Think of how much worse Torunka would have made it."

We both laughed. I glanced over Luna's pristine clothing. Her pink jacket wasn't dirtied in the slightest. "So what do you think of the Satellite?"

"It's nicer than I expected," she explained. "To be honest I thought it'd be kind of scary."

This time only I giggled. "Yeah, that's probably the way they described it. Glad it's at least a tad enjoyable."

"Yeah! So, were you born here, too?"

"Born here? I don't know," I answered. "Wherever I was born was a part of the memories I lost. Maybe I'm a Satellite through and through. Could be I'm from somewhere else entirely."

"Okay, one last question." She lowered her voice. "Was what Ancient Fairy Dragon said about the Crimson Dragon true? That it's in you?"

"Yes," I whispered. "It's important no one knows but you and me."

"Oh, of course! I understand. My lips are sealed."

"Thanks, Luna." I yawned. "I think I'm going to turn in for the night. See you tomorrow."

Martha offered me my old room, and I didn't have to share with anyone else. I headed upstairs and crashed immediately. Sleep held my first nightmare, and deep within I saw the dark flames of a glyph – that of the Giant.

End of Chapter Twelve

(((A/N: Ah, Valentine's Day. A wonderful time when love is in the air, and a perfect opportunity to reconnect with old flames~

Speaking of which, you can probably tell from this chapter my ships are pretty basic. Other than the whole *clears throat* main pairing, anyway. But the nice thing about this particular OCxCanon is it doesn't mess with my normal ships. Also, there was a lot of zzz normal canon stuff zzz written this chapter. That's pretty much over from here on out (same with RoA storyline). Oh, and we're something like halfway through at this point. Woohoo! Crack open a bottle of champagne!

You're gonna need it.)))