Chapter Thirteen

Love, Don't Cry

Well, that was fast. Rain had fallen limp against me, so I hoisted her up bridal-style. Someone called my name; West ran up to me, Nico tailing him. "Barbara came out of nowhere and attacked us again! That Security lady took her down no problem, though!"

"Yeah, but poor Rain," Nico lamented. She held Rain's black hat.

"Where can I leave her to rest?"

Nico answered, "You'll want to take her to Klaus's old house, the one we showed you before. We can take you there again if you forgot."

"That'd be great." They started ahead of me towards the town's entrance. Soon, though, West slowed and walked beside me.

"What happened to Rain?"

"She was tired."

"Yeah, but she's all beat up and stuff…"

"From everything else that happened to her. I'm pretty sure you were there for that."

"Will she be okay, though?" he asked.

"Yes. She just needs some rest."

"How do you know?"

"I've known Rain for a long time, and she's been through worse."

"Woah, really? How long have you known her?"

I stopped to consider his question. "It's been… over a year now."

"Kalin." Nico was smiling up at me. "You really like Rain, don't you?"

"…You insult me. I love Rain."

"You do?" West shouted. "No way! You totally were the one she was waiting for!"

"I guess I was. Unfortunately, I got a little confused. That person you knew yesterday and before wasn't me."

"I know!" West pumped a fist into the air. "After you dueled Rain, you've been like the real Kalin, the one who united the Satellite!"

"You're mistaken. I'm not him, either."

"I beg to differ." Yusei approached me from the pack of Sector Security vehicles. How strange to have seen those flashing lights and not have felt fear. I looked down at the princess in my arms and smiled. How… wonderful. Yusei said, "Barbara and Lawton are being taken away. Ramon and Malcolm have as many chances as you give them… if you give them a second one."

I didn't hesitate. "Everyone deserves a second chance."

That… made my friend smile one of the most genuine ones I'd ever had the pleasure of seeing. "Kalin… I don't know what she did to bring you back, but damn am I glad she did it."

'A murderer and a Dark Signer walk into a graveyard…' Jesus, my jaw still hurt. My girl had an arm. "I am, too. Another one for her 'saved my boyfriend's ass' list. I think she's finally catching up with me after all the times in the Satellite."

Yusei's brow furrowed. "What do you mean 'all those times?'"

Before I could open my mouth to speak, a strange voice sounded in my mind. It warned, Don't talk about Rain's past. It is imperative they do not know. They must regain their memories on their own, just as you have.

"…Riiight. Forget I said anything. You're welcome to stay as long as you want, Yusei, but I will likely be very busy."

"You're staying here?"

"Yeah. He had explosives planted in damn near every building in town. We have a lot of work to do, right, West, Nico?" They nodded their agreement. It's the least I could do for the pain I'd caused this town… which I could make right. My partner and I agreed it was possible.

"Kalin…" Yusei gave a thumbs-up. "Under your leadership, this place will soar to great heights."

…Ha. My leadership… right. Well, he's trying so hard for me, wasn't he? That… felt good. He's an amazing friend. "I appreciate your kindness, teammate. If you ever need anything, I'll be here. You can count on me. That's a promise."

"I believe it. The same goes for me."

We said our good-byes, and it was the first farewell in my memory that was sweet with no bitter. Dusk fell in the wake of his exit, and Crash Town was back to its usual silence.

When he was gone, Nico started to giggle. I asked, "What is it?"

"The way you talk about Rain… it's so cute!"

"…Cute?"

West said, "That's not the right word at all! He and Rain dueling together was, like, so cool! You both destroyed that Lawton creep! You're heroes!"

"Heroes," I breathed. No… not at all. If he knew the truth… what would he see in me? In us? Well… I didn't want to crush him. God knows why he looked up to me, but I didn't want to hurt him. "Which place is Rain's?"

"This one." Nico pointed towards a small house facing Crash Town's entrance.

"Thanks." I carried her into the house and closed the door behind me. I placed her on the bed delicately. I examined the area around me. Her pendant and blue bracelet rested on a table next to the wilted flower I'd left days ago. I couldn't believe she did all of this… for me. I whispered, "You blow me away every time, Rain. Thank you. I owe you everything, and I'll give you everything."

I returned the wilted flower to my pocket. She didn't have to know about that part. I'd rather not make her cry again.

"Kalin!" West burst through the door. "You're taking too long."

"Shouldn't you be in bed or something?"

"M-Maybe, but shouldn't you, too? You probably did as much as Rain…"

No, I didn't, but I remembered there was a lot of work to be done in town. If I was going to take care of this place from now on, we'd have to rebuild what Lawton destroyed.

"Well, Kalin? Are you coming, or not?"

I glanced back at my partner. She was peaceful, and comfortable, and that meant I was okay. "Sure, I'll go."

I took Nico and West back to their place. They said it was lonelier now, but they'd be fine for the night. When I left them, I wasn't sure what to do. Ramon's provided quarters were destroyed in one of Lawton's blasts. Moonlight wandering the town again. Some things didn't change.

I was north of the crossroads when I heard the voice. It sounded high-pitched, feminine and, from both the way she was talking and what she was saying, sadistic. She was stomping and ranting, but though she seemed to be addressing someone, no reply came. I wondered if she was talking to herself.

Kalin Kessler. Have you not learned that eavesdropping is rude?

A big red dragon rounded the corner. I stepped back. "W-Whoa!"

Do not feign surprise. The Crimson Dragon circled me, stirring dust where his paws pressed into the earth. We have met before, or have you forgotten again the night you tried and failed to kill my Vessel?

I winced. "I… remember. I didn't know you could talk."

I cannot speak. I am restricted to using telepathy.

"So that was you talking to me earlier."

Yes.

"I can't believe you listened to him," the other voice grumbled. "Take it from me; never trust a dragon."

"Who are you?" She still hadn't come around the corner.

The Dragon groaned, You don't want to know.

She finally entered my view. My heart stopped. I fell back.

"What, you don't remember me?" She looked just like Rain and wore the apparel of a Dark Signer. The same hooded cloak I previously wore was on her shoulders over a black shirt and short skirt. Blue lines traced along the cloak and skirt like the veins of the Giant. The symbol of the Giant shone on her right forearm. The whites of her eyes were pitch-black, the final Dark Signer trademark.

The Crimson Dragon sighed. That's not Rain.

I slowly rose to my feet again and tried not to look at her. "It's not? How does that work?"

"Rain's a special case," she murmured. "We don't mix well, so we're separate entities. It's like her and your Dragon friend there. We're tied to the same person, but we're all separate. It mostly means our minds are different."

How nice of you to explain.

"Don't get used to it. I just know how much of an idiot Kalin is!" She giggled. "You and Rain are pretty similar, after all… Hey! Let's do some catching up."

She walked closer, and I backed away. "This is the perfect meeting for an ex, isn't it? You're nothing without me. You were less than dead."

"So, alive," I muttered.

"You know what I mean, tool! You're a failure! You couldn't beat her, and you still couldn't this time!"

"Losing to Rain has never made me feel defeated."

"It should!"

I looked to the stars. "…What are you two doing out here?"

"It gets boring when she's asleep."

Plus, we wanted to discuss something out of anyone's earshot, but…

"You had to be nosy."

"I thought you two were supposed to hate each other."

We do share a mutual hatred, but since we're forced to suffer through each other's company because of you, we're learning to live with it.

"Hahaha! There's something we have in common, tool! We both hate you!"

That hatred was something we used to share. I couldn't believe I really… was that. "I'm sorry, Dragon."

He puffed out a warm breath on the nape of my neck, and my skin tingled. You're lucky she cares for you.

"Haha, yeah! I mean, you saw the monster in Uru's vision. If she met you before, she'd totally kill you!" Her laugh was wicked. I winced, and the Dragon growled behind me.

"Huh? She's awake already? That was fast, compared to-" The Dragon snapped at her before she could finish. "Alright! Alright, geez. There's no reason to get all defensive."

"What are you talking about now?" They both looked at me like they'd forgotten I was there.

"Rain woke up for some reason."

Nightmares, most likely, the Dragon sighed.

"Annoying. We were having such a great time without her. Right, Kalin?"

"Not… really." She giggled again, making me shudder.

I'm going back. The Crimson Dragon disappeared in a red flash.

"That's just like him to ditch me," she grumbled. She brushed past me, finishing, "Bye, tool!"

I turned around and she was gone. Dealing with that pair all the time had to drive Rain crazy. Right, they said she woke up. I broke into a brisk walk towards her house.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/

I buried my head in my hands. Everything hurt again. The Crimson Dragon said, That's what happens when you cause an explosion four feet away from you. I recommend getting more rest.

"Can't sleep. No point. I got a few hours, anyway. Everything is still aching, though." No response. After a beat, the door flew open.

"Rain!" My partner burst inside. I started to stand, but he laid a hand on my shoulder to stop me. "Don't. You still look hurt."

He sat beside me. I mumbled, "I can't say I'm not. I'm fine, though. You shouldn't worry."

He laughed to himself. "You're still a terrible liar."

"S-so what if I am!" That brilliant, bright smile made an appearance, the one I'd fought to find and keep. My heart lightened, and I wrapped my arms around him. "I missed you. I missed you so much."

"Let me try again," he said. "How – or why, rather – did I forget the most wonderful person to exist?"

"You can thank me!" I let go of him and glared at G. She sat in a chair across from the room that was previously under the table.

"Yeah," I muttered. "You."

"Aw, no need to be bitter, Rain. It's not a good look for you. I'm here to help you, after all."

"Should I even ask?"

"Weeell," she started despite what I said, "we're all acquainted here, right? Anyway, I'm going to show off some of those precious memories you seem so attached to!"

"What do you mean?"

"You two can be pretty dense. If you want me to go so in-depth… I'm going to show you two each other's memories from before the whole Wild West yeehaw shebang."

Kalin and I both shouted "no" at the same time.

"Oh, I love it! Such desperation!"

I snarled. "If you make me relive it all a third time, I swear-"

"Hey, that's a good idea, Rain! Let's start with you right there."

"Don't you dare-"

She grabbed the collar of my button-up and stared at me with those dark eyes. "Too late. Let's take a walk down memory lane, shall we?"

/\/\/\/\/\/\/

A vision played in my mind like a crystal-clear memory. Every detail was displayed as though I were watching a film. A dark room with a simple bed, dresser, and nightstand came into view. A single candle burned beside the bed, illuminating a sleeping Kalin. He lay on his back in his old Dark Signer outfit, though I noticed a difference – where the red shirt underneath was too short when I met him, it fit perfectly at whatever time I was watching.

What's… happening? I thought. I wanted to speak the words, but I couldn't feel my mouth or any other body parts. I was detached like a ghost. I thought I was supposed to see my memories.

You're such a poor listener, darling! rang G's voice. I said I would show you each other's memories. More specifically, you're seeing my point of view as your tool of a boyfriend's guardian. Meanwhile, he'll be seeing the same but from your guardian – the Crimson Dragon. I snagged his ever-watchful eye over your sorrowful plight. Oh, woe is you… which will ring truer once you've seen all I want you to.

I shouted, What are you planning?

To reveal nothing but the truth, dearest monster! Enjoy yourself!

Kalin shot up, heaving breaths. He held his palms in front of his chest and curled and uncurled his fingers. He stood with trepidation, testing his step several times.

Kalin slammed his hands on the nightstand and gazed into the attached mirror. He peered at his eyes, which were black outside the iris. "Well. That's… new."

His focus fell to three cards lying in front of the candle: Earthbound Immortal Ccapac Apu flanked by One Hundred-Eyed Dragon and Dark Tuner Nightmare Hand. He palmed them as though they were any old duel monsters.

"Kalin Kessler. I'm finally able to meet you." Kalin flipped to glare at Roman Godwin – possessed by the wicked god Uru – who took up the whole doorframe. "You can think of me as your… 'boss.' I'll explain our goal and your role in it."

"Hold on. Before anything, I have a question about-"

"Someone living," Roman finished. "Yes, I know. You people's attachments are always so fickle. Follow me, and we'll talk."

Kalin scowled at the undercut response but trailed after Roman's receding form regardless. There was a rip in my mind like a splitting headache. The scene changed to a different area.

Sorry! G called. And if you buy that I really am, I'm also selling a love potion for the simple price of your soul! You don't need to see every little detail, so I'm skipping to the highlights. Don't worry! I'm doing the same for your tool of a boyfriend. I didn't even show him that time you nearly offed yourself after your daring escape!

Then what are you showing him?

Your wonderful loss to Blister where your big red dragon had to swoop in and save you!

No, no don't show him- Her mind drew away from mine. …That…

My vision phased in to Kalin leaning against a wall in a dark hall lined with doors. I could tell by his look he was deep in thought until a door opened and interrupted him.

"You're the new guy, right?" It was Misty Tredwell, wearing her green-veined Dark Signer attire.

He glared at her. "Yeah, what of it?"

"There's no reason to be so hostile. We're on the same side. My name is Misty."

"Kalin," was all he said.

"Nice to meet you, Kalin. What's the matter with you, anyway?"

"Nothing."

"Is that so? To tell the truth, I overheard your conversation with Roman. You mentioned you left someone behind?"

He scowled. "None of your business."

"I'm guessing that's what is making you so rancorous?"

"Making me so… what?"

"I'll take that as a yes. Come, let me show you something. It can help you." He reluctantly followed her back to one of the many doors lining the hall. "Here we are."

"What am I supposed to be looking at?" It was a plain room. There was a bed in the center and a small table in the back corner. Misty pointed to the left of the door they'd entered from. Kalin groaned, "A mirror. Great. You may not realize this, but other people don't enjoy looking at their own reflection as much as you do."

Misty's hand rose as though she wanted to smack him. Her arm lowered to her side, and her expression evened. "It's a looking glass, asshole. It shows you what you most desire. Whenever I look into it, I see memories of my brother. He's the reason I'm here. He's dead because of someone else's wickedness."

Kalin gazed into its depths. "…Huh."

"Well? Are you going to try it out?"

He turned his back to it. "I can't. That'd be like stalking her or something… I can't do that to her…"

"You've got a girlfriend, then, Kalin?" she asked with a smile.

His hand covered his mouth. "Once again: none of your business. Forget you heard anything."

Misty kept on. "You can tell me. We're friends, right?"

"I don't know what it means to have friends anymore." His emphasis on the word was deadly. He stormed out and slammed the door. After his exit, my sudden headache indicated a time skip.

Kalin paced back and forth in one of the many dark rooms. Contrary to earlier, he wore a brown leather jacket with split sleeves over a green V-neck and jeans. His eyes were back to normal, and his criminal mark was yellow rather than red. The pulled-back sleeve on his right arm revealed the purple, tattoo-like symbol of the Giant. He abruptly stopped, scratched at his neck, and muttered, "Uh, hey… I know what it seems like, but it's me, and I- Goddammit, no."

He covered his mouth with a gloved hand. His voice was barely a whisper when he said, "This is impossible. Impossible. I don't want to hurt you, but I miss you so damned much."

"My, my, this is a rare sight." Misty lingered on the threshold wearing a fine, white dress. Her green eyes had a playful light in them. "Kalin Kessler, all dressed up and ready to hit the town. What's the occasion?"

"I believe I remember telling you it's none of your business."

She sashayed inside and gracefully lowered herself into a sitting position on the bed. "There's the tone I remembered. I thought I might be going crazy when I heard your voice earlier. I've never heard you speak so… softly."

"You heard?"

Misty crossed one leg over the other. Her dark hair cascaded down her mostly-bare shoulders. "Oh, I heard. You didn't strike me as the gentle type."

"Because I'm not." His fingers curled into fists. "You know why we're both here. You just like to pretend you still have a life to live. I lost everything, everything. Stop acting like we should be friends. You're an uppity bitch who's always had whatever you want handed to you."

Misty's expression hardened. "Is that what you think? My brother was my everything, and he's dead because of a psychic duelist's reckless anger. I want to be friends because we have that in common. We wouldn't be here otherwise. What did you lose?"

His grip loosened. He muttered, "My partner."

"What was that?"

He shook his head, tossing his icy-blue locks. "I did whatever I could to save the most important person in the world. I asked my best friend to help me, and instead, he betrayed the both of us. I had to watch her go through hell because of him. But. She's okay now- well, sort of. She escaped the Facility, I heard, so I was thinking of…"

"You know where this partner of yours is?"

"I know where she will be. Tonight. I used that mirror thing for the first time. Actually, she's going to the same event you are."

Misty thinned her eyes. "Shouldn't she be on the run?"

"That's one question I plan on asking, but… I don't know if I'll get there."

"I can get you inside, if that's what-"

"No." He placed his hand over his mouth again. "Not the issue."

Misty leaned forward. "I've never seen you quite so flustered. Are you really so worked up over seeing her again?"

"Well, see, my partner can be really… emotional. Which is great, wonderful, usually." He ran a hand through his hair. "But when she cries, I just- I can't take it. It makes me freak out, and I don't know what to do. I was… trying to find a way to do this without her breaking down."

I thought, I didn't know he felt that way…

Misty loosed an elated giggle. "If that isn't the sweetest thing I've ever heard..! And from Kalin Kessler, no less!"

"The hell is that supposed to mean?"

She stood and walked towards the door. Her heels clicked with every step. "We should be going, or we'll be late."

"Real smooth," he grumbled. He opened a drawer beside the bed and clamped a black duel disk onto his arm. An orange gem was embedded in its center, and silver ornaments like feathers decorated the mechanisms.

"…Why are you bringing that?"

Malice defined his grin. "Never know when you might need it."

Misty rolled her eyes and led the way out. The scene skipped ahead to a brilliantly lit-up building in the middle of New Domino City's cluster of skyscrapers. Huge, clear windows revealed a large party within, but someone was scurrying away from it.

I was finding solace on the dark rooftop. I wore an Arcadia Movement robe and flitted from shadow to shadow.

This can't be right, I thought. I was never at anything like this!

G laughed. Don't fret, puppet! All will make sense soon.

I stopped at a dark corner with a balcony overlooking the bright city lights. Loud band music prevented the settling of nighttime silence. The stars above were few and far between; their twinkle paled in comparison to the neon glow below.

"It's pretty, isn't it?"

I spun around at the voice. Kalin stepped out from the shadows I'd traversed. The railing dug into my back. "H-he sent you here, didn't he? You can't stop me! I'm not going back to him!"

I would have matched Kalin's confused expression if I could have. "Who are you talking about-"

Kalin took a step towards me, and my panic broke through its ceiling. I pushed onto the railing and tried to leap off the building. Kalin was quicker. He wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me back onto the roof. I squirmed and kicked in his grip. "Let me go! I'm not going back. I'm never going back to that damned Movement!"

"I'm not here to force you into anything, Rain!"

I paused. I became aware he wasn't even touching me anymore and hadn't since dragging me away from the edge. "H-how do you know my true name?"

"The hell are you talking about?" he exclaimed. The twitching muscles in his face suggested he was juggling many differing emotions. "It's me. How could I ever forget your name? C'mon, Rain! You're acting like you've forgotten me!"

"You're acting like that blond dude earlier," I muttered. "I'm not sure what you think, but I have no idea who you are."

For a few seconds, he remained statue still. He supported himself with one hand and had the other pressed against his chest. He released a shaking breath and said, "I'm Kalin."

"I'm… Rain. Which you know. Somehow."

That makes three times total we've introduced ourselves to each other.

"Rain." He said my name with all the care in the world. "Why did you try to… to-"

His focus broke and fell to the ground. My head tilted. "You're really not one of them. Do you know about the Arcadia Movement?"

"That's the place where psychics hide out, isn't it?"

I shook my head and stood up. Kalin copied my movements and spread his stance. I didn't blame him for being concerned after the first time. I explained, "Maybe that's what he calls it, but it's more like an experimentation facility. We're pitted against each other like canines in dogfights. Whoever survives is the winner. If you do, you're treated to a hearty round of agonizing 'testing.' At least, that's what I've put together from the spare few memories that have survived their daily mind wipes. I can't remember the last time someone's called me by my name. I almost forgot what it was, to be honest."

His widened eyes captured New Domino's neon glow. "You have to- why can't you break out, or-"

"Like that's possible with their precautions," I said. "No. I'd rather never give him the satisfaction of grooming me for whatever twisted plans he has again."

"He who?"

"Sayer," I hissed, and I can recall only one other name I'd uttered with more forceful hatred behind it.

"Then we'll just have to get rid of him."

I frowned. "He's insanely strong. Too strong. If I even try… I don't want to think of what will happen to me…"

Tears sparkled at the corners of my eyes. Kalin abruptly closed the distance between us. I gasped as he pulled me close, his arms crossed over my back. In a pained whisper, he said, "I'm so sorry, Rain."

"U-um." I guessed it was all I could manage to say, so nothing new there.

He swiftly released me and stepped back. "Sorry. I'm probably just confusing you more."

"Oh, well, uh, that was kinda nice, actually."

The smug smile that stretched my partner's lips was all too familiar. "Is that right?"

I ducked my head so the Movement robes masked my cheeks. "W-well, I don't know! I just have this feeling like- like I know you."

"We know each other very well."

I twirled a strand of hair around my finger. "There was a guy who acted like you earlier, but he didn't ask anything like you did. Actually, he said… he forgot me."

"What'd he look like?"

I held a flat hand high in the air. "Like, really tall. Blond hair, kinda spiky, and purple eyes. Oh, and his clothes were fancy with lots of white. He was an intense guy."

Kalin scowled. "Jack said he forgot you?"

"Jack… that name sounds familiar. Oh! He's who this party is for, isn't he?"

"Yeah," Kalin said, the anger still clear in his voice. "You and he used to be good friends. I'd say he's different now, but he's really not."

I hung my head. "I don't remember him."

"It's not your fault," he reassured, his voice lowering to a whisper again. "None of this is. Rain, please don't… please don't hurt yourself because of something you have no control over. Please stay, Rain."

My lips pursed. "If you're going to say my name like that… Maybe I could. For a little while."

He stuffed his hands into his pockets and offered a warm smile. "Would you mind if I stayed with you?"

"Strange that you ask," I muttered. "Most people just kinda… do it."

"Like I said: I won't force you to do anything. I'll never forget you, either, as if I could." He spoke quicker and quicker. "I don't think you deserve any less than the best for yourself. I know- those are just words, but I'd be happy to prove it to you. Unless you want me to leave you alone, which I will. Really, I just… want what you want, and for it to be a reality."

I ducked my head. "F-fine. You… can stay."

Really? That's it? Dammit, me! I need to work on the whole weakness to flattery issue…

He gestured behind him and said, "We can sit over here if you like. Must be a pain doing all that standing."

"Okay." I followed him, and we sat with our backs against one of the concrete support columns. Darkness enveloped us. If I tossed my head back, I could see the spare few stars in the sky. Instead I observed Kalin with curiosity. I tilted my head and asked, "Oooh, what's that on your arm?"

He swiftly covered the Giant mark with his other hand. "Nothing."

I nudged him with my shoulder. "Hey, hey. It's a tattoo, isn't it? No need to be shy. I have one, too."

His eyes widened, and his hand lifted. "You do? You?"

"Yup! Right here." I traced a circle on the skin over my heart. "It has, like, a star inside. Not sure what it means."

Ah! No one was supposed to know about that!

"Maybe you were a star in a past life," he said. I broke into an unrelenting giggle at the thought. "That wasn't supposed to be funny!"

Between gasps, I eked out, "That's- the cheesiest- thing I've ever heard!"

He watched my laughing fit closely, his expression softening and smile widening. The careful consideration and warmth in his gaze was not something I had seen yet in these memories. "You have the most amazing laugh, Rain."

I stopped. Seeing myself blush was an interesting experience, to say the least. I tensed as Kalin draped an arm over my shoulders.

"Whoops! My bad. It's damn near automatic." He started to pull away. I scooted closer to him, so he smiled and kept his arm in place. "You're one sweet gal."

"Y-You're a really nice guy."

He laughed as though I'd told a joke. "Not exactly. But, hey, it's what you deserve."

My breathing went shaky. "That's… not the way I've been living."

"It could be." When I perked up, he continued: "If you want, Rain, I can take you away from all of it. You can come with me, and I'll keep you safe. You won't have to worry about the Movement, or being in pain, or forgetting – you can just be okay."

Shock befell my expression. I sputtered, "Uh, I, uh, yeah. Please. Please save me, Kalin."

What? No, this isn't happening. This didn't happen-

"Where are you, little puppet?" The marionette himself, Sayer, walked onto the roof. He wore a green pinstripe suit, white tie, and a matching trilby hat to cover his bundle of burgundy hair. When the door shut behind him, it closed off the upbeat music and bright light from within. "Curious. You've made a friend."

"Back off," Kalin barked. He leapt to his feet. "Whatever sick shit you're pulling on her is done."

Sayer sighed; rainbow glowed along his golden duel disk. He pulled a card from his pocket and slid it in its activation slot. A blaze sparked in the air then shot towards my partner. It exploded against his chest, throwing him to the ground. I screamed and reached for him, but Sayer grabbed my arm and twisted it behind my back. He said, "Look at what you've done now."

Kalin rose up on one arm while the other held his chest. "What… the hell?"

"Here he comes again," Sayer told me. "Time for another."

"No, don't!"

He dropped me to the ground. "Then you know what you have to do. It's time for us to leave."

I cradled my elbow and gazed at Kalin. He said, "Don't let him use me against you. Run if you have to. I'll find you. I always will."

"She doesn't have that option." Sayer's mouth curled upwards. He slipped a different card into his disk. I gripped my temples. My shout broke off abruptly. My arms dropped to my sides. My eyes were dark and empty like a still lagoon.

"The hell did you just do?"

Sayer placed a hand on my shoulder. I remained unmoving. "What you see here is nothing more than a puppet. Her high tolerance for pain makes her a star test subject, if I do say so myself. Not that you can make any difference. The marks on your faces tell me neither of you are important enough to be cared for. I could kill you right now and it would be nothing more than a whisper in the wind."

Kalin's deepening scowl transformed into a wicked grin. He swung his left arm forward, activating his disk. "How about we test that, big boy? I'll give you a duel you'll never forget."

The dark mark on his forearm glowed violet. Black stained the whites of his eyes, and crimson was injected into his criminal mark. He loosed an insane giggle at Sayer's fearful look. "What's the matter, huh? I thought I was just some nobody!"

"You are," Sayer said. He pushed me aside and returned his cards to his pockets. "Whatever demon you are doesn't make a difference. Psychic power is unbeatable."

The mark on his arm cast a purple gleam onto his dark eyes. "I'll have to introduce you to the shadows."

Before the duel could begin, someone grabbed Kalin's arm. Misty's hand covered his dark mark. "What are you doing? There are too many people here, and this is too early!"

"You don't get it," he growled. "This dude is-"

"Sayer, leader of the Arcadia Movement." Her voice was hushed. "Who holds more power than you could possibly imagine. The only reason why your fugitive girlfriend can walk around freely is because of his protection."

"What?"

"Hear me out. You'll have a better chance than this once I take out the Arcadia Movement. For now, let's leave."

Sayer deactivated his disk. He said, "Seems the nobody is chickening out. Come, puppet. We have tests to do."

I followed him back inside without words. Kalin started towards us, but Misty's hold on him tightened. "You won't get anything done in there. The instant Sayer's gone, Sector Security would arrest her. Director Godwin has his eye on her. He and Jack Atlas himself spoke to her earlier."

"Tch. It's always goddamned Security. There's no freedom for her in a world where they exist. And I heard about Jack." He shrugged off her arm. "The traitor forgot about her."

"You two know Jack personally?"

"Yeah, from the Satellite."

"He's a Satellite?"

Kalin crossed his arms. "He's a piece of trash like us. What'd he say to her?"

"Let's see. If I remember right…" Misty quoted, "'Rain, you're here? I swear you were in the- I forgot about you!'"

"He's Godwin's pet, isn't he? He could have saved her at any time. All he had to do was ask. Instead, he… forgot about her?" Kalin shouted, "The hell kind of friend is that?"

Misty's eyes tilted down. "It's okay. Being a member of the Arcadia Movement means she's safe now. They protect psychics, and I would know. Getting to Akiza has proved difficult."

"What he's doing is the opposite of protecting. He's using her with those powers of his. The bastard called her a test subject and praised her tolerance for pain. I can't believe… she's been suffering all these months…"

M-months?

Misty muttered, "That's not right, because Toby… Never mind. What was wrong with her? She looked kind of… blank."

"He's screwing with her brain," Kalin said. "She couldn't remember who I was."

"Oh, Kalin," Misty breathed. "I'm so sorry."

"…You should have let me kill him."

"Give it some time." She led the way back inside, and the vision shifted. While it did, G spoke to me.

It's finally hitting you! G laughed. You can't remember how long and miserable your time with Sayer was because your mind was his plaything that whole time! You only managed to break his hold because he decided you would make a better field agent. Oh, and let's not forget… Jack Atlas could have bailed you out at any time like when he had your charges dropped with Godwin. He let you stay forgotten instead.

My heart ached with disbelief. Jack… he really forgot me..?

Absolutely. And that was before I had anything to do with it! Her cold laughter was nothing compared to the freezing of my veins.