!NOTICE!

[This story is a direct sequel to Acid Rain. I highly recommend you read it first if you have not yet! Starting here will probably spoil some stuff for you, but the choice is yours!]

ARC NIHIL

Drowning in the Sands of Regret

Arc Summary: Rain recovers from a five-month coma to an empty hospital room and dead flowers. All memories of her were erased by a curse from her dark sign months ago. Well, a cold look or two won't kill her. Hopefully. She searches for her partner in Crash Town, a lawless frontier where losing a duel means a fate worse than death. With what she finds, it's more like she's been chasing a ghost.

Characters: [OC, Kiryu K.] Nico, Yusei F. | Genres: Western/Romance

Chapter One

Grim Reality

My nose twitched. I groaned and rolled over. Soreness strained every muscle in my body, and my throat felt stuffed with cotton. My ribs ached the most.

A series of machines beside me emitted a gentle hum. I was wired into them, so I pulled the tubes out of my arm. Intense pain wracked my body. Was I being brainwashed again?

Upon closer inspection of the whitewashed room, it seemed I was in a hospital. I stumbled into the bathroom and gulped down water from the sink. I splashed some on my face and looked into the mirror.

Dark bruises circled beneath my blue eyes. The one beneath my right eye was not so obvious because of my yellow criminal mark. The shape resembled two combined crescents: One faced upward, outlining half of my eye. The other faced outwards on my cheek and its top edge blended into the first. My long, white hair had been washed clean, and my thick bangs had grown a fraction of an inch longer.

"My clothes," I squeaked. I cleared my throat and tried again: "My clothes?"

That sounded normal. "Hospital gown" was not quite my style. A vase of flowers on the bedside table caught my eye. They were long since wilted. There were some empty chairs against the wall, but dust had gathered on the seats. I touched one of the dead goldenrods. A dark stem twirled towards the floor. My eyes tilted down.

The door creaking open distracted me. A woman in scrubs stepped in. "Y-you're awake. Good day to you, Rain! How are you feeling?"

"Stiff. How do you know my name? How'd I get here? Why's-"

She waved her clipboard. "Slow down, hon. You've been comatose for five months. Don't rush yourself."

"Five months?" I shrieked.

"According to the records, you were in terrible shape when you arrived. The worst was your broken ribs."

I rubbed my abdomen without thinking. "Right. That. Happened…"

"Something strange happened while you were staying here. It occurred within, what, the third week you were out? The nurses who'd been taking care of you claimed they had no memory of you. The records were there, but that's all we had. Your friends stopped coming, too."

No way. She was serious? Could it really have been that long ago, too? The nurse shifted uncomfortably. "There was another strange thing about your records. From what we recovered, there's no last name on any of them. We only have your first name. Would you mind telling me-"

"Yes, I would mind. Where are my clothes?"

The nurse scurried out, saying, "I'll retrieve your personal belongings right away."

Getting out of here as soon as possible was my first priority. I had to check on my partner and my friends. I had to make sure everything was okay. Panic bit my heart. A whole five months. Stars above, I could have missed so much-

"Why bother worrying over those strangers?"

She leaned in the shadows of the corner of the room. A black cloak lined with blue was cast upon her shoulders, covering a matching skirt and black shirt. The shape of her face matched mine. Outside her blue irises, black replaced white. Her criminal mark was blood red. She didn't carry the scars I did, but the purple outline of her dark mark, the Giant, was constantly visible.

"Y-you're real," I said. "I mean, I thought you were some spirit stuck inside me."

She picked beneath her fingernails. "Keep doubting me. See where it gets you. Next you'll be saying you don't believe my curse is real."

Curse. The dead goldenrods in the corner were ancient. The voice I heard that long ago was real? Felt like a dream – nightmare. I gulped. "So… nobody remembers me?"

She appraised her nails. "Nooobody."

Her nonchalance had me prickling. She noticed, of course, and snickered. The wicked god attached to my dark sign had already found ways of ruining my life.

The door opened. Violet flashed at my right forearm, and the Dark Signer was gone. The nurse paid no notice to the change of atmosphere. She dropped her bundle on one of the chairs.

"Talk to the front desk to be officially discharged. If you start feeling nauseous or have any horrible pains, especially on your skull, come right back. Good luck out there, Rain."

She shut the door behind her. I raced to the stack of items. On top was my knight's cloak. I pulled it off and froze. Beneath it was a Team Satisfaction vest. Tears welled in my eyes. I fell to my knees and buried my face in it. It- it even smelled like him.

"Aw, how cute!" The Dark Signer faked a sweet smile. "I wonder how he would feel about this. Oh, wait. He has no idea who you are."

She broke into laughter. I shut my eyes hard and swept off my face. I clutched the vest in my hands and stood. "He'll remember. No matter what it takes, he'll remember. Somehow. I hope!"

Scarlet washed over the room's white walls. A tiny, ghostlike dragon materialized and crawled onto my shoulders. A voice reverberated throughout my thoughts. Believe in yourself, young dragon.

A smile found me. "Crimson Dragon! We're back!"

We certainly are.

The Dark Signer feigned happiness. "If only all reunions would be this wholesome. Though I suppose you can't reunite with strangers!"

The formerly yellow flowers by my bedside were soft in my caress. The darkness death had stained them with couldn't erase the sentiment they carried. Yusei had called our bonds unbreakable, and I believed him. In a way, maybe this grim reality was what I deserved for what I did to them.

After a few deep breaths, I returned to the pile of my belongings. I held the vest against me and dug through the pile. Beneath was my one-armed black shirt and khaki cargo pants. I changed into them and wore the vest on top. My ebony velvet cloak rested upon my shoulders.

My silver bracelet with a sapphire clutch was on my left wrist, and my Orichalcos pendant fell onto my chest. The last item was my black fingerless glove. The three Atlantian letters carved into the back were an old mantra: "dragons cannot burn."

I checked my pockets. Cuffs from my Team Satisfaction days were in the right front pocket, my runner's remote was in the left front pocket, and Kalin's old deck was in my right back pocket. Pulling out the cards, I noticed the headband had disappeared.

"Oh, right." I touched my temple and felt its cloth there. I untied it and wrapped it back around the deck. A green sheath was the last item on the chair. I attached the saber to my right side by tying it to one of my belt loops. The familiar weight was heavy yet natural.

Hold on, the Crimson Dragon said. You're going to walk around modern-day civilization wearing a cape and a sword?

"Is there something wrong with that?"

Oh, young dragon, he sighed. I glanced through the window. The sun wasn't very high in the sky, so I figured I had about two hours before sunset. The Dragon and Dark Signer disappeared. I swung open the door and nearly ran smack into the nurse.

"Woops. I had one last thing I forgot to tell you. Woah. You look… regal? Anyway, you did have a visitor recently. It was super exciting! The famous Misty Tredwell returned from being on world tour, and the first thing she did was visit you!"

My brows pushed inward. Misty remembered me? Why? Wait. If she was on world tour, maybe she was far enough away from me for the Dark Signer's curse to affect her. "Yeah, I know her! Where can I find her?"

"Oh, she lives in this fancy apartment complex! Hold on. I can get you the address."

After getting the details, I thanked her and left my room. The elevator was on the far end of the hall. I rode down to the lobby, double checked to be certain I was discharged, and left through the main doors.

A park stretched out in front of me. Grass tickled my feet as I crossed it. The Arcadia Movement rubble was to my right, a scar of the Signer War. The front of the park held a statue of Rex Godwin. I couldn't quite meet its empty, bronze gaze.

The deeper I traversed into New Domino City, the taller the buildings became. Thick crowds suffocated me. I ducked into a side street to catch my breath. The air stank like sewage. The Crimson Dragon said, Are you already lost?

N-No! I'm not good with crowds, okay? I stopped when I saw a poster pasted on the side of a building. "Misty Tredwell – World Tour! Returning to New Domino City August 2nd through August 12th."

I frantically searched for a calendar, a clock, anything. A massive tower had a screen attached high up. The feed showed a newscast of three people in white and said something about Sector Security Directors. I squinted. The date in the corner read Tuesday, August 8th. I sighed in relief and re-entered the flow of people.

I followed the woman's directions perfectly but had trouble navigating the throng. Once I was a turn away from Misty's street, I bumped into someone. I went to apologize but gasped. "Crow, is that you?"

Yes, it was: spiky orange hair, triple criminal marks, and brown riding leathers. He gave me a once-over, and his face twisted in disgust at the sight of my Satisfaction vest. He said, "Look, I don't have time for autographs or anything."

Crow pushed past me. I couldn't move. It felt like I'd been punched in the stomach and air couldn't find my lungs. I clenched my fists. Blood roared in my ears. My expression evened.

The Crimson Dragon said, What is this feeling? Young dragon, are you all right?

The Dark Signer cackled. Her voice rung through my mind. She's falling apart! The whole 'no one remembers you' hadn't hit her yet, and now her heart is freezing over! You share feelings with poow wittle Wain, don't you, Dragon? Just how cold is it?

The Dragon growled. I shoved my way through the crowds, my face blank. Misty's building stretched high into the sky. I strolled inside, noting the automatic doors and decorative lobby. There were gold accents… everywhere. Grand chandeliers hung from the ceiling. A man wearing a strange uniform addressed me: "Excuse me, ma'am."

"Yeah?"

"Is there a reason as to why you are here? We don't appreciate gawkers."

I resisted the urge to retort. "I'm here to visit a friend."

The man glowered at me. "We don't accept visitors. For the record, I know exactly what you're trying to do."

"Um. What did I do wrong? I just need to see my friend. It's really important."

"You're not wanted here-"

"Wait!" The voice came from behind the man. Misty Tredwell stood on a set of stairs, gaping at me. Seeing the whites of her eyes was startling. I was so used to the jade rings of her irises between pure black. "It's fine. I know her. Come on, Rain."

"Misty," I breathed. I hustled past the rude man and towards her. She glanced around. She took my arm and led me to the elevator. Her white gown flowed like water with her movements. A wave of a keycard opened the elevator. The instant the doors shut, she pinned me with a stare that rolled up and down.

"I- I'm sorry," I said. "I'm sorry I killed you."

Her finely threaded brows lifted. "You did nothing of the sort. Kalin explained that you brought me back from the dead. From what I understand, Rain, you saved my life."

"Well, yes. But, but just yesterday I also called the attack that killed you!"

"Yesterday?" she said. "That was months ago, Rain."

I grabbed my temples and ruffled my hair. "My bad. I just woke up from a coma, apparently, and my head's having trouble catching up."

"You just woke up?" The elevator dinged. She waved the keycard again to open the door to the apartment. Misty hurried inside, saying, "Sit down there. I'll boil us some tea."

"Tea makes everything better," I repeated, remembering an ancient friend. That memory warmed me. I started towards the leather couch she had pointed to. The glass wall offered a beautiful view of the City.

Not just the City. Something was different. My eyes widened. The main strip of a bridge extended from the New Domino bay and connected the City to the Satellite. The bright blue color of the bridge reminded me of the sky, of the endless reaches above, of the freedom the sight lent.

"You haven't seen it yet," Misty surmised. "Daedalus Bridge. The thing's got tons of extra strips called duel lanes just for duel runners. The City and the Satellite are vibrant as ever. Oh. The Satellite is being rebuilt, by the way. No more starving and misery over there."

"Y-you mean it?"

Her smile hardly added wrinkles. "Sure do. Here you are."

Ceramic rattled on the table. Steam like stray ghosts drifted up from black tea in a pair of cups. Misty rested a tray of sweeteners and cream beside the tea. I took the tea black. A mentor of mine introduced me to the wonderful liquid, and he never allowed sweeteners. The bitterness served for purer flavor beyond the instant reaction. The taste sharpened my thoughts.

"Thank you very much," I whispered over the rim.

Cream fogged her drink. "You're very welcome. I'm surprised. If you woke up today, I figured you'd go running to Kalin, or at least that he'd be here with you."

My chest constricted. I bunched up my pants and blurted everything about the Dark Signer's curse. I finished with, "But, but it's not because I don't like you! I'd definitely see you! I just, um, you're kind of all I have at the moment."

"God, that's awful," she said. "I was your only visitor for months? God. You're the last person who deserves that. Oh. You must be looking for him, right? Kalin. Now that thing he told me adds up."

"That thing?"

"He said he was going on 'vacation', which made no sense. Rain. He was by your side every single day and every single night. His number one priority was always you."

My throat burned. "T-tell me he at least took care of himself."

"I can't say for sure. We both know how hardheaded he can be. One thing's certain, though. He wanted more than anything to be there when you woke up. I'm so sorry this happened – to the both of you."

A sob tumbled past my lips. I buried my head in my hands. Tears spilled through my fingers. Misty crossed to my couch, wrapped her arms around my neck, and held me against her. "There, there. He was right. You are emotional."

"H-he said what?"

She dropped her arms. "Nothing."

I wiped at my face, sniffled, and said, "Sorry about that."

"Don't apologize. I probably shouldn't have mentioned it. Anyway, before he left, he told me he was going to Crash Town."

I frowned. "I've never heard of it. Where is that?"

"Hold on just a second." She went over to the counter. I heard some clicking sounds. She said, "Looks like it's far to the south of the Satellite. I never knew anything was out there."

"Southside of the island? Thanks for finding that out for me."

She tossed a smile my way. "Guess you'll be going now, huh?"

"Actually…" I observed the other items on the desk. An unopened letter from Akiza Izinski rested beside a framed photograph of Misty with a younger boy. Her smile in the picture was much wider than what she could manage now. "How are you doing?"

"I'm living," she responded. Misty rested her elbows on the counter, and concern crossed her face. "It's… tough, but staying in touch with Akiza helps. Oh, and Kalin- he gave me some advice that keeps me going. The last time I saw him, though, he was so different. I hope he's okay. He seemed lost."

Lost. I finished my tea. "Aki forgives you, if you didn't know."

"Yes." She stared at her reflection in the black countertop. "Akiza is wonderful, and she's finding success in every aspect of her life. I couldn't wish better for her. That's why I'll stay away and keep my memories to myself."

The good news of Aki lifted my spirits but Misty's somber mood brought it back down. "Doing one bad thing doesn't make you a burden to the world. We'd- I mean, uh, they'd love to see you. As friends!"

She peered at me with one emerald eye, and sable locks tumbled down her shoulders. Damn, was she enchanting. No wonder she was such a famous model. Her mouth quirked up. "You sound just like him. Stop worrying over me. Go on and find him."

"B-but-"

Misty straightened and set her fists on her hips. "I'll kick you out if I have to. Someone has to look after that boy, and I'm a busy woman."

"Uh, okay!" I hopped to my feet, gave her my two-fingered salute, and made my way to the elevator.

"Good luck, Rain," she whispered.

"I appreciate your visit, your kindness, and the delicious tea." Her smile spread. The elevator opened with a ding. I hopped in and rode it back down to the lobby. I kept my head low to avoid the rude employee.

Sigh. Setting yourself up for more heartbreak. You are a glutton for punishment. Why not leave your 'friends' without the burden of your bond?

The Dark Signer's voice was so cold. I shook off a chill and reached for the remote that commanded my duel runner. I clicked the green button, which would make it come to my location by itself thanks to the Orichalcos chip in my brain.

My runner parked beside me, and it showed no changes: plating the color of bronze mixed with gold, a frame that stacked over itself in pieces like dragon scales, and an Orichalcos battle scythe duel disk attached. The frame bore horrible scratches and dents from my crash during my duel with Kalin. The memory automatically brought my hand to my ribs.

The wicked spirit snickered. What a wonderful night that was, when the guy you're chasing after nearly killed you! What a keeper!

Ignoring her, I slipped on the matching helmet resting upon the runner's seat. I straddled the vehicle, gripped the handles, and revved. The wind in my hair and my cloak flapping in the slipstream brought a smile to my face.

As I was saying earlier: you're fooling yourself. Building up false hope only sets you up for a bigger fall. Honestly, you may as well return to the death you longed for! She cackled. Besides: who'd want to be friends with a murderous, inhuman monster like you?

"I'd never give up on my friends," I said aloud. "Not after all they've done for me."

I raced along Daedalus Bridge towards the Satellite. Next to the center of the bridge, a large monument rose from the ocean. A gem crowned the structure like a diamond engagement ring. The bottom of the ring curved into the ocean. Looking at its reflection on the water, it resembled an infinity symbol.

Denial! The first stage. Oh, watching you fall to pieces will be so entertaining!

I thought, I'll prove how wrong you are. Stupid Dark Signer… ugh. That's too long. I'll give you a name. From now on, you're G.

Why that?

Shorthand for Giant, the Crimson Dragon answered. I suppose Rain's much cleverer than you.

A smile stretched my lips. I zoomed through the Satellite. The reconstruction had replaced much of the dank, trash-cluttered area. The streets were pristine like New Domino's. The buildings that used to be run-down were rebuilt into glittering glass towers. I thought about checking on some old places: the hideout, Martha's place, the stage.

No. I couldn't keep my partner waiting any longer.

The further I went, the more sand billowed behind my runner. Every now and then, I swerved to dodge cacti. Dry air and grains of dust burned my skin. I covered my face with my elbow in effort to prevent windburn.

The sun was setting at my back as the town came into view. I stopped on a ridge below the front entrance. The light around me was quickly fading. I took off my helmet and clambered up the incline.

Judging by the wooden houses, the place appeared small and old-fashioned. By the time I made it to the first buildings, it was dark out. There was a wooden arched sign above the entrance that read, "Welcome to Crash Town."

Whooping and hollering sounded from the distance, but my location was eerily silent. I reached a crossroads in the path. I looked to the North Star. The absence of light pollution allowed for a stunning view of the galaxy.

I tried to find any familiar constellations. No luck. I was so far from home – well, the home where I was born. I'd have to learn the lines between the stars for the Satellite and the City. I'd have to tell him about them.

A sphere of light formed in my palm. I blinked at the intense luminescence. The light surged and swallowed me. A sharp pain erupted in the base of my skull. I fell to my knees and gripped my temples.

Young dragon! The Crimson Dragon's call sounded far away as though speaking through thick glass. You have to hold on!

Azure flames flurried, and I fell into blackness.

End of Chapter One

A/N: IMPORTANT: Constructive criticism in reviews and/or PMs is extremely valuable and appreciated! If you have anything to say or suggest, feel free to! I am always trying to improve and need your help! I make a point of responding to all reviews, too.

The summary, characters, and genres are listed at the top because they all change from arc to arc. Thank you for reading!