Disclaimer: I do not own Yugioh or anything I could be sued for
Life has a funny way of twisting things don't you think?
One minute we're doing one thing,
And then, before you realize it, we're doing something we never expected us to do.
One day you're alone,
And then the next minute you meet someone who changes the way you look at things
Forever.
I mean, don't get me wrong, life has a ton of roads we can take.
Twisting and turning for all time. Never stopping and never wavering.
For the good…
And the bad…
But is that really what we want?
Do we really want to go ahead with change?
One day you're on top of the world with that someone you met…
And the next day, you're alone…
***
"Hey…" I whispered as I gently put a hand on her head, it giving off a pink color in the setting sun. "Are you alright?" Slowly, very slowly, the girl fluttered her eyes open and looked around. Then, seeing me, she gave a frightened gasp and immediately struggled to get up. Despite her injuries, she finally managed to get to her feet and then turned to face me, her eyes wide with fright. Slowly moving and speaking in a soft tone, I said, "Don't be afraid…I'm not going to hurt you." I had to address her head wound, so I thought, "All right Celtic, time put on the cutest charm you have…" Kneeling on my knees so I was about her height, I gently held out a hand, palm up. "I'm not going to hurt you." I repeated again. "Please…?" The girl stared at me longer, her gaze running through mine. As the silence continued, I carefully cleared my throat and continued. "My name, is Celtic Guardian." I said. "What's your name?" The girl slowly looked me up and down a bit and then she said,
"Name?"
I was pretty confused as I said; "Your name is Name? Are you sure?" Nodding her head, the girl looked over herself. "Name? What is name…?"
Poor kid.
She's alone and she doesn't have a clue who she is or where she's been.
"You can't remember anything can you?" I asked sadly. "Your family or friends…not even your own name?" The girl shook her head from side to side as if trying to remember. "No." she said finally. "I can't remember anything except…" Blinking in confusion, I sat down cross-legged as my knees were beginning to hurt. As the girl continued, she said, "I remember…darkness…" I smiled in realization. "Darkness huh?" I asked. "Well…I guess I better help you find a name…since you can't remember anything besides darkness…how about we call you…Yami?" The girl stared at me a bit. "Yami?" she asked. "Is that my name?" Nodding, I grinned as the girl sat down like me. "Yeah, Yami." I chuckled. "For the time being. Is that alright that I call you Yami?" The girl brushed a bit of hair away from her face. "Yami…" she grinned. "My name Yami." Looking up at me, she smiled. "Hello my name Yami. What your name?" Laughing, I got up, getting to my full height. "Right!" I laughed. "Your name IS Yami. And I am Celtic Guardian." As I watched her get up as well, I peered down at her. "So Yami," I asked. "Where do you live?" Yami looked around her and blinked again in confusion. "Live?" she asked. "I live…somewhere…"
Sighing, I reached for her. This was a problem. She didn't have a home in a world where she was very vulnerable and her cut was still bleeding, but not as fast. Yami hadn't noticed it I guess. I better tend to it. "Yami…" I said. "You have a cut on your forehead. Can I take care of it?"
More blinks.
"Cut?" she asked. Nodding, I pointed. "You got hurt on your forehead. I have to get it better." Reaching for her, Yami stared at me as I gently wiped some of the blood off her face on my finger and then held it out for her to see. "See?" I explained. "You have a cut and you bleed blood. That's what this is. Being cut is not good. It can get worse if it's not treated." Yami peered down at the blood. "Blood." She said as she reached for her forehead and touched it. "No!" I cried sharply. Quickly, Yami pulled her hand down. "Why?" she asked innocently. Blinking at what I had just done, I felt myself sinking a bit from embarrassment that I had shouted at a kid. "Because…" I said trying to find words. "Because…um…it might get infected if you play with it…um…yeah….right." At this, Yami nodded happily and looked at me. "All right!" she said. "Yami won't touch wound." Sighing a breath of relief, I put a hand on her head. "Good." I said. Gently, I tore a piece of cloth from my cape and then brushed off as much blood as I could and tied it around her forehead. "There," I said as I stepped back to admire my own make shift bandage. "Now you're fine." As Yami felt the bandage over, I noticed the box was still open behind me.
I guess I forgot about it.
"You'll face many dangers as soon as this box is opened. Many are looking for what's inside. Keep it safe…and keep the one who holds it safe as well…"
The old man's words rang in my ears as I slowly walked over and picked up the box. Inside, it was layered with smooth violet velvet cushioning and that was it. Nothing else was in the box. Confused about what could possibly be important in that box besides air, I closed it anyway and took it over to Yami. "Here Yami." I said handing the box to her. "This is for you. A gift." Yami carefully took the box and turned it over in her hands. "Thank you Celtic Guardian!" she smiled. Grinning back, I said, "It's alright. My name is Celtic. You don't need to call me by my real name. Celtic is fine." A look of confusion on her face, Yami looked at the box, and then back at me. "Thank you Celtic!" she repeated again with the smile coming back. "You're welcome Yami." I said. I really didn't want to leave her alone, but then again, I didn't want to take her either. Maybe I should leave…and she'll be fine on her own right? I mean, it's not like this place is dangerous or anything. Then, turning to leave, I said warily, "Well Yami, I'll see you later. Good-bye." As I began to walk away, I heard Yami say behind me,
"Why you leave me?"
What?
Turning back around in surprise, I stared at Yami's sad face. "Celtic, why you leave me alone?"
Hearing those words…SHE said the same thing…
*** (Flashback)
"Celtic!" a girl with long blonde hair called. "Why are you leaving me? Why are you leaving me alone?"
His back to her, a young Celtic without the face markings sighed. "You know why…" he said. "I have to go…and fight. It's my duty." The girl gasped as tears began to fall from her eyes, the girl's hair waved in the wind. "Celtic…" she began to sob. "Don't go! You could be hurt or dead! Please!" Running up to Celtic, the girl threw herself on Celtic's unmoved arm; her dress fluttered behind her like a butterfly, and her tears flowing like a waterfall. "NO!" she screamed. "I won't let you go!"
Angry, the young Celtic closed his eyes. "I have to go…" he growled. "Leave me be…"
And he began to walk away.
"NO!" the girl screamed as she was dragged on the floor "No Celtic, please!"
Finally, Celtic stopped.
Turning to the girl, Celtic gently picked the girl up and held her in his arms. "I'll come back…" Celtic said as he looked into her blue eyes. "I'll be back…just watch…" Then, letting her go, Celtic turned and smiled. "I'll return to you! Wait for me!" Then, as he turned his back and disappeared, the girl dropped to her knees and cried.
*** (End flashback)
Sighing, I looked at Yami who sadly stared back. "Yami…" I began as I stared up at the now night sky above me. "I'm sorry. You'll make it out there on your own. Don't worry. I'll see you later alright?" She'll be fine. With those clothes, she can blend in easily with her surroundings right? And with that, I turned away and walked until I was sure I was out of sight. Behind me, I heard Yami sit down and stare thoughtfully up at me.
***
That night under the stars, I couldn't sleep. No matter how much I tried to get comfortable under a tree, I just couldn't fall asleep and get some rest. The harder I tried, the more my brain wanted to think about Yami and what had happened to her. Finally, frustrated, I got up. "Oh damn it…" I thought. Then, walking back to where Yami was last time I saw her, I called, "Yaaammiii! Yami where are you? Yaaammiii!" As I got closer to the spot where I left her, I gasped.
NO ONE WAS THERE!
Quickly, I ran up to the spot yelling, "Yami? Yami?!" Upon reaching the spot where I found her, I gasped. All around were paw prints of a beast that had wandered through here. Panic beginning to rise up within me, I quickly cupped my hands over my mouth and called into the night, "YAMI! YAMI, ANSWER ME! YAMI!" Far off in the distance, I heard a desperate, "Celtic!" Spinning in the direction, I quickly drew my sword and sped off in that direction. "Yami!" I called desperately. "YAMI!"
Running into the forest, I quickly dodged as many bushed and low hanging tree branches as I could, but I couldn't help getting a small cut on my right cheek as I sped through. "Yami!" I called as I reached a small clearing. There, I saw Yami backed against a tree, eyes shut with fear, the box clenched tightly in her hands, and a pack of five Silver Fangs around her. "Yami!" I cried running to her.
Then, one leaped for the attack!
Quickly, I leaped ahead and blocked Yami with my left arm, wincing trying to ignore the pain as the wolf sank its teeth into my arm. "Yami, run!" I shouted as I managed to throw the wolf off against another tree knocking it out. Getting the idea, Yami quickly turned and ran down another way, but another Silver Fang leaped in front of her blocking her path. "Celtic!" she cried. Quickly, I turned my head to Yami and shouted, "Yami, get behind me!" Turning and running for me, Yami quickly dashed behind me. The Silver Fang tried to follow, but I flashed my sword between the wolf and Yami, keeping her safe.
As the four wolves formed a circle around us, I held my bad hand back to keep Yami behind me. "Yami…" I ordered. "Stay back…" As the biggest wolf who I guessed was the leader, stepped forward. I stared back at him, our eyes matching each other's with the same ferocity and determination. Then, in the voice that only duel monsters could understand, the leader growled in a deep voice, Leave the small one to us…she's ours. She has something we want. Narrowing my eyes at him, I watched as he growled harder and barred his teeth even further to prove his point. Something they want? They probably mean Yami as their dinner. Responding back in the same language, fearing I might say something that I didn't want Yami to hear, I hissed, Then that's too bad because she's under MY control now…so back off and I won't hurt you. This only was responded with snickers from the pack and more sharp white teeth flashing in the moonlight.
They're not worried…
This is not good…
As the leader stopped laughing, he looked at one of his fellow wolfs on his left side. Then, growling orders in a language that is only shared between wolves, the one wolf on the left side slowly slunk down low, teeth showing and slowly advanced on me.
I didn't have to guess twice that the leader had given the order to attack.
Feeling myself tense and finger my sword, I could hear Yami whimper behind me in fear. It would be easier for me to just leave her here…but then why couldn't I? Then, the wolf leaped! Slamming my sword down, I caught the wolf in the shoulder and brought the wolf to the ground, shoulder mangled and unable to move except scream in pain. But by bringing my sword down, this gave the others a chance to attack! The other two wolves leaped on me, tearing at my arms and trying to bite my neck.
PAIN!
Horrible pain in both my arms as I fell back trying to push and slice the wolves off me as they relentlessly bit me over again and again. Through my struggle, I could see the leader run past me and go for Yami! "YAMI!" I screamed as the leader leaped up and caught Yami's cape, bringing her down the ground and pulling on it. "NO!" I screamed managing to free my left bloody arm and reach for her. But that was a mistake because then another wolf brought down its jaws and clamped on my now unguarded side.
"RRRAAAAAAAAAGGGGGHHHHH!"
A scream that was pure duel monster and echoed through the forest. I watched helpless as I began to fade from the loss of blood as the last wolf I knocked unconscious began to slink towards Yami. "Yami!" I screamed as the wolf leaped.
"Dark Magic Attack!"
An orb of dark magic flew out of the bushes and hit the leaping wolf blasting it back and into the bushes where it didn't move again. Surprised, the leader and the other wolves stopped shaking Yami and I and looked up as Dark Magician held his smoking wand a grin played upon his face. "Dark!" I cried happily, surprised to be happy about seeing him. Looking at me and grinning, Dark brought his wand up and with a gentle blow, blew the smoke off the top of the wand. You all better beat it. Dark warned the leader as he pointed his wand at him. Or you're all going to end up like your friend here. Getting the picture, the leader gave a low growl and he and the rest of his group trotted off.
"Dark…" I winced as I tried to pick myself up. "Nice timing…ugh!" I cried as I fell back down to my knees in pain. "Celtic!" Dark said as he began to run over to me but Yami beat him to it. "Celtic!" she cried. "You hurt! Celtic!" Even though I was in great pain, I slowly brought my head up to look at Yami through one eye. The other was closed in pain. "Yami…" I gasped. "Are you…" but I never got to finish as a wave of nausea swept over me and I spat up blood. "Celtic!" Yami cried and Dark gasped as he ran over to me. Feeling myself pitch forward, I gathered all my strength to say, "Dark…take care of Yami…"
And then everything went black.
***
When I woke up, I was laying on my back, bandages on my arms and side, my armor and cape neatly folded nest to me, my helmet on top. Blinking around, I slowly began to sit up, but then, a shot of pain hit me, almost making me fall back. As I quickly flew a hand to my side, I took a sharp intake of air and closed my eyes as I slowly felt the wound. It wasn't good. It had been deep, and might take several weeks to fully recover, especially now. Managing to open one eye, I slowly looked around and sighed as the pain dulled away to a throb. A campfire was lit and the flames were dying away gently, just on the verge of being embers.
"So you're awake Sleeping Beauty."
"Hm?" I asked as I looked across the fire to see Dark Magician sitting across from me, watching me with his blue eyes that seemed to glow in the night, a natural grin on his face. Ignoring him, I gently called, "Yami?" keeping my hand to my side, keeping the other one behind me to support me. "Yami?" Hearing no response, I quickly looked around, turning my head. "Yami?" I called again, this time louder. Turning to Dark, I frowned. "Dark, where's Yami?" I asked urgently. Dark simply kept grinning and stared back at me. "Dark…where's Yami?" I asked again, more dangerously this time. "Where'd she go?" Urgently, I tried to get up, but a spasm of pain forced me back down. "A…Ahg!" I cried as I gripped my side tighter to hold down the pain, my eyes closed again. Dark sighed and said calmly, "Don't reopen your wounds Celtic. Yami's right here." He pointed straight down at his side. Looking over, I followed Dark's fingers where a tiny figure leaned against him, sound asleep. "Yami…" I breathed again as I watched her through amber eyes. "She's safe." Dark nodded as he smiled at me. "She was a bit rattled, but she'll be fine. She wasn't hurt too bad."
Hurt.
I had failed to protect her like I should have.
Feeling shame burn into me, I turned away. Dark noticed this as he leaned forward a bit and asked, "Celtic what's wrong?" Sighing, I looked down at my hands. "I was suppose to protect her." I whispered. "But I did the opposite. I abandoned her and I failed to save her. I could've handled those Silver Fangs! But I had to be saved." Dark sighed as he leaned back, and put a hand around Yami's shoulder. "Oh please Celtic." He said. "You came back for her didn't you? She's alright now and that's all that matters." Looking down at her, Dark gently took her off him and set her down on the ground. "How did she get here?" he asked. "Where did she come from? I've never seen the likes of her before." Sighing, I pointed up. "The sky." I said. "She fell from the sky and landed right in front of me. I know you won't believe me, but that's what really happened." Looking at Dark, I saw his eyebrow raise. "It's true!" I exclaimed. "I found this old man, he gave me the box that Yami has, I opened it, and now she's here!" Dark looked over at Yami who sighed a bit. "All right…" Dark said. "Let's say she DID fall out of the sky. Then how do you explain the Silver Fangs? Silver Fangs generally don't attack anyone or anything. If I hadn't shown up…" but as he saw my pained face of recalled memories staring into the fire, he stopped.
"Celtic," Dark said sadly as he took his helmet off and put it to the side. "I'm sorry you lost her. But rolling in pain and regret is something she wouldn't want you to do right?"
What?
Turing up to look at Dark in shock, I almost screamed, "How would you know?" at Dark's rather calm face as if he expecting my answer. "How would you know about what I felt about what I went through…?" But then, Yami stirred in her sleep and I gently closed my mouth from waking her up. Dark gently smiled as he began to lie down next to Yami, making sure nothing would try to take her. "Celtic," he mumbled before he fell asleep. "She maybe gone, yes, but now you have something else to look out for." Glaring through the darkness, I spat, "What do you-…" but then I saw Yami. She had both hands over the box and was holding it close to her as if she wouldn't let anything come between her and that box. Grinning, I gently turned myself over and as the last embers turned to ash, fell asleep.
***