For those that have noticed, yes this -is- a long story. I'm using what I know and what I can do to the fullest extent of my, er, power. I have the whole thing actually finished, it was completed a few months back. I just now got enough nerve to post it. Let a friend read it and she said it was worthy, so that's why it's going up now.
I do tend to be long winded, I have a fairly active and creative imagination so this is what becomes of stuff ;D
Yu-Gi-Oh! characters and everything related is (c) Kazuki Takahashi
It was such a large group to be in the small shop, for it's size they technically were a crowd. Yugi sat on the counter while his grandfather counted the drawer for the day, everyone else was scattered about the shelves. Not that they were browsing them, but leaning on them. Looked like playing games all afternoon really was demanding. Sarah was the only one besides Mr. Mutou not sitting or leaning on something. She let her eyes wander around the store once more as they conversed, in a way she didn't mind not understanding them because she had always been such a quiet person, but not being at home and surrounded by the closest thing you have to friends tends to change a person; she almost craved attention now but tried hard not to demand it. She rubbed her eyes, they had been unusually dry today and she pulled out the eye drops she carried with her. Apparently, to the others watching her put the drops in was the most fascinating thing they'd seen. She got the first eye done and blinked at them before moving to the living quarters to do the other eye, she needed to use the restroom anyway.
Yugi had the most interesting timing; just as he was about to knock on the bathroom door, it opened and sent his knuckles into Sarah's stomach. She flinched a bit and the boy slapped a hand over his mouth momentarily.
"I am so sorry, I didn't mean to hit you," he apologized.
"No harm done, I must admit that was a rather interesting experience," she said as she pat him on the shoulder.
"Grandfather is going to take us all out to eat tonight, nothing special just... fast food I think you call it. You care to come? Don't know just who else is going yet as they need to call home first."
"I suppose, have nothing to do here and I'm starting to enjoy everyone's company, so yeah," the woman nodded.
All but Jou and Ryou were able to come. Now it was Honda's turn to feel left out as everyone else was able to use English, eventually Yugi took up the part as translator so the other boy wouldn't feel forgotten. Mainly they spoke of the card game after remembering the drawings Sarah had done, the whole of the Duelist Kingdom story was told again. It was interesting to hear differences from what she had seen.
"Oh, if you're not staying with Anzu we'd better pick up your things before it gets too late," Yugi said suddenly.
"Ah, I had forgotten about that. If everyone's done we should get that take care of," Mr. Mutou grunted as he stood. Honda was quickly informed of the situation and decided he would call it a night. He asked Anzu how to say good evening and good night in English before he departed. When Anzu was dropped off, Sarah's belongings were grabbed before she thanked both the girl's parents for their hospitality.
I was beginning to feel more comfortable here, this was the second day and everyone had been great. Well, Joey obviously wasn't too thrilled still but he was getting better. Bakura, well what could I have expected from him? Well, I didn't expect him to know everything yet, that worried me the most. How he knew. Best not to dwell on it, and Yami had managed to make me forget any worries I had about him when he stepped in during my unpleasant talk with the spirit of the Ring. I was suddenly glad to be staying in his company, I knew so little about Bakura and his unpredictability worried me greatly.
"Let me move some things and you can set the bags down over here," Yugi said where he was hidden on the other side of his desk.
"Really, I don't have to take over your room. The couch is fine with me and..." she paused when the big violet eyes popped up from the other side of the desk. "Oh no you don't," she laughed before closing her eyes.
"I'll go camp out on it and make you take the room," the teen said defiantly.
"And I bet I can pick you up and move you back in here," Sarah stated as she opened her eyes.
"...that's cheating!" Yugi huffed as he folded his arms over his chest. "And now you've got my other half in a fit of laughter over the threat. He says he bets you couldn't carry him."
"I could try, or drag him off," she shrugged. Yugi blinked at something and laughed loudly for a moment. By the look in his eyes, Sarah didn't want to know what his other half had said to get that reaction.
"Alright, let's just test how easy it is for you to pick me up," Yugi said as he stood and dusted himself off.
"Kay," Sarah shrugged as she scooped the boy up and plopped him down on the bed. She took a moment to be childish and stuck her tongue out before racing into the living room and plopping down on the couch.
"Oh come on, it's not even eight yet. You really going to just stay there? What if we want to watch something on TV, hmm?" Yugi raised a brow as he leaned on the back of the couch.
"Sit on me like I know my friends or sister back home would do?" she replied as she stuck her hands behind her head.
"I hope they're all smaller than you," the boy's eyes widened at the thought.
"Nope, but some are skinny things at least. My sister is smaller though, younger too."
Yugi took a moment to try something, he reached over the couch and jabbed the older girl in the side with a finger. She yelped and fell off the couch, in one swift movement Yugi was over the back and sprawled out on it himself. He stuck his tongue out and grinned widely.
"You little bum," the woman said in amusement as she stood up. "And you already know I can haul you off and, HEY! Now that is cheating," she huffed as she looked back at Yami.
"Sorry, we've claimed it and you get the room, no buts," the spirit chuckled.
"I would sit on you, but since I'm not a skinny person I won't. Sitting on folks is a serious threat I use," she said as she crossed her arms.
"Serious threat? Oh come now, it's hardly a threat. You are not as big as you seem to think you are."
"Can't see my feet," the woman replied as she looked down.
"Because you're a girl and, you know," the spirit replied as he waved a hand in the air, not wanting to say it.
"Yeah, that's why. But still," she began as she grabbed his ankles and began to pull. Yami clamped his hands onto the couch and refused to move without a fight.
"It's nice to see you actually relaxing a bit," Mr. Mutou said as he walked into the room.
"He won't listen to me, said he'll take the couch and I get the room. But I don't want to make him move just for me," the woman replied as she continued to tug on the amused Yami.
"Well, if you don't want his room I have no problem letting you use mine," the old man chuckled.
"What, hey, no! I'm not going to take it from two sides. I'll sleep on the floor in a room if you're both going to insist I take one over," the woman said as she released her hold on Yami's ankles.
"I bet you wouldn't," Yami replied as he sat up and drew his legs into his chest.
"Bet I would," the woman retorted.
"Stubborn one she is," Mr. Mutou shook his head with a smile.
"And we can be stubborn right back. Could always bind you to that bed then you wouldn't have a choice."
"And then you'd be a captor," the woman blinked. A bit of uneasiness settled in, and Yami saw it.
"Oh! No, I wasn't being serious, forgive me. You're still not as comfortable here as I thought. It was rude of me to make a joke that could be taken so seriously when we don't know one another well enough," the spirit apologized as he got to his feet.
"S'ok," the woman said as she tilted her head to the side. Yami got her signal and followed into Yugi's room as Mr. Mutou hummed to himself before taking over the couch to read.
"The meeting with Bakura earlier has me a bit edgy," she said quietly once the spirit was in the room.
"It has that effect. And I don't mean to frighten you, but now that he has a use for you it won't be the last time you see him."
"So you know what he thinks I can do?"
"Pretty much, he wants to use the entertainment from your world as a means of foresight on future events in ours. Or he wants to try at least, who knows just how much use it could be to him."
"See, that's another thing. What if what I know is all based on events after they happen here, then he couldn't do any future sight things. Just view the past as the author wrote it. I mean, from what I know the Duelist Kingdom thing just ended, and from how you spoke it was almost a year ago in your time."
"Still, he could learn things that he wouldn't have known of any other way. So some use would come of it. That's why I can't let it happen. And if it means keeping you here, then it will have to be done," Yami trailed off when he noticed how rigid the woman had become. "I'm sorry, and I know how it would effect you but you must understand; this is bigger than just you being out of place. The fate of this world could be altered because of what he may learn and your world might be in danger as well."
"Great, I could cause the apocalypse of two worlds, not just one. You know, I don't like this feeling at all. I liked being a no one and just left alone. I don't relish the idea of being used."
"No one ever likes it, but you have my word. I won't let anything happen to cause harm to the balance of everything. And, I'll give you fair warning. If things seem scary now they can and most likely will get worse. You're in the middle of it either way, Bakura might not be all to worry about."
"Yami, you're scaring the crap out of me now, I doubt I'll be able to sleep," she shuddered.
"Sorry, I'll leave you be for now. Yugi makes better company for this. Depending on how long you are here with us, you'll have the rest of our friends behind you as well." With that, the spirit faded and Yugi returned.
Sarah silently sat on the bed and slid into the wall where she rest her head and back against. Yugi hopped up and sat down next to the woman before he tucked his knees into his chest and wrapped his arms around them. He stared straight ahead as she sighed and shifted, a hand was brought down to gently pet his head. He let her run her fingers through his hair and glanced out of the corner of his eyes to her, she seemed zoned out.
His hair really did remind me of my cats' fur. So soft and soothing to the touch, I couldn't help but pet him like I would Spectre or Midnight. I feared I'd never see them again after what Yami had said. I feared I'd never see my friends or family again. And worse, Eric, my boyfriend. I, I just vanished. No one knew where I was and must be worried sick. And what made it worse was I could call home, if not for the fact I wasn't within calling range. I was fine, safe and had found a place to stay but had no means of letting anyone know. They must be so worried and scared. A million different things running through their minds, thoughts being filled with nothing but fear and horror. Now I had done it, I pulled my hand out of Yugi's hair to brush away the tear that managed to fall. I inhaled deeply and tried to relax, I couldn't go to pieces now, not if things might get worse. I guess Yugi noticed my drastic change in mood because the smaller figure curled up next to me and gave me a slight hug. I felt the corners of my mouth drawing into a meek smile as I draped an arm around his shoulders. I did feel safer knowing he and Yami were around. I was oh so relieved to have had the luck to `pop up' so close to the Game Shop. Even luckier to find out his grandfather was friendly enough to put up with me crashing here for... however long I was going to be here. Again, Yugi sensed my mood swing and squeezed the hand I had on his shoulder. Yami was right, the little guy did have his way to accomplish whatever task he had set his mind on.
It remained silent for a while, eventually Yugi shifted and pulled away to sit up.
"You ok?" he asked softly as worried violet eyes met tired brown ones.
"I will be, its just that no one knows where I am and I have no means of letting them know I'm safe. That's all," she said in a slightly shaky voice.
Yugi nodded slowly, "I know what's it's like to be the one worrying about someone lost. But hope always remains that they will return."
"Yeah..."
We passed time a bit, Yugi had a gaming system that we were able to go head-to-head on. Ah, fighting games, I always mash buttons and sometimes it works. Not this time, I got my butt whooped. Oh well, was fun none the less. At times the bum would purposely just set the controller down and let me get a few free hits in. After a while I'd set mine down too, the timer would tick down and the round would be a draw. I told him not to go easy on me, being a challenge was what kept me playing. I thought for sure he'd get bored after a while of countless wins, but every once in a while I did get one in. He offered to show me how to play his card game, but I wasn't too sure about that. I had no deck, not on me at least. But at home I had a deck, never been used as I had no opponent to play. He said he was sure he could get his grandfather to give me a starter deck, I refused. Told him I'm getting enough special treatment and a free deck would not be part of it. I would pay for it, but I was told to keep my money for anything else that was essential. I did settle on at least learning of the rules and some strategies as well as compatible monsters for the fusions. I had a rule book and all, but never finished reading; someone else at home would always call my attention away from it. After a while we just settled in to watch TV. News mainly, and I zoned out as I couldn't understand it. His grandfather was about ready for bed so I decided to shower quickly so as not to wake anyone up. I always showered late at home, we're talking after midnight and between three am. But I wasn't going to do it here, didn't care if I woke family up. Well, they were used to it by now, so it didn't matter. I had towel dried my hair before I returned to the living room in time to get a good night from Mr. Mutou, I wished him the same and told him I'd see him in the morning. Yugi was still up, he had changed into his bed clothes but said there was a movie he wanted to catch. So I figured I'd sit with him a bit longer. As I rounded the couch, I caught sight of where I had set my clipboard and the paper. I moved the unused paper and was reminded of the sketch I had started of Yugi. Needed to clean up the shoulders and chest area before I began to shade it in. So I took it with me as I sat down. Paid marginal attention to the movie, again I couldn't understand what was going on. Kid apparently liked horror movies, that's what this was. Wonder if he gets nightmares. I know I do at times when I watch certain things so close to bed. Right, I'm really going to concentrate on this drawing.
Since my attention had been divided between drawing and movie, my progress had gone so slowly. I had just put the finishing touches on the image and signed my name as the credits began to roll. Yugi was asleep, he had slumped over a bit to lean on the arm rest on the other side. I planned to give the drawing to him, so I placed it right on the table there in front of us. I got up and put the clipboard back where I had picked it up before the movie. I tried my best not to stir Yugi as I pulled his feet onto the couch and draped the blanket over him. I propped the pillow up beside the couch so he could easily find it when he woke from discomfort or such. Fumbled a bit trying to figure out how to turn the TV off before I retreated to his room and closed the door. Normally I liked to sleep in pure darkness, but the window was on the slanted ceiling with no curtains so streetlights from outside were able to shine through. No matter, I just wouldn't face the window as I slept. And damnit, everyone has a better bed than I do. Ok, when I was young for whatever reason my bed was always the one used for jumping. One time my younger brother and two of his friends had been over, jumping on my bed no less. They broke the box springs and damaged the mattress. My parents only got new box springs, no mattress. That happened about seven or so years ago, I still have that old mattress. It gives me back and neck problems all the time, I need a new one. I was going to get spoiled here while I took Yugi's bed, it was even better than the one in Anzu's guestroom. I was asleep in no time, dream was better that night.
"Yugi, it's after noon, has our guest awoke yet?" Mr. Mutou asked as he ducked in from the shop momentarily.
"No, she's still asleep," the youth replied from where he was lounging on the couch. Saturday programming had his attention, and it wasn't normally till around this time Jou and Honda would be pulling themselves out of bed, so it wasn't like he had much else to do at the moment.
"Either she's really worn out or is a late sleeper." As if on cue, the door to the bedroom opened and a disheveled woman emerged. She gave an awkward smile and strode into the bathroom. She exited moments later rubbing her eyes before she stumbled into the kitchen.
"Don't have contacts in yet, blind. Which cabinet has glasses? Need some water," she yawned.
"Oh, I'll get it," Yugi hopped off the couch to get one for her while Mr. Mutou rummaged through the fridge.
"Do you care for lunch or want breakfast instead?" the old man chuckled.
"Lunch good," she said. Language was always lost on her when she was a zombie.
"Here," Yugi offered the glass with ice and water to her.
"Thanks," she replied before letting herself more or less fall into a chair.
"I saw the drawing you did of my grandson, it's very nice," Mr. Mutou said as he pulled various items from the fridge.
"Yeah, it is. Thank you. I'm guessing it means I can keep it since you left it there for me to find?" the youth asked.
The woman nodded, still half asleep. "All yours," she said with her lips still on the rim of the glass.
"Thank you!" he chirped brightly. Sarah only waved and gave another half drunken looking smile. The woman took a few more moments to wake up before she got ready. Once dressed she finally put her contacts in. By then, the sandwiches Mr. Mutou had started were finished. Sarah said she was fine without mayo or anything, a dry sandwich was always what she took.
"I've had many compliments on the monsters I had you draw, Sarah," Mr. Mutou said as he took a seat once he had served the other two.
"Ah, you put them up already I take it?" she asked before taking a bite. The old man nodded.
"Would you be interested in selling a few? I'd like to keep at least one for myself but the others I could sell."
"Well, I did give them all to you so technically it's up to you if you wish to sell them," the woman said after swallowing.
"I'd hate to do so without asking first. Wouldn't feel right."
"Well, now you know it's fine," she replied. A knock from below caught their attention. Apparently someone failed to notice the `out to lunch' sign and was determined to be seen. Mr. Mutou excused himself to get it. Jou raced into the room, followed by Honda; the two must be by to pick up Yugi. The lack of Anzu lead Sarah to believe either they didn't care to have her around or she didn't wish to come at the time. Mr. Mutou had the two sit in the living room to allow the others to finish eating first. He sounded a bit upset with them, Yugi informed the woman they had pushed their way in rather than asking to be let in. Yugi had left the drawing on the table in front of the couch and the two teens were now enthralled by it.
"Dude, you think she did this?" Honda asked as he gaped at the image.
"Had'ta be. Lookit the er, signature thing. It's English or something like it. All scribbly," the blonde replied. He glanced back to where the other three were eating, seemingly involved in their own conversation.
"Hey, you think we could get her to do something for us?" Honda interrupted the other boy's thoughts.
"Na, I don't think she likes me too much," the other shook his head.
"You've been pretty rude you know," Honda reminded him.
"She's been somewhat rude back. And sometimes scary, she hardly smiles I swear. She's like, a female Kaiba in that way," Jou shuddered.
"Kaiba? Too friendly for him. She's just really lost and confused. She's tried being friendly with you but you aren't returning it."
"Friendly, did you see how she grabbed the chains the other day?"
"You keep calling her a Harpie and she knows it, Jounouchi," Honda said flatly.
"Alright, I'll knock it off. But that thing she drew reminded me of one. And it had the same demeanor she did. S'all," the teen shrugged.
"Good, and you get to deliver the message Ryou sent with us," Honda said as he stretched and leaned back on the couch.
"Why's he want to see her anyway?" Jou asked as he did the same.
"Maybe he likes her," Honda laughed.
"Or maybe it's Bakura," Jou mumbled.
"Dude, no, when you say that I don't want to let her go see him. Bakura's no good and is unpredictable."
"That's why we ain't letting her go alone like he asked..."
When I had been told of Ryou's request Jou made the crack about maybe he liked me. I had Yugi tell him I was taken. I should have been more specific, Jounouchi got the idea I meant I was taken by Yugi. The boy's eyes about popped out of his skull as he tried explaining I meant someone back home. Jou wouldn't let it be, I think he was using the picture to say otherwise. Yugi became flustered and Mr. Mutou had to scold Jou before he would quit. Not even Honda's demands to drop the subject would be heeded. I was grateful everyone decided to tag along when I visited Ryou. His family was out for the time being, so if the guys weren't with me I would have been alone. Anzu was at work, and had no idea any of this was happening.
"When we talked yesterday you said you were an artist and liked to look at art. My father has done much traveling and has collected art from everywhere and all times. I thought you might care to see some of what we have," the teen smiled warmly once he let everyone in. Maybe it had been Ryou that asked for her presence and not Bakura. But the come alone part didn't make much sense. The boy was right, carvings of wood and stone set on pedestals around the entry way. Paintings and prints were neatly framed and hung on the walls. Near the door way to the kitchen was a beautifully dyed and woven tapestry. The woman eagerly wandered around to look at everything; she never touched a thing and even held her chain tightly so it wouldn't become tangled with anything and cause damage. The three that came with her settled themselves in the den to flip through magazines from various places while Ryou gave short bits of history on certain pieces.
"Do you think we should be following them?" Yugi asked. He too wasn't quite sure if Bakura would cause trouble or not.
"Do you feel like wandering around and hearing all this stuff again?" Jou asked.
"Hey, I'm the only one that can understand English. Not like you two have to worry," the tri-color haired boy remarked.
"Yeah, but we still know what he's saying. As long as they remain indoors they should be fine," Honda waved as he flipped a page.
"Even the bedrooms hold some things. Mainly smaller and more valuable bits. Kind of a way to make sure they will not be picked up as easily," Ryou stated as he ushered the woman into the master bedroom. "Here, on these shelves and then on the headboard cabinet of the bed," he motioned to each area.
"You have some beautiful things. My grandmother on my father's side did a lot of traveling and when she passed away, I opted to take some things. What we didn't take would be sold," Sarah replied as she looked over a few ivory figures.
"Out of all the little trinkets this family has collected, you'd think they would eventually come across something useful," the deeper voice chuckled.
"Bakura!" the woman hissed as she turned around to face the spirit of the Ring.
"Are you surprised? You shouldn't be, perfect opportunity to speak with you again. I only wish those fools hadn't of come as well. Things always become more complicated when they are around. No matter, I think I have a means to buy us some time," he snarled as he clamped a hand on her arm. The woman tried to wrench it free and cry out, but his other hand painfully clamped itself over her mouth. Bakura smirked and drew her in close before whispering viciously to her, "If you struggle and fight me, you might become lost forever between Realms. Now be a good girl and just give in," he murmured as he gathered his magic and forcefully tore the woman from the Material Realm and into the Shadow Realm.
This was a concept that paralleled another fandom I was into. Legacy of Kain to be exact. In the Soul Reaver series the main character Raziel was a fallen vampire, raised as a wraith creature of sorts. He fed on souls. But he wasn't a material being anymore, he was beyond having a corporeal form. He thrived in the Spectral Realm, much like the Shadow Realm of where I now was. It was cold, dark and only a shadow of the living world. You couldn't interact with persons if they weren't in the same Realm. The world was still spinning sickeningly even after the shift had been made complete. Bakura released his hold on me and shoved me forward, being dizzy I easily fell over. I had no idea what he planed to do, but I wasn't about to make it easy on him.
I do tend to be long winded, I have a fairly active and creative imagination so this is what becomes of stuff ;D
Yu-Gi-Oh! characters and everything related is (c) Kazuki Takahashi
It was such a large group to be in the small shop, for it's size they technically were a crowd. Yugi sat on the counter while his grandfather counted the drawer for the day, everyone else was scattered about the shelves. Not that they were browsing them, but leaning on them. Looked like playing games all afternoon really was demanding. Sarah was the only one besides Mr. Mutou not sitting or leaning on something. She let her eyes wander around the store once more as they conversed, in a way she didn't mind not understanding them because she had always been such a quiet person, but not being at home and surrounded by the closest thing you have to friends tends to change a person; she almost craved attention now but tried hard not to demand it. She rubbed her eyes, they had been unusually dry today and she pulled out the eye drops she carried with her. Apparently, to the others watching her put the drops in was the most fascinating thing they'd seen. She got the first eye done and blinked at them before moving to the living quarters to do the other eye, she needed to use the restroom anyway.
Yugi had the most interesting timing; just as he was about to knock on the bathroom door, it opened and sent his knuckles into Sarah's stomach. She flinched a bit and the boy slapped a hand over his mouth momentarily.
"I am so sorry, I didn't mean to hit you," he apologized.
"No harm done, I must admit that was a rather interesting experience," she said as she pat him on the shoulder.
"Grandfather is going to take us all out to eat tonight, nothing special just... fast food I think you call it. You care to come? Don't know just who else is going yet as they need to call home first."
"I suppose, have nothing to do here and I'm starting to enjoy everyone's company, so yeah," the woman nodded.
All but Jou and Ryou were able to come. Now it was Honda's turn to feel left out as everyone else was able to use English, eventually Yugi took up the part as translator so the other boy wouldn't feel forgotten. Mainly they spoke of the card game after remembering the drawings Sarah had done, the whole of the Duelist Kingdom story was told again. It was interesting to hear differences from what she had seen.
"Oh, if you're not staying with Anzu we'd better pick up your things before it gets too late," Yugi said suddenly.
"Ah, I had forgotten about that. If everyone's done we should get that take care of," Mr. Mutou grunted as he stood. Honda was quickly informed of the situation and decided he would call it a night. He asked Anzu how to say good evening and good night in English before he departed. When Anzu was dropped off, Sarah's belongings were grabbed before she thanked both the girl's parents for their hospitality.
I was beginning to feel more comfortable here, this was the second day and everyone had been great. Well, Joey obviously wasn't too thrilled still but he was getting better. Bakura, well what could I have expected from him? Well, I didn't expect him to know everything yet, that worried me the most. How he knew. Best not to dwell on it, and Yami had managed to make me forget any worries I had about him when he stepped in during my unpleasant talk with the spirit of the Ring. I was suddenly glad to be staying in his company, I knew so little about Bakura and his unpredictability worried me greatly.
"Let me move some things and you can set the bags down over here," Yugi said where he was hidden on the other side of his desk.
"Really, I don't have to take over your room. The couch is fine with me and..." she paused when the big violet eyes popped up from the other side of the desk. "Oh no you don't," she laughed before closing her eyes.
"I'll go camp out on it and make you take the room," the teen said defiantly.
"And I bet I can pick you up and move you back in here," Sarah stated as she opened her eyes.
"...that's cheating!" Yugi huffed as he folded his arms over his chest. "And now you've got my other half in a fit of laughter over the threat. He says he bets you couldn't carry him."
"I could try, or drag him off," she shrugged. Yugi blinked at something and laughed loudly for a moment. By the look in his eyes, Sarah didn't want to know what his other half had said to get that reaction.
"Alright, let's just test how easy it is for you to pick me up," Yugi said as he stood and dusted himself off.
"Kay," Sarah shrugged as she scooped the boy up and plopped him down on the bed. She took a moment to be childish and stuck her tongue out before racing into the living room and plopping down on the couch.
"Oh come on, it's not even eight yet. You really going to just stay there? What if we want to watch something on TV, hmm?" Yugi raised a brow as he leaned on the back of the couch.
"Sit on me like I know my friends or sister back home would do?" she replied as she stuck her hands behind her head.
"I hope they're all smaller than you," the boy's eyes widened at the thought.
"Nope, but some are skinny things at least. My sister is smaller though, younger too."
Yugi took a moment to try something, he reached over the couch and jabbed the older girl in the side with a finger. She yelped and fell off the couch, in one swift movement Yugi was over the back and sprawled out on it himself. He stuck his tongue out and grinned widely.
"You little bum," the woman said in amusement as she stood up. "And you already know I can haul you off and, HEY! Now that is cheating," she huffed as she looked back at Yami.
"Sorry, we've claimed it and you get the room, no buts," the spirit chuckled.
"I would sit on you, but since I'm not a skinny person I won't. Sitting on folks is a serious threat I use," she said as she crossed her arms.
"Serious threat? Oh come now, it's hardly a threat. You are not as big as you seem to think you are."
"Can't see my feet," the woman replied as she looked down.
"Because you're a girl and, you know," the spirit replied as he waved a hand in the air, not wanting to say it.
"Yeah, that's why. But still," she began as she grabbed his ankles and began to pull. Yami clamped his hands onto the couch and refused to move without a fight.
"It's nice to see you actually relaxing a bit," Mr. Mutou said as he walked into the room.
"He won't listen to me, said he'll take the couch and I get the room. But I don't want to make him move just for me," the woman replied as she continued to tug on the amused Yami.
"Well, if you don't want his room I have no problem letting you use mine," the old man chuckled.
"What, hey, no! I'm not going to take it from two sides. I'll sleep on the floor in a room if you're both going to insist I take one over," the woman said as she released her hold on Yami's ankles.
"I bet you wouldn't," Yami replied as he sat up and drew his legs into his chest.
"Bet I would," the woman retorted.
"Stubborn one she is," Mr. Mutou shook his head with a smile.
"And we can be stubborn right back. Could always bind you to that bed then you wouldn't have a choice."
"And then you'd be a captor," the woman blinked. A bit of uneasiness settled in, and Yami saw it.
"Oh! No, I wasn't being serious, forgive me. You're still not as comfortable here as I thought. It was rude of me to make a joke that could be taken so seriously when we don't know one another well enough," the spirit apologized as he got to his feet.
"S'ok," the woman said as she tilted her head to the side. Yami got her signal and followed into Yugi's room as Mr. Mutou hummed to himself before taking over the couch to read.
"The meeting with Bakura earlier has me a bit edgy," she said quietly once the spirit was in the room.
"It has that effect. And I don't mean to frighten you, but now that he has a use for you it won't be the last time you see him."
"So you know what he thinks I can do?"
"Pretty much, he wants to use the entertainment from your world as a means of foresight on future events in ours. Or he wants to try at least, who knows just how much use it could be to him."
"See, that's another thing. What if what I know is all based on events after they happen here, then he couldn't do any future sight things. Just view the past as the author wrote it. I mean, from what I know the Duelist Kingdom thing just ended, and from how you spoke it was almost a year ago in your time."
"Still, he could learn things that he wouldn't have known of any other way. So some use would come of it. That's why I can't let it happen. And if it means keeping you here, then it will have to be done," Yami trailed off when he noticed how rigid the woman had become. "I'm sorry, and I know how it would effect you but you must understand; this is bigger than just you being out of place. The fate of this world could be altered because of what he may learn and your world might be in danger as well."
"Great, I could cause the apocalypse of two worlds, not just one. You know, I don't like this feeling at all. I liked being a no one and just left alone. I don't relish the idea of being used."
"No one ever likes it, but you have my word. I won't let anything happen to cause harm to the balance of everything. And, I'll give you fair warning. If things seem scary now they can and most likely will get worse. You're in the middle of it either way, Bakura might not be all to worry about."
"Yami, you're scaring the crap out of me now, I doubt I'll be able to sleep," she shuddered.
"Sorry, I'll leave you be for now. Yugi makes better company for this. Depending on how long you are here with us, you'll have the rest of our friends behind you as well." With that, the spirit faded and Yugi returned.
Sarah silently sat on the bed and slid into the wall where she rest her head and back against. Yugi hopped up and sat down next to the woman before he tucked his knees into his chest and wrapped his arms around them. He stared straight ahead as she sighed and shifted, a hand was brought down to gently pet his head. He let her run her fingers through his hair and glanced out of the corner of his eyes to her, she seemed zoned out.
His hair really did remind me of my cats' fur. So soft and soothing to the touch, I couldn't help but pet him like I would Spectre or Midnight. I feared I'd never see them again after what Yami had said. I feared I'd never see my friends or family again. And worse, Eric, my boyfriend. I, I just vanished. No one knew where I was and must be worried sick. And what made it worse was I could call home, if not for the fact I wasn't within calling range. I was fine, safe and had found a place to stay but had no means of letting anyone know. They must be so worried and scared. A million different things running through their minds, thoughts being filled with nothing but fear and horror. Now I had done it, I pulled my hand out of Yugi's hair to brush away the tear that managed to fall. I inhaled deeply and tried to relax, I couldn't go to pieces now, not if things might get worse. I guess Yugi noticed my drastic change in mood because the smaller figure curled up next to me and gave me a slight hug. I felt the corners of my mouth drawing into a meek smile as I draped an arm around his shoulders. I did feel safer knowing he and Yami were around. I was oh so relieved to have had the luck to `pop up' so close to the Game Shop. Even luckier to find out his grandfather was friendly enough to put up with me crashing here for... however long I was going to be here. Again, Yugi sensed my mood swing and squeezed the hand I had on his shoulder. Yami was right, the little guy did have his way to accomplish whatever task he had set his mind on.
It remained silent for a while, eventually Yugi shifted and pulled away to sit up.
"You ok?" he asked softly as worried violet eyes met tired brown ones.
"I will be, its just that no one knows where I am and I have no means of letting them know I'm safe. That's all," she said in a slightly shaky voice.
Yugi nodded slowly, "I know what's it's like to be the one worrying about someone lost. But hope always remains that they will return."
"Yeah..."
We passed time a bit, Yugi had a gaming system that we were able to go head-to-head on. Ah, fighting games, I always mash buttons and sometimes it works. Not this time, I got my butt whooped. Oh well, was fun none the less. At times the bum would purposely just set the controller down and let me get a few free hits in. After a while I'd set mine down too, the timer would tick down and the round would be a draw. I told him not to go easy on me, being a challenge was what kept me playing. I thought for sure he'd get bored after a while of countless wins, but every once in a while I did get one in. He offered to show me how to play his card game, but I wasn't too sure about that. I had no deck, not on me at least. But at home I had a deck, never been used as I had no opponent to play. He said he was sure he could get his grandfather to give me a starter deck, I refused. Told him I'm getting enough special treatment and a free deck would not be part of it. I would pay for it, but I was told to keep my money for anything else that was essential. I did settle on at least learning of the rules and some strategies as well as compatible monsters for the fusions. I had a rule book and all, but never finished reading; someone else at home would always call my attention away from it. After a while we just settled in to watch TV. News mainly, and I zoned out as I couldn't understand it. His grandfather was about ready for bed so I decided to shower quickly so as not to wake anyone up. I always showered late at home, we're talking after midnight and between three am. But I wasn't going to do it here, didn't care if I woke family up. Well, they were used to it by now, so it didn't matter. I had towel dried my hair before I returned to the living room in time to get a good night from Mr. Mutou, I wished him the same and told him I'd see him in the morning. Yugi was still up, he had changed into his bed clothes but said there was a movie he wanted to catch. So I figured I'd sit with him a bit longer. As I rounded the couch, I caught sight of where I had set my clipboard and the paper. I moved the unused paper and was reminded of the sketch I had started of Yugi. Needed to clean up the shoulders and chest area before I began to shade it in. So I took it with me as I sat down. Paid marginal attention to the movie, again I couldn't understand what was going on. Kid apparently liked horror movies, that's what this was. Wonder if he gets nightmares. I know I do at times when I watch certain things so close to bed. Right, I'm really going to concentrate on this drawing.
Since my attention had been divided between drawing and movie, my progress had gone so slowly. I had just put the finishing touches on the image and signed my name as the credits began to roll. Yugi was asleep, he had slumped over a bit to lean on the arm rest on the other side. I planned to give the drawing to him, so I placed it right on the table there in front of us. I got up and put the clipboard back where I had picked it up before the movie. I tried my best not to stir Yugi as I pulled his feet onto the couch and draped the blanket over him. I propped the pillow up beside the couch so he could easily find it when he woke from discomfort or such. Fumbled a bit trying to figure out how to turn the TV off before I retreated to his room and closed the door. Normally I liked to sleep in pure darkness, but the window was on the slanted ceiling with no curtains so streetlights from outside were able to shine through. No matter, I just wouldn't face the window as I slept. And damnit, everyone has a better bed than I do. Ok, when I was young for whatever reason my bed was always the one used for jumping. One time my younger brother and two of his friends had been over, jumping on my bed no less. They broke the box springs and damaged the mattress. My parents only got new box springs, no mattress. That happened about seven or so years ago, I still have that old mattress. It gives me back and neck problems all the time, I need a new one. I was going to get spoiled here while I took Yugi's bed, it was even better than the one in Anzu's guestroom. I was asleep in no time, dream was better that night.
"Yugi, it's after noon, has our guest awoke yet?" Mr. Mutou asked as he ducked in from the shop momentarily.
"No, she's still asleep," the youth replied from where he was lounging on the couch. Saturday programming had his attention, and it wasn't normally till around this time Jou and Honda would be pulling themselves out of bed, so it wasn't like he had much else to do at the moment.
"Either she's really worn out or is a late sleeper." As if on cue, the door to the bedroom opened and a disheveled woman emerged. She gave an awkward smile and strode into the bathroom. She exited moments later rubbing her eyes before she stumbled into the kitchen.
"Don't have contacts in yet, blind. Which cabinet has glasses? Need some water," she yawned.
"Oh, I'll get it," Yugi hopped off the couch to get one for her while Mr. Mutou rummaged through the fridge.
"Do you care for lunch or want breakfast instead?" the old man chuckled.
"Lunch good," she said. Language was always lost on her when she was a zombie.
"Here," Yugi offered the glass with ice and water to her.
"Thanks," she replied before letting herself more or less fall into a chair.
"I saw the drawing you did of my grandson, it's very nice," Mr. Mutou said as he pulled various items from the fridge.
"Yeah, it is. Thank you. I'm guessing it means I can keep it since you left it there for me to find?" the youth asked.
The woman nodded, still half asleep. "All yours," she said with her lips still on the rim of the glass.
"Thank you!" he chirped brightly. Sarah only waved and gave another half drunken looking smile. The woman took a few more moments to wake up before she got ready. Once dressed she finally put her contacts in. By then, the sandwiches Mr. Mutou had started were finished. Sarah said she was fine without mayo or anything, a dry sandwich was always what she took.
"I've had many compliments on the monsters I had you draw, Sarah," Mr. Mutou said as he took a seat once he had served the other two.
"Ah, you put them up already I take it?" she asked before taking a bite. The old man nodded.
"Would you be interested in selling a few? I'd like to keep at least one for myself but the others I could sell."
"Well, I did give them all to you so technically it's up to you if you wish to sell them," the woman said after swallowing.
"I'd hate to do so without asking first. Wouldn't feel right."
"Well, now you know it's fine," she replied. A knock from below caught their attention. Apparently someone failed to notice the `out to lunch' sign and was determined to be seen. Mr. Mutou excused himself to get it. Jou raced into the room, followed by Honda; the two must be by to pick up Yugi. The lack of Anzu lead Sarah to believe either they didn't care to have her around or she didn't wish to come at the time. Mr. Mutou had the two sit in the living room to allow the others to finish eating first. He sounded a bit upset with them, Yugi informed the woman they had pushed their way in rather than asking to be let in. Yugi had left the drawing on the table in front of the couch and the two teens were now enthralled by it.
"Dude, you think she did this?" Honda asked as he gaped at the image.
"Had'ta be. Lookit the er, signature thing. It's English or something like it. All scribbly," the blonde replied. He glanced back to where the other three were eating, seemingly involved in their own conversation.
"Hey, you think we could get her to do something for us?" Honda interrupted the other boy's thoughts.
"Na, I don't think she likes me too much," the other shook his head.
"You've been pretty rude you know," Honda reminded him.
"She's been somewhat rude back. And sometimes scary, she hardly smiles I swear. She's like, a female Kaiba in that way," Jou shuddered.
"Kaiba? Too friendly for him. She's just really lost and confused. She's tried being friendly with you but you aren't returning it."
"Friendly, did you see how she grabbed the chains the other day?"
"You keep calling her a Harpie and she knows it, Jounouchi," Honda said flatly.
"Alright, I'll knock it off. But that thing she drew reminded me of one. And it had the same demeanor she did. S'all," the teen shrugged.
"Good, and you get to deliver the message Ryou sent with us," Honda said as he stretched and leaned back on the couch.
"Why's he want to see her anyway?" Jou asked as he did the same.
"Maybe he likes her," Honda laughed.
"Or maybe it's Bakura," Jou mumbled.
"Dude, no, when you say that I don't want to let her go see him. Bakura's no good and is unpredictable."
"That's why we ain't letting her go alone like he asked..."
When I had been told of Ryou's request Jou made the crack about maybe he liked me. I had Yugi tell him I was taken. I should have been more specific, Jounouchi got the idea I meant I was taken by Yugi. The boy's eyes about popped out of his skull as he tried explaining I meant someone back home. Jou wouldn't let it be, I think he was using the picture to say otherwise. Yugi became flustered and Mr. Mutou had to scold Jou before he would quit. Not even Honda's demands to drop the subject would be heeded. I was grateful everyone decided to tag along when I visited Ryou. His family was out for the time being, so if the guys weren't with me I would have been alone. Anzu was at work, and had no idea any of this was happening.
"When we talked yesterday you said you were an artist and liked to look at art. My father has done much traveling and has collected art from everywhere and all times. I thought you might care to see some of what we have," the teen smiled warmly once he let everyone in. Maybe it had been Ryou that asked for her presence and not Bakura. But the come alone part didn't make much sense. The boy was right, carvings of wood and stone set on pedestals around the entry way. Paintings and prints were neatly framed and hung on the walls. Near the door way to the kitchen was a beautifully dyed and woven tapestry. The woman eagerly wandered around to look at everything; she never touched a thing and even held her chain tightly so it wouldn't become tangled with anything and cause damage. The three that came with her settled themselves in the den to flip through magazines from various places while Ryou gave short bits of history on certain pieces.
"Do you think we should be following them?" Yugi asked. He too wasn't quite sure if Bakura would cause trouble or not.
"Do you feel like wandering around and hearing all this stuff again?" Jou asked.
"Hey, I'm the only one that can understand English. Not like you two have to worry," the tri-color haired boy remarked.
"Yeah, but we still know what he's saying. As long as they remain indoors they should be fine," Honda waved as he flipped a page.
"Even the bedrooms hold some things. Mainly smaller and more valuable bits. Kind of a way to make sure they will not be picked up as easily," Ryou stated as he ushered the woman into the master bedroom. "Here, on these shelves and then on the headboard cabinet of the bed," he motioned to each area.
"You have some beautiful things. My grandmother on my father's side did a lot of traveling and when she passed away, I opted to take some things. What we didn't take would be sold," Sarah replied as she looked over a few ivory figures.
"Out of all the little trinkets this family has collected, you'd think they would eventually come across something useful," the deeper voice chuckled.
"Bakura!" the woman hissed as she turned around to face the spirit of the Ring.
"Are you surprised? You shouldn't be, perfect opportunity to speak with you again. I only wish those fools hadn't of come as well. Things always become more complicated when they are around. No matter, I think I have a means to buy us some time," he snarled as he clamped a hand on her arm. The woman tried to wrench it free and cry out, but his other hand painfully clamped itself over her mouth. Bakura smirked and drew her in close before whispering viciously to her, "If you struggle and fight me, you might become lost forever between Realms. Now be a good girl and just give in," he murmured as he gathered his magic and forcefully tore the woman from the Material Realm and into the Shadow Realm.
This was a concept that paralleled another fandom I was into. Legacy of Kain to be exact. In the Soul Reaver series the main character Raziel was a fallen vampire, raised as a wraith creature of sorts. He fed on souls. But he wasn't a material being anymore, he was beyond having a corporeal form. He thrived in the Spectral Realm, much like the Shadow Realm of where I now was. It was cold, dark and only a shadow of the living world. You couldn't interact with persons if they weren't in the same Realm. The world was still spinning sickeningly even after the shift had been made complete. Bakura released his hold on me and shoved me forward, being dizzy I easily fell over. I had no idea what he planed to do, but I wasn't about to make it easy on him.