A/N: The long-awaited next chappie. For those who thought I'd end the story like that...you're wrong! This story has a long way to go. From my point of view at least. Took me a while to write it. One more thing...I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh!

Chapter 11

Always There

Yami

Sam's hand was slipping, I have to get to her before...I don't even want to think it! I just have to get there. I promised to protectect her and that's what I'm going to do.

"I've got you Sam!" I said as I grabbed her slowly slipping hand. I used all the strength I could to begin to pull her up. It took me sometime until I managed to get her halfway up. I wrapped one of my arms around her waist and began to pull her to me. With one last pull Sam was out of danger.

I landed with a thud on the snow, still holding Sam. I smiled knowing that even though I almost failed to keep my promise I managed to save her. I began to stroke her hair gently. She stiffened and tried to pull away but she couldn't move. She was too weak. The running and the bleeding must've worn her out. I heard footsteps approaching us as I thought this.

"How is she?" Yugi asked as he knelt down beside us. I looked at his amethyst eyes and saw worry in them just like the first time we met Sam.

"She must've drifted off or something...I'm not to sure Yugi. We better head home," I said, my arms still wrapped around Sam's small waist. I got up with Yugi's help. I lifted up Sam carefully, cradling her in my arms. We began to walk home and I noticed that she was a little distanced from me even if I was carrying her.

"You have to let people touch you Sam, but you can't act like this forever. Trusting people means to take certain risks but can't you just trust me?" I said quietly. I know it was too honest for me to say but it's the truth. I could feel her moving and waited until she stopped to steal a small glance from her. I felt a slight pressure on my chest after she stopped. I looked down and saw Sam's head resting against my chest.

"Yami!" Yugi said through our link. He said exitedly.

"What is it?" I asked back.

"I can't believe Sam just did that! Do you think that she might be opening up more?"

"I'm not sure Yugi. She's very unpredictable lately. I hope so though. It would really help her feel better about life in general."

"Me too," he said quietly through our link before closing it. The whole way to the house was quiet until we reached it. Yugi opened the door and we walked in. I walked upstairs still cradling Sam in my arms. I reached the guest room and placed Sam on the bed gently. I took off her jacket, which was torn and one of the sleeve's blood soaked and threw it to the floor. I removed her shoes while Yugi went to get the first aid kit. He came in and handed me the kit, keeping an eye on Sam.

"You should go to bed Yugi...we have a long day ahead tomorrow," I said while mending Sam's wound. She hardly moved as I did that but I could tell she was in pain.

"I don't know..." he began worriedly. "Who's going to watch over Sam?"

"I'll stay here. Could you get me my pillow and a warm blanket?"

"I'll be right back," he replied while going to our room. By that time I was done healing Sam's arm. I placed the covers on her gently. She cuddled up to the warmth quickly and fell into a deeper sleep. I knelt down and kissed her forehead gently, feeling that she had gotten warmer compared to how cold she was earlier.

"I kept my promise and I will always be there to keep it," I said softly.

"Here's what you asked for Yami. Goodnight," Yugi said while going to our bedroom. I took my things and laid down next to Sam's bed.

"Goodnight Sam," I said while I began to drift off.

"Good night Yami," said a sweet voice in reply. Yugi wasn't here so who was that? It sounded like a girl...wait...Sam! She talked! Well...I think it was her. It can't be...the doctor said that she was mute and the police report said that maybe she wasn't as mute as she pretended to be so maybe it is true. But then again...she hasn't said a thing...maybe it's just me. Yeah, it is me and my wild imagination. I closed my eyes and drifted off into a peaceful slumber, still thinking about that awkward moment.