Chapter Sixteen

But the Vultures Never Flew

In the sunset's crimson, our group of six gathered between a pair of green hedges. Yusei had approached from the hydrangeas and wouldn't look me in the eye. Aki exited the roses and stole a glance at Yusei. I lingered beside Jack, who hadn't answered any of my several questions.

That hadn't changed, either.

Luna and Leo, at least, were bursting with energy. I noticed a few briars stuck in her pigtails and his ponytail. Jack asked, "We settled on going?"

Leo's excitement oozed through his answer: "Sure are!"

"We have a problem!" The Security woman, Mina, rushed out to us. "Something bad is happening in the Satellite. Really bad."

Jack, Yusei, and I sprinted after her. She took us to a room filled with screens showing the Satellite. A black fog engulfed the island streets. Mina said, "An abnormality occurred, and we cannot contact Sector Security in the area. This footage may not last for very long-"

The screens went dark.

"That's it," Jack said. "We're going to the Satellite right now. We won't stand by while it's turned to ruin!"

"Okay. Have all six agreed on crossing?" Jack's bellow of a confirmation had her scrambling to call us a ride. The other three joined us in the meantime. She pulled out a communication device – a "phone," Luna explained to me – and spoke with Godwin. She hung up after a few words and led us to the roof of the building.

While waiting, Mina started into a conversation about how Jack better be careful. He seemed entirely uninterested in whatever she had to say. Everyone broke off into their own conversations. Luna bugged me about why I had no idea what a phone was, so I told her about my lost memories. Godwin arrived to meet us, and we gathered again.

"The mist is from the original Ener-D Reactor, meaning that destiny must be guiding its creator, Professor Fudo's son." The others seemed astonished. I was too hung up on all the words I didn't understand. "Signers, remember your mission: defeat the Dark Signers and get that reactor turning in the right direction."

Godwin excused himself. Typical of a Security leaving others to do the legwork. Our ride hadn't arrived, so I consulted the Crimson Dragon. What did the mist do?

The black fog consumed the residents of your home as sacrifices for the wicked gods.

W-What? Everyone? Crow, Louie, Annie, Martha… all of them?

We do not know the extent of the damage. Those you care for could have survived.

What about those who didn't?

As Godwin said, we are not certain of their fate.

My heart sank. Steady thwumps approached from the sky. A "helicopter" by Luna's explanation descended toward the roof. A man in a Sector Security uniform stepped out then stopped at the sight of Yusei. His deep and raspy voice shouted, "Why are you here?"

"Trudge! You're the one bringing us to the Satellite?"

Anger darkened the man named Trudge's face. He about broke into a screaming fit until Mina cut him off. "Trudge, please, we need you to bring us. I know you may not like Yusei, but you're the best man we've got now."

Trudge's fury softened instantly. So that's what Martha meant about compromising in love. Trudge said, "Of course, ma'am. I'm completely capable of the task ahead! It is an honor to serve you!"

He stepped aside and opened the door, letting Mina in first. Yusei entered next, and Trudge shot him a nasty look. I boarded last. The officer's thick, black brows lifted. "Hold on a sec! Don't I know you from somewhere?"

"I'm sure the wanted posters make me look more beautiful than I am in person."

"Yeah, that's right! You're Kessler's shadow! They were hunting you for months back in the Satellite!"

The title had me wincing. My curiosity rivaled my pain. "They… were?"

"It's okay, Trudge. She's been cleared to help us," Mina said. He gave me a skeptical look but let me on board. I strapped in beside Leo. The helicopter's windows allowed a view of the fleeting shore. Three people on the City side waved at our departure: Bolt, that old man I saw at the Arcadia Movement, and some other young child. Everyone else was waving back, so I gave Bolt my two-fingered salute. He noticed and returned the gesture.

"Do you mind telling us about the Ener-D Reactor and Yusei's father?" Aki asked Mina. Yusei was deep in thought but didn't protest. I merely shut my eyes and listened, exhaustion tugging at my bones.

"Eighteen years ago, the Ener-D system developed a problem and caused Zero Reverse, the incident that separated the Satellite and New Domino City. The media pinned this on natural disasters so the real cause would never be found out. The head of development was Professor Fudo."

"Wait, so Yusei's father was in the explosion?" It surprised me that Leo paid enough attention to ask a question so deep. A silent answer was applied, and everyone's heads dipped.

Trudge spoke up. "Why would they put a Satellite resident in charge of such a major project?"

"Yusei was originally born in the City," Jack responded.

"You don't say. Wouldn't guess from knowing him."

"Yeah? Well, I was born in the Satellite. Got a problem with that?"

"N-No!"

Huh. Jack was protective of Yusei now. Everything had come full circle, I supposed. The helicopter rocked. I gripped my seat. Lightning weaved through the dark clouds.

The storm isn't ordinary phenomenon, the Dragon explained. The wicked gods have never been welcoming.

"This lightning spells trouble," Trudge declared. "If we get hit, it won't be pretty."

Yusei stood up and headed to the front. "Land us there."

"Excuse me?"

"Land there," Mina reaffirmed. Trudge obeyed after she gave the command. The helicopter lowered towards a clearing amidst a familiar forest of sparse trees. Trudge opened the door and warned the people exiting about the higher step. Yusei got no warning, as if it mattered. The pettiness Trudge managed in whatever feud they kept earned a tiny laugh from me.

"Got somethin' to say, kid?" Trudge said.

"No, I-"

A storm wind rushed through the forest. Branches bent to nature's will, and my hair blocked my view. I tugged it away from my eyes to be certain of reality.

The well-kept townhouse was the same as it ever was. The garden had brand new blooms. Tears pricked my eyes, and my lip quivered.

Home at last.

"Rain? Rain, is that you?"

My heart lifted with my massive grin. Crow's stormy gray eyes widened as they observed me. I imagined he, like Yusei, had to make sure I was real. I ran forward and wrestled him into a hug. I said, "It's so great to see you again, Crow!"

He had gained two criminal marks. Their bright yellow led down from his eyes and stopped at his chin. He wore a brown leather riding jacket and pads over his yellow shirt and jeans. Crow said, "Right back at ya! What all happened to you? How did you get back and meet up with these fellas?"

"Uh, long story," I muttered. "How're Louie and Annie?"

The instant their names passed my lips, melancholy dampened his usual energy. A strange mix of forlorn fury lay in his whisper. "They… disappeared in that fog. I don't know how they are, or if they're alive, or if I'll ever see them again.

"They asked about you a lot, Rain. 'Why doesn't she come over anymore?' I couldn't tell them the truth of how he screwed up and you bailed him out. You're both nuts. But. Damn am I glad to see you again, Rain. Having you and those other two back makes this place feel more like home."

They really were gone. I held in my tears for Crow, who was on the verge of crying himself. "I'm so sorry. It's all those goddamned Dark Signers faults, and we're here to take them down. We'll save them."

He was unmoved. "I hope so. Anyway, please tell me you saw that sorry bastard Kalin at least one more time and gave him a talking to. You should've seen how torn up Yusei was after what he did."

I never had a chance to respond.

"Rain!"

My hairs stood on end as Martha stomped over to me. "Never have I ever heard of anyone doing anything as foolish as what you did! That boy didn't deserve any kind of help for his actions, and you knew it! For you to go to the lengths you did – relinquishing your own freedom like that – makes me only hope being in love doesn't make everyone as much of an idiot as you!"

"Y-you said to compromise!"

"That doesn't mean-" She sighed and wiped her hands down her face. Her tone shifted to the weary and caring sort belonging solely to mothers. "You weren't ready for the big wide world, were you?"

My throat tightened. When I spoke, my broken voice squeaked: "I n-never thought I'd be able to come back."

Martha pulled me into a warm hug. Her hair smelled like her flowers. In the softest tone I'd heard from her, she said, "You're home now, Rain, and you never have to leave if it's what you'd like."

I bawled on her shoulder. She rubbed my back with the patience and tenderness of a saint.

A harrumph caused me to break off into a hiccup. Jack said, "Still haven't broken the sobbing child habit, I see."

"Not really, no."

He smiled a little, saying, "The honesty is nice."

"Ignore him," Martha said. "We'll make him work on dinner for having no manners. I see you've brought friends with you. Would you mind introducing me?"

I wiped my eyes free of tears and nodded. I waved Luna towards me. "This's Luna. She looks young, but she's super mature. Luna, this is Martha. She owns this place, and she'll be taking care of us."

As though to confirm, she offered Martha a handshake. Martha giggled with glee and made a show of bending low to accept. Next, I said, "That's Leo, her twin brother. You really shouldn't tell him what to do. Like, ever."

Martha rolled her eyes. "All young boys, honestly. Stand up straight!"

He slouched like a hunchback. I failed to resist laughing. I cleared my throat to mask it. "That over there is New Jack."

"As opposed to Old Jack?"

I hummed to confirm. "New Jack smiles more than sometimes, listens to what you say, and has heart-to-hearts with you."

"You're saying he was more than a moving statue the whole time?"

Jack's firm frown had no effect on my rising giggle. Martha was outright pointing and laughing. She gathered her bearings to ask, "Who's the pretty young lady down yonder?"

"Aki. Akiza," I corrected. "She would rather not be bothered, but she's actually nice on the inside, so she wouldn't be rude or anything if you did bother her."

"I see, I see," she said. "Her and Yusei have been standing awfully close since they arrived."

"Luna says they are close enough to be in the compromising range."

"Hopefully not in the idiotic compromising range," she said, giving me a look.

"I- I'm sorry. I didn't want to just disappear on you. I swear I didn't."

Martha shook her head. "I know, dear. I'm harsh, but it's not you I'm angry with. I must ask. Did you see him again, Rain? Do you even know where Kalin is?"

A thousand scenarios flickered through my mind's eye. What would she say to the truth? Would she be happy what with all the problems he caused her? Would Crow chime in his agreement?

Hands clapped in front of my face. Martha grasped my jaw and moved my head around. "She doesn't have a concussion, does she? She hasn't moved or spoken for a few minutes."

"Sorry," I murmured. She abruptly stepped away, shock raising her brows.

A loud clearing of the throat drew our attention. Jack said, "Rain is still recovering from all she's suffered. Every now and again, fresh air and some space would do her well. Hm. As fresh as the air here gets, anyway."

Martha clutched her apron. "Take all the time you need, hon. The rest of you ought to head in to help with dinner or entertain the kids so work can get done. Lots of mouths to feed, so let's get started."

Most everyone entered the townhouse. Fresh air, Jack said. Maybe he was right. Not about the fresh air thing – nope, the air here wasn't fresh at all, especially taking the metallic tinge from the storm into consideration. No, I thought he was right about being able to count on him. Back then, he never would have stepped in to defend me.

Yusei lingered nearby. He had questions, but he remained silent out of respect, I guessed. His presence was a comfort. Another storm wind passed. Goosebumps rose. I rubbed my upper arms.

Rustling fabric attracted my curiosity. Yusei offered his jacket.

"Thank you," I murmured while laying it across my shoulders. It carried his warmth, and the storm was all but forgotten. "He's so different now. Jack, I mean."

"If I knew all it took was him losing in front of thousands of people, I'd have beaten him a lot sooner."

I laughed, and he smiled with me. "How are you feeling about all the Signer stuff? I know I'm an outsider, but to me it seems like a lot to throw at you guys suddenly."

"Sure is," he said, "but we have no choice. The way of the road's like that sometimes. I'll tell you what I know for sure: I like being connected to the other Signers, and I don't trust Godwin as far as I can throw him."

"Same here." I stood stick-straight. "Um, about the Godwin part! N-not the connection to the Signers or anything!"

The drawn-out sigh in my mind must have originated from the Crimson Dragon. Yusei merely laughed. "It's a shame Godwin was wrong about you and the Dragon. Can I tell you the truth? Never forget this, Rain. You can come to us for anything. No matter what happens, we'll always be a team – just like the night you were arrested."

I pinched the collar of his jacket together in front of my throat. A nostalgic grin found me. "And we're both here together again."

I expected to inspire happiness but found sadness in his eyes instead. His lopsided smile didn't match his body language. "Life… has a funny way of working out, huh."

But that hesitation wasn't like him at all.

"Well, if it isn't Rain, my little promise breaker."

The newcomer hung his arm around my shoulders. I said, "Blister? What're you doing in the Satellite?"

"I told you I had ways. Trash boats are easy to sneak onto. Going back's the hard part. Say, where'd you disappear to? I missed my roomie."

I grasped my elbow. "I, uh, figured you'd be safer if I skedaddled. I joined the Arcadia Movement."

"You what?" His expression broke my heart. "You're kidding. I told you so many times you weren't any trouble!"

"I'm sorry," I whispered. "I didn't want anything to happen to you."

Yusei glanced between us. "You two are friends?"

"I harbored the runaway here to get on Sector Security's nerves. You broke through to me about Aero, Yusei, and Rain here softened me to the idea. She taught me about how every living moment with your partner is important. I couldn't help but overhear you talk with your buddies. Still have that habit of spacing out, eh?"

"It happens often?" Yusei asked. "And Blister knows about Kalin?"

"Well, um. I t-tried to duel against him. Alone." My toes curled into the dirt. I whispered, "It didn't go well."

"Rain," Yusei said, a wealth of emotion packed into the name.

"But. But it was cold out here." I struggled to speak above a whisper. I hugged his jacket tighter around me. "It was cold, and now I can't imagine it being so."

"Then-" His voice cracked. "You keep that as long as you need it."

Martha called to the three of us from the doorframe. "Come on inside, y'all. We're holdin a meeting."

The dining table was fully occupied by the Signers, Trudge, Blister, Mina, and Leo. I plopped down next to Luna at the end and draped Yusei's jacket over the back. Martha sat at the head of the table and sighed. "I understand y'all know of the black mist that blew through yesterday. The truth of it is the fog took everyone away. When it cleared out, we were alone."

"Does that mean- Rally and the others?"

Yusei's worried look made me wonder whom he was talking about. Wrinkles adjusted for Martha's frown. "They haven't been found, either. The Satellite is practically empty."

"Until we save them, that is," Jack stated.

"There's the confidence we like to hear! Onto the most important announcement: dinner is served!" We chowed on Martha's stew, and I left as soon as I finished. I wanted to head back to my stage and check on my duel runner, but I decided against it on account of my exhaustion.

The song of the cicadas drowned out my thoughts. My back leaned against the cool bark of a tree near Martha's garden. I closed my eyes and took in the pleasant scent of the flowers.

"You look tired."

Luna knelt next to me. Her statement made me aware of how slouched I was, so I straightened a tad. "Hah, I am. It's been a long day, one that's given me a big headache."

"Be glad we didn't go to the Spirit World! Think of how much worse Torunka would have made it."

We laughed. I glanced over Luna. Her pink jacket wasn't dirtied in the slightest. "What do you think of the Satellite?"

"It's nicer than I expected," she explained. "To be honest, I thought it'd be kind of scary."

This time only I giggled. "Yeah, that's probably the way they described it. Glad it's at least a tad enjoyable."

"Yeah! So, were you born here, too?"

"I don't know," I answered. "Wherever I was born was a part of the memories I lost. Maybe I'm a Satellite through and through. Could be I'm from somewhere else entirely."

"Gosh. I'd go crazy with a big mystery like yours over me constantly."

"It doesn't feel like a mystery. I don't have memories popping up all the time. In fact, you could hardly call me a person before my partner found me."

"Partner?"

"Kalin. He was my best friend and more, and he taught me how to be myself instead of just becoming whatever others wanted of me."

Luna's head dipped, and her pigtails drooped. "Did you… love him?"

"I sure did."

"That's sad," she whispered. "I'm sorry, Rain."

"It's okay. I mean, it will be. Someday. I hope."

Her brows pushed inward. "I want to think so. What the Director said about the Dark Signers really bothers me. It's not like we're fighting a big bad monster like in the TV shows. We're fighting real people. We need to win for the Spirit World, but if we do, that p-person will…"

"It bothers me, too. It's a tough decision, but I'll be by your side. We'll bear the burden together."

Apprehension was plain on her face. I held out my hand, pinkie extended. The gesture caught her interest. Luna returned the pinkie swear. "Thank you, Rain. I think it's my bedtime. I'll need the rest."

I followed her inside. Martha allowed me to sleep in my former room. I didn't have to share with anyone. I shut off the lamp and pulled the covers to my chin.

A voice rumbled my thoughts. Young dragon?

Great. Now the Crimson Dragon wouldn't even let me sleep.

This is vital. How important is love to you?

Love? The love of my partner turned me into who I was today, and the love of my friends kept me alive. Love had to be the most important force in the world. Well, in my world.

I see. I apologize for preventing your rest.

I addressed him directly. What was the question for?

Do not distress. Sweet dreams, young dragon.

Weird dragon. I flopped on my stomach, and my cheek pressed into the soft pillow. Being home again restored long-lost comfort. Sleep found me within minutes.

I didn't dream sweetly. A nightmare closed in on me. Purple flames like the Shadow Drone's blazed through the earth, forging a new glyph. This one took the shape of a man, his hand waving, calling, beckoning me.

Purple flames swarmed me. They spiraled closer and closer. Bright red shone, and the fire scattered. Scarlet markings lit along my limbs, and the crimson spark sizzled through my blood. My eyes glowed red and incisors extended to fangs.

In the distance, the flames surrounded another. I dashed over to find Yusei on his red duel runner trapped in the fire. I pushed the frame away from the voracious heat. The Dragon's strength combined with mine, and a final shove freed my teammate. I called, "Yusei!"

His eyes widened when they landed on me. He turned away and spoke to the darkness. "You… How could you do this? I understand to me, but how could you just leave like that?"

The images melted. I plummeted into blackness. A beating, brown heart the size of a building appeared in the sky. My spirit broke away from my body. The Crimson Dragon curled around me, bit down on my fleeting soul, and dragged it into my vessel with him.

My back hit a soft mattress. I gasped awake. The ceiling of my room in Martha's cottage was dark. A nightmare; nothing more. Violet reflected off the dark clouds outside. They formed a geoglyph like the Nazca Lines Godwin showed us. The dark sign represented the arrival of one of our sworn enemies, those who would strive for the world's destruction.

A Dark Signer.

Correct, the Crimson Dragon said. A duel between a Dark Signer and a Signer is occurring at this very moment. I must advise you to go back to sleep. I am sure the Signer will be fine.

Nope, no way was I letting the big red dragon, who constantly preached about how it was my job to protect the Signers, convince me out of doing just that. I threw off the covers and ran downstairs.

A single candle flickered on the dining table. Martha leaned on her fist. "Good evening, Rain. Crow and Yusei went chasing Dark Signers, and the rest followed. Who would have thought the end of times to be so close?"

"I'm going, too."

She sighed. "Look after yourself."

"I will. I promise."

"Funny." She chuckled. "I trust you the most when you say it. You've always told the truth. See you soon, Rain."

"Same to you," I assured. Outside, the dark sign hovered above the B. A. D. area. I had no idea if my runner was in reliable condition. I sprinted north. My stage passed by. Yusei was more important than checking on my worldly possessions.

At the edge of the B. A. D., I skidded to a halt. "What… is that?"

A massive, black monster with bright blue veins blotted out the dark sign behind it. Though it resembled the creatures outside the Arcadia Movement, its size easily doubled the dark monsters. The Crimson Dragon said, The Earthbound Immortal: the Giant. Its appearance heralds doom for the Signer.

The Dragon burst forth from within me. His wings spread wide as he soared to the wicked god. He tucked his wings against his body and dove near the ground. The Earthbound Immortal and glyph fizzled.

Red streaked the sky, and the Dragon's essence seeped back into me. I asked, "What happened?"

He was an attack away from death. I forced his duel runner to crash so he would only be damaged. Listen closely, young dragon. The Dark Signer spotted me leaving. You must run away.

"What do you mean? Yusei almost died! We have to help him!"

Listen to me! the Dragon demanded. He is coming. Run!

I ignored his warning and sprinted further into the Satellite's darkest area. I ran between garbage piles to reach the location of the crash. The roar of an engine approached. A headlight blinded me. I covered my eyes. Wheels squealed to a stop and a helmet rolled along the earth. The rider barked, "Hold it!"

I blinked several times to readjust to darkness. The blue woven through the stranger's dark cloak matched the designs of Carly and Misty's. The corners of my mouth twitched down. This was one – a real and true Dark Signer – alone with me.

And I was well and truly afraid until my sworn enemy's approach faltered. "Rain? Rain, is that you?"

My pulse skyrocketed. The way my name rolled off his tongue should only exist in my memories. He threw down his hood, and horror paralyzed me. I attempted to utter my partner's name but the words couldn't find air. Drowning would be no different. Kalin's eyes were solid black outside the hazel iris, and the glyph I had seen in the night shone purple on his arm. Dark red stained the criminal mark lining the left side of his face. Kalin rushed forward and pulled me against him. My cheek pressed against his chest, and-

His heart beat.

"Rain, I'm so glad you're okay!"

The months I'd spent miserable, lonely, mourning – he'd been alive the whole time. I shoved him off and he stumbled backwards, looking confused and hurt. I yelled, "You think you can just show up and act like everything's fine?"

Sadness laced into his distressed plea. "Why're you acting like this?"

"Y-You're a Dark Signer. I know what that means. You're here to kill Yusei!"

"Oh. You know about…" He ran his hand through his hair. The ordinary gesture struck me with how wrong everything about the moment was. It was really him, my partner, but no, it wasn't. "I'm sorry. I didn't want it to be like this. I went to the ends of the earth trying to find you. I really did. You have no idea."

"Is that supposed to matter?" I shrieked. "You want my friend dead!"

Kalin shook his head. "He only acts like your friend. He's the reason you ended up in the Facility – in the City at all and went through that shit."

"No." The word rode on my exhale. "No, that was my decision to save you. I can see now that was a mistake."

The wince I earned ordinarily would have shattered me. The sting of betrayal smothered my empathy. Kalin reached for me and said, "Look, partner, I can explain-"

I slapped his hand away and snapped, "Don't call me that. My real partner died."

I couldn't hold his stare or keep up my volume when I next spoke.

"And should have stayed that way."

I turned my back on the stranger. My shoulders shook. My anger slipped away like grains of sand in the wind. As I ran away from Kalin, my tears shone silver in the moonlight.

He called my name. I didn't turn back.