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Transcending Memories:A Bond Unsealed-Chapter 12a

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A Yu-Gi-Oh Fan-fiction
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Author's Note (January 2017) : Hello again everyone! How are you? Are you doing well? I sure hope that you are! :) Well, here I am again! It's been quite some time, hasn't it? My goodness! I truly must apologize for that... But alas, as a whole, 2016 was not a year that I will look back on, fondly. :( Mostly this was due to a number of issues in my personal life, which I won't get into here. And yet, with the start of 2017, I hope that I will not ONLY be able to devote more time to this beloved story of mine, but that I can also find my way back to many of the things I love, such as art and anime. Here's hoping at least! And hey! With the Yu-Gi-Oh movie (the English version anyway) premiering in theaters right now, I'd say that things certainly are looking up! I'm hoping that it'll prove to be an inspiration to me in regards to this work as I could use some new material to sink my teeth into! :) I also hope that you'll all wish me the best for bigger and better things in general, and as always, I'll be sure to do the same for each and every one of you! :D

So it seems that this chapter marks a landmark of sorts! Though I spoke of this briefly in the commentary for my previous chapter, this installment marks Chapter 12, which has officially moved past the original 11 chapters that I had penned so many years ago! Perhaps it sounds silly, but I see it an accomplishment in it's way, as I would often wonder if I would *ever* proceed past this number, given how long it's been already! Though I am very very far away from all that I still wish to do with this work as a whole, I like to think that if I continue my efforts, slowly but surely, that one day I can complete it, and that I can look back on this story with pride! Perhaps that sounds odd considering this is a fan-fiction, but I've poured so much time, effort and heart into this story that it would mean a great deal to me on a personal level, to do what I've always wished to. I can't say how much longer that will be, however... Another year? Two years? Ten years?! But it is something that I want to see through to the very end, if only for myself... I of course hope that I will still have an audience, if it does indeed take many more years, but what can I say? I love this work and these characters, as they've become a cherished part of me too. If you are still with me, well into the future, I truly do hope that you'll wish me the best, and please know that I do thank you for your support, from the very bottom of my heart! :)

In terms of the story itself, with the last chapter, as you of course know, I gave my poor, exhausted Teana a little time to reflect in the early part of what transpired in Chapter 11. Though I was just as sad as many of you may have been, when she chose to run away, leaving Yami behind, I did feel that it was important that she have some time to process such a heavy ordeal; especially since things will continue to spiral in this turbulent direction! Still, I hoped that I showed a little of her inner strength by having her choose to at least *try* to face her inner demons, despite her obvious terror; as well as the many mysteries of her past. I've come to realize that my Teana, despite being a previous incarnation, will never truly be Tea or Anzu in terms of her overall personality; namely due to the unique circumstances that she's endured in her own lifetime. I also hope to reveal more of the reasoning behind this, as the story unfolds, but I would like to think that this is justified further by the short flashback that I included in my last installment.

Also within that last chapter, I was happy to *finally* reintroduce Teana's parents, Djal and Ruia whom I created a long long time ago! Though I can still recall that they were only supposed to be filler characters or “plot devices,” as my best friend and sister Danni Stone and I would often joke, in time, I found them to be interesting characters in their own right, particularly Teana's father, Djal, who once received a fair amount of attention due to his profound love for his young daughter. Truth be told, I find that even I am attempting to familiarize myself with these characters again, as it truly has been quite some time! I would like to better understand their motivations, to grasp their thoughts and feelings, in the same way that I needed to reimagine Teana for this newer version of my fan-fiction. I suppose only time will tell if I can accomplish this, but I must say that it was nice to visit with the character of Djal after so many years, and I hope that introducing him in such a way has added a new layer to what is occurring with Yami and Teana in the “present day.”

Aside from Djal himself, I suppose there weren't any real “Easter Eggs,” in the last installment, other than some play on words and some foreshadowing of what's to come. I do think with this very next chapter, however, I will *finally* be able to connect newer events to some that I'd initially written; particularly where I left off in the older version of my Chapter 5! In all honesty, I was a little hesitant to re-read these prior works, for fear of utter embarrassment! :P And yet, somehow, I still feel very strongly about them, and I most certainly intend to use many of the important plot elements, with this newer version! I also know that at least at one point, there were some who wished that I'd continued with this unpolished version of the story. So I hope to find a happy medium where I can still work those elements in, but hopefully in a way that amplifies them for the better! In a nutshell, I feel that many of those concepts were rather sound, overall, however it was more so the execution of them that I wanted to restructure. I only hope that I can do that, in a way that satisfies everyone, including myself! Wish me luck and thank you again for all of your kindness, patience and your incredible support! It does and always will mean everything to me! All right then! Here I go!


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Chapter 12

        As her head lurched backward, abruptly, Teana released an audible gasp; her thoughts spiraling and disjointed! Questioning where or even when she was, she had seen a series of childhood events, flashing vividly before her. Even more disorienting, she found that her current setting was eerily similar: from the evening atmosphere, to the full moon looming overhead, to the mud-brick walls, towering from all sides! Remaining on the ground, Teana's lower vantage point only added to her uncertainty, as that inner child wanted nothing more than to call out to her father; who she would have sworn was with her mere moments ago...

        Suddenly, Teana's elbow had managed to disrupt an unsteady, propped wooden board; from a cluttered pile on her left. Falling forward, it loudly hit the ground, startling her; it's deafening noise rousing her at last!

                     *I remember...* Teana breathed; hugging her quivering knees towards her.

        Wincing, she could now feel the soreness in those legs, as well as the fresh scrapes on her back; when sliding down the wall's textured surface. Setting aside these aches and pains, she instead chose to focus solely on her new found memories.

                     *I saw Pa- My father...* She thought, stifling a whimper. *Why? Why would I remember such a thing now? What could it mean?! My father's eyes... Yami's eyes... They looked just like-!* She paused, allowing her thoughts to come together.

                     “That monster's... The one I saw in my dreams.” Teana said aloud, as if to accept that nightmarish reality. *It's what I've been running from all along! I'm sure of it! But how? How could such a thing be real?* She gulped, momentarily forcing her eyes shut. *And my father... How does he relate to this? Did something happen to-!*

        Before Teana could reflect on it further, she felt a wave of uncontrolled nausea; as her hands flew to her mouth in response!

                    *No, I can't! Not now!* She told herself, swallowing uncomfortably. *But still, I know that's not the end of it. There's more to it than that! Much more! And, I know I'll have to face it, eventually. Gods, this really is crazy! Maybe even impossible! But this thing could be the cause! The cause of everything that's happened! Should- Should I tell Yami about this?* Teana wondered, as his anguished expression flashed briefly through her mind. *Where would I start? Is it even enough to go by? I can't prove it! All I have is my word, some recurring dreams, and some fragmented-*

                    *...if there is something, anything that relates to what I have told you at all, I humbly ask that you tell me now... Please, please... I believe, or rather, I have the distinct sense...that only you can help me...*


                     *Yami...* Teana mused, placing a hand upon her heart. *If there is some truth to this, then- I can help you! We can find answers together! If- If you still want that...* She thought, remorsefully. *It's not much, I know. But it's something! And maybe that is enough! At least, I hope that it is... And then, when everything's said and done, when we're finally free of all this, I'll be able to tell you; to remind you of the time we-*

        Dismissively, Teana shook her head.


                    *I'm wasting time! I have to go back! I have to find him now!*


        Staggering to her feet, with new found determination, Teana had barely taken a step forward, when she both heard and felt the presence of someone approaching from the shadows...


                    *Yami? Is that you?* Teana thought, as her chest tightened in anticipation.


        Looking out into the distance, Teana could now see the form of a man, coming closer and closer! She watched as his footsteps stopped abruptly; those movements indicating that he was taken aback by the sight of her! Feeling the weight of his stare, he stood wordlessly, keeping his distance; lingering in an area untouched by the light of the moon.


                    *That has to be him... Why else would he-? But why is he just standing there? Is he angry? Does hate me for what I- Even if he does, I still have to try... I have to tell him, everything!* Teana reasoned, in spite of her guilt.


                    “I'm glad you're here, Yami.” Teana called in his direction. “I'm sorry about before! That I just left like- But I was just coming to find you! I remembered something! Honestly, I'm not quite sure what to make of it, but I think it's a good place to star-”


        Before Teana could finish her statement, she was both stunned and shaken by the sound of quiet laughter, coming from the figure; a voice that was as foreign, as it was menacing...


                    “So, if I were to guess, you were expecting someone else?” The man said, as he finally revealed himself.


        Stepping out from the darkness, was a somewhat older, intimidating, bearded man; one whose blatant, lustful interest in her made Teana's blood run cold! Despite the man's shabby appearance, simply glancing at his thick, bulging arms suggested that he could overpower her with ease! And along those exposed limbs were a number of deep, jagged scars; implying much more than Teana cared to know...


                    “I- I'm sorry! I didn't mean to-” Teana stuttered, nervously. “Actually, I was just leavi-”


                    “Now, now.” The man interrupted, moving quickly to block her path. “What's the rush? You made it this far... You can't back out now. I won't let you...”


                    “This far? What do you-? Y- You've got the wrong person! It's late, and I have to hurry and get back to-”


                    “Yes, it is late... Too bad you didn't listen to mommy and daddy about being out at this hour, huh little girl? But then, from what I can tell, you're not so little any more, are you?” The man breathed, as he slowly licked his lips.


        As her body's defenses were all but screaming at her to run, Teana started frantically towards her right, only to see another grisly looking man emerging! With her heartbeat quickening, she then desperately darted to her left, only to be be confronted with a third!


        Fighting off a stubborn, fearful paralysis, as she turned slightly from one direction to the next, Teana remembered that there was still another path! If she could only maneuver herself around the backward corner, past the pile of debris, she might be able to-!


        Just then, Teana felt the tight squeeze of fingers upon her left wrist; as her arm was yanked in that very direction! Yet, before she could utter a sound, Teana found herself in the grips of a fourth man, savagely latching on to her; restraining her from behind!


                    "Come on now. Why make it hard on yourself?" The bearded man taunted, as he and the others closed in on her. "You don't wanna disappoint me and my boys, do ya? Not before we get to know you better."


                    "No, please! I-!" Teana begged, toiling to break free.


                    "Heh, she's a feisty one! Isn't she? Just look at her go!" The thug who held her laughed.


        Try as she might, Teana was unable to pull away, her futile efforts only prompting her captor to tighten his grip; as he placed his entire right arm suffocatingly around her neck!


                    “Aw, is that all you've got? Don't stop now! It's more fun when you struggle!" One of the others mocked, with hungry, wandering eyes.


                    "So where'd you find this one, boss?" Asked the man to Teana's right. "The local tavern? Near the banks of the Nile?"


                    "I could hardly believe it," the bearded man replied, "but this tasty piece wandered in all by herself! Or maybe, just maybe, she was looking for a way to pass the time." He smirked, as his dirty fingers fondled Teana's face. "You can't always tell by looks, you know! Isn't that right, my little blue eyed beauty.”


                    "What did you say?!"


                    "Blue eyes?!" The men to the left and right of her gasped, bringing their faces uncomfortably close to hers.


        Likewise, the one who held Teana used his own filthy hand to cup her chin; angling her head backward so that he too could inspect her.


                    "Whoa, hey... You sure you know what you're doing, boss?" One of the men asked, taking a step backward.


                    "Women like her are nothing but trouble! She'll be the death of us! I'm telling you!" The fourth argued; his harsh, familiar words echoing in Teana's ears.


                    "Yeah! It's too risky to try and profit from this one! You know what I'm talking about! Don't you remember what happened to-"


                    "Shut your mouths! All of you! Who said anything about profit?! And if I hear that crap one more time-!" The bearded man bellowed, in annoyance. "That was years ago! Who knows what really happened?! Not a bunch of dead men! That's for sure! And besides, who gives a damn anymore...?" He then trailed. "Sooner or later the palace guards are gonna catch up to us, somehow...just like they did with the others... We'll be tortured, or who knows what else! Either way, our days are numbered! Let the white dragon strike me down, for all I care! If it even exists! And if it is over for me, for us, then I'll be sure to savor this moment, with one last thrill..." The leader breathed, seductively, turning his attention back to Teana. "Now then, come to Papa..."


        Despite the pounding in her chest, or even the flesh crawling grip of the man restraining her, Teana froze helplessly; like frightened prey staring blankly into the face of its predator! Her submissive demeanor even prompted her captor to loosen his hold, removing the arm from around her neck; feeling certain that she had exhausted her efforts. Vaguely, Teana could feel her stomach churning, sickened by the approaching man's smell, and his inappropriate, untimely pet name for her in particular... Yet, it wasn't until Teana felt his disgusting hands on her, heard the ripping of fabric near her chest... Only then did the situation dawn on her; as she felt something inside of her snap!


                    "NO!!!! Let me go!!!” Teana shrieked, fighting the men with renewed strength!


        The sudden change startling them all, it allowed her flailing legs to land a hard kick to the bearded man's side; knocking him down, instantly! And in the midst of the scuffle, Teana managed to rip one of her arms free; using it to claw and scratch at the others!


                    "Grab her! Don't let her get away!" The leader ordered, as he recovered on the ground.


                    "Stop it!! Leave me alone!!" Teana protested, as she battled on.


                    "Be quiet! I'm warning you!" A thug spat, as she slipped through his fingers again and again.


                    "YAMI!!!!!"


        Finally, the thug who had restrained Teana had had enough! Exasperated, he quickly stifled the young woman's cries, covering her entire mouth with his hand! Meanwhile, the two others scrambled to latch on to each of her arms, securing her tightly this time; until she could barely move an inch!


                    "Heh, well now!" The leader chuckled, weakly; as he slowly rose to his feet. "That was unexpected!"


                    "She's crazy! Forget about her boss!" One of the others exclaimed; panting heavily.


                    "Yeah! And did you hear?! Calling for the king's son of all people?! She's lost it!" Another growled, dabbing the fresh wound on his face.


                    "Someday my prince will come, eh?" The leader laughed again, as he ran his soiled fingers through her hair. “That's cute. Well, you've gotta dream big. I think I like you even better now."


        Beginning to sober from her bout of hysteria, a still frantic Teana could hardly breathe! She was bound so completely, that only her eyes were capable of shifting from left to right.


                     "Oh? So you are waiting for someone! Some weak boy, I'll bet. Well, just for this," the bearded man began, gesturing towards his ribs, "if he does show up, I'll kill him. And I'll make you watch."


        To Teana's horror, the man gleefully unveiled a sharpened blade from his pant's pocket; one already covered in dried blood!


                    "Now, let's try this again. Nice and slow..." The bearded man whispered; ominously reaching for her again.


                    *Yami, where are you? Please! Please, help me!* Teana thought, as she looked away.


                    "...only you can help me..."


                    *That's what he said too... Yami... He asked- Begged me to help him! And I just-*


                     “Your entire being attracts the evil eye! No! Worse yet, your very existence is an affront to the gods! I know now that the day will come when they smite you down! Just like they did your father and his hateful people!


                    *Were they right, Papa? Do I deserve this, for what I-* Teana couldn't help but wonder, as tears rolled down her cheeks. *They're going kill me... I'm dead, right after they-! Yami, I'm sorry... I wasn't able to help you after all...* Teana sobbed, as the man tore at her clothing again. *Save yourself, Yami. Forget about me! They're killers! Monsters! I don't care what happens to me, as long as you're- Stay away, Yami! Please! Stay far away!*

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Chapter 12b: Transcending Memories:A Bond Unsealed-Chapter 12b
A Yu-Gi-Oh Fan-fiction
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Author's Note (January 2017) : Hello again everyone! I just wanted to add a short message here, as size limitations were once again an issue, forcing me to divide up my chapter 12 into two parts, much like I did with some of my previous chapters.  If you haven't already, please read the first part, Chapter 12a here:
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                *Teana, please be safe!* Yami prayed, inwardly, as he scoured the deserted streets.
        With his mind racing in desperation, the young prince scanned every rounded corner, each passing alleyway! Running faster and faster, he thought of nothing but reaching the young woman; hurrying in the direction of her blood curdling scream!
        And yet, the anticipation of finding Teana inadvertently trig

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RekkaMaiden's avatar
I remember when I read this happening the first time in your original draft on fanfiction.net. Much has changed since then in regards to how we got to this point, but I'm sorta glad you kept it. This scene and the next part always felt like an important part to the story and Yami's character. Right now we're focused on Teana of course, but if things turn out somewhat like they did before, I know our handsome prince isn't too far behind. I'm curious to see what he'll do now that we know just how close to the darkness he is becoming.