Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh! GX. I own the idea.

Chapter 1 - Some Clouds

He was lying on the border of the school roof. It was already the end of the day and the sun was disappearing in the sea. The wind, a little too cold which caused the brown-haired boy shiver, was silently flying, moving the trees of the wood separating the building and the sea.

The boy closed his eyes, remembering the events of the day. 'This Johan guy... It's me!' 'Let's duel!' It was indeed a great day. The transferred students, mostly Johan Andersen, were exciting. Judai couldn't wait to duel the other three. He doubted that they would be better than Johan, the teal haired boy was the unique owner of the gem beasts after all, but he was sure that the duels would be interesting.

"Aniki! I finally found you!" The voice of Sho, the best friend of Judai interrupted his thoughts. "Everyone is already in the cafeteria, even some of the transferred students joined us. Hurry up!"

Judai nodded rising and following Sho.

"What were you thinking about, Aniki? "

"Just about today. It's great to have new friends, ne?"

"Absolutely!"

The rest of the evening passed fast. Judai was more than happy to find that Johan had joined them, along with Jim, another transferred student. He was a bit strange with Karen, a crocodile on his back, but Judai somehow managed to made friends even with her, which surprised and flattered Jim.

Already several months passed since the start of the year. The group had returned from the other dimension. Everyone learned something new from this adventure. Many changed forever, like Judai who had fused with Yubel. They went along now pretty great, even if his friends had some difficulties with accepting this. Well, it's not like they had the choice.

Judai had recovered from being Haou after some time, and returned to being nearly the exact same self that he was, always happy and enjoying the life in general and the duels in particular. Johan became an important part of the group, and was now the best friend of Judai (Sho was slightly jealous, however he understood that they were just too much alike). Everything came back in order, and nothing seemed to be willing to break this peace for now. At least it appeared so.

Judai was now planning the short holidays they had with Johan. They wanted to explore the north side of the island of the Duel Academy. Judai remembered that somewhere was a small lake, but he had no idea where exactly it was, and the two were eager to find it.

"So, tomorrow, at your dorm at 10?"

"Yes, and do not forget anything!"

"Like I would. And you, don't oversleep."

"Hmm, I'm going to try." At this moment the two started laughing. Finally, they said their goodbyes and went different sides.

Tomorrow morning, Judai was up early. He already packed his bag and was just waiting for Johan. The clock showed 9:57. Strange, Johan is usually a little bit in advance. Suddenly, his PDA signaled. Judai picked it up to read the new message. It was from Johan.

'Sorry, Judai, I can't go today, maybe some other time?'

'Sure, no problem. Something happened, you need help?'

'No, thanks. I have to go, bye.'

Well, that was strange. It had to be something serious for Johan to not be able to go today. Well, Judai will just pass by his dorm after, just to make sure that everything is alright. And for now, he could go find Sho, since he had so much free time.

Judai found Sho several minutes later, not surprisingly in the cafeteria. He was sitting with Asuka and Manjoume. The brown-haired teen couldn't hear what they were talking about, but as soon as he went closer they stopped the discussion.

"Hey, Aniki! Aren't you supposed to be with Johan?"

"Why, you don't want to see me?" Judai couldn't stop himself from teasing his friend.

"No, it's not like that! I'm just surprised to see you there, I mean you two were so waiting to go to this place!" Poor Sho completely forgot how to build normal phrases.

"I know, I know, Sho, just kidding. And, well, he said he had something to do so he couldn't come."

"That doesn't really sound like him." Asuka joined the conversation while Manjoume just hmphed and slightly turned away as if to say that their stupid problems doesn't concern him.

"Hello, Manjoume, Asuka. It is true. Well, I already decided to pass by his room after to make sure that nothing happened, but for now I have nothing to do."

"Manjoume Thunder!" Manjoume corrected for something like the hundredth time Judai. The last one just smiled in response.

"I'm also left alone today, we can hang out together! Asuka says she want to study, Manjoume will just stalk her," at this moment Sho earned a punch in the head from Manjoume which he completely ignored in favor to continue, "Kenzan is spending time with Karen and Jim and finally Fubuki tries to survive with all of his fangirls."

Sho was more than happy, finally Judai would spend time with him and not Johan! Judai happily agreed and went to take a portion of breakfast before sitting across Asuka and Manjoume who was currently trying (and remarkably failing) to gain Asuka's attention with a story of another victory he obtained in duel. Judai was listening to them, for once silent. Sho looked at him worried. He was going to ask something but the door in the cafeteria opened at this moment.

"Hey everyone, Aniki!" Tyrano Kenzan sounded surprised at the last part. He went to sit by the other side of Judai.

"Hello Kenzan. Johan couldn't make it so yes I'm here." Judai explained. The others also greeted Kenzan.

Judai soon finished eating and he and Sho went outside. "So, what do you want to do, we have all day?" Sho asked.

"Doesn't matter, as soon as it is fun!"

Sho couldn't help but laugh. He missed the happiness without any reason of Judai.

They spent the day dueling, walking outside and other. At some point, Judai told Sho to wait a little. He visited Johan, but the door to his room was closed. No light was coming from inside, so Judai made a conclusion that Johan wasn't at home. He would just return tomorrow. He just hoped that nothing serious happened. If something would really have happened, he would have told me. With those thoughts Judai went back to Sho and soon forgot all about Johan.

A day later.

Judai woke up a little past eleven. Sho was sleeping in the bed above him. Yesterday they were too tired and Sho decided that he didn't want to walk all the way to the blue dorm. Judai woke Sho (he was already surprised that Sho could sleep more than him) and they headed to the cafeteria. Asuka, Kenzan and for once Fubuki were still there. And also, Johan. Kenzan was eating and listening to a heated conversation between Asuka and her brother. Johan was just sitting supposedly ignoring everyone and everything.

"Good morning. Fubuki, what are you doing there, your fangirls are still sleeping? And where is Manjoume?"

Judai sat with Johan and tried to gain the attention of everyone. Johan only nodded, as did Kenzan with an annoyed expression addressed to the Tenjoin brother and sister. Asuka replied,

"This idiot is here because he thinks that it is okay to ditch all of his promises and to hide himself from his fangirls. Manjoume said something about 'showing another student where is his place', I kind of feel sorry for this student." Judai agreed, Manjoume still was acting like he owned all this place and only Asuka could put him in place.

Then Fubuki said something to Asuka which caused her to turn around and start to yell at him. Judai turned back to Johan.

"Hey, what happened yesterday? I wanted to come help, but you weren't in your dorm."

"Nobody said you I needed help. I just decided to do something else." Johan harshly replied.

But we were planning this day forever! Judai couldn't understand his best friend. But instead of saying what he had on his mind, he asked "What did you do?"

"Nothing special."

Now that was unlike Johan. He would never say something harsh to anyone, let alone Judai. He was about to say something, but Johan quickly interrupted him. "Just leave me alone, would you?" This said, he got up and leaved the cafeteria, leaving Judai staring at his back.

"Wow he sure isn't in the mood today."

Judai turned back to see that Kenzan was also staring in the direction of where Johan left.

"Yeah, it seems like it."

He agreed. He was now tearing apart at the choice: go after Johan, after all something clearly happened, or just stay here as he asked. Finally, Judai decided to stay and finish his breakfast.

The day went on as usual. Well, as it was usual before Johan came to the island. Judai just understood that he was spending 99% of his time with the teal haired boy. He couldn't complain, it was now so natural that Judai sometimes nearly called for Johan before remembering that he wasn't there. However, he didn't have much time to be sad about his absence. Sho intended to recover all the missed time with Judai so he didn't let go of him for all day. Later, Kenzan and Asuka joined them. At those moments, Judai remembered what life was before everything happened, before Johan arrived, before Yubel, the Darkness and other enemies appeared. Before he became Haou.

"Judai, what are you thinking about?"

The said spirit interrupted his thoughts. He was now back at his dorm, ready to sleep, but instead in deep thinking. Unusual state for Judai, could you say, yes, but not for this one.

"Just remembering the past. It's strange to think that before I didn't even know that you exist."

"You knew, just didn't remember. But it's true, your life had changed."

"Same thing!" Judai grinned sheepishly. After all, he had to keep his carefree mind, first for himself and second for Sho and the others. It was enough that he avoided them the first days after his return from the dark world. Fortunately, Johan found him to have a talk, which helped him much.

Johan. What was he up to? He was acting strange since yesterday morning. The evening before, he was just fine.

Wait, a sudden change like that. What if the cause isn't Johan, but somebody else? The magic can change the character of a person, ne? Like the Light of Destruction did with Saiou and nearly everyone in the school. It was too soon to skip to conclusions, but the idea wasn't impossible. Not at all. It was even likely. Even more so if we remember that Johan was already used to attract Judai.

"Now it's not just something about the past. Your expression is way too serious."

"True. I was thinking about Johan."

"He wasn't with you all this time, did something happen?"

"Like you don't know. Don't try to make me believe that you give me some privacy, I know that you're watching me non-stop. And, hey, it's not a bad thing, there must be at least someone that would watch me, cause I'm not always doing this right."

Yubel sighed without saying anything. She didn't have to. They already had this talk before, and both knew each other too well to argue.

"And about Johan. I'm not sure, but I think that there might be someone up to this. He's acting way too strange for himself, so I wouldn't be surprised if a force caused this change, like the Light of Destruction once did."

"It is a possibility. You have to be cautious, and don't jump to conclusion. But, if there really is something like you say, then it is very smart to control with such ability people. And probably very strong."

"Yeah, I know. First, we have to make sure that he's controlled and not just in bad mood because of some jerks that tried to steal his food!"

"You know it's only you who would be in such bad mood because of that."

Judai just shrugged. He was doing well his role of the ancient himself, at least he thought so. And it was not Yubel who should scold him for this. Anyone but her.

Several days has passed.

Judai spent those days hanging with Sho and others. He practically hasn't talked to Johan, except for 'hello' and 'bye' which they exchanged when they met accidentally in the hallways of the school. Well, it wasn't really accidentally. Since the school started (the weekend, even if longer than usual, was still way too short in Judai's opinion) Judai was silently stalking his best friend. He was trying to see if there were some other changes in him that could lead him to discover what was wrong with him. After the way Johan talked with him since that morning, Judai was 99% sure that some unknown force possessed Johan. But to his surprise, other than their relationship, nothing seemed to change in Johan. He was like a mini version of Judai himself, always laughing and always eager to have a duel. While watching some duels Johan had, Judai noticed that his strategy hasn't changed, his deck also didn't. Johan was still speaking with his spirits who also didn't look any way different. Of course, he gained some faces from his opponents who were clearly thinking that the teal haired duelist was crazy to speak with holograms, but that was something both Judai and Johan were used to.

Judai was currently in the classroom for once not sleeping, but still not paying Chronos any attention. He was busy with trying to break his head with the desk below him, or maybe the contrary, to break the desk. Either way, he wanted to break something, because he was annoyed that his 'research' didn't gave him any results.

It just didn't make any sense.

Bang.

He was totally normal one day and the next he ignored him totally.

Bang.

And while not with Judai he acts perfectly normal.

Bang.

"Judai, stop this."

Hearing Yubel didn't help. If something, it just stimulated Judai who didn't miss the amusement in her voice, if not giggling. Looking around him, he saw that nearly everyone in the class was silently laughing at him. The few who didn't were Manjoume (sitting with a look 'why does everyone looks at this slacker if the great I am here'), Asuka (sighing and putting a hand on her head as if it started to throb thanks to Judai), Sho (apparently was trying to stop Judai from harming himself but abandoned after failing sometimes) and finally Johan (now sitting at the other end of class, just ignoring Judai and his friends).

"Yuki Judai, at least while you were sleeping, you didn't attract the attention of the rest of the class, na no ne."

Chronos was now staying right in front of Judai. Judai sighed, getting himself ready to get another retention and mumbled some excuses. To his surprise, the punishment never came. Chronos just said, "Don't start this again." and went back to talk about some new strategies that could be used in a tag duel. The rest of the class also turned and pretended to pay attention to the teacher. Judai chased from his mind the rests of his thoughts about Johan, and soon fell asleep on his desk. Unaware of Sho who tried to wake him as a tradition, he dreamed of his cards until the bell signaling the end of the class and of the school day waked him.

Later that day, Judai was still stalking Johan. He wasn't going to give up until he obtained some answers, from his observations or from Johan himself. Yubel didn't really agreed with this plan, but it's not like they had a choice. So Judai followed Johan in the wood in the east area of the island, near to the blue dorm.

'Why is he going there? There's nothing special, only a small cliff.'

Johan went to the border of this cliff. The area there was empty of trees. The closer one was some meters away from the border. Judai went to hide behind it when he heard Johan talking. Was he talking with the Gem beasts?

"Judai, come out, I know that you're here."

Oops, clearly not the Gem beasts. Judai reduced the distance between himself and Johan, while grinning sheepishly as always.

"Ha, I guess I'm pretty bad at hiding, ne?"

"Why were you stalking me for the past week?"

Johan didn't even smile.

"I was worried about you. You seemed to have some problems."

It was no use to say him that he was maybe controlled. As showed the precedent experiences, possessed people tended to ignore all the changes or to take it as totally normal, and even better for themselves.

"I already said you that I didn't need help, not from you."

"But why? Everything was okay, why did you change?"

"Who said that everything was okay? It wasn't! It was never okay. I repeat it to you another time, maybe now you will understand: leave me alone."

Now Johan seemed to be angry, for an unknown to Judai reason.

"Just say me why!"

Judai was also nearly shouting now, Johan's attitude for the past days getting on his nerve.

"Because I'm tired of you!"

Seeing that Judai was taken aback by this exclamation, Johan continued.

"You're just a shame, always asleep or eating, never thinking about anything but yourself. I don't want you in my life, so please just leave me alone and don't try to stalk me like you did. Our friendship is ended, got it?"

Judai was staring with wide eyes at Johan, letting his words sink in his mind. Tired of me... Friendship... is ended?

"Johan..." Judai had to retain his voice from shaking. He made a step back and bowed his head. His hair fell on his face, hiding it from view. He heard steps. Johan was gone. Judai wearily sat down on the grass without lifting his head.

"Yubel... It is true, ne"

He called silently, but it was enough for the spirit to hear. She appeared beside him, with her mood somewhere in the middle of confused and sad.

"Might be. I'm sorry Judai. Demo, you had such strong bonds, even I couldn't break them. They couldn't have disappeared in-"

"It's enough, Yubel. These bonds, probably they were never there. I just wanted them to exist, that's why there was a connection between us. But it was just an illusion."

"But, Judai, only expectations couldn't be so strong. There had to be something true. Remember how he was able to save you, and how you were able to reach his soul in the Rainbow Dragon! It wouldn't have happened if you two didn't had a bond!"

It was a little hard for Yubel to speak about it. She had to admit, she was jealous of the bond they shared. But Judai was more important than her jealousy.

The last one was thinking about her words. There was truth in what Yubel said, Judai couldn't deny it. But, the facts were still facts, and now they were that Judai and Johan did not share any bond. And since Judai was sure that if there had been any, they wouldn't just disappear, the theoretically only conclusion was that these bonds didn't existed at all.

Judai shook his head and tried to smile. Yubel wasn't sure if this could be called a smile, but it was a great effort nonetheless. The brown-haired duelist raised, shielding himself with his arms. He couldn't afford to let emotions take control of him. He already did it once, and it had taken too much to bring him back. He had to be strong and face the truth, even if it was that Johan simply didn't want to be his friend.

"I think we can at least make the conclusion that he's not possessed."

"Yeah. A possessed person would never be so-"

"So unchanged? I could have understood it before, right after I saw him talk with the Gem beasts. They would know if something happened."

"What are you going to do now?"

"Nothing? There's nothing I can do, just continue my life. And try to forget him. I still have you, and I know that you won't leave me, even if you wanted to."

Of course, the last part was a joke. They both knew that they were inseparable. Not even time could break their bond. Not even death.

"Aniki! Aniki! Wake up, we're already late!"

"Ah, Sho, if we are late, why can't we be late for five more minutes?" Groaned Judai and covered himself with the blanket. Sho pulled them the next second, trying to convince his friend to rise. No results.

"Well, okay then, I'll see you later!"

Irritated, Sho left, slamming the door after him.

"Kuri Kuri?" The brown ball of fur, Kuriboh, appeared next to the sleeping (trying to) form of Judai.

"I don't know, Kuriboh. Eh, Sho, why are you so agitated, translating from Kuriboh?"

"Kuri kuri!"

Judai lifted himself, looking around him with a bewildered expression.

"He really leaved already?

"Kuri!" This time Kuriboh sounded annoyed and sad at the same time. Judai sighed.

"Guess I have to catch him up."

Judai saw Sho only in class. He was once again scolded by Chronos for being late, and, as soon as the teacher finished, he went to Sho's side.

"Hey Sho, I'm sorry for today. Seems like I was too sleepy."

Sho just nodded on answer. Judai pulled out his books. While turning, he glanced at Johan. The teal haired boy was silently talking with Ruby, which only Judai and Manjoume could see. The last one was currently arguing with someone, so Johan wasn't in danger of being denounced to the teacher (because Manjoume had already did this more than once to both Judai and Johan). Judai sighed and leaned his head on the desk. The class was so boring, but he wasn't able to fall asleep, for some unknown reason.

Talking (more like thinking) about Johan, wasn't Sho also acting strange? Judai suddenly became very worried. What if Sho thought the same? What if it was all true? Was he really so boring and just a shame, a burden?

He then remembered this morning. The way he acted, and the way Sho reacted. It was...

It was as if Sho didn't wanted to wake him. As if Sho was just doing it because he was feeling obliged to.

Was Sho also going to leave him soon? As did Johan? It sure seemed so. But why? Judai didn't, couldn't understand. But he was now a little afraid. Of course, it was nowhere near to their death, but he was losing his friends, the most important thing he had.

The most important... What if his spirits also left him? The Elemental Heroes, Neo Spacians, Kuriboh? Yubel?

No, this couldn't be. Even if everyone else would leave him, they would stay. They had stayed with him even during the dark world, when everyone else turned away. They would be with him forever.

As if to prove his thoughts, a small 'Kuri' came from his left. Judai smiled to Kuriboh, and nodded to say that everything was okay.

"Kuri?"

Yes, it really was. Maybe not the best, but it was okay. He would learn to live without Sho... and without Johan.

"Sho, is everything okay?"

Judai decided to affront him right after the class. They had a little pause before the next one, the perfect moment. Everyone else already went ahead, leaving the two duelists alone.

"Yeah, why are you asking?" Sho picked up his last book and turned to look Judai in the eyes.

"You seem to be mad at me." The brown-haired teen went straight to the point. Sho looked for a second surprised but quickly put on a neutral mask.

"Yes, I am. Why do you ask?"

It was Judai's turn to be surprised.

"Why do I ask? Because I'm concerned. I don't want you to be mad at me. We are good friends, so of course I care about what you think."

"Do you really? Am I seriously a good friend to you? You know, the last several months it didn't seem so."

This Sho said already from the door, and right after he left Judai alone in the classroom. Judai leaned to the closest wall. It didn't seem so. First Johan then Sho. His two bests friends left him. And they both had their reasons. And Judai couldn't allow himself to think that their reasons were foolish. They were totally justified, making him the biggest fool there.

"Aren't you going to get him?"

The slightly cold voice of Yubel interrupted his thoughts.

"No, I won't. He is right. I did abandon him the past months."

"Even if so, he hasn't said that he is going away, he just said that he had doubts."

"Yubel... He will say no to me, as did Johan, and they will be both right. They have their reasons."

"Judai-"

"I know you're mad at me for not doing anything. But, please, understand that I can do nothing. They choose their own lives."

The spirit form of Yubel appeared next to Judai. She didn't like to see him so sad and powerless. Before, they always had an enemy to beat and everything was coming back to normal. However now, there was no enemy. Only normal people that make choices. Stupid people that makes wrong choices, added Yubel. She then hugged Judai, as much as it was possible with her being a spirit, and whispered in Judai's ear.

"I'm not mad. I just don't want to see you to give up. So, please, promise me that you won't. You can accomplish miracles, I know it, so keep trying."

The chocolate brown eyes widened slightly, and then closed. Judai closed his arms around his most cherished spirit and smiled a little. She was right. He couldn't give up. Sho haven't said anything about stopping the friendship, and Judai had now the intention of making sure that he never will.

"Okay, so, what does Sho likes?"

"You don't know? Really?"

"Well, he likes dueling, and..."

"Judai, he likes spending time with you and he's upset because before you were always with Johan. So, you have to make sure that he won't ever feel abandoned."

"Exactly! Then I have to find him and be myself, right?"

It was now the evening; the classes were finished and Judai walked slowly on the path from Duel Academy to his dorm. Nobody, except Johan, Sho and Rei took this path, but the three weren't there, so Judai could talk to Yubel without being caught.

"Do you know where to find him?"

"He's probably in the Blue dorm."

On these words Judai turned around and started running in the other direction. Soon he reached the building painted on blue, and was already heading inside. He quickly ran on the stairs, nearly colliding with some students, and reached the not so known door. They used to spend time mostly in the Red dorm, for there were less people, so Judai didn't know well this place. But he remembered which room was now Sho's. So, he knocked on the door, waiting for an answer.

"It's open!" The high voice of Sho cried. Then, another voice joined but too quiet for Judai to recognize it or to understand what it was saying. He then opened hesitantly the door, wondering who was the owner of he second voice. He first saw Sho sitting on the edge of the bed. Opening the door more and finally walking in, he saw, to his surprise, that the second person in the room was no one else but Johan. He was sitting on the floor, in front of Sho and back to Judai, but the spiked teal hair gave out his identity. Whatever it was they were talking about, they stopped as soon as Sho saw Judai. The smaller one waved a hand to Johan as if to say stop, and stared for some seconds at Judai with a blank look on his face. Then, since no one dared to say something, he made an annoyed expression and turned back to Johan, who didn't even bother to look at the door. Judai stood in the doorway for some seconds frozen, a little under the shock of seeing Johan there. After all he haven't saw him for a week now and he didn't remembered Johan and Sho becoming such good friends. But, considering all the unusual things that happened, he couldn't really be surprised about seeing two of his (ex?) best friends together. Nodding at his thoughts, he finally broke the awkward silence in he room.

"Hey, Sho. Johan, wasn't expecting to see you there. Am I interrupting something?"

That didn't really sound like Judai, but it was too late to change anything.

"Yes, you are." Sho haven't even lifted his head. Johan refused to show any reaction. The unusual harshness in the voice of Sho had slightly taken Judai back.

"Well, sorry then, I'll come back later."

Sho sighed annoyingly but didn't reply. Taking this as an affirmative answer, Judai slowly walked outside of the room, glancing one last time at the two before closing the door.

Outside, he leaned on the said door, trying to calm himself. Just when he was about to stand, he heard muffled laughter from the room. This gave him a little feeling of sadness that however grew quickly in something near despair, with an after taste of anger.

'Okay, that really didn't go well. Just, why was I so hesitant? Oh yeah, Johan was there. And what?'

"You're afraid of him."

'Right in the middle. Wait, what?!'

Judai was so absorbed in himself that he didn't even noticed first that Yubel added in herself in his monologue. Then, another realization hit him. He started quietly for not letting anyone else, especially the two behind the door hear him.

"You can read my-"

"No, it was just evident that you would think of that. Plus, your facial expression is not always impenetrable."

The spirit interrupted Judai, knowing what he was about to ask. Judai smiled sheepishly, but that smile quickly faltered when he remembered what he was thinking about. Yubel didn't missed that, but choose to scold Judai instead of comforting. After all, he really did mess up.

They both talked for a while, Judai always keeping his voice low, but the sound of another burst of laughter coming from the (Judai would soon start to hate it) door made Judai quickly leave, afraid that they would find out he was still there and think he was trying to eavesdrop. Once outside, he gave himself a punch in the head. It was for not being himself.

"Since when do I care what other people think about me?"

Yubel snickered at that silently. She was highly amused by all this situation. Being the sadistic semi-optimist, she was, the spirit was sure that the situation would be soon resolved and was just taking pleasure in watching the frustrated Judai. Of course, she was a bit worried about him, after the dark world the theme of friendship became a touchy subject, yet she persuaded herself that everything would be alright. Because it would be, right?

Judai promised himself that he would come back in few hours and would get to talk to Sho, regardless if Johan would be there. He had to apologize, and the chances that Sho would listen were big, according to his knowledge of Sho's character. Furthermore, maybe, if Johan would still be there and would hear him, he might reconsider what he said earlier. Two bunnies with one shot. Okay, it was maybe a little too much to expect for, but everyone had the right to dream sometimes.

However, the reality had a very annoying tradition to break those dreams, preferably with some explosions. This time wasn't an exception. Judai, full of resignation, ready to take down everyone and everything that would dare to stand between him and Sho, tripped on the biggest obstacle possible.

First, everything seemed to go well. Johan was still in Sho's room, but this time his indifference hasn't stopped Judai. Sho seemed annoyed like the first time and hoped that Judai would finally go away, but seeing him understood that the only way to get him off would be to do what he wanted. And that meant listen to him. So Sho let Judai in, even proposed to take the chair on the desk. Judai nervously glanced at Johan, thinking about how he would take the speech that Judai was about to give, but the teal haired teen was (as always) sitting back to him. Judai was ready to bet his life that it was not a coincidence.

Finding his back not the most interesting thing in the room (maybe), Judai returned his stare to Show who was waiting for Judai to start. Then, another thing hit Judai. What would he say? He hasn't prepared any speech, he just knew that he had to talk with Sho and apologize for ignoring him for some months. At that thought, he winced remembering how Johan was ignoring him. Was that how Sho felt?

"So, you wanted to talk with me. About what?"

Sho started the conversation seeing that Judai was once more lost in his thoughts, which was happening more and more often.

"Yeah, in fact, I wanted to say sorry for the past months."

Sho curiously lifted an eyebrow.

"When I was pretty much ignoring you all days long."

"Ah, that." Sho said it calmly as if talking about another fight that Manjoume had gotten himself into. Hearing that, Judai incredibly looked at his friend. He was waiting for Sho to be at least slightly mad or upset, but to accept it so calmly...

"Yes, and I wanted to make it up to you. I-"

He was about to continue, but Sho interrupted him by waving a hand dismissively.

"Nah, don't bother." He said with still the same expression.

That's when the things started to go bad. Judai looked at Sho even more intensely, having a bad feeling about this.

"What do you mean, don't bother?"

"I mean you don't have to make up, I'm not interested. Is that all you wanted to say?"

That was a clear indication to leave, but Judai just ignored it and instead tried to pull details.

"Why, I mean, what happened, why aren't you interested, what do you mean?"

"He means that you're not his friend anymore. What were you thinking? Right after I go away, you try to pretend that it's not your fault by going to the second person that you were close to? That's plain stupid. You changed much, Judai."

Johan, until now quiet finally said something. However, what he said was the least Judai waited for. He said that without turning, but with the tone of his voice, Judai could imagine the smirk on his lips as he was saying that. In his imagination, that really didn't look well on Johan's face. The words made him froze, second time already today. He turned back to Sho, hoping that he would counter those, but the smaller one just stared on the floor, avoiding looking Judai in the eyes. This was enough as confirmation. Judai lifted himself and went outside, without stopping even to say bye. He was breaking.

Judai: 0, reality: 2.

Ok. So maybe he was exaggerating a little too much. But, even if he logically understood that, he still had a strange melancholy and sadness somewhere deep in his heart. Even Yubel couldn't pinpoint exactly the source of it. The whole situation could in fact be funny. It's hard to imagine that normal people, after everything that they became through would just separate like that. For no apparent reason. However, those things happen everywhere. Nothing too special. Just humans.

Judai tried to act as if nothing happened. It was hard since he was used from his first day at the Duel Academia to the easily recognizable voice of Sho crying "Aniki!" nonstop. But, at the same time, he had now tons of free time to spend with the remaining of his friends and also, which delighted Yubel, with his deck and Yubel. This routine maintained for some days. Some days of peace before everything (again) fell apart.

First, the situation was recalling the previous two. It always started the same. Everything was normal, and then, from one day to another, the person changed. First Manjoume, then Asuka, followed by Kenzan and even Rei who before clung to Judai always, they all started to avoid Judai. No explanations were made by any of them. If Judai tried to approach them (which he did more of interest than hope), they would eventually snap and yell at him to go away. By the end of the month, Judai was left alone, save for Yubel. He would then spend most of the time walking in the forest talking to his spirits or just staring in the sky. Yubel was worried for him, but sadly could not find anything to do to help him except just being here. But it was already something, for which Judai felt very grateful.

However, the situation evaluated. From the few minutes between the ringing of the bell and Judai falling asleep, he saw that his group of (ex) friends now gathered together. From the first sight, he could see that the leader was Johan. Everyone else surrounded him as soon as they had the chance (Rei was now clinging to him instead of Judai). Judai was watching them talking and laughing, and couldn't decide if he wanted to join them or if he was just happy to see them like this. He still couldn't understand why they left and the melancholic feeling never truly went away. 'Guess I just need time...'

No amount of time or resignation could prepare him for the following. The newly formed group now started paying some attention to Judai but not in a very friendly manner. To make it short, they started bullying Judai. The last one, being usually the center of a big group never had to deal with such problems, no to mention from the people that were the closest to him. First, he even though that some accidents were just coincidences, but Sho telling some big guys that Judai hurt him (How did they even believed him?) left him with no other choice than accept it. Judai tried to find out why the sudden change in their behavior. As expected, he was left with no answer, but instead a ruined uniform that he had to change back to his dorm which in turn made him late to class. Strangely, the teachers also changed their behavior to Judai. They were either indifferent to him or overly mean.

But that wasn't the worst. The worst was to come from his former best friend. Johan, as the leader of the group surely did his job of bullying well. He cornered Judai as soon as possible, without letting him a chance to escape.

Judai honestly could get rid of him and everyone else as soon as he would want to. Yubel, highly furious, and frustrated with Judai who didn't let her out was ready at any time to kill them all, or at least to brainwash them enough for them to forget even how to they were supposed to breathe. Judai perfectly understood that, and that was why he did not let her even when he was beaten, which happened one or two times before he started to take more secret paths to go to school. He was too bound to the happy past, and he knew that. But let it all be as it was.

"Judai, where are we going?" Yubel asked seeing that they went the other side of the path they usually took.

"Don't really know. Does it matter?" Judai replied, staring straight in front of him.

"You're skipping class?"

"Yup. There's not much left anyways. Another half year and we can go travel as we wanted!" Judai smiled as he became a little excited thinking about the future with some more adventures. Still, there was something off in his features.

"Judai, you don't look truly happy. There's something that's bugging you, ne?" Yubel didn't missed it.

"Just this melancholic feeling. I think it will pass as soon as I will leave this place though."

No point in hiding something from Yubel, she would find out eventually anyway.

"Is that why you haven't gone to school?"

"Yes, just wanted a break from it."

'Was it so strong?' Yubel wondered, a little worried.

Suddenly, a sharp cry teared her from her thoughts. Immediately appearing beside Judai she prepared herself to defeat whatever could be danger to her beloved. But a glance to her side was enough for her to run to Judai who was now lying on the ground clutching his chest. Another cry of pain escaped him, and he curled more into himself. Yubel, terrified, knelt to him, trying to pray his hands off to see what was hurting him so much.

"Judai! Judai, answer me! What happened?!"

She didn't receive a reply, if not counting the small whining. Judai was now shaking terribly. Yubel finally managed to remove his hands and gasped when she saw... nothing. She was waiting for a huge gash, a bleeding cut or at least tainted in red shirt. But Judai seemed perfectly fine, excluding the shaking and cries.

"Yu-bel... It's... bur-ning."

He managed to say through his clenched teeth. She looked at him for another second, when she finally understood what she had to do. The second after, she disappeared, or more accurately returned inside of Judai's soul and mind where the problem was. Inside, she looked around. They were in the part of Judai's mind with an infinity of mirrors with all the people who was important to him. She smiled when she saw the closest and the biggest one with an image of herself, but then gasped as she saw the others.

The major part was shattered to the point where the image could be hardly identified. The faces were blurred and transparent. She closed the distance between herself and another big mirror, which contained, she guessed by the teal and purple blur, the image of Johan. Numerous cracks were going through this mirror, concentrating in the center. It was surprising that the mirror still hasn't broken. Looking at other mirrors around, Yubel noticed something else. All the place was surrounded by a thick fog that seemed to envelop everything in this place.

"Yubel?" A small call interrupted her examination of surroundings. It was the voice of Judai, of that she was sure, but something was wrong. The voice was too calm considering what just happened. However, Yubel couldn't help but feel somewhat relieved to hear his voice normal. She turned toward the source and prepared to hug her beloved, but he stopped her before she could do it.

"What are you doing here?" He looked at her, eyes determined.

"Judai, thank Ra, you are okay."

"Huh? Of course, I am. But you haven't answered. What are you doing here?"

"I came to help you. Back in the forest, you were..."

"It was nothing serious. You can leave now."

The last phrase was said with pressure, more like an order than affirmation. This detail persuaded Yubel that something was indeed wrong. She tensed slightly, and started.

"Judai, are you sure that everything is normal?"

"Yes, why wouldn't it be? I told you, I'm okay so you can go now."

"And what with those mirrors? What is happening there?"

She waved her arm at the surrounding remaining of mirrors. Judai watched her with an annoyed look, slowly transforming into anger.

"It's just broken mirrors that I'll have to change. Everything there is just trash that need to be gotten rid of."

On these words he smirked and pointed behind the spirit. Yubel turned around and froze watching as her own mirror, until now the only one untouched, had now a crack running through it in the center.

'It can't be. Judai wouldn't want to do this. Our bond is much stronger than this sickness, whatever it is.'

The persuading didn't do much good. The proof was just in front of her, with now a second crack crossing the first one. She turned back to Judai who was now grinning ear to ear, but somewhat sadly.

"Sorry, Yubel. I don't want it all anymore."

"What... What are you talking about Judai? Come on, let's go back, everything will be alright."

"You won't understand. You always had your love for me. You don't know how it is to see that others just disappear."

"But you too have our love! Don't you dare to abandon it after all we went through!"

"Yes, I have it. But," He looked at her and shook his head, "it's not enough."

Crack!

The sound of small pieces of the glass falling on the pitch-black floor of this space made Yubel feel very weak. She remembered with what determination Judai affronted her to save Johan. How he suffered when he though that everyone was dead. He was right. She wasn't enough for him. Maybe the most important, but still not enough. She turned around to see the rests of her mirror. It was now also surrounded by the fog, and her reflection was hardly recognizable.

"Then let me go with you."

For they both had already succumbed to the darkness. It didn't matter for her, as long as she would be with him.

"No." Judai answered faster than necessary. Then added. "You can't go with me. No one can." He started to laugh. "There's no place for anyone! There cannot be anyone else!"

That wasn't the darkness she knew. It wasn't the Judai, nor Haou she knew. It wasn't even the Light of Destruction that she would have recognized. It was some other energy, simultaneously of all colors and none, without any form or definition.

The white fog suddenly exploded, taking everything in him and losing any similarities with whatever real. It renewed her attention, Yubel was now ready to fight. Her main purpose was after all to protect Judai, and this force seemingly wanted to harm him.

However, Yubel felt so weak. She could hardly even move her arm. How did she let the situation evolve to a critic point like this? How did she miss that there was something wrong? What she could do now? Could she do something?

"It's too late! I don't need anymore anyone! I'm free at last!"

The last phrase he screamed, laughing and ignoring Yubel.

"I won't leave anyone! I will show them all the freedom that is so close!"

That wasn't Judai at all! Yubel nervously looked around trying to find something that could help her, but all she could see was a multitude of colours, more or less dense at some spots. It was where the mirrors were. Looking at the condensed form of energy just behind her, she suddenly had an idea. If her soul was one with the soul of Judai's, then she could try to wake him up. If the person she was seeing really was not Judai, when he would wake he would automatically restore this place and her strength. The possessing thing, whatever it is, would have to retreat and liberate the soul and mind of Judai.

This decided, Yubel started to immerse in herself, trying to find the unbreakable bond between Judai and herself. Her soul, forever linked with Judai's. She closed her eyes, letting the unidentified energy close itself around her spirit form. The weakness immediately increased, but she ignored it in favor of searching a way to Judai from inside. It was now just in front of her, a bright light, blinding and masking all the details. Yubel sent her remaining forces in it, feeling them sucked inside momentarily. It was now asking for more, taking more than Yubel had. She gathered everything that was left and gave herself in it, letting her form and soul transform little by little in pure energy and disappear.

"Judai, come back." She whispered.

She wasn't afraid. Even if her soul would be devoured by Judai, if it would save him, she would willingly sacrifice it.

A last glimpse of green and orange pierced the surrounds, before it disappeared in a flash of white.