This is an AU story where Akiza and Yusei are grown and are just now meeting sort of.

A woman wearing a long white coat and wearing her red hair in a tight bun rushed down the corridors of the white hospital.

"Doctor Izinski to the emergency room…"

Akiza couldn't really hear the rest of the page as she only concentrated in not running into other nurses and doctors. She wanted to curse herself for wearing heels today of all days. The one day she lost her shoes and opted to wear little black heels. She had half a mind to take them off and carry them in her hands, but knew it would be very unsanitary.

She made it to the room in five minutes, which was not her best time she blamed those stupid heels. She walked in to a room with two nurses, a teal haired teenage boy and a similar teal haired teenage girl lying on a bed.

She shooed the nurses away and checked the girl's stats, listened to her heart and wrote in a folder. She opened her eyes and shone the small light in her eyes.

"Doc is she gonna be ok?" The teal haired boy whimpered. It pulled at her heart strings, but she had to keep her emotionless mask.

"What was the last thing that- "

"We were dueling and her eyes just went vacant and she fell god it sounded so…I was so scared." He looked at her, eyes red and swollen with tears. She felt awful, because she was enjoying the pain. She supposed that's why she became a doctor to hide the fact she reveled in pain.

"Ok I'll just check up on her later I- "

"Can you please stay…at least for a little while?"

"Um okay let me just uh check something." She didn't know what surprised her the most. The fact she was willing to stay or the fact she couldn't admit it. She touched the girl's wrist and her sight was filled with light. She saw flashes of animals and mystical land and she saw the girl smiling and dancing.

She pulled back and stumbled a little bit. Her arm burned and she cowered out of the room out quickly. She walked into the mailroom and sighed as the pain went away. She walked over to her cubby and checked her mail. She was surprised to see an unmarked envelope.

She thought about throwing it out, but she ripped it open to read it.

Dear Doctor Izinski,

It is my privilege to invite you to….

…. Neo Domino City transfer taken care of

…. research project and partner Doctor Fudo and team … sponsored by Goodwin….

RVSP

Sure the letter was much more in depth and lengthy, but those were the only words she could concentrate on.

"Aki! Aki I heard the good news oh my lawdy I'm so proud of you cher!" Akiza sighed as she greeted the only girl who even bothered to speak to her. Ana Luna the strangest, but kindest person she had ever meet.

"Oomph Ana! How is it that you know when I literally just found out?!"Akiza gasped out as the tan Mexican-American residential student hugged her. That girl was the closest thing to a sister she would ever have. She was also rumored to be involved with the underground world causing the rest of the hospital to avoid her.

"Ok so you know Kyle right the orderly aka my GMFF (Greatest Music Friend Forever)? Well he heard one of the higher ups say some uppity stuff you know how they are totally jello that you young, beautiful Akiza is like the shit around here- "

"Ana!"

"What it's true! Anyway they were pissy about some giant research project promotion position failed them as applicants' yada yada- "

"That doesn't even make sense."

"Whatever you know what I mean. Anyway they said Goodwin was forming some alpha team thing and only the best of the best would be invited and you know since Germany is probably the home of the greatest doctor- that's you by the way- I figured you got it unless you didn't then never mind." Ana was a very strange compulsive woman, but Akiza loved it and so did everyone else in the hospital.

Her ability to understand everyone and be so unique and kind warmed even the coldest of hearts and she was going to miss her.

"Look Aki I love you- not in a lesbian kind of way but you know like a sister even though we aren't related kind of way. Anyhow I'm not gonna lie I will miss you and I pretty much guarantee that I will cry when you leave, but I'm happy for you! You totally deserve it just keep being awesome and leave that jackass Sayer behind and get yourself a real man not some arse- "

"Ana!"

"What? Can't blame me for trying." She shrugged.

"Is there a point to this speech?"

"I dunno I kinda got into a roll and I totally lost it actually. What are we talking about?" Ana questioned.

"Me leaving- "

"Right! I'm torn Aki I'm sad and happy for you! Oh my god I'm sappy!" Ana hugged her again and she laughed at her quirkiness. Ana was 24 years old and had moved from America to Germany for the 'free school man' her words not Aki's. She was like a child who never grew up, but Akiza knew better. Behind each made up word was pain.

Her smile was beautiful, but it never reached her eyes. Akiza felt bad for her since she tried so hard to hide it, but she literally could feed on it.

"Ok so surprise going away party on me! Act surprise kay? Later Aki oh and don't be late! Your house at 8 pm!" Then she was gone and Aki laughed.

"Tonight?!" She called out.

"Not sure yet! Haven't actually thought this out like at all! Guess you'll find out huh?" Was her response. Akiza chuckled and sighed.

She placed the letter in her coat pocket and went to check on other patients.

At lunch time she went to the cafeteria, but turned on her heel and headed out. When she entered all the doctors and nurses in the cafeteria had stopped speaking and simply glared at her, so instead of giving them the pleasure of watching her sit in her corner alone she walked away ignoring her growling stomach.

"Aki where are you going?!"

Akiza turned to face a happy Ana with a dish in her arms.

"You're ruining your surprise! I made you enchiladas! Which by the way is a lot of work!"

Akiza simply stared blankly at the girl then raised her head to meet the glares with her own. Ana noticed the uncomfortable tension, but she ignored it.

"Ana I appreciate it but- "

"oh come on don't tell me you actually give a damn about them?" She scolded and then turned around to face the rest of the cafeteria. "And you guys! You all should mind your own business! You all should be ashamed of yourselves! You are all grown ass adults acting like a bunch of kids bullying another on a playground!"

No one said a word, but they all turned back around returning to their earlier activities. Ana smiled and dragged the girl outside to the picnic area. They ate the food in silence. Akiza felt a wave of sadness hit her and she looked at the girl sitting opposite of her.

She looked distracted and distant. Her eyes were wide open but she wasn't entirely there. Akiza sighed.

"What's wrong?" Akiza asked snapping the girl back to reality.

"Hmmm?"

"What's wrong? Why are you so sad?"

"What? Oh nothing! I'm just tired that's all." She gave a sad small smile.

"Come on don't lie to me we're friends right?"

"Yeah, but uh don't worry about it okay?"

"Come on it bothers you every single day! Don't you dare lie to me."

"Maybe one day I'll tell you but I don't want you to look at me differently… I'm just not fond of pity. So anyways did you like the food?"

"Uh yeah and thanks for everything."

"I'm just glad you liked it." She smiled.

Akiza felt the sudden wave of changed emotions and she felt relieved.

"I also meant for you know standing up for me earlier."

"Oh Aki my pleasure I just hope someone will take that job up wherever you end up at."

"Lunch is over! Eep let's go! We're so late!" Akiza laughed as the girl hurriedly cleaned everything up and they made their way into the hospital. Akiza groaned hearing the intercom as she walked in.

"Doctor Izinski to room 44B."

Akiza sighed knowing she couldn't avoid her obligations even if she had to go see that girl again. She parted ways with Ana and made her way over to that room, but this time she took her time since she had been moved from the ER. When she arrived to the room she took a deep breath in and out then slowly opened the door. Surprise registered in her face as she saw different nurses and doctors huddled around the girl.

There on the bed was the girl awake and talking. Her eyes meet with the girl's and she felt a strange sensation.

"Doctor Izinski! My brother told me you were taking care of me. Thank you for waking me Doctor." She smiled and all eyes were on her. Many were curious, but most held jealousy and hatred.

"I-I didn't- "

"Nonsense thank you now I can go back home and live normally again. I know my parents would be willing to pay anything…"

"No. Just promise me you'll take care of yourself okay? That's the only compensation I need." With that being said she turned on her heel and left the room only to bump into the other teal haired teen.

"Doc! Thank you thank you for waking my-sister sorry I'm starving. You want some?" He held out a bag of donuts and chips.

"No thank you just take care of your sister okay?" She sidestepped him and made her way out. She wanted to get away from them as soon as possible. Halfway down the corridor she heard her name being called from behind her.

"Doctor Izinski!"

Akiza turned around to see her superior. "Oh yes ma'am?"

"Akiza how did you do it?"

"Huh?"

"How did you wake sleeping beauty? She had no brain activity her vitals were barely registering we all were sure she would probably never awaken."

"I-I didn't. I don't know she probably fought it off on her own I just happened to be the last one to check on her."

She looked at her incredulous, but let it go.

"Ok since you don't wanna say then how you did it how about... good job doctor. Go home darling you deserve it oh and the rest of the week too. I know about your transfer you know since I approved it and all. So how about I give you the rest of the week-paid for of course- to get yourself ready for the move. And I will tell security not to let you in if you try to come back. I will not take no for an answer."

"Thank you Mrs. Keller."

"You deserve it sweetie you overwork yourself. It was nice working with you Ms. Izinski I bet you're excited to go back home." She waved goodbye as she walked away.

"You have no idea." She sighed. She walked to the mail room to clear her things. She had an office, but she never bothered personalizing anything. She was never really welcomed by her colleagues, so the move would be easy.

"Izinski- I bet you feel so important now- "She recognized the presumptuous voice. Doctor Hemsworth never really titled her or respected her.

"Hemsworth I don't have time to deal with your nonsense so leave."

"Oh so you think just because you got some fancy promotion you can treat the rest of us like dirt under your shoe? You bitch- "

"Doctor Hemsworth language!" A stern female voice intervened.

"Doctor Keller I-I- "

"Go before you make me do something you'll regret."

"Yes ma'am."

"Thank you Mrs. Keller. I'm sorry you had to see that."

"Since when has he been accosting you Ms. Izinski?"

"…"

Keller sighed figuring it out.

"This move will be good for you darling. I just came to give you one last thing." She handed her a crystal block.

"This award belongs to you. We were going to present it at the banquet this year, but you leaving changed things."

"I'll miss you Mrs. Keller. However, I need to speak to you about the transfer- "

"Oh?"

"Doctor Keller line 101 please. Keller 101"

"Sorry I have to take that! Bye Akiza!"

Suddenly she was embraced by the older woman and then she was alone again.

She got the rest of her things and then left without a second glance. It was late when she made it outside with her things. She sighed knowing that when she made it home she would be in for a surprise.

…..

She unlocked the door to her apartment and switched the lights on.

"SURPRISE!"

She acted surprise as she saw a few of her colleagues, Mrs. Keller, Ana, and Sayer- her fiancé. Balloons and streamers decorated the place and Akiza laughed.

"Ana how'd you pull this off?"

"I'm not exactly sure actually, but here we are!"

Akiza chuckled at the girl's antics. She was going to miss her.

"Mingle woman be fun!" Ana lightly shoved.

Akiza bumped into Mrs. Keller and sighed of relief.

"Um Mrs. Keller I-I need to speak with you please."

"If this is about your transfer its final Akiza. Uh before you interrupt, Akiza I won't take no for an answer. Besides I have strict instructions to terminate you upon refusal to transfer."

Akiza's heart dropped.

"Oh I understand."

"Don't be nervous. I'm sure you'll be great."

"Thank you Mrs. Keller."

For the rest of the night she was in a vague trance mingling and smiling when appropriate. Eventually people began to trickle out until Ana and Sayer were the only left.

"Ok Aki I promise to help clean up. I'll stop by tomorrow early! Night!" Then there was only her and her fiancé. He circled her in a predatory way.

"So Akiza what's all this talk about a transfer to Neo Domino hmm?" Sayer questioned smiling cruelly. Akiza's heart began to quicken and her stomach dropped dreading this part of the night.

"Oh that? It's nothing really! Tomorrow I-I'll speak with Mrs. Keller- "

"I heard your talk with her earlier Akiza. What do you think I am- stupid?!" Sayer threw a vase full of flowers towards her. She managed to jump out of the way causing them to crash against the wall.

"Sayer please! Calm down baby- "

"I am calm! You know how hard we worked on getting you out of Neo Domino or don't you remember?"

Sayer lunged at her pinning her down and wrapping his hands around her neck. She bucked wildly and tried flinging her arms with all her might, but just as she started to see lights in her vision the pressure was gone. She gasped and spluttered trying to set her vision straight.

"You think you're such a man hitting on woman huh?! Why don't you hit me hum? Come on! You fucking coward!" Akiza recognized the mixed accent that belonged to Ana. There was movement and some commotion then Akiza her body getting pulled and tugged. "Come on Aki let's get outta here- what are you back for more- "Then she was falling.

xxxXXXxxx

Akiza woke to bright lights and white walls. The only sounds were coming from the monitor beside her bed and the humming of the lights overhead.

"Hey sleeping beauty you're awake!" Akiza groaned turning her head to the bed beside hers. She blinked thinking her vision was tricking her.

"Ana?"

"Hmm?"

"What happened? Are we in the hospital? Are we drunk?"

"Pfft! Uh let's see. Yes, we are in the hospital. No we aren't drunk. Oh and your crazy fiancé tried to kill you…Correction kill us."

"Us?"

"Yeah that douchebag Sayer threw us out your window and over the balcony. How? I don't even know. I was trying to get us out but as soon as I got you settled on my back he must've tackled me and well now we're here. It's a good thing you live on the second floor and not the third. Uh Aki why didn't you tell me that Sayer treated you that way?"

"I just thought maybe he would change. He wasn't always like that. Wait what happened to him?"

"You mean after I beat the living daylights out of him? Or after he left us for dead?"

"Ana!"

"Don't Aki. You still care for that ass even after he tried to kill us? You are starting to make me regret going back for you."

"…"

They laid in silence glaring at each other. Finally, Ana sighed and Akiza felt the wave of sadness hit her. "Look Aki you know I've lost a dear friend to an abusive relationship and it pretty much destroyed me. I can't even think about going through that again."

"I think you just care too much." Akiza stated.

"Akiza there's something else I've been reluctant to tell you."

"What?"

"You know how I'm uh involved with certain groups right?"

"What do you mean?"

"You're going to make me say it aren't you?" Ana sighed.

"Do you really want me to believe that you don't hear the rumors about me?"

"They are just rumors are they not?"

"They say rumors start with a little bit of truth. My unsavory companions are underground duelers and such I'm aware of Sayer's 'business'. Believe it or not Akiza all those bruises and broken ribs you've taken care of for me came from my night time activities. In a nut shell, I sold my soul to the devil Akiza."

"What are you talking about Ana?"

"Med school is expensive and sure it's reasonably priced here, but I had to get here somehow. I fight underground never lost yet, but I've been working on paying off that debt and earning a little extra on the side, but that's not the point! I heard from some guys that this big spotlight guy gambled with Sayer and beat him."

"And I care why? Sayer's never brought me into any of his dirty trades."

"That night he did. Do you know what Sayer bets?"

"No."

"He's a human trafficker Akiza and-"

"What?!"

"Akiza, Sayer lost you in a bet."

XXXXX

-MMXX