No matter how long their path diverged from each other,

There will be the one time shall the two path meet again.

No matter how many times two path become connected,

They're shall be the one time their path would be separated.

But, even if the distance between them are universe apart,

Their bonds can never be broken, formed from experience and togetherness.

Title: Crossed Roads

Disclaimer: I own nothing in this story except my character.

Key: Bold words are my OC writing in his PDA to reply.

First Week: First Half

Duel Monsters.

The card game created by Pegasus J. Crawford, has become very popular and played by many in the world. It had become so popular that Seto Kaiba, CEO of Kaiba Corporation, has made a school in the Pacific Ocean, where duelist hone their skills before going off in their respective career.

They are those who became Pro Duelist, teachers who spread their knowledge to the children of the new generation or even researchers, researching tactics and the unknown.

One graduated duelist however, took a different path from the rest, as he himself hated the spotlight and prefer to be a shadow, an outcast, an unknown.

-Somewhere in Domino City-

The sound of someone running was heard in the dark alley of Domino, where thugs usually gather. But today was a rare case, as there was no soul in sight.

But this was good for running man just fine, as he began to outrun the cops chasing him.

"Stop, thief!" The thief smirked. He knew the place like the back of his hand. There's no way that he's going to get caught now!

As he expected, the alleyway was now split into three different sections. He knew the cops were far away from him, as such, he began to sprint…under the large card box wall next to the trash bin.

There were sounds of footsteps, then frantic talk before the sound of running footsteps return.

He began counting to five.

One… Two… Three... Four… Five…

The thief slid the card box away, looking around just in case, before sighing.

Honestly those cops. Because of their panic, they always leave away the most obvious hiding place!

The thief ran back towards the entrance, taking out the stolen goods, in this case the bag containing millions of cash. With this, his whole life has been set.

The thief was so into his imagination that he didn't notice a person in front of him, wearing a fedora hat and a jacket, in a stance.

"Hehehe…. Hey, wait-WHOOOAAAA!"

The fedora hat person judo-throw the thief to the trash bin nearby. The stolen object was dropped during the throw, and the thief landed harshly among the bags.

"Don't move." A gun was pointed at the thrown. A man in his thirties cocked the revolver in his hand, his hat covering the left eye, staring intently at the culprit. "Trap, No Escape. Resistance is futile."

The fedora hat person sighed.

-An hour later-Fedora hat's POV-

"Case closed, Akito!" The one-eyed thirty year old man began laughing, drinking coffee while reading the newspaper.

I sighed at my mentor's action, cleaning up the food I make for our lunch today. Honestly, I wish he was more independent and help me clean or even cooked…

…Oh right, you guys might not know me. The name's Akito, an ex-student of Duelist Academy. Now normally, graduates would either go to the Pro League to improve their skills, or go to the educational institute to teach the new generations or something that has a small influence with dueling.

They certainly won't choose the profession of a detective of all things.

There's a reason for that, though. A stupid reason…

-Flashback-

"…Aki, you still haven't chosen a profession?"

I squirmed against the intense gaze of my friend that's looking at me with disapproval.

It was a day before graduation, and most students here were chatting with friends, knowing that they would be in their separate ways the day after tomorrow.

We were in the same state as the others, although when we talked about our occupation in the future, I was stunned silent.

…Well, saying I was silence might be saying too much. More like I can't talk.

My Asian friend crossed his arms in anger… before sighing. "Darn it, you… Well, I do know a few people who have an open slot for a job..."

Eh? Does that mean…

"Don't give me that look, Aki. I'm not that cruel, so I'll help you in finding a job."

Thank you! I gave my friend a bow as I wrote off those words on my PDA, my only way to communicate.

-Flashback end-

I smiled at the memory, but then remembered what become of my friend, causing me to feel down.

Shaking my head, I began to look around the buildings nearby. As usual, many people were walking around the street, not giving a glance at the building, except for a small number of acquaintances related to previous case, waving at me with a smile. Heh, I grunted in my mind, I waved back at the people.

My mentor, Narumi Manou, head of the "Narumi Detective Agency", was quite…interesting, honestly. He looks quite intimidating, with the yakuza face and threatening posture of his, but was quite a softy, even funding an orphanage when it's almost apparent that it's going to be closed down.

Oh, he's also quite a lecherous, looking at women's underwear or their chest. Honestly, because of that personality that he's single. My friend who introduced me to him also said, "The Man who will master being single!" I don't know if I should pity him or laugh. Maybe a bit of both.

After finished clearing the dust above the shelf, I began to sit in the nearby chair and removed my duel disk, putting it on the table. I then began to remove the deck of cards, my deck, and take a look on it, trying to find any cards I need to add or remove.

It's an old habit of mine since young. Call me weird, but it seems like I never get the balance of the deck right, whether I need more monsters, less magic, or the like. It's very annoying when the card you take out became needed in later duels…

Narumi-san finished his coffee and began reading the newspaper in silence, but I can sense that he's looking at me. He's also a duelist, but retired due to some incident. I decided not to pry about it.

Just as I finished putting back my deck in my duel disk…

-TING- The bell chimed as the door opened, revealing a bearded and bearded old gentleman in a nice red suit and a gentlemanly hat.

How interesting. A customer.

"Akito, prepare the tea." I don't need to be told twice as I began to but my Duel disk on the bookshelf and started preparing the usual.

"Ho, ho, ho. There's no need to do something like that." The old man was humble, at the very least. But I still continue, regardless.

"Please don't be like that. You came all the way here, so please have some tea for a little break." Narumi-san began escorting the old man to the sofa for him to sit. I gave the newly made tea to said person, who accepted graciously and leaned towards the bookshelf, crossing my arms.

After a few sips, he put the cup on the table. Closing his hands together, he spoke clearly.

"I need your help in relating to Duel College."

-! Duel College…!? I certainly didn't expect that.

Duel College is where students go studying and improving dueling techniques. Apparently, the amount of people of entering is not that many, but it is said to be a great honor. None of the duelist in Duel Academia has said to be invited there.

….Except for one that is. Tenjouin Asuka, my lover.

She was my partner for my final year of school there, and we interact with each other most of the time. I won't spare you the details, but it was agreed by many that our tag-duel match was the best recorded in the history of the school.

We parted after that, but we knew that we could meet each other again if they were patient.

…There was just one problem. I didn't know her phone numbeeeeeeeerrrrrr!

My feet went to despair at that time, and since I was one of the last students leaving, it gave me a hollow feeling. Even my friends that were the last behind admonish me for my stupidity.

-Sob- I know it was my fault, but to think I don't even have the slightest of getting her number!

My inner self was still in despair, while on the outside I continued to listen to the old man.

"My name is Melvin Wraith, and I am the principal there." …How did I see that coming? "Lately, there are strange cases of disappearance happening at the college."

…Disappearance? My eyebrows rose at that. "It happened four days ago, and now a total of five people went gone. But the stranger thing is, they return unharmed."

"…Isn't it okay for them to return unharmed?" My mentor questioned. Well, it's true a certain point of view, but still…

The old man nodded at Narumi-san's logic. "I know that. But, for some reason they felt different."

"They're different in what way?"

"…I don't really sure. That's why I asked you for your help after asking a friend of mine for advice. So please, can you help this old man to fulfill this request?"

We stared at the old man, trying to find if there were any lies hidden, or if there were any change in the expression that might tell otherwise.

They were none. The old man was completely sincere in his request.

My one-eyed mentor scratched his cheek, before looking at me. "Hm, well, I would be busy this weekend, but I think my apprentice here would be able to help you. Are you busy this week?"

I gave the question a small thought. Well, there is nothing that's going to stop me from helping. AND I can be with Asuka for if I went there. I gave a shake of my head. The old man grinned widely and began to deliver thanks and he promised us to give us a hefty sum as a reward before showing the profile of the students who went missing before returning. I shrugged, not really caring about it.

- Some hours later-

…Riding a plane sure never gets old, I thought as the taxi transported me and the old man towards the college.

I followed the old man after we left the airport. Principal Wraith was kind enough to pay my flight, but I felt guilty. The old man was loaded, but is it really okay for him to pay for everything?

While thinking like that, the old man started to chat.

"You, young man, Tsurugi Akito was it?" I nodded. What did this guy want?

"Have you lost your ability to speak?" -! …That's new. In most cases, people would either think me as a very quiet individual, or someone who had a very sick throat. The only exceptions would be the curious ones, but even that would be after cases are finished. How observant, this old man. Or was it a guess?

The Principal shows a knowing smile, and a look that was wise beyond his years (obviously). "Hoh, I was correct. I thought it was strange for someone to be so quiet after knowing I'm the principal of Duel College, and by the simple process of elimination, I can guess what your problem was after you being quiet the entire time."

Yep, he's very observant. I gave him a look, one saying that 'So what?' The old man began rummaging his pockets, seemingly looking for some-hold on! Is that…!?

"Hoh, this is a PDA, the same model as those ones distributed in Duel Academia. Thanks to my connection, I manage to get one for you. I heard from one of my students that you were a student there, so I thought I could help you in some way."

I can't give a straight answer. I can't even think. In my mind was only feeling thankful for his generosity… or suspicious by his action. Why go all the trouble for a stranger like me? Finally finding the words I need to write, I type a few at the PDA. What's the catch?

The old man blinked. Principal, I'm very thankful, but seriously, what's the catch? This isn't something you would do to a total stranger, let alone a detective. If it were other people, they won't do something troublesome for someone like me.

That was the honest truth I believe in. No matter how much they are smiling, they would always be a mask behind it. My friends have them, yet at the same time we are close enough to open to each other. Adults are much rarer in not wearing mask. Especially one who is in high power, they would always have dirty secrets hiding, and their true personalities might be corrupt.

The old man stared at me before laughing, hard. I blinked. What's so funny?

"Sorry, sorry. But you really are just like that lassie described. Straight to the point, and distrusting towards others when first met. It's a complete match." …? "It was just coincidence really that I met you. I assure you, I don't have any ill intentions."

He smiled, remembering a memory. "Besides, to be honest, this would be called paying back a debt to an old friend of us." …Us? Not me? But who's 'our' friend?

…Whatever. That reminds me, the lassie he mentions… Principal, the 'lassie' you mention, could she be…?

The principal nodded, removing a picture from his pocket, he began to show a picture of a familiar long haired brunette wearing tennis clothing while talking to other students, away from the picture.

Her hair was longer, and her face became more charming, but it was definitely her, Asuka. That smile and beauty can only belong to her, after all. I wonder what she is doing now.

…Hold on, why does this Principal have a picture of her anyway? This is what people called Voyeurism, right? The principal reveals a perverted grin, immediately setting off the alarm in my head.

"She's quite famous in the college, hailed as the "Unconquerable Maiden," rejecting all advances of men towards her with a second thought. Naturally, there's also a fan club available for her."

…Why I'm not surprised…? But still, taking her pictures without permission, that's attacking her privacy, right? Alright then, remind me to catch the darn peeping toms, kukuku…

I let a maniacal grin spread across my face, while the principal sweatdropped at my actions. "Tsurugi-kun, you're scaring me…"

I ignored the comment as I planned every cruel torture I could think off for even looking at her. If that guy, the one introducing the detective job to me was here, he would comment me for being jealous easily. I didn't care, as I imagined the perverts' dreaded face.

-Few minutes later-

…Okay, I'll admit this. The picture showing the place doesn't give justice to this place.

After we arrived at the entrance (quite a big one), we walked towards the college. There was a long road in front, and there were lots of nature growing, grass, flowers, trees. It's quite serene.

The school was surrounded by large brick walls (although that's quite obvious), and the place was near to places where people can have fun or for some club activities.

…Hey look, a dojo. I wonder if they teach basic self-defense here.

The old-man guided me towards his office. Now, you guys might be asking this, won't the students find you strange here? I'm technically not a student, so they might think of me as an important guess.

You could say partly correct in this case. The students did give me stares, but more of curiosity, then strangeness. An outfit that is recognizably but not strange in a school. Specifically, I'm wearing a janitor's outfit after I suggested it.

The principal wanted me to enroll there at first, saying I'm a last minute transfer, but I and my mentor surprisingly, rejected it. He gave a speech how it's too cliché or something, and some people might recognized him there. I didn't tell my reason, but it's simple actually.

…I don't want to study. …Yeah, I'm lazy.

Anyway, the principal agreed, and after a few calls, he managed to prepare my temporary clothes, plus a hat (I feel naked without it, you could say). It was also good that the all new janitors must meet the principal first to know what place you're going to clean up.

…I think.

So yeah, the principal's office, located at the highest point where one could see everything outside the front entrance from the glass wall behind, (what is with high power people with high places?), he began issuing an order for me to clean up a certain place down to a certain point.

I barely listened much; only nodding while looking at the surroundings, fill with mostly shelves of books and a trophy case. My mentor always warned me to try and remember the area you're in. A single change might mean anything that can tell the difference in a crime scene.

The principal seems happy, before throwing me some keys. "It's where you'll be living temporarily. You can question the cleaning staff if you need help."

I gave a bitter smile. I don't really need help, since I'm an unofficial maid in the agency, but I do admit he's too kind, this old man. Bowing, I walked outside the room, now walking towards my temporary stay. There were some of those who were still staring, but after a while, they ignored me, gossiping back about some topics I don't bother knowing. Honestly, what kind of person would find a janitor interesting?

-Some minutes passed-

Hm~, hmm~… Cleaning is fun~

I hummed inside my mind as I began sweeping outside the library. It was class time now, though many students went away from the college to have fun with the entertainments nearby. There's no one who would like studying non-stop 24/7, except those who were hardworking. But I can't find any students walking around, except maybe one or two.

I still need to look at the files of the 'changed' students though. I remember the principal said he put it in my room later… It happened as I was lost in thought, trying to pass the door.

-WHAM!-

The door opened abruptly, and hit me square in the face. My left hand covered my face and my right uses the door as support. Did something happened or something? Did a student forget something important?

"Are you alright?" A female voice asked in worry. "I was thinking about some things, and I didn't notice there was someone nearby the door when I opened it."

That I can believe. I waved my hand off, signaling that it was okay. The girl sighed in relief, and after the pain subsided a little, I looked at the culprit opening the door.

Then I froze. There must be something wrong with today? What did that guy always said before? Cliché, was it?

The girl in question blinked when I froze, but then froze when my left hand left my fac. No way, it's really her. That long blond hair, that face… It's the same as the picture the principal showed before…

"…A-Akito?"

…Asuka?

-TO BE CONTINUED-

Author's notes:-

This is Destinyzero, everyone. And welcome to the sequel of Your Feelings!

Right, first off. To be honest, I didn't think Your Feelings will need a sequel, but thanks to Lushard's story, I finally gain enough motivation to continue!

But, I also apologize, this should've been done before December, but I can't seem to concentrate and get distracted by other things.

Akito: You get distracted by the simplest thing, you know that?

…Shush, you. Anyway, if you readers notice, I actually changed from using English names to Japanese (Alexis to Asuka, example). This was necessary, as my muse had giving me an interesting idea. It's more of a 'connection' really, but I doubt you guys want o know what is it about.

Review, flame, critic, fellow readers! And say what I need to improve on, because I'm getting rusty!

Akito: What did you eat to make yourself this active?