Summary: Yuusei must find the strength to overtake his fears and face Kiryu again in a duel. RXR please!

Type: One – Shot

Character(s): Yuusei

Setting: head - canon (take place during episode 36)

Rating: K

Genres: Friendship

Warning: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh, not even this title. I own only the plot of this story.

Frightened

Yuusei's POV

Frightened!

That is what I was. I was terrified, as I have been only a few times in my life.

The last time I felt this way was when I learned about my dad's research and all the tragic results. Then I was so scared that I avoided everyone; Martha, my friends, all of them. I was locked in my room and I refused to go out, not even to eat.

I somehow felt responsible. If it wasn't for my father, Jack and Crow's parents would still be alive. I was scared, but the real reason was that I was afraid that they wouldn't want me for their friend anymore, that they would hate and reject me. But they didn't. Instead, they helped me out and stood beside me. They never mentioned that topic again, nor confronted me differently. I learned to live with this darkness in my heart because I knew that my friends would always be by my side.

But now; I never thought that one of my best friends is now one of my opponents. I believed he was dead, but not only he is somehow alive, but also possessed an Earthbound God card. We dueled in a life-death match and he was ready to attack me. Fortunately, I was saved because of my D-Wheel, but I won't have that luck again.

"You must live in disgrace, stricken in terror, until we meet again!" Those were Kiryu's words.

And he was right. I'm terrified. His laugh is still echoing in my head. I felt his anger; he wants revenge against me.

How did we end up here?

I must find a way to reach into his heart again and the only way is to duel him. But I can't. I just can't. I am not ready to face him and his card yet. I feel so lost again; I want to avoid everyone and lock myself up in my room until I find the strength to stand again…. but how?

Last time it was my friends who helped me. But I can't count on their help again. I must find my way, alone. I have to overtake my fears, if not beat them. But even if I forget the power of his card then I must find the strength to duel with an old friend; a friend who hates me with all of his heart. If only he knew. I tried to save him back there, but I failed.

I cannot allow myself to fail again. The only way to make him see the truth is through dueling. So I have no other choice. I must do it and I have no time to waste. I will master my fears and I will save my old friend no matter what.

Don't worry Yuusei! Everything will be ok.

Credits to my betas, EndlessNight025 and Ria D'Arcy!

I hope you liked it! ^_^ If you do, review! If you don't, review anyway; I will accept all your comments, good and bad...