Transition

Have you ever tasted something sweet only to experience the bitter aftertaste? I've fallen victim. As unpredictable and thoroughly enjoyable as my days have been with Yusei, Jack seemed to always pop into my head in some form. Lately, these interruptions weren't pleasant memories or fantastical day dreams, but ugly realizations about Jack. This has nothing to do with their apparent dual natures at all. It's not like I have loved vanilla ice cream all my life and suddenly, I'm craving chocolate mint. This snag in my carefully constructed web of delusions stems completely from my ill-fated discovery of Yusei and Aki.

They were oceans apart, as Jack and I were, yet I'm sure that I was witnessing what should have been happening if I meant anything to Jack at all. She had his number and called every day. I was still working up the nerve to ask Yusei for Jack's. We needed to talk badly, but considering how explosive Yusei had turned at the mere inclination that I might be taking advantage of him, I'm finding it hard to confront him now that I do need his help. They knew everything going on in each others lives. My nightly viewing of Jack's duels had long ago been disrupted. Even worse, the one available venue for how he faired personally was gossip magazines. I strongly distrust gossip magazines on principle, but it was becoming awfully tempting to buy one when the magazines all had pictures of Jack and Sherry all over them. Most important of all, he thought about her constantly. This wasn't just the assumption of a reporter laying awake in the middle of the night because she had witnessed what a real relationship looked like mere hours ago. The flood gates were open, and I was starting to piece things together.

If I hadn't been preoccupied by the lashing Yusei gave me in his office, I would have had time to contemplate the rose on his desk or how the picture of his teammates always seems to be angled so Aki faced his person. When we went to his home, a pile of letters bearing a distinct feminine touch was on his work bench. Then, he had the unfortunate tendency to drop everything the moment she called, to the point he forgot who all was around him. The king definitely loved this girl. And as the hours passed, I was beginning to see that maybe Jack did not love me.

So, naturally, when I heard metallic clangs and rumblings coming from the living room, I wasn't in the mood to deal with the matter rationally. If the robbers had come for another go, the results would be much different, sleep deprived me would see to that. I skulked into the living room, and sure enough, someone was snooping around. I hid behind the arm chair, daring to get within inches of the crook. I lurched forward landing on the thief who let out an oomph. I glared at the would be intruder who wasn't what I was prepared to deal with at all.

"Yusei, why are you here?" I shrieked and scrambled off of him. My heart pounded from the stress of it all. I didn't understand what was going on. He'd never come this early or late. I was slightly disoriented, and didn't know what time it actually was. Perhaps more time had slipped by than I thought? He used the couch to propel himself up. He didn't look as if he understood why I was freaking out beyond all reason either. Uncharged, my brain took a while to assemble the pieces. My clues were Yusei, late or early hour, and new furniture. Three yawns later, it clicked. He must have wanted to surprise me, and I yelled and attacked him.

"I'm sorry," I mumbled and rubbed my eyes. I must look like a little kid who stayed up way past her bed time. Since being ambushed, Yusei had stayed remarkably quiet and unsure of how to proceed. The tension broke after he heard my apology which elicited a chuckle from him.

"I'm the one who technically broke in, not you, "He mused and pulled me off the floor. In my current state, I didn't mind the floor that much. If you were already on the floor, you didn't have to worry about losing your balance.

"But I gave you a key so I shouldn't be angry you used it," I protested since I would have enjoyed the surprise in the morning had I not accidentally caught him red handed.

"I obviously didn't think my plan through. I was counting on you being a heavy sleeper, but you haven't slept at all have you? Is everything all right?" He realized and asked worriedly. Oops, somehow, I'm always the one being asked all the questions. I longed for the protection of my thick rims. My eyes were completely exposed and vulnerable. I could barely keep my mouth from flapping. How can I keep my eyes from giving me away further? He was the last person who needed to hear my deep-seated issues with Jack.

"No, I haven't been feeling well," I half lied and took the easy way out. I embraced him so my eyes were comfortably looking at the opposite wall instead of him. No eye contact meant no instant give away of my feelings. He tensed from the abruptness of the gesture, but returned the hug. There was an odd hitch to the plan. His hand crept up and began stroking my hair in a soothing manner. Do friends stroke each others hair? I thought drowsily and contemplated mimicking the action to test the idea which was disrupted when he ushered me back to my room.

"Go back to bed. I'll make you some hot cocoa," He ordered as I slipped into my cocoon shaped bed. Hot cocoa sounded nice, but there was a possibility he would run out and buy me medicine that I didn't need.

"I'm not sick," I exclaimed from under the covers. He patted my back reassuringly before stepping into the kitchen.

"Of course not," He stated calmly. Was I sick? His tone made me think I might be. Or maybe, I didn't run well on zero sleep. What time was it? It still looked dark. I should take what little sleep I could get or I would be in no shape to face Demak tomorrow. Then, Yusei came in with the hot cocoa. Distracted, I stood up and took the cup from him. With both my hands out of the way, he checked my temperature.

"Not sick, but something must be troubling you if you're up," He persisted and waited. I groaned which caused him to double check his previous assessment. Sadly, I needed to pin this on someone, and I already knew he didn't trust Demak.

"I feel a little uneasy about the interview tomorrow." I made up instantly. Bad Carly, no you don't. The lie struck a cord with Yusei. His eyes narrowed and he wrapped his hand around mine securely.

"Cancel on him, you don't have to go if you don't want to." He suggested persuasively. At least, I understood that I was under no obligation to step into the haunted woods so to speak, or perhaps, I wasn't being swayed by his silver tongue but suffering from an inability to process a counter argument at the moment. I did want to go, and given enough time to strategize, I could get Yusei on board as well, despite my construed anxieties. Still, did I really want to deceive him after I spent so long earning his trust? No, I should confess before it becomes blatantly obvious that I'm lying. I wouldn't be too specific about what was bothering me, but hopefully, its admittance would be enough to make him forgive my previous lie.

"Actually, Yusei, I'm not concerned about the interview. I lied because I didn't want to tell you what I was going through. My feelings for someone might be changing, and its confusing me. I've been agonizing over it all night, " I confessed which caused a strange reaction from him. He released his grip on my hand and stood. He wouldn't look at me. My stomach churned as if a thousand hexes had been cast on it. I didn't want him to leave acting like that, no matter how many precious minutes of sleep were lost in the process.

" I panicked. I'm sorry I lied. Are you mad?" I told him childishly. My jumbled words appeared to work.

"I'm not mad." He admitted as he sat back down and took a deep breath. Then, there was the inevitable eye contact. The interaction made me want to pull the covers over my eyes from the scrutiny. The good news for me was his face confirmed what he said. He didn't look mad at all if anything he looked apprehensive.

There was a change in his expression as if he'd fallen under some kind of trance. I vaguely recalled Misty telling me that my eyes could capture an angel's heart and pull him to the devil. I, honestly, can't picture the context of that talk. He leaned closer, and I fought the urge to pull away. We were a breath apart. I wondered if I had fallen asleep. Every movement was flowing into that imagined bliss. Except, divine intervention interfered. The phone escaped from his pocket, falling with a thud. At the sound, he jerked away as if he'd been stung. In a daze, he retrieved the cell phone after several tries. Finally, his face seemed to settle on his preferred calm mask.

"Get some shut eye. All the furniture is here. I'll finish arranging it tomorrow. You don't have to worry about bumping into it. Rounded edges," He rambled on, putting as much distance between us as possible while still remaining in the room. I simply nodded, unsure if he was actually there on not. The last few minutes had been unreal. Before he shut the door, he opened it a crack.

"Good night, Carly," He recited quickly. Two door clicks later, I turned over to sleep. The night hadn't been kind, and I could faintly hear birds singing. I shut my eyes, praying sleep would overtake me. The final image to reach my closed eyes was Yusei, and I drifted soon after.

My dream yesterday differed greatly from my usual endeavors. It left me a little giddy and panicked. You would think after three consecutive remodels of the city I would be used to change. Yet, the changes implied by the muddled dream left me weary. So, I opted to ogle the lovely furniture instead. The colors were bright and just my style, royal purple offset with white trimming. The tables and tv stand did indeed have rounded edges. But that was as much as I could admire them, I had to get ready. I had thirty minutes to get down there, and thanks, to my stupidly worded confession, I was likely going alone.

I settled into my usual routine for the morning which involved assembling my gear and fueling my body for its upcoming obstacles. Oh, how I wish I had a coffee maker. Sadly, There wasn't even time to go order a coffee. As if by magic, I stepped into the kitchen and found a coffee maker. There was a note attached which simply said, enjoy the coffee, signed Kiryu. I love him, and his coffee maker bringing ways. Still, I was baffled by how I had managed to catch Yusei and not him sneaking in. He could have snuck out during the commotion or actually come later when I was dead to the world. There was also the possibility Kiryu was better at sneaking into the house. I should have been freaking out. Yet, nothing but good things had come from his midnight trips so far.

As I indulged in coffee, the doorbell rang. I set the cup down and navigated around the sporadically placed furniture. Opening the door, I found Yusei sporting casual attire since he was taking the day off to escort me. I didn't say anything. I wasn't sure how much damage yesterday had caused and part of me thought the last half must have been imagined.

"I called Aki last night after I left. She was in the middle of class." He reiterated, and it sounded rehearsed like he had painstakingly thought over what would be best to say. I frowned because he had chosen to immediately call her. I hadn't imagined anything. Something almost happened, and he felt guilty.

"She felt bad and said she would call earlier next time since I missed her," Yusei mumbled with downcast eyes. I bit my lip. He was really torn up about it. I think its time to use one of my natural gifts: feigning obliviousness.

"Eh, you called her late last night. Why? Did you land that hard on your head where I tackled you?" I chattered enthusiastically. My prattle disrupted his moping and confused him. Great Carly, now finish him.

"I don't really remember that much about last night. I was really tired." I continued which did the trick. He relaxed and smiled. We casually walked down the stairs of my apartment to his D-wheel. I even thought of a way to sell the white lie fully beyond a reasonable doubt.

"How is Aki anyway? ' I inquired which surprised Yusei. He obliged all the same.

"Blossoming, she is doing well with her studies and making new friends. She loves Germany like a second home." He stated with pride and a minor affliction of uneasiness when he mentioned the second part. He noticed that I noticed and pulled himself together.

"So, your first instinct when confronting a robber is to hug them," He teased and successfully changed the subject. We slipped into the D-wheel, and I handed over the instructions to Demak's.

"No, I was cranky and wanted to hit something. So, I tackled you down," I insisted.

"Uh-huh," He responded disbelievingly. We were traveling to the outskirts of the city to a sector that once belonged to Satellite. We rode in silence the rest of the way until we reached our destination, partly because we were close to entering the belly of the beast and partly because I had difficulty holding a conversation with him as he zig-zagged like crazy past several little streets that he deemed a quicker route than what the AI on his D-wheel had reccommended.

"Mikage couldn't find anything past his place of work and lack of criminal record, but we need to stay on a guard," He warned me, especially reserved now that we were in unfamiliar ground.

"Why didn't she tell me this herself?" I asked curiously. It seemed strange that she would bypass me in favor of Yusei.

"You don't have a phone, but I'm working on it," He informed me. I slapped my forehead as punishment for forgetting. Poor Mikage had to improvise. The second part threw me, and I puzzled as to how he found the time to build my new furniture in the first place.

"Do you ever sleep?" I wondered.

"No, I am actually a ghost agent who survived the mass genocide of our species. I have successfully usurped Yusei Fudo's life. He has been dead for years," He claimed smartly. I shuddered because that could have happened to Jack easily.

"Not funny," I whined. He smirked and climbed out of the bike and assisted me in doing the same. He surveyed the area while setting his sights on the dark expanse in front of us. Astonishingly, it was the opposite of Yusei's place of work in every way: intimidating, rounded, with greater width than height. Inside, the feel was classy and sophisticated, prints of famous paintings abounded, the lights were dim, the furniture snooty and comfortable. Yusei took charge and led us to the editor's office across the multitudes of cubicles and offices. Demak's name hung above the chief and editor's sign gloriously. The calm cultured atmosphere made a great impression on me. I definitely wouldn't mind working here, depending on what his underlying motives were.

I grasped the handle of the doorknob and slowly opened the door. The man was colossal, looking as if he belonged in the wilderness rather than behind a cherry oak desk. He didn't notice me spy as he sat overlooking some papers. African motifs were present all over the office. The walls were decorated in bold earthy tribal patterns. Chimpanzee figurines smiled sheepishly at me. The large giraffe lamps in the back pointed their noses in the air haughtily. The life size lion figure peered curiously at me from beside his desk. Lively pet ferns hung on the opposite shelves. There was one thing off in the entire ensemble, the beautiful inclusion of a cerulean dragon curled up on his desk. The rosy gossamer wings were unfurled and resembled a butterflys'. Its serpentine body was encased in golden armor and its glassy fuschia eyes calmly demanded respect. I could almost have sworn it was alive. I entered wishing to get a closer look at the enchanting figure. Yusei, however, seemed more on edge at its presence. Now that we were in plain sight, Demak put aside his work to greet us.

"Hello Carly. Not the signer I expected to accompany you, but perhaps, you simply have a taste for them." He commented passively. Yusei flinched. The comment struck a nerve. I bowed my head down uncomfortably. I didn't like what he was suggesting either.

"What do you want with her?" Yusei demanded and reclaimed my hand for an easy exit. Now, that is was apparent that this was the same man he had encountered earlier. He seemed intent on turning back. Demak shook his head at him.

'I've already told her that. I'm interested in talking to her not you. She's a capable young reporter who doesn't need to be on a signer's leash," He dictated snidely. Yusei narrowed his eyes at him. I gulped nervously. How exactly did Yusei know him?

"I'm simply looking out for a friend. I've seen how you can be. Therefore, I don't trust you." He stated icily. Demak's glee only increased at Yusei's reply.

"Funny, you should say that, if you only knew," He stated smugly. His attention turned to me. My hands wouldn't hold still, and I kept standing up and sitting down as I failed to decide what to do. Yusei hadn't released his grip on my hand either. He patted my back to comfort me which caused Yusei's glare to intensify. My nerves stood on end. I should have asked before hand what exactly happened last time they met. I couldn't do so now that we were here.

"Don't worry Carly. We must first discuss our past differences in order to move forward. Yusei, I'm afraid that I'm not the man you remember." He claimed to which Yusei scoffed. Demak ignored him.

"I've always had an attachment to legends and my native Africa. Since I was a young boy, I could see spirits, an ability few manage to retain," Demak bragged as I listened with interest. I'd heard of that gift. Most found it fascinating as a remarkable amount of duelists with this ability did well in tournaments, among them Ruka, a former member of 5ds. Yusei listened and waited for him to finish his story before making judgements. He didn't look overly forgiving, however.

"She was mine first. I know that is no excuse for what I did, but I loved her. You know. I had this especially made as an avatar for her to play in the mortal realm. She spoke kindly and often offered me advice. We were inseparable until she came along," He explained, unable to keep the bitterness out of his voice.

"She left me. I don't even remember what exactly she said. I was depressed for a long time. Then, a new spirit claimed to be able to bring her back to me, and I listened, " He revealed vaguely and payed careful attention to my reaction. I was sympathetic as I had faced abandonment before. He duly noted my pity but seemed disappointed as he carried on.

"I stole her from Ruka physically and spiritually. I was no longer pure. My obsession with her cost me my spiritual sight, a fact which only increased my rage because I lost her and any chance of recapturing a similar bond. I'm afraid my quest for her was foolish and primal. I wish for us to forget the past. Forgive me as you have the others," He demanded, continuing his staring contest with Yusei. My jaw dropped at the revelation. He stole a card from a little girl, okay, a talking card, but still, not something I wanted to hear from a potential boss. He hadn't said everything which meant I knew only half the puzzle. He mentioned a spirit. Maybe, it was an evil spirit.

Yusei reluctantly let go of my hand to shake Demak's hand as a peace offering. Demak smiled briskly and shook vigorously. They actually appeared to be trying to pull each others arm off from my point of view. Yusei eased somewhat but didn't take his eyes off Demak. The editor had earned his forgiveness but not his trust.

"Carly, I'm sure you have your own questions. Especially, if you are considering taking my offer, now this is what I'm prepared to give you." He dictated handing me a note, careful not to let my friend see it. Yusei rolled his eyes and stood patiently behind me. He had shifted into body guard mode since there was no need to be openly hostile. I could feel his eyes on me. If I wanted to make my own decision, I would have to banish Yusei for a while.

"Could you wait outside the office? I want to talk to him alone," I asked politely. Yusei frowned, not liking the suggestion at all. I stared at him expectantly which admittedly worked wonders. He turned around but gave Demak a final warning.

"I warn you. I have excellent hearing," He added before closing the door shut.

With no visible outside influence, I peeked at the number. Wow. It was ten times what I generally made. The place was nicer, and if he didn't threaten to fire me every other day, we had a winner. There was the little matter of his colorful past.

"You're reformed?" I asked him naively. Right, if he was lying, he'd tell you right to your face. Demak let out a bellowing laugh.

"As sure as you are that Kiryu can get into your apartment whenever he wants to." He reassured me. I did a double take. Wait. He knew Kiryu?

"How did you know about that?" I demanded defensively. Maybe, he was a creepy stalker man. It's okay should something go wrong. I'll scream really loudly, and Yusei will bolt in. Demak rubbed his head in annoyance.

"The lizard and I do keep contact you know. We are used to keeping tabs on you two," He remarked earnestly. There's that name again, lizard.

"Who is the lizard?" I inquired in genuine confusion.

"I suppose it's too much to ask that you remember the nicknames. You are acquainted with Misty Lola correct?" He presumed tiredly. He knew Misty too? The coincidences were starting to get eerie.

"Yeah, I am, but how did you guys meet? Or Kiryu for that matter?" I confirmed and asked, waiting for further explanation. He sighed, looking relieved.

"I'm afraid that's all I can tell you. My hands are tied. She'd kill me if something I said, set you off." He asserted morbidly. My deeply hidden past was beginning to get frustrating, especially since everyone seemed to be in on it. Demak's attention drifted to the statue on his desk briefly before addressing me.

"So what do you say? Would you like to work here?" He questioned optimistically. I didn't distrust him as Yusei did, even with the freakish mystery rearing its ugly head. Still, I few more professional questions couldn't hurt.

"You publish world news as well as national. Would that require traveling?" I inquired.

"Some traveling occurs from time to time for important pieces or is allowed for an article if you provide the proper reasoning and research for it. We fund your work expenses of course," He informed me. I nodded. Company paid travel, sweet.

" You said I would have more freedom in what I wrote. What position would I be filling exactly?" I pointed out.

"You're a reporter Carly. Simply, bring me something people will read. Get me a scoop so to speak," Demak advised. So, he wanted me to dash off and bring in whatever dastardly news I could get a hold of. I did that already, and it is so much more money. I don't know. Yusei might get angry, but it's a step forward when I've been going in circles.

"You get an office," Demak mentioned innocently. I get an office.

"A pretty office?" I chirped.

"Yeah, sure. I'll even give you a small sum to personalize it if you want. I already know I'll be spending a fortune covering heath costs," He told me with mild amusement. I get a pretty office and good health insurance. Time to know for sure if Yusei can hear through the door.

"See you tomorrow, sir," I confirmed happily. Demak nodded, bearing a triumphant countenance while eyeing the door.

"Here is your office key. You officially start work at ten a.m., but I don't expect you to be in the building most of the time because of field work. Now, I think you should go to your signer. I sense he's distressed," He instructed. I scratched my head and nervously attempted to correct my new boss.

"He's not my, um, signer. We're just friends," I faltered slightly. The almost kiss. The almost kiss. The almost kiss. Shut up brain, that was a complete misunderstanding.

"He acts like he's yours," He insisted while filing paper work. I shuffled out of the office embarrassed. I think arguing with him just makes it worse. Yusei was leaning against the wall next to the door. He didn't look overly thrilled but mustered enthusiasm.

"Congratulations on the new job. I guess he seems better than he was, " He acknowledged. My decision wasn't popular, but I believed it was a good one. I hope my old boss takes it better than Yusei did. Time to distract him. I crossed my arms and pouted.

"Come on, I still need a phone, a toaster, a microwave, and for you to move the furniture in an aesthetically pleasing manner," I barked orders at him. He smiled a little at my sudden list of demands. Then, he thought over the list.

"What about a coffee maker? You really like coffee," He suggested. I was weaving through the building rapidly. I hesitated to tell him. Kiryu knew that I would appreciate the coffee maker. He also knew how to rile Yusei. Was it some sort of test? He did say Yusei liked building things for girls he liked, or maybe, Kiryu enjoyed spoiling me with random presents.

"About that, I already have one. It kinda showed up on its own," I mumbled. At this point, I knew he would figure out who bought it for me. Yusei curled his fist in realization.

"Kiryu," He fumed in annoyance. He acts like he's yours. Demak's claim echoed through my head. I cast the thought aside. It was a friendly game to them. What does that monkey know anyway? We reached the outside world. Compared the dim inside, the sun shone brilliantly so that I had to get used to the brightness again. Quietly, we settled into our seats. Then, he made fine point.

" Time passed so quickly, I can't believe I'm almost done. I should have everything replaced by the end of the week," Yusei let me know, relaxing the further away we were from Demak's. As we rode on, I mulled over the news, reaching an alarming conclusion. Two more days, and that's it. No more Yusei.