Disclaimer: I do not own Yugioh Zexal.

As I slept, Galaxy Queen went to the key.

I stared sleepily at Ryoga as he sat at the edge of my bed. He had put a wet cloth on my head already and I was super sleepy.

He sighed, "Yeah, you have a fever."

"No shit, Sherlock," I said, lying back down.

"At least you still have your winning personality," he said sarcastically as he stood up. "I gotta go, Rima. Can you take care of yourself?"

I nodded slowly, "Yeah, of course."

He ruffled my hair, "Alright, night kid."

"Don't call me that…" I whined.

"Get some rest, I'll come after school," he didn't look at me when he said that.

"Ryoga, I know you don't go to class as of late," I stated. I know he's been ditching because I haven't seen him at school and there's a lot of gossip about him.

He grabbed my blanket and pulled it over my head, "I'm leaving now."

I tried taking the blanket off and I did, "Hah!"

He pulled it back over, "Two out of three, kid."

"I'm only one year younger than you!"

I kept trying to move the blanket off and I heard Ryoga chuckle at me as he left the room. I listened as the door downstairs closed. I couldn't see out the window, but I'm pretty sure Ryoga just drove off on his motorcycle.

I took the blanket off and reached over and grabbed my deck. If I wasn't allowed to go to school, I'll have to at least improve my deck.

I took out my cards and tried to think of new combos. I picked one up, "Maybe this…with Water Supreme? Nah, that wouldn't work…Maybe, ah, maybe Tethys!"

And that's pretty much how my day went.

Ryoga had come back, like he had said. He put his hand on my forehead before removing it, "You're still sick but it's coming down."

I nodded and yawned, "I'm sleepy now."

"Did you eat?" he asked sitting down on the bedside.

"Did you?" I asked.

"I'm not hungry," he said and right after he said that, his stomach growled.

He held it blushing, "Uh…"

I laughed at his expense, "I could cook if you want."

"No, you're sick," he said.

"There's some food in the fridge," I said and turned over. "You can eat some if you want."

"I don't-"

"If you don't, I'll run outside and break your motorcycle," I threatened, sitting up.

"You're lying," he said, knowing I wouldn't do that.

I chuckled and stood up before swaying on my feet.

Ryoga pushed my forehead with his finger and I fell on the bed. "Ow~" I whined as I curled up in a ball.

"I'll go eat something then," he muttered, rolling his eyes. "Try to sleep."

I listened as he walked downstairs and I heard the fridge open. Alright, he's eating. I'm worried about him. Is he taking care of himself?

It was late at night and Ryoga fell asleep while sitting on a leather chair. I stood up and got a blanket. I was still a bit dizzy but it wasn't that bad. I walked up to Ryoga and put the blanket on him.

"Rio…" I heard him mumble in his sleep.

I smiled sadly at him, "No, this is Rima." I made sure he was at least comfortable before going back to my bed. I looked at the starry sky in the window. I miss her so much…

Rio was, no, is one of the strongest people I know. She was always so confident, like Ryoga. I don't know how we were compatible. Sure, we were both confident but she was so active. I wasn't a big fan of sports but I was okay. She and Ryoga have a bond though. But they bickerer a bunch which is really funny to me. You'd think that twins would be the best of friends. Shark is actually nicer to me than he is to Rio. It's probably because he doesn't have to live with me, haha.

I woke up like usual but I almost threw up. Oh shit, I feel like hell. I groaned and put my pillow on my face, "It's too bright!" I whined.

I heard shuffling and rattling. Someone took the pillow off my face, "I closed the blinds, Rima."

It was Ryoga, "Oh hey Ryoga-chan," I said.

"Keh," he said glaring at me, "Baka onna."

{Baka onna = stupid girl}

I glared at him, "That's not very nice"

"I'm not a very nice person," he said moving his hand up to brush his hair outta his eye.

I blinked staring at his hand before smiling, "You still wear those, huh?"

He blinked before looking to his hand, "…yeah."

We were both quiet.

Ryoga looked at me, "You're still sick so stay home."

"But-"

"Stay," he ordered.

"Okay…" I sighed.

He kissed my forehead, "Night imouto."

{Imouto = little sister}

Something in me snapped once he said that. So that's how he thought of me...As he turned, I grabbed his sleeve.

He looked at me.

I stared at him, "Ryoga…I can never replace Rio."

His eyes widened, "Why would you think-"

"Ryoga, please. I won't replace Rio. I won't be someone that you just use as a second. I'm only Rima, not Rio," I said quietly, hand tightening.

"Rima…" he whispered.

"Just leave," I mumbled as I put the blanket over my head. I don't feel like talking now.

"Ri-"

"Go!" I shouted. Regretting it, I whispered, "Just…just go."

I heard a pause before he shuffled out of the room. I heard the door close and I let myself cry. Ryoga, I know you miss Rio. But I never will replace her. I won't be your replacement.

I sat up and stared outside the window. I was super dizzy but I didn't care. It was evening already but Ryoga hadn't come…I guess he's mad at me or he's thinks I'm mad at him. Either way, I needed to go and apologize. I didn't mean to explode like that.

My key grew erect once more and was levitating in front of me. I grit my teeth, "Ryoga has to wait." I quickly put on some jeans and a t-shirt and ran out of the house. I had no idea where the key was pointing me too but I knew I would collapse if I didn't go slower. I was still sick and dizzy. I shouldn't be running but I had to cheer on Astral and Yuma.

I was at the pier. My key went down as I stared ahead of me. Ryoga and Yuma were dueling…I didn't see a number so why did my key..?

I ran over to my friends. As I stood beside Kotori, I shouted, "Ryoga?!"

He looked over to me as did everyone else. His smirk dropped and he stared at me, "Rima? What are you doing here?!"

"I heard there was a duel happening and I just had to see it," I lied, quickly making up an excuse.

"You shouldn't be out," he said. He was still worried. Maybe this was the reason why he didn't come. It was because he was dueling Yuma.

I stuck my tongue out at him, "You're not the boss of me!" I looked to Tetsuo, "So, anything interesting happen?"

"Yuma promised to duel Shark without his numbers to prove how strong he is," said Tetsuo, "Yuma's losing so far."

"Keh," I spat, looking to the duel. I saw Astral and I concluded he wasn't a part of this. Yuma probably told him to stay out of this duel or something. And anyways, I didn't feel any pain. Now, one more thing to solve…Who am I cheering for? Before, I was cheering for Yuma because Ryoga was being a jerk but now…

Yuma continued with his turn, "My turn! Draw! I summon Gagaga Magician (Atk: 1500-Lvl: 4)!"

"Summon it!" yelled Ryoga, "The number! Call your trump card!"

Was he nuts?! You can't defeat a number without a number! Ryoga is smart and cunning when it comes to dueling, hell, he's even that when he's not. I know he would do this with a plan, some sort of strategy, this may be bad for Yuma if he complies.

"Eh?" asked Yuma, clearly confused.

"What is Shark saying?" asked Inchou.

"He should know that numbers can only be defeated by numbers! Even though…" said Tetsuo, confused as well.

"Come on, call the number!" shouted Ryoga, "Do you really think you can beat me without using a numbers?! I accepted this duel to defeat you, who is using the numbers!"

Ryoga…

"Yuma," said Astral, "You have the opportunity to summon a number. You said that it'd be unfair to use numbers in this duel. But if you don't…I don't want to lose the Emperor's Key. For the sake of winning, use the numbers!"

"Yuma, st-"

"Stay out of this, Rima!" shouted Yuma. He was confused but he seemed angry.

"Don't talk to her like that," defended Ryoga. Aw, I totally love him right now.

Yuma looked to Astral, "I…"

I looked down, "For the sake of winning, you say? If that is what you will do I won't stop you but…this isn't the right choice."

Yuma totally ignored what I said and I was okay with that. Yuma was a baka. For the sake of winning? How about for the sake of helping Ryoga? Of helping my oniichan?

"That's right," Yuma said to Astral, "I have to help Shark out at any cost!"

Liar…he just wants to win. If he wanted to help Ryoga he would've done something else. Maybe talk to him.

Yuma held a card, "I activate the magic card Monster Reborn! I revive Gogogo Golem from my own graveyard (Atk: 1800-Lvl: 4)! I overlay level 4 Gagaga Magician and Gogogo Golem! I create an overlay network with these two monsters! Xyz summon! Come forth, No. 39 Aspiring Emperor – Hope (Atk: 2500-Rank: 4)!"

Yuma was really going through with this. I understand why Astral would be worried. Kotori told me Yuma put his key on the line but…This is so crazy.

"Yuma used a number!" stated Kotori, confused as to why he did.

"He promised not to use them, but he still…" said Tetsuo and I knew he was hurt.

"To summarize, Yuma-kun's duels are nothing without numbers, right?" said Inchou.

I glared at him, "It's people like you that I loathe."

He gulped and zipped his mouth shut.

"It arrived, the number!" said Ryoga, "Now I'm getting fired up!"

"Go, Aspiring Emperor – Hope!" ordered Yuma, "Attack Aero Shark!"

"How naïve!" shouted Ryoga, "I activate Friller Sharks' effect! By removing Friller Shark in my graveyard from play, I can negate my opponents attack and decrease the Atk of the attacking monster by 500!"

Aspiring Emperor – Hope's attack lowered to 2000.

"What?!" asked Yuma. Did he really underestimate Ryoga's skills?

"I activate a trap!" shouted Ryoga, "Fish Rain! When a fish-type monster was removed from play, this card allows me to special summon a level 3 or lower fish-type monster from my hand!"

Yuma just looked on shocked. His plan had failed. Oh shit…If Yuma lost, Astral was gone. My eyes widened, I don't know who to cheer for! Ryoga's my onii-chan but Astral is my friend!

"I summon Big Jaws (Atk: 1800-Lvl: 3)!" announced Ryoga.

"I can't defeat Aero Shark with Hope like this," said Yuma.

"Because you wanted to win fast, you misplayed," stated Astral.

"Eh?" asked Yuma, confused.

Astral was right though…Yuma could've won.

"Monster Reborn can also revive a monster from the opponents graveyard," explained Astral, "If you had revived Friller Shark from Shark's graveyard, you could have used Gagaga Magician's effect to Xyz summon Revise Dragon. And Friller Sharks effect wouldn't have been activated."

Astral continued, "And you would have been able to destroy Aero Shark with Revise Dragon."

"Shut up!" shouted Yuma ashamedly.

Astral was just stating the truth…

"It's alright!" convinced Yuma, "Hope's Atk is 2000. And Shark has no monster with more Atk then Hope on his field. I end my turn with this!"

"My turn, draw!" shouted Ryoga, "I activate Aero Shark's effect! By removing one overlay unit, once per turn, I can hit 400 points of damage for each card in my hand! I have two cards in my hand. That means you'll receive 800 points of damage!"

Ryoga: 4000LPS

Yuma: 1500LPS

"Furthermore, I summon Skull Kraken (Atk: 300-Lvl: 3)!" shouted Ryoga.

"There are two level 3 monsters!" shouted Yuma in shock.

"No shit, Sherlock," I said, glaring heatedly at him...I was still mad at Yuma. He was such a dick!

"Don't panic," said Astral calmly, "He has no card that can defeat Hope, a number card."

"I overlay level 3 Skull Kraken and Big Jaws," announced Ryoga, "I create an overlay network with these two monsters! Xyz summon! Come forth, Black Ray Lancer (Atk: 2100-Rank: 3)!"

"A new Xyz?" I questioned aloud. I haven't seen this one before.

"This duel is mine!" declared Ryoga, "I activate Black Ray Lancer's effect! By removing an overlay unit, I can negate a monsters effect(s) for one turn."

"What?!" asked Yuma incredulously, "Hope!" Then Hope isn't protected by moon barrier.

"We say that numbers can't be destroyed, but in fact, that's just a monster effect!" shouted Ryoga, "If the effect disappears, it can be destroyed!"

I took a step back, "A loophole?!"

"That…" said Yuma shocked, "Hope's monster effect was negated!"

"Go, Black Ray Lancer!" ordered Ryoga, "Black Spear!"

"Hope!" yelled Yuma as his ace was destroyed. He fell to his knees.

Ryoga: 4000LPS

Yuma: 1400LPS

I felt no sting. Was it because this wasn't a proper battle or something?

"Hope was…defeated," whispered Yuma.

"That boy found the numbers weak point…" stated Astral. That means…Astral will disappear?!

"Aero Shark, direct attack!" shouted Ryoga, "Big Eater!"

Ryoga: 4000LPS

Yuma: 0LPS

Ryoga is the winner!

Yuma fell down onto the ground. He lost…

"To summarize, it was a complete defeat," stated Inchou quietly.

"Yuma…lost?" asked Kotori, still not believing it. We were joking about it a few days ago but now…

Yuma was on his knees as he took of his D-Gazer, "This must be a lie. Even though I used a number…"

Ryoga took off his D-Gazer, "It was unlikely. To lose against a duelist like you…and to lose everything…A complete laugh." He walked over and pulled the key off Yuma's neck, "According to the bet, I'll be taking this."

"Ryoga…" I whispered, advancing towards him but I stopped midway.

He looked up at me. He saw my heartbroken expression. Had I've been listening close enough, I would've heard his heart wrench.

Ryoga stood up and walked one step, two steps, more steps away from Yuma, "This thing…isn't even worth destroying." He stopped walking as he threw it back to Yuma.

"Shark…" said Yuma disbelievingly.

Ryoga was just standing there.

"Wait!" shouted Yuma.

"Yuma, you don't understand," said Ryoga, looking back. "I am with them because I want to."

"Huh…?" I whispered. I was so confused. Who is 'them'?

"They gave me, whose place has disappeared, a place to be," said Ryoga, "Don't concern yourself with me anymore!"

I was so shocked. I ran forward, "Ryo-" My breath caught in my throat. I fell forwards and hit the ground. My fever…the strain on me running, on standing, even watching this duel, it's taking its effect.

"R-Rima?" Kotori asked, reaching out to me.

"Don't touch her!" Ryoga shouted. He was kneeling in front of me in a matter of seconds, "You didn't listen to me."

"I'm sorry," I whispered as he picked me up bridal style. He carried me over to his motorcycle and he sat in it with me on his lap. I sat sideways while leaning on Ryoga's chest.

As my eyes swept over on Yuma's heartbroken form, I looked away. I saw Astral and he looked fine. I'm glad but now my head is spinning.

Ryoga started up his motorcycle after making sure my arms were wrapped around him. I've rode with Ryoga before but it hurt my head. We sped off.

We passed two people that said Ryoga's name.

"Is this girl-"

"She's off limits to you," growled Ryoga and we kept going.

"Who were they?" I asked quietly.

"No one, Rima…"

Against my will, Ryoga carried me up to my room and placed me on my bed. I watched him as he went to go get me a cloth for my head. When he walked back in, I asked, "Ryoga…who are 'they'?" I even used air quotation marks.

He looked at me, "None of your concern."

I glared at him, "Tell me, you bastard!"

He grit his teeth and looked away, "Yuma hasn't told you?"

"N-no…I haven't talked to him yesterday or today," I answered, watching Ryoga.

"I'm in a gang," he said quietly.

Eyes widening, I couldn't believe it. I pulled on his hair, "You are such a damn idiot! What the hell are you thinking?!"

"I'm sick of everyone at school," he said after swatting my hands away.

I stared at him worriedly, "Ryoga-"

"I don't need you worrying about me," said Ryoga, almost seething.

"I worry about you anyways!" I shouted at him, "We're supposed to look after each other! That's what Rio said!"

"Just don't get concerned with me anymore," Ryoga mumbled quietly.

"Why not?!" I literally shouted.

"I can't lose you too!" he yelled at me.

My look softened, "Ryoga, I won't be gone…"

He hugged me and kept me close, "Rio's already…I can't lose you too. You're my only hope. You're the only thing that keeps me, me. You're my other imouto."

I understand now. Ryoga just needed someone with him. I'm the only one close to him left, that is able to be here. He doesn't want me to get hurt if I associate myself with him. Those two we saw on the street…they must've been part of the gang. They probably would've hurt me.

"I'm sorry," I said quietly as I swear I felt something wet on my head. Was he crying?

"I'm so sorry," I whispered over and over again. I'm sorry, Ryoga.