Author's Note: Hey everyone. Sorry for the long hiatus. Things haven't been working out in my favor and well, it will be harder for me to post any new chapters. As we speak, I've started on the next chapter. I hope I'll have it done by the end of the month, so be patient.
Enjoy!
Things have been stressful for them, Yusei was a wild case and despite how much they wanted to help, they were not capable of taking care of Yusei in his state.
when Jack was not with him, he would start relapsing, Akiza, Crow, and Martha have already been injured in some way trying to calm him down and prevent him from harming himself, Jack had to completely change his schedule he did just to keep Yusei calm, he had to time every moment Yusei slept in order to leave and get things down.
The stress was affecting them all so Jack and the others decided that they needed help
"...are you sure about this?"
"I feel that Yusei here will benefit from going to these appointments Mr. Atlas, I assure you that I checked this man's background and he is a wonderful psychiatrist, I truly believe that he is the perfect choice." Dr. Banner said confidently, handing Jack the man's profile.
"Hmm...I'm still not sure..." Jack murmured, reading the man's background.
"I know you do not wish to be apart from Yusei for any length of time but he will never heal if you smother him, only remain the same and completely dependent on you." Jack sighed and looked at Dr. Banner.
"Fine...I guess you're right." He handed the profile back and stood up.
"I am glad to hear that, I have already taken the liberty to set up an appointment with him for tonight." Dr. Banner said, handing Jack the address and time. "All sessions have already been paid for, so you only have to drop him off."
"Yusei'll be there." Jack said, grabbing his jacket and heading out, nodding his farewells to the doctor.
Outside, Aki stood by the door, staring at the wall in front of her, a nervous look on her face. Jack tapped her shoulder, making her turn to him. "So?"
Jack sighed for the umpteenth time today. "He has an appointment tonight. The problem is I can't be there with him..."
Akiza looked even more nervous with that bit of information.
"He's completely attached to you Jack; it's a miracle that you can be away from him for a small while, what if he relapses again?"
Jack looked more frustrated. "I don't know, I just don't know."
The boy in question was lying on the visitor's couch, playing with the Kuribon plushie absent-mindedly. Jack frowned sadly at him.
"I don't think I can leave him alone..." Aki frowned. She could clearly hear the emotions in Jack's tone. He was truly upset about this.
"M-Maybe they'll let you sit with Yusei?" Akiza was unsure of what to do, she knew what was happening yet at the same time, and it felt as if she knew nothing at all.
Jack just looked at her and sighed.
"I truly hope they will let me... Yusei won't..." Jack stopped to take a deep breath; Aki rubbed his back, hoping to comfort him. Jack was starting to break from the situation, he wasn't alone ether.
Yusei turned and didn't say anything, simply watching them.
Jack took several deep breaths, calming down after a few minutes.
"I'll try to convince him to let me sit with him." Jack muttered, straightening up.
"Ok. Just stay calm, alright?" Aki said gently, smiling a bit. Jack simply nodded.
"...sad..." They turned to Yusei, who stared at them with his usual blank stare.
Jack looked at Yusei for a minute before smiling softly.
"I'm not sad anymore Yusei." Jack said, walking over and sitting next to Yusei.
"I'm not sad." He repeated, wrapping an arm around Yusei and holding him close.
Yusei shut his eyes and leaned against Jack. "..Sad...sad..."
Aki felt her heart break at the sight, Yusei was like a child, so dependent of Jack, and speaking in that voice, that quiet, fragile voice, it hurt her deeply.
She didn't even know if Jack was trying to convince Yusei that he wasn't sad or trying to convince himself.
Akiza took a moment to compose herself.
"Let's head back; we should relax before you two head to the appointment."
Jack nodded a bit and nudged Yusei softly, standing up and holding the quiet teen close.
They left the hospital; a black car was waiting for them. Ushio had pulled some strings and got them a private ride, which Jack and Akiza were eternally grateful for, worried about how Yusei would act around so many people; he already clung to Jack when they were outside.
Akiza and Jack stayed silent the entire time, Jack holding Yusei close and stroking his hair gently.
Yusei stared straight ahead, disturbing the driver whenever he looked in the review mirror.
Soon they reached their home, thanking the driver, Akiza hurried ahead and went to get food ready for Yusei, and Jack calmly followed behind, still holding Yusei.
They went inside into the living room. Jack sat Yusei down and sat next to him.
"Aki is making your dinner. Do you want me to feed you like last time?" he asked. Yusei simply pressed against Jack, tracing Jack's jaw lightly with the tips of his fingers. Jack let out a small chuckle and nodded.
"Okay, it's pretty obvious what you want."
Aki returned with some food, smiling a bit. She handed the plate to Jack. "Here, I hope he likes it..."
Yusei just stared at Akiza, Jack frowned.
Akiza's smile faltered and she looked at Yusei.
"I-Is something wrong Yusei?" Akiza asked worriedly.
"Yusei?" Jack said quietly, gently holding Yusei's shoulder.
Yusei continued to stare at Akiza for another minute before turning to Jack who called out to him again. Jack could tell from how Yusei was tensing that he didn't want Akiza near him so he decided to try to pull his attention back to him.
Jack grabbed the fork and brought some food up to Yusei's mouth.
"Eat." Was all he said, staring into Yusei's eyes, Yusei looked at Jack before opening his mouth and accepting the food, Jack relaxed when he saw the tension leave Yusei.
Crisis averted.
Akiza let out a small sigh of relief, happy that Yusei was eating the food.
'I hope Dr. Banner is right about the man.' Akiza thought as she watched Jack feed Yusei, worry about whether this really was a good idea.
Jack smiled as Yusei continue to eat. He was glad that Yusei DID eat. He had gained a little weight back and didn't look like a toothpick anymore.
"Eat up, Yusei." Jack encouraged, holding another fork full up.
"I'm here Yusei."
Yusei stared straight and clutched Jack's arm tightly as they entered the strange building, Jack sending him a small smile as they headed to their location.
"It'll be alright." Yusei simply tightened his grip in response.
They went up to the receptionist. Jack checked in and asked if he was allowed to sit with Yusei during the session, he waited a few agonizing minutes while she checked until the young lady said to his joy, he could.
"See? I don't have to leave you alone." Jack said happily, turning to the teen next to him.
Yusei seemed to relax into Jack's touch, content that Jack was happy at the moment.
They sat in the waiting room, to be called in.
Jack was a bit nervous; he had a bad feeling about this.
After about ten minutes, they were sent for.
Jack gripped Yusei's hand tightly, holding him close as they entered the room where a young man was waiting for them.
"Hello, you must be my new patient." The man greeted, Jack looked at Yusei who didn't seem to react.
"Uh, yes. This is Yusei Fudo and I'm Jack Atlas. I hope you don't mind me being here with him. He becomes very unsettled when he doesn't have me in his sights." Jack said as he and Yusei sat on the couch.
The man went through some papers and looked sad. "I've heard about Yusei. Poor kid... Anyways, I'm Dr. Kaus."
Jack nodded, examined the man as he read something before sitting down and pulling a pen out. He had short black hair, dark brown eyes; he was a bit shorter then Jack.
"Now from what I heard, Yusei here went through a very traumatic event, causing him to enter this state."
Jack nodded. "He won't really reply to anyone much except me, and even then, it's a bit difficult at times, if I'm lucky, he will say a full sentence, other than that, it's nothing but one-worded answers."
Yusei then clung to Jack, leaning his head against his shoulder. Jack sighed. "I can't leave him alone at all. He either has an episode or attempts to attack whoever is watching him because I wasn't there." He said in sorrow, losing count of how many times Yusei attacked one of the others when he wasn't there
"Well, maybe I can fix that, I am the best at what I do." Kaus said softly, smiling at Jack.
Jack looked at Dr. Kaus and shrugged inwardly, unsure how to speak to the man.
'Something just makes me uncomfortable with him.' Jack thought to himself, examining the man.
Yusei yawned and snuggled up to Jack, he started playing with Jack's hand, completely ignoring Dr. Kaus.
Kaus spun his pen around. "Ok! Shall we get started?" he said with a smile.
"Now tell me everything that happened since Yusei here was found."
Jack nodded and told the man everything, nervous but deciding to give the man a benefit of a doubt.
Kaus seemed surprised and stunned after hearing Jack's explanation
"My...that is...something." was all he said after a few minutes of silence.
"Indeed." Jack simply said, a bit annoyed at his response.
Jack looked at Yusei, who had stopped playing with his hand.
Yusei remained silent, simply staring at Kaus, suddenly tensing.
"Yusei relax." Jack said softly, giving Yusei's hand a squeeze, sensing that Yusei was becoming uncomfortable.
Kaus stayed calm, watching Yusei. "Yusei, just tell me. Are you still frightened? Are you paranoid that your attacker will come back?"
Yusei tensed up even more, Jack gulped and squeezed Yusei's hand once more. "Yusei, relax." he said, a little more sternly.
"Are you afraid that when you feel safest, he will return and take you back?" Yusei trembled, his face paling but his expression didn't change.
"Yusei he won't come back." Jack said, rubbing circles on Yusei's back.
"You're afraid because you know what he's capable of. You know that he WILL return sooner or later."
Jack wanted to yell at Kaus to stop, for causing Yusei to feel scared.
"You're just trying to deny the truth, the truth that YOU already."
Yusei turned away from Kaus, not wanting to look at him, staring at the door, which was cracked open slightly and froze in fear, eyes wide as wide can be.
"The fear inside you will grow because YOU believe he will come back and it becomes a truth!" Kaus exclaimed.
In that crack, staring at him with knowing eyes was Paradox.
Time seemed to stop, Yusei couldn't look away, he couldn't hear anything except a chuckle, a soft chuckle that could only be described as amused, and a chuckle that Yusei knew all too well that was coming from his tormentor.
He felt himself shake, felt helpless hearing that familiar sound, he didn't know what to do.
"My dear….."Yusei's breath quicken, fear tightening its death grip on him.
Paradox's eyes glowed, his voice getting clearer.
Soon, the words became all too clear.
"I've missed you my dear...~"
Yusei kept hearing him, his voice getting louder and louder, he tried to cover his ears but Paradox's voice seemed to come from his head.
And Jack…..
Why couldn't he hear it?
Why didn't he see that Paradox was right there?
"Sto...p..." Yusei rasped out, Paradox's voice overtaking Yusei's thoughts, familiar words overlapping them.
"Yusei...?" Jack asked quietly, not liking what he was seeing, he didn't understand what was upsetting Yusei.
He looked towards the doorway, the direction Yusei was staring at.
But nothing was there.
"Yusei, what's wrong? What's making you like this?" Jack felt a bit helpless; rubbing Yusei's back, trying to calm him down.
"S-sto...stop..." Yusei was shaking more, tears starting to flow.
"Yusei..." Kaus called out, trying to get the teen's attention. "Yusei can you hear me, what do you see?"
HIM! He's there! Right there! Why couldn't they see him?!
"S...stop…" Yusei's nails were digging into his skin but Yusei didn't react.
All he could remember was the pain.
"You honestly thought you could escape me, my dear."
He was going back.
"You thought you were safe in Jack's arms…."
Back to that room.
"That I wouldn't find you….?"
Back to the hatred.
"That I wouldn't punish you…?"
It hurts…
"Oh Yusei…."
It.HURTS.
"Would you enjoy having a play date with me?"
The two men nearly jumped out of their skins as Yusei suddenly let out a mortifying shriek.
"YUSEI CALM DOWN!" Jack cried, wrapping his arms around Yusei's torso to keep Yusei in place.
"STOPSTOPSTOPSTOPSTOPSTOP!" Yusei continued to scream rapidly, struggling in Jack's arms, fear clearly visible in his eyes.
Kaus was startled at what he saw. He read about how Yusei was effect from his kidnapping but seeing it up close was different, he watched what was happening with calculating eyes, wanting to see how things turned out.
Jack used all of his power to keep Yusei restrained, the teen crying hysterically. Jack clenched his teeth and brought Yusei close.
"Calm. Down." Jack ordered coldly, making Yusei freeze up in fear.
Jack hating the reaction he received but he had no choice, he had to calm Yusei down.
Yusei still looked towards the door in fear.
"Stay calm or else." He ordered, Yusei whimpered faintly.
Yusei remained still, as Jack him go and moved away, walking over and closing the door fully.
He walked back over and held Yusei close, stroking his hair soothingly.
"Relax, stay calm." Jack said softly, Yusei instantly relaxing at the familiar tone.
The relapse exhausted Yusei, which showed as his eyes drooped slightly.
Jack pushed his head to rest on his shoulder, Yusei quickly drifting off to sleep in response.
No one did anything for a few minutes, as if to make sure Yusei was deeply asleep.
"I..." Jack looked at the doctor, breaking the silence. "I'm sorry for that...Really, I am."
Kaus pushed up his glasses. "It's fine, Mr. Atlas. I've had patients who had done similar things that Yusei done."
Jack looked very upset, he sighed. "I could answer anything you want to know about Yusei's situation, I was the one who found him..."
Kaus looked at Jack for a moment before shaking his head slowly.
"That's not necessary." He looked at his papers. "Truthfully I shouldn't have allowed you to sit with Mr. Fudo for this session, I was told to forbid you for coming in but I allowed it because I wanted to see how it would be."
Jack swallowed, not enjoying what was gonna come.
"I need to hear what happened from Mr. Fudo's lips, so I'm afraid you will not be allowed to sit with him in future sessions."
Jack would have jumped out of his seat if Yusei wasn't lying against him.
"B-But you saw how he reacted! He wouldn't have calmed down if he wasn't near me!"
"Like I said Mr. Atlas, I am used to patients acting like this, I know how to respond, I'm sorry but you will NOT be allowed to sit with him in future sessions." Dr. Kaus said sternly as he stared Jack down.
Jack himself started trembling. He couldn't leave Yusei alone! What if that bastard stole him away when he wasn't there to protect him?!
Kaus checked the time. "You have thirty minutes left in our session, Mr. Atlas. I will allow you to stay for the rest of this time."
Jack continued to tremble, holding Yusei close.
'I can't leave Yusei alone, I simply can't." He looked at Yusei who was still sleeping. 'Maybe...Maybe I can just cancel the appointments.'
'Y-Yes... I will just cancel them...' Jack thought, holding the teen gently.
"So, Mr. Atlas, could you explain WHY Yusei can't be left alone?" Kaus said.
"He won't react well to anyone except me, it's probably because I was the one who found him and so he became attached to me." Jack said quietly.
Dr. Kaus nodded slightly, writing it down.
"So he became attached to you and that automatically means that you must always be near him?"
"No... He will relapse and if I'm not there..." Jack took in a shaky breath, remembering the relapses he had to stop.
"Yusei might kill himself out of fear, paranoia and confusion..."
Dr. Kaus didn't react to Jack's words, simply looking at him.
Without a word, he began to write down a few things, Jack distracting himself with Yusei.
Yusei slept peacefully in Jack's arms, his lips parted slightly. Jack stroked his hair gently.
Kaus didn't say a word as he finished writing.
"I believe this is enough for today." He set his pen down, Jack looked at the time and saw that they had 15 minutes left but he wasn't going to say anything.
"I'll continue this with Yusei next session." Jack looked up from Yusei and watched Dr. Kaus.
"You will not be allowed to sit with Mr. Fudo next time, remember that."
Jack swallowed. "A-Actually sir, I would like to-"
"You cannot cancel." Jack blinked a few times at the sudden interruption before the words finally hit him.
"W-What?" Dr. Kaus took off his glasses as set them on his desk.
"I know what you will say and I'm afraid you cannot cancel these appointments." Jack paled at this and tightened his grip on Yusei.
"And...Why not...?" He said quietly, trying to steady his voice.
"Simply put, unless I or Dr. Banner notice any progress with Mr. Fudo, the sessions will not and cannot be canceled, if you try to simply stop Mr. Fudo from attending, you will have to speak with the authorities." Dr. Kaus explained calmly, not at all affected by the look of anger he received from Jack.
"T-This is madness! I keep telling you how Yusei will react and you cross it off as NOTHING!" Jack growled, glaring hatefully at the man.
"Like I said, I had patients like this before." Kaus said calmly.
"...no..."
Jack looked and flinched, Yusei was awake and staring at him with blank eyes.
Nothing good came out of seeing him with blank eyes.
"No… what, Yusei?" Jack asked.
"...hate..." Yusei responded quietly, playing with Jack's hand again."... Steal away..."
"I will not steal you away Mr. Fudo, you only have to spend an hour with me, then you can leave." Dr. Kaus said calmly.
"Want...to leave..." Yusei whispered, gripping Jack's hand.
"Don't want...to come back..."
"I'm sorry Mr. Fudo but you WILL have to return, this is mandatory."
"No...want Jack with me..." Jack smiled happily at Yusei's words, Kaus frowned.
"Mr. Atlas cannot be with you during these sessions, this is also mandatory."
Yusei tensed, Jack wincing a bit as Yusei gripped his hand tightly. "...no..."
"Mr. Fudo, this is necessary to help you recover!"
Yusei's blank stare then took a frightening turn.
"I'LL KILL YOU."
Before Jack could blink, Yusei had escaped his grasp and wrapped his hands around Dr. Kaus' throat.
"YUSEI!" Jack moved up and tried to get Yusei to let go, but the younger teen had an iron grip on the man's neck.
Yusei didn't let up one bit. Kaus was struggling to free himself of Yusei's grip. Sadly, it was to no avail. Fear was on his face as he stared at that too large smile on Yusei's face, he saw the malicious glee in his eyes as he squeezed tighter.
"YUSEI, STOP!" Jack screamed as he tried his best to pull Yusei away.
"Die..." Yusei rasped out, tightening his grip, his eyes widen more as he watched Dr. Kaus struggle to breath.
"Yusei. Stop. NOW." Jack growled out, his tone becoming icy like before.
Yusei froze, expression turning blank again. Jack pulled him away, Kaus gasping and coughing as he was able to breathe again.
Jack sat Yusei back down on the couch, then sat down next to him.
"Yusei I told you not to do that." Jack said quietly, soon having an armful of the teen.
"….sorry….." Yusei mumbled, relaxing against Jack.
Kaus soon recovered his breath, but was scared shitless. He grabbed his clipboard and started writing something down hastily.
Jack rocked Yusei gently, rubbing his back softly.
"Are...you alright sir?" Jack said quietly, watching the man write.
"Uh...y-yes...yes I'm fine." Kaus coughed out, still writing.
"I'm just making some plans for the next session."
Jack frowned and held Yusei close. There was no way he was going to get out of this.
"...Yusei... You will have to be alone with this man. I….. trust….. That he will keep his word." Jack whispered in Yusei's ear.
Yusei's eyes seemed to flash with an emotion Jack couldn't identify for a second before he clutched Jack's shirt and rubbed his face against his chest.
Jack smiled softly at Yusei's response.
"Now I want Yusei to come back next week, it was supposed to be two days from now but in light of what has happened I need to plan for a bit."
Jack nodded, very thankful it was moved to next week. He ran his hand through Yusei's hair; a faint purr was heard from Yusei.
Kaus put his glasses back on. "You are free to leave now."
Jack nodded and stood up, gently pulling Yusei up and leading him out the door.
Dr. Kaus watched them leave before going back to writing.
Jack then called for their ride, Yusei playing with Jack's hand once more.
"...hate ..." Yusei said quietly, not looking away from his actions.
Jack chuckled softly and smirked a bit.
"I hate him too." Yusei blinked in respond before ignoring everything.
Soon their ride came, Jack led Yusei into the car and told the driver their destination. Yusei stared blankly forward; Jack ran his hand through Yusei's hair gently, feeling Yusei relax greatly.
The trip back was quiet, Jack busying himself with Yusei as the quiet teen played with Jack's hands. They quickly arrived home, Jack keeping an arm around Yusei as they went inside.
Aki looked up from the couch, putting down her magazine. "How did it go?
Jack remained silent, keeping Yusei close. "...I'm nervous..." Was all Jack said.
Akiza stood up and walked over to Jack, keeping a safe distance as to not scare Yusei.
"What's wrong?" She asked a worried look on her face.
Jack was shaking his head faintly; Yusei went over to the couch to play with his Kuribon plushie.
"Jack, tell me. If it's about Yusei, I have to know, he's my friend too!" Akiza said firmly.
Jack looked at Akiza before motioning her to follow him to the kitchen, Yusei looking up as Jack passed and made barely audible noise that Jack was lucky to catch.
He knelt down and placed a hand on Yusei's cheek, smiling softly at him.
"I'll be right back, just make a noise and I'll coming straight in." He said softly, Akiza watching everything in surprise.
Yusei looked at Jack for a moment before going back to playing with his Kuribon doll, Jack smiling before turning around and leading Akiza into the kitchen.
"Okay, what's going on Jack?" Akiza said once they were in the kitchen
"...I don't want to take Yusei to therapy anymore...He attacked his therapist..." Jack said after a moment.
Akiza gasped a bit. "W-Why?!"
"Apparently, Yusei hates him; he said I'm not allowed to sit with him in any other session." Jack said, looking very upset.
"B-But Yusei NEEDS You!" Akiza exclaimed, greatly worried.
"I-I know... But he said I shouldn't be babying Yusei..." Jack moved to sit down.
"I have to be with Yusei... I refuse to leave him alone..."
Akiza pulled a chair and sat next to Jack, rubbing his back.
"It'll be alright, maybe you can cancel?" Jack shook his head.
"He said I would need to take it up with the cops if I tried." Jack sighed, running his hand through his hair.
Akiza looked scared. "T-There's no other way...?" she asked in a frightened tone.
Jack nodded. He held his head in his hands. "I don't know what to do... I... I..."
He took a deep breath and let out a shaky sigh.
"I...I gave in and told Yusei to go alone but..." He looked nervous, Akiza watching him.
"What?" Jack didn't say anything, making Akiza antsy.
"What Jack?" Jack sighed once more.
"I-I kind of hope the man will do something…...so Yusei can hurt him….maybe even kill him…." Akiza gasped and looked at Jack in horror!
"What hell are you thinking?!" She exclaimed, hand covering her mouth in horror.
"We're supposed to help Yusei heal, NOT try to break him further!"
"LIKE HE'S GOING TO HEAL BY GOING TO FUCKING THERAPY! HE WON'T TALK TO ANYONE UNLESS I AM THERE! HE ALREADY SAID HE HATED THAT MOTHERFUCKER AND TRIED TO KILL HIM!" Jack screamed in fury. It was the truth. Therapy wasn't going to help him at all.
"THAT DOESN'T MEAN YOU CAN ENCOURAGE THIS DAMNIT!" Akiza screamed back.
"He was fine before going to that bastard." Jack growled, glaring at the redhead.
"Dear gods, it's been ONE FUCKING APPOINTMENT! You have to give it more time!" Akiza said coldly, daring Jack to argue back.
A small noise was heard, making them turn and stare with wide eyes.
Yusei stood there, plushie in hand, his blank eyes staring at Akiza.
Akiza shivered inwardly, her anger gone, replaced with slight fear.
Jack slowly moved closer to Yusei, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.
"Y-Yusei...?" Jack said softly.
Yusei stared at Akiza, ignoring Jack. Akiza felt fear creep up on her more.
"...not without Jack..." he said quietly, surprising the duo at the almost full sentence they received
Akiza swallowed, completely nervous.
"Y-Yusei...You have to get it a shot." She swallowed more and gave him a shaky smile.
"Maybe the man m-might find something t-that can help."
"….No..." Yusei responded, absentmindedly braiding Jack's hair extension.
Jack smiled smugly at Akiza, making the girl glare darkly at him.
"Yusei, I don't like the man ether but we have to give him a chance!" She tried to reason.
"No..." Yusei said, not looking away from his work.
Jack continued to smile smugly. "But Yusei-" Akiza was cut off when Yusei suddenly sent the mother of all death glares at her.
"I SAID NO." Yusei rasped darkly before returning to his work, acting as if nothing happened.
Akiza shivered in fear, Jack happily stroking Yusei's hair, as if Yusei didn't do anything a moment ago.
"J-Jack, dammit just give the man a chance." Akiza said through clenched teeth.
"Hey, it's Yusei's choice. He is the patient, after all." Jack smiled as Yusei finished braiding one extension and started on the other.
"Jack, be reasonable!" She said desperately, flinching as she received a glare from the blond.
"I AM being reasonable." He said coldly. "What happens if you're wrong and Yusei gets worse, I'm not going to trust a completely stranger."
"Just give the man a chance, maybe it might work. Just. One. Chance Jack, one chance is all I'm asking." Akiza was one the verge of pulling her hair, Jack frustrating her.
Jack thought it over as Yusei braided his other extension. "...Fine. One chance. If Kaus fucks up, I'm not stopping Yusei, hell I'm joining him."
Akiza sighed on relief, happy that Jack finally agreed.
"Thank you Jack, I just want Yusei better, and I really don't want a tussle with the cops about this." Akiza paused and bit her lip. "I'm still surprised that Dr. Banner WOULD call the cops on you if you didn't take Yusei to his appointments."
Jack sighed and scowled. "Just our luck that we have to wait a few weeks before we can talk to him." He growled. "He's been assigned something and he won't have time for us."
"..." Yusei finished braiding Jacks extensions. He yawned loudly and grabbed Jack's hand.
Jack blinked; Yusei didn't want to be alone. "Come. I'm tired myself."
Akiza nodded. "Go sleep, I'll just relax for a while."
Jack nodded and led Yusei out of the kitchen.
Akiza sighed after hearing the bedroom door open and close; she sat down and held her head in her hands.
"I just hope I'm right about this guy." She whispered. "Because if I'm not..."
- (Scene skip)-
Yusei lay down on the bed, yawning again. Jack lay next to him, smiling a bit.
"...I wish I could cancel those appointments..." Jack muttered, still upset about that.
Yusei snuggled against him, making Jack chuckle.
"A few months ago, we wouldn't be caught dead like this." Jack's smile turned sad.
"But that's all changed now huh..." He wrapped his arms around the tired teen and held him close.
"...things changed...I just wish they didn't." Jack whispered to the now sleeping teen.
Jack ran his fingers through Yusei's hair, Yusei relaxing more in his sleep. The blonde frowned more. He really didn't want to trust Kaus, especially if Yusei wanted to kill him.
'Let's see what happens, but I'll never forgive myself if something DOES happen.' He thought, sighing and trying to relax.
'I hope everything goes well.' was his last thought before sleeping.
But sleep eluded him.
Jack couldn't sleep, the thought of Yusei being taken by that bastard making it hard to rest.
"D-Damn him." Jack whispered, his hatred for Paradox growing.
He felt arms wrap around him, along with whimpering. Yusei was shaking a bit.
Jack frowned sadly. "You had a nightmare?" Yusei didn't respond, simply burying his face into Jack's back.
Jack didn't say anything else, turning around and simply holding Yusei, humming a random tone.
'Why did it have to be him?' Jack thought not for the first time as he drifted back to sleep
- (Scene skip)-
"I'm glad Yusei enjoyed my performance~"
"Why the hell did you do that?! Yusei was going to KILL ME!"
Kaus glared at the smirking man, the angry man had hand prints on his neck.
"I knew Jack would stop him and he did so no problem." Kaus face palmed and groaned
"That's not the point dammit! He. Could. Have. Killed. ME!"
He chuckled at the outburst and leaned against the wall, crossing his arms over his chest.
"But he didn't." He said, smirking. Kaus growled quietly, than examined his notes.
"You are fucking lucky that we are friends Paradox, or else I would give these to the police." He said, holding out the notes he took during Yusei's session.
Paradox examining his nails on one hand, looking bored as he took the notes without looking at the man.
"I must admit I didn't think he would react the way he did when he saw you" He mumbled as Kaus began looking through his files.
"You really did a number to him." Kaus said after a moment.
Paradox chuckled. "I had fun."
Kaus sighed and sat back.
"So what do you want me to do? You didn't come here just to talk." Paradox smirked at him.
"I want to...show Yusei how heartbroken I was when he escaped." He chuckled darkly as he remembered everything he did to Yusei. "Yusei will provide me with more entertainment, such a delightful thought.
Paradox smirked as Kaus looked nervous. "Don't be afraid... You know that Atlas will be nearby."
"I still don't like how I'm involved." Kaus grumbled.
"You were chosen obviously." Kaus sighed at Paradox's words.
"How on earth did you distract Dr. Banner? Jack would have found out that he could easily cancel these appointments immediately." Paradox raised an eyebrow and smirked.
"Quite some time but it was easy to persuade his boss to...transfer patients for a little while."
Kaus's eyes widened. "You didn't..."
Paradox smiled eerily. "I did~"
The brunette shook his head.
"You're going all out of the kid aren't you?"
Paradox smiled coldly.
"Of course, he deserve it, deserves it so much." He said in a soft voice, a voice soft and as cold as snow.
Kaus gulped. "You scare me sometimes..."
Paradox smiled at him playfully. "I'm very aware of that!"
"So..." He turned towards Kaus and smile darkly.
"You will make sure everything goes well, alright?" Paradox smiled more as Kaus nodded.
"Yes, I will do as you say." Kaus sighed again.
Paradox smiled. "Good!"
Kaus sighed once more as Paradox walked over and handed something to him, He wasn't paid enough for this...
Paradox straightened up and walked towards the door, looking over his shoulder at Kaus.
"We'll talk more about this later; make sure you get everything ready for Yusei's appointment alright?" Earning a nod from Kaus, Paradox smiled.
"Wonderful~"
- (Time skip: next day)-
Jack was the first to wake up, eyes fluttering up and automatically landing on Yusei, he smiled softly as he watched the teen sleep, it was one of the few times Yusei's face showed even the slightest emotion that wasn't negative, peace was a common one Jack saw and it made him happy, the look of calm Yusei had when he slept with nightmares.
Because for the first few moments of the day, it made Jack feel as if nothing ever happened to Yusei. That nothing had changed.
Slowly moving away from Yusei he sat up and stretched, sighing as his body relaxed, he turned to look at the time and saw that it was the next day.
'We must have been more tired than I thought.' Jack thought to himself, his eyes flickered to the nightstand and noticed a note on it.
Picking it up he saw that Akiza had to help Martha with something so she left some food for the both of them in the oven.
A small noise caught his attention and he turned to see Yusei looking at him.
"Hey there, sleep well?" Jack said, chuckling as Yusei's eyes drooped in response.
Jack got out of bed and smiled when Yusei held his arms out, Jack began chuckling as he picked Yusei up and carried the sleepy teen downstairs, pushing away the thought that Yusei was still very light and thin.
He placed Yusei on the couch and smiled at him.
"You relax here and I'll grab us something to eat from the kitchen okay?"
Yusei grabbed his Kuribon plushie before lying down to play with it, the TV on in case Yusei wanted to watch something. Jack went into the kitchen to heat their plates up.
He made sure to listen closely, since he had to make sure Yusei was fine.
Everything was calm, letting Jack get their meals heated up.
He came out with their plates and brought Yusei's plate forwards.
"I'll feed you if you want." Jack said, smiling as Yusei opened his mouth slightly.
Jack fed Yusei first before eating his plate; he placed the dirty dishes in the sink before sitting down in the living room and watching TV with Yusei.
After a few hours, the front door opened
"I'm back!" Called out Akiza.
Jack looked up from the TV as the redhead walked into the room. "Have fun?"
"Always. Anyways, how is Yusei?" Akiza asked, looking at Yusei.
Jack smiled softly and sat by Yusei, smiling more when the teen lied against him.
"He has been wonderful." was all Jack said,
Akiza smiled.
"That's nice to hear."
Jack nodded. Yusei blinked and started braiding Jacks extensions again.
Akiza giggled.
"Yusei's pretty attached to you." she giggled, smiling widely when Yusei made a noise when Jack shifted.
"...guardian." Yusei whispered suddenly, snuggling into Jack.
Both looking at Yusei in surprise.
Jack felt so happy at hearing Yusei say that, it made him feel accomplished that he could help Yusei in any way he could.
"He's so content around you." Akiza said softly, slightly jealous at the way Yusei was around Jack but knew it couldn't be helped.
"As I said, I'm the one that found him." Jack said.
Yusei fell asleep against Jack, breathing softly.
Akiza sighed. She missed the old Yusei.
Jack smiled as he stroked Yusei's hair.
Even though Yusei changed, Jack didn't care. If anything, it made him protective of him.
He wouldn't let Yusei out of his sight at all. But those damn therapy appointments...
He couldn't wait for the man to fuck up.
"Jack..." Akiza said lowly, seeing the dark look on his face.
Jack's eyes flickered to her before returning to Yusei.
"It's not a crime to imagine what will happen." Jack stated with a smirk.
"You're actually hoping Yusei kills him." Akiza whispered horrified.
Jack chuckled darkly.
"I'm not stopping him." Jack stated. Yusei let out a quiet snore, unaware of what was being talked about.
"Jack I said it before, we're trying to help him not make him worst!" Akiza whispered harshly.
Jack glared at her. "The bastard is making Yusei worst." Akiza groaned at this.
"Not this again." She whispered annoyed. "It's been only one appointment dammit!"
"I'm also aware of that. But I do not care for that man!" Jack hissed.
Akiza groaned in frustration. Why couldn't Jack understand?!
"Why are you being so frustrating about this?!" she whispered more harshly.
"Because I. Don't. Trust. Him." Jack growled, glaring at Akiza coldly.
"You're being ridiculous." She said, rubbing her forehead.
"No, YOU'RE being ridiculous!" Jack growled lowly.
"Akiza, I KNOW you won't admit it, but even YOU don't think Yusei will recover from this. Therapy WILL. NOT. Help him." Jack whispered angrily.
"Dear gods." Akiza said, pinching the bridge of her nose, feeling a headache coming. She then held her hands up in surrender, clicking her tongue and scowling at Jack.
"Fine, you know what? Yeah Jack, I agree with you with this." She scowled as Jack looked smug and then leaned down until they were only an inch apart, glaring at him coldly, making him frown and look at her.
"But you and I BOTH agree that being hassled by the police is a fucking bitch to go through and so help me gods, I will beat you within an inch of your life and show you how well my psychic abilities are if you bring the police into this." She hissed coldly, making Jack swallow.
She moved back a bit and pointed towards Yusei's prone form.
"Until you figure out a way or something happens that allows Yusei to stop going, he. Will. Continue. To. Go. Is that clear asshole, or do I need to persuade you with a more violent method?" Akiza practically spat her words, glaring at Jack with enough angry that made him flinch a bit.
Jack nodded, swallowing again; Akiza looked at him for another minute before pulling away and walking to the kitchen, mumbling about getting something to eat.
Jack ran a hand though his hair and sighed.
He really needed to learn to keep his mouth shut sometimes.
"Eat up, Yusei."
Akiza watched as Jack fed Yusei his meal. She had a small smile on her face, she had calmed down as she made food for the three of them.
Yusei slowly ate his meal, watching Jack the whole time.
"Keep eating Yusei, we need to get you back into a healthy weight." Jack said softly, smiling as Yusei ate.
Soon, Yusei finished eating and began playing with Jack's hand. Jack chuckled.
"Is my hand that appealing to you?" Jack asked playfully, chuckling as Yusei made a noise in response.
Jack flexed his hand and chuckled as Yusei held his hand flat in order to keep him from flexing.
"Having fun?" Akiza said, giggling.
"Yep." Jack chuckled as Yusei held his hand flat by pressing it to the table. Akiza giggled.
"I have never seen something so cute!" She said happily.
Yusei made another noise as Jack continued moving his hand.
"He doesn't like when you do that Jack." Akiza giggled more.
"I know. I'll stop." Jack smiled, not making his hand move anymore. Yusei seemed pleased, despite no expression on his face.
Akiza giggled again. This was too cute in her eyes.
Jack smiled softly as Yusei continued playing with his hand, moving it and flexing it.
"He's like a little kid." Jack said softly, his smile turning a bit sad, Akiza smiling sadly as well.
"Yeah."
"I hope he recovers and returns to normal..." Akiza said, Jack frowning now.
"I think he won't..."
Akiza looked at Jack and noticed that Jack looked sadder and shook his head slowly.
"No...I KNOW he won't return to normal." Akiza silently took a deep breath, keeping herself from crying, she knew Jack was right, but it didn't hurt any less.
"No one can truly recover from something like that...no one..." Jack said quietly.
Yusei made a noise, holding Jack's hand down with both hands. Jack smiled faintly.
"At least he is safe... That is all that matters..."
He used his free hand and ruffled Yusei's hair, chuckling as Yusei pressed against his hand.
Akiza giggled as Yusei practically melted under Jack's hand.
"So cute, like a cat!" she said, smiling.
Jack smiled happily and massaged the teen's scalp.
- (Time skip: a week later)-
"Yusei, you have to!"
"Akiza, he won't listen to you. He really doesn't want to go!"
Akiza glared at Jack, the blond glaring back, Yusei clutched Jack's arm.
"He's going and that's final." She said firmly, tapping her foot.
Yusei buried his face in Jacks chest, Jack glared at Akiza.
"It's HIS choice!" he spat.
"Unless you want us to face the cops, which I know you don't, then it's NOT!" Akiza hissed, reminding Jack of what would happen if he didn't take Yusei.
Jack growled darkly at Akiza, not wanting to remember that little fact.
"I hate you so much right now." Jack growled, Akiza glared back at him and pointed at the door.
"Hate me as much as you want, just go, you're late." Jack scowled before leading Yusei out the door, trying hard to ignore Yusei's whimper.
Jack and Yusei spent the duration of the ride in silence; Jack glared at the window, still not happy with any of this.
He made a face as they soon arrived at their destination, scowling as he imagined the smug look on Kaus' face.
Jack led Yusei inside and sat him down. "I'm outside, remember that."
Yusei sneezed in response, making Jack chuckle. He checked Yusei in and went back to the car.
Yusei simply sat there, unmoving, disturbing the secretary for ten minutes.
"Yusei?" Yusei slowly turned his head to face the direction of the voice.
Dr. Kaus was standing in front of his door, folder in hand.
"Welcome back Mr. Fudo, please come in."
Yusei didn't move for a moment before, slowly, standing up and walking over into the room.
Kaus smiled before following Yusei, the door closing with a soft click.
- (scene skip)—
"Seriously?"
"Completely."
"…..How are you not arrested?" Jack snorted at the driver, both relaxing on the hood of the car.
"Luck and a friend of mine in the police force." The driver shook his head at Jack.
"Crazy bastard, that's what you are." Jack shrugged and smirked.
"I'm that awesome."
"Bullshit."
"Shut up Dango."
"It's Danzo!"
"Whatever." Danzo was about to retort, and possibly hit Jack, when he saw movement in the corner of his eye.
"Hey isn't that the kid?" Jack turned and saw Yusei slowly coming out of the building, his head down, hair covering his face.
Jack got off the hood of the car and walked over, frowning when Yusei didn't immediately walk over to him.
"Yusei, how was your appointment?" He asked softly, frowning more when he didn't receive a response.
Jack shuffled his feet a bit and gently grabbed Yusei's shoulder, pulling back when Yusei flinched a bit.
"…..Let's get going Yusei." Jack waited until Yusei walked past him, following him to the car.
Danzo looked at the duo before frowning himself and getting into the car.
Jack let Yusei go in first and was quick to follow; he took one look at the building and glared at it, blaming it for whatever was happening before going in the car and signaling Danzo to move.
He simply hoped this was a one-time reaction.
- (Three months later) -
It was as if all their hard work had vanished in seconds, Yusei it was as if nothing had changed from the very beginning. He wouldn't eat no matter how much Jack tried to make him, he flinched whenever anyone, even Jack, touched him, he never responded now, and he relapsed much more often than before.
Jack had once stopped taking Yusei to his appointments but then Kaus was at the door the next day with two officers, a pleasant smile on his face, Jack had never wanted to kill anyone more than he had then. Jack gave in and returned to taking Yusei to see Kaus, to his anger and frustration.
The others had to keep Rua and Ruka away from Yusei in fear of them becoming the victims of one of Yusei's relapses, Jack and Akiza fought much more violently as well, screaming matches that could be heard from the streets. Martha and Crow tried to stop them as much as possible but it never worked.
"THIS WOULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED IF YOU DIDN'T MAKE ME TAKE YUSEI TO THE SON OF A BITCH!" Jack screamed at the redhead, his eyes filled to the brim with fury.
Akiza was just as angry as he was, her nails digging into her palm as she clenched her fists.
"LIKE YOU'RE ACTUALLY DOING ANYTHING TO HELP YUSEI YOU BASTARD, YOU JUST SIT ON YOUR ASS AND BITCH, WHINE, AND FUCKING MOAN WHILE I TRY TO FIND A WAY TO GET YUSEI TO STOP GOING!" She screeched at the blond.
"LIKE YOU ACTUALLY DO ANYTHING YOU STUPID BITCH!"
The sound of glass shattering against the wall was heard as Akiza flung a plate at Jack, the blond duelist ducking in time to avoid the hit to his head.
"I DO MUCH MORE THEN YOU!" She shouted, throwing another plate at Jack, missing again.
"JACK, AKIZA YOU HAVE TO STOP!" Martha cried out, Crow holding her back in order to prevent her from getting in the crossfire.
"IT'S BECAUSE OF YOU THAT YUSEI IS LIKE THIS!" Jack roared, pointing towards the direction of Yusei's room.
"Martha, go and check on Yusei." Crow whispered, hoping Martha took the bait; he REALLY didn't want to see her get hurt trying to calm those two hotheads down.
Martha looked conflicted before nodding and heading towards Yusei's room, Crow sighing in relief.
"Oh you're blaming ME about that?! YOU'RE FULL OF SHIT ATLAS! JUST FULL OF FUCKING SHIT!" Akiza looking around for something else to throw at the blond, Jack growled deeply, looking like he wanted to hit her badly.
Crow didn't know who to go for to stop this, if he stopped Jack, Akiza would hit him with something and Jack would most likely get even more furious and attack her and or him , and if he stopped Akiza, she'll go all psychic on him.
The choices were not good.
"Guys you gotta stop this!" He exclaimed, stepping into their sights.
"She started all this shit, you tell HER to stop!" Jack growled, pointed at Akiza.
"Fuck. You." She hissed. "Fuck you and everything about you Atlas, I never started anything, if anything, YOU decided to sit on your fat ass and do nothing! All you fucking did was complain about how Yusei wasn't getting better! But did you do anything about it?! NOOOOOOOOOO!" She spat, grabbing the coffee mug right next to her, ready to fling it at him.
"You just complained, complained, COMPLAINED! You didn't do SHIT, at least I tried to fix this! I was the one that has been talking to Ushio, I was the one that has been trying to get evidence that the fucking bastard was doing something to Yusei, I HAVE BEEN DOING ALL OF THAT WHILE YOU WERE A LITTLE BITCH THE WHOLE FUCKING TIME! YOU'VE DONE NOTHING JACKASS, NOTHING!"
"OH SO I'VE BEEN DOING NOTHING HUH?!"
"DAMN RIGHT YOU BASTARD!"
"GUYS STOP!" Crow ducked as Akiza threw the mug, it smashing against the wall right next to Jack's head.
Jack growled and grabbed a glass jar of spice and threw it at Akiza, growling as she avoided the object.
This was the worst part of their arguments, when they both tried to hurt the other.
Crow ducked the flying objects and ran out of the kitchen where the fight was being held.
He calmed his heart down and ran a hand through his hair, frustration clear on his face.
'It can't get any worse.' Crow thought grimly.
"CROW HELP ME HOLD YUSEI DOWN!" Martha screamed from Yusei's room a loud scream overlapping hers.
He and his big mouth.
He ran to the room and flinched at the sight.
Yusei struggled under Martha, his nails digging into his neck, trying to claw at it, blood already coating his fingers.
Yusei screamed; practically an agonized sound that sent a chill down Crow's spine, tears streaming down his pale, thin face. He was thrashing on the bed, Martha doing her best to keep Yusei from moving but failing.
"G-Get the straps!" She shouted, biting back a cry as Yusei scratched her face in his struggle. Crow quickly moved, reaching under the bed and the leather straps he attached to the bed for situations like this.
Jack and Akiza would both scream in outrage if they knew that he and Martha have bound Yusei to the bed when he relapsed, but since they were fighting, they wouldn't realize anything. He quickly grabbed Yusei's legs and started tying them to the bed, trying to avoid getting hit by the flailing body parts.
After he had bound Yusei's legs, he worked on Yusei's arms, feeling very upset as he was able to wrap his fingers around Yusei's wrists without effort, showing how thin Yusei became again. He quickly finished and motioned Martha to move, both stepping back as Yusei struggled against his binds, screaming at the top of his lungs, the two were scared that Yusei would tear his vocal cords apart.
Martha quickly ran out, Crow didn't stop her, already knowing what she was going to get, not 30 seconds later, she came back, with a med kit, opening it and pulling out a syringe before handing it to Crow.
Crow made a face but nodded, walking over and holding Yusei's sweaty face firmly, making sure he didn't move so much, he then quickly plunged the needle into Yusei's neck, injecting him with the medicine.
Yusei continued to scream for a few more minutes before his screams began quieting until they ceased completely, Martha and Crow sighing in relief as Yusei finally succumbed to the sedative.
After waiting a minute to see that Yusei was completely unconscious, Crow and Martha began unstrapping Yusei, placing the straps back under the bed so Jack and Akiza wouldn't find them.
'This is ridiculous." Crow said, taking a shaking breath as he on the floor by the bed, wiping the sweat from his face.
"There's nothing much we can do Crow, nothing much we can do." Martha said sadly, placing the syringe back into the med kit, placing a bandage over her scratch, and closing the kit.
"I wish there WAS something we can do." Crow muttered under his breath, Martha smiling sadly.
"Me too Crow, me too."
They remained in Yusei's room, listening to the screams and crashes coming from the kitchen as Jack and Akiza's argument continued.
Crow let his head rest against the bed, Martha sitting at the edge and gently stroking Yusei's sweaty hair, not saying anything in fear of crying.
They were afraid, afraid that everything would worsen more than it already did, something they DIDN'T what happening, but what could they do? Jack and Akiza were blinded by their angry towards each other to see what was happening; their angry would be their downfall.
It would be Yusei's downfall.
And they would have no one else but themselves to blame.
- (Scene skip)-
"Excellent job, my friend."
"Save it blondie, it's because of you that I'm on edge, you give me a headache." Paradox chuckled at Kaus' mutters.
"But you must admit, seeing Yusei like this is so entertaining." Paradox said, smirking, Kaus scoffed.
"Entertaining for YOU maybe." Kaus grumbled. "I'm still waiting for the moment when Yusei loses it and tries to kill me."
Paradox simply smiled mysteriously, not comforting the man at all.
"So why are you here now?" Paradox smirked and crossed his arms over his chest and told Kaus his plan, causing the brunette to shake his head.
"It's always something with you, my god." Paradox just smiled at him.
"So you'll get everything ready?" Kaus sighed at Paradox and nodded.
"Like I have a choice dammit."
"Wonderful." Paradox chuckled and stood up, deciding it was time to go.
"Until then my friend." Kaus rubbed his eyes and waved Paradox off.
"Yeah, Yeah, until then." Paradox left and walked past the secretary, chuckling as she started waking up from her hypnosis he placed on her as he disappeared from her sight.
"Yusei, I truly am enjoying this." He said, smiling darkly as he walked off, plans forming in his mind.
- (scene skip)—
Would it work out fine?
Martha frowned as she watched Akiza talk to Ushio, an angry look was on the redhead's face as she whispered harshly at him, Ushio looking nervous and annoyed at the redhead.
Did they plan it right?
After a few minutes Akiza walked off, looking even more upset, that's when Martha made her move.
"Is everything alright?" Ushio turned to Martha as she walked over to him and gave her a halfhearted smile.
"Oh, Hey there, Yeah everything's fine." He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck; Martha noticed that his face was showing a bit of frustration.
"You say its fine but your face tells another story." Martha said, smiling sadly as he looked began looking more nervous.
"Well...maybe a little...okay a lot." Ushio said, correcting himself at the look he received from Martha.
"Wanna talk about it?" The man sighed and thought for a moment before nodding, Martha smiled and led Ushio to the living room, Crow was there drinking the tea that Martha had set out a few moments ago.
Motioning the officer to sit down, she started pouring tea for the both of them.
"Now, what's been happening with you and Akiza?" She asked after Ushio had settled in a bit. "Is it about Yusei?"
Ushio looked a bit startled at Martha knowing about that but calmed down when Crow sent him a look basically telling them that it was pretty obvious that it was the reason Akiza approached him.
"Y...Yeah...it's just this guy...you know, Yusei's therapist, Dr. Kaus?" Martha and Crow nodded, informed about who the man was.
"Well Akiza asked me to search the files and find anything out about the guy, anything that could get the man arrested or connected to Yusei's attacker."
Martha and Crow nodded, motioning Ushio to continue.
"But the frustrating thing about it is, I can't find anyone or anything that could hit the man, I've searched and searched but nothing came up."
"What do you mean nothing?" Crow asked, looking at Ushio in confusion.
"It's like...the man doesn't exist except by way of mouth, yet when I went to the building one time when he was out, I snuck into his office and saw diplomas, certifications, the whole nine yards yet I can't find anything that would MEAN anything." Ushio rubbed his forehead and groaned, finding everything to be frustrating.
"It's as if he has the documents on his person but if anyone tries to look him up, he's a ghost."
Crow and Martha sent each other a worried look.
"Wouldn't THAT be enough to make the man suspicious, or at least slightly suspicious?" Crow seemed to think about this, but a frustrated look appeared on his face, similar to the one on both Martha and Ushio.
"You would think that that would be enough but no." Ushio drank his tea and sighed, muttering angrily about a corrupted justice system.
"It's as if this guy's got people to make sure no one knows about him."
"Well...if you can't find any information, what could you use that's enough evidence to get this man in prison?" Martha asked after a moment.
"Photographic or visual proof that this man is doing something to Yusei." He grumbled.
"Have you talked to Dr. Banner?" Crow frowned when Ushio shook his head.
"It's as if someone made sure no one can reach the man! I've been trying to contact him but no one will let me talk to him!" he growled, ashamed of himself for being helpless in getting the information that could help Yusei.
Martha reached out and have Ushio's knee a small squeeze in comfort.
"It'll be alright, I promise." Ushio smiled at her and nodded.
After a while of talking about other simple things, Martha and Crow waved Ushio off, both walking back and settling down in the living room.
Nether said anything, both lost in thought, thinking the same thing.
"Are you sure Martha?" Crow said after a moment, looking straight forward, face expressionless.
Martha swallowed nervously but nodded all the same, a determined look on her face.
"Jack and Akiza won't do anything anymore, they are too lost in their own anger themselves and each other, it's us that are going to have to help Yusei, even if it means doing this." Martha said, her voice shaky a first but gradually gaining strength.
"But…." Crow looked nervous. "This is REALLY risky."
Martha nodded a determined look on her face.
"But if all goes well, it will work out in the end, we have to do it." Crow sighed and looked at Martha, nodding with a tired smiled, one which Martha returned.
They had been planning this for a while now, there were many things that could possibly go wrong with this plan but what choice did they have? Yusei had helped them many times before, now it's time for them to return the favor.
"So before Yusei's appointment you'll…" Crow made a motion with his hand and Martha nodded, knowing what Crow.
"Yes, and you will create an opening." Crow nodded, already planning something, he was friends with someone that would help them greatly.
"Good, in three days, we'll get the footage that will prove Yusei is in danger."
- (Time skip)-
They had set everything, acting normal for the three days, Martha had left an hour before the time Jack had to take Yusei, and Crow had already called up his friend.
After Martha left 20 minutes later, pulling his phone out and calling her.
"Everything set?"
"Yeah, just give me the word and I'll head in."
"This is dangerous Martha; I should be the one doing your job,"
"Can't change it now Crow, we have to do this."
Crow swallowed, gripping the phone tightly, he looked at his watched and saw that they were on track; Kaus should be out of the office now because of his distraction.
"Okay, go."
"Wish me luck." Crow sighed and hung up, running a hand through his hair.
'This better work.' He thought bitterly, walking off to do his part.
Martha walked into Dr. Kaus' building a determined look on her, he bag clutched tightly in her hands.
She didn't stop until she entered the waiting area, the secretary at her desk, typing away.
"Kimiko." The secretary looked at Martha, a small sad smile on her face.
"Crow called me; Kaus will be gone for 20 minutes, something about his car getting jacked up." Martha smiled, knowing it was Crow's doing. "I'll inform you when you have 10 minutes left." Martha nodded at her, a grateful look on her face.
"Thank you for doing this." Kimiko simply continued to smile sadly, reaching in her desk and giving Martha a folded paper.
"This is the layout of the room. Where to put what and where not to put anything, Crow wanted me to give you this." She looked at Kaus's door with a frown. "That guy, Yusei, he gets worse every time he leaves this place, The screams are so horrible but I can't do anything to stop it by myself Kaus has the police on his side, I'll do what I can to help if it means getting Yusei away from here."
Martha nodded at her, and then started towards Kaus' office.
Once she was inside, she surveyed the room, finding nothing out of the ordinary, she walked over and placed her bag on the desk, letting out a sigh, she began pulling out her items.
Micro cameras, a gift from Ushio, Martha was grateful he didn't ask why they needed them but she believes that he knows.
She pulled out the blueprints Kimiko gave her and studying the layout and determining where to place the cameras.
It took some time but she was able to place all the cameras at every angle she could think of, she pulled out a mini laptop and began connecting the cameras to Crow's laptop at home.
Martha was shaken from her thoughts when she heard a knock on the door.
"10 minutes!" Kimiko whispered loudly.
"Alright, I'm almost done!" Martha whispered back, typing as quickly as she could, closing the laptop and quickly placing everything leftover into her back, she quickly headed to the door and just as she was about to grip the doorknob.
"I'm back Kimiko." Martha felt her heart stop at that moment.
- (scene skip)—
"Have you seen Martha?" Crow looked up from his place on the couch with a start, Akiza looking at him questioningly.
Crow slowly shook his head and went back to his laptop, typing a few things, he had to keep Akiza from finding out what he and Martha were doing, as much Akiza cares, Crow knew she would only get in the way.
'This is more nerve wrecking than it seems.' Crow thought, trying subtly to keep the psychic duelist from seeing the screen.
The cameras Martha placed in the room should have begun recording everything, but what made him nervous was worrying if Martha was found out or not.
'She'll be alright.' Crow thought, trying to reassure himself.
"Crow what are you doing on that thing?" Crow practically jumped in his seat before realizing that Akiza was in front of him, her eyes narrowed in suspicion.
Crow swallowed, and gave Akiza a small shaky smile.
"N-Nothing! Really! It's nothing serious! Just something I'm working on." He replied, cursing himself for the slight stutter.
Akiza made a small click of her tongue.
"Would it be alright if I look?" She asked as she pulled the laptop towards her, she barely finished her sentence when Crow snatched the laptop back.
"NO!" He exclaimed, before swallowing and smiling shakily. "It's a-alright, I-It's nothing!"
Akiza growled.
"It has something to do with Yusei, doesn't it?!" Crow rapidly shook his head and started moving away from Akiza as she moved to get closer to him.
"N-No! It doesn't involve anything to do with Yusei!" Akiza growled, not believing him and made a lunge at him, Crow ducked and did the only thing he could do.
He ran for it.
"GET BACK HERE!" Akiza screamed, chasing after the teen.
Crow ran as fast as he could, running out of the building and off into the night, he could hear Akiza scream in outrage behind him as she soon lost him
'She's scary!' Crow thought as he slowed to a stop in a park. He found a bench and sat there, placing the still open laptop down and began typing, hoping nothing was messed up when he ran.
Sighing a bit in relief, Crow sat back and waited, he could see that the video files were almost complete, he just had to wait a few more minutes.
"Martha, please be alright." Crow murmured, rubbing his eyes in exhaustion.
He closed his eyes and rested for the remaining few minutes left.
For a while, everything was quiet, calming Crow's nerves a bit, he then let out a startled cry as his phone began ringing at the same time the laptop beeped, signifying that the cameras have finished recording.
Crow quickly pulled his phone out and answered as he typing a few things down.
"Y-Yes? Hello?" Crow carefully made sure there were copies of the footage, he may have been paranoid but it was better safe than sorry.
"Ah, yes, this is New Domino Hospital." Crow's heart practically stopped at those words.
- (Scene skip)-
Akiza growled as she paced the living room.
"When I get my hands in that birdbrain..." She growled, running a hand through her hair.
Just as she was plotting a certain teen's death, her phone ranging.
"What?" She answered in an icy tone.
"Akiza? Where are you?!" Akiza growled at the voice.
"What the hell do you want Crow? Unless it's to show me that I'm right and give me that laptop I'm-"
"Get to the hospital!" Akiza, though angry at Crow, was curious.
"Why?" She heard some panting, signaling that he was running.
"I-It's Martha! T-There was an accident! "Akiza nearly dropped the phone in shock.
"W-What?"
"JUST GET TO THE HOSPITAL!" Crow screamed, making the red head jump into action and run out the door.
'What happened?' Akiza thought as she ran to her D-wheel and drove as fast as she could.
- (Scene skip)—
Martha felt pain all over her body, it was horrible but she couldn't move a limb.
She heard voices around her but couldn't tell what they said.
'Where am I?' she thought vaguely, trying to open her eyes but they were too heavy.
What was she doing before this? Something involving someone….
'Yusei…' Martha suddenly thought.
'That's right…I was going to help Yusei….and…'
- (Flashback)-
'Where to hide, where to hide?!" Martha began to silently panic as she heard footsteps becoming louder.
She was about to have a heart attack when her eyes landed on the window.
She looked at the door and then back at the window, taking a deep breath and quickly heading over and opening the window before climbing out, there was a flat surface between the windows on the bottom floor and she was able to get her footing, she closed the window as quietly as she could and moved away from sight just as Kaus opened his door and turned on the lights.
Martha let out a quiet breath of relief but at the same time kept her guard up, she carefully looked below her and let out a shudder as she saw how high she was, 10 floors away from the ground, she pressed herself against the wall and tried to calm herself
She heard a car stop and looked down, watching as Jack got out of the car and pulled flailing Yusei with him. She watched as Jack covered Yusei's mouth and dragged the thrashing, screaming man into the building.
She didn't need to be in front of Jack to see the guilt on his face as he manhandled Yusei.
After a few minutes she heard Kaus walk over and opened the door.
"Ah, welcome back Yusei." Martha grimaced at the cheerful tone, Jack seemed to feel the same way.
"Fuck you; I don't believe your cheery shit." Jack growled angrily.
Kaus chuckled. "Now don't be like that, I'll see you in an hour Mr. Atlas." Martha felt more than saw Jack glare before he slammed the door and left, leaving Yusei alone with Kaus.
"Well hello again Yusei, it seems you've been doing very well these days." Martha could help but feel anger at Kaus, Yusei was doing worse, not better!
"Today we will be doing something different." Kaus' voice started to become quiet and Martha became curious, she strained to hear Kaus better, but she shifted her weight too much and suddenly, her foot slipped. She tried to regain her balance but then she lurched forward and was suddenly plummeting down ten floors to the earth.
Martha didn't have time to register that she was even falling.
The last thing she heard before hitting the ground was soft laughter.
And then everything turned black.
TBC...