~~Hello readers, I decided to write a Yu-gi-oh Zexal fan fiction.
I do not own anything from that show.
Only my original characters belong to me.~~
~Morning~
I was startled awake by the loud beeping sound of my alarm clock.
My eyes shot wide open as I jolted.
I carefully reached over to my bedside table and touched the object.
My heart pounded rapidly as I tried to push away a scary flashback.
~Flashback~
I was only seven years old.
My older sister Kara had just taken me to the emergency room after I had fallen ill.
The nurse checked my vital signs before she ran a series of tests on me.
I was then hooked up to various machines.
~End Flashback~
After pressing the button, I took a few deep breaths in order to calm myself down.
The screen on my alarm clock read: 7:00 AM.
My dog Pegasus woke up and started licking my face.
I hugged him tightly and kissed his head.
"Good boy Pegasus," I praised while petting him.
He panted and wagged his tail in response.
Pegasus is a fluffy Pomeranian with long black fur.
He is very hyper and protective as well.
Once my mind returned to normal, I let out a sigh of relief.
I slowly rose from my bed after a few minutes of silence.
The sun shined brightly through my window.
I walked over to the wooden dresser and then changed into my school uniform.
It contained thin, pink socks, a pink, layered skirt, a purple blouse, a purple cover, and pink, flat dress shoes.
Afterward, I brushed my long curly hair in front of the rectangular mirror.
My hair was usually a frizzy mess in the morning.
After brushing it a few times, I pulled my hair into a ponytail.
Pegasus shook off before he hopped down onto the carpet.
He ran over to the window while growling.
I turned to him and giggled.
"What is it Guard Dog?" I said playfully.
He then ran to the door and started barking.
"Quiet down Pegasus," I ordered.
He laid down on the floor and sighed.
I put on my necklace before I grabbed my bag.
A blue jewel hung down from the silver chain.
"Let's go Pegasus," I commanded while walking toward the door.
He started whimpering and jumping on me.
I opened the door, and he zoomed down the hallway.
The sound of his nails tapping on the wood floor made me laugh.
I quietly walked down the hall and turned the corner.
The house was almost completely silent.
The only sound I heard was Pegasus whining at the back door.
"He's going to wake up Kara," I thought worriedly.
My sister Lynn was standing at the entrance to the dining room.
She wore tennis shoes, green socks, blue jeans, a green T-shirt, and a fluffy, blue sweater.
Her curly red hair was pulled back in two braids.
"Good morning Sioku, you look very nice today," she greeted with a smile.
"Good morning Lynn, I like your outfit too," I replied before walking away.
She sat down in a chair at the table.
I sighed and followed Pegasus through the kitchen toward the back door.
I took a short video of him spinning around in circles.
He immediately took off outside after I opened the glass door.
"I love his energy," I said while watching him run around the yard.
I then walked back into the dining room.
Lynn looked up from her phone and asked. "Hey Sioku, may I help you make breakfast?"
"That's what I came over here to ask you," I answered.
She stood up and slipped the phone into her pocket.
We then made our way into the kitchen.
Lynn grabbed a few bowls from the cabinet while I pulled a bag of cereal off of a wooden shelf.
I then grabbed a carton of milk from the fridge.
Afterward, I pulled some spoons out of a drawer and handed them to Lynn.
We then carefully returned to the dining room.
After setting the table, Lynn and I sat across from each other.
I sighed in disappointment while pouring cereal into my bowl.
Lynn stared at me in confusion and asked. "Why do you look so down? Is something bothering you Sioku?"
Without a word, I handed the cereal box over to Lynn.
I then opened up the carton and slowly poured milk into my bowl.
"Yes, I'm not looking forward to school. My academic assistant Julie always bullies me. She would yell at me in front of the whole class if I made a mistake. I'm not allowed to be myself whenever she's around," I answered sadly.
Lynn smiled and filled her bowl with cereal.
"Sioku, you're being dramatic. Julie is not that bad," she said blankly.
I glared while passing her the milk carton.
"Well it's true," she added in irritation.
We heard the sound of a door opening from the hall.
Looking out the window, I watched Pegasus roll around in the grass.
He just looked so care free.
I couldn't help but giggle at that.
"I think that's Kara," Lynn pointed out.
I just nodded in agreement.
Our older sister Kara quietly entered the room.
She had on red slippers and a long purple nightgown.
"Good morning girls," she greeted.
"Hey Kara, the cereal is out if you're hungry," replied Lynn.
"I like your dress," I added.
"Thank you," she simply replied.
Kara walked over to the coffee machine and prepared a cup for herself.
The coffee machine made a loud noise.
Once her coffee had finished brewing, Kara joined us at the table.
The scent of French Vanilla creamer filled the air.
She sat in an empty chair beside me.
I handed her a bowl and a spoon.
"Thanks Sioku," said Kara.
"No problem," I replied.
Lynn gently pushed the cereal box and milk carton toward her sister.
Kara began to prepare her food as she started a conversation with Lynn and me. "So, are you girls excited about your first day of middle school?"
"I sure am," answered Lynn.
"I would be if Julie was a lot nicer to me. She's nothing but a bully," I answered with a frown.
Lynn stared at me with wide eyes.
Kara looked as if she wanted to slap me across the face.
"Sioku, don't act like a baby! Julie is there to help you with your school work," she replied with an irritated tone in her voice.
I let out a growl of frustration.
"That's what you think! You don't even know how she treats me in class," I snapped back.
"Sioku," Kara warned.
Turning away, I shifted my focus back to the window.
Escalating the argument would have only caused me to have paranoia.
My paranoia is usually caused by loud noises or being alone in silence.
Lynn shook her head in annoyance and sighed.
She then turned her attention back to Kara and said happily. "I'm really excited to see my friends again."
I turned to Lynn with a jealous look in my eyes.
"At least you have friends," I grumbled.
Kara took a sip of her coffee before she slammed her cup down on the table.
The loud noise caused me to jump.
"That's enough Sioku!" she shouted sternly.
I silently rose from my seat once my bowl was empty.
Without a word, I carried my dishes over to the sink before I washed them out.
I then placed my dishes into the drying rack.
I heard Lynn start a conversation with Kara behind me. "What's with Sioku lately? Why does she act this way when it comes to starting school?"
"Sioku and Julie don't get along," Kara answered.
"Maybe I could help them find something they might have in common," Lynn suggested.
"That's very nice of you Lynn," Kara replied with a smile.
Lynn put everything away once she had finished.
Kara wiped down the dining room table.
Once the kitchen was clean, Kara decided to watch Tv in the living room.
I walked back down the hall and into the bathroom.
Many thoughts about seeing Julie again raced through my mind.
I brushed my teeth and then adjusted my ponytail.
Lynn entered the bathroom once I was finished.
"Hey Sioku," she greeted.
Ignoring her, I quietly returned to my bedroom.
I slipped my phone and charger into my bag.
I then exited my room and closed the door behind me.
Pegasus came running toward me while panting and wagging his tail.
"Kara must have let him in," I thought.
"Hi Buddy," I said before I lifted him into my arms.
I carried him into the living room and then sat down on the long couch.
The little dog snuggled against my chest.
Wrapping my arms around him, I buried my face into his fur and closed my eyes.
The world stood still for a minute.
I was lost in a peaceful thought about having a friendly duel with Lynn.
A female voice suddenly pulled me back to reality. "Sioku, we need to go to the station right now. The train will be there in ten minutes."
I looked up to see Lynn standing in front of me.
"Sorry about that, I just needed to calm down," I replied before I released Pegasus.
Pegasus started barking and jumped down.
He then rushed to the window while growling.
"Shut up dog," ordered Kara.
I couldn't help but chuckle at that.
"That's our guard dog," I said with a grin.
After grabbing our bags, Lynn and I quickly walked toward the front door.
"We'll see you later Kara," I said.
"Bye," Lynn added.
"Have a good day at school," Kara replied.
Pegasus bolted to the door before we had a chance to open it.
Kara angrily chased the dog and hollered. "Get over here Pegasus!"
He was sitting at my feet by the time she caught up to him.
"I'll put him in the kennel," Lyn said with a sigh.
She picked up the little dog and then carried him over to a small metal cage.
I watched as Pegasus stepped inside.
Lynn closed the door and pulled the lock.
The little dog began to whimper.
Once Pegasus was secure, Lynn ran back to the door.
"We need to get a move on," she said frantically.
"I'll race you to the station," I replied with a competitive grin.
Without thinking, I hurried out the door and down the sidewalk.
My ponytail floated in the wind as I continued running.
Lynn caught up to me shortly after I arrived at the street corner.
She playfully slapped my shoulder and said. "Hey Sis, you're a fast runner."
"Thank you," I replied while trying to catch my breath.
My heart was pounding in my chest.
Lynn and I crossed the street before we entered the train station.
I tried to bring my heart rate back down to normal as we waited at the platform.
Lynn passed the time by playing a game on her phone.
From out of nowhere, we heard a high pitched male voice hollering in the distance. "Wait! Don't go yet! Hold on!"
I turned around to see a spiky haired boy running toward the platform.
I put my arms up in order to stop him from crashing into me.
"Slow down or you'll get hurt," I said with deep concern.
The boy panted heavily as he slowed down.
I saw sweat dripping down his face.
His body looked as if he could collapse at any moment.
Watching him struggle like that tugged at my heart.
"Don't move, I'll help you," I said sympathetically.
I walked over to the boy and then placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Hey, are you all right?" I asked softly.
He took a few deep breaths in order to calm himself down.
"Yes, I thought I wasn't going to make it to the train," he answered weakly.
"Don't worry, you're on time," I replied softly.
He let out a sigh of relief.
I stayed by his side until he regained some energy.
The boy wore brown shoes, blue pants, a whiteshirt with red lined sleeves and collar, and a red tie.
He also had a red and white duel gazer on his left wrist.
"Hey Mis, thank you for helping me. My name isYuma Tsukumo," he said politely.
I felt my heart skip a beat.
A feeling of elation washed over me.
There was something in Yuma's voice that lit a spark of interest in my mind.
Just hearing it brought a joyful grin to my face.
"You're very welcome, I'm glad I could help you out Yuma! It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Sioku," I replied cheerfully.
I suddenly felt all of my worries about Julie start to disappear one by one.
My face heated up as I stared into Yuma's beautiful red eyes.
Yuma giggled at the sight of my pink cheeks.
"I've never seen anyone react to me the way you just did," he said in confusion.
Not knowing what he meant, I lowered my head and groaned in embarrassment.
"I'm sorry Yuma, did I make a bad first impression?" I said remorsefully.
"No Sioku, you were really cute," Yuma answered softly.
I joyfully threw my arms around him.
"Thank you so much Yuma! I would like to be your friend," I said joyfully.
Yuma placed a hand on my shoulder and replied calmly. "Wow Sioku, you really have a lot of energy. I would love to be your friend as well. You saved me from collapsing after all."
Yuma's acceptance caused me to hug him tighter.
Tears of joy streamed down my cheeks as I started to shake.
"Thanks again Yuma," I whispered.
Yuma's eyes widened in surprise as he said. "What's gotten into you Sioku? Why did you suddenly get so emotional?"
"You're my first friend Yuma. I've never had friends before," I answered sadly.
Yuma froze with a look of shock on his face.
"Well, whoever chose not to be your friend made a big mistake! Your lonely life ends now!" he shouted protectively.
I felt my heart race at his words.
"Yuma, do you really mean that?" I asked quietly.
"Of course I do," he answered with love.
At the same time, I couldn't help but giggle at Yuma's high pitched voice.
Lynn watched as a train pulled up to the platform.
"Hey love birds, the train is here," she teased.
I threw her an annoyed glare.
Yuma tapped on my shoulder and asked. "Hey Sioku, do you know that girl?"
"Yes," she's my sister," I whispered.
Lynn, Yuma, and I boarded the train in a line.
I turned to Yuma who was lost in deep thought and offered. "Would you like to sit beside me?"
"Of course," he answered.
I smiled warmly at him in response.
Yuma and I sat near the front while Lynn moved toward the back.
The train took off once everyone was seated.
There weren't many people on the train.
That meant we were going to have a quiet ride.
I set my bag down on the floor.
Yuma looked up at me with a serious expression and asked. "Hey Sioku, did you really mean what you said to me back at the platform? Are you serious about not having any friends?"
I nervously played with strands of my hair.
"Yes, what I said to you is true. I'm usually a shy and quiet person. However, those personality traits fade away when I see somebody in need of help. Everybody thought I was weird, so nobody ever talked to me. I'm sorry for making you sad Yuma," I answered
"It's all right Sioku, I was shy and quiet just like you. I didn't have any friends either until I met Tori and Bronk," he said with sympathy in his voice.
"I don't see how an adorable person like you wouldn't be able to make friends," I replied before I blushed.
Yuma just nodded and smiled.
He looked down at the golden key hanging from a black string around his neck.
Sighing to myself, I just stared out the window with a disappointed look.
Many fearful thoughts raced through my mind.
Yuma smiled and put his arm around me.
"Hey, what's with the sad look on your face?" he asked wearing a concerned expression.
A ball of emotion formed in my throat.
"I don't want Julie to scare you away," I answered.
Yuma narrowed his eyes in confusion as he continued. "Wait, who is Julie? How will she scare me away from you?"
I leaned against his side and answered sadly. "Julie is my academic assistant. She is supposed to help me keep up with my school work, but she does the exact opposite! This evil old lady yells at me all the time for no good reason!"
Sensing the tension inside me, Yuma gently grabbed my hand.
"Hey, calm down Sioku, why do you need an assistant? Can't you do your school work by yourself?" he said calmly.
Yuma's touch caused me to feel more relaxed.
I took a deep breath before I answered. "Yes, but I have a mental disability called autism. My attention span is shorter than it should be. I learn slower than other people as well. I get emotional easily too."
I felt as if a huge amount of weight had been lifted off my chest.
Yuma lowered his eyes as he processed everything I said to him.
"This is the first time I've met somebody with a disability. However, that won't get in the way of our friendship," he reassured.
I smiled and hugged him tight.
"You're already the best friend I ever had. Yuma, I'm so glad we met," I said happily.
Yuma laid his head on my shoulder.
"Me too Sioku," he replied softly.
We stayed like that for a few minutes.
It felt good to have Yuma by my side.
I smiled knowing that I wasn't going to be alone at school anymore.
Yuma then decided to break the silence and asked curiously. "Hey Sioku, why does Julie yell at you?"
I straightened myself up before I answered. "I'm hyper, clumsy, and can't sit still. My energy gets away from me way too fast. She wants to make me act like everyone else."
Yuma looked at me with wide eyes.
"I act the same way Sioku, that's nothing to be ashamed of! She can't change who you are. You don't have to be anyone but yourself," he assured
Hearing those kind words made me feel warm inside.
I pointed at the Emperor's key around his neck and said curiously. "Wo, that key looks awesome Yuma. Where did you get it?"
"My father gave it to me before he and my mother disappeared during one of their adventures. I miss them so much," he answered sadly.
I comfortingly put my arm around him.
"I'm sorry that happened to you," I said sympathetically.
"I appreciate your support," he replied.
Yuma and I stayed quiet for the remainder of the ride.
The train pulled up to a platform at the Heartland Academy station.
I looked out the window and spotted a huge courtyard.
"That place looks nice," I said happily.
"You and I could hang out in there," Yuma replied.
I grinned as I imagined us doing so.
Yuma and I waited until everybody else had exited the train.
We stepped off the train and then headed strait for the courtyard.
There was a tall, metal gate around the perimeter.
Yuma pushed the latch up to open the gate.
I held it open and let him enter the area first.
Grass and different types of flowers lined all four sides of the fence.
Once inside, Yuma led me to a wooden bench beside a circular fountain where we sat down.
The streaming water sounded very relaxing.
"This place is so peaceful," I said softly.
"That's why I wanted to bring you here," Yuma replied.
"You're so cute," I complemented after Iruffled his hair.
Yuma's face pinked up as he smiled brightly.
We listened to the streaming water together while lost in deep thought.
Yuma turned to me with a worried look in his eyes.
"Sioku, what are your biggest fears?" he asked quietly.
I put my arm around him for comfort before I answered. "My biggest fear is being inside any type of medical facility. I'm also afraid of a few songs because of how they sound."
Yuma stared at the floor in confusion.
I pulled out my phone and opened the YouTube app.
"Here, I'll show you," I added.
"Wait Sioku! I don't want you to scare yourself," he said desperately.
"It's okay Yuma, I've got nothing to worry about," I replied bravely.
Yuma lowered his head and sighed.
I took a deep breath before I played the video.
An eight second A cappella ditty played at the beginning of a country song.
My heart began to race as I tensed up.
I shook my head in order to suppress the oncoming paranoia.
Yuma raised his eyebrows and grinned.
"That song really scares you? It sounded catchy to me," he said with confusion.
"I'm glad you like it," I replied shyly.
"Play it one more time Sioku," he calmly suggested.
I pushed away my hesitation and played that part again.
My paranoia threatened to strike again.
However, I couldn't avoid it this time.
"I don't understand how that tune could scare her," he thought.
After closing YouTube, I quickly slipped the phone back into my pocket.
My heart raced even faster as I started to shiver.
I sat completely still as chills crawled up my spine.
Yuma faced me and grabbed both of my hands.
"Sioku, are you all right? Please talk to me," he said with deep concern.
Hearing his voice, I turned to look at him.
"No, but this fear shouldn't last long if I don't hear that song again," I answered timidly.
I tried to forget about the song, but it played over and over in my head.
"Please help me Yuma! I can't get rid of it," I cried.
He pulled me into a comforting embrace and said remorsefully. "I'm sorry for telling you to play it again Sioku. I just wanted to better understand your fear."
I snuggled against his side and softly assured. "This is not your fault Yuma. I shouldn't have acted so confident. Hearing your cute voice made me feel brave."
Yuma chuckled at that in amusement.
My heart rate returned to normal as I relaxed in Yuma's arms.
Yuma and I remained silent as we listened to the streaming water beside us.
He gently pushed back a few strands of my hair.
"I have an idea Sioku, would you like to watch me duel somebody? Maybe it will take your mind off of that song," he suggested.
"That would be awesome! I love watching duels," I answered with a bright smile.
Yuma grinned and patted my shoulder.
"That's the spirit! It's time to duel," he said joyfully.
"I love your energy," I replied before laughing.
He carefully helped me get back on my feet.