~~Hello readers, a new chapter has arrived.
I do not own Yugioh Zexal.
Only my original characters belong to me.~~
It was still early in the morning.
Lynn and I were at the station waiting for the train to take us to school.
I was also waiting for Yuma to arrive.
Dark Mist quietly hovered by my left side.
He seemed to be lost in deep thought.
"Hey, are you okay Dark Mist?" I asked curiously.
"I'm just fine Sioku, please do not fear. The fresh air has cleared my mind," he answered softly.
I spotted Lynn's friends walking toward us.
The three girls happily greeted Lynn as they surrounded her.
"I'll see you later Sioku," Lynn said before she walked away with her friends.
"Bye Lynn," I replied.
Lynn happily led the girls to another area.
I felt a surge of hyper energy flow through my body as I saw Yuma walking toward me.
A big smile stretched across my face.
Seeing his cute face in the distance made my heart flutter.
"Hey Yuma!" I called out.
Dark Mist looked at the blue figure behind Yuma before he turned back to me.
"Sioku, Astral is coming too. I must enter your pendent right now," he said urgently.
The incident from yesterday flashed through my mind.
"Good idea," I replied while holding up the jewel.
The determined look on his face told me that he wanted to avoid another encounter with Astral.
"I admire your bravery Dark Mist," I complemented.
He just grinned at me in response.
I giggled as I remembered a funny scene from one of my favorite Tv shows.
Dark Mist quickly touched my pendent and let the force pull him inside the enchanted space.
He panted heavily as the force released him.
"Calm down Dark Mist, I'm still here. You're okay," I thought.
His breathing slowly returned to normal after a while.
My telepathic message calmed him down quite a bit.
"You did very well Dark Mist," I praised.
"Thank you Sioku," he telepathically replied.
I looked up at the sky as I waited for Yuma.
The white, puffy clouds looked very pretty.
"I wonder how Astral is doing after all of that chaos from yesterday," I said quietly.
I let myself slip back into my thoughts.
A few minutes later, Yuma's voice snapped me out of a deep train of thought.
"Good morning Sioku," Yuma greeted as he approached me.
I threw my arms around him and replied joyfully. "Hi Yuma, I'm so glad to see you! I'm sorry for missing the rest of your duel with Shark."
Yuma gratefully returned the hug.
"You don't have to apologize for that Sioku. I ended up winning both the duel and a new friend. I also got Number 17: Leviathan Dragon," he said cheerfully.
My eyes widened in surprise as I replied. "Hold on Yuma, what do you mean?"
"After the duel, Shark's friends got very angry with him for losing. They called him a nobody and walked away. Shark handed me Bronk's deck and said that he and I can start being friends," Yuma answered.
"Poor kid, I feel really bad for Shark now. I definitely would have given him some encouragement if I was there with you guys," I said sadly.
"I know," Yuma replied before he released me.
I grabbed the jewel around my neck and softly whispered. "Dark Mist, are you okay in there?"
"I'm just fine Sioku," he answered.
Yuma looked around in confusion and asked suddenly. "Wait a minute, why is Dark Mist not by your side? Sioku, where did he go?"
I laughed nervously while blushing.
"Oops... I totally forgot that you could see Dark Mist as well," I answered.
I then turned around to see Astral staring at me.
"Astral, don't stare at people! It's rude!" yelled Yuma as he glared at the blue skinned being who hovered next to him.
Astral gave Yuma a confused look and replied softly. "I don't understand what rude means."
Yuma let out a growl of frustration and shouted. "Go away!"
"I cannot go away Yuma. I must follow you in order to regain all of my memories," replied Astral.
My mind flashed back to what Dark Mist had told me about Astral.
"Yuma!" I said in surprise.
"Astral is always invading my personal space! He also criticizes my dueling style!" Yuma shouted with irritation.
I clearly sensed the tension in my friend's voice.
"Calm down Yuma," I urged softly.
Yuma stared at me while breathing deeply.
"I'm sorry Sioku, but I don't think Astral and I are meant to be friends. We are always arguing about something," he said sadly.
"You two just need to spend more time together. I'm sure this will work out in the future," I reassured.
Yuma let out a sigh in response.
I then turned my attention back to Astral who was still hovering behind Yuma.
"Good morning Astral," I greeted while smiling at him.
"Hello Mis, it's a pleasure to meet you. I look forward to learning more about your world," he replied.
His voice reminded me of Dark Mist.
"Astral, my name is Sioku. Your voice sounds quite lovely," I dreamily added.
Astral grinned at me in response.
I then turned my attention back to Yuma who was pacing around.
"Hey, are you all right?" I asked calmly.
Yuma stopped and looked at me.
"Yes, I'm just thinking about everything you said about Astral and me. Sioku, what happened between you and Dark Mist as soon as you left the duel?" he replied.
"It's a long story Yuma," I'll tell you on the train," I answered.
Yuma and I watched as the train pulled up to the platform.
As soon as the doors opened, we stepped on after Lynn and her friends.
I let Yuma sit by the window, and I took the isle seat.
Astral silently hovered in front of him.
"He looks so cute like that," I said softly.
I continued staring at his innocent face.
He looked exactly like Dark Mist when I first brought him home.
Yuma decided to start a conversation with me. "Sioku, where is Dark Mist?"
"This may sound crazy to you, but Dark Mist is inside my pendent. He is resting in the enchanted space," I answered.
Yuma's eyes widened in surprise as he continued. "What is the enchanted space? How did he get in there?"
I giggled at Yuma's curiosity.
""I would be happy to explain the situation. Dark Mist started to calm down as he and I were leaving the courtyard. Unfortunately, the peace didn't last very long. First, Dark Mist had a major flashback about something that I'll explain another time. Then he and I got into an argument because I thought he was going to leave my side. I reacted the wrong way when Dark Mist told me that he didn't want to put me in anymore danger. After clearing up our misunderstanding, Dark Mist revealed the requirements to enter the enchanted space inside my pendent," I explained.
"Sioku, what were those requirements?" asked Astral.
"I'm curious about that too," added Yuma.
"Dark Mist said that if a number holder and his or her number spirit share a close bond, an enchanted space inside that person's pendent will open up. The spirit is able to freely go in and out. A strange force will pull the spirit inside once it comes in contact with the pendent," I answered.
"That's very interesting," replied Astral.
He stared down at the floor and lost himself in deep thought about my previous explanation.
"Does Dark Mist like it in there?" asked Yuma.
My face saddened as I looked at him.
"Well, Dark Mist is afraid to get pulled inside by the force. It scares him because of the trauma that he went through a long time ago. He usually calms down once it goes away," I answered
"Sioku, Dark Mist is really lucky to have you by his side. I'm sure he appreciates all of your love and support," Yuma replied.
I pulled Yuma into a tight hug and said happily. "You're the sweetest person I ever met in my life. Those kind words really meant a lot to me."
"I like making you happy Sioku," he replied.
There was a long period of silence between the three of us.
Yuma and I gently released each other after a few minutes.
"I missed those hugs from him," I thought.
Astral turned to me and asked with a curious expression. "Sioku, why was Dark Mist acting so strange around me?"
"I'll explain all of the details as soon as we reunite with Yuma's friends," I answered calmly.
I looked out the window as the train pulled up to the next platform.
"We're here," said Yuma.
The train soon came to a complete stop.
Yuma and I waited for the walkways to clear out.
I smiled as Astral floated in between Yuma and me.
He seemed interested in me for some reason.
"Hi Astral," I greeted before I giggled.
The blue skinned being remained silent as he stared into my eyes.
My mind flashed back to the moment when Dark Mist and I first met.
"Astral, what are you trying to do with her? Sioku has a spirit of her own! He requires a lot more attention than you do!" shouted Yuma in annoyance.
Astral just shook his head at that.
"Relax Yuma," I urged while placing a hand on his shoulder.
My friends and I exited the train as soon as the walkways had been cleared out.
The fresh air felt very relaxing.
We headed toward the courtyard with Astral following behind us.
Astral watched with a look of concern as many people ran by.
"Sioku, do those people always run around like that?" he asked me.
"Yes Astral," I answered.
A bothersome thought about Julie suddenly crept into my mind.
I turned to Yuma and said with a worried expression. "Hey Yuma, I'm scared to let Astral see Julie. I don't want him to witness the horrible things that she does to me."
"Don't worry Sioku, I will allow Astral to stay by your side during class. He should have the same calming effect on you as Dark Mist does," Yuma reassured.
My facial expression changed from worried to one of disapproval as I continued. "Yuma, are you trying to get rid of Astral? You shouldn't treat your new friend like that."
Yuma lowered his head in shame and answered. "Maybe, but I actually wanted you to have another form of protection since you have Dark Mist inside your pendent."
My facial expression softened a bit as I said smoothly. "Yuma, I appreciate you for wanting to look out for me. However, I still want you to try to get along with Astral. Getting along now will benefit both of you in the future."
Yuma lifted his head and stared at me.
"Sioku, do you really mean that?" he replied.
"Of course Yuma, I believe that you and Astral will become a great team later on. You two have a lot of potential," I answered smoothly.
"Thank you Sioku," he said quietly.
"Let's go meet up with our friends. I have a long story to tell you guys," I replied.
Yuma led Astral and me to the entrance of the beautiful courtyard.
To my surprise, Bronk and Tori happily ran up to us.
"Hey people," I greeted with excitement.
"Sorry we kept you guys waiting," added Yuma.
"Hi guys, I'm glad to see you again. We really didn't wait very long at all," replied Tori.
"Don't worry, it's all good. What's up Sioku," added Bronk.
I joyfully gave Bronk and Tori a hug before I sat down on the bench next to Yuma.
Astral hovered directly behind us.
We sat in silence for a few minutes.
"You should have seen the rest of Yuma's duel Sioku," said Bronk.
"Yeah, Yuma had a number card of his own. The outcome was awesome," added Tori.
I let out a disappointed sigh as I looked at Yuma.
"I definitely would have stayed until the end, but I had important matters to attend to. Dark Mist really needed my help," I replied.
"Did it have something to do with that energy beam we saw yesterday?" asked Tori.
"It sure did," I answered.
I jumped up from the bench and said suddenly. "Hold on everybody, I need to leave the courtyard for a minute. I'll be right back, I promise."
"We'll be here when you return," replied Tori.
I bolted outside the gate and headed over to the secluded area where Dark Mist and I first met.
My mind flashed back to my encounter with him as I sat down on the planter box.
A light breeze brushed against my cheeks.
"I need you to come out Dark Mist," I said.
Dark Mist reappeared in front of me with a smile on his face.
"Hello Sioku, I'm glad to see you again," he greeted.
"I'm glad to see you too Dark Mist," I replied with a big smile of my own.
I let out a dreamy sigh as I stared into his beautiful white eyes.
"Is there a reason why you summoned me?" Dark Mist asked as he floated to my left side.
I felt a slight rush of hyper energy as he leaned against me.
"Yes, all of My friends are in the courtyard right now. They wish to know why you can't be around Astral," I answered.
Dark Mist took a moment to think about what I had just told him.
Sioku, you have my full permission to share my situation with your friends. I trust them as much as you do," he said smoothly.
"Thank you Dark Mist, we won't let you down. My friends and I will always be here for you," I softly replied.
Without warning, Dark Mist reached out to touch my pendent and bravely let the force pull him inside.
"You're so brave Dark Mist," I said proudly.
Right as I was just about to stand up and walk away, Julie's annoying daughter Mira approached me wearing a menacing grin on her face.
"What brings your royal brattiness over here?" I started with a glare.
Dark Mist laughed out loud before he praised. "Nice one Sioku, that was great."
"Thank you Dark Mist," I replied telepathically.
Mira let out a growl of frustration and yelled back. "You dare talk to me like that? I won't have a problem with calling my mom over here to deal with you! By the way Sad Sioku, I overheard you talking to yourself again."
I grinned at her and said sarcastically. "Of course you will Mira, and you foolishly thought that I couldn't fight my own battles? You sound like the coward now. By the way, you should learn to stay out of people's business."
Mira stared at me with a look of burning hatred in her eyes and snapped. "Shut it Sad Sioku! You know that it's the obvious truth."
Neither Mira's yelling or the angry look on her face scared me one bit.
I remained calm and continued. "Listen up Mira, you are not clever at all. I heard every one of those ruthless comments that you made during class. Do you have anything else to do with your life except push people around?"
Mira glared at me as she argued back defensively. "Sad Sioku, you don't have any room to talk. You are just a lonely fool who still has imaginary friends."
The red eyed teen's last comment instantly caused me to snap inside.
My rising anger toward Mira finally exploded.
It radiated off of me like fire.
"Sioku, you must calm down. I don't want you to get hurt," Dark Mist pleaded.
I let out a sigh as I telepathically replied. "You don't have to worry about me Dark Mist, I'll be just fine. I am about to teach this spoiled little brat a lesson that she won't forget."
Without thinking, I stood up and faced Mira while shooting her a piercing glare.
My heart began to pound with fury.
I no longer had control over my emotions now.
Mira seemed unfazed by my anger and shrugged it off.
I raised my fist in the air and said coldly. "That's it Mira, you've gone far enough. It's finally time I put you in your place for all of your negativity."
Mira just laughed before she replyed carelessly. "I am not afraid of you Sad Sioku. You should be too scared to fight."
Her comments only fueled my burning rage.
Without warning, my fist came in direct contact with the right side of Mira's face.
Mira cried out in pain as she fell to the ground.
She placed a hand over her swollen cheek.
Instead of making a comment to Mira, I quickly ran back into the courtyard where my friends were patiently waiting.
They seemed to be having an entertaining conversation.
"I'm back people, sorry for the wait. Mira came up to me looking for a fight," I said before I sat down beside Tori.
"Hi Sioku, what happened?" replied Yuma.
"Mira randomly walked up to me after I had just finished talking to Dark Mist. I asked Mira why she showed up, and she threatened to bring Julie into our conversation. She got really mad after I called her a coward. Then I confronted her about all of the rude comments she made to me in class. My anger got the best of me when Mira said something very personal. I ended up punching the girl in her face," I explained.
Tori laughed and then replied. "That serves Mira right for picking on you. I'm glad to know that you fought back."
"I agree," Bronk added.
Yuma smiled at me and chimed in. "Wow Sioku, you really surprised me. I never would have imagined you getting mad enough to hit somebody."
I laughed out loud in response.
Astral shifted his gold and white eyes up to meet mine.
"It's good to see you again Sioku," he said softly.
I giggled at his charming behavior.
Yuma growled with irritation at that before he hollered. "Astral! Will you quit flirting with her?"
"I don't understand what flirting is," Astral answered plainly.
"Get off of his case Yuma," I replied before I laughed out loud.
"Hey Sioku, where did you go?" asked Tori.
I went to the spot where Dark Mist and I first met," I answered.
"Why did you want to go there?" continued Bronk.
"I needed to ask Dark Mist for permission to share his story with you guys," I answered.
"That was very considerate of you Sioku," said Tori.
I smiled warmly at her in response.
"I'm guessing he is inside your pendent right now," said Astral.
"That's right," I replied with a bright smile.
"No it all," Yuma grumbled at Astral.
I lightly slapped Yuma's shoulder in response to his comment toward Astral.
Tori checked the lock screen on her phone and said. "We don't have much time before class starts."
"I should tell you the story before our time runs out," I replied.
Astral floated away from Yuma until he was hovering in front of me.
I straightened up and took a deep breath.
"There is a reason why Dark Mist has to be in my pendent whenever Astral is around. Dark Mist and Astral cannot be anywhere near each other because of an enemy known as Don Thousand. A long time ago, Don Thousand used Dark Mist as a test subject for his evil experiments. Dark Mist is being forced to absorb Astral against his will by a mind control spell. Both Astral and Dark Mist are going to be Don Thousand's weapons if we don't stop him. Dark Mist came to me for help, and I invited you guys to assist us in the future," I explained.
My friends sat in complete silence with shocked expressions on their faces.
"That doesn't sound good at all," replied Astral.
Before my friends had a chance to respond, the bell rang.
Astral quickly floated back to Yuma's side.
My smile faded as I spotted Julie walking through the gate.
Astral stared at Julie as she continued walking.
He then turned to Yuma and asked with a worried expression. "Yuma, who is that unpleasant woman?"
"Astral, her name is Julie. She is Sioku's unfriendly academic assistant," Yuma answered quietly.
"I don't trust her," Astral whispered in Yuma's ear.
"None of us do," Yuma softly replied.
Julie stopped right in front of me and demanded with that annoying glare on her face. "Sioku, let's go to class."
My nerves began to tense up as I sighed.
"Okay," I replied plainly.
Bronk and Tori glared at Julie before they turned back to me.
"Oh no, not her again," whispered Tori.
Bronk nodded his head in agreement.
The two friends began whispering to each other.
"We can talk about this during our lunch break. I'll meet you guys in class," I said while standing up.
"Bye for now," replied Tori.
"See you later," added Bronk.
Yuma waved at me as I followed Julie out of the courtyard.
"I really wish you can come out Dark Mist," I thought while staring down at my pendent.
"Sioku, do not fear. I'm always with you," he telepathically replied.
Hearing that soothing voice again brought a relieved smile to my face.
I let myself drift off into a train of thought as we walked.
Unfortunately, Julie's voice snapped me out of it.
"Sioku, what were you and your friends talking about?" she asked.
"That is not something you need to know," I answered.
"Whatever," she said with a huff.
"Julie is always sticking her nose in my personal business," I telepathically said to Dark Mist.
"Don't let her bother you Sioku. She isn't worth our time," he replied.
Julie and I continued walking until we reached the metal ramp.
I stood silently on the other side in order to avoid having a conversation with her.
Thinking to myself, I admired all of the beautiful plants growing below.
Looking at nature always put me at ease.
A few minutes had passed, and neither of us had said a word to each other.
I perked up as I heard the sound of footsteps coming from the left.
Being the curious person I am, I started walking toward the bottom of the ramp.
"Where are you going?" asked Julie.
I just shook my head at her in response.
Julie's voice was getting on my last nerve.
"I'm coming Sioku!" called Yuma from a distance.
I immediately perked up at the sound of his high pitched voice.
Julie glared at me from the top of the ramp.
"Get out of the walkway Sioku," she ordered.
I rebelliously stood in one spot and watched as Yuma walked closer.
"Now Sioku!" she yelled.
Surprisingly, her voice didn't bother me.
I had no intention of listening to that annoying lady.
"I'm not going anywhere," I snapped back.
There was no way I would let Julie boss me around.
"I admire your courage Sioku," said Dark Mist telepathically.
My face lit up at the sound of his soothing voice.
"Thank you Dark Mist," I softly whispered.
Frustrated, Julie ran toward me and furiously grabbed the collar of my shirt with both hands.
I tried pushing her away with my arms, but she used her legs to make me lose my balance.
I couldn't help but wonder if Yuma was hearing the commotion right now.
"Get your hands off of me Julie! You have no right to do this," I snapped.
"No Sioku, I have warned you over and over again! I'm tired of you not listening to me!" she yelled back.
Hearing the yelling between Julie and me, Yuma picked up speed and sprinted toward the classroom.
"Yuma! Wait up!" hollered Astral as he floated after his friend.
"Hang on Sioku, I'll be their soon!" Yuma hollered.
Yuma's voice lit a spark of new determination for me to keep fighting.
I had no intention to give up on him.
"Yuma is coming to rescue me," I thought with a small smile.
"That's a relief," whispered Dark Mist.
Julie dragged me up the ramp until we were back at the top.
I used both hands to push Julie away even harder, but she still resisted.
"Sioku! I'm here now," Yuma said as he bolted after her.
"Thanks Yuma," I replied with a sigh of relief.
Julie then pinned me to the wall with full force.
I groaned as my back hit the wall with a hard thud.
"Sioku, are you all right? What's going on?" asked Dark Mist frantically.
"Please don't worry about me Dark Mist, I'm just fine. I've dealt with situations that are much worse," I reassured telepathically.
Yuma angrily forced himself in between Julie and me.
He put one hand on my shoulder and held Julie back with the other.
"Leave Sioku alone!" he shouted while trying to free me from Julie's grip.
"Stay out of our fight, kid! This is between Sioku and me!" she shouted back.
I anxiously wrapped my arms around Yuma and held onto him.
"You'll be okay Sioku," he reassured.
Julie grabbed Yuma by the arm and tried to separate us.
"Let go of him Sioku!" she hollered with frustration.
I just shook my head at her.
Fortunately, my grip on Yuma was really strong.
"This fight is far from over Sioku. I won't let her win," Yuma assured.
Astral's face contorted with fear as he watched the scene in front of him.
"Yuma, I know how to free her! You must summon Utopia," he called out.
I gasped as I stared wide eyed at our new celestial friend.
He was hovering at my left side.
Astral's calming presence brought a relieved smile to my face.
"Astral is here too. Wait, what is Utopia? Is that a new duel monster?" I whispered.
Yuma stared up at the blue skinned being and replied in confusion. "Astral, are you sure about this? Utopia's attacks could be very dangerous."
"Yes, Utopia's power will free both of you from her. It is our only chance to save Sioku," he answered.
Yuma took a moment to think about his decision.
He and Astral had one important thing in common.
They both wanted to keep me safe.
"I'll do it Astral," he finally agreed.
Yuma removed his hand from my shoulder and pulled out another number card.
He then placed the card on his duel disc and called out. "I summon Number 39, Utopia!"
A monster holding two swords took its place beside Yuma.
"Wo, I've never seen that monster before! It looks awesome," I cheered while staring at it.
Julie paused and laughed out loud.
"What is a silly little creature like that going to do to me?" she taunted.
I chuckled at Julie's careless behavior.
"This is no silly little creature," warned Yuma.
I nodded my head in agreement.
Yuma then turned to his monster and commanded. "Utopia, attack the enemy with Rising Sun Slash!"
I watched happily as Utopia charged at Julie from the right.
Utopia then slashed her side with its two swords.
Julie released me and fell down on the ramp with a loud bang.
She then sat up and leaned against the railing while holding her wounded side.
"We're free now Yuma. Nice shot Utopia," I praised before I laughed.
"You can say that again Sioku. This is what Julie gets for messing with you," Yuma replied.
Utopia nodded at me before it disappeared.
I pulled Yuma into a tight hug and said gratefully. "Yuma, thank you so much for coming to help me. Even though you're terrified of Julie, you offered your assistance anyway. I'm so proud of you for conquering your fears."
"Any time Sioku, you can always count on me. I will be there to help you," he lovingly replied.
Yuma and I continued holding onto each other for a few more minutes.
"Well done Yuma," praised Astral.
Yuma gave Astral a friendly nod in response.
"Astral, thank you for saving us. We wouldn't have broken free without your clever idea," I said while giving him a grateful smile.
"You're most welcome Sioku," he softly whispered.
Yuma and I released each other as I spotted a group of students walking toward us.
They all stared at Julie who was still sitting down on the ramp.
Most of the students began whispering amongst themselves.
Without a word, Julie carefully stood up and slowly walked away.
Tori and Bronk joined Yuma and me by the wall.
"Sioku, what happened here?" asked Tori.
"Julie was harassing Sioku again," Yuma answered.
"Thanks for that Yuma," I replied with a slight laugh.
"What did that crazy lady do this time?" asked Bronk.
I took a deep breath and looked at my friends.
"Well, this unnecessary incident started when I got excited because Yuma was coming over here to meet me. Julie didn't like that, so she ordered me to stand beside her. I refused, so Julie grabbed the collar of my shirt and dragged me up the ramp. She slammed me against the wall and pinned me there using her hands. Yuma bravely forced himself in between us to help me break free from Julie's grip. I was afraid that she would hurt Yuma, so I wrapped my arms around him. Julie tried to separate Yuma and me by pulling his arm, but our hold on each other was too strong for her to do so. Astral told Yuma to summon Utopia. Utopia slashed at Julie as soon as Yuma commanded it to attack," I explained.
A look of utter shock was present on my friends' faces.
"I'm glad she is away from you now," said Tori.
"same here," I replied with a relieved sigh.
"That lady just doesn't know when to quit," Bronk added in annoyance.
I nodded my head in agreement.
I then placed a hand on Yuma's shoulder.
"You two should have been here when Yuma came to rescue me. He was very brave through it all," I said happily while looking at Tori and Bronk.
Yuma blushed in response to my comment.
I giggled at the sight of his pink cheeks.
"You're so adorable Yuma," I said brightly.
Tori gave Yuma a pat on the head and added. "Yuma, you are a true friend. Sioku is really lucky to have a person like you by her side."
"Tori is right," Bronk added.
Our math teacher arrived a few minutes later.
Yuma and I followed Bronk and Tori into the classroom.
All of the other students entered the room after us.
My friends and I sat down in our usual row near the door.
Astral hovered between Yuma and me.
As I situated myself, I curiously looked around the room.
I was surprised to see that Mira didn't enter the classroom.
Yuma turned to me and said with a look of confusion on his face. "Hey Sioku, that mean girl named Mira isn't here for some odd reason."
I smiled at him and replied. "I noticed that, but good riddance.
"I don't blame you at all Sioku. That girl is annoying," Bronk added.
~Outside the Classroom~
Mira ran after her injured mother and hollered. "Wait Mom, where are you going?"
Julie stopped and turned around.
She faced her daughter wearing a loving expression and answered. "Hello Mira, I am headed to the nurse's office. Please go back to class now."
Mira looked up at her mother and continued. "Why? What happened to you?"
"I've been attacked by a vicious monster," Julie answered.
She carefully lifted up her blouse to reveal a bleeding wound on her side.
Mira gasped in terror when she saw the blood.
"Mom, that wound looks terrible! It must have been the work of a duel monster. I see those things all over the place. All they do is cause trouble," she said sadly.
Julie let out a heavy sigh and replied calmly. "That is exactly why I will never allow you to duel. You and I can find other ways to entertain ourselves besides playing a pathetic card game."
"You're right Mom," Mira agreed.
Julie pointed to the bruise on Mira's cheek and said with concern. "Mira, how did you get a bruise on your face? Did you fall or get hit with a ball recently?"
Mira's face saddened as she answered. "No, your annoying student Sioku punched me."
"Why would sioku do that to you?" Julie continued.
Mira sighed in disappointment before she answered. "I teased her for not having any real friends."
Julie looked at her daughter and said sternly. "Listen to me Mira, I am disappointed in you for provoking Sioku. You know better than to start fights with people."
Mira lowered her head in shame and replied. "I know Mom, I should have let you handle it instead. You can really put Sioku in her place."
Julie's expression softened as she smiled at Mira.
"I appreciate you for being honest. However, Sioku didn't have the right to lay a hand on you. I'll deal with her later," she said smoothly.
She then looked closer at the bruise on her daughter's face and added. "Your cheek doesn't look really bad. It should heal in a day or two."
Mira smiled back at Julie and replied. "Thank you Mom, I'm going back to class now."
"I'll see you later," said Julie as she walked away.
Julie continued walking toward the nurse's office when a man intercepted her by a brick pillar.
He was dressed in an officer's uniform.
She stopped and looked at him.
"Good afternoon sir, how may I help you today?" Julie greeted politely.
The officer placed a hand on Julie's shoulder and answered. "No ma'am, but I am here to offer my assistance. Is there anything that I can do for you?"
Julie thought to herself for a moment before she answered. "Yes, I could use some help with reprimanding my autistic student. She is in a whole lot of trouble."
The officer grinned wickedly and replied. "Well ma'am, you've come to the correct person. Reprimanding kids is my specialty."
Julie nodded and proceeded to enter the nurse's office.
The officer patiently wated outside while Julie was being examined by the nurse.
Fifteen minutes later, Julie emerged from the nurse's office and joined the officer.
The officer stared at Julie wearing a sympathetic expression and said. "Tell me ma'am, what is your student in trouble for?"
Julie stared back at him and explained. "My student's name is Sioku Marie, and she is 14 years old. This incident happened before her first class was about to start. I told Sioku to stay out of the walkway because more kids were about to start lining up on the ramp. Sioku refused to listen to me and continued standing in the walkway. I got frustrated and grabbed Sioku by the shirt. She resisted, so I dragged her near the door and didn't let go of her shirt. All I tried to do was keep her from getting hurt. Her male friend Yuma jumped into the fight and tried to free Sioku from my grip. That little pest sent out one of those dumb duel monsters, and it attacked me. That's how I ended up with a bleeding wound on my side. Sioku also punched my daughter Mira in the face. Mira teased her, and Sioku got mad and went for the attack."
The officer's wicked smile grew wider as he continued. "Hold on ma'am, I should punish the trouble maker's little friend as well. I'll gladly teach both of those bratty kids a lesson that they will never forget. Your precious daughter will get justice as well."
Julie smiled at the officer and replied wearing a grateful expression. "Thank you sir, I really appreciate your help. Do you have any ideas in mind?"
The officer retrieved a set of heavy metal shackles from his bag and showed them to Julie.
Julie's eyes widened in surprise when she saw the shackles.
"I plan on punishing Sioku and Yuma in one of the worst ways possible. Dragging them around in shackles and ordering them around will definitely set those two straight," the officer explained.
The officer kindly led Julie toward a picnic bench and sat down beside her.
A brief moment of silence passed between them.
The officer looked at Julie as he started a conversation with her. "Excuse me ma'am, when should you and I put our plan into action?"
Julie stared back at him and answered. "Sioku and Yuma will be out of English class in a half hour. They are going to the gym for their next class."
"We should catch them on their way to the gym," the officer suggested.
"That's a wise idea," Julie replied.
Julie and the officer sat in silence during the next half hour.