~~Hello readers, I'm back with a new chapter.
I do not own Yugioh Zexal.
Only my original characters belong to me.~~
My friends and I were still in the gym waiting for class to start.
Vector and I listened to a cheerful conversation between Yuma and Caswell.
They were talking about that last duel Yuma had with our math teacher.
I looked over at Vector who still seemed a bit shy.
He was overwhelmed by the crowds of people.
I immediately thought of a way to distract him.
"You're going to love gym class Vector," I cheered with an excited grin.
"Do you really think so?" he asked hesitantly.
"Don't worry Vector, I'll help you feel better. You can trust me," I answered calmly.
Vector just nodded his head in response.
Tori pointed at Vector and then tapped on my shoulder.
"Hey Sioku, is he all right?" she asked with a concerned expression.
"Not really, Vector is still getting used to his new surroundings. He should come around soon," I answered hopefully.
We heard an announcement ring over the loud speaker. "Attention all students, please report to the field after you change in the locker rooms!"
My friends and I decided to wait until the walkways had cleared up.
"I heard that we're going to run the mile today," said Bronk.
"If that's true, then I can't wait! I have a massive amount of hyper energy to release," I replied joyfully.
Yuma jumped up and hollered proudly. "I am so feeling the flow!"
Hearing that spirit filled catch phrase of his made my heart flutter.
Hyper energy rushed through my body as I trembled with pure joy.
"I love it when you say that," I said dreamily.
Yuma ruffled my hair in response.
"Hold on Sioku, what is feeling the flow?" asked Vector confused.
"That's just what Yuma says whenever he gets fired up," I answered before I laughed.
"Awe man, I hate running the mile. It always makes me super tired when I'm finished," complained Tori.
"You'll be just fine Tori," Caswell reassured.
I smiled at Vector and then back at my friends.
"I have an idea that will get everybody pumped up. Let's have a contest to see who finishes the mile first," I suggested.
My suggestion seemed to grab everyone's attention.
"I'm totally in," replied Yuma.
"That sounds like a lot of fun Sioku," continued Bronk.
"I'll go for it too," added Tori.
"That's the spirit Tori," cheered Caswell.
"You and I will be a team Sioku," said Vector as he put his arm around me.
"That's right Vector," I replied in agreement.
Once the gym had been mostly cleared out, I quickly led Vector over to the boys' locker room.
"I'll see you soon," I said before I walked away.
Vector waved at me in response.
I then followed Tori into the girls' locker room.
After changing into my gym clothes, I returned to the gym.
I waited patiently for Vector to come out of the locker room.
Vector came walking toward me a few minutes later.
"Hello friend," I said cheerfully.
"Those gym clothes look good on you Sioku," he replied while staring at my outfit.
"Thank you," I said with a slight blush.
Vector took my hand in his once again.
Hyper energy surged through my body again the second our hands touched.
"I'll show you where the field is," I offered.
"Sounds good," Vector simply replied.
I slipped back into my pleasant thoughts as we walked.
My friends and I followed a large croud of people outside the gym.
We walked up a steep cemented ramp.
"We're here Vector," I said happily.
Vector smiled as he looked down.
"Wow Sioku, I can see the rest of your school from up here," he replied.
"Yes Vector, this place does have a great view. I always look down at everything when I come up here," I said cheerfully.
There was a tall chain-link fence around the perimeter of the grassy field.
My heart began to race as soon as Vector and I entered the enormous area.
I was starting to feel nervous about the mile.
Vector gave my hand a comforting squeeze.
"Thank you for that," I whispered.
"Any time," he whispered back.
I slowly let go of his hand.
"Do not fear Sioku, I'm sure you'll be just fine. Your spirit will help you get through this," said Astral as he floated toward me.
My face instantly lit up at that familiar voice.
I gasped happily as he approached my left side.
"Hey Astral, I'm glad to see you again. Your support means a lot to me," I said.
"I am always here to assist you," he replied with a bright smile.
Astral's presence calmed my nerves enough to slow my heart rate down.
I blushed as Astral slowly floated back toward Yuma.
Yuma angrily stomped up to Astral and stared into his eyes with a death glare.
"Astral, how many times have I told you to quit flirting with Sioku?" he yelled furiously.
"Yuma! I am simply helping her out. She was in distress a minute ago," Astral snapped back.
Yuma wasn't believing Astral's answer at all.
"Don't give me that silly story Astral! You can let Sioku help you get those memories back!" shouted Yuma.
People stared at Yuma and laughed at him.
They all thought he was going crazy.
I glared at yuma from a distance.
His annoyance toward Astral was really getting on my nerves.
"What's going on Sioku?" asked Vector.
"Yuma hasn't been getting along with Astral," I answered with a sigh.
The teacher instructed us to stand at the edge of the field in a single file line.
Everybody remained silent as they did so.
I glanced up at Vector who seemed lost in deep thought.
"Are you okay?" I asked quietly.
"I'm fine," he simply answered.
We waited for the teacher to give the signal.
I felt a slight rush of adrenaline as I stared anxiously at the open field.
The wait for everyone to get situated seemed to go on forever.
People immediately started running as soon as the teacher blew her whistle.
A flashback of that shackle incident threatened to enter my mind, but I pushed it away by remembering the duel I had with Dark Mist.
"It's time to go," I thought.
I glanced at Vector one last time before I happily bolted after the crowd.
Vector smiled and waved at me.
"Good luck out there Sioku!" he hollered.
"Same to you Vector!" I hollered back.
I used the energy in his voice to increase my speed.
My heart pounded rapidly in my chest as I continued running ahead of him.
However, I didn't want to slow down until I had finished a whole lap around the field.
I panted heavily as my energy started to decrease.
My score on this mile wouldn't be very high if I didn't find a way to restore my energy.
I smiled brightly as Vector's voice echoed in my head.
That kept me going for a few minutes.
Unfortunately, my energy wasn't coming back to me.
The stinging pain in my legs caused me to slow down.
"Oh no, I can't let Vector see me getting worn out like this. I must keep up the momentum," I thought.
To my surprise, Dark Mist appeared behind me.
I continued running at medium speed as he floated by my right side.
"Hey Dark Mist, I'm so glad to see you again. How are you feeling?" I greeted.
"I feel much better Sioku. Thanks for your concern," he answered calmly.
I turned to Dark Mist and smiled brightly at him.
"It's great to have you back Dark Mist. I really missed that beautiful care free side of you before we had our duel," I said softly.
Dark Mist let out a heavy sigh and replied with a remorceful look on his face. "I know Sioku, I sincerely apologize for the way I acted toward you and Vector. I honestly don't deserve you as a friend. You definitely deserve to be with Vector instead of me."
I became speechless and lowered my eyes.
That dreadful thought had never entered my mind before.
As angry as I was at Dark Mist, I wouldn't have left his side over that fight.
"Does he seriously think that? Number 96 must really feel bad about putting Vector in danger," I thought.
A scene from our duel flashed through my mind.
Although Dark Mist's apology was very sincere, I still felt a stinging pain in my heart from his actions.
Choosing to be friends with Either Vector or Dark Mist would have been extremely difficult for me if I had to.
I decided to brush off those worries for now and continued running the mile.
With Dark Mist floating by my side, I returned to the starting point for another lap.
I then picked up speed as I suddenly felt the energy from his hyperactive presence.
The wind blew through my hair as I continued running around the field.
"Thanks for the energy boost Dark Mist. I really needed it," I said before I laughed out loud.
"You're most welcome Sioku," he replied with a smile.
My heart rate started to increase half way into the second lap, so I slowed my running pace down to a jog.
"Sioku, don't forget to take deep breaths. That will help you stay focused," said Dark Mist.
"Thanks for your concern," I replied.
I could tell that Dark Mist was trying really hard to make up for his previous actions.
The softness in his voice gave me a slight boost of encouragement to keep going.
I increased my speed while thinking about the day we first met after class.
Without thinking, I bolted passed a group of people.
"That girl's running speed is impressive," one of them said in admiration.
I smiled after hearing that complement.
"Slow down Sioku! You're almost at the starting point again!" hollered Dark Mist as he caught up to me.
"I'll be fine Dark Mist," I replied with a look of reassurance.
I began to slow down to a jog as I finished my second lap around the field.
My heart rate started to decrease as I breathed deeply.
Dark Mist floated beside me as I began my third lap.
Bronk and Yuma weren't far behind me.
"Hey Sioku," called Yuma.
I smiled and waved at him.
"You better hurry up Sioku! I'm about to go ahead of you!" shouted Bronk.
"In your dreams," I called back.
With new determination, I took off down the path.
The wind blew through my hair once again.
"Sioku! Wait for me!" hollered Dark Mist as he quickly floated after me.
"I don't wait for anybody," I replied with a playful grin.
My celestial friend only chuckled at that.
I increased my speed as I imagined Shark running the mile with me.
Thinking about that boy ignited a new spark of determination inside me.
Dark Mist finally caught up to me at the half way mark of my third lap.
However, I had no intention of slowing down.
The only thing that mattered to me right now was finishing this mile.
I just couldn't wait to meet up with Vector.
Vector's lively voice echoed in my head again.
I smiled and let out a dreamy sigh.
"Sioku! Please be careful!" hollered Dark Mist.
I just waved at him in response.
My heart rate began to increase, but I didn't let it bother me.
I ran toward the starting point with all the strength I had at the moment.
The stinging pain in my legs caused me to slow down to a jogging pace.
I took deep breaths in order to lower my heart rate.
To my surprise, I spotted Vector running toward me.
His Baria crystal glimmered in the sunlight.
"Sioku! I'm hear," he called out.
Hearing his voice again made me feel warm inside.
"I'm so glad to see you Vector! How are you feeling?" I hollered with an excited grin.
"I'm all right," Vector cheerfully answered.
I couldn't help but giggle at his care free response.
"What lap are you on?" I asked curiously.
"I'm on my fourth lap. How about you?" he replied confidently.
"Same here," I answered in excitement.
I then grinned playfully at him and said competitively. "Hey Vector, I'll race you to the finish line."
"Oh you're on," he replied with determination.
Without further delay, my new friend and I took off toward the starting point.
I didn't pay any attention to Dark Mist who was still floating right behind me.
My mind was only focused on having fun with Vector.
Nothing else mattered to me.
My heart raced with pure joy as I continued running after him.
I felt so alive and free in this moment.
Feeling the wind push against my body, I let myself slip into pleasant thoughts about my friends.
Dark Mist tried calling out to me, but I chose not to respond.
I watched in amazement as Vector reached the end.
"Nice job Vector!" I called out.
He gave me a thumbs up in response.
I then ran toward him at full speed.
My body felt weak from all of the strain, but I mentally pushed myself to keep going.
Another flashback about Julie entered my mind, causing me to slow down almost instantly.
I no longer had the courage to complete this mile.
~Flashback to Elementary School~
My classmates and I were instructed to run one lap before our main activity.
Julie and I were on the field running side by side.
A funny cartoon scene popped into my head causing me to giggle out loud.
Julie grabbed the collar of my shirt and yelled in annoyance. "Sioku, you better knock it off! There is no reason for you to be acting silly!"
I sighed heavily as my smile disappeared.
~End Flashback~
Vector noticed my spirit fading away and waved at me.
"You can do it Sioku," he cheered.
The sound of his voice began to pierce through my fear causing me to smile at him.
"Thanks Vector," I whispered.
Dark Mist cautiously floated next to me and asked with a concerned look on his face. "Sioku, are you all right?"
"Yes Dark Mist," I answered softly.
I then picked up speed while focusing on my celestial friend's peaceful aura.
"You're almost there Sioku! Don't give up!" hollered Yuma from behind me.
I instantly perked up at the wonderful sound of Yuma's high pitched voice.
With new found determination, I ran straight toward the finish line at the same speed as before.
All of my bad thoughts were wiped away once again.
I glanced over at Yuma who grinned back at me.
Yuma's presence provided a sense of security for me.
I grinned triumphantly as I completed my last lap.
Dark Mist disappeared into my pendent in order to avoid Astral.
Vector and Yuma joyfully raced toward me as they cheered in unison.
Congratulations," said Vector.
I hugged him tightly in response.
"You did very well," Astral said proudly.
"Thanks Astral," I replied while staring up at him.
It felt good to be next to my closest friends again.
"Where are Bronk and Tori?" I asked while scanning the surrounding area.
"They will be here shortly," answered Yuma.
Vector placed a hand on my shoulder and asked gently. "Hey Sioku, why did you slow down? What happened?"
"I had another flashback," I answered fearfully.
Yuma wrapped his arms around me in a comforting way and chimed in. "I'm sorry Sioku, you didn't deserve any of the pain that vile woman has put you through."
I simply nodded in response.
Astral quietly hovered behind Yuma.
"Sioku, why do you have those flashbacks?" he softly asked while observing our interaction.
"I suffer from trauma caused by Julie," I answered sadly.
Astral frowned and lowered his head.
"The only way to end your suffering is to get rid of Julie," he said.
I smiled at the thought of that.
"It's not that easy Astral," replied Yuma.
Vector placed a hand on my shoulder and chimed in. "I can help you guys get rid of Julie."
"Really? How can you help us do that?" asked Yuma while pointing at him.
"Sioku and I can tell the principal the whole story of how Julie asulted her before PE," Vector answered.
I nodded my head in agreement.
Yuma gave him a questioning look and said. "Hold on Vector, Sioku did tell us that you rescued her. Did you?"
"Yes, I'm her only witness! I saw Julie do it," Vector answered, his voice raised with concern.
My eyes widened in response to Vector's outburst.
"Calm down Vector, I believe you. Please tell me everything that happened," Yuma replied softly.
Vector paused as an idea crossed his mind.
"I want to wait until your other friends are here with us," he said.
"That's a good idea," Yuma replied.
A long period of silence passed by as we patiently waited for the others to finish.
I continued to relax in Yuma's warm embrace.
Bronk, Tori, and Caswell came walking toward us a few minutes later.
"Hey people," I said happily.
"Nice job out there," replied Bronk.
My friends and I made our way toward the bleachers in order to clear the walkway for other students.
I relaxed peacefully beside Vector as we listened to a conversation between Bronk and Caswell.
"Sioku, how do you feel?" Vector asked softly.
"I'm okay," I whispered back.
Ten minutes later, everybody was dismissed.
My friends and I carefully made our way down the bleachers and off the field.
There were huge crowds of people everywhere.
"Sioku," what class do you have next?" asked Vector as he walked by my side.
"It's duel period," I answered happily.
"That's a relief," said Tori as she yawned.
Vector pulled me closer to him and said gently. "I'll pass on the duels for now. I just want to spend more time with you."
"You're so sweet," I replied while embracing him.
He patted my head as I released him.
At the dueling arena, Vector and I separated from the others to find a secluded area.
We eventually found a brick planter box under a cluster of trees and sat down.
I was relieved to be alone with him again.
This peaceful moment reminded me of my encounter with Dark Mist.
The wind lightly blew through my curly hair as I relaxed.
Vector decided to break the silence by starting a conversation with me. "Hey Sioku, has Julie always been mean to you before we met?"
"Yes, she embarrasses me in class every day. She also yells at me whenever I talk to people," I answered with irritation.
"That doesn't sound good," he replied sympathetically.
Just talking about Julie made me feel uneasy.
I tried to distract myself by watching Yuma duel another student in the arena.
"Yuma is so adorable when he's dueling," I said with a dreamy sigh.
Vector noticed my uneasiness and embraced me.
I laid my head on his shoulder and closed my eyes.
Everything went quiet in this moment of peace.
I was instantly pulled out of my thoughts when I overheard Yuma talking to another male student.
He told Yuma how much he admired him for defeating Shark in a duel.
This kid also had a bubbly personality and a high pitched voice.
I couldn't help but smile at that.
Vector ruffled my hair and laughed.
"Wow Sioku, you look very happy right now. What's going on?" he asked curiously.
"I hear a cute voice," I answered gleefully.
Vector gently released me before he stood up.
"Let's go talk to them. Maybe that boy will be our friend," he suggested.
"I don't doubt that," I replied in agreement.
I stood up before I followed Vector toward the boys.
"Hey Sioku," called Yuma as he spotted me.
I walked until I was standing right beside him.
"Hello Sioku," greeted Astral from behind us.
"Hi Astral," I replied with a smile.
"My curiosity immediately got the best of me.
I grinned at the boy wearing glasses and pointed to Yuma.
"Hello Yuma, who's your new friend?" I greeted.
"My name is Flip Turner," the boy answered.
"Hello Flip, my name is Sioku. It's nice to meet you," I replied while trying to hold in my hyperactivity.
"Same to you Sioku! You look really pretty today," Flip complemented with a grinn of his own.
"Thanks Flip," I replied while blushing.
Flip sighed dreamily as he stared at my red face.
I laughed nervously and backed away.
Vector quietly watched the scene from a distance.
Flip pointed at me and then tapped on Yuma's shoulder.
"Hey Yuma, what's wrong with her? Why is she so shy?" he asked quietly.
"Sioku just met you Flip. Give her some time to get to know you," Yuma answered.
"That's a great idea," Flip cheered.
I couldn't help but smile at him again.
This kid's voice already sounded so adorable.
I was attracted by the high pitch in his voice.
He provided another distraction from my flashbacks.
Flip held a card out to Yuma and said generously. "This Baby Tiragon card is for you. It's an XYZ's monster."
Yuma stared at the card with wide eyes and replied. "That's an XYZ's monster? You're giving it to me?"
"Yes Yuma, take it as a symbol of our friendship," Flip answered with a grin.
I slowly walked behind Yuma and looked closely at the card in Flip's hand.
"Awe, that little creature is adorable! It's cute like both of you," I exclaimed.
Flip blushed and sighed again.
Yuma tapped on my shoulder and whispered. "Hey Sioku, Flip has a crush on you."
My face turned bright red at that.
I decided to keep quiet in order to prevent this situation from becoming more awkward.
"Sioku, what's with the silence? Do you like him as well?" Yuma asked playfully.
"What? No!" I shouted back.
Yuma then turned his attention back to Flip and the card he was offering.
"A sine of friendship... I'd be a jerk to turn that down," he said honestly.
"That's right Yuma, take it," Flip replied.
Astral started to feel uneasy as he looked at Flip.
"I sense a dark aura around this boy. What could it be?" He said fearfully.
I could tell by the sound of Astral's voice that something was bothering him.
"Come here Astral," I said sympathetically.
Astral slowly floated over to my left side.
"I'm so glad to see you Sioku," Astral whispered.
I stared into his mismatched eyes and said with deep concern. "Same to you Astral, but what's wrong?"
"Yuma's new friend doesn't look right," he answered.
"I don't see anything wrong with him," I replied.
The blue skinned being leaned against me and sighed.
"Don't worry Astral, I'll help you and Yuma figure it out. I promise," I reassured.
"You're very kind," he replied softly.
I relaxed in Astral's calming presence.
Astral really reminded me of Dark Mist whenever he came out of my pendent.
Yuma held his hand out to Flip and said in acceptance. "Sure, I would love to have it. Thank you very much."
Before Yuma had a chance to accept the card, Tori and Bronk ran up to him.
They had worried expressions on their faces.
I smiled and waved at them.
"Hello you two, what's up?" I greeted casually.
"Hold it Yuma! Do not take that card from him!" yelled Tori as she grabbed him.
She proceeded to drag him away from Flip.
"Why not?" groaned Yuma.
"We're going to be late for class," she answered.
Yuma let out a nervous yelp.
"That kid is nothing but trouble," added Bronk.
Yuma pointed at Flip and smiled.
"This little guy? Please, how would you know?" he argued.
"Tori and I went to grade school with him. Flip tricks people all the time," Bronk answered.
My eyes widened in shock at his words.
Yuma didn't seem convinced.
"Sorry Flip, I have to go. I'll see you later," he said sadly.
Flip lowered his head and sighed.
Yuma then walked away with his friends.
I waved at them once again.
"Good bye Sioku," said Astral as he floated away.
"Bye Astral," I simply replied.
Vector suddenly approached me wearing a saddened expression.
"I'm sorry Sioku, but I need to go back home now," he said smoothly.
"Wait, really? Why?" I replied in shock.
"My friends have a mission for me," he whispered.
I threw my arms around Vector and hugged him tight.
"I'm going to miss you, please be safe," I said with love.
"Thank you Sioku, I'll miss you too. We'll meet again," he softly replied while returning the hug.
My face saddened as we released each other.
I watched as he vanished completely.
Staring down at the Baria crystal around my neck, I slipped into peaceful thoughts about him.
Just as I was walking to my next class, Flip caught up to me with an excited grin on his face.
My hyperactivity wasn't triggered by him this time.
I turned around to look at him.
"Hey Flip, shouldn't you be going to class?" I greeted.
Flip blushed as he stared at me.
His body started to tremble as well.
"Yes, but I really want to walk beside you. I have the same computer class as you Sioku," he replied in a flustered tone of voice.
I couldn't help but laugh out loud before I asked. "Flip, what is wrong with you? Why are you acting so nervous around me?"
"That doesn't matter," he answered while trying to brush it off.
Hyperactivity surged through my body, causing me to think twice about what I would possibly get myself into.
My shoulders slumped as fearful thoughts crept into my mind which made my smile disappear instantly.
"Julie would kill me if she saw us together! She hates people like him and Yuma," I thought sadly.
Even though Julie wasn't around, I was still afraid that she would hurt Flip as well.
Flip put a hand on my shoulder and said gently. "You look down Sioku, are you all right?"
I brushed loose hair out of my face and smiled at him.
"Okay Flip, you may join me," I answered quietly.
He jumped up with joy and asked. "Really? Do you mean it?"
That female robotic computer voice from Type to Learn echoed in my mind.
I shook my head to quickly suppress the fears before I answered. "Of course, can you please do me a favor?"
"You bet I will," he answered with glee.
I used the cheerful tone in Flip's voice to stay focused on our conversation.
The high pitch in his voice was overpowering.
"I would like you to sit beside me in class. Being in your presence will help me," I answered shyly.
Flip grinned as he put his arm around me.
"Yes, I would be more than happy to do that," he agreed.
"Thank you Flip," I whispered.
I took a deep breath in relief knowing that I wasn't alone and vulnerable anymore.
People gave Flip dirty looks as we passed by.
I sighed heavily at their judgement.
"Hey Flip, why are they looking at you like that?" I whispered in his ear.
"Pay no attention to them," he answered.
I just went along with it even though I was confused.
In computer class, Flip and I sat in the first row of seats near the door.
Our assignment was to pick up from where we left off on Type to Learn.
I stared at Flip in order to keep myself calm during the annoying typing tutorial.
Flip noticed my uneasiness and spoke up. "What's the matter Sioku? You're looking a little scared."
"I'm terrified of this typing program," I answered quietly.
"What's so scary about it?" he asked confused.
"The voice," I simply answered.
I tapped on the jewel of my pendent, signaling for Dark Mist to come out.
Dark Mist appeared behind me and greeted. "Hello Sioku, why did you summon me? Where is Vector?"
"I need your emotional support. Vector went back home a few minutes ago," I answered.
My celestial friend looked at the monitor in front of me and said. "That's what I'm here for."
I stared at him while typing the list of words.
"Number 96, How did you know that I wanted you to come out?" I asked in surprise.
"Just a guess," he simply answered.
"Sioku, who are you talking to?" asked Flip.
"My other friend," I answered with a smile.
Dark Mist watched as I completed more lessons.
I thought about Yuma's voice as another distraction.
Class was dismissed 40 minutes later.
I gladly logged off of the computer before I stood up.
"I'll see you later Flip. Thank you for being my friend," I said as I grabbed my bag.
"Any time Sioku," Flip replied.
I happily walked out the door with Dark Mist floating by my side.
The fresh air felt very relaxing.
Dark Mist looked worried at me and asked. "Sioku, how do you feel after that incident?"
"I'm fine," I simply answered.
Dark Mist and I were headed toward the bus ramp when I heard Yuma calling out my name from a distance.
"Sioku! Stay right there! I'll come to you!" he hollered.
Without a warning, Dark Mist disappeared into my pendent to avoid Astral.
"Hi Yuma!" I hollered back.
I stood alone by a metal fence looking confused.
Yuma was panting heavily by the time he and Astral caught up to me.
"Hello you two, what's the rush?" I asked while supporting Yuma to prevent him from collapsing.
He laid his head on my shoulder.
I stood still for a minute to let him rest.
"You and I are needed in the principal's office right now," he answered breathlessly.
My eyes widened with horror at that.
"Wait, why would you and I have to go..." I said suddenly.
Yuma and I paused for a few seconds before we said in unison. "Julie is behind this."
"This can't be good," Astral commented.
I gently released Yuma and sighed.
"Let's get this over with," I said quietly.
"My thoughts exactly," replied Yuma.
Yuma and I turned around and reluctantly headed toward the principal's office.
I decided to start a conversation on the way there. "Hey Yuma, did Flip ever give you that card?"
"No, he didn't get the chance. Bronk and Tori kept dragging me away from him," Yuma answered sadly.
"That stinks," I replied sympathetically.
Our conversation was immediately cut short when I noticed that same male officer standing in the doorway with a glare on his face.
Chills crawled up my spine at an alarming rate.
Just seeing him again made me feel uneasy.
"I've been waiting for you little girl," he said creepily.
The sound of his voice immediately caused me to shiver violently.
I just shook my head at the man.
Yuma wanted to make a comment but stopped himself.
He was afraid of the officer's authoritative appearance.
All it took was one look at the officer for Astral to become intimidated by him.
The celestial being shivered as he floated between Yuma and me.
"Sioku, I don't like the looks of this man at all. Please be careful," he pleaded.
"It's okay Astral," assured Yuma.
The officer immediately turned his attention away from me and glared viciously at Yuma.
"Who are you?" he demanded.
Yuma and I jumped at the sound of his harsh voice.
He stood frozen in place and didn't respond.
Astral watched the scene in front of him with fear present in his features.
He reminded me so much of Dark Mist.
I hated seeing him like that.
"Don't worry Astral, I'll get yuma out of danger. I have a plan," I reassured.
"Yuma," he whispered.
The officer slapped his hands onto Yuma's shoulders and demanded again. "Don't ignore me! Answer my question! I said, who are you?"
Tears rolled down Yuma's cheeks as he whimpered.
"Yuma Tsukumo," the boy answered brokenly.
The officer shook Yuma violently by the collar of his shirt and screamed. "Did I give you permission to cry?"
Astral gasped in horror at that.
"Yuma! No!" he shouted fearfully.
"Stay calm Astral," I warned.
Yuma forcefully held back a scream with all the strength he had.
"No sir," he answered timidly.
Infuriated by the officer's torturous treatment, I protectively shoved Yuma away from him.
Astral signaled for Yuma to follow him.
They hid behind a brick pillar.
I then got in the officer's face and yelled furiously. "Leave my friend alone! Your business is with me!"
Astral froze in awe at my bravery.
"Oh you have a lot of nerve to come yell at me! I'm far from done with you little girl," replied the officer.
He then led me into the office.
Yuma snuck his way in a few minutes later.