I'm not sure where to begin…my relative that has been fighting nervical and brain cancer for the past 10 years has passed away. She was the strongest person I know. I remember the times we would watch Disney movies and munch on snack-size candies. She was the person who introduced me to Harry Potter. When I was little, before my brother was born, we spent a lot of time together playing in the local fountain that was just down the street from where she lived. Her daughter was born around the same time that my sister was, and it was decided that her daughter would live with my parents effective after the funeral this weekend. I still can't believe she's gone… Anyway, this chapter is for her. I don't own rights to YuGiOh! 5Ds.
In Memory
I came to a stop in front of a cherry tree, my hand clenching around the flowers in my hand. "I know I haven't visited much, and I'm sorry about that. I tell you every time I swing by that I'll do better and I never do." Kneeling, I placed the flowers in the little vase that sat between them. "I can see you even now, shaking you head and telling me that I'm hopeless and she would be telling you to take it easy on me. You would simply smile and ruffle my hair, despite me telling you to never do that." A chuckle slipped past my lips as I reached out and ran my fingers through my hair. "Ironic how I miss that." Shaking my head, I leaned against him as my thoughts drifted…
**Flashback Start**
"I'm going to Akzia's for a little while!" I called, slipping my shoes on. My motions halted as mother called me into the sitting room. I was impatient and wanted to get back to the sleepover. I had come home when no one had been awake yet to grab a change of clothes. They would be up any minute! She came out into the hallway, her expression was tight and she was frowning. My eyes darted downward, but I wasn't wearing anything that would have gotten me in trouble. Confusion filled me as she knelt and cupped my face. "Mother?"
"Yusei," she began, her hands falling to my shoulders. "I'm going to ask you some very important questions and I need you to be completely honest with me. Okay?" I nodded. She took a deep breath and her sky blue orbs locked on my cobalt ones. "Did you notice anything strange when you left, like a strange person was there who shouldn't have been?" Dread filled me at her words. Had something happened? Her expression blanked as I said that everyone had still been asleep when I left. "Honey, did you actually see that everyone was asleep?"
I shook my head. "Jack, Crow, and I were on the floor while Akiza was in her bed. It was dark-" My words stalled as the door behind me flew open, revealing Jack and Crow's devastated expressions. Their pajamas were disheveled and Jack hadn't brushed his hair yet. I felt myself grow cold as they began talking. Bits and pieces registered, but my whole world tipped when I heard "missing". My feet moved on their own and I suddenly found myself running down the street towards her house. There were multiple Security cars parked in the driveway and street, casting the house in their flickering lights. Multiple hands grabbed me as I slipped though the front door but I shook them off. Everything stopped as I caught sight of her mother crying.
"Where's Akiza?" I hadn't even realized the question had come from me until everyone in the room turned their focus on me for a split second. Her mother covered her face with her hands as Hideo wrapped his arms around her. Just like that, I came apart.
**Flashback Ends**
"I couldn't sleep or eat for weeks," I sighed. "You tried everything from Grandma's cookbook to my favorite restaurant, but nothing worked. I still can't believe that mom tried to cook and ended up making lava. That's why only dad and the chef was allowed in the kitchen." My lips tilted into a smile as I practically envisioned her hiding her blush with one of her hands.
"This probably comes as no surprise to you, but I've never stopped searching for her." A breeze tickled my face as mother used to. "Yeah, yeah, I know. We've already established that I'm hopeless." Kneeling, I brushed away some leaves that had fallen in front of them. "I really think I'm close to finding her." I explained everything that had happened in the past month. Every so often it felt as if mother's hand brushed my hair or my father's hand grasped my shoulder briefly, and I found comfort in both. "I really feel like I'm getting close, I can almost see her." My eyes rose and focused on the little archway that was a few yards away. "She's taller than Crow, which isn't surprising at all. Her hair has gotten longer, but only in the front…" Words left me as someone appeared under the arch, wearing a large hat and a scarf that covered their face. I blinked as they approached and came to a stop in front of me. "Can I help you?"
"Has anyone ever told you you're a moron?" they whispered, shifting the scarf. Rōzu winked as I couldn't help but gawk. She tilted her head in their direction. "I didn't mean to interrupt anything."
I shook my head. "I was actually about to tell them about you."
She bowed slightly. "You have a very nice son, Dr. and Mrs. Fudo. It's nice to see you again." My eyes widened. "Your son is an amazing man, going to such lengths for someone like Akiza." Rōzu offered a small smile as I gave her a look. "I already told you I knew her, what makes you think she didn't mention you all? I heard about the accident, I'm sorry for your loss. It happened after she disappeared, right?" she reached into the giant black overcoat she was wearing and pulled out a dark brown box about the size of thick heavy bound book. "She heard and wanted to send these to you, but with everything going to hell and all..."
I looked from her to the envelope as my mind began to race. Of course she would have heard of the accident… which meant that there had been a chance that she had been within city limits! As if it was made of the finest lace, I gently took it from her gloved hand and opened it. There were tons of envelopes that were a soft pink and had my name written across them in familiar cursive. Their edges were worn though, showing that they may have witnessed some time weathering events.
Rōzu began to excuse herself, saying that she would meet us later at the underground duels. Just as she was turning away, I reached out and grasped her hand. Her eyes immediately met mine as I shifted to stand in front of her. "I can't thank you enough for what you've done," I nearly croaked. My throat was nearly closed at this point from emotion that I was keeping locked up.
She glanced down at our hands then back up to me, slipping her hand from mine. "Yusei-" Her expression suddenly tightened, her hands flying to her head. "Sorry, I'll see you tonight." And without another word, she turned and hurried away, pausing at the archway. "Be sure to read them before coming. They will shed some light for you."
"Thank you," I bowed my head in her direction and she disappeared into the distance. My eyes turned to the pair of gravestones behind me. "Which one should we read first?"
Thank you to everyone being patient with me and supporting me during this tough time. Let me know your thoughts!
In Memory of Christine
June 17, 1974 - March 13, 2018