It has been two weeks since Aki had accepted a position at Neo Domino Hospital. All of her belongings were already shipped back to Neo Domino City, but it would not arrive for a few more days. As her last day at the hospital came to an end, Aki bid farewell to all the friends she had made the last few years and will do her best to stay in contact with them.
The next morning, Aki made her way to the airport as she was heading back home. While waiting in line at check-in, Aki made a quick call to her parents.
"Hi, Aki." Setsuko answering the phone. "How's my girl this morning?"
"I'm well." Aki replied. "But I'm also excited and happy to be coming back today. Of course, I wish I'd slept better. I guess I was thinking too much last night. Nonetheless, I think I'm ready to start another chapter in my career."
"I know you'll do your best. You always have." Setsuko smiling.
"Thanks, mama. Well, I'd better get going. I should be arriving at Neo Domino City in about 14 hours. I will see you when I get there. Goodbye." Aki hangs up her phone and was soon at the check-in counter and walked to her gate, awaiting her flight.
As she waited at the gate prior to departure, Aki opens up her carry-on bag and takes out her picture of Team 5D's winning the WRGP. She recalls all the great memories that happened during that time. The one moment she recalls the most is her first Riding Duel against Team Unicorn. She may have been nervous and having trouble against Team Unicorn's strong offense, but there were two cards that gave her hope and strength: Black Rose Dragon and Stardust Dragon. To this day, Aki cannot help but think that Yusei had the confidence in her to use his favorite monster for good use. Even though she was defeated, Aki would not change a thing about that event.
'Stardust Dragon was such a powerful card.' Aki in thought. 'I felt its presence when I summoned it. But, I also felt Yusei's presence. He guided me throughout that duel. I cannot help but be thankful for his generosity.'
ANNOUNCEMENT
"We are now boarding passengers to our destination of Neo Domino City. Please have your ticket ready before boarding. Thank you."
With that announcement, Aki walked towards the gate and handed the attendant her ticket as she walked onto the plane.
'Mama, papa, Yusei, I will be home soon.' The plane soon begins its ascent as it heads to Neo Domino City.
Back at Neo Domino City, Yusei had just finished his shift at the lab where the Fortune mainframe had resided. Since Team 5D's departure, Yusei had worked on his way up the ranks from researcher to head of all operations at where he worked. Before he left for home on the same D-Wheel he has had since the events of the Ark Cradle, Yusei receives a call on his screen within his D-Wheel.
"Hi, Yusei." It was Setsuko this time calling him.
"Hi, Setsuko." Yusei replied. "How's it going?"
"Very well, thanks. Anyway, I'd thought I let you know that I just got off the phone with Aki, and she is on her way home as we speak." Yusei smiles as he recalls Hideo's phone conversation.
FLASHBACK
"Everything is great here." Hideo answers. "I am calling because I have some great news to tell you."
"What's the great news?" Yusei asks.
"It's Aki. Not only did she receive her certification in becoming a doctor recently, she also accepted a new position at another hospital."
"That's great news!" Yusei replies happily.
"But, it's not just any hospital…it's Neo Domino Hospital." Yusei's eyes widen, but was not surprised.
"Aki is coming home." Yusei speaks in a soft tone.
"Yes, in two weeks." Hideo replies in happiness. "Once we know when she'll arrive, we'll call you."
END FLASHBACK
"How much time do I have?" Yusei asks. Setsuko chuckles.
"Relax, silly. Aki just got on a plane in route to Neo Domino City and will be here in 14 hours. Why don't you stop by our place and then you can stay here while Hideo and I pick up Aki at the airport?"
"I like that idea." Yusei nods in agreement.
12 HOURS LATER
Yusei arrives at the Izayoi household, as Hideo and Setsuko welcome his arrival. Once all three were on the same page of what to do, Hideo and Setsuko were on their way to the airport to pick up Aki. Yusei is no stranger to the Izayoi family, as he has done the best he could to make them happy, even saving Aki from her own powers. And ever since Aki left to pursue her dream, Yusei has visited Hideo and Setsuko once or twice a month. From asking how Aki was doing, to assisting them with tasks, and even being invited to their holiday events, Yusei got to know them very well beyond dueling. In fact, Yusei was becoming part of their family.
As time nears, Yusei's demeanor had not changed, but admitted to himself he somehow felt a little nervous. But that didn't surprise Yusei. Since they had their moment at his household before Aki's departure, Yusei knew his feelings for Aki were everlasting.
'Aki, I'll be waiting here for you until you arrive.'