"A wounded heart isn't easy to heal."- Land of honor novella

Yusei awoke to pained moans. It was still very dark out, so Yusei was careful not to trip on anything as he got up from his makeshift bed and headed towards the sounds. He hesitated in front of Akiza's door.

"Please…" her pleading was enough to chase away any doubts.

He quietly opened the door and listened to Akiza's struggle. He made it to the edge of her bed when he heard her whimper.

"Don't touch me…please."

She sounded so broken. Yusei felt so torn. He wanted to hold her in his arms, but if he touched her she might freak out even more. As he watched her tormented battle he noticed a couple of bottles of prescription medicine on her nightstand. He decided to chance his luck. He crawled into the bed and held her still in his arms.

She responded by fisting his shirt in her delicate hand and she cried silently into his chest. Soon enough she was calm and breathing evenly. He stayed still rubbing her back and stroking her hair until it was time for him to leave. He slowly and quietly crawled out of the bed and closed her door behind him. He fixed his bed and got himself ready to head out.

Akiza woke up 15 minutes before her alarm. Even though she was up earlier than usual, she felt rested. Her nightmares were getting more vivid every night. As she made her way into her living room, she noticed her guest was already gone. She tidied up her living room before making herself breakfast.

She followed her morning routine unaware of what Yusei had done for her. When Akiza arrived to find Yusei waiting outside her office. True to his word he was freshly changed and leaning on her door reading some papers. She cleared her throat to catch his attention.

As he looked up to meet her gaze, Akiza noticed his very sleep filled eyes. Akiza couldn't help what came over her as she spoke.

"What's the matter Dr. Fudo? Did you not sleep well last night?" Akiza teased sarcastically.

Yusei straightened and gave her a questioning look. Akiza watched him as he acted strangely. His eyes roamed her face silently searching for something. He gave her a questioning look. Akiza felt unnerved as he silently watched her cautiously.

"Did something happen last night?" Akiza asked afraid and unsure.

After a few seconds of silence Yusei finally spoke up.

"No."

Akiza felt relieved. Her burdens and torment was meant for her to carry alone and in secret.

"Good morning then…what can I do for you?"

"I've been waiting for you so we could go talk to Goodwin about our plans."

"Right I remember um just let me grab the folder off my desk. Let me grab the folder off my desk."

Yusei moved to let Akiza unlock her door and walk into her office. She walked out holding the folder they had been working on.

"Alright Dr. Fudo lead the way if you please."

As they walked in silence shoulder to shoulder, Akiza realized Yusei was acting differently.

"Dr. Fudo are you feeling well?"

"Huh?"

"I mean if you're ill I don't need you here potentially spreading bacteria to those who are healthy."

"No I'm fine just a bit tired that's all." Yusei stifled a yawn. For some weird reason that action bothered Akiza.

"Right then maybe next time you don't forget your keys!" Akiza snapped annoyed.

"We're here." Yusei ignored her last comment.

Akiza knocked on the door ignoring Atsuko like always.

"Come in."

Akiza and Yusei entered the office surprising Goodwin.

"Well, I'm pleasantly surprised! What can I do for you Dr. Izinski and Dr. Fudo?"

"We wanted to get your approval on something." Akiza spoke up.

"Alright I'm intrigued. Both of you came up with these plans hmm?" Goodwin asked.

"Yes sir." Yusei spoke up.

"Well let's see them!"

They presented their ideas to Goodwin, which he approved without much fuss. Akiza bowed and left ignoring Yusei. Before Yusei left Goodwin spoke out.

"Yusei have patience my boy."

Akiza was in her office pacing back and forth. She was confused as to why she was such an emotional rollercoaster. Why had she snapped at Yusei?

She went over to her desk to get her folders in order before her class. Ignoring the feelings that were threatening to consume her mind, she remembered that today was the day she was going to announce her plan of assigning homeroom classes so she wouldn't be able to avoid Yusei like she was planning to.

She had to explain to the teachers working in partnerships that they would be given a homeroom with students that would help them progress as teachers. She would have coordinate the teacher's schedules, so they could have a planning period and still have merged homerooms. Her week was going to be extra busy with the camp being approved and parent tours.

She had tours scheduled for parents interested in the school later that same day. She sighed as she spent her first planning period alone. Maybe their friction would be her perfect excuse to drop Yusei as a partner, but she had to admit, personal feelings aside, it was best for them to keep being partners for the students of course.

The rest of the day was uneventful as she taught class and announced her plan to have homerooms set up. The teachers were surprisingly understanding and even excited as she made her announcement.

"Each homeroom will have partnered teachers in charge. Of course, this will be a trial run and if the results are optimal then it will be a permeant change. Now if those of you who have volunteered for this weekend's camp can hang back for a few minutes more, the rest of you may leave."

The teachers got up leaving behind the group she was becoming very familiar with.

"Hmm I'm surprised, but I'm also very grateful for giving up your personal time to help make this camp possible." Akiza addressed the group.

"You know you can count on us Akiza!" Ruka spoke up excitedly shocking the rest of the group at her sudden outburst.

"I see you and Mr. Leo have been working well together Miss Luna alongside the technology instructor, Dexter, right?"

Ruka blushed in embarrassment.

"U-uh well yes."

"I'm glad." She nodded her approval.

Akiza passed out her curriculums and began her meeting. She was satisfied as the teachers listened intently and asked questions.

"If there are any more questions please don't hesitate to ask either Dr. Fudo or I. Now if you all will excuse me; I have parent tours I must get ready for. Oh, be aware that I may enter your rooms without any indication to observe with these parents today." Akiza bowed and left the staffroom.

Akiza was in the middle of her parent tour and she was already ready to snap off some heads. Figuratively speaking of course.

"Umm excuse me but don't you think it would be appropriate to watch one of the classes in progress? We're more interested in the classroom experience than the actual facilities." The annoying mother Akiza had grown to hate, spoke up.

"Of course, however if you had referred to the given itinerary you would know that is the last part of the tour." Akiza smiled as she spoke through gritted teeth.

Akiza bit back a chuckle as the woman fell silent in embarrassment. The whole tour the woman had made snobby comments and stupid questions, which Akiza would either ignore or shut down swiftly. She made sure that each question thrown at her, she would respond firmly and without hesitation.

'You would think this woman would be too embarrassed to keep talking.'

"Lucky for you all, the end of our tour is here, so if you all will follow me to our journalism class." Akiza assured.

Akiza decided to walk into Carly's journalism class to observe. If Carly was surprised, she didn't show it. Akiza gave a slight smile knowing her plan for the school was starting to show slight results. Carly nodded acknowledging their presence and continued to teach up until the bell rang signaling the end of the school day.

As the students filed out of the room, a parent spoke up surprising both Carly and Akiza. Akiza nearly rolled her eyes as she realized who was speaking.

"I see you're very knowledgeable in this so-called course. However, it seems to me that you, as a person, are very meek and hesitant. What I saw during your lesson is that you let students reign over you rather than the other way around. Based on this I don't believe you are fit to be an instructor here."

"I-I um.." Carly was stunned as she tried to form a response.

After a long pause Akiza had had enough.

"Director Goodwin picked Miss Nisaga as an instructor and as a representative to this institute. Not only is she a valued employee here, but she's also the head of her department, because she's worked very hard and has earned her place at this school. Her skills and ability to connect to the students ranked above many others. We make out calls using results not in the methods and hers was the best. Sure, her methods have flaws, but who here is perfect?" Akiza paused before continuing.

"I do not mean to disrespect your question, but if you question our teachers then you are questioning the school and Director Goodwin himself and I won't stand for it." Akiza tilted her head and her glasses gleamed.

The parent backed off silently.

"Now I do believe this concludes our tour. If any of you would like any more information, please feel free to stop by admissions and don't hesitate to ask." Akiza walked the parents out leaving behind a flustered Carly.

Carly didn't realize how long she had been standing still until a knock on her door brought her out of her shock.

"Hey Carly, I'm ready to go home whenever you are babe."

Jack stood in her doorway arms crossed in front of himself.

"Jack?" Carly was still confused.

"The one and only…Carly what's wrong?" Jack walked over to her and cupped her face in his hands.

"I'm so confused."

"Yeah I gathered as much." He rubbed her cheeks with his thumbs soothingly.

"A-aki…"

Jack tensed as he heard Carly speak her name.

"What did she do to you? You know what? I don't want to know, but I'll make sure she knows her place." Jack began to stalk off to find Akiza, but Carly grabbed onto him stopping him in his tracks.

"NO! Jack Aki just stood up and defended me in front of some parents even though she might've just hurt the school's reputation and driven off potential investors." Carly explained.

"What?" Jack was still processing what Carly was saying.

"You should've seen her so confident and blunt as always, but she didn't back down. She protected me; me the one who betrayed her." Carly began to choke up.

"S-she probably only did it to save face and keep the school's reputation flawless."

"No Jack there's more to it! I know it!"

Jack sighed.

"Maybe Carly she really isn't our Aki." Jack hugged her and stroked her hair calming her down.

"B-but Jack what do you feel?" You and the others had a bond, didn't you?"

"Yeah, but I haven't felt Aki in years, but I know she's not gone. I'm sure she's not gone, but even now I'm not so sure that's our Aki. I don't know how to explain it."

"B-but if she's not Aki then who is she?"

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"I-I may have pulled some strings and…" Carly paused.

"Carly?"

"Akiza Izinski's existence only showed up approximately 2 years ago."

"Wait what?"

"She's a prodigy in the medical field and her documents aren't fake, but it's like she came out of thin air."

"I think Goodwin owes us some answers." Jack grumbled.

"I dunno Jack I don't trust that guy. Wait sorry I forgot-"

"Me neither even if he's my adoptive father." Jack agreed.

"We'll get our answers some other way." Carly nodded.

"How about we head home now?"

"Yeah okay." Carly nodded.

They separated themselves and walked out shoulder to shoulder down the hall. On their way out- they, more specifically Cary, bumped into Akiza.

Akiza mumbled an apology and kept walking down the hall her nose buried in some documents. Carly turned around and followed her before Jack could register what had happened.

"Oh Dr. Izinski!" Carly called out making Akiza stop.

"Yes Miss Nisaga?"

"I-I just wanted to thank you for what you did for me earlier." Carly bowed her head and Akiza simply eyed her.

"If you really mean that then…Carly learn to stand up for yourself that's how you can thank me." Akiza turned on her heel and kept walking ignoring the cold glare Jack was aiming at her.

"See Carly she doesn't care, but I'll go put her in her place." Jack began to stalk after Akiza, but Carly grabbed his arm."

"No Jack, she's right and I'm sorry but I think you're wrong."

"Huh?"

"She does care why else would she push me to be better? When she came into my classroom this afternoon I was startled to see the parents trail after her, but I kept calm and pretended they weren't even there."

"You did what?"

Carly chuckled.

"I know I surprised myself, but what I found weird was that I thought I caught her smiling. Now that I stop to really think about it; I'm sure she was smiling and at the time I had no idea why. What she just told me made me realize what she's trying to do and I appreciate it."

"Carly…"

"No Jack, she's right. I don't need you to fight my battles for me. What I need from you Jack is for you to stand by my side as my husband not my bodyguard. The only way that can happen is if everyone gets on her level and for me the only way I can get close to that is if I stop hesitating and stand up for myself. You know Luna was right about the partnerships." Carly explained.

"So what you're trying to say is that I'm too impulsive?!"

"No Jack you're too damn stubborn!" Jack was silent.

"I see, but I can't change from sun up to sun down." Jack sighed.

"No and we won't change we will simply learn from each other and adapt."

"Fine whatever you say Carly."

"Can we please go home now?" Carly sighed.

"Please I'm exhausted."

Akiza was walking by the classrooms headed towards her office. After she had spoken to Carly, Akiza was sure Jack would've followed her and confronted her, but he never did. Carly must've had something to do with it.

She heard hushed whispers that caught her attention.

"Seriously, Kalin we have to do something."

Akiza recognized the gentle voice as Misty's. Akiza walked into the classroom and cleared her throat catching the tow teacher's attention.

"Oh Dr. Izinski! What a surprise! You're still here huh?" Misty said nervously.

Kalin stood silent in his arms crossed in front of his chest.

"What is it that Kalin must do Misty?" Akiza asked.

"Oh um nothing we were just rehearsing a um skit for a play I'm-"

"Alright Misty tried. How about you Kalin? Do you want to try to lie to me also?" Akiza's glasses gleamed as she challenged the ex-con.

"We suspect that some students are involved with some street gangs and possible mobsters." Kalin shrugged his shoulders.

"That's a serious accusation Kalin, do you have any proof?"

"No, but for days a couple of students have been skipping classes and Misty and I followed one of them one day and saw him and the rest of the students go into a bar that's known for gang activity."

"We have to notify the police then." Akiza stated.

"No I think if I can speak to them I can get them to come back. They're good kids, but they've lost their way a bit."

"And how do you intend to do that, hmm?"

"Leave that to me." He nodded.

Akiza remained silent unsure of what to do.

"Please." He sighed.

Akzia felt uneasy, but sighed as she relented.

"Fine, but only on some conditions. First I give you only 1 week and only if you give me a list of names composed of those you're suspicious of."

"Alright." Kalin nodded.

"Lastly, Misty I need you to be the voice of reason and watch over him for me. Make sure he doesn't die. Actually, that goes for the both of you. If anything happens call me."

Akiza grabbed a piece of paper and a pen and wrote down her personal cell number.

"As soon as you find anything out let me know or else I won't be able to help you." Akiza reluctantly handed over her number.

"Yeah we'll let you know." Kalin nodded.

"Good I'll hold off on going to Director Goodwin until then, so this will be between the three of us understood?"

"Yeah."

"Yes."

"Good don't go and do anything stupid." Akiza began to walk off, but stopped at the doorway.

"I mean it. call me no matter the time of night or day." She added before leaving.

"Kalin I think Aki is in there somewhere struggling within."

"I believe you're right Misty." Kalin nodded.

"Well can't you tell? You did have feelings for her, didn't you?"

"At the time I thought I did, but after meeting you I know it was only an unhealthy obsession. An obsession fueled by my anger and resentment against Yusei."

Kalin looked down at the piece of paper in his hand and chuckled.

"Her handwriting is even the same." Kalin mused.

"Really?!" Misty looked over his shoulder.

"Hey you're right. That girl is our Aki, so how about we don't let her down. She does believe in us."

"You think?"

"Why else wouldn't she go running to Goodwin?" Misty affirmed.

"Guess you're right." Kalin nodded.

"Look at you Misty, defending the woman you vowed revenge on."

"That was a mistake that I need to fix." Misty responded.

"Alright then let's go hunt down some lost souls." Kalin grinned as Misty cringed slightly.

"Why are you so doom and gloom?"

"Why are you so sunshine and rainbows?"

"Touché."

Akiza had gone home early, which she rarely ever did. As she walked by the entrance of her apartment building, she noticed a student standing nervously shifting her weight from one foot to another.

"May I help you miss?" Akiza spoke up spooking the girl.

"I-I'm sorry, but I wasn't sure where to go b-but I- I need help."

The girls had tears streaming down her cheeks shining on her blue and purple bruise.

"Who did this?" Akiza grabbed the girl's chin gently analyzing her eye.

"I-I m-my mom's boyfriend…"

"Why not go to sector security?"

"H-he works as an officer."

Akiza's blood ran cold. "Let me guess your mother doesn't believe you."

"No she thinks he loves her unconditionally and she won't believe me." Fresh tears began to stream down her cheeks.

"Shh let me look over you really quick and I'll go talk to your mother."

"Thank you."

"What's your name?"

"Amanda."

"Okay Amanda just follow me into my apartment and let's keep this between ourselves okay?"

"Okay. Dr. Izinski you aren't as scary as everyone makes you out to be, are you?"

Akiza gave her a small sad smile.

"Shh that's a secret, don't you know?"

Akiza took care of the girl and calmed her down enough for her to lead her to her home.

When Amanda and Akiza made it to her home they were surprised to find Amanda's house with all the lights on and the front door wide open. Akiza knew something was very off. She saw skid marks all over their driveway and Amanda began to call out for her mother.

"Mom?!"

"Wait Amanda let me go in just stay back okay?"

"B-but my mom…"

"Trust me sweetie I'll make sure your mom is okay. She wouldn't forgive me if something happened to you."

"Okay." Amanda nodded.

Akiza walked up to the front door and peeked in after knocking slightly.

"Hello!" Akiza called out.

"…" Akiza walked in talking as she looked around.

"I'm coming in. I'm a teacher at your daughter's school my name is Akiza-" Akiza halted as she saw the gruesome scene in front of her.

Glass shards from broken plates, cups, and frames were scattered all over the floor. She rushed over to the shattered coffee table where the body of a woman and man lay. Akiza carefully checked their pulses. The man was gone, but the woman's chest still rose. She carefully pulled her out of the broken glass and she began stop the bleeding.

"Mom?" Akiza could hear Amanda's voice from the doorway.

"No Amanda stay back!" Akiza warned, but she was too late.

"MOM!" Thee teen rushed over, but Akiza screamed scaring the teen to a stop.

"NO STAY BACK! If you really want to help your mom go find help!" Akiza slowly lowered her voice.

"Okay."

"Hurry!"

Akiza stayed back desperately trying to save the woman.

"S-sorry I-I'm so s-sorry A-amanda."

"Shh don't speak we're getting you help."

"B-but- t-tell-"

"No you'll survive this and you will talk to your daughter again." Akiza began to whisper nice things about her daughter and comfort her as best as she could.

"AKI!"

Akiza looked up brown met cobalt blue. Akiza held back a groan.

"Dr. Fudo what are you doing here?"

"Amanda found me outside the building and told me she need help. Come on an ambulance is headed over this way let me help you."

Akiza nodded and between them both they got the woman up just in time for the paramedics. Akiza gave instructions and recounted the events. She spent most of the night speaking with sector security at their station. In the end Akiza wasn't let out until well past midnight and sector security wasn't exactly around the corner from her.

As she sighed in exhaustion she realized she wasn't exactly alone. There waiting in the lounge was Yusei.

"Dr. Fudo you're still here?"

"Yeah I figured you would need a ride home."

"Thank you for your concern, but I'm very capable of taking care of myself. I'm not a puppy." Akiza snipped.

"Maybe, but this late at night and this far from home makes me uneasy."

"Then go home."

"Not without you."

"No way you drive that runner. I don't plan on trying any self-first aid." Akiza walked off and Yusei followed.

"Oh come on you owe me."

"Owe you for what?"

"For keeping last night a secret."

"What? Really now?"

"Yeah and you being all snippy with me this morning kind of hurt my feelings you know."

"okay I admit I was unnecessarily rude to you this morning, but I apologize."

"If you mean it let me give you a ride home."

Akiza stopped and sighed in defeat.

"I'm too tired to fight."

"Great!" Yusei led her to his runner and gave her an extra helmet. He sat her behind him after a few minutes of her squirming he finally took off.

After a few moments, they were pulling up to their apartment building. She took off the helmet and climbed off the runner with the help of Yusei. However, when Yusei let go of her hand Akiza felt unsteady and pitched forward landing on Yusei's chest.

"Oh I'm sorry."

"I'm not." Yusei steadied her and kept her flush to his chest.

"Dr. Fudo please." Akiza stepped back.

"Yusei please." Yusei sighed.

Akiza shook her head and stepped around him.

"Thank you for the ride. I'll see you tomorrow Dr. Fudo."

"Good night my rose." Yusei sighed.

Akiza was already gone and Yusei felt dejected as he gathered her helmet. He smiled grazing his thumb over the small rose imprint on the side of the helmet.

"At least I was finally able to give you your gift." Yusei mumbled.

Akiza locked her door behind her and slid to the ground. After a few minutes, she got herself up and clean in her bathroom. She lay in her bed ignoring the burning she had for the pills strewn on her bedside table.

'What is this feeling?'

Finally an Update! Thanks for reading and desole for the wait hope you all enjoy…

MMXX