"I'm looking for a companion with a adventurous soul that'll fight with me…They say that it's best if one stays with the life they have rather than risk it…" Ivan Arana Maldito Destino (Cursed Destiny)

"Jack they locked us in!" She began to panic looking for an emergency handle, but there was none.

"No way. Hey! Hey we're inside! Is there anyone out there?!" Akiza began to pound on the door and scream.

"No, no, no this can't be happening." Akiza began to hyperventilate.

"Aki."

"Why the hell did Goodwin not have emergency knobs installed?"

"Aki."

"Better yet, why have me do his dirty work? Why couldn't he just take care of it? I'm already fixing his damn school."

Akiza kept pounding on the door screaming.

"Somebody! Help! We're in here!"

"Aki! Stop!" Jack grabbed her shoulders and Akiza shrugged him off.

"Don't touch me!"

"Akiza you need to calm down. Somebody will come when they need something."

"That could be hours Jack hours! This is the backup freezer that's why it's the only one with a lock!" Akiza was trying to calm herself, but she was failing.

"Then you need to conserve your energy."

"No, no, no you don't understand I-I can't!"

"Akiza you're a doctor get a grip on yourself! You should know more than anyone-"

"You don't think I know that?! Jack just stop!"

Akiza slid down to the floor and brought her knees to her chest. Jack blew hot air into his hands and rubbed his arms up and down.

"Akiza let me keep you warm." Jack sighed.

"No. Don't touch me." Akiza was shivering more and more as minutes passed by and the darkness was unnerving her.

Soon enough the silence of the cold room was broken by Akiza's whimpers.

"I'm sorry I'm sorry." She kept mumbling repeatedly.

"Akiza?" Akiza rocked her body back and forth ignoring Jack lost in her memories.

Jack felt his way towards her mumbles and sat down next to her. Akiza flinched. Jack took off his coat and put it on her shoulders, which she shrugged off.

"Don't touch me." She whimpered.

"Here put this on, your sweater is much too thin." Jack insisted.

"No. Leave me be."

"Look Akiza you know the only way to keep warm is by keeping our bodies close." Jack inched closer grabbing onto her shoulders.

"No! don't touch me!"

"Bloody hell."

Akiza struggled to move away dragging herself away only a few inches before she gave up. After a few more minutes passed Jack spoke up.

"Hey Aki are you okay?"

"No." She whimpered. "I-I don't want to…die here Jack. I-I'm s-sorry for being such a witch." She mumbled. She sounded like a child a lost child. Jack couldn't help it, but he felt something click.

"You aren't going to die here Akiza. Why would you want to die next to this stubborn jerk huh?"

"No." She stifled a chuckle. "You aren't such a jerk, Jack you're just as soft as I am inside. You're just a big fluffy teddy bear with an accent." Akiza teased.

"Carly's the only one that would agree, wouldn't she? Akiza added.

"Carly? What does she have anything to do with me?" Jack started to move towards her voice.

"I'm not stupid J-jack…" Akiza drifted.

"Aki?"

"Mhhmm.."

Jack covered Akiza with his coat when he reached her. He sat himself behind her and wrapped his arms around her. He buried his head into her cold neck as she spoke.

"J-jack?"

"Yes?"

"C-c-can you tell me…about A-aki?"

"What?"

"T-t-the woman you all think I am."

"Are you sure?"

"Not r-r-really, but if I'm going to die then…" Akiza's voice trailed off.

"Aki was sweet, kind, and friendly. She was part of our team and I was-"

"Team?"

"Yeah we would ride together on our runners always getting into some kind of trouble."

"Sounds like fun. Nothing that I would ever…do." Akiza was drifting off.

"H-hey Aki."

"J-Jack I have to…te-ll you something…i-m-…"

"Shh Aki."

"I'm gonna die… I have to… C-Carly…" Akiza was struggling to keep her eyes open.

If they were going to freeze to death in that freezer, then she had to tell Jack about Carly maybe he would have the will to live long enough to get rescued.

"No Aki I won't let you go, just remember. Remember how we would ride our runners together, t-the wind blowing through your hair and the h-heat of the sun on your skin. The warmth of the s-sun. T-think about the person or thing you l-love the m-most."

"Y-yusei. Yusei…" Akiza mumbled. Soon they both could no longer speak only sleep.

Meanwhile….

"What do you mean Jack missed three of his classes? He was supposed to meet me for lunch." Carly questioned.

"Akiza missed her meeting with me." Sherry chimed in.

"Yeah I had her students show up to my class." Misty said.

"I had some of Jack's show up to my room." Crow walked up to the group of women speaking.

"No one showed up to mine." Kalin joined in.

"That's cause you're scary Kalin!" Leo appeared.

"What are we talking about?" Bruno spoke up from behind Leo scaring him.

"You shouldn't sneak up on people like that!" Leo shrieked.

"Guys! Guys! Akiza and Jack are missing!" Luna ran to the group stopping to catch her breath once she reached them.

"Yeah we know." Leo said.

"Well did anyone ask Goodwin?" Luna asked.

"He's out on some business meeting." Sherry responded.

"What about Yusei?"

"…" They all looked at each other silently wondering why they hadn't thought about asking Yusei.

Kalin, Crow, Leo, and Bruno decided to split up and look for the missing teachers on their own. The rest all made a beeline to Yusei's office.

Yusei was confused as a group of his friends barged into his office. Especially since it was lunch time and the teachers made it a point that lunch time was sacred.

"Um what's up guys?"

Everyone began talking simultaneously.

"Whoa! One at a time!"

"Jack and Akiza have been missing all day. Their phones are out of service, Jack's runner is still on campus, and we've looked everywhere for them!" Luna said.

"What? Why am I only finding out now? I know Aki was here this morning before school and I can't imagine that she would miss her classes for anything." Yusei sighed scratching his forehead.

"You guys go find Mina and have her help with the search. I'll go over to their offices and see if they left any clues behind."

"Alright." Sherry nodded.

The teachers went off in search of Mina and Yusei made his way to Jack's office, which was right across from his. As always Jack's door was unlocked and his room was a mess.

"No wonder Jack likes to bug me, his office is a mess. I should've known something was up when he never should up to my office during his planning."

Yusei decided it would be pointless trying to sort through the mess, so he decided to go look in Akiza's office. However, her door, unlike Jack's, was locked and in Yusei's frustration he thumped his head on her door. As he opened his eyes he noticed a note on the floor.

He picked it up to read it and realized it was a list of random duties. He reread it and realization hit him like a ton of bricks. He took off to the cafeteria catching the attentions of the teachers, who followed him. As he made into the cafeteria, he ran past the protesting lunch ladies and into the kitchen.

He threw open the closest refrigerator door, but it was empty. He went by opening and closing doors until he reached the last one that wouldn't budge.

"Locked?"

"What's the meaning of this?!" A very angry, red, puffed faced lunch lady demanded.

"I need the key to open this door right now!" Yusei began to fear the worst and his usual calm demeanor was gone.

Everyone who knew Yusei was shocked at his sudden outburst. The lunch lady was so stunned she wordlessly handed him her key to the freezer. He unlocked it and flipped on the light switch. The horde of teachers followed behind him as he entered the vast freezer.

His heart stopped as he saw his best friend curled up in a ball with the woman he loved almost frozen.

"Kalin, Crow! Help me come on!"

"Yeah we're here!" Crow assured him.

"Help me grab Jack."

"N-n-no h-h-help h-her..." Jack stuttered. "…first.."

Yusei picked up Akiza and carried her out of the freezer. Crow and Kalin stayed back to help Jack out of the freezer.

"Aki talk to me! Tell me you're okay."

"Mhmm…Y-yusei?"

"Oh thank goodness."

"S-s-so c-c-co.."

"I got you Aki."

" !" A boy in Yusei and Akiza's homeroom caught Yusei's attention.

"Jay?"

"Miss Nisaga told me to go find Martha and tell her to have two warm water baths ready. Martha told me to find you and bring you to the girl's ice bath area. She filled the girls and boys ice baths with warm water."

"Thank you Jay. Now go find Mr. Hogan and Mr. Kessler."

The boy nodded and went off to find Crow and Kalin as fast as he could.

Yusei rushed to the baths and found Martha waiting.

"Come on my boy place her in the bath and hold her head above water. She's much too weak to keep herself up. "

"Alright."

They placed Akiza into the warm water.

"My boy help me remove her clothes."

"What me?!" Yusei blushed.

"Yes I can't do it all by myself!" Martha affirmed.

"O-okay.'' Yusei took off his coat leaving only a sleeveless shirt.

Martha removed her thin sweater and began to unbutton her shirt and her pants. She took off her flats and slid off her pants. Yusei tried to keep from looking, but Akiza's head lulled and Martha scolded him.

"Yusei I know you're a gentleman, but I need you to watch her while I go find her some hot tea to warm up her insides."

"What you're leaving me alone?"

"Yes, but only for a minute. Watch her and keep removing those clothes for her."

Yusei kept Akiza's head above the water and kept working her shirt off with one hand. He managed to take off her shirt when she began to moan.

"Mhmm…"

"Aki?"

Akiza's eyes opened wide and she gasped.

"Dr. Fudo? What are you doing?"

"Uhh.."

Akiza realized her state of undress and she freaked.

"What the hell?! What is wrong with you?!" Akiza pushed herself away from him and tried to cover herself with her arms. In the process of scooting away she splashed water everywhere wetting Yusei and spilling water on the floor.

"You pervert get away from me!"

"Okay I'm leaving." Yusei got up to leave, but he slipped onto the floor groaning in pain.

"Ouch."

"A-are you okay Dr. Fudo?"

"N-not exactly."

Akiza got out of the bath and held out her hand to help him up, but in her weak state she ended up falling on top of Yusei much to her embarrassment.

"I-I'm s-sorry." Akiza attempted to get up only to faint on top of Yusei.

"Mhmm warm." She mumbled into his chest.

"Oh my Yusei Fudo! What is the meaning of this?!" Martha stood at the doorway with a steaming cup of tea in her hand.

"Martha I swear it's not what it looks like!" Yusei's face bloomed red from embarrassment.

"It looks to me like Miss Izinski here woke up while I was away, attacked you out of embarrassment and then fainted."

"W-well I guess it might be like that." Yusei sighed.

Between Martha and Yusei, they got her back into the warm bath. Yusei kept Akiza's head above the water as Martha took her temperature hoping it would rise. Soon enough Martha let out a sigh of relief as the thermometer's numbers slowly rose.

In a few minutes, Akiza was slowly waking up. Martha brought the cup of warm tea to her lips coaxing her to drink. Akiza drank the tea as she regained consciousness. Her blue lips trembled as she tried to speak.

"Shh child you're okay." Martha soothed as she began to drain the tub.

"My dear boy help me take her to the nurse's office please." Martha motioned to Akiza. Yusei nodded as Akiza began to protest.

"Miss, my boy Yusei saved you from a cold death the least you could do is thank him and let him help you." Martha scolded.

Akiza simply nodded as Yusei scooped her up in his arms. Akiza buried her head into his chest in embarrassment. Martha covered Akiza with a towel and Yusei's coat. Yusei carried her all the way to Martha's office and laid her in a prepared cot. Her covered her in blankets to keep her warm.

When he finished, his eyes met her confused brown eyes.

"What's wrong?"

"W-why are y-you so n-nice to me?"

"If I told you, you might fire me."

Akiza physically flinched and instead looked away.

"..y-you."

"What?" Yusei strained to hear her whisper.

"T-thank y-you."

"Aki-"

"How's your friend doing? Jack, how is he?"

"He was awake when we got to you, but I don't know yet. That stubborn man is probably boasting his bravery to the entire staff right now."

"Go chec-k-k o-on him I'll be alright." Akiza pushed.

"I can't leave you alone. Martha is with him right now he'll be just fine."

"Y-you're stubborn. G-go check on your friend and leave me be! He's your friend and I'm only a stra-"

"No you're only the love of my life Aki my place is besides yours."

"How…you don't even know me."

"I know enough." He pushed her bangs out of her face and leaned in touching his forehead against hers.

"W-what are you-?"

His lips crashed into her cold ones. She moaned at the sensation of his warmth on her cold lips. He took the chance to deepen the kiss and slid his tongue inside her mouth. Akiza responded by wrapping her hands in his hair and bringing him closer to her cold body.

He slid his hands on her waist to keep her from falling. Her blankets slowly gave way and Akiza didn't care since his warmth is all she yearned for. They separated only for Yusei to dip into the crook of her neck and place open mouthed kisses making Akiza moan. His hands traveled up her torso stopping beneath her ribcage. Akiza closed her eyes reeling in pleasure. He trailed small and sweet kisses from her neck to the top of her breasts. Akiza only cared for how good he was making her feel all that heat she yearned for. Later she would blame it on being delusional, but for now she would give in.

"Yusei!"

Suddenly Akiza was lying on her back her eyes half closed she reached out for his warmth, but he was gone making her whimper.

Yusei on the other hand was trying hard to keep Akiza underneath the blankets while Sherry stood at the entrance of the office with a Cheshire cat smile. She put aside a mug and crossed her arms in front of her.

"You're lucky it is only moi mon ami. Don't worry I'll keep your secret."

"Sherry what are you doing here?"

"Martha sent me with some warm tea, but seems you beat me to it non? We don't need her getting overheated now do we?"

Akiza finally settled down falling asleep on the cot.

"How's Jack doing?" Yusei asked straightening his clothes and fixing his hair.

"He's awake doing better than this sleeping beauty…although Carly didn't try jumping his bones just yet."

"You're right… I shouldn't have taken advantage of her-"

"Looks to moi that she was the one taking advantage. She's closer than you think Yusei trust me I'm a woman."

"Thanks Sherry. Do you mind keeping an eye on her while I go check up on Jack?"

"Yeah then maybe you'll learn something new today…"

"Huh?"

"You'll see."

Yusei left confused at Sherry's antics. Sherry pulled a chair up to her bedside and chuckled.

"I know you're awake Aki."

Akiza groaned and turned her face away from Sherry's gaze.

"Fine if you wanna be that way. Yusei's a good kisser huh? His touch is enough to warm up even the coldest of hearts."

"Leave me alone." Akiza grumbled.

"Ahh so you are awake."

"Shut up."

"So you aren't a pillow talker. What a shame, Yusei is."

Akiza turned her flushed face towards Sherry.

"I know what you're trying to do Sherry and it's not going to work."

"Oh? What's that?"

"You're trying to make me jealous and it's not going to work. I could care less about Yusei and his past relationships."

"You know Yusei has only ever had one other relationship in the past and it is very important to him and to you."

"Leave me be already."

"You can't hide from the truth forever.'

"What truth?"

"The one you refuse to see."

Sherry got up and left leaving behind a very flushed and confused Akiza.

Carly was tearing up as she watched Martha feed Jack warm soup. Jack could barely keep his eyes open Carly had never seen Jack so weak, so vulnerable. Finally, after a few minutes of Jack being soaked in warm water and being fed with hot teas and soup he finally regained color. Kalin and Crow got Jack into a pull-out bed Crow just happened to have in his office.

"Carly please take care of this bonehead for me no matter how stubborn he gets." Martha said.

One by one the teachers filed out leaving Carly alone with Jack. As Carly stood beside him he reached out for her. She got close and with strength that surprised her pulled her down to him. His cold lips crash into hers in a desperate kiss.

"J-jack…" she struggled to pull away from him.

"Carly I love you so much."

"Jack I have something important to tell you."

"Mhhmm?"

"Jack I was so scared and when I saw you in that freezer…I-"

"It's okay Carly you heard Martha you just have to make sure you keep my body temperature up."

He pulled her into another kiss. Carly responded with just as much fervor.

"Jack wait." Carly pushed him back lightly.

"Carly I almost died today I don't want to wait."

"That's why you need to listen to me-"

Jack kissed her shutting her up. Carly pushed him back again getting frustrated.

"Carly?"

"Jack I'm pregnant!"

"Wh-what?!"

"You're going to be a dad, Jack!"

"D-dad…me? Carly, am I dead?"

"No Jack, you're gonna be a dad."

Jack hugged Carly happier than he's ever been.

"Am I interrupting something?"

Yusei stood at the entrance of Crow's office quietly watching the scene before him.

"Yusei! Um Jack can tell you… I'm going to go see how Aki is doing."

Carly left in a hurry leaving Jack and Yusei alone.

"So a father huh?" Yusei stated.

"Yeah wasn't exactly expecting that or you know getting so close to death on the same damn day."

"Jack what exactly happened?"

"Not really sure. Akiza asked me to help her move a pallet that was too heavy for her. She unlocked the big freezer and walked in to show me where to place the pallet. The next thing I know the door shuts and the lights go out. Akiza began to freak out and she wouldn't even let me touch her. We were freezing to death and she refused my coat for warmth. It wasn't until she was close to dying did I finally understand her."

"You Jack Atlas… the same man who called her a witch."

"I regret that. Yusei something is up with her and I think she's close to coming back to us. I might have been close to passing out, but I told her to think of the thing she loved most and the last thing I heard was your name."

Carly made her way to Martha's office when she ran into Sherry.

"So I'm guessing you finally told him huh?"

"Sherry?"

"What you think you could hide something so important from me?"

"You're too noisy for your own good."

"That's rich coming from you."

"You're coming from Martha's office?"

"Akiza's fine I'd let her rest if I were you."

"Fine you're right."

Kalin made his way into the bar he and Misty had been watching the past few days. He had lied to Misty and headed out to confront the owner about allowing underage kids in. As he pushed the door in he caused the bar to go silent. He took his seat at the bar and asked for water and the owner. Kalin was mid-drink when a familiar face appeared.

"Well, look who it is."

"Lawton."

Kalin swallowed his water and stood defiantly.

"Rumors had it that you're a teacher now."

"Rumors aren't wrong all the time, Lawton."

"So what's the goody two shoes doing back here? Thought you reformed."

"I'm not looking for trouble Lawton I just need to talk to the owner of this place."

"You're in luck creepy dude. That would be me."

"Figures." Kalin mumbled.

In that moment, a commotion caught their attention.

"I said let go!"

Kalin groaned recognizing the voice. He pushed past a group of patrons and found Misty struggling in a man's grasp.

"I'd suggest you do what the lady says." Kalin spoke up.

"Or what?"

"You'll have to answer to me." Kalin balled his fists ready.

The man let go of Misty and simply scoffed.

"No whore is worth it."

Kalin gritted his teeth, but Misty held onto his arm keeping him from making a move.

"Misty-"'

"Kalin don't."

"You must be Kalin's girl."

Lawton was watching Misty making Kalin feel unnerved.

"Lawton we're here to take back our students." Kalin stated.

"She's a teacher? Hot. How about we have ourselves a little wager, for old times' sake."

Kalin narrowed his eyes in suspicion.

"Alright I'll bite what are the stakes?"

"Kalin don't-"Misty began.

"If you win the kids will be back at school and in their class, bright and early starting tomorrow, but if I win the hot teacher and I will get better acquainted tonight."

"Uh Kalin I-"

"Deal."

"You haven't even heard what the bet is going to be!" Lawton laughed surprised.

"Don't worry Lawton I know I can beat you in whatever your silly little game you choose." Kalin snapped back.

"You sure are cocky for a creepy dude. No matter and since you're so confident then you won't mind if I pick our little challenge."

Kalin had a sinking feeling as he watched Lawton grin and saunter behind the bar.

"I fear nothing." Kalin crossed his arms across his chest.

"I hear you went through some intense rehabilitation at the facility in record time."

"So?"

Lawton slammed a few glasses and a glass bottle full of amber liquid on the bar.

"If you can drink me under the table then you win, but if you can't then not only will this pretty sidepiece you got stay here, but you will stay the hell away from my business got that?"

"Kalin don't there's got to be another way-" Misty began.

"Deal." Kalin sat on the stool in front of Lawton ignoring Misty's pleas.

Lawton uncorked the bottle and filled the small glasses. Much to Misty's dismay the challenge continued.

Lawton was a rowdy drinker throwing insults between drinks and parading around like he had already won. Kalin simply drank in silence wincing ever so slightly and every so often. Misty watched as Kalin managed to get his hands on a salt shaker and tipped it back only to spit and cough.

"Kalin?!" Misty took the shaker from him and made him face her. His eyes clouded with alcohol seemed so distant and cold.

"I meant to do that- why did you come Misty? Why would you do that? Why are you so mean to me?"

"Kalin I-"

Before Misty could answer him, they heard a loud thud catching their attention. Misty almost cried of relief as she realized Lawton had just passed out and landed very unceremoniously on the bar floor. Kalin managed to struggle to his feet and, with the help of Misty, he managed to stand and speak.

"When Lawton wakes up let him know that I-I expect h-im to keep his word." He was beginning to slur his words and the world seemed unsteady.

Misty managed to get Kalin out of the bar and sat him around the corner of the building where he proceeded to vomit.

"God I feel awful let's go home Misty where's my runner?"

"No Kalin you are in no condition to be standing let alone driving."

"Misty give me my keys."

"I said no."

"Misty I'm warning you-" Kalin growled

"What Kalin?! God I can't with you. You run hot and cold and it's frustrating and I can't believe that a douche like Lawton knows more about you than I do since you won't talk about it-"

"About what Misty? About my time at the facility? Really? I don't want to dwell in the past but dammit life just won't let me first Aki and now this give me a break."

"You sure sobered up quickly-"

"I don't stay drunk for very long that's why I had to go through that rehab Lawton talked about."

"Still I don't think it's a good idea for you to be driving."

"Call Trudge."

"Trudge? Why not Crow, Jack, Yusei, or even Bruno?"

"Jack needs to rest he almost didn't get a chance to see another day. Bruno and Sherry have been working on some adjustments on their runners. Yusei is probably dealing with his own matters of the heart. Crow has his own kids to take care of. So why not Trudge?"

"Right Jack and Akiza's accident, the runners, and Crow's orphans. When are you going to learn to ask for help? You're putting everything literally everything before yourself."

"Just call Trudge he was my- sponsor in the facility." Kalin sighed.

"Trudge?!"

"Yeah Trudge so can you please call him already?"

Misty sighed and dialed the officer's number. Trudge was surprisingly understanding and curt. Misty told him the address and hung up.

"He's on his way, but I'm not leaving until he gets here."

"Wouldn't expect you to."

They sat on a curb in silence. Kalin eventually sighed and spoke up.

"Lawton and I used to run in the same gangs before I met Jack, Crow, and Yusei. The guy was really messed up and I guess I was too, I just never realized it until it was too late. I lost it and declared an impossible war that the guys wanted nothing to do with, how can I blame them? I turned my back on my friends and ended up at the facility. I blamed Yusei my best friend. I went through some intense and really illegal rehab. It turned me around, but my thirst for revenge was too strong. I got out early due to good behavior and hunted down Yusei. That's when I met Aki."

"Aki?"

"Yeah Aki was well still is as beautiful as a rose and Yusei's one true weakness. I tried using her, but she made me see how wrong I was and Yusei was not to blame, but myself. Of course, I had already dragged you into my petty plans before then."

"Yup I remember that pain and how Yusei opened my eyes to the truth."

"I never did apologize for using you."

"It's not like I wasn't using you."

"Misty-"

"Hey!" Trudge pulled up at the curb.

"What the hell Kalin?!"

Misty got up as Trudge pulled Kalin up to his feet by his ear.

"Martha's going to kill me for not watching out for your dumb ass."

"Trudge you're going to have an aneurism if you don't calm down."

Misty slowly sneaked away as she saw Trudge's face turn red and a vein in his forehead protrude.

Kalin watched as Misty left leaving him with angry Trudge.

"Trudge I've got a gift for you…"

The next morning…

Akiza stood at the front gates watching as both students and teachers arrived. She ignored the looks and whispers. Akiza was covering for Mina and Trudge.

"Good morning Dr. Izinski."

Akiza turned to lock gazes with none other than Yusei.

"Morning."

"They've got you on officer duty?"

"Yeah both Mina and Trudge were needed at sector security."

Yusei took a stand beside her and Akiza threw him a questioning look.

"Guess they would need all the man power they could get after last night."

"Last night?" Akiza questioned.

"Yeah haven't you heard about the huge bust on illegal weapon shipments?"

"No, but you know the saying crime doesn't pay and what not. I suppose Mina and Trudge will be reinstated into their previous positions." Akiza mumbled.

"Oh?"

"They made the bust. Why else would they send over replacement officers if they needed all the man power they could get?"

"You'd be a hell of a detective."

"I'm a doctor and I don't plan on changing my profession any time soon."

"Yet you're here working as a doctor."

The bell rang before Akiza could respond. Akiza began to close the gates when Yusei grabbed her wrist.

"Are you going to pretend that yesterday didn't happen?"

"I almost died so yes I think so."

"Not about that-"

"Hey! Wait!" A group of kids ran up to the entrance.

Akiza didn't recognize the students, but she realized something.

"We're sorry we're late, but Mr. Kessler said we could come back to class."

Yusei watched as Akiza sighed and opened the gates up.

"This will be the only time you may come in late, but do show up on time if you wish to stay enrolled." She moved aside letting the kids in.

"Thanks!"

They left in a hurry and Akiza locked then gate. Yusei watched her silently.

"What?"

Yusei simply smiled.

"I love you Aki."

Akiza rolled her eyes and brushed him off. He simply chuckled and headed off to his classroom. Akiza decided that before she would lock herself in her office she would go peek into Kalin's classroom. She stopped outside his door and peeked in through the window and smiled at the full classroom.

"He did it." Akiza turned and found herself face to face with Misty.

"Miss Tre-"

"He got them back for you." Misty interrupted. Akiza looked at her curiously.

"Am I missing something here?"

"What?"

"Fist your little show at Zora's and now this."

"What little show?"

"Cut it out Misty I know you weren't drunk you hadn't been drinking sake or any alcohol when I arrived."

"Sorry it's uh nothing I should get going-"

"Wait." Akiza almost reached out for her. Misty stopped.

"Here." Akiza gave Misty a thick stack of papers she had been holding.

"What's this?"

"A manuscript that I'd like you to look over maybe you can use it for your winter production or something. Just a thought." Akiza shrugged.

"Okay thanks I guess." Misty took the heavy stack of papers from her.

"Misty before you go I'd like to clear something up."

"What's that?"

"I'm not interested in any type of relationships other than coworker relationship that's necessary."

Akiza walked off leaving a stunned Misty.

By lunch time the courtyard was busy and Akiza's office was being worked on, so she decided to take her lunch to the roof. However, on her way up she noticed a suspicious woman walking around. She wore an attempt of a teacher's outfit, but she had never seen her before.

Akiza followed from afar and realized the woman wasn't alone. She was guiding Kalin into a secluded part of the school. Aki quickly ducked into a room and paged security into total lockdown. Akiza was sure the woman would be panicked at the sounds of alarms. She ran out to find Kalin and the woman, but they were gone. The classrooms were locked and the students were all ushered into the cafeteria.

Akiza began to run dreading the worst. She finally found them out in the courtyard. Kalin was kneeling with his hands in the air and the woman was aiming the gun at his head.

"This is for LAWTON!"

Akiza ran as fast as she could, but the sound of the shot stilled her for a brief second. Akiza wasn't sure what exactly happened, but when she arrived Mina had the woman in cuffs. Akiza fell to her knees and in a shock, began to work on the victim.

Kalin was okay he laid on his side in a shock, but Misty laid with her hair strewn around her like a halo.

"What- what happened?" Akiza checked her pulse and sighed in relief just as Misty opened her eyes and began to cough.

"Is it supposed to hurt?" Misty gasped.

Akiza almost cried of relief as she pulled out the manuscript she had just given Misty. A single bullet lodged in between the leather and papers.

"you're going to be okay."

Kalin pulled Misty into his arms and cradled her to his chest. Akiza in a daze walked over to Mina and the woman who was struggling against her cuffs. The woman had wild eyes and her long brown mane was a mess. As Akiza's eyes locked with hers the woman began to laugh manically.

"You! I know you! You're quite popular you know! You're the girl everyone's looking for!"

"I'm sorry?" Akiza was confused as she rambled.

"Dead or alive." She threw herself at Akiza knocking her to the ground.

"Divine. Sayer. He's coming for you." She whispered in her ear before being pulled off her.

Akiza lay shocked and confused for a few minutes. The next thing she knew Yusei was pulling her into his arms asking her questions that she couldn't quite understand.

"Aki. Hey talk to me."

"What?"

"Are you alright?"

Akiza pushed Yusei away from her and shook her head.

"Yeah I'll be fine."

"You don't seem fine. Come on let one of the paramedics check you out."

"I said I was fine!"

Akiza pushed past him and made a beeline to Goodwin's office. When she arrived, she was surprised to find Atsuko missing and the door to Goodwin's office slightly ajar. Cautiously, she entered the dark office and turned the lights on. No one was there. Akiza decided that this was an opportunity she couldn't pass up.

She quietly locked the door behind her and began to shuffle through Goodwin's desk. She shuffled through material and sorted them placing them where she found them. She went through opening and closing drawers until she found a locked one.

Akiza began to search for a key or something else she could use to pick the lock. Akiza froze when the door knob began to turn. She could've sworn she had locked the door and the only ones with keys to the office was Atsuko and Goodwin himself.

Akiza quickly hid underneath the desk brining her knees to her chest and the office chair as close to her as possible. Her heart began to beat wildly against her chest as she heard the door open and close. She took in a deep breath to calm her down as she heard step by step someone getting closer.

She readied herself for a confrontation that might end up very badly for her. The chair was moved and Akiza looked up in a shock.

"Are we playing hide and seek now?"

TBC…

Another cliffhanger I'm sorry! Don't kill me yet guys! I know a lot went down in this chapter I have to save something for the later chapters. I sincerely feel like this chapter went quickly into everything, but ce la vie… Anyways thanks for reading and reviewing it makes me want to get this chapters out quicker!

PS- I added an OC for a quick appearance based on one of my faithful reviewers and readers *hint hint*

-MMXX