I will be making up names and using ones that sounds good for everything In this chapter so I hope no one will be offended by it.

Chapter 17 The Rose blossoms

Akiza woke up early in the morning with a strong jolt of energy. She knew today was the start of a new chapter in her life and didn't want to waste any time at all. She quickly jumped out of bed in her red nightgown and headed for the washroom where she stripped herself of her underwear and gown and showered herself. She knew that she was going to need all the energy she had for today and cleaning herself well was one thing that always gave her energy. After her shower was over she got dressed in a light green tube top and blue short shorts and headed back to her room to grab her deck. She looked at her deck and smiled to herself. After seeing Yusei and Jack's duel she knew that the only way to truly understand Yusei was to enter the world of turbo duelling. Even though she had no idea what it was going to be like she knew she had to give it her best. She then turned around and headed down stairs to make a quick breakfast of toast and noticed that Martha was watching T.V. Martha had been over at a friend's the night before and left the key in the mailbox for Akiza so they didn't see each other at all yesterday. She went into the living room and gently tapped her on the shoulder to get her attention.

"Good morning Akiza. She greeted her turning around. YOU seem full of energy today." Martha smirked at her words which Akiza knew meant that she was asking what happened with Yusei last night and tried to pass this over as fast as she could.

"I had a great time with Yusei and Jack as I thought I would. Seeing them turbo duel as made me want to try it for myself."

"Really?" Martha asked in shock not believing Akiza's words.

"That's right. I want to feel what they feel and see what they see. I want to understand their world so I can be closer to Yusei and so I can be truly happy with myself as well." She smiled a strong smile which made Martha truly happy inside to see Akiza this strong. This wasn't the same timid psychic girl she took in all those months ago. She had woken up and blossomed into a great and strong woman who could now take care of herself and make her own decisions. Martha then stood up and hugged Akiza tightly with Akiza smiling in her arms.

"You do what you believe is right Akiza. I know that Yusei and his friends will support you 100% as well as give you all the support you can handle." She explained happily.

"Thanks so much Martha. I know that this is what I truly want." She smiled not wavering at all.

"Well then, have a good breakfast and go out there and get your dream started!" Martha announced throwing her arms up in the air. Akiza smiled at Martha with nothing but thanks from the heart. She knew that she would achieve her goal as long as she had Yusei's support. She quickly finished her breakfast and left the house. As she walked in the downtown area she stopped by a near by duel runner shop to check out the different types. She had just walked in when her phone went off.

"Hello?"

"Hey, babe. It's me."

"Yusei! How are you today? She shouted which got the clerk's attention. Sorry about that. She apologized. Hang on Yusei, I need to get outside for a second." She told him walking back outside.

"You all right?" He asked her wondering what was going on.

"Yeah I am. So How are you this morning?"

"Better now that I have heard your voice" He teased giggling on the phone.

"You sly man. Anyway while I have you on the phone, can I ask you something seriously?"

"Sure thing. What's up?"

"Can you meet me at the duel runner shop on Blue Falls Road? I want your opinion on which one to get." Yusei realized that Akiza truly had been taken by what she saw last night and had decided to take him up on his offer.

"So you have decided to give it a shot?" Yusei asked with a curious tone.

"Yes. After watching your duel with Jack, I felt things I never had before. I realized that I want to see things from your point of view. I want to join your world and be closer to you in that sense."

"Akiza… Alright I will be there as soon as possible. I will help you find the best runner they got."

"Thanks dear. I love u." She smiled.

"Love you too, later." He said hanging up. After 20 minutes of waiting outside the shop Yusei showed up on his runner and parked it with Akiza running up to him.

"Your laaateee." Akiza sang waving her finger in his face.

"You never gave me a timeline, so too bad." He said sticking his tongue out.

"Whatever. Anyway, shall we?" Akiza asked pointing to the door.

"Yes, let's indeed. Let's see what they got." Yusei agreed as they walked in. They went in together and started to browse the different types of engines and frames as well as the different colors. Akiza had no idea what to get or even what would suit her. She was kind of embarrassed that she knew so little and she was worried about asking Yusei since she thought he would laugh at her for knowing so little. But she could tell for herself that she had no choice since she was lost.

"Um, Yusei?" Akiza asked.

"Yes?" He turned to see her with a sad look.

"I'm sorry to have to ask u this but I don't have a clue about any of this. Can you just pick something for me? I don't know anything at all about engines or frames at all and I wouldn't have a clue about what to even look at." She stated with her head hanging.

"Akiza…" He then walked over to her and hugged her tightly. She blushed at the sudden hug and calmed down while feeling Yusei against her.

"Yusei. Why is it that u can always make me feel relaxed no matter what the reason?" She smiled returning his hug.

"Because that's my job as your boyfriend. Akiza I don't mind that you don't know anything about duel runners. I hardly know anything about flowers and I know you know plenty about those. Everyone knows something that someone else doesn't. that's just the way things are so don't feel bad. If you want, I'll look for something here and u can wait outside if you want." He smiled. She smiled back and gave him a peck on the cheek and shook her head.

"That's very thoughtful of you, but I want to try and learn something about what I will be riding so I want to check them out with you." She smiled grabbing his hands.

"Alright then. I'll find you the best this shop has to offer. Well that's in my price range anyway." He muttered scratching his head. Akiza chuckled at Yusei and went around with him to find some good parts.

"So is Raven Wing a good frame?" She asked pointing to a wall with several frame designs.

"Only if you can balance it with low a weight engine. You should try and find Cosmic Fang frames since they are lighter and more balanced.

"Ok. Akiza said trying to sound interested. So what about the engine?"

"Well for that I personally would go for the TX-500 over there." He stated pointing to a model on the far wall.

"Why that one if I may ask?"

"Because that one has the best acceleration without the recoil friction. That way you can speed up or slow down without shaking as much." He explained in detail.

"Well, I don't want something that's going to kill me." She pouted which only made Yusei giggle which earned him a slight elbow to his ribs.

"I get it. He rubbed them gently to ease the pain. Well then how about you start with a Zen model 200? It has less push to give but has great stability.

"That sounds better for a rookie to start with. Now all I need are tires and the program system."

"Oh don't worry about those Akiza. Yusei assured her. I'm going to go over to Jack's and see if he and Crow can spare some time to help me put this together. Then we can make it special just for you." He smiled happily.

"My own custom duel runner?" She asked in shock.

"Yep. I know that they will help you if it means more competition for them."

"Yusei…" She was stopped by Yusei's finger on her lips.

"Don't you dare start thanking me Akiza. He shook his finger. I should be thanking you for trying so hard to do something like this for me. I would love to see you on the track Akiza, and if I get to have a little fun modifying your runner then all the better." Akiza smiled knowing that she couldn't argue with Yusei about something like this. If he was that determined then she didn't want to bother him with worries.

"Alright Yusei. Then let's get the ordering done and head out." She told him pointing to the clerk.

"Actually baby, can you go outside for a second? I want to order some special parts and I don't want you to see them. Please?" He asked her. Akiza had no idea what Yusei had planned but knew he never failed at surprises and decided to let this slide.

"Alright, but I won't wait forever." She smiled heading outside. Once she was outside the shop Yusei smiled and asked the clerk for a few special parts that he knew would fit his idea for Akiza's runner. After about 5 minutes he came out smiling which told Akiza that it all worked out.

"So? Did you find me something good?" She asked.

"Yep. I already ordered all the necessary parts and it will be a great runner for you Akiza. I will just see if Jack and Crow can now get together with me to build it."

"Thanks Yusei." She smiled. 'Akiza, I'll do anything if it means keeping that smile on your face. He smiled back..

"So what now?" Akiza asked getting on Yusei's runner.

"Well shall we go out on a date? Been a while since we have been able to."

"Hmm. Maybe." Akiza said teasingly.

"You know you want too." He smiled with a puppy dog look.

"Maybe." She said winking.

"Are we going to do this all day?" Yusei said sighing.

"Well it will unless u admit defeat." She laughed.

"Oh your such a vixen sometimes." He pouted.

"A vixen who can always beat you." She smiled.

"Expect at duelling." He smirked.

"Is that a challenge?" She said turning serious.

"Sure. When you get your licence I will be your first turbo duel. Promise." He smiled starting the runner finally.

"Alright. I'm going to hold you to that love." She smiled as they drove off. A week had passed and Akiza's parts had all shown up at Yusei's place. He called Crow and Jack and they arrived at his place about five minutes apart.

"So you want us to help u with this Runner?" Asked Crow looking at all the parts.

"Yes. It's for Akiza." Yusei said grabbing his tools.

"So the little flower has finally decided to blossom into a turbo duelist." Jack said smiling.

"That's right. So once we get this built up, she can go for the licence." Yusei smiled.

"Then let's do it!" Crow shouted grabbing a wrench. The three of them took the better part of the day building it and made sure everything worked well. While the boys were finishing up the runner Akiza and Carly were shopping for Akiza's turbo runner knew that the boys would want their alone time to work on the runner and agreed to stay out for the day and Carly was more than happy to accompany her.

"What color are you into?" Carly asked looking through the selections.

"I would like it to be a rose red that fits my chest," She said with a slight blush.

"Ohhh. Right I forgot, you have the chest most women would die for." Carly chuckled.

"Don't say things like that! I sure didn't ask for it." Akiza snapped back.

"What does Yusei think about them?" Carly asked with a curious look.

"Yusei isn't that type of guy Carly. He doesn't care about my chest size or my clothing choices." Akiza made clear.

"But wouldn't you normally want a guy to notice and compliment you?" Carly asked tilting her head.

"Yusei compliments me on more than that. He truly sees the best in everyone and he's truly honest with me."

"Have you two SLEPT together?" Carly whispered slept.

"That's none of your business! Why have you and Jack?" Akiza asked right in Carly's face.

"Of-of course not! She frantically shook her head. It's hasn't even been two months since we started dating. I would never push things too fast." She let out.

"Well I feel the same way about that. She half lied knowing that she and Yusei had gone that far. I have no intention of rushing things or letting myself be consumed with physical desires." Akiza explained wholeheartedly.

"Well I'm sorry if I pushed things too far by asking you such a personal question or bringing up your chest so bluntly." Carly bowed apologizing.

"It's ok, it's a fact that they are a little bigger than average so I can't help it."

"Well unless you go for surgery or something it ain't going to change anytime soon. Now let's get back to finding you a suit." Carly said searching through the racks. After 20 mins of searching they found a crimson red suit that fit her chest. (A/n: the one she wears in the anime.) She tried it on and liked the feel of it. 'Wow this feels so different. It hugs you tightly and feels so different from anything I'm used to. I hope I can get used to this quickly.' She thought. She paid for it and left with Carly to head back to Yusei's.

"So you gunna stick around when we get there, Carly?" Akiza asked.

"No, Jack and I have plans today so we are leaving as soon as you and I get back. It's rare for him to get the time for us so I want to make sure we can make it count." She smiled happily

"Ok then. Good luck with your relationship." Akiza smiled at her new best friend.

"Thanks Akiza, I pray for you and Yusei as well." She smiled back.

They headed back with her suit in her bag and a smile on her face. She knew that by doing this she would become closer to Yusei and understanding him. They made it back and opened the door to find no one there. Both Carly and Akiza were stunned at the dark and empty suite.

"Where are the guys?" Asked Carly looking around.

"I'll bet they are in the garage with my new runner!" Akiza proclaimed running around to the back. She went to the garage and opened it up to see Jack, Yusei, and Crow sweating and smiling. Beside them was a crimson red duel runner with custom wings and a slim body. (A/N: Again the same as the anime.) Akiza froze for a second or two while Carly ran in behind her with the guys looking at her.

"So, how does it look?" Asked Crow smiling showing off the runner like a model on T.V for cars.

"We did our best to make one that suited you, so don't say anything bad about it because it wasn't easy to build." Jack added.

"Jack, be nice. Yusei stepped in. So does it suit your tastes, Akiza?" He then turned to her with a smile. Akiza was speechless. She didn't know what to say. It was so beautiful and it was all hers. She couldn't believe that Yusei and the other would go this far just to make her feel better on the road. She now had her own runner and suit. She was now able to enter the world of turbo duelling and be with Yusei in a whole way. She started to cry and smiled at the three men.

"Thanks you guys! I can't thank you all enough for this. It's beautiful!" She walked up to check it out.

"Well we did what we could. The rest is up to you." Jack smiled with a nod of respect as he started to leave.

"Are we leaving Jack?" Carly asked looking at him.

"Yes. Let's go. I did my part. If we don't go now we won't be able to do anything." He smiled.

"Ok, later all of you!" She said waving goodbye.

"I have to get going to my job now too. Good luck Akiza, we will all be rooting for you! Crow said gathering his tools that he brought with him. Oh and Yusei… Don't use this as a celebration to make out with her." He snickered before running as fast as possible out the door before Yusei could respond.

"Man, how did I not see that coming?" He sighed with his hand on his face.

"It's Crow, how could you NOT see it coming? She asked still looking over the runner

"That's my point. Well whatever, everything worked out so all is well." He smile as he went to put his tools away. He turned back and saw Akiza with a somewhat scared look on her face.

"Akiza? Everything ok?" He asked putting his arm around her.

"I don't know. I suddenly just feel very scared. I'm worried I won't be good enough. After you guys went through all this trouble to build this for me. What if I can't cut it as a turbo duelist?"

"Akiza. You have to believe in yourself. It takes time to become a true turbo duelist know that in time you will become a great one." He smiled to reassure her.

"Your right Yusei." She said kissing his cheek. He blushed at the action and brought her back inside the apartment. They sat down and watched a movie together with Akiza laying in Yusei's lap. Halfway through Akiza couldn't help but feel that she wasn't doing enough as Yusei's girlfriend. He was the one who was getting her everything she needed and wanted and yet what had she given him that came anywhere close to it all?

"Yusei?" Akiza asked looking right at him.

"Yes. What is it?" He looked back at her.

"Why are you always doing so much for me? You gave me a new home, You gave me friends and family, and you gave me your love and now a new duel runner. You are always thinking of me and yet I haven't done anything nearly as nice to pay you back."

"Akiza. I did all that because I wanted too. U are a wonderful person. You are smart, funny, and caring. You are good with the twins and you have proven that you have the strength to press forward in your life through anything. You are always worrying about others before yourself. Just like right now."

"Really?" She blushed.

"Yep. You care so much about everything around u, and that is one of the many reasons I fell for you." It was his turn to kiss her cheek and cause her to blush.

"Thanks, Yusei. I love u." She smiled.

"I love you too." He said back. They kissed as the movie ended with Yusei and Akiza returning to Martha's to retire for the night after a hard day of work and shopping..

A week later.

Akiza woke up with a spring. She knew that today was the start of the driving class for turbo duelists. She cleaned herself up and left for Duel Academy without even stopping for breakfast or telling Martha knowing that Martha wouldn't mind. She made it to the front gate and saw Leo and Luna heading inside for school.

"Hey you two!" She called out causing them to turn and smile.

"Hey Akiza!" Luna called back running up and hugging her.

"What are you doing here?!" Leo asked jumping with happiness.

"I came to take the turbo duelling class. I have decided to become a turbo duelist." She smiled.

"That's awesome! You will be the Queen of the road!" Leo said winking with a thumbs up.

"I don't know about that." Akiza blushed.

"Leo, don't put pressure on her. We will be cheering you on." Luna smiled.

"Thanks you too." She hugged them both and let them head off to class. After class had ended she headed to the training field to get ready for the practise runs. She looked around the field and noticed all the turns and obstacles on it and started to feel nervous again. 'Ok Akiza, it's now or never! Go out there and become a true turbo duelist!' The referee then called Akiza up and proceeded her to the track. She then got on her runner and started it up. Waves and pulses of anxiety and nervousness ran through her at the speed of light. She quickly shook it off and nodded to the ref saying that she was ready. He then gave the signal and she drove off for the first time. She felt a rush unlike anything ever before. The wind and road coming at her full force and everything moving by her as if nothing else mattered. She smiled and lost herself in the feel of it all. 'Oh my god! This is AMAZING! I have never realized before the rush the feel of the wind gives you.' She called out in her head. She didn't realize though how fast she was going and slipped past her first turn and crashed.

"I guess I SHOULD pay attention to the road next time right Yusei?" She said aloud to herself thinking of him laughing at her for what she just did. After two hours of practicing on the free track Yusei and the twins came by to she how she was doing. She had just finished the final lap as they sat down by the track and watched her run.

"Alright! That's enough for today! You will all get your final test tomorrow and then your prelim duel will come to those who pass!" Shouted the instructor.

"Whew. What a day." Akiza said removing her helmet to shake off some of the sweat. Yusei quickly blushed at seeing Akiza all sweaty in that tight outfit. Her slightly exposed chest from the zipper area was emanating sweat like crazy which only made it harder for him to avert his eyes from them

"Hey, Akiza!" Leo shouted from the stands snapping Yusei out of his fantasy. She looked back and saw them and happily waved back. She then ran up to them and hugged them all over the railing.

"So how you doing out here? Are you enjoying the feel of it all? Asked Yusei smiling already knowing the answer.

"It's truly amazing Yusei. I can't believe the rush I felt the first time I tried! It was like everything else didn't matter and nothing could stop me from just letting go."

"That's great Akiza. He hugged her gently which made the twins turn their heads away.

"So how has your training been?" Leo asked noticing that Akiza's suit was dirty from the pavement.

"Well Leo, at first I was falling at every turn since I wasn't sure how to balance myself. So I kept practicing until I figured out that you should slow down and then speed up just at the turn. I think it's called drifting?" She asked turning to Yusei who only nodded as an answer.

"That's right. I'm a little surprised you knew that." Yusei said smiling..

,

"I noticed by watching you and Jack. I was also paying attention to how you guys rode and not just watching the duel." She smiled back.

"Wow, your very observant." Luna stepped in on the conversation.

"Thanks Luna." She smile at the young lady.

"So you done for the day?" Asked Leo.

"Yup. I just need to finish it all tomorrow then the prelim duel."

"That's good. So you ready to go home?" Asked Yusei.

"Yup. Just let me grab my runner and I'll be right with you." She said grabbing the runner and bringing it to the front gate.

"We are going home then alright Yusei?" Said Luna getting her stuff together.

"Alright you two, you both take care now." He smiled.

"See you both later!" The twins said together as they went home. Once the twins were out of sight Akiza grinned and got up close to Yusei

"So you coming back with me to Martha's?" Akiza asked with a grin.

"Yeah I'll see you back home. Unfortunately though, I got a overnight job with Blister tonight so I will drop u off."

"Ok dear. She sighed sadly hoping that they could have more free time together. But you will be there for my final test right?" She winked.

"Of course. Wouldn't miss it for the world!" He smiled kissing her cheek. Yusei then drove off with Akiza back to Martha's and both reached the front lawn.

"Well, good job tonight Akiza. Now get a good night's sleep and burn up the track tomorrow!" He called out.

"You bet Yusei. She smiled getting off her runner and walked up to him slowly. So um, if I pass… what will you give me as a present?" She asked slyly.

"Whatever I can afford my little rose. Or are we asking for a physical present?" He whispered. She smiled and gave him a strong kiss on the lips which he truly enjoyed.

"I'll let you decide than hun. Good luck with your job." She smiled.

"Later My red rose, take care!" He then turned around and headed off to Blister's while Akiza went inside to see Martha sitting on the couch.

"So how did the class go?" Asked Martha watching TV.

"Great! I felt so great and happy on the road. I now know why Yusei and Jack are always so happy turbo duelling." Akiza told her full of happiness.

"I know. Those boys have always been most at home away from home." She laughed at her own joke.

"I will get my licence just like they did and then I will become a part of their world." She smiled with confidence.

"That's the spirit! Now u best get some rest for tomorrow." Akiza nodded and headed up to her room and tweaked her deck for a couple of hours before hitting the sack.

The next day

Akiza got up full of energy knowing that it all came down today. She then made a quick bowl of cereal and headed straight to the school in her riding outfit to get her results on her road test. When she looked at the results she saw that she was the only student to fully pass all the tests and she had her duelling test next. Seeing that she was the only one who passed made her even more frantic. 'Wow I thought I would be happy but I seem REALLY nervous right now. My duel is in one hour.' Akiza thought looking over at the clock. She got all her gear checked and headed out onto the track only to see some familiar faces waiting for her.

"Hey Akiza!" Shouted the twins with Yusei, Crow, and Jack beside them.

"What are you all doing here?!" She asked with a shock.

"Came to see the future Queen of Speed in Action." Said Crow with a smirk.

"I was asked by Carly, plus I wanted to see your skills first hand." Jack added smiling.

"We are all rooting for you Akiza!" Shouted Leo.

"That's right!" Luna said agreeing. As everyone went up into the stands Akiza went over to the track and saw her opponent. A big muscular guy that stood over six feet high with short spiked air and darker skin with a worn out security uniform.

"I'm Trudge. I'll be your final instructor today. If you beat me in a fair duel, you will receive your licence. Understood?"

"Perfect. I'll make sure I don't disappoint u." They both got on their runners and started the duel.

Akiza:4000 Trudge:4000

"I'll go first! I draw! Akiza/1 Trudge/1 I summon Ivy wall in defence mode lv2 800att 1200def. I then set three cards and end my turn!"

"Now I draw! Akiza/2 Trudge/2 I play the speed spell Over boost now I gain four speed counters Trudge/6 I special summon: Cyber Dragon lv5 2100att 1600def from my hand! When you have a monster and I don't I can summon this monster! Now I tribute it to summon: Jinzo! Lv6 2400att 2000def Now your traps are useless!"

"Shit!" Akiza cursed looking back at the strong monster. Yusei and the others watched as they were worried already.

"That's a troublesome monster for someone like her." Jack explained with a grunt.

"Agreed. It's has that nasty ability which hurts anyone who needs traps." Crow added.

"She can do it! She can win this!" Leo shouted at them both.

"My brother's right! She can do it… right Yusei?" Luna asked looking at him. All Yusei did was turn and smile a smile that said: Your right Luna. She then smiled and turned to continue watching.

"I attack with my Jinzo!" Jinzo destroys ivy wall.

"I activate my monster's effect! Now my monster gives you an ivy token when it destroyed!" Lv2 1000att 0def. "I play the speed spell: Accelerator Draw! I pay 6 counter to draw two cards. I now end my turn." Trudge/1

"I hope Akiza will be ok out there. This guy knows what he's doing." Crow said again with worry.

"She will be." Said Yusei reassuring him .

"I draw! Akiza/3 Trudge/2 I play my own Over boost spell! Akiza/9 I now activate the speed spell: Dark Core! When I have three counters I discard one card from my hand to remove your Jinzo from play!"

"Damn, well played." Trudge said with a grunt. "I now summon Botanical Lion in attack mode! 1600att 2000def. I now activate the trap: Outraged Growth! By paying half my life points I can double the attack points of one plant type monster and I chose my Lion! 1900-3800 I now activate my other trap Call of the Haunted to bring back my ivy wall! Now I attack with both my monsters! As the lion and Wall charged in Akiza felt her powers surge and caused the monsters to solidify. 'Oh no!' She screamed as the monsters slammed into Trudge's runner hard causing it to crash into the side rail.

Trudge 4000-0

"Trudge!" Akiza screamed stopping her runner and running over to him. Yusei and the others saw the incident and hurried over to the track as well. Akiza ran beside Trudge frantic at the fact tat she lost control but didn't even sense it coming.

"I'm so sorry! I didn't meant to do that! I don't know why that happened!" She cried out beside him.

"It's ok. He sighed shaking his head. I knew about you and your powers from the start so I was prepared for it." He said getting up without harm.

"You knew?" She asked shocked

"Yes. Don't worry about it. I did some research on you beforehand and I was prepared for it. It must be tough to control such power in an unknown environment such as this so I had a feeling it might happen. So I'm not angry at you ok. Just figure out how to work with them on the track and you will be fine." He smiled.

"I'm still-"

"Enough. Oh and by the way… you passed! Congrats!" He said holding out his hand. She then decided to take his advice and didn't worry.

"Thank you so much!" She said accepting his hand.

"You did it Akiza!" Shouted the twins running up and hugging her tightly.

" I knew you could." Yusei said with a smile

"Thank you all for being there for me. I'm so happy right now! I'm a turbo duelist!" Yusei and everyone else smiled at their new partner in turbo duelling knowing that things were going to heat up now on the streets with a new rider in town.

A/N: Great job Akiza! She has just showed them that she can play with the big boys lol! Next chapter will be Akiza's birthday this time. What will happen? R&R