Ariette: Hiya' Guys! Here's next chapter! I wanted to publish it before but I couldn't 'cuz my brother, my mom and my sis got sick. And I had to watch over them u.u Plus I didn't had Internet ToT I had such a hard week. I barely got to sleep but I was all week thinking of you guys. Every free time I had I was writing this chapter. I almost forgot I had a project due on Thursday XD The same one Yuma had in this story XD I even wrote it to not forget. Special Science teachers u.u I share my pain with you Yuma.

Yuma: What do I have to do with this?

Ariette: Shut up! Now...I'm a bit depressed 'cuz when I was finishing my project my computer crashed and deleted ALL of it! ToT I had to do it all over again. But thanks to your reviews I could make it all again. You gave me the strength to do it. Thanks guys! And for that, I decided to give you this long chapter! Based on a First-Person POV leaded by Yuma!

"Talking"/ Actions/Narrating

"Thoughts"

Mysterious person that you all probably know! XD

Note this chapter has

Yu-gi-oh Zexal characters do not belong to me. Only the plot of this story! XD

Note Six: How can I encourage…?

It was all dark. I couldn't see anything. I couldn't feel anything. Until I heard a strange noise. It was some king of beeping. It was constantly sounding. Almost like… The beat of a heart. The beat of my heart.

I opened my eyes slowly. Where am I? That was the first thing I thought. I saw the white ceiling, the white curtains, the white walls, everything was white. That's when I noticed the sound coming from a machine near me. I looked over, only to find the machine that lectures my heart.

"Oh, at least it's just that… Wait…. What?!" I looked over again. I was in a hospital room, I was sure of that. But I couldn't remember why.

I began to panic. Why was I in a hospital room? What happened? Why can't I remember it? D-did… Someone h-hurt me? I heard the beeping from the machine increasing but I didn't care. I wanted answers and I wanted them now.

I felt my heart accelerate and I couldn't breathe correctly. I felt so desperate, I felt so scared. I didn't even notice the tears that were running from my eyes. I only noticed them when I tasted the salty flavor they had. But I didn't do anything to stop them. I just wanted to know what happened.

I mean, if you waked up in a hospital room not knowing what the hell happened, wouldn't you be scared too?! Why there's no one in the room?! Please, please, someone please tell me what happened! I began to cry, I felt more alone than ever. If anyone could be here… The only person I remember I saw the last was Astral, before I went to sleep.

"Astral…" And even now I'm still worried about him. I couldn't believe myself! I was just in the middle of a panic attack and the only think I could think of was my best friend! Can someone explain me what the hell is wrong with me?!

I heard the door opening and someone rushing to my side, but I couldn't see clearly because of my tears. I heard a male voice, probably a doctor, saying something but I didn't pay attention. Then a female voice followed, maybe a nurse, answering what the man just said, but I didn't understand either.

And I was still in the middle of a panic attack, my mind racing at the speed of 200 miles per hour. I admit it was the worst experience in my life. I couldn't think straight, I couldn't even call whatever I was doing thinking! I only know I was sobbing and saying some things that I could barely understand and then I felt a pinch in my left arm and everything went black again.

This time, when I finally opened my eyes again, I didn't felt panic like the first time. I was calmer; I knew panicking wouldn't help me to get the answers. I decided I would have to wait until someone appeared and decided to tell me what happened. That's when I heard a conversations right outside the room I was in.

"What do you mean by not letting me pass?! I need to see my brother!" Definitely, that was Akari's voice.

"I know you're worried Miss Akari, but you can't go see your brother just yet. We still need to wait until he wakes up and then after some more checking we can let you pass." A male voice said. I quickly recognized him as the same voice I heard early.

"Listen, I don't care about the protocol or anything like that, I just want to see my brother is fine!" I felt a tear coming down my eye. Akari could be such a caring sister.

"Please, Miss Akari, calm down. You can see your brother after we finish, we promise to do it quickly." That was the female voice I heard earlier.

After a moment of silence I heard Akari's voice again. "Fine, but soon after you finish I'm going to see him. No excuses!"

"Don't worry! Now, if you excuse us." The female voice talked again.

Silence was followed until the door was opened. I finally saw the two persons who had enter earlier. The man was wearing a white coat, meaning he was a doctor while the woman was wearing a pink uniform, meaning she really was a nurse. The doctor seemed kind and had a reassuring smile while the nurse had calming eyes and a pretty smile.

"It seems you are finally awake! Well, at least not panicking like last time…" The nurse smiled.

"Sorry about that." I smiled sheepishly.

"It's ok, don't worry. At least you're fine now!" She said still smiling. I couldn't stop smiling back.

"Well, Mister Yuma, I'm Dr. Takede and this is my personal nurse, Luka. I'm going to do some checking, could you please do whatever Luka says you?" Dr. Takede seemed nice. I nodded and waited for Luka to say me something.

"Ok, Yuma-kun! Are you afraid of needles?" She asked smiling.

"Um… No. But that doesn't mean I like them. Indeed I don't." I said a bit nervous. I know she had pinched me before, but still, I'm a bit scared.

"Then don't worry. This won't hurt a bit!" She got near me and took out a needle. It wasn't that big but still, a needle is a needle. She pinched me in my left arm again, it hurt a little but I didn't say anything.

"My, my, Yuma-kun! You sure are a very brave little man!" I blushed. Why did she have to say that? It's embarrassing!

She laughed a little and then leaved the room. I looked at Dr. Takede, he was writing something in a paper. I waited patiently until I couldn't stand it anymore.

"Dr. Takede? Um…. Can I ask you something?" I said gaining his attention.

"Sure Yuma. What do you wish to ask?" He said with a reassuring smile.

"Well… Um… Do you know… What happened to me? Why I'm here?" I asked a bit afraid of what the answer would be.

"That's what I wish to know Yuma. Can you tell me what happened? The only thing I know is that you were found unconscious in your room by your sister Akari." He said, now his expression changing to one worried.

I widened my eyes. "What? No. He must be kidding. There's just no way he can't know what happened. It's impossible!"

"Can you tell me, Yuma? Or you don't remember?" He asked again.

"You're kidding, right? I mean, with all the checking you probably did you must know something! Don't you?" I asked hopping he was pulling my hair or something like that.

"So, you don't remember… Yuma, the only thing I found was that your body is weak right now. It looks like you haven't been receiving the nutrients your body needs. And also… I found some wounds in several parts of your body. Do you by causality did those wounds on purpose?" He said carefully.

"What?! What makes you think I would hurt myself on purpose?! Do you think I'm a kind of psycho or something like that?! That's crazy!" I felt really angry. That was like an insult to me. That was totally crazy.

"Yuma, it's ok if you don't want to tell it. But just know, if it is on purpose you better talk before you hurt yourself even badly. And you better stop doing that kind of stuff, it's not healthy." After that he leaved the room. I couldn't believe this! He was insinuating I was a liar!

"I'm not a liar! And I don't hurt myself on purpose!" I screamed out of simple anger. I know I probably looked like a child doing that but I couldn't contain myself.

Soon after that, Akari came. The first thing she did was give me a bear hug and tell me how worried she was. She then told me I was unconscious for almost 6 hours and my friends were also worried. Great! Now they are worried too! Just perfect! After almost 3 hours later the doctor let me leave to my house. But it was already late to go hanging with my friends so we went directly back home.

I couldn't get out of my house the rest of the weekend by doctor's directions. And I was forced to eat a strict diet the doctor gave me. It was the worst weekend I could have. But what made that weekend the worst of all was that I didn't saw Astral around. I was really worried about this. I didn't saw him in all weekend and when Monday came I didn't see him either.

When I reached school I was received by my friends who were really worried about me. I told them I was fine, it was the truth after all. They asked what happened and why was I in the Hospital. I just told them I fainted and the doctor said I was going to be alright, I just needed to follow his instructions.

Of course, I never told them about the wound's conversation the doctor and I had. It's not that I don't trust them, I do, but I don't want to worry them. I don't want to be a pain in the neck. The first thing I did when I returned home was to check what the doctor meant and I was surprised when I saw the wounds myself. No doubt why the doctor was so worried.

I wondered if the doctor had told Akari but I realized he didn't 'cuz Akari didn't tell me anything about it. And I'm sure that if he did she would have told me something. First day passed without any problems. Everything was normal, no weird duels, no Barians, no Numbers. Everything was so oddly fine.

Second day, Tuesday, the same as the first. Nothing unnatural; no problems, no weird duels, no Barians, no numbers. Still oddly fine. Only thing was that tomorrow, Wednesday, the oral reports were due. Nothing out of the ordinary.

Third day, Wednesday, the same as the two before. Nothing weird, no Barians, no Numbers, not even something fun to do. Aside from starting the oral reports, which I was lucky because I didn't start today, nothing much happened. Oh yeah! Akira and I went to the Central Library again. I had fun with him; he's such a great guy!

By the fourth day I was bored. I woke up earlier than I usually did. For some reason I couldn't sleep very well. When I opened my eyes I had a little hope that I could see Astral today, but my hope vanished when I didn't. I sighed, something that had become a habit of mine lately, and got ready to dress up.

I was really tired but I knew I wasn't going to sleep even if I could. I don't even know what's happening with my body lately. It was so weird and I couldn't understand. Even when I was hungry my body didn't wanted to eat, and when I was tired my body refused to sleep. It was like, if something was trying to make my body act this way.

I know it's very dangerous when one person doesn't get the necessary nutrients and sleep his body needs. That was the principal reason why I was in the Hospital after all. The doctor said that it could even kill people. That was why I needed to follow that diet and sleep all 8 hours completely. Something I didn't like. I mean, I love to eat, yes I admit it, and I also love to sleep, everyone does, but for some reason lately I just don't want to do it.

And that angers me. I want to follow the orders but my body refuses, so I can't do anything about it. And then it's my fault, it's always my fault. I sighed again and went to the bathroom. I took a shower and brushed my teeth. I saw the wounds I had. They were in my sides, my abdomen and even one or two in my chest. And I'm sure I may have some ones in my back.

It looked like if someone cut me with a knife or something like that. They weren't very big and they didn't hurt either, I surely wouldn't have noticed them if it wasn't by the doctor. I put my shirt and my pants before someone entered. I sure was grateful that in PE class we haven't been swimming or maybe someone would have noticed. I finished dressing and went downstairs to eat breakfast. Grandma and Akari were already there. They weren't surprised by my appearance; probably they heard me taking the shower.

Grandma gave me my breakfast, followed by doctor directions, and I started to eat not very happy. I really loved my grandma's cooking but this was way too much. I could never eat everything I was given, and much less with my stomach acting the way it's acting. I was soon full and couldn't eat anything more, my sis insisted to eat more but I couldn't. I told her I'll probably throw everything up if I eat more and she nodded understanding, although I saw she was worried.

I leaved for school and then took my usual classes very bored. There was nothing I could do! After the classes in the morning, lunch time came. By some reason I still don't know, probably just to make my life miserable, Akari told Kotori about the strict diet I was following and she made Kotori promise to watch over me. So Kotori was now making sure I ate everything I needed.

"Come on Yuma, you have to eat everything." And again Kotori was forcing me to eat.

"I can't." That was the only response I gave her.

"You can't or you don't want to? Stop being a child and eat." She said seriously. Sometimes Kotori could kill with her glare.

I really tried to eat but my stomach gave a protest and I couldn't. "I really can't Kotori. My body doesn't want to eat anymore." She sighed and took the trash and put them in the trash can. She then nodded and told me to go with her.

I smiled, happy that Kotori believed me. And after cleaning up I went to her side. We spend the lunch time together, not that I could do something more, until the bell rang and we had to go to class again. Class was boring and nothing interesting happened. In PE we didn't do anything because the teacher was out and we had some free time. Then we went to Science and continued with the oral reports. I was so happy when the bell rang before I could give mine.

We leaved very happy that class was over. I was going to go with my friends to hang out a little since I couldn't before and, luckily, we would get to duel. We were already in the exit when Akira came up. He was smiling and asked me where I was going. I told him I planned to go with my friends and he gave me a confused look. I didn't understand, did I lose something up?

"I thought we were going to my house today…" He whispered sadly.

"We were?" I never remember telling him that.

"Yes. You promised me you were going to teach me how to duel today." He gave me an angry look, not happy that I didn't remembered.

"I did?" He looked at me with hurt in his eyes. I felt really bad for him. If I had promised him that, then I should fulfill my word. "Sorry Akira, I kinda forgot. Um… Guys, it is ok if I go with Akira today? I mean, I promised him I would."

Tetsuo and Kotori looked at each other with confused glares. I know they're going to be probably mad at me, but I know they would understand too. They took a moment to think it out and then Tetsuo smiled at me understanding.

"I think its ok, Yuma. If you made a promise then you should fulfill it. It is ok by you guys?" He then asked gaining a nod from everyone minus Kotori.

"Of course, Yuma. After all, you're a man of your word nyan~" Cathy said smiling.

"No problem Yuma! Have fun ura~" Tokunosuke said grinning.

"To summarize, we all think it's ok if you go." Takashi finally said understanding.

I smiled at them and then noticed Kotori hadn't said a word. I knew she was going to be mad but I never thought it would be this mad.

"Kotori? Um… Can we talk in private?" I asked. She nodded and I took her a bit away from the others.

"Look, Kotori, I'm sorry. You know I keep forgetting things and I think I also forgot about this one. I know you're probably mad at me right now-" I started explaining but Kotori didn't let me finish.

"No Yuma. It's ok. I understand. It's just-" Kotori sighed and looked away.

"It's just what? Kotori, what's wrong?" I tried to look her in the eyes but it was really hard to do. "Now I understand how it feels when people aren't looking you directly at your eyes. It makes you feel really bad. Poor Astral…" I remembered I made the same thing to Astral. I must apologize about that. It really feels horrible.

"I'm worried Yuma." She finally said.

"Worried? Worried about what?" I said not understanding.

"About you." I opened my eyes surprised.

"What?" This couldn't be happening; why does Kotori always discovers when something's happening to me?

She sighed again. "Look Yuma, I'm really getting worried. You started acting pretty strange lately. And then Akira shows up and you get more weird than usual. And that's not mentioning you went to the Hospital for some unknown reason." She said with worry in her eyes.

"You don't have to worry Kotori! And Akira is a good guy; you don't have to worry about him either. And the Hospital… Well, we never know when we're gonna get sick, that's not something you have to worry." I said smiling at her, trying to reassure her.

"If you say so… But I still think Akira it's kind of weird. Don't you notice he's always trying to get your attention?" She said looking suspiciously at Akira who were talking to our friends and smiling.

I looked over too. "No. I just think he's a guy who's seeking the attention he needs. He's probably going through something really hard to him." I said smiling a bit. For some reason I felt Akira and I were passing through the same thing, although he haven't noticed yet.

"But, why you? Why he's seeking your attention? Doesn't he have a whole school to seek from?" Kotori said still worried.

"We'll never know Kotori. But if he's with me it's because he knows he can trust us and that we can help him. And I would gladly help him." I said. It's true I may have never met Akira before but still, I want him to feel better. So he doesn't have to be like me.

She nodded understanding and smiled at me. "Fine Yuma. I trust you and I know you're making the right decision. I will help if you need it, so count on me. And, it's ok if you go with him today. After all, you promised. Just make sure you don't forget your promises again." She then laughed a little.

I smiled. At least Kotori doesn't suspect anymore. We then returned to the other's side and I told Akira I was going to be with him today. He smiled happily and took my arm. We said good-bye to the guys and then leaved to Akira's house. We were walking together and Akira started telling me that he was very happy that I fulfilled my promise.

I smiled sheepishly 'cuz I still don't remember when did I promise him that. But I didn't tell anything to him to not make him mad. I was surprised at how close Akira lived from the Central Library. He lived a couple of blocks away. He's house was really pretty too. It wasn't that big but it wasn't small either.

We entered and leaved our stuff in the couch. He said he was going to search something and that I could sit wherever I wanted. I smiled at him and thank him. He smiled back and leaved the room. I sit in the couch and stayed there for a couple of minutes. Then Akira came back with something to drink for the two of us. I smiled. He was so kind.

We spend almost an hour talking about different kind of stuff. We laughed and had a fun time. We were so into the conversation that we forgot why we were there in the first place. When I noticed the hour I told him I was surprised his parents hadn't returned home. He suddenly saddened and I felt really awful. What did I said now?

"My parents aren't coming Yuma. They're really busy right now. They're never here." He said sadly.

"I'm sorry… But, who's living with you? Are you here all alone? Don't you have siblings?" I asked.

"No one's with me. I had a big brother, he was always with me. But he died in a car accident last year. My parents are always busy with work so they don't come here very much. I live here alone. But it's ok. I mean, I'm already used to it." He said trying to sound cheerful.

"Me and my big mouth. Why do I always have to say the worst things in the worst moments?" I knew Akira wasn't alright. He was masking himself with smiles, just like I do. I knew Akira felt really alone and he only wanted more attention. And I was willing to give him that.

"Well, since you're here and you promised me to teach me how to duel, why don't we start the lessons? I really want to know what you're going to teach me." He said standing up and smiling.

"Sure thing! So… Do you have cards or we use mine?" Finally! I would get to duel!

"Oh! I think I got ones. I'm going to search them. Please, wait here." He said and then leaved the room.

I waited patiently for Akira to come. While I was waiting I started to think about the things that were happening lately. I was really worried because of Astral's disappearance. I wanted to know what happened with him. I thought maybe I could call him. I was about to touch the Key when I remembered it was on my backpack.

Weird, I don't remember when I put it there, I just know I did. I took my backpack and started searching for it. I found it in one of my notebooks. I frowned. What the hell is happening here? Why am I forgetting this kind of things? I took it out but a tiny piece of paper was tangled in it. I looked at the paper and saw what was written.

How can I encourage you when I'm the one who's afraid?

I recognized my handwriting. And I remembered when I wrote that. Again, why do I keep writing this kind of stuff? It only brings me problems. Maybe I should stop doing it. But at the same time, it's true. Everything I written so far, it's always true. Even this one is true.

I was so deep in thought I didn't felt Akira coming up. And I didn't until I felt a shiver coming down my spine. Why everything's so cold suddenly? I hug myself in an attempt to get me warm. And then I heard a slow and recognizable chuckle. Way too recognizable. I looked over and widened my eyes in surprise.

"Hello, Yuma~ Did you miss me?" No way! There was no way he could be here!

"W-what are y-you doing here?!" I asked still in surprise and shock. I felt a sudden pain in my stomach and I had to cover it to try to stop it.

"Don't worry! I didn't came to hurt you~" He grinned. "I just came to make a truce with you. Of course, if you want to."

I felt my energies leave me. Why does this seem like it's going to end badly?

Ariette: ToT I'm sad. I was finishing this chapter and my Internet delete it all! I had to write it all over again ToT I bet all of you felt sorry for Akira's story! XD

To the reviewers:

Keyshipping-Jenny: Thanks~ And yes, you'll know soon who this Akira guy really is u.u I know Astral-kun it's not useless, but I had to write this ToT And, Surprise! You didn't had to wait two weeks! Yay!

SYF: Bingo! Pero los otros lectores no lo pueden saber XD Akira, que misterio verdad? Tienes todo el derecho de estar celosa u.u Yuma's gonna be alright! Don't have to worry!

Thor94: Hai! u.u There's this one condition people with this problem have: They think no one can help them. Or they think they're not important enough to be helped. That's called low self-esteem bro. It's pretty dangerous. I decided Yuma could have this condition since I'm very familiar to it u.u Yes, you'll obtain more answers, later XD I'm planning to wirte that story after I finish this one. So wait for it!

Breana: Or my lovely Guest #1! Black Mist is coming! In two chapters more! XD But you can already feel his presence. Thanks~ I hope you like this chapter!

Lime Gap: Or Guest #3! Yes! I'm giving spoilers? I never thought of that... That's right! He is. But that's his human form which name is Rei Shingetsu. His Barian form is slightly different. Of course I've saw 5D'S! I love them! I have seen every single episode! Funny thing. I was just reading a story where Yuma gets killed before reading your review. I really laughed when I saw this part! XD Don't worry, I'm not going to kill Yuma. I mean, what's the point? I can always torture him to death! XD Nah! I'm kidding! I'm going to torture him, but not to death! XD I'm evil :3

Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye: Man, You have such a long name! XD And thanks to you I'm publishing this chapter. So, bow to her you guys! Nah! I'm kidding. But still, thanks for making me publish this. Domo Arigatou~ Hope you like this chapter!

Ariette: Thanks to everyone who reads! I love you guys! And I hope you all enjoy this chapter!

PS: Who wanna a cookie?! *Takes out a cookie*

PS2: I'm evil! XD

PS3: I love to make PS XD