Hi, I know this is weird that I reposted everything back, But I'll explain in the latter for now. Bear with this.

By the way I have made changes.

The Heart of the Crimson Dragon: Autumn Tryst

I'm about to lose my mind
You've been gone for so long
I'm running out of time
I need a doctor
Call me a doctor
I need a doctor, doctor
To bring me back to life

I Need A Doctor

By: Eminem Ft. Dr. Dre, Skylar Grey, Chris Brown

-Chapter 01-

It has been a year alright and definitely, a lot has changed. Not just the city, but even the people itself.

The Signers had grown closer to each other, as they now tried to prepare for the top two upcoming events: WTGP and WRGP.

WTGP is short for World Tagforce Grand Prix while WRGP is the World Riding Grand Prix. These two events are tournaments enticing and definitely inviting the world's top duelists.

In preparation, for both was definitely different, seeing that WTGP is all about partner collaboration, while WRGP is not just collaboration, but also D-wheel riding skills, and for this specific event, the new management or rather Director of Neo Domino city Yeager, has even built roads specializing for Riding Duels!

Each event was of course different.

WTGP, instead of having three per team was limited to teams consisting of two members only. There are no subs or whatsoever, while WRGP consists of at least three members, while others can sit on the bench and repair the D-Wheels, in short pit crew.

Though two events will happen separately, the Signers have already started to do their own preparations.

Everyday they would duel one another, practice riding on their D-Wheels, while Yusei maintains and fixes their D-wheels and improvises its engines bit by bit until it can run to its full potential. He already started on upgrading every part that he could.

So, to do this, Yusei, Jack and Crow, who are living in just one apartment, tried to earn money for it, and to of course fulfill their necessities as well, as Yusei does repairs for people, while Crow has started a business called 'BlackBird Delivery'. How about Jack? Let's just say his job was to...drink coffee?

That was always a cause of argument between Jack and Crow, while Yusei and the rest would often just laugh about it, but they can't help but agree more with Crow though.

Given, practices for the events were hard, but it was worth it. Not only because they're growing each and everyday, improve their decks and styles, but because their bonds had gotten stronger.

Though, despite the on-going commotions, Yusei can't help but still feel sad, as his mind would often venture off to the blond girl. As he tries and modifies the D-wheels, as much as he loved doing it, he has to admit that it sort of reminded him more of her as it made him remember their times in Satelite as she helped him create his first D-wheel, thus would sometimes cause pain in his heart.

The gang, as much as they hated the thought themselves, kept reminding him to move on already, even Jack who found a liking for the blond agrees with them as well. Crow and Jack even encouraged him to go out with Aki, since it was evident that her feelings for him didn't die yet. Yes, she still likes him, and he was aware of it, yeah.

He had to admit, Aki was definitely beautiful due to her nice, sexy petite figure, plus her brand new, wonderful countenance. But, no matter how much he tried to make himself like her, he just can't, despite the efforts of the girl of wooing him, in a subtle way. He knows that his heart only belongs to one person, and that happens to be a certain blond who bears the Heart Mark of the Crimson Dragon.

She may be small in stature, younger than the rest of them by two years, and not as pretty as her best friend, though she was definitely the only who can make Yusei's heart pound like crazy. She's the only one that can catch his eye, no matter how many women tried to woo or even seduce him.

Even if a year has passed since her mysterious disappearance, his heart hasn't given up yet, as his love for her hasn't changed the slightest bit. He believes that she's still out there, and with that he made his resolve; once he finds her, he'll never ever let her go despite the circumstances, and with that his friends finally supported him, and just hoped that if Hikari is really gone for good, he'd just get over it as he finds another woman to love in the latter.

Also, since he has helped regain the peace in Neo Domino City, the Security Maintenance Bureau offered a helping hand in searching for the blond, and that definitely was enough compensation for what he did, or rather what the Signers did for the whole city per se.

But, it still does make him wonder as his rational side would kick in, as certain questions would often fill in his mind like for example:

What's the cause of her disappearance?

Is she alright right now?

Whatever is happening to her now, why cut the communication?

Does she hate him?

As it would sound crazy, if that was the cause he couldn't find in himself the reason as to why he'd be hated by her up to that point. However, other than that:

Is she dead?

Though he has finally made his resolve that is the most logical answer as to why she's practically gone.

Yes, despite his mindset, he can't help but actually think that way. But, what would happen if she is dead?

How would he react to it? With the way he reacted the moment her body disintegrated to black ashes, it was definitely a painful and frightful sight.

True, he was hopeful that at those times she might still live, but it was already like that to such an extent that his heart was completely torn into pieces.

But, now that there's no hope, how would he feel?

With the way things are now, there's one thing he's sure:

He won't accept it just like that.

Now it's finally night time, at exactly 9:00p.m. as Yusei still worked on one of the parts of their D-wheel. The evening may be young, yet he's very sure to face another night of insomnia.

Was he that depressed?

Was he that sad?

Was he that crazy for her?

He definitely bets all his life that he can't answer that, for all he knows that the thing he had with her was definitely something that's irreplaceable. And nothing would cure his insomnia, but with a night of driving himself crazy with working on their duels to the point that he would find himself asleep at his messy table of a workplace or even worst, in front of the computer!

Crow and Jack can't help, but felt badly concerned about their friend. If you asked them, they'd be happy to totally encourage him to just forget about Hikari at this state, but of course they'll definitely not break their promise to him to not bother him anymore regarding that matter. As Yusei said it himself: "How could I forget when the matter is always brought up?"

The two just watched the raven haired lad as he would often find himself running his hands furiously through his spiky hair. From time to time, they'd look at each other if they should bother him, hoping to help his mind wander off for a while even if it was just a minute, but instead they'd just remained wherever they are at whatever they're doing at the moment.

Yusei sighed once more as he finally dropped the part that he was working on as he made his head rest on his palms, closing his azure eyes. 'I just can't stop thinking about her. Hikari, why haven't you come back yet? Why? You said you'll wait for me, and yet, I can't even find you. I mean, if you're out there you could at least talk to me, right?' He thought as he rubbed his temples a bit. Seeing the great unconformity, his friends finally stood up from their seats as they went towards him.

"Hey, Yusei you okay there?" Crow started as he threw him a concerned look. Yusei just stared at him; though he was sad he just retained his plain expression as he just stared at him blankly.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I just couldn't find what's wrong with this thing that's all." He lied, his statement uttered in a nonchalant manner, as he finally made himself slump on the chair, his head lying on the edge of the chair's supporter.

"Shouldn't you rest? I mean, WRGP is like almost a year away anyway. It can wait for a while."

"Yeah, Yusei, you wouldn't want to be in a bad shape after all, the WTGP is like months away from now and we have excessive training to do." Jack can't help but agree.

"Nah, don't worry I'm okay." He uttered. Then suddenly a knock sounded from the door. Yusei eyed the pair curiously giving him a questioning look, but received a shrug in return.

"I wonder who'd come visit at this time?" He stated as he stood up from his seat and answered the door only to meet two familiar people, causing him to lighten up his mood. 'Though, I honestly wouldn't mind it if it's them with the wonderful news that I've been waiting for all year round.'

Jack and Crow where definitely surprised for the sudden visitors coming, due to the fact that they don't come by unless its pretty urgent, which somehow brought their hopes up as they thought the same thing. 'Have they found Hikari already?'

"Good Evening, Yusei. I'm sorry to come at this time of the night, we know that it's late but it's urgent." Mina greeted, with her face etched with seriousness, same with the expression Ushio had on his face.

Just the sight of them definitely made Yusei felt better, as assumptions to fill his head quickly.

'Have they found her already? Where is she then? Was she alright? Was she hurt?' was all he could think of right now.

"Have you found her?" He finally asked. Mina and Ushio actually expected this, but sadly their visit wasn't really about that. They really didn't know how to say what they wanted to relay to them, as they through quick glances at each other. But, Ushio finally gave up, never wanting to waste precious time.

"Not exactly. But, we have a lot of things to discuss with you guys." was all he can say. With that, Yusei stepped out of a way motioning them to get in at their small flat, and led them to their small dining table.

"So, what is it all about then?" Jack started as he eyed the pair in a curious manner, and gave them a questioning brow.

"Well, first things first, we know that you already have done a lot for Neo Domino City, but we really need your help this time." Ushio uttered as he gave the three teenagers a serious look, showing that he wasn't kidding. "Mina, please fill them in."

"Right," She nodded in return as she pulled out a pen like item, having a holographic screen showing a picture of a person, who looks indistinguishable due to the covered face. "As you can see, right now it has been reported that this guy has been roaming Neo Domino City."

"And so? Why would you need us then?" it was now Crow who asked this time, as he also gave them a skeptic look.

"It has been reported that this guy, called Ghost, force people into duels, whether would be riding duels or normal duels and would often cause a great aftermath as the one forced into a duel would wound up in the hospital." Crow stared at them wide-eyed, obviously surprised at the news.

"No way! That's impossible! Duels don't really cause real damage, unless it's a psychic duel or something 'evil' is connected to it." Crow said in a surprised emphatic manner.

"Exactly, that's what we're just thinking. However, we can't really assume that. Though we hope that it's not anything serious as last time."

"But, regardless, if you're asking for our help to catch this guy then we're definitely gonna say no." Crow said definitely disapproving regarding the matter, "We don't have much time yet, and the WTGP is on our way already, along with the preparations of the WRGP. Right, Yusei?"

Yusei just stared at the two in front of them carefully, though he is concerned but Crow's right whether it would be the welfare of Neo Domino City, it's not really their responsibility despite them being bestowed upon the powers of the Crimson Dragon. Come to think of it, the matter isn't really connected to them as Signers. Unless, there's a catch that might help them for the tournament or solely in Yusei's point of a view, a catch that might lead him to a certain person at least.

"I have to agree with Crow there, we're definitely busy right now for the upcoming tournament."

"But, that's not all." Mina cut him off, as she started clicking on the holographic screen as another picture appeared, unlike the first one, though they're both indistinguishable, the new one is simply just undefined. "We found this mysterious duelist as well. Though unlike Ghost, this one is actually against Ghost, but ended up not being able to capture Ghost since it always runs away the moment he's about to face defeat."

"Other than that, spectators who were able to witness the two people dueling said that, the other one is simply riding on a D-Board, the one that kids usually use." Ushio added, whilst an idea quickly popped into Yusei's mind.

'It couldn't be? Maybe it's her! No kid would ever dare duel a dangerous guy like that. Plus, kids don't even take much notice to the D-board unlike the D-wheels.'

"Could it be-?"

"We can't be sure about that, yet Yusei. But, there is a possibility." Mina answered stated.

"Then were you guys able to find out what kind of deck the other guy is using or at least the monsters that were used in the duel?"

'Please let it be a Water deck or at least some Water Monsters.' He prayed, but much to his chagrin:

"Well, they said the person used a mix of Beasts and Warriors." Minna stated in an as-a-matter-of-fact-tone, whilst scanning the given data to her, which somehow crushed a bit of Yusei's hopes as a frown of disappointment quickly became plastered on his face. Jack was definitely aggravated about this, as much as he cared for his friend, he definitely can't handle seeing him that miserable. Crow actually noticed Jack's irritation, and before he can do anything rash, he did the talking instead hoping that his idea would help resolve Yusei's year-long dilemma.

"Hey, Yusei. I know you're really sad about Hikari's disappearance, but if she really is alive wouldn't you be able to track her if she's made transactions?" Yusei gave Crow a skeptic look, obviously interested at what he's trying to say, hoping he'd continue as the rest also waited for him.

"I mean, she is rich right? She could have used a credit card once or twice within the year and with your great computer skills wouldn't you be able to track that easily?" Yusei was definitely surprised to hear that from him. Though in all honesty, he already thought about doing that, but decided against it seeing that he wouldn't want to do illegal things specifically hacking anymore unless it's really that needed. Plus, why discuss such things in front of the authority? Not to mention they're the law enforcers.

"True, but," Was all Yusei can say as he looked at the pair in front of them, obviously asking for approval.

"You do know that's against the law. We don't encourage that." Was Mina's quick reply, but there's actually a catch. "However, we could make an exemption if, and only if you help us regarding this investigation. You might not put your full focus on the matter, but a small help really counts from you guys."

Jack was definitely ready to protest, he couldn't just allow their precious time to be taken away in exchange for a permission to hack the Security Maintenance Bureau's computer. But, before he can do anything:

"It's a deal then."

Jack and Crow were definitely surprised at Yusei's urgent decision. It was just too quick, not to mention not totally thought out, and with that Jack honestly wanted to get mad at him and smack him in the head. However, he knew and understood that he just can't blame him. He knows how depressed Yusei has been ever since he lost Hikari.

It's not that Yusei was being a lovesick hopeless romantic. It's just he knew the type of relationship Yusei and Hikari had. He knew how lonely Yusei was, and he knew how much of a big part Hikari also had in him.

How did he know that? It's because she was also a part of his life. Hikari was his best friend for goodness' sake.

Jack cared for her, and most especially 'loved' her. It's not that he doesn't care anymore with the way he wanted to completely forget her, but he just can't make himself hope that much regarding something that's just obviously impossible to attain.

In short, unlike Yusei, he just accepted that his blond friend wouldn't come back. Yes, he felt sad. Yes, he did get depressed as well. But, could he continue to be so to such extent?

If Hikari is already dead, though he hated the thought of it too, he wouldn't want her to see him miserable for her death. Instead, he would want to live for her and live a happy fulfilling life.

If you're wondering how he deals with Yusei? It's not that he has given up on her, but its just he accepted that Yusei does indeed love her more than he does. Not only that, he could clearly see that his friend is totally not giving up on her, and Yusei deserves her more than him already. Plus, someone already caught the apple of his eye anyway, and that would be a certain raven-haired reporter.

"But, I'm curious though. You guys actually own the whole database, how come you didn't do that in the first place?" Crow finally broke the silence and awkwardness of the situation, whilst he eyed the pair curiously.

"Well, we're actually getting to that you see." Mina stated in a sort of worried tone. "We did try to literally exhaust all resources to search for your friend, so that includes Public Maintenance Bureau's Citizen Database."

"But," Ushio continued. "It's actually pretty weird."

"What's weird?" Yusei asked them, definitely becoming interested regarding the manner, seeing that they finally found something about Hikari.

"You see, we tried and tried getting info regarding about her, but it just appears to be blocked. Some were already erased." Then suddenly, a memory quickly flashed onto Yusei's mind, remembering an incident:

*"So, how did it go, Yusei?" Hikari greeted him, the moment she saw him arriving at their hideout in the depths of Satelite.

"It was okay. Although something's wrong though," he stated as he brought in his D-wheel, and then connected it to his laptop, and then he glanced up to his friends whilst he tampered with his D-wheel, only to notice a friend missing. "Just wondering, where's Rally? I haven't seen him all day today?"

"Oh, Rally, we actually don't know ourselves to be honest. We haven't seen him too." Tank answered.

"Is that so? That is odd." Hikari uttered, as she went by His side to look up to what He was doing while the others just sit back at the sides. "Anyways, what do you think's wrong with it?" she asked.

"Hmmm, I think it has to do with the engine. It just doesn't sound right. By the way, how's your search going?"

"Well, like the usual. Nothing's posted about me. Everything is unknown, except for my name though." She stated feeling a bit perplexed. "It's weird really; I wonder why they'd block every bit of my information. But, it is also odd that Jack found out that I'm not from around here." Hikari sighed.*

"Is it because of the event from 4 years ago, when she first disappeared from Neo Domino City?" Yusei queried them, with that Mina snapped as if she just experienced an Eureka-type of experience.

"Oh yeah, that. I almost forgot about it. It could be that! But, then again, Sir Rex Goodwin did it to protect her. But, we did reset it back to being open right after she got back. I'm sure of it. Plus, if we were trying to protect something, yes, we would definitely block specific information, but we wouldn't erase anything." She stated as stared at them in a serious manner. "And most especially, we wouldn't make inaccessible to us."

"You mean to say is that someone did this?" Jack asked now started feeling curious himself as well. 'Could this actually mean that she's alive? Or someone is just playing tricks here. But if it is that, where her of all people?'

He definitely can't believe what he's hearing right now. Is that even a possible? Well, it is true that the Dark Signers got resurrected right after they won the battle. But she wasn't even there. They didn't found her. It's just plain illogical, or more likely impossible.

"Yes, exactly which is why it is weird." Ushio answered as he placed his arms crossed in front of his chest. "Why her and only her of all people? But if you'd ask us, it is actually pretty timely you see which actually made us conclude that she might have done that herself. But, in fairness to her, she did well in making a firewall. Even we can't infiltrate it."

'Did I hear them just right?' Was Yusei's quick thought. 'She's alive! I was right to never give up after all.'

"But, why did you say timely? Is there something happening?" Despite his slight feeling of euphoria due to knowing that she might be alive, he can't help but be worried. It's true that her life used to be in danger, but its different now, it's supposed to be over.

The officers both fidgeted on their seats, definitely trying to find a way to address his question properly.

"Uhhm," Mina started, trying to find the right words. "Well, you see it's like this. You see, Hikari's actually the daughter of the Illusions Corporation." Hearing this wasn't new to Jack, whilst Yusei and Crow who heard at it for the first time were shocked a bit to hear that as they eyed the officers curiously with a raising brow.

"Really? I didn't know that!" Crow exclaimed surprisingly. "Wow, didn't knew that she was such a V.I.P. But, what's the connection?" Crow asked in a naive manner, definitely oblivious to these kinds of things.

"Since she's the daughter of Illusions Corp.'s founders, with them both dead after the incident 4 years ago, she's now the sole heir of the company. Due to that reason, tons of people have tried to hack recently into our database all trying to get information about her. Whatever they're after, we're just glad that whoever put that firewall since it protected it so far. But, most likely with the given situation, we're assuming that they're after her life, because once she's dead, the company is open for buyers. It will definitely be a big asset to whoever gets it, since its one of the most famous game developing companies. Maybe 5 levels below Kaiba Corp. Per se."

"But, even if her life is in danger, her disappearance couldn't be associated to that." Jack stated as he tightened his hand into a balled fist. "She was never there with the resurrection of the Dark Signers. It's just impossible."

"No, its not." Yusei quickly disapproved of Jack's proposition. "However, there's the slightest chance of being impossible, but its still possible. We're not even sure on what happened to her, then suddenly certain events pertaining to her started to stir up. It couldn't be just mere coincidence."

'Yes, I believe. Though it's a bit against logic per se, I believe that she's alive. There's nothing impossible that's for sure, and that was definitely proven to me during the battle versus the Earthbound Immortals.' Yusei thought. His beliefs were definitely firm, and won't allow those beliefs to sway that easily.

"Plus, we think that the public isn't really aware regarding the war between the Dark Signer and Signers you know. But, the fact that it suddenly became protected what makes us assume that certain possibility." Ushio said, and with that stated Yusei quickly stood off from his chair and went towards his pc after a moment of realization.

'Firewall. Oh Yeah, I remember teaching her a thing or two regarding that. If she did firewall I taught, then for sure it's her. There's nobody in Neo Domino City that would have or could have tried to attempt to make a strong one.' He thought as finally allowed his fingers to type flawlessly at the keyboard, as the rest followed him and watched whatever he was attempting to do.

With a few help with his own custom made software, in a matter of minutes he was finally able to hack through the Bureau's main computer. Ushio and Mina watched in amazement, for there was no person that could ever hack that fast, especially with the Bureau's high-end and top of the line security.

In a matter of seconds he was finally able to arrive at a page that he's been looking for, his azure eyes grew wide as a smile quickly formed on his face—a smile that he wasn't able to form for such a very long time.

"This type of firewall. It is her, the one who did it is Hikari. She's alive!"

I'm sorry for suddenly changing again.

I'll explain later.

But, expect this to change a bit because I'm about to do what I'm supposed to do with this thing.