You sat in the flower field, lost in your thoughts. You looked into the sky, imagining what every cloud in the sky looked like. You suddenly squealed, you saw Yusei pick you up. "Yusei!", you screamed. Yusei replies innocently, "Yes, darling?" You said, "Don't give me that innocent reply! What are you planning on doing, oh mischievous one?" Yusei looked at you with a weird look, "Mischievous one?" You shrug, "It fits with how you're acting right now. You have a look of mischief on your face." Yusei kissed your cheek and said, "Only with you, darling." You blushed at his reply.

Turns out, Yusei wanted to bring you back to the bakery so you could be alone once more, no interruptions. You remembered that he was still carrying you in his arms and you felt your face flush. Yusei then said, "You blush a lot don't you?" You then felt self conscious about it. Yusei quickly adds, "I think it's absolutely adorable." You feel Yusei's eyes gaze at you adoringly and you felt him set you on the back of his duel runner. He then asks in a goofy accent, "Shall we?" You giggle and respond, "We shall, my knight." Yusei giggled at your response. Yusei started his runner and said, "Hold on tight!"

Martha was back in her own home. She thought of you and your friends. She had hoped that you would come and visit her.

You both arrived at the bakery, about thirty minutes later. You then noticed something strange, "Yusei, come and look at this." It was a picture of Martha. Yusei said, "That's just weird. I wonder who put that picture there." You took the photo off the door and saw that something was written on the back. Yusei took the photo from your hand and read aloud: "This mortal will be next. If you want her to live, defeat the shadow soldiers that are keeping her captive." That was extremely unexpected. You felt a mix of anger and guilt. Why did they have to go after Martha out of all people?

You both raced to Martha's house, your heart racing with worry. It was a good thing that you had detached your duel disk from your runner beforehand. You both ran inside as Yusei desperately yelled, "Martha!" You checked all the places you could think of to see if she was there. You realized, "Yusei, this was a setup." Yusei asked, "What do you mean?" You answer, "I think that they're keeping her somewhere else. I mean, think about it. They wouldn't make us come here intentionally without having some kind of trick up their sleeve." You then saw something on the ground, shining at you. Yusei then asked, "Y/N? What is it?" You picked up some kind of necklace and looked at it closely. You whisper, "Martha's necklace." You flinched and fell to the ground, clutching your arm. Yusei helped you up and questioned, "Are you all right, darling?" Yusei saw your arm glow and gasped, "Y/N your arm is glowing!" You looked at your arm and saw that it was indeed glowing brightly. You said, "I wonder if the Crimson Dragon is trying to warn us about something." Yusei was about to speak when he saw two more duel runners pull up to the curb of Martha's house. You saw Jack and Crow run towards the both of you. You had a bad feeling right now.

Crow said, "Our marks started to glow and they led us here. What's going on?" You were the first to speak up, "We went back to the bakery and saw a picture of Martha taped to the door. There was writing on the back of the photo. It said that if we want to save her that we would have to defeat the shadow soldiers that are keeping her captive." Jack said, "Those freaks couldn't have taken Martha without reason." Jack was right. Why would they take Martha though? You realized something. You ran into the house, with all three boys yelling for you to come back.

You stopped and found yourself in the dining area. There was something on the table. You said to yourself, "I was right. They left something here. Like they want us to solve a puzzle or something." You then heard panting and saw all three boys heavily breathing. Crow said, "Remind us to never race you in a marathon." Yusei then asked, "What's going on, Y/N? Why did you run away?" You said, "I'll explain but I need you all to sit down first." They obligingly did so. Jack said, "Get to the point already, will you?" You showed them what you had discovered, making all three pairs of eyes widen with shock. You asked, "What's wrong, guys?" They all went silent at that point. Crow spoke after several minutes of silence, "Why is there a picture of all three of us when we were kids? What does this picture have to do with those spirit things?" You then reply, "Crow, look! There's something written on the back of it." He then handed you the photo and then asked, "What does it say?" You looked at the back and felt your face go pale. "Y/N you don't look so good." You read out, "Its too late, foolish mortals! The shadows have reached your friend's soul. If you want to save your beloved friend, meet us below Daedalus bridge." You fall to your knees, dropping the picture in the process, your head in your hands. You then whisper with tears, "This can't be happening. This is all my fault! I'm sorry, Martha." Yusei, Crow and Jack had looks of concern on their faces. You left the living area, hearing Yusei say, "Y/N wait!" You didn't hear him though, your thoughts an emotional mess.

Crow said, "She must think that it's entirely her fault." Yusei shook his head, "Y/N feels guilty for getting Martha involved in this mess." Jack sighs, "Always the overly emotional one, isn't she?" Yusei became defensive, "I think that part of her is the sweetest one." Crow groaned, "Yusei don't turn sappy on us now!" Yusei blushed and said, "I-I'm n-not!" Crow adds, "Come on lover boy. Let's go find Y/N and see if she's okay." Jack said, "She's not the only ones that feel guilty." Crow was pushing his blushing friend out the door, with an amused Jack following behind.

You sat outside, head in your hands. You then say to yourself, "Why does everyone I meet always get hurt?" You cried with guilt, hoping that Martha would be alright. You could feel the guilt eat you up and you hated the fact that someone close to you was gone because of you. You got up, suddenly bumping heads with someone and falling on your butt. You rubbed your head, mumbling, "That's going to leave a mark." You saw who you bumped into. "Oh um Yusei I-" Yusei touched your cheek and said, "Y/N, I've told you so many times that you're not alone. You don't have to burden yourself with this, darling. Everyone here loves you. They want to help you too." He then adds, "Not as much as I do though." You giggle and he says, "There's that smile." You heard someone retort, "Ok lover boy! You can flirt with her later!" You saw a light blush dust Yusei's cheeks, making you giggle even more. Yusei whines, "Hey! You're supposed to be helping me, Y/N." You saw Jack and Crow stand behind the blushing blue eyed boy. Crow asked, "Are you okay?" Your eyes wavered, "I just don't like the fact that every time I meet someone, they get hurt. I feel like I'm just being a burden to everyone." Jack said, "Why can't you just accept our help, Y/N? None of us like it when you take something on alone. We want you to depend on us more." "Jack." Crow pipes in, "He's right. All of us want to help you, Y/N. We can't help if you don't let us know what's going on. We're your friend and we'll stand by each other no matter what, okay?" "Crow." Jack adds, "We're going to make those freaks pay for hurting Martha." Yusei interjects, "Before we make any declarations, don't we need to find out where they'll strike next?" You remembered something from the photo. "Daedalus Bridge." Jack said, "Yeah. What about it?" You pointed out, "Didn't the photo say something about Daedalus Bridge? That's probably where those soldiers are keeping her captive." You were worried about what they had in store for all of you. You were also worried about Martha. Was she okay? Did they turn her into a shadow soldier?

You couldn't help but worry about everyone. What would happen if no one else was there to fight them? Would you be fighting them all alone? You didn't know what you should do at all. You were at a complete loss for anything really. You could see the look on Yusei's face. One that read anger, sadness and a whole mix of emotions. You saw how tense he was as he drove his duel runner, his fists clenched. You knew that if you spoke, that he would feel even worse, so you kept quiet. Yusei said nothing as he drove, wanting to get to Daedalus Bridge quickly. You knew how he felt but you wanted him to say something. You stared at the surroundings before you, feeling your eyes waver as you heard Yusei curse to himself. You had enough, "Yusei. Yusei, stop." Yusei said with anger, "Why? So we can let them hurt, Martha?!? Y/N her life is on the line! Do you even care?" You said, "I'm not saying I don't!" Yusei said, "Then what are you trying to say, Y/N?" You go silent before saying, "I don't want you to get hurt! I feel the same way as you! I can't bear the thought of you and your friends get hurt, Yusei! I'd never forgive myself if someone you cared about died!" You felt tears well up in your eyes and whisper, "I don't want to lose you or anyone else to them." You felt the runner keep going for a couple of moments before you watched Yusei park it somewhere. You felt confused. Why did he stop?

You looked down, avoiding Yusei's eyes. You suddenly felt your body being pulled towards another, making you gasp in surprise. You felt Yusei bury his head in the crook your neck. You felt your neck become damp, you realized that Yusei was crying. You whisper, "Yusei. It's okay. Let it out." You gently stroked his back as he wept. You continued quietly, "Its okay to cry. You don't always have to smile. You're only human, Yusei. If there's something bothering you, you can always talk to your friends and you have me. I understand that you're upset but please don't beat yourself up over this." You add, "Besides that not the Yusei I know. The Yusei Fudo I know is calm and never acts on impulse. Also the Yusei I know is always clear minded." You decide to mess with him a bit, "I also think that the Yusei I know is extremely ticklish in a certain spot." You tickled his sides, causing Yusei to freeze and spit out, "Don't even think about it, Y/N." You ignored his protests and kept tickling him. Yusei pivoted his body, forcing you to stumble slightly. He grabbed your wrists and responds with a deep voice, "You need to be taught a lesson." Your breath hitched and you then felt a warm sensation on your lips. The kiss surprised you, it was forceful and unexpected. This was not like Yusei at all. Before you could speak, Yusei kissed you once more. You felt him rest his forehead against your own. Yusei lifted his hand, wiping away the stray tears from before, he then placed it on your cheek. You didn't know what he was going to do next. "I'm sorry." You were surprised, you didn't think that he would apologize after what happened. You heard him continue, "I-I didn't mean to make you upset, Y/N. My emotions got the better of me and I lashed out on you." You reply, "It's okay." Yusei shakes his head, "It's not. I shouldn't have done it. I know that I was upset but that doesn't give me the right to make you cry." You both held each other for a little longer.

You both headed to Daedalus Bridge about ten minutes later, knowing that Jack and Crow would be annoyed. You saw Jack and Crow, quickly realizing that Yusei was holding your hand, you let go, cheeks reddening with embarrassment. You spoke, "Sorry we're late." Crow waved you off, "Don't worry about it, Y/N. We just got here too." You then saw something walking towards the four of you, Yusei was holding you in a very protective manner. The cloak the shadow spirit had been wearing was suddenly blown away. You were fighting the urge to scream at him, but Yusei looked like he wanted to beat the living daylight out of the spirit. The shadow spirit said, "I think it's time we get acquainted. The name's Zaros. I am the second leader of the shadow spirits." Jack said, "So where's your boss? Or is your boss too scared to show his face?" Zaros smirked, "Jack Atlas, the pathetic turbo duellist that lost to his rival." Jack growled, "What did you say?!?" You calmly spoke, "Jack stop. He's only trying to anger you so he can turn you into one of their kind." Yusei asked, "What have you done with Martha?!" The dark one just cackled. Zaros answers, "Oh your friend? She's not who you think she is anymore." You then saw another person walking up, their eyes dull with hatred. Yusei stuttered, "M-Martha?" Martha spoke in an inhuman voice, "Yusei, how could you let them turn me into one of them?" You knew what she was doing, she was trying to break him. You stood in front of Yusei and said, "How dare you take the soul of an innocent woman and turn her into one of your soldiers!" You add, "I'm not going to let you hurt the people we love and fight for! You can try hurting Yusei but your tomfoolery won't work, I'll protect my friends even if it costs me my life." The possessed Martha laughed, "Foolish mortal girl! You can't stop me alone! I have another one of your friends as my partner. Reveal yourself!" You all saw who it was and all exclaimed, "Akiza?!"

You were all speechless until you heard the possessed spirits speak, "Your friends are doomed! They're under our control now! You have no way of saving them now!" You growled to yourself. How were you supposed to accept the fact that Akiza was one of them now. You knew that Akiza's spirit was still pure but you weren't sure if she would respond. You spoke through your mind, "Akiza, if you can hear me, please say something." You heard a voice speak but it wasn't Akiza's, "Y/N, please help us." Dark Magician Girl appeared, with a grave look on her face. She spoke in a distressing tone, "They're becoming stronger and our armies are becoming weaker as we speak. The leader of the shadow spirits is a soul destroying monster, he needs to be stopped." Dark Magician appeared beside her, "You must free your friends from the shadow spirits' mind control. Milady, you and your friends are our only hopes. The talismans won't be able to protect them any longer." You asked, "How though?" He spoke severely, "The power that lies within the jewels are weak and as long as they are weak, the shadow spirits can trick the innocent into turning against their loved ones." You then asked, "Is it okay if I ask you two for a favour?" Dark Magician responded, "Of course it is, milady." Dark Magician Girl adds, "You're the one that saved our duel monster cards and you're our friend also." You asked, "Would you be able to find a spirit?" They both looked at you and nodded. You then add, "I need you both to try and track down the spirit of Akiza Izinski." They nod once more and Dark Magician Girl says with a determined look, "Leave it to us, Y/N!" Dark Magician adds, "Until we meet again, Lady Y/N." They disappeared and you just hoped that Akiza was alright.

Akiza groaned, wondering what happened to her body. She rubbed the back of her head and looked at her Signer mark. She then heard something and feared for the worst to happen. Akiza then heard a female voice say, "Follow the sound of my voice. I can lead you to safety." Akiza reluctantly followed the voice, running as fast as she could. She found herself at a house that looked like it hadn't been occupied in almost centuries. Akiza heard the voice once more, "Come quickly or you'll be in grave danger." Akiza stepped into the house, trying to find where the voice was coming from. She walked into the foyer, navigating her way up a flight of stairs and into a room. She heard the voice speak again, "Thank goodness you're alright." Akiza then saw the spirits of Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl appear before her eyes. Akiza asked, "Where am I?" Dark Magician spoke, "Lady Akiza, you're in the spirit world. Lady Y/N asked us to try and find your spirit." Akiza asked, "Y/N did? Is she alright? What about Yusei and the others?" Dark Magician Girl gave her a grim look, "Both yours and Martha's bodies are being possessed by the shadow spirits." Akiza then asked with worry, "How do I regain control of my own body?" Dark Magician answers, "Fight the darkness within your heart." Akiza whispered to herself, "My heart?" Akiza then thought of when she first met you. You accepted Akiza as a friend and you never judged her at all. Akiza said with determination, "I'll fight it."

You hoped that your spirit friends were successful in finding Akiza's spirit. You were worried that you might never see her again. The possessed Martha suddenly had a fearful look in her eyes, "What is the meaning of this?!?" You all looked and saw Akiza's body become enveloped in a bright aura. Akiza screamed, "Stay out of my mind! I won't let you do this!" The shadow spirit possessing Akiza disappeared, which caused Akiza to drop onto the ground. You watched Crow run to her side, helping her stand up. The possessed Martha spoke once more, "I don't need her! I can defeat the five of you alone!" Jack said, "If you're saying you want to duel, bring it on shadow freak!" You warned, "Jack watch what you say." The bewitched Martha adds, "Instead of starting at 4000 life points like a normal duel, since I'm duelling you five pathetic mortals, I'm starting at 20 000 life points while you all start at 4000 life points a piece." You worriedly asked, "Akiza are you alright? Are you able to duel?" She responds, "Don't worry about me, Y/N. I'm just fine." The shadow spirit spoke, "You're all doomed! Nothing can save you from the shadows now!"

To be continued.......