Chapter 11

A few minutes later, everyone was inside waiting. Yusei sat at the table across from the Senator. Shadow stood leaning against the wall with an annoyed look towards the Senator. Blister, a friend of Yusei's, had returned and was standing next to Seria and the other side of the room. Martha walked over to the Senator and gave a cup of tea.
Hideo: Thank you very much. I should explain why I'm here exactly. Akiza is currently in a coma. The doctors say she's physically fine but mentally and emotionally. She doesn't to me or my wife but I was told maybe you can.
Yusei: How?
Shadow: You managed to get through to her at the World Cup. But I got a pretty good idea why her own parents couldn't get through to her.
Hideo looked down in shame.
Martha: Senator, I think you explain to us everything about what's really going on.
Hideo took a deep breath.
Hideo: It all started back when she was a little, I was never around for her….
As the Senator told his story, everyone listened, especially Shadow and Yusei. He told them about the first time Akiza used her powers and how he called her a monster, which annoyed Yusei and made Shadow mad as he clenched his fists. He told them how they sent her away to Duel Academy and how Akiza ran back home only to see her family enjoying life without her.
Hideo: I later found out that she joined the Arcadia Movement and I thought that would be for the best. But now she needs help more than ever.
Shadow: Help?
Everyone turned to see Shadow angry walking over to the table, he then slammed his fist on it, startling the Senator.
Shadow: Where was her help when she was a child?! Why didn't you try to understand her?! All she ever needed was her parent's love and support!
Martha: Shadow!
Shadow backed away, trying to compose himself. Yusei looked at him knowing he was also upset. Suddenly, Hideo stood up and walked over to Shadow.
Hideo: Wait...is your name really Shadow?
Shadow: Yes. Why?
Hideo: "Shadow". Akiza kept saying that word repeatedly. Now I know why.
Shadow turned and looked at Hideo in slight disbelief.
Shadow: She's been saying my name?
Yusei: Makes sense. Considering everything that you told me, when you were with the Arcadia Movement. You know her better than I do. You know the real Akiza.
Seria: Shadow, if anyone can get through to her it's you.
Hideo: I know I wasn't the best father, but I want to be there for her now with your help. Please, I'm begging you. Save my daughter, Shadow.
Shadow looked down in uncertainty.
Martha: Shadow, you know what you have to do right?
Yusei puts a hand on Shadow's shoulder and nods at him. Shadow takes a deep breath and looks back at the Senator.
Shadow: I'll do it. But I'm not doing for you, I'm doing it for her.
Hideo: I understand.
Yusei: I'm coming with you as well.
Shadow: Alright.
Seria: I'll stay here with Martha and help around in any way.
Martha: I would appreciate that dear.
Blister: So will I, best try to get people nearby to safety. And I'll work on your Runner as well Yusei.
Yusei: Sounds good.
Blister: Now then Shadow, you best go on and save your girlfriend.
Shadow: Right.
Shadow then realized what he said and his face turned red.
Shadow: Hey wait she's not my girlfriend! She's just
Martha: Then why are you blushing?
Shadow: Because….I…..I'm gonna outside and wait.
Shadow walked outside trying to hide his feelings.
Seria: He totally likes her.
Yusei: I can see that.
A few hours later, at the hospital where Akiza was treated. Jack Atlas, Leo, Luna and Akiza`s mother waited for Yusei's arrival.
Leo: Hey Jack you think Yusei can really help?
Jack: He's the only one that's through to her. And that guy Divine is history so he's the only one.
Luna looked down thinking about everything that's happened and Shadow.
Luna(thoughts) I hope Shadow is okay…..
Leo: Hey, look it's Yusei!
Everyone turned to see Yusei and Hideo walking towards them. But then Jack noticed a familiar face behind Yusei, an old friend he thought he would never see again.
Jack: Can't be….Is that…
Luna: Shadow!
Luna ran up to Shadow and hugged him.
Luna: I'm glad you're ok.
Shadow: Same to you.
Shadow looked up and saw Jack.
Shadow: Long time no see Jack.
Jack: Shadow…I thought you were dead.
Shadow: I thought so too. But I was just lost is all.
Leo: Wait, you all know each other?
Yusei: We'll explain everything later but let's help Akiza first.
Shadow: Right.
Everyone walks into the room where Akiza is. Yusei and Shadow walk up her bed. Shadow takes a deep breath and fets on his knees. He grabs her hand and starts to talk.
Shadow: Hey, Akiza. It's me, Shadow. I don't know if you can hear me, but I'm here now. And Yusei is here too. We're all here for you
Akiza starts moving and reacting.
Akzia: Sha...dow…
Yusei: She's waking up.
Akiza sat up and held her head.
Hideo: Akiza.
Akzia recognized the voice and saw her parents. She quickly became angry.
Akiza: Why are they here?
Shadow: They're here to help.
Akiza: I don't need they're help. All I need is Divine….
Akiza then remembered that Divine had fallen to his death at the Arcadia HQ.
Akiza: No, he can't be dead…he was the only one who was there for me.
Yusei: Akiza calm down and listen.
Akiza: No! I lost everything again! And you want me to calm down?!
Shadow: Please listen, Divine wasn't the person you think he was.
Akiza pushed Shadow away and grabbed her duel disk and put it on.
Akiza: Shut up! All this happened after I met you and Yusei! And now you drag the people who caused me to suffer for so long?
Hideo: Akiza please listen.
Akiza: No. I'm done with you all! I'll end you all!
Shadow: Everyone get back!
Shadow turned to Akiza and activated his duel disk.
Shadow: If you want to duel, then duel me.
Akiza: Fine. I'll finish you off first and then Yusei.
Yusei: Shadow you sure about this?
Shadow: This is the only way to get through to her.
Yusei nodded regrouped with the others.
Shadow: Let's do this, Akiza!