Chapter 1 - A Birthday Song From A Bird

Aki stared at the marvelous strawberry cake in front of her. It was covered in a rose pink frosting, the edges surrounded with strawberries and edible roses. Her eyes traveled to the icing in the center of the cake. "Happy birthday, Aki." Aki had just arrived home after visiting her mother, who was under constant medical attention at New Domino City's most well-renowned hospital due to her severe heart problems. Her mother sent her home with the amazing cake, upset that she couldn't join her daughter for her 19th birthday. The previous winter, Aki's father, Hideo Izayoi, had passed away from a car accident. The lonely months after the incident had proven to be more difficult than Aki had ever imagined. She had hoped this spring would bring joy to the Izayoi family, but things were even worse now. Her mother had been in the hospital for 3 weeks with no sign of improvement. Her closest friend, Yusei Fudo, had moved away to duel in a far-off city, along with Jack Atlas. The lonely days at the Izayois' large house were tearing her apart. For the past few nights, the empty halls were filled with Aki's cries. The desire to wake up every morning had burned out of Aki. She only wished to die peacefully one night.. It was all the hope that remained for her.

Aki stood up after gazing at the cake for a few moments. She realized she wasn't hungry at all and was more concerned about how her mother was doing. She walked over to her dresser and picked up her golden brush. Her long, wavy, red hair bounced on her shoulders as she slowly ran the brush through the locks. It was her mother who had suggested that Aki should grow her hair long. As always, her mother had great ideas. Aki looked more beautiful than ever with long hair. She set the brush down and peeked out the window. The full moon was illuminating the night sky. She knew it would hurt too much to stay home again, especially since it was her birthday. Aki pulled on her black hoody and decided to go out tonight.

The wet, busy streets of New Domino City were somewhat calming to Aki. Her mind roamed free and she allowed all sorts of thoughts to run through her head. After a few minutes of walking around and thinking, she instantly knew she had made a mistake. Even the most painful memories were returning to her. Just a couple of years ago, the entire world had shunned her, including her parents. For some reason, she forced herself to think about those things even more. She enjoyed the pain of those reminiscences. She wanted to cry. "Heh.." Through all of the tears she was shedding unconsciously, a smile spread across her face.

A while later, Aki found herself relaxing on a bench near a subway. Even if she enjoyed crying, she couldn't bare the pain. She remembered how Yusei had saved her. He had shown her that she belonged somewhere. But now he was gone. And Aki was alone again. She closed her eyes. 'Someone save me...'

"Aki?"

Aki heard a familiar voice and quickly looked up. She saw a male with a head of spiked orange hair. He was dressed in a brown vest and black jeans. His feet were strapped in orange and green boots. She immediately recognized him, despite his slight change in appearance.

"Crow Hogan..?"

"Haha, it really is you! Hey, Aki!" Crow chuckled.

Aki couldn't help but smile. "So you've gotten taller?"

"Bah.. Nonsense. I've been this tall. I couldn't recognize you since you've grown your hair." He smiled, uplifting Aki's mood in a matter of a few seconds.

"Yeah. I guess it looks better this way."

"Totally." Crow gazed into her eyes.

Aki stood up and pulled the hood over her head, covering her red hair. She shied away and refused to have eye contact with him. Crow noticed this and took a step back. "Well, it was nice running into you. I'm just headed over to the card shop to get some new cards or somethin'. See ya around, I guess."

"No, wait."

Crow looked at her, wondering why she would stop him.

"Today's my birthday and I was feeling a bit down.." This was insane. Recently, Aki had found it stupid to spend time with people she was afraid to know or someone that didn't understand her. She was quickly becoming the same person she was before she met Yusei and the other signers. But there was no way on earth that she could spend this night alone. Her heart ached and she wanted a friend. The past few months had been killing her. Crow was the perfect person. His aura alone was making her happy. Just knowing that someone was standing in front of her.. Waiting for her.. Paying attention to her.. It made her feel better.

"Today's your birthday?" Crow halted her train of thought.

"Yes.." She looked down at the wet concrete.

"What the hell are you doing here? Shouldn't you be out partying with your family or somethin'?"

"My mother is in the hospital.."

".. Oh, man."

"And my father.. He's.. He's de-" Aki broke down in tears.

"Gah, I'm so sorry, Aki." Crow understood what she was trying to finish. He placed a hand on her shoulder. He couldn't believe it. It had been about 6 months since he last saw Aki. She was so happy and lively then. Now she was out alone on her birthday. 'It's because Yusei left.' Crow thought to himself. He knew Yusei and her were close friends. 'Now she's got no one. Her dad's gone and her mom's in the hospital. I wonder why and how long she's been there.. But I guess I shouldn't pry.'

"I'm so rude.. I didn't mean to cry.. Ugh." Aki wiped her tears with the sleeve of her hoody.

"It's okay. So you're out alone this late?"

Aki nodded.

"Then why don't I treat you to some birthday dinner?" Crow smiled and rubbed the back of his head.

"Birthday dinner?"

"Yeah, I'd hate to leave you crying all alone. Plus, my D-Wheel's parked nearby. We can hop on and drive to a fast-food place!"

Aki smirked. "I expected a fancy, five-star restaurant, Crow. Not a fast-food place."

"Hey, hey. You think I'm rich? I'm a delivery boy. I can barely make a living! How am I supposed to take you to a fancy-smancy restaurant?"

Aki couldn't help but laugh at the orange-haired boy's rant. "Alright, alright." She wrapped her arms around Crow's elbow. "Just take me somewhere."

Crow and Aki enjoyed a meal at the only burger place in New Domino City that was open at one o'clock in the morning.

"So I told Jack that he'd have to pay me if he wanted to live in my secret bathroom." Crow devoured his burger while filling Aki in with some humorous tales from the old days when he lived with Yusei and Jack. Aki found no humor in it whatsoever, but listened to him with intrigue. He had an amazing aura that made her feel.. happy. The way he talked, the movement of his body, his smile.. It was all so attractive. She felt so open with him. He actually understood her. After the dinner, Aki and Crow sat on his D-Wheel parked outside the restaurant, staring at the night sky.

"The moon looks beautiful." Aki stated.

"It sure does." Crow's gray eyes wandered the skies as he lit up with a smile that melted her heart. "Hey! I forgot to wish you a happy birthday!"

"How silly. It's almost two in the morning. It's not my birthday anymore." Aki said, somewhat relieved that she was now 19.

"Eh.. Oh, well. I'll still sing!" Crow chuckled.

"Oh, God." Aki prepared to cover her ears.

Crow parted his lips to sing, "Happy birthday to you.." His singing voice wasn't as attractive as she had hoped but everything else about him was driving Aki off the edge of the D-Wheel's seat. He was so sexy.. Crow finished up the horrid singing and looked at her waiting for a reaction. "Um.. Thanks, I guess." Aki smiled a bit.

"You don't like my singing, haha." Crow grinned.

He was so cheerful. He had made her day worthwhile. For the first time in months, she was able to say she was actually happy. Aki threw her arms around Crow's waist. "Now take me home!"

"I'm at your service, birthday girl!" He frowned and mumbled something. "Just don't expect me to do this everyday.."

Aki giggled and kept her arms tight around his waist.