By animeninjaNIPPON

Two weeks had passed since I was thrown off of Duelist Kingdom, but I wasn't glad to be back. Everywhere I went, people laughed at me, mocked me, threw things at me – I even got pissed on by a stray dog. The only thing that made such torture bearable was the fact that I wasn't alone – Insector Haga was there with me. Haga was always there…

"They worshipped me when I was the all-Japan champion," Haga muttered, "but now they all sneer at me with their evil little faces as if they were gods smiting the wicked." He glared at some passers-by giving the finger.

I was taken back by Haga's comment. I'd never heard him say anything that descriptive before. But what really shocked me is that he practically read my mind. Actually, we had felt the same way about many things before this, but this was the first time I'd actually realized it.

"Forget those losers," I said contemptuously.

"They act as though no one ever lost a duel before," Haga said. "I'd like to see them get out there and battle."

"They probably wouldn't last five minutes in Duelist Kingdom," I replied. I was still upset, but somehow talking to Haga made me feel better. Suddenly, I was jolted by a crazy thought – why did Haga hang out with me? He didn't live that close to me, and there were geekier duelists than I lurking about. I don't know why it occurred to me, but I couldn't stop contemplating it once it came up. Thinking about it made me feel rather empty.

I felt a hand on my shoulder, and my heart jumped. For a moment I thought it was Haga, but then I whirled around and came face-to-face with an angry, muscle-bound upperclassman.

"You sold me a counterfeit card!" he bellowed, delivering a swift blow to my jaw.

"Ryuzaki!" Haga screamed.

"Ryuzaki…"

I felt like I was having a dream. I felt someone poking softly at my shoulder. I slowly opened my eyes, which were met by Haga's.

"You got punched out," he said as I propped myself up. My head was throbbing. I could feel the dizziness seep into my stomach. Within moments, I threw up.

What utter humiliation. As if the events of Duelist Kingdom didn't suffice to make my life a living Hell, now something like this had to happen. Oh well, at least no one was around to see me break down.

As I came to, I felt someone's hand against my neck. Haga was holding back my hair. I felt embarrassed. There I was, vomiting in a back alley and this boy was with me, making sure I didn't get dirty. He could be anywhere, but he chose to be here with me and make sure I was all right… did he actually care?

I looked over at him. He was looking away. My heart sank. He was reluctant to help me; probably doing it out of obligation. But wait, no – I realized why he looked away. He knew that I didn't want anyone to see me like this. He was trying to save my pride.

End of part two