On My Own

Chapter 12

Author Notes: Howdy~ Boys and girls we are back. Last time Jack got the punch he deserved...and Dust got some good food. Now it's time to continue, I do not own Yugioh.

3rd P.O.V

"I see. Anything else that stands out to you?" Yusei was leaning against the wall as he held the phone to his ear. "No-but did you ever check out that Radley character or that cultist group Gumshoe mentioned?" He was keeping his eyes peeled.

Crow had left earlier today, mentioning that he wanted to check out the duel booths set up. As much as he was interested in joining the ginger, he was getting too comfortable hanging out with him.

Plus he needed to talk to Blister. "Yeah. To start off we did Radley, he's a typical punk from Europe, specifically Italy. He used to belong to a gang before heading for the Underground. We're not sure who he's working for, but we're still investigating."

So much for J-IPA's almighty bureau of data department. He had hoped that there was something there for him to go on. Something just didn't sit right with Yusei about that guy. What could he have offered Jack? It had to be something important for Jack to even bother meeting with him.

"Ok, fine. What about that cultist group?" He knew there were going to be quite the variety of characters showing up to this tournament. But when Trudge came to him, telling him to watch his back because a bunch of crazies were after him...well, it led to needing a rather detailed explanation.

One that hopefully made more sense with Blister. "So he mentioned you knocking into a girl and interacting with her right? Turns out she's part of the group." That figures. His first day was nothing but nerves as he tried taking in his new temporary life.

But did his luck really merit him being a target? "I did apologize, its not like she didn't accept it. Not that she even seemed like a cultist." Not that he knew how they dressed. If anything he figured her a performer or someone trying to hide her identity due to the mask.

"That's not the point. You interacted with her Dust. Blackrose is essentially the princess of the infamous Arcadia Movement." For an infamous group Yusei had no clue who they are or how dangerous they could be. "The what movement?" He could hear Blister sigh, as if exasperated.

Well excuse him for not being knowledgeable on secret groups that caused trouble for the country. "Arcadia. It's a group of terrorists with strange, unusual powers. Not much is known about them, but we've faced them in the past. Trust me when I say you need to stay away from them." Powers?

That didn't bode well. "Do you think they have something to do with my father's disappearance?" If that was the case, he couldn't back away and ignore this. Though the girl, Blackrose seemed a bit rough around the edges, again, at least to him she didn't seem dangerous.

Still, he would be careful around her. "As far as we know no. This is the first time we've got confirmation of their involvement in the Underground. If they were involved, then they've done a good job of hiding evidence. Personally I think they have their own agenda that doesn't involve your old man's vanishing act."

All Yusei could do was sigh. It's been nearly two weeks since he underwent this little assignment and he's found nothing. No good leads. "How did the preliminaries go? You made it in the top twenty right?" At that he snorted into the phone.

Would he really be asking for more information and doing these reports if he didn't? Of course he fucking won! "Yeah, they're moving us into better accommodations. By tomorrow i'll have my own room as well as access to the venue where the tournament is taking place."

Blister gave a faint hum on the other line. "That's good. With it you should be able to investigate the lower floors without issue." That was the plan. Not that Yusei made any sort of comment.

"Gumshoe mentioned meeting up with one of your other friends. I'm gonna see him later tonight during the opening ceremony for the final twenty." This waiting around was starting to bug the mechanic...

It frustrated him to no end that it seemed like he was getting nowhere. "Sounds good. Keep me up the date and remember what I said about that Blackrose girl-stay away from her!" He didn't have to be reminded.

Despite being told time and time again he was well aware that he had a good reason for being here. He wasn't a little kid. And he hasn't met that girl since his first day. The way things were going he probably wasn't going to see her again.

Yeah she was in the final twenty but the only people he's interacted with more than once was Trudge and Crow. Honestly. "Yeah yeah. Later man." Sighing Yusei finally hung up. Not wanting to speak with his superior anymore.

The man had every right to be worried and voice his concerns but a little faith would be nice. He was more like a mother hen then a J-IPA member. Frankly he wasn't sure which was worse. "How did dad stand him?" Pocketing his phone he glances at the clock, it was barely noon.

"Guess I should go out and scope the competition." His destination was one of the dueling dens. Not only did he have his eye on the gossip, hoping to find something akin to his mission, but also the duelists. "O-oh!" However, he found himself blinking when he noticed someone waiting for him outside his door. "Uh-hi!"

It was a girl with long black hair, and swirling glasses covering her eyes. "Um...hello Miss. May I help you?" She was chuckling nervously before she gasped, picking up what looked like a notepad and pen off the ground. "Y-yes! You're Dust Fairfite right?" She straightens out her glasses before waiting for him to nod.

"Excellent! With a grin she poses. Her pen high into air, confusing him to no end. Who is this lady? "Miss?" He blinked as she moved her pen at fast speeds, pointing it at him. Dread was starting to pool into his stomach.

Already he was starting to regret opening the door. "My name is Carly Carmine! Reporter extraordinaire~ I'm here to interview you on your thoughts of the Underground and the other contestants." Oh no, he was not going to be dealing with this. In general he didn't want to be center of attention.

He had planned to follow Blister's advice and stay out of the spotlight as much as he could. But reporters just in general were a big no no for him. He didn't like them, and most certainly didn't want to talk to them.

He didn't know anyone personally who followed the profession, but he's seen enough tv to know they were vultures with fake smiles and toxic words. So...he had to play this very carefully. Knowing that depending on how this goes could make or break his cover.

"My apologies Miss Carmine, but i'm afraid I'm not the best person to do an interview with. I do not wish to give any sort of comment. If you'll please excuse me." He gave a slight tip of his hat before trying to maneuver around the girl.

But...as all reporters are stereotypically known for-she was insistent on getting her scoop. Grabbing his arm and blocking his way with her body. Not really the most effective way to keep him place with how much taller he was, but she was desperate.

Shaking her head frantically. "No no please! The public had been dying for an interview with you! As arguably one of the hottest looking contestants woman are at least wondering who you are! You can't leave me with nothing!" He was barely making heads and tails of her yammering.

Although a blush did form as he did indeed hear the comment of him being hot. "I-as I said before Miss. Carmine I have no desire to give any sort of comment. Please release me." He winced as a flash temporarily blinded him.

Within a matter of seconds she already took a picture of his crimson face. "Are you single? Where are you from? Is it true that there is a rivalry between you and Jack Atlus?" At this point he wanted to shut himself away back in his room.

But he was already outside-and was able to take advantage of the fact that Carly let go of him to take a picture. "Excuse me!" As fast as he could muster in his outfit he made a beeline out of there.

Leaving ironically a trail of dust in his wake. "Waiiiiiitttttt!" However much to his dread, Carly was quickly able to catch up to him. Still there was hope for him. All he had to do was make it down towards the crowds of people in the dueling squares.

If he could make it there, he could lose her. "You won't get away from me Dust Fairfite! I WILL Interview you! Mark my words." A chill descended down his spine at the threat, knowing she meant it. That didn't deter him from rushing into the first large bundle of people he could reach.

"Grrr...where'd he go!" Easily using his skills learned on the streets he swerved and slunk through the people. Not bumping into a single individual as he secured his escape from the high pitched girl. "Phew..." Straightening out his attire he glances around only to hear cheers ring from all sides. "Get em Blackrose!"

A duel was happening, of course between the two people that Dust was didn't want to see together. His partner Trudge and Blackrose-the rose witch...

to be continued

Author Notes Welp...Yusei should've seen this coming. Trouble finds him no matter how hard he tries. Especially when dealing with an author that likes to torture people lol. Next chapter will continue from here.

But we're ending it here guys. Ahem thank you all so much for reading the series so far. Please feel free to fav/follow/review if you want to show some support. I appreciate all the love my work gets. So I'll see you all next time. Tchao for now.