On My Own

Chapter 13

Author Notes: Looks like Sen is getting his wish. The documents are starting to(finally) at the very least empty. Does that make me anxious...not gonna lie yeah. If for nothing else that I have to retype the moment I run out. That's an issue for another day. I do not own Yugioh.

3rd P.O.V

"What the hell were you thinking Dust? You trying to get killed?" The gentleman duelist could only mumble under his breath as he laid on his stomach. Doing his utmost to not only ignore Trudge, but also ignore the pain he was currently in. "I have no regrets." He really didn't, even if he was suffering for it right now.

Still the elder man refused to let it go. "You can't play the hero like this! It's stupid shit like this that got your ass handed in the Satellite. Need I remind you what happened a few months ago?" At that Yusei winced, his left leg twitching at the memory...

He never did go after Jerry for attacking him and Mrs. Izayoi. Too bad that probably would have to wait till after his mission was over. "I wasn't going to watch as that girl nearly got killed Gumshoe." Scrunching up his face, Trudge crossed his arms.

"And that girl has mumbo jumbo magic and can protect herself. Blister isn't going to be happy. Thanks to that stupid stunt and that reporter you've caught everyone's attention." Yusei couldn't help groaning as he buried his face into his pillow.

His cheeks burning like a furnace. Unable to see the smirk forming on his partner. "Then again maybe you'll finally get yourself a girlfriend. From what that Carly chick said-you've got a pretty big fanbase~" He never wants to see Carly or any reporter Ever again. Of all times for her to find him.

"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.

Easily able 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.

This made him incredibly nervous. Trudge despite his temper was told to stay away from her and the Arcadia movement and he had told Yusei he would follow that order to the letter. It was one thing to sneak around and defy orders from your corrupt boss and co-workers.

It's another to do such a thing with a government organization as powerful and dangerous as J-IPA. This was a secret underground duel ring. Gambling, kidnapping and human trafficking, it was the hidden sin city of the dueling world.

The fact that a terror organization as well as shady criminals were making themselves at home here made it all the more scary. The longer the two of them stayed, the higher the chance that the they would be discovered and taken out. Trudge knew this.

Hell he helped Blister drill these points into Yusei's head before they even got started. So why the hell was the ass dueling arguably one of the most dangerous individuals in an unofficial match?! "Not too shabby little lady. It's no wonder you've reached the top twenty. Still I got a reputation to uphold. My draw."

Dust made his way towards the front, pushing and weaving through people just to see what was happening. "It's my move! And I'll be sure to make you pay for that!" A harsh wind surrounded the girl as she made her summon.

Causing many individuals in the audience to cover their heads in fear. Clothes and hair went flying, some people even got pushed back by the intensity. "I synchro summon my ultimate monster using my level five Copy Plant and Dark Verger!" Black and purple petals flutter from the ceiling, scattering in the win.

"I summon my Blackrose Dragon!" It was chaos as people started shoving each other to get away from the battle. The wind turned all the harsher to the point Dust had to put on his goggles just to see. "Prepare to get destroyed! Huh?" The ground began to rumble.

And for once it was not Blackrose's doing. The whole city was undergoing an earthquake. Along with the rose witch's powers, the dueling area became unstable. The lights began to spark out of control and buildings were beginning tumble and crumble. "Ahh!"

Blackrose stumbled, collapsing onto her knees. "Look out!" She could barely see in the darkness as something collided into her. Pushing her out of the way of some falling debris. "Stay still." A short shout of pain escaped the individual who pinned her to the ground.

She was out of breath, panicking before a calm voice called out to her. A voice that she faintly recognized. "Are you alright Miss?" Beneath her mask she squinted her eyes, gazing into deep blue eyes. "You?"

There were screams and groans of pain echoing throughout the area as the area continued to rumble. It was a few minutes before things quieted down. As well as for her to catch her voice. "Wh-what were you thinking?!" She couldn't understand why this stranger decided to come to her rescue.

"I'm not one to walk away when there's someone in trouble." A small hiss escaped his lips as he moved, moving some of the broken remains off his back. "Apologies for the rough treatment...I didn't really have the time or opportunity to better plan that." Slowly but surely both of their vision was improving.

They were face to face, with Dust protectively covering her body with his own with his eyes narrowed in pain. He still tried to offer her a smile to ease her worries. His entire frame was shaking as he carefully straightened himself up, the rocks that landed painfully onto his back falling to the ground in hard thuds.

Giving her the opportunity to sit up in disbelief. "You never answered my question Miss." It was taking everything within him not to scream from the excruciating agony he was in. Taking deep breaths, he rested his back against a turned over booth. "Why do you care about that? You're the one in pain."

She was back on her knees, glaring at him with suspicion. Not that he could tell with her mask. "I don't need a reason to worry about someone, especially after an earthquake." Another rumble occurred, restarting everyone's fear as people took cover or ran for their life.

Dust unfortunately was in no position to move. "Get somewhere safe." But Blackrose could. "Wh-what about you?" He offered her a grin. "I'll be fine." She didn't look convinced, no rational person could after witnessing that.

"Please...find safety while you still can. It'll take more than a few rocks to knock me down." There was a desperate hesitation as she reached her hand out. As if she wanted to grab him and get him out of here.

But she flinched as the shaking got worse, the look he gave her was strong-determined. "GO!" She stood up on shaky legs. Holding back tears as she runs. Leaving him to fall unconscious not even a minute later when another barrage of rocks and cement hit him.

Completely unaware of the near heart attack he gave Trudge, and Carly who took pictures of the damages resulting from the earthquake only for her to find his injured state.

"If you're done lecturing me-or making fun of me you can leave." Right now all Yusei wanted to do was sleep. His body was aching all over, he didn't get any new information, Carly had written an article with an image of his battered form all over it and he was sick of dealing with the asshole cop.

His patience snapped and it looks like Trudge saw that as he held his hands up in the air. "Alright alright. You get some rest kid. I'll be back in a bit with some food for you. Anything in particular?" Sighing Yusei shifted slightly, trying to get comfortable.

Emphasis on 'try.' "No. I'll eat anything." He took some nasty bone bruising and scrapes to where he had to take it easy for a few days. Which was fine since due to the earthquakes causing a lot of destruction...

It was going to take time for repairs to fix everything. "You got it. Behave?" At least he was in his own room now. The last thing he needed was Crow to mother hen him like he did a few months ago. "Yeah yeah."

Sighing he closed his eyes, giving Gumshoe the hint he could leave now. Huffing the policeman opened the door, giving one last concerned glance over his shoulder before leaving. "How the hell did Isao and Martha handle this? I'm too old playing babysitter..." He leaves, descending down the hall.

Unaware that there was someone was there listening. Hidden within the shadows, a lone figure stood. "I knew there was more to him." Silently the individual carefully opens the door. Already the gentleman duelist was fast asleep.

Breathing in a slow, rhythmic pattern, he was at peace. Not hearing his newest guest slowly approaching his bedside. "I don't know who you are or why you and your friend are investigating me, but it's best you stop here." Of course she receives no answer as he still slumbers.

Somewhat annoying her as she wasn't sure if she actually wanted to converse with him or not. In general she didn't know what to think of this man. Then she pauses, it's then she truly gets a good look at his face.

Even with her mask narrowing her view she's able to tell that the man who saved her life, and has been nothing but courteous towards her was so much younger with all of his accessories gone. He looked rather handsome now that she thought about it...immediately a blush forms on her cheeks.

What was she thinking!? "Still, I owe you." She leaves as quickly as she comes. Gone long before Trudge returns. The only sign of her presence was a card with a black rose attached to it laying on his desk. Two words were written in neat cursive on the otherwise blank note. 'Thank you.'

to be continued

Author Notes; It's hard to write tsundere's...wait would she count as one? I'm not sure, it doesn't help that I don't like characters like that. But I think it works somewhat here since she likes/respects him, but also doesn't trust him.

Does that make sense? Personally I'm not sure but we're rolling with it. But that's all I got for now. As always thank you all for reading the story. If you like feel free to fav/follow/review. Really makes my day. Welp tchao for now.