On My Own
Chapter 23
Author Notes: We be back friends! Last chapter was quite the roller coaster of emotions since Yusei was dealing with some lingering feelings he had. That's fine though-because now we have more turmoil. I'm sure our undercover hero will be thrilled-I do not own yugioh.
3rd P.O.V
"Heeeelllloooooo Underground~ It's your favorite host Angela and here with a super special newsbreak. As you know a few days ago the showdown between Dust and Krest ended with a bang as the Lord of Shadows decided to collide straight on with his opponent after losing.
News just came in that Dust despite the near death experience has not only survived but is perfectly fine and prepared to continue to take on the tournament! Sadly though Krest...had passed away from his injuries. But that's not the most shocking factor-
It turns out that Krest was actually Kalin Kessler, a favorite among fans that wasn't at all seen during this season's tournament. Rumors are going around wondering why he decided to enter with a different identity and now-"
Yusei was really starting to hate this woman as he turned the tv off. Admittedly smashing the power button more than he probably should've...before remembering that this isn't his home and that he had more important things to worry about than some bimbo blonde news reporter.
Still, he. Was. Livid. Someone had just died, his ex friend-and yet she had the gall to put on that perky, upbeat tone as she talked about what happened. Sounding delighted at the fact that she had something interesting to talk about.
Damn vulture. "Hello? Earth to Yusei?" The duelist sighed as he brought his attention to the J-IPA agent. What a fine start to his morning. "What's the plan Blister?" No coffee, and Blister invading his personal space first thing.
The only good news was the fact that it was just them. He couldn't handle Crow or any of the others putting in their two cents. He's heard enough out of all of them the last couple days. In general the mechanic in disguise was still reeling over the fact that Blister's hire ups were dropping the case.
Acting like all these disappearances were no big deal. That what happened to Akiza, Yugi, Leo, his sister and so many others weren't important. Honestly it made this whole thing sick to his stomach. Especially since there was no good explanation for it.
"Right now just keep doing what you've been doing. Go through the tournament, stick to the shadows in between rounds and keep an ear out for gossip." That couldn't be it. Not after what they've found so far.
This wasn't the time for him to twiddle his thumbs. "Are you serious? I found a secret underground dungeon and lab and you're just telling me to stay passive?" What if there were others like Leo still down there? Hiding away or injured? The older man grimaced at his sour expression.
Probably already having a good inkling to his thoughts. "We don't have back up Yusei. You go down there-chances are you get caught and killed. Just like your old man. And right now with all the publicity you've been getting, it's going to be hard to do any sort of infiltrating."
He hated the idea of waiting around. But he hated even more how much his logic made sense. "So what-we rely on Carly and Trudge to dig shit up? What about Leo and Akiza?" Yusei wasn't liking any of this.
"There's going to be less eyes on them and both of them have a lot more experience with sneaking around. I'm going to be staying in contact with them. As for Leo I'm looking into shipping him off to a safe house. Just waiting for the response back from a friend of mine."
At least there's that, though that only answered half of his question. "What about Akiza?" Blister's mouth twisted, meaning Yusei was NOT going to like the next set of sentences. "I planned on shipping her off as well, but she refuses. Insisting on helping us." Well what a surprise. He was right.
"No." The agent rubbed his aching temple. "Hey take it up with her, not me. But I'm not going to force her away when she can be valuable." Oh hell no. "Is that all that matters to you? Turning people into your damn pawns-not caring what happens so long as they're useful?!" At that Blister's eyes turned cold.
Matching his companions fiery gaze. "Yes. If it gets these dangerous criminals off the streets, forced to pay the consequences for their actions. She's my key to the Arcadia Movement, just like you are with this case." The urge to grab the man and hurt him was strong.
The desire to wrap his hands around his neck was gravely tempted. "Unbelievable." But Yusei wasn't stupid, he knew Blister was armed, and it wouldn't help the situation. "Look kid, I know I haven't given you a good impression of me since we met but I don't like this any more than you."
Blue eyes glance down, seeing clenched fists, before looking up to that still frozen, steely expression. Cutting off any irritated scoffs or protests. But of course Yusei was still sporting a harsh(rightfully so) grudge against him. Yet, despite those intense feelings he allows Blister to say his piece.
"If I could resolve this without putting people at risk. If I could make it so these sick bastards were behind bars without danger by all means I would-but I can't. I can't afford to be nice when the bad guys won't be. You could've walked away. Akiza could've said she wants to leave. Both of you refused."
The world is not a good place. It wasn't some realm where things were cleanly divided into shades of black and white. Heroes aren't pure saints just as villains aren't totally cruel and wicked. People were complex.
Blister was a J-IPA agent working to protect his country and the people in it. But he couldn't afford to play by the rules if he wanted to get shit done. Unlike Isao he wasn't above using underhanded means if it meant getting rid of dangerous threats.
And...as painful and horrible as that sounds, it was that mentality and method that explained why he was here while his partner was not. Yusei's father was an incredible agent. Skilled, strong, intelligent, but he was kind and followed his morals and rules of society to the letter.
Those strong morals and sense of being a law-abiding citizen got him killed. "If they find out Akiza has her memories back who knows what will happen to her!" And unfortunately for the veteran government official...he had to see those same exact traits in Isao's son.
Who was not afraid to argue with him on it. "I told you I would take responsibility for anything that happens. She's aware of the danger, but she wants to pay you back for everything you've done for her. I plan on letting that happen." Blister knew that was the wrong thing to say.
Any sense of patience and control Yusei had was gone as he grabbed him by the collar. "You can't take responsibility for people's lives. You can't bring back the dead. Stop acting like your words will fix things. You're not a God." No matter what Yusei was going to talk to Akiza about this.
But regardless of her decision, he was going to make sure his employer got a damn reality check. "It's that kind of logic, manipulating and taking advantage of people that makes you no different than the bastards that tortured Leo and his sister. That killed my father." What made someone evil?
What defined someone as good? Is it the actions? The circumstances around the actions? Honestly Yusei had no clue what to think anymore. All he knew is he had a job to do. And he would do it. Protecting those dear to him and those in need of help were his number one priority.
For now he would listen to Blister, but at the end of the day, anything that happens from now on would be done his way. "You better pray no one gets hurt or further involved Blister...because I promise you I will drag you to hell if something goes wrong." He wasn't going to rely on anyone.
"I'm counting on that...now come on, we got more to discuss." Not now, not before, not EVER.
to be continued
Author Notes: Honestly I can't blame the guy for having trust issues. Personally I'd be wary of Blister more than anyone else, but that's just me-then again, Yusei hasn't forgotten anything that's happened with him the last 20 or so chapters lol.
Can't wait to see how next chapter goes. Though I do believe a change in perspective is needed. Anyways ending it here. As always thank you all so much for reading my story. If you like please feel free to fav/follow/review as it means a crap ton to me, and I'll see you next time. Tchao for now.
