On My Own
Chapter 4
Author Notes: Muahahaha it hasn't been long but this one is already to go...thanks Sen for destroying my stockpile. Last time Yusei went to go shop and Rally's calling the boys. It's time to see what happens. I do not own Yugioh.
3rd P.O.V
"So what's the big deal Rally? Why'd you call us all here?" The sixteen year old pouts, unable to meet Blitz's stern gaze. Currently he, Tank and Nervin were there, surprised to find just Rally there waiting for them.
No Yusei in sight. "I called because when Yusei gets home you guys are going out for a day of fun! Duh." The bandanna wearing factory worker crosses his arms. He was not amused, he himself had just gotten out of work after a long night shift.
Frankly, no offense to the brothers but he was ready to rest at his own house. "Right, I'm sure Yusei is well aware of this little get together?" Again Rally avoids his eyes, refusing to comment before Tank plops down on the couch, remote in hand.
"Aw chill out Blitz, we're due for a hangout." The tv is turned on, showing the weather, something that they already knew was pointless to watch. Rain was going to be raging on the streets of the Satellite any minute now. "Getting a bit too comfortable aren't we Tank?"
Nervin frowned at his friend in disapproval. Even after all these years you'd think the brunette would be more mindful and respectful of others. And more importantly their belongings. Of course Tank simply rolled his eyes at the hidden jab.
He knew Yusei wouldn't mind in the slightest. "Yeah. Yusei's always offering to have us stay over anyways, why not take advantage of it and kick our feet back for a change? Between our jobs, we could all use a break. I take it that's why you called us Rals?" The red head nodded his head.
Practically cracking it at the fast pace he was going. Not that Tank was seeing, he was more focused on finding something good to watch. But the cable options they had were crap, barely anything good on. But that was due to the poor reception in the area.
"Definitely. Yusei's barely holding himself together. Dizzy spells, barely sleeping, aches and pains-you name it, he's got it." Rally was running out of options at this point. "Don't you think you're overreacting a bit? I mean this is Yusei we're talking about. He's as tough as they come."
Nervin's eyes widen in surprise as a frustrated glare is thrown his way. "Exactly my point!" That statement right there was exactly the problem the teen was having. Something that the adults here needed to understand.
Rally pulls at his hat, scowling. "Tough doesn't mean invincible Nerv! Today has been his first official day off in YEARS and that's because I made him. He nearly fell down the stairs this morning after pulling an all nighter fixing Robby's broken down motorcycle." It was total bullshit.
Of course his brother and guardian didn't say no to the emergency visit. And that pissed Rally off to no end. "The jerk showed up at like eleven pm and Yusei got to work, all while 'Mr. Robert-i'm so awesome-Pearson' was able to go home and rest with no worries whatsoever."
It was ridiculous. Even worse was that he showed two hours late then what he told them to pick up his ride. "If it's so bad then where is he? Shouldn't he be home?" Blitz made a very good point, as there was no sign of the mechanic to be found.
And the reminder made younger boy slump in his spot on the couch. "He went to get groceries." Nervin took off his glasses then, cleaning them as he understands the dilemma. Or rather why they were called in the first place.
It in all honesty was no surprise that Yusei was out and about despite his exhaustion. He just didn't like staying still. It wasn't in his nature to take it easy even if he wanted to. But there was limits to being so damn busy.
"It's not a bad idea. If we're here to drag him out or even keep him occupied from the shop, he'll be able to relax rather then collapse while on the job." That was the plan. At the very least Rally could get Blitz and Nervin to talk to Yusei.
To tell him not to work himself to the ground like he's been doing. "You got it Brainiac!" They were always able to talk sense to him, especially now that Martha wasn't here to do it. "Hey isn't that Jack!?" The important discussion was dropped as all eyes were glued to the tv screen in shock.
There he was, all high and mighty doing a solo lap around the track as people cheered his name. "Looks like he won another tournament in the underground ring." Blitz had a grim expression as he stared at the smirking blonde.
They never got along when they were younger, but Jack better pray that he never runs into him, less he'd go missing. "Of course he did-I mean he stole Yusei's duelrunner. With that he's unstoppable." Tank got a smack on the head from his two friends, causing him to wince in pain.
"What? It's true! If it wasn't for Jack stealing his shit, or Kalim and Crow ditching him, Yusei would be living the life right now instead of working his ass off for nothing!" Rally bit his lip at the thought.
He still couldn't believe that could've been his brother's reality. No matter what he probably would've still opened up a shop that specialized in fixing things in the Satellite and helped out their neighbors.
But there was no denying he wouldn't be working so much to juggle all the bills that were being thrown his way. Between paying for Rally's schooling, the debt for Martha's funeral and their rent, it was a miracle they could actually afford groceries.
That very duel runner Jack was riding now was Yusei's first ever successful build. Made from parts in the dump and the young mechanic's passion. It was a machine built ahead of its time with the sleek design and more efficient battery life.
For nearly two years Yusei poured all of his free time into developing it. All of them including Jack, Crow and Kalin offered aid however they could with its development and paintjob. It was a long, incredible process with beautiful results.
All of them were into duel monsters, specifically the race duels that were the latest popular and competitive sport. Back when they were younger and naïve they had big dreams of competing. Money, fame, never having to worry about a damn thing again, it was of course too good to be true.
The group of fans had one day got their chance. After pooling all of the cash from working they were able to send one of them to enter a competition held right there in the Satellite. The little group of friends despite the excitement found themselves constantly arguing over who would be the racer in the tournament.
Jack argued that he was the best of them, and would take the reins. Whereas Blitz actually argued that if anyone deserved to enter, it should be Yusei. It was his own duel runner after all, it only made the best sense he duel.
While everyone else were twiddling their thumbs, whining and complaining of a dream that could never be reached, the mechanic fought for making those dreams and wishes a reality. He gave them that chance! He was also arguably the best rider there.
Long after he had finished making it, he tested the duel runner every chance he got to make sure it was safe. Despite protests and grumbles, Blitz's argument won out with Nervin backing him up, and Yusei represented them in the race.
At first things were going great, Yusei was within the top four racers making great use of the cards Rally, Tank and Nervin found for him in the dump. If there was anyone that could take junk and make it into something meaningful or useful, then it their friend.
He was able to take advantage of people underestimating him and the weak cards in his possession. No one realizing until it was too late that he was neck and neck for first place in the finals. Only for the duel runner to break down on the final lap, nearly killing Yusei and destroying any chance for victory.
It was there the friendships between everyone started being pushed to the limits. Ready to snap like an overly stretched rubber band.
'I told you that I should've been the one to race!' Nervin winced at Jack's outburst, counting his lucky stars that Yusei was hyped up on drugs, numbing the pain on top of knocking him out cold. He was probably guilty enough with the loss. The last thing he needed was to be hearing all of this nonsense.
Specifically Jack throwing a tantrum. 'Yeah and it would instead be you here in the hospital. Get over yourself Jack.' Crow was getting tired of all the bullshit spewing from the blonde's mouth. Though he was feeling just as bitter at the loss, he was more worried about his friend's condition.
Tempers were starting to rise. The wrong buttons were being pressed right now. 'How the hell did his duel runner break down anyways? Didn't we all double check it before the race began?' Blitz turned to Kalin in disbelief.
Now it was his? Because Yusei lost, and it was busted up, the duel runner was now His? What happened to the machine being theirs as Kalin always put it? Even though the most he did was pass their unconscious friend tools. Anyone could've done that.
And that was when Kalin was even there, half the time he was picking fights on the street. Said white haired teen rolled his eyes as he glanced out the window. Watching with discontent at the parade going on outside for the winning champion of the tournament.
That should've been Yusei, or rather him. Though he didn't voice it, he wanted to race as well. 'Of course we did. It was good to go.' Tension was growing in the group, Tank took out a chip, pointing it at the others.
His eyes narrowed with suspicion as a thought comes to him. 'Duel runners don't suddenly combust like what we saw. Yus's gone way faster on that thing and nothins happened.' That accusation made Blitz's blood run cold as he shared a glance with Nervin.
The timid individual had enough conversations with their favorite mechie to know the basics with how duel runners operate. His wince confirmed Tank's words. What he said was true, especially since out of everyone there Yusei knew how that thing worked best.
He would've been the one person to know the limits and how to ride it without issue. So why the hell did it fail to the point that it exploded? There was a deafening silence as everyone took an uneasy glance at one another.
No one wanted this conversation to continue. All of them were having the same dark thoughts going through their minds. Of course it ended up being him to ask the dreaded question. Seeing how one of their good friends was dealing with severe, life threatening injuries.
That one question however broke the trusting bond each of them had to the point of no return. 'So...who sabotaged it?' It was then the fighting really started as fingers started getting pointed in all directions. It was a barrage of malicious shouting that grew to harsh shoves.
Crow ended up being the one throwing the first punch. All around were eyes were full of fury and hurt. What was supposed to be a group of friends waiting for Yusei to wake up turned into a fist fight. 'What is going on here?!' Eventually Martha showed up, her eyes wide in disbelief.
The room grew silent for a moment, no one there willing to answer Martha's question truthfully. Her gaze turning to disappointment as she easily takes note of the bruises and scuff marks. Rally was right behind her, clutching her skirts in fear.
Not understanding why they were fighting. After a solid five minutes Kalin tsked before leaving the room. 'You know what? I'm done.' Not bothering to look back. 'Who needs you losers.' Then Jack left. 'Whatever.' Before finally Crow got on his feet, unable to look the kind mother figure in the eye.
Only for the three to be stopped as emerald green eyes were filled with rage turned their way. 'Not so fast boys. Just what in tarnation do you think you're doing pullin punches in MY hospital!?' Yusei's doctor was NOT going to simply let them walk out just like that after the commotion they just caused.
'Ishizu do you mind taking over for me? I think I'm due for a long chat with these three here.'
By the time Yusei woke up, still in immense pain from his injuries, his broken down duel runner was taken by Jack, with him, Kalim and Crow- three of his close friends deciding to abandon him and go their separate ways.
To this day no one could understand how or why things went the way it did. Yusei however felt so hurt and betrayed at their actions. It took months for Martha, Rally and the friends who didn't ditch his ass to pull him out of his depression.
And even longer to even touch one of his tools and start tinkering with things again. "Ugh, just change the damn channel Tank. I don't wanna see his smug ass." Time may've gone by, but it hasn't healed all their wounds. Let alone Yusei's.
The frowning construction worker does as asked, feeling just as bitter. "How is it that the Satellite gets like twenty or so channels, yet the illegal rings which Sector Security has been investigating into the last how many years now is broadcasted on live tv?" Blitz snorted at the question.
Rubbing the back of his head as he watches the cable just get shut off. "Because the illegal rings are In the Satellite. And at least half of Sector Security are in on it. My cousin Aero who works as a patrolman said that several of his co-workers are coming from their 'shift' with pockets full of cash."
And that was just what the ginger was able to tell Blitz, who knows what else the crooked cops are up to while 'investigating.' Rally furrows his brows at the news. "Why isn't the New Domino cops involved? The illegal rings are screwing up the entire city right?" A sigh escapes his brother's friends.
It was hard to forget that though Rally has some serious street smarts, he was still a kid that didn't know exactly just how bad their side of town was. Or the laws of society. Nervin ended up being the one to answer.
"It's not their jurisdiction. Or at least that's what our district's Sector Security argue, plus the owners and sponsors running the show have money, connections or both. It would take JIPA or some other government run agency to take them down. But fat chance in that happening."
He sighed before flinching at the sound of heavy knocks. "Chill Nerv." Rally got up from his spot with a grin. "It's probably Yusei with bags full of groceries. Hopefully he remembered Zora's treats." With a swift turn of the knob, the teen opens the door.
Only to freeze in place with an expression of shock. "Hey...is Yusei home?" Blitz, Nervin and Tank were all standing up at this point. Each of them wearing a face similar to that of Rally as they take in the familiar orange broom locks hidden beneath an umbrella in the downpour.
"The hell are you doing here Crow?" None of them ever thought they'd run into him again, yet here he was. With years worth of bitter anger and betrayal that's more than ready to get aired out. "Is Yusei home?" He repeats his question, not backing down.
As intimidated as he is, Crow couldn't avoid a confrontation with them any longer. He didn't want to. There was too much left unsaid when he vanished. No matter what he needed to talk to the mechanic he once called a friend. "Yes, now move your ass." But it seemed that talk would have to wait.
Everyone turned their attention further outside. A flash of lightning blinded them temporarily before seeing familiar blue eyes. There Yusei was, soaked from head to toe, with his jacket and arm, wrapped around a shaking woman who was on the verge of crying.
"Come on guys move, I need to get her inside. Rally, call up Trudge."
to be continued
Author Notes: Wow this chapter is longer than I remembered. So i'm not gonna beat around the bush this time. Guys thank you all so much for reading. If you like the series so far please feel free to fav/follow/review as it would mean a lot. I'll see you next time. Tchao for now.