On My Own

Chapter 11

Author Notes: Ok...so far so good. I got Yusei in, I got him a badass disguise and I haven't had to force myself into going research mode on cards. Sorry people yugioh or not-I don't do card games. I could barely play back when it first debuted and that was when the rules were simple.

A duelist I am not. But that's fine. I'm a writer ergo it's time to give our hero another chapter. Time to get it on with the story. I do not own Yugioh or any of the other potential references that I can no longer remember putting in the story lol.

3rd P.O.V

A few days have gone by since Yusei officially registered as the duelist 'Dust' and things seem to be going fine. "Alrighty Dust-this is the best place to grab a bite to eat in the whole Underground~" It was a relief that his friend Crow hadn't suspected a thing about his true identity.

Though there were times he felt guilty, the instinct to reveal himself came time and time again throughout his stay, but miraculously held it off. Knowing the consequences for doing such a thing. "Is the food truly so grand? There's hardly anyone here."

The ginger gives him a grin as he takes a seat at one of the small tables. "You bet! Foods to die for~" There was a sense of nostalgia as Yusei takes a seat. Back when him and all of his friend's would order at Yubel's place.

"I guess I'll have to take your word for it. What do you recommend?" Both take a gander of the menu, with Dust struggling to figure out what on earth he was looking at. Various names such as 'The Garbage Dump' only had a list of ingredients instead of actually explaining what the actual food is.

Of course when the food joint is called the Titan's Blackhole it's no surprise some of these names were weird. Crow hums as he rests his fist against his cheek. "I think the better question is whattya like? This place has a little bit of everything. And all of its good."

That only made picking harder, Yusei could practically eat anything and everything, especially when the finances were low. But then again you could say that for anyone in the Satellite. Still he had to pick something.

"Perhaps..." Before he could give an answer, a harsh slam hit their ears, making them turn back. "Oh great." Crow made a face, scrunching his usually smooth features. "What was that asshole?" And Yusei couldn't really blame him.

Since his own mood was dampaning. "I said that you're wasting my time. Get out of my sight." Of course they would have to run into Jack. The mechanic in disguise had assumed he would've run into him and Kalin sooner or later.

Though the white hair male was nowhere to be seen yet, Mr. Master of Faster was here. Eating his meal like he's king of the world. Which in all honesty wasn't a surprise. Even back in their high school days, Jack had an ego.

One that often got him in trouble with the jocks and other assholes scrumming around the Satellite. "Oh yeah? I think it's about time someone knocked you off your high horse you-" Dust found himself unable to move as the blond haired man stood from his seat.

Towering over the fool stupid enough to pick a fight with him. This was looking familiar, too familiar, but there was nothing good about it as vivid memories flashed through his mind. One too many times Yusei had to bust his friends out of trouble.

It was a good thing that Yusei knew what buttons to push and what deals to make, otherwise things would've been much worse. Crow often had a temper, Kalin had a justice streak, and Jack had a mouth-the three of them combined was usually a recipe for disaster especially when Trudge was around.

Looks like he was getting a front row seat of those old times in action today. "Damn him." And it also looks like his orange haired companion didn't seem too thrilled about that. Though Jack's next statement left some red flags no one was expecting.

One that actually reminded Yusei to one of the main reasons he was here in the first place... "Now understand this Radley. I told you I have no interest in your offer. So you can go tell your boss to fuck off along with you." All eyes were on them.

The air tensing with each passing second. "My boss offers you the chance of the lifetime Atlus! You think I'll let you-" Before either male could bring forth the first punch a knife flew through the air.

Just barely scratching the hot headed ravenette. Only to imbed into the wall right next to Dust's cheek. "Holy shit!" Crow's jaw dropped to the floor, flinching away unlike Dust who was completely immobile, if not for the sweat appearing off his face one would think he was unaffected by the sudden blade.

Of course his eyes were on the person who threw the damn thing. "Hey you two better knock it off!" What made it crazier was the fact that it was a little golden haired girl with deep blue eyes who did it...

"In case you jerks can't read-there's no fighting here! Unless you want me to get my big brother you better stop!" All Jack did in response was give a soft snort, but did as requested without complaint.

Simply sitting down and resume his meal without making even a single comment or protest. Acting as if he was the refined, classy individual he was. "What was that? A little brat thinks she can tell me what to do!?"

Radley however didn't seem too thrilled about being told off by a middle schooler. "What's wrong Sonia?" Not that there was much he could do. Since the larger, older, and more menacing big brother appeared. Matching her physical traits in spades.

"Hey Raf. We got a roughhouser who thinks he can bully me." Rafiel cracked his knuckles as he gave a cold glare. "Is that so?" Any confidence the idiot had left within an instant. "Listen here you piece of shit. This is my joint. I'm pretty sure my sister explained that there's no fighting here. So you got to the count of three to get out before I knock your head off. One."

Radley didn't bother to wait till 'two' to bolt out the door. Although he did make sure to shoot Jack one final glare before running with his tail between his legs. The instant he was gone Rafiel sighed, looking down at his smug looking sibling before giving her a small smack on the head.

A small groan escaping the young girl. "Ow! What was that for?" Dust couldn't help the small smile forming on his lips. Sonia reminded him so much of Rally with that one whining question. "How about getting the knife out of the wall and apologizing to the customer you almost hit?" He lifts his thumb.

Immediately she follows her brother's gaze, wincing at how close the blade was from hitting his head. "Oh no!" It doesn't take long to rush over and take the weapon out. Biting her lip as she stares with a guilty expression. "Sorry!" She was expecting to get yelled out or lectured.

Considering how close it was to nearly impaling his skull, it would've been well deserved. But found herself surprised when the customer simply chuckled. "It's quite alright. No harm done. Though you may wish to practice more with your throwing skills." Rafiel gave the man a smirk while his sister blushed.

Too embarrassed to make another comment she runs right back into the kitchen, leaving her brother in charge of damage control. Which was fine since the owner of Titan's Blackhole was curious at the new face. Personality and attire wise...he was weird.

But in a good way. "Your friend here's got some major balls Crow. Not everyday you find someone laugh off nearly getting stabbed in the head." Dust could only shrug, his gaze meeting Rafiel head on. "She meant no harm. And she did apologize-I see no reason to cause a commotion."

Yusei's eyes narrow for a moment when he pauses. Finding Jack meeting his stare. "Though it would be better if such a skirmish didn't happen in the first place. Was there truly a need to provoke the man?" All he got was a sneer from the champion who had quickly finished his lunch special.

"Clearly you must be new here. With the birdbrain it's no surprise you don't know how things work." Now he was taking his fight to Crow. "What was that?" Dust could only sigh as he quickly grabbed his seating companion, well aware of what was going on.

Throwing the shorter male right back down in his seat. "He's only trying to rile you. Don't rise to his childish bait." Both Rafiel and Jack were inspecting him from head to toe. Dust both appearance and personality wise was made to be an enigma.

A mystery that people couldn't get a clear reading on. It seemed to be doing the trick despite Jack's strong sense of perception. However the blonde celebrity could see his potential, knowing a challenge when he sees one.

It looks like this year is going to be entertaining. At least for him. He was getting bored of the weaklings trying to take his crown. Even now the only real thing that get's a real smile on his lips is messing with Crow.

"I don't know who you are but you're going to need all the luck you can get if you're planning on competing in this year's tournament. Not only because the stakes are higher than ever-but also you're not going to get anywhere with the company you're with."

Dust clamped his hand on Crow in an iron grip. Hearing the man next to him growl while trying to leap out of his seat. "Just you wait asshole- I'm taking you down!" Sparks were flying in both directions, with Dust quietly stuck in the middle.

Contemplating if he should stick around to keep Crow on a leash or just leave. Since the owner of the joint didn't look like he was going to play peacekeeper. Either he knew the both of them pretty well or this was a typical occurrence.

Either way, it didn't bode well. "We'll see Crow. But last I recall you've only made it to fourth place in the last several years we've competed. You have no chance winning against me." Scrunching up his face, the ginger clenched his fists.

"At least I fought for my wins. You only got your hot streak champion title after backstabbing Yusei back home. Pretty sure he'd be pissed seeing what a scumbag you've become with his gear! We both know you'd be nowhere without him! Yet I didn't recall him mentioning you last time i saw him."

He struck a nerve. Yusei felt his fingers twitch at the statement(though thankfully didn't show any other reaction) but it was nothing to Jack who actually flinched. His eyes holding a pain for only a split second before scowling.

Holding his nose high in the air. "Like that means anything coming from you. Pretty sure you left the same time as me and Kalin. What? Did he pity your broke ass situation?" It was too much...he couldn't hear anymore.

Eyes went wide as Dust at blinding speeds got up close and personal to land a nice heavy punch to Jack's cheek. The force knocking him right on his ass. It felt good-he had been waiting so many years to lay it on him.

Of course that impulse to beat down Crow was there as well when they first reunited but there were three major reasons why Yusei hadn't done such when they met up at Saint Martha's after years of bitterness.

The first and foremost was at that time he was injured, not able to really move around as he also had the terrified Setsuko with him, let alone do a beatdown on his old friend for ditching him way back when. Secondly Crow explained himself.

Actually having the balls to come back even in the face of people who were very vocal of their distrust and lack of joy seeing him, to talk about why he left. That he didn't just leave because he was bitter over Yusei's loss, or didn't want to be his friend.

But instead left to help his family who even now despite his winnings were still struggling financially. However, probably the most important reason why Yusei did not hold as long of a grudge and was willing to move past it... was the fact that his ex friend when he came back APOLOGIZED!

He knew the instant he returned that he was not welcomed. That he made enemies by ditching the Satellite all those years ago without any sort of explanation. Still his sincerity showed when he was told just how badly he screwed up and said sorry. Promising he would make up for his mistakes.

That he wasn't going to run away or act like he did in high school. It was a coincidence that Crow had ditched around the same time as Kalin and Jack. Their friendship was torn for reasons that were still a mystery, but Crow worked to get back his bond with Yusei.

And when the short male says he's going to do something when it's important, he does it and gets shit done. Jack and Kalin...never did. Still he did just punch the master of faster. And he was still in disguise...that anger shouldn't have come out like it did. So he needed to think and fast before questions get asked.

"I do not know who you are, nor do I care. What matters to me however is character-and despite your supposed reputation, you have none from what I see. You've had your fill. Leave my friend be and leave. If you truly want to pick a fight-do it during the tournament. But I will not listen to your childish insults."

It was the best he could do. Something told him Blister was going to let him have it when he gives his report tonight. Hopefully Dust can scrounge up some new information that will hopefully get him off the hook.

He could really do without a damn lecture right now. "I can't wait to make the both of you eat my dust during the competition. I suggest you bring your A game." Maybe it was the punch, or maybe even Crow's previous comeback, but Jack definitely appeared rattled as he made it to his feet.

Not bothering to look in either of their directions as he left right out the door. "Like I said Crow-your friend has some major balls." Even though Rafiel was ready to tear into Radley for fighting, he only watched with amusement.

Completely fine that some random guy punched a customer(and perhaps friend? Dust wasn't sure) that was practically a celebrity. "Now it seems it's my turn to apologize-I did not mean to resort to violence. If you wish for me to leave I will do so." Rafiel laughed as he slapped Yusei's back.

"Jack had it coming, I would've stepped in if you hadn't. Still gotta hand it to you kid-you're something else. Now are you going to order or what? For that little showdown and being nice to my sister-lunch will be on me." Yusei gave a grin of his own as he sits back down.

He could get used to this. "Hey what about me Raf? I'm your favorite customer!" The blond muscleman gives his regular a look. "How about you pay your damn tab first? Lord only knows how much furniture I've had to replace because you and Jack had a hissy fit with each other."

to be continued

Author Notes: Well that ended on a good note. Jack got the punch I'm sure many people have wanted to give him since the show revealed him. Yusei certainly seemed satisfied-though will pay for it later-probably.

And Crow? Well Crow's going to be working on the tab or he's starving lol. But that is it for now guys. Thank you all so much for reading the series so far. Please feel free to fav/follow/review as it would mean a ton to me. Really makes my day actually. I'll see you, tchao for now.