Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Yusei looked out towards the sky, his expression soft but regretful as he looked out towards the city. Two years have passed since the team split and yet despite all he’s done, Yusei has never felt more alone than ever.

Today should be happy, yet he doesn’t feel so. His friends were all too busy to come over. All they could muster was text and emails wishing him a happy birthday. He should feel happy they remembered it was his birthday and attempted to wish him well, but what he wanted most of all, was for someone to come and visit. 

He’s been so lonely without the rest of the team. Sure Ushio and Mina would stop by, maybe Carly would come and ask him about how things were, but it was always the same. They would leave soon because of work and only provide small chat.

Yusei just wants someone to stay a little longer than just an hour. He wants his friends to come over to spend the night. He’s so tired now of just fleeting moments with people. His work also doesn’t allow for much opportunity to get out much and connect with people. He tries his hardest for the city, for his friends to have a place to come home to, but he feels like it isn’t enough for him now. 

He shivered suddenly, his thoughts went deep into darkness. Yusei pulled his coat tighter as he stepped back into his home. Zora is still around but she was currently out running errands while Yusei still lived in the small garage. It’s space seemed more enlarged than ever now with the silence. He plopped onto the couch looking around. His thoughts going to the past, of how Jack and Crow would bicker, Leo and Luna asking for help on homework, Aki would come in to ask for help as well only to get distracted by something. It was all painful now. He shook his head.

He needs to get a grip on himself. He is not alone, his friends are in a way still with him. 

So why does he feel like they were not?

Yusei sighed, he wasn’t sure what to feel now. He should be more at peace since things are normal. The city is at peace and yet there’s nothing but work to keep him occupied. 

At the end of the day, Yusei longs for companionship, for the presence of someone to keep the loneliness he feels away. He can’t expect his friends to drop everything they are doing and come down to visit him. They have their own lives, it would be wrong to call them to come over so soon and with so little prep.

He laid down, exhausted from his own train of thoughts.

Until he heard a slow knock at the door. 

Turning in confusion Yusei steeled himself. It was a little late to be getting any visitors at this hour. He wasn’t expecting anyone. 

Slowly moving towards the window area, he peeked through the shutters. Body relaxing as he sees a familiar face.

Opening the door he came face to face with his old friend Kiryu.

“Hey Yusei, hope I’m not too late to drop by and see you.” A smile was plastered on his face. Yusei looked down towards the small box Kiryu held towards him. 

To Yusei it said, the small present lighting up a spark within him. Maybe today won’t be so bad, so long as he had someone. 

Yusei must’ve been staring too long, as he snapped out of his stupor when Kiryu quietly asked if he could come in. Blinking away his surprise, Yusei leads his friend towards the empty garage. Kiryu quickly followed, bringing along his motorcycle. The vehicle looked no worse for wear as it’s rider.

Yusei turned towards his friend. “It’s been too long, Kiryu. How have you been? I haven’t seen or heard from you in a couple of years.” He leaned forward on the couch, eager to hear from his old friend. 

Kiryu plopped onto the couch, cracking his shoulders from a long day of travel. “I’ve done a lot in these past years. After you left, we renamed the place Satisfaction Town, as a memento to the past and of our victory. We did much to rebuild and in that time the town has expanded and thrived. The landscape is still a desert but it has become sort of a tourist attraction as well since we thought of expanding upon the dyne mine in the area. There’s still much to be mined from there. The mines were also cleaned up and rebuilt for better work conditions. Technology has helped provide workers with quicker means of operating with the addition of drills and belts for processing.” Kiryu trails off, his face sombering a little as he goes into his next update. 

“Tours and memorial services are also done in the area for the long battle we had back when the town was run by the two duel gangs. I don’t know why but people found a lot of interest in what had happened during that time. I am not against it though, considering there’s been much to pay respects to those lost in the conflict. You remember the grave site that we landed in? It’s been landscaped and touched up so that it can be a proper resting place for those buried.” He stops suddenly and looks up towards the ceiling, his eyes closed as if deep in thought. 

Yusei closed his eyes as well. A sad but thoughtful expression crossed his face as he himself quietly mourned for those lost. A small swelling in his heart occured as he thinks about how much has happened for the growing town and it’s citizens. So much has happened to help it grow and rebuild. He hopes it will continue to go smoothly. The town had enough hardship, the people there deserve to have better. 

Kiryu took a deep breath, eyes opening as he looked weary and long at his friend. “The kids helped a lot as well. I didn’t want them to after all they endured, but they wanted to pitch in saying it would be something their father wanted.” He stopped for a moment, eyes trailing to the side a bit before shaking his head out of unwanted thoughts. “They’ve grown so much. I would say Nico is almost up to your shoulders now! She’s growing into a fine young woman and so is West. He’s a little short but he’s still growing. I’m a little worried that’ll cause a problem for him later but he seems to be managing just fine. If they weren’t busy prepping for school stuff they would’ve loved to come visit as well. I can’t tell you how much has happened and yet it still seems just yesterday that everything happened. Time flies, doesn't it? Yet, it seems to be slowing. I’ve noticed that when I’m with the kids the days go so fast, yet once I’m alone…” 

Kiryu takes a moment to collect himself, brushing his hair out of his face before turning gold eyes towards the other. “ Well, everything seems to glue together. I hope you’ve been doing well. It’s been a while and I thought I should drop by for a visit. After noticing your birthday was coming up I had planned to stay around for a bit. Maybe catch up with you. I hope it’s not too intrusive.” Kiryu glanced at the other, waiting to hear a reply before continuing.

Yusei perked up a bit at the request. Eyes shimmering as he nods his head, smiling all the wide. “I would love that. You can stay for as long as you’d like, Kiryu! You’re always welcome here. It’s been so quiet and lonely on my own now. Having you stay over is nice. Zora still hangs around but she mostly does her own thing and everyone else left to pursue their goals, but for me?”

Yusei sighs deeply, shaking his head. His hands rubbing his face in weariness as he looks towards Kiryu. His friend seems somewhat troubled by the news. Yusei decided to leave it be for now and carried on with his story. “There’s still a lot to do in the city. So much research needs to be done, I need to get all these papers in, maintain Fortune, ensure these donations get through, and handle financing…” He drones on with a list of things to do that Kiryu eventually butts in.

“Yusei,” Grabbing the other’s attention, Kiryu looked serious as he looked at his friend. “I think you should slow down and take a break. You’re putting too much work on yourself. Don’t you have other coworkers? Can’t you rely on them more? That’s way too much for you to do yourself, even if you’re the best worker I’ve known, that’s just overkill.” He shook his head at his friend, sometimes he wondered how Yusei manages himself. He’s going to burn himself out at this rate!

“Yusei, even if you feel the need to do all this, you can always ask for help. You got tons of people willing to help you out, maybe you should trust them. It would give you more time to relax and maybe go out once in a while. No wonder you’ve been feeling down! You’re overworking so much that you don’t get enough time for yourself.” Kiryu sighed in fond exasperation at his friend. He’s such a hard worker, but he always overdoes it in some way. 

Yusei just flushed in embarrassment and shifted nervously. “I guess I can have more people help, so long as they know what they are doing. I do have a schedule I have to maintain you know.” He knows it would make things faster. Yusei just feels he can’t always trust everyone he works with. 

Perhaps it’s a consequence from being in Satellite, or from an inability to find anyone like him, but either way he does need more help. He nods to his friend as he thinks more about it. He really does need to trust his coworkers more. They all worked hard to get where they were and they never really did let him down. He should entrust them with a few more things to help out. (It’s not like they don’t ask if there’s anything else to do anyways.)

“Great!” Kiryu exclaimed, beaming widely at him. “Now with that out of the way maybe we can go out to watch some duel tournaments, or maybe grab a bite to eat? I was looking at some place we could go to for your birthday. I remember how fondly you were about wanting to try out some nice ribs and steak, so I found this nice restaurant that serves all you can eat with some nice dessert options…” 

Kiryu went on as he took out a map of the city area and discussed plans with Yusei. Yusei smiled wide as he happily talked with his old friend. Both making plans with each other over what to do for the next fews days and some. Smiling and laughing with each other, as they both enjoyed each other’s presence and company. 

Yusei felt warm as he and Kiryu talked. He leaned into the other’s shoulder, face aglow with happiness as the weariness left him. He was still smiling at Kiryu’s enthusiasm. Kiryu didn’t seem to mind, rather he just smiled wide at him, removing the empty feeling that had been growing within him. 

Maybe things will be better now…

Chapter Text

Jack’s Wheel of Fortune was grand! It was round, shiny, fast, durable, and unlike any other! He was proud of his runner and boasted how good it was when he was given the chance. People were in awe of it and he loved the attention it got.

It was also the perfect inspiration for some new doughnuts which made him gleeful.

Jack smiled, bringing a box of “Wheels of Fortune” from the doughnut store. They were just as beautiful as his runner. They even had a nice creamy white glaze and pale blue frosting to give it the same color! He couldn’t wait to rub it in Crow’s face.

“Hey guys check out these new Wheel of Fortune doughnuts I got from a sale!” He plopped the box down in front of them. Crow, Bruno, and Yusei were intrigued as they came over and saw the half a dozen doughnuts.

“Where’d you get these?” Bruno asked curiously. He was eyeballing them for the one with the most glaze. Meanwhile Yusei was interested in their design. 

Crow wasn’t very amused. “Really Jack, did you bargain for this?”

Jack just huffed in disregard at the question. “Why? Are you jealous that I managed to get not just a ramen brand but a doughnut brand inspired by me?” He smirked thinking Crow was jealous as he took a bite. 

Face scrunching up a bit as he realizes he dislikes the blueberry and glaze flavor it has.

Crow deadpanned him as Bruno happily ate his doughnut. Yusei grabbed one too but decided not to comment on the mini concern Crow had. He always scrutinized Jack for everything, but for once he’ll let it go. A little treat is ok. Doughnuts are not that expensive anyhow versus some of the things he’s seen. 

“Jack, you don’t even like it. You don’t have to try and impress us, you know. I like your runner more than some doughnut.” He smirked then, an idea forming in his head. “Well since you like some doughnuts more than your precious runner now, I bet you wouldn’t mind me taking it out now would you?” 

Crow scrambled to his runner and made off to who knows where with it. Jack immediately spat out his Wheel of Fortune and fumed at Crow’s boldness.

“GET BACK HERE THAT’S MY RUNNER CROW!!!” Jack said angrily as he took Crow’s runner, Blackbird, to chase after the orange haired prankster. 

“YOU GAVE HER UP FOR SOME DOUGHNUTS SO NO!” Came the laughing response.

Bruno and Yusei just sweat dropped as they enjoyed their sugary treats. “Think they’ll be back anytime soon?” Bruno asked Yusei.

Yusei shook his head in exasperation grabbing a second doughnut. “Don’t count on it Bruno. Just enjoy the peace while it lasts.” 

The two enjoyed themselves as their friends were off bickering like little kids over Jack’s Wheel of Fortune, both of them.

Chapter Text

Yusei held back bitter tears as he looked up towards the cloaked group upon the hill. His friends at his side glancing up all the while. The other side staring in dark amusement as both the forces of light and dark finally convene. It is time, which side shall win? 

Yusei or Kiryu? A battle between two old friends as each one sought to right what went wrong so long ago. 

Aki or Misty? A fight for vengeance and confrontation as one seeks to make the other pay for deeds uncertain. 

Luna or Devack? A fight for the future of two worlds caught in between the grasp of forces of old.

Jack or Carly? A battle for love and dreams as one fights to free the one who had given them hope and a new purpose.

Roman was amused as he and his fellow Dark Signers looked down upon their enemies. He smiled at Yusei who growled as he gazed upon blackened eyes. “We shall meet at the four stars of destiny. Do not keep us waiting.” 

With that the Dark Signers retreated, their counterparts watching with determination and resolution as each side left to get ready for the battles to come.

The Signers knew that to defeat their counterparts, they must show them the light which they had forgotten. For they underestimate the power of hope. Even when things look tough, so long as they have each other’s support, there is nothing they can’t do.

Yusei knew that Roman thought they had the advantage, pitting the Signers against their past, but he was wrong.

Soon the Light will burn away the Dark. 

Chapter Text

Kiryu was sitting out on the porch playing his harmonica like usual. Nico and West were just watching tv right now so he was alone. He didn't mind that though as their distraction gave him time to himself. He just mused quietly to himself as he played his instrument. The mournful music carried through the breeze as he played music of remembrance. 

He stopped briefly though upon hearing the sound of a runner in the distance. He turned his eyes towards the vehicle. He could barely make out the rider. As they drew closer however, his eyes widened as he realized who it was that he was seeing.

Jack Atlas zoomed up to him, giving him a side glance as he pulled up to his old friend. He removed his helmet, revealing piercing amethyst eyes which bore down on him. The blonde just smirked at him. “Well now, I drive all this way to visit you and all you do is sit there and stare? Don’t you know it’s considered a little rude to look at a man that way?” He teased with a large grin.

Kiryu snapped out of his stupor and just gave a calm but amused response. “Well, who wouldn’t be shocked to see the reigning king come down and visit them? Not everyone is busy like you.” He just shook his head at his friend’s bribe knowing just how to deflate the other.

Jack pouted, seeing he wasn’t getting the reaction he wanted. “You’re no fun Kiryu. Is that any way to treat your better half? I thought you knew better.” He chided playfully. This was something only Kiryu would have the ability to see. 

“You are my other half, but who said you were better than me? You? You always think you’re better than everyone, my King .” Kiryu said. He came up to Jack resting his hand on his hip as he leaned into him. He looked up slyly trying to gauge Jack’s reactions.

“Hmph, like that will be enough to satisfy you. You always did want more than you could take after all moonshine .” Jack said, smiling mirthfully down at him. He nuzzled his hair some as he hugged him close. It was a secret name only he could do, one that he fondly used as he held Kiryu in his arms after so long of being apart.

He missed his companion so much. Dueling around the world and making it to the top was grand. However he felt a longing for someone since their last time together. That moment when they finally reunited for a moment, lit something in him that he never expected. He had forgotten his admiration, his respect, his love for Kiryu due to the pain of the past. Seeing him again during their reunion brought back old feelings he had thought long gone. Now as he holds his beloved partner again he could not help but cherish every feeling and thought of him once again. Just like he used to in the years long past.

“Well I’ve mellowed some and I'm glad you came to visit. I missed you, Jack .” Kiryu whispered into his hold. He was still shorter than Jack but that didn’t bother him. It gave him the opportunity to nuzzle his face into the crook of his neck breathing softly upon soft pale skin.

“I’m curious King, what made you decide to visit little ol’ me down in the “wild west”? Did you get tired of fame and glory and yearn for the wild side of things?” Kiryu playfully asked, twirling one of his long strands. He was enjoying this alot.

“As if, I just thought it would be good to take a small break for now. A king needs time to himself you know. I’m not all fame and glory as you might think. I do have needs ~” Jack said, tightening his hold on his partner. His eyes turned dark and wanting as he looked into golden eyes.

Sparkles danced about in those gorgeous golden eyes. Kiryu laughed some, knowing immediately what Jack was hinting at. “Well then, I can't deny my King, can I? I hope you can satisfy me~ I’m always up for a challenge.” 

The two parted and walked hand in hand towards the small home, wanting to spend some time together. That was at least until Kiryu had to remind him, “Just so you know, we don’t do anything until the kids are asleep. I don’t live alone after all.” He chuckled. 

Jack sputtered at that, having forgotten there were kids around. Kiryu just shook his head.

Now he wished he knew beforehand. This may get… complicated… 

Chapter Text

Crow couldn’t find his headband anywhere! He was annoyed because he needed it to keep his hair out of his face! It was all silky and down and he hated it. He knows a lot of people would rather see what he’s like with his hair down but he just prefers it up. It’s much more convenient than having to brush away your bangs all the time. 

He fumed and then decided to ask the guys. Running into the main room where they all hung out he grumbled out, “Have any of you seen my headband?! I can’t find it and it’s driving me nuts!” 

Jack and Kiryu looked up cluelessly and just stared at him. Kiryu especially was gaping like a fish as he took in Crow’s different appearance. “No, but damn Crow, why do you need it? You look rather good with your hair down. You should have it like that more often.” The leader of the gang then looked in interest at the blushing ginger. 

Jack was just amused at that. “Pfft you should see him when he’s all wet too! He looks like he has a mop for hair!” He laughed. Crow just fumed at that.

“I am not a mop, you flop! Never mind that I asked you!” He huffed stomping away. Kiryu just pouted seeing his new interest leave.

“That was mean Jack. You should be nicer to our brother.” Kiryu scolded.

Jack just scoffed, crossing his arms. “Like that’ll make a big difference. He’s a big boy now. He can learn to handle light teasing.” He looked away disinterested as Kiryu just sighed, rubbing his face. 

Crow was still finding his headband and came across Yusei in his room as usual working on their disks. The ginger thought it most unlikely but he decided to ask the raven if he saw his headband around. 

“Oh you mean this?” Yusei held up a greyish piece of cloth. “Jack came by earlier and just tossed it onto one of the disks complaining about things being left around. Got a bit stuck though so I had to unravel it carefully. After I was done I was going to see if it was yours. You're welcome by the way.” The raven said as he went back to work on his project.

The ginger pounced upon seeing it, immediately grabbing the headband and sighing in relief as his hair came away from his face. “Thanks Yusei, I was getting bothered from having it missing. I’m bad to the good old me!” He exclaimed happily. 

Yusei just frowned, “I thought you were always you, hair down or not you are Crow. That won’t change just because of your hair style. I like you no matter what.” 

Crow internally cried. Yusei was the most understanding brother he had… unlike the other two lovingly annoying brothers they shared.

Chapter Text

Team Satisfaction was celebrating in their hideout from another gang taken down. Kiryu was excited and even got some food for them all to enjoy.

The others stared in delight at the pizza in front of them. Getting a hold of pizza in general was hard to come by in Satellite, but they were not complaining. They enjoyed the reward and helped themselves to their food. Yusei looked towards Kiryu who smiled and stood up.

The elder teen slammed his hands on the table grabbing the other two’s attention before giving out one of his inspirational speeches. “Alright guys, we’ve defeated yet another gang and one of our toughest yet!”

He pumped his fist in the air before bringing it down with a smirk. “This is the final step toward freeing satellite and our home from the other gangs, and it’s all thanks to us! We’re Team Satisfaction and you can bet we won’t stop til we drop! So let this be a celebration of all we’ve done so far. You guys are the best teammates and friends I’ve ever had.” He said happily as he gave them all a wide enthusiastic smile.

“Yeah! We’re the best and those other guys know it!” Crow boasted. He held out a fist for them all to bump. Kiryu bumped with his and the two looked towards the other two.

Jack scoffed but he couldn’t help but smile too. It was sincere and fond as he too held out his fist. “We’re the kings of this dump and everyone knows it!” He beamed.

Yusei stood as well giving off a sincere smile. It was one that he would save for his friends only, one they all cherished deeply. “For Team Satisfaction, to our friendship and bonds which always held true. I love you guys.” He said earnestly placing his in with theirs. 

They cheered before doing a big group hug before enjoying their special meal. This would be one of their best moments with each other.

It was also the last they will ever have until their fateful reunion years later.

Chapter Text

It was quiet at night. The desert was cool and dark as a lone individual was out sitting on the wooden porch.

Kiryu Kyosuke was playing his harmonica. The solemn tune carried through the night winds as he played a tune from his heart. 

So much has changed since he left Satellite. He has a new life as the Mayor of Satisfaction Town, he had two kids, West and Nico to raise, and he is loved and respected by others once again. He never thought it could have been possible, but here he is enjoying his new life with a new found purpose. 

He thinks back to the person who helped him realize it was possible. Yusei Fudo, the Shooting Star of both Satellite and Neo Domino City. He was many things to Kiryu, but he was a dear friend first and foremost. 

Yusei gave so much to him to make him accept himself once again. He thought that after his time as a Dark Signer he should have been left for dead. That he was a burden for his friends and to Yusei especially. But Yusei didn’t feel the same. He wanted his friend back and he kept trying to make him see that the past is gone. He knows now what went wrong but he was given a second chance at life. He shouldn’t throw it away because he felt he doesn’t deserve it. At the time he didn’t see a reason for his second chance. With everything that he did to his friends and the people he fought to protect he felt it was pointless. 

It was when he was saving a father and his kids did he see that he could still save people, like he always wanted to. It came to him that he felt not only undeserving of living but that he can’t do anything for anyone that made his life worth living for. Having Nico, West, their father, and the town place their hopes in him helped him see that he could still help people. It just took others to help him realize that. 

Yusei alone didn’t just send the message through to him. When everything was over, Jack and Crow came by and gave him small talk as well. 

“Kiryu you seem better now, I’m glad you're still around. We were really worried for you when you went missing from the hospital.” Crow told him, patting his shoulder. The white haired man just looked in surprise at him. He still cared for him? Even though Crow was the first to have left him? 

The ginger saw his look of shock and gave out his own apologies and support to his friend. “There wasn’t a day I regretted leaving you Kiryu. If I had stayed maybe we all could’ve helped you. We were a team, and even though we finished our goal, that doesn’t mean we wouldn’t stay. That was just the end of one goal. It didn’t mean it was the end of everything. There would still be things for us to do together, and just because things were peaceful didn’t mean there would be nothing to do. The Satellite changes and so do it’s people. You became worried that something was going to go wrong, or that you’d lose something you’d never thought you’d have. That made you lose your way, and we should’ve told you sooner.” Crow let go off his shoulders but not before turning to face him directly. The red head gave Kiryu a hard but steeled look. 

“You are our brother, our friend, our leader. Nothing would change that, even if we finished what we originally intended to do. Maybe if we told you that, you wouldn’t have snapped. You didn’t need to try to do more to keep us feeling like we needed to stay with you.” The ginger asserted to him. It was something that brought much shock to him as he remembered those statements.

Jack also had his small share of pep talk. “Like Crow and Yusei, I felt guilt for leaving you as well. At the time we felt it was necessary to distance ourselves from you hoping you would see your problem and eventually return to normal. But it was wrong, we shouldn’t have left you in that state of mind. It weighed on all of us when you got taken thinking we all betrayed you. We all didn’t know any better at the time and we want you to know that we are sorry. You’re our friend and that is something I wouldn’t want you to forget nor trade for the world. And don’t take this lightly, I don’t compliment anyone you know!” He said huffing. 

Yusei and Crow came over, smiling and saying their farewells as Kiryu made his promise to watch the town and the kids. Kiryu and Yusei shared one last hug and they all bid each other goodbye, but not before Kiryu promised that he’d come and visit them all one day.

Kiryu smiled at the reminder of those days. They were what kept him grounded and provided him clarity that the bonds he thought lost were there all along. He’s done so much since then for the town and the kids were thriving under his care. 

Footsteps were heard from behind as Kiryu turned to see Nico staring in concern at him. “Kiryu-san is everything ok,” she asked carefully. Kiryu smiled and beckoned her over to stand beside him. He gave her a reassuring smile.

“I’m fine Nico, just doing some thinking. It’s been a while hasn’t it?” He asked mysteriously as he leaned back to play his harmonica some more. 

She blinked before finally getting the question. “Yeah, it’s been a while since then” She looked at him curiously but kindly. “Do you miss them?” 

He stopped and regarded her fondly, “Yes I do, but I won’t go back yet. There’s still stuff I have to do before then. Don’t worry, I won’t be putting it off forever.” He said, chuckling as he leaned back staring into the sky. She smiled seeing him so relaxed and happy now. She turned and left, leaving the elder to his thoughts more, “Don’t be long Kiryu-san.” 

Kiryu hummed in agreement as she left before looking out towards the dark horizon. He made a promise to his friends that he’ll return to them one day, but until he is satisfied, he will wait a little longer till then.

He could never forget nor fully repay them for giving him this chance at a better life.

Chapter Text

All across the night sky lies a cluster of stars

Little lights that illuminate the blackened sea

Look to the light and you will see

They are much closer than you and me

So don’t regret and do not mourn

Bonds are never easily torn

Even across this vast distance

Friends are never far away

Look to horizon and you will see

Our bonds were always meant to be

Like the stars above which sparkle and glow

We are all connected through light and love

Forever tied by invisible bonds