A hand pulls the zipper of the overcoat up, it is a white and blue top the teal-haired girl buttons the last part, and spreads her arms showing off her brand new uniform:

"Ta-da! Ryo Don't I look good on it?" she puts a hand to her chin, trying to come off as more gorgeous.

"Yeah, the colors are good on you. I didn't think you'd be this happy with just a uniform." his cheek folds when he supports it on his hand, his elbow on a table and his eyes a tad bored, it wasn't the most interesting topic for a 15 year old boy,

"Just a uniform?! It's proof we were accepted at duel academy! We both worked hard to get there! And I heard many handsome guys will be-"

"Ah, so it was about boys after all." he cuts her off, crossing his arms "And here I thought it was your dream to be a professional duelist."

"Yes! It is! But I also want a handsome guy as my boyfriend! After all, all duelists should be popular!" she makes a point proudly affirming with a confident nod.

"I'm not sure how happy our parents will be with all the sleeping on an island, especially with how boy crazy you are. Do us a favor and don't get them grandkids too soon."

"They'll get used to it at some point, I'm not running anywhere, before we leave lets bid goodbye to Sho"

Ryo nod and both the siblings went to Sho's room, and the little one was sleeping peacefully cuddling with q teddy bear. They both kissed him on the forehead before leaving to Duel Academy.

After leaving Sho's room, Ryo takes a sports bag, throwing it over his shoulder. "Well, it's time to go, the boat will leave soon and the taxi is waiting outside."

"Ryo you're always being serious, you should learn to have some fun at school or else you would regret" She teased

She flapped her mouth more about many things as usual that day, a troubled sigh coming out of his lips, but that gave place to a faint, fond smile after watching his sister so enthusiastic for her new life.

For some reason, when she opened the door to the outside, the sunlight enveloping her figure seemed brighter than usual, it made her smile shine, it was contagious. She was so hyped about it, and he felt a bit happy to see his sister energetic

Back to present

"Ryo".

"Ryo-san"

A voice calls him out a bit louder, making his ears ring inside, awakening him from that memory with a startle.

"You haven't touched your food yet, if you don't hurry, you won't finish before meal time is over." Rei stares idly at him supporting both arms on the table.

"Are you worried about something, Ryo?" Yusuke also jumps in, noticing the times his friend has been absent minded were increasing.

"I'm fine." He forces a smile, stuffing a spoon of food into his mouth begrudgingly, it doesn't seem like his stomach wants any food, but he knows better than that.

"Ryo are you alright?". Mitsuki asked worriedly.

"I am fine I was just thinking about my school life". He replied

"Hey Ryo-sama Sho's upcoming match with Edo will be broadcasted next week are you and Fujiwara-san coming to watch with me, Mitsuki, Sorana-senpai and Kenzen-senpai at the Obelisk comman room." Rei asked as she was taking a sip of her tea.

"Sure as long as I am free I would definitely watch with you guys".

"By the way Ryo-san and Fujiwara-san I wonder why are you two best friends with my Ni-san, me and Onee-san always wondered what made you two so attracted to him". Mitsuki interjected.

"She's right, I understand why you two are BF but Fubuki-san is more of a play boy while you both aren't interested with girls like he does".

Both the older boys chuckle. "Ryo and me we're not like that and we both also dislikes all the fangirling, it's just too annoying for all of us, he has better things to do than give autographs and handshakes like certain people…" Yusuke replied,

Ryo nod. "Its true that Fubuki always likes to trouble and annoy us but he's so nice and selfless who will do anything to help his friends in need like you and Asuka which is why me and Yusuke like him".

"Well he is kind but most of the time he is just embarrassing and eccentric". Mitsuki shrugged.

"Well I guess you three can enjoy your school peacefully without him around". Rei giggled

Ryo stands up, astonishing his friends as, he seems to have completely given up on his food. They exchange a glance, feeling bad for it:

"I'm sorry, Ryo, was it all the boys talk?" Rei apologized nervously

"Yeah, we will stop it now, if you don't like." Mitsuki added

"You seem disturbed?". Yusuke asked giving him a concern glare

They drive over their own words making arguments with the impression they need to make up, Ryo smiles as a response, also struck with responsibility for making them feel wrong about speaking honestly:

"No, it's not your fault at all… I just don't feel like eating today, I have so much to do… I'm sorry for ruining the talk, I don't really mind, you can always tell me things."

"Ryo…"

"I have to go now…"

He beckons before leaving, the three friends feeling dejected and concerned for well being.

"He looks thinner, don't you think?" Rei noted.

"He recently had a open heart surgery so he is still taking time to get his appetite back" Mitsuki replied

"He has been skipping meals like this more often lately, I wish he'd tell us why… There's definitely something going on…" Yusuke said

They frown while meditating deeply, seeking for a plausible solution and how to best get hin to tell them what's wrong and let them help, Rei then gasps in enlightenment, hammering her own hand as if she had the perfect idea:

"Mitsuki and Fujiwara-san I know exactly what to do!" She comes closer and whispers something on the ears of both of them and they found the plan amusing.

"That's great! It's been a while, so I'm sure he will appreciate it."

They nod in unison and also leave the cafeteria from the dorm, going to their usual routine with classes.

Ryo walks on the corridors of the duel academy, ignoring the squeals and comments of the girls as he passes by, just another day. His mind is adrift, recollecting the night he talked to Sho.

So far from what he remembered, the school seems normal, too normal even. They have classes with a by-the-book curriculum including the physical education like in other schools plus the classes about dueling and the practical duels.

"Hm… I don't think the students are aware of anything, but maybe teachers know… Still, I should continue the recognition of the space in the island and check everything properly, their has to be some traces of Miyuki I am sure she is still alive".

Ryo walks on the main path, passing by the duel monsters statues at the entrance, he hears the burbling noise of comments in the background, but he couldn't be less interested in it. His hand on his chin, a thoughtful semblance.

"SAL… That was some sort of lab… But what were they doing there exactly? I didn't get any results even after searching through some school files… Otherwise everything seems proper, aside from some exchange students programs, the list of students was in order when I rechecked".

"Hell Kaiser"

A male voice calls him out, disrupting his mental examination of the facts, he just blinks in response, halting his steps and looking at the standard student, the boy was an obelisk student, not that the ranks in the school meant much to him, even though they were using the same uniform, there was no sense of camaraderie there. Ryo knew he was many levels above anything the school considered as "good".

"I am no longer Hell Kaiser! Do you need something?" his tone came out cold but the boy didn't matter.

"Y-Yes!" he scratches his head, his eyes jumping frequently from the ground to the face of the other duelist, searching for words "I was thinking if you could duel me and give me some tips… Y-you are a pro, right? Do you think you can tell me what I can improve after we duel?"

His blue eyes squeeze subtly. Ever since he has arrived, many of his fangirls didn't shy away to come and greet and asks for pictures, handshakes and everything, but he figure the boys hated the attention he was getting, surprisingly, it seems he had his share of male fans too and like expected, they'd want guidance from him.

"Fine. Let's duel."

"R-really?! That's great, thanks! I-I'll prepare my deck."

It wasn't long until a crowd formed around them, both with their duel disks ready. The student was overly excited with the fact he'd been dueling a professional, if only everything went accordingly to how he imagined. At the same time, two familiar faces walk towards the main building.

"You look pale, Fujiwara-senpai" Kenzen said as he was eating his eggwhich which he brought from Tome-san.

"I'm fine, I was just stressed about our project". He replied

"But Master aren't you stressed about Ryo". Honest interjected.

Before Yusuke could respond a crowd of cheers caught his attention.

"Hey Fujiwara-senpai I can smell Kaiser-senpai's duel'" Kenzen yelled excitedly which prompt both the 3rd years to rush into the hectic crowd and seeing the holograms standing tall ahead.

"Well, it seems you hit the jackpot."

They both give their attention to the scene unfolding: the unnamed obelisk student pants, his hands trembling and sweating aplenty, he looks at his cards and at the imposing figure of his opponent. Ryo had some sort of aura, similar to Edo, but despite giving up his Hell Kaiser persona he still has some Hell Kaiser aura in him.

"So… Will you finish your turn today or are we gonna get late for classes?" he sneers, a disdainful look in his eyes.

"What's wrong with him?" Kenzen frowns.

"Intimidating and provoking your opponent is also a tactic many duelist use in real matches." The seaweed-haired explains unaffected by the display.

"Still… That's just…"

The boy proceeds by playing a monster out of exasperation, Ryo gives a sly smjke and destroys it in a turn and in the following turns he keeps destroying everything the student can come up with to the point the boy falls to his knees at the verge of a mental breakdown.

"You said you wanted me to give you some advice? I will give you some: You should drop being a duelist, you can't do it at your level. You miscalculated everything from beginning to end and got too cocky and I'm surprised they put you in obelisk."

"B-But I… I gave my best, t-that's impossible my traps, my monsters… How could you just avoid everything?"

"Your best? Don't make me laugh, you misused the effects of your monsters and timed your traps wrong, had you waited a turn more to activate your last trap, I'd be in trouble, but instead you rushed the duel and didn't think ahead, I'm afraid your problem goes deeper than motivation, you can't win like that. Sincerely, you won't be a good duelist, but don't worry, for people like you there are always other careers to pursue. "

The spectators are shocked, watching him dissing the boy for no actual reason, the obelisk student breaks into tears, wiping it with an arm. A hand appears in front of him, he raises his eyes to see a Ra yellow student.

"You did well, he's just better at this because he's a genius and has more experience." A faint smile comes to his lips.

"I… I don't need help from a Ra yellow!"

The Obelisk boy shoves Marcel's hand away, much to his surprise and Marcel watches half-flabbergasted while the boy runs off in tears.

The duel is over and the mood of the crowd is tense, Ryo looks around unfazed by the attention while looking around defiantly, people disperse slowly, he huffs at the sight. They had no idea about his life or how much he struggled to get where he stands, it annoyed him that those people thought a session or two with him would fix all their troubles as a duelist.

Ryo feels a shiver run down his spine, his hand coming to his nape, his eyes wandering among the people who still comment about the duel, none of them stand out.

"I just had a nasty feeling like when that stalker girl was following me…"

He takes a deep breath, ever since he came to this school he had to deal with fans on a daily basis and with those boys who like to dream they can be good duelists with their low rate techniques and abilities. Not that it was very different in the pro-world with autograph sessions, interviews and preparations in between duels, it's just that he found himself more tired from this school life than of his more hectic and professional life.

Someone comes ahead of him and stops in his way, Kenzen , he halts on his track. Yusuke is right behind Kenzen, Ryo saw him stretching a hand worriedly as if to stop him, then sighing heavily at the futility of the attempt.

"You didn't need to do that! Was there really a reason to talk like that to him?! Look, all of us here are still students, it doesn't matter if you came from the pro leagues or whichever hole you value so much, everyone is here to learn. Kaiser-senpai what's wrong with you I thought you're back to being a respectable Duelist everyone in this school adored".

Ryo's eyes widened in realization that he said something horrible to the boy unknowingly out of anger and he did feel bad for what he had said, sure that boy wasn't a challenge but he didn't act to arrogant to duel him like other Obelisk's were, perhaps Ryo was annoyed that he interrupted his mission to search Miyuki and he vented his frustration on him.

"Kenzen-kun is right you shouldn't vent out your anger like that and ridicule your opponent. Ryo I have noticed you've been acting really weird since coming here? Is there anything bothering you?" After all the old you would respect your opponent regardless of there skills". Yusuke glared coldy at Ryo as his brows furrowed.

Ryo's gaze shift down and he was simply caressing his chest, unable to look at his friends and don't know what to reply.

"Tell me Kaiser-senpai what's wrong with you". Kenzen snarled.

"Yes their is something bothering me". Ryo finally snap as he looked at them coldly, still caressing his chest, "I am just worried about my health and my career in Pro League". Which is half truth he is worried about it to certain extent but his main concern at the moment is searching clues about Miyuki.

The three were silence for a moment until Kaiser snap.

"What? Are you too afraid now?"

"I-"

Before Kenzen spat out the reply to his provocations, a hand lands on his shoulder, he looks back in reflex.

"Fujiwara-senpai…?"

"This is not the time for this Kenzen-kun, come, let it be."

His serene voice had an immediate effect, his shoulder relaxing and his posture toning down from the simmering wrath.

The two 3rd years walked away heading to their class, leaving Ryo alone for a moment.

Kenzen stomps his way inside the academy building, a consistent furrow on his brows, his arms crossed in an usual annoyance as he fumed from the top of his head:

"I can't believe that guy. It doesn't matter whether he is a pro or not, his attitude is just over the top! His personality changes like a chameleon from time to time and does he have a split personality disorder?!" his fists clench.

"I am not defending Ryo, but from what I can sense he is distributed about something else and decide to vent his anger on his opponent. That would explain why he is acting weird." Yusuke said.

Kenzen then approached closer to him and placed his hands on both of his shoulder and yelled, "Fujiwara-senpai! If you're Kaiser-senpai's true best friend then you should've have helped him solve his problems, instead of leaving him alone".

Yusuke feels Kenzen was right, but he and Ryo aren't the type to interfere in others personal life and would prefer to let them mind their own business. He knows how stubborn Ryo is and he would prefer doing things alone rather than let others help him. but still a part of him feels he wants to help Ryo at all cost. "You know how stubborn Ryo is, he is a lone wolf who prefers to do everything by his own, and doesn't like to trouble us".

"But still as a true friend you should help me. I still remember his brother Marufuji-senpai used to tell me he became Hell Kaiser because him and none of his friends and family gave him support while he scumb to depression after Edo gave him his first lose, so before he does something extreme out of anger and frustration you should be by his side rather than leaving him alone."

"Master".

Yusuke turned to look Honest beside him, "Kenzen is right, Ryo might not want your help now, but you shouldn't give up on him, and when he accepts your help I am sure he would be glad to accept your help. I know you can't tolerate getting hurt, rejected, and abandoned but this is reality and you need to face it with courage".

Yusuke looked reluctant and was in deep thought, he is scared of being rejected but still wants to help Ryo somehow and he thought if he had help then this could be his 1st step to atone for the crimes he committed as Darkness. Deep down he knows both Honest and Kenzen are right and he turned to look at them and sighed, "Allright if that's what you want then I will give it a shot". He gave them assured smile which they also rerurned.

"Now that's the spirit Fujiwara-senpai". Kenzen said as he slapped his back, causing Yusuke to shriek a bit.

"Now we better get going before Chronos-sensei's class start or else he might give us detention if we're late".

Kenzen nodd and he started to march like soldier while Yusuke simply walk to their respective classrooms.

Yusuke took a seat beside Kenzen and nonchalantly looking on his phone, he looked annoyed listening to his fangirls squealing but ignores them as he looked at some of his family photographs.

His mind drifts to another realm remembering the good times he had with his parents. For some time he wondered how it would be if his parents were still alive. At 21 he would've likely been in college or dueling at Pro rather than being held back at school, he would had a normal happy life and won't scumb into depression and fear of being forgetton, he would have never studied about darkness and magic and most importantly he would have never become Darkness and drag whole world to his realm and others won't suffer because of him.

flashback

Yusuke remebered whenever he used to return home from school and play, his parents had so many questions and kept him a full night awake during weekends, he misses those moments. He still remembered the last time he had hugged both of his parents before they left.

"Mommy! Daddy! Are you two really leaving?" The then 8 years old Yusuke asked his parents sadly, he really missed them and like any kid he hated being alone and can't live without his parents.

"My Dear, me and your dad don't like leaving you behind, we can't even survive a day without seeing you, but we will have to go to Domino for work and we promise we will return within two days". His mom said affectionately as she placed her hands on both of his shoulder, while giving him a sad assuring smile, she hated to leave her son behind just like any other mothers but she had no choice.

He then turned to look at his dad and cling to him, "I know it's not easy Yusuke, but until we come you be a good boy and don't trouble your uncle, and once me and your mom return we're going to have a duel with you". His dad said affectionately as he ruffled his hair.

Yusuke's mode lightened up a bit and he gave a small smile, "Promise?".

"Promise". Both parents said in unison not knowing this would be the last time they would see him.

He then hugged both of them emotionally not knowing this would be the last time he had hugged both of them., "I am going to miss you two a lot and have a safe trip".

It happened then, he remembers it clearly, the soundtrack he was listening to, some classical music to keep his mind tranquil, the sound of the pencil rubbing on the paper as he took notes while reading a book he borrowed from the library in the school. He wondered why his parents were late, they promised they would return within two days but its been 3 days since they left.

His uncle just opened the door, he is a bulky blond-haired man with a defined beard on his chin and around the mouth. He'd complain he didn't knock before entering, but his eyes opened wide upon seeing the figure behind him a Cop. He knew something was wrong by then when he came alone.

It was written in their expressions, his uncle had such weary eyes, and the cop had crossed arms, a dim glint in them, he was bothered to the core. He had a feeling soon there is going to be a bad news

"Yusuke its your parents...Y-your P-parents ar-" his uncle started.

After taking off his headphones, their lips moved, it was just a few sentences, his orbs quivered wildly and his mind went blank. They kept talking, but he couldn't listen to more of it. Why did this have to happen to his parents of all people? They were such a good people and had a big heart.

The cop gestured him to follow him and they went to the street of Domino and noticed a car was crashed on a building filled with fire and he recognized it as his dad's car. Upon seeing the car his eyes widened in shock. He can't believe his parents met in an accident! He wish this was a lie and not his parents vehicle!,

"N-no this can't be! Please tell me its a lie?". Yusuke had tears welling in his eyes which were flowing like river flowing, he can't believe what he had saw.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOO". He cried and yelled on top of his lungs refuse to accept what he had saw and starting breaking down and fell to the road His uncle couldn't stop crying either seeing his nephew in pain for losing his parents at such a young age but he tried to comfort him, helped him to stood up and removed his jacket to place it over his shoulders and cling him.

The bystanders and the cops were watching and felt sorry and bad for them.

In the aftermath of the accident Yusuke and his uncle was taken to City Hospital where he saw the dead bodies of both of his parents, and seeing their lifeless body has made time stop moving for the little boy and he felt his parents had forgotten him for good, to the point they would rather die than be with him until his favorite Duel Monster Honest appeared in spirit form and comfort him to the point he feels some sort of solace and comfort.

After the funeral he was crying that whole night in his room while his uncle sat down at the kitchen and had a cup of tea with the Cop as he explained more details of what he knew and how he felt it was his duty to tell the family what happened,

His tea cooled down, he couldn't swallow a single drop of it, even after the Cop left the house, Yusuke sat there in the kitchen, the lights off, hearing the sobbing of his uncle in the room nearby and that disturbing quietness of the house. He'd never see himself in such a situation again, but there he was.

Back to the Present

The bell of the school soars, the classes are over, Yusuke finds himself in this place he dreamed to be long ago, a loneliness only he could understand, despite being surrounded by friends and admirers. As he exit the building he saw Ryo leaning in the corridor of main entrance with his arms crossed and he looked down, he seemed to be deep in thought of something.

"Ryo" The Kaiser turned to look at his friend.

"I am sorry for the outburst earlier, I didn't mean t-".

"Its fine, I know that you're distrubed about somethin else".

Ryo's eyes widened in shock.

"W-well I-I ".

"Instead of apologizing to me, you should be apologizing to your opponent besides I notice that you have been acting weird"

Before Ryo could respond Yusuke placed both of his hands on his shoulder, "Ryo if you're distrubed, please tell me? Because as a friend I really want to help you". This time Yusuke's face looked more determined while Ryo is in dilemma. He wonders if Yusuke can still remember Miyuki since he remembered both of them being close friends during their 1st year, but he is worried that Yusuke might do something extreme since he just got him back and don't want to lose him again.

Before Ryo could respond a voice cooed behind Yusuke,, "Fujiwara-san! Ryo-san! Are you free tonight?" Mitsuki places a hand on her friend's shoulder.

"Tell us you're not studying again." Rei pleaded with a clasp of hands.

"What are you two scheming this time?" Yusuke ask as he narrowed his brows.

They both exchange a grin after looking at each other and hop in place excitedly while saying in unison:

"Pajama party!"

"Yes, we even talked to Ayukawa sensei and Chronos-sensei, they said we can do it as long as we're not noisy and remain in the room after curfew!" Mitsuki explained.

"We have to do this, Its at my room and Kenzen-senpai and Sorano-senpai are also joining us. It would be great experience for you two, we can talk and watch duels and check our decks, there's lots to do together!" Rei insist.

The way they kept listing ideas and what they were planning elicited a chuckle on Yusuke and even Ryo, for the first time that day Yusuke was having fun or at least felt his heart flutter happily his friends wanted to spend time.

"Right, it's been a while. But I will really snap if you two start talking about girls again." Yusuke said.

"Don't worry Yusuke they're not like Fubuki", Ryo assured.

"We'd never do that to you!" The girls said in unison, completely agreeing with Ryo,

All of them sans Ryo who was chuckling, laugh a bit louder than expected.

Notes

I published the 3rd chapter after 2 months of hiatus. I am not giving up this fic and I intend to finish it. The reason I was late was because I was busy working on my other stories so expect late chapters a lot.

This was kind of Ryo centric chapter and now we know why he returned as research student.