First of all, I apologize for my lateness on the update. It was supposed to be uploaded a week ago, but I had exams and couldn't detach myself from the books. Fortunately, vacations are near, so I'll make up for the long wait.

Once again, I'm sorry!


Chapter 6: Return of the Lost One

Two years later…

Malik adjusted his slipping sunglasses for the umpteenth time. The young man didn't seem bothered by the sudden wave of heat that stroked the city mercilessly. His Egyptian heritage allowed him to resist high temperatures without a drop of sweat and his cream baggy pants and sleeveless black top helped him to remain fresh. Malik couldn't stop the smug smirk from appearing on his lips as he saw the poor passers-by melting to their very core. Looking at his watch, the teen quickened his pace. If he didn't hurry, he would arrive late at the Arcade, and Jou would make fun of him to no end…once again.

The end of high school proved to be a great change in their lives. For the first time, the decisions they made from now on would take great importance in their future, and for once, they'd have to build their own path by themselves. Old days were now gone, but although each one of them went a different way, their friendship stayed intact and still got together frequently.

Jou was studying Economics in Domino College. Thanks to his boyfriend, the blond-haired notes had improved in such a way that he had gained a scholarship in the prestigious University. Though Kaiba had promised to do so, Jou didn't want Seto to pay for his studies. The blond wanted to prove himself that he was capable of holding some responsibilities and face every challenge without depending on someone. He also worked part time as Seto's assistant, or at least tried to. Whenever the two of them were alone together, there wasn't much time to get work done.

Kaiba finished high school as expected: getting top marks on everything and devoting himself to his company afterwards. The CEO had developed an ambitious plan to expand Kaiba Corp, and with the help of Jou, the project wasn't a dream anymore. He had signed dozens of contracts with different executives all over the world, therefore enhancing his fame and fortune. Due to his business, he travelled around the world a lot, but he was always able to find time for his family. He would even let the gang hang out at his mansion. Anything to keep Jou happy.

Mokuba was now in his teens. Just like his brother, the young Kaiba was an exceptional student. He was popular among his fellow classmates and friends, not for the background of his family name, but for his kindness and loyalty. Puberty had arrived to the teen's life along with all its changes and new experiences. Fortunately, Jou and Seto were always by his side to overcome any kind of difficulty; occasionally being the 'victims' of Mokuba's fatal mood swings.

Otogi and Honda were studying Administration. The owner of Duel Dice Monsters wanted to make his game as famous as the original Duel Monsters. He inwardly knew such dream would be hard to achieve, specially having Kaiba as rival in the game market, but he would give it a try and Honda was more than happy to help. Their crush on Shizuka had faded long ago, when Jou's sister explained she could never feel more than mere brotherly love towards them. Her heart was already taken, and much to Jou's disgust, Shizuka wouldn't say who her crush was. The common feelings of heartbreak brought the two men together, who now were the best of friends.

Ryou, on the other hand, was studying Medicine. After a brief discussion with his father, who wanted Ryou to follow his steps in archaeology, the albino teen left the house and moved into a nice flat near the Game Shop. He even helped in the shop, not for the money but - as Ryou confessed to Malik on day-, to keep an eye on Mr. Mutou. The old man neither change his kind attitude towards the gang nor stop running his business efficiently, but the people close to Sugoroku Mutou couldn't miss out the sad look on his face whenever a young child came by and asked him about duelling tactics. He would spend endless hours in front of the counter, as if his grandson would suddenly enter, with that lost smile upon his face.

The lavender eyes behind the sunglasses dimmed a little. It always happened whenever Malik thought about Yuugi. They've given all hope of finding their fellow light almost a year ago. By that time, Kaiba and Jou had already travelled five times to Switzerland, offering money for any kind of information about the amethyst-eyed teen, and always coming back with so much as fake clue. People who had claimed seeing that boy hanging around a non existent address, others who had swore having had a conversation with him - but when questioned about it stuttered and contradicted themselves -; a mother who had assured that Yuugi was his five-years-old son's classmate...

Many times they had felt their faith soar high when tracking a possible true and accurate line of investigation, only to have it crashing down when they met a dead end. The worst part was that everytime it happened a cloud of depression loomed grimly over the gang, souring everyone's mood.

Desperate as they were, Ryou and Malik had come up with a strange theory. If they had once beenbounded to three dark spirits, it would be likely to exist a connection between the light halves and former owners of the Millennium Items. The two friends had search everywhere, from the ancient scripts on the Ishtar's Museum to the old books of the albino's father. Needles to say, their theory was that…just a theory, or as Kaiba had said: 'a stupid idea created from the very depths of desperation and irrationality, without any trace of realism'. It was then, when they decided to give up on finding their shorter friend.

Malik was brought back to reality as a small child bumped into him. Startled and a bit disorientated, the Egyptian took in his surroundings. It seemed that he had arrived at Domino Centre, which in his opinion was a too crowded place with too much children, too much noise, and too much shops. Great, that only meant that the Arcade was a few blocks away. He only had to wait for the traffic light to turn green.

When Malik was about to cross the street something black and red caught the corner of his eye. Turning around, his heart skipped a bit when he spotted a figure dressed in their old blue school uniform. The person was standing in front of a shop, looking intently at the display cabinet before him. Although Malik was looking at his back, there was no mistake in who the boy was. Spiky black hair tipped with red gave away the identity of the stranger. There was only one person in the entire world whose hair stayed up in such a crazy way… and that person had been missing for two years: Yuugi.

The blond Egyptian felt his blood boil with anxiety; it was as Ishizu had said: Yuugi would come back on his own. And there he was standing in front of a shop, as if he hadn't been missing for three years, as if he had the right to visit Domino City without a care in the world. His first thought was to approach the other boy and hug him to death, but a flick of panic crossed his mind. What if he runs away when he sees me? The others need to know…but they're at the Arcade. If I call them now, I highly doubt Yuugi will still be here when they arrive.

A crazy and mischievous spark glinted in his lavender eyes. Well then, if the mountain won't come to Malik, Malik will go to the mountain

A cry of war was the only warning before Malik lunged himself at the other boy and smacked him in the head. Without a second thought, the Egyptian threw Yuugi over his shoulder and ran at full speed towards the Arcade. Malik felt the other struggling in his grip, but the blond was not going to let his prey escape. Not again. Humming in contentment to ignore the other's cries, the Egyptian congratulated himself for his discovery and 'master plan'.

When the familiar building came into view, Malik sighed in relief. His load was getting heavier by the minute, and his lungs seemed to be about to burst inside his chest. Ignoring the stares of the people around him, and the angry curses thrown at him as he stepped over the foot of a woman at the swing door, the running teen made its way to the duelling arenas, where his friend were entertaining themselves. It seemed that Otogi had challenged Ryou to a match of Duel Dice Monsters and by the looks of it; luck was not on the albino's side.

Honda was the first to spot Malik. He waved at the Egyptian, raising an eyebrow at his friend's strange behaviour. He was about to comment something when Jou snickered at him.

"I know I told you to hurry up man, but you didn't have to take it too seriously."

Pointedly ignoring the blond, Malik came to a stop beside the duelling arena. Jou looked curiously at the carzy Ishtar. His face was flushed with sweat, and his breathing seemed to be erratic. His sunglasses were hanging dangerously from his nose; not to mention that there seemed to be a person draped over his shoulder…

"Malik?" asked Honda with a strangled voice. "Who is this?"

"You…w-won't guess …w-who … I-I found-" Malik panted, dropping the boy face down on the ground.

Hearing the conversation, Ryou looked up from the arena and gazed towards the figure on the floor. His eyes widened and he rushed forward to his friends. The albino already felt tears threatening to spill from his eyes. Could it be? Is this real? Please, Yuugi, tell me it's you. Tell me the nightmare is over. He looked at Malik, who gave him a tiny nod, confirming who the boy was.

"I saw him staring at a shop at the town centre. I was afraid we would loose track again so I decided to bring him here.", the Egyptian explained.

Kneeling beside the fallen guy, Ryou leaned forward to look at Yuugi's face, only to strangle a cry and back away clumsily with a look of pure shock and disbelief on his pale features.

"What's happening here? And who the hell are you?" Otogi asked, startled by Ryou's behaviour.

The figure on the floor stood up with swift movements, almost royal. First one knee, to maintain balance, then the other. Finally turning around with a flicker of golden light emitted from his pendant, he raised his gaze to the group of friends before him. Friends he had not seen in a very long time. The stranger smiled kindly.

Time froze…a million thoughts and realizations flying in between.

"It can't be…"

"Is this some kind of bad joke?"

"Yuu-?"

"No, Yuugi's skin wasn't so tanned"

"But…"

"His hair wasn't that way"

"…then…"

"His eyes weren't red"

"…he is…"

"He's definitely not Yuugi."

An idea formed in everyone's mind, voiced out by a bewildered Jou…

"Y-YAMI!"

I know I wasn't really conclusive with Yuugi last chapter; but I felt that explaining what happened to him in those two years, would make the story too long and slow. We'll see what happened to him later. Right now, let's focus on the new arrival.

So the pairings are no longer a "secret". And, of course this is going to be Yami/Yuugi, along with… another pair of couples you'll see in the next chapter.

Any comments, suggestions, and/or critics will be welcomed.

(Flames will be used to burn Malik's sunglasses)


Review Responses

Sailor Centauri: Sorry for the tardiness, I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and of course, I'm going on with the story.

cute-Baka: I agree with you, Yuugi needs to come back on his senses. But, the fact is he's not the best when acting upon his emotions. Only time will help.