I am back and with the third chapter. I hope you enjoy the story so far. Again, I will be posting this fanfiction once a week. Please do not impose any negative comments, harsh criticism or thoughts. Constructive, positive and thoughtful criticisms are accepted.

Thank you and enjoy!

Icestar123

Chapter 3

"Now we bring you the top new story. Two incidents of missing children were reported missing about two days now. The authorities have been desperate in finding the reasoning why they went missing. Rumours were told it could be because of a strange figure they saw moments before the disappearances. Authorities rule that as something imaginary. And just last night, another child, a 15 year old by the name of Issiah Bland also was reported missing, similar to the other two disappearing cases two nights ago. One witness reported having to seen a dark figure in a mask before the disappearance. He remembered passing out immediately after seeing the dark figure. Could the omen of the shadowed figure be true? More to come. Domino News."

It has been a few days already since Ichigo and his friends were here. Strange incidents of odd happenings had begin to happen throughout the city, enough that it brought a lot of unrest upon the citizens. The reported missing children had started since the day after Ichigo and his friends arrived. Something did not add up. The reported missing children were not supposed to start right after they have appeared. Ichigo was distressed. He felt useless, but not able to find out why because he didn't have his powers. It made him a little depressed. He cannot help much less save the children.

"Yo Ichigo!" Rukia shook his shoulder, snapping immediately out of his thoughts. He looked up and smiled, like he always did whenever he couldn't get something out of his mind.

"Sorry. I guess I spaced out. Were you saying something?" He asked. But Rukia knew him well enough that he was hiding something.

"Come on, Ichigo. Don't give me that look. I know you are hiding something. You're bothered aren't you? Because of the missing children." Rukia prompted. "You can't help them and find out why." Ichigo looked down and stared at his hands absentmindedly.

"Yeah…..I feel so useless not being able to help with my powers. I don't even have it right now. I can't feel Zangetsu….much less use him. If only…if only I can reach out to him and use it….I might be able to help them. Yuugi and his friends are trying to find out what happened. I can't just sit around here doing nothing." Ichigo rested his face against the palm of his hand and sighed. He felt Rukia's hand on his shoulder, making him look up. The soft look in her eyes told him that he wasn't in the wrong place.

"I know Ichigo. If you gotta go look for what's wrong, then do it. None of us are going to go stop you. Just do what you feel best." She encouraged and continued looking at him. Ichigo knew he had to do something. It wasn't like him to leave it to others to figure things out. Looking at the floor, he thought about it before rising from his seat."Let's go then Rukia. We got to go and investigate." Rukia could only nod in agreement. Ichigo started to head down the stairs. He felt determined to find out what happened. Even if he was powerless, he had to find out how to stop this from happening. He had a nagging feeling it was him and his friends' fault for being the reason these incidents happened. Byakuya and Renji were nearby but are probably discussing their own things privately. However, seeing Ichigo outside with Rukia caught their attention.

"Where are you going Ichigo?" Renji asked.

"I can stand around doing nothing. I'm going to go and try to find out why the missing children are gone." Ichigo replied firmly.

"What? But what happens when danger comes? How are you gonna defend yourself?" Renji protested.

"I'll just find a way! I can't let this stop me from getting to them and helping those missing children!" Ichigo countered, gritting his teeth."Ever since we came here, these incidents have started. It must be related."

"It might be a trap. You must be careful Ichigo." Renji warned. All Ichigo did was nod and turned his back towards Byakuya and Renji.

"I'll be back. Tell the others where I'm going." After those words left his lips, he began to run with Rukia towards the incidents. They weren't hard to find, considering that it was a city Yuugi had showed them around. Getting there wouldn't be too much of a problem right now.

~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~

Yuugi looked around, trying to figure out the problem behind the scene of the crime. Something wasn't right. It felt off. After today's report both him and Yami couldn't hold back anymore about the investigation. They needed to figure out what is wrong with the incidents. It kept occurring and it only grew worse the more they waited. He needed to find out and stop the madness. Yuugi knew it was his duty to save these children. What was even more infuriating was the enemy slipping away just from their grasp. Somehow, they managed to leave nothing but traces of what happened and no real track of finding the victims. Something told Yuugi that sooner or later the enemy had to show themselves.

As they walked, the spirit of the Pharaoh appeared next to Yuugi.Yuugi, we must be careful. Something ominous is in the air. It does not bode well with me.

I know Pharaoh. I'm in unease as well. Do you think that they are watching us? Yuugi asked as he looked back at the spirit.

Perhaps so. I cannot make such assumptions however. There is too much we have yet to know about. Yami cautioned. Yuugi nodded and paused around the street to look around. He then sensed something behind him and quickly turned around. Nothing. The spirit of Yami was behind Yuugi, watching also carefully around them.

Allow me to take over Yuugi. I shall try and figure this out on my own.

But Pharaoh, it's too dangerous! Yuugi protested. There is a chance they might be targeting you and that might not be good!

I understand the consequences, however, at this situation, I rather not risk you either Yuugi. Defended the Pharaoh. Yuugi!

I'm sorry Pharaoh. But I must do this. Yuugi spoke and immediately began to run, the spirit of the young Pharaoh gone next to him. Inside the recesses of their shared mind, Yami looked concerned about Yuugi.

Have I pushed him too far? Perhaps so. Yuugi feels the need to protect me now more than ever. This boy is strong hearted. I will let him do what he wishes….considering how much his heart is crying out to me. I'm sorry Yuugi.

Yuugi soon arrived at an abandoned building and looked around. Entering inside, the first thing off was about the atmosphere. It was creepy and dark. He was separated from Joey, Tristan and Tea so the chances of him being here were quite dangerous. However, he wanted to prove to Yami that he can protect him as well. He had to. Even if it meant rejecting Yami and sealing him in the back of his mind. Wielded on his arm was his duel disk from Battle City along with a pre-prepared deck just in case.

Walking cautiously, he paused when the sound of a few pigeons fluttered out the broken window. His eyes momentary glanced at the fluttering pigeons before he continued walking cautiously. Then he paused as he noticed a figure, a hooded one hidden in the shadows standing before them. Yuugi narrowed his eyes.

"Who are you!?" He shouted out towards the figure.

"Who I am does not matter. What matters is that you must be defeated. And the only way to do that is to challenge you to a duel. However, there will be consequences behind that." With a snap of his fingers, two dim lights shone but it was enough to see. Inside a strange barrier, was his unconscious friends, being tied together my some invisible pole. Yuugi's eyes widen.

"What have you done with them!? Let them go!" He demanded. The dark figure chuckled.

"If you defeat me, I can let them go. However, if you lose, they will die, enslaved to our Master Kairi. What's it going to be?" The dark figure smirked. Yuugi gritted his teeth. He could feel the Pharaoh there, faintly in him.

Yuugi…are you sure you can manage this?

I can. I will win and save my friends no matter what. Count on me, Pharaoh.

Very well. I trust you to do what needs to be done. Yuugi closed his eyes for a second before opening his eyes. He positioned himself and grabbed his deck, pushing it into the slot.

"Let's duel!"

"A wise choice." The dark figure chuckled and went to reveal a strange duel disk he had on his arm with a deck to match as well. Both duel disks showed 4000 lifepoints. With that, the duel began.

Who will win?

~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~

"How has progress been going?" The dark voice asked amongst the darkness. Another figure, dark and hooded bowed in response.

"Progressively well my lord. The King of Games has began his duel with one of our dear servants. Sooner or later, Phase 2 shall begin should the King of Games lose." Came the reply. The dark figure chuckled darkly.

"Excellent. You have gather more comrades from their world as well yes?"

"They are here right now actually." The figure stepped aside. Another figure stepped forward.

"Now then. Aizen Sousuke yes? Welcome. Your knowledge of Soul Society and the Substitute Soul Reaper would be a great asset in this process of world domination."

"Do not get me wrong. I did not ally with you so you can do your world domination. A deal must be made. I get my rule over my world and you get yours. A simple request." Aizen replied, a small smirk on his lips.

"Interesting. Very well. I grant your deal. After all, only one is fitting to hold such a title of 'king' when they know their world better than I do." The dark voice agreed.

"Then it is agreed. I shall work with you under the terms of our deal." Aizen smirked."How may I address you?"

"Kairi Ichibei."

To be continued...