Just over 4K in the word count! I'm so proud of this chapter~! Yes, it's a bit shaky at some parts... but I still hope you guys like it :)

~ Chapter III ~

Faces From the Past

Nerves bundled themselves up into Yuugi's belly, twisting and turning his innards into a contorted mess of underlying panic and hysteria. He swallowed, but his throat seemed to have spontaneously dried, making the action difficult and even a bit painful. His hands grew warm and clammy, clenching themselves into fists, as he took a single, tentative step into the room... and then another.

And another.

And another.

His curled fingers came to his chest, covering over his torso, before his wrists crossed over one another just below his collarbone. The position was clearly defensive, almost as if Yuugi was approaching some sort of mad, blood-lusting enemy from the old days. Mai and Jounouchi were silent behind their shorter friend, knowing there was nothing they could really do to help him at the moment. In one fluid movement, Yuugi's knees bent him into a kneeling position, all of the weight of his body balancing on the pads of his feet. A pale arm slowly reached out, to a stray paper that had fluttered to the ground at some point during his episode. It was a graphite still-life of him.

There were the hints of a rounded balcony floor, with a stone banister wrapped along the edge of it. And, seated there, was the majesty of the Forgotten Pharaoh. Sitting, leaning back with one arm behind him for support. One leg was bent at the knee, while another dangled over the banister's edge, partially hidden by the supporting pillars spaced evenly apart, by about a foot. His other arm rested over his bent leg, and his one visible eye was overlooking a vast landscape. The deserts of Egypt, which the man pictured had called home, once upon a time. There were many small structures of buildings and marketplace stands, past a tall wall that blocked off the royal palace from the peasant-folk towns outside. And then, far, far beyond that, were the mighty, rolling dunes of the desert. There was even hint of an oasis, far in the distance, marked by a few trees, though this was only a miniscule detail. Everything was perfectly shaded and toned. Yuugi could almost feel the warmth of the sun as he looked over one of his most recent art pieces. He could practically sense the crimson-red glow of the Pharaoh's sketched eyes, the caramelized shade of his tan skin, and the scent of spices and sand dancing on a breeze, as if he were standing there beside him.

Yuugi hugged it to his chest gently, before picking up another. This one was simple – a picture of the Pharaoh's spiritual self, holding the Puzzle in his hands.

Slowly, but surely, he gathered the stray pieces of art from the carpet, the desk, the bookshelf, until altogether, he held almost twenty different drawings in his arms. He set them carefully down in a pile, at the top left corner of his desk, before silently taking down three, fully-painted canvases and setting them against the wall opposite of his skylight – where the sun was beginning to shine – so they could dry more quickly. His movements were stiff and robotic as he folded up his easels, gathered his pencils, setting them either off to the side or in little piles within multiple drawers to organize later. Anything to distract himself from the void that had suddenly began to open in his chest.

He stopped, however, as a firm hand closed over his shoulders as Yuugi was gathering a set of paintbrushes into his anxiously sweating hands. He breathed in, then out, shoulders slowly slumping, as if the weight on them was too much for him to handle. "Yuugi...?" Jounouchi murmured quietly, concern and sympathy making his voice soft as down. "You alright, pal?"

The trinette barely turned his head as he threw a glance over his shoulder, taking in the somewhat sorrowed face of his best friend, and the confident, strong-willed woman he loved, who was still standing in the doorway a few feet behind them. He glanced back to Jou's amber eyes, partially hidden by sweeping, golden bangs. He tried to throw the man a smile, but it failed with only a simple twitch of his lips. He looked away again, dropping the objects in his grasp carelessly. His lilac gaze drifted to rest on the stack of papers. "I-I..." Yuugi swallowed as his voice cracked, and refused to continue. "I-I honestly... don't... know, Jou. It... I-It's been over ten years, and I still can't get him out of my head. I can't... forget. I don't want to, but at the same time..."

The hands of his friend fell away slowly, and Yuugi planted his own against the desk's surface, almost as if he were trying to hold himself up. "I can't help it. I... I miss him. I miss him a lot." His breath hitched, but Yuugi refused to cry. "I know I should be happy. The world is safe, the Shadow Games are gone. At-Atemu... is dead. After three thousand years, he finally has the peace he deserves. But, I just can't..." His hands left the desk to snake up into his wild, tri-colored mane of hair. "I can't get him out of my head. Life just doesn't seem... worth it anymore. Back then, I was depended on by others. The Pharaoh needed me, to help regain his memories, and cross over. The world needed me, to help stop Necrophades and save it, even if no-one knew about it. But now... what's my purpose now?"

There was a huff. "Yer a real moron sometimes, ya' know dat?" the blonde behind him scoffed. Yuugi turned, fingers falling away from his head slowly. His eyes were confused, wounded, even. "You've got a purpose, Yuug'. If ya' didn't, ya' wouldn't be here anymore." There was a cheerful, reassuring grin. "Now, c'mon. Do ya' think the Pharaoh would want ya' ta' be like this?" Yuugi just shook his head. "Well, then cheer up a little! Nobody said ya' had ta' find another reason ta' go off an' save the world again! Just take it one step at a time! Things'll get betta' eventually."

Yuugi folded his hands together, letting them hang at his front limply. His eyes fell to the floor, away from Katsuya's grinning face. "I... I guess so..." he mumbled quietly, before allowing a small smile to cross his lips. He could feel his spirits raise, if only a little bit. Before he knew what was happening, the hyperactive father-to-be swept his friend into a tight hug.

"There's that smile we all know an' love! Try ta' keep it that way, alright, pal?" he cheered, before gripping Yuugi into a headlock, and rubbing his knuckles roughly over the starfish-haired man's scalp. Yuugi yelped, unable to hold back a laugh, shouting multiple, giggling "alrights" to try and appease his best friend's worries. Mai laughed from behind them at the two friends' antics, calling them idiots with a fond smile.

They left Yuugi to quickly dress himself, and within about ten minutes, he had slipped into one of his favorite shirts – it was black, with little golden symbols of the Eye of Horus circling around the ends of his sleeves, and bottom of the waist. Two gold stripes lined above the Eyes, as well as his neckline. Well-fitted, dark jeans rested comfortably on his hips. Two, black-and-white checkered bands were placed over his wrists to complete the look. He still wore his leather-accented attire now and again, but that was usually in the warmer months of spring and summer. Leather, after all, wasn't a very good insulator. Not well-equipped for the late autumn weather that Domino City was receiving these months.

He'd grab a jacket to put on later.

He passed a brush over his mounds of star-shaped hair, cleaned his teeth, and finished cleaning off most of the traces of his artistic escapade from his pale skin. When he returned to the downstairs, where his friends were waiting, he found Mai seated in a chair, and Jounouchi on his knees in front of her. Three steaming mugs of tea had been made, and the two soon-to-be parents were grinning with excitement. Jou had a hand over Mai's growing belly. Yuugi tipped his head to one side, leaning against the entryway. The wooden frame gave a soft creak below his shifting weight.

He jumped as Mai quickly glanced in his direction. "Come here, Hun'! The baby's kicking!" she said excitedly, with a gesture of her hand for Yuugi to come closer. The young man gave a smile and a gentle laugh, as he quickly walked over. She motioned for him to take a position similar to Jounouchi's, before gently grabbing his hand, and leading it to her lower abdomen, resting right next to her husband's. Yuugi waited for a moment.

There it was! A delicate, yet firm push up against the palm of his hand. He gave a breathless chuckle. "Oh, wow," he murmured, rather at a loss for words. He'd never witnessed, let alone felt, something like this before. "That's... really cool." Jounouchi gave a giddy grin from beside him, and Yuugi moved his hand away so his friend could feel his child move more easily. "Do you know what sex they're going to be yet?"

Mai shook her head. "We're not going to find out until he – or she – is born." She gave a playful wink. "It's more exciting that way!"

The two shared a chuckle. Jounouchi, meanwhile, had both of his palms laying gently over his wife's pregnant belly, eyes wide and practically sparkling with wonder. "That's my kid..." he muttered quietly, "That's my little girl!"

"Or boy," Yuugi interjected politely.

"Nah, she's gotta be a girl. I can feel it," the blonde insisted, a misty glaze coming over his eyes, "She's gonna be as strong and beautiful as her mom is." Moisture prickled at his lashes.

Yuugi nearly blanched. "Jou-kun... A-Are you crying?" he said with a grin. Jou quickly denied it, swiping at his eyes with an arm.

"N-Nah, man, jus' got somethin' in my eye, that's all," he managed with a sniff.

Yuugi smiled, patting his pal's shoulder in a supportive gesture. He paused, however, when a knock sounded at the door. He tilted his head curiously to one side, a thoughtful frown pulling at his lips. "Now, who could that be?" he questioned out loud. He glanced to his friends, still caught up in the moment, before excusing himself. He stood from his kneeling position, before making his way down the hall. Another three, sharp knocks sounded. "Coming!" Yuugi called, just as he reached out to unlock the door. He peeked outside, before opening the door wider with a smile. "Honda-kun!"

The young man was standing outside, offering the smallest of smiles to his high-school friend. He had hardly changed since the times they spent together, when Atemu was still around. His skin was still sun-kissed in hue, eyes still holding a spark of mischief. Now, however, his brown hair was cut in a flat plane against his head, rather than being gelled up into a spike. That, and an air of authority radiated around him. That old prankster's spirit was now well-trained, and disciplined. Yuugi glanced over the man's uniform, badge pinned over his heart. "Did you just get off work? Mai and Jounouchi-kun are over – would you like to come inside?"

"Oi, Honda! Long time, no see, man!" called a certain blonde from farther down the hall. He and Mai, having heard Yuugi's delighted exclamation of their friend's name, had come to give their own greetings. "How've ya' been? Stop by fer a visit?"

Honda offered a kind smile, but his eyes were cold and serious. "It's nice to see you three again," said the officer, "But I'm still on-duty. Actually, Yuugi..." His eyes fell to the shortest of the four young adults, who couldn't help but stiffen under the suddenly scrutinizing gaze. "I'm here to take you down to the station."

The trio's eyes widened, but amethyst were the largest and most shocked, of them all. "Wh-What? Why? Is something... wrong?" Honda pursed his lips slightly.

"You could... say that. Yes and no." Yuugi blinked, looking a little unsure. "It's important, either way. So, if you wouldn't mind..." He moved to the side, motioning to his patrol car, which was parked at the curb, with a little jerk of his head. He glanced to the married couple, before turning to leave, assuming Yuugi would be instep behind him. "And only you, please. You can call the others down later, if you want."

The former duelist stammered incoherent syllables for a moment, his mind trying to catch up to the situation. "Wait, wait, wait," he babbled, causing Honda to glance to the smaller with a slightly exasperated look. "Explain to me what's going on, here. Why, exactly, am I going to the police station? Am I... under arrest, or something?"

Hiroto sighed quietly, pinching the bridge of his nose, as if he were annoyed. But, in the man's dark eyes, Yuugi could only see confusion, maybe even a trace of fear. "There's... someone waiting for you."

It was all he said, before walking away once again. Yuugi stood there for a few seconds, before tossing Mai and Katsuya a hopeless look. He mouthed a quick apology, before shrugging, and hurrying to catch up to his rather absent friend. Yuugi glanced at him when the back door was held open, a gesture for Yuugi to take a seat. "Protocol," was all the man said, before the star-haired youth nodded, and languidly climbed into the backseat. He couldn't help but to glanced around, seeing a few curious faces peering out from their doorways and windows from neighboring homes. He couldn't help but to flush with embarrassment. Usually, he wasn't one to particularly care when it came to what others thought about him, nor was he a horribly business-oriented man. But seeing the city's quiet, reserved game shop owner – not to mention the former King of Duelists! – guided into the back of a police cruiser was sure to spread some nasty rumors... and hurt the Kame' Game Shop, in the process. That shop had been his grandfather's pride and joy! He'd be damned if he let a little misunderstanding bring the home-run business under!

Honda was silent the entire drive, blatantly ignoring Yuugi's attempts at questioning him. He'd just reply with a quiet "you'll understand when we get there." Now, don't get him wrong – though Yuugi and Honda hadn't necessarily been... as close, as they had been to their other companions, Yuugi still trusted the man. He knew Honda would never try to set him up, or hurt him purposefully. But... being brought down to a police station, without so much as a word to why was a very scary, intimidating situation. It'd make anyone's head spin with all sorts of conspiracies, and worst-case scenarios!

And anyways, what was this supposed thing that was "waiting for him"? He'd put his best bet on it being a person, but who? He couldn't really think of anyone wanting to get into contact with him so desperately, that they'd drag Domino's police force into the situation. Ryou and the Ishtars – and Ishizu didn't even live that far away, anymore! – were just a phone call away, as were Anzu and Ryuuji, in America. It obviously wasn't Jounouchi, Mai, or Honda. Or Shizuka, for that matter. She simply could have asked Jou to pass on any sort of message to him. Kaiba and his little brother didn't seem to give a rat's ass about his well-being in any form of the phrase, so they were out of the question. He didn't have any surviving family (at least, no-one that he knew about), and... he was pretty sure that nobody from his dueling days wanted to talk to them. Atemu did kind of wipe the floors with them...

The spirit wasn't exactly the kindest, nor most modest of people, upon his awakening.

He couldn't help but to stiffen slightly. What? Was this something about what had happened when his Yami had first been released from the Puzzle? Was this someone a friend or family member to Ushio, the bully that Atem had driven insane? Or that jerk who had stolen his high-school class' spot for the culture festival, but had then been burned by the spirit for revenge?

He shook his head sharply, mentally reprimanding himself. No – of course not, you idiot! Those were all recorded as accidents, or health-related causes! Besides, Atemu never left a trace behind him when he used my body as a vessel – let alone, allow himself... or... myself, to be seen. Besides, that was ages ago! Why would someone bother looking into it after all of this time?

Yuugi leaned back, crossing one leg over the other for comfort. His arms crossed in front of his chest, and thoughtfully stern expression on his face. Had he been able to see himself at that moment, he would have had a hard time distinguishing who was sitting there – himself, or the spirit that he had once shared a body with.

He let his eyes cast out the window, watching as the streets of the sleepy, bayside community passed by in a blur of pedestrians, traffic lights, roadway signs, and office buildings. He rested his head against the glass as his thoughts began to wander, back to earlier that morning. He let a slow breath leave his lungs, eyes becoming lidded.

He hadn't seen that face in over a decade. Atem had never shown up in his drawings, or flashbacks. Even in the best of dreams, or worst of nightmares, the Pharaoh had never made a single appearance. Almost as if his subconscious were trying to suppress the thoughts of him. After all, he'd never see him again, so why bother dwelling in the past, to miss someone who's body had died over three thousand years ago? Someone who... probably wouldn't spare a second more than necessary to remember him. He was in the Afterlife. An eternity without pain or suffering. With his family, and friends from Khemet. He wouldn't have any need to try and remember the ones he left on Earth, because he wasn't alone anymore. So... why...?

The trinette was quickly jarred from his thoughts as the vehicle he was seated in came to a stop. He blinked, glancing around, as Honda exited the cruiser, and stepped around to let Yuugi out, seeing as he couldn't open it from the inside. Yuugi stood, and took a moment to stretch, arms arching over his head, before falling back down to his sides. He was silent, as his friend quickly led him inside. He let his eyes wander, darting around the organized space, flitting aimlessly over a few other officers that we on-duty. He looked ahead of them – it seemed he was being led to a small room in the back of the building. There was just... a single door, with a small square of glass to look into at an approximate eye-level. He tried to look past his friend to peer inside, but Honda stopped, turning to face Yuugi before he would let them enter.

He rubbed his neck, glancing away momentarily – body language that Yuugi knew was usually controlled by stress of discomfort. "Yuug'..." he murmured, "There, uh... there isn't much I can do to explain the situation to you, but I just... when you go inside, just... don't freak out, alright?"

Yuugi's brows furrowed in worry, maybe a little bit of fear, at the man's odd tone, and refusal to look the smaller male in the eyes. "Er... al-alright," he mumbled, before Honda turned the door handle, and led Yuugi inside.

The room was rather simple – it had eggshell-white walls, and a brown, carpeted floor. On the wall to his left, there was another door, with a large stretch of one-way glass. He could see a silhouette or two behind it, but that was it. There was also, in the middle of the room, an elongated table with one chair on either side of it. A little boy was seated in one of them.

And that's when his inspection, as well as his feet, came to an abrupt halt. Amethyst eyes widened until they ached, looking as if they were about to pop straight from his skull. Yuugi felt his lungs hitch painfully, as the ability to breathe decided to leave him for a moment. His face quickly went pale, to the point where he saw alarm flash in Honda's dark gaze. His hands began to tremble. "N-No... This... Th-This is... impossible!" his voice said in a small whisper.

The little boy was dressed in a simple, dark red t-shirt, which turned into a dark burgundy color at the collar and ends of the sleeves, as well as light tan shorts and dark sneakers. Rich, naturally tanned skin. Wild, spiked hair, with an ebony base, maroon ends, and golden bangs that clustered over his face, hiding it partially. A few strands shot up into his spikes, like lightning bolts.

At his whisper, the child looked up, and over in his direction. Astonished, disbelieving amethyst clashed with wide, overjoyed crimson. Yuugi feared he would faint on-the-spot. His legs grew weak, to the point where he actually had to seat himself on his knees, with a rather worried Honda guiding him carefully.

He swallowed thickly, the child still openly staring at him. "A... At-Atemu?" he whispered, feeling his eyes itch with a threat of tears.

The boy gave a dazzling, white-toothed smile, quickly clambering out of the chair, and running over towards Yuugi as fast as his little legs would take him.

With a shrill, happy cry of "Aibou!", little Atem had flung himself at Yuugi's kneeling form, his short arms coming to circle tightly over the pale man's neck. Yuugi felt a startled gasp escape his lips as he felt the child-version of his beloved Pharaoh actually touching him. The was actual, tangible flesh and bone in those delicate arms, that little body. He could feel the warmth seeping through his shirt. The way his chest moved with each, breathy giggle.

The pulse that beat in his chest.

Yuugi shivered, before his arms slowly crossed over the young one's back. The touch was fleeting, hesitant, almost as if he were frightened that this was some sort of illusion. That the young Atemu would vanish in a puff of smoke any moment now. And, honestly, he was afraid of that happening.

But, no. Atem didn't vanish. He didn't disappear in his hold. In fact, his arms squeezed even more tightly around Yuugi, snuggling closer to his warmth. Yuugi felt his eyes sting as moisture gathered in them. How is this possible? How... How can you be here? I saw you leave! I-I watched you walk away...

Before he could stop himself, a sob escaped Yuugi's chest, and his arms embraced the child in his grasp more firmly, one crossing over the small of his back, another over his shoulders. Holding, cradling Atemu close, as if he were scared to let go. His eyes squeezed shut, as a string of tears trickled down his left cheek. His body shuddered lightly with poorly-stifled tears. "At-Atem... Atemu..." he wept quietly, unsure if he should smile, or just sob his heart out. The boy's only reply was to give a happy, contented little hum, and snuggled his face into the crook of Yuugi's neck.

How was this possible? What made it happen? Who was responsible? Where did he come from? When did he suddenly... return from the dead? And, the biggest question of all...

Why?

All these questions, and possibilities swirling through his mind. All the answers he didn't know, but wanted to.

But... for now, it really didn't matter all that much to him. Not one bit. Because, for now, child or otherwise, Yuugi was finally able to feel the embrace of the one he had once shared his life with, in every sense of the term. His school, his friends, his family. His body, mind, heart, and soul.

Now he was here. And, finally, Yuugi felt that missing piece of him slide into place.

Like a puzzle finished for the very first time, Yuugi felt complete.

His wish had been granted.