Out of covid now and have just moved city for my new job. (YAY!)

Finally got this done. Let me know what you think! :) Enjoy!

Yugi's sudden departure left a pitfall in Hayate's chest. He had sensed his son didn't understand the magnitude of the situation, but to just up and leave because of one phone call...

He offered an apologetic nod to Miyuki and his colleagues. "I'm sorry. I knew he wasn't onboard, but we didn't expect him to leave like that."

"It's fine," said Miyuki with pursed lips. "I have spoken with him enough to have a sense of what is going on. My scan was also quite revealing."

Suzuki clapped his hands together, bringing attention to himself. "And I want to hear it. This sounds like an interesting case. It's obvious by the way he looked at Astro he has spiritual influence, but no spirit? You weren't joking when you mentioned being at a dead end on the phone, Atsuko."

He wasn't wrong. This entire office space was charmed to appear normal from the perspective of those impacted by spiritual energy. The telltale sign being their reaction to the spirit knives on everyone's desk and the old Astroboy bobble head.

If they could see the knives, the mid-sized decorated gothic blades lying flat in the open, or any of the hundreds of talismans that hung on the wall or protective ornaments surrounding the outskirts of the office - such as the taxidermied falcon at the front desk, they were in the clear. If they only reacted to the bobble-head like Yugi did and walked around bored...

Hayate shook his head to focus. "We've poured over all our old cases last night, and that of every barrier case we could bring up in the online archives. All of them had the spirit present."

"Or the barrier wielder ended up dead," said Miyuki, straightening her glasses. "Spirits often like to take their barrier wielders with them when they pass on. I wonder why Yugi was left behind?"

She said the truth, a brutal fact hanging over their heads since they first found out about the barrier, yet despite knowing this, the comment brought a brief moment of silence.

It was stupid reaction. They were supposed to be experts in the field. This shouldn't come as a shock. But Yugi was Hayate and Atsuko's son ... and losing him was the last thing they wanted. The last thing any self-respecting parent would want.

"Hayate... Atsuko..." said Miyuki, bringing them back to topic. "How smart would you say your son is? I know he is a professional duelist and a high schooler, but not much else regarding his personal life."

"Oh..." said Atsuko with a shy glance towards her husband. "Very intelligent. From what time we spent with him. He is also class valedictorian this year and very close to his small group of friends."

Miyuki pursed her lips at the information while twisting her pen between her fingers, eyes still staring in the direction Yugi left. She leaned back into seat. Seeming to contemplate all she had just heard and witnessed. She hummed, signaling her conclusion.

"Be careful with him. If what I suspect is true, then you may have a much larger fight on your hands," said Miyuki, her lips thinning. "You need to find out what he was up to while we were away. I doubt it was simply winning tournaments and helping out old families."

"How bad is it?" muttered Hayate. "Don't sugar-coat anything Miyuki, I want Yugi to be safe and he has been acting strange. He... he's no longer the boy we once knew."

"I know," she then paused, contemplating her next words. "I sensed he was protecting someone throughout our exchange. Controlling his thoughts and being careful with how he spoke. Everything he said was true, however it wasn't the whole truth. And he was intentional with his words. He's not possessed, but at the same time... "

Even Suzuki raised an eyebrow at her statement with Anya furiously taking notes. The pit in Hayate's chest deepening at the reaction of their commanding officer.

"What do you mean?" said Hayate.

"I agree that your boy is very intelligent. Constructing his story in a way so he can leave out a piece of crucial information, then doing everything he can to remove himself entirely from the premises. He's hiding something, Hayate, and I sense he would rather die than reveal this information, and I suspect that what he is hiding is the identity of the spirit who gave him that protection. There was also something else..."

She glanced down at her empty notebook, eyes firm. Her small stature hiding a fierceness that burned within as she said her final conclusion.

"I think Yugi was a vessel for much longer than a few days. In fact, I suspect he had contact with the spirit for at least several months prior to it's departure. I also believe Yugi was aware of it's presence. Since he was being relatively honest in the consultation, we should focus on this 'pharoah' these so-called 'gravekeepers' served."

After she spoke, all that could be heard was the nervous tapping of Atsuko's fingers on her desk and Hayate's deep breathing as he felt a deep pressure enter into his chest cavity. Bringing forth memories of the shy child they left behind.

When they left for America, Yugi struggled to let go of his grandfather's overalls and socialize with the local kids. His eyes would light up whenever 'icecream' was mentioned and he use to prattle on about the latest game aimed at his age group from the shop. He struggled at school - with both bullying and poor grades - and didn't have much in the way of friends. Yet he still had a streak of kindness and warmth which they both loved so dearly about him.

But when they got back, Yugi was standing tall. With a list of achievements that didn't match the ambitions of his middle-school self. He stayed up late with friends and had online meetings with powerful people. Such as the life of a valedictorian... and a world champion.

What happened?

Hayate frowned, realizing the others were waiting for him to speak. "It must have started when he solved the millennium puzzle. That thing always carried strong spiritual energy and Yugi managed to solve it with his mind intact. Everyone else who had attempted before him were driven mad! Not even my own father dared to attempt it and he is obsessed with old games. That artifact must have had a spirit who changed Yugi for its own purposes."

Miyuki nodded. "Perhaps, but Yugi believes otherwise. He doesn't fear this Spirit - whoever it was. Though the spiritual culprit is obvious from our brief interaction. I could sense a great deal of respect, love and admiration when he spoke of this Pharoah. In fact, I would go so far as to say he idolizes them. Hence why I believe we should start there."

Suzuki whistled. "Haven't had a case like this since my predecessor. At least the boy's life isn't in any immediate danger and the spirit's no longer around," he placed a hand on Hayate's shoulder. "We'll look into it, but relax. Yugi is fine for now. We start with the gravekeepers and you guys look into this pharoah. Gotta figure which King of Egypt we are looking at. I know there were a-lot of them."

There was a sound of affirmation from the group, followed by everyone going to their respective desks to start on the research portion of the process. One which Hayate knew involved a deep analysis of his son's private life.

Hayate took a deep breath and turned to face the horrified face of his wife, who had gone silent during the conversation with their colleagues. Pale skinned and chest heaving, she appeared almost ill. Hands no longer tapping on the desk and held cupped together in front of her.

"Atsuko..."

She took a step back and shook her head, her eyes beginning to water. He knew she had been holding back her emotions since they got back. Guess that wall was starting to break down now.

"We left for him..." she whispered, rubbing her eyes while trying to prevent the . "We did it for him and yet..."

"He's still safe," said Hayate, reaching out and trying to calm her. "Yugi's not stupid. He would tell us if he was in real trouble."

"Would he, Hayate? We haven't been home, and a Spirit took advantage of that. Who knows what he offered for that protection and why."

Hayate stilled, unable to provide an answer to his wife. His own muscles stiffened in response to her anxiety.

Miyuki, watching the exchange from her desk, walked over to place a supportive hand on Atsuko's shoulder. "The spirit could have left only a minor influence. Let's not panic until we have all the facts."

"There is also the other question," said Anya inquisitively from her desk and lifting her head from behind a pile of books. "There was one we forgot to ask him when he was here."

"What did we forgot to ask, Anya?" said Miyuki, lips tightening back to their usual position of disdain.

"Well, he was dueling in front of that Egyptian tablet, right?" said Anya, lifting a pen to her lips in contemplation. "I'm curious about his opponent. He never mentioned them, and I'm surprised he didn't since opponents are a big deal in duel monsters."

Heads snapped in her direction, each looking at her as if she grew an extra head.

"Did I say the wrong thing?" said Anya, hiding back behind her pile of books, but her voice went higher pitched in hidden enthusiasm. "Duel Monsters is huge and Yugi is the world champion! Anyone capable of dueling him of all people must be an incredible duelist. It would have made the news if it was a big-league player as his title would be up for grabs! I know I need to keep hobbies separate from work, but this unknown duel of his is a really big deal! I've been following him since his duel against Weevil Underwood at Duelist Kingdom and haven't even heard a rumor of this duel."

As everyone continued to stare at her, she faltered. "I'm sorry. I'm really passionate about the game. Couldn't believe it when Mr. Suzuki said Yugi was set to be our next client..."

"No," said Miyuki, shaking her head frantically. "That must be what he omitted when I was speaking to him. Well done, Anya!"

"Does that mean..." muttered Hayate. "Yugi was dueling the spirit? His title wouldn't have been on the line if that was the case."

"Interesting. I wonder how that worked? Maybe the spirit was in control of Yugi and, as a result, he doesn't remember the other opponent," said Suzuki. "Not exactly an easy experience to discuss with strangers. Especially in a room full of spirit hunters."

"How it worked and who it was is not important. We need to know why he hid the information from us," said Miyuki, sitting back down at her desk. "We're going to have to dig deep into the database to find a blue print in the case files. I propose we change our tactic. We must figure out the type of spirit in order to move forward, then focus on its identity. We need to know the level of danger we are in."

There was another nod of affirmation - this time more eager.

"Anya," said Suzuki sternly. Standing up and leaning forward on his desk. "I have some important questions to ask you."

"Yes, sir!" said Anya, standing up tall and nearly knocking down the book pile and a coffee mug.

"Do you still have access to those duels you mentioned? The ones with Yugi in them?"

"Of course!" said Anya, puffing her chest out proudly. "I have all of them on DVD! Also plan on getting the HD release as soon as they are available."

"What about this 'Battle City' Yugi mentioned in the consult? The one that took him to Egypt?"

Anya's eyes lit up. "Absolutely! That tournament was some of his best work - in my opinion," She then paused, and frowned. "But the final duel with Marik Ishtar went haywire due to the weather on the blimp... the duel for the video was a recreation. It plays out like the start of the real duel, and Yugi's deck list was superior by miles so the outcome wasn't a surprise, but there are still so many conspiracy theories online."

Suzuki leaned forward, putting a hand on his desk to balance himself. "Theories like what?"

Hayate had to force himself to continue looking in Anya's direction, finding the pressure in his chest deepening in shame. He hadn't seen Yugi duel. Let alone had the foggiest idea what Anya was talking about. Dueling on a blimp seemed more at home in a movie than reality - and so did the thought of his son existing as the main feature of a DVD collection, and Anya made it sound like it was common knowledge.

He rubbed his forehead, feeling the start of a headache. He should have listened to his father earlier. Yugi most certainly seemed to fit the dictionary description of 'celebrity'.

Anya had a finger on her lip, trying to think. "The biggest theory involved Marik having a mental breakdown mid-match. Because they used a stand-in actor for Marik in the recreations and while all the other duelists played themselves... That and Marik was way less unhinged in the recreation. It goes on to suggest everyone played along out of respect for Marik's reputation," She then shrugged. "Almost all of Marik's duels in the finals were recreations - and his duel with Yugi was the only one he lost. Anyway, most of Yugi's fans agree that he won Battle City when he versed Seto Kaiba in the Semi's. No recreation on that one."

Suzuki nodded. "Does 'gravekeeper' mean anything to you?"

"No, sir. But there were several Egyptian players in the finals. Marik was one. Then there was Ishizu who lost against Kaiba. There was also this weird guy who faked himself as Marik but they somehow still allowed the real Marik to duel. That duel also needed a recreation. We all thought it was organised by Kaiba Corp for drama, but considering Yugi's barrier..."

Hayate found the description akin more to reality TV than a game tournament.

"Perhaps not," said Suzuki with a firm nod. "Last two. In your opinion, did Yugi seem different in person than on TV?"

Anya paused for another minute then shook her head. "No, pretty much the same as his interviews. Though he comes off as a bit more confident when he is dueling, but that is normal among professional Duelists. When they duel they put on a more..." she moved her arms around, trying to explain. "Dramatic flare to their personalities. Trash talk and the like. It makes the duels more entertaining for viewers, otherwise your just watching people put down cardboard."

"Final question," He leaned even further forward. "Can you run home and bring us those videos and your DVD player?"

Anya saluted with a massive smile on her face. "Absolutely! I'll run as fast as I can!"

"That's the spirit, Anya! We'll wait for you!"

She scrambled for her bag and sprinted out the door. Pulling her long hair up into a ponytail and nearly tripping down the steps on the way out. =

Suzuki gave a short salute - his signal for the team to take a break. He sat back down at his desk. Hands cupped together in contemplation and eyes staring into the distance, focused in thought. =

Hayate took a seat at his desk, his headache getting stronger. Guess he had to join the rest of the his colleagues in waiting for Anya. He placed a hand on his spirit blade, the cool of the black handle providing a small sense of comfort.

Atsuko looked at him from her desk. A strained smile on her face. "At least we'll finally see all those duels your father won't stop talking about."

Hayate chuckled, trying to ease the pressure in his chest. "That's true. We might be able to keep up with his commentary when we get back home. Maybe Anya can talk us through the rules a beforehand so we can contribute a thing or two for once"

"We... could talk about it with Yugi then. If today hasn't scared him from the institute."

"I doubt he'll be wanting to talk to us," grumbled Hayate. Remembering Yugi's antics throughout the week. If there was one thing that hasn't changed about his son, it's his incredible capacity to avoid people. It would be a miracle if they see him for more than a few minutes a day.

He used to do that when he was little. Hayate and Atusko would search the whole apartment looking for him, nearly calling the police multiple times in panic, until his father walked in and somehow knew Yugi's preferred hiding spot. Once it was in the crawl space of the attic, another inside his mattress after cutting out an opening. His little body curled up in sleep and somehow fitting into the space.

Never underestimate a child looking for privacy. That's what his father said at the time.

Though all it did was make Hayate question Yugi's recent development even more.

"I know," said Atsuko. "But maybe we could do the 'honey and bee' method? You know, use the dueling as the honey? Maybe ask him about one of those starter decks?"

"Why don't we see how he plays first?" said Hayate with a nervous chuckle. "I'm interested to see how a champion duels before I duel him."

Atsuko chuckled back. "I suppose you're right. Guess we can only wait then."

Indeed, and Hayate was going to reach for the paracetamol in his desk before Anya arrived. Willing to bet that his headache was going to get worse after seeing whatever was on those DVD's.

...

Raspberry soft drink was a favourite of Yugi's, or any sweet red drink for that matter. Same went for lollies, but as he was currently at Burgerworld, a large raspberry lemonade it was. The cool drink flushing down his throat in bursts as he tried to string words together for Joey sitting in front of him.

"So... let me get this straight," said Joey, screwing up his face and placing his own coke down. "Your folks have been hunting spirits this entire time and you have yet to tell 'em about the Pharoah? And since those weirdos failed their ceremony because of your barrier thing, your folks are now worried the Pharoah 'exchanged' something with you for it?"

Yugi nodded, "That about sums it up."

Joey nodded back, lips pouting and hand on his chin. "So I guess we are back to the weird and wacky again? Cool. Least life ain't gonna get boring after graduation."

Yugi chuckled, finishing off his drink with a final slurp. Count on Joey to not be bothered by his spiritual hunter parents. "Yeah... I'm still not sure if we should tell Tea and Tristan. I think they've been enjoying our return to normal."

"True... but they would be more insulted if you didn't let them in on it."

"Also true," grumbled Yugi. "But my parents absolutely cannot know that I told you. They're whole organization is secretive! I don't know what that lady saw when she spoke with me, but there is no way they're going to be completely honest about what they found. Especially if they plan of going after Atem."

"In the afterlife?" said Joey, putting his hand on the table and tapping it. "Guess they might have the means for it. Not sure how though. But yeah, man, going after the Pharoah after he finally moved on... not cool. Guy doesn't deserve that."

"Exactly!" said Yugi. "And they seem to be panicking over nothing. Atem never took anything from me. He wasn't like that!"

Joey leaned back into his seat contemplative, resting his arms along the back of the booth. "No idea what you could have given the Pharoah, bud. He wasn't missing much, being a king and all - besides his memories, that is. And if we know the Pharoah like we do, then the guy would never even imagine hurting you."

"Or you guys," chuckled Yugi. "You all meant so much to him."

Joey poked his tongue out at the cheesy correction. "Especially you then, pal. I remember what he was like when you first solved that thing. The Pharoah used to go batshit insane whenever you were in trouble - still a good guy and all, but was terrifying until you guys started talking and he mellowed out. So yeah, I could never imagine him 'exchanging' something without your consent."

"It wouldn't be honorable," said Yugi with a nod.

"Exactly! Guy would've cut off his foot instead,' said Joey assertive and firm, he lifted his coke cup and toasted towards Yugi. "You can count on me if those spirit hunters cause you grief."

Another feeling of warmth engulfed Yugi. "Thanks, Joey,"

"Hey, you already know this, but I'm moving out the day after graduation. I believe I owe you the couch if you need a place to sleep. I'll give you a key, bud."

"I won't take up too much space," said Yugi. "And I'm grateful."

Joey waved his hand, again. "Don't mention it! Bout time you joined the rest of us in the crazy-folks club, Anyway, it's thanks to the leftover money from Duelist Kingdom that I can buy the place and get away from my Dad," said Joey, casually shrugging. "What's your plans for tonight anyway?"

"Honestly? I was going to lock myself in my room as soon as I got home."

"And tomorrow?"

"Nothing so far."

Joey made a face. "Just use the same excuse as today and I'll bail you out. It's Sunday. Assignment due monday morning. Works out right? Then we can keep you busy for the week until we graduate."

Yugi frowned, taking another sip of his drink. "It's going to be tough after graduation."

"Nah man. You move in with me and it will be cool. Looking for a room mate anyway, and since I don't need to pay rent, you don't have too either. You can start all the work Kaiba and Pegasus offered you while studying your degree, and I will accept your Grandpa's offer to work at his shop and focus on qualifying for the pro-league. It will be a dream! We can sort out your Grandpa's exhibition while we're at it."

Yugi stopped slurping, his mouth hanging open. "You... are inviting me to move out?"

"Heck, yeah!"

He felt the start of tears and nodded. "Sounds amazing! I'm in!"

"Knew you would say yes," said Joey, puffing out his chest. "We need our independence. Now let's get another meal to celebrate! I wanna try the super bacon deluxe!"

"Alright. I guess it's been a while since I've had nuggets," said Yugi. A flicker of hope in his chest.

Joey waved down the waitress to order, Yugi found himself gazing down at the red marks on his wrists from the kidnapping. His fists clenching as an unfamiliar string of emotion began to well up within him.

Gratitude for his amazing set of friends who searched the city for him after he was kidnapped, and for Joey, offering to move out with him. They're support over the past six months have kept him sane.

The other emotion was one Yugi didn't feel often. It felt like a fire in his chest, burning fierce against his ribcage as he thought of their loss of normalcy, again. Completely out of his control and unwarranted. There was no millennium puzzle, no Pharoah, no mystical search for memories, and yet the supernatural had returned full force.

"You alright, Yug's," said Joey, lifting an eyebrow.

"Yeah. Just a bit overwhelmed."

"If you say so, pal."

Yugi glanced down at his wrists again, contemplating his thoughts.

He couldn't remember the last time he was this angry.

Not so much happening this chapter. Though I like to think the Spirit hunters are more competent than they first appear.

Let me know what you think!