Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh or Yu-Gi-Oh GX!
Chapter 3
The Year That Has Gone By
Shadow sat in his office, meticulously examining the files spread before him, a deep frown etched on his face that mirrored the weight of his thoughts. Tea Gardner, a 16-year-old girl living in Domino with her father, was currently balancing high school and a part-time job as a waitress to support herself. Her dream was to pursue dance after graduation—a passion that ignited a fierce determination within her. With urgency and resolve, he picked up his phone and dialed a number, seeking answers.
Fifteen minutes later, a tall man dressed in a simple t-shirt, jeans, and black shoes stood before him, looking somewhat apprehensive and uneasy under Shadow's piercing gaze.
"I pay you to gather information on her, and this is all you've managed to find?" Shadow asked, his voice tinged with frustration and disappointment.
"Sir, this is essentially all I have on the young lady. Furthermore, how can you be so sure that she has any connection to your brother? My investigation indicates that they have never crossed paths," the man replied, attempting to justify his lack of findings.
"She went missing on the exact same day as my brother, not far from the campsite where Alexis and her friends were staying. My instincts tell me this is no mere coincidence," Shadow asserted, his tone firm and resolute, conviction radiating from him.
"Keep a close watch on her father. If anything unusual arises, ensure you call me immediately," Shadow instructed firmly. The man nodded in understanding before leaving the office, leaving Shadow alone with his thoughts. His gaze shifted to the picture of Atticus prominently displayed on his desk, a constant reminder of his brother's absence.
"Brother, you must return soon. If you don't, you'll face the consequences," Shadow muttered under his breath, his eyes drifting to the photo of Tea he held, a swirl of concern and determination welling within him.
"Domino!" he exclaimed, the name reverberating in his mind, a place filled with memories and unresolved mysteries.
Shadow continued to delve deeper into the complex mystery surrounding the disappearances of Atticus and Tea, his investigation growing increasingly intense. He uncovered something truly disturbing: thirty years prior, three young teens, aged 16 and 18, had also gone missing on the same date in the same forest. The chilling coincidence lay not only in the date but also in the month, raising numerous unsettling questions about the events of those years ago and the potential connections between these two incidents.
Two years had swiftly passed in a blink of an eye, yet updates regarding Atticus or Tea remained elusive. Their family and friends were beginning to lose hope, their hearts heavy with uncertainty and despair, the weight of the unknown pressing down on them.
At The Turtle Game Shop
"Cheers!" The sound of clinking wine glasses resonated, filling the air with melodies of joy and laughter as Yugi, Joey, Tristan, Mai, and Serenity gathered to celebrate their graduation. Each cheerful shout echoed with excitement and accomplishment, heralding the dawn of new adventures and opportunities ahead.
"What's next for you, Joey?" Mai asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity as they circled a festively decorated table adorned with vibrant balloons and a stylish banner celebrating their achievements, a testament to their hard work.
"I'm opening a restaurant in Domino," Joey declared, his grin wide and infectious, radiating uncontainable enthusiasm. "It's my dream! What about you, Yugi?"
"I'll be running the game shop while my grandpa's in Egypt," Yugi replied, pride sparkling in his eyes. "It's a big responsibility, but I'm ready! I've been preparing for this moment!" His smile illuminated the table like a beacon of hope, inspiring those around him. "And you, Tristan?"
"My dad wants me to take over the family car shop," Tristan admitted, a hint of uncertainty creeping into his tone, his excitement slightly dimmed by the weight of expectation. The conversation flowed easily among them, rich with dreams and aspirations, each sharing a thread that wove them closer as friends, creating a tapestry of shared experiences.
"And you, Serenity?" Mai asked, taking a sip of her wine, the taste of celebration mingling with the bittersweet air around them, a reminder of life's complexities.
"I want to be a teacher, but I have another year to go," Serenity's voice carried a note of steadfast determination, her gaze strong and unwavering as she surveyed the table, which momentarily sparkled with the promise of a bright future brimming with potential.
Yet, amidst the laughter, a heaviness lingered like a shadow, a reminder of the past. Their eyes drifted to a photo of Tea displayed on the wall, her cheerful smile serving as a painful reminder of the void left in their lives. It had been two long years since her mysterious disappearance, and the flood of memories stilled their laughter, washing over the room with palpable sorrow. The weight of her absence dulled the festive atmosphere, creating a shared silence that spoke volumes, a collective acknowledgment of their loss.