Chao- Man, Chao is having less ideas with this than anything else. Come on, stupid empty mind! Think of something horrible to do to them! This should come naturally!

"Talking."

"Thinking."

Chapter 7: That Little Thing Called Trust

Yugi and Yami explained everything to the teen's grandfather during dinner. The old man nodded as he understood. The spirit would continue his work at the game store but should vanish quickly at the mere sense if something were out of place. Even though the former pharaoh may not have liked to hide right away, he comprehended this would be the best strategy. He smiled when he remembered the plan was thought up by his friend.

After the plates were cleaned up, the two resumed to their assignments. Yugi couldn't help but giggle when he saw the confused look on Yami's face. The older boy had to stop once in awhile to massage his hand.

"Getting sore?" Yugi cracked with a silly grin. Yami smirked as he replied, "Just return to completing those math problems."

Yugi sighed out of irritation; he wasn't understanding the relationship between the complicated formulas and variables. He huffed, "Forget it, I'll work on it later."

Yami chuckled as his partner switched from math to history. He then glanced down at his own work. He was able to handle the swerves, but controlling a letter or character appearing not too short or too narrowed proved to be far more of a challenge. Despite that, the markings left by the pencil granted the spirit power he never possessed before. He gained a thrill in placing together messages with what he had learned. Aside from placing a character on a sheet, he couldn't wait to start using the letters and placing them together to express words and sentences.

"And what is so funny at this moment?" Yami questioned when his light giggled once more. The boy grinned as he answered, "Just that maybe I should have taught you how to properly use a computer for stuff other than games since no one actually writes anymore."

"Perhaps you should have." the spirit replied, "That is, if you are finished with your assignments."

The teen grumbled. He was nearly done but had yet to complete his math problems. Even after his mini break, he just couldn't figure out how to solve the complicated problems. He understood most of the formulas and how to work basic arithmetic, but something was slipping from his grasp.

"Yugi, if you're struggling with your homework then go see your teacher tomorrow." Solomon advised. The young adult sighed with vexation, "I don't want to wake up extra early just to get help for something I'll never use again!"

"The only time it does matter is for your test!" the store owner brought up, "And your grades are important!"

"Ugh," the adolescent mumbled. The spirit smiled as he agreed, "Yugi, perhaps it would be best if you went over for a little tutoring."

Yugi lifted up his head and glanced over at his partner with sad eyes. He then retorted, "But I'll have to leave earlier and that'll give us less time together… in the morning."

The former pharaoh understood his partner needs. He, too, wished for them to be together if they were to go on their separate paths. However, Yami couldn't have his friend fall behind in school just because an ancient spirit suddenly took residence at the boy's place. He smiled and shook his head. He had to do what was best for his companion.

"You should go and request for help." Yami encouraged, "You never know. You may one day need to apply what you know to life, like this 'writing' technique."

Yugi couldn't help but rekindle his smile at the remark. He reluctantly agreed.

The next morning, the young adult woke up earlier so he could leave ahead of his normal schedule. He passed by the couch, and saw his other self still asleep. He was about to wake up his pal when he backed out of the idea. Looking over, he saw a floppy book with a few pencils around, many worn down while others had bare bottoms where the lead was missing. The spirit had obviously been practicing his handwriting into the night.

"Maybe… maybe I should just let him be." Yugi thought, "He's been working really hard lately. It wouldn't be fair to him if I wasn't giving my best."

The student prepared his lunch silently. He figured he could eat his morning food on his way over, or at least after he received help since he would have extra time to spend before the start of school. As he reached for the door handle, he glanced back over.

"Have a good day, Yami."

And with that, Yugi had left for another day of education.

The former pharaoh awoke a couple of hours later. He glanced around and observed how quiet the entire house seemed. He yawned as he sat up from his bed. Rubbing his eyes, he looked down at his work. His muscles in his hands continued to be a tad sore from his previous lesson.

Slowly, Yami stood up and walked into the kitchen. He was surprised to see no one else in the room. There weren't any packed lunches or dishes left on the table. He looked over to the clock and wondered how much longer his partner would remain in bed. His eyes widen he realized how much time had passed.

"I can't believe how long I slept!" Yami yelled stunned.

"Is everything ok?" Solomon asked as he entered the same area. The spirit turned to face the store keeper, "Did Yugi already leave?"

"He left awhile back." the old man answered. Yami glanced down at the floor, and replied softly, "Oh."

"Is something the matter?" Solomon questioned at the caught of the distraught tone. The spirit only shook his head; he didn't wish to bother either of the Mutou family with his own emotion.

"Well, if you're sure." Solomon shrugged, "You can clean the windows after you eat."

Yami nodded. He walked over to the cupboard, and pulled out a box of cereal. He had seen his partner eat from the same container so he figured he would try it out. As he poured the crunchy corn puffs and smooth, white liquid, he became lost in thought.

"He didn't wake me at all." he reflected sadly, "I would have at least liked to have wished for him to enjoy a good day at school."

After he finished eating, the boy placed away his bowl. He went to use the bathroom and washed his hands. When he was set for the day, he went to one of the pantry where the cleaning supplies were kept. Reaching for a clear squirt bottle to clean the windows and a few gray washcloths, he began his own work like normal.

As he did his job, he would occasionally look up to the sky or just stare out into space. Even though he did not sense anything out of the ordinary, he couldn't help but be worried about his partner. When the washing of the windows had been completed, Yami went indoors to find another chore to work on.

Solomon had been watching the spirit carefully. He had an idea as to what had been troubling the ancient pharaoh. He decided to bring up the concern as the two ate their lunch

"Yami, perhaps one reason you had been released from the Puzzle is for a test." Solomon guessed as he understood some aspects of the Millennium Item. The spirit glanced over in confusion.

"You and Yugi both have wonderful teamwork when you two are together. Just look at what you both accomplished over at Battle City." the old man brought up with a cheerful expression, "But now that you two are not together-"

"I'm overly worrying myself." the former pharaoh caught on.

"But you are not alone in your concern for Yugi." the elderly man emphasized with. He cleared his throat then persisted, "Back to before Yugi was in high school, he often had trouble standing up for himself. He didn't mention his problems to his parents or me, but I could tell something had been going on. But rather than demand for answers right away, I instead continued to encourage him to do his best. You'd be surprised just what he manages to achieve when he has others believe in him."

Yami scooted back from his seat with his legs straighten out and his arms crossed as he thought. Despite having the temporary plan set in motion, the spirit still carried doubt in his heart. He knew if anyone would be after him, the villain would go after the boy first. Yugi would only be used as bait but would still be abused in the process. The adolescent appearing being shuddered a bit when he remembered what happened to the boy in the duel with the evil mind of one belonging to their many enemies.

Then again, Yugi continued to demonstrate his own strength.

"I understand." the spirit nodded, "This all could be a trust exercise for both Yugi and myself. When facing another duelist, I often feel if I fail, I would only harm Yugi. But since he managed to remain strong, he was able to be my light in my time of need. Even now, he's able to show courage for the both of us."

Yami's heart sank a bit. Even though his partner managed to display his dedication, the spirit persisted to ponder just how long the two would be together. If the boy doesn't need to have the spirit by his side, perhaps there would be no need for the formal pharaoh at all. He wonder what he could do that would not stifle his partner from growing, but allow himself to extend his invitation to live with his friend.

"Were do you think he gets he courage from?" Solomon chuckled when he observed how troubled Yami still seemed. He was overjoyed when he saw just how much his grandson had grown after spending so much time with an ancient spirit.

Yami smiled. He recalled how often the younger of them would always be excited just to see him. Whenever Yugi had experienced doubt, Yami would be there for him and remind him just how fortunate he was. He was also glad the boy was able to keep a good heart even after all his odd ends with bullies and being alone.

Yami nodded, "Yes, you are correct. I will need to have faith within Yugi as he does with me."

The two began to work with chores once more.

Xxx

Yugi yawned after he went over his quiz. He may not have enjoyed waking up early and leaving so soon, but he was pleased he did. Because he went in early and asked for tutoring, he was able to complete his work promptly.

He turned his attention out the window. His math period was one of the few classes he didn't have with any friends, which is why he couldn't ask any one of them for assistance. Then again, perhaps it would have been best if the student had gone to see the teacher, who understood the material better than most pupils and explain it in a way his young mind could comprehend.

Before the start of school, his companions were a bit surprised to see him in their homeroom, munching away on his breakfast. They were curious to know the reason behind the early arrival but asked even more questions about the spirit. They all had a laugh after hearing the story about the aged soul learning to write a modern day alphabet system.

As he continued with his view, Yugi couldn't wait for school to be over. He wanted to be with his darker self once more. Keeping his emotions to himself, he still felt odd without the spirit by his side or the Puzzle around him. Deep down, he felt lonely.

When the bell rang for the end of class, the student stood up and passed in his papers. He walked down the hallway where he was greeted by Joey. The two began to head together towards their next class. As the two moved along, Yugi would only nod occasionally but kept quiet. Joey noticed this and asked, "Yug, everything ok?"

"Yeah, guess I'm still a bit tired." the teen replied. What he gave was only half the truth, but the teen didn't want to worry anyone else. He knew he had to remain strong, even when this was all new and tough for him. But, perhaps not as much as the teen believed. There was a time in his life where he didn't need to worry about a villain chasing him around for the gold pendant or having a voice inside of him. His heart became troubled if his life would go back to the lonely lifestyle.

As the two boys entered and took their seats, Joey picked up a conversation with Duke. Yugi, on the other hand, couldn't help but remain distracted. He hoped Yami was fine. He shuddered what may happen not only to the possible villain, but also to the former pharaoh. His mind began to speculate the possibilities of his other self not only participating in a Shadow Game, but allowing his darker instincts to take over. He then wondered if the two were apart was because the darker spirit had his ways changed and no longer needed a light in his life.

The boy quickly shook his head at the horrible notion.

"No!" Yugi tried to discourage himself, "Yami has changed a lot. He promised he would listen to me more! We're a team and nothing can break that! If we ever get together again… WHEN we get together again, we'll always be there for each other."

Once his inner issues had been settled, Yugi went to join the conversation between his classmates.

Xxx

Yami looked over at the clock and knew his partner would soon be arriving. He told himself to not be nosy when it came to knowing how his other self did at school. Moving on with his work diligently, he wanted to be sure he had done his job correctly as he was aware how hard his partner had been doing so in his studies.

"I had wished for myself to be closer to Yugi." Yami reflected as he wiped down a counter, "Perhaps one option to achieve this was to endure a trust exercise with him."

His heart became ecstatic to hear an innocent voice call out, "I'm home!"

Yami hurriedly raced over to where his partner was. He was a bit surprised to see his friend and no one else around. He still smiled as he said, "Welcome back."

Yugi's heart leaped with joy when he was greeted by his companion. He raced over to his pal and the two gave each other a quick hug. The two felt as though they were real brothers. They then walked together towards the kitchen where Yugi went to reach for a snack.

"Did you have a nice day at school?" Yami asked as he began the conversation. The teen nodded, "Yeah, did you have fun working all day instead of being cooped up in the Puzzle?"

The spirit couldn't help but chuckle. They both soon were silence by the last remark. Neither of them really needed information about either's day; the two had always had the link between. Yugi wasn't sure what else to say but Yami questioned, "Where is everyone?"

"Yami, we may be superheroes and friends, but we all do have our own lives." Yugi remarked with the pharaoh laughing once more. The latter was pleased to see the former still well and not having new bruises found anywhere.

Just then, Yami's stomach growled as well. Yugi smiled then suggested, "You should eat a snack. I'll be right back."

Yami nodded as the smaller one walked towards his room. The one with sharp violet eyes went to the counter and grabbed a banana. As he munched on the fruit, he promised he would do his best to have faith in his light.

Xxx

"Find an artifact that has great meaning to you and write a rough draft about it for the end of the week." the teen read his instructions to himself. He had gone upstairs in search of a new eraser for his school bag. He glanced around his room.

Obvious objects that caught his eyes were books and small prizes he won at the arcades. He knew he could write down around two pages of telling his tale about the time he and his friends played a couple of rounds, and when he had won enough tickets, he was able to exchange them for small gifts. There were also a few other items buried beneath his dim closet underneath piles of worn out clothing he was too lazy to pick up and hang.

As he continued scanning, his grin began to fade as his eyes ventured deeper to what had been covered by many friendly toys, other knick knacks, and grime. He had plenty of single player games and packs of cards hidden away on dusty shelves. Pleasant and unpleasant memories entered his heart, just like before.

He glanced over towards his desk. Remaining in the same spot lied the gold upside down pyramid. The adolescent stretched over to reach for it. He examined the item carefully. Regardless of how many times he held the ancient artifact in his hands, he never ceased to be amazed by it. The Puzzle took him eight years to solve and had changed his life.

The boy started to think. The object had carried the soul of his friend, who now resided down stairs for an unknown reason. He began to wonder what he could say about an item that had transformed his life forever without making the composition sound too cheesy or too personal.

Once he found his subject for his paper, the boy smiled.

To be continued…

Chao- Debating how to spice up some of this plain, emotional angst/drama.

Yami- You're making me go through a typical mother worrying about her child.

Chao- Yeah… Guess this is just a bit hard since this IS more emotional as oppose to the usual emotional-getting-in-way-of-fighting-villain story... Please review