#Chao- It's always interesting to see new updates on this website. One that had really caught Chao's attention was some of the added characters to the YGO list, namely Mrs. Muto.

"Talking."

"Thinking."

/Yami and Yugi's mind link./

Chapter 9: A Time for Reflections

Yami marched along the endless hallways of his Soul Room in great focus.

Coming up to another cold, metal door at the end of the corridor, he flung it wide open. He stared into the empty space, waiting to see if it would lead him into something important or a deadly trap. All appeared still.

"Nothing…" he mumbled once again disappointed.

He closed the door and progressed courageously. He may not know what lied ahead, but he hoped he could figure out his mysterious past before anymore tragedy could strike against innocent lives. The new dark feeling he had picked up earlier troubled him greatly, prompting him to move quickly in his search.

Though he wandered alone and pondered about his new dark feeling, he was more concerned about his light. Yugi had been oddly quiet lately, spending his time finishing up his school work before the beginning of his mini break. A part of the spirit had detected a different emotion lying in his partner's heart yearning for something deep.

"I wonder what he's up to now…."

As Yami checked in with his partner in the real world, he came to an entirely black room. The only light was the glow of the TV. He glanced down and saw his partner sitting on the floor with his back against the brown leather sofa. A soft green blanket was wrapped around him while the volume for the TV played very low.

Understanding the boy had at last finished his torturous art paper, Yami wanted to know why his friend was up so late. He was answered when his eyes rested on the dusty screen. In his view was a young child with large eyes and tri-color hair playing along with a woman with maroon hair. He gasped spying a tall man with spiky black hair and gold bangs.

The spirit glanced over towards his other half. Remaining quite, Yugi smiled and patted an area of carpet next to him. Taking his cue, the former pharaoh took a seat next to his friend, and the two watched old segments of the boy's life with his loving parents. Together the pair watched clips of family picnics, vacation spots to beaches and parks, and a few moments in the small home. Yami smiled seeing his partner at such a young age experimenting with ice cream, grabbing hold of a tiny canister of rainbow sprinkles and dumping the entire content into his bowl only to squeal with joy. He turned to the teen and saw Yugi keeping his orbs fastened directly on his late father.

Soon, the tape ended and the screen turned to a silent static as the VCR murmured for the type rewinding automatically.

"What made you decide to pop in these videos?" Yami asked with interest.

"I dunno." Yugi replied honestly as he stood, ready to change tapes. "I was just finishing up and printing out my paper when I just really wanted to see my dad."

The spirit nodded.

The adolescent placed in a new tape and returned to his spot.

The two viewed quietly the next set of past stories caught on film. Little Yugi had helped placing on his elementary school uniform with the help of his parents. There was also a small portion of film involving him wearing bright orange water wings and blue swim trunks while splashing in a public pool. He also played advanced games for his age alongside his grandfather, who truly appeared younger than he did now.

Yugi concentrated deeply into the bright screen that contrasted the dark room, growing unaware of his surroundings as he drew himself further into his own past. He couldn't unglue his innocent orbs off the man with raven hair holding a joyful laugh. Though the man also possessed a deep purple in his soft irises, he carried more of a hint of a calm blue in the background.

A part of the adolescent wanted to jump into the screen and show how much he had changed despite believing his father was always watching him.

"I miss him…" he whispered solemnly.

Yami looked over towards the teen, surprised the silence had broken. After studying the adolescent's face, the spirit understood his companion needed to talk. He remained quiet so Yugi could continue peacefully.

"I know he'll always be around me, always watching me. And I'm glad I can talk to my family about him, see pictures of him, and share memories of him with you… but…"

"But what?" Yami stepped in tenderly.

"Its' different… to actually hear his voice." Yugi explained profoundly. "To hear him laugh and to hear him say how much he loves me… It's really nice."

Understanding his partner, Yami placed a caring hand on his shoulder.

"There's something else that allows me to hear my dad." Yugi added with a small smile, finding new faith in his downer family life.

"And what is that?" Yami questioned, smiling back.

"There's a stuffed bear in my parents' room that is also a recorder." the teen answered in a warm tone. "My parents used it all the time before they had me. And after they did, they left me messages about how much they love me."

"So why is it not in your room?" Yami questioned.

"Because it means a lot to my mom!" the adolescent replied with a slight giggle. "The bear is older than me, and I want her to hear my dad's voice, too."

The two laughed quietly.

"I'll show it to you some day." Yugi promised with his other self nodding.

Xxx

A bell rang all across Domino High. Students shouted for joy as they busted through the exit, skipping enlightened and singing joyfully.

"Our long awaited break is finally here!" Joey cheered. "I say let's celebrate!"

"We can go to the Spider Arcade!" Tristan suggested with a large grin.

"And watch Yugi beat you both in those videogames." Tea teased with the smallest male in their clique giggling in response.

The two tall teens smiled sheepishly, understanding the truth at what had been said.

"By the way," the blonde brought up gleefully. "I was talking to Duke in one of my classes, and he mentioned there's a tournament going on up north of Domino."

"Wow!" Yugi exclaimed excitedly. "That sounds really cool!"

"Do you plan to go?" Tea asked the two duelists.

"It'd be nice, but I don't think so." Yugi replied a little down. "If I need to travel that much, I don't think I could in such short notice. I'd have to tell my mom and grandpa ahead of time for that."

"I don't think I can either." Joey pouted. "I'd have to put in a notice for my paper route."

"Guess that means those who are already signed up don't have to worry about such strong competition from Yugi." Tristan noted. "And they can spare the agony of seeing Joey playing."

"Hey!" protested the blonde.

Deciding they will create plans the next day, the group departed on their individual ways to relax. As Yugi merrily strolled down his usual cemented path, he enacted a pleasant conversation with his other self. He listed off all the activities he planned to do as the spirit listened politely. Yugi was quite glad to be done with school, so he could savor a relaxing vacation. He couldn't wait to spend his free time with his friends at the arcades or movies instead of in cramped classrooms while dealing with mean teachers. Coming up to the Turtle Game Store, he pulled on the handle and entered inside.

"Hello, Yugi." Solomon smiled from behind the counter as he welcomed his grandson. "Anyone else coming by today?"

"Hi, Grandpa!" the young adult greeted. "We're going to call each other and see what we're going to do this week. I'm going to get one of my projects out of the way before we hang out."

"Just a second, Yugi." the old man instructed.

Before he continued on his way, the adolescent stopped to listen to his grandparent.

"You may need to place a hold on your fun with your friends." Solomon advised.

"Huh? Why?" Yugi questioned.

"Your mother is planning a trip for us to take up north of the city."

"Really!"

"Yes, it looks like we'll finally have a family vacation."

Before he could demonstrate his joy, Yugi glanced to the floor as his excited smile faded. Though in pieces, he recalled the last trip he took with his folks. There was a cabin in the snowy woods, a large Christmas tree in the corner was surrounded by colorful presents, and crazy Christmas sweaters were worn by all.

Solomon understood his grandson. In a caring voice, he assured, "Actually, we'll be traveling to a place your parents had gone to many times together before they had you. So, in a way, it'll be like we'll all there."

"That sounds good." Yugi nodded with a wide smile. "When are we leaving?"

"She'll mention it sometime soon." the elderly gentleman answered endearingly. "But I'm sure it'll be early so you can have the other half of your break with your friends."

"Ok." the boy nodded once more.

Leaving the store portion of the house, Yugi made his way towards his room. He hiked up the steps and entered through his door. After placing down his brown backpack on his metal chair, he removed his Puzzle and sapphire jacket. He then strolled over towards his closet and placed himself on his knees.

/Are you looking for something?/ Yami questioned as he made his appearance.

"My suitcase." the teen answered as he pulled out a few shirts that had fallen off their hangers and he had been too lazy to place them back up. Examining something up close, he quickly remembered why it remained hidden on the ground. He quickly shoved it deeply away before his other self could see it.

/Suitcase? For what reason?/

"Cuz we're going to take a trip! I'm really excited we can go on one."

/But your grandfather had said the time is unknown, didn't he?/

"Yeah, but can I help it if I'm excited? He said we're going to a place my mom and dad went often. I wonder what it's like? Maybe there's a lot of good gaming places since my parents liked to play games!"

Yami chuckled, glad to hear his partner laugh and smile.

Just then, a knocking occurred on the unlocked door.

Yugi turned his attention towards the entrance, "Yes?"

"Yugi?" responded a woman with maroon hair as she slipped in a tad.

"Hi, Mom." the boy greeted with a smile.

"Is everything ok?" she asked more with a worried tone than a loving one.

The teen froze; he hoped his parent hadn't overheard him talking to his darker self once more. Grinning with embarrassment, he nodded, "Y-Yeah."

"Oh, ok." Haru replied casually as she stepped inside and placed an envelope on Yugi's cluttered desk of Duel Monsters cards and homework assignments.

The young adult was about to sigh with relief when he heard, "Because I heard you mumbling to yourself again."

/Busted./ Yami teased after he had vanished from sight.

Yugi only laughed nervously with a bit of frustration towards his cloaked companion.

"Anyway," Haru began as she turned around, "has your grandfather told you about what will happen early this week?"

"He said we'd be going someplace. When are we leaving?"

"In two days."

"Oh, ok."

"Have you found your suitcase?"

"Not yet."

"Let me see if I can help search your messy closet."

As the woman walked to the enclosed space and came to her knees, the teen grew alarmed. He heavily insisted, "That's ok! I can find it!"

"In this mess? I don't think so." his mother replied firmly as she knew her child quite well.

There had been times she would ask her son to bring her something only for him to answer he could not find what had been requested, or he became distracted through the board games he discovered buried away. She sighed to herself noticing how many shirts and pants lied on the ground. Some appeared quite winkled while others held numerous dust stains.

Yugi attempted to wrap several shirts together in a tight ball, struggling to snatch as many clothing as he could before his mother could find a particular one he had been trying to hide. However, he was not fast enough.

"What's this?" Haru questioned, pulling out a long-sleeved emerald sweater with a reindeer in the center and a light bulb nose.

Yugi at once felt his face grow red. He was not only flustered his parent had found an old Christmas sweater he didn't like, but his other self was snickering in the background.

"I hadn't seen this in years!" the woman screeched with joy. She turned towards her child and instructed gleefully, "Put this on!"

"What!" Yugi questioned with a mortified face.

"I want to see if it still fits." Haru explained blithely. "Now put it on!"

"Mom, I don't want to."

"Why? It's adorable!"

"No! It's embarrassing!"

"Yugi, we're the only ones here."

"No, we're not-" the teen immediately cut himself off. He wanted to count the spirit of the Puzzle as an actual person, but he couldn't expose Yami to his mother. He tried to come up with a reason but was lost for words.

"Oh, Yugi." Haru laughed. "Your friends aren't here. Besides, your grandfather is downstairs, and he's seen you in this before. No one can see you through your window. It's just us. Now put it on."

"If only that were true." Yugi thought to himself in defeat.

The two stood up from the ground and Haru handed over the childish Christmas sweater. As the adolescent placed his head through the hole, his mother assisted in pulling down the torso section and straightening it out.

The young adult inhaled sharply, shutting his eyes in deep frustration. He didn't enjoy wearing any clothing that made him appear younger than what people thought he was; he already received all those assumptions from his baby face and large eyes alone. He wanted to wear typical outfits bigger teens wore, but sometimes all the stores carried were ones meant for younger kids. Sometimes he still needed to search a few shirts from the younger departments because of his petite size.

Haru took a step back and smiled with delight. She longed to not only see her child in such loveable outfits, but she also missed not picking out what her child could wear. When her boy was younger, she may not have liked doing any of the actual holiday shopping, but she loved having Yugi try on many sweaters and seeing how they appeared on him.

"All right, you can take it off now." Haru permitted, allowing her moment of enjoyment to end.

The teen didn't need to be told twice; he at once removed the sweater he strongly disliked and rolled it up in his arms. Wanting to change the subject as quickly as possible, he asked, "What time are we leaving?"

"Our train leaves at nine in the morning." answered the woman with chocolate eyes. "We'll be heading up north and staying at a very nice hotel. There are plenty of nature walks and scenery to enjoy."

"So no video arcades or amusement parks." Yugi concluded with a bit of disappointed. He had hoped since he would be visiting a spot his parents had gone before he could enjoy a few new games. He wondered if he needed to bring his own electronic gaming devices to keep himself entertained while his mother and grandfather chatted with older adults.

"Ah, here's your suitcase." Haru muttered, finally uncovering the large bag in the corner of the closet. Her son took what he needed.

"How long are we going to be gone?" he asked, placing his suitcase on his bed.

"A few days." she answered softly. "So pack about a few days of clothes. There's been many changes that's been added, so bring a swim suit if you want to go swimming in the heated pool."

Yugi nodded.

Making her way towards her exit, Haru turned a bit and mentioned with a soft smile, "There's also a small Duel Monsters competition the hotel is hosting. Maybe you liked to check that out."

The teen gasped with excitement and shock. He turned his head towards the letter and saw the words Duel Monsters on the top in a bold font. He wondered if his mother had planned the trip for the tournament and had already signed him up.

"Did she…" Yugi trailed off in his thoughts. Looking down at his hands, he saw his rolled up sweater he had tried hard to keep camouflage. His eyes became crestfallen when he recalled the joy in his mother eyes when she saw him in the sweater.

He closed his large orbs and sighed.

Flashback

"Mommy, I'm tired of trying all these sweaters!" complained a small boy with tri-color hair.

"Just a few more." insisted a woman with chocolate eyes.

The kid exhaled loudly with discontent. He and his mother stood in a small dressing room, looking at different outfits for the coming winter holidays. Reluctantly, little Yugi lifted up his arms, and his mother took off a carrot colored sweater with a snowman and replaced it with a forest green sweater with a candy cane on front. After hearing his mother giggle with delight, the same routine occurred again and the boy now wore a sapphire sweater with a present on front tied with a real bow.

"At least he comes already wrapped." joked a man with black hair and gold bangs as he entered. His voice appearing carefree but filled with love. "That'll make it even easier for Santa."

"Daddy!" whined his kid.

"These all look so adorable!" his wife declared with joy. After gathering the sweaters that had been tried on, she announced eagerly, "I'll head over to the cash register and pay for these."

Little Yugi sighed with relief he was finally done, but he cringed knowing he would need to wear them eventually. Holding the man's firm hand, he and his father exited and another family quickly entered. As he and his parent walked down the busy aisles filled with adults looking for the perfect gifts for friends and family, little Yugi looked towards the clothing department where the older kids tried on plain but colorful outfits. He sighed once more.

"I know it's hard." Hiroshi comforted with empathy.

Little Yugi looked up towards his father with a confused and surprised expression.

The man glanced down at his son with violate-blue eyes and continued loyally, "I understand you don't want to wear these, but they make your mother happy. Don't you think after all the shopping and other preparations she does during the holidays that she deserves some happiness?"

The boy took a moment to think. He wondered if he had been selfish. He loved his mother and wanted to ensure she received a little joy her way. When the two males met up with Haru, the woman held an expression of pure bliss, one that only a mother could hold. Pulling one of the rolled up sweater out of the Christmas themed bag, she asked her son, "Did you want to wear one now?"

Thinking back to what his father had told him, little Yugi lifted up his arms and accepted one of his now many overly decorated holiday sweater.

End flashback

Yugi glanced down as he brought his sweater closer to him. The one in his arms was the last one his mother had bought for him before he picked out what he liked.

He thought about the surprise Haru had mentioned. He hadn't realized how long his caring mother had been preparing the trip. Though he would like to spend time with friends, he also wanted to enjoy more time with his family.

"Do you plan to pack that Rudolph sweater with you?" Yami teased lightheartedly. "I'm sure it'll keep you warm while you're playing in that tournament."

"No!" Yugi answered firmly. "And since I'm packing stuff for about two days, maybe I won't bring the Puzzle so I can have space in my suitcase and peace of mind!"

"What!" the spirit gasped shocked. "But you'll be entering a tournament! You might need me!"

"Might being the keyword." the teen pointed out uncaring.

"Yugi!"

Xxx

In the deep forest north of Domino, a giant, bare, dead tree stood alone. Its bark was a sickening grey but none had flaked off. The trunk was brimming and moving upwards the plant began to twist around. The branches appeared like monster hands, ready to claw at whatever came its way but remained still like a predator in waiting. No grass or flowers grew around its tainted area, not even weeds. Insects had not crawled inside or bothered to leave eggs. Other trees appeared to have bent themselves out of the way, fearing they could capture the poisonous air.

Garbage had not been seen anywhere as the area had been blocked off long ago. Humans who have chosen to ignore the rules backed away and did not dare venture past the tourists walk path as thick, eerie fog and the unknown had already scared them away. However, a mysterious force flung away the forbidden signs, forming the path clear and seem more inviting, like another route had always been available.

Soon, a sickening crack formed in the center of the dead tree.

Xxx

With his Puzzle around his neck while dressing in his school uniform, Yugi gasped in amazement when his large eyes rested on the grand hotel.

"It's so big!"

The trip on the rocky train wasn't bad; the teen had looked out his window in astonishment along with his phantom friend. He spent some time chatting with his family, and he also brought along several games to keep himself company. His mother and grandfather had found people to converse in small talk with. The old man in the orange bandana boasted about his many archeological trips to other old men. Yugi had joined his grandpa in some conversations, especially about old games. He tried his best to speak up despite growing bashful around strangers.

"I wonder what the inside is like." Yugi daydreamed to himself in awe as he strolled along his wheeled suitcase, following his family closely. He had mentioned to his friends on the phone that he would be away for a bit. They had agreed to meet up at a later time and wished him luck in his tournament.

As the Muto's entered inside the lobby, the smallest member became amazed with the inside interior of large designer chairs on top of very clean carpets. He also grew embarrassed other guests mumbled about the sight of seeing the King of Games. Unsure of who were duelists and who were normal guests, he kept his eyes to the ground shyly as he walked along, trying not to draw too much attention to himself than he already had.

He kept close to his family as they entered an elevator and traveled up a few stories. They then walked down a long hallway, passing by ice and snack vending machines. Yugi and his grandfather entered one room while Haru came into another. Both were connected through a door in between. Inside Yugi's room were two beds with green covers and four pillows on each. He chose the one closer to the window. He looked outside and liked the view of tall, green trees slightly frosted in white snow.

"What do you think so far?" Solomon asked to his grandson, impressed with the view as well.

"It's really nice out here." Yugi smiled.

"Are you nervous about the upcoming tournament?"

"A little… But I know it'll be lots of fun."

"You'll be fine, especially with your God Cards."

"I wonder if I am allowed to use them."

Yugi went to unpack his belongings. He placed his clothing in the drawers available and set his videogames on top of the desk that had two chairs pushed in underneath a wooden, round table. He removed his necklace and placed it on top of the nightstand positioned in between the two mattresses. He took a seat on his bed and noticed how fluffy and bouncy it was. He lied himself down on his back and stretched out his arms. Placing his hands behind his head, he enjoyed the peace he had at the moment.

He turned his head to the closed door. He hoped his mother would be fine sleeping alone in her own room for their vacation time. He thought about if his father were alive it would be three men in one room and the woman in her own. He then recalled being told his parents had made trips up north before he had been born.

"I wonder if she's thinking about Dad again."

He stood up from his spot, replaced his Puzzle, and followed his grandfather to see what the family would be doing for lunch.

Xxx

Deciding to give his family some private time, Yugi wandered to the hot springs at night. Both his mother and grandfather had retired to their rooms. The teen, however, wanted to do a little more before heading to sleep.

Entering the large room, he was lucky the entire place was vacant. A wall constructed out of fake bamboo barricaded the two baths between men and woman. A roof was typically off, but it was only placed on electronically when rain or snow had hit. For tonight there was only a clear, dark sky above. Water poured out of a pipe that appeared like wood that was cut in half on the other end. As the rules had stated, Yugi washed his body before entering the very large tub in the shape of a freely designed swimming pool.

Removing his chained Puzzle, he placed the Item on a white washcloth for protection against the watery decks. Ready for comfort, he slowly submerged his body into the warm water with only short a towel wrapped around his waist. Taking a seat on a smooth slab, he sat in vaporous water up to his neck. Anyone taller would have had it up to his shoulders. Closing his ample eyes, he allowed the warm water to sooth his achy muscles.

"Wow…" he whispered with pleasure. "This feels great."

"Having fun?" Yami chuckled, seeing how relaxed his partner seemed.

Unlocking his eyes, Yugi smiled towards his phantom friend, who sat on the deck of the pool of steamy water. He understood how stressed out the spirit could be at times, especially when a new enemy was at large.

"You should try it." the young adult offered.

"It does appear enjoyable." the former pharaoh acknowledged.

He turned his head away and looked up towards the dark sky. Though he didn't have a body of his own, he didn't mind; he was happy for his friend. And though he picked up a negative feeling upon arriving, he decided to stay silent until the matter grew stronger.

Yugi glanced towards the warm water with steam rising up. He wanted to share his privilege of his vacation with his companion. Maneuvering his way, he grabbed his prized treasure on the white towel lying on the deck. Closing his eyes, he happily swapped places with his other self.

When the pharaoh noticed he was in warm water, he stared at his buddy, who was also in the water but in spiritual form.

The teen smiled, "It's really nice, isn't it."

Looking down, the steamy water splashed slowly against him. He turned back towards the teen, who happily leaned against the wall relaxing. The former ruler smiled. Taking his break, he placed his arms on the deck as he leaned back. The stress from his constant worry was placed to a temporary rest.

To be continued…

Chao- The portion where Yugi has his little flashback had been used for a Beginning (or was it Intermediate?) Creative Writing assignment.

YChao- Wait! You mean to tell me that you used a piece of fan fiction for a college assignment?

Chao- Yep! Chao… couldn't really think of much and the due date was coming fast (the course for both classes were 7 ½ weeks as oppose to the full 16). The teacher was the same, and she was very nice and helpful, but the textbooks were a joke.

YChao- And you got away with this how?

Chao- Changing the names of Yugi and everyone and by making Yami Yugi's brother.

Yami/Yugi- …..

Chao- Yeah, don't ask. Haru was changed to Holly, Hiroshi was changed to Hal, Solomon stayed the same, Yami changed to Aiden, and Yugi was Yanni (pronounced like Johnny). The people who did the peer review really liked Yami/Aiden, and thought Yugi/Yanni was a typical, whiny teen. But they also really liked the horrible, ugly Christmas sweater idea, and hopefully the readers did, too