Chapter 10: Sweet Dreams

It had been roughly one week since the incident.

One week since Yugi was captured by another madman out for revenge.

One week since everyone stayed by Yugi's side while he was trapped within an illusion.

One week since Yugi had to make a painful decision…

A Sunday morning was dark as a raven's wing, but a young teen with tri-color hair was fully awake. Without even making a sound, he swiftly stepped out of bed and changed his clothes from his light blue pajamas to his school uniform. He acted gingerly to ensure even the spirit within his Puzzle would not be disturbed. He calmed himself down, taking a moment to breathe so no distressful thoughts would arrive in his mind.

He dashed downstairs, passing the den while aiming for the back exit, constantly on the lookout if his grandpa was awake. There was no one there. The whole home was quiescent with silence, as it had been ever since the occupants within the unobtrusive home dwindled. The furniture glowed from the moonlight while others remained in darkness. He quietly opened his front door, traveled outside, and soundlessly closed the entrance.

When he was confident enough no one around, and he was far away from the Puzzle, he took off.

The moon was out, and the stars shone ceaselessly. Hardly any cars drove by on the road, and no one else was in sight. Down the path Yugi ran boundlessly despite the chilly weather. He breathed rapidly as his legs pounded against the cold ground and his arms swung back and forth. His face and bare hands clinched into fists burned from the bleak morning weather. He only stopped for a few minutes to rest against a brick wall and to catch his breath, but he knew he must keep moving. He had to propel himself forward before anyone uncovered his absence.

Once recharged, Yugi took off once more.

He felt odd no Puzzle bounced against him, but he brushed the feeling away. He sustained his will as he dashed by blocks of neighborhoods, eventually melting into the city.

The street lights turned off as the sun finally rose. The sky turned from raven to cyan as the bright radiant broke through the horizon, showing off its gold rays. The scene was absolutely elegant. Normally the teen would appreciate looking at such a magnificent view available every morning, but not this time.

Yugi continued to run towards his destination.

Xxx

The spirit of the Puzzle sat deep within his Soul Room. He openly gave his partner more privacy over the last few days. He would show up in the teen's bedroom to let Yugi know he was present while the student completed homework, and Yugi had been able to talk with him freely about Duel Monsters and school once more, but he could not help but feel something was wrong.

He knew Yugi was not himself; the violet eyes did not sparkle like before, but he believed he should not force anything out of his partner. He wanted to respect his light, but at the same time he knew he had to be a little distant. For some reason, he felt unwanted.

Yami's P.O.V.

"Yugi! I must protect you!"

Those words have endlessly barged my mind, haunting me for the past few days. I have failed in deducting if that was part of the spell or it was what Yugi thought of me.

I always thought I was shielding him from harm, but have I been a little too overprotective?

I thought I was allowing my friend to fully express himself, but was I interrupting?

He always seems to be in danger. He was just a normal teen until he solved the Puzzle. Everyone tries to get their hands on it. He's been to and from the Shadow Realm plenty of times. His friends have always been there to support him. I have helped him out of various situations but…

Do I treat him like he can't do anything on his own?

I leaned against and slid down my cold stone wall. I sighed and proceeded with my thoughts.

I never heard him talk back to me. He's been able to stand up for himself, but was that from his own courage or was it only through the support from his friends?

I always thought our relationship was stable, and we do speak what's on our minds: New enemies, possible friends, school days, learning new strategies… But… It seems as though the only subject we have never touched upon was family.

I had only known Yugi and his grandpa. The idea of Yugi missing his parents had never occurred to me before. He always seemed so happy to hang around with his good friends and come home to a loving guardian. Am I liable that such conversations never arose? He's aware I do not remember my past, so I cannot incorporate myself with him and some of his issues.

But… I have always tried to understand him… I would listen to him, and he would do the same to me… We both gave each other advice, and even if there was not much to say, we were at least there for one another… Maybe I should just listen to what he has to say. Perhaps after this grand adventure, he had gained enough strength to talk about what's tormenting his heart. He openly chose to break the spell over him, even at the cost of no longer seeing those he cares about. Perhaps he is mulling over his actions. If that is true, I cannot stand by and allow him to sink further into this despair. I do not want for him to act as he did before this incident materialized.

I stood up in my room with confidence. I nodded my head and agreed I should at least hear him. After all, Yugi was planning on speaking with me right before we were attacked. I know this topic will not be easy, but it is important to stand by him as he has done for me.

I concentrated on forming my spirit from out of the Puzzle and into Yugi's room. Though the trick was easy to perform, I am always careful to never disturb Yugi if he was busy with school work or was resting his eyes. When I reappeared in his room, I had my back to him. The sun had been out for a while. I heard many cars drive pass the home, and the birds continued to chirp their morning songs. The furniture carried deep shadows with the sun burning brightly as it finished rising.

I actually enjoy a good sunrise. To see the light breaking through the darkness is a pleasant sight—it gives hope. But I don't condemn sunsets.

I figured by now Yugi would be awake. I do not know how long he planned to stay in bed, for no school was scheduled today, but I should still speak with him. Perhaps he will feel better enough to eat a full meal at breakfast, unlike the past few days. He had been eating more after our misadventure, but I could tell he did not want to worry us like he had before. Although his shield was not as large as it once was, the fact it was still up needed to be discussed.

I was not sure how he will respond to me, but we are together, and I will try and help him in any way I can.

"Yugi," I calmly called. I tried to summon the words I had wanted to say, but I felt something was wrong: I could not feel Yugi's presence in his room!

I turned around and became shocked—Yugi was not in his bed!

I quickly applied my magic to feel if he was anywhere in the house. To my dismay, I found nothing. The only other presence I sensed besides my own was Yugi's grandpa.

"If Yugi's not here, then where is he?" I asked myself out loud, purposefully separating this horrid event in words rather than in thought alone, trying to scramble together possible answers. Of course, since Yugi did not have the Puzzle over his neck, there was nothing I could do. I felt completely powerless. What could I do if Yugi had landed in even more trouble?!

Upon hearing a knock on Yugi's door, my wild thoughts were interrupted.

"Yugi? Are you awake?"

It was Yugi's grandpa.

I watched the handle turned, and the door opened. The elderly man walked into the room and saw his grandson not in bed. What concerned me was his lack of tremor; was he not petrified of where Yugi could be? I heard him sigh, and he looked over to my direction.

He was not able to see me, but I knew he was looking at the Puzzle that glistened on Yugi's spotless desk (he had organized it in order to busy himself, I could tell). He walked over and grabbed the Puzzle. I returned back into the necklace as he carried on downstairs.

He held the Item by its pendant as he grabbed his keys from a bowel. He was about to leave home when we both saw Joey, Tea, and Tristan standing at the front door with worried expressions on their faces.

It was obvious to all Yugi's behavior was an act.

Even I had noticed this, but what could I have done at the time?

Was giving Yugi a little distance truly the correct choice?

My powers began to fade. I could not clearly hear what they were speaking about. Everyone walked to the compact car heading somewhere. Before we took off, I saw the elderly man hand Tea the Puzzle. I could see all the men's faces toted a look of determination to find Yugi, but Tea still held a worried expression on hers.

We all had our own thoughts to occupy our mind. I started to wonder if we all may be a little too concerned for Yugi.

Is it possible he just wants privacy?

Are we depriving him of that?

Do we all continue to treat him like a child?

A child who cannot do anything on his own?

What was haunting me yet again was what I heard in Yugi's dream: "Yugi! I must protect you!"

I know that was stated by the dream. I know that I was able to talk my way out into reason. So why does it continue to haunt me?

End Yami's P.O.V.

Xxx

Yugi rested against another brick wall. He inhaled in and out hard trying to reenergize his body. He saw morning had broken, he had been running for some time, and it was only a matter of time before he was found. He knew the only person who would find him right away: his grandpa. And he was aware that the senior would enlist some help.

"I'm sorry, everyone." Yugi thought despondently as he then took off once more.

He kept sprinting, passing several more buildings, ignoring his physical pain as his heart battled to proceed on his path until he finally reached his destination. He breathed rapidly as he came to a standstill while looking at the iron gates that had recently opened.

After a moment's rest, he dashed in. He bravely climbed up several trails and hills, never ceasing a movement. It did not take him long to find what—rather—who he was looking for.

He stood in front of two head stones. He greeted with a sad smile and watery eyes, "Good morning Mom, Dad."

He fell on knees to rest and allow tears to drop down his face.

For a moment, he was not suffering from physical ache nor the wretchedness and loneliness he had been feeling before.

He was with the people he loved.

Xxx

The car pulled over into an empty parking lot with faded white parking lines and cracked pavement. There was only one white structure in the mini plaza. The windows were clean, and the top sign was decorated with red roses and green leaves.

"What are we doing here?" Joey asked, determined to find his little buddy.

"I need to pick up something very important," the old man explained as he stepped out of the car.

Tea opened her door and followed Solomon. She noticed that the place they had stopped in front of was a floral shop. After a few moments, the two came out with a set of flowers, Forget-Me-Not, Geranium, and many others.

"You have always been a good friend to Yugi," the elderly man observed.

The teen girl only smiled back.

Inside the Puzzle, Yami had to agree.

The group went on to their destination.

Yami's P.O.V.

We came to a stop, and now we were off once more. Tea honestly had always been a friend who stood out. She was the heart of the group. Joey had strong courage, Tristan had a strong spirit, and Yugi was everyone's light, including my own. What I had to offer all of them? Nothing. Nothing but darkness. All their lives have been in danger because of me and this Puzzle.

But… even after all the pain they have gone through, why do they continue to hang out with one another?

For the thrill?

To get attention?

Because they have nothing else to do?

I returned my recollection to the times where they all stood together. They had faced evil without flinching. They stood up for their beliefs against people, even those with magic. I even received firsthand the consequence of committing wrong acts to Yugi. (That punch from Joey certainly was not enjoyable.) Any opponent who messes with any of them will not enjoy it either. Even Yugi kept the Puzzle after all this time.

I remembered back to when we barely knew each other. I misunderstood his kindness for weakness. I had always taken control the moment his life had landed in danger. I had acted in ways I regret now, yet he was still open to me. He trusted me and did not throw me away, not in the warehouse that caught on fire nor through any duels.

Have I been over protective because I do not want him to lose his innocence?

Do I not want him to become corrupted like everyone else in this world?

I sighed and thought maybe I am nothing but a hypocrite. Perhaps my main problem was that I do not trust him. He trusts me so many times, yet I have not done the same. I had even betrayed his trust. Will he forgive me? I know he has. Since he had done so, I must forgive myself, so I will not be so blind next time.

His friends are truly amazing.

Together, they make a powerful force that cannot be broken.

I laughed as I thought about friendship and how mysterious it is.

It is no wonder that was what Yugi had wished for.

End Yami's P.O.V.

After driving for several more blocks and obeying traffic laws, the car finally came to one last stop.

The group stepped out and grew surprised seeing where they had arrived. They looked at the open iron gates. Even though they were not inside, they spotted headstones, statues, and plenty of flowers in many colors and sizes.

"Yugi," the group of friends whispered in unison.

"This is where he is?" Tristan asked, breaking the silence of finally arriving to the place where the vertically challenged friend had run off to early in the morning.

"Yes," Solomon responded assertively.

"That must have been some walk," Joey stated, looking back to see how far they had traveled by car. "He must be tired."

"Should we give him a little privacy?" Tea asked, not wanting to disturb their small friend.

"It might take time to get where Yugi is," Joey suggested. "Let's go in now."

"Wait, we're at a cemetery. You aren't even the least afraid, Joey?" Tristan asked, not wanting to make a joke.

"Of course I don't want to go in!" Joey yelled. "I'm not at all fond of seeing dead people under the ground, but we gotta go in—for Yugi."

Everyone became touched the blonde put himself aside to help someone out. He had been the one who had done plenty for their smallest friend, especially while being tied to an anchor.

"Let's get going," Solomon instructed kindly. "I'll lead the way."

The group nodded and followed the man to their next destination.

Xxx

Over the past hour or so, Yugi had disremembered all his worries. He was in bliss to be around his parents. They were there for him and comfort him when he was young and lonely, as what any parent would do.

"Is it so wrong that I miss them?" Yugi thought to himself, recalling his dream before the event ever started, a dream that involved a happy moment between him and them. Tears came up once more, but he chose to fight them. He never did minded shedding salty water from his eyes, but his heart battled with other emotions. "I know my friends are worried about me… And I know I have worried Grandpa… I should have at least told them what was going on but… But why couldn't I? Grandpa didn't say much, so did he knew what I was going through?

"I… I didn't tell any of my friends about this… I don't know why… They have all told me so many things about themselves… We've been through so much together… Plus, they did accept me after all the trouble that we've been through… and Yami…"

Yugi gasped thinking about his darker half. "I must have worried Yami the most. He does live within the Puzzle, and I do carry around with me where ever I go."

The boy reached down but saw he did not take the Puzzle with him. His facial expression quickly turned to regret and sorrow.

"I'm sorry Yami… I know you wanted to give me some space, and I'm glad I got some breathing room, but I never wanted you to feel guilty just because of me. That's why whenever you came into my room, I talked with you.

"I still don't understand everything that had happened in that dream. It is all in blotches. I do remember seeing my parents, and I do remember how happy I was with them… Yet when they touched me, it wasn't the same as before. I couldn't feel the warmth they have always given me. So when you told me it was all a dream, it started to make sense.

"I don't know why you had that battle with another you. I just knew you wanted me safe, and I'm glad you do.

"But right now… I just feel so…."

His hands clinched into fists.

"Why?! Why didn't I tell anyone!? What's wrong with me!? Normally I help out everyone else, so why didn't I accept the help? I did the same thing after I first completed the Puzzle. I didn't tell anyone about Yami and… I am his light, yet here I am keeping secrets from everyone like I've always done.

"How can I face them? Will they forgive me? But even before they do, how could they possibly understand this? Not just me losing my parents, but—"

His thoughts were interrupted feeling the presence of his Puzzle near. He turned and saw his friends and his grandpa. He grew speechless; he was unsure what to say a moment like this. His closet companions found him. He saw all his buddies holding smiles on their face. He felt his heart skip a beat.

He no longer fought the tears. He allowed them to fall as he looked away disgraced. He whispered sorrowfully, "I'm sorry, everyone."

Tea stepped forward and assured tritely, "It is ok, Yugi; everything is gonna be all righ—"

"No! It is not all right! Everything is not ok!"

Everyone grew stunned their small friend reacted this way.

Yugi began to cry not only out of sorrow but also anger. "I know you all knew I wasn't myself, yet no one did anything! Why!?"

No one gave an answer. Deep down everyone wanted to help their friend, but they were unsure what to do.

As another moment of silence came through, Yugi continued as he answered his own question, "I'm supposed to be the light in the darkness… I'm the one who kept hope while everyone else was down… So does… does this mean I'm not allowed to feel anything other than happiness?"

The young boy sobbed.

His dream may have brought him happiness even if it was fake, but he was miserable in reality.

Everyone was taken aback about what was just stated, pondering if they honestly had neglected the idea of Yugi being human. Again, no one had an answer to the complicated question proposed to them.

Tea knelt down and hugged her childhood friend.

No one said a word so they could allow their friend to just cry.

When the time was right, Tea gently reminded, "You don't have to go through this alone."

Yugi pulled away from his friend and looked into her eyes. They were filled with sorrow and sympathy, but they also carried a shine that made Yugi feel relaxed, understood, and not so alone. He had felt the same way as he did whenever he looked into them, especially when the two were children.

"That's right," Tristan agreed as he knelt down.

"You've been there with us so many times," Joey added as he, too, knelt down. "Don't make us feel like we never do the same for you."

Deep within Yugi's heart, he felt touched knowing his friends were by his side. Tears came down his face once more, but these were formed from joy and gratitude. He may have seen his parents in his dreams, but he had friends in reality. They had all wanted to share the same pain Yugi was feeling, a true example of friendship.

"I believe this is yours," the elderly man remarked, interrupting the silence.

Yugi opened his eyes and saw his grandfather holding the Puzzle. The boy stood up and hugged his guardian, grateful his relative had taken him in and took care of him in his time of need.

Yugi accepted his treasure back. He looked at the gold, upside down pyramid as the metal reflected within the light. Throughout his moments of loneliness, putting the pieces together brought him comfort, as the way he does now for the spirit that resides within.

/It's all right if you want to cry, Yugi./ Yami assured through their link as the two were reconnected. /You've been there for me so many times./

Yugi smiled and replied, /You've also been there for me. Even now, you give me courage to keep moving forward even when times are tough./

The spirit smiled.

Yugi remarked happily, /We make a great team, Yami./

The group of friends was established once more.

"Are we all ready to go?" Tristan asked as everyone was ready to embrace what the day had to offer.

"Wait," Yugi replied as he walked towards tombstones. He wanted his friends to come closer. He smiled and said, "I want you all to meet my parents."

The group bowed and was pleased to meet the people responsible for Yugi's creation.

"Dad, Mom," Yugi began. "I'd like you all to meet my friends."

Tea walked over and placed together on the graves the set of flowers they had bought earlier. Everyone admired the scenery of the colorful plants complimenting the souls that had raised a powerful friend. The group then looked over and saw a lovely view of the sky and landscape.

Yami looked at the same view with pleasure in his transparent state. He was glad he could spend another day with his friends even though they still had a long journey of Duel Monsters and dark magic ahead of them. He was happy knowing his partner wanted him in his life and that he was not overly protecting him.

He then felt he and everyone were being watched. He turned and saw the same people, a man and a woman, he had seen not only in a photograph but also in Yugi's dream.

He gasped startled, "You're both—"

He was cut off as the man bluntly stated, "Yup, we're Yugi's parents."

Yami looked back over and observed no one else was looking back. He was unsure why he could see them but no one else did.

"They can't see us because we are only spirits," the woman explained. "I guess you must be a spirit as well."

Yami nodded, "My name is Yami, and yes, I am the spirit of the Puzzle your son wears."

"I guess that's what Solomon did with the gold box," the woman remarked as she looked at her husband.

"And look what happen to our son," the man observed with a grin. "He certainly has grown more than just physically!"

Yami nodded again, "Yugi is one of the bravest souls I have seen."

"That's good to hear," the woman sighed with content. "I'm so happy he was able to break free from the spell."

Yami's eyes widened as he grew stunned over what he heard. "You… you knew about the spell that had been cast over him?"

"Of course!" the man laughed with a big grin. "We're his parents after all!"

Yami became speechless.

The woman continued to smile as she explained, "We will always watch over him, and we're glad to see his had been able to make friends and continue to be happy even without us. But when things got a little tricky, we were able to enter within our son to help him out."

Yami thought back to the time where the two people within Yugi's dream were talking with him. He could not imagine the pain not only to his partner but to his parents as well. They could not spend any time together. They gave up that moment to help out their child.

"Reality can be harsh, but it is important to get back up," the woman assured. "We'll always be there with him."

"And thank you for being there for him," the man grinned.

The two parents of Yugi Muto then vanished from the sight.

Yami smiled. He looked back over at Yugi, who was smiling a genuine smile along with everyone else. They were preparing ready to leave, so they all said goodbye for now and agreed to visit again soon.

Yami looked over at the boy he was chosen to be with. He was glad to be with someone who was forgiving, courageous, and friendly. He was also glad he was able to sleep well.

He closed his eyes.

"Yugi, I hope the next time we duel, we can both be honest and have a great match."

Everyone walked off and went to enjoy their day together.

The End

Chao- Admittedly, this version does feel more completed. The first one did have changes right in the middle of publication and lacked some details both in setting and description. But, hey, these skills have been learned and implemented over time. DarkChao1663 has taken in a lot since opening this account back in 2003. It really helped to hear from you all and have a great site to post this. Hope you all have enjoyed this!