Chapter 3: Déjà Vu

Tea sat on a metal folding chair and watched over her fallen friend in his room. She monitored the male teen for any new signs that could appear, such as motions or squeaks. She found nothing. While lying in his bed, the young boy's face appeared very peaceful.

"I wonder why Yugi didn't seem like himself today." Tea remarked quietly to herself. She was concerned for her companion and wanted to do all she could to help him. "Whenever we talked today at lunch or in between classes, he didn't have anything to say. He looked like he was somewhere else. He even declined to have a duel with Joey. Why is that? Is he coming down with something?"

"Tea," a voiced called.

The female student turned and saw Yugi's grandpa standing in the doorway. His arms were placed behind his back in a relaxed positioned, and his face appeared meek.

"Tea, is everything all right?" Solomon asked as he came closer to his grandson's bed.

"Yes. Well, nothing much has changed if that's what you meant."

Tea looked up from Yugi and into his grandpa's old but well experienced eyes. She spotted how depressed he seemed, lamenting the possibility Yugi may remain in his state forever. She shook her head, annulling those foul, negative thoughts. She must stay positive if the group was to save their smallest member.

"Everything's gonna be fine in the end! We'll find a way to help Yugi! He's probably finding his own way out of this mess, too! He's too strong to be taken in by this!"

Her heart returned to her friend. She reminisced about what happened earlier at school. Yugi was normally a lighthearted kid despite his minor bullying problem. Even though he was mistreated and taken advantage of, he still attended school and delivered a true smile on his face. The girl questioned his sudden change, keeping to himself far more than usual. A part of her feared the boy was withdrawing all his emotions until now.

"Was there something wrong within his family? Was Yugi trying to call out for help?"Tea pondered to herself. She gathered the courage to say, "Um… Mr. Muto, may I asked you something?"

The senior turned his direction from his grandson to his kind friend.

"Well," she began anxiously but also guileless. "I've noticed today that Yugi was acting a little strange. I mean, he seemed to be a little distant, and at first I just thought he might be sick, but now… maybe… Is there anything wrong?"

Solomon sighed and looked back at his grandson's direction.

Tea studied the aging set of violet eyes once more. She knew how much love and respect lied between the two Muto members. She understood he was thinking about something, so she chose to not interrupt.

"I guess this is affecting him more and more as he gets older," the old man said as though he was more talking to himself rather than to Tea.

"What do you mean?" the teen asked puzzled.

"Well…" Solomon trailed off as the sound of a door creaked open and two voices could be heard.

Tea and the store keeper looked behind them and saw Yami and Joey in the doorway.

"How did it go?" she asked as she stood from her chair. While she was watching over their fallen friend, the other adolescents ventured into the city in hopes of finding a cure. No one wanted their small buddy to remain his state forever, a sad state where he did not even wear his smile.

The two boys sighed despondently.

"Ishizu knows nothing about this." Yami explained with a hint of defeat in his tone as they walked in. "She did say she will do some research on this."

He passed the group to watch over his partner once more. Although he now possessed a physical form, he missed his special connection with his friend. He could not hear his other self's laughter nor see his cheerful eyes sparkle.

"If Akana was truly seeking out revenge, why did he grant me a body of my own? Why not just leave me in the Puzzle?"

He at once grabbed his other half's hand. The warmth of his partner's body heat surged through his, but it was not the same; he could not feel the warmth of Yugi's soul.

"Yugi…"

The group looked at the carpet in silent depression. They hoped an answer could be uncovered, but the results remained shrouded in mystery. No one knew what to do next, and no one knew why Yugi acted differently from before.

"Hello?" a voice from downstairs called.

"It's Tristan," Joey noted out loud with his eyes facing the open door. "We're up in Yug's room!"

"I thought everyone would be here." Tristan remarked as he came into the room. He was not expecting to see Yugi and Yami together as they were, but thanks to past experiences he automatically presumed dark magic and a new villain were at large.

The group fell quiet once again. They all had visited because they were concerned for their small friend. They wanted to help out in any way possible.

Seeing everyone had gathered because of their strong bond, Tea remembered the question she had asked the store owner. She turned her attention towards Solomon and reminded gently, "Mr. Muto, wouldn't you about to explain something about Yugi?"

All faces turned towards the old man.

"Do you know what's up with Yug?" Joey asked with amatory.

As Yami gingerly took a seat on his partner's mattress, he gave his full attention to the senior. He wanted to hear any information that could be given.

"Well, I wouldn't blame my grandson for behaving the way he has lately." Solomon sighed. He looked towards the bedroom's window. Outside the sun was setting, and many leaves were blowing in the wind.

"It's that time of year again….."

Flashback

A young, small boy sat on his living room carpet alone. He fiddled around with colorful, wooden puzzle pieces. His grandpa had given him the game to solve while his parents were out. Whenever the boy was alone, he delightfully played games to pass the time. He liked solving puzzles best; he loved looking at the pieces while wondering where to place them. His young mind was excellent at disentangling such problems.

Piece after piece he put together a challenging puzzle all on his own. He was pleased when he finished at last. The illustration showed the whole world with people of many different nations holding hands.

"Grandpa, I finished this puzzle!" he called out with joy over his accomplishment.

"My, you certainly are quick," the old man praised with a smile. He was always so pleased seeing his grandson accomplishing great challenges. He was also glad the boy took pride in games just as himself.

Outside the store a car pulled up into the driveway.

The young boy gasped in delight, "That must be Mommy and Daddy!"

"Yes, let's go meet them."

The old man took his grandson's hand, and together they walked to the door. The shop keeper opened the door and saw a young man and women walk towards them. The man had spiky black hair with blonde bangs. The lady had short, maroon hair and soft, brown eyes.

"Hi Dad," greeted the young man to his father.

"Daddy!" cried the little boy. "Aren't you happy to see me?"

"Son, your dad and I only left to go buy milk," the young women laughed.

"But it felt like forever!" the child whined.

"Let's go inside," the woman suggested as she tenderly picked up her child. "It's getting chilly out here."

Young Yugi snuggled closer to his mother. He loved his parents very much, and he loved the warmth they provided in their care for him. He was always a shy child, so he was glad they were patient with him. They often encouraged him to perform his best, but they did not grow disheartened when he did not.

The family migrated into the living room where they all sat comfortably on sofas. The old man sat on a recliner as the parents sat on a couch. They had their little boy in between them, who bounced with enchantment and energy.

"Mommy, Daddy, I finished this puzzle while you went out!" young Yugi explained with pride. He proudly pointed at the creamed-colored carpet where the completed puzzle resided.

"You work fast, kid," the young man applauded as he patted his son's back. "We should do something fun to celebrate your achievement."

"Hey, how about after we finished dinner we all go out for a nice drive?" the young lady suggested.

"Yeah!" agreed the child excitedly. He loved playing games, but he enjoyed any activity done with his family.

"I'm fine with that." Solomon nodded. "Yugi has been a good boy."

As soon as the family finished their dinner, they all climbed into a simple, compact car.

"Fasten your seatbelts," instructed the young man with a tiny laugh. He and the lady sat in front while the boy and older gentleman sat in back.

The family drove off, gladly taking in what autumn had to bring. Many trees had their leaves transforming into effervescent colors, and some had even taken fight, cascading and twirling like lithe dancers towards the chilly cement. Some folks placed up lights upon their roofs. They had traveled a bit further since the young boy had to use a rest stop at a gas station earlier on the trip. The car passed many places including stores, bars, other gas stations, and homes.

The young child gave out a tiny yawn after driving for some time.

"I think someone is ready for bed," the old man noted jokingly.

"I'm not sleepy," young Yugi informed obdurately as he rubbed his heavy eye. He hated dozing off during family activities, and he grieved at the thought of being placed into bed upon arriving home. He craved spending time with his family, hoping they could all play a game when returning to the house.

"I think we should head home," the young man decided as he made a right turn.

The car stopped at a red light, waiting patiently to proceed.

"Mom, I'm getting sleepy," Yugi confessed at last, unable to keep his large eyes from dropping over. His overworked mind was shutting down after completing his puzzle earlier.

"I know, sweetie," the young lady comforted. "We're almost home."

After waiting less than a minute, they spotted the light turning green. The young man lightly pushed on the gas pedal, and the car began to move.

There was no warning of what happened next.

A pickup truck with an intoxicated driver slammed into the upper left side of the vehicle the family was in.

Sirens blared from the distance.

Outside on the ground, the young boy saw out of one eye the melting of the sun with dancing leaves blowing in the wind.

End flashback

No one spoke. All were in shock. No one knew how much their friend had suffered alone and in silence. He was in pain, yet he still smiled. He always found goodness in others and wanted to help anyone he could. He was a friend who was there for them.

"I did my best to raise him," Solomon finally said, breaking the disheartening muteness. "It was difficult since the other children picked on him because he was smaller than most of them. But I never regretted taking him in."

Flashback

A young boy sat in a corner of the silent living room alone. He had no the energy to place together any puzzles or solve any games. He was lonely at school, and he did not have the encouragement from his parents like he at once did. He had read in books and seen in TV series of friends supporting one another. He longed to have others be with him and help him out, especially in his time of need. But he did not. He felt empty inside.

He pulled his knees to his chest and wrapped his arms around them. He stared at the floor in his own world. He did not hear his grandfather coming into the room to check in on him.

"What's wrong, Yugi?" the older man asked. He wondered if the boy had been teased once again at school. He had tried to help out his grandson, but Yugi remained blue.

Yugi had always trusted his grandparent's word. Even though he was alone, he did have him. He gathered his energy and questioned, "Grandpa, when are Mommy and Daddy coming back?"

"Mommy and Daddy are…"

The older man was lost in his words. He could not tell his only grandson his parents were dead, nor did he think he would comprehend the concept. However, ignoring the question would leave Yugi in a dismal state. Yugi needed hope. He knelt down to his grandson's height.

"Mommy and Daddy are in a better place. They are on a trip."

"When are they coming back?"

"They won't. But you can go to them."

"Really? How?"

"By being a good boy and doing what you are told."

"Ok."

The old man brainstormed ways to help. He noticed boxes of puzzles on the ground remained untouched. He decided to explore an idea. Tenderly taking his grandson's hand, he helped Yugi up and walked over to the counter. He looked through some boxes.

The young grandson glanced over to see what his grandfather was rummaging through.

"What are you doing, Grandpa?" he asked with curiosity.

The old man turned and said in a cheery voice, "Hey, you know how you like to solve puzzles while you wait for your parents to return?"

"Yeah."

"Well, here's a new puzzle I want you to solve."

The old man pulled out a golden box with a mysterious eye in the center. The box glowed in the light. Traces of the reflection shone on the young boy, who appeared greatly charmed by it. He felt something calling out to him.

"WOW!" he exclaimed with excitement.

"Whoever solves the puzzle gets one wish and the ultimate power of darkness. They will also be granted one wish."

"Really Grandpa?"

"Yugi, I want you to solve this puzzle. It may take you awhile since this one has never been solved by man. But I know you can do it."

"Thank you, Grandpa."

End flashback

Yami was left alongside his other half in his bedroom alone. He looked at his lighter half shaken over what he had been told. He could not believe how much pain his partner had borne on his own. He could not believe how his companion was able to continue on after surviving a terrible accident and losing his own parents.

"Yugi," was all he could whisper.

His heart ached greatly.

He closed his sorrowful eyes and rested his head against his other half's chest. He heard the calm beat of a gentle heart, a heart that remained pure.

"Yugi, I am so sorry this had happened to you. You had lost your parents, and you were only looking for an outlet to express your feelings.

"But then this had to happen to you.

"I am so sorry you had to be caught in the middle between Akana and me even though you had nothing to do with this."

Despite the downer time, hope kindled in his heart. With one hand on the orange sheets, he gripped them tightly in between his fingers.

"Yugi, please, hold on. We'll find a way to rescue you from this curse. And then we'll help you out in this mournful time. Even if I stay like this, out of the Puzzle, I'll be there for you as you have for me.

"Please, be strong. Just as you always have."

The moon glowed on the angelic face, giving Yugi a god-like demeanor. But he was too humble to be a god. He seemed more like a prince, a prince who was kind and fair to all his subjects.

Xxx

In the park on a clear day, Yugi, after being dragged by Yami, arrived with him to a covered picnic table. Food was everywhere, and all the teen's friends had arrived. His grandpa was setting out plates and napkins. Tea and Serenity sat on a red and green blanket talking away at some random nonsense. All the boys were playing with a soccer ball. Yami ran over to where the boys were and made a goal.

Yugi decided it looked like fun; he ran over there as well. He always enjoyed playing a good game, but he could not help but feel something was bothering him.

"Wasn't there something going on? Something big?" Yugi asked himself in the center of a grassy field.

"Talking to yourself again are we?" a familiar voice asked.

Yugi turned around to see a young man and lady waiting. The young man had spiky black hair with blonde bangs and the woman had short, maroon hair.

"Could it be?" Yugi gasped in disbelief. "Can they really be?"

"What are you waiting for? An invitation to a Duel Monster's tournament where the winner gets to hug his own parents?!" the man cracked with a silly grin.

Yes!

It was!

"Mom! Dad!" Yugi cried as he ran over to his parents. He hugged both of them and held on tightly to ensure he would never lose them again. His parents hugged back.

"Mom, Dad, I missed you so much!" the young boy sobbed wholeheartedly.

"We missed you, too," the young lady said.

"Please, don't ever leave me again!" Yugi cried.

"We won't," the woman promised.

The father added, "We're back from our trip, and we're here to stay."

Xxx

In the real world everyone left for their individual homes for sleep after a long day. They had promised to be back early if anything should happen.

Solomon set out a sleeping bag onto the ground in Yugi's room so Yami could rest. He knew the former ruler of Egypt would like to be near his dear friend. He was also glad to have someone young be by his grandson's side should anything happen at night.

Although granted shelter and resting in a warm bag, Yami found it difficult to relax with so much on his mind. His brain buzzed with questions about his enemy, and his heart ached for his light, both for his current situation and the loss of his folks. But his exhausted new anatomy eventually won; he was completely worn out after living in the real world with an actual body of his own. Yami was on his side facing away from Yugi.

In his bed Yugi seemed as though he was asleep and having a wonderful dream.

He held a smile on his face and a tear on his right side.

To be continued….