Disclaimer: See previous chapters.

Chapter 1: Trouble arises

A/N: I'm sorry that it took so long to make an update, but I had to basically redo most of the work from scratch. One of my idiot friends got a hold of the disk I had the most recent copy saved on and erased it so they could get some stupid screenshots. So after basically strangling the baka, I had to rewrite a lot of this from memory and guesswork. Which is why some personalities have changed slightly from before and why this chapter is a lot shorter than the previous one. But don't worry, Chapter 2 is mostly complete and will be a lot longer than this one when it's posted in April.

Pairings: YY/Y, YB/R, YM/Y and all others are still in debate.

Yugi to Yami

Yami to Yugi>

In a world of shadows where light was almost virtually nonexistent, there was no concept of morning. Inhabitants slept and awoke according to the cycles of their bodies, as it had been for as long as anyone could remember. It was a system that worked, so there was no reason to question it. And it was how one of the few true Lights of the Shadow Realm opened his eyes when he finally awoke from a slumber that had finally become peaceful.

His violet eyes took a few moments to fully open, as he was still caught between the world of waking and the world of sleep. It was such a temptation to just return to the latter thanks to the warmth that fully embraced him. Then he wouldn't have to worry about the troublesome matters of stretching and chasing away the remaining strands of innocent dreams that still danced in the corners of his mind. It was so much easier just to stay like this, even though he knew that he really couldn't.

The one he slept next to didn't have the luxury of remaining with him endlessly at the moment. There were important matters that needed his attention soon if they were to be resolved before any trouble could get started. Just what these matters might be were unknown to him. All he knew was that news of trouble had come just before his lover had retired to join him in their chambers.

The news had been enough to disturb his lover to the point where he had been oddly silent during most of their private time together. Normally he would at least talk about part of how his duties had gone or just ask how he himself had been during his absence. But this time, the most that he would tell his hikari was that some sort of accident had just barely been averted. Then before Yugi could question him further, he had gathered the smaller into his arms and held him as close as possible while reclining on his favorite sofa before they finally went to bed.

The action itself was not unwelcome, as the hikari loved nothing more than to snuggle up with his yami. But it did cause him to wonder just what had disturbed his other half so badly that he wouldn't even talk about it. In his entire existence, Yugi had seen and known of very few things that could cause Yami such distress. When they had, it had usually been something that threatened more than just the safety of Yami's territory. It had been enough to threaten the Shadow Realm as a whole in those times.

Times when rogue Monsters and other forces chose to rise above their stations and challenge the power of the yamis who had been the lords and masters of the Shadow Realm since it had first come into existence. Wars would start during those times, often brutal beyond imagining, with bloodshed and hatred constantly fueling the fires of many warmongers' greed.

All circumstances that Yugi had never seen for himself, but knew existed nonetheless. And just the thought of his lover having to face something like that was enough to make him cuddle closer to Yami and embrace him tightly in self-reassurance. For a moment, he just wanted to know that Yami was next to him and safe. By doing so however, he finally drew the one next to him out of slumber and into the waking world like himself.

Hello hikari> Yami smiled as moved to stretch a bit.

Hi Yami Yugi blushed.

Moving to nuzzle his cheek against Yugi's, the larger asked, Did you sleep better, little one?>

Yes Yugi answered.

Now didn't I tell you that going back to sleep wouldn't be so bad? Yami gently teased.

Uh-huh Yugi said.

As long as I'm here, you needn't worry> Yami promised as he pulled away from his hikari, But there is something that we need to discuss, little one.>

Hmm? What's that, Yami? Yugi asked.

I'm afraid that I can't stay to share first meal with you, little one. I have some business that I have to attend to first> Yami explained.

A pout formed almost instantly on Yugi's face at hearing that. He knew that it wasn't unusual for Yami to have to leave him to go attend something when they first woke up, that was a given for their lifestyle. What Yugi didn't like was that it came without warning and interrupted their private time for first meal. It was one of the times when it was just supposed to be them, no one else.

Next to him, Yami couldn't help but smile at the slight pout that formed on his hikari's face. No matter what he did, the little one always found a way to appear even more adorable and desirable than before. It was one of the things that he loved best for his Aibou and what made him wish that he could spend every second with his counterpart. But for now at least, he knew that it wasn't possible. He had too much planned for today for him to just stay in bed with his aibou right now.

That wasn't to say that they wouldn't get a chance for some one-on-one time. It was still some time away of course, but he already had a few ideas dancing around in his head that he would be eager to try out. As they usually did, most in the forms of games whose play would eventually end in one thing. Something that made Yami ache for immensely just by thinking about it and watching the delectable little one next to him.

Forcing the thought down took a great deal on Yami's part, but he reminded himself that business sometimes has to come before pleasure. And right now was one of those times, so the sooner he completed the business, the sooner he could get to the pleasure. So first he could placate his pouting hikari, then he would head off to handle what needed to be done.

Leaning forward and kissing him gently on the forehead, Yami promised," It won't take me very long, little one. I just have a few things to sort out and when I'm done, then it will just be the two of us. All right?"

"Okay," Yugi nodded reluctantly.

"Good," Yami said as he slid from under the covers," Now why don't you go ahead and have first meal? Then you can start on that new puzzle that the Dark Magician Girl found for you. I'm sure if you have just that on your mind, you won't even miss me."

"All right," Yugi replied.

Smiling gently, Yami then gave Yugi another kiss on the forehead and then slid out of bed. Striding over to the wardrobe, he selected his usual attire of a white tunic, deep violet, sandals and bits of gold jewelry that he wore on his arms, around his neck, and forehead. He then began to change from the tunic that he had slept in beforehand and into the chosen attire. It was a process that took him no more than a few moments and done in the full view of his hikari.

Not that it was anything new to the pair. They were completely used to seeing one another in such states and it was nothing for them to worry about. So while Yami dressed, Yugi just sat there watching calmly and wondering just what his darkness would have to do once he left. Something told him that the business Yami had to take care of had to do with the news that he had received earlier, but it was impossible to be sure unless his darkness chose to tell him outright or he just found another source of information.

Yugi briefly forgot about figuring out just what his lover had to do when said beloved finished dressing. At a single glance, anyone would have to admit that Yami was the picture of regal glory. His clothing and jewelry enhanced the natural aura of power that he gave off, making him seem far superior to those around him. It was a sight that always warmed Yugi's soul, as he knew that this was both his protector and lover for eternity.

Already knowing what his little one was thinking, Yami gave him a gentle smile. Like the other, he was well aware of the image that he gave off and he was thrilled that it made Yugi proud of him. It was always a sign that his world was still right and that there was just a little less for him to worry about. But for the things that remained, he still had many to attend to before he was completely free of trouble for the time. So with a final, loving smile at his lover, Yami turned and left.

He strode out of the bedchamber and out into the adjoining corridor. A low groan signaled that one of the only two pairs of metal doors leading to their personal chambers from the outside opened for the dark one as he came near. Seconds later there was a dull bang as the doors closed again after his departure. From there, he would go down the long corridor to be met by his Monsters and then they would go to the Meeting Hall to discuss matters.

Still within the bedchamber, Yugi could feel his lover's physical presence grow fainter and fainter through their link. Soon he was only able to feel Yami's mental echoes and these were limited to strong emotion alone since he had blocked off part of his side of the connection. On Yugi's end, he may have wanted more than just a mental presence, but he was willing to be satisfied with what he had for the moment.

So with a reluctant sigh, Yugi decided that there was no point in staying in bed anymore. He may as well get up as well and get on with his own business. After all, it was the only real way he was going to pass the time without becoming incredibly bored until Yami returned. So getting out of bed, he followed the same process that Yami had a few moments before.

It didn't take him long to go to his own wardrobe and choose a simple tunic of beige with a single gold tassel trim around the hem. He changed into this quickly, discarding his old one in a hamper where the servants would see to its cleaning later. Once he was done, Yugi headed towards the dining area of the chambers. There he would find a single table set for two.

Food would have already been set out by his own personal servant who lived in one of the adjoining chambers. If it were under normal circumstances, then there would be more than enough for Yami and himself. At times like this however, when Yami had business and had left orders beforehand on how much to prepare, then there was just enough to satisfy Yugi's hunger.

This time though, Yugi really didn't have much of an appetite. Instead, he just sat silently at his place, picking at the food that had been set out for him. He ate a little bit, knowing that Yami always insisted that he at least eat something to keep up his strength, but the majority of his food remained untouched. It would probably be taken by his servant or one of the others later on once they came to see if anything needed to be cleaned.

When he left his food, Yugi wandered aimlessly through their private chambers in search of the puzzle that Yami had suggested he work on. It wasn't something he felt particularly interested in right now, as it would only be a distraction at best, but it would help Yugi think more clearly about the problem at hand. He knew that there was more to what was happening than Yami had let on. He always did whenever something like this came up.

Yugi knew that Yami acted the way he did because he was trying to protect his hikari from the harsher facts of life. He had done that almost from the beginning and it was something that Yugi had adjusted to without realizing at first. As the ages wore though and he gained a better insight of what went on around him, he also realized just how foolish that sort of attitude could be. He knew that extreme ignorance was one of the worst things that a person could allow themselves to fall into. It left them ill prepared for any challenges that life might throw in their direction and that always had dire consequences in the end.

As he finally came across his puzzle and then settled onto a small sofa near the balcony, Yugi knew that there was always the possibility of that happening to him despite all the meticulous protections that Yami laid out for him. Which was why he kept wishing that Yami would be more open with him when trouble came up. Then he wouldn't have to worry about these things or the situation itself being the only secret that he had ever kept from Yami.

While Yugi sorted through this dilemma, he failed to notice a figure that was steadily approaching him. It came from behind at first, slowly working its way through all the furniture and the shadows that they cast. Then it moved off to the side, eventually hiding itself just under the table that was before the sofa where Yugi sat. For a moment, it tensed, waited, and then struck.

"BOO!" the figure cried.

"Gah!" Yugi yelped, falling backwards onto the cushions behind him.

For a moment or so, Yugi lay there in a daze. He had been so intent on his thoughts that the sudden appearance and cry had startled his mind completely. So it took a little while for his senses to return to normal. While he lay there though, a shadow appeared overhead as the one that had startled him made another appearance.

Amusement twinkled openly within the depths of a deep onyx orb that watched when Yugi finally struggle to get up, more than giving away that the owner had scared him intentionally. Not out of malice of course, but enough that anyone could tell that it was a joke that had been well played to the fullest extent. And it was that more than the fact that he had been scared in the first place that annoyed Yugi the most.

"Solitaire," Yugi complained as he sat up again," I thought you said that you weren't going to do that anymore!"

The one known as Solitaire only flashed a fang-filled grin in reply. One onyx eye watched Yugi with a mischievous glint showing while azure hair-like spikes that ran down her back covered the other up. She raised a webbed paw to push the loose spikes back and place them behind her ear. It did little good though, since the spikes simply fell back into their previous position seconds later. But it did allow one a brief glimpse of the second eye, which showed just as much amusement as the first.

"Sorry Yugi. It was just too hard to resist," Solitaire chuckled.

The Hikari just sent her another glare or as close to one as he could manage. To be honest, he really wasn't that angry with the newcomer for what she had just done. She had done it often enough in the past, so he was used to it at this point. His present mood just didn't allow him to feel much amusement towards anything.

So with a defeated sigh, Yugi just replied," Never mind, Solitaire."

With that, he turned his attention back to one of the two puzzles that he had been working on. The first, the one that he had been working on by hand, now lay forgotten in his grasp as Yugi fell into deep concentration. He still couldn't figure out what was going on with Yami. It was unlike the dark one to keep secrets, especially from his soulmate and lover. So what was going on with his darkness?

Yugi was broken out of his contemplation when he felt a weight on his hands. Looking down, he saw that Solitaire was sitting at his feet. She had placed one of her paws on his hands, keeping him from fiddling anymore with the nearly forgotten puzzle, and thus getting his attention. The expression that she gave him was one of worry and anxiousness.

"You okay, Yugi?" Solitaire asked.

Yugi replied half-heartedly," What?"

"I said are you okay?" Solitaire repeated.

"What makes you think anything's wrong?" Yugi blushed uncertainly.

"I don't know. Maybe it's the fact that you seemed a little out of it when I walked in. Usually you at least have some idea when I'm in the same room as you," Solitaire shrugged.

Her words were true enough. Though she was a master of stealth and surprise, experience had taught Yugi to recognize the signs when she was in the room. Little things like an unexpected shadow in the corner or a stillness that comes only from being stalked by another. Not much to really arouse suspicion in most, but Yugi had fallen prey to Solitaire's pranks enough times that it was plenty for him to rely on. So for him not even to recognize them was unusual.

"Well?" Solitaire prompted after a moment.

For someone in her position, it should have been considered rude and unthinkable to speak to one's Master like that. But in Solitaire's case, it was the exact opposite. Yugi expected her to act as her personality dictated, since he had always preferred what was real instead of something false. So it was no surprise when she acted as bluntly as she had towards him on the matter.

"It's nothing important, Solitaire. I just have a few things on my mind," Yugi replied.

"Like why Yami-sama is so edgy?" Solitaire asked suddenly.

"H-how'd you know about that, Solitaire? Have you been eavesdropping again?" Yugi stammered.

"Nope. I just know that he only leaves you before first meal if something major comes up," Solitaire said plainly.

Another point in Solitaire's favor. Like himself, she had picked up the habit of noticing things that many people passed over. There was a difference in just what they noticed though. Where Yugi noticed the little things about events and the people around him, Solitaire always sought out the most specific, embarrassing information that she could find on a subject. That was so that if someone annoyed her enough, then she would be able to have something to blackmail them with for revenge.

When it came to Yugi though, she used what she noticed about him to determine just what sort of mood he was in. That allowed her to judge if it was the best time for a prank or just to talk. Right now though, judging from how he seemed so sullen and deep in thought, she was getting the feeling that maybe it wasn't such a good idea to scare him like she had.

"Maybe something's come up, but that's okay. Yami has important work to do," Yugi said after a moment as a way to excuse how he had just reacted.

"Nice try, but that won't work on me, Yugi. I know that look. You're worried about why Yami had to leave so early," Solitaire snorted," And I can give you a hint to get over that. If you're so worried, maybe you should go down to the Meeting Hall. You'd probably find some answers there."

"Why would I find answers in the Meeting Hall?" Yugi asked uncertainly.

"Because that's where everyone was told to meet last night after first meal," Solitaire answered," I don't know what it's about, but it sure has everyone excited. I'm never seen so much activity around here at once."

This information peaked Yugi's curiosity. He rarely went to the Meeting Hall himself, so to hear about it was something different for him. If it involved the Monsters getting antsy though, then it was really something special. It meant that something out of the ordinary was occurring, something that might have to do with why Yami had been so upset before and why he had had to go to the meetings so soon.

Just to be sure though, Yugi asked," How can you be sure that there's something going on, Solitaire? I mean, a lot of the Monsters could just be cleaning the Meeting Hall for something."

"Oh they weren't cleaning. Kuribohs don't move that fast for cleaning," Solitaire insisted.

Out of curiosity, Yugi asked," How fast was Kuriboh going?"

"Like the Winged Dragon of Ra and every single Blue Eyes White Dragon alive was on his tail at once," Solitaire half-grinned.

A/N: Again, I'm very sorry for the long wait. Between having to rewrite this from scratch and then dealing with my personal life, I just haven't been able to get this out as quickly as I wanted. But I promise to try and update more frequently in the future. Until then, I want to thank everyone who read and that I hope that you've all enjoyed this latest installment.