Nothing but a major overhaul was going to fix the scene with Bakura when they were at school, so I had no choice but to make it a little less awful, as I don't want to be rewriting huge chunks of a fan-fiction I'm doing just for fun. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter, and my apologies for that scene! ;;

CHAPTER 1 -_-_- Insomnia

Yugi brushed his teeth and tried not to drift off while the Pharaoh lectured him about staying safe, avoiding enemies, and not forgetting that he was famous. "Stay away from mobs, avoid girls that breathe too deeply, if they say they're your biggest fan ask for their name so you could file a restraining order later", etcetera, etcetera, ad nauseam. Yugi didn't really see the point of it—he wasn't that much of a celebrity. He hadn't even qualified as a finalist for the Battle City tournament yet, and it seemed like he might not be able to, either. Sure, he had somewhat of a reputation—the kid that beat Kaiba, the kid that beat Pegasus. He knew the pools for him as a favorite were strong—almost as strong as Kaiba's. Not that he kept track of the betting pools. Damn Joey.

But this was so much more than a game, those guys had no idea—his friends were constantly in danger, and even his very soul was put on the line, over and over and over. There was maniac after maniac demanding Shadow Games, and nothing Yugi could do about it. Turn down a duel? Not possible—not while he had the Millennium Puzzle, and not while he held onto an Egyptian God Card. His opponents always made sure the consequences of refusing were too high to do so. And no one could help him, because he didn't want to hurt them. Not Joey, not Tea, not Tristan, not even Seto "His Highness" Kaiba. Pffft, Seto. Running some kind of evil tournament. Did he have any idea what his creation had turned into? He probably didn't mean to kill anyone. … Probably. God knew the Kaiba wouldn't worry too much if Yugi wound up in the obituaries after suffering from a strange coma after a "harmless" card game…

He really had to tell his friends to keep him on life support, for the love of god keep him on life support, if he ever fell into a "coma"—such as the kind that happened when one's soul was sent to the Shadow Realm.

He couldn't quite suppress a shudder, and he glanced up in the mirror where the spectral illusion of the Pharaoh stood behind him, his arms crossed and his face set in a frown. He wasn't mad at Yugi, just… not content. Yugi knew why—Yugi hadn't bothered trying to shield his thoughts, which he could do if he thought about it, and so the Pharaoh, Yami, had heard these just fine. And the Pharaoh knew exactly why Yugi was thinking them.

Yugi was afraid. Still afraid.

What if the god cards get stolen? What if I lose my next duel? People won't leave me alone, what do I do? I have so much homework backlogged because of the tournament, I'm going to drown. What if I get challenged to another Shadow Game and I lose this time? Bakura's been gone for a week, is he okay? What's going to happen to my friends? Who will Marik hurt next time?

"I'm sorry," he admitted finally, sighing. He put his fists against the sink and leaned over it, his eyes closed and his toothbrush still gripped in his hand. He couldn't feel the Pharaoh do it, but he could tell Yami'd put a hand on his physical counterpart's shoulder.

It's alright, he promised Yugi. He sounded genuine, but that wasn't anything unusual—the Pharaoh didn't lie about anything, at least as far as Yugi knew. Or maybe he did—Yugi wasn't really sure he wanted to know if the Pharaoh did or not. He sighed again.

"I'm frightened," he admitted. The Pharaoh already knew that—he would be able to feel it through their connection like the vibrating of wires. But it helped to say it aloud. He could tell the Pharaoh nodded. "I don't want to lose any of you guys; these stakes are high. Too high. If I didn't have your fate and the fate of the world on my shoulders, I might just drop card games altogether."

No you wouldn't. It wasn't accusing, it was just the truth. The Pharaoh was never rude or sarcastic to him; he simply called things as he saw them. And the Pharaoh knew Yugi too well to believe for an instant that his latest statement could hold any validity. You live for games, Yugi. Your desire to play them flows through your veins more thickly than blood. … Tell me, what's the chemical formula of glucose?

"Um…" Yugi started, knowing that he should remember it. Didn't he have a biology test coming up later that day?

What is the attack, defense, type, and attribute of Silent Magician Lv 4?

"One-thousand Attack, One-thousand Defense, Light, Spellcaster," he answered in an instant, unable to feel just a bit proud that he could answer so quickly. The Pharaoh nodded to himself.

And that monster isn't even in your deck, he noted. The triumphant smile slipped from Yugi's face and he sighed, getting the point.

"I know," he said helplessly. "I know. I just… I feel so useless! I can't do anything to protect all of you, and I even need to rely on you for my own safety! I can't do anything! Joey can fight in a real fight if he needs to; Tea's mind is so strong and sure, and Tristan's so confident! But what can I do? Memorize some numbers on cards. Can I really make a future out of that? I know some people can, and have, but… I'm not like them. I don't have what it takes." He leaned against the sink despondently, not really looking at anything. He could tell the Pharaoh was not pleased.

Yugi! he snapped, genuinely angry. Yugi hunched his shoulders. Don't say that! You aren't useless—there's a lot you can do! Your happiness and your very soul brought all of us together to become the friends we are now! Your optimism and encouragement not only do but have brought all of us back from the brink in times of trouble! When an opponent or a particularly difficult situation has me shaken up, it's always been your support and friendship that has given me the courage and strength to pull through! And you're an incredible duelist in your own right, as well! Do not put down your own skills!

Yugi didn't say anything for a moment, then he sighed heavily.

"Then I'm doomed to life as a support character?"

The Pharaoh frowned audibly.

Yugi, why are you acting like this? This isn't like you—are you sick? Yugi put a hand over his face and shook his head.

It isn't fair of me to be scaring the Pharaoh like this, he thought in the deepest part of his mind, a part he knew the Pharaoh couldn't reach. I don't have any right to let my worry change who I am; my friends are strong for me, and I need to be strong for them. I know I have their support, and I have to stop squandering that by letting my hopelessness get the best of me! He drew his hand into a fist and smiled apologetically into the mirror.

"I've been having trouble sleeping, which you know about," he admitted, "and I guess it has me feeling more down than usual. Things just seem to be getting so out of hand lately. But I won't let it beat me! I'll keep going no matter what!"

The Pharaoh smiled, and even though it was a slight expression, it still filled Yugi with strength.

I'm glad, was all the Pharaoh said. Yugi's smile warmed.

"You're right; I really shouldn't be worrying so much. There isn't much I can do, but what I can, I should. Everyone has their problems—but when we all join together, we become unstoppable!" The Pharaoh nodded to himself.

Now that sounds like my partner. He had been leaning against the reflection of the counter, but now he straightened and stuck his hands in his pockets. Even though he was just a sourceless reflection in the mirror, the Millennium Puzzle around his neck still caught the light. Glucose is C6H12O6 by the way.

Yugi opened his mouth to say something else.

"Yugi! Are you on the phone at this hour? You need to eat or you'll be late for school!" his grandfather called. Yugi panicked and threw his toothbrush into the sink before starting to pull on his uniform.

"Summon Skull! Attack his Lifepoints directly!" Yugi shouted, pointing and shouting even if though his duel disk was safely tucked away in his backpack. Joey let out a loud groan and tilted back in his chair, putting a hand over his face.

"That stupid Needle Wall!" he shouted in dismay. "My dice never roll the right number! Ah jeez…" He looked at Yugi and the enormous smile on his face between his fingers. Joey dropped his hand and gave his friend a sort of irritated smile.

"You win again, Yug," he said, waving his hand dismissively over the card field the two had made on their desks. Yugi had won by a landslide, not that anyone watching was surprised. Yugi didn't usually lose; in fact, none of them could remember the last time he had lost.

Yugi's smile widened and he started gathering his cards.

"I guess," he admitted, "but I think we both won—that was a really fun game, Joey! And tight, too! I'm sure I felt my heart stop for a couple of seconds!" Joey snorted.

"Whaddya mean? Ya won by more 'n a landslide, Yug—ya buried me in an avalanche!" Yugi laughed at the joke as Joey started gathering his cards into one pile as well.

"Yeah," Yugi said, "but a couple of turns ago when you had three monsters on the field and I didn't have any, I was sure I was toast!" It took a second, but Joey smiled.

"Yeah, I had ya on the ropes there, didn't I?" He tilted his head back and laughed, and Yugi nodded knowingly.

"Hello there, guys." The two of them looked up at Bakura, who was standing at the side of their desks. They hadn't noticed him among the cloud of students who had wanted to watch the duel; even if most of them weren't duelists themselves, they'd heard about the Battle City tournament and knew a little of Yugi's and even Joey's reputations. After this duel many of them wondered why on earth so many people would be even interested in such a boring game; others were now even more interested in it than before.

"Bakura! You're ba—" Yugi started, glad to see him after almost a week. He stopped. Bakura looked ragged. He didn't look like he'd been hurt, just exhausted, like he hadn't slept in a while. Like he hadn't slept in a couple weeks.

"Oi, Bakura, ya look awful!" Joey said, ever the tactful one. Bakura winced.

"Yeah," he admitted apologetically, as if it was something he had to feel sorry for, "I don't seem to have been sleeping well lately." Yugi's heart went out to him—he knew what it was like to have recent sleeping troubles. And he especially knew what it was like to bear a Millennium Item—even if Bakura's had been thrown into the forest on the Duelist Kingdom island, bearing a Millennium Item for any length of time was still a burden, and Bakura had a special place in Yugi's heart for it.

Bakura blinked owlishly and rocked for a moment on his feet. That wasn't just "not sleeping well". What on earth was with Bakura?

"Is anything the matter?" Yugi asked, quickly putting his deck in his backpack before turning back around. The crowd had thinned out, but it just made Bakura seem smaller and more tired.

Bakura shook his head. He staggered slightly, putting one hand to his forehead as if he was reeling. Yugi's arms twitched forward in response, but he managed to stop himself. Bakura wasn't falling, although it looked close. The bags under his eyes were almost as dark as the skin of Joey's Red-Eyes Black Dragon.

"Just not… sleeping well…" he said. He turned away before Yugi could say anything else and slipped into desk. He didn't do it, but Yugi could tell that Bakura wanted nothing more than to rest his head on his desk.

Yugi wanted to give Bakura his space, but he wanted to make sure he was okay even more. He stood up and walked over to Bakura's desk, which was only a couple down from his own.

"I think you should've stayed in bed," he said seriously, leaning against a currently unoccupied desk next to Bakura's. Bakura shook his head, and when he was done he squeezed his eyes closed and opened them very suddenly.

"No, no, I'm okay, really," he said, trying to smile reassuringly and failing spectacularly. "It's not that bad; I'm fine. I'm just a little… tired." His eyes fluttered closed, and he started to tilt to one side before abruptly catching himself.

"Come on," Yugi said, his voice firm and no-nonsense. He stood up and pulled Bakura to his feet—he didn't resist at all—and put one of Bakura's arms around his shoulders; he had to stand on his tip-toes to be any kind of support. "Let's go to the nurse's office. You can lie down there." Bakura looked like he wanted to protest, but no sound came. He let his head drop, his face hidden behind his white bangs.

Joey noticed and had just opened his mouth and stood to his feet when the bell rang. Like a stage cue, the teacher walked in.

"Mutou! Wheeler! Bakura! What do you think you're doing?!" the teacher demanded. Bakura jumped, putting a surprising amount of strain on Yugi. Once he'd settled, Yugi looked over his shoulder, but found that that didn't work; he lifted Bakura's arm up and peered from under it at their teacher.

"Bakura's not feeling well," he explained. "I was going to take him to the nurse's office." The teacher frowned, his brow furrowing. He crossed his arms over his chest.

"And why can't he go himself?" Yugi paused.

"Because… he's… not… feeling… well…" he explained slowly, confused by the teacher's confusion. There was a pause, and then the teacher nodded huffily.

"Alright. Mutou, take Ryou to the nurse's office. You have ten minutes! Now go!" Joey suddenly leapt up, slamming his hands on his desk.

"Now wait just a minute, there! I'm gonna go too!" he shouted. "No way Yug can lift Bakura all by hisself! An' ten minutes i'n't enough time for anyone to get to the nurse's office an' back when they're carryin' a sick—" Yugi held up a hand.

"It's okay, Joey," he said, smiling reassuringly at him. "I'll be fine with Bakura. You stay here and pay attention for me, okay?" Joey glared at him for a second, then at the teacher, then turned back to Yugi. With a resigned sigh he dropped back into his seat.

"Alright, Yug, whate'er ya say." He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms behind his head and putting his feet up on the desk. Yugi started shuffling away, holding Bakura—who was slowly becoming heavier and heavier with each moment that passed—and listening to the teacher berate Joey for his "poor posture", which he knew Joey was absorbing none of.

"Ten minutes, Mutou!" the teacher repeated right before Yugi made it out the door. Yugi nodded once, thinking secretly to himself that the teacher really needed to lighten up, and maybe play a game of Duel Monsters.

Yugi. Yugi didn't stop shuffling with Bakura; it had taken a while, but he'd finally learned how to internalize reactions to the Pharaoh's more abrupt emergences.

What's up, Pharaoh? He could feel the Pharaoh's unease deep inside of him; Yami had been watching everything, but he hadn't said much since their conversation in the bathroom.

Yugi. Doesn't Bakura's condition seem strange to you? the Pharaoh asked. Yugi blinked in surprise, but kept walking, feeling Bakura's weight drag against him. He was gone for nearly seven days in a row, and he suddenly arrives today, looking as if he hasn't slept in weeks. Doesn't any of this seem suspicious to you? Yugi frowned and shifted Bakura's arm into a more comfortable position.

I guess, he admitted, especially when you put it that way. But what could it mean? I don't think Bakura's home-life is too bad, and it's not like he'd be staying up countless nights and fighting in this tournament, he added. Maybe he's just been sick, and the sleeplessness is part of that. He could feel the Pharaoh consenting to these points.

True, but his condition still doesn't seem right. He might be exhausted, but he doesn't seem sick. And whenever we've seen him he's been relatively happy—compared to you and Tristan and especially Joey, he may not be too energetic, but he's always been better than this. This doesn't sit right with me, my partner. Yugi frowned as he helped Bakura down a staircase.

It doesn't sit right with me either, he admitted, but there's nothing we can do right now. Bakura's almost asleep as it is, and I can't learn anything until he's rested some. He felt the Pharaoh ascent to this.

Very well. Yugi could feel the Pharaoh's presence start to lessen. I will trust it unto you, then. He felt the Pharaoh recede until he was just a soft glow of consciousness somewhere in the back of his mind, just a little stronger than if he was sleeping.

The Pharaoh was watching.

He always watched over Yugi.

"Come on, Bakura," Yugi said, his voice cheerful and reassuring. "We're almost there. Just down the hall." Bakura's eyelids fluttered in response, and Yugi felt him become even heavier. Once Bakura had rested some, Yugi could ask him in more detail—and with more pressure—about what was wrong, and what he could do to help. He just hoped Bakura would let him.

Yugi was almost sure his back was going to snap when he finally managed to reach the nurse's office and push the door open. By now Bakura was more out of it than in, and Yugi had to physically push him onto the bed and straighten out his legs for him. He leaned over and panted once Bakura was lying, seemingly already unconscious, on the bed.

After he'd pulled himself together a little—and some of the soreness in his back and shoulders eased away—Yugi took a careful look at Bakura's face.

He didn't seem hurt in any way; just tired. Exhausted, body and soul. There were deep circles under his eyes, and even as he slept his eyelids fluttered as if he was having a horribly vivid nightmare. Even in sleep Bakura looked troubled and helpless. There weren't any more clues that he could see than last time.

Yugi looked around, abruptly realizing that the nurse hadn't moved to help him. He noticed a sign on the door and sighed to himself—the nurse was out for today. Of course she would be.

He turned back to Bakura, who was laying on his back with his arms sprawled out to the sides and his legs half-bent, like he was somewhere between sleeping on his back and sleeping on his side.

"Hey Bakura," he said quietly, not really expecting Bakura to answer. Still, it was more polite to check. "Will you be okay if I leave you here alone to sleep?"

"Don't go… Yugi…" Bakura muttered, forcing his eyes open. For a moment he frowned, as if he hadn't meant to say that at all and it had just slipped out. Yugi blinked in surprise.

"You're still awake!" Bakura nodded weakly, tipping his chin up and down in minute gestures.

"I'm sorry… you should get to class," he said. Yugi frowned at the sudden change.

"Bakura…"

Neither of them spoke for a moment, then Bakura closed his eyes. He opened them again, and when he spoke, the words came slowly, as if they were some terrible confession.

"I've been… really lonely this last week…" he admitted. "It's been…" His eyelids fluttered. "…I've been so alone…" His eyes stayed closed this time. Yugi looked at the clock; it had already been fifteen minutes—he was late as it was, so he could see no harm in staying for a while.

"I'd be happy to stick around," he said, smiling at Bakura, in a way he hoped was reassuring, and sitting on the edge of the bed. Even though Bakura couldn't see Yugi's, the edges of Bakura's lips pulled up into his own small smile.

"Thanks," he said, a bit of the relief he was trying to hide showing through. There was silence for a second, and then Yugi was unable to resist asking.

"What's wrong, Bakura? Really? Why are you so tired like this? And where have you been?" For a long while, there was silence, and Yugi worried. But then Bakura answered.

"I can't…" Yugi's eyebrows climbed up his forehead; Bakura was shaking his head back and forth, using what little energy he had. "I just… I can't…" He was shaking his head faster, and he was so caught up in the movement that his whole body was starting to rock. Yugi reached forward to put a hand on Bakura's chest and calm him, but Bakura hugged himself with one arm so tightly and so suddenly that there was no room in Yugi's mind for doubt that it had been a defensive measure against him.

"Bakura…" he started, the name slipping out; he was surprised by how sad and hurt his voice was. He watched as the tension in Bakura's body released, although he didn't drop his arm. He looked completely helpless.

"I'm sorry… Yugi. Things have been… really hard… lately." He raised his eyelids a little and stared at the ceiling. His brown eyes seemed sad and faraway, and somewhat… scared. Scared and lost and confused and, most of all, completely without hope. "I don't know what to do. And there's no one I can talk to." Yugi was suddenly leaning over him, one hand resting over his heart and his face distraught.

"You can talk to me, Bakura! We're friends! You know that I'll always help you whenever I can!" he shouted. He knew he shouldn't have been shouting, and he made an effort to lower his voice—but how could he not panic? What could possibly be going on that would make him so helpless, so beaten down like this? Bakura was so exhausted, he was practically asleep even as he spoke.

Bakura shook his head.

"No, Yugi. I can't talk to you about it. Especially… especially not you." Yugi leaned back, surprisingly hurt.

It's alright, Yugi, the Pharaoh said, reemerging at his partner's distress. Whatever's causing him to stay awake must be messing with his mind. I sense something very dark at work here, Yugi. The Pharaoh paused, but Yugi could tell there was more he wanted to say. Silently, Yugi encouraged the Pharaoh to say it, even though he felt apprehensive already.

I'm not sure it's safe to associate with Bakura anymore.

Pharaoh! Yugi cried silently; his fists tightened at his sides. How can you think that?! I don't know what's going on with Bakura, and it makes me uncomfortable, too, but he needs us now more than ever! How can you say we should stay away?! He glanced at Bakura, who had stopped his exhausted twitching and was finally lying still. He needs us, Pharaoh.

Partner, the Pharaoh warned. Bakura opened his eyes and looked at Yugi.

"I'm really sorry for worrying you… Yugi…" he said. "Why don't you… go back…? I'll be okay…" Yugi looked at him, but he realized there was nothing else he could really do. Bakura was worrying him—one moment he wanted him there, and the next he clearly wanted him to go. The Pharaoh tugging at his attention and trying to make him leave wasn't helping either.

There's nothing you can do for him if he won't let you, the Pharaoh said firmly. I know you want to help, but there's nothing you can do. Give him some time—we can find out more later. The Pharaoh did want to help Bakura—Yugi could feel it. And it was the only reason he was willing to give in.

"Alright," he said aloud to both of them. He stood up and threw Bakura a final glance. "I'll come check on you after school, okay?"

This time Bakura really was asleep.