Differences: Chapter twenty-one

Yami was suddenly woken awake from the sound of crying. Looking over at the body next to him he saw that his companion was shaking and muttering in a strange language. "Ryoku." He said, shaking the other boy. "Ryoku, wake up."

"Oh!" Ryoku said, sitting right up into bed.

"Ryoku are you alright?" Yami asked worriedly, placing his hand on the other's shoulder.

"I'm fine Yami. I just had a nightmare that's all." Ryoku said. "I'm sorry if I woke you."

"It's alright, I didn't mind." Yami smiled. "Are you alright now?"

Ryoku nodded slowly. "Yeah, it was just a nightmare of my mother; I get them time to time."

"Oh, I see." Yami said.

"I'm going to get some water, I'll be right back." Ryoku said, climbing out of the bed.

"Okay." Yami said, leaning against the backboard to stay awake until Ryoku returned.

Once Ryoku reached the kitchen, he didn't bother turning on the lights, he leaned against the wall crying and his body soon fell down the wall as he placed his head into his lap crying. He had lied to Yami at what his dream had been about, he couldn't tell him the truth. In his dream he had finally gotten the nerve to tell Yami who he really was. In the end, Yami got mad and locked him into the shadow realm again, except this time he could not get out. Ryoku shivered slightly, sobbing quietly he stayed there until he cried himself to sleep.

Yami who was still awake upstairs waiting for Ryoku's return started to get worried. So climbing out of bed he headed down stairs to find him. Has he entered the kitchen he turned the lights on His heart broke at the sight of his love. Whose face was wet from tears and his body shaking un-controllable. Sighing softly to himself, Yami leaned down and gathered Ryoku into his arms. Then turning off the lights he headed upstairs, entering there room, he placed Ryoku down and then lay beside him. Smiling, Yami pulled the blankets over them and placed his arms around Ryoku's waist. "Don't worry, I'm here." He whispered softly. Then he closed his eyes, and drifted off to sleep.

The next morning everyone was up early and getting ready for school. Yami didn't once bring up the nightmare that Ryoku had that night. He could tell that Ryoku didn't wish to talk about it and he respected that. Except he was really worried about Ryoku today, he was really pale, more then usual. His brown eye's held such sadness that Yami had never seen before. Ryoku barely spoke at all, just a few words of greetings and that was it. "Ryoku, are you alright?"

"Oh, I'm alright. Sorry Yami I'm just a bit tired after the walk to school I'll be back to my chipper self." Ryoku said, smiling.

"Okay, I'm glad you're alright." Yami said, smiling back as Ryoku sat down next to him.

Nodding, Ryoku went on eating his breakfast.

"I hear that there's going to be a surprise test in math today." Yugi said as he and Ryou sat down.

"You're joking right?" Ryou said.

"I wish I was." Yugi said, sending Ryou a smile.

"Nuts and I'm having some huge problems with this unit too." Ryou frowned.

"Don't worry, I can help you out some on are way to school." Yugi said.

"Oh that be great, thanks Yugi." Ryou said, hugging the other boy quickly.

"No problem."

"I'm actually pretty good with this math thing." Ryoku said. "It's quite easy once you have someone who can teach it to you right."

Yami smiled brightly as this. "I'm glad I could help you out so much. Now your better at it then I am."

"Isn't that odd." Ryoku said.

"What's odd that 5000 year old spirits are better at this then we are?" Yugi whispered.

"Yeah, it's a bit of a bummer." Ryou said.

"What is?" Yami asked.

"That you're better at school then we are." Yugi said.

"Wisdom is in the eye of the beholder." Ryoku said, getting up to wash his and Yami's dishes.

"I guess. Oh my look at the time." Yugi said jumping up. "We better hurry or we'll all be late."

"Your right." Ryoku nodded as he glanced at the clock on the wall.

The four quickly gathered all of there things and rushed out of the house. The four of them managed to slip into there spots as the bell was going.

"Well that was a close one." Yami sighed, as he slumped down in his spot next to Ryoku.

"I'd say." Ryoku nodded, as he tried to catch his breath. "I haven't run that fast since..."

"Since when?" Yami asked, glancing over at Ryoku.

"Since, ah I don't know." Ryoku quickly said.

"Yeah, I really can't remember either." Yami smiled.

"You two this isn't time for talking it's time for learning." The teacher said.

"Yes ma'am."

"So Bakura is back and you believe he's after Ryoku?" Joey said as the entire gang sat outside after school.

"Yes." Yami nodded. "Thought I don't know how it's possible. But I know he's here I can feel his presence all around us."

Ryoku coughed slightly as Yugi and Ryou both sent him a look. "Err; well that's an un-comfortable thought."

"That it is." Tristan nodded.

"So how do you plan about stopping Bakura?" Tea asked.

"I'm not really sure." Yami thought. "I really have no idea were to find him thought."

"He's most likely right were we least expected." Joey said thoughtfully.

"Or he might not. He maybe far from here, know were in are sight." Ryoku said quickly.

"Here." Ryou quickly said.

"I agree with these two." Yugi agreed. "I mean, Bakura wouldn't be stupid enough to be near you Yami."

Ryoku started to cough roughly again.

"Ryoku! Are you alright?" Yami asked, going to his side.

"Yeah, I just. You know swallowed my gum that's all." Ryoku said. "Blocked the air way."

"Oh, you better now?" Yami said, patting him on the back.

"Peachy." Ryoku muttered. "Look it's been fun guys but I'm going to get a drink. Any of you want to come with?"

"I will." Ryou agreed.

"I'm with Ryou." Yugi agreed.

"I'll come to." Yami said.

"Yeah, I am not doing anything so I'm in." Joey nodded. As Tea and Tristan nodded in agreement.

"Great." Ryoku said jumping up. "Let's go then, because I can bet we have a lot of homework thanks to our math teacher."

As Ryoku was walking away, Yami frowned.

"Yami did something happen to Ryoku? He's been acting odd all day." Ryou said.

"Well, I didn't want to bring it up, but Ryoku had a nightmare last night." Yami said. "It really shocked him up. He was in tears."

"Tear's?!" Ryou explained.

"Yes, the sight broke my heart." Yami confessed.

"I'll talk to him later." Ryou said concerned. 'Bakura would never cry.'

"Hey Ryoku wait up!" Yami yelled, running to catch up to Ryoku.

Soon the group was heading to the dinner to get a drink and a bit to eat.