Dual Personality

by Fentir

[AU] in which Yugi's mother is fed up with her son talking to himself and sends him to a psychiatrist. [Warning] Character-Death (kinda) and lots of blood and drama, because I can. But thus, Rated M

AUTHOR'S NOTE

---

I may have gone a little over-the-top with the violence this time.
If you feel uncomfortable with the topics self-harm and worse, you may want to read something else.

Last chance!

Also, this is the result of me and the bot writing stuff. I tried fixing the errors there are, but there's likely more.
If you find one, let me know please :D Thank you!

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Yugi let himself fall onto his bed with a content sigh. "It's funny, really..", he addressed the spirit standing next to him. "That we actually are two sides of the same coin. Don't you agree?"

The spirit, whose name was Yami, made a serious face. ".. I'm supposed to be just a rogue part of your mind? I think that doctor has lost his own"

"But it falls all into place, doesn't it? The way he explained it..", Yugi tried but Yami didn't listen. He'd grown accostumed to being some kind of locked away spirit who lost his memories in the process. Now he was supposed to be a sickness, plagueing his partner's mind? Ridiculous! He knew who he was!

Yami paced back and forth, his mind troubled by the thought of being reduced to a mere psychological anomaly. "I refuse to believe that I am just a figment of your imagination, Yugi. I have memories, feelings, and experiences that are entirely my own."

Yugi nodded in agreement. "I know, Yami. You have helped me through so many difficult situations. You are more than just a fragment of my mind. You are a part of me."

Yami paused in his pacing, considering Yugi's words. "Perhaps you are right. Maybe we are two sides of the same coin, as you say. But I still believe that there is more to us than just a psychological phenomenon."

Yugi smiled warmly at his partner. "That's why we make such a great team. We each bring something unique to the table, and together, we can accomplish anything."

Yami's face softened, and he returned Yugi's smile. "Yes, together we are unstoppable. And no matter what anyone else may say about us, we know the truth."

Yugi nodded in agreement, feeling a sense of peace settle over him. He knew that he could always count on Yami, no matter what challenges they may face in the future. Together, they were unbeatable.

Problem was that his mother had gotten fed up with him 'constantly talking to himself'. And that psychiatrist was hellbent on helping him with the 'amalgamation process' as the doctor had called it. Unifying the split personalities to cure the disorder. His mother had threatened to take away his cards should he not cooperate and that was something Yugi simply didn't want to risk. Less for the cards and more to prevent a devastating encounter between his mother and Yami, who didn't take kindly to such rude behavior, no matter who.

"We'll have to find a way to get him off our backs", he finally said with a heavy sigh. His good mood was perfectly ruined. "I can just not take the pills, but the therapy part may be a problem.. We'll have to go or mom will have our necks"

Yami's expression darkened at the thought of being forced to undergo therapy. "I don't like the idea of being probed and analyzed by some stranger. It's an invasion of our privacy."

Yugi nodded, his own discomfort growing. "I know, but we have to find a way to convince the doctor that we're not crazy. That we're two separate entities sharing the same body."

Yami's eyes glinted with determination. "We'll have to show him our abilities. Prove that we're more than just a psychological anomaly."

Yugi's face lit up with hope. "That's a great idea, Yami! We'll show him what we can do, and he'll have to believe us."

Together, Yugi and Yami began to plan their strategy. They would demonstrate their skills in the game of Duel Monsters, showing off their unmatched strategy and teamwork. If they could impress the doctor with their abilities, perhaps he would understand that they were not just a disorder to be cured.

With renewed purpose, Yugi and Yami set out to face whatever challenges lay ahead. They may be two sides of the same coin, but together they were unstoppable.

Their first session of therapy was planned the next day, as the doctor had been curious to talk to Yugi. He was a very enthusiastic, young man fresh out of university, hungry for the exotic cases the world of psychology had to offer.

When the interesting boy with the spiky hair entered his office, he immediately noticed the apprehensive look on the younger's face.

"No need to be afraid. I just want to talk. That's not bad, is it?", the doctor asked with a smile that was returned, albeit forced. "Tell me a bit about yourself"

Yugi hesitated for a moment, unsure of where to begin. He knew that he had to be careful with his words, as one wrong move could land him in hot water with his mother and the doctor.

"I... I like playing games," he finally said, trying to keep his tone light and casual. "Especially Duel Monsters. It's a really fun game."

The doctor nodded, scribbling something down on his notepad. "Interesting. And do you play this game alone, or with someone else?"

Yugi glanced nervously at Yami, who was standing by his side. "Uh, sometimes I play with a friend. He's really good at the game, and we make a great team."

The doctor raised an eyebrow, looking at Yugi's empty hand. "And where is this friend of yours now?"

Yugi swallowed nervously, knowing that he was walking a fine line. "He's... he's always with me. But he's not here right now. He's, uh, shy."

The doctor's expression remained neutral, but Yugi could tell that he was skeptical. "I see. Well, why don't we talk more about your family? How is your relationship with your mother?"

Yugi's heart sank at the mention of his mother. He knew that this was a dangerous topic, as any hint of discord could lead to his cards being taken away. "Oh, it's... it's fine. We get along well."

The doctor nodded, jotting down more notes. "And do you have any siblings?"

Yugi shook his head. "No, it's just me and my mom."

The session continued in this vein for some time, with the doctor asking questions and Yugi doing his best to avoid revealing too much. Finally, the session came to a close, and Yugi breathed a sigh of relief as he and Yami left the office.

"That wasn't so bad," Yugi said, trying to sound upbeat. "We just have to be careful with what we say."

Yami nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Yes, but we need to find a way to show him what we're really capable of. Words can only do so much."

"Do you think he believed me?", Yugi asked and Yami shook his head.

"Afraid not. Maybe you let me talk to him next time.", Yami returned.

"You're not going to mind crush him, are you?", Yugi tested and raised his hands in apology when the spirit gave him a side-glance.

"Who do you take me for?"

Yugi chuckled, relieved to see that Yami was still able to joke despite the tension of the situation. "I know, I know. I'm sorry. I just... I don't know what to do. I don't want to lose my cards, but I also don't want to be forced into therapy."

Yami placed a comforting hand on Yugi's shoulder. "We'll figure something out. We always do. But for now, we have to be careful. We don't want to give the doctor any reason to think that we're unstable."

Yugi nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards his partner. "Thanks, Yami. You always know just what to say."

Yami smiled, his eyes filled with a sense of camaraderie. "Of course, partner. We're in this together. Whatever happens, we'll face it as a team."

With renewed determination, Yugi and Yami set out to face whatever challenges lay ahead. They may not have all the answers, but they had each other, and that was more than enough.

For the next session, Yami had convinced Yugi to let him talk. So when they entered the doctor's office, the psychiatrist was taken aback. He'd heard of DID patients changing their appearance as the personalities changed, but this was almost ridiculous. The boy looked a little taller, his hair was wilder and his eyes.. they were not only a lot sharper but red, on top of it. He quickly noted this down before addressing the patient.

"Hello, good to see you", he said with a friendly smile and Yami nodded.

"You don't have to tip-toe around me, doctor. I'm not Yugi", Yami said and the doctor blinked. Interesting, even the voice changed. Not quite, it was still Yugi's voice of course, but with lots of subtle changes. This too went right into the notes.

"I see," the doctor said, trying to keep his expression neutral. "And who are you, then?"

Yami's eyes glittered with intensity. "I am Yami. Yugi's partner, and a separate entity from him. We share the same body, but we are not the same person."

The doctor nodded, scribbling furiously on his notepad. "I understand. And what is your relationship with Yugi?"

Yami's expression softened, and his voice took on a more gentle tone. "Yugi and I are partners in every sense of the word. We work together to overcome any obstacles that come our way. We complement each other's strengths and weaknesses, and together, we are unbeatable."

The doctor nodded, his interest piqued. "And what are your strengths, Yami? What sets you apart from Yugi?"

Yami smiled, a confident glint in his eye. "I am a master strategist. I can anticipate my opponent's moves before they even make them. I am also skilled in the use of magic, and I can call upon powerful creatures to aid me in battle."

The doctor leaned forward, intrigued. "And have you ever demonstrated these abilities in front of others? Perhaps in a public setting?"

Yami shook his head. "No, we have not. But we would be willing to demonstrate our skills for you, if it would help you understand that we are not just a psychological anomaly."

The doctor nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I would be interested to see what you can do, Yami. Perhaps we can set up a demonstration for our next session."

Yami smiled, a sense of triumph coursing through him. It seemed that their plan was working, and they were one step closer to proving their worth.

"Let's talk about something else. Since when do you reside in Yugi's body, Yami?", the doctor resumed. It was important to know when the crack between the personalities had happened to find the root of the disorder. Usually a childhood trauma of sorts.

Yami's expression became more somber as he answered the question. "I have been with Yugi for as long as he can remember. We have always been together, but there are some gaps in our memories that we are still trying to piece together."

The doctor nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I see. And have you ever had any disagreements with Yugi? Any conflicts that have arisen between the two of you?"

Yami hesitated for a moment, remembering the times when he and Yugi had clashed over a decision. "Yes, we have had our disagreements. But we always manage to work things out in the end. We are two separate entities, with our own opinions and beliefs. But we respect each other and our differences."

The doctor nodded, making a note in his pad. "And what about your relationship with Yugi's mother? Have there been any issues there?"

Yami's face darkened, his memories of Yugi's mother not exactly pleasant. "We have had some conflicts with Yugi's mother. She does not understand our situation, and she has threatened to take away Yugi's cards if we do not comply with her wishes."

The doctor raised an eyebrow, looking intrigued. "And why are Yugi's cards so important to you?"

Yami smiled, a fond look in his eyes. "Yugi's cards are not just a hobby for us. They are a way of life. They represent our bond, our partnership. Without them, we would be lost."

The doctor nodded, making more notes in his pad. "I see. Well, I think that's enough for today. I look forward to seeing your demonstration in our next session, Yami."

Yami nodded, feeling a sense of satisfaction at the progress they had made. It seemed that the doctor was beginning to understand that they were more than just a psychological anomaly. They were partners, in every sense of the word.

The doctor was thoughtful once his patient - or patients? - had gone. He picked up his pen, tapped it against his temple out of a habit and then wrote down: "Alterego is very dominant. Might be difficult to convince them to give up their independence. Alterego also thinks that magic is a thing and that they can summon monsters"

He leaned back into his chair with a smile. That was exactly the exotic kind of patient he'd looked forward to.

The doctor knew that he had his work cut out for him with Yugi and Yami, but he was determined to help them. He knew that the key to treating dissociative identity disorder was to help the different personalities coexist and work together, rather than trying to eliminate them. And with Yugi and Yami, he saw the potential for a successful treatment.

He made a mental note to research more about Duel Monsters and the concept of magic, hoping to better understand Yami's perspective. He also knew that he would have to work with Yugi's mother to help her understand the nature of their disorder and the importance of their bond.

But for now, he was content to bask in the excitement of having such an exotic case. He knew that he had a long road ahead, but he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

With a sense of purpose, the doctor set out to help Yugi and Yami overcome their struggles, and to help them find a way to coexist peacefully within their shared body.

When Yugi entered the office the week after, the doctor had not only learned the basics of that card game the boy seemed to like so much but also bought his own deck which he had placed right in plain sight on his desk. Yugi blinked in surprise.

/ Yami.. why does the doctor have a deck? /, he asked the spirit, although he could tell that Yami had conveniently forgotten to tell him something.

= I may.. or may not.. have challenged him to a duel. =, Yami answered vaguely. Yugi internally sighed.

/ So you want this one? /

= My pleasure, partner =

The doctor had watched as the boy had suddenly frozen and adopted an especially blank look before it happened. Now this was textbook: dissociation. Classic. The appearance change was there too; albeit a lot more drastic than other patients. The doctor had assumed the other personality changed the hair purposefully, but it more or less suddenly stood up like electrically charged.

"Hello, Yami", the doctor said, keeping his surprise out of his face. He intended to use their little game of cards to get some more information out of the alterego. Perhaps he could even trigger a change. But with the alterego being this dominant, this was highly unlikely.

Yami smiled, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Hello, doctor. I see you have your own deck now. Are you ready to face me in a duel?"

The doctor chuckled, shuffling his deck. "I am, but I must warn you, I am still a beginner. You may have the upper hand."

Yami grinned, his competitive nature coming to the forefront. "Don't underestimate me, doctor. I have been playing this game for a long time."

The two began to set up their decks, with the doctor taking the time to observe Yami's movements and mannerisms. He noticed that the alterego was much more confident and assertive than Yugi, and he wondered if there was a way to bring out that side of Yugi in their therapy sessions.

As the game progressed, the doctor found himself becoming more and more engrossed in the game. Yami was a skilled opponent, and the doctor was enjoying the challenge.

"So, Yami," the doctor said, trying to keep his tone casual. "Tell me more about your past. How did you and Yugi first meet?"

Yami's expression grew more serious, but he didn't miss a beat in the game. "We have been together for as long as we can remember. We have always been partners, in every sense of the word."

The doctor nodded, his mind racing with questions. He could tell that Yami was holding back, but he didn't want to push too hard and risk triggering a change.

The game continued for several more rounds, with Yami ultimately emerging victorious. The doctor congratulated him on his win, feeling a sense of satisfaction in their interaction.

As Yami left and Yugi returned, the doctor made a note to bring up the topic of Yami's past in their next session. He knew that he had to tread carefully, but he was determined to help Yugi and Yami overcome their disorder and find a way to live harmoniously within their shared body.

"For a beginner he wasn't too bad", Yugi commented once they were back home. He'd meant to lighten the mood, but Yami was strangely concerned as he stayed silent, just staring ahead.

"Yami? What's wrong?"

The spirit closed his eyes. "Nothing, partner. I'm a little tired is all"

Yugi could tell that something was bothering Yami, but he decided not to push. He knew that the alterego had a tendency to keep things to himself, and he didn't want to cause any unnecessary tension between them.

"Alright, if you say so," Yugi said with a sigh. "But if you ever need to talk, I'm here for you, Yami. You know that, right?"

Yami opened his eyes, a small smile gracing his lips. "Of course, partner. You and I, we're in this together."

Yugi smiled back, feeling a sense of relief. He knew that their journey towards recovery would be a long and difficult one, but as long as they had each other, they could face anything.

With renewed determination, Yugi and Yami set out to navigate the challenges of their disorder, one step at a time. They may have their differences, but they were united in their goal to live harmoniously within their shared body. And with the help of their dedicated therapist, they knew that they could achieve anything.

As Yami retreated into his soul room, he felt almost guilty for lying to his partner. That doctor had managed to sow seeds of doubt and they were taking root. He'd laid traps, even aside from the ones on the field, and Yami had walked into them like a beginner. Why had he told the man of their soul rooms? He'd gotten carried away with playing the game that he hadn't paid attention. Inadvertedly he'd given the man even more reason to believe there was something to cure. He'd now likely get more persistent.

"I'm sorry, Aibou..", he whispered.

Yami knew that he had made a mistake by revealing too much to the doctor. He had let his guard down, and now he was paying the price. He couldn't let his doubts and fears get the best of him, however. He knew that he had to stay strong, for Yugi's sake.

Taking a deep breath, Yami centered himself and reached out to his partner. "Aibou, I'm sorry for worrying you. I just had a lot on my mind."

Yugi nodded, looking relieved. "It's alright, Yami. But if there's something bothering you, please talk to me. We're in this together, remember?"

Yami smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards his partner. "Yes, of course. I'll try to be more open with you from now on."

With that, the two settled into a comfortable silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Yami knew that they still had a long road ahead of them, but he was determined to face whatever challenges came their way, together with Yugi by his side.

The next session, the doctor planned to use his newfound strategy again. Since he might be perceived as not challenging enough, he'd brought a broader diversity of games in the hopes that some sparked the interest of his patient. It seemed very effective in helping the patient relax and open up, so he intended to exploit this.

It was Yugi who entered his office. The boy seemed somewhat distracted, if not a little sad. "Yugi, right?", the doctor ventured and the boy nodded as he took place.

"Yes, that's me," Yugi confirmed with a small smile.

The doctor noticed the boy's demeanor and decided to start with something that might lift his spirits. "I have a few new games today, Yugi. Would you like to try them out?"

Yugi's eyes lit up at the suggestion, and he nodded eagerly. "Sure, I love trying out new games!"

The doctor chuckled, feeling a sense of satisfaction. It seemed that his intuition about Yugi was correct - he was a curious and adventurous boy, always open to new experiences.

The doctor proceeded to show Yugi a few new games, including a strategy game and a puzzle game. Yugi proved to be a quick learner, picking up the rules and strategies with ease. As they played, the doctor made mental notes, observing Yugi's mannerisms and behaviors. He knew that there was still a lot to learn about Yugi and Yami's disorder, but he was making progress.

As the session came to a close, the doctor thanked Yugi for his participation and promised to bring more new games to their next session. Yugi left the office with a smile on his face, feeling a sense of relief and enjoyment from the experience.

The doctor knew that he still had a long way to go in treating Yugi and Yami's disorder, but he was encouraged by the progress they had made. He knew that with patience, perseverance, and a little bit of fun, they could overcome any challenge that lay ahead.

To Yami, Yugi seemed completely oblivious of the obvious fopaux. Once they were back home, the spirit looked at Yugi with that mix of amusement and concern.

"W-what?", Yugi stuttered slightly, knowing the look.

"You know.. telling the good doctor that we met as you solved the puzzle may or may not have been a bright idea, Aibou", the spirit said with a chuckle as Yugi paled.

"I.. I did that..?"

Yami nodded, a smirk on his face. "Yes, you did. I guess you were caught up in the moment."

Yugi buried his face in his hands, feeling embarrassed. "I can't believe I did that. Now the doctor is going to think I'm even weirder than he already does."

Yami placed a comforting hand on Yugi's shoulder. "Don't worry, Aibou. We all make mistakes. And besides, it's not like it's a huge deal. We can always explain the truth to the doctor next time."

Yugi nodded, feeling grateful for Yami's support. He knew that he could always count on his alterego to be there for him, no matter what.

With a renewed sense of determination, Yugi and Yami set out to face the challenges of their disorder, one step at a time. They knew that there would be setbacks along the way, but with each other's support, they were confident that they could overcome any obstacle that came their way.

"The truth, eh? What did you have in mind? No matter what either of us says, he's already labelled us nuts..", Yugi said with a sigh.

Yami frowned, feeling a sense of frustration. He knew that Yugi had a point - the doctor had already made up his mind about their disorder, and it would be difficult to change his opinion.

"I don't know, Aibou," Yami said with a sigh. "But we have to try something. We can't let this disorder control our lives forever."

Yugi nodded, feeling a sense of determination. "You're right, Yami. We can't give up. We'll figure something out."

With that, the two set out to brainstorm ideas on how to explain their disorder to the doctor. It wouldn't be an easy task, but they were determined to do whatever it takes to overcome their disorder and live a normal life.

"You know.. I realise you're not just a part of my mind", Yugi then said, catching Yami off-guard. "Know how? We can talk, despite me being under medication"

"That's right", Yami nodded. "We don't have to worry at all.." Again, that pang of guilt. He hadn't told Yugi what he'd done out of fear when he'd been in control last time. The pills Yugi was taking were candy. The true drugs had found a flaming death by shadow magic. The spirit just couldn't bear the thought of possibly confirming the doctor's suspicions. They were meant to surpress "the change"; which could impact their bond, which was something Yami dreaded.

But he couldn't tell his partner. He'd be furious. Justified anger, even.

Yami felt a pang of guilt as Yugi spoke. He knew that he had been keeping secrets from his partner, and it was starting to weigh heavily on his conscience. He had to find a way to come clean without damaging their relationship.

"You're right, Aibou," Yami said with a heavy sigh. "We don't have to worry. But there's something I need to tell you. Something important."

Yugi looked at him with concern. "What is it, Yami? You're scaring me."

Yami took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he had to say. "The pills you're taking, Aibou. They're not real. I've been disposing of them and giving you something else instead. I did it because I was afraid that it would confirm the doctor's suspicions about us."

Yugi's eyes widened in shock and anger. "What? Yami, how could you do that? You've been lying to me this whole time?"

Yami hung his head, feeling a sense of shame. "I know, Aibou. I'm sorry. I was just trying to protect us."

Yugi shook his head, feeling a mix of emotions. "I don't know what to say, Yami. How could you betray my trust like that?"

Yami looked up at him, feeling a sense of desperation. "Please, Aibou. I know I messed up. But I did it because I care about you. I couldn't bear the thought of losing you or our bond. Please forgive me."

Yugi sighed, feeling torn. He knew that Yami had acted out of love and concern, but he couldn't help feeling hurt and betrayed. "I need some time to think about this, Yami. I don't know if I can forgive you just yet."

Yami nodded, feeling a sense of resignation. He knew that he had to face the consequences of his actions, no matter what. He just hoped that their bond was strong enough to weather this storm.

Retreating into his soul room, Yami knew he'd messed up. He should have kept quiet after all. Now Yugi would probably be more careful. Didn't he understand? If the doctor was right, these pills could mean the end of their partnership.. Yami didn't even want to think about what could happen to himself in that case. He'd probably go insane. Yugi would forget about him and he'd be alone with the shadows again, this time, eternally.

The spirit was too proud to admit that he was scared, but he was, in fact, terrified. And Yugi, bless him, was oblivious.

Yami knew that he had messed up, and he couldn't help feeling guilty and ashamed. He had let his fear and desperation cloud his judgment, and now he was facing the consequences.

As he retreated into his soul room, Yami felt a sense of loneliness and despair. He knew that he had put their partnership at risk, and he didn't know if he could fix it. He felt trapped, caught between his love for Yugi and his fear of losing him.

But as he sat alone in the darkness, something shifted within him. He realized that he couldn't let his fear control him anymore. He had to face the truth, no matter how painful it might be.

Taking a deep breath, Yami emerged from his soul room and approached Yugi, who was sitting on the bed, lost in thought.

"Aibou," Yami said softly. "I know that I messed up. And I understand if you can't forgive me. But I want you to know that I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make it right. I love you, and I don't want to lose you."

Yugi looked up at him, his expression softening. "Yami, I know that you were just trying to protect us. But you have to understand that lying to me is not the way to do it. We have to be honest with each other, no matter what."

Yami nodded, feeling a sense of relief. "You're right, Aibou. I understand that now. And I promise that I'll never lie to you again."

Yugi smiled at him, the forgiveness clear in his eyes. "I know you won't, Yami. Because we're partners, and partners trust each other."

Yami smiled back, feeling a sense of warmth and love. He knew that they still had a long way to go in overcoming their disorder, but with Yugi by his side, he felt like anything was possible.

".. I don't want that doctor to be right", Yami finally admitted, not daring to look in Yugi's direction.

Yugi put a hand on Yami's shoulder, squeezing it gently. "Neither do I, Yami. But we can't let our fear control us. We have to face the truth, no matter how difficult it might be. And we have to do it together, as partners."

Yami looked up at Yugi, feeling a sense of gratitude and admiration. "You're right, Aibou. We'll face this together. And no matter what happens, we'll always be partners."

Yugi smiled at him, the warmth in his eyes clear. "Always, Yami. Because that's what partners do. They support each other, no matter what."

".. but what if I can't see you anymore? Or you me? How can I support you if you forget about me?", Yami heard his own voice betray his fear and he hated it. He wanted to be strong for his partner. But right now, he was just as vulnerable as any other person.

Yugi gave Yami a reassuring smile. "We won't forget each other, Yami. Our bond is too strong for that. And even if we can't see each other anymore, we'll always be connected in our hearts. That's what true partnership is about. Trusting each other and supporting each other, no matter what."

Yami felt a sense of comfort and reassurance wash over him. He knew that Yugi was right. Their bond was too strong to be broken by anything, even a disorder like DID. And he knew that they would face whatever challenges came their way, together.

"Thank you, Aibou," Yami said softly, feeling a sense of gratitude and love for his partner.

Yugi smiled back at him. "Anytime, Yami. That's what partners do. They're there for each other, no matter what."

Yami nodded. But then he wished his partner a good night and again retreated into his soul room where he stood and did something he hadn't in a long time. He cried. He made no sound, but the tears fell in their unstoppable way. He knew Yugi was right, but the doubt was growing stronger. What if Yugi was wrong? What if they both just thought they had a bond? What if they just wanted it to be so? The doctor had said that too..

As Yami stood alone in his soul room, his tears falling silently down his face, he felt a sense of overwhelming despair. The doubt that had been gnawing at him for so long was growing stronger, and he didn't know if he could fight it anymore.

He knew that Yugi was right, that their bond was real and strong. But the fear and uncertainty were too much to bear. What if the doctor was right? What if they were just imagining things? What if they were alone in this, after all?

Yami didn't know what to do. He felt lost and alone, trapped in his own mind. But then he heard a voice, a faint whisper in the darkness. It was Yugi, reaching out to him from outside his soul room.

"Yami, are you okay?" Yugi's voice was filled with concern and love, and it gave Yami the strength he needed to face his doubts.

Taking a deep breath, Yami wiped away his tears and stepped out of his soul room. He saw Yugi sitting on the bed, looking at him with a mixture of worry and love.

"I'm okay, Aibou," Yami said, his voice steady. "I was just feeling a little overwhelmed."

Yugi smiled at him, the warmth in his eyes clear. "I understand, Yami. But you don't have to face this alone. We're partners, remember? And partners stick together, no matter what."

Yami nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. He knew that Yugi was right. They were partners, and they would face whatever challenges came their way, together. And that was all that mattered.

Yugi tried to ascertain if Yami really was fine now, but the stubborn spirit avoided his eyes. No way he was okay. But there was little to be done right now. "Good night, Yami", Yugi finally said, lying down to sleep. Yami didn't reply. He'd just managed to compose himself. If he spoke up now, he'd end up breaking down in front of his partner. An absolute impossibility.

Yugi could sense that Yami wasn't entirely okay, but he didn't push the matter. He knew that his partner needed time to process his emotions and thoughts.

"Good night, Yami," Yugi said again, before closing his eyes and drifting off to sleep.

Yami watched his partner for a moment, feeling a sense of guilt and sadness wash over him. He knew that he needed to be stronger for Yugi, to support him the way he had always supported him.

Taking a deep breath, Yami retreated back into his soul room. He knew that he needed to face his doubts and fears head-on, to find the strength he needed to overcome them. And he knew that he couldn't do it alone. He needed Yugi by his side, to remind him of the bond they shared, and to help him find the courage he needed to face whatever challenges came their way.

With that thought in mind, Yami closed his eyes and let himself fall into a deep, restful sleep, knowing that no matter what the future held, he and Yugi would face it together.

The next session seemed .. strangely uneventful. The doctor and Yugi played a few games and talked; Yami had refused to. Which was all the weirder to Yugi, since the spirit usually loved games as much as Yugi did. It was as if Yami tried to distance himself for some reason and Yugi decided to confront him later.

"Yugi.. are you feeling alright?", asked the doctor when Yugi had, again, fallen silent in mid-session and had stared blankly ahead. The doctor, at that point, had almost expected the alterego to surface, but to his surprise, nothing the likes of happened. Yugi shook his head, less an answer than trying to clear it, but the doctor nodded.

"It's alright to say so. We can make this session shorter if you want"

Yugi appreciated the doctor's concern, but he didn't want to cut the session short. He knew that he needed to work through his feelings and doubts, even if it was difficult.

"No, I'm okay," Yugi said, forcing a smile. "Just a little distracted, I guess."

The doctor nodded, looking at him with a thoughtful expression. "Is there something on your mind, Yugi? Something you want to talk about?"

Yugi hesitated for a moment, but then he took a deep breath and spoke. "It's Yami," he said, his voice quiet. "He's been acting strange lately, avoiding me and not wanting to play games. I don't know what's going on with him."

The doctor listened attentively, nodding as Yugi spoke. "It's possible that Yami is feeling overwhelmed or stressed," he said. "It can be difficult to open up sometimes, especially when we're dealing with strong emotions."

Yugi nodded, feeling a sense of relief. It was good to know that Yami's behavior wasn't necessarily a reflection on their bond or relationship. Maybe he just needed some time and space to work through his own issues.

"Thank you, doctor," Yugi said, feeling a weight lifted off his shoulders. "That makes sense."

The doctor smiled at him, looking pleased. "I'm glad I could help, Yugi. Remember, it's important to be patient and understanding with ourselves and with others. We all have our struggles and our challenges, but together, we can overcome them."

Yugi returned the smile shyly. It felt so weird to talk about his other half with a third person - a professional nonetheless. Subconsciously Yugi started to trust the good doctor a little more.

"Can I let you in on a secret?", Yugi whispered and the doctor bend forward a little as if to help keeping that highly important information between the two of them. Yugi felt encouraged.

"I think I've insulted him.. he switched our meds and I was very mean to him afterwards.."

The doctor, while he knew he should scold Yugi for doing something risky like that, looked thoughtful.

"Perhaps he sensed a threat and wanted to protect you. This just means we may be on the right track. Sometimes aspects of our self are only there to keep us out of harms way. They might see it way different that we do and that's what causes problems and illness in people", the doctor explained and Yugi listened attentively. The explaination made sense.

Yugi nodded slowly, digesting the doctor's words. It was true that Yami had always been fiercely protective of him, and maybe his actions with the medication were an extension of that. It was a strange thought, but it did make sense.

"I see what you mean," Yugi said, feeling a little more understanding towards Yami's behavior. "I just hope we can work things out between us."

"I'm sure you will, Yugi," the doctor said reassuringly. "It takes time and patience, but with effort and understanding, we can overcome even the toughest challenges."

Yugi smiled, feeling a sense of hope. Maybe things weren't as dire as he had thought. With the doctor's guidance and support, and his own determination to work through his issues with Yami, he felt that they could overcome any obstacle.

"I will see to it that we use.. less threatening medication from now on. Since you haven't been taking them, we don't have to do this slowly. Just tell Yami not to mess with these. I want you to get better after all", the doctor smiled, handing Yugi a new bottle. "Same time next week?"

Yugi nodded, taking the bottle and feeling grateful for the doctor's understanding. "Thank you, doctor. I'll be here."

As he left the office and headed home, Yugi felt a sense of relief wash over him. Maybe things were going to be okay after all. He knew that he and Yami still had a lot to work through, but with the doctor's help and understanding, he felt that they were on the right path towards healing and a stronger bond.

When Yugi popped in the pill that evening, he was determined to talk to his other. But once the drug began to work, he became incredibly drowsy and fell asleep before he could even think about confronting the spirit. Not that Yami had wanted to. He'd never left his soul room. While he had listened in on the session with the doctor, he'd sensed the rift between him and his partner growing and he realised just how true his fears were. He also knew that this was a dangerous path of thinking, but couldn't help it. As he sat on the ground of his cold chamber of a soul room, hugging his knees, he thought about how he'd spend the time once Yugi wouldn't talk to him any more.

It was a dark and lonely place, this soul room, but it was the only place where Yami felt truly at home. He had his memories there, and he could spend hours lost in thought or practicing his dueling skills. But now, with the possibility of losing his connection to Yugi looming over him, he couldn't find any joy in it.

He knew he had to do something to make things right, to bridge the gap that had formed between him and his partner. But what could he do? He couldn't change who he was, and he couldn't change the fact that Yugi was taking medication that made it difficult for them to communicate.

Yami sat there, lost in thought, for what felt like hours. But then a sudden idea struck him. He got up and walked over to the door of his soul room, opening it and stepping out into the bright light of day. He had a plan.

Silently he made his way over to his partner's soul room - just to find the door locked. This was weird. Yugi almost never closed his door, much less locked it. The spirit felt his pulse race, despite having no body to speak of.

"Aibou..?", he called, but only heard a dull snore from the inside of Yugi's soul room.

His heart sank. As the truth sank in, he laughed sadly and slunk back into his own soul room. While of course he could again boycot Yugi's drug plan, he didn't want to make things worse.

Yami knew that he had to do something to fix the situation, but he didn't know how. He had always relied on his bond with Yugi to guide him, and now that was in jeopardy. He thought back to the session with the doctor and how he had suggested that sometimes aspects of oneself were only there to keep them out of harm's way.

What if Yami was that aspect of Yugi? What if his purpose was to protect his partner from harm, even if it meant sacrificing their bond? No, he couldn't accept that. He refused to believe that their bond wasn't real, that it was all in their heads.

He decided to take matters into his own hands. He would find a way to prove to Yugi that their bond was real, that he was real. He had to make Yugi remember.

But how? Yami thought back to their shared memories, the moments they had spent together. He remembered the first time they had played Duel Monsters together, how Yugi had taught him the rules and how they had battled fiercely. He remembered the time they had faced Pegasus together, and how they had worked together to win.

Yami had an idea. He would use Duel Monsters to prove to Yugi that he was real, that their bond was real. He knew that Yugi loved the game, and that it held a special place in their hearts.

He began to gather the cards he would need, focusing all of his energy on the task at hand. He knew that this was risky, that he could be caught by the doctor or worse, but he had to try. He had to save their bond, no matter the cost.

As he worked, Yami felt a sense of purpose and determination wash over him. He knew what he had to do, and he was ready to do it.

When he felt his other half stir in the morning, Yami wasted no time. Grabbing his deck he left his soul room to wait in front of Yugi's. If Yugi was to control their shared body, he'd have to leave his soul room first. So when the door opened, Yugi found himself face to face with his other who smiled.

"Let's play a game..", Yami said and both flinched at how that sounded. Yami had used this line almost exclusively for villains and it had come out without a second thought.

"A.. game?", Yugi asked, stepping back into his room, allowing Yami to enter.

"Yes. A friendly game of Duel Monsters. I promise I won't be too harsh", Yami replied, trying to keep his tone light. He could sense the tension in the air and knew that he needed to do something to break it. "It'll be good practice for both of us."

Yugi hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Alright. Let's do it."

The two of them set up their decks and began to duel. As they played, Yami found himself losing himself in the game. It was something he was good at, something he enjoyed, and it helped him forget about the doubts and fears that had been plaguing him.

After the game was over, Yami felt a little better. He knew that they still had their bond, still had their friendship, and that was something he could hold on to. "Thanks for playing with me, Aibou", he said, smiling.

Yugi returned the smile. "Anytime, Yami. We make a great team."

"Where were you the past week? I was worried", Yugi then said, touching the other's hand with his own. To his dismay, Yami winced as if stung and looked to the side so he pulled his hand back.

"I .. didn't want to bother you. You seemed busy", Yami said, trying not to sound accusing.

Yugi shook his head. "You're never a bother to me, Yami. You know that", he said softly, trying to get his other half to open up. "Did something happen?"

Yami hesitated for a moment before finally speaking. "I was just afraid, Aibou. Afraid of losing our bond. I thought the doctor was going to take you away from me", he admitted, looking down at his feet.

Yugi's heart ached at the vulnerability in his other's voice. He stepped closer to him and put a hand on his shoulder. "You'll never lose me, Yami. We're partners for life, remember?"

Yami looked up, meeting Yugi's gaze with a mix of gratitude and relief. "Thank you, Aibou", he said, pulling the younger into a tight embrace.

"Where is this coming from anyway? I thought we had it down that we'd convince the doctor that we're a team? If you leave me to fend for myself, he'll just think he's right", Yugi said, meaning to say it lightly, but felt Yami tense in his arms.

"I.. left you to fend for yourself?", Yami repeated and Yugi almost cursed. He hadn't meant it that way!

"I didn't mean it like that, Yami. I just..", Yugi paused, searching for the right words. "I meant that we have to work together to show the doctor that we're a team. That's all."

Yami nodded slowly, still looking a bit hurt. "I understand. I'm sorry, Aibou. I just.. I've been feeling a bit lost lately. It's nothing to do with you."

Yugi hugged him tighter. "You don't have to apologize, Yami. I'm here for you, always."

The two of them sat in silence for a few moments before Yugi spoke up again. "Let's play that game now. Maybe it'll take our minds off things."

Yami smiled and nodded, grateful for the distraction. Together they shuffled their decks and began to play. As they played, Yugi could feel the tension between them ease and he knew that they would work through this together, just like they always had.

But Yugi noticed how Yami's playing style had become somewhat hesistant. Almost as if he was afraid to win. Yugi sighed.

"You don't have to worry.. I won't leave you", he said. "I couldn't. I wouldn't. And I won't"

Yami smiled softly at his partner's reassurance. "Thank you, Aibou. I know I can be a bit too protective sometimes, but I can't help it," he said, shuffling his deck of cards. "I just don't want to lose you."

Yugi placed a hand on Yami's shoulder. "You won't. We'll always be a team, remember?"

Yami nodded, feeling grateful for his partner's understanding. "Yeah, you're right. We'll always be a team, no matter what," he said, placing a card on the field.

Yugi smiled and placed his own card down, ready to continue the game with his other half. As they played, Yami felt a weight lift off his shoulders, knowing that Yugi was by his side and that they could face any challenge together.

"The new pills are something", Yugi commented randomly and Yami looked up, an eyebrow raised.

"I've been meaning to talk to you but they knocked me out cold", Yugi continued and laughed. "Sorry, other me.."

"It's alright, Aibou. I understand", Yami said with a smile. "And how have they been working for you?"

"I don't know. I'm not sure what they're supposed to do, except help me sleep", Yugi answered truthfully, shrugging and flipping a monster card. Yami grimaced as one of his own monsters met its demise due to the flip effect.

"Perhaps the doctor can enlighten us on their intended purpose", Yami suggested, trying to ignore the loss of his card.

"Maybe..", Yugi trailed off, looking thoughtful. "But he did say they're less threatening than the previous ones, so I guess that's something."

Yami nodded, silently agreeing. He still had doubts about the medication, but if they were truly less harmful, then it was a step in the right direction.

"Shall we continue the game?" Yami asked, trying to change the subject.

"Well, it's your turn", Yugi smiled back, ending his turn.

Yami nodded, studying his hand before making his move. As the game progressed, both partners relaxed and the atmosphere became more comfortable.

"I'm sorry for being distant, Aibou", Yami said suddenly, breaking the silence. "I was scared and didn't know how to handle it."

"I understand", Yugi replied softly. "But you don't have to be scared. We'll face this together, okay?"

Yami smiled, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. "Okay."

The duel actually ended in a draw which was just as well.

"That was fun", Yugi grinned while stretching. "Good thing today's no school. Another round?"

Yami declined - which was weird enough - then stood. He offered his hand to help Yugi up, but then excused himself and left for his own soul room, leaving Yugi wonder what that was all about. He thought he'd seen an almost hurt glint in the other's eyes, but maybe he'd misread.

As Yugi watched Yami leave, he felt a pang of guilt. Had he said something wrong? Did Yami feel neglected or left behind? He didn't understand what was going on with his other half, and it worried him. Was the bond they shared really that fragile?

Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, Yugi decided to give Yami some space. He knew that sometimes the spirit needed time to sort out his own emotions and feelings. Yugi just hoped that Yami would talk to him about it when he was ready.

Yami retreated to his soul room, closing the door behind him. He didn't want to think about how vulnerable he had just made himself in front of Yugi. He was always the one to offer help and support, never the other way around. But now, he couldn't even bring himself to look his partner in the eye.

Sitting on the cold ground, Yami tried to sort out his feelings. He couldn't shake off the fear that Yugi would leave him behind or forget about him. But at the same time, he knew that he couldn't burden his partner with his insecurities. It wasn't fair to Yugi, who had his own problems to deal with.

As he sat there, lost in his thoughts, Yami suddenly heard a soft knock on the door. Startled, he looked up to see Yugi peeking inside.

"Hey, mind if I come in?" Yugi asked, his tone gentle.

Yami hesitated for a moment, but then nodded. Yugi stepped inside, sitting down next to the spirit.

"Listen, Yami. I don't know what's been bothering you lately, but I want you to know that I'm here for you. Always", Yugi said, placing a reassuring hand on Yami's shoulder.

For a moment, Yami couldn't find his voice. But then he looked at Yugi, really looked at him, and saw the sincerity in his eyes. He felt his heart swell with gratitude and affection.

"Thank you, Aibou. That means a lot to me", Yami finally said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Yugi smiled at him, the warmth of it spreading through Yami like a comforting blanket.

"Anytime, Yami. We're in this together, remember?", Yugi said, squeezing Yami's shoulder before getting up to leave.

As Yugi left the soul room, Yami felt his fears and insecurities slowly melt away. He knew that he had someone who would always have his back, and that was all he needed to face whatever the future may hold.

He almost wished Yugi came back, as he knew that the doubts never fully left. He could basically feel them as they crawled closer again as soon as the light had left, drawn to their dark owner.

But not only these came closer. To Yami it seemed as if the darkness, a normal part of his room, had become a lot thicker since yesterday. Before, it was like a thin mist, still enough to veil anything beyond a certain viewing range, but now he could barely make out the ground thirty meters away. Trying to not let this bother him he laid down, drawing his arms around himself to ward off the cold, and tried to get some sleep. He felt so tired..

As Yami drifted off to sleep, his dreams were filled with shadows and uncertainty. He tossed and turned in his soul room, unable to find peace. The darkness that had seemed to seep into his room earlier now felt suffocating, like it was closing in on him.

He woke up with a start, gasping for breath as he looked around his soul room. Everything seemed darker and colder than before. Yami tried to shake off the feeling of dread that had settled in his chest, but it clung to him like a weight.

As he got up, he heard a faint whisper in the back of his mind. It was almost like a voice, but it was too faint to make out any words. Yami shook his head, trying to clear his mind. He knew that giving in to his fears would only make them worse.

But as the day went on, the feeling of unease didn't dissipate. Yami found himself looking over his shoulder more often than usual, and the shadows seemed to follow him wherever he went. He didn't want to worry Yugi, so he kept his worries to himself, hoping that they would eventually fade away.

He began hearing hisses and footsteps that weren't his own, thought he saw movements in the shadows. Before he realised it, almost a week had passed without him talking to Yugi, as busy as he was escaping from the shadows that became more real every day.

The darkness had impossibly thickened with every passing day. He was almost afraid to run into a wall at this point and hoped Yugi didn't come into this now very dangerous room. Not that Yami's soul room had been a safe place to begin with, with traps behind every door and every sensical and non-sensical stair, but now there were these predatory shadows. Their bloodlust was everywhere.

By now Yami couldn't even find the door that would lead him back to Yugi's soul room, even if he tried. He just ran blindly, hunted by the ever-growing shadows, despair and fear driving him on.

Finally, he stumbled and fell, feeling something sharp pierce his skin. He cried out in pain, but the only response he received was the mocking laughter of the shadows. He tried to stand up, but his legs wouldn't support him. He was trapped.

As he lay there, helpless and vulnerable, the shadows closed in on him, their tendrils wrapping around his body, cold and stinging into his flesh where they touched, the only warmth spread by the blood they drew. He screamed and struggled, but it was no use. He was being consumed by the darkness.

Suddenly, a light shone in the distance, cutting through the thick darkness. Yami squinted, trying to see who or what it was. As the light drew closer, he saw a figure in the distance. It was Yugi, holding a glowing orb in his hand, the light emanating from it driving back the shadows.

"Yami, hold on! I'm coming!" Yugi's voice echoed through the darkness. With renewed hope, Yami struggled to free himself from the shadows, but they only seemed to tighten their grip.

Yugi came closer and closer until he was standing right in front of Yami, the orb in his hand casting a protective light around them. With a determined look on his face, Yugi extended his hand and helped Yami to his feet.

"Let's get out of here," Yugi said, pulling Yami close to him. They ran together, the shadows following them, but they couldn't catch up to the light. Finally, they reached the door that led back to Yugi's soul room.

As they stepped through the doorway, the shadows retreated, the light of the orb dispelling them completely. Yugi looked at Yami with concern.

"Are you okay?" he asked, placing a hand on Yami's shoulder.

Yami nodded weakly, still feeling the cold sting of the shadows on his skin. "Thank you," he whispered, looking at Yugi with gratitude in his eyes.

Yugi smiled at him. "We're a team, remember?" he said, and Yami nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. Together, they had faced the darkness and emerged victorious.

They somehow made it to Yugi's soul room. Yugi closed his door tightly behind them to make it a safe space once more. So far Yami had kept up just fine, but as soon as Yugi removed his hold on the other, Yami dropped to the ground, too spent to even groan at the pain that ran through him, courtesy of the shadows that had ripped into him whereever they managed to touch his skin.

Yugi's eyes widened in shock at the sight of Yami's condition. He quickly knelt down next to him, checking his pulse and breathing to make sure he was still alive. When he confirmed that Yami was alive but unconscious, he gently lifted him up and carried him to his bed, carefully laying him down.

Yugi felt a mix of emotions swirling inside him - fear, worry, anger, and guilt. Fear for what might have happened if he hadn't found Yami in time, worry for the injuries his other half had sustained, anger towards the shadows that had caused this, and guilt for not realizing how bad things had gotten for Yami in his own soul room.

He stayed by Yami's side, tending to his injuries as best he could, until the spirit finally started to stir. "Yami, can you hear me?", he asked softly, hoping to rouse his other half.

Bleary eyes opened to look at Yugi. "Hey.. Aibou..", he whispered, tried to sit up but found his arms about as helpful - and heavy - as lead. He'd been tired before, but now there was a deep fatigue on top of it. And he was cold.. so incredibly freezing cold.

Yugi quickly got up and grabbed a blanket, draping it over Yami's shivering form. "Don't try to move, Yami. Just rest", he said, his voice soft and reassuring. He could feel the heat radiating off Yami's body, a sign that he had a fever.

Yugi knew he had to act fast. He didn't know what kind of damage the shadows had done to Yami's body, but he knew he had to try and heal him. Closing his eyes, he focused his energy and began to channel his healing magic.

After a few minutes, Yugi opened his eyes and let out a sigh of relief. The wounds on Yami's body had closed up and the color was returning to his cheeks. But Yami was still weak and needed rest.

"You're going to be okay, Yami. Just rest for now", Yugi said, gently patting his other half's hand. He sat beside him, keeping a watchful eye over Yami as he drifted off into a deep sleep.

---

The next day.

Yami was still out so Yugi went to the appointment. He'd thought long and hard about what could've caused the sudden changes and had come to the conclusion that the pills had something to do with the shadows in Yami's soul room getting more aggressive. There had to be another solution, one that didn't endanger his other half's well-being.

"Well, good morning Yugi", the doctor cheerily said. "I got some new games to play"

But then he noticed the serious look on his patient's face.

"Doctor, I need to talk to you about the medication Yami and I have been taking," Yugi said, trying to keep his voice calm and collected. "I think it might be causing some issues with Yami's soul room."

The doctor looked surprised but interested. "Oh? What makes you think that?"

Yugi explained what had been happening in Yami's soul room, and how the shadows had become more aggressive and dangerous since they had started taking the new medication. He also expressed his concern for Yami's well-being and asked if there was another solution they could try.

The doctor listened carefully, nodding his head in understanding. "I see. Well, we can certainly look into other options. I'll consult with some colleagues and see what we can do to help."

Yugi felt relieved and grateful. He knew that the doctor was doing everything he could to help them, and he trusted him. He also felt a sense of accomplishment - he had taken charge of the situation and advocated for his and Yami's well-being. It was a small step, but an important one.

"Thank you, doctor," Yugi said, smiling. "I really appreciate it."

"But before that, let's talk some more", the doctor smiled. Yugi smiled back and thus commenced their session.

When Yugi got back home, he couldn't wait to tell his other self the good news. The doctor had agreed that they'd reduce the dosis for now, slowly fading it out as to avoid side-effects and the doctor would look into alternatives.

As Yugi entered his soul room he fully expected Yami to be there, but found it deserted.

"He didn't..", Yugi sighed to himself but made his way over to Yami's soul room nonetheless. It wouldn't have been the first time that Yami stubbornly refused to stay put, even if it was for his own good. As Yugi entered, he found the darkness less thick than yesterday, but nowhere a sight of his partner. Slowly worry began to creep in and he stepped further into the dark room.

"Yami? Are you here?" Yugi called out, his voice echoing faintly. He didn't get a response and he started to feel a growing sense of unease. What if something had happened to Yami? What if he was hurt or worse?

Yugi's eyes slowly adjusted to the darkness, and he could make out the shapes of the familiar traps and obstacles that Yami had set up in his soul room. As he cautiously made his way deeper into the room, he noticed something glinting in the shadows.

As he approached, he saw that it was a familiar object - Yami's deck. But it was scattered on the ground, the cards strewn haphazardly around. Yugi felt a knot form in his stomach as he realized that something was definitely wrong.

"Yami?" he called out again, louder this time. "Where are you?"

There was no response, and Yugi's worry turned into full-blown panic. He frantically searched the room, calling out Yami's name, but there was no sign of his other half.

Finally, just as he was about to give up hope, he spotted a faint light in the distance. As he got closer, he realized that it was coming from a small alcove in the wall that he had never noticed before.

Heart pounding, Yugi cautiously peered inside, and his eyes widened in shock and horror at what he saw.

Bleeding so badly that the brick ground around the alcove was covered in red and breathing harshly Yami had found sanctuary in there, but it had been a close call. Curled in on himself he didn't even aknowledge Yugi's presence. Yugi was about to get closer when he heard something behind him. More out of an instinct he ducked and so narrowly avoided the scythe going for his neck. It scratched the wall above the alcove and its owner growled.

Yugi turned around and was shocked to see a shadowy figure, wielding a scythe, standing before him. He had heard about the predatory shadows from Yami, but he had never seen one before.

The shadowy figure hissed at Yugi, its eyes glowing red. Yugi knew he had to act fast. He quickly drew his deck and summoned his most powerful monster, hoping it would be enough to defeat the shadowy creature.

The two monsters clashed in an intense battle, their attacks echoing through the room. Yugi's monster seemed to have the upper hand, but then the shadowy figure suddenly disappeared, reappearing behind Yugi with its scythe ready to strike.

Yugi barely managed to dodge the attack, his heart pounding in his chest. He couldn't let this creature defeat him. He quickly drew another card, hoping it would be enough to defeat the shadowy figure once and for all.

With a final attack, Yugi's monster struck the shadowy figure and it dissipated into the darkness, leaving behind only a faint trace of red light.

Breathless and shaken, Yugi turned back to Yami who was still curled up in the alcove. "Yami, are you okay?", he asked, worriedly.

Yami didn't even hear him, much less respond. It became clear to Yugi that he'd like been attacked by that shadow creature out of nowhere, thus the scattered deck on the floor, and from the blood alone the creature had hit him too and good at that.

Yugi could feel the panic rising in his chest. He knew he had to act fast. He quickly scanned the room for anything that could help them, and his eyes landed on a nearby torch. Without hesitation, he grabbed it and lit it with a nearby flame.

The sudden brightness illuminated the alcove where Yami lay, and Yugi could see the full extent of his injuries. The scythe had slashed him from hip to shoulder, deeply at that. He was bleeding so badly that Yugi wondered how his other was still breathing, but berated himself immediately for such negative thoughts. But Yami couldn't stay there, so Yugi carefully pulled him out, trying not to let the pained whimpers of his partner distract him.

Yugi carried Yami back to his own soul room, laying him down gently on the ground. He quickly ran to get some medical supplies and began to clean and dress Yami's wounds as best as he could. Yami still hadn't said a word and Yugi felt a knot in his stomach.

As he worked, Yugi couldn't help but think that this was all his fault. If he had only found a solution sooner, this wouldn't have happened to Yami. He felt guilty and helpless at the same time.

Finally, after what felt like hours, Yami stirred and opened his eyes. He looked around, confused for a moment before his gaze landed on Yugi.

"Aibou..", he croaked, his voice hoarse from disuse.

Yugi looked up, relief washing over him. "Yami! Thank goodness you're awake. You scared me."

Yami tried to sit up, but winced in pain. "What happened..?"

Yugi explained what had happened and how he had found Yami in his soul room, injured and bleeding. Yami's eyes widened in shock, but he remained silent. Yugi could tell that he was still processing everything.

"I'm sorry, Yami. I should have found a solution sooner. I should have been more careful", Yugi said, his voice filled with regret.

Yami looked at him, his eyes softening. "It's not your fault, Aibou. We'll find a way to deal with the shadows. Together."

"Why did you go back? You were safe in here!", Yugi asked as he tried getting hold of that energy he had used last time but found it difficult to concentrate, even with them being in his soul room.

Yami's eyes narrowed a little before he tried to sit up, but Yugi held him down gently.

"I had to.. I couldn't let it go on like this. I had to face it..", Yami rasped out, his voice barely above a whisper as he gave in to what seemed like overwhelming strength from Yugi's side, but was in fact a mere touch.

Yugi nodded understandingly, but couldn't help feeling a little frustrated. "But you didn't have to face it alone, Yami. We're supposed to be a team, remember?"

Yami's eyes closed again, as if in defeat. "I know.. I'm sorry, Aibou. I just.. didn't want to burden you with my problems. And I didn't want to let the darkness win.."

Yugi shook his head. "You're not a burden, Yami. And you don't have to fight the darkness alone. We'll face it together. Always."

Yami opened his eyes again, this time with a small smile on his lips. "Thank you, Aibou.. I'm glad to have you by my side."

But the spirit was still too weak and that little bit of talking had cost him so much he was out again soon after he'd finished his sentence.

Yugi sighed, looking down at his partner. He knew that they still had a long way to go, but he was determined to help Yami overcome his fears and doubts. He gently lay Yami down, making sure he was as comfortable as possible, before settling down next to him. He knew he couldn't leave Yami alone in his current state, not even for a moment.

As Yugi sat there, keeping watch over his other half, he knew that they still had a lot of work to do, but he felt a sense of hope. They had faced the darkness together, and they would continue to do so. They were a team, and nothing could break that bond.

He thought about how to solve the situation. If it really was the medication, the shadows would disappear as soon as they came. But what to do until then? Yami would never relent. He'd be up and fighting the moment he could. It was just that much a part of the spirit. But Yugi knew he couldn't spend the whole time in here and keep watch - or leave and lock the spirit in here, either. Yami would never forgive him.

So what to do?

Yugi knew that he needed to find a way to protect Yami without restricting him. He thought back to the times when they had faced similar situations and remembered the power of their bond. He had never fully understood it, but he knew that there was something special about the connection they shared.

With renewed determination, Yugi closed his eyes and focused on their bond. He concentrated on strengthening it, pouring all his energy and willpower into it. Slowly but surely, he could feel the bond growing stronger and more vibrant. It was as if a shield had formed around Yami, protecting him from the darkness and the shadows that threatened him.

Yugi opened his eyes and smiled. He knew that it wasn't a perfect solution, but it was the best he could do for now. He sat by Yami's side, watching over him as he rested, and vowed to keep him safe, no matter what.

He knew he could at least spend the night here. Who needed sleep anyway? While he was in his soul room, his body could rest all it wanted. When someone came into his room in the real world, they would find him like that and probably leave him alone.

Hopefully that shield spell held up for a while.

Yugi settled down on the floor next to Yami, propping himself up against the wall. He could feel his own eyes growing heavy, but fought against the urge to sleep. He couldn't let his guard down, not with Yami in such a vulnerable state.

As the hours passed, Yugi's mind began to wander. He thought about how they had been through so much together, and how much he relied on Yami. But he also wondered if he was doing enough to support his other half. Had he missed any signs that Yami was struggling? Was there something else he could be doing to help him?

Lost in thought, Yugi barely noticed when dark half began to stir. He only realized what had happened when he looked over at Yami and saw that his wounds had started to heal on their own and the spirit looked dazedly at him.

"How are you feeling?", Yugi whispered and Yami just hmm'd, not quiet awake yet.

Yugi watched as Yami slowly sat up, wincing a little at the movement. "Better", Yami finally answered, his voice still rough from disuse.

Yugi couldn't help but smile in relief. "Good. You had me worried there for a moment."

Yami looked at him with a mix of gratitude and embarrassment. "I'm sorry, Aibou. I didn't mean to cause you so much trouble."

Yugi shook his head. "You don't have to apologize, Yami. We're in this together, remember? And I'm just glad you're okay."

Yami nodded, a small smile appearing on his face. "Thank you, Yugi. I don't know what I'd do without you."

The two of them sat there for a moment, just enjoying each other's company. It was a simple moment, but it was also a reminder of the strong bond that they shared. Whatever challenges they may face, they would always have each other.

"Listen", Yugi then began. "can you promise me not to go back into your soul room until the medication wore off?"

Yami looked at his light, long and thoughtfully. Then, much to Yugi's relief, nodded.

"It's the least I can do to not give you more to deal with"

Yugi smiled, relieved to hear Yami's agreement. "Thank you, Yami. I just want to make sure you're safe."

Yami nodded again, looking slightly embarrassed. "I'm sorry, Aibou. I know I can be a handful sometimes."

Yugi chuckled. "You don't have to apologize, Yami. We're a team, remember? We're in this together."

Yami smiled weakly, and Yugi could see a hint of gratitude in his eyes. They sat there in comfortable silence for a while longer, before Yugi finally decided to get some rest. He leaned his head back against the wall and closed his eyes, feeling the exhaustion finally catch up to him.

As he drifted off to sleep, Yugi couldn't help but feel grateful for the bond he shared with Yami. No matter what challenges they faced, they would always face them together.

Yami watched his light with a tired smile. Yugi was so impossibly kind.. Yami felt as if he imposed onto his partner, even took away space in Yugi's soul room. But Yugi insisted he'd stay there.. while the shadows wrecked havoc over there, locked out, unable to touch either of them. Yugi was right, they were quite safe in here and he was inclined to just lay back down and sleep the remnants of the pain off, but he felt restless. Torn between his promise and pride, he did lay back down but rest didn't find him.

Yugi noticed that Yami seemed restless and sighed inwardly. He knew that his other half was probably feeling guilty about not being able to protect himself and relying on Yugi for help.

"Hey, Yami. Can we talk?" Yugi asked softly, knowing that sometimes it helped to just talk things out.

Yami nodded, his eyes still closed. "Sure, Aibou. What do you want to talk about?"

"I just wanted to let you know that you don't have to feel guilty about relying on me for help," Yugi said gently. "We're a team, remember? We're here to support each other through everything."

Yami opened his eyes and looked at Yugi with a mixture of gratitude and guilt. "I know, Aibou. But it's hard not to feel like I'm letting you down as your guardian when I can't even protect myself."

Yugi reached out and took Yami's hand. "You're not letting me down, Yami. I'm here for you, always. And I know that you would do the same for me."

Yami wanted to rebuke that he'd never think of keeping Yugi in his soul room to rest, but then decided against it, just gave an agreeing 'hmm'.

Yugi squeezed his hand gently before continuing. "And about your soul room... I know it's important to you, but I don't want you to go back there until we figure out what's causing the shadows to become more aggressive. Your safety is my top priority."

Yami nodded in understanding. "I promise, Aibou. I won't go back until we find a solution."

Yugi smiled, relieved. "Thank you, Yami. Now get some rest. I'll be here if you need me."

With that, Yugi settled back against the wall, still holding Yami's hand, as the spirit drifted off to sleep. Yugi knew they still had a lot to figure out, but for now, he was content knowing that they were in this together.

In the morning, Yugi woke in his soul room to find Yami still sleeping peacefully next to him. He looked so much healthier now, Yugi found with relief. But he had to get going; how to do that though without waking his other who so direly needed the rest?

Yugi carefully untangled himself from Yami's grasp and got up quietly. He looked around the room, searching for anything that could help him. His eyes landed on a notepad and pen nearby, and an idea struck him.

He quickly wrote a note for Yami, telling him that he was heading back to the real world and that he shouldn't go back into his soul room until the medication had worn off. He also added that he would be back soon to check on him.

After placing the note on the ground next to Yami, Yugi made his way to the exit of his soul room. As he walked, he couldn't help but feel a bit guilty for leaving Yami alone, but he knew that he had to go back to the real world and take care of his responsibilities there.

Once he was back in the real world, Yugi went about his day as usual, but his mind was always on Yami and his well-being. He made sure to check in with the doctor about alternative medications and therapies that could help his other half, and he also made plans to spend more time with Yami and keep a closer eye on him.

As the day went on, Yugi found himself looking forward to returning to his soul room and checking on Yami. He knew that they would face whatever challenges came their way together, and that they would always be there for each other.

This made him very unconcentrated to the point of the teacher calling him out twice. Even his friends noted his absentmindedness.

"You good, buddy?", Joey finally addressed him after Yugi had just stared blankly for minutes. Yugi, startled, jumped and nodded hastily. Joey was not convinced.

"Are you sure? You've been like this all day," Joey said, his eyebrows furrowed with concern.

Yugi sighed and shook his head. "No, I'm not okay. It's Yami. He's been going through a lot lately and I can't shake the feeling that I'm not doing enough to help him."

Joey placed a comforting hand on Yugi's shoulder. "Hey, you're doing everything you can. You're always there for him, just like he's always there for you. Sometimes, all you can do is be there for someone and let them know they're not alone. And that's exactly what you're doing."

Yugi smiled gratefully at Joey's words. He knew his friend was right, but it still felt like he could be doing more.

As the bell rang, signaling the end of class, Joey turned to Yugi. "Hey, want to hang out after school? Maybe play some Duel Monsters or something? Might help take your mind off things."

Yugi nodded gratefully. "Yeah, that sounds great. Thanks, Joey."

When school was over, Yugi was pleased to see the spirit step next to him, watching their game. Knowing the friends couldn't see Yami, Yugi just sent a silent greeting over their mind link and Yami smiled, nodded.

Yugi could feel Yami's gratitude for the small gesture, and he smiled back. He knew that Yami appreciated these little moments of connection, especially when they were out in the world and surrounded by other people who couldn't see him.

As they walked home together, Yugi finally decided to talk to Yami about his worries. "Yami, I've been thinking about what happened with the shadows in your soul room," he began.

Yami looked at him with a serious expression, waiting for him to continue.

"I just want to make sure that I'm doing enough to support you," Yugi said, his voice softening. "I don't want you to feel like you're alone in this. And I want to make sure that you're taking care of yourself, too."

Yami's eyes softened at Yugi's words, and he put a hand on his light's shoulder. "You do enough, Aibou. More than enough. You're always there for me, even when I don't want to burden you with my problems. And I promise to take care of myself, too. I know that I can't do this alone."

Yugi smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. "Thank you, Yami. That means a lot to me."

They continued walking in silence for a few moments, enjoying the warmth of the sun on their faces. Yugi knew that their journey together wasn't always going to be easy, but he was grateful to have Yami by his side. Together, they could face anything.

"I'll meet up with Joey and the others later. We can switch if you want.. I guess you need a time out more than I do", Yugi said to Yami as he, little later, sat over his homework. He knew how to keep himself busy in his soul room and he also knew that Yami, while rarely if ever saying it, enjoyed spending time with their friends as he was in control of their shared body. It also would keep the spirit out of danger, so it was just perfect.

Yami seemed hesistant, unwilling to take Yugi's time, but with a little prodding and nudging finally agreed. "Thank you, Aibou.. But please do tell me if you want your body back.. then I will-.."

Yugi shook his head. "This is your day. You go and have fun. I'll be fine. Maybe I'll check up on you guys. Just let me quickly do my homework first"

The spirit nodded and retreated in Yugi's soul room for the time being, knowing that Yugi usually spent a big deal of time with his homework. He'd alert him when he was done, so the spirit made himself comfortable.

Yugi focused on his homework, trying to keep his mind from wandering too much. But despite his best efforts, his thoughts kept drifting back to Yami and the shadows in his soul room. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was more he could be doing to help his other half.

As he worked on his math problems, a thought suddenly struck him. What if he could find a way to help Yami control the darkness in his soul room? What if they could work together to find a way to tame the shadows and make them less aggressive?

Excited by the possibility, Yugi quickly finished his homework and headed over to Yami's soul room. As he entered, he found Yami sitting on the ground, lost in thought.

"Yami, I had an idea," Yugi said, trying to keep his voice calm but his excitement was palpable.

Yami looked up at him, intrigued. "What is it, Aibou?"

"What if we work together to control the darkness in your soul room? Maybe we can find a way to make it less aggressive and easier to manage," Yugi said, his voice full of hope.

Yami's expression softened, and he nodded slowly. "That's a good idea, Aibou. I'm willing to try anything to make it easier to control the darkness."

Excited by the prospect, Yugi sat down next to Yami, and they began to brainstorm ideas on how to control the darkness. For the first time in a while, Yugi felt like they were making progress, and he couldn't wait to see where their newfound teamwork would take them.

But then Yugi stopped, looking at Yami mischievously. "Well, enough of that for now. I'm done with homework. Give the others my regards", he grinned and had to all but push Yami out. The spirit was a little taken aback, but trusted Yugi enough not to question him. As he claimed their shared body, he even felt a smile tug on his features. His partner was way too kind for this world.

Looking down at himself, he sighed. No could do, this outfit wouldn't work.

Yami quickly changed into one of his favorite outfits, a black leather jacket with matching pants and boots. As he stepped out into the real world, he was greeted by the warm sun and the cheerful chatter of his friends.

"Hey, Yami! Good to see you," Joey said, slapping the spirit on the back.

"Likewise," Yami replied, smiling at the group.

They spent the afternoon hanging out, playing games, and talking about their latest dueling strategies. Yami was grateful for the distraction, the chance to just be normal for a while. He even forgot about the shadows and the pills for a little while, just enjoying the company of his friends.

As the day drew to a close, Yugi's voice echoed in his mind. "Hey, Yami. It's getting late. Do you want me to take over?"

Yami hesitated for a moment before answering. He didn't want to give up the day just yet, but he knew that Yugi needed his body back to get some rest.

"Yeah, go ahead," he finally replied, handing control over to his partner. "Thanks for the day, guys. I'll see you tomorrow."

With a final wave, Yami retreated back into Yugi's soul room, feeling content and grateful for the time he had spent with his friends.

"What he said!", Yugi grinned and waved them goodbye as they, laughing and chatting, went their own ways.

As they walked, Yami couldn't help but feel grateful for Yugi's kindness and understanding. It was because of him that Yami was able to have moments like this, where he could just relax and be with their friends. It was a reminder that even though he was a spirit, he was still a part of their group.

As they walked, Yami noticed that the shadows in the corners of his vision seemed to be receding. It was a relief to know that the medication was starting to wear off, and that the darkness that had plagued his soul room would soon be gone.

Coming home, Yugi felt a sense of accomplishment. He'd done some planning, Yami's mood had apparently improved massively and nobody was sick, hurt or dead. A success in every sense of the word.

Yami was also feeling much better, both physically and emotionally. He had been able to spend time with their friends without any worries or fears, and he could feel the darkness that had been weighing on him starting to dissipate.

As they settled into their soul room for the night, Yugi turned to Yami with a smile. "I'm glad you were able to have fun today, Yami. You deserve it."

Yami smiled back. "Thank you, Aibou. And thank you for always being there for me, even when things get tough."

Yugi's smile grew wider. "Of course, Yami. We're a team, remember? Always here for each other."

And with that, they settled into a peaceful night's rest, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

The next therapy session Yami insisted on taking for Yugi. While Yugi wasn't exactly sure about this, he still agreed and hoped for the best. Not that he thought that Yami would do something they'd both regret, but the spirit's insistence was more than a little weird.

As Yami in Yugi's body entered the office, the doctor knew what to expect and friendly greeted. "Good morning, Yami", he said and the spirit nodded.

"Hello, doctor..", he returned in the same manner, but something was ringing the doctor's alarm bells.

The doctor noticed a change in Yugi's demeanor, and his intuition told him that something was off. He decided to dig a little deeper, asking Yami how he was feeling and if there was anything specific he wanted to talk about.

Yami fell silent for a moment. "Well, how would you feel if someone tried to kill you, doctor?", he then almost innocently asked, a glint in his eyes that gave the doctor the shivers. The spirit had realised where the threat was coming from and he fully intended to put an end to it. He hadn't told Yugi, lest he'd been stopped, but now nobody would protect the "good doctor".

The doctor's heart raced as he listened to Yami's words. He could sense the malice behind them, and it was clear that Yami was not in a stable state of mind.

"Yami, are you feeling okay?" the doctor asked cautiously, trying to gauge the spirit's mood.

Yami just chuckled, a cold and mirthless sound that sent chills down the doctor's spine. "I'm feeling just fine, doctor. But I think it's time we had a little chat about your involvement in all of this."

The doctor's eyes widened in fear and realization. He had a feeling he knew what Yami was talking about, and it made his blood run cold.

"Yami, please. We can talk about this, but you need to calm down," the doctor said, trying to reason with the spirit.

But Yami was beyond reason. He had made up his mind and nothing was going to stop him from getting the answers he wanted. With a cruel smile, he took a step forward, his eyes fixed on the doctor's trembling form.

The doctor knew he was in serious trouble, and he began to back away slowly, hoping to reach the door before Yami could do any harm. But it was too late. Yami was upon him in an instant, his hand wrapping around the doctor's throat and squeezing with all his strength.

The doctor's world went black as he felt the life being choked out of him, and he knew that this was the end. Yami had come for him, and he was not going to escape this time.

Yami chuckled darkly.

The threat would end here and now. He would make sure of it. Nobody would separate him from his partner. Especially not some measly doctor who thought he could just treat everything. His hand tightened around the doctor's throat who gasped in fear and lack of air, still trying to struggle free, unsuccessfully.

Dimly Yami heard Yugi call out to him, beg him to stop but the spirit was not about to let go until that dreadful, miserable doctor stopped moving.

He thought about a penalty game for good measure, but then decided that choking would be enough. He didn't have to destroy this man's soul, he was just doing his job. Would be doing so in the afterlife.

Just when the doctor was near fainting, Yami felt a harsh pain go through him and he found himself outside their body, with Yugi having taken over their shared body by force and letting the doctor go immediately.

/ Aibou, what are you doing?! /, Yami demanded but flinched at the withering look Yugi gave him. / Ai..bou? /

"He's not to blame, Yami!", Yugi said, too mad to use their mind link.

Yami looked at him for a moment, then retreated into his own, not Yugi's, soul room. Yugi couldn't care less and turned to the doctor.

"I'm so sorry.. are you okay?"

The doctor gasped for air, holding his throat as he struggled to regain his composure. "What the hell was that?!" he gasped out, his voice hoarse.

Yugi shook his head, still reeling from what had just happened. "I don't know. He's not usually like this," he said, trying to make sense of what had just occurred.

The doctor looked at Yugi, his eyes filled with concern. "I think we need to talk about this, Yugi. This is not normal behavior, and it's not safe for you or anyone else around you."

Yugi nodded, feeling a knot form in his stomach. He knew that the doctor was right, but he didn't know how to help Yami. He just hoped that they could find a way to get through this together.

"Maybe it's the right way to help you get rid of this particular aspect", the doctor then said once he had a moment to collect his thoughts. Yugi didn't want to nod, but understood the reasoning.

"Let's resume with the medication. A sudden reaction like that can be a sign of it working", the doctor further said and Yugi gulped. Then nodded.

The doctor gave him a reassuring smile. "We'll monitor your progress closely and adjust the dosage as needed. And remember, if you ever feel uncomfortable with the medication or any other aspect of your treatment, don't hesitate to let me know."

Yugi nodded again, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. He trusted the doctor and knew that he was in good hands. And with Yami back in his own soul room, he could focus on his own healing and progress without worrying about his other half's impulses.

Yami didn't show up all day, but Yugi couldn't care less. He was still angry at having been deceived like this by the spirit. It almost seemed like all the way back when they first met.. and it scared Yugi. If Yami fell back into old habits, nobody would be safe. Again people would burn alive, or go crazy, or fall into indefinite comas. No, this couldn't happen. It just could not..

Even if he had to destroy the puzzle, so...

He stopped there, scolding himself. He couldn't do that. It would be like sending your best friend to hell, maybe worse.

"Please just snap out of it...", he whispered and waited for an answer. Of course, none came. Frustrated Yugi pulled the puzzle's chain off his neck and put the artifact on the bedside table. Tonight Yami would be on his own. Tomorrow they could talk, so Yugi decided.

As Yugi lay in bed, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. He had never felt this distant from Yami before, and he didn't know how to fix it. He wanted to talk to his other half, to understand why he had acted the way he did, but he also knew that he needed time to process everything.

He turned over and tried to sleep, but his mind was racing. He thought about all the times that he and Yami had gone through difficult situations together, and how they had always come out stronger on the other side. But this time felt different. This time, he felt like there was something that he couldn't quite put his finger on.

Eventually, exhaustion won out, and Yugi fell into a fitful sleep. He dreamed of shadows and darkness, and a sense of dread that seemed to follow him wherever he went.

The next morning, Yugi woke up feeling more tired than when he had gone to bed. He reached for the puzzle on his bedside table, but hesitated before picking it up. He didn't know if he was ready to face Yami yet.

But as he got dressed and prepared for the day, he knew that he couldn't avoid it forever. He needed to talk to Yami, and they needed to figure out what was going on between them.

With a deep breath, he picked up the puzzle and held it in his hands. He closed his eyes and focused on their mind link, hoping that Yami would be there.

/ Yami, can we talk? / he sent, waiting anxiously for a response.

His heart began to race when there was no response at all, not even an inkling of a noise over their mind link. It was as if Yami wasn't even there anymore. His anger long since cooled down fear began to crawl up Yugi's spine as he realised he'd taken the pills again, albeit at a lower dosage - and then prevented Yami from leaving his soul room all night.

"What have I done?", he whispered.

---

Yugi quickly made his way into his soul room, hoping to find Yami there. As he entered, he saw that Yami was lying on the floor, his eyes closed and his breathing shallow.

"Yami! Can you hear me?" Yugi called out, rushing over to his partner's side.

Yami didn't respond, and Yugi could feel panic rising in his chest. He had to do something to help his other half, but he didn't know what to do.

He remembered the therapy session earlier that day and how the doctor had mentioned that the medication could cause a sudden reaction. Yugi realized that he had made a mistake by not taking this into account and not being more cautious with Yami's well-being.

Feeling helpless, Yugi sat next to Yami and took his hand, hoping that he would wake up soon. He vowed to himself that he would never make this mistake again, and that he would do everything in his power to help Yami through his struggles.

When there was a twitch in the hand he held, Yugi breathed a sigh of relief; but it quickly turned into a fearful gasp as Yami suddenly moved and pinned him down. "First the doctor.. now my own partner..", Yami growled, his eyes flaring as he held Yugi down, not caring if he hurt him. No, he even relished in the pained expression his so-called partner, who'd thrown him to the wolves, now wore. He smirked as he put more of his weight on Yugi's chest.

"Tell me.. why did you too try to kill me? I only protected us from that man! Is that reason enough to get rid of me?!", he barked.

Yugi struggled to breathe under Yami's weight, but he couldn't ignore the fear and anger that was coursing through him. "I didn't try to kill you, Yami. I was trying to help you. You weren't yourself, and I didn't want you to hurt anyone," he gasped out.

Yami's grip on him tightened, causing Yugi to wince in pain. "You think you can control me? You think you know what's best for me?" he spat out. "You're just a weak, insignificant human. You don't understand what it's like to be me."

Yugi's eyes widened in shock and hurt at Yami's words. He had never heard the spirit speak to him like this before. It was like he was a completely different person.

"I understand that you're in pain, Yami. I want to help you, but I can't do it alone. We need to work together," Yugi pleaded, trying to reason with him.

Yami let out a cold laugh. "Work together? You're just holding me back. I don't need you. I never did," he sneered, before getting up and leaving Yugi alone on the floor.

Yugi lay there, feeling broken and confused. This wasn't the Yami he knew and loved. He didn't know how to help him. All he could do was hope that the medication would work and bring the real Yami back to him.

It was like Yami had read his thoughts and knowing their bond, he likely just had. "What was that? You hope, these drugs work?", he said deceptively calm. Yugi had the weirdest feeling that he should get the heck out of here. But what if he moved..?

"You hope, they destroy me so you don't have to bother", Yami continued and Yugi felt all blood leave his face when Yami suddenly looked at him like a rabid wolf.

"I won't have that", the spirit said. "If it's either you or me.." Yami came closer, his gait that of a predator. ".. it won't be me who goes"

When Yami charged Yugi scrambled to his legs and ran.

Even with Yami's soul room being almost infinitely huge, Yugi finally found himself cornered when he took a bad turn. He tried running back but his way was blocked by Yami who'd caught up to him.

"You can't run anymore", the spirit said, clearly enjoying cornering his prey.

"Y-yami.. please don't.. I didn't mean to.. I wasn't thinking.. please..!"

Yami just chuckled darkly, his eyes glinting with malice. "You weren't thinking? That's no excuse, Aibou. You should know better than to try and control me like that," he sneered, closing in on Yugi.

Yugi felt his back hit the wall, and he had nowhere left to run. He closed his eyes, bracing himself for the worst, but to his surprise, nothing happened.

When he opened his eyes again, he saw that Yami had backed off and was now standing a few feet away from him, looking conflicted.

"I can't do this, Aibou. I can't hurt you," Yami said, his voice shaking slightly. "I don't know what's happening to me, but I know I can't continue like this."

Yugi felt a glimmer of hope at Yami's words. Maybe there was still a chance to help his other half.

"We'll figure this out together, Yami," he said softly, reaching out to him. "I won't give up on you."

Yami hesitated for a moment before nodding, his eyes filled with gratitude and regret. "Thank you, Aibou. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Yugi smiled, relieved. They would get through this together.

But then, to Yugi's horror, Yami used his magic to summon a dagger, grabbed it and admired its blade.

"It will be easier soon.. don't worry..", Yami said. "I've done something unforgivable. I've turned on my partner.."

Yugi flinched back, thinking Yami was about to attack him, but then the spirit moved the blade to his own neck. "I'm sorry, Aibou", he whispered, then slashed the blade over his throat, collapsing almost immediately.

---

"No!", Yugi screamed and ran over to his fallen partner. "Yami, come on, don't do this to me.. I'm not mad anymore.. Please!"

Weak eyes looked up at Yugi. "I'm.. too dangerous.. better..", he croaked, blood running out of the corner of his mouth. The red liquid was staining Yugi's pants as he held his other half close, but Yugi didn't care. Instead he put one hand on the wound and willed it to close. Yami tried to resist, but found he couldn't move. The bleeding slowed until it stopped. Yugi breathed a sigh of relief while Yami just stared at him, not comprehending why Yugi would even try to save him.

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But Yugi just looked at him with tears in his eyes. "You're my partner, Yami. I could never let you die like that."

Yami's eyes widened as the realization hit him. He had almost lost everything, but Yugi was still there, still willing to help him despite everything that had happened.

"I'm sorry, Yugi," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "I don't know what came over me. I never meant to hurt you."

Yugi hugged him tightly. "It's okay, Yami. We'll figure this out together. We'll get through this."

Yami nodded weakly, feeling a sense of gratitude and love for his partner. They would work through this together, no matter what.

"Come.. I'll bring you to my room..", Yugi said after a while, helping his partner to his feet.

Yami didn't resist as Yugi led him out of his soul room and into his own personal space. The room was small but cozy, with a comfortable bed and a small desk in the corner. Yugi helped Yami lay down on the bed and sat down next to him, looking at him with concern.

"Are you okay, Yami?" he asked softly.

Yami didn't answer at first, just looked at Yugi with a mixture of confusion and gratitude. Finally, he spoke. "Why did you save me, Aibou? After everything I've done?"

Yugi sighed. "Because you're my partner, Yami. We're in this together, no matter what. I couldn't just let you die."

Yami looked down, ashamed. "I don't deserve your kindness, Yugi. I've been nothing but trouble for you."

Yugi shook his head. "You're wrong, Yami. You've been my friend and my partner through everything. We've been through so much together, and I wouldn't have it any other way."

Yami looked up at Yugi, his eyes softening. "Thank you, Aibou. I don't know what I would do without you."

Yugi smiled. "You don't have to worry about that, Yami. I'll always be here for you."

Another thought crossed his mind. "And you know what? Screw the pills. We'll be fine without them", he said, almost taken aback by the wide-eyed look Yami gave him.

"And... your mother..?"

"She will.. understand. I will explain to her why I can't do this anymore. Let her take my cards. I don't need them to play with you", Yugi replied with a resolute smile. He almost laughed at the comical look he received.

"You could have a normal life..", Yami began but Yugi shook his head.

"Not without you"

Yami was touched by Yugi's loyalty and dedication. He knew that Yugi's decision to forgo the medication was a big one, and he felt grateful that his partner was willing to take that risk for him.

"Thank you, Aibou," Yami said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I don't deserve your kindness."

Yugi smiled gently. "You deserve all the kindness in the world, Yami. And I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

With that, Yugi and Yami settled into a comfortable silence, content in each other's company.

They knew that their journey together wouldn't be easy, but they were determined to face it together, as partners and friends.