I have had dreams and I have had nightmares, but I have conquered my nightmares because of my dreams. ~ Jonas Salk



It's a dream.

The darkness swirls around Ryou, tendrils of blackness lick at his heels. Same as always. There are two doors, one to the right of where he stands and the other the left. The darkness billows out from the right and Ryou's door glows rather dimly. Just as it did the night before because the dream (yes it's a dream, just a dream) is always the same. Though, to the spirit's credit, the monogamy and fixed outcome does nothing for his fear.

The shadows crawl up his body in sync with the frantic beating of his heart. Ryou takes in a deep breath trying to calm himself, because it is just a dream. This slows the darkness down, but does not stop it. After all Ryou is only ever capable of stalling, not stopping. (Or saving, sorry Yuugi, so sorry...)

"Yadonushi," the spirit leers and Ryou knows he is smirking, even though the spirit is not within sight, yet.

"Go away," he says, trying to say it loud and clear only to have it come out cracked and shaking. As it did yesterday.

"Why? This is what you wanted."

"What? No…no! I would never – why would I ever – ?" He's made a fatal mistake. He should know by now not to ask questions.

(Not when the spirit was so willing to answer.)

"Punishment, yadonushi you wanted punishment. And here I am."

Ryou's eyes widen and he can feel the spirit force his own memories onto him. Memories of his sister's bright green eyes, and how he promised to protect her. And failed.

The spirit laughs.

Ryou hates that laugh; hates it with more passion than he's ever felt for anything in his entire life. More than he'll ever feel for anything else after. (And this too he hates, because Ryou had never wanted to hate anyone – he had been forced.)

His heart is beating faster and the darkness flares up to his chest. Ryou breathes in. No, it's just a dream. He won't let it be a nightmare.

(Not yet.)

With that pledge, Ryou lets the darkness consume him.


Long drabble is almost too long to be a drabble. But whatever. Just want to say thanks to all the reviewers last chapter, you guys make my day.

Review! =)