AN: Hello everyone! Been a while, I know, but I promise I've been very busy trying to get multiple things accomplished. I haven't forgotten about you all.

I realize this chapter's a little short but I'm continuing on to the next one once this is uploaded. I just want to be sure you have something in case the next chapter doesn't get finished tonight.

Also, "HMP" I'm unable to respond to you as you're a guest reviewer (I THINK you're a single reviewer, I really can't tell if more than one person used that name or not) but I wanted to say Thank you very much for all of your reviews and I DID see your suggestion for a chapter in the "Nightwatchers" story. That's in the works as well :D Thank you for the suggestion.

Ch 4

…

When evening finally did roll around, Bakura was beyond furious. Those incompetent, pathetic excuses for medical experts had had the audacity to take a break from working on his host and hadn't come back except for a brief checkup hours later. Why? What could be more important than getting a patient breathing on their own? Bakura couldn't think of anything and didn't care to put much thought into it. His hikari's health meant his own health, and damn these imbeciles for not working around the clock to get him into better condition.

He forced himself to stay where he was, staring intently at the lifeless mirror image of himself lying on the hospital bed. Unpleasant though it would be, and it most certainly would be, bearing through the discomfort of a forceful wakening seemed to be the only way to get things rolling. Relying on these so called "professionals" was getting him nowhere fast. So as he sat (and fumed), he tried to imagine what to expect. He decided it would be better to assume the worst. That way there was a chance of being wrong instead of horribly wrong. To be blind-sighted by overwhelming anguish like he had been in that rotting basement when he regained control of their body could mean permanent damage this time. That would never do. Bakura stared intently at their body now, noting where the legs and arms were, and everything their body was attached to. To put it simply, his best plan would be to come to and do his absolute best not to move at all. Though this was certainly easier thought than done. He tried to imagine what that cursed tube would feel like in his throat. Would he even be able to feel it? The thief narrowed his eyes and chewed on his lip. Yes, he decided. The chances were high that he would. But he wasn't sure how to imagine something extending all the way down his throat and into his chest. The idea made him tense with apprehension. But he saw no other way around it. Not if he wanted to get away from his current confinement anytime soon.

He reminded himself exactly what he'd felt when he'd taken over their body before. Surely this new unpleasantness wouldn't be as bad as that had been. That had been literal torture. This new situation was at least going to help them both. Still, he thought to himself, I don't dare do anything if only one person comes in to check on our progress. I need all of those doctors back here. Otherwise I'll be forced to bear this while some foolish aid runs around looking for assistance.

Ryou looked at him, picking up his thought, but he didn't respond.

Bakura heaved an aggravated sigh. Now if these bloody morons would just get back here!

…

Marik went to sit on his bed, but ended up falling heavily at an odd angle instead.

"No more," he said with exhaustion. "I can't do anymore."

"That's alright. You did well." Ishizu said sweetly. The nurse had just left and it was only the two of them now. They'd finished another round of physical therapy and she was glad to note his walking had improved. She felt encouraged that he may be able to get off of his stronger pain killers soon. "Just rest now."

But her smile faded as, instead of sitting up, Marik bent over further. His breath sounded labored and he was sweating a bit more than he probably should have been.

"Is your medication wearing off?" she asked.

He nodded. His eyes were scrunched tight and he swallowed hard.

"Hold on, I'll get a doctor."

"Don't," he said.

Ishizu stopped short.

"Don't, please -" he said, hating how pathetic he sounded. "Don't leave me, sister."

She went to the bed's side. "It's alright, Marik. I'm not going to leave you."

"I… I don't -" he trailed off, shaking his head.

"What is it?" She asked carefully.

He suddenly pounded his fist against the mattress, making her gasp.

"Damn it!" Marik said through clenched teeth.

"What? What's wrong?" She asked with concern.

"I feel like shit," he said. He made a small choking noise as if struggling for air.

Ishizu nodded to herself, remembering all the factors as she tried to keep herself calm. "It's okay, Marik. No one expects you to perform at your best right now. You've been through hell, yourself, you know. And part of the crummy feeling is just the drugs fading from your system. 'Coming down' as they say... I guess. It's not your fault you feel like this."

Marik's eyes wandered, quick and unfocused over the sheets beneath them. It was just he and his sister at the moment, and although he hated to do it, he really felt he needed to. He reached out to her and pulled her close.

She was startled by the motion but embraced him almost immediately.

His voice was muffled against her stomach, "I don't know what to do."

"About what, dearest?" she said, patting his head.

"Even if he wakes up, he'll never forgive me."

Ishizu's face became sad. She held him a little tighter.

"I don't deserve his forgiveness, I know it! But I don't know how to get over this! I feel…" Marik's body tensed up significantly.

"How do you feel?" Ishizu asked gently.

"I feel sick. Intoxicated, like I'm poisoned inside. Like I'm rotting away."

His sister nodded again. "I understand. But as I said, part of it is really just the medication -"

"No!" He looked up at her, clinging to her dress. "I really feel disgusted! It's not the drugs!"

"Okay," she said at once, smiling sympathetically. "I'm sorry. I hear you."

"I feel so filthy, Ishizu," Marik said in a quivering voice. "I feel -" He grimaced with a disgusted look and buried his face against her middle again. She wrapped her arms around him. She could tell he was acting more openly than normal. It was certainly a combination of the trauma and the medication. However, she also knew he was really hurting. Really, she was just grateful he would open up to her like this, regardless of why. But she didn't know how to help him. She said a silent prayer in her mind, asking for help.

…

Bakura looked anxiously on as three doctors went over his host's stat numbers. It wasn't the crowd he had hoped for, but he'd heard one of them mention ending their shift soon. This seemed like his best chance without waiting until tomorrow afternoon. He took a deep breath. Twice. Three times – held it. Hesitated… The doctors talked so idly about what they saw, he didn't think they were very serious about any of it. He considered his hikari behind him with a passing thought, but no more. He made up his mind, closed his eyes, and felt himself fade.

…

Pain wasn't the word he'd use to describe it. But it was uncomfortable. At first it was mild; his senses only becoming aware of this part and that part of his body. But that tube – he definitely couldn't keep control of himself for long. A minute at best. He made a point of batting his eyes a lot, trying to get someone's attention. But in fact, it was the heart monitor that did it. The sudden beeping from the rise of his heart rate alerted the doctors and they became more attentive to him. Though it wasn't as quick as he would have liked, and thick tears of discomfort spilled down both of Bakura's cheeks before he knew what was happening. He focused all of his attention on being still, and not allowing himself to choke. But several strangled sounds escaped his throat in the effort, and he was annoyed to see it had no effect on the doctors' speed.

…

"Don't say anything to Odion," Marik said, straightening up.

"Why would-" Ishizu said.

"Honestly I… I don't even know what I'm saying anymore." He muttered flatly. "It all sounds so stupid."

Ishizu frowned, "Don't do that."

He looked up at her.

"Don't beat yourself up just for having feelings, especially at this point. I don't know where men get the idea they're not real men just because they feel the same things every other person on the planet feels. But I won't stand for it here. Not now. Your ego will live to fight another day. You're in a bad state right now and trying to deny it will only do you more harm than good."

Marik blinked at her, a tinge of heat rising to his cheeks. "Wha-?"

"Do you think Odion will think any less of you for what you are going through? You know he isn't a despicable person like that. And the doctors? Their job depends on seeing countless people in their most vulnerable states. I can hardly see what you're worried about."

Marik looked down at the floor. "Like I said," he mumbled, "I don't even know what I'm saying right now."

…

Come on, come on, come ON already! Bakura thought desperately. He was very aware of the length of the tube now and it was a real chore not to cough in a futile attempt to spit it out. The doctors were talking to him; he heard his host's first name more than once. But he didn't know what they were saying. Panic was trying to rise inside of him and he fought it with all he had. More heavy drops fell from his eyes; whether it was from real tears or simply too much moisture he didn't know or care. He also felt liquid spilling from the corner of his mouth. He tried to stay calm, but breathing through this wretched device was scarier than he had thought. Get me out of this! He urged with his mind. Finally, at some point in his delirium, he felt it moving inside of him. His vision blurred and he tried once again not to choke on it as it was pulled through his lips. More liquid spilled from his mouth, and stayed splattered on his chin in favor of an oxygen mask being placed over his mouth and nose. It was all uncomfortable and cold, but the tube was out now. His throat and chest ached from it, and yet the spinning in his head made it hard to be bothered too much. Bakura gasped for air and noticed how heavy his lungs felt. But they were working. And he clung to that thought as he fought to stay conscious. The doctors continued to speak to him, but he couldn't comprehend what they were saying. One thing at a time, he told himself sternly. One… One thing… and everything went dark.

…

Two and a half hours later, there was a knock on Marik's door.

"Good news," The doctor said. "Your friend's woken up. He's breathing on his own now."

Marik's heart skipped a beat and he smiled as hope rose inside of him.

"Of course he's still in a fragile state, so visiting isn't an option right now. But I did promise to give you an update. He came to a few hours ago, and they had little trouble when removing the ventilator tube. But he lost consciousness soon afterward. A while later he woke again, and they managed to keep him conscious for a while, though it took some effort on his part. I believe he's sleeping right now."

"Thank you," Ishizu said.

"So, his injuries aren't life threatening?" Marik asked.

"No, Mr. Ishtar," the doctor answered. "He'll need plenty of time to heal yet, and I'm sorry to say he will most likely feel very uncomfortable for some time. But I haven't heard anything about permanent physical damage as of now."

"Has he said anything?" Marik asked. Ishizu gave him a look and he added, "I heard he had some damage done to his vocal cords."

"I don't know about that. But I would give it a little time. Patients often feel hoarse in the throat after having a breathing tube removed. I wouldn't rush to conclusions just yet."

Marik nodded. The doctor then inquired how the Egyptian was doing himself.

…

Guys please let me know if my writing style changes too much. As in, if it varies to the degree it stands out. In the midst of trying to update my numerous multi-chapter fics, I've been writing for other stories as well that are not for Yu-Gi-OH. I want to get a few of my stories finished before I start posting new ones, but I still want them written out while I have the ideas. And with so much swirling around in my head, I can't tell if it has effected these updated chapters or not. So please let me know. Otherwise, reviews of your choice are always loved and greatly appreciated. :D Thanks so much for your patience everyone. I REALLY am trying to get to the point where I have something to post every week. It may take a few tries, but I promise I'm not twiddling my time away or anything.

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Also! Since I got a new computer, I made copies of every chapter of every story I have posted on FanFic. And now that I have a spell check that actually KNOWS what to look for, I've been able to fix many tedious spelling and grammar errors that still plague my old stories. So at SOME point, I intend to switch out each one with an updated version. I don't know if that will send alerts to those of you who are subscribed to me or not, but I wanted to give you a heads up just in case. I'll try to do it all at once, so if you see a sudden rush of updates from me, that's what's happening. And if you don't then disregard this announcement :)