The Alternative

Chapter Thirteen

Two nights in a row without any proper sleep.

Yugi could guarantee that he would be a walking zombie if he were able to get out of bed the next morning.

But that was one of the least of his worries.

Minute by minute, the young adult tossed and turned, attempting to find the perfect position for him to fall asleep. Each time he tried, he fell short.

His mind kept swirling with thoughts and disbeliefs.

Worries and heartache.

His friends were in the hospital.

No one knew why.

Yugi rolled over so he could glare out of his window, as if the distant trees would give him an answer. He leaned on his elbows. Occasionally he laid his arms under his pillows for extra cushioning. After ten minutes of battling with his mind, he tossed over again, hoping it would somehow allow him peace.

What happened to them?

Is this my fault?

Was it Yami?

Would he do such a thing?

How could he, anyhow? I was with him the whole time...

Why did I chase after him? Is that what he wanted? Is that what I really wanted?

It was painful to think about. Just the idea of possibly being responsible for the sickness of friends brings shivers to the spine.

What did Ryou mean when he said I should know what's going on?

How am I supposed to know what happened?

Yugi growled in frustration, plopping aggressively back towards the window.

Just go to sleep...please...it's already five in the morning...

But he couldn't.

Every time he tried, he'd see Atem.

He'd see his friends.

He'd see Atem again.

He was seeing a lot of him lately.

It was lonely. No one was around to help soothe Yugi's mind.

The sun was slowly peeking up from the ends of the earth, destroying the darkness in the most polite of ways.

Another failed night.

I'm beginning to turn into Kaiba. He doesn't sleep much either.

Yugi flicked his eyes open at the thought.

KAIBA!

Yugi quickly flung the sheets off and slipped off the bed. He made a quick stop to the bathroom before heading into the hallway towards Kaiba's room.

Is he going to let me in?

Is he even awake?

He's going to hate me for this...

I'll just knock softly. If he's awake, he'll hear it. If not, at least I tried.

*Knock Knock*