YGO PSL | ❝ someone who can hear me and drink from the light, is anybody out there? ❞

[guidingmoonlight]

INSOMNIA

( cont from here )

[ Lunafreya nods in confirmation. Her family had not always been nobility, but had in fact been regarded highly. At some point they had married into nobility and their path had been set from there. Although, she is not sure that her bloodline would have continued on if they hadn't married into royalty. Turmoil had always set in, and seemed to only escalate once they had moved past the ancient times. ]

Yes. Though, I doubt you would find any news of them in the wide scale public news these days. [ Not since her mother's death. Her brother's marriage did little to garner attention, but, perhaps that was for the best. ] The status of noble hardly matters in today's modern era.

[ The minds of his friends being trapped? Her gaze wanders to the side as she ponders. That is certainly beyond what she is capable of healing. Her skill set was far removed from this conversation and she aimed to keep it that way. Atem had enough to weigh down on his shoulders. The last he needed was the awareness of her true title and full scope of her duty. He most certainly had a plan in mind to reverse the state his friends were in regardless. ]

Seto Kaiba is the one who has created the level of augmentation, has he not? [ Her expressions settles into something of a serious nature. She may not know the rules of this card game, or how to play it, but she certainly knows the names attached to it. It was brought to her attention after the tournaments grew far too popular. ] The game is far too dangerous to be treated the way it is -- regardless if technology had not been introduced. It would have been better if Maximilian Pegasus had never created it.

[ The drop of formality around the creator of the game certainly does not imply familiarity. Quite the opposite. Lunafeya believes the man to be a naive visionary who refused to see how ignorant he had become. The details of the Egyptian Gods are not ones she knows, but, she would be far from surprised to learn of such things. Enough of the creatures in the game are depictions of real ones.

She glances over the menu before giving him a gentle smile. ]

Chamomile tea.

Comments

[ifthereiswill]

[ Perhaps it is, but all he means by it is that he's not as well-versed in modern technology as Yugi and his friends are. Of course, he's adapted fairly well, by his own reckoning, but there's always something new to learn.

As for whether or not they will meet again, he knows that time and circumstance have a funny way of bringing people together. At least, he's learned to not write anything off as impossible. But there is the simple fact that there is very little reason for them to speak again. She has her own responsibilities and he has is, and this meeting between them might as well be just a fluke.

They have until they finish their tea, however, which is more than enough time for them to talk. ]

We met when we were both participants in another tournament. It seems like so long ago now, but I suppose that is because so much has happened in the years between.

[ His expression, already serious, turns even more pensive as he surveys the table in front of him. ]

I can't imagine an instance in which I wouldn't take it seriously, with or without the game's origins.

[ There is more on the line here than he thinks she knows, and he hasn't even divulged half of its seriousness to her, because why should he cause someone unnecessary concern? He knows he's carrying enough of that for the two of them.

He gives her a brief glance in return, but he leaves his tea order unchanged. It isn't much of a method of choosing, but he imagines that if she likes that particular tea, then there must be a reason behind it. ]

I believe it begins fairly early. Around 9:30 in the morning, if I'm remembering correctly. Seto Kaiba isn't one to waste time.

[guidingmoonlight]

[ A fluke? She would wonder on that internal thought. Very rarely does Lunafreya simply meet someone without meeting to for some reason or another. Even if this meeting is simply because of this conversation? Then that is what it is meant for. Aid for a person hardly needs to be something that is apparent. She has gone to heal those in need, to help in natural disasters, and sometimes all someone needs is one to listen to their struggles. ]

I see... rivals until the end? [ Her expression eases into a smile then. Of course, she has no idea how apt of a description she has given. ] How long have you been playing this game?

[ Serious regardless of the game's origins? Lunafreya admits to herself that she is unable to fully relate to it. Her calling is so much grander than what some might call a hobby... but then, so many people involve their lives into this game. It is to the point where an entire city hardly minds becoming a battleground, and more than willingly accommodates those who participate. Perhaps he is in that group of people. If had it had just been a card game, he would be a professional at it and strive to play it no matter what. It seems like a much simpler life than the one he is given.

The thin chains on her armlets shuffle against the counter as she worries her fingers together. Her gaze drops as she ponders their entire conversation over thus far. Once or twice her eyes drift to the window to look outside at the quiet city.

Seto Kaiba. She makes a note to meet with him. While she highly doubts such a confrontation would go well, it should be done regardless. She has enough connections to be able to have a meeting with the man that runs the tournament. If he'd see her at all is something else. Her family name is enough to have political weight behind it. Something like this with one who refuses to believe something? That is another beast entirely. ]

And you will be able to contend at such a high level with little sleep?

[ifthereiswill]

[ Time and chance have funny ways of orchestrating certain events, and of course, he believes in fate and destiny, but people come and go from each other's lives all the time. Some relationships last a lifetime, while others are more temporary. He can't be sure where he and Luna fall, but he imagines that theirs may be one of the more temporary kinds.

Either way, there is something compelling about her that makes him want to enjoy this conversation for as long as it lasts. ]

You might call it that, yes. [ Between himself and Kaiba, Kaiba's always been the one who pursued dueling him with an almost relentless persistence. And of course, he can't deny that Kaiba is a very skilled duelist in his own right. There's very little doubt in his mind that he deserves the reputation that he has, whether or not he agrees with his ruthless tactics, both pertaining to dueling and to life.

When a brief silence falls between them, Atem takes this moment to surreptitiously examine Luna. Not for any untoward reason, but because there is something different about her that has piqued his curiosity. Of course, he can't read minds nor thoughts, so all he gains from his surveying of her is external knowledge, but even that can be telling.

But then she speaks again, and he pulls himself back to the present. ]

Of course. I- [ How to explain that he's a spirit living inside a mystical item, and he takes control of his friend and partner's body during duels and other times as well? ] I don't need very much sleep.

[guidingmoonlight]

[ Most that she meets falls into the line of faces that she will certainly most likely never see again. The Oracle moves from place to place to heal and bring peace. Perhaps she will travel back to the same place more than once, but, that is such a rare occurrence. The thought makes a small smile touch her face and her gaze falters, dropping to the table. That must be why she is so nervous in reuniting with the family friend that she is set to meet in the morning. ]

I see. You seem to be fond of the notion.

[ There is nothing that leads her to think that other than the way he speaks of it. He certainly thinks highly of himself and his capabilities to play this game. That is something that must be there if he believes himself the only one able to stop the darkness he senses. Perhaps, then, the air of confidence is rather earned. ]

I am not sure if that is a blessing or not.

[ She closes her eyes to think on it as her fingers toy with one another. a small nervous habit, but, far better than biting her nails or scratching. She has needed sleep more often as her duties as Oracle have been more taxing. Perhaps that is why being up at such a late hour is strange to her. She sleeps when she can.

Lunafreya only looks up when the tea is brought to them. She smiles thankfully, bowing her head once more in thanks. For now, her hands settle on the warm cup as she looks back out the window at the street. How many people will be racing in the morning for this tournament that her temporary companion is apart of? ]

[ifthereiswill]

[ It isn't quite the same idea, and he only has remnants of memories, little better than fragments of people that he assumes must have been ones he knew in his past life. It doesn't seem likely that he'll see them again, not as they once were. And of course, he doesn't know that some of their modern day counterparts have already crossed paths with him.

In the case of Luna, he has no right to hope that they'll meet again, but he views this encounter as one of those that is so memorable, it lingers in perfect clarity that time can't even diminish. ]

Do I? I suppose that's true. And to answer your question, it has been some time since I first dueled. [ Or rather, since Yugi made his first deck, since he is only a visitor, a specter from the past. ]

The game was not always like this, as I previously mentioned. [ Before the likes of Pegasus came up with the high technology with his dueling arenas and other technological advances, the game was just a card game, with no holographic monsters or other special effects. And there's also how the game was played in ancient Egypt. Either way, the point is that the game has evolved considerably over the years. ]

What makes you say that?

[ He's not actually physically present, unless he's taken over control from Yugi as he has right now. Spirits from the past do not require sleep, after all.

Neither do they require sustenance in the form of food or drink, but even he has to admit that the times when he does have the opportunity to consume something, it's not an unpleasant experience at all. Right now, for instance. He eyes the cup in front of him with curiosity, noting how Luna's hands are wrapped around it, and not realizing just how warm the surface of his own cup actually is.

Of course he knows that tea is a hot drink, and thus any vessel containing it is bound to be a similar temperature, but he underestimated just how hot it actually was. He surreptitiously pulls his hand away from the cup and blows on it once or twice, hoping she hasn't noticed his mistake.

He doesn't blush, not usually, but there might be the slightest hint of red creeping up the back of his neck. But does he let even a hint of embarrassment show on his face? Not a chance. ]

[guidingmoonlight]

[ Which certainly begs the question if certain memories can pierce through the veil of multiple lives. Beyond that, what exactly is it that decides if one reincarnates or not? It would certainly be an interesting topic to discuss if she was aware of the situation regarding Atem, his memories, and those that seem to echo around him through time. They are answers that she does not have. Her family line does not reincarnate. If anything, they simply inherit the power of the previous Oracle. ]

I imagine having a rival would be something very precious. [ She raises a finger to trail along the edge of her cup and closes her eyes. ] Someone that is there to push you to become better. It may not be the same as having a mentor, but, it is someone to make you strive for new heights; to expand the horizon of what you are truly capable of.

That is not something I have been blessed with.

[ The purpose of the Oracle is not to strive for power or connections with the spirits to wage power over one another. Harmony, balance. It is something that seems to shock those that do know her station and calling. The concept has always been foreign to Kings and Queens. Perhaps that is why, for a time, the Oracles were revered and allies. ]

Sleeping gives one the chance to rest; to ease themselves of the burdens on their shoulders even for a few hours. Without it our bodies begin to buckle under the weight of it all. [ She pauses. ] I sound far older than I am by that reasoning, do I not?

[ Lunafreya opens her eyes just in time to witness the embarrassing gesture. She blinks once, then twice, before a genuine smile touches the face. For but a brief moment the girl shows through the face of the Oracle -- even if her late night companion can hardly tell the difference.

She laughs gently.

It is a small gesture that she believes to be rather quiet and unnoticeable. ]

Touch it with the tips of your fingers first, [ she moves her hands in the manner she explains. ] Once you are accustomed to the temperature, then you can hold it.

[ifthereiswill]

[ That is a question that Atem has often wondered about, but it seems to him that if such a thing is possible, it isn't something he's experienced. Yes, he's seen Egyptian relics in a museum, but none of those really brought old memories to mind. In fact, the only times he can recall seeing images from the past is when one Millennium Item or another was activated and something mystical and inexplicable happened.

But he has no personal memories of his own, and that is something that bothers him more than he cares to let on about.

But then he chuckles with amusement. ]

I'm sure that if you asked Kaiba, he would not use those exact words.

[ Annoyance, a headache, a thorn in his side- those all seem more like words Seto Kaiba would use to describe their relationship, or the lack of one. ]

But I can't pretend that Kaiba hasn't been responsible for pushing me to challenge myself, and although he's the last person who would admit it, he may very well feel the same way.

[ He gives her a thoughtful look. ]

There has been no one who's spurred you to expand your own horizons? [ That's unfortunate, but he also knows that it's possible for people to be their own motivation and driving force.

But then again, not knowing very much about Oracles, he wonders if that isn't a primary goal that they possess. ]

I agree with you, but- [ He hesitates then, wondering how much about himself and his arrangement with Yugi he ought to share.

So instead, he focuses in on his gaffe with the tea, realizing that she's most likely questioning why he's so seemingly inexperienced or at least unaware of how to properly hold a mug. ]

I understand. [ And then he does as she's explained, finding that this method works much better. ] Thank you.

[guidingmoonlight]

We do not always realize how precious something is until it is gone. I hope he realizes that before either one of you decide to move on from your game.

[ That is how it works, is it not? One game is abandoned for another that takes the world by force. Sometimes games will linger on and pass from one to the next. Although, given the nature of this game, Lunafreya is not entirely certain it will be forgotten. It is an ancient game reinvented for the modern era.

It may happen again. Time and time again.

Humanity never really learns from their mistakes. ]

No. [ Her answer is quick and to the point. Lunafreya opens her eyes to look down at the tea in her hands. A distant expression passes over her eyes then. There is much in her life that one might consider normal that has passed her by. ] My own comes from necessity of my task and ... job. Nothing more than that.

[ Although a duty and calling is hardly the same as a job.

The wonder has crossed her mind. Then again, perhaps she simply holds things in a foreign manner than he does. Perhaps he is too enthralled in their conversation to have realized how hot the cup is. There are a thousand possibilities and she has no intention of digging further into them. She raises her own cup then, still contently holding it in her hands, enjoying the warmth it gives off. ]

When this tournament ends, will you join another?

[ifthereiswill]

[ He laughs at that, not because he disagrees or because he finds her words foolish. He wholeheartedly agrees with her, but from what he knows of Kaiba, he doesn't believe in things like sentimentality or feelings. All he cares about is climbing to the top and getting the respect and recognition that he believes he deserves. Of course he's capable of having emotions, but from what Atem's gathered, he is so laser-focused on his goals and priorities that there's little room left for personal feelings other than determination and desire. Not desire for people, but desire for the prestige and renown that he seems to desperately crave.

It's something that Atem feels he and Kaiba will never see eye to eye about. There are more important things in life, but he knows better than to try and convince Kaiba to see that. ]

I hope for that as well. He is very driven and determined to have his goals met, but that determination often blinds him to what is really important.

[ But true change can't be forced; it has to come from one's own conscious decision to do so, and Atem can't help but feel that Kaiba believes himself to be content being the way he is. After all, he can't know what he's missing if he believes he's not missing anything except the fame he's chasing after. ]

That's- [ He hesitates, wanting to find the right words while also not offending her. ] That's something of a shame. Everyone needs companionship and support, regardless of what their calling in life is.

[ He surveys the still steaming liquid contained by the mug as he contemplates her question and his response. ]

Most likely. [ Both he and Yugi are not very good at turning down a challenge when it presents itself, and although he can't foresee what the next tournament might be like, he knows they'll be hard pressed to not be tempted by it.

However, he supposes that both of them could use a period of rest following this particular tournament. ]

Or perhaps we'll decide that we need to stop and regroup before joining another one.

[ Even he can't see the twists and turns that lie ahead, but even the most straightforward of tournaments requires significant energy and focus. ]

[guidingmoonlight]

Everyone has something that is important to them. What he believes to be the most valuable may differ from yours. [ She merely intends to point it out -- to have him consider something from a different perspective. ] It could be in the interest of both of you to see what drives him to drive you. Perhaps then, both of you might even achieve something greater.

[ If Atem looks close enough, he might just see the flicker of sadness that crosses her face then. His words were not taken with offense. No, instead, Lunafreya very much recognizes the truth in his words. One does need companionship and support. Hers comes in the form of her longest friend and two furry companions. Yet, even then, Lunafreya is very aware of how separated from the world she is. ]

Some in this world are not blessed to have that. [ She lifts her gaze and offers a comforting smile even if her eyes say otherwise. ] You are fortunate, Yami-sama, in so many ways. Friends to strive to protect, a rival to push you forward, and a destiny in mind. You should chase after those - no matter what may stay in your path to stop you.

[ Envy is far from her nature, but, Lunafreya will admit to herself that she has often wished for something that is similar to what he's expressed. Someone to accompany and support -- people to return to. She has seen the joyous reunions of friend, families, lovers as she has healed them. Each time she feels that pang of loneliness, but knows that ultimately, it is apart of her calling.

She finally closes her eyes and drinks from her cup. It warms her from the inside, despite the fact the night is hardly cold. Summers in Japan have always been said to be warm and rather humid. A few minutes pass before she speaks again. ]

Ever battling forward. You truly are someone that forges ahead on his path.

[ifthereiswill]

Of course. [ He nods, because he doesn't dispute that fact. And perhaps he has no right to comment on the things that are important to Kaiba, but he can't help but feel as though his focus on winning at all costs and on always being the best has somewhat blinded him to other things in his life that are equally important. But who is he to say anything? He's tried expressing his opinion to Kaiba, but it did little good, falling on mostly deaf ears. ]

I wouldn't be against such a thing, but I would have to get Kaiba to slow down long enough for us to talk about it. [ He shrugs, knowing it's not impossible, but still very difficult. And yes, he's aware of the particular irony of that statement. He's faced many difficult duels before, never really backing down from any of them, but it's the prospect of talking plainly with Kaiba that seems the most challenging. ]

Perhaps it isn't your ultimate goal in being here, but you may find yourself forming friendships while you are here. One, or even many, may cross your path even if you aren't chasing after them yourself. [ He doesn't mean to sound as though he's telling her what she should do; he's only echoing her sentiments as a sort of gentle reminder for herself as well. He recognizes that it may not be possible within the confines of her own duties, but still: he hopes that friends and maybe even a rival, if she truly desires that, will come her way. Little does he know.... ]

I feel as though that path is both my duty and my destiny, and now that I've started, I must complete it, to whatever end.

[ He pauses then so he can drink from his own cup and enjoy the taste of the warm liquid. ]

[guidingmoonlight]

The pair of you racing forwards on a road to an unseen destiny.

[ She nods in understanding to his statement then. One rival is constantly striving to catch up to the other and thus will never listen. What a complex relationship to have around a simple card game. She wonders if that was an unexpected consequence of the sort of game that Pegasus has built based off of ancient ways. Then again, humans have quite the ability to add complexity to anything that they do.

The smile of hers barely curls at his reinforcement of her own words. Perhaps. She certainly wishes to bridge the gap between family friends, but, even that is a complex matter. How aware was Mr. Mutou of what her grandparents were attempting to do? Was he apart of it, or, simply there for the thrill of adventure? She knows that her own mother sent out an invitation to their funeral but Lunafreya had never heard the answer. It is quite a lot for her to presume she may even be successful in bridging the families. Perhaps they fell out of conversation for a reason she was never fully aware of. If only both of them knew what is on the horizon... ]

Maybe.

[ It's a soft one word statement that holds a heavy weight. Lunafreya looks back out the window with the smile disappearing from her face. ]

Then, I will need to add a prayer of your success for your own sake to that of your friends. Reaching ones destiny should fill them with a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.

[ifthereiswill]

Thank you.

[ He sets down his cup, which is mostly empty by now, and he also looks toward the window. ]

It's growing late now. [ Or later. ] I think that I've kept you long enough, although it has been very good talking with you.

[ He places a little emphasis on that, because he doesn't want her to think he's looking for a reason to leave. ]

Perhaps we'll meet again, but for now: I could walk with you back to where you're staying.

[ That's something people do for each other, isn't it? He thinks Yugi's done that before. At least he figures he can make the offer, and she can either accept or turn it down. ]