YGO PSL | ❝ shadows in the city, like a demon in the dark, come to tear us apart. ❞

[inheritedpuzzle]

STARGAZING

( continued from here). it's time for sad duels and talking with dragon wife! )


[ It's so frustrating. Yugi feels as if his words can't pierce whatever dark cloud hangs over his other self. It sticks to him like wet clothes and he's unable to just rip them off. It's a side of Atem that Yugi has never seen before, and, part of him wonders if he really can help remove that shadow. He's unable to forgive himself for being human and having a moment of weakness. A moment with dire fallout and consequences, but, they overcame it. Dartz's soul is freed, the darkness beaten back for at least a little while, and they all lived to see it through.

Yugi can't think of more to ask for. He knows that his other self is looking for something or someone to tell him that it's alright in the end. Except, even if Atem hears it, will he believe it? Despite his constant reassurances and remarks, he can see how that shadow haunts the eyes of the usually confident spirit.

Well... Yugi isn't going to give up. He's going to keep trying to convince Atem and show him what he can.

It just might be something he can't do alone.

A determined look comes to his eyes and he is already walking past Atem. He isn't dismissing the older spirit or the look he gives him. Instead, he's pulling on his school jacket. He looks back at Atem, knowing it looks a little ridiculous that he has his jacket on over his pajamas and socks to top it off. It's as close as he's going to get to wearing slippers though.

Cultural habits never really die. ]

Come on, we're going. [ No room for debate in his tone. ] I can feel you want to ask me something. So, ask along the way.

[ They're going and that's final.

He just knows that if he tell Atem where they're going that he'll insist they don't. There will be a million reasons as to why they shouldn't, while ignoring the main reason they should. In Yugi's mind, there's one other person that can help him shake the shadow that hangs over his partner. She helped Atem when Yugi couldn't. Who else can he ask? ]

And don't think about backing out of whatever it is you want to ask me. I'll pester you the whole way there until you do.

Comments

[inheritedpuzzle]

[ He blinks again as it clicks in his head. Oh. It's true that they don't have secrets from one another. Sometimes they aren't always forthcoming about information or sharing their thoughts right away. Eventually, though, the pair always tells the other what is going on. It'd be difficult not to when they can sense how each other feels if the emotions are strong enough.

Just like now. Yugi can tell that Atem is still unsure, hesitant, and maybe even a bit fearful of what might happen next. Which is why all he can do is metaphorically grab Atem's hand and walk with him down the path. He's sure that eventually he'll be left behind again to catch up. That is just how it is with being next to a figure as powerful and full of presence as the once Egyptian Pharaoh. ]

Maybe. I think I know most of your tricks.

[ There's a playful look in his eyes at that. Oh, he's sure there are plenty of tricks that Atem can manage to think up if he gets going. That's part of the fun of it all.

He pauses to think about that. Ground rules? Usually he goes with what the tournament or base game of Duel Monsters plays by. That's thee best place to start. ]

Well, it isn't holograms or a tournament, right? The base rules might be a good place to start with then. 2,000 Life Points, no more than three copies of a card in a single deck. [ They usually don't play that way anyways. It's generally Kaiba that has three of one particular card. ] A standard deck size of forty cards?

[ Yugi looks at the spirit sitting beside him. ] ... How do we want to handle the God Cards?

[ifthereiswill]

[ For Atem, he's come to the realization that he doesn't want to have any further secrets from Yugi. When they were separated, with Yugi's soul having been taken away, it was so quiet and lonely without him, even though he had Lunafreya standing by him. He'll never discount the help and support she gave him, but even with all of that, he still missed his partner very much.

And now that he's back, he knows he doesn't want to hold anything back from him ever again. It's one of the few things he knows with any certainty, which is probably why he's grabbing onto it so hard. And, well, if Yugi offers him his hand, either physically or metaphorically, he'll hold tightly onto that as well.

He's resolved that he never wants to be separated from him again, if he has anything to say about it at all. And as for the path that he's going down, he intends for them to walk it together for as long as they can. ]

By now, we should both know each other's tricks. But- [ A brief glint shines in Atem's own eyes, but it disappears quickly. ] There are always new tricks to be made.

[ He falls silent again then as he listens and nods along to the terms Yugi suggests. ] Those sound like fair rules to me.

[ But then Yugi mentions the God Cards, and for a moment, Atem's expression turns pensive. But just as quickly as it changed, it changes again into something with resolve. ]

I think the God Cards should be made off-limits for this duel.

[inheritedpuzzle]

[ That small glint is enough to make Yugi smile. It happens in small bursts, and is gone as fast as it shows up, but he can see when Atem is truly being himself. The older spirit that teases him, supports him, and encourages him to reach for new heights. He's somewhere buried under all the doubt and darkness that the Orichalcos brought to the forefront. Now, Yugi sees it as his duty to restore that confidence his other self radiates.

That's the least he can do until he can restore the Pharaoh's lost memories. ]

That sounds like a challenge, Other Me. [ One that he is willing to take on. The smirk stays on his face until his gaze falls back onto the cards fanned out in front of them.

The God Cards.

Yugi knows that technically they've won them together. Yet, they've always felt like they belong to Atem. Rather, they'd answer Atem and not him. That's fine. He needs things that are uniquely his even if he shares Yugi's body. That is something Yugi will keep insisting on no matter what: cards, games, time with Lunafreya. All of those things are unique to the Pharaoh and he needs his own time with them.

He reaches forward and collects them. He can't sense their emotions as well as Atem or Lunafreya might, but even he can tell there is something not right about how they sit in his hand. Two of them seem ... frustrated? Irritated? He can't really tell. The third, though, Ra. He can feel an anger off the golden card that sends an uncomfortable shock up his back. The scar that once was cold thanks to Gentiana now burns slightly.

Yugi glances up at Atem with a silent question: can he sense it too? He doesn't hold onto the cards very long though. He folds the three of them up and puts them to the side. His hand curls slightly as he waits for the sensation on those healed scars to dissipate. ]

Alright. We'll need to tell the rules to Gentiana tomorrow night, but, that shouldn't be a problem. [ Gentiana has been present for a handful of duels. She should understand the basics well enough to be able to follow Atem's instructions. ] You get to pick first.

[ He already has some ideas of what ones he isn't going to use. So, it's better to see which cards Atem feels comfortable with. ]

[ifthereiswill]

[ So many things feel foreign to Atem now, things that he did with ease before the whole affair with the Orichalcos happened. Smiling, laughing, even talking- they all seem difficult to him now, almost as though they're things he once knew how to do and is now having to relearn. Part of him also misses the ease with which he and Yugi talked with each other; he's considerably more confident now that that will someday happen, whereas there was the smallest part of him that feared he'd permanently broken the connection between himself and his partner.

But Yugi has reassured him time and again about that, and while it's a daily thing, he's just decided to choose to believe that one day, their ease around each other will return. They may not even notice it when it does, but it will happen someday. ]

Perhaps it is. After all, it's difficult to have a duel without challenges.

[ And he absolutely does not mean challenges such as the ones that Malik and Dartz put them through. This is a duel for fun, something Atem has to keep reminding himself about, and the only challenge they'll face is the twists and turns both of them throw at each other as the duel plays itself out.

Atem watches as Yugi picks up the God Cards. He can still sense the emotions practically boiling off of each card; two of them have simmered down somewhat, leaving only frustration and a small amount of resentment behind. But Ra is another matter entirely. The anger emanating from the card is difficult to miss, and as Atem watches Yugi hold the card, he eyes it with apprehension. It's only a card; the god hasn't been summoned, and yet Atem still finds himself nervous about it.

Perhaps the only way to appease Ra's lingering wrath is to face him alone, with neither Yugi nor Lunafreya (or Kaiba) present to put themselves forward as targets. If the god needs to rage or send out bolts of fire, then perhaps he should give him the opportunity to do that. It's something he files away for another time.

As for picking his first card, he hesitates. Should he choose a monster card, a trap card, or even a magic card? He supposes that any magic or trap cards he picks should mesh with his deck, so he decides to pick a few monsters before he chooses his other cards.

Spotting Koumori Dragon amongst the cards that Yugi has spread out for them both, he decides to choose that one first. He already knows that he intends to use Dark Magician, because he's never gone into a duel without that particular card. But he needs other monsters to round out the deck, so he also has in mind Dark Magician Girl, Summoned Skull, the three Magnet Warrior cards, and a variety of trap and magic cards to round out his forty chosen cards as well. ]

Your turn to choose, Yugi.

[inheritedpuzzle]

That almost sounds like something that Kaiba would say. [ Teasing? Maybe.

Yugi wordlessly puts together the cards that Atem picks. It's clear to tell which cards could compliment which ones, but, he isn't going to say anything. Once the forty cards are picked, he fans them between his hands to hold up for the final approval. Once it's met, Yugi folds the deck back up and places it to the side.

His deck. Despite the excitement? It's a little strange to go through cards without the input of his other self. It can't be the strategy deck they normally run without it being too obvious. Toy Box, Toy Magician, Toy Solider, Apple Magician Girl, Lemon Magician Girl, and Gandora the Dragon of Destruction. All that follows are the cards that will compliment them. Some of them are ideas he's had, but put to the side in favor of the ones that Atem normally picks.

He might as well test them out now.

Yugi fans his own deck between his hands as he looks the cards over. It's as good as anything. There's cards he wishes he had to improve it... maybe once they get back to Japan he'll look into that. If nothing else? There's a smile on his face as he has worked on it. ]

... I don't have a mat for us to put our cards on. [ That fact just dawns on him now. Everything has been used digitally by the cards that something as simple as a table mat has gone unnoticed. He sighs and leans backwards, head resting on the mattress of the bed. ] I guess we won't need one.

[ifthereiswill]

Well, we can't have that, can we? [ Atem hasn't yet realized that he and Yugi are actually lightly joking with each other, almost how they used to before all this happened. Perhaps it's a sign that their lighthearted banter is completely natural to both of them, because he's done it without thinking.

Satisfied with the deck that he's chosen, concluding that it's just the right mix of monster cards, along with magic and trap cards, he nods his approval. Then it's Yugi's turn, and he just watches him choose what cards to put into his own deck.

Of course, he too can see the patterns and threads connecting each card with another, but he doesn't say anything either. This duel could take any number of turns, and just because they know each other's cards doesn't give either of them an advantage. It's just the way it should be. ]

That's all right. I'm sure we'll manage without one.

[ Both of them know the game inside and out, and Atem's just of the opinion that they don't need a duel mat to challenge each other. ]

Are you satisfied with your choices?

[inheritedpuzzle]

I don't think a long trench coat and briefcase would be a good look for you, Other Me.

[ Atem may have not noticed, but Yugi certainly has. Which is why he will continue to go with the conversation and not point it out. Though, he does bite back the comment about how Lunafreya may not even like long coats. Something tells him that teasing the Pharaoh about his feelings for her is the right thing for the moment.

Part of him wants to ask what happened between them. He wants the duel to be enjoyable for everyone involved -- including the two women that will be present. The only duels they've ever seen were the ones with lives on the line. Maybe at least Lunafreya can gain an appreciation for their chosen sport as a game. Although, that might be too much to ask for. He puffs his cheeks out a bit as he mulls the ideas over in his head.

He nods with his head still against the mattress and his eyes upwards at the ceiling. ]

There's things I'd like to add, but, we don't have the cards. So, maybe it'll be something I work on when we get home. [ Home. They haven't talked about when they're going home or how long they'll be in America now that things have concluded with Dartz.

Yugi looks at Atem with his head still leaning against the mattress. ] We have to ask everyone else, but, are you ready to go home?

[ Home, to Yugi, is Japan. The house attached to his grandfather's game shop. He truly does see Atem as his brother figure, and not simply just a guiding spirit in his life. They live together, so in his mind, it's home for both of them. ]

[ifthereiswill]

[ He pretends to contemplate that for a moment, as if he's seriously considering the idea. ] You don't think so? Should I give it a try, just to see what it's like?

[ This is the first real levity that he's displayed in what feels like a long time, and it's doing a lot to lift his spirits that have thus far been kept pressed down by guilt and regret.

Maybe someday soon, he'll be able to tell Yugi more about what happened between himself and Lunafreya. It isn't a secret, not really, and until all this started, he always felt that it was very easy to speak to his partner about anything. So the thought is there in the back of his mind, just waiting for the right moment for him to act on it. ]

I see. [ His lips twitch as though they want to turn up into a smile, and they almost make it, but it's as if his smile only goes halfway. ] Well, we may have to have another duel between us when we return. [ Meaning that he wants to see those new additions in action, whatever they might be.

When Yugi asks him that question, he falls silent for a moment, because he needs time to think about it. Of course, everything that he needed to rectify has been done, and Yugi is back safe and sound, but there's an unwanted thought that's still clinging to him despite his best efforts to put it away for good. Yugi's home has been his home too for what feels like a long time now, and he knows Yugi would say that hasn't changed.

It seems to him that there are things he still has to sort out for himself, and Yugi can't help with that. One of those things is feeling as though he belongs in Yugi's life and in his home again. It may take some time for him to remember that, but he supposes he'll just have to take it a day at a time. ]

Yes, I think I'm ready to go home. [ Of course, he's realized that home is where Yugi is, and he doesn't want to even think about them being separated again. So if Yugi says he isn't quite ready to return to Japan for any reason, Atem is more than happy with staying where they are. ]

Are you? [ He thinks that the answer might be yes, but he wants to ask just to be sure. ]

[inheritedpuzzle]

[ Yugi forces himself to keep a straight face at the image his mind makes at that. Namely trying to imagine his other self in a long white coat that flares out, arms crossed, scowling like Kaiba. It's a bit funnier than it really should be. ]

Well, if you really want to, then I think we still have some earnings from Battle City left... I was going to save it for you to go out on a date...

[ A small tease just to test the waters. He doesn't intend to go to the gentle lengths he normally does trying to get his other self to admit his affections for their newest friend. The friend that can apparently move without sound and sneak up on him when she feels the need to.

Yugi nods earnestly at the idea. This shouldn't be their one and only duel. They can buy packs and continue to build their own decks. That way they can put the best ideas in their combined one if they ever decide to join another tournament. It's a thought he has had since the end of Battle City. Do they really want to keep dueling competitively? He thought at one point that maybe Atem would, but, after seeing what he has tonight? He wonders if his other self would ever want to pick up a deck competitively again. Would there be a point? They only joined Duelist Kingdom and Battle City because of outside forces pulling them into it.

He'll ask that question once they've completed this duel.

His gaze drops down to the Millennium Puzzle around his neck as he thinks about it. It isn't a complicated answer, but, it has enough moving parts. He's sure their friends are ready to go home. School should be starting up soon and it's their last year. What about Luna though? Can she travel? Should they ask if they can go home ahead of her? ]

I think so. Maybe we can come to America again under better circumstances. [ He nods to confirm his answer to himself. ] I'll ask everyone if they're ready to go. Rebecca might not like the idea though.

[ifthereiswill]

[ A scoff of surprise and mild embarrassment leaves him then. ]

A date? Yugi- [ He's shaking his head, even though a hint of a grin teases itself onto Atem's face. ] You should use those earnings on something for yourself; perhaps more cards for your deck, or something you and our friends can do together.

[ Or on a date with Anzu, he adds silently, deciding not to mention that aloud. ]

I would like to visit again, and to see more of this country. [ He's realizing that he knows very little about it, because all he's seen of it was in the context of duels, and for most of his time here, he wasn't in any condition to really appreciate anything he saw of the place. He has to push aside the thought that he has nothing but negative memories associated with America, because somehow, that thought feels like it's doing disservice to the people who live here.

It's possible to make new memories, ones that aren't tainted by the Seal of Orichalcos. Since he has no real memories of his past, he doesn't want any of the new memories that he makes to be so disheartening.

And although he hasn't admitted it to himself yet, he's not entirely sure whether or not he wants to participate in another tournament. If Yugi asks, of course he'll say yes. Dueling is part of who they both are, and with or without his own personal hangups, he feels like he can't just refuse to duel competitively. They're a team, after all. Regardless of what he feels in this moment, he's resolved to just follow Yugi's lead, and if he wants to put a pause on dueling, then he'll go along with it. ]

Perhaps if you tell her you intend to return someday for another visit, she won't take it as badly.

[ He can't imagine that she won't be upset, but at least if she knows that they plan to return, that knowledge might help. ]

[inheritedpuzzle]

We'll get some cards for our deck and take everyone somewhere with it.

[ He nods. Though, he still does plan on putting a small bit aside for Atem to use. They worked together to win Battle City, to get the God Cards, to stop Marik. Atem deserves to have some of the money spent on something he would want. Even if it isn't on a date. ]

I'd say we could look into tournaments, but, I'm not the best at English. [ There is a sheepish smile on his face at that and he looks down. ] Anzu is the one who really has put the time into studying it.

[ Given she wants to come back to America to study dance. There is obviously someone else who is skilled in English as her main language. Even so, he knows that he can't rely on either woman all the time for things. If they want to duel abroad then he's going to need to work on ways to make that happen.

If it's what his partner wants. Tournaments or duels outside the two of them seem to be far off for now, and that might not be a bad thing. What is there left to really fight for? They've secured what they need to help Atem. Everyone is safe, just injured in their own ways. ]

I think it's more because she likes me, rather than if I'm going to visit again, Other Me.

[ Then, he stretches slightly and sighs. It's late now. Atem might not need to rest... but he should at least get a few hours in before everyone else arrives. ]

What are you going to do for the rest of the night?

[ifthereiswill]

[ He nods, knowing that people do things like go on trips for fun, and while his experience with traveling is limited to doing so out of necessity, he finds himself intrigued by the idea. ]

Where is somewhere that you've always wanted to go?

[ He isn't even thinking about what he might want to do if Yugi insisted on giving him a portion of the money. He can't think of anything he might want, aside from making sure that his friends are all safe and as happy as they can be. ]

Well, there's time for us to think about tournaments, American or otherwise. [ But an American tournament would be a challenge, and before all of this started, he would have welcomed it. Now, he's not as certain. And he agrees with Yugi that he wouldn't want to necessarily have to rely on Anzu or their other friend to translate or even teach them.

For the moment, he doesn't really want to think about having to compete, or to even fight off another threat along the lines of the ones they've already seen. He just wants to spend time with his partner and their friends and just find ways to recover and rest. ]

Oh. [ He supposes he should have realized that, given how upset Rebecca was while Yugi was gone. In fact, he should have realized a lot of things about how everyone else was feeling, and now that he's thinking about it, he feels as though he was blind to the others' reactions because of how lost in his own guilt he was.

He owes all of them an apology. ] And how do you feel about her? [ He won't be surprised if Yugi doesn't wish to answer, and he won't press him, of course. He can't help but wonder, however. ]

I'm not sure. I suppose I can spend the time thinking about strategies for the duel, among other things. [ Such as how to begin making amends for what was a large oversight on his part. ]

But you should sleep, Yugi. You must be tired.

[inheritedpuzzle]

There's plenty of places in Japan I haven't been to yet. [ He looks back at the ceiling in thought. ] But, visiting somewhere that isn't Japan... especially if we don't have to save the world? That would be fun to see. Europe, maybe?

[ He reaches into his pocket and pulls out his phone. With a few strokes he has opened up the map. Then, he scoots himself closer to Atem and leans in a bit, holding the phone up to show him what he means. Technically, yes, Atem is a spirit. Still, to Yugi, Atem might as well be physically present. They can sense each other, touch one another, and hold conversations as if they were physically side by side. ]

I've never really shown you, so... [ He pulls back on the map and points to Japan. ] This is where Japan is. Domino City is here, just a bit outside of Tokyo Prefecture. That's the capital of the country.

[ Then, he scrolls back out and points to the United States. ] Here's the United States of America. We landed in California... on this side of the country. Flordia is here, on the other side. [ He points from one state to the next. Then, he scrolls to the other side of the ocean and points to an island. ] That's the United Kingdom -- England.

[ He figures it'll be obvious why he pointed out where England is.

Yugi sighs and scratches the back of his head at the question. ]

She's a sweet girl, but, I'm eighteen and she's twelve. If anything? I'm probably her first crush.

[ There's a small laugh in there. Imagine that. He's someone's crush. How could that have happened? Maybe Rebecca just confused him and his other self up.

Tired? He is. Still, it's been worth staying up as long as he has. Without this, he doesn't think they'd be talking again. Regardless, Yugi nods. ]

Are you going to be alright for a few hours?

[ He knows better than to think that he'll get more than that. Joey and Tristan will stop by and drag him out for some sort of social time. Anzu will probably follow behind scolding them for not letting people rest when they need it. ]

timeskip is a go

[ifthereiswill]

Yes, I suppose that visiting other parts of Japan would be interesting. [ After all, he only knows the places that he's seen, or that Yugi's told him about. ] Anywhere that you'd like to go would be fine with me, however. [ It'll all be new experiences to him, so he can't really complain.

Atem also leans in when Yugi pulls out his phone and opens up the map so they both can see. He surveys the map, showing Japan and the city Yugi's from, noting its location with interest. And then when he moves on to showing him the United States, his interest only grows. ] I didn't realize that it was so large. And California and Florida seem so far apart from each other, yet the trip didn't seem to take very long at all.

[ Yes, he's still marveling at the notion of travel by air. ]

England- isn't that where Luna is from? [ He casts a sideways glance at his partner, as if suggesting he knows what he's up to. ]

I didn't realize that she was so much younger than you. [ He wouldn't have asked that question if he'd known. Of course that age difference would be too much. ] I'm sure that the right person will come along one day.

[ He still believes there's potential for Yugi and Anzu, but some things just can't be forced. And yes, he's glad that they had this conversation, even if it had a rough beginning. ]

Of course, I'll be just fine. And you should try to sleep for as long as you need.

[ But he also knows that the chances of Yugi getting uninterrupted sleep aren't that likely. Their friends will surely come calling, regardless of the time, so that just means that he can't keep Yugi any longer.

The two of them say good night, and Yugi gets ready for bed while Atem goes back into the Puzzle.

Several hours later, as expected, Joey and Tristan are knocking on the door while Anzu scolds both of them for waking Yugi up. Yugi reluctantly gets out of bed and crosses over to the door, rubbing his eyes. He talks briefly to his three friends, before he asks for a few minutes to get ready. Once he's all set, he puts on the Millennium Puzzle and heads outside to join his friends.

Fast forward to the end of the day, Yugi returns to his room after having an enjoyable afternoon, but now it's time for the two of them to rejoin Gentiana and Lunafreya for their duel. Atem leans up against a wall, watching as Yugi moves around getting his last minute things together, including his deck. ]

Well, it's almost time. [ And he's not entirely certain that he's ready, but they said they'd do this, and he's not about to back out now. ]

[inheritedpuzzle]

Hokkaido could be fun. The northern most island is supposedly gorgeous during the winter.

[ He nods about England being where Lunafreya is from. Oh, it's definitely on purpose, but he thinks it might be a good idea for his other self to understand where she came from. The world is a large place and sometimes understanding the scope of it all helps. Especially with who and what Lunafreya is.

Yugi laughs just a bit. ] It probably doesn't help that we're the same height.

[ At least, now, he can joke about that. ]

---

[ The time with his friends is always fun. Even if Yugi had a hard time keeping up with them. The shopping village outside the theme parks was large, filled with shops, and namely food. Which is pretty much where Tristan and Joey spent most the day, while Anzu went from store to store window shopping. Yugi simply enjoyed being with all of them again. He wished that Atem would at least join them like he usually does, but, knows that pushing or asking him to won't do much to pull the spirit from the depths of the Puzzle.

He puts his deck in the holster while holding Atem's in his hand. He'll have to hand it over to Gentiana anyways. There's a smile in his eyes. While the circumstances around it all may not be what they'd want? It's the fact that they can duel each other period. Maybe their next duel can be more of what they had hoped. Baby steps... right?

Yugi looks up at Atem as he walks over to him. ]

You don't sound too excited, Other Me.

[ifthereiswill]

[ When Yugi makes that observation, Atem shakes his head, as if that'll dislodge some of the lingering apprehension that he still feels about this duel and about their next steps. This duel is one they both have been wanting for a long time; difficult circumstances got in the way of it, and now it seems as though they have their chance.

He's not about to let his doubts and residual guilt prevent them from enjoying this and having fun. ]

I'm sorry, Yugi, I was just thinking about something else. [ Now isn't the time to be distracted by unwelcome thoughts. ] I am excited for this duel, and for getting to do this with you.

[ He even manages to inject some notes of excitement into his voice. He might be a little preoccupied, but he knows that he can push that away. Having this duel with Yugi is more important than his worries and concerns. ]

[inheritedpuzzle]

[ Yugi stares evenly at the spirit beside him, but, doesn't press any further. Part of him still worries that maybe the duel isn't a good idea. Maybe it's being done to humor everyone involved long enough for Atem to be able to slip back into the Puzzle. Of course, Yugi knows that isn't true, but that shred of worry is still there. ]

If you're sure.

[ He nods and accepts the answer for now.

Really, the only way to be sure is to see what Atem says through his dueling. It won't be the monsters he picks, the spell or trap cards he plays. It'll be how he makes his decisions and how determined they come across. Yugi has dueled beside him every step of the way. There's nothing the two can hide from one another when it comes to how they duel.

He opens the door and slips outside, waiting for Atem to join him before closing the door. Yugi purposely avoided telling their friends about the duel. He's sure that they'd want to see what it would be like for Yugi and the Other Yugi to face of... but this is something private. It's something he feels he needs to do to help his best friend. His hand is locked securely around Atem's deck as he quickly makes his way to Lunafreya's room.

His eyes go back up to his other self and almost ask if he thinks Lunafreya might be better than she was the night before. Then, he thinks better of it. There is a feeling he has that bringing up her health might not be the best thing. ]

We didn't talk about what the win conditions are. [ That seems like a safer route. ] Gentiana said she'd share something with us, but, not the conditions of it. So, if you win, Other Me, what do you want?

[ifthereiswill]

[ He's still feeling conflicted about the whole thing, but he gave his word and agreed to this, and he's not about to back out now. For one thing, doing so would only disappoint Yugi, and he has a feeling that Gentiana wouldn't allow him to go back on his word either. So he sees that he has only one choice: to push away his misgivings and doubts and do what he said he would. ]

I am.

[ At least, he's mostly sure. That will have to be enough.

He follows along as Yugi makes his way back to Lunafreya's room. As they walk along, he's also thinking about Lunafreya and wondering how she's doing. Recent events have been hard on her too, and he fervently hopes that she's all right. Of course he knows that he's asked a lot from her, whether or not he actually put his requests into words, but she was by his side the entire time that Yugi was gone. He went through the ringer, but so did she, and he still feels some lingering guilt about that.

Belatedly, he realizes that Yugi's talking to him and so he pulls himself out of his thoughts and back to the conversation. ]

I'm not sure, actually. I can't think of anything that I might want. [ He knows that he needs nothing, and while he's keeping these thoughts to himself, he also believes that he deserves any less. ]

Having the chance to duel you is all the reward I could ask for.

[ And he knows that he means that without question. ]

[inheritedpuzzle]

[ Yugi waits patiently for his partner's answer. There's no point in rushing him or trying to disrupt his thoughts. At least, now, Atem is talking to him like normal. He'll take that over anything. He was afraid that maybe they couldn't bridge the gap that was between them. Gentiana helped fix that.. and he owes it to her. He also feels like he owes an apology to Lunafreya. They went to talk to her and ended up speaking with Getniana more. He glances down with a frown.

What's the best way to apologize to someone like her?

His purple eyes raise again once Atem speaks. An eyebrow lifts at the comment. There's nothing his other self might want? Yugi finds that idea ridiculous. He's fairly sure he knows something that Atem might want, but, like everything else? It's best not to push it. ]

Then, how about we promise to find a way to duel again?

[ It's not exactly what he is thinking by what his other self might want. That is a bit more personal and would require people to admit things. Instead, this seems like the better option. They both want to be able to duel one another on happier terms. It also doesn't require a winner.

Just that they'll find a way to make this happen again.

Yugi comes to a stop at the door and knocks once more. He expects to hear the shuffle of feet or any evidence that there is someone inside. Instead, he's greeted by the door silently opening to once again reveal Gentiana. She wears a black dress shirt and long pants with her typical high heels underneath. Her eyes once again closed, but her gaze shifts from Yugi to Atem and back. ]

The Pharaoh and his vessel. A worry was there that both might decide to step away from the duel.

[ Yugi glances at Atem and shakes his head. ] We don't change our minds once they're made. Usually.

[ifthereiswill]

[ Even though the bridge has been crossed and they're speaking together again, there's still a part of Atem that feels as though he's undeserving of anything good that he might want or hope for. And that includes the one thing he can't easily give voice to: to be able to spend time with Lunafreya. Oh, he knows that Yugi will protest, saying he doesn't mind, but Yugi deserves to live his own life too.

By rights, someone like him, a relic from the past, should know his limits and know that he can only go so far. Yugi may be his vessel, but that doesn't mean he should get free rein whenever he wants it. At least, that's what he's beginning to believe. ]

Yes, I think that is something that I can agree with. [ He even manages to accompany that with a small smile. ] We should be able to duel each other when we feel like doing so; and it would help keep both of our skills sharp. That sounds like a good idea to me.

[ Whether or not they'll be able to make it happen is another story, but at least having that promise out there gives them something to hope for and to keep in mind as they go forward.

Eventually, they reach Lunafreya's room, and Atem waits with Yugi to be allowed entrance. Gentiana eventually opens the door, and she glances between the two.

Atem nods in agreement with Yugi's words, and he adds: ] We gave our word that we would return at the appointed time.

[ And just as they try not to change their minds once they're made up, they also try not to go back on their word. ]

Are you ready for us? [ He wishes to ask if Lunafreya is ready for them, but those words slip out instead. ]

[inheritedpuzzle]

[ Oh, Yugi will protest. Atem may be a spirit, but to Yugi, he is a brother. He owes the Pharaoh so much. Sharing a body with him and stepping back to let Atem be apart of the world around them is far from a high price to pay. He deserves more than just being a guiding force and a convenient aspect that shows up during duels. It won't hurt Yugi if a night or day is spent in his soul room so his other self can have something that he can call his own.

If they are going to be partners and share his body? Then, there has to be a compromise they can come to. It's just getting Atem to see that he is more than willing to let that happen.

He nods. Another duel it is. Maybe next time they can find someone else other than Gentiana to help them.

Yugi quickly glances between his other self and Gentiana. ]

Of course. [ The tall looming woman steps to the side to allow them entry. The door closes behind the two once they have entered. Yugi steps to the side, eyes following as Gentiana almost seems to glide towards the small sitting area of the large hotel room. A chair has been pulled out to sit in opposition to the smaller couch.

He glances back at Atem before gingerly making his way to the area. Gentiana nods, gesturing for him to move to the couch. Yugi wordlessly does so, feeling as if for some reason the whole situation is almost delicate now. He's not sure why, but the whole atmosphere is different now. It can't just be because of their duel.

Before he can even ask if Lunafreya is joining them, he sees her step into the room from the joined balcony. She wears a white dress instead of the nightgown from the previous night. Her hair is pulled to the side in a loose braid over her shoulder. He smiles and opens his mouth to greet her, but, stops at seeing the expression on her face. The assortment of bruises and scratches were one thing, but, he would expect her to at least show some emotion. Instead, Lunafreya wears an expression of... resignation? Uncertainty? He can't quite place it. It's almost like she's not fully herself or the Oracle and is somewhere being stuck between.

She comes to stand beside Gentiana and gives the bow that Yugi's come to expect from her form of greeting. ]

Yugi-sama, heika.

Hi, Luna. [ Yugi shifts slightly. He's not sure really what to do now. ] We're...

[ Gentiana raises a hand and gestures to the couch. ] The vessel will take his place there. While the Pharaoh will stand beside the Oracle's retainer as she sits. [ Her hand makes a sweeping gesture to the chair opposite. ] Are your decks prepared?

Yep. [ He looks up to Atem as he stands between the couch and table. 'Where do you want me to put your deck, Other Me?'

Lunafreya and Gentiana share a brief look to one another before she takes her seat in the larger chair to the side of the makeshift duel arena. ]

[ifthereiswill]

[ When Yugi moves to his side of what will serve as the dueling arena, Atem moves to the opposite side, all the while keeping one eye on Lunafreya. He would be lying if he said he isn't worried about her; just as Yugi observed, her injuries are one thing, but there's something far more worrisome about her expression, or the lack of it.

What could be going on in her mind? He hopes that there's time for them to talk following the duel, because something seems to be wrong, and he wants to know what it is. ]

Right there is fine, Yugi. [ He manages a small smile for the benefit of his partner as he points to a spot on the table. And then he glances at Gentiana. She's the one who will be acting as his stand-in for this duel, so he asks her as well: ] Does that work for you?

[ She at least deserves some consideration too, since she'll be the one actually handling the cards. ]

[inheritedpuzzle]

[ Yugi places the deck where he's directed to and then pulls the deck he brought out of the holster on his belt. He takes his seat opposite of Atem. It feels a bit more organized than he was expecting. Still, he'll go along with how Gentiana directs them.

Gentiana nods to Atem's question and takes her seat in the chair opposite of Yugi. She bows, and he awkwardly returns it. Then, she picks up Atem's deck and stretches her hand out to Lunafreya. Yugi watches as Lunafreya takes the cards with the utmost of care and gently shuffles them. She returns the deck to Gentiana, who then holds it up for Atem's approval.

Yugi follows after and hands his deck to her. She shuffles his and returns it to him, managing a small smile on her face that is meant to reassure him. Yugi isn't sure if it does... because neither feel genuine from her or his other self. Still, it's an improvement from the night before. ]

What rules were decided upon by the Pharaoh and his vessel? [ Gentiana tilts her head up. ]

2,000 Life Points, forty cards each. We decided to leave the God Cards behind. [ He glances at the two women who nod in return. Somehow, they could tell by just handling the decks. ] We didn't decide on what the winner would get.

There will be no prize for the winner. [ The dark haired woman places the deck down on the table. ] The Lady to the Oracle will decide if the duel between the two has been worth their while. If so, then she will impart the knowledge she has of the Pharaoh's kingdom three thousand years ago. Does this suffice?

[ Yugi looks at Atem. ] What do you think, Other Me?

[ifthereiswill]

[ Atem hasn't shown much interest in anything lately, and he's all too aware of it; his fighting spirit took a hit, and while he's not even sure if he wants to continue dueling competitively, this duel that he and Yugi are about to have is only for fun, with no particularly high stakes attached to it. And for that, he's grateful.

He listens as Gentiana lays out her terms and he nods his agreement. ]

That sounds fine. [ If any of them are paying attention, they might note how Atem straightens up at the mention of his kingdom and the knowledge that she evidently has, even if his words sound as reserved as ever. It's the first real interest he's shown in anything in recent days, but even then, it's still a little bit lackluster in comparison to how he normally might be. ]

And what do you think? [ He turns the question back around, just in case this doesn't sound acceptable to his partner. ]

[inheritedpuzzle]

[ Yugi, of course, sees the small change in posture. His other self will say again and again he is in no rush to retrieve his memories. Yugi has to wonder how much of that is true when the ancient spirit will move to attention whenever Egypt is mentioned. For now, he decides to keep the thought in the back of his mind. He'll just need to find out more about what happened in Egypt three thousand years ago. ]

If it helps us understand what happened to you a bit more? Then, I think we should.

[ How Gentiana has that knowledge is still what baffles him. Though, that question might be answered shortly. He just needs to duel the best he can. He'll prove to Atem that a fighting spirit doesn't always need to come at high stakes. He'll show him that ultimately what matters is the bonds between them, not how much Atem may have stumbled and fallen recently. That's something only he can show him through this duel and presenting situations that Atem will have to trust his deck on.

Yugi built his deck specifically to do just that.

The sound of tink can be heard. Lunafreya catches the coin in her palm. A beat passes. She opens it to look at the coin resting there. ] Heika has the first turn. Draw your hands and start.

[ Yugi glances to the side as Lunafreya picks up a pen and pad of paper. She's keeping track of their Lifepoints? He suppresses the smile that threatens to come to his face. That's how Gentiana has included her then... she's the one officiating.

As he draws his first hand, he smiles at the spirit standing beside Gentiana as she fans the cards out for the Pharaoh to see. They're dueling now. All of their thoughts have to be kept to themselves.

Come on, Other Me. Show me all you've got. ]