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

[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. ]

[ifthereiswill]

[ By now, it's an almost involuntary reaction. He has no memories of Egypt, nor of what sort of Pharaoh he was, but he can't help but sit up whenever someone mentions that name. There's a bond connecting him with Egypt, whether he remembers it or not. ]

Then that's what we'll do.

[ He knows that he's curious about what knowledge Gentiana has, and the only way for them to learn that is by going through with this duel. The only problem is, he knows something is holding him back. He didn't voice it or even think it, because Yugi's always been able to tell when something is bothering him, but the truth is, his heart is far from being in this duel.

He won't just hand the win over to Yugi, of course, but it's going to take some effort on his part to duel at something even close to his best.

When he hears that sound, he turns to see what made it, and that's when he sees Lunafreya catching the coin and announcing that he'll go first. He nods, recognizing that she's been put in charge of presiding over this duel.

Soon enough, Gentiana's drawn their hand and has the cards fanned out so that he can see them. He points first to one card, a magic card that goes face down, and then a monster card that goes in defense mode as his opening move. ]

That ends my turn.

[ He looks to Yugi then, as if waiting to see what his move will be. ]

[inheritedpuzzle]

[ Yugi can tell that Atem's full presence isn't there in the duel with him. It isn't by the lack of cards he plays or how he plays them. Yugi has been by Atem's side in every duel they've ever had together. He knows how the other thinks and how calculating he can be when he really is focused in on it. Maybe he doesn't need to be there to fully enjoy it... but Yugi is still going to give it his all and not make it easy.

He hopes so anyways.

He places one monster in attack mode, two cards face down, and ends his turn.

Back and forth it goes, with Yugi's gaze moving between the cards on the table and Lunafreya as she writes down the changes in points as monsters are removed from play. He glances up at Atem at one point in the middle with a smirk on his face. It's hard for him to not enjoy it. They never thought this would be possible. So, even if his other self can't enjoy it as much? At least they're able to duel at all. He'll need to do something to thank both Lunafreya and Gentiana once this is said and done.

The mental tally of Lifepoints hasn't escaped him as the turns go on. He knows now that they're in the final stretches of it. As he sees it? It comes down to one play. Who will play their magic or trap card that will seal the duel in eithers favor? He might have just a bit more Lifepoints in numbers, but, Yugi is very aware that it's come to the point where he's tried to direct Atem all along.

Either a card in his hand or one that he pulls will help him win the duel. His other self has to make a decision or not to play that card. Anything to raise the attack points higher than Yugi has on the field to do the final blow. What's more important? Staying where he is and unwilling to move forward... or taking that leap-of-faith and believing in himself? All Yugi can do is present the situation the best he can for that choice to be made.

Yugi looks to Gentiana and then to the spirit that is usually filled with such confidence and strength.

Your move, Other Me. He thinks to himself. I know you've got something that'll make you win. Are you going to do it? ]

[ifthereiswill]

[ Even as he plays his various cards, he can still imagine them pulling away and recoiling from him in disgust and fear. They're cooperating with him now, but it wasn't that long ago that they weren't so accepting of being played by him. He hasn't fully regained their trust, but he's resolved to never use the Orichalcos seal or anything associated with it ever again. And neither will he sacrifice his cards as if they mean nothing to him.

Most of his usual resolve and decisiveness is missing as he goes about making his moves, but he's still doing the best he can to give Yugi the duel he deserves. Of course, Yugi took an early lead and has so far managed to maintain it. He's not that far behind, but even with his hesitancy, he can also tell that the duel is coming up on its final stages.

Just as Yugi's already surmised, all he has to do is either draw the right card or play it, if it's in his hand, and boost the attack points of his monster and the duel will be his. He can even see a card in the hand that Gentiana's holding that would do just that and end this duel with a win.

He just has to give her the nod to play it, but the words seem to stick in his throat. Gentiana turns her head to look at him, as if she's sensing his doubt and hesitation. He could win if he just gives the order, but instead of saying those words and giving Gentiana the go-ahead to play that card, his hands drop to his sides and for just a moment, his gaze drops to the floor.

The last time he was in a position like this with his back to the wall and the stakes far higher than they are in this duel between two friends, he gave into his fear and made a terrible mistake. If he lets his fears dictate his actions now, at least no one's soul is on the line, but then he'll have failed to prove that he's ready and capable of picking up the pieces and moving on.

Perhaps this is one of those things that if he waits until he's ready, he'll never actually move. With that thought in mind, and with his heart firmly entrenched in his throat, he signals to Gentiana to play the card in his hand, and then to call what should be the last attack in this duel.

... Unless, of course, Yugi has another trick up his sleeve. Atem really wouldn't be surprised if he does. But he tells Gentiana to go ahead with the move anyway, regardless of what might end up happening. At least this time, even if he doesn't want to tempt fate, the chances of someone being hurt are minimal at best. ]

totes recommended listening: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OA7V0u-T98U

[inheritedpuzzle]

[ It isn't exactly as he had hoped it would be... but it's a good start. He had hoped that Atem would feel more like himself as they continued on. It seems like the relationship between him and his deck is still in question. He can't sense it nearly as well as his other half. He can't tell all their thoughts and feelings like Lunafreya can. Even then, he hopes that the monsters in play will see that his other self has not only beaten the magic that pulled him away, but wishes to repair their bond.

Hopefully this duel will do that.

Yugi glances down at the combo as Gentiana calls it. He has the card in his hand that could change it all. He doesn't play it. Not out of pity, or a desire to make his other self feel better. No, it's not anything like that. Yugi knows his other half better than anyone. He knows that no matter what he plays right now, Atem would be a step ahead of him. He could fend off this last attack, but something would go his favor. Even if he limped along for a few more turns? Atem has already won it. He has no idea what that combo would be, or the monster, or the trap card... he can just tell. This duel is better if it remains the way it has been. He doesn't want to box his other self into a corner and ignite that feeling of desperation to win.

It's just better to end it now.

So, Yugi looks over at Lunafreya. The woman who has remained silent the entire duel nods to confirm that the attack does bring an end to his lifepoints. He lowers his hand to the table and looks back at his other self. A gentle smile spreads on his face.. and a look of pride settles in his gaze. ]

You win, Other Me.

[ The note of finality isn't sad for Yugi. He's proud of his other self. There were plenty of times that Atem could have turned away from decisions. He could have forfeited. Instead, he kept pushing himself, if only by small amounts every time.

Gentiana's gaze shifts between the two even if her eyelids remain shut. ]

rolls in feels

[ifthereiswill]

[ No, it isn't exactly how he hoped it would be either. He knows hesitation still dogs him, causing him to pause and question himself and his choices. The relationship between himself and his cards is very much tenuous and fragile, and he can't help but feel that all he has to do is make one wrong move and he'll lose the trust that's barely begun to reform itself. All he wants is to regain some of the confidence that he lost, but more importantly, he wants to win back the trust of his deck.

The only problem is that he's not sure he's done enough.

Even as Gentiana plays the card that will end the duel, hesitation and uncertainty is plainly seen in Atem's eyes and the way he holds himself. Of course he knows his strategy is sound, and that his final move should be the one that earns him this win, but is that really what he wanted? Did he want to win? Perhaps he should have held back and allowed Yugi to take the win. He knows that his partner is more than capable of holding his own in a duel, even in a duel against his other self.

Now he's beginning to realize that while he trusts his deck, it's himself that he doesn't trust, and beginning to change that will take longer than the time it took for the two of them to duel each other.

Still, all it takes is one look at Lunafreya and the tallies that she has been keeping. He managed to take out Yugi's lifepoints, thus handing the win to him. So why doesn't he feel better? Perhaps that will come with time, and he just needs to accept this as what it is: a tentative step forward.

A small smile comes to his face as well, and after a moment's hesitation, he holds out his hand for his partner to shake it, if he wants to. ]

Thank you for the duel, Yugi. It- It was a good one.

[ Even though he knows his will was more or less missing from it. ]

[inheritedpuzzle]

[ If Yugi is ever going to win against his other self? He wants to earn it. He wants it to be something they both strive their hardest for. This duel wasn't that, and neither was their first one, and that's fine. It might be that duel can only happen once the memories of his other self are restored. That way he can duel at his fullest and really show Yugi what he's made of.

There's no hesitation from Yugi as he reaches out to shake Atem's hand. Then a nod. It was a good duel... and maybe their next one will be the one they really want it to be. ]

You're welcome. [ He means that with his whole heart. Whatever he can do to help his other self at any point. ] Our next one will be even better.

[ Lunafreya glances between Gentiana and Yugi as he speaks. She remains silent, as she has this entire time, purposely keeping her eyes from the outstretched hand Yugi has. Instead she closes her own eyes and folds the notebook in her lap closed with as little sound as possible.

Yugi can't help but absolutely beam in pride now. It might be a tentative step forward, but that step is a large one from his point of view. Their next duel will be better.

His thoughts are interrupted as Gentiana stands. His eyes move from the Pharaoh to the taller woman with long black hair. She seems to regard the table and the still placed cards in thought. Then, she regards the two duelists in front of her. Yugi turns his attention back to Atem.

'Would you ask Gentiana to stand in again for one of us? Do you think she'd mind?'

Is he already thinking about how to set up their next duel? Yes. He can't help it. Especially with how Gentiana found a way for Lunafreya to be apart of it. Their next one could on be better... right? ]

[ifthereiswill]

Yes, I'm sure that it will be.

[ He's confident of that, at least, even if he's not really sure what sort of mindset he'll be in when that time comes, but he can already tell that he's slowly beginning to pick himself back up from the low place he's been in ever since he and Yugi were separated.

He continues addressing Yugi, but he has one eye on Lunafreya and Gentiana, as if wondering what's going on inside each of their minds. He would be lying if he said he wasn't wondering that mostly about Lunafreya, but both women have impassive expressions on their faces, making it difficult to read them.

But Yugi's still waiting for an answer, so he puts a pause on his wondering so that he can reply.

'Well, considering that we have yet to meet someone like her who can communicate with both of us, I'd say that we would have to ask her if she'd do it again. As for whether or not she'd mind, it's hard to say.'

But somehow, he thinks she won't, if they were to ask her again. ]

[inheritedpuzzle]

[ He nods. 'It looked like the two of you worked well together.'

It may not have been the idealized form of a duel that Yugi had hoped for, but, is still overjoyed by it all. He's sure there are things he's learned from this... maybe things Atem has even learned once he reflects on it all. If anything? Yugi just wants his other self to remember what it was like to believe in himself and his deck. It might take time. Hopefully this was that first step in it. ]

Gentiana?

[ His eyebrows raise at the sound of Lunafreya's voice. Yugi turns to look back at her, finding her eyes still closed and her hands neatly folded over the notebook she has still in her lap. Oh--right. Gentiana was going to decide how well the duel went to explain what she knew of the time that his other self came from. He can feel the shift of energy in the room then. It's heavier, and maybe even a little colder.

The long-dark haired woman turns to face the two that share one body. She regards both of them in turn, then her head tilts down towards the cards left on the table. ]

Tell the Lady of the Oracle why the vessel and the Pharaoh desire to know of the ancient past.

[ Yugi blinks. It's an easy answer for him. ] The Other Me has been locked away for thousands of years. I don't know why... he doesn't know why. Everything that's happened since I solved the Millennium Puzzle points to what happened that he can't remember. The Tomb Keepers, the tablet that has the Other Me and Kaiba on it, Pegasus and the other Millennium Items. Even Luna and I are tied together because of our grandparents knowing about the Puzzle.

[ He pauses for a brief moment. ] And, it's my my duty to get them back for him. Luna can talk to Duel Monsters, and you protect Luna... and the Other Me protects all of us. If finding anything out about what Egypt was like three thousand years ago helps? Then, I'm going to do it.

Even if you decide not to tell us.

[ Gentiana's head tilts but a fraction at the answer Yugi gives. Then, her closed gaze turns towards Atem for his answer. ]

[ifthereiswill]

[ 'I didn't expect that arrangement to work well for any of us, but it seems as though it did. I'm not quite sure why, but I had my doubts about how cooperative she would be. But then again, she knew she was acting as my stand-in, so I suppose I shouldn't have wondered.'

And, well, he can't pretend that the duel hasn't done something to restore some of his confidence. He might not ever want to duel competitively again, but at the very least, he knows that he can duel Yugi and maybe even enjoy himself again. He might not have gotten a lot of enjoyment from this one, but it's still a step in the right direction.

When Lunafreya speaks, he turns to look at her, but her countenance and her composure hasn't changed. Then the directive from Gentiana comes, and Yugi's quick to answer with a response that basically sums it all up. Except Atem's still unsure about how much he really wants to know.

He's not even sure if he still agrees with the notion that it's Yugi's duty to get his memories back. That's been the understanding they've operated on for a long time, but recent events have shaken his resolve and his belief in that particular goal.

But now they're all waiting on him to answer, and he starts to feel something inside himself clench up as if that uncertainty is now turning into pressure to explain himself and the way his thoughts have changed.

But can't he want to learn about the past without necessarily stating he wants to regain his memories? That thought occurs to him and he latches onto it. ]

I have no memories of what Egypt was like in the past. [ Or memories of what he was like, but he purposefully avoids saying that. ] If you know anything at all about what was happening three thousand years ago, I would like to hear about it, if you're willing to tell us.

[ It's a much more restrained answer than the one Yugi gave, and he guesses that Gentiana might find it unsatisfactory. He knows that the three in the room will be able to see right through it and what he's doing, but he can't force himself to feel something he doesn't, namely a clear desire to regain what's been locked away from him for so long.

If that's a condition of learning what Gentiana knows, then, well- he supposes he'll just have to live without that knowledge. It's no different than what he's been doing this entire time. ]

/now for her narrative :O

[guidingmoonlight]

[ Lunafreya remains as she has since the night before. The actions have all played out and she is but merely a spectator in all of it. No, even a spectator has a role to play in something like this. Her role in this has been that of someone awaiting for when she is needed. The Oracle is not needed for the duel, and Luna is not needed for that which Gentiana wishes to share. It has left her in a place in which she must engage at some level and yet need not be truly present at all for it.

Perhaps her time as both the girl and the Oracle for this small band of friends has begun to come to a close. She can only hear a portion of the conversation between the three, and any guidance or comfort she might give is unneeded. Her hands had clenched the notebook more than once through out the duel without any of the souls present noticing it.

What if what she desires to give and share was merely reflected back because of the loss of the young soul that has now returned home? She wishes that is not the case... but it could very well be. That single probability causes her to be silent when she may have spoken during the duel. Not that those words are needed for either participant. She has seen the pair duel countless times. She can tell the words that Yugi attempts to say, and the hesitation that Atem still carries. The conversation between them is no place for her to be; let alone witness.

Yugi frowns slightly at Atem's answer but says nothing. Gentiana's expression remains neutral. Had she expected an answer like that given how he had dueled? Had she thought that a grand turn of events might happen because of the duel? That answer is one the black haired woman does not share. Instead, she merely turns and walks around the spirit of the Pharaoh. ]

Knowledge of the ancient past is not to be told. What the Lady offers is meant to be shown.

[ Gentiana comes to stand in front of Lunafreya. She obstructs the view of their exchange from the other two in the room. Lunafreya lets out a soundless sigh before raising her eyes to the other woman. Their attires contrast one another - one white and one black. The long slender fingers of the taller woman gently rest on the Oracle's chin, tilting her head up. Then, Gentiana nods. Her decision has been made and her mind set. All that remains is if the Oracle will comply.

Lunafreya meets the closed gaze of her longest friend long enough to learn what her answer is. Then, her gaze wanders off to the side. She is apprehensive of this notion. Perhaps the source of the unsettled feeling is simply because she knows that the story Gentiana wishes to share is that of sorrow. A story that Lunafreya sees little benefit in sharing. Gentiana, however, sees a benefit and thus it is her duty to help her oldest friend and maternal figure to share what she wishes. Her gaze finally lowers before she nods.

Why else is she present if not to do what her duty commands of her?

She places the notebook to the side. Her hands extend to either side, palms opening, and in twinkling lights the Trident of the Oracle appears in her hands. Gentiana steps to the side so that Lunafreya may stand with her ancient relic resting horizontally in her hold. The Oracle lowers her gaze to the relic and makes no further moves towards the pair standing in front of them. ]

The Trident is passed down from Oracle to Oracle. Within it lies the power to channel memories. At times, the Oracle has been able to speak to the memories of those who acted before her. [ The dark haired woman curls her hand around the ancient metal. ] The Lady and the Oracle will work together to show the knowledge she possesses of the kingdom three thousand years ago.

[ Yugi opens his mouth to speak, but, closes it again. He's not sure what to say about any of it. Magic... it somehow always comes back to that. He frowns, but still stands determined to move forward with the idea. He looks back to Atem.

'I'm ready if you are.' ]

[ifthereiswill]

[ Atem watches Gentiana move closer to where Lunafreya is, and just observes as the two women seem to converse even without words. Finally, it appears as though they come to a conclusion, and Atem watches as Lunafreya summons the Trident.

He isn't really certain what to expect, because there's no way for him to know what it is that Gentiana intends to show them. All he knows is that, in the aftermath of the duel, even if his fighting spirit wasn't really present for it, some of the adrenaline that rose up during it has started to fade, leaving him feeling tired once more.

But all he and Yugi have to do now is just play the role of observer for whatever knowledge Gentiana plans to reveal to them both. He doesn't need to be filled with energy to just watch her memories unfold. At least, that's what he assumes.

Atem's frown mirrors Yugi's own, because something about the solemnity with which Gentiana speaks brings to life some measure of uncertainty about what it is they're about to see, as well as doubt that it's something he wants to witness. But the terms of the duel were clear, and he doubts that either woman will take it well if he attempts to back out of it now.

He nods slowly, still appearing unsure, but it seems there's no choice but to go forward.

'I'm ready too.' Even if the last thing he feels right now is being ready for anything. ]