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

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

			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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Their tour guide, for all intent and purpose, remains quiet even as the source of voices enter the room. It is a group of what one can only presume are priests, making their way up the steps. The one that heads them quite literally phases through Gentiana as he comes to stand in front of the group. He stares past the group as if they aren't present. The light glitters off the gold piece in his eye socket. ]

Other Me... it's... [ The Millennium Eye. The Head Priest was wearing it just like Pegasus had. Yugi looks at Atem.

'Does he seem familiar to you? At all?'

The Head Priest raises his hand and gestures to a stone tablet to the wall above them. His head snaps over and a glow envelopes the Millennium Eye. ]

「 Come forth, useless beast! I would have words with you! 」

[ Yugi feels a hand on his shoulder and glances behind him. Lunafreya pulls him back to stand in front of her. His hand on Atem's sleeve also tugs him towards her.

A loud roar echoes through the chamber as one of the tablets comes to life. Somehow, through it all, Gentiana's voice manages to cut through it. ]

The Head Priest of the Kingdom collected the spirits and bound several of them to the stone tablets that were no better than prisons. It mattered not if they were destructive spirits or benevolent. All were taken in by his desire to save the kingdom he swore to. A pair of spirits he collected from the west had stood by a small settlement for hundreds of years.

[ The light suddenly shoots out from the tablet to reveal the shape of what looks to be a dragon with multiple wings. It has yet to take full shape, as if fighting against the magic that would pull it from the tablet. ]

[ Atem watches, riveted, as the scene continues to unfold. When the group of priests arrive, his attention is drawn to them, simply because of the purpose with which they move forward. He stares at each one, or at least, as best as he can from his viewpoint. Perhaps some spark of recognition will ignite if he looks at them long enough. But one minute and then another ticks by and it becomes clear to him that he can't recognize a single face in the crowd.

He makes note of the gold piece that the man who is leading them is wearing, and that is something he recognizes. It's the only thing that he does, and when Yugi speaks, he turns slightly to look at him.

'No, I'm afraid he doesn't. The only thing I recognize is the Millennium Eye. Whoever it is that's wearing it, I can't tell.'

But he supposes that Gentiana knows his identity only too well, and that both he and Yugi will learn it, as well as any other mysterious identities, before this is over.

But then the man speaks, and Atem visibly flinches. His choice of words feels too similar to Atem's own, during that fateful duel that saw Yugi sealed away from him. The reminder is unexpected but unwelcome, and for just a moment, he has to look away, as if afraid of what he might see.

But then he dimly registers Yugi pulling him back, and he moves almost automatically, his thoughts once more swirling with guilt and regret. Those clouds disperse quickly enough once Gentiana begins speaking again.

He listens with rapt attention as she explains the actions of the Head Priest and his dealings with the spirits. And then suddenly, because he wasn't expecting it, the appearance of the great dragon and the light that shoots out from the tablet causes him to jump. ]

What is that dragon?

[ He can't help but ask, even though he assumes an explanation from Gentiana will come sooner or later. ]

[ Yugi nods, disappointed that so far nothing seems to be familiar. Maybe as they see more that might change. He still squeezes his other self's arm to comfort him as he looks away. The whole scene feels uncomfortable already, and it's barely started. ]

Hraesvelgr. A white dragon who sought peace above all with mankind.

[ He turns to look at Atem again. 'A white dragon? Like the Blue-Eyes White Dragon?'

Not that he expects Atem to know. But, what if there is a connection? ]

There was a spirit bound to the great White Dragon: the Frostbearer, Shiva. She held little adoration for mankind at the start. She believed them to be weak, frail, and unable to appreciate the world in which both inhabited. Hraesvelgr proved how hardened her heart had become as they fell in love. Through him, Shiva found admiration for mankind. The two were bound together; where one went the other followed dutifully. When the Head Priest who had done unspeakable acts came to steal the White Dragon for his own desires, he too took with him the Frostbearer.

[ Finally, the white dragon Hraesvelgr takes form. His wings folded around him due to the lack of space in the building. However, his long neck and head lower to stare the Head Priest down. A low rumble echoes in the room. ]

「 You were called upon to aid the Pharaoh in battle! You were asked to help us protect the Kingdom - even that speck of Oasis you call home! What use are you if you do not come when called?! 」

[ The great dragon seems to sigh. His mouth does not move, instead, it is as if they hear his voice in their minds. ]

「 I answer not to the pitiful and pathetic cries of those who wield the power to save themselves. Mine kin does not answer to the call of war that mortal men bring upon themselves. I will not fight on behalf of you nor any king you so worship. Mine kin win outlive you and your lust for power. Perhaps the Head Priest ought set us free, instead of attempting to make creatures above him bend to his will. 」

Edited (details and rephrasing!) 2021-07-17 23:30 (UTC)

[ If it were at all possible to make the things they're seeing become familiar to him through sheer force of will, he would do it. But he can't will himself to know things and remember details that are still very much sealed away, no matter how much he wishes he could remember even the smallest, most insignificant piece of information. He doesn't even need all his memories back; if all he got was the ability to recognize even one person from his past, that would be satisfaction enough.

But it seems as though he can't even have that, at least not yet. ]

Peace with mankind? [ It's not a strange idea by any means, and it's one that Atem would want as well, but it seems odd that that would be the dragon's goal. Not unthinkable or impossible, just odd.

But then he also turns to look at Yugi. 'Could that be a mere coincidence, or is there a connection there?' Of course, as Yugi guessed, Atem has no answer for that, only guesses. ]

I see. [ He might not understand every word or every meaning behind what Gentiana says, but he's following along as best as he can. ] The White Dragon and the Frostbearer went together, even when they were stolen by whoever this head priest is.

[ And of course, all he's thinking about is the links between Seto Kaiba and the Blue-Eyes White Dragon, and the idea that Kaiba is more connected to the past than he wants to admit. But maybe there's no link between any of this, and he's just grasping at straws to form conclusions.

He falls silent once more as the dragon and the priest exchange words. It seems to him that he can understand the positions of both man and beast to some extent, but in the end, it's Hraesvelgr that he finds himself agreeing with more.

Of course, he has no right to pass judgment on the priest, when he's used similar words before. What he can't see is how this will all unfold. But he knows better than to ask too many questions, because something tells him that there's still a lot more that they need to see, as long as Gentiana remains willing to show it to them. ]

Yes. Hraesvelgr and the Frostbearer traveled the world until they settled up on a small oasis in the Kingdom of Sand. They feared the Frostbearer at first for ice and snow do not exist in the desert. Yet, Hraesvelgr became endeared to the mortals in the oasis and thus both protected the men of the oasis for hundreds of years.

[ Yugi supposes that explains enough. Their names don't sound anything native to Egypt. So, like him, the ancient duel monsters had found a love for something in a land that wasn't theirs. While it isn't the same kind of love, Yugi would do anything for the Pharaoh beside him.

'Maybe they are related. Kaiba and the Blue-Eyes White Dragon are on the tablet in the museum, aren't they? He had the Millennium Rod... and you have the Puzzle. This priest has the Eye. They can't just be coincidences.'

Gentiana nods to Atem's understanding of events. ]

「 So, then, mighty dragon. You will not aid our cause to protect our Kingdom? Should it and the Pharaoh fall, then so shall your Oasis! 」

[ The dragon rumbles lowly and his eyes close. ] 「 Beg all you might wish, High Priest of Egypt. Find those who will battle for you as one bows to a master. Mine and I will not. 」

[ The High Priest glares. The force behind it is enough to make Yugi take a step back towards both Atem and Lunafreya, whose hand remains on his shoulder to ground him. The Priest turns then and gestures to the stone tablet on the wall. ]

「 Bring forth the Stone Tablet! Bind the dragon 」

[ Hraesvelgr's golden eyes shift from each of the humans at the scene. His mighty jaw opens to let out a displeased roar, his wings attempting to spread to break from the room. The priests split into two groups. One summons the tablet from the wall, the other begin to chant a spell. Magical seals appear around the white dragon's wings and feet despite how he struggles. Those golden eyes shift to the tablet as it rises from the wall in which it was lodged in. ]

「 Shatter it! 」

[ The small group of priests look between one another in uncertainty. However, they relent regardless. The tablet that once housed the mighty white dragon suddenly falls from its great height and hits the stone ground below the platform they stand on. As it impacts it shatters into thousands of pieces.

Yugi can't help but stare at the scene as it unfolds. The circles that bind the white dragon cut into him, only to make it cry in pain. Cracks begin to form around Hraesvelgr as that which had bound him to the world of man shattered. Finally, the magical seals cut entirely into the massive creature. ]

「 You stain your blood with the lust of power. 」 [ Those striking golden eyes focus in on the Priest who refuses to back down. ] 「 Blinded you are, and it will cause the downfall of the Kingdom which you hold so dear, Priest! 」

[ Hraesvelgr raises his head to let out one final roar. It echoes through the building, shaking the tablets that are still resting in the room. Light rays spring from his broken body and in a blink of an eye the once mighty dragon is nothing more than light dust showering the room. ]

I suppose the sight of them would be quite a shock. And if all you know is heat and sand, a being of ice and snow would be even more startling.

[ But somehow, Atem just knows that people don't often take kindly to things that are unfamiliar or that they don't understand. He doubts that the reception Hraesvelgr and his companion received was a very open and welcoming one. His initial response is to think poorly of them, but then he has to admit that he probably would have reacted similarly if he were in that position.

And then he glances towards Yugi once more, adding: 'No, you're right, this can't be merely a coincidence. There must be something connecting them, although I couldn't tell you what that might be.'

He's cut off from adding any further comments as the scene continues to unfold, but he can already tell that it's only going to get worse from here.

And something about the continued references to the Pharaoh only makes him frown. He wonders why the Pharaoh can't speak for himself, or if that's merely a protocol of the kingdom, that the High Priest is also the voice of the Pharaoh in moments like this.

When it becomes clear what the priest intends to do, Atem's hands clench tightly into fists. Clearly something magical in nature is occurring here, but all Atem can see is that disrespect is being done to the white dragon, and he's not certain that he likes what he's witnessing. Even if the dragon is in error, surely there's a better way of handling this than what is unfolding before their eyes.

It all seems to happen so quickly, from the dragon being bound to the seals cutting into him. And the next thing Atem knows, the dragon roars and disappears into a shower of dust.

A sound bursts from Atem's throat then: something wordless but clearly distressed by what just happened. Even if the priest had his reasons for doing what he did, it hardly seems right. Of course, these events have already transpired and there's no way to undo them, but that doesn't stop Atem from feeling an intense rage that feels like it's coming from somewhere deep inside himself that's been sealed away for a very long time.

Of course, it's a fleeting sensation, and it slips away from him again even as he tries to take hold of it. ]

[ Yugi nods. 'It has to be the Millennium Items. It's what connects us together.'

Whatever happened to his other self three thousand years ago is clearly coming to a head to finish in the modern day. Or, maybe it's repeating in some way? It's hard for Yugi to tell when so little of the information is at their disposal. Though, everything he is seeing right now is loads more than anything else they've been given regarding the past. He's grateful for it and intends to thank Gentiana once her story is over.

That doesn't mean he had expected to see what he has. There's a shock that grips him at the sight of it all. He has always seen the spirits of the duel monsters survive battles. They return to fight another day -- but not now. He sees the dragon who wanted no part in wars or battles be, plainly, murdered in front of him. How can that be justified? How can this Priest, whoever he is, decide something's life isn't worthy simply because they won't fight? Everything he's seen shows the spirits of the duel monsters are intelligent creatures.

It really is nothing but murder.

His own shock is shattered by the shout the spirit of the Millennium Puzzle lets out. Yugi's gaze pulls away from the scene to look at Atem. He stares for only a moment before squeezing his arm tightly. He's seen his other self angry with an intent of righteousness, but, he's never sounded like he has in that moment. Even Lunafreya is startled by the sudden movement that Yugi makes, looking down at him as he tries to anchor the spirit she can't see. ]

The Head Priest kept those he had sealed away locked inside their tablets, [ Gentiana continues as if what had transpired mattered little. ] He and his others of the council of the Pharaoh used them to protect their Kingdom. Save one, the Frostbearer. Even the Head Priest was fearful of what might happen should she be unleashed in battle. She had loyalty to the creature he had sentenced to death, not to their Kingdom.

[ Gentiana begins to move again as the image of the priests fade away like sand on the wind. She comes to stand at another side of the platform. The fire in the lamps flicker, and distantly, footsteps can be heard once again. ]

The Frostbearer lie in wait, sealed in the prison that the once Head Priest had placed her in. Her heart once again grew cold to the wills of mankind. The Pharaoh passed and his son took the throne. [ Her closed gaze shifts towards Atem and Yugi then. She pauses to let the implication hang in the air before continuing. ] A great battle took the Kingdom between light and dark. The Frostbearer knew little of it as she remained imprisoned. By the end the Kingdom lay in ruin, and the throne passed to the successor. The new Pharaoh took the throne and set about changing how the Kingdom would continue on for thousands of years more.

[ Yugi blinks and looks up at all of the tablets that seem to climb above them. His eyes settle on where he had once seen the Egyptian Gods. The tablets of the three were faded and their images removed from it. His eyes narrow slightly.

His mouth opens to ask what happened to the Gods, but his attention is drawn back to the steps that lead up to their platform. The source of the softer footsteps comes into view. A tall woman with her hair hidden in a shroud and an all familiar Millennium Item around her neck joins them then. Her eyes raise past the small group to look at the seemingly endless rows of tablets. ]

--Ishizu!? [ Yugi can't help but shout the name at the woman who does not answer.

Instead, 'Ishizu' turns to look over her shoulder as another set of footsteps can be heard. ]

[ Atem's still listening to his partner and to Gentiana both, but the brutality of what they just witnessed is still flashing before his eyes, and he can barely control the anger that rose up in response to what they saw. Even when Yugi's grip on his arm tightens, Atem still feels himself shaking with rage, in spite of his efforts to contain himself.

Why the murder of the dragon upset him so much, he barely knows, but at the same time, wouldn't anyone's murder elicit such a reaction? It takes a monumental effort on his part, but eventually, he's able to refocus his attention on Gentiana's explanation and on the scene that continues to unfold before them.

There's a part of him that still wants to demand answers for Hraesvelgr's death, but it seems as though he won't have the chance. The scene is already changing, but more important than that, one thing that Gentiana said jumps out at him. ]

The Pharaoh died? And his son assumed the throne? [ He looks back at Gentiana as if asking without words if she means what he thinks she does. Of course, he can't remember this for himself, but something, whether instinct or a mere guess, is telling him that he already knows the answer.

But before he can ponder this further, Yugi's explanation pulls his attention back onto the scene playing out before them, and he looks up just in time to see the woman who is both familiar and not. Something is different about her, even if her face and the way she carries herself is the same as the woman both he and Yugi know. ]

Is this- Could this be Ishizu's ancestor? [ If they're going with the notion that nothing about this is coincidental, then that has to be the only logical conclusion here. ]

[ Gentiana's closed gaze meets Atem's. Her answer is silent, but a confirmation in their own way. Yes, him. Which would indeed mean that Hraesvelgr's death was under the reign of his father. If there is blame to be shared has yet to be stated.

Yugi turns to look at Atem. ] It has to be. They look identical... and she has the Millennium Necklace. It would explain how the Tomb Keepers had it.

[ In a brief moment the woman who is, but is not, Ishizu is joined by a younger woman. Yugi looks back at the duo and simply stares. She almost look like the Dark Magician Girl. Which--well, Yugi considers her a friend even if maybe that isn't the accurate term to call a spirit of a duel monster.

The familiar girl sighs and looks down before turning her gaze at the other woman. ]

「 Every single one of them, Isis? It's going to take forever. 」

[ 'Isis' turns to look at the tablets above them. ] 「 It is what our Pharaoh demands. The Shadow Games are to be no more... which means all of them must be allowed to return to the place they cal home. Those that have no host to return to will find their way. 」

「 But... 」

[ Isis looks back at the younger girl with a smile. A hand raises to rest on her shoulder. ] 「 I am certain that with more training, you will be able to see your Master again, Mana. As well as your Ka. That art may yet be lost to the world, especially as the time of the Millennium Items comes to a close. For now, we must focus on the task Pharaoh has given us. 」

[ He wasn't really sure what to expect, but when he receives that confirmation, it comes as a surprise, and he finds himself unsure how best to begin processing it. What sort of man was his father? And what kind of Pharaoh was he? If he goes by what he witnessed with Hraesvelgr, there's not very many conclusions that he can make, and none of them are very desirable.

But he doesn't have long to mull this over, because Yugi's addressing him again. ] Yes. Of course, that's the only explanation for it. [ It makes sense with what they know of the Tomb Keepers and their long history of waiting for the Pharaoh.

He watches as the woman, Isis, is joined by another woman, seemingly younger. He also stares, because as Yugi has already noticed, the resemblance between her and the Dark Magician Girl is uncanny. But beyond that, no other information stands out to him. He doesn't know her any more than he knew the priest who they saw earlier.

He listens as the two women discuss their duties and what the Pharaoh has required, and a frown comes to his face again. He can't help but wonder about the significance of all this, and about why the Pharaoh ordered the cessation of the Shadow Games. Of course, he supposes he won't learn the reasoning simply by viewing these old memories.

And as Isis and Mana continue talking, he continues listening, noting the use of the word "Ka". It still holds no meaning to him personally, but he notes it only because Gentiana used it earlier. ]

Who was that girl's master? [ It's not the only question he has, but it is the one that leaves him first. ]

[ Gentiana merely shakes her head to his question. That, she cannot say simply because she does not know. Her closed gaze turns to Lunafreya, who has remained silent this whole time. The Oracle tilts her head gently to the side and remains silent. There is a theory... but nothing that she can confirm. Especially as those who may seem to know more of the ancient past refuse to speak of it.

With a loud and rather childish sigh, Mana turns to the tablets. She raises her staff (which also oddly resembles the staff used by the Dark Magician Girl). Isis's hands raise to the Millennium Necklace, and one by one the tablets begin to glow. The Duel Monsters spectral forms leap from what once held them and slowly begin to find ways to leave the building they find themselves in. Yugi can recognize some of them, but, many of them he has never seen before.

The tablet that stood next to Hraesvelgr's begins to glow. A light springs out from it into the middle of the room. Instead of leaving - as the others had - it takes form in the center of the room. Isis raises her eyes and lowers her hands to grab Mana and pull her back. A woman takes form as the light crystalizes. The light seems to shatter like ice only to reveal the full otherworldly features of the woman.

The temperature begins to drop considerably. ]

Shiva, the Frostbearer. She had waited for the time in which she too would be released from her prison. However, death was not the fate that waited her. She remained in the realm of mankind and watched as those who wielded the Millennium Items both brought and fought off the chaos that was in the Kingdom. It mattered little to her.

[ Shiva raises a hand to the ceiling. A large pike of ice forms between her fingers before it sails through the air and strikes at the wall of the building above. Isis pulls Mana to the side, closer to the group, as the wall topples down and crumbles to reveal the starry night sky beyond. The Frostbearer flicks her other hand and ice begins to form on the ground beneath them, spreading in harsh jagged spikes as it races through the room.

Mana holds her hands up and reflects the magical attack away from her and Isis. Shiva turns her glowing gaze down to the two women.

Yugi puts an arm up behind him automatically, without thought, to shield Lunafreya and Atem. It is a memory, but, can the ice effect them? He doesn't know and he isn't going to take any chances either. ]

Gentiana!

[ The raven haired woman remains where she stands and only gestures to the image as it plays out. ]

[ Her lack of response doesn't bother him; perhaps he knew on some level that there wouldn't be one. But the similarities between the girl and the Dark Magician Girl are difficult to ignore.

For now, he turns his focus to the progress that Mana and Isis make, watching as monsters begin to leap from the tablets and gradually leave, sometimes one at a time, and other times in small groups.

But that's not what ultimately captures Atem's attention; he watches as one of the tablets, the one that was beside Hraesvelgr's, seems to glow and form in front of them. The woman who comes out of the tablet is unlike the other monsters that came before her. She seems more formidable than the rest, and even though Atem doesn't know or recognize her, there's something foreboding about her and how she surveys the scene before her.

Gentiana's words only confirm Atem's thought that whatever is about to happen, it can't be good. And his thought turns out to be right, because the next thing he knows, the icy woman is attacking, first with her icy pike and then with a blast of magic.

He registers Yugi trying to shield both himself and Lunafreya, and for just a moment, fear grips Atem. ]

Yugi, get out of the way! [ This may only be a memory, but like Yugi, he can't know if they're in any danger from the attacks. Gentiana, however, doesn't seem concerned, but that doesn't do anything to lessen Atem's concern for their safety. ]

[ Yugi stays in front of them, even if he does take a step back. They may not be in any danger at all. It might just be some grand gesture, but, Yugi wants to make it clear he's going to protect the people he cares about. Whatever happens? His other self needs to see all this. He doesn't mind taking a hit if it means that Atem can see all this has to offer. Even though he feels Lunafreya's hand on his shoulder he doesn't budge.

Mana stares up at Shiva in defiance, but the Duel Monster raises her hand. A blast of frigid ice comes from around them and knocks the two women off the platform. The building around them starts to collapse around them as ice begins to climb the walls. Shiva has every intention of destroying the room around them.

Spikes of ice start to come around the sides of the platform. It makes a sort of center piece for Shiva to stand upon as the walls finally start to come down around them. ]

[ A stab of fear hits Atem when it becomes clear that Yugi intends to not be dislodged, not even by him. For just a moment, in his mind, he sees Yugi being taken by the Orichalcos seal again. But rather than freeze in place, he reaches for Yugi's arm and gives it the biggest pull he can manage. Even if they're in no danger, he refuses to ever see Yugi in harm's way again.

He's so focused on trying to get Yugi to move that he almost misses what's happening to Mana and Isis as Shiva continues to wreak havoc on them and on the building around them.

Perhaps once it becomes clear that this is only a vision, and that they can't be hurt by Shiva's anger, Atem's efforts to move Yugi will dissipate, but for now, he can't risk letting go of him. ]

[ Yugi feels himself be pulled back a few steps. He turns his head to look up at Atem. There's still a look of determination in his eyes about protecting the pair of people behind him. There might be no danger at all. Still, he doesn't want to be the one protected his entire life. He wants to show that he can protect them too.

With the walls crumbled, the Egyptian nightscape can be seen. There are buildings around them, as if the area they were in was apart of a complex of some sort. Fire lamps light the stone pathway that led to the area they stand in. A sheet of continues forward to rip down the beautifully decorated columns and connected archways. Shiva turns and sends another sheet of ice in the directions of smaller buildings - presumably where those who staffed the complex lived.

Mana is able to pull Isis from the rubble, though it is clear the older woman has been damaged by the careless onslaught. While holding the other woman in her arms, a white glow briefly encompasses her. Then, the familiar duel monster appears before her with a blue and pink dress and hat, and striking blond hair ]

She knows the Dark Magician Girl?!

「 Go and find the Pharaoh! Bring him here immediately! 」

[ The Dark Magician Girl glances up at the raving woman of ice and nods. Then, she quickly rushes out beyond their eyesight. ]

[ Part of Atem knows that he might be overreacting here, but he can't help the reaction. Of course, he understands how his partner might feel, because it's his natural inclination to want to protect him, but he also knows that Yugi isn't someone who needs protecting all the time. He can stand on his own, and more importantly, he can protect others.

But all of this is coming so soon after he lost Yugi, even if it was only for a little while, and he can't bear to go through that again in any form. But his attention is also drawn by the appearance of a duel monster that both he and Yugi know very well.

It's strange (and yet not) to think that perhaps Mana and the Dark Magician Girl share some sort of affinity, but he thinks that it can't be a coincidence that she's appeared in this very moment. ]

Out of everything I could have imagined occurring, that was not something that I thought of. [ Whoever this girl Mana is, or was, clearly there's more to her than meets the eye.

And as the Dark Magician Girl flees the scene once more, Atem finds himself wondering what might happen when the Pharaoh arrives. ]

[ There is some part of him that feels he shouldn't be surprised by any of this. He can recall the distant memory of when he first met Lunafreya. The Dark Magician showed up in his kitchen and reaffirmed loyalty to the spirit of the Ancient Pharaoh. The Dark Magician Girl purposely reached out to him and Atem as everything started with Dartz and the Legendary Knights. There is some connection between his other self and all these things...

Yugi glances down at Mana as she forms a barrier around her and Isis. His eyes narrow. They must have known his other self when he was Pharaoh. Maybe they even served under him at one point. He frowns then. Is what they're seeing now before or after Atem ruled over Egypt? Did he know about Shiva and Hraesvelgr? The way he reacted tells Yugi he didn't. Even if he doesn't remember it? He wouldn't have reacted so strongly if he knew on some level...

Another spike of ice strikes out at Mana and Isis. Yugi grits his teeth. He can understand why Shiva is doing all this. ]

It's not going to bring him back! [ Yugi whirls his head to look at Gentiana. His purple eyes meet her closed gaze, even as the ice continues to cover what remains of the building and the nearby complexes. ] She had to know that! There's no point in hurting all these people!

[ Gentiana's head tilts back to look at the visage of the ungodly powerful Duel Monster. She remains silent, but Yugi feels he can understand what her answer is. The point isn't to try and bring the white dragon back. It's to destroy everything they cared about because they destroyed hers. But, the Pharaoh could summon the Egyptian Gods, couldn't he? Especially with a Millennium Item.

Shiva suddenly stops her onslaught. Her hands lower besides her as gaze turns down to what was once the entryway to the building. A man steps out the traditional garb of Egypt. Yugi can't help but stare at the man. He heard about the Tablet of Memories and what was carved into it. Seeing it... ]

--Kaiba?!

[ "Kaiba" stares up at the Frostbearer. In his hand is the Millennium Rod, but also a familiar Millennium Item around his neck. Except the Millennium Puzzle isn't decorated with the lines of where the pieces should be. It's whole. The Dark Magician Girl floats beside him for a moment before dashing back to the girl who resembles her.

Shiva raises a hand towards "Kaiba" and his eyes narrow. With a turn of her hand she forms a large sword caved of ice. ]

「 Arrives the blood of Akhenaden! 」 [ Yugi feels a blast of cold air strike his back as Shiva finally speaks. Her voice is melodic but also striking and ...well, like ice. ] 「 Inheritor of the crown! How stained are the hands of the Pharaoh? Do they wreak of the blood of those that were killed to achieve your ascension? How many more did the Father of the Pharaoh murder before he gave the crown?! 」

[ "Kaiba"'s eyes narrow before he huffs. ] 「 I would not expect a creature like you to understand the notion of unwanted inheritance. I did not desire to become Pharaoh! 」

「 And yet the Pharaoh stands upon a mountain of corpses! Even bearing the remnant of the Predecessor! Perhaps the Predecessor was murdered and the symbol of the kingdom is all that remains! 」

[ Yugi's eyes widen as he looks back at Atem and Lunafreya. The Oracle's eyes remain on Gentiana even as her hand forces Yugi to anchor himself where he is. Shiva isn't blindly attacking things or blindly striking back at the humans that wronged her. She's baiting them into a fight - trying to force them into battle. Something where they'd be forced to overwhelm her... ]

Edited (html broke, is fixed!) 2021-08-03 07:59 (UTC)

[ As Yugi reacts and even shouts about the scene that continues to unfold before them, Atem remains quiet, as if his power of speech has once again left him. But his focus is still on the action taking place, at the wrongness of it all. Never mind that he believes he understands why Shiva is doing what she's doing. It's revenge, pure and simple, and it's not hard for him to imagine that he'd feel equally vengeful if he were in her position.

But still, it doesn't feel right.

When the man who looks so much like Kaiba appears, Atem's attention is diverted yet again, and he listens to the exchange between Shiva and the man. Naturally, he snaps to attention at the mentions of the Pharaoh, of the father of the Pharaoh, and the Predecessor.

His hands clench as he realizes what Yugi has already discerned: that Shiva is only baiting them, goading them into a fight. What he doesn't fully understand is why. A fight will only lead to more harm and presumably injuries, but perhaps that's part of her plan, to instigate chaos as a form of revenge.

Even so, he has to ask the question that's on his mind, and so he forces himself to speak. ]

What could she possibly hope to gain by doing all this?

[ He understands the need for revenge, but even with that, this all feels like a petty undertaking that will only cause lasting harm for all involved. ]

Death.

[ Yugi slowly looks back to Gentiana as she finally speaks again. The raven haired woman still remains where she has, gaze lifted to the scene playing above them. The continual back and forth between "Kaiba" and Shiva continues, but it's all drowned out for Yugi as the realization sinks in. Shiva planned to die fighting and taking as many as she could with her.

But, why...? ]

In what world would the Frostbearer wish to exist if she did not have the one who made it worth living in? Mortal lives are but fleeting. Within three of ten years, the Kingdom of Sand had seen three kings. What point was there to remaining in such a world? Those were the thoughts she had.

[ Yugi frowns... relating on some degree. The world wouldn't be the same without his precious friends in it. Would that be enough for him to want to die though? He bites down on the inside of his cheek before he feels the squeeze at his shoulder. His gaze moves to Lunafreya, who has finally broken her own gaze on the seen to look to the side. Does she already know about the memories? Or, does she sympathize with Shiva? How does Gentiana even know about these memories? ]

「 If a fight is what you desire - a chance at revenge, then let us see who is the mightiest. Come, Frostbearer! 」 [ "Kaiba" flares the cloak he wears behind him and raises the Millennium Rod. It glows brightly and a familiar dragon's roar echoes in the exposed night sky. ] 「 White Dragon! 」

[ Yugi looks up as white light takes a form he knows all too well. In so many ways, the entire insanity all started over a duel of the Blue-Eyes Whire Dragon. Just how much of what is happening now relates to the distant past? Is that why Gentiana is showing them this?!

"Kaiba" calls out for the White Dragon to attack. Shiva raises her hands to erect a wall of ice to shield herself. Then, a blast of cold air rushes the entire area. New ice forms around them, expanding, moving to encompass every living person near them.

Unknown to the combatants, however, there is a twinkling in the night sky. Lights seem to gather and almost look like stars. If one is to count them they would find fifteen in total glowing ever brighter. ]

Death?

[ Atem's had his suspicions since this scene began unfolding, but he wanted to dismiss that thought as pure lunacy. What good does having a death wish do for anyone? Of course, he understands feeling so desperate that there seems to be no other option. Perhaps that's where Shiva is coming from in all of this. ]

I suppose I can understand why she might feel that way, but- [ His gaze drops downwards for just a moment. If he knows anything at all, it's that having his friends around him is what makes being present in this world worthwhile, and if they were to ever leave him for any reason or in any way, he wouldn't know what to do. Never mind that his presence here is reliant on Yugi and on the Millennium Puzzle, so if anything were to happen to him, he supposes he'd either simply retreat back inside the Puzzle or cease to exist entirely. ]

If that is truly the case, then I can't see how this encounter could ever end well for anyone.

[ But all he can do is watch as "Kaiba" and his White Dragon prepare to do battle with Shiva.

Like Yugi, he's already noted how everything seems to circle back on itself, involving Kaiba in some form and his trusted White Dragon. For him, it just proves that the past and history itself are both alive and well, no matter how many years have passed.

But he's more interested in learning what the outcome of all this will be, as well as who will survive. Kaiba's past self must survive, or he wouldn't still be alive in the present, but what about Shiva?

He hasn't yet observed what seems to be occurring far above the fight going on below, because his attention is still on the individuals locked in said fight. ]

[ Yugi looks back to Atem with a frown and worry in his eyes. Maybe he shouldn't be concerned for events that have happened three thousand years ago. He can't help it. His natural caring and empathy runs deep. He doesn't want to see any battle happen, let alone people who wear the face of his friends be hurt. Regardless of his wishes, the battle between Shiva and the familiar White Dragon rages on.

Then, a high pitched sound rings in their ear. It is as if metal is cutting through the wind. Suddenly, swords drop down around them. They slice through the ice barriers that Shiva has made. A few land on her long tassels, pinning her to the ground. A few others cut pin her down on the alter by her arms. The rest see to blocking the ice as it moves forward, even going so far as one strikes down in front of the white dragon to protect it from a blast of ice. "Kaiba" let's out a shout of disbelief and annoyance at interference.

It's Lunafreya, however, that gasps out loud. Yugi turns back to face the girl who has been quiet the whole time. ]

Luna?

[ Lunafreya turns to look behind them as a massive hulking figure drops behind them. Swords come behind him to make wings and a dragon like tail settles on the grounsld. The behemoth pulls a sword from the ground and swings, the tip stopping at the back of Shiva's head. ]

Bahamut... The Sword God. [ Lunafreya stares at the massive figure that looms over them. As tall as Obelisk but with the wing span of Ra. Human eyes are underneath the draconian helmet if one looks close enough, especially as they sweep to the alternate side of the alter. ] Gentiana...

[ The dark haired woman simply moves aside, as if to reveal the person that Bahamut looks towards. A woman older than any present stands with short blonde hair, purple eyes, and robes not unlike those that they've seen so far. In her hand is a familiar trident. ]

「 Enough! Has this Kingdom not seen enough destruction and death? How many humans and spirit monsters alike have died because of The Great Evil God? This pointless fight only desecrates their memory and what they have left behind for you! 」[ The woman steps forward until she stands directly before the pinned Shiva. She kneels down, eyes meeting the gaze of the Ice Goddess. A gentler look takes the woman's face. ] 「 I know you hurt deeply, Ice Goddess Shiva. Pray tell me why. 」

[ "Kaiba" joins them atop the alter, his gaze looking at the pair of women, then up at Bahamut. He glances back at the White Dragon behind him.

Yugi moves to ask yet another question - this time directed towards Lunafreya - but stops the moment he notices the Millennium Puzzle has started to glow... as has the Trident in Lunafreya's hands. ]

[ As far as Atem is concerned, it's too late; he already is concerned about the events that have already happened, as nonsensical as that may seem. These events may have already concluded, and their consequences already played out, but he can't help but worry about their outcomes and what might have happened to the individuals who so closely resemble his friends.

Of course, there's little that he and Yugi can do aside from watch. Lunafreya's gasp draws his attention, however, and he turns to look at her as well. ]

What is it?

[ Of course he can see the swords that have suddenly appeared, and he also notes the creature that has just materialized, but he's not certain of the significance. It turns out that he doesn't have to wait for long, however. ]

Bahamut? [ The name isn't familiar to him, but that means nothing; there's quite a few monsters that he hasn't heard of, so he assumes this is just another one of those. Never mind that Bahamut looks unlike any Duel Monster that he's encountered thus far. ]

And who is that? [ The question slips out, even though Atem already has a guess as to the woman's identity. The similarities are hard to ignore, from the color of her hair to how she dresses, but what solidifies it for Atem is the trident that she carries. ]

Luna, is that-? [ He stops there as well, noting the way both the Trident and the Puzzle have begun to glow. ] What's going on?

[ There is almost so much going on at the moment that Yugi can't keep track of it. Whatever "Kaiba", the apparent Oracle, and Shiva are doing seems to fall to the wayside as Yugi stares down at the Puzzle. Concern takes his face. Why are both of them glowing? He glances at Atem, unsure of what to think or even say. All he knows is that Atem has remained a spirit, and only he and Gentiana can see him.

Then, he glances back at "Kaiba" and the Oracle. A Pharaoh with the Millennium Puzzle and an Oracle with the Trident. Maybe that's why the magical items are reacting. They're in proximity to themselves, no matter how ancient or the fact that this is nothing more than a reel of someone's memories.

The glow from the Puzzle finally dissipates, while the Trident's glow returns to that of what it was. Yugi goes to say something, but notices how Lunafreya's gaze has shifted to Atem. She often looks in the direction she presumes he stands in. This time, however, Lunafreya is looking directly at him as if she sees him. ]

Heika...

You can see him? [ Yugi looks between the two and has to fight down the sudden urge to smile. It isn't hard to remember how the two were the night before. Maybe, being able to see his other self, some of that sadness can disappear.

A gut wrenching scream cuts through the moment. Both Lunafreya and Yugi look back at the scene at hand. The Oracle is kneeling down in front of Shiva, her hand gently resting atop the Ice Goddess's head as another cry of anguish leaves her. Yugi feels the icy chill run up his spine as his heart sinks. He could only imagine what it must be like for her, but, now he can feel it to some degree. "Kaiba" even stands closer to the Oracle and Shiva. The large sword of Bahamut swings to the side and rests in front of the behemoth of a monster.

Gentiana steps up behind the group seemingly out of nowhere. ]

Aera. She was one of the first who bore the Trident and communed between the worlds. Those of her family were blessed with the ability to keep the peace in times such as this. The Oracles commune with many, yet the very first they learned to commune with was the Sword God, the Father of Legendary Knights, Bahamut.

[ 'Legendary Knights... she can't mean Timaeus, Critias, and Hermos.' Yugi looks back at Atem. 'Can she?'

The three Legendary Knights that did battle with the Great Leviathan God in Atlantis. The ones that had to be sealed as crystal dragons to recoup their strength until Dartz returned. The ones that were entrusted to him, his other self, Kaiba and Joey. Yugi turns his head up to look at the towering spirit. How tall is he...? ]

[ Atem also barely knows where to look or what should keep his focus most. He doesn't want to miss a minute of the scene unfolding before them, because of course it's important, but then the unexpected development of both the Puzzle and the Trident reacting to something, whether their counterparts from the past or something else, pulls his focus away.

That's nothing compared to the moment when Lunafreya uses the name she's chosen to call him. ]

Luna? [ In the past, when he's been in spirit form, she's never been able to see him, just relying on deduction to tell roughly where he's standing. Yugi's question echoes his own, because if she can, that's an equally unexpected development. ]

I don't understand. [ Of course, if that really is the case, then that's more than he could have ever asked for. But before he can ask any further questions, he's interrupted by a great scream, and his attention returns to the scene before them. He watches as the Oracle seemingly communes with Shiva, and then when Gentiana speaks, he focuses in on her once more.

Yugi's question is also one that came to his mind when Gentiana mentioned the Legendary Knights. 'I'm not sure, but I suppose it could be possible.'

Aloud, he asks: ] Just who were these legendary knights? [ He turns to Yugi again then, wondering if maybe a few more pieces of the puzzle that so far has been largely incomplete will fall into place. ]

[ Lunafreya's gaze turns back to Atem despite the scene playing out. She has known most of what Gentiana has chosen to show the two men. It was information and pieces of memories shared to her when she made the pact with Gentiana as a child. Though, she supposes, that now both will come to understand just who and what Gentiana truly is. However, how much of all this had tied to Ancient Egypt, even Atem's direct history... ]

The Pharaoh and his vessel would know the answer to their query already. It was them and their friends that fought alongside the Knights as the Orichalcos Leviathan God threatened to shadow both worlds. [ Gentiana tilts her head to look up at the looming creature. ] The Sword God entrusted the protection of worlds to his sons. When they were struck down and forced to withdraw, he reached out to humans to protect both worlds.

The Oracles.

[ Yugi quickly deduces what she means before looking back at Shiva and the woman named Aera. Which means all of this has been tied together even long before Atem ruled Egypt. Why? Is there even a reason? He feels the answers wouldn't be what he was looking for even if he had bothered to ask. ]

「 The Frostbearer has violated sacred rules between the worlds. Punishment must equal to that of the sin. 」 [ A booming voice cuts through the air. Yugi nearly jumps again before realizing that it belongs to none other than Bahamut. ] 「 What becomes of her is left to the hands of Man. She will not be welcome in the world which gave her life until atonement for her sins has been reached. 」

[ Aera raises her head. ]「 The sin rests with Man. She only struck out due to the betrayal we wrought! 」

[ Bahamut, however, seems to be unmoved by the pleas of the Oracle. "Kaiba" instead scoffs, half-turning from the scene. ]

「 Subjects under my care have died this night by her hand. Damage has been done to what little remains of my Capitol after the battles against the Dark God. I would see her banished from my Kingdom. I suppose this means that her fate belongs with you, Oracle. 」

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

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mood music~ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xujzZw9kqM

catjam emote~

SAD CATJAM

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/gently starts wrapping this stuff up unless we wanted it to continue in another thread >.>