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.

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[ The ice-blue eyes quickly snap to her hand, then upwards towards her face. Everyone but perhaps her and Mokuba might think he is mildly annoyed or even cold to the idea that her hand is on his shoulder. If anything? He is mildly surprised and even taken back that she was present. Just how long has Kisara been there in his life and he's never noticed?

Was she there every time he summoned the Blue-Eyes White Dragon?

Kaiba turns to look at her properly. The last time he sensed her was outside the temple Dartz had holed himself up in. He could tell that she - the dragon - was furious with him. Is there a point in arguing? The spirit of the Pharaoh needed to survive. Not out of some altruistic idea of saving the world, but, Kaiba can't surpass him if he doesn't exist.

That need to surpass and finally prove himself to be better than the Pharaoh runs deep. He thought it came from being beaten one too many times. No. It is something far more ancient that clings to his soul like a wet blanket. If only he understood why. ]

I didn't think you'd show yourself again.

[ Of course, she didn't expect anything different, but his reaction is so characteristically him that it makes her smile. The way his eyes quickly snap to her hand and the way he looks at her with that sharp glance of his... If she were anyone else, she might feel a little bit intimidated by those gestures. But the intensity with which he moves is something that she likes most about him, so it doesn't really intimidate her at all.

Whenever she is able, she tries to be there to watch over him, mostly for her own peace of mind, but also because the times that they manage to transcend the spaces between them are some of the most memorable, at least in her mind.

And to some degree, she is still furious with him, but nearly everything can be forgiven, and she isn't the type of person who remains angry or holds a grudge. She may not like what he did, but his reasons were his own and Kisara has no intention of judging him for any of it.

Tilting her head, she surveys him with those large eyes of hers. ]

Do you want me to leave you?

[ She wouldn't, at least not for good. She cares too much about him to obey that particular command, if he were to give it.

And after a moment's pause, she adds: ]

I will always be near, until you no longer wish for me to do so. [ But then he would have to no longer summon the Blue-Eyes White Dragon, and she can't imagine him ever coming to that point.

Or, she supposes, she could simply refrain from reaching out to him as she's doing right now. ]

[ Kaiba keeps his calculating gaze on her as she speaks. Part of him wonders if this is a dream or not. Her appearance in the duel with Atem proved it had become some form of a Shadow Game... hadn't it? Ra was summoned as if he was truly there. If he wasn't, then he wouldn't have the scar on his arm that is neatly on display for all to see. The hand of the scared arm curls slightly at the memory of it.

Pathetic and embarrassing for himself. Being used like some tool by a damn Duel Monster... ]

No. [ A short quick answer.

Kaiba pushes himself to stand up. He still towers over her as he did three thousand years ago. It's familiar and comforting to a degree, even if he is still struggling with the concept of it all on some level. He raises the scared hand, moving to place the tips of his fingers on her cheek.

Part of him expects it to go right through her as if she's some ghost he's conjured up due to a lack of sleep. ]

[ She can't really be certain either. This is all very strange, even for her, but she isn't looking too closely at any of it, except for the fact that she is able to visit him sometimes and even speak with him.

And she can't help but feel worry for him, not simply because of the injury he sustained from Ra, but for other reasons as well. He is so proud, insisting that he doesn't need to rely on anyone, but even though she knows he's very strong, even the strongest have their moments of weakness. ]

All right, if that's what you want. [ She knows that she'd stay with him even if he said he didn't want her to, just in a form that he couldn't see. She can still watch over him even if she isn't materialized in front of him, after all.

When he raises his hand, placing his fingers against her cheek, she smiles. It might look different if they were being observed, but to her, she feels his touch against her skin, and it sends off little pulses of electricity. Again, how this is possible, she isn't sure, but as before, she isn't questioning it. ]

You must have a lot on your mind. [ If she could take some or all of that from him so that he might rest, she would. ]

[ The surprise on his face can only be seen by the slight widening of his eyes before he blinks. It's obvious he hadn't expected to be able to actually touch her. So, this has to be a dream of some sort. He can't think of how else it would work. She'd be a ghost, and by nature of what they are, you can't touch them. His fingers trail down her cheek then settle on tilting her chin up. ]

I always have something on my mind. [ His company, his responsibility, Mokuba, dueling, defeating Yugi and the Pharaoh... now her. ] Right now, I'm trying to figure out how this is possible.

How you're here. [ Everything he has seen of the distant past implies she died and not due to natural causes. How is she tied to the Blue-Eyes White Dragon? ] Why you're here. It's more than just because you're "watching" over me.

Why don't you tell me what happened? How I can have these memories, and how Yugi ties into all this.

[ She allows him to tilt her chin so that she's looking up at him, still wishing that she could make it so that he didn't always have to carry so much responsibility. Of course, she can't know the things that weigh on him, but it doesn't matter. Duty and responsibility are heavy burdens to carry, but as far as she can tell, he carries them as well as anyone in his position could. ]

I'm not sure how it is that I'm here. [ She has to admit that, because she truly doesn't know. How is she here, watching over someone who both is and isn't similar to the Seto she knows? ] I am sure that there's a reason far greater than just that, but what if I'm here because I want to watch over you?

[ He's free to reject her, of course, even though she hardly knows what she would do if he did. ]

I can't tell you everything that you ask... [ Simply because she barely knows herself. ] But I believe that you have these memories because you are more than just Seto Kaiba, much more.

[ He is himself, of course; that doesn't need to be said. He is no shadow of the priest turned pharaoh from so long ago, but rather, he is his own man. And yet, Kisara believes she can see traces of Kaiba's ancient ancestor from time to time. The past still lives, combining with the present to create something complicated but powerful.

Still, Kisara knows her answer won't satisfy him. Most likely, nothing that she says will, and she can already hear him dismissing her, telling her she's only speaking in riddles. It's a sentiment that she agrees with, because she isn't sure how plainly she ought to speak.

As for the role Yugi plays, that is also complicated and yet simple, but she worries about how much she ought to tell him, because doing so might only upset him more. ]

Why do you watch over me? If you're really from three thousand years ago, shouldn't you have crossed over to wherever your soul goes? [ Kaiba finds that part of him recoils at such an idea. He wants her with him; to fight along side him in every challenge he faces.

The memory of her body being struck and falling into his arms flashes in his mind again. The hand at his side clenched into a fist at the emotions it brings up. Emotions he doesn't fully understand but are so strong they impact his life now. He can deny it to the faces of everyone around him, but he knows deep down that it isn't a case of being an ancient ancestor.

It was him three thousand years ago. His soul, his essence, whatever the word is someone whats to use for it. The realization and begrudging acceptance brings a sense of exhaustion. One he won't cave to. Old as his soul might be? He still had goals and things to achieve in this world.]

Kisara. [ That same part of him feels a sense of relief at saying her name outloud. He has the feeling that at some point her name became something he said only to himself. A secret contained in his heart to protect whatever it was she gave to him. ] I didn't take half answers from Isis, and I won't from you. If you won't answer them, then don't at all.

[ He notes she didn't say a word about Yugi and his part in all this.

Kaiba leans down just a fraction to bring himself closer to her. Maybe she will be more willing to answer things about herself. ]

How are you connected to Blue-Eyes?

Edited 2021-08-07 18:17 (UTC)

If it's answers that you want, then I'll do my best to give them. But you may not like what you hear. [ That's the main reason she hasn't been speaking plainly, but it's clear that he won't accept anything less. ]

I watch over you, because the man called Seto that I knew saved me. [ And then she saved him at the cost of her own life, but it's a move that she would do again if she had to. ]

You may not remember it, but I do. [ She'd reach for his hand to clasp it in hers if she thought that it wouldn't make him uncomfortable, but the truth is, whether or not he remembers who he once was, she still believes she owes him a great debt for saving her. And even if she didn't, all she wants is to stay by his side. ]

To answer that, I must ask you: do you know what Ka is?

You act as if I've liked any of this since all this insanity started.

[ He hasn't - if she was wondering.

Some man named Seto saved her. The ironic naming convention hasn't escaped him. Of course, it isn't some man. He's very aware of the implications and unsaid words. Does he remember such a time? He would say no. There are scenes - flashes of the briefest of moments. The only thing he had that was close to a proper "memory" was what both he and Yugi saw during the clash at Battle City. ]

No. I haven't studied much on ancient magic.

[ His attention lies in how to advance technology, not learning what the past used to do. The scar on his arm stings at the thought of it. ]

So, go on. Educate me.

[ That actually makes her smile; not because she's laughing at him, but because she can at least imagine how hard this must all be for him. ]

If I told you that you could choose to turn away from all this, I would, but it wouldn't be true. [ And so she refrains from doing that. It seems that the past and present are too closely intertwined for that to even be possible. ]

I don't understand all of this myself, but as I understand it, you must have Ba to summon Ka. Ba is the energy needed to channel Ka, you see.

[ Again, she isn't sure how much she ought to tell him, that there's a fine balance between Ba and Ka, and if it gets disrupted, the consequences are dire. ]

[ It's definitely a challenge, but, Kaiba is never one to shy away from one. If he's really going to really ever triumph over Yugi, then he he needs to address all of this. Especially if the woman from his past will continue to be around him. He'd rather be in control of the situation then leave it all up to the whims of fate. ]

One is the tenacity to summon a monster, and the other is a monster itself. [ That isn't a hard thing to grasp. He turns to lean against the desk and cross his arms as he eyes her. ] How does that relate to you and the Blue-Eyes White Dragon?

[ His questions are direct, even pointed, but she doesn't mind them. She glances down at herself then, as if noting (not for the first time) that she's really not all that strong, at least not in the sense of being able to fend off an attacker or other form of danger. Kaiba may not understand the significance of that, but she plans to explain as best as she can. ]

I think- [ She pauses for a moment, wanting to collect her thoughts before she goes on. ] I think that I wanted to protect the people that I care about, and the White Dragon allowed me to do that. By calling the dragon, I could fight and be strong in a different sort of way.

[ She hopes that makes sense. She isn't the most physically strong, but her connection with the dragon gives her strength and the ability to protect people, namely Seto, as she knew him in the past, and Kaiba as he is now. ]

[ The White Dragon allowed her to protect the people she cared about?

Kaiba falls silent as he thinks her statement over. So, the White Dragon was -- or is -- tied to her and the same of the reverse. It is a creature that responded to her need of protection. His eyes close as he tilts his head down. At some point she died in front of him, and then he was able to call forth the White Dragon. Which would mean that by calling on the creature, Kisara inevitably will appear. His affinity towards the dragon carried into his time now, and Kisara followed that to him? It sounds ludicrous and doesn't quite sound right.

There's still facts he is missing in all of this. ]

You died. [ A statement of cold truths. She died in his arms. Somehow, he finds part of him still hurts at that the fact. Still, he feels as if both of them can handle it. ] So, you're telling me, that even then, you can't unbind from the Blue-Eyes White Dragon?

[ Of course he gets right to the heart of the matter. He wouldn't be him if he didn't. When he makes that statement about her demise, she merely nods. It's an event that happened, and it's one that she'd do again in a second if she had to. ]

Yes, I did. [ It's then that she reaches for him so she can lightly touch his hand. If he wants to pull away, she understands. ] So it seems.

[ And just because she desires to understand where he's coming from, she asks: ]

Do you wish for that to be possible? [ It's difficult for her to imagine, but she wants to hear his thoughts on the subject. ]

[ Well, at least she isn't hung up on the fact she's dead. It seems that he is the one with unresolved emotional reactions. How unbecoming -- how unlike him. He crosses his arms as he listens to her. Her question makes him shrug slightly. ]

It is a question of logistics. Are you able to or not? Have you never thought of moving onto the afterlife? Otherwise you'll just be attached to the Blue-Eyes White Dragon for the rest of your existence. Is that something you want?

Or have you never bothered to think about something like that?

[ It isn't as though her death could be reversed because she expressed her displeasure because of it. There's other things she wishes to do besides rail about the apparent unfairness of her demise. And as far as his emotional reactions are concerned, she's the last person who would judge him for having them. He's only human, after all.

In response to his question, she shakes her head. ]

I don't believe that's possible. I'm not sure how a person would separate us, but I-

[ She presses her lips together then, knowing she has only one answer to the question of what she wants. ]

I have thought about it, but why would I want to move onto the afterlife?

[ Perhaps her understanding is incorrect, but part of her doesn't think so. ]

You're here. [ In her mind, that is reason enough. ]

[ His eyes narrow, but not in anger or annoyance. So, she remains here because he is. Which means the memories he has are truly his. He had fought the spirit of the Pharaoh in ancient times with the Blue-Eyes White Dragon. The vision he saw in Battle City was accurate, even if he had denied it for all to see. It also means the vision in which he saw her death was true. ]

So? What will you do once it is time for me to die? Find another reason to hang around with some hope I come back a third time?

[ He lets out a sigh. ] Kisara. As long as you're going to remain here? Then we need to discuss how we will operate from now on. Which means we come to an agreement that benefits both parties.

[ Putting it in the realm of business is the easiest way for him to take al of it in. He denies the occult at face value, but he would be an idiot to deny how it exists. Especially when it comes to the point of Yugi and the spirit in the Millennium Puzzle. Now, with how it is for Kisara and the Blue-Eyes White Dragon.

If he can't escape it? Then, he may as well make it useful to him. ]

[ She remains here because she still loves him, even if he's different from the man she knew from Egypt. But where there are differences, there are also similarities, such as his pointed way of speaking. It's something she loves about him, even if sometimes his words sting more than she cares to admit.

In response, she just quietly shakes her head. ] When it's your time, that will also be when I depart from this world. [ It would be foolishness to remain in hopes that he somehow returns, especially since she's already lingered here as long as she has. ]

All right, then, let's discuss it. [ She doesn't have the same kind of business acumen that he does, given who she is and where she's from, but if this is how he wants to proceed, she'll comply. ]

I imagine that you already have some thoughts in mind.

Edited 2021-08-23 18:43 (UTC)

[ His eyes flicker to meet her gaze at that. When he departs from the world as well? Hm. So, she's only here because he was reborn. Why was that? Maybe it doesn't matter. What truly matters is the present. The past can't be changed. Those flashes of a previous life or emotions that seem to spring up now and then can be damned. ]

You've already stated your intentions of continuing to hover around me. [ Kaiba turns to look at her properly. ] I don't appreciate hovering. If you're going to be present then be present. Furthermore, if you're going to be here? I'd ask that you extend that watchful eye to Mokuba.

[ Then, a pause. ] What are your terms and conditions?

[ As to the why of it all, she doesn't know either. Perhaps she isn't the best person to ask about that, because her answer would be that she's here to be with him, and that when he finally goes to his rest, so does she. But that's just a guess on her part, not the truth. ]

All right, then I won't hover. [ Simple as that, at least in theory. ] And I can also do that. [ She only knows of his brother from what she's seen during the occasions she's made her appearances, but she already knows that her protective feelings for Kaiba could easily extend to Mokuba as well. ]

So businesslike. [ She can't help but smile, because she knows she doesn't think along the same lines as him. That might bother him on some level, but she isn't like him in that regard, so she hopes he'll be able to accept her as she is. ]

I don't think the same as you, Seto. I don't have any terms and conditions to suggest.

[ She knows he won't like that answer, but it's the only one she has. ]

[ The smile on her face makes him wonder. Not that her words aren't sincere or that she is lying. Instead, it's a smile similar to what he sees Yugi wear - the small one. Something brimming with sincerity but also mischief. ]

Of course it's businesslike. I'm a business man.

[ Was it any different three thousand years ago? Instead of a man of business he was a man of religion. Both hold the highest positions unbound by rules of government. Both were a way for the same soul to rise above the horrendous living conditions he was in as a child. Though, perhaps the life of a Priest was easier than being the son of Gozaburo Kaiba. Not that he remembers it. ]

We both know that's not entirely true, Kisara. [ A part of him remains that enjoys saying her name. Out loud, for the world to hear. Ws she a secret he kept? ] There's something you want from me, regardless of how kind of malicious it could be. If you're going to meet my demands then it's only fair that I meet yours.

[ One act for another. Fair, balanced, equal. Something tells him that it isn't something she'd be used to. ]

And I'm a girl that you saved from slavers.

[ She isn't pointing that out because she wants his pity or anything like that. He most likely doesn't even recall that was how they met. But while she had to do what she could just to survive, she's still just an ordinary girl who doesn't really have a lot of expectations or demands for anyone. And because of that, he's also right in thinking that she isn't used to being treated fairly or striking deals that are equal and balanced. ]

All I want from you, Seto, is for you to let me stay with you.

[ That's really the only demand she could possibly have, even though she already knows she doesn't have to even say it, because they both know that she's going to be staying for as long as she can. But he insisted, and so she just stated what is more or less the obvious. ]

[ ...slavers?

Kaiba's usual ice filled gaze seems to soften at that. No wonder she has been so loyal. Regardless of the time period, when one saves another from horrible circumstances, it creates that bond. He wonders then if he returned the notion. The flashes he has seen would suggest that he did... so what did she save him from? ]

Hmph. Well, you were going to do that without my approval anyways. I suppose for now, I'll continue to allow it.]

[ He's certain she can understand what he's saying without saying it. ]

[ As if she's guessed at what he's thinking, a warm smile crosses her face once more and she reaches out for him as though she wants to lightly place her hand against his face. She hesitates at the last minute, however, because she can't help but think that an affectionate, almost intimate touch won't be well received by him. ]

That's good. I'm glad to hear you say that.

[ "Relieved" is more accurate, but she leaves that unsaid. And part of her is still prepared to try and come up with some sort of terms and conditions that might satisfy him, as if he might still insist on her making herself clear on that score. ]

So, what happens now? [ Part of her knows a little about what he does during his day to day, but there's still so much that she doesn't know. ]

Do you have anything you need to do? Are you able to sleep at all?

[ Because it's late, of course, and she imagines that even he needs to sleep, at least a little. ]

[ His gaze snaps to her hand, but he doesn't move to stop her. Kaiba is certain that she acts as she wills and would only stop if she thought his reasoning was sound. Despite the fact she comes off as timid? He can tell there's a strength behind her eyes that pushes her forward. Why else would she remain bound to the Blue-Eyes White Dragon for thousands of years?

He gives a small laugh, something more along to a confident huff of air. His arms cross in front of him in the chair and he leans back. ]

I work. [ A nod to the screens around him. KaibaCorp is an international company that runs twenty-four seven. There's a reason he stopped going to high school. ] Technology doesn't stop to sleep and neither do I. Not when there are things out there that can take mine and Mokuba's dream away at any moment.

[ Dartz and his ridiculous god might be gone. Pegasus is no longer a threat, and neither are those that tried to steal his company. It's always something that tries to stop him. Even Yugi and the soul that resides in that Puzzle. ]

Or try to find new strategies to defeat Yugi.

[ ... a pathetic existence it must look like. Work, barely any sleep, and an obsession on beating a singular being. ]

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

not that kaiba will approve hauaaha

hahaha but does he approve of anything?

some things >.> <.<

I wonder what those things could be >.>

brother.... dragon wife.... dragon deck....

oh, those... I see.... also 100% winging this

who needs memory world when she can tell him things >.>

am I taking some liberties here? possibly >>

/handwaves for psl w/e w/e

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