[ He knows it's unfair to ask his other self to help him through this. Not when so much has happened to him over the course of the last few months. Part of him feels selfish in asking that Atem help him carry this until he can resolve it on his own. His partner is offering and willing, though, so it might be even more selfish not to take the offered help.

All of them will ask what's wrong. They'll all give him their reassurances too. Maybe... maybe that's not what he's looking for. Maybe it's more an acknowledgement of how much Yugi needs them. But, he can't rely entirely on them forever, can he? He needs to figure out how to be able to stand on his own to some degree. It's not fair or right to expect Atem to always pull him out of a dire situation, or for his friends to be there through every fight. At some point, he'll face something alone.

This just might be that something. ]

... I'd do it again if I had to. [ Even he's surprised at what he's saying. Even if his voice is monotone and lacking any of the warmth it normally has. ] If something tried to take you away from us -- even if you caused it -- I'd let it take me instead. No matter what it was. Even if I ended up sealed away to be devoured by a god or put inside a magical ancient item.

[ Because he'd rather something destroy him than any of his friends.

Yugi steps back and raises his head slightly. His hands are still clutched into Atem's version of the school jacket they wear. He opens his mouth to tell his other self what it was like being in the presence of that god. Except, the words never come. How can he tell him without sending him into a downward spiral again? He can't. He can't put Atem through all of that pain again. ]