synthneon | · CALL ME OUT (SUMMER) ·

[ That happened to be a very good question. One that Yugi found himself not being able to properly answer--given he had no idea where he was. The last thing he remembered before waking up in the desert was being at his desk with papers all around him for designs...

He blinked once and looked down at himself. The school uniform has been gone for some time. Graduation. Sand clung onto his clothes as his mind tried to figure out what happened. A vision? Dream? Some sort of side effect of some magic that he was unaware of? He couldn't think of anything he had encountered lately that would of triggered anything like that...

Yugi's attention snapped up at the sound of the familiar voice. He knew who it was, of course, but his mind quickly went from trying to figure out where he was to how he was looking at his friend again. His mouth dropped open slightly as the nickname for the Pharaoh nearly tumbled out instead of his proper name. ]

...Atem?

[ How???? ]

Tell me you're not already feeling disoriented?

[Atem found himself unable to stop fretting about his friend's wellbeing, the environment here was still oppressive to those unaccustomed to it. The one name reply wasn't a firm indication as to how the other was handling the situation in anyway, at least Yugi's eyes didn't have that faraway look to them.]

This is Kaiba's doing isn't it? [Lips turning into a tight scowl] Don't try to defend him Yugi, I know what he's been up to.. and now he's drug you into his experiments but don't worry.. I'll see that you are returned safely even if I have to cross dimensions to do it. In fact, I might anyway just to put a certain ceo in his place..

.. he shouldn't be dabbling in forces outside his control! [Once was enough, but he was babbling now. Placing his ire aside for now, it was more important to get Yugi out of the heat of the day] Come on, I'll take you to the palace for now. [Do you need a boost onto the horse... even if you've grown a little, you're still short Yugi]

[ How he was handling the situation? Confusion, really. Yugi had no idea how he got to where he is. It can't really be Ancient Egypt. Time travel clearly was out of the question, despite world bending things the Millennium Items could do. He was so caught up in trying to figure it out on his own that it wasn't until Kaiba's name was spoken that he snapped out of his own head. ]

Kaiba..? N-no. At least, I don't think so? I was at home working on... [ His own project. Maybe it will become a real game someday. Maybe it won't.

He indeed might need a boost on the horse.

'The Palace' somehow is what really shook him out of his thoughts. He turned to look at the desert around them. He really was in the afterlife? How? He looked down at himself--nothing seemed wrong. ]

[To have manifested here so abruptly was likely a jarring experience and it was difficult for Yugi to make sense of it, Atem's spontaneous accusations likely weren't making it any easier for him]

That's it? You were just working at home? You don't remember any customers coming in at that time? Anyone suspicious? [He wants descriptions, Yugi, and names if you have them. This journey could be hazardous to the living, and if it wasn't Kaiba then it must be someone else who had it out for them. If he would have listened more closely he might have inquired as to the nature of the project.

Cupping his hands together and lowering his shoulders enough to make the task easier he looked up at Yugi expectantly, expecting him to place a foot to those hands so he could be raised up to the horse, but Yugi's attention was elsewhere]

Come on, you can take it all in later. Even I'm not technically supposed to be out here.

[A smirk found his way to his lips, despite the urgency. He should have been accompanied by guards, and wasn't. It was like a game in itself to elude them. Gazing up at the other male, he was filled with such mixed emotions. They hadn't been able to share more than knowing glances the last time they met, so being able to converse was a treat- but it would be selfish to prolong this meeting when so much could be riding on it.]

It wasn't in the game shop. It's...

[ Yugi shook his head. Well, it wasn't really as important as how he has ended up in Egypt. Atem's Egypt at that. He took one more look around the desert before turning back to the person he once called his other self. The person that he was closest to out of anyone in the world. That might not have been the case anymore.

Even if there was a part of him that was always going to wish that Atem was there to share games with. Or just to talk to.

He stepped up into Atem's boost and settled himself on top of the horse.

Then, he looked up with his eyebrows drawn together. He was doing his best to contain his own emotional reaction to the situation. It wasn't going to help to suddenly become a mess at actually being able to speak with the Pharaoh again... ]

...You can't go anywhere you want to? You're the Pharaoh.

[ Not to mention it was his afterlife--right? What could be the danger in going out into his idealized version of Egypt? ]

No?

[The correction barely registered as Atem's mind continued to race through potential scenarios that could have led to this. If it wasn't one of Kaiba's experiments, if there was nothing unusual that transpired beforehand (at least nothing Yugi could recall), then what? Had another spirit made it back to Domino or was this something completely new? What other ancient civilizations had yet to make their bid on claiming the world for their own? One thread remained the same in his mental gymnastics and it was that the source must be nefarious in nature. It was a bit of an oversight on his part.

The bond that he shared with Yugi was something firm and unbreakable, even if it was imperative for his modern day counterpart to move on, Atem knew this to be an irrefutable fact. Still, it had been difficult even for him to let go, to consider all the aspects of the other's life that he would never be a part of, but that is how it must be. Any misgivings he might have had he tried to suppress, as it would have been selfish and unfair to Yugi to infuse their final moments together with these bittersweet thoughts.

Even now, he tried to take hold of the image he projected. There was no erasing his earlier agitation but he should at least try to soothe Yugi's nerves by regaining some composure. They would figure this out. Between them, there was no puzzle they couldn't solve.]

I can, but you're forgetting that the afterlife is meant to be an extension of the lives we lived before. [Looking up at Yugi, light seemed to dance in his eyes as he looked up with pride at his friend, as if truly really seeing him for the first time. Atem added with a bit of humor in his tone] What would all those guards have to do, with no one to protect? [Yugi's assessment was correct however, the life here was idyllic with no real strife or conflict. It wasn't necessary to have the same level of security.] .. Besides, I think you know an old friend of ours well enough that he prefers to remain by our side. [~~A reference to Mahad here/ie. the Dark Magician by extention~~. As gracefully as he has dismounted, Atem swung himself back onto the saddle in front of Yugi]

It's just an idea I have. Nothing special, really.

[ It will take funding and people willing to test it. The latter isn't a problem. The former, though, he doesn't expect anyone to just fund an idea because he's the holder of the Duel King title. It's certainly not something he could go and present to Kaiba and expect it to work on good will. Business and everything like that. So, for now, he'll just work out the rules and how it should look...

Moving on. Yugi isn't sure he's done that really himself. Part of him still hurts that Atem is gone. It makes him miss the days he could roll over and just talk to his best friend in the middle of the night. Maybe he had to move on -- or maybe it was Atem that had to move on. Either way, he's done his best to keep his own thoughts and feelings on the matter to himself. He doesn't want to spoil anyone's memories with his own struggles. Even if, as time has gone on, the thrill of being able to finally duel Atem has been lost in the feeling of loss.

He makes sure he is moved over enough for the Pharaoh to take his place on the horse. ]

Right. [ An extension of the life he lived before. Life as it should of been without Zorc, or having to seal himself away, or meeting all of them... ] An old friend?

Now Yugi, who do you think you're talking to? If it's your idea I have enough confidence in it for the both of us.

[The humble words, made him reconsider his hasty dismissal. When they were ensconced in the palace, he would ask for more details. Whatever this project was, it was clearly important to Yugi and he was putting in the time to work on it. If he was isolated while he was brainstorming, then what had followed made even less sense.

Atem missed having his close companion and confidant, there really wasn't anything comparable to what they shared. He missed the inside jokes, the brotherly teasing, and the little pranks they would play on one another from time to time. Maybe he was the one that had moved on the least, always cloaking his emotions behind duty and honor. Could this whole mess, be his own fault? Had his desire to see Yugi, been the root cause of all of this? It would have marginally explained where the other male had ended up, because who else would have been in this portion of the desert at this time? Although Yugi had been able to get a glimpse into Atem's memories, there hadn't been time to get the full experience of what it was like to live in Egypt, and Atem hadn't been able to even introduce Yugi to many of his friends and acquaintances.

Preposterous.

Of all the idiotic notions, if he was responsible, surely he would be the first to know, not the last.

Once he was back on the horse he instructed Yugi to hold tight so he wouldn't fall off.]

[Phrased that way, it sounded dismal. Atem wouldn't have traded his time with his modern day friends for the world] Mm. [Though he didn't explain just who he meant, he had the full intention to point out the loyal priest in question later. Stirring the horse into a gallop, the sand flew from under it's thunderous hooves when ever it kicked up it's legs, making excellent time]

Edited 2021-08-19 08:29 (UTC)

Things are complicated when it comes to game design. You need funding, a prototype, then be able to sell the game to a company to make it...

[ Yugi only realizes he's shared what he has once he's said it. It's so easy to fall back into old habits. Not that it's a bad thing. Maybe... maybe it's just the fact that Yugi feels that maybe over sharing might not be a good thing. Should he fall back into their old ways, or keep a bit of a distance for when he inevitably leaves Egypt? He's not sure.

He nods at the instructions and does as Atem says.

Of course there isn't much to see as the dunes pass by. He tilts his head downwards to keep some of the sand from getting in his eyes. There is one possibility as to how he's arrived in Atem's afterlife. The obvious one that Yugi won't say out loud. How else does someone arrive in the afterlife without magic or something else?

They died. ]

Game design? [Sounding significantly intrigued by the topic. Even if there were more pressing issues, Atem was ever the gaming enthusiast.] Enlisting in the support of your friends couldn't hurt either.. [~~Friends of which tended to have cash flow problems themselves~~. Alas.] Have you told any of them about your project? [The thought being that maybe between them they could at least cobble together enough raw materials to make a prototype of some kind, also he hadn't considered what sort of advanced technology might be involved in this game.]

[If only Atem could donate to the cause himself. He was literally surrounded by gold as he stood there talking to his other self, but it wasn't as if any of it could be transferred to the living realm. It was debatable just how real everything in the afterlife was. Sure, it had a mass and a weight, and he could feel the coolness of it and the texture but was that purely based on the fact that Atem knew it should have such things?

The trip back is mercifully uneventful, and soon buildings arise before them as they near the city complex. Slowing the horse to a trot to prevent mowing anyone down on accident that leaves them up to the surprised gasps, and ooohs and ahhs of the peasantry. This time, they can see Yugi, and seeing the two very similar looking boys together is bizarre for onlookers.]

Heh, sorry about this.. I knew I should have taken the other route... [.. but this way was generally quicker, a straight shot at the palace. That other possibility is one Atem refuses to entertain. If Yugi died, surely he wouldn't end up here. Then in a louder voice] Excuse us! Coming through! [ Normally he'd not be so abrupt with these people, but it couldn't be helped today. Making it too the palace gates, he hopped off the horse, handing the reigns to a guard, then he started to offer a hand to Yugi when he paused and tilted his head to the side a slightly mischievous grin on his features]

You know... if I leave you up there, at least I'd know where you were at all times.

[ Yugi would reach up and scratch the back of his head out of shyness if he hadn't have been holding onto Atem to not fall off the horse. ]

I'm... making a game. [ One that they can all play together no matter how far away they are. Bringing up the last statement seems unfair though. Atem couldn't join them. No matter how much technology advances or their understanding grows? It seems like being able to contact the departed is entirely left up to chance. ] They know I want to make something, but, I haven't shown them any of the progress yet.

[ He wants it to be a surprise. Something that when they're all together again he explain the rules and how it's played. It brings back memories of how they'd play Duel Monsters before Duelist Kingdom. Jonouchi trying to learn, but still losing to Anzu...

Yugi realizes they're in the city. His head raises as he looks around at the faces of everyone there. People would want to live idolized versions of their life under the Pharaoh they knew -- didn't they? He's still trying to learn all the details of how his best friend's culture saw their eternal life after death. Did all these people wait until Atem was able to join them...?

How selfish had Yugi been wanting his best friend with him if all these people and the Priests were waiting for him?

There is a nod to the guard that takes the reigns, and even a small bow. He looks at Atem with reddened cheeks at his playful teasing. At least, it seems, some things won't change no matter how much time goes past. He's grateful for that. ]

I'm a little taller now, you know! [ Is he really? Still, he takes the offered hand and awkwardly gets off the horse. That could of been a little more graceful. ] It won't be hard to find me anyways... I'd think two people with similar hair stand out here.

[ Oh, he's very aware of how the villagers looked in confusion that someone of his complexion looked like their Pharaoh. ]

[Oh the eternal hazards of gravity]

[Atem emitted a low chuckle] I had assumed that is what you were eluding to. [.. but he had been trying to get Yugi to elaborate more on these elusive details. Upon reflection, if Yugi hadn't even shared those details with his closest friends yet that would also eliminate Atem from the privilege of hearing them. If only they were still connected by the magic of the puzzle... then he could sneak a peek into the other's consciousness and answer those burning questions. Even if he might never get to play the game, it was relevant to his interests.] It'll be a nice surprise for them.

[Jounouchi was always so eager to learn, but he often missed the greater picture that Anzu could capitalize on.

There were still so many questions that could be posed about the afterlife, or this version of it, and all those that resided in it. Perhaps, answers that would never be forthcoming. Atem could hardly call Yugi's desire selfish since a portion of him would have liked to have remained in the present with him. It would not have been fair to Yugi however- whether he was subjected to being a vessel for that duration or stuck having to share the spotlight providing Atem could procure a separate body. It just wasn't meant to be- no matter how one could still dream and consider all the various possibilities.

The familiar exchange is comforting to the impish king as well, and he's rewarded with seeing the results of his words.]

Are you? [He cocked his head to the side and puzzled over this, rather convincingly, he thought. Then he couldn't hold the act long and chuckled] Alright, alright.. I can tell, you know. [Then the hand is offered and Yugi is freed from his equine confinement] Mm. I suppose you do have a point. It's impossible to recreate this.. [Motioning skyward]

Come. Let's get you out of the sun. [Even in death some habits were hard to curtail. The harsh rays were less oppressive here, but that was to those who belonged here. There was no telling if it would still be a factor for the living, assuming of course... that Yugi was still living, and Atem refused to believe otherwise.] Please, after you. [Yes, Yugi had gotten to see much of the sights when he had entered the pharaoh's memories before, but Atem still wanted the best vantage point to gauge the other's reaction to all the splendorous surroundings. It was almost a pity that they sported a different pigmentation- thinking on just all the sorts of pranks they could pull on the court.... still, maybe someone would still mistake Yugi for Atem]

[ They may be his closest friends, but to Yugi, Atem was his best friend. His brother. He'd love to sit down and explain everything he has been thinking about to make this game. There is the need for feedback, sure, but he just misses speaking with Atem. Though, why would a Pharaoh want to listen to games? He has a kingdom to run, and he's reunited with the friends he had in life. Yugi has never once doubted that he and the others remain Atem's friends... he just figures they may not be as important anymore.

Especially him now that he's not the keeper of the Millennium Puzzle and his duty has been fulfilled. ]

Maybe. If I can ever finish it... [ he trails off only to stop himself from asking if Atem wants to listen.

He blushes more and stands up straighter as if to prove he's taller. In all reality it is the confidence that rolls off him now that makes him appear taller. Something he's learned from the ancient spirit he would more than willingly call his brother. He bites his tongue to keep from accidentally calling Atem Other Me in reaction to the teasing. Instead, his cheeks just puff out slightly. ]

I have, you know! [ He'll just argue this now for no real point other than trying to keep a conversation going.

His gaze does dart up skywards for a moment to see how bright the sky is. If life continues on for Atem, then, it must be as close to the Egypt he knows as it can be. Modern convinces don't exist ... so any direction the Pharaoh tells Yugi to take? He'll definitely do whatever he's told to do.

There is still some level of hesitation as he moves forward. The Egypt he had seen was Atem's memories. If he encounters any of the Priests they won't really know who he is. Not only is he a stranger, but he's a foreigner, and that realization just settles in the further into the palace they walk. He had done his best to make sure Atem never felt this way in the modern world, but, maybe the person he once called his other self did feel that way after his memories were returned.

Eventually he comes to a stop. His gaze drops slightly. It's still strange not to see the Millennium Puzzle hanging from his neck when he looks down. It still feels like part of him is missing when he can't reach out and talk to Atem like he could. His fists clench slightly. Maybe he's the only one that's been struggling to come to terms with it all. He was the one that put Atem to rest ... he shouldn't be feeling the way he does about any of it. ]

...Are you happy? Here, back in Egypt.

[If only they were capable of hearing one another's thoughts it might have dispelled with all the initial misgivings shared between them. Yugi held a position that no one else could hope to obtain. Here, in Egypt, his associations were always colored in part by his position. That didn't mean that he hadn't managed to forge lifelong friendships and gain undying loyalty from some of his peers however it was different. With Yugi, it was if they had always been on an even playing field. It never really mattered that Atem was a king- they were equals, partners even.

The uncertainty doesn't escape observation, but for the time being it's left unaddressed.

The lengths that Yugi resorts to in order to prove the extra inches is just too amusing to fully contain himself. Atem can almost hear the words not spoken, since the exchange resembles the sort of banter they shared in the past. Oh, how he misses it.

As they head inside, Atem scans the way ahead with marked anticipation. Large support columns stretched out before them, reaching to impossible heights each decorated with colorful murals that each told a story. The stone below their feet was covered in portions with rich carpets, the rock was quarried miles away brought to it's resting place by the waters of the life giving Nile eras ago.. or at least that would have been true if this was in the living world and not in the afterlife. It was an oversight on the pharaoh's part to think just how uneasy his young friend might be.]

Yugi?

[He softly questioned when they stopped their forward motion. Moving to Yugi's side, he gazed at the other with curiosity marking his features. The question wasn't anticipated, and he didn't know quite how to respond.]

Yes. Of course.

[Was the first thing he could get to pass his lips. Whether they liked it or not this was where he belonged now, there was no coming back from it. To say he was unhappy, or sometimes longed for something more wouldn't be fair to Yugi. It would just make him worry unnecessarily. In trying to spare Yugi's feelings, Atem could unintentionally hurt him instead. Absent-mindedly he found something else to gaze at so Yugi couldn't search his eyes to see if it was the truth]

...

[ His own gaze doesn't meet Atem's. Instead, it remains staring at the polished floor beneath his feet. Of course the spirit would be happy to be in Egypt. He belonged here, with the people he shared a life with, who he grew up with. There'd be no real reason for Atem to miss him or their friends in the living world for more than a passing moment. Maybe he's just the one missing the older spirit more...

He closes his eyes and lets his shoulders drop ever so slightly. This is the way things are supposed to be. Atem here with the others, and he in the living world. There was no point in missing things as they way they were--but he still does. ]

Good. I'm glad.

[ He is... even if there are other emotions complicating everything around it. ]

You were going to show me something, weren't you?

[The next few moments seem to stretch on in uneasy silence. It's not the sort of reaction Atem had anticipated. Usually, Yugi would be happy for him, wouldn't he? Atem questions whether he is reading too much into it. The mystery surrounding just how Yugi arrived here could have also assaulted the youth with fatigue. After the initial shock, it would be hard to remain energetic. That must be it. Yugi wouldn't have complained about it. The pharaoh made a mental note not to include a tour of the entire palace just now.

Still, he can't help but have this nagging feeling that he's just sad the wrong thing.]

...

[There it is. The sedate affirmation. Another delayed pause as Atem looks back to the smaller form, studying him.]

Oh!... [Bouncing on his heels as it dawns on him that he was asked another question] I was, but.. later. Maybe I should see you to your room first. [The one that he'd already decided would be adjacent to his own.] I think it's best if you rest from your journey. Then I will meet with the priests about your situation and see if we can't find a solution before much time is allowed to pass. Then, I will show you everything.

· CALL ME OUT (SUMMER) ·

🌴 SUMMER

oh boy post canon winging feels :'D

You know it!

let me curl up in a blanket fort and weeep already ｡ﾟ･（>﹏<）･ﾟ｡

Only if I can curl up in one too ;;.

/drapes the blanket fort over you

Yes good, now we can proceed. DFndkhfkdjh poor Yugi!

he'll be okay. MAYBE ˚‧º·(˚ ˃̣̣̥᷄⌓˂̣̣̥᷅ )‧º·˚

It's not going to be easy on anyone

/rolls here in the blanket fort of feels

you know what.. I will bring some hot chocolate!

;A; PERFECT

I dont have to tell you, you know I'm tardy >>;

sssh i love this thread ;_; /rolls these two up

I do too!

bakes this with warmth and love >:[

Can't have one without the other