synthneon | YGO PSL | ❝ i am not lying, i am just trying to find my way in to you. ❞

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YGO PSL | ❝ i am not lying, i am just trying to find my way in to you. ❞

( continued from yonder! )

[ Her other hand raises and gestures to the bed behind him. It had been a set of normal circumstances in getting ready to rest for the night. Even down to the fact she was dressed for bed. Unspoken, of course is how she misses his presence. It hardly matters in their current circumstances -- or at all. Pinning for one does none of them any good. Priorities and needs will always shift, and, Lunafreya has always believed those come before wants and desires.

Although she has been known to be young and naive in such ways.

Lunafreya shifts her gaze back to him in order to answer his next question. "Answer" that is. He has been able to understand her thus far at least.

Then, a change in the air.

Yugi appears beside Atem. He looks between Lunafreya and his partner. ]

Other Me? What's going on?

[ Lunafreya glances at the space where she feels the shift in the air. She turns back to surveying the room with one hand remaining on his shoulder to help her stay upright. A hand raises out beside her in order to try and summon her Trident. That, as it turns out, was the wrong decision to make. Her arm starts to shake as it feels sharp pricks make its way up her skin.

A soundless gasp leaves her at the sudden pain. In a sweeping moment, she crumbles back down to the ground where she had once stood.

Yugi's attention snaps to her as it sinks in that they're in her room. ]

Luna?!

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But it doesn't matter, because I don't know what's wrong or how we're supposed to help.

[ That's why he's hoping Gentiana can intervene, because whatever is happening here seems to far beyond his sphere of knowledge, and the last thing he wants is to do something that might cause more damage than has already been done.

It doesn't seem strange to him that some measure of his resolve has returned now; he still has many questions and even more uncertainty about himself and his ability to move forward, both as Yugi's partner and as a duelist, but none of that matters. What matters is helping Lunafreya, however he can; if he even dares to attempt helping her, that is.

And while he is beyond relieved that Yugi has returned, and that their group of friends is slowly beginning to recover... They've suddenly dropped down a rung or two on the list of Atem's priorities. Oh, they're still important, of course, but do they trump being here for Lunafreya? No, not at all. They will always mean the world to him, but she means everything to him as well. He won't put this thought into words, but at least in his mind, she's already become the most important person in his life, standing alongside Yugi. So because of that, there really is nowhere else he wants or needs to be right now besides right here.

He watches with some nervousness as she tries to stand, doing his best to remain close by so that he can catch her when she falls. She seems to be in no shape to be doing this on her own, and yet she also seems to be trying to rebuff him from helping.

When Yugi reaches out to help, so does Atem, because even if Lunafreya doesn't wish to allow him to take on all her weight and support her, he already intends to do just that.

He's about to voice a statement of agreement with Yugi's conclusion, but the arrival of Pryna both interrupts and distracts him from what he was about to say. ]

I didn't either, but I'm not surprised. [ He glances over at Pryna then, as if asking her how she wants to see about moving her owner from where she's standing (barely) to the bed. At any other time, this might seem strange, but he's always known or suspected that Pryna and Umbra weren't just ordinary dogs. ]

[ Pryna meets Atem's gaze. Her tail wags gently as she ruffles the fur that she can with half of Lunafreya's weight on her. She takes a step forward, waiting for Atem to follow suit, then eventually helps Lunafreya to the side of the bed. The Oracle gently brushes Pryna's hair in thanks before easing herself onto the bed.

The hand that rests on Atem's shoulder remains there, finding that she does not want to let go. She frowns at herself then, an apologetic look taking her eyes as she looks at the Pharaoh. There is a part of her that is begging that she asks him to stay with her. The mask is in place to hide how she truly feels, but she is very much afraid. She has never encountered something like this. However, she cannot bring herself to follow through with what her heart requests. How can she ask anything of him?

Yugi looks between the two. Then, his eyes widen slightly. He looks away, hiding his own embarrassment. He wonders if his other self has even noticed that Lunafreya was in a nightgown. He had just noticed himself--then realized it is the first time he's even seen a girl undressed so much. ]

Was... Luna getting ready for bed?

[ Yes, Yugi. He'll never catch on to the awkwardness with that.

Lunafreya tilts her head down and lowers her gaze to the floor. She knows Yugi must be present. She certainly could not ask Atem for anything now. Yugi returned to them, and Lunafreya saw it her place her step back. That is why she had not reached out for him to help as she healed after the trials set by Dartz. How can she ask for him to support or comfort her when he has such a duty to Yugi and the others? No doubt he will have a reason that he is able to, but...

Her eyebrows turn up ever so slightly. She loves him - of course she still loves him. Her devotion nor emotions have changed. In her mind they are overbearing. If and when he needs her as either the girl or the Oracle, he or Yugi would let her know. If they do not, then, it is her place to simply wait until then. ]

[ When Pryna moves, so does Atem, careful to make sure that he remains near enough to balance her weight as well. Eventually, the three of them reach the bed, and he watches to make sure that Lunafreya can maneuver herself onto the bed.

He doesn't want her to let go either, but it's more important that she think about herself right now and get the rest that she desperately seems to need. Will sleeping reverse the loss of her voice? He doubts that it'll be as simple as that, of course. Maybe Gentiana can do something to fix what's happened. But even as he mulls over potential courses of action, he knows that he doesn't want to leave her side, not even to try and locate her dark-haired companion. She doesn't even have to ask him to stay; he's already made up his mind that he won't be going anywhere.

In a way, their roles have truly turned; she never left his side when he was lost in his own despair, and now, he has no intention of leaving her in the wake of whatever curse has fallen on her.

He briefly looks away from Lunafreya to glance at Yugi, suddenly realizing that his partner is wearing a look of surprise and what looks like embarrassment. And then he asks that question, and for just a moment, Atem looks at him with confusion. Why is that important? It takes another moment for him to realize that Yugi is looking away from Lunafreya now, as if the sight of her in her nightgown has made him feel awkward.

He isn't quite sure why, but he supposes Yugi has his reasons. ]

Yes, I believe that she was. [ The way she's dressed, and the way the bedcovers have been turned down all point to the fact that she was readying herself to go to sleep before the unexpected happened.

When Lunafreya looks down, he returns his gaze to look at her, noting her posture and how she almost seems to be withdrawing from this moment and from him. Without even the slightest hesitation, he reaches out and places his hand lightly against the side of her face.

He doesn't forcibly move her to look at him, just leaves his hand resting where he placed it, hoping to tell her without words that he's right here and that he's not going anywhere, as well as hoping to provide her with a little comfort.

He wants her to know that she can reach out to him at any time, can ask him for anything, and he'd do his best to give it to her. Truthfully, he's already begun to think that he needs her in his life, but not merely as the Oracle. No, the one he needs most is Lunafreya the girl, and even if it takes him another lifetime to help her see that, well- that's just what he intends to do. ]

[ Yugi does his best to clear his embarrassment. He may share the title of Duel King with the spirit, and he might have accomplished amazing feats. Still, he is only eighteen years old and a teenager. One who has little to no romantic experience. Lunafreya is a pretty woman, so the sight still makes him embarrassed. Not as much as it would if it were Anzu... ]

I don't remember seeing anything that would have caused this before we split up for the night. [ Yugi looks back at he two as he gathers his composure again. ] She seemed alright on the flight too...

[ Pryna slips her head under Atem's other hand and gently barks. Her tail wags as she attempts to offer some comfort to the older soul. She seems confident that things will sort themselves out. Her owner, on the other hand, seems less certain.

Lunafreya snaps from her doubts as she feels his hand on the side of her face. She leans into the touch with no hesitation, and her shaking hand reaches up to settle over his wrist. Her gaze meets his, and for a brief moment, she let's the fear in her eyes show. It is gone as quickly as it had come, but, she has no doubt he will see it.

She was fearful of Ra might do... but this is very different. With Ra, she could stare her fear down. This is fear of an unknown of herself. In truth, she wishes to curl into Atem's arms and hide away from the world. Yet, she can hardly bring herself to do it, let alone ask it of him.

Yugi's head raises as he feels a familiar cold trickle down the scar on his back. The light from outside still feels dim compared to what it should be, but it does seem to have become brighter by just a bit. The door opens and Umbra slips back in, but Yugi doesn't quite realize where Gentiana is until she brushes past him. His eyes meet her opened one's to see a warm smile on her face. Even if it does contradict the cold air the woman always has. ]

The Pharaoh and his vessel. An unexpected surprise to see in the Oracle's chambers.

[ Yugi feels his cheeks redden again as Gentiana's smile only widens at him. Why is everyone teasing him?! ]

[ Atem certainly has no intention of teasing Yugi for his embarrassment. He might not fully understand it, but there's no getting around the fact that he also has little to no romantic experience. Part of him still feels some embarrassment of his own that Lunafreya had to witness his own uncertainty about what to do in a- well, a more intimate encounter. Of course, now isn't the time or place to mention that, not when Yugi is already embarrassed and when Lunafreya is in such a bad state. ]

No, I didn't either. [ But now he's wondering if he should have been more vigilant, because there could have been signs that he missed.

He startles just a bit when Pryna slips her head beneath his hand, as if she was somehow responding to the spiral his thoughts were beginning to take. Could Lunafreya's current condition have been prevented if he'd just been paying more attention? He can't help but ask that, even if it's only to himself. But he pats Pryna on the head and gives her a little scratch, because her presence is providing him with at least a little bit of comfort.

As for Lunafreya, well, she doesn't have to make the first move or even ask him to do what it is she wants. Being mindful of Pryna's presence and Yugi's as well, he reaches out to pull her into his hold. He's about to carefully tighten his grip on her when he also feels that too-familiar sensation of cold trickling down his back, as if someone's icy finger just touched him there. Gentiana.

Well, they were wanting her to come, because out of all of them, she's probably the most likely person who would know what to do.

Atem straightens up as best as he can, what with Lunafreya in between his arms. ]

Gentiana- [ He tries to inject as much respect into his tone as he can. It's not really difficult, because even if he doesn't fully understand the mysterious dark-haired woman, he respects her just as much as he loves the woman she follows. ]

Is there anything that you can do for her? [ He knows there's a tease in what she said, but he's more focused on helping Lunafreya right now. Still, he casts a sort of commiserating glance in Yugi's direction, because he can also see the way the color is heightening in his partner's cheeks. ]

[ He needs to do nothing more to direct her. Lunafreya immediately curls into his hold, lowering her head to his chest to hide her face from all of them. Her arm still shakes and she bites her lip in an attempt to hide how much her own fear threatens to grasp onto her. All she knows is that such things are because of something magical, and she has no idea how to begin to fight it. She has no idea how to bring herself to ask her beloved for aid, or if she is even allowed such a small things. Her eyes close as she presses further into his hold. She does not even move as Gentiana joins them.

The opened gaze of the dark haired woman turns to the Pharaoh as he speaks. She seemingly glides towards the pair, her own fingers reaching out to brush the fur of the ever diligent white pet. Umbra joins them as well, taking his place besides the ghostly Yugi. It seems that now, all that need to be present most certainly are.

Gentiana raises a hand to rest on the back of Lunafreya's head. The young Oracle unfolds her shaking hand from Atem's hold to lift it towards the maternal figure. The hands of the two clasp, and for a brief moment, Gentiana's appearance shifts. Her long black hair greys and the typical black clothes she wears fades into a more blue appearance. Even her skin changes to that of something otherworldly. However, as quickly as the shift had come, it fades away to leave the appearance that the two men in the room are far more accustomed to.

Lunafreya's whole frame begins to shake then. Her guardian gently lowers her hands and pulls away so that the girl might pull back into the embrace she tries to shelter herself in. Then, the once goddess looks at all that stand in the room. ]

While concern is merited, the Pharaoh and his vessel need not fear as they do. Perhaps if this had happened in the field of battle with lives at stake... [ Gentiana shakes her head. ] The girl's body may have healed, however, her spirit has not recovered.

[ Yugi takes those last few steps to join them beside the bed. 'Her spirit?']

Edited 2021-07-21 06:32 (UTC)

[ Once she curls into him, he pulls in his arms just a little tighter, not enough to cause her discomfort, but enough to reassure her that he's right here and that he won't be letting go unless she asks him to. One hand immediately goes to stroke her hair, hoping the action will also provide her with some comfort. She doesn't have to tell him that she's afraid; he can almost feel it coming off her in waves, and even if he wasn't able to discern that, the way she's positioned herself is answer enough.

When Gentiana moves closer to them, Atem keeps one eye on Lunafreya as he holds her in his arms, but the other one rests on the other woman. Surely she'll be able to tell something about whatever it is that's afflicting Lunafreya.

He watches as she makes contact with the Oracle, and when Lunafreya unfolds herself from him just a little, he tries his best to not be a hindrance to whatever the two women need to do. His focus remains mostly on Lunafreya, but he'd have to be completely unobservant to miss the blink-and-you'll-miss it change that comes over Gentiana. He doesn't understand it or what it is that he saw, but it's gone just as quickly as he came. Yet another mystery of the woman called Gentiana, he supposes.

But when he feels rather than sees Lunafreya begin to shake, even before she presses herself back into his hold, he pulls in his arms around her yet again. And then Gentiana's brief explanation comes, but it doesn't answer his questions. In fact, it seems to raise more. ]

What do you mean, her spirit has not recovered? [ Of course, he can tell that something has struck her very hard, but Gentiana's words point to something far more concerning than just a physical ailment. ]

[ While it feels as if the days they spent together during the trails of the Orichalcos Leviathan were a lifetime ago? Her instinct of reactions to his fingers in her hair has not changed. While she may not find immediate calm, some of the tension of her shoulders lessons. She ever so slightly relaxes in his embrace. The hand not offered to Gentiana curls into the shirt he wears.

Gentiana seems to sense the confusion the two men in the room hold. The hand that held Lunafreya's returns to the back of her head. A unusual gentle look takes her features as she watches the way the girl tries anchor herself using the Pharaoh. ]

In the time of the Pharaoh, those who could wield magic would use their own spiritual energy to summon their otherworldly spirits. The Pharaoh's people referred to it as 'Ba', while they referred to my people as 'Ka.' [ She glances at Yugi to make sure the other in the room is listening. ] The Oracle uses her magical energy - her spiritual energy - to call upon my kind to fight as the Pharaoh's people did. She uses it to communicate with them, as she must summon even their spiritual form to this realm. She uses this to heal those who are in need as well. While the body many have recovered from her injuries? It would seem that her spirit has yet to fully recover. It has taken a toll on her body.

[ Yugi leans forward to grab a hold of Gentiana's dress. He knows better than to touch her arm... even if he doubts she'd use her magic against him now. ]

How can you tell?

[ The dark haired woman looks back and forth between the Pharaoh and vessel for but a moment. ]

Should she have been well to what she is... then I might stand before you as I truly am. However, the girl cannot sustain the magic needed to bring forth that power. [ She raises her hand to let her fingers glide through the air. A sheet of ice appears at her fingertips, to which she grasps. ] When a woman - or a girl - comes into the covenant to be the Oracle? She must learn to call forth those which she would speak to. As such, a pact is made between the Oracle and the Lady to the Oracle. So it has been for three thousand years by my own choice. If the girl cannot call forth even the Lady's true form, then, she is truly depleted of 'Ba.'

[ Yugi looks towards Atem. Part of him always hopes that something might sound familiar to his other self if it comes from Egypt and the time he reigned. ]

[ Even as he holds onto Lunafreya, Atem's attention is on Gentiana and her explanation about how magic and summoning worked in ancient Egypt. The concepts she speaks of are unfamiliar to him, and he can't even begin to picture what it must have looked like, seeing those with the ability to wield magic channeling 'Ba' to call forth the spirits. All he knows is that it must have looked incredibly different from the version played in these modern times.

And as Gentiana continues to describe her supposition about what's happened to Lunafreya, something like guilt washes over him again. Yes, he's aware that guilt won't help the situation, nor will it undo what's happened to her, but he can't help but feel that none of this would have happened if he hadn't been drawn in by Dartz's machinations.

Yugi would never have been taken, and Lunafreya would have never had to fight with Dartz. It all seems to stem from his own shortcomings, and now nearly everyone in his life is paying the price for his mistakes.

Atem doesn't withdraw or pull away, because Lunafreya is still resting in his arms, but the urge to do so is there. He meets Yugi's gaze, but he shakes his head. The terms Gentiana uses are as unfamiliar and unknown to him as his own name still is.

It seems as though there is still so much that he doesn't know, and he can't be sure when or how he'll ever regain that lost knowledge. He manages to pull himself out of those swirling doubts long enough to ask: ]

How can she regain her energy, then? Is rest enough, or is there something else that must be done?

[ Gentiana snaps her fingers and the ice shard shatters into small fragments. They catch what little remains of the light filtering into the room as they disappear. Then, her gaze turns back to the young Oracle in the ancient Pharaoh's arms. A gentle expression takes hold as her hand once again raises to rest at the back of Lunafreya's head. It is one a mother might give her I'll child. ]

The Oracle is still yet young enough where rest will help her recover. However, visiting those who came before her may help ground her.

[ Yugi takes the final steps to stand beside the three. He can sense the emotions beginning to build up in his other self. On top of it all, he frowns as his partner shakes his head. Still? Why is everything they try unable to help Atem with being able to remember something? Yugi looks down and decides now isn't the time to be frustrated about it. ]

How can Luna connect with the other Oracles? She couldn't see the Other Me until you showed us your memories.

[ The raven haired woman raises her hand to the outside. ] Some have been laid to rest here.

[ Lunafreya has disengaged from the conversation some time ago. Once Gentiana spoke of what was wrong, the young Oracle has not felt the desire to listen further. She knows what she would need to do, and at the moment, part of her cannot begin to fathom it. Returning to the Oracles who have come before her... asking for their aid... all it creates is a void inside her. One that speaks of failure and having not lived up to her station.

They, of course, would say otherwise. She has done her duty ten fold. The Great Leviathan God did not claim the world, the Egyptian Gods are in the hold of those who might wield them. The balance of worlds has been maintained. However, the feeling of having the battles drain her so to be in such a state creates and feeds that void. After all, what if she unable to recover? What if she cannot perform the duties of the Oracle then? If she can do nothing to help protect what is precious to her, and loses it all...

Her head turns away from them even as she remains curled up against the one she has called her king. The shaking lessens as fear truly grasps ahold of her. A sense of paralyzation that merely presses her against the void inside her. Even now, she would not have the three in the room see her in such a state. They cannot see how horrified the girl is, or the tears that have silently started to fall down her face.

She has given everything she is to her duty, her destiny. She is the Oracle. How can she help any of them, or be present in their lives, if she cannot be the Oracle? What use does she have to anyone then? Suddenly, she considers that perhaps her brother had been right those years ago. Maybe she was too young, naive, and foolish to take ahold of her calling when she had.

Lunafreya tilts her head down, hair hiding her face, and her body curling further. The tears are now a steady stream down her face, hidden from all of them. ]

[ The shattering ice catches Atem's attention, but only briefly, as he's mostly focused on the woman he's still holding onto, trying to offer as much comfort and support as he can. It's difficult when he's still reeling from his own emotional baggage, but at the moment, that pales in comparison to helping Lunafreya, even if he feels as though there isn't very much he can do.

And in all honesty, his continued inability to remember anything about his identity or his past isn't bothering him as much as the idea that he's letting everyone down, from Yugi and their friends to Gentiana and Lunafreya. Of course, he's certain that Gentiana is hardly counting on him for anything, but Lunafreya... He feels her shift in his arms, noticing how her head tilts further down and she curls in even further on herself.

A swell of emotion rises up in him then, as a feeling of helplessness and uselessness sweeps over him. What good is he in this moment? He can't help Lunafreya; apparently only the other Oracles can. He doubts that his presence or the way he's holding onto her is even doing her any good. He might not be able to see her tears, but he'd have to be completely ignorant to not realize that she's been completely shaken by recent events.

What good is he at all if he can't protect the ones he loves, or even comfort them in their despair? Strangely enough, his thoughts echo Lunafreya's, at least as far as wondering what might happen if he fails to protect his loved ones. He already feels that he came close to losing Lunafreya for good, and of course, he's still wrestling with the fact that he very nearly lost Yugi too. What's more, the two of them could still be lost, if they decide that enough is enough, and that being associated with him isn't worth the risk.

He's still resolved to stay with Lunafreya for as long as she needs him, until she either falls asleep or until she goes and connects with the Oracles of the past. But as he stays beside her, that mantle of doubt and uncertainty descends on him again and his shoulders begin to shake as he fights to push down the emotions that threaten to boil over.

Now isn't the time for him to lose himself in his emotions, not when Lunafreya is so clearly wrestling with hers. But he has one thing to say, and that's directed at Yugi.

'I'm sorry, Yugi.'

Why he's apologizing, he's not quite sure, but he wishes that his partner didn't have to witness this, not again. It seems as though the only truly strong ones in the room at the moment are Yugi and Gentiana. Atem's hold on Lunafreya tightens as he rides out the overwhelming wave that threatens to drag him down, because even in spite of that, he's determined not to let her go. ]

[ 'Other Me, you don't have to be sorry for anything. This is... a lot for all of us.' Yugi insists on this. Luna's the strongest out of them, and if she's struggling, then they have no reason to feel as if they have to be perfect right now. 'What matters is getting Luna better so we can go home together.'

She can sense the mounting frustrations and doubt within the king that holds her. Despite her own circumstances, Lunafreya would not see him pulled down into the depths that Dartz left him. Her hands uncurl from her in order to move around his frame. They lay and spread on the back only for her fingers to curl tightly into the shirt he wears. A gesture of offering comfort while still asking he not let her go. If he does? She might crumble down on the spot.

Please... do not go where I cannot follow.

Gentiana's gaze shifts to Atem. ]

The Pharaoh would do well not to doubt himself. The companionship he offers is one that the girl will yet still need... [ Then, her head turns to Yugi, ] ...and the friendship the vessel gives is equally as needed.

[ Yugi glances down at Umbra as he barks in agreement. Pryna nudges her snout into Atem's arm as well. He has his doubts if he's as needed as Atem, but, whatever doubt might be there has been clearly outvoted by the other two in the room. The younger soul looks down with a frown as he thinks the events over. ]

Then, what can we do to help Luna?

[ 'Don't I?' He can't help but feel that he should be stronger than this, more capable of shouldering this latest problem on top of all the others that they've had to see to lately. 'I know that's what we need to do, but I don't know how to do it.' That admission doesn't come easily to him, but there's no reason to hide things from Yugi, not when he can sense most of Atem's emotions anyway.

But then he shifts just slightly so that he can whisper into Lunafreya's ear words that are only meant for her: As long as you want me to be here, I won't be leaving you.

It's one of the few things he's certain of, even as those swirling clouds of darkness surround him and threaten to pull him down once more. The feel of Lunafreya's hands on him feels like he's being pulled back and away from their too-strong grip. How is it that she can still be strong in the middle of her own trial, even if she doesn't realize it? Not for the first time, he thinks that she truly is stronger than him. And maybe when he said that the only strong ones in this room were Yugi and Gentiana, that was not accurate.

He looks in Gentiana's direction when she says those words. ] I don't see how, or what I might even do to help. [ Companionship? He can give that, and he would, until he's either drained dry or until Lunafreya has recovered. But his companionship won't heal her from whatever it is that's happened.

Pryna's snout nudging into his arm causes him to turn and look at the loyal dog. Somehow, her presence brings him some calm, however small, and he holds onto that as tightly as he can. When Yugi asks the question that's also on his mind, he looks at Gentiana once more, awaiting her answer. ]

[ Yugi frowns slightly. 'I don't know either... but that isn't something you need to apologize for. Luna knows a lot about our world, but, we don't know anything about hers. Maybe it's time we changed that.'

Strong? No. This is far from being strong in her mind. Lunafreya feels weaker than she had as she clings to him and begs him not to leave. Not just leaving her alone physically, but leaving for that path that Dartz's machinations would have him sink into. His words make her fingers curl further into his shirt, nails pressing down slightly into the skin underneath. He will not be leaving which means she can remain curled against him as if he is the only thing solid she can hold onto. ]

Speaking with those that came before is merely a matter of spiritual guidance. The girl can chose to ignore the council or even fail to reach them. [ Gentiana's gaze drifts back to Atem. ] The girl struggles with much that weighs upon her soul. These keep her from truly recovering and achieving all the potential within her. These struggles are things that only the Pharaoh and his vessel may aid her with...

[ Gentiana's gaze softens then as she pulls her hand from Lunafreya's head. ] The Lady asks this of the two. For, if she was able to help the girl, then it would have been resolved.

[ Well, Yugi is correct about one thing. It is high time that the two of them learned more about Lunafreya's world and the forces alive in it. 'Yes. It's something that we should have done a long time ago.' But time hasn't always been on their side; it seems as though the moment has presented itself now, however.

And if Lunafreya still sees herself as weak, well, it's nothing compared to how Atem views himself. He's the weak one here, even though, as she thought once, he keeps getting knocked back down regardless of how many times he tries to pick himself back up. The storm in his mind is growing louder by the moment, attempting to drown out the voices of those close to him.

It's fitting in an ironic sort of way. Lunafreya's voice has temporarily been silenced, but the lingering effects of Dartz's actions now are working on silencing the others who help keep him grounded and in the moment.

In response to Lunafreya's tightening of her grip, he does the same with the hold he has on her. She won't be slipping away from him, not if he can help it. His mind might slip away from them both, but even then, he still doesn't plan on letting go.

He lets Gentiana's answer sweep over him and settle in; no, he still doesn't understand exactly what they need to do, but it all boils down to one thing: help Lunafreya. ]

Consider it done. [ Except, for the life of him, he can't tell what needs to be done first. ] Is there any more information that you can give us?

[ Yugi nods. They know pieces here and there - almost like a puzzle. She acts as a bridge between worlds at, apparently, some cost to herself. She heals people and guides them. Gentiana, her companion, is truly an ancient duel monster who might have been able to rival the Egyptian Gods, but now has a human form. Lunafreya can summon all sorts of duel monsters that he has never seen cards of before. Her ancestors did the same thing.

... but why? Is it really just as simple as another ancient kingdom felt it was better than the Shadow Games?

'Maybe I can ask Gentiana while you stay here with Luna?'

Gentiana looks to the young woman in the ancient Pharaoh's arms. There is much more information that can be shared. What is relevant or even needed for this moment is what remains to be seen. She takes a moment to find the answer as Pryna rests her head against Atem's leg and Umbra looks between all those present in the room. ]

While the Oracle will use her own Ba to speak, summon, and send my kind... any member of your kind has the capability of doing such. Pharaoh, [ Gentiana's cool gaze turns back to him then. ] The Orichalcos Great Levianthan would have come for the Oracle even if she had not known you or your vessel. She can stand in the way of any that might threaten either world. She would have remained a target to not sacrifice to their God, but to eliminate. Do not put needless responsibility for her station on yourself.

[ Yugi looks between Gentiana and Atem then. A horrified expression comes over his face, mixed in with anger. ]

They went after Luna?! But, she doesn't duel--

[ Gentiana raises a finger to interrupt Yugi, but does not press it to his person. ] The Oracle might summon us to do battle as they did in the ancient days. It was this way she fought and won. The Oracle is someone of great value to both our kinds, but do not forget, she is not frail or unable to fight. She might summon the most mighty of my kind. For that reason alone, she will be a target of those who wish to throw the world into chaos. The girl knew this when she accepted her destiny.

[ Atem's mind is also turning with the facts that they know about Lunafreya and Gentiana and the world that they come from. His understanding is largely the same as Yugi's, but he also wonders about the reasoning behind the way the two worlds have seemingly intersected.

'Is that what you want to do, Yugi?' He won't ask it of him, or even expect it. At least, there's no reason that he can't see for why that conversation can't happen while all four of them are in this room. Well, six with Pryna and Umbra. If his hands weren't full with holding Lunafreya, he'd move one to scratch at Pryna's ears or to pet her on the head.

He listens carefully as Gentiana explains, not wanting to miss a word or to misunderstand her. Logically, he comprehends that which she speaks of, but he can't help but think that he must take responsibility for this, regardless of her admonition telling him not to. ]

That may be so, but if the Leviathan had ceased to exist in this world, that would have been one less threat against her. Of course I understand that another threat may very well have risen up in its place, but I- [ He pauses, shaking his head. ]

This world that Yugi and I have come to know... [ The world of Duel Monsters, he means, and everything that it contains, including individuals like Dartz. ] The two of us hold no small amount of responsibility for it, as holders of a Millennium Item.

[ He believes his responsibility is greater, but there's no ignoring the fact that Yugi is the one who unlocked the Millennium Puzzle in the first place. They both have a shared responsibility to act wisely and to deal with trouble when it arises. ]

I believe that this could have been avoided, if only I hadn't- [ He breaks off there, unable to finish that sentence. This is no shortcoming or failure on Yugi's part, only his own. And Gentiana would know better than he does, as far as Lunafreya knowing what she was taking on when she became the Oracle, but he still can't help but feel that this could have all been prevented.

But at the same time, he knows that there is only one thing he can do now. He can't go back and undo his mistakes, but he can move forward and be there for Lunafreya. ]

If she is a target, then we have to help defend her.

[ Suddenly, where there was doubt and regret in his voice, now there's only resolve. He knows what he has to do now, and he just hopes that Yugi will understand. It might be an inevitability that Lunafreya will find herself in harm's way, but surely that doesn't mean that her friends can't help protect her and fight for her as she does her work as the Oracle. ]

[ Yugi watches the exchange quietly. He can tell that Gentiana insists that Lunafreya's current state is not Atem's fault, but his other self still wants to carry the responsibility. Yugi doesn't know either way. He wasn't there to see what had happened in the fall out of his being sealed away. All he knows for sure is that playing the Seal of Orichalcos has left a lingering damaging effect on his partner, and Lunafreya has been doing everything she can to help him correct it.

Then, Atem's tone changes, and Yugi can't help but smile brightly at it. That's the person he knows his other self to be. Confident in what he has decided to do, and moving forward regardless. He nods in agreement. He'll do whatever he can to help Lunafreya. She's a friend, regardless of the bond between herself and Atem. Yugi might not stand confident as Atem does in all things, but he does when it concerns his friends.

'Unless you think Gentiana is going to tell us here.' He glances at Lunafreya. 'And if you think Luna is alright enough...' ]

A bold statement the Pharaoh makes claim to. The Oracle is ever an enemy of those who have machinations to upset our worlds. She would strive to keep both of you safe from those that wish to harm her. [ She pauses then, and a genuine fond smile briefly touches her smile. ] Even so, the Lady finds comfort in the resolve shown by the Pharaoh and his vessel... for the girl is precious to the Lady.

[ Lunafreya remains unmoved from where she rests in Atem's arms. Perhaps more of her weight has shifted to him as she lacks the conviction to hold herself up in that moment. Where fear paralyzes her, guilt has started to rise. They had agreed that when Yugi was restored that they must put themselves aside for his benefit. What, then, is she doing clinging to him and begging him not to leave her? In her mind it encroaches on that agreement.

And yet... she cannot stop herself from clinging onto him.

She must seem unable to keep to her word in this moment. Weak and pathetic are one thing. Being unable to keep to her promises and break them...

Her weight truly does shift onto him at that as her head lowers even more. ]

[ Atem looks at Gentiana in surprise then, because he'd thought that the dark-haired woman disliked him. The last thing that he expected to see or hear from her was a smile of approval, and those words plainly stating her pleasure at seeing the resolute stance he'd taken.

He doesn't comment on her words or Yugi's, at least not at this present moment, because he feels Lunafreya shifting in his arms, placing more of her weight on him. He doesn't mind this, because he'll support her with everything that he has, even if she places all of her weight upon him.

And yes, they had made that agreement, but that was before this happened and before she found herself completely shaken and spent. Now, the last thing in his mind is any thoughts of their agreement and of how they might be coming close to breaking it. All that matters is being there for her, and he knows that Yugi would understand.

How can he show her that he doesn't think any less of her because of this moment at hand? Their agreement still stands, and it hasn't been broken by any of this. When she places more of her weight onto him and as her head dips further down, that's when he leans in and plants a light kiss on her forehead, not even thinking about how Gentiana and Yugi alike will witness his actions.

He still keeps his eyes on her, but now he has a question for Gentiana. ]

There is still very much that Yugi and I don't know about the world that she, and you, come from. We know that she is the Oracle, and that those who would cause trouble see her as a threat. But there's more that we don't know, isn't there?

[ He pauses, glancing back at Lunafreya, brushing another kiss, lighter than the first, against her skin. ]

Would you be willing to tell us more? [ He does his best to make his tone and his words respectful. They need whatever information she'll tell them, and the last thing he intends is to anger her by not being respectful enough. ]

[ Yugi understands and further more encourages it. Why wouldn't he? His own arrangement with Atem is that he'll ask when he wants to spend time with Lunafreya. Of course, Yugi has no idea of the agreement that the two made. From his point of view? The two are putting up more barriers than is really necessary.

Her gaze lifts the moment he kisses her forehead. Her eyes meet his immediately. The usually bright blue has dulled slightly as the obvious tears still continue to gather. Even then, she does what she can to hide the fact that they have been sliding down her face. She knows she must have fallen from some height in his eyes. The girl who can support the world and pull others from their darkness has stumbled and fallen herself. She will find a way to push herself up and continue forward even as her own body fails her. It feels as if her body has already begun to fail. Gentiana is certain she will regain her strength, but, she truly wonders if that is at possible.

It could very well be for the best. Perhaps the world has no need for Oracles anymore. The order of the world which upheld the Oracles has fallen away due to wars and the shift of people's views. Duelists can make bonds with their Duel Monsters now. Technology can take the place of magic. Even her own brother had insisted it was an archaic way of thought and ceremony that was no longer needed.

What if she had used what was left of the magic afforded to her lineage through the Oracles? Now that the Great Orichalcos Leviathan has been defeated, all that would be left to yet threaten things would be the Shadow Games. An ancient tradition still breathing in ways, but, Yugi and his friends have proven they do not need an Oracle to be able to handle them. If so, then what will she do then? Her life has been her duty and her destiny. If there is no longer a need...

Lunafreya lowers her head once more and hides her face in the shirt Atem wears. He has said so otherwise multitudes of times, yet the doubt that she belongs among his friends remains. What point would there be to have her near if she is to no longer be the Oracle? They had agreed that their relationship came secondary to anything Yugi might need or want. She has stepped to the side as to not interfere with anything Yugi and Anzu might do. Does she truly have a place with them, or, should she remain when they all return to England?

Gentiana frowns at the sight of Lunafreya. ]

What more would the Pharaoh and his vessel wish to know? The Oracle comes from your world. She is born, lives, and dies as a human would. She may see and hear our world, but she remains of yours. [ Her green-gold gaze moves from Yugi then back to Atem. ] For all the power given to the Oracle, she is but a mortal woman.

[ To Atem, the barriers truly are necessary. It still remains unfair to Lunafreya, but the simple fact of the matter is that he is someone who died a long time ago, and now the only way that he lives on is because his spirit is attached to the Millennium Puzzle. He isn't even truly alive, and that is most certainly doing a disservice to the woman who's given so much of herself to him.

And as for Yugi, well, Atem is still very much resolved to see him finally have his own wish come true and be able to come together with Anzu. He feels no small amount of guilt for finally making his own wish known to Lunafreya and for causing her to feel as though she must ignore her own heart and her own wants and step to one side. He loves her; that is not something he's ever doubted, but how can he claim to love her and ask her to give up so much just to be with him?

He thinks no less of her because she's fallen and is having difficulty pulling herself back up. How could he, when the same thing happened to him? There is no judgment or displeasure in his mind, only love and the desire to see her back on her feet once more.

And if the world has no need for Oracles, then surely they have no need for a dusty old Pharaoh like him. The time will come when Yugi is able to stand on his own and no longer has a need for him to stand by his side. What will he do then? He can't be sure, but it seems to him that his own usefulness is also running its course. Is it possible for him to remain, not as a help with dueling, but merely as himself? But he also is having difficulty imagining Yugi growing up, perhaps raising his own family, and still having him linger on as his ghostly companion.

Even Lunafreya will have found a way to move on, to begin a new chapter in her life; he's certain of it, even if little things that Gentiana has said point to an unsettling fact that perhaps Oracles do not get to enjoy a long and happy life. No, he just sees that in the grand scheme of things, he's the one with little use or longevity.

For the moment, though, he just continues to hold onto her, hand going to the back of her head to provide comforting strokes through her hair. His other arm tightens even more against her, hoping that his presence will continue to provide her comfort and a foundation for her to cling to.

Gentiana's answer surprises him a little. From his perspective, Lunafreya's world, the world of spirits and otherworldly beings, seems far more mystical than Gentiana's straightforward words make it sound. He casts a glance back to Yugi, as if to say that wasn't the answer he expected. ]

I'm not sure. I can't help but feel that there's still so much we don't know or understand, but perhaps it isn't our place to.

[ He supposes that anything he might ask would only be seen as inconsequential to the dark-haired woman, so he falls silent rather than continue to speak. ]

Edited (html :|) 2021-07-26 19:55 (UTC)

[ What he has asked her to sacrifice may be painful. That is not something she would deny. Instead, she would counter that they would be things she has already forgone as possibilities long before she met Yugi or Atem. She decided as a young girl that if her calling required all of her, then, she would give it. Her elder brother was the one who was set to continue the family line and heirs. Ravus has no love, want, or need for the tradition of Oracles. He no doubt would see that custom changed for his own daughters and granddaughters. If that is to be so? Then, Lunafreya would have no issue with being the Last Oracle.

Maybe that is what she is meant to be.

They have never discussed the possibility of Atem's days being numbered. Lunafreya has not seen the need to. As of now, they can see no way to break his ties to the Millennium Puzzle, or how he even came to be tied to the ancient artifact to begin with. It has remained a distant possibility in her mind. One, nonetheless, she is aware that may happen some day. All spirits must cross on at one point or another. It remains an outcome that has always caused her to feel a dull ache in her heart. Now, in this moment, the thought of him crossing over to that place...

A soundless sob breaks through her efforts to hide her tears from them. Only Atem might know of it, and even then he might feel the way her body moves rather than hear the lack of sound. The girl no longer wishes to be left alone. She has seen too many loved ones leave her in one form or another. While reality will tell her one thing, she does not want the soul she has chosen to be her king leave her as well. Not now. Even if he has stated it in many ways that he will stay? She cannot help but feel that he might slip away if she lets go of him.

Gentiana's eyes fall to the girl in the Pharaoh's arms. There is much to be shared about the Oracles. How they came to be, how they are chosen, what it requires of a woman who accepts a calling such as it. However, she feels it is not the time to share such information. The morning would bring light and such conversations. For now? Something gentler and truer to the current state of the girl both can see strikes Gentiana as what might need to be shared. ]

Lunafreya did not wish to bring those she considers friends to her home at first. [ Her speech changes then, as does the expression on her face. It becomes something more human. Especially as she reaches out to further pull the blankets down. ] While this was the place in which she grew up, it was far from happiness that she found here.

[ Yugi eyes the bed before looking back to the three. His eyes linger on Atem as he nods in agreement. None of this is really what they'd expect. 'Luna mentioned that her mother died when she was young. Back in the Battle City Finals...' ]

She knew not the father that helped bring her into this world... and her mother spent much time fulfilling the duties given unto the Oracle. There was a time when she and her brother had been close. What small family remained all fell apart once her mother was murdered.

[ At that, Yugi's head snaps up. He practically pushes himself forward to grab onto Gentiana's arm, demanding the once goddess look at him. ]

Murdered?! You can't be serious--she never said that was how...

[ Atem notices it the second that Lunafreya's soundless sob bursts from her; he's known the whole time that she's let her emotions overflow, but now it seems that something else, something more, is distressing her. He pulls in his arms around her, and for just a moment, everything else going on in the background fades away. Of course he knows that they're still surrounded by their companions, but his priority in this moment is her. ]

Luna. [ He notes, perhaps not for the first time, how much he likes that name of hers. Her full name is beautiful too, of course, but whenever he says the shortened version, he just gets struck by how fitting a name it is for her. And now, when he says it, if she can hear it through her tears, there's nothing but love in his voice. ]

I'm right here. I won't be going anywhere, I promise. [ It's strange to think how quickly and completely his priorities have shifted, but now, the last thing he wants is to ever leave any of them. He can't imagine leaving Lunafreya behind, and of course he never wants to leave Yugi, unless Yugi himself comes to the realization that he no longer needs him. If that ever happened, of course he'd have no choice, but he decided not that long ago to just hold onto the fact that for now, he remains here with them.

He presses another loving kiss to the side of her head, and lowering his voice again so only they can hear it, he adds: ] I love you, Luna. [ It doesn't feel wrong to say those words; in fact, those words feel so right that he could just repeat them to her again. ] I wanted to make sure you know that.

[ And then as Gentiana continues to speak, Atem turns his gaze back to her, while still keeping his firm hold on Lunafreya. ]

Then I suppose that we should consider ourselves honored that she allowed us to visit her here. [ And he does. He didn't take it lightly that she asked them to come see her here.

'Yes. I had a feeling that her story was a sad one, at least in part.' And now it seems that they're about to get a bigger picture of her story.

When Gentiana drops the bombshell that Lunafreya's mother was murdered, Atem's fists clench even though he still keeps his hold on her. Yugi's outburst echos his own feelings, but he also adds: ]

I didn't know that was what had happened. [ He has to pause to let the gravity of this wash over him. Now it's clear that the hand that Lunafreya has been dealt is a hard one, but it's also clear that she's stronger than most, perhaps even stronger than she realizes, although it isn't his place to make assumptions. ]

[ Her head raises as he says her name. Of course she hears him. No matter how far her own mind or spirit might be? His voice catches her attention. If he or Yugi were to ever need her? She would be at their sides as soon as possible. It is not simply because of a concept or ideal of duty. She loves both of them in very separate ways and wants nothing but the best for them. If remains in her power to give it to them? She will.

Lunafreya's gaze raises to his. Still, she tries to hide her tear stained face. There is no hiding the redness in her eyes. Her head tilts into his touch, wanting to believe every word he has said. She knows that he loves her. There is no question to that or how he desires to stay beside her. The questions raise when it comes to what she feels she might ask of him to help her. She feels it is not her place to even ask to spend time with him, let alone ask to speak outside of the notebook she had sent him.

How much of her selfishness can she share that might overshadow Yugi's life? The only answer Lunafreya could decide on was simple: none. Somewhere between Yugi returning and their stay in Flordia afterwards, she found herself believing that she could only spend time with either of them if they were the ones to ask. Of course she misses speaking with them. Even more so, she misses the man she loves. But, how could she ask either of them spend time away from the other to spend it with her? Especially after seeing the need that both souls have to the other they call partner. She would rather try to heal and recuperate on her own than be seen as a threat to that.

She tilts her head up by a fraction and moves to tell him that she loves him as well. No matter the imposed separation she believes she needs to do, or what little time they spend together, she loves him. The words are never able to leave her. It causes another fresh wave of pain, and her eyes close to stop the tears that threaten to come. They do not need words to communicate, but she wishes to speak them now more than ever.

Lunafreya hides her face in the crook of his neck. It matters little to her that both Yugi and Gentiana can see it. What is the difference? They are aware of her condition and of how much she and Atem love one another. This might well be the last time she can hold onto him and seek his comfort if she does remain in this empty house. She might stay back while they return to Japan if she truly does not belong with them. If that, then, it hardly matters to her that they might see it. They may want nothing to do with her once Gentiana shares what she has taken great lengths to keep to herself. Not out of fear or judgement, but, out of not wishing to drag their spirits down further with her woeful tale. ]

Of course neither the Pharaoh or his vessel would know. Looking into the affairs of a world away would not cross your minds. Especially events of so long ago. [ She gently shakes her head, letting the raven colored hair shift with the human notion she rarely has. ] The former Oracle and her children visited a country within Europe - one that still has a king. The King and the former Oracle had been friends for a number of years and wished for their children to find a similar friendship. However, an assassination attempt took place on the King from his enemies. The King made it out with his son as the Oracle had bought time for them. A wayward soldier struck out at Ravus and the Oracle took what would have killed her son. Both Ravus and Lunafreya witnessed the event first hand and were retrieved by the King's guard. It, however, damaged Ravus's view on the calling the Fleurets have to their station. So much that when Lunafreya decided to undergo the training needed to become the Oracle, he left her to do it on her own.

[ Yugi's eyebrows turn upwards. ] She wasn't entirely alone though. She had you, didn't she?

[ The brown-green eyes turn to look at Yugi's ghostly appearance. ] Yes... but it not the same.

[ If only they could speak to each other; yes, he can speak to her, and she can express some of what she feels through her actions and the look in her eyes, but there still is a limit to how much he can perceive about her actions and their meanings. If he knew what she was thinking, that she felt she had to distance herself from him because it was in his and Yugi's best interest, he would do his best to quickly counter that with the truth.

He and Lunafreya can still be together when time allows and still respect Yugi's right to have his own life. He doesn't really see a need for a complete separation between the two of them, and if they were to both do that, it would only cause them more heartache. As it is, whether or not he understands the true meaning behind her despair, he can see how thoroughly she's being hurt by seemingly everything, including whatever it is that's currently afflicting her. ]

I'll stay with you for as long as you need me to, even if that turns out to be forever. [ He briefly spares a glance for Yugi, knowing the improbability of his words, but he can't imagine separating from Lunafreya now, not when she's like this.

His words aren't a lie, which is what he fears she'll believe them to be... a lie to placate her. He means them with complete certainty, however. He might not know that she's thinking this could be their last time together, but even so, he intends to stay with her here or elsewhere for as long as she needs him. ]

I suppose you're right, and even if we did know, there's little to be done about events long gone. But- [ He shakes his head. To think that way feels so incredibly callous, and barring an unwanted influence such as the seal of Orichalcos, he would never allow himself to do that. ]

There is evil in this world, but it is wrong that families should be torn apart because of people who act with no consideration for others. [ And here, he has to push aside the voice in his head that tells him he's no better than the evil people he speaks of. After all, it wasn't so long ago that he, too, acted completely selfishly and ignored the wants and needs of those closest to him. ]

No, I imagine it wasn't the same. [ He can't remember his own growing up years, or what his parents might have been like, or even if they were present in his life. But he doesn't have to know that to be able to imagine the void that must have been left in the lives of Lunafreya and Ravus. ]

How could it ever be the same again? [ Then, as if driven by a need to further comfort the girl in his arms, he reaches out to lightly stroke her hair. ]

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