A/N: Hey! I'd been working on this story during some of my other ones but they're finished I revisited this one. It was originally different, so I guess this is kinda brand new again after a point haha.
As this is the first chapter, I wanna start by throwing out there this is a story following Atem and the Thief King Akefia. Their will be yoai (but not between the two) and there WILL be talk of depression, suicide attempts, character death and so on. There WILL be feelings. I've breached on depression in past stories but I shied away from talk of suicide. So please consider this your warning. As a disclaimer, suicide and mental health are very VERY serious and if you feel like you need an outlet please seek help immediately.
Also side note: I am not a practiced psychologist. All talk from a psychologists POV in this story is purely fictional and should not be used as real advice outside of this story. I am intuitive but I am not practiced in the art.
With that I hope you enjoy and as always please leave comments! They help me feel good.
Atem's POV
Air assaults my lungs, tearing down my throat painfully and forcing me to cough up what I had just taken in. With a violent spatter I throw my fist against the concrete, trying desperately to calm down so I can breathe before I pass out but a lack of oxygen is only one concern. My skin is on fire and my blood feels so thin. It rushes through my veins like a flooding river but … it feels … incredible.
My heart is beating rapidly against my ribs, threatening to explode and tears are streaming down my eyes trying to burn my cheeks but I couldn't be happier to feel … so alive.
Finally I can breathe without choking and I let myself collapse and catch up. The concrete is freezing. I can feel my skin prickling and the hairs upon it begin to stand. My muscles are burning but at the same time they're tensing, as if trying to get away from the cold.
I feel laughter rumbling in my chest and as it rolls out of my throat I laugh harder. Tears are still falling from my cheeks but this time they're joyful. I have a voice. I have a body. I feel the cold, I feel pain, I feel warmth inside… I am alive. The sound of my laughter is one thing, but I hear other things too. People talking, cars passing, horns beeping, sirens whirring and birds singing… the background sounds of the city. I almost wonder if it's a dream. It certainly doesn't feel like one.
Okay… time to sit up.
Pulling myself up took a little effort but once my body was used to the sensation of moving I looked around. I appear to be in some alleyway between two very tall buildings. The sun is shining high but I am well within the shade. The world seems to have a slight cold feel to it. I'm not sure if its the snow slightly covering the concrete or the hue of winter but I feel the chill even more now. Shivering slightly I grab at my cloak to wrap around my … arms… wait. Cloak?
I exam myself now, looking in awe at the tanned flesh covering my body, at the linen skirt protecting my thighs, at the beige tunic falling off my shoulders and the golden jewellery decorating my fingers, my waist and my chest. My royal blue tabard falls between my legs and my sandals… my toes are freezing but I recognise these sandals. In fact everything about what I'm wearing is familiar to me. They're my royal regalia… my favourite outfit.
Ooph. Though not my favourite right now. That breeze is cold. I wish I had chosen my own winter attire before appearing in this world.
Oh! I remember! How I got here. I traversed the Veil. And because I am here that means I made it through. I made it. I succeeded!
That means … Yugi! I'm here! I'm alive and this city … this must be Domino which means Yugi must be here somewhere!
I hear a groan behind me and I jump to the noise. Immediately I see the owner and a flurry of emotions rushes through me. Fear, hatred, caution and curiosity being the biggest ones. My first instinct is to reach for the dagger I keep on my person but I restrain myself. My hand is itching to grab it, to use it on him before he can hurt me or anyone else. He's groggily waking up, he doesn't know I'm here, there would be no better opportunity… but I shouldn't.
Why? I don't know. I can't be sure why but I feel like I shouldn't attack him. I feel like … there's an agreement I can't break… or rather can't be the one breaking. Wait there is! I remember now. We were both in the Veil, travelling together … so he made it out too afterall.
The man before me appears as I remember. Tanned, muscled body under ragged and tattered clothing. His crimson robes draped over him loosely and his sandy blonde hair hung over his face but I know that form anywhere. The scars, the chiselled figure … I don't need to see his face to know who he is: Bakura, or how he is known in our tongue: Akefia. The Thief King.
We made an agreement in the Veil for peace… but will he uphold it now we are in the world of the living? That is why I won't abandon the thought of taking my dagger.
I watch him pull himself together in much the same way I did. Coughing and spattering before eventually getting a hold of himself and looking around. His gaze lands upon me and much like my reaction he jolts backwards, reflexively tumbling to a more defensive position and ignoring the cardboard boxes he knocks over in the process. He reaches behind him but pauses. I know he must have a weapon behind him but he knows I do too. Now to see if he'll attack. I might be getting used to being alive again but I will not be letting him take my new life away on my first day back.
His steel grey eyes size me up and calculates his odds. He's strong, fast and lethal. In hand to hand combat we're equal. I have the benefit of having a slimmer build which makes it easier to move in such a small space but his benefit is knowing how to instinctively use his surroundings against me. Not that I can't be resourceful if I need to be.
A smirk pulls at his lips and for a moment I brace to grab my dagger but when he relaxes and lowers his arm… I hesitate but follow. It seems he's remembered our little agreement too.
He regards me and slowly stands, stretching out his legs and back casually. I think I'm safe … and stretching seems like a good idea.
"Atem." He says simply. I feel dirty he would use my name and not my title but then I've never been his King. It matters not. In this city I am no more a King than he is.
"Akefia." I say, finally standing myself and rolling my shoulders. I can't let him see but it does feel good to move.
"So… It worked then." Akefia says, absently touching his throat. He must be surprised by his own voice too. At least that's one advantage we share. He's going through the same discombobulation I am, which makes it easier to assume he won't cross me. I must remain vigilant though. Agreement or not I don't trust him not to strike if he needs to, so I mustn't give him a reason to think he must.
"Apparently so." I say stiffly.
He sighs, letting his shoulders slump in apparent disappointment. "Come now, Pharaoh, are we not passed this?"
"We shall see. That depends on your actions here on out." I say with a lazy shrug. I chance looking away just to examine my surroundings again. I see a lot of empty, soggy boxes, stray trash and a dumpster. Despite the trash though the walls appear clean and the ladders and metal stairs up the sides show only the slightest hint of age. Wherever we are we dont appear to be in a run down part of town, nor brand new buildings. The world isn't too far either. If anyone bothered to look to the side they'd see two very strangely dressed Egyptians.
I contain a violent shiver, a course reminder that it is winter and I am dressed for an Egyptian Summer. The light snow that falls gracefully around us will be our deaths if we do not find shelter and new attire. But I am afraid we have no money nor any way to travel far. If this is Domino, I can find Yugi easy enough but … how he will accept Akefia… I doubt he will he willing but he will understand. We… I cannot let him be unguarded. Not yet.
"So what do we do now?" Akefia asks. He's clearly keen to get on with his own business but he must realise I cannot leave his side just yet.
"We need to find shelter and new clothing if we are to survive." I say back to him.
"Bakura's apartment should not be far from here. Given he is the reason I came back I should think I will find all three there. The question is, what of you?"
I frown at him, annoyed he would presume I will simply allow him go on his way.
"I returned for Yugi but do not think I can let you wander unsupervised. We will go to the Game shop and rendezvous with him. I'm sure he can convince Bakura to visit."
"No. I have no desire to see your vessel. I returned to see mine. I am not going to be leashed to your side until you seem fit to release me." He's standing his ground.
"I like this no more than you but I cannot in my right mind let you out of my sight yet." I argue. He must see my reasoning. If he is reborn as he and the Gods claim then he won't push this.
"Come on. The Gods can vouch for my intentions. I passed their trials, I am not required to pass yours." He whines, waving his arms in frustration. He raises a point but … I'm not sure. The Gods would have detected any lie and ulterior motive…
It seems he won't be reconsidering. He is going to go and look for Bakura regardless of what I tell him. I want to see Yugi. There's so much I want to tell him and share with him. I cannot wait to see how he is doing and with any luck continue on with our lives together as if I hadn't left. If will be interesting giving I have my own physical body now but whatever is ahead of us I look forward to spending it with him.
Unfortunately it seems I will need to be a little more patient. I cannot see Yugi and then tell him I let the Thief King walk around the city to find his friend Bakura unsupervised. That will not go down well. Fine. I will go with him then. Besides, it is freezing and he is right: Bakura does live within the city. Yugi's house is not far but farther than here, I'm sure.
"Fine." I say finally and he perks up immediately. Hands smug on his hips and a triumphant grin appears on his face… I see an opportunity to wipe it off. "We will go see Bakura. Together."
"What?! Why?"
"Because it is cold and he is closer, as you say. He will surely know where Yugi is and I'd prefer to get out of the snow as quick as possible." I reply confidently. He's not too pleased but he gets to see Bakura so he can't complain too much. Regardless that smirk is nowhere to be seen and I couldn't be more satisfied.
Ryou's POV
Alright. Time to take a break.
I throw my pen away with a certain amount of satisfaction and stretch wide! My neck and shoulders protest, my spine loves it and I can feel relieved knowing now I can get up and move around. Lazily letting my arms fall beside me I roll my head to check the clock, seeing it reading 2:13. I missed lunch… that explains why I'm hungry.
Happily I leave my desk and saunter into the kitchen feeling proud of myself. I managed to work through 2 chapters today. Now all I have to do tonight is summarise and make some quick notes. That won't take long. I can relax tonight. Yes!
And Yugi should be back for dinner tonight …
Oh.
Looking out the window I can see snow falling fairly heavily. It wasn't supposed to snow til tomorrow. And that cloud doesn't look great. I wonder if Yugi will get home okay. He should be calling soon, I can ask him then. His convention should be finished by now. Alright, let's see what we have here.
Looking through the fridge I see milk, two eggs, lettuce and juice… okay. Nothing in the freezer either. Lovely. Pantry!
…
No… we have ramen, half a loaf of bread, rice. Seems we need to go shopping. That's not good… how much do I even have?
Sliding my phone out to check my bank my heart sinks as soon as I see $35 available and I don't get paid for another 4 days.
… terrific.
Well… I hope Yugi has some left over after his trip or we're gonna be eating nothing but small meals of rice for the next 4 days.
Speaking of. My phone starts ringing and Yugi's face appears. His class thing ended 20 minutes ago… on time as usual.
"Hey Yugi. Was just thinking about ya. How was your convention?" I ask him cheerfully.
"Hey Ryou. It was good. It's finally over. I'm at the hotel at the moment, have you seen the weather forecast yet?"
"Uhh no I haven't. I see it's snowing pretty heavy here though. You okay?"
"Yeah. It's pure white here. I'm watching the news at the moment, they say there's gonna be a blizzard tonight. I have my snow gear with me but it looks like I might be safer staying here tonight."
Damn… well at least I don't have to scrimp tonight.
"Alright, that's cool. So long as you're safe, pal." I say. It socks he's not coming home tonight but if its going to blizzard I'd rather he stay safe too.
"Yeah… how's the food situation at home?" He asks. Sweet Yugi… always thinking.
"Umm well… I can manage until payday but uhh… we probably shouldn't entertain anyone until then." I say guiltily. He laughs though which makes me feel better. I'm glad he's not annoyed but I guess he's used to this by now. Which I think I shouldn't be relieved about.
"Alright well I can stock up tomorrow then after I come home. Will you be around tomorrow?"
"I have class from 11 til 3 but otherwise yeah I'm available." I say happily.
"Great, well assuming the blizzard isn't that bad I should be home sometime tomorrow."
"Cool! So, tell me all about the convention-" I say happily as I begin preparing a sandwich. The doorbell rings though and as Yugi talks I head on over to check.
"Just a sec, Yugi. Someone's at the door." I say to him first before everything seems to shatter.
On the other side is two people. People I've never seen before but remarkably familiar. Particularly one of them who's hair is uncannily similar to Yugi's. They're tanned, muscled … or one of them is and dressed so bizarrely. Their clothes aren't fit for winter… in fact they don't look fit for any season. They don't look like they're from here. They look … foreign most definitely but perhaps… Arabic? That area of the world? Its hard to place though because even they dress differently. They're not adorned with gold and rich colours and attire that looks fit for both a King and a merchant perhaps. Back to the spikey haired man though. His deep crimson eyes look kind and his welcome smile is strangely comforting but the voice echoing in my heart must be lying to me. It's not possible. He … he cannot be who I think it is. The other man doesn't look familiar at all, I feel nothing toward him but the richer one… he cannot be.
"Hello Bakura." The merchant man says happily. My blood freezes though. I dont recognise him but that voice… I know that voice. It's not possible! He cannot … this cannot be him! No!
They say nothing more, clearly waiting for a response but … I can't speak. I forgot how. Who are they? They know me! Why does this one look like the Pharaoh and this one sound like… the spirit… of the Ring. He cannot be!
"I told you he would be spooked." The rich one says to the merchant but the merchant ignores him, taking a single half step forward.
"Bakura. We need your help." He says to me. My heart quickens, hasty to abandon me. I feel dizzy. I feel so light headed like the floor is about to give out from under me. I need to sit down. I need to … go.
I turn around to go back inside but as I do the world spins. I feel the floor catching up to me and soon my entire body has no weight to it. I hear a heavy thunk and echoing voices but nothing after that.
Yugi's POV
"Ryou? You okay?"
Nothing. That's weird. He said someone was at the door but then nothing. I thought I heard someone else's voice but I couldn't quite hear it.
"Ryou?" I ask again and a moment later I hear a very loud crash. I rip the phone from my ear as the noise threatened to blow my ears out before returning quickly. My heart is racing! A noise like that, it sounded like he dropped his phone. Whoever was at the door… did they hurt him?
"Ryou?! Are you okay? Ryou!" I shout. I hear talking but it's not Ryou and then something loud again, like the phone is sliding on something. God damn it! What is happening?
"RYOU! ANSWER ME!" The call ends… and I have no idea what happened! This isn't like him. What if something happened? Who is there? They better not hurt him!
I call his number again but get nothing. Minutes of nothing.
Alright. I don't have time for this. I need to go.
Hastily I call the police and with the phone to my shoulder begin packing. It will take some time to get home but the police should get there sooner. I need to know he's okay. If whoever is there hurt him, or have taken him … I need to do something.
"Yes! Hello. My name is Yugi Moto, I live at 12b Wayaka Crescent with my roommate Ryou Bakura. Please, I think something happened to him, can you send someone over to check if he's okay?" I throw words at the woman quickly, haphazardly throwing anything I can into my suitcase. She tells me to calm down and I take a single breath to explain to her why I'm worried.
Ryous POV
I wake groggily feeling a little cold and confused. I'm on the couch… but I dont remember napping… I was on the phone to Yugi...then someone was… oh my god!
I jump up, desperately looking around the room only to find immediately what I feared to see: those two people from earlier. The merchant was sitting cross legged on the arm of my favourite armchair while the richer one was standing, arms crossed and his weight on one leg… just the way he used to stand.
"Woah hey there. Relax, you're safe." The merchant laughs so... casually. It's incredibly unlike him. I never thought I'd hear that voice be so … friendly.
"Akefia, leave the room. Look at how scared your making him." The other says… oh my god I know that voice too. How? How can they have their voices? It's not possible.
I've cracked. I've lost it. I've been studying too hard. That's it. I'm hungry. I need to take a break.
"So… I'm sorry, but I need this hallucination to end now." I say cheerfully, getting up to go make myself some tea.
"Hallucination?" They ask as I pass them. My skin chills… I'm scared to turn around because… what if they're still there?
"Bakura, we aren't hallucinations." The merchant… his voice. He can't be real. He can't be back.
"Bakura, please give us a moment to explain."
I turn around almost mechanically, completely terrified of them. Too many emotions are running through me. I can't… I don't know if I should be angry or happy. If thats the Pharaoh then I am relieved but if thats … Bakura… then what do I do? Why are they friends? Why aren't they trying to hurt one another? What is happening?!
"H-how?" I squeak. I have a million questions but I feel like stone, and as intelligent as stone too. I can barely keep up.
"Why don't you sit down. I'll make you some tea while Atem explains." B-Bakura… it is him. Isn't it? And … Atem? The Pharaoh? Can it really? But… how? And … wait he'll what?
"You don't know how to make tea." I accuse him. He smiles… something I never thought I'd see without any malice or contempt. It's a genuine smile. I am so confused!
"I've watched you enough to understand. Go sit down." He says fondly, getting up and passing me. To my surprise he's careful of our personal space and he leaves for the kitchen… as if he knows exactly where it is.
"Bakura." Atem… the Pharaoh says. I still don't understand anything but I don't see much choice but to give them a chance to explain. If this is a hallucination I should probably learn what I can. I just have to stay calm. Stay calm and they'll go away. Just ride it out, Ryou. You're okay.
I sit down stiffly in my armchair, cuddling up to my cushion and keeping my knees close to my chest. Just because I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt doesn't mean I can't protect myself.
"So… its quite the story. But I should begin with introductions. I'm sure you've guessed but to confirm: my name is Atem. You may know me better as the Spirit of the Millenium Puzzle. You and I have met before but it seems some time has passed. I'm not too sure how much as yet but that can wait. The man in your kitchen is Bakura, or in our time Akefia. Before you fret though he has gone through some … rehabilitation courtesy of the Gods. He's still a bit of an asshole but it seems he no longer has any ill intent. The gods purged him of his malice and anger and now he seeks redemption."
I don't believe this. Bakura is good now? How?! After everything he did? Really?
"I know this is a lot to take in. We'll take this slowly for you." Atem continues.
"You're … really him?" I ask. I feel like my body has taken the reigns from me. I have so many questions. I feel sick and nauseous but somehow my mouth is able to form the words I can't even think of.
"I am. The very same. I remember when you helped us through Duellist Kingdom. I even remember Yugi's praises of your tea. I remember helping you with the Millennium Ring. I'm afraid during my time here we did not have a lot of time to bond as I did with the others but I still like to think of you as my friend."
It's him. There is literally no one I know that speaks so formally as he does. Those words.. they're exactly what he would say and exactly how Yugi described him. This is him!
"How are you back? And why? Is there an evil a foot?" I ask quickly before it suddenly occurs to me. I look around for him but he's not back yet. Of course not. I have time to ask. "Is it Bakura?" I whisper to him and he laughs heartily.
"For once no." He laughs. "No, we came back on our own volition. We had to go through some trials but we are truly here and for no purpose other than our own desire to be here."
"Own… desire?" I ask nervously. I'm not sure I like the sound of that.
"Like I mentioned earlier, Bakura is seeking redemption and I simply wish to see Yugi again." He says fondly. I don't think I've ever seen his eyes look so soft aside from.. that one time. When he said goodbye to us.. the way he looked at Yugi. That love in his eye was unmistakable and it's still there… even now. It must be him.
"So… you returned and Bakura is here and he's good now and there's nothing big happening." I mumble in thought. It's starting to make sense now… but it still feels so surreal.
"I wouldn't say I'm good but I'm not about to destroy everything for it."
"Ah!" I jump, gripping my cushion protectively as Bakura comes around with a tray of cups and a steaming tea pot. It smells so nice and he even got us a small glass of milk and sugar. Wow… how domestic.
"I wasnt sure if your tastes had changed. I didn't see the brand of tea you normally bought, so I brought everything." He says almost shyly, placing it all on the coffee table before us. That's… uncharacteristically friendly of him. Its… weird.
"Thank you." I say quietly. I won't deny I want some. Some tea will do just the trick to help keep me calm but I can't stop staring at him. Bakura… or the Thief King in his original body, before he was a spirit. He looks so… different. I'm used to him taking on my form, not this heavily built, rough looking thug look. I mean he even has the scars. His hairs not too much different to how his presence made mine but its blonder and longer. I didn't know he had grey eyes or such defined features. He looks nothing like me. But Atem… he looks like a tanner, stronger version of Yugi. Granted Yugi's grown a little since he left but still there's not much differentiating them now. But Bakura… he's so different. If it wasn't for his voice I'd say it wasn't.
"Are you… really?" I trail off when he looks at me. His eyes are soft and curious and I dont like it. I feel so confused.
"I told him who you are." Atem clarifies for him and he nods.
"I am. I'm sure you're none too happy to see my mug around." He says humbly. This cannot be the same person. He's too friendly.
"You can't be… you … you…"
"Yes?" He encourages me and suddenly I feel braver.
"You're too friendly. You never looked at me like that. You never talked to me like that. You can't be him. You might have his voice but there's nothing else about you that reminds me of him. You can't be. Who are you? Why are you trying to make me believe that you are the spirit of the Millenium Ring?"
"Because I am." He says sadly. I wasn't expecting that. "Bakura… I am the spirit of the Ring. I went through a lot of changes when the Pharaoh and his friends put an end to my plans. I was angry… beyond so, but I had no energy to fight any more. I'd been fighting for thousands of years. Reliving the same horrors. I grew tired. So when I stopped fighting it just… became easier. Then I heard them: the Gods that is, and the voices of my people. They soothed me. Then, the Gods put me through challenges. Challenges that would purge my sins, that would soothe my pain, that would let me heal. It took so long. Finally, after what felt like an eternity I asked the Gods a question. I earned peace and rest but I could not allow myself to feel it yet. I could not fix the wrongs of my past, but one still lived that I had hurt and I wanted to know if the damage I had done was irreparable. They showed me your life and while I saw happiness and freedom, I also saw pain. Pain I would like to soothe just as the Gods soothed mine. I don't know what I can do, but I feel my heart is telling me I must try. Unless you exile me, I feel I cannot rest until I know that you are okay." He says. It sounds earnest. I've never heard him this sincere before, it's hard to know if he's lying to me. He's never lied to me before so I don't know why he would start now. If he wanted something then he'd have taken it already. If he wanted to escape he would have instead of bringing us tea. If he wanted to hurt the Pharaoh then I'm sure he's had his chances already.
The doorbell rings again, snapping me out of my thoughts. It rings again. I should probably answer it but so help me if its someone else from the past.
"You two are the only ones returning right?" I ask them as I stand.
"I believe so." Atem says with a small smile.
Alright… who could this be?
Answering the door I am relieved to see someone modern. Two police officers stand by my door, waiting patiently. They seem a little surprised to see me though.
… wait. Why are the police here!? Oh my god if they think Atem and Bakura are illegal immigrants … I'm going to be in so much trouble! My job, my degree! I can't go to prison for this! I can't even tell them to hide. Damn it! Okay… play it cool. Maybe they're here for something else.
"Oh good afternoon officers." I say happily, hoping they don't detect how nervous I really am.
"Are you Ryou Bakura?" One of them asks.
"I am. How can I help you?" I ask. I try to keep the door close to me without looking like I'm hiding anything but I really don't know if they can tell I'm sweating. Why are they here? They better not be here for them. What did they do before they got here? Is this why they need my help? God damn it.
"We got a call from Yugi Moto, your roommate, claiming that there might be cause for concern. Has there been any disturbances here today?" They ask me. Yugi…
Oh my god! I was on the phone with him! He has no idea I'm okay. I can't believe I forgot to let him know! Of course he called the police.
"Oh! No, everything's fine here. Ha! I was on the phone with him and my phone dropped. He must have thought I was unwell. I'm okay, really. There's nothing out of the ordinary here!" I say, laughing in hopes they believe me.
"Are you sure?" They ask. Please just go.
"Yep. Absolutely. I should probably call him back and let him know. I promise everything's fine. I've been working myself a lot lately and needed a rest. I assure you that's all it is."
They look at one another. It doesn't look like they believe me but without cause for alarm they can't come in without a warrant. Just keep up with the story. You're fine. You got this!
"Alright. Well we're in the area. If anything suspicious happens please call." They say. I bow to them and they leave.
I have never been more relieved to close the front door in my life. I rest my head on the wood and breathe but I dont have time for this. I need to call Yugi.
Patting myself down though I can't feel my phone. Where is it?! Its not on the floor. Where is it? Did they take it?
"Hey guys, did you take my phone?" I call to them. I pause when I see them tasting their tea's and pulling strange faces.
"Oh it's here." Bakura says, tossing it over to me. I caught it clumsily, thankful I didn't drop it. I can't believe he threw my phone. Rude. Whatever. I need to call Yugi.
"Is something wrong?" Atem asks me. Curious. I wonder what his reaction will be when he finds out I'm calling Yugi.
"I forgot to call Yugi back. You guys kinda shocked me so much he ended up calling the police. They're gone but I need to let him know I'm okay." I say happily.
There it is. That wide stare, the faintest hint of excitement. Its so him.
Finally he picks up.
"RYOU?!"
"I'm okay. I'm sorry! Something happened and I forgot to call back. I'm so sorry."
"What happened? I'm on the road Ryou. What came up? Who came over?" He asks frantically. I know I should answer his question but something about what he said strikes me.
"Wait, did you say you were on the road?"
"Yes. I was worried so I'm on my way home."
No. The blizzard! Yugi!
I race over to the TV and switch it to the news. I need to see the forecast.
"Yugi go back to the hotel. The Blizzards only going to get -"
"Worse? I know."
… Yugi.
"Go back to the hotel. I'm fine. I promise. I can tell you what's going on but it's not worth your life." I feel the tension rise from a certain Pharaoh and I turn to him to calm him down with a single wave of my hand. He doesn't relax but he is holding his tongue, watching me we wide eyed impatience.
"I can't now. I'm in the tunnel but we're moving slowly. I can't turn back. Ryou what happened?"
I want to tell him… but how is he going to take this? I doubt he'll accept it easily, even less so not being here to see them himself. I should tell him though. If he can't turn back then he'll get here eventually and when he sees them. Alright.
"Umm… so it's a little hard to explain but I need you to believe me. I'm not crazy, I don't think … but… oh boy. I don't… okay. So umm… y-you remember the Pharaoh? I mean of course you do but ugh.. well… he's um… in our living room. He's like … right next to me."
Silence.
Thats all I get. I wonder if the line cut out. Will I need to say it again?
"Yugi? You there?"
"Y-yeah…"
Okay good. Good. Shit!
"Yugi everything's fine. I'm okay. He's okay. I don't know how exactly they're back but uh … they're pretty real."
"Who's they?"
Shit! He'll be less than stoked to find out Bakura is back.
"Umm… Atem didn't come alone. He's.. uhh… got the Thief King with him. He'sgoodnowYugi, pleasedontstress, it's okay, we're all okay!" I say rapidly, hoping for a miracle he'll be okay. I shouldn't have told him. I regret everything. God damn it. Okay, please be calm. Yugi talk to me.
Why is he so quiet?"
"Y-Yugi?"
"Did you say … Thief King?"
I am in so much trouble.
"Uhhh I mean …"
"DID YOU LET THAT CRETIN INSIDE OUR HOUSE!? WHY IS HE WITH ATEM? HOW IS HE BACK? HOW ARE THEY BACK? RYOU PLEASE TELL ME YOU'RE JOKING -"
"Yugi calm down, please. Just take a breath and let me explain." I interrupt him quickly, holding the phone away from my ear. I'm sure they can hear him him shouting but it was that or let him blast my ears out. When he stops I hold the phone back and sit down heavily on the couch, pinching my nose. I feel the headache coming on strong but I can't deal with that right now. I need to calmly explain what I know to Yugi so he doesn't have an accident on the road.
"Are we calm?"
"We're calm."
"We're calm?"
"Ryou…"
"Right. So… we haven't been through the details yet but the short version is that Atem really wanted to see you and the Gods put Bakura through some trials, purged his soul or something and now he's good and they both travelled together and now they're here. They can explain it better, I'm still trying to wrap my head around it too."
"... S-so thats why you dropped your phone?"
"Yes. I fainted when I saw them at the door. I didn't know who they were but then they spoke and … well they brought me inside. Bakura made us tea and Atem explained a bit to me."
"The Thief King made you tea…"
I laugh, finally. It is actually really ridiculous to think about and somehow his incredulity makes me feel a bit more sane.
"Yes. He did. Yugi how far are you from home?"
"I'm still in the tunnel. I should have been home about now but I guess if I can't get out of this then I'll be another hour …"
An hour. Alright. I can do this for an hour.
"I'll keep an eye on the traffic updates for you. It looks like there's a massive traffic jam around that area. They're advising people to avoid the roads connecting to the one you're on."
"Now they say." Yugi says sarcastically. I feel so bad. Because of me he's left early. He wasn't even supposed to be on the road today.
"Yugi I'm sorry. I worried you. I should have let you know I was okay sooner."
"It's okay. I understand why you couldn't. I don't think my priority would be calling back either if the roles were reversed." He's so understanding.
Absently I glance over at Atem, who is sipping at his tea but listening intently to our conversation. I'm sure he's jumping at the bit to talk to Yugi, or at least hear his voice.
"Would you like to talk to Yugi?" I ask him. He seems surprised to be asked this and I note how instantly his breathing has increased. He puts his tea down, perhaps to steady his hands but he doesn't answer me. I thought he'd be excited but he looks more nervous than anything.
"Yugi, would you like to talk to Atem?" I ask him instead. I get silence … and it's worrying. I at least have visual cues to gauge Atem's response but over the phone I have nothing to guage Yugi's.
"I … do, but… um… I don't know. Does he want to speak to me?"
I smile fondly. I know for a fact how much Yugi has wanted to speak to Atem. He's missed him for years. He does his best to keep busy but I know him well enough to know when he's thinking about him. He still hurts because he had left him… but maybe this will let him heal, finally.
"He wants to know if you want to speak to him." I direct that question to Atem and he opens his mouth to speak but ends up breathing out nervously.
"Yes. Please." He says finally. That bright sparkle in his eyes are back and politely I offer the phone to him and relax.
"H-hello Yugi." Atem breathes out. He sounds so anxious. I never thought I'd hear the great pharaoh be nervous about anything. Then again I thought I'd never hear the pharaoh again. I can't believe he's back. And Bakura too. What is happening today?
"Yugi it's okay. I'm here. I'm here now, it's alright." Atem says. His voice is thickening and when I look over to him I see him balling his fist to cheek, head down and brows furrowed. His lips are trembling. He's trying not to cry. Wow! Yugi's probably crying too… This is so fresh for him. That wound Atem left never healed. Yugi merely put a bandaid over it and looked the other way. He's worked so hard to get stronger but he never really allowed himself to heal. I pray that with Atem's return his wounds will reopen and heal now. I don't think he'll get worse but I'm going to keep a close eye on him when he gets home.
"Is everything okay?" Bakura asks me quietly, almost a whisper. I forgot he was here. Wow. I don't know how to answer that.
"I'm not sure. Yugi's … well he's been through a lot. We all have. Until he gets home I don't think I can answer that." I say to him. His presence still makes me on edge but whats worse is that I still sense no malice from him. I'm used to Bakura keeping to himself but I always felt like I needed to walk on eggshells… now I'm not sure if I need to but I feel like I am out of habit. He gives off no ill vibes. In fact he's still experimenting with his tea which is way out of tune for him. He never liked tea no matter how I made it.
"B-Bakura." Atem squeaks and we both turn to him out of instinct. He's holding the phone back to me though and while I take it gently from him he can't hide the tears wetting his eyes nor the red in his cheeks. He gets up to leave and as quick as a blink he's disappeared somewhere.
"Go check on him." I tell Bakura and return the phone to my ear. I'm surprised that he did was he was told and not so surprised to hear Yugi's sobbing.
"Yugi."
"He's back." He croaks. Poor kid. I wish I could cuddle him and be there for him.
"I know. He's really here, Yugi."
He mumbles something unintelligible and sobs to himself. I can hear how hard he's trying to compose himself. I wonder if I can help.
"Hey now you've got something great to look forward to when you get home. I bet he's going to have a lot of questions. There's so much we can share. Like, remember the time Joey almost had Kaiba on the ropes last year?"
He laughs and it's the most relaxing thing I've ever heard.
"Yeah, Kaiba won but he refused to talk to anyone for like 3 months." He laughs. Good Yugi. Relax.
"Yeah. He's gonna love hearing about that, right?"
"Mmhm."
We're silent a little longer as he takes several deep breaths. Bakura returns while I wait and when I enquire with my eyes he shrugs and returns to his tea. I'm not sure what that means though. Did he find Atem or not? Did Atem want privacy? Is he okay?
"Where did he go?" Yugi asks me suddenly.
"Ah, I'm not sure. He stepped out of the living room." I say calmly.
"Okay. I'll um… I'll be home as soon as I can. Uhh, do you wanna order in tonight?" He asks me and I chew my lips. Ordering in sounds good considering what we have stocked but I only have $35 to my name.
"Uhh yeah that sounds good but you might need to pay for it though Yugi. I only have $35 on me at the moment."
"That's fine." He sounds so tired. I'd like to stay on the phone with him but I should probably check on Atem too … and Yugi could use some time to process this. I can at least stay until he starts moving again.
"So, any progress on the traffic?" I ask him casually. I'd like to distract him.
"No. I think I've gained a car space since the call. I'm not sure what the hold up is. I just wanna get home." He whines impatiently. "Anything on your end? What is Bakura doing?"
"He's… still drinking tea… and no. Nothing more. There's a sky report on the traffic but it looks like it's covering from the tunnel back. Was it bad when you got on the road?"
"A little congested but I got here fine. Can you tell me what he looks like?"
I smile. On the one hand he should probably find out for himself but his curiosity is endearing even like this.
"He's Egyptian. His original body I should think. He looks like you just … Egyptian." I laugh and he laughs too. It's relief. Relief and happiness and fresh wounds he doesn't know what to do with. As soon as he gets home he'll feel better. I'm sure of it.
"I can't wait to get home."
"I can't wait for you to get home. It's um… quite the ride this afternoon."
"Yeah."
"Half an hour to an hour, right?" I ask him.
"Yep. My phone might not last that long though. I should probably go and let you do whatever. Keep an eye on Bakura and um … I don't know. Just be careful."
"I will Yugi. Drive safely, please. I know you want to get home but don't be reckless. It looks really bad. Take your time, they're not going anywhere."
"Oh my god what if they do?! What if they're gone by the time I get home! Ryou -"
Shit.
"Yugi, Yugi it's fine. They're here. They're not going anywhere, right? Bakura? Right?"
"Hmm?" He asks me, blinking in surprise for suddenly being addressed. I need him now to say yes. Clearly. "Oh yeah, we're not going anywhere." He says. Thank you!
"See? They aren't going anywhere." I say to him.
"Can you go find Atem, please? Just, don't let him disappear."
"Yes I'll go find him. I'll tie him down if I have to but I really don't think I'll need to. We'll be here when you get home." I say to him warmly. I wait long enough to almost hear him nod and a single deep breath later he talks.
"Okay… I'll go now. I'll see you soon."
"See you soon, Yugi."
With that the phone hung up and I take a deep breath of my own. I feel so light at the moment. But not the relaxed kind of light - the 'floating off the ground avoiding gravity' kind of light. I need to calm down. I need to find my center and ground myself. Right after I find Atem.
"What happened with Atem?"
"He's just around the corner in the hall. Said he didn't need anyone to check on him and he wanted to be alone." Bakura shrugs easily. I think I'm beginning to understand his version of good. He's not malicious but nor does he have much care for the Pharaoh. He's behaving but it seems to be the bare minimum. I trust he won't start robbing us or plotting our demise if I leave the room but I'd like to keep an eye on him as much as possible.
"Yugi asked me to find him. I'll be right back. Do not move anywhere." I warn him and he waves me off as if that warning was nothing to him.
Whatever.
I find Atem just as Bakura said leaning against the wall, his head back and his eyes closed with his hands limp beside him. He'd look relaxed if it weren't for the furrow in his brows. Having not spent that much time with him it's hard to know how he feels but after hearing Yugi crying I'm sure it's some level of distress.
"Hey." I say gently, hoping I don't spook him. He doesn't jump which is good and he brings his head down to rub his cheeks.
"Hi. Sorry, I needed to … go." He says. He changed his mind on what to say. I didn't miss that. I won't bring it up though.
"Thats fine. Yugi asked me to check on you. You okay?"
He looks at me, sees I don't have the phone with me and Bakura isn't with us and he smiles, nodding solemnly. He's not okay but he will be.
"Is he okay?" He asks me.
"Overwhelmed I think. He'll be okay. I expect more tears when he gets home. Will you be okay?"
"Yeah. It's just… hearing him cry like that and knowing I couldn't do anything to help. I hoped that our reunion would be happy and that it we could continue on as if I hadn't left but hearing that … pain. Ryou… how long has it been?" He asks me, looking at me finally, a look of shear repressed terror behind those eyes. He doesn't know… It makes so much sense now how casually they feel. No wonder hearing Yugi like that was such a shock to him. If Atem doesn't know then Bakura won't either. It'll be nice not to repeat myself.
"How about you come back and sit down with me. There's a lot to catch you up on." I suggest kindly.