A/N: I struggled with this chapter a bit towards the end there. There's things I wanna get to but some groundwork I needed to set first XD Let me know what you think also. I find myself unable to steer away from the feels and light angst for too long but I also know many love the cute, stressfree fluff. I'm torn between worlds lol 3
Yugi
My arms and legs feel weighed down and every beat of my heart feels like an effort. Breathing is tiresome but my eyes are somewhere between too tired and too alert to let me sleep.
But at least my bed is comfortable and I am warm and snug under my blankets. I am grateful for that, for as the seconds pass I slowly remember the agonising pain and the heart wrenching scream that threatened to tear my throat under Ryou's torturous attack.
Anxiety curls around my stomach and it's haunting whispers plague my mind with questions. Questions I cannot answer unless I wake up.
I am so tired though. So very tired.
But I must know. Is Ryou okay? What happened when I passed out? Where am I now and should I remain here and attempt to sleep. If I do, it would be too escape reality for a bit longer.
I take a long, slow and deep breath in and out before I crack open my eyes. I'm relieved to recognise my room though it's disorienting considering it looks to be late afternoon. The bright orange light of the world paints my room a glorious yellow and everything has a touch of serenity to it. Even the tiny dust particles floating in the God rays look magical.
I am alone in my room but the door is wide open. I hear the TV playing softly from the living room. I wonder who is here… but also could everything that happened earlier have been a terrible dream? It had felt so real…
Protect him, Yugi, my light, I love you, protect him…
Those words flood my brain with such a force I feel as if my bed had grown arms and tried to bring me down. I lean on one hand and catch my head with the other and ride out the nausea until the words fade, not unlike an echo in a cave.
I remember hearing those words earlier, like an invasion of my mind… but I do not know the voices.
Maybe whatever has me feeling like absolute shit is affecting my mind. I probably need more sleep but I'm inclined to greet whoever is here first. So with some effort I swing my legs off the bed and trudge over to the door, fetching my floofy dressing gown as I pass.
Curiously there is a box at the foot of my bed I don't remember being there. It isn't a recognisable box or anything spectacular. Just a simple, rectangular cardboard box that likely held shoes in it once… but I haven't bought any shoes lately…
I feel compelled to touch it fondly, to maybe open it; but as my hand hovers over it I hesitate. I want to know what's inside but that doesn't feel like it's for me to know yet. Whoever left this here must have a reason and with no letter or sign of permission… I shouldn't open it yet. It doesn't matter anyway. There's a live person in my living room that needs attention.
I am quite surprised to find Tea in fact watching my TV quietly. The volume is set to low and she is lazily relaxed along the sofa but she looks kindly up at me as I enter and smiles happily.
"Yugi." She breathes an air of relief as she sits up to turn the TV off. "You're awake."
"Yeah…"
"How are you feeling?" She asks me, her expression turning concerned. She glides over to me to touch my cheeks and forehead. I shy from her politely though.
"I've been better honestly, but I'm a bit confused."
"Confused?" She asks, cocking her head to the side.
How do I put this? "I'm not sure if I dreamed it or not, but did something happen recently? I… I don't remember going to bed…" I say quietly. Slowly my memories are putting themselves together but dreams usually fade, not return.
"Yes." She says stiffly and matter of factly. She pulls me over with her to sit on the couch and I'm honestly grateful I don't have to stand. "I'm sure you have questions but let me start by telling you that you are safe and Atem and Ryou are too."
Atem and Ryou…? So Ryou did attack me yesterday? But why?
"Where is he now? Ryou that is… and Atem… I don't understand. Did something happen to him? Where is he?"
Her lips form a sincere line and she gently takes my hands in hers. Immediately I feel her trying to calm my nerves but the longer my questions go unanswered, the more time anxiety has to set in.
"I took Ryou to the hospital. He's resting there. He's not hurt so he'll likely come home tonight. Atem…"
Why is she hesitating? "What happened?!" I urge her to answer me.
"He'll be okay. He's resting now and with enough he'll be fine."
That doesn't answer my question. "What happened?" I ask again, calmer but no less firm.
"I don't have the full story. I got here as soon as I could. Your parents can talk for an age though… but what I managed to gain from him is that Ryou was possessed by another demon and Atem came to protect you. He sensed your distress as I did, he just got here first. He shielded you from the other but in the tangle… I tried to separate them and to free you from them - I didn't know who was who. I attacked and it hit Atem. He fell with you, he protected you and shielded you from harm. I managed to scare the other demon away but I had already hurt Atem."
She hurt Atem… but he said Angels were lethal to demons, they could kill them easily… "Where is he?" I ask quickly. I feel on the verge of panic and her hasty attempts to calm me are not helping.
"He's here. He's resting. He wouldn't leave your side."
"Here?!" I ask, almost breathless now. I didn't see him. I didn't see him at all in my room and I have no others for him to rest. If he died… what does that look like? Would he just disappear? What if he died and she doesn't know!?
"He's in your room -"
"No he's not!" I snap at her quickly and spring off the couch to find him.
She follows me and as I enter I show her he is absolutely not here. No one is sleeping in my bed, no one is on the floor, he's not under it… he's not here.
"He's not here Tea!"
"Yugi, calm down. He's fine."
"Where is he if he's supposed to be here?!" I am losing my mind. I need to know where he is. What happened?
"Yugi!" She snaps at me and turns me to look at her sharply. Both her hands are on my arms and she holds my gaze with a stern one of her own. I need to breathe… I need to stop and focus and listen.
"He's here. He's resting. He was hurt from my attack which has severely drained his energy."
"What does that mean?" I ask slowly, on the verge of impatience and anger. Her eyes narrow and she looks confused for a moment.
"He hasn't shown you every form of his, has he?"
"What do you mean?"
Of course he has… no… wait. 'There is one other form. It can allow me to become immensely powerful but acutely vulnerable. I'd only ever resort to it for your safety…'
Does she mean this form?
She sighs softly and her body smoothes. "What you see of Atem is but a guise he chooses. Even his form with the wings and the horns - it is him, but that too houses the creature he really is. His true form - his truest form - is an unhoused, unprotected soul. Because he is a demon, it is black, tainted with his sin. In this form he is extremely powerful, but prone to lethal damage. It is like charging into battle with nothing to protect you. Right now, he is hurt and he does not have the energy to form a guise to protect him. That is why you cannot see him, because right now, he is resting."
"So then… he's invisible? But you said it was black…" I am so confused.
"He is a shadow. Right now, that shadow is sleeping inside that box."
I look to where she nudged at the foreign box from earlier. The box that caught my eye. The box that is no bigger than a container for shoes…
"My boyfriend… is inside that box?" I ask incredulously.
"Yes."
Curiously I bend over to look at it closer. I cannot imagine him inside it. I could imagine a hamster or a mouse - but a life sized demon?
I look at her unamused and she smiles sincerely at me.
"He's in there."
"Really?" I ask boredly.
"Yep."
I don't believe this. If I open it I'm going to look like a fool for believing her. This is some kind of prank…
"Okay, where is he really? Has he just gone home or something?" I ask, standing up straight - but then as if to answer my question the box rattles.
It makes me jump but Tea seems unphased. "Did… that?"
"He's awake… and it seems he wants you to believe me."
I look between her and the box and my brain is trying to be logical about this. She's an angel and quite capable of a lot of things. Maybe she moved the -
I am here, Yugi.
That was his voice in my head! He's here!
"Atem!" I shriek, crouching down before the box as if it became a god. I don't know what to say. I have too many questions!
Please…listen to her. He sounds tired…
"Is he really inside that?" I ask Tea and she nods.
"When the sun sets you may open the lid, but if the light should touch him it will hurt him. He is safe and secure inside there."
"The sun will hurt him?" I ask, looking back at the poor box before me.
I… am relieved… to hear your… voice…
"Why does he sound so tired?"
"You can hear him?" Tea asks me curiously. I nod my head slowly and she takes a single big breath. "I see. Your bond is tight if he can commune with you like that. To answer your question, he needs more rest."
"I want to see him…" I say sadly. I lightly touch the box, stroking the side of it with a single finger. I miss him so much and to know he's just inside this thing and hurt… I just want to hold him and nurse him back to health.
"Soon. The sun will set within the hour." Tea says softly.
I… do not wish… you to … see … me
"Why not?" I ask him. It feels strange talking to a box but I'm trying to ignore that for now.
I… am not… what you want…
"Oh shut up. I don't care about that. I want to see you. I want to help you." I feel a tear forming but I quickly swipe that away.
"Yugi." Tea says softly, touching my shoulder gently. "We should let him rest. I cannot hear him but I feel his energy. He is very tired."
She leaves then and I know I should follow her… but I really want to stay here with him.
"I'll be back soon. I'm not far. Get some rest. And don't die on me." I say softly, leaving a gentle peck on top of the corner.
I love you… I hear his whisper fading and with that I trust he is sleeping again. I cannot wait to see him though. I just want that assurance that he's really here in some kind of form, something I can see and maybe touch to convince me he's not just a voice.
I follow Tea back into the living room, holding my arms together in an attempt to force myself not to go back to him.
She told me he was like a shadow. I wonder if what I saw earlier was him then. If that smokey, shadowy thing between me and Ryou was actually Atem.
I didn't see all of it, but what I did didn't bother me. Then again I wasn't focused at all. I just wanted my friend back.
"He'll be okay." Tea says to me and I look at her now. She looks apologetic and guilty, and a little bit shy. "I promise he'll be okay. With some rest and time, he'll be right as rain."
"Is there anything I can do for him?" I ask her. I feel like I just adopted an injured animal and I have no experience with that. He's box bound but I don't know if injured demons have special needs.
"Honestly I just know he needs rest. Beyond that only he can tell you, and thankfully he can."
I nod at that. It doesn't surprise me she doesn't know much about demon health. After all, Atem doesn't know much about angels. I guess the two species don't take a lot of time learning about the other's needs.
"So… Ryou?"
Her mood shifts to something much more lighter. Her shoulders relax, her head rises and she breathes in relief. "He'll be just fine. I found him unconscious here and Atem managed to burn a message to me to tell me the other demon had possessed him. I took him to the hospital after I made sure he was okay. But…"
She trails off and it concerns me. It doesn't take her long to continue.
"He might remember what he's been through. When a demon possesses a human they can choose to keep the host unconscious or not. Most do not and this one didn't. I can't say what he knows but I sensed a great deal of turmoil within."
"So… he might know then about Atem and -"
"You being an angel? Yes. We could fabricate a story and hide the truth from him or we could tell him the truth."
Yeah…I don't want to keep him in the dark. He's my best friend. He's always had my back, always listened. If there's anyone in the world that knows me better than I do, it's him. If Atem and I are going to be together too then, well hiding what he is won't be too easy, not if simply being in his presence gets their rocks off…
Then again, swallowing the reality that demons and angels are real and his best friend is one, and he was possessed by some crazed demon to try and get to my boyfriend… that's not going to be easy. I could lose him. Especially if he doesn't want to endanger himself or Marik and honestly I couldn't ask them to do that for me.
Which means… maybe…
"Think about it. I will support your decision." Tea says to me softly.
"You've known him as long as I have. How do you think he'll take the news?" I ask her.
She thinks about it for a moment but she looks like she's struggling as much as I am. "I cannot say. I've not spoken to him until recently for over a decade. When you left, so did he. I'm afraid you know him better than I do now."
Hmmm…
"Yugi. You should rest. I'm going to check on Ryou before I return. You'll be safe. I promise."
"What if that demon comes back?" I ask quickly.
"She won't. Not while she knows I am protecting you. At least for a while, you are safe. That and I have improved Atems spells and wards. You'll be fine."
Okay…
"I'll be back soon." She smiles sweetly and then in the blink of an eye she disappears before me. A few small white feathers float about and I am suddenly alone…
No… Atem is here. But even so.
I walk on back to him. I feel like he's in there. There's just some kind feeling that he's there. Like an energy. I glance out the window but it's still too bright. Maybe soon I could safely peek through… but he told me he didn't want me to see him like this.
I don't care what he looks like. I just want to see him… but I'll respect his wishes.
That doesn't mean I can't snuggle with him though. So gently and carefully I lift the box and bring it with me to my bed. I'm hoping I haven't woken him. I curl around him under the covers, cradling his box within the circle my body forms.
I miss him. I miss his warmth. I want to be held and snuggle against his chest. I want to smell his scent and hear his breathing. I hate this has happened to him. Who was that demon? Why did she want Atem? Why did she possess Ryou to get to me to get to him? Ryou had nothing to do with anything…
Now I might be forced to lose him. If I tell him and he decides to protect himself and Marik then I will understand… if I tell him and he stays by my side and he's attacked again? I don't want him to get hurt. But if I don't tell him and he's still used against us he might get hurt anyway… then there's the entire thing that I'm keeping something so huge from him. If he finds out it's all true he'll feel so betrayed…
What do I do?
Atem… I wish you were here with me. Take me away from here so we might all be safe…
… I left my parents for their protection… Now I might need to do the same for Ryou's.
Atem
It's hard to tell whether or not I can see from here, inside this box that acts as both my container and my prison. I'm used to being able to see everything my shadow touches, but from here there is nought but void. In fact the only way I know I am safe is that I feel Yugi's presence nearby. It is a strain but I can see his soul close to me. So close I could touch if not for the confines of my box.
He is calm and all is quiet. I wonder what time it is. I heard them talking earlier. Tea had mentioned that soon the sun would set. I had asked Yugi not to open my box… I hope he hasn't. I fell asleep very quickly.
Carefully I gather myself and push outward in every direction until I find one side of the box that lifts. This must be the lid. Carefully I test it but Yugi's soul remains unchanged. I wonder if he is asleep. Another test and I push it higher, enough to let me see past the horizon.
I see his room darkened and lit only by the city outside. I see Yugi sleeping soundly, curled around my box like he has become my personal nest. I don't know when he moved me but long enough for him to fall back asleep. I am glad he's resting.
Gently I let out a thin tendril to gently brush a stray lock of his golden hair from his rosey cheeks. He doesn't stir thankfully and I feel a sigh of relief -or what feels like a sigh in this form.
I hear something soft somewhere else in the house. It sounds like music and talking. It doesn't sound threatening but I am curious. Either his neighbours are loudly watching their TV or someone else is occupying his space.
I could wake Yugi but I'd rather let him rest.
As carefully as I can I lift my lid completely and gently let it rest against the backside of my box. Then I spill out of it like a waterfall and float along the bed to the floor. I am not as fast as I'd like to be and so much movement has me feeling rather sluggish. It is nice to stretch but I am hoping whatever the noise is there is no need for concern so I can return to his side.
I glide along the floorboards down the dark hallway. There is a dim blue light in the living room. It's clear to me now it is the TV with the volume turned down. I see deeply through the walls, safely tucked away in the darkness and I see an impossibly bright light. It is brighter than a humans but the soul is calm… the only angel I know beside Yugi is Tea. She was here earlier so I suppose it must be her.
I peek around the corner and hide under the couch. It is a strange experience to willingingly get close to the bright star that is an angel. Under any other circumstance, just a month ago, I would have fled across the world in a second.
The TV program is showing something I've never seen before. There are a bunch of people, friends, talking in some American apartment. They'll say something and then laughter will sound from somewhere unseen. Then another joke and more laughter. It seems to be a comedy show but I do not understand. The jokes are not funny and where is the laughter coming from.
Tea doesn't move. She is calm and not laughing. I don't believe she is asleep though…
…I'm bored. So I let a sliver travel back to Yugi's room to quietly gather the notebook I left him. I quietly bring it back and burn upon a fresh page "What is this?". Then I push out the book with enough force to get her attention.
She startles but a second lager moves to pick up the book. I hear her chuckle sweetly before she gently places the book back down on the floor for me to take.
"This is an American show called Friends. A guilty pleasure of mine." She speaks softly, careful not to wake Yugi I suppose.
Friends… I suppose that's a fitting title. A guilty pleasure huh? So she likes this kind of show. I suppose she has a sense of humour but I do not understand the jokes. Perhaps I need to watch more to understand their weight.
"How are you feeling?" She asks quietly.
I feel my shadow deepen with what might have been a blush of embarrassment. I am ashamed to admit how weak I am, but it is no secret I suppose.
Again I burn my answer upon the page: I am tired but feeling better than before.
"That is good. I'm assuming you cannot constitute a form yet?"
…"No…" I push the notebook back out slowly.
I haven't tried but I am aware how little energy I have.
"I see." She says stiffly.
Normally I feel I would mind. She is the one who hurt me in the first place. I do not blame her for wanting to protect Yugi and not being able to discern between Amar and myself - but it is thanks to her I am stuck like this for a while. Thankfully the pain has greatly diminished.
"For what it is worth… I am sorry." She says quietly.
I have no response for her. I hear what sounds like sincerity, but it is strange to hear from an angel.
Then again, every word from her mouth is a word I never thought I would hear. I always planned on avoiding angels. I never intended to spend unnecessary and excessive time with one.
But I am curious. So I pull back the notebook and burn upon the page: why did you save me?
She swoops it up and for a while she is silent. Then she sets it down gently for me to take. I hear her sigh, the couch shifts with her movements and then she finally speaks.
"Yugi."
Of course. She cares so much for him. She hates me and if it weren't for him I would be dead right now. She wouldn't have hesitated. She wouldn't have even used such a weak blast of her energy. She would have vaporised us both and saved Yugi herself.
But he cares for me and it is his love that stayed her hand.
"I am a cupid." She continues. "While I despise your kind, it would feel wrong of me to deny the feelings of love and devotion the two of you share for one another."
That is a good answer. It would go against her nature. Just like mine to deny myself the lust I desire and crave. Even she is a slave her nature. This time, it is because of what she is that I am alive now.
"May I ask you a question?" She asks softly. I respond with a simple yes on the paper and wait curiously.
"It is extremely rare for a demon and an angel to fall in love, but in most cases it is circumstantial or past lives that draw them together. What compelled you to fall for Yugi? The love you feel for him is not out of your desire for lust, that much I am almost certain."
That is a good question. One I did not expect her to take an interest in. Again, under normal circumstances I would think this not her business, but as she did save our lives and she is being considerably tolerable… it is only fair I answer her.
On paper though… "It is difficult on paper to explain, but he piqued my curiosity. I am yet to understand why I am drawn to him, but his light and love are unlike anything I've experienced. He makes me feel human again and truly loved like I have never been before."
That will do. I push out the book and wait. In the meantime I find it comfortable under this couch. It is dark, spacious and I feel sleep around the corner. I wonder if it would be safe enough to sleep here or if I should go back to my box. At least my box is nestled with Yugi. I miss him so…
"Perhaps I was wrong about you, Atem." She speaks softly and with a hint of remorse that captures my attention. "There may be more to you than I first thought."
There is. "I am unsurprised. Angels are quick to judge." I push out my book again… but then quickly withdraw it to add "I mean this in jest."
She laughs softly and kicks the book back under the couch.
"You should rest. Demons are such fragile creatures." She laughs lightly.
I shoot out a "I will but not because you told me to" before I slide out from the couch and glide back to the bedroom.
Yugi hasn't moved at all since I left. He sleeps with my box empty in the nest of his arms. I am tempted to rub myself against him, to stir him from his slumber just to hear his voice, to maybe share a word or 3 of affirmation before I fall asleep. I desire so much to cuddle him and hold him and take in his scent. To feel his touch… to hear his soft begging moans and those sinful sounds of desire…
By all that is unholy I am hungry… but I cannot please him like this. I could actually but…. I do not want him to see … this.
Like this… in this gaseous, shadowy form of black mist… what am I? How could he possibly desire this? I am less than nothing like this. Undeserving and pointless. With no body to speak of… how could he want me like this?
Hurt by my own words I curl inside my box and pull my lid closed. I am safe and unseen here in the darkness and like this I can wait until I am strong enough to be worthy of him.
Yugi
Ryou grins at me, his lips curling from ear to ear and his large black eyes are sparkling and leaking like rivers of oil down his cheeks. He laughs as his nails dig into my throat. Somewhere I hear him screaming in the back of my mind, begging for help and in terrible pain. I try to pry off his hand and reach for him but his grasp is so tight I can't breathe. My head is on fire… I need help.
I think of Atem and I wish he was here to save us. To save him.
He's my best friend. He's my family.
"Ryou!" I scream, shooting up immediately and choking on the air that assaults my lungs. Something is thrown from my bed and it makes me jump when it lands on the floor.
I'm breathing quickly, panting and holding the blanket up to my chin.
Then it occurs to me. That was a dream… which means that noise was Atem's box!
Hurriedly I climb over to the edge. His box is upside down, the lid half way off and under it to give it some lift. I see nothing under it and honestly I don't know if thats good or not.
"Atem, are you okay? I'm so sorry!" I say quickly. I reach to touch the box, perhaps to pick it up carefully but it moves from me. It slides out of reach, dragging the lid along with it. It's like… possessed. He's like a poltergeist like this. "Atem?"
I am okay, what happened? Are you okay?
I sigh heavily and lay down, letting my chin and arms hang off the edge in relief. "I'm okay. It was a nightmare… but it's over now."
Slowly the box slides back to me and bumps into the nightstand. It shakes a little, like he had shaken his head. It's… actually really cute. "Do you need some help resetting your box?" I ask, stifling my laughter.
No.
He sounds like he's pouting. I guess being inside a box isn't very dignifying.
"How are you feeling?" I ask him gently.
Better…
Briefly I see something black race under my bed. It was so fast I could have blinked and missed it. I'm tempted to lean over and peek. If I'm lucky I might catch a glimpse of him.
But my decision is made for me when I feel something behind me pull me back all of a sudden. I almost yelp but something covers my mouth and something black blinds me.
I'm scared. So fucking scared! What if I didn't wake up and this is a dream? What if that demon came back and mocked his voice to get behind me? What if …
I am hungry though, my light…
His voice is in my mind, singing like a whisper by my ear. I feel something brush along my neck and soon something else is trying to crawl inside my clothes. It licks at my stomach, up my leg, along my ribs …
It tickles and feels so weird. I still don't know what's happening though. Is this Atem or not?
My mouth is freed but I still can't see anything. If it is Atem… then okay but …
"R-Red…" I whimper softly, my lips trembling.
Immediately every contact with whatever had me is gone. My eyes blink rapidly and I quickly curl my legs to my chest, looking around wildly. My room is bright with the morning light peeking through the cracks of my blinds and I am very much alone. Everything looks to be in order. Still and safe. The only thing not still is my hammering heartbeat.
Are you okay? I am sorry.
I hear his voice softly enter my mind and I breathe out slowly. Tears wet my eyes and I feel so bad. I overreacted over nothing. Of course it's him. Any other demon would struggle to enter my mind, wouldn't they?
"I miss you. I'm so sorry, I -"
Do not apologise for a line crossed. You just came out of a nightmare, I should not have overstepped like that.
I sniff. My heart clenches a little because I know he's right but still.
"It's just… I didn't know… I didn't know if it was you or … her."
I feel the silence between us is heavy and thick. I don't want him to feel bad but I just …
I'm sorry…
"No you don't have to be -"
I do. Yugi… what happened to you… it was my fault."
"It's my understanding you saved my life. I'm not blaming you for what happened. She attacked us. You didn't ask for this." I say quietly.
More silence follows and I hate it. I really want to feel him again. I feel terrible for making him back off. I open my mouth to speak up but I feel his presence enter my mind again.
I am sorry. I think I need to rest some more.
Oh no. "Atem, we should talk about this."
I am tired; and I must think…
Brood he means. Damn it. Way to go, Yugi. I sigh to myself in frustration and desperately try to think of a way out of this. If I can convince him not to ignore me so we can settle this before it becomes a thing…
You have a visitor… I shall return home for now.
Wait what?
"No please don't go."
Tea is here. You are safe with her.
"I don't care, please don't leave me."
I am only going home to rest. I shall return later…
I look up at the window and my heart quickens. "But the sunlight…"
There are paths I can safely take. I will be safe. I promise.
"But…"
My light. I love you - but I have much to think on and you are needed. Ryou is anxious to see you.
Ryou… damn it. Now? I mean… "Atem…" I say sadly. I feel something brush lightly through my hair but by the time I turn around I don't see anything but my wall. He's so fast. Damn it.
I hear voices softly through my house. Tea's and Ryou's… damn it. I really screwed up this time.
I hear Tea say she'll come get me. I guess I'll have to deal with this later. For now I have another problem to contend with.
Ryou took everything Tea and I said remarkably well. I mean he didn't say anything at all but he's not pacing or yelling or freaking out like I did. He is unnaturally quiet but he's nodding at least when we ask if he's okay.
Unfortunately there is much we don't know that we think only Atem can tell us. But he fled as soon as he could earlier. Tea was surprised when he left but I haven't got an idea what to tell her. He tried to seduce me and I got scared won't make her like him any more than she does. I'd ask Ryou about it but he has more important things on his mind right now than my love life.
"Okay." He says finally after what feels like forever. Both Tea and I lean forward in our seats, eager for what he has to say. "So… angels… god and all that, they're real?"
I look at Tea who simply shrugs. "Yes."
"So, is it Christianity or Catholicism…?"
"Both, all of it? Religion is vague. There is the creator and they appear to many different people of many different cultures in many different ways. In a way, it is all real. There is no right or wrong choice." Tea explains.
Ryou nods slowly but he looks pale. More pale than usual anyway.
"And you're both… angels…?"
"Well…" I say slowly.
"Yes." Tea responds easily. "Yugi however only found out recently."
"How did you not know again?" Ryou asks me pointedly.
"Tea put some kind of spell thing on me she and Atem call a mark and it supposedly keeps at bay anything about me that makes me an angel." I answer simply.
"So your like… sort of an angel?" Ryou asks slowly.
"Yep."
"Not exactly but sure, if that helps. His mark will fade and since the attack has weakened… when it does we should be ready."
"You fill me with confidence." I say happily to her and she smiles, though she completely missed my sarcasm.
"And Atem… he's a demon?"
"Yes."
"An Incubus." I clarify.
"Isn't that like a succubus but male?" Ryou asks and I nod.
"Right… that makes sense."
"Hm?" I'm curious what he means by that.
"Well I mean, and don't take this the wrong way Yugi, but he's hot as fuck."
I take pride in that but I won't deny the twinge of jealousy that lines my smile. I've never been the possessive type - but of Atem… he's mine.
"Okay." He slaps his cheeks and peers forward to iron out more thoughts. "So you are both Cupids? A angel of love right?"
"Yes." We say together and he nods.
"And it was because of you that Marik and I found one another." He asks me directly and this time I nod, but shyly. I always knew that I had been the bridge between many lovers but this time at least now I can say for sure it was me. However accidentally.
"Then… is it real? What I have with him?"
He asks us this and it makes me feel cold. Almost afraid. I hadn't considered that. At all. If I bring people together then, would they have found it on their own or does my presence meddle with things that shouldn't be meddled with?
"Yes. What you have with Marik is real." Tea answers kindly and wisely, with an air of complete confidence about her. Even I am greatly interested in this. "Many view love as eternal and all powerful, singular in many respects and often final. But what many do not understand is that there is room for so much of it. The love you have for Marik you may have found on your own without Yugi's help, or you may not have and instead found love with someone else. Say you did, it does not mean that you and Marik could never be happy together and would never be happy together were the time right or had the wind blew in a particular direction. All Yugi did was point you both in the same direction. The rest was you and him. That is what we cupids do. We don't dictate who falls in love with who and we cannot force it upon souls who are not compatible. We simply guide the right pieces together like a magnet and offer the opportunity for love to bloom. The love you have with Marik is real, you needn't worry about that."
That was… really well said. It makes me feel loads better. I've lost track of how many people I've helped and that one question was enough to shake my entire perspective. But hearing that, that means everyone I have helped is happy as they are meant to be, and perhaps that means also I haven't trapped Atem against his will.
"Good. That's good." He laughs weakly but there is much on his mind. "So… you two don't know the demon who possessed me?"
The change in topic has us both shifting uncomfortably. I still clearly remember the way that bitch changed his eyes and manipulated his voice. I still remember her hand on my throat and the pain that erupted from my chest just a few feet over there.
"Her name was Amar." Ryou continues when we do not answer him and the name… that name sends a shiver right through my spine.
I know that name.
It is all my fault…Atem had said that earlier. Amar … wasn't she his former mistress? But how did …?
"Yugi?" Tea asks me softly. I zoned out and I realise now I'm gripping the couch so tightly my knuckles have turned white. I flex my fingers and rub my hands and focus on trying to breathe calmly.
"Sorry continue." I say stiffly.
"Do you know this woman?" Tea asks me.
I look between them and they're both staring me down. I feel like I'm in trouble with how icey and concerned they are all of a sudden. I can't be certain of anything yet. I really don't want Tea tracking Atem down after hearing his semi-ex girlfriend is now a demon.
"No. I've never met her." I say truthfully. It is true. I have never known this woman before now.
"She knew Atem." Ryou continues slowly and I close my eyes, my heart sinks with disappointment. I wish he hadn't said that.
"I got that impression." Tea muses thoughtfully to my surprise.
"I don't know their relationship, but she was ravenous for him." Ryou says.
"Ravenous?" I ask sharply. What does he mean by that?
"Yeah like… she wanted him. Not so much in a sexual way, don't worry. I think she wants him to join her. Or scream her name if he refuses."
"That sounds accurate." Tea says quietly.
"What do you know about her?" I ask her curiously.
"She's a Daeva. It is a type of demon that thrives on chaos and all things evil. A Daeva is an extremely volatile and vicious demon that sews chaos and disorder wherever they go. They love to torment their victims and torture them. They are crazed creatures said to love only the screams and bloodshed of the innocent. But they are still demons which means she can still fixate on a target. If she has ties with Atem and came all this way searching for him, then I would say with certainty then he is her fixation. Whether she desires to torture him or to mate with him I don't know."
"She is not mating with him." I say very sternly. I feel angry she would even suggest such a thing, like he would ever look at her as a possibility or like she would stand a chance.
"I am not saying she will but that is what she could want." Tea says clearly.
I take a single breath in through my nose and force myself to stare at the ground. I need to calm down. Again I have never been this possessive but if this sociopathic lunatic thinks she is going to sink her fucking fangs into my boyfriend then she doesn't know what she's messing with.
"I don't remember a lot of when she had control of me… I just know I came here, I saw Yugi afraid, I heard him scream and then something large and black tore me away from him." Ryou says, his voice wavering a little and it's enough to soothe the anger within. He needs me now to support and comfort him. But also, he saw Atem. His soul. His truest form.
"That was Atem." Tea states calmly. "He stopped her before she could kill Yugi and defended him from her assault."
"Where is he now?" Ryou asks us and Tea looks at me expectedly.
I have to sigh tiredly. I wish he was here. "He said he was going home. To rest."
"Is everything okay?" Tea asks me carefully.
"Mmm… I hope so. I'm worried. There was a moment this morning. I woke up from a nightmare, something happened and then he felt really guilty for what happened. He said it was his fault and he needed to think."
"Sounds like he's brooding." Ryou says boredly. I appreciate his tone. I agree with him and honestly this isn't the first time he's brooded like this. The first time he took a month, the second a week. This time he has the excuse of actually being injured but I just wish he'd rely on me more and talk to me about things rather than take it all on himself first.
"I do not have much experience with Unsents - but what I understand is that those with their memories of their past lives tend to succumb to mental illnesses more akin to what humans feel than other demons. Depression is common. They struggle with the reality of what they have become. Does this sound like Atem?" Tea asks me and honestly, yes. It does.
"He told me about his passed. That alone is enough to make anyone feel more sensitive than others. I'm sure there's a myriad of things wrong he's never received the help for." I admit and she nods.
"I sensed there was more to him than I first gave him credit for. It does not excuse what he is now, but his actions now make a lot more sense."
"What do you think I should do?" I ask her and she gives me this look that asks if I'm serious.
"Support him, be patient with him, offer your help as if he were any other human. There is no cure for what ails him but with the support of those he loves, you can at least help ease the pain."
I see… I was hoping for a more direct answer but yeah. Okay.
"So what now?" Ryou asks us both. I'm confused. Tea looks confused. He looks expected and surprised. "I mean, Amar is still out there isn't she? She's some kind of Daeva then I wouldn't think she'd just give up on Atem."
"There is little we can do short of make sure we are prepared. I can kill the bitch the next time I see her if Atem does not get in my way again." Tea says confidently.
"I'd like to know more about her. I want to know if he knew she is a demon now." I say quietly. He told me he fled hell and he's been on the run ever since. He did this two years ago and she's been looking for him for two years… I want to know if she is what he's been flying from.
"I think there is much he left out of his story." Tea muses.
"Maybe. He told me everything that happened before he became a demon, and only briefly what happened immediately after his rebirth - but the remaining 5000 years - well that's a lot of history to cover." I admit. I hardly blame him for not wanting to tell me everything that happened before he regained his memories. He told me he was a monster; while that could be up for interpretation given his surprising low self esteem, he might not be exaggerating for all I know.
"Then… how can I make sure Marik and I are safe? I don't want to be possessed again." Ryou asks.
"I can mark your souls. It will hurt but it will protect you from a foreign entity entering your body." Tea suggests.
"Wait does Marik know?" I ask quickly.
"No… I didn't tell him. Honestly I didn't know what to believe. That's why I came over as soon as I could." Ryou shrugs innocently, his lip forming a sweet line.
"Are you going to?" I ask him. He opens his mouth to answer but Tea interrupts him.
"I don't think you should. The less people know the better. That said, I can do this without him knowing."
"I don't want to lie to him. With your permission, I'd like to tell him personally." Ryou says clearly. I'm fine with it honestly. I trust Ryou completely and I know Marik. He's responsible and careful when he needs to be. I trust him to keep this between them. Tea looks less sure but she doesn't really know him.
"I think Marik is trustworthy. Our secrets are safe with them." I assure her and she smiles sweetly at me.
"Why don't I see for myself. If I agree then I will allow it." She says with that we each nod in agreement.
"In that case, can we go do that now?" Ryou asks. Tea looks at me but I simply shrug.
"That works out for me. There's something I'd like to check out." I say and curiously they peer at me. I feel in the spotlight and it makes me a little nervous. But I supposed I asked for this. "I want to go find Dionysus. Maybe someone there will know where Atem lives. I know I should give him space to brood if he needs it, but I don't think I had much of a chance to be supportive before, and I feel like I should try to clear up this misunderstanding before it becomes a problem. If I can, I'd like to at least know where he lives."
"Look for the Oasis Tea House. There's a man named Shadi. He knows Atem well." Tea says kindly.
"Shadi." I repeat with a firm nod. "Will do, thank you."
With that I see them both out of the house and decide before I leave I probably shouldn't go out in my dressing gown. Dressing a little more conspicuously would be good though. The King of Games has been missing for a few days now. According to Ryou he was spotted in Paris just a few hours after being spotted in Domino amusement park and now everyone is questioning whether I have a doppelganger. I think avoiding any kind of weird publicity will be good for a little while. I'll need to face enough questions with ignorance at work later this week, so let's not invite any now.
