The Dragon's True Nature
Disclaimer:
KT: I still don't own Yu-Gi-Oh, and never will because I am a poor white girl who lives in a cardboard box behind Denny's.
Seto: Heh, I laugh at your lack of finances.
KT: Setooo! You're my muse! I should come live with you!
Seto: No, I think not...
Notes:
Spirit to Spirit speech
thoughts
Chapter 5- Cheer and Fear
Priest wore a rather smug expression on his face as he and the others made their way down the brightly lit corridor. He knew exactly which Persona Youth was taking them to see, and although the said Persona tended to get on Priest's nerves, he had an uncanny ability to drive Anger over the edge. Oh yes, Priest was definitely in a good mood.
Anger, on the other hand, was in the blackest of black moods; he did not enjoy being anywhere near this happy-go-lucky Persona Youth was taking them to. The red clad spirit began tugging on his long robe sleeves, a habit he resorted to when in extreme discomfort. He muttered dark curses under his breath as the torches on the walls became more frequent, bearing cheerful dancing green flames.
Priest heaved an exasperated sigh, Enough with your foul language muttering, Anger. We have no need to hear them and Youth does not need to learn from your example.
Anger shot Priest one of his infamous death glares. I can curse all I want, Priest! He drawled out the last word, his tone shifting to one of utter disrespect.
Priest did not fall for Anger's taunting, he never did for he was too cool tempered and proud. But, Priest was not too proud to play his own version of Anger's little game. His reply came in a voice of mock-dismay, And you were behaving so well, too. Another heavy sigh, Pity, really. You always seem so much more likable when you are not yelling or biting someone's head off. I'm surprised Youth even puts up with your attitude.
Anger opened his mouth to retort but was cut off by Youth's exultant announcement, We're here! He clambered off Melancholy's shoulders and raced up the hall, pushing open two mahogany doors.
Yami turned questioning violet eyes to the nearest Persona, Melancholy, We're where?
Melancholy grinned mischievously, Here.
Priest glanced back at Melancholy, surprise written all over his face, Do you realize you sounded like Youth just now?
A devilish smirk appeared on Melancholy's usually sullen face, Maaaaybe. He snickered to himself, strolling past the Egyptian Persona.
Priest scratched his head, frowning at Melancholy's back, I would bet my life that if I asked him 'why?' he would answer 'Because.' He shook his head in bewilderment, I just don't get it. Whenever any of the other Persona are around Youth they do not act like themselves.
Yami smirked slightly, Perhaps that is Youth's gift?
Priest glanced at Yami, who shrugged and walked through the open doors; Yugi and Shadi right behind him. Priest swiftly followed the trio, not even acknowledging Anger, who leaned against the doorway to the room.
Inside, the chamber was even more brightly illuminated than the well lit corridor. Yugi blinked rapidly, trying to adjust to the intense light. When his vision had cleared, he saw Youth sound asleep, nestled in the arms of a new Persona. This spirit was clad in pale green robes, his major difference from Seto--each Persona has at least one noticeable difference from Seto--was his gentle welcoming smile and bright blue eyes, shining with overwhelming joy. The spirit turned those soft eyes to Yugi, Well, hello there. I'm Cheer. I would shake your hand, but... he directed his gaze to the napping Youth, snuggled securely in his arms, As you can see, I am a bit preoccupied. Cheer chuckled softly, nodding his greeting to Shadi and Yami.
Yugi found this Persona extremely easy to get along with; he got the feeling it was near impossible to bring Cheer's high spirits down. He's the exact opposite of Anger.
Just as Yugi processed that thought, Anger stormed through the doors-- and if looks could kill, Cheer would have been six feet under then and there. For one to say Anger resembled a raging dragon would have been the understatement of the century.
An audible sigh could be heard from Priest, a startled yelped sounded from Melancholy.
Cheer appeared thoroughly surprised to see the wild spirit standing before him, Uh, hello, Anger. Its, uhm, nice to see you. It has been quite a long ti-
Oh quit your pleasant talk, idiot! I'm not here of my own free will! Anger snapped viciously. Cheer looked quite taken aback.
Priest, fearing Anger's yelling would awaken Youth, intervened swiftly. In three long strides he was across the room and standing between the two spirits, facing Anger. His cerulean eyes were cold and hard, his voice low, Enough, Anger. He fixed the fiery spirit with a stern glare, You did come here of your own free will. Unless, his expression shifted to one of dismay, Youth overpowered you and forced you here against your will. Priest raised an eyebrow in inquiry, smiling smugly as Anger shifted his gaze to the floor, shoulders slumped in silent defeat.
Quiet snickering could be heard from the far corner of the room. Priest turned his harsh gaze on Melancholy, seated in said corner, covering his mouth with one hand in an attempt to muffle his laughter.
That is quite enough out of you, Melancholy. Although Priest kept his voice low, the warning was quite vivid in his tone. Melancholy got the hint and instantly shut his mouth.
Yami was quite surprised at Priest's fatherly efficiency. The powerful Egyptian high priest he had known so long ago had despised clingy children and would never have given the time of day to any one of lower rank than himself.
Cheer suddenly piped up in the defense of Anger and Melancholy, Oh, Priest. Don't be so mean!
Priest shot Cheer a warning glare, but said nothing. He deftly lifted Youth from Cheer's arm and walked out of the room without so much as a backward glance.
Melancholy scrambled to his feet with a startled squeak, racing after Priest, Wait for us!
Anger growled quietly and followed demurely. Shadi swiftly tailed the hostile spirit, smirking in amusement. Cheer turned to Yami and Yugi with a shrug, I guess he knows where he's going next. He turned and trotted out of the shadow less room, Yugi and Yami not far behind--both wearing amused grins.
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The darkness, in the farthest corner of the Soul Chambers, had been feeding off of Anger's negative thoughts the entire time. The sinister black aura was nearly at full growth, taking on the wispy outline of a jet black dragon.
Beside it grew another shadow, smaller in size, but not lacking in power.
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Youth stirred in Priest's arms and awoke. The first sight he saw was the soft smile of Priest and the silly grin of Cheer, peering over Priest's shoulder.
Morning, kid! Cheer greeted warmly, Nice nap?
Youth nodded, still too drowsy to speak coherently.
That's good. I'm glad you came and visited me! It certainly made my day! Cheer chattered on, not catching the peeved glare Priest shot him or taking note of just how rude he was being by standing in such close proximity to the purple clad Egyptian--and talking so loudly in poor Priest's ear to boot!
Priest grinned wickedly, stopping abruptly in his tracks. Cheer, reacting slowly, collided with Priest. Youth--although he had been jostled in the collision, he was in no discomfort--giggled at Priest's indignant expression.
Cheer straightened himself up, an apologetic smile on his face, I'm so sorry I didn't know you were going to sto-
Priest held up a hand to halt Cheer's apologies, Enough. You would never have been so unaware if you hadn't been chattering incessantly in my ear. Next time, if you must speak so urgently to Youth, he set said spirit gently down, make sure you are far from me, so I may be at peace. You twitter as constantly as a squirrel or bird, and it tends to drive one insane. He chuckled dryly.
Cheer--upon discovering Priest was being humorous--bowed deeply, Yes, of course. I shall keep silent when in your presence, oh great and powerful Priest! He made quite a show of deep respectful bows and flourishing of hands.
Priest, appearing much like a great king or pharaoh with his head held high, nodded regally to Cheer, See to that, lowly underling. The charade was broken as he laughed loudly, the others joining in quickly. Even Anger had found the act amusing, starting up a round of applause.
Youth, surprisingly, was the first to stop laughing. He turned large blue eyes to a particularly dark corner at the end of the corridor they stood in. He frowned slightly, squinting in an attempt to penetrate the darkness. His expression brightened after a moment, Fear! Come out of there.
A small spirit--he appeared even younger than Youth--stepped out of the shadowy camouflage timidly. He wore pale gray robes too large for his small frame.
The first thing Yugi associated the new Persona with was a tiny quivering mouse, complete with tousled mousy hair and round, bright eyes an unusually dark--almost black--hue.
Fear edged ever so slightly closer to the group, watching Yami, Shadi and Yugi cautiously, H-hi, Youth. How did you know I was there? His voice was quiet, as if he feared he would be struck for talking too loud.
Youth smiled encouragingly at the frightened Persona, I heard you laugh. He followed Fear's worried gaze, Aw, you don't have to be afraid of them, they're here to help.
Fear stared up at the trio of unfamiliar visitors, R-really?
Shadi smiled kindly down at the small spirit, Yes, young one. We are. He bent down beside the shaking Persona.
Fear squeaked in fright, seeking refuge behind Melancholy's blue hued robes.
Shadi stood up straight, turning apologetic eyes to Priest, I am sorry. I did not wish to frighten him.
Priest waved a hand at the apology, It is not your fault. Fear is afraid of everything.
Yeah, even his own shadow. Anger chuckled to himself. He received a rough hand to the back of his head from Melancholy. Ow! What the hell was that for?
Melancholy scowled at the fiery tempered Persona, defiance etching every line of his body, You leave Fear alone. It isn't his fault he is afraid of everything! Stop being a damn bully! He stood defensively in front of Fear.
Yugi stared shock at the unusually protective spirit, normally so quiet and withdrawn.
Anger was equally taken aback; surprised enough to take two hesitant steps away from Melancholy. Hey, calm down, Mel. I was only joking. He glanced at Fear, Sorry, kid. Just messing with ya.
Fear smiled timidly, It's okay. The young Persona stepped out from behind the defensive Melancholy, Uh. I, uh, came here to ask you a question, if that's okay... He trailed off, wringing his long sleeve anxiously.
Melancholy knelt beside Fear, placing a reassuring hand on his small shoulder, Ask away. No need to be afraid of asking us anything.
Well, I wanted to know what was going on with Dragon and Seto. None of the other Persona would tell me. An annoyed frown passed across his round face, quickly replaced by a small grin, But I knew Priest and Melancholy would! That's why I came here.
Priest chuckled, Of course we'll tell you. Although there really isn't much to tell. Dragon has taken full Control in his form, and we are working on returning everything to normal.
Cheer laughed, slapping Priest good-naturedly on the shoulder, You certainly have a way with words, Master Story Teller.
Fear giggled at Priest's exasperated expression. Can I help at all? he inquired tentatively.
Cheer, ever the optimistic, lifted Fear into the air, Of course you can, mighty, brave Fear!
Well, there's an oxymoron and a half... Anger mumbled. Melancholy shot him a look before smiling and laughing.
Youth climbed onto the shoulders of Anger, Fear doing the same with Melancholy. Cheer stood importantly in the front of their group, readying to head off in any appointed direction.
Priest surveyed their once small group with smug satisfaction. Only a few more Persona would be needed, and he knew the perfect ones.
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KT: AIEE! That chapter took seven days to write! Curse you writer's block!
Seto: Thank you writer's block!
KT: Shut up! Writer's block is so damn frustrating...
Seth: Whoa, someone's cranky.
KT: No, just angry, yet happy!
Seto: Which equals crazy.
KT: You're really asking for it today...
Seto: I'll shut up now.
KT: Good boy...I just realized something.
Seto??
Seth??
KT: I probably would have finished this chapter sooner if I hadn't gotten so off track.
Seto: Off track?
Seth: Do you mean all those little drawings on the rough draft?
KT: Yeah. I shouldn't have been drawing, but I am proud of my Seth sketches, they're so cute!
Seth: I am not cute.
KT: My chibi sketches of you are!
Seth: ...
Seto: Heh, heh, heh.
KT: Don't laugh. I drew chibi pics of you too.
Seto: Oy vey...
Seth: None are safe from KT's chibi obsession...
KT: strolls off to find more bishies to draw chibified: Hum de dum.