Spoiler Alert!

It goes without saying that I don't own rights to either YuGiOh! or the animated series "Gargoyles".

. . . .

FORECAST HAS SOME FLUFF AHEAD!

Under 18 and hard shippers, here is your warning!

*Suntory is seen fanning herself with several folding fans, cheeks burning brightly*


Halloween 2021 FanFic Yu-Gi-Oh! X Gargoyles

When a Gargoyle Falls

Chapter 11:

Monochrome No Kiss

"Upon the midnight wind there is a chill…the stars above twinkle from a bed of black velvet as they glide upon twilight wings…"

Someone was singing…but who was it?… He didn't recognize the song nor the tune…yet it was enchanting and filling his ears with gently sung notes that filled his mind with aurora lights he had once seen within the sky. They were beautiful, ranging in hues from calming blues and shifting purples to vivid greens and golden yellows.

"…Although I'd like to join the clan… try as I may, it may not last…this friendship that we have…"

Wait, he knew this voice! A figure appeared within the dancing lights, her cerulean eyes full of life as they met his gaze. It was Anzu!

"…their claws and wings mean naught to me…loyalty and trust they deem higher in value than gold…" Her hand extended towards him but she always remained just out of his reach despite his best efforts.

He had to reach her though! There were tears in her eyes despite the smile raising her lips. She was possibly waiting for him, the scents of desperation and sadness wafting off of her in waves as he reached for her.

Sweet apricots flooded his nose as he stumbled, finished from his stretch, the chains once unbearably tight now slack enough to fall and pool around his feet as he expanded his wings. He instantly found her within the shadows of the wall, his arms collecting her within a tight embrace while lifting her from the cold mud as his name left her lips. There were faint trails of salty tears that caused his chest to clench. "Forgive me, Anzu, I gave you my word to never disappear from your side," he whispered as she clung to him, her arms returning his tight embrace as she curled into the heat he was giving off. "You must have been so worried." The brunette woman could only nod and cling to him harder. A new scent wafted his nose, two in fact, but one of them made his blood boil.

"Anzu?"

"Hey, Anzu!"

"Where'd she go?!"

Silence fell for a moment, probably them following her scent, and then there was the chorus of both their names as their outlines appeared above, Yugi's voice rising above theirs. "They're down there!"

He answered the calls of their names from above with a roar, taking care to cover her ears so as to save them unlike the last time he had done so, shielding them with his wings as the bars high above their heads was shattered then rained down upon them like rain. Somehow she and his clan members had found him but she alone had somehow managed to free him from the chains linking him to the wall. The last remaining bolt was spotted tucked in a hole that she must have dug to better access it, and with a flick of his tail the weak piece of metal fell away with the chain that was responsible for confining his lower half. "Your wings will only hinder you so remain up there until I climb up." Her arms wound tightly around his neck without being told to, her legs carefully wrapping around his waist so as to not hinder his motions as his claws buried themselves within the brick. "You did well," he praised softly as the four gargoyles called down that they hoped he was alright, his motions slowing almost to a crawl when the only answer he received was silence. "Anzu?"

Her being trembled against him as a breeze swept over them. She was covered in thick mud from head to toe and every few seconds her teeth would chatter. Atem hurried to use one of his arms to keep her close when her own suddenly fell away from around his neck. He took a chance, kicking off the wall with his hind legs, and extended the other arm just enough that the group of gargoyles anxiously managed to grab a hold of it.

They hauled him over the cistern's edge to fall into a heap on the ground below. Their exclamations of how relieved they were to see him in one pieced died down as they took note of his silence and spotted the unconscious girl in his arms. Yugi quickly moved into action, instructing that Joey and Honda each take hold of their leader while moving to collect Anzu when all were surprised by the warning growl from the violet gargoyle. All backed off as his wings unfurled and quickly followed as their leader took to the sky once collecting the fallen bag and left behind items.

Within Atem was hidden fury that he sped through the darkening sky, the wind practically whistling past due to his speed as the palace's sandstone walls came into view as he rose above the barrier of clouds. Now he was certain that it had been her who was singing; whether she was aware that with the coming dusk would allow them to slowly gain consciousness enough to gain awareness before shattering from their stony prisons or not, hearing her song had revealed many things to him. He didn't even brace for the landing as they reached the courtyard and hit the ground running. "Valentine!" He roared, the ground beneath his feet quaking. "I know that you are here! Show yourself to me now!"

The bathing room came into view, causing him to skid to a halt when no answer came. If the female gargoyle was not here to answer his summons then who could he trust with Anzu? If she was left to her own devices, her condition could worsen without them knowing. His hand rose to rest upon her slick forehead to find it burning; a fever. How long had she been out there trying to free him from the chains? He shook away the question. That wasn't important right now!

"Well, look who comes crawling back."

He whipped around, amethyst meeting mauve. "Valentine, I require your assistance."

The rose hued gargoyle was taken aback when their gazes met. There was deep rooted desperation and hesitation within his normally stoic gaze that to see such emotion within their shifting depths was truly a sight to behold. "My mate," she whispered, approaching and extending a hand as if to comfort him, "what has happened that's made you like this?"

His upper lip rose in a silent snarl at the title she used but that would have to wait. "Please, Valentine, I cannot do it myself. She needs to be bathed within Osiris's tears."

"You cannot be serious!" She lashed out with a spin, her tail leaving a gash upon his bicep that had been quick to shield the young woman he held. "The Spring of Osiris's Tears is sacred, forbidden to all except for the high priestess of the court! You know this yet you have the audacity to demand my assistance for the lowly human wench?!" Valentine turned away with a growl. "Do it yourself. I will not help you save her meaningless life."

He would if he could but Anzu was human. Their customs were much different than those of their clan. If she were to gain consciousness while he was the one bathing or treating her, who knows what her reaction would be. Atem highly doubted she would be open to the idea. There was no telling what might happen if he were to be the one… Of course he would never hurt her but the more they spent time together the more his emotions were beginning to get the best of him. She was now a dear friend, someone he cherished very much, and he would be respectful to her even if it meant that he himself could not be the one to always be there to aid her. "As your clan alpha, no, as your friend, I beg for your help."

Her world was shook at the quiver in his voice and turned in time to see his proud head bow lowly. The roar of fury that erupted from between her lips was enough to make anyone flinch, including the group who had finally managed to catch up, but all lingered a safe distance away as she lashed out to rake her claws against the surrounding walls. "You are leader! Do not bow your head to anyone, especially to the mate you have rejected! Have you no pride as a gargoyle or has this pathetic human clipped your wings?!"

"Mind your words, female!" Solomon hissed, heather eyes flashing ruby as the younger gargoyles held him back from intervening. "He is your superior and as such you cannot refuse!"

"Quiet, old warrior, you have no right to enter this conversation!" Mauve was overruled by fuchsia as she turned back to face Atem. "Raise your head this instant or I shall challenge your placement as our leader!" All fight left her as he remained unmoved. He was serious enough about her helping the human female that he would risk his standing as clan leader? Her heavy sigh filled the air as she held out her hand. "Give her here but the most I will do is undress and place her within the spring."

His head snapped upward at her soft tone and found sincerity within her now calm eyes. "She is very weak-"

"Your worries are noted," she huffed, snatching the unconscious girl from him and walking past him to disappear into the bath. "If she drowns though it's not my fault."

Yugi and the other gargoyles hurried to stop Atem from going after the pair, all freezing when the sound of ripping cloth could be heard.

. . . .

Yugi sat across from the violet gargoyle, watching the clan leader with interest as he meditated. There had been a few times that the young male had encountered this and had been allowed to watch the seemingly stoic leader's defenses fall to reveal the secrets that lay underneath. He had questions, several in fact, but they would have to wait. The silence that hung in the air was heavy with tension as they waited.

The other gargoyles had insisted on waiting alongside with them but at Atem's coaxing they departed to replenish their strength and fill their stomachs. Though he had been captured and held within that strange well, he knew his clan members enough that it was no doubt that none had eaten a single thing. What touched him was that they not only brought some for himself and Yugi but also for Anzu whenever she returned. Both gargoyles barely touched their own food though, especially after the sounds of splashing reached their ears.

Apricots was filling the air as did the steam, rolling across the sandstone in wispy clouds as they drifted towards the nearby window that led outside. The expression upon the violet leader's face grew more relaxed the more her scent surrounded him. Lilac eyes widened then fell to the floor when he saw the change come over Atem. Solomon had said something about the pair developing a bond that none had seen before, even the humans they one called friends had never interacted like this with each other, what they had was truly special. Amethyst opened as the scent of the vapor changed, apricot becoming overruled by roses as faint footfalls sounded. He rose to stand as a shadow appeared within the doorway, his tail sweeping across the floor the only sign of his anxiety as they came closer.

"Here is your precious human." The rose hued gargoyle finally appeared from the steams of the bath, the still unconscious brunette within her arms. It appeared that she had used one of the sea foam colored curtains to wrap Anzu within once Valentine had deemed she'd been in the water for long enough. She scowled when the young woman's hand that was upon her shoulder gave a weak squeeze, as if thanking her, while carefully placing the bandage free woman within Atem's waiting arms. "I never realized just how fragile they really were until I saw for myself the scars covering her being…." The pair were taken aback to the soft tone that her sentence had ended upon, her hand lingering for a moment upon the brunette's head before it retracted. "I will not assist again, clan leader, next time you will have to do it yourself." And she was gone with a flick of her tail.

Relief flooded him as he found her fever gone, as well as the chill within her once pale skin that now radiated with subtle heat, his nose brushing against the top of her head to breathe in the sweet scent she gave off. "You will be alright now," he whispered within her ear, "rest and regain your strength."

"You go on ahead and take her back to the room." The lavender gargoyle turned away from the pair. "I'll go check on the others." His retreating footsteps were missed by the clan leader as he too began walking but in a different direction. Yugi cast one last glance over his shoulder in time to witness an expression unlike any he had ever seen upon his stoic leader's face: one of gentleness as his claws carefully combed through her damp chocolate tresses. For his leader's sake, possibly both of theirs, he prayed that this time things would turn out for the better.

. . . .

His footsteps were light with care so as not to awaken the slumbering woman he was carrying, taking extra care when rounding corners so they would not brush against her or cause him to misstep. The lyrics of her song rang loudly in his ears as he walked and the memory of the scent of her tears lingered even now within his nose. He had seen how her fingernails had been cracked, the smooth pads of her fingers that had begun to peel, and blisters that had been forming across her palms; she had been using everything she had to free him from the chains when it was daytime. The Spring of Osiris's Tears was a natural occurring spring that none could explain of find the source of, their only means of explaining the phenomenon was that the goddess's tears were still ever flowing in hopes that her powers could be used to save those who could not be healed by herbs or whose lives were hanging within the balance. Atem had at first though of taking her there when they had discovered Anzu within the destruction of her home but had vetoed the idea for fear of incurring the goddess's wrath. After all, it was a sacred place only allowed to the priestess of the High Council that was chosen by the ancient gods. Call it what you will but he would gladly face their wrath if it meant that the young woman was now capable of healing fully without the lingering drug's influence.

A sneeze wracked her being, causing him to come to a halt in case she woke, and continued onward when she instead snuggled farther into his ruined tunic. The mental note was made to replace it as the room they had given her came into view. "Almost there," he whispered, "and then you can rest comfortably."

Amethyst blinked upon entered the room, finding not only her belongings but also a replacement tunic laid out on the makeshift bed of pillows and the food he had forgotten. Another mental note was made to thank his clan members for their care. The multicolored pillows enclosed around her being as he placed her upon the small mountain, resting a hand on the top of her head as she shifted to find a comfortable position, then turned his attention to the window while removing the upper portion of the ruined tunic from his body.

So lost was the violet gargoyle within the whirlwinds that were his thoughts that he did not hear or notice that she had awoken the second he had moved away and if he had chosen to glance at her from over his shoulder he would have seen cerulean eyes clear from the drowsiness of sleep to widen with awe.

Now she knew she had to be dreaming. There's no way that he was standing in front of the window, tunic in ribbons that slowly fell to the floor around his feet, the moonlight illuminating his form to reveal a lean scar covered upper torso. Overly large muscles were never her cup of tea, neither the overly cushioned or Tim Burton character-like people, just a little muscle here and there without overly defined planes were what she thought were acceptable. The vision before her though made the ideal image she'd been searching for look like a cheap knock off. Within his chest and abdomen were lean muscles that moved fluidly beneath his lightly scared violet hued skin with precision that whispered hidden strength that should not be underestimated or overlooked. This was probably the first time she had beheld his appearance in full and she had to remind herself to breathe.

If his legs were straightened, she was sure he would be taller than herself but not overly so that it was off putting. Now that she had a clear view of his profile Anzu couldn't help but notice the combination that made his appearance; long slender tail, paw-like feet with two inch claws that peeked out, reminding her of a Pharaoh Hound's, human-like facial features and hands despite the addition of claws on the ends of his fingers or the twin bumps upon his head that probably could pass for horns or pointy ears if they weren't visible from his hair that stood upright, the wings upon his back had appeared bat-like but now she could see they looked more like the fabled dragons she had read about but a bit on the smaller side so as to not throw off the proportions he had, wide set shoulders, arms decorated within golden bands that accentuated his coloring and golden bangs that framed his face.

He was… She struggled to find a word that did him justice as she sat upright, her wide eyes never wavering from his form as her feet met the floor and rose to stand. What word could possibly come close to describe the amazing being before her?

Amethyst met cerulean as his thoughts were interrupted by the sound of cushioned footfalls that had come to a stop just short of reaching him and had turned when he caught sight of her shadow stretched across the floor behind his own. Her name that he was about to call was forgotten as the moonlight coming in through the window illuminated her fair skin through the thin chiffon curtain. The color, like sea foam upon the sand, suited her so well that he was rendered speechless. Each of the scabs he had seen was healed over by fresh skin, there was no sign of the blue bruises that had been scattered across her being, a healthy pink hue within her cheeks. A breeze swept though, causing the hanging curtains and that which was wrapped around her to flutter, showing paler skin upon her upper thighs as well as the upper portion to fall just slightly enough that the beginning of cream colored mounds could be seen. Was she a goddess, a divine entity, standing before him?

He was…

She was…

"Beautiful."

Both blinked as the same word left their lips in unison. A sheepish smile raised her lips, shifting the curtain wrapped around her being higher in hopes to hide the embarrassed blush staining her cheeks, but allowed it to fall back to its original place when his hands coaxed her out of hiding to instead allow him to fondly nuzzle her temple. Momentary boldness filled her as his hands made to withdraw and before she could stop herself her lips had pressed themselves against the palm of his left hand.

In Egypt, it was a sign of respect to have the left foot facing forward while in other cultures it was deemed proper to place a chaste kiss upon the hand of monarchy. Though the story Solomon had told her revealed that Atem had not been one but being clan leader of the gargoyles was close enough, right? What she had not expected was the sudden flood of heat that seeped into every inch of her body as the owner of the hand trembled, the sound she had thought was purring coming from deep within his throat.

From within the folds of the cloth surrounding her appeared hands, once securing the fabric with a tight knot so it wouldn't fall, that hesitated for just a moment as it reached for his throat where the shackle that had been confining him was still hanging, gently removing the metal. A gasp slipped from between her lips when she found the skin beneath to be tinted red with agitation. It would surely become a scar, just like those upon his wrists and ankles.

The blood within his veins roared to life as she rose up on her tiptoes, sugary sweet apricots filling his nose as cerulean drifted closed and feather soft lips met the sensitive skin of his neck that had been confined by the metal. His arms had wrapped around her without his command, preventing her from moving away as the sound that had started within his throat spread throughout his entire being until she could feel it. Deep within the confines of his chest hammered the heart that was aching with unknown and unfamiliar longing. What was this that was filling him with warmth, with the need for her to stay near, to hold her as close as possible and never let go? Amethyst blinked as he spotted a faint scar upon her own slender neck that had been the large hole where the needle had buried itself within her flesh. It looked much better but the fact that it was still lingering reminded him of the fact someone else had dared to lay their hands upon her.

The fine hairs across her body stood upright at attention as something warm and wet trailed across the side of her neck, a wave of bliss and shudder causing her head to fall back as her breath caught, the blush within her cheeks darkening a shade. "A-Atem…"

As if the whisper of his name had opened a door, he found himself leaning against her until they had crossed the room and laid her out across the bed of pillows, careful not to allow his weight to crush her by staying upon his knees and elbows as he repeated the motion. The purr within his throat grew as her gasp against his neck resulted in her lips ghosting against his skin. An inferno blazed to life when her hands met his chest, nimble fingers lightly tracing the planes between his muscles as they rose higher towards his collarbone than suddenly changed course to come to a stop upon the sensitive skin that was just above where his belt was. "Anzu…"

Hearing her name spoken in that deep baritone voice would often leave her in the clouds but now she was certain her spirit was rising out of her body as this time it was said in a tone that made her heart explode like a firecracker. The tremor of his body from the exploration of her fingers was not missed and a soft sound rose from her own throat when his lips met the sensitive skin of her neck. Whatever this was, the burning heat within her stomach, it was slowly consuming her consciousness as warm amber and sandalwood fogged her mind.

Amethyst and cerulean met as he withdrew, their noses brushing as their heated breaths wafted the other's face. She swallowed the lump that formed in her throat as his head tilted to the side…was he about to do what she had yet to give anyone…was he really going to…kiss her?…

"Yo, Anzu!"

"Heard you made a speedy recovery!"

The pair leapt apart by the sudden shouts, Atem's tail lashing out by sheer reflex to slam the door closed while his wings quickly unfurled to shield her from the window, a growl of frustration filling the air as he used a hand to rake through his hair as he caught sight of two shadows moving away from the window. "You both should be patrolling or regaining your strength, not sticking your noses through a window where you know someone is resting!" All of his weight settled upon his legs as he craned his next to better spot those who had interrupted- He froze. What would have happened if they hadn't? He had been so lost within the bliss and haze that his own actions had almost not been entirely his own.

"Aw, come on!"

"We didn't know you two were like that!"

A distant voice called out from somewhere in the night. "What do you two think you're doing up there?! I thought you were supposed to be cleaning the mess you made in the kitchen!"

"…pfft…"

Amethyst drifted down in surprise as suppressed giggles came from the young woman now burying her face within one of the pillows. The situation, though bizarre and dreamlike, had been a moment surely neither would forget. However that did not dismiss the comedy she had found within the interruption. That didn't help him feel any better though. He could have seriously hurt her. "Anzu-"

Her finger rose to place itself against his lips. "Nope. Apology will not be accepted." He was taken aback as she rose up, her arms snaking around his neck as she rose to settle upon her knees. "Atem, I'm so glad you're okay and back with your clan."

The softness of her being caused his own to farther relax into her hold as apricots and something new tickled his nose. What was that? It was much sweeter, lighter, almost… "I am curious," he started once she had released him, sitting back on his hind legs so that there was space between them. "Do you wear any sort of scented oil?"

"Are you talking about lotion or perfume? I used to but not anymore. My body chemistry kept killing the expensive moisturizers and spritzes that I just stopped using them. Plus lots of people had said that after I put some on I smelled horrible." She shrugged, her being flushing as his face invaded her personal space and the tip of his nose brushing against her collarbone. "Honestly I save a bunch of money- W-what are you doing?"

His head suddenly shot upwards, eyes wide and shinning with victory as he finally identified the new hint within her scent. "I see now: apricots and vanilla. Both subtle on their own but when paired together they make an excellent combination." Atem nodded in approval, one of his hands rising to collect a cluster of her chocolate hair. "If you would like my opinion, I prefer this scent over any that could be confined within a bottle."

She blinked for several seconds, the blush returning to her cheeks. "Do I really smell that bad? Cause the others said something about it too!"

"I cannot speak on their behalf," he whispered, leaning forward to brush his lips against her forehead, "but you smell divine to this gargoyle."

Steam erupted from her ears, at least she was sure of it, as he moved away to stick his head out the window when sounds of argument filled the room from the window. Surely she had misheard him? The fabric that had surprisingly stayed around her form was tightened as a chilly breeze swept through, causing her to sneeze. No matter how much she looked though there was no sign of the clothes she had been wearing. A darker blush took root within her fair cheeks when another breeze crept up the folds of the fabric to tickle something that would normally be covered by cloth.

"Be sure to clean every inch of that room. Understood?" He glanced upward when her hand met his arm, finding her attempting to wiggle so that her own head to poke out and shifted so that she too could spot the pair just about to disappear from sight.

"Joey, Honda, wait a second!" They instantly appeared in the air hovering in front of the window, both wearing excited expressions and relief filling their voices as they noted her speedy recovery. Her lips lifted into a warm smile. "Aw, you guys are so sweet for worrying. I just wanted to say thank you for bringing the food!" Atem bit his lip to hide an amused smirk when her tone darkened, the smile raising her lips and tone filling with warning. "But if I ever catch the two of you anywhere near my window again, I'm going to be serving my very own knuckle sandwich to the both of you!"

They too had picked up on her warning and disappeared with quick apologies.

She must have felt his gaze, judging from the sly smirk that raised her own lips as she turned away from the window. "That'll teach them."

"Indeed." He chuckled, moving away from the window when she took interest in the tunic that was supposed to be his replacement. Her fingers brushed against its fabric with profound care and there was a bit of guilt within him about her clothing. Valentine had been none too gentle when removing the last outfit she'd donned but perhaps there was a way they could still remedy it. Just as his lips parted to offer the simple article of clothing, a knock sounded at the door, earning both of their curious expressions as it cracked open and a bundle of cloth was tossed to the floor before it slammed closed once more but not before he spotted a rose hued hand.

Curiosity got the best of her as she crossed the room then kneeling next to the small pile of cloth. Her jaw dropped as she spotted several price tags that were well over what she made in a year alone and glanced up at Atem as he too came to investigate. "My gosh, did someone rob a designer studio? These all cost a fortune individually and I'm easily holding over four-hundred thousand dollars worth, maybe more!"

"Judging from your reaction, that is quite the sum."

"Heck yeah it is!" The shine in her eyes dulled slightly when the scent of roses rose from the clothing. Had Valentine brought these for her? A glance up to find amethyst regarding the closed door with weariness was all that was necessary to answer her unvoiced question. "Was she that one who was with me in the bath?" She leapt to her feet when his gave the slightest of nods and wrenched the door open with such force it nearly smacked the wall. "Valentine, you can't just help someone out twice then just disappear without letting them thank you!" Her shout went unanswered, not surprising in the slightest, but what she didn't know was that the rose hued gargoyle had paused in her trek back to the room where the blind tailor was waiting. Only when he softly called out to her did she withdraw back into the room, the door closing with a soft sound as her back met its wood. She wasn't about to look a gift horse in the mouth since the odds of the female gargoyle paying with the same gold he had would have been more than enough.

He couldn't help but smile at her child-like glee when she hurried back to the clothing. The smile faded though as he recalled the scent that had been upon her. Even now it set him on edge. "Anzu."

"Hm?" Her gaze rose from the piles of clothes with help of his hand gently cupping her chin and raising it.

Hesitancy filled him when she blinked up at him with wide curious eyes. Surely he was wrong? "Never mind. I shall take my leave for now so that you may change into something more acceptable to your tastes." He assured her that he would remain nearby in case she needed anything and slipped out the door after snatching the tunic upon the mass of pillows. Not four paces away from her room did he come across the members of his clan, each wearing tight expressions as his amethyst gaze met each in turn.

Yugi was the first to speak. "We could smell him all over you but it can't be possible."

"I shall tell you all of what I have seen," his baritone voice grew hard, "so long as you all explain how you found me and why she smelled strongly of tears. What has made her weep so much that her very being is stained by them?"


See you next time!