Author's Note: This is the first fic I ever posted in under my new user name waaaaay back in 2015. The idea has been in my brain since I was 11 years old but I obviously 'adultified' it when I first posted it. Even still, there are things about my OCs personality that remained a little bit too mary-sue, so I am revamping and being cautious of how she comes across.
As always, constructive comments and feedback are appreciated! I'm excited to get this fic under way again, as istg Atem's voice was a part of my sexual awakening ok lmfao.
They stood hand in hand, a promise placed upon their lips as they spoke of their devotion. A moment of hesitance nowhere to be found as each voice rang out, proclaiming their love and ever lasting loyalty to one another. It had taken far too long to get to this point, but they were there all the same. He could hear her voice, see her face, smell the essence of her skin, yet he could not recognize her. The heart knew she was what he wanted, his mind taking no part in the vows that were being spoken.
Then she smiled; not one of kindness or innocence, but a wicked, twisted grin that seemed to command the very essence of darkness. Eyes that had once shone like that of the brightest emerald, had turned crimson and harsh. Like that of a beast, she let out a roar before a cackle, irises now mere slits. A clawed hand reached out, grasping his throat; he called her name and begged for her to release him, but all she did was curse him and tell him of his end.
Another hand lifted, sharp nails glistening, intensifying their terror, before a swipe was made towards his face; a means to an end.
He awoke with a start, breath heavy and skin covered in a light sheet of sweat; it had been a long while since such nightmares had plagued his thoughts - ones that had never been his own. A hand lifted to his head, a low grown leaving his lips. Before he could even question it, an apology was given.
" I'm sorry ," the voice was all too familiar to him and Yugi Moto merely shook his head in response.
"There's nothing to apologize for..." he began before retreating into his own mind, looking into the face of a man who seemed to share it. A moment of silence fell between them before he continued, "Who was she?" Yami merely shrugged, the look he gave showing his own unknowing.
" I don't know, " he admitted with a light shake of his head, " I can always see her face in my dreams as clear as day, but whenever I wake up, all of it is gone, " the frustration became evident on his face, brows now furrowed in deep thought. It was rare for him to have such vivid dreams, especially ones with faces that had features so prominent and obvious, " I can't remember her, but I don't know if I want to, " again his admittance brought his face to turn somewhat cold. Yugi looked at him with a sense of understanding, knowing that his friend was much more reserved than he ever was.
"Well, I suppose we will just have to wait and see. A lot of the time, your dreams turn into some form of reality; though I hope she's not as hostile as you remember her..." the younger one murmured before he climbed out of bed, an attempt to start the day.
With Battle City over, and new information found in regards to his counterpart, Yugi had found it almost difficult to adjust back to life and a normal teenage boy. Though his friendships still remained strong and true, a time of peace was now a rarity for him; he almost didn't know what to do with himself. Still, even though he somewhat resented such a calm and peaceful time, he knew it wouldn't be long until another threat appeared. It was obvious he needed to make the best of the uneventful time he had.
It was thankful, to have been invited out for lunch by the three friends that he trusted more than anyone or anything. A distraction form his own thoughts (as well as those who belonged to another). As much as he cherished Yami and appreciated his help and guidance, there were times when his mind felt overwhelmed by his own thoughts, let alone Yami's as well. Never would he cast aside his friend, but a break from such intensity was needed - he was sure the spirit would agree.
With a quick "farewell" to his grandpa, Yugi began to make his way towards the diner that he was supposed to meet Tristan, Joey and Tea. Without a moment of thought, his mind had retreated back once again to that of his Millennium Puzzle; curiosity had overwhelmed him, "Do you think it's a memory?" he asked suddenly, the look on Yami's face showing a hint of shock towards such abruptness.
" I'm not sure, " he replied, his face returning to that of a softer look, " I should think so; I can recall her features so vividly, as if I had been there once before, " he added, his hand lifting to gently cup his own chin in thought, "But by the end of it all, it doesn't seem like a memory anymore," sharp, violet eyes meet that of the softer ones before he shook his head once again, " I don't wish to talk about this anymore, " his tone was edged, rigged, as if a nerve had been hit. Yugi retreated and nodded, apologizing.
"I'm sorry; I know it must be frustrating to not remember..." already, Yugi could see the look of regret on the Pharaoh's face. A sigh left his lips before a hand reached out to place it on the little one's shoulder.
" It is not your fault; my temper...it's something I've struggled with. I just... " he let out a sharp exhale, " I just wish I knew more about my past; fragments come to me but still nothing near enough for me to see a picture. "
"I understand," Yugi nodded, giving the spirit a genuine smile, "Together, we can figure this out - I promise," the Pharaoh responded with a confident nod.
Not a moment after did a familiar voice call out, Yugi pulling himself from the puzzle and back into reality. Never could the young teen dismiss the sound of Tea's voice, always so vibrant and obnoxious in the best way possible. A smile formed on Yugi's lips, walking up to her as he called out, "Hey Tea!"
"What took you song long, we've been waiting here for fifteen minutes! Are Joey and Tristan with you?" her head glanced over him, as if to find the two much taller men somewhat hidden behind him.
"Uh, no. Who's we ?" he asked, one brow raised in suspicion.
"Oh," Tea let out a soft, almost nervous laugh, "Sorry, my friend from dance class is coming along, is that okay? She's just in the bathroom right now," she admitted, giving Yugi a somewhat pleading look.
"I don't see why not; it's always nice to meet new people," he stated with a nod, his smile returning.
"Yay! I'm so glad you guys are able to meet! Poor girl's just moved here from Egypt and doesn't know anybody; so I figured it would be okay to bring her along," Tea shrugged positively, "The only thing I'm worried about are tweedle dee and tweedle dum scaring her off," this made Yugi let out a soft chuckle.
"Why, is she pretty?" just as he asked that question, an unfamiliar voice entered his ears.
"Sorry, they were out of soap so I had to ask the attendant; it was a huge ordeal," the friendly stranger interrupted, stopping and standing beside Tea. Upon realizing that they were not alone, she looked towards Yugi, realizing just who she was now in the presence of.
"Kyoto, this is my friend-" Tea was cut off by her friend's voice.
"Yugi Moto, how could I not know? It's nice to meet you," a hand outstretched in greeting towards the master duelist. As Yugi shook her hand in return, he said nothing, as in his head a whole other conversation began to take place.
" It's her! " the strong voice seemed desperate and exasperated. The features of her face, soft and elegant, almost youthful though it was obvious she was a bit older than the group. The colour of her hair, silver but almost white and long and seemingly of silk. But it was her eyes that told the story; the thing that gave her away. They were a striking green, like that of an emerald, and soft, just like the woman in his dream; he only just remembered now.
"Yugi!" Tea's voice cut through the shock and the young duelist shook his head, letting out a nervous laugh.
"Uh, it's nice to meet you too!" he finally replied, one hand agreeing to the shake while the other scratched the back of his head in embarrassment. Within himself, he could feel something stir; Yami must have been struggling with his emotions, as such a powerful wave of confusion, frustration and possibly even excitement shrouded his inner thoughts.
"I've heard about your amazing dueling skills," the new acquaintance spoke with a bright, genuine smile, "I'd like to see it in person, someday," she added, getting a response from Yugi in the form of a nervous laugh.
"Well, I don't know if I'm worth watching," he assured her, humbled by her flattery.
"Oh come on, Yugi. Everyone knows your duels are always a pleasure to watch, but let's grab a table before they get packed in there!" Without another word, Tea turned towards the diner, pulling Kyoto and Yugi along with her, "If those knuckle heads are going to be late we shouldn't have to go without eating!"
That aching feeling of familiarity plagued him as Yugi sat across from the mysterious new friend that Tea had invited along. Violet eyes stared blatantly at her features, taking in the colour of her hair, but mostly the pools of mist that seemed to be her eyes. Such a distinct and unusual colour, no one he knew shared such uniqueness. Within him, Yami was pacing, now frustrated by his own forgetfulness and the undeniable knowledge that she was someone of importance to him and his past; his dreams were evidence enough of that.
" Kyoto... " the Pharaoh pondered as he looked through the eyes of Yugi and to the young woman who seemed to be staring right back. Though her look was not that of offense of confusion, but of knowing and confidence - that worried Yami greatly, " Be careful around her, Yugi. There is something she seems to know... " Silently, Yugi agreed.
"So, whereabouts are you from, Kyoto?" Yugi finally asked, Kyoto herself looking quite welcoming to the question.
"I'm American, but I lived almost my whole life in Egypt," she stated, openly and without hesitation. This brought another twinge of worry to both Yugi and the Pharaoh. With the experiences they had been having with people who have any sort of connection to Egypt lately, it was fair for them to both be on their guard. It showed on Yugi's face and in his tone when he questioned her.
"Strange to have a name like Kyoto and yet be from two very different nationalities," it was almost as if he was accusing her of something, which he was. Tea had picked it up quickly and gave Yugi a look of disapproval, the fear of this conversation putting off her new friend something she saw as a very real risk.
"I know," Kyoto replied with a small giggle, "I get that all of the time," she added with a small shrug, "My dad was - well, is - obsessed with Japanese culture and beliefs. He finds them fascinating; so he named me after a Japanese city. It's all very strange, I know. My parents are...eclectic to say the least," her aura was warm and light, her attitude bubbly and almost too sweet. It confused Yugi greatly, as he was hoping she would make herself more obvious of a threat.
Yugi nodded at her, about to ask another question when he was interrupted abruptly.
"Yug! Tea! Don't order without us!" the accent gave it away as both Joey and Tristan took their seats as the table with them.
"You're lucky we haven't, considering how long you guys made us wait!" Tea scolded before both of the boys stopped and stared at the newcomer. It took a moment before Joey leaned in to whisper in Yugi's ear.
"Hey, who's the dame?" Yugi's brows furrowed slightly, about to respond before Tea answered for him.
"Guys, this is Kyoto. A friend from dance class," Kyoto waved in greeting, flashing them another genuine, warm smile; a smile that Yami was beginning to remember more and more.
Joey let out a nervous laugh and scratched the back of his head in embarrassment, "Oh, uh. Hey there! Nice to meet ya!" he greeted before she returned the favour.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, too, Joey Wheeler," she replied, shocking Joey slightly at the fact that she knew his name. He stared at her with a confused look, one that Kyoto already knew the questioning behind it, "Everyone knows the runner up for duelist Kingdom and one of the finalists for Battle City."
Such a statement caused Joey to push out his chest and straighten his back out of pride, "Ha-haa! That's me! Joey Wheela'! 'm glad someone recognizes my genius!"
"Way to go, Kyoto, now his ego is almost as big as his hair!" Tea joked, causing the new one of the group to let out a laugh; the rest of the group followed suit - including Yugi, much to his own surprise.
"So Kyoto, what brings to to Domino?" Tristan finally asked, leaning on the table with a look of intent.
"The dueling, of course!" she began, pulling out her deck from her purse, "I've been slowly building it; it mostly a dark deck, but I feel you always need light where there's darkness," Kyoto stated with a nod. Everyone seemed to agree, "I'm not the strongest duelist, but I find it fun to learn," she admitted, looking now to Yugi and Joey, "Which is why I'd really like to be able to face you guys someday, if you don't mind."
"Just name the time and place and I'll happily show you a couple of things!" Joey's brows lifted, his thumb pointed towards himself as his ego inflated once again.
"We both can," Yugi added and instantly Yami gave him a look of malcontent.
"Look, if we want to know what she's up to and who she is, we've got to get closer to her," Yugi suggested, Yami's expression now softening into understanding and acceptance.
" You're right, " the Pharaoh agreed.
Kyoto looked at them with happiness and an honest sense of disbelief, "Really? Wow, thank you. I didn't expect either of you, let alone both of you to accept! Thank you!" she repeated, her posture now straight and filled with excitement.
It was then that Joey leaned into Tristan's ear, "Hey, hey! Looks who's got an in," Tristan simply rolled his eyes and shoved Joey away with a sense of defeat.
"Yeah, yeah. Let's just order our food already; I'm starving . "
With the bills split and paid, the group began to go their separate ways, which ended up with Yugi and Kyoto headed in the same direction, "Oh, you live this way?" Yugi asked, looking up at the somewhat taller girl.
"Yeah! You gunna be a gentleman and walk me home?" a warning was given to Yugi from Yami, telling him to keep his wits about him. It could be a trap.
"Sure!" Yugi responded, in a little bit more of an excited tone than he had intended. Perhaps it was the nerves that she seemed to unpredictable, along with the fact that the dreams that Yami had been unwillingly showing him made her seem to be dangerous. Still, he walked alongside her, as if it were any new acquaintance.
"How long have you had the puzzle?" she asked, gesturing towards the priceless artifact around his neck. Instinctively, Yugi placed his hands on it, gripping it as if to give her the message that she would have to fight him for it.
"A year or so, but it's changed my life a lot," he explained, giving her a side glance, "How do you know about it?"
"Well, you know how I said my dad was fascinated by Japanese culture? My mom is obsessed with Egypt; the history, the culture - everything," she glanced down to the puzzle once again, "She studied the legends of the Millennium items and had found them to be true. It consumed her life for a long time, one of the main reasons we moved back home, to be honest," she admitted, eyes now aimed forward once again.
"Oh yeah? What were some other reasons, if you don't mind me asking?" his guard was down, her story convincing. It was just what she wanted.
"This," she stopped then, quickly turning to him and cupping the sides of his head with her hands, "I know what resides within your puzzle, Yugi; I mean you no harm..." the urge to run was strong, but Yugi seemed unable to move, his body frozen in place. Her intentions didn't seem violent nor malicious, but almost desperate, her tone laced with such desperation, "This is just something I have to do!"
