Author's Note: Any telepathic conversation between Yugi and Atem will be presented as **[insert text here].**


He knew.

Even in this old hallway, Yugi knew.

However, a long day of tea and rest couldn't have prepared him. Even in his mind, his shoulders sag with the weight of worry as he stands before the metallic door. Nothing but emptiness came from the door: all throughout the day, like the days before, the Pharaoh's presence was absent. It was only when Yugi drifted into sleep that he felt that familiar desert heat.

"I'm sorry, Yugi, but…could we not talk for a little while? I need some time to think."

Yugi's hand clenches into a fist as Atem's request echoes in his ears. The way the king frowned when he said those words made his heart ache and yet here he was, about to break that promise. Was it okay for him to step forward, especially when it involved his own health?

Yugi shakes his head, raises his fist to the door, and knocks. If anyone understood an emergency, it was the Pharaoh. "Um…Atem?" He calls out shyly. "It's me, Yugi."

No answer.

With a sigh, Yugi places his hand on the door. "Atem, I'm so sorry. I know you wanted to be alone, but…I need your help."

Still no answer.

"I understand if you're mad, but…can you give me a sign that you're listening? Please?"

Nothing.

The silence breaks him. With a soft thud, Yugi pushes his head against the door. "I'm sick," he whispers. "I've been having coughing fits for two weeks now and it's gotten worse. I've checked online, I've gone to the doctor, I've tried everything I can think of, but nothing's helped. I spoke with Bakura earlier and…he thinks it could be magic-related. I didn't want to bother you about this, but…"

Bakura's concerned face flashes in Yugi's eyes, surrounded by the haunting looks of the others. His vision blurs and his voice cracks with a hint of tears. "…I'm scared. Everyone is. You're the best magic user I know of here in Domino, and if these fits are enchanted, I need your help. I promise I won't bother you again, so…so please…"

Silence.

Yugi wipes his eyes. He takes a shaky but steadying breath as he steps away from the Pharaoh's door, ever dormant. "I'm sorry," he mutters.

Warmth suddenly fills the hall. The door, still closed, barely contains a deep, baritone whisper.

"What do you need me to do?"

Yugi's eyes widen. He rushes toward the door, but stops just before touching it. Instead, he clears his throat. "Um…thank you, Atem," he stammers. "If it isn't too much trouble, could you take over during my next fit? I was thinking that if you don't cough at all, it could be something magical: maybe someone cursed me or something. But if we both end up coughing, then it could either be magic or I'll need to find a different doctor."

Atem speaks through the door again. "…what will you do if it's neither of those?"

"I…I hadn't thought that far ahead. But for now, it could help narrow things down." Yugi bows. "I'm sorry for pushing this on you, but I promise I'll never bother you again after this."

An uneasy silence creeps from the door. The desert heat wavers in the air, leaving Yugi between warm and shivering.

The Pharaoh answers, "I'll do it."

Yugi lets out a breath he didn't know he was holding. "Thank you so much for your help, Atem. I swear I'll—"

The hallway turns cold. Yugi remains by the door, staring at the metallic door with a confused look. He could've sworn Atem sounded sad.


Orange evening skies hang over Domino, clouds and shadows covering the crowd below. Neon lights come alight at The Cade of Ar (even though the "r" is flickering) as Yugi stifles a yawn with one hand and holds his phone in the other. His thumb slides across the device and his eyes dart at the top of the screen, ignoring the reflected rainbow lights. Instead, he sees messages just minutes old.

(YUGI) Just got here. Waiting on you guys!

(JOEY) You sure about this, dude? You took yesterday off after the whole café thing.

(SERENITY) If you're not feeling well, please go home, Yugi. I don't want you to push yourself.

Yugi takes the phone in both hands and his thumbs type.

(YUGI) Don't worry, Serenity. I didn't have any coughing fits yesterday, so I should be okay for now. I even have a plan if things go downhill.

The phone buzzes. A bubble appears with an unfamiliar message and Bakura's face.

(BAKURA) Sorry for the late response, Yugi. I was visiting my sister's grave and it felt rude to leave my phone on. Take care today and please let me know if Atem had to take over.

"Oh, there he is! Hi, Yugi!"

Yugi looks up before he can message back. Down the road, Joey walks toward him alongside a young, excited, auburn-haired girl. Her face beams with excitement as she closes the distance between herself and Yugi.

"Hey, Serenity," Yugi replies. "Long time, no see."

"It has been a while, hasn't it? I don't think I've seen you since…" Serenity raises a finger to her lip. "…Battle City?"

"Dang, that feels like ages ago," Joey adds. "Anyway, in case ya didn't see it, it's just gonna be us three: Duke's got work, Tristan's babysitting, and Bakura had t' go outta town."

Bakura's text appears in Yugi's mind. "It's all right. Sorry I missed yesterday, though."

"Don' worry about it, man. You didn't miss much, anyway."

Serenity blushes. "I…had to recharge after two days ago: it was pretty hectic that day. As for today, I was thinking we could play games here? Joey used to bring me here when we were little."

Yugi looks over at the building in question. "It's been a while since I've been here, but I think they serve food now. Their burgers aren't as good as Burger World, though."

"Well, no time like the present." Joey gestures triumphantly at The Cade of Ar. "Time t' kick some virtual ass!"


"Ya can't kick my ass, that's illegal!"

Purple lights beam down from above onto him, changing color as time went by. Game cabinets, giant dancing games, and virtual reality booths line the walls while air hockey tables stand on the carpeted floor. Children and teenagers run past Joey, furiously gripping the joystick and mashing the buttons on Smashingly Smashing Smashers. A sad tune rings from the speaker and he slumps against the game.

"First Duel Monsters, now this," Joey groans. "The crap happened?"

"Play Smash Smashers!" Yugi yells over virtual gunfire. He points a plastic gun at a screen full of zombies as he leans toward his friend. "It isn't as good as Smashing Smashers, but it's got better controls—AHH, GET OFF!"

A zombie's face strikes at the screen and Yugi returns fire, rapidly clicking the trigger of his gun. The attacking monster falls, only reveal an even larger horde of the undead. Yugi glances at the health bars on top of the screen: one is barely below half while the other is just an inch from death. Beside him, Serenity nervously aims her gun with both hands. One shot hits a zombie in the head while others zoom past.

"Oh no, we're gonna die!" she exclaims.

Yugi fires again, but it's too late: both health bars reach zero and the word "continue?" flashes on the screen. He looks over at Serenity, wiping his brow. "Phew, that was intense. Good job!"

"I can't believe we made it to Level Three!" Serenity cheers. "You really saved me, spotting all those med kits."

"Welp, I'm dead." Joey steps away from his game, now showing a dead ninja. He looks over at his friend when his eyes suddenly dart away. Whatever he sees sparks a mischievous grin. "Hey, guys, how 'bout a game we're definitely gonna beat?"

Yugi follows Joey's gaze. Across from them stands a giant machine, flashing lights with a booming bass. The lower half has a platform of colorful arrows while the top half is a screen with the same arrows zooming at record speed. Speakers blare and shake with a fast-paced melody as the words "Song Stomp Shakedown" shine between them.

Yugi faces Joey with a raised eyebrow. "Joey, the only person who can beat that game is Téa."

Serenity claps her hands. "Oh, that reminds me, I never got her username! How is she, by the way?"

"We spoke with her a little before you arrived." Yugi grins as he hops onto the dance game. "She's studying ballet in New York City. There's a huge hour difference, but the video calls are worth it."

"Do you know if she'll be back during break? I'd love to see her again—or even better, see her dance in-person."

Yugi waits for Serenity to step onto the arrows, slowly placing coins in the game slot. "Funny you should mention that," he mutters. "I've known Téa since childhood, and yet I've never seen her dance. In ballet, anyway." He pulls away from the slot and eyes the screen. Each stomped arrow brings a beat through the speakers, shaking the platform below the two. Some songs, Yugi recognizes: a memory of Téa with a playlist flashes in his mind. To see her sway to the song once again, or even pirouette to Swan Lake or—

Cough.

Yugi freezes. He lasted this long without a fit, maybe this will pass—

Cough, cough.

Or not—

Cough, cough, cough.

"Oh no, Yugi!"

Serenity rushes to Yugi's side as he steps onto the carpet. His face reddens in seconds, all his gasps for air cut off by horrific gags. The ground wobbles under him and his lungs viciously claw against his ribs. Each cough strikes pain into his skull, which starts to feel lighter and lighter—

**Yugi!**

Yugi forces his eyes open. Hovering beside him, Atem kneels in front of him, eyes full of fear.

**Take over!** the shorter male cries.

Atem looks over. Ruby red eyes scan the Wheeler siblings and the surrounding games before returning to Yugi. With a deep breath, Atem wraps his incorporeal arms around the other.

**Hang on,** he whispers.

Yugi feels himself float away. The body he inhabits remains on the arcade floor, barely able to stand. The Millennium Puzzle around the neck shifts and glows golden. Tri-colored hair grows wild and new strands of lightning-shaped bangs appear, standing out in multiple directions. The glow dimming, a pair of bold violet eyes open on a new sharper face and, with a determined look, the body stands upright.

Joey can only stare, wide-eyed and dumbfounded. "Holy shit…Atem?"

"Atem?" Serenity asks, looking from her brother to his friend. She claps her hands. "Oh, the other Yugi! Wait…I thought your name was Yami?"

"I'll explain later." Joey turns his attention toward Atem. "What're ya doin' here, anyway? Not that I don't like havin' ya around, but you've been M.I.A. ever since Yugi started coughin'. What gives?"

Atem averts his gaze, a sudden shyness running through him. He forces his eyes to look at Joey. "Well—"

COUGH. COUGH.

Sharpness grips Atem's throat. His hands desperately grasp his neck.

COUGH. HACK-HACK. GAG. COUGH.

He falls to his knees. Burning fills his eyes and stomach, searing and scratching at his throat.

"Fuck, no, no, no!" Joey turns to run. "Medic! Somebody!"

"Hold on!" Serenity shouts. "I've got an idea!"

Joey whips around. Serenity places herself behind Atem and places both hands on his stomach. Lifting him to his feet, she grips her hands together and fiercely tugs them close. Each thrust sends shocks up to his mouth and it takes everything he has not to vomit. Another hit to the gut and something hot climbs up Atem's throat, big and burning like acid—

"GAH!"

Atem collapses, released from Serenity's hold. Pained wheezes escape his lips, but a cool wind of relief enters his lungs. He pushes himself up onto his feet and wipes his mouth. Something warm lingers on his hand: a warm, wet, red smear.

Joey stares at his sister in awe. "Damn, Reni, when'd you learn the Heimlich maneuver?"

Serenity looks at her brother while patting Atem on the back. "Volunteer work at the hospital," she replies. "I could teach you, if you want…"—her eyes fall on the floor—"…oh my god, what is that?!"

All three stare at the carpet. Not far from Atem is a dark bloodstain and a slimy glob. Hints of purple, white, and yellow peek through running lines of red, made even more vibrant under the arcade lights. A breeze from the air conditioner reveals thin and delicate petals swaying in the blood.

"…Atem?" Joey murmurs in shock. "Did you just vomit a flower?"

Atem hurriedly covers his mouth. "I gotta go."

"What the—wait!"

Joey's demand goes ignored. Atem sprints toward the exit as coughs, blood, and flower petals escape his fingers.