Zypher: boy lemme tell you, this was a fun chapter to do and another piece to the Dragon Rider AU that pretty much spearheaded the idea of a full story. Tradition could've be many things but i had to revisit this AU purely for sassy dragon!Yugi. he will tell ya outright who the better mate is to him and no one is a contender. read on to see just what he does~
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Day 23: Tradition was a staple in dragon culture even for how little dragons were around after the dragon riders. So let it be one female to remind Yugi that the lack of traditional courting on his part puts him in a bad position for seeking suitors when he already had a mate he cherished. Atemu however makes the offer to create their own.
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There was a tradition that was followed by dragons. To be officially bonded, a dragon had to commit to a courtship dance and once accepted, the partner would reciprocate herself and the mating would proceed. Yugi knew this tradition well and would follow it if he didn't have one glaring problem of his choice of partner.
Atemu wasn't a dragon.
But he didn't let such a simple thing as a matter of species take away from the happiness he had with his rider. At least, that is how he felt until a small incident had made him reconsider the thought. As promised for Atemu's peace of mind, Yugi had gone out for an early morning flight to stretch out his wings and enjoy the skies he unconsciously missed even when he felt more at home with Atemu. The wind sailing over his face and scales, the drag and lift with each wing beat, the thermals that let him soar higher before diving down into a sharp drop. The freedom of the flight was liberating and Yugi would have to remind himself to apologize for being childishly vexed about leaving to do this.
As he flew over the mountain range that lined the area in which they settled, knowing well there was a whole other kingdom there yet wouldn't bother with them, he didn't realize he had been spotted by another dragon. She was without a rider, finding the idea of a weak human to command her foolish and insulting. Humans were made to be food at best or hunted for the thrill of the sport. So when her eyes had landed on the beautiful obsidian scales and shining red gems, she would be pleasantly affronted when Yugi didn't respond to her presence when she flew to join his side. He had noticed her, knew what she desired but Yugi would have none of it, instead finding a thermal to ascend higher. Seeing this made her thought he would be committing to the traditional dance of the dragons.
She followed desperately until the roll of golden eyes had Yugi finally stop to a hover, glaring at the dragon that was persistent. He growled for her to leave, catching the features of a Tyrant Dragon and snorted. Conceited dragons they were. Even if he didn't have Atemu, he would never consider one to be acceptable for a mate. He rather be at odds with the Luster Dragons in dumb squabbles over the purity of their gems. Healthy body meant healthy gems and Yugi took pride in that more as his were also the source of his destructive power. But that was beside the point now as the dragon refused. "You know how rare your kind is? Of any of us? I would be a fool to let you fly off from me. You crossed into my hunting grounds, my very territory and you expect me to just allow you a free pass?" She questioned with the haughtiest air he could imagine, making him think of those callous nobles begging for his and Atemu's help with protection then decided to turn that help on its head into insults at his mate.
They learned very belatedly he was a heated dragon and one that did not fear ruining the status quo downing them like candy into his belly for the honor of his mate. "No I don't but I would also ask for that large ego of yours to understand you have no chance. I already have a mate in my rider. He is better than any dragon that could attempt to catch my eye." Yugi spat roughly. The dragon clamped her jaw shut and feeling the spat had finally ended, Yugi nodded before he went to go about the rest of his flight before he had to return home. But as the Tyrant Dragon watched his back, she growled and called him a failure of a dragon. "To be mated to a human is one thing but you can't expect any to believe you're mated without the traditional dance of our kind. Something a human can't replicate. Shout it as much as you like, no one will believe you." She snapped before she flew off back to her cavern, stung by the rejection and insulted that she was shafted for a human. A male human, nonetheless. What wasted genetics of a Gandora to a bony little parasite. Yugi wanted to ignore the scathing words, but they had nestled their roots into his mind and knew as much as he didn't want to believe in them, she had made a point.
Any female, even some inclined males, would continue to look upon him as a free "bull" male, still at his prime for rearing children or bragging rights, perhaps both when it came to the truly posh breeds of dragons that mate for children and the premise of parading a male or female who's beauty outshines all. This made Yugi realize dragons were such vain creatures and groaned. "Just my luck that I'll look in a mirror and hate myself." he grumbled and decided that was enough flight for a day and rounded back to return home. At least there, he can snuggle up with Atemu and just put the words of the tyrant behind him.
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"Yugi, you look upset." Atemu spoke as he spotted Yugi sulking on the couch when he had woken later that morning. Breakfast had been waiting for him but Yugi hadn't joined him, the dragon speaking that he had nabbed a few deer during his morning flight. At the mention of the flight, Atemu had asked how it went but was met with "I don't want to talk about it" before Yugi excused himself from the room. This sparked worry in the rider, finishing his porridge swiftly, setting everything into the sink to be handled later before meeting Yugi in the living area and posing the inquiry. "I'm not upset." Yugi mumbled, feeling a hand rest gently in his hair and knew what would be coming next. It always worked and he'd never could ignore it easily. The fingers began to gently massage his scalp just the way he enjoyed it, causing Yugi to whine pitifully but Atemu didn't plan to stop. Not until he gained an answer from Yugi. And finally he did, Yugi cracking under the gentle scritches and told him of the flight and how everything had gone well until he crossed the mountains. He spoke of the female Tyrant Dragon that was expecting a courtship dance and when refused, she had lived to the reason behind their name and reminded him that even if he claimed Atemu for his mate, no other dragon would see it that way.
"It's not even for the reason you think. Just tradition of all the dragons. Without a proper courtship dance to you, others who remain will still see me as single." With that out on the table now for Atemu to process as he wished, Yugi settled his head on the rider's shoulder, fingers still nestled in the mussed locks. While Atemu didn't know everything of dragon culture, the thought that the two wouldn't be seen as mated over a simple matter of tradition reminded him so much of his old life. Of arranged marriages or parties made to exhibit acceptable spouses. The line between dragons and humans wasn't so profound as he once thought but shoved that to the side. As endearing it was to see Yugi pouty, he knew this was also a sensitive topic for him. The dragon was appreciative of what he had and would never think to let him go for anything but to have dragons thrown themselves at him for the same reason that noble daughters and sons would was a sour note in his little paradise. They were lucky they had their solitude when one ignored the desperate lords and ladies asking for their assistance still but if dragons get thrown into the mix seeking Yugi and seeing him at his side, it wouldn't end well. Yugi had his teeth and claws for fighting but if he ever had to use his real power, it would leave him drained and Atemu defenseless.
"Yugi," Atemu began as he made to articulate how to go forward with the suggestion. "Tell me, does something change when dragons have a successful courtship dance?" Yugi raised his head now to the curious but serious question. "It does. When one does the dance and the partner reciprocate, we consummate the bond, producing eggs and ensuring the future generation. Typical dragon things...oh! And our scent glands secrete a different scent to solidify the mating claim pretty much. Of course, some dragons aren't respectable with that and as such reminded me we are vain as hell." Yugi finished. Atemu nodded as he began to wonder. Yugi had never done a courtship dance, obviously for the reason that he was but a mere human so it would only be met with one sided acceptance by a dragon's standard.
It wouldn't help Yugi's situation in any way if he couldn't do something to instate his claim of the dragon as the bond of dragon and rider wouldn't apply to a feral dragon if by what Yugi spoke of the female expecting courtship had said. There had to be something they could do for Yugi's ease of mind and his own. Tapping fingers on his knee, Atemu came to a conclusion, of something he hadn't practiced in a long time but if it does what he hoped, then it will help Yugi from the pesky dragons that sought him should he go out to fly. "I have an idea, little one. We'll commit to your courtship dance as tradition says." Yugi jumped at the sudden offer, looking at Atemu in wonder. But how? Atemu wasn't a dragon so to swap scents was impossible. The human scent wasn't as prominent as his would be. It was subtle and would only be truly caught if one got close enough to scent it. Atemu smiled and told Yugi he had a plan that should work. It was a stretch but after learning the craft on a whim of individualistic need from the other nobles, he may as well put it to use for something worthwhile. Yugi didn't know what Atemu had planned but whatever it may be, it practically confirmed they were meant to be. Who needed a dragon when he had the absolute best mate and partner in his precious rider.
Yugi was giddy to see what kind of courtship Atemu had in mind.
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The two were in a large field right outside the forest where they lived, the wide expanse just enough space for Yugi to do his courtship dance and well within view of any dragon within the area. It would be a sight but one worth the reaction once they learned the dance wasn't for them. Yugi will stand firm to the decision that no dragon could outshine and replace Atemu. He was going through with his tradition to ensure his happiness and to keep other dragons off his back, as a rightful partner dragon would do. Yugi could just fall in love with him all over again for what Atemu was willing to do to integrate with every aspect of his life as a dragon in response to Yugi becoming human just to live beside him. Atemu had a sack sitting beside him, something he had purchased on a whim the last time he had gone into town and all Yugi was told is that it was finally going to be put to good use. "Now then, Yugi, you ready?" Atemu asked as he looked towards him with a single scarlet eye and Yugi nodded.
The transition from human to dragon was effortless as it was quick, the powerful form of his Gandora appearance still a lovely sight in the sun with his scales and gems polished by his hand. The large head of the dragon bowed down to Atemu with a deep rumble, nudging his beak against him playfully which was met with a loving pat across his jaw. "Show me your dance, my precious Gandora." Atemu urged and Yugi obeyed without a second thought. Large wings spread open like dark sails and went to sweep them down, sending a gust of cool wind over Atemu, ruffling his hair and clothing before the dragon was off the ground. Thermals caught the strong membranes, bringing Yugi higher and higher into the sky, just within Atemu's sight. Then, it began. Even with the mildest handicap of his single vision, the image of grace and beauty was not lost on Atemu.
The dragon dipped and twirled with perfected ease, the ruby red gems to line his form glittering in the sun with each bank across the sky. He danced with purpose, to display himself with all he had. Yugi knew they loved each other deeply and that would never change but knowing now that Atemu was willing to participate in tradition for the dragons for him made every instinctual response come forward. Yugi was courting a mate, his mate, one who held his heart delicately in his hands and meant so much more to him. He wasn't just his rider, wasn't just a human. He was Atemu Sennen, a man who proved to have the heart of a dragon more than any dragon to possibly live now. With very few to likely be in existence since the age of dragon riders and ignoring the Tyrant Dragon, Atemu would be the only dragon worthy of the Gandora.
With that fueling his dance, Yugi dipped and dived and commanded the very sunlight to make him practically glow. As he reached the apex of his dance, Yugi urged the gems to glow, not from the light of the sun but radiate with their inner energy, leaving trails of light to follow his movements, making intricate and dazzling patterns in the blue sky, leaving Atemu in complete awe. Soon, Yugi began to descend towards him, the light in the gems fading away until his feet touched the ground and left only the gem to take precedence in the center of his chest to retain its glow, a calling to where his heart rested. Atemu moved forward slowly, reaching up to touch the gem, feeling its warmth under his palm and smiled.
"That was absolutely stunning, Yugi. I'm ashamed I can't display myself in the same manner but hopefully what I can do is enough to match your courtship dance equally." Atemu whispered as Yugi lowered his head to nuzzle his beak against his side. A soothing gesture that he'll appreciate anything Atemu could do just for the sheer fact that he had improvised a dance in which to respond to his own and that was more than enough. Bringing his hand back and placing a kiss upon his beak, Atemu moved back to the sack, opening it to reach inside. Yugi watched with curiosity in those glowing golden orbs, seeing a flash of color come from the bag, revealing it to be a long piece of blue silk. Tucked under his arm, Atemu set the sack aside and kicked off his boots before gazing up to Yugi.
Smile still present, Atemu began to explain the reason behind the silk. When he was still living as a mere noble, he had wanted to do something for himself, something not guided by the words of his father. So in a small stage of rebellion, he had snuck out from home and went to the entertainment district, a place he wouldn't seek to frequent as the so called entertainment wasn't to his taste but for this purpose, there was something he had heard about and it interested him. The art of silk dancing. There was a place that performed as well as taught the craft and Atemu wanted to learn. Strange for a noble's son to walk in with such intent but the women there were welcoming, ecstatic to have a male join them in the art and taught him the basics to the advanced.
Atemu never thought he'd find a time or place to apply it as it was just something he wanted to know to be different from the other posh nobles who would never consider art of any kind worth it unless it's to be bought and displayed in their homes. "But now I do. While I cannot fly and dance in the skies as you have, I hope that this presentation of my skills will be enough to show how deep our bond has become. From dragon and rider to a mated pair, this is my dance to you." Atemu spoke dutifully, the silk veil draped over his shoulders and gripped in his hands as he bowed before Yugi. Then he began. Just like Atemu was, Yugi was completely entranced as Atemu moved. He was like water in motion, fluid and graceful and the silk veil trailed like a current behind him. He twisted and turned, the silk following his every move and didn't once catch with the wide sweeps and high kicks that was a testament to his amazing flexibility. His rider danced across the plains, eye closed in deep concentration as practiced steps displayed his conviction. His desires. His love. The silk billowed and Yugi took in a sharp breath as the image to come to mind was a dragon taking flight. No longer was the silk veil like the free flowing river to Yugi's eyes, they were now a pair of gorgeous sapphire wings.
Like his ruby gems, the silk glittered in the sun like scales, dancing an intricate dance with every motion of Atemu's body. The dragon didn't know how much time passed but when Atemu had finished with a final split, instinct registered completely that the courtship dance was received and reciprocated. Atemu was officially his mate by dragon tradition and no one could compete. Atemu, the dragon simpered with need, the transformation quick as Yugi bounded for Atemu. The other brought his legs in before Yugi landed in his arms, lips crashing together in a heated kiss, hands entangled in Atemu's hair, the silk fluttering to pool about the rider's waist. The need was heavy on the air, Yugi clawing at Atemu's shirt with the desire to have it gone. Atemu pulled back from the kiss with a chuckle, sliding his hands around Yugi's waist. Eager are we, he teased which gained a pout from the dragon in his lap. "Shut up and let me show you my deepest gratitude and love for this. You just don't know how happy this made me." Oh, Atemu knew well enough just by Yugi's reaction alone. It was obvious tradition, even if Yugi didn't follow most, was still important. Sure, it may have taken a jealous female dragon to remind him of dragon courtship and the complications that would come of it as a mated pair but not officially to other dragons, but Yugi was proud that Atemu had a plan and executed it beautifully for him.
Now he had to pay it back in full. They wouldn't be leaving this clearing for a while, Yugi was sure of it.
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Atemu groaned as he raised himself from the ground, rubbing his back that was severely paying for his choice of sleeping arrangements. But he was worn out with good reason. He turned to look at Yugi who was still in a peaceful slumber beside him. He smiled as he went to stroke the soft mane of hair, looking down to the silk veil. Everything went accordingly and he was glad for every bit of it. It was a solution to one problem out of many and that Yugi wouldn't have to worry about any unnecessary fighting from stubborn dragons still around that couldn't think to accept their bonding. He reached to grab his discarded clothes, slipping on the pants before nudging Yugi to wakefulness.
"Come on, darling. We should head back home. As easy as it is for you to sleep on solid ground, my back can't take it after those rounds." Yugi huffed as he shifted a little before moving to sit up, whining that he didn't want to go home quite yet. He looked to Atemu who gave him a look of his own, the two staring before Yugi pouted. "Ok fine...but that's not what I was thinking I swear...a little." Yugi spoke with a light chuckle before moving to stand. The two finished dressing and once Yugi changed forms, Atemu was cradled in the large claw of his precious Gandora, Yugi rubbing the underside of his jaw over Atemu to start scenting his mate. Atemu chuckled, holding the silk in hand and had a plan that would allow Yugi to carry his scent.
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A couple days later Yugi was out and flying again, heading over the mountains once more with the intent to head into the nearby kingdom. There were some ingredients he needed for a dish and he didn't dare chance the one closer to them. With the desperate folks still a presence to breathe down his neck, he rather do his shopping elsewhere. Of course, the Tyrant Dragon saw him once more and smirked, thinking that he had come this time to reconsider and flew out to follow after him. "So, you have wizened up and left that pathetic creature you called your mate. To fall in love with a human, how despicable." Alas, she learned just like any other how quick of a temper Yugi had and screeched when a solid tail struck her across the head, stumbling her flight as the other whirled onto her with burning gold eyes. "Hold your fucking tongue and understand that I am no prize to be claimed no longer. I am Gandora, the Dragon of Destruction by title and Yugi by name. I am bonded to my rider, Atemu Sennen and I follow my own tradition. I will never deny my love of him and by wearing this silk veil that harbors his scent does he stake his claim on me as his mate as I do for him swathed in my scent. So learn your place and never speak ill about humans around me. I may not care for them just as you do but I will not tolerate talk of ill about MY human." Yugi announced with a tone that spoke finality to the situation. He was a powerful dragon but one that sorely differed from others.
He may not like humans as they are loud, annoying and unforgiving when they had to have their asses covered but Atemu was no ordinary human. He broke away from the demanding lifestyle, freed himself from the pressures and responsibilities that came with being a noble, found love with a dragon and performed a wonderful, glorious dance that no dragon could ever replicate. The very silk veil used in his dance now decorated Yugi's neck and anything to touch it with the intent to remove it would feel the wrath of his teeth and claws. The Tyrant Dragon was left speechless, eyes drawn to the silken veil to decorate his neck then to Yugi who's eyes burned with the challenge of her to even dare try and touch the silk with her claws. She finally backed off, humiliated and Yugi grinned.
"Good. I will cross these mountains as I see fit to fly as my mate asked of me and I don't ever want you to come to me with your simpering. No dragon alive can rut with such passion as he can and that is a fact that will always and forever be true." Point driven, the Tyrant Dragon flew off in defeat and Yugi continued on his way towards the kingdom to do the shopping that he had come to do. That dragon finally out of his hair made him feel good and was pleased by it. No one will insult his mate and she was lucky to have gotten off easy for it. The trip was quick as Yugi found all that he needed and returned home, but instead of changing back upon landing, he set the bag of groceries to the side and moved over to a lounging dragon lazing about in the sunlight. Heavy plated scales of red decorated his body like armor, the teal expanse showing among the red plates. Scars covered the form with the largest being across his right eye, sealing the eye closed since its loss.
The dragon was resting, head upon his claws as he did until Yugi trotted over to nuzzle against his jaw. "Wake up, Atemu. Don't put my magic to waste sleeping all day~" Yugi cooed playfully and the single eye opened to look up to the other dragon. "It got boring real quick without you here." he murmured, stretching out his claws before sitting up. Yugi bubbled with laughter, teasing the other that it was his own request that allowed Yugi to fly around for a couple hours and enjoy himself as a dragon but quieted as the two nuzzled. It was only a temporary spell in which to turn Atemu into a dragon for a few hours but the result of the form he took was one Yugi absolutely adored.
Gandora and Des Volstgalph. Two dragons of distinct rarity paired together and unobtainable. Yugi loved the form but will always love and cherish the human behind it, the one to have created a special tradition of courtship that had won him over again as he had their first meeting. Secretly, Yugi brought a few more veils of different colors in hopes to have Atemu dance for him again. He can't help it if his mate was so hot when he does silk dancing.