Chapter LXIX: Deal

"Timaeus was struck down."

Jaden barely had a moment to raise his head before Yusei blurted the words. He blinked, then stumbled for his paws and stretched himself out. Leviathan shot him a furious, impatient look. Even Jesse gave him an unsure sideways glance. Jaden looked between the three of them and turned back to Yusei again.

"You're kidding, right?" he said slowly. He blinked when they both shot him annoyed looks. Jaden tilted his head and took a seat, staring. "How? When? Why? More importantly—did they go through Atem?"

There was a long moment of silence.

"I don't know." Yusei began pacing. "I can't see Atem, so I don't think he could have been present when it happened. But I also don't know he wasn't dealt with prior."

Jaden looked briefly at the Leviathan. "You didn't see anything?"

"Aside from the same fight Yusei saw? No." He shook his head sharply. "I saw him struck down just as Yusei did. Beyond that I don't think Atem was present. I wouldn't have been able to see what was happening."

Jaden shook his head. "There haven't been any omens, right?"

"Aside from the pool freezing over…" Yusei trailed off. "But I'm not sure that had to do with Atem. I'm wondering if it was Timaeus now."

"Timaeus? He's not a God Dragon."

"No, but he's important to Atem. And Atem going on a rampage means casualties beyond repair. Or is that not what you fear most of his temper?" Yusei spat. He paused his frantic pacing and looked to Jesse for a moment. "I can't even see Yugi because of his proximity to Atem. I'm blind no matter where I look. I wasn't even searching for Timaeus when I saw it."

Jaden glanced toward Leviathan. "You?"

"I wasn't looking for anything. I was just watching to see if anything had developed." He shook his head. "Which I suppose this counts as a declaration of war, considering Atem is going to lose his mind when he finds out."

Jaden shook his head slowly. "Why would someone go for Atem? Of all of us, he's the one you wouldn't want to be caught within the line of fire." He tilted his head, then looked back to Yusei. "And…did you see who did it?"

This made the Stardust Dragon stop short. He paused, visibly tensed, glanced at Leviathan, and then hissed, "I don't…believe what I saw. I know Timaeus was struck down. I felt that. But I don't…think I believe the one I saw was the one to do it."

He scoffed. "What does that mean?"

"That Seto isn't capable of taking Timaeus down," Leviathan snapped. "Seto wouldn't have risked Atem coming for him, either. He's afraid of him, no matter how much he refuses to acknowledge that. Why else would he ask his Blessing on the nest and in general heed his warning of not entering his territory without permission? He holds a lot of power over both of his living brothers."

Jaden nodded slightly. "I'm aware." He tilted his head. "But you saw…Seto attack Timaeus?"

"I saw him kill him, yes."

"A Felgrand couldn't hope to take on a Knight Dragon—especially one of Timaeus's size and power."

"It wasn't…Seto. It wasn't." Yusei hesitated and shook his head, watching him and staring intently as his voice grew louder with distress. "This… It looked like Seto. It did. But they…healed rapidly. Timaeus would hurt him and Seto would pull away and be fine. He'd be soaked in blood and there was no wound to be found."

Jaden blinked once, long and slow, and bore his teeth. "He healed rapidly…like Yami?" he said slowly. Yusei and Leviathan both stared at him as if he had two heads. "So, this…lookalike could be Seto's son? There's one who looks like him… Mokuba, right?"

They both swapped looks and turned back.

"But they looked like Seto. They had his eyes, the scar on the side of his face where Atem struck him; he was absolutely the same. The same height, the same build, the same teeth and claws and tail." Yusei shook his head slowly and looked away. "It didn't make sense. They were all but Seto. If not for the fact that they…killed Timaeus, I would have assumed they were."

Jaden snarled softly. "Yami read thoughts. Does this one do the same?"

"That would be more than reading them, Jaden. They'd have to have placed the images somehow…and how could they have when we saw it?" Yusei looked as if he wanted to be sick. "I…I don't understand half of what I saw anymore. It doesn't make sense."

"They'd have to be stronger than Sartorius," Leviathan commented softly. Jaden bristled and shot him an annoyed, cold look. "I don't understand the powers they possess. And I don't know what they can do. But if they can…manipulate things so distinctly, from visions to thoughts…"

Jaden shook his head. "It doesn't matter. They've struck out. Atem may not want to admit that his siblings are monsters, but one of them is. That warrants their death."

Yusei looked back at him. "I don't think Atem wouldn't want to pay him back for his transgressions towards Timaeus. You can't tell me he won't want a pound of flesh in turn."

"Who knows? He didn't care when his son was killed."

Both Yusei and Leviathan shot him furious looks. Jesse looked horrified.

"He thought you did it. He didn't bring war to you," Yusei spat. "It had nothing to do with not caring. He simply didn't want to bring war to us."

Jaden shifted his weight and turned away. "I know. I just…" He huffed. "Atem cannot step in my way when I go for his sibling. I'll strike him down this time. I will not stand for him calling for mercy after what has happened. We cannot have a Divine Dragon seeking bloodshed like this."

"He's not going to stand between us," Yusei snapped. "Timaeus is his best friend. Timaeus's loss is going to hit him so much worse than it will anyone else."

Leviathan sighed softly. "All we need to do is get the clutch out and Atem is going to rip the five of them to shreds."

"We don't know who they are," Yusei mumbled, blinking and shivering.

"All the more reason to destroy the five of them."

The Stardust Dragon glanced over at the Divine Serpent. "Seto and Kisara are going to be in agony when this happens. I can't imagine what they'll do when they see Atem on the rampage for their clutch. He Blessed them."

Jaden sneered, "And perhaps we shouldn't have entertained him as a God Dragon when there were no signs to allude to his status as a deity."

Yusei turned to him, spitting, "Really? There are no signs? We cannot see him. We cannot influence him. Have you ever met another dragon immune to each of our powers?"

The silence that came over them was stifling.

Jaden looked away, shaking his head. "I could even see Sartorius."

"Exactly. Atem is the one blind spot for all of us. If that doesn't scream God Dragon, I don't know what does." He shook his head sharply. "It doesn't matter one way or the other. Atem Blessed their nest hoping they'd survive and yet things are spiraling as you feared. I guess that means you should feel amazing for being so paranoid all the time."

Jaden bore his teeth, snarling softly. "No. I am not happy with what has happened. I wouldn't have wanted Timaeus hurt. And Atem does not deserve this, either. I would not desire his siblings to be wounded like that."

Leviathan spat, "Let's not pick fights between ourselves now, okay? It's over and done with. Sartorius is dead. Yami is dead. The one who's still alive is killing and extremely powerful. We need to deal with that before we do anything else."

"Right." Jaden blinked and looked to Yusei. "How long ago did you see this?"

"Only an hour ago."

"Let's go then."

"How friendly are you with Aki?"

Timaeus looked up from his rabbit and blinked, turning to stare at him in bewilderment. "She knows me. I know her. Her patrols are told not to interact with me unless absolutely necessary and I stay clear of her territory. Why?"

Atem fell silent for a long moment, then straightened. "Because I can't stay here. I have to deal with Seto's hatchling. I have to find out which one it is and I need to kill him," he said slowly, looking to Yugi for support. The Gandora nodded slightly in agreement but made no move to speak. He turned to Timaeus again. "And to do that, I have to know you're safe."

Timaeus blinked and frowned. "And you think taking me to Aki is the best choice?"

Atem nodded. "She's the leader. If she takes it upon herself to allow you to stay there, then they'll all follow her word as law. That means you'll be fed, kept track of, and protected while I deal with this." He hesitated. "I would have Yugi stay with you, but we both know that would never happen."

Yugi grinned. "Absolutely not!" he snickered. "I'll be there with you."

"Aki isn't likely to let me stay there for long—if at all."

"I don't need long to kill him. I just need the time to be able to." Atem shook his head. "I'll kill him and then I'll come back. You can settle here again or you can leave as you so desire."

Timaeus blinked. "Perhaps." He grunted and got to his paws, shaking himself out. "But how do you plan to win her favor enough to let this happen?"

"She'll have the God Dragon of the East in her debt, Timaeus. I'm the God Dragon they all fear. An allegiance with me would make her life a thousand times easier. Why wouldn't she want to help me?"

"You'd ally yourself with her just to make sure I have a sitter?"

Atem snickered. "I wouldn't have alluded to the relationship as such, but yes."

Timaeus shook his head. "You don't want to be in debt to her, Atem. You don't know what she might call upon you to do later."

"We also don't know that she'd ever want to ask for repayment," he snapped before he could catch his tone. He faltered a moment, then huffed. "Look, Timaeus, I don't care what she asks of me later. I need you safe. What does all of this amount to if I can't keep you and Yugi safe?"

"They'd have to know who shared their heart with me to kill me," Timaeus said quietly. "You know that. They'd have to find them and kill them to put an end to me."

"And how do we know they haven't already?"

Timaeus didn't answer but to shake his head slightly.

"Exactly." Atem turned to Yugi. "Remain with him here. I'll go to the border. I stick out the most. They'll spot me and come running and I'll ask for Aki after."

Yugi nodded slightly. "Okay. Just…stay safe and don't do anything rash."

"I'm never rash," he scoffed, and Yugi snickered with a shake of his head. "I'm a God Dragon. We do as we must when we must, never a moment before or after, and the world prospers for our haste."

He burst out laughing. "If you say so, Atem."

"And I do." He glanced at Timaeus and thought to say he'd be back, but he'd made that clear already. Timaeus knew he'd be back to get him to the Wind Clan camp, if nothing else. He turned and trotted toward the border, sprinting only when he was sure they could no longer see him.

He hesitated when he smelled fresh markings and scented the ground where he could catch the female in lead. They'd headed to the east, but they'd come back soon enough. Timaeus had always said the patrols would double back where his border was with them. They always made sure to keep the markings fresh in case something happened with the hatchlings again.

Atem waited for what felt a lifetime before he spotted movement. The female in the lead froze in place, but the male beside her barreled toward him, not quite aggressive but not friendly, either. He stopped short and stared at Atem as if he had not just two mouths, but three heads to go with them. It took him a moment to recognize the male, eyes widening in surprise as he tilted his head.

"Chazz," he intoned, blinking when the Armed Dragon bristled in surprise and stared in alarm.

He'd filled out far more than he had when he'd come to challenge Atem years before. He had the barrel chest, the muscles along his thick legs, the sharpened scales and metallic tint most of it had naturally taken. His wings were brilliant silver like metal, and the dome of his skull was sharpened and wide, encompassing his jaw brilliantly. His underbelly was covered in hideously sharp and serrated scales like claws, and his forelimbs were covered in hardened silver scales. Both shoulders were covered in silver plates and his back legs were well developed into limbs meant for running or launching into aerial assaults. His tail was a club-like formation of brilliant silver scales, spiked all around and heavier weight to stagger an opponent.

Had he not been so quick to challenge Atem before, he would have been far harder to beat. Yugi could have done it now that he was physically matured, but a fight between a grown Armed Dragon and a Gandora wasn't something Atem ever wanted to see.

"You remember me?"

Atem didn't want to point out that he memorized every opponent that made it from his territory alive. "I do." He didn't smile, although he made sure his voice seemed friendly. He searched his face. The other three dragons had come closer, awkward and unsure as they watched the two of them. "I have a favor to ask, Chazz."

The Armed Dragon tilted his head and then looked past him. "Where's your Gandora?" he asked abruptly, then quickly turned back.

"Yugi is back with Timaeus right now. I need to see Aki. I need her to come here to see me."

"You want to see Aki?" Chazz said slowly, eyes wide before he scowled and shook his head. "Why would you want to see Aki? Are Jaden and the others here, too?"

Atem shook his head. "No. They're not here." He glanced at the other four and turned back. "Look, Chazz, it's a serious matter. I need to see your sister. Frankly, I'm trying to be polite, but I'm losing my patience. I have things to do. And I need to see Aki. So what I'm asking is that you or one of your patrol go and fetch her so that I can speak to your leader."

The Armed Dragon studied him intently. "You came here on your own?"

"Does it look as if someone is lurking behind me to ambush you?" he snapped. "Chazz, I doubt your sister would like to hear you kept a God Dragon waiting, no matter how much she may dislike us."

Chazz watched him a moment longer, then looked to the other three. "Go. Fetch her. I'll stay here with him."

They hesitated a moment but took off when Chazz snapped his teeth. When he turned back, his eyes glinted like stone. He considered him, but did not move forward or away. Atem watched him narrow his eyes.

"What do you need my sister for?"

"I'll be in her debt by the end of our discussion, Chazz. It's not worth interrogating me when it'll be cleared up soon enough." He shook his head. "The God Dragon of the East will be indebted to your sister and your Clan. Do you understand how much power that gives her? Stop posturing and reign in your arrogance. I just need to speak to Aki. If she will agree to what I ask of her, she'll have me in her debt from the moment our discussion ends."

Chazz tilted his head. "Why would you need something from us?" He paused, then raised his head and stared. "Is it Timaeus? Is he okay?"

Atem bristled faintly. "No, he's not."

He blinked and looked past him, then over his shoulder and back. "I like Timaeus," he mumbled, turning back. "He always talked back when we ran into him on patrol."

Atem tilted his head. "Yes, well… I hope your sister is fond of him as well."

Chazz took a seat, sighing, and glanced over his shoulder again. Atem flexed his claws and closed his eyes, hoping the patrol would come quickly and he would not have to wait much longer. He could feel time slipping and his belly ached as he tried to calm his nerves. He'd left Yugi there to keep an eye on Timaeus, but what if something happened to Yugi? Atem wouldn't forgive himself. He wouldn't be able to.

"Atem?"

He blinked and looked up, hurrying to a stand. Aki was far ahead of the other dragons, standing before him with a tilted head and narrowed eyes. Atem dipped his head in greeting and murmured, "Timaeus got…hurt last night. I don't know the details, but someone attacked him. He got hurt badly enough that he needed a heart."

Aki blinked, bristling and raising her head. She narrowed her eyes but didn't speak.

Atem lashed his tail anxiously. "He's okay now. But he's sluggish and he's still recovering. Everything is…slow to come right now for him. And I need someone to take care of him in my stead. Yugi and I…have something to attend to."

Aki tilted her head. "You wish for me to take him in?"

"Yes. He needs someone with him for the moment. I thought you the best fit, considering terrain and the Clan." He paused. "You understand what I'm offering in return, yes?"

She eyed him a moment. "Where is he?"

"I'll lead you there." He turned to go, then looked back. "Only you—Chazz may come as well. The rest of you stay here. You aren't necessary."

Aki bristled but nodded after a moment. She looked at Chazz, flicked her tail for him to follow, and then took the spot immediately behind Atem. He led them silently for a few minutes, then paused and looked over his shoulder.

"You understand what I meant when I said he needed a heart, yes?"

"I'm not stupid, Atem. I realize you must have shared it."

He nodded slowly and looked away. "Then don't be shocked that the heart of a God Dragon did something more."

"More?" she echoed, then fell silent when Atem stepped aside and Yugi and Timaeus both looked back. Atem saw Aki's entire body stiffen, scales along her spine rising into a bristle, eyes widening as she lashed her tail in surprise. Chazz let out a startled, choked noise, and then blurted, "Oh my gods!"

Aki whipped him in the side with her wing and he stumbled. "Shush," she spat, turning back and studying Timaeus a moment longer. Then she looked over again. "This… Warning would have been nice."

Atem shook his head. "It's an eye. It's not an extra set of wings or a second mouth."

"And your heart did this?"

He nodded. "Yes."

Yugi was silent and Timaeus blinked long and slow. Atem didn't shoot them the warning glance he would have had they not been present. It was foolish of him not to know they'd understand without, but fear made his head ache.

Aki eyed Atem suspiciously for a moment, but turned away after. "Do you recognize me?" she asked Timaeus, tilting her head. "I've never seen a dragon brought back from the dead."

Timaeus blinked and then looked at Atem. "You brought Chazz here?"

"He said he liked you and I figured if someone were to come with Aki, it should be her brother." Atem looked the four of them over. Yugi was watching Chazz with a curious expression, just as the Armed Dragon was gaping at him in turn. Atem tilted his head but considered it was likely the first and only time Chazz had ever gotten to see Yugi in full detail. The Gandora had blindsided him and beaten him almost until he couldn't walk, only ceasing when Atem had grabbed him back and told Chazz to go. Chazz had been too embarrassed to bother looking at Yugi after he'd gotten attacked and Atem had watched him flee as if he were a scorned dragonet. "Yugi?"

Yugi looked over. "I didn't realize he was related to the Wind Clan leader."

"Would it have changed you beating him so badly?" Aki scoffed, looking over.

"No," Yugi snickered. He turned to Chazz again. "I would have still beaten you senseless because you came for Atem."

Chazz huffed. "Whatever." He looked Yugi over. "Although I bet I could definitely hold my own a lot better now."

The Gandora smirked. "Probably," he laughed. "You've got a lot more armor on you now than you did then. I'd still win. My species is a lot tougher than yours."

Atem smiled and shook his head. "Don't antagonize," he teased, studying Yugi's face. Yugi looked over with a small nod and turned away from Chazz altogether. Atem stepped toward Aki. "But you will take him to the camp?"

She looked away from Timaeus for the first time. "Yes. I'll take him to the camp." Her eyes sparkled. "The God Dragon of the East will be in my debt until I call upon him. I think that's well worth splitting my attention for an outside dragon."

Timaeus looked to Atem with a searching expression. The God Dragon met his eyes and wondered if he'd just made things somehow worse. But Timaeus looked away after a moment with a small smile and got up slowly, shaking himself out. "Are we all going to the camp or is it just Aki and her patrol taking me there?"

Atem bristled slightly. Should he have demanded safe passage to the camp with him? He felt stupid for overlooking the possibility. He should have, he decided icily. His stomach lurched as they looked at each other. But how long could he risk letting his sibling live? How much time was there to spend ensuring Timaeus's safety to his satisfaction when he'd chosen Aki and her Clan himself?

He looked to her again. "The other three God Dragons…"

"They don't visit my territory unless they have to. They're not welcome."

"I shouldn't impose my opinions, but you and Yusei seemed close."

She curled her lips back. "It was a long time ago." She shook herself out. "But I will not allow them to visit. And should they, Timaeus will be hidden from them. There's no reason for any interference on their end. They never tried to initiate contact with me again after the visit three years ago. There has not been another eclipse and I see no reason for them to darken my territory."

Atem dipped his head and looked to Timaeus again. "Be careful. Call for me should something happen."

Timaeus tilted his head and butted his shoulder. "I should be telling you the former. You're the one rushing off to kill another dragon."

"It's my favorite thing to do after they hurt a friend." His eyes shot to Yugi as the Gandora shifted his weight and studied them briefly. He turned away again as if Atem had snapped at him, staring off in the direction of the Lightning Clan camp. He looked to Aki briefly. "Make sure he eats and sleeps. You keep him in pristine condition, and you can call upon me for anything."

She nodded. "I understood the unspoken parts of this deal when we arranged it."

Atem nodded slightly, but hesitated all the same. His attention shot to Chazz for a split second before he turned to Timaeus again. Every instinct said to stay there instead, to make sure he was okay rather than leave him in the care of someone else. It almost felt as if he were abandoning him somehow.

"Yugi."

The Gandora turned around obediently, blinking and raising his head. Atem felt a small trill of warmth trail through him even as he tried to shake the sick feeling threatening to overcome him. Yugi rubbed muzzles with him but moved to Timaeus, murmuring, "We'll be back as soon as we can, okay?"

Timaeus snorted. "Got it."

And then Yugi was airborne and Atem followed quickly after.

"What's the plan?" Yugi asked as they changed direction to pick up more speed. Atem pressed his forepaws to his underbelly and glanced at him sideways. Yugi was watching him with a slightly unnerved expression. "Is there a plan?"

"I kill the Divine Dragon. That's the plan."

Yugi looked at him as if he had three heads for a single second. "Okay."