Updates should be back to normal.

On a side note, I'm still editing Blood Sky and then working through the rest of the earlier entries, but there will be mentions of the ceiling having some form of illumination. It was a note I was supposed to put in a long time ago and never did. There are bioluminescent stones overhead with enough of a glow they can all see each other pretty well even with the den being so far into the mountain and otherwise pitch black.

Chapter XV: Family

Yami had seen the den in Yugi's thoughts in passing. But the immensity of it was so much more than he'd witnessed then. It was almost big enough to house ten dragons, with soft sand scattered about the smooth river stones lining the floor. The walls glittered with strips of dark granite, laced with speckles of silver and white like stars. The roof was so high up he almost couldn't imagine reaching it even if he flew, with glowing stones which cast a brilliant but soft blue-green light as if Atem had somehow captured the stars. He stepped off the lip and tumbled through the air for a moment, hitting the stones and sand with a huff. He landed hard, breathless, and rolled a few feet. Then he sprang to his paws once more and shook himself out. He cast an awkward glance back at his parents and found Atem smirking while Yugi blinked huge eyes and tilted his head.

"Are you all right?" Atem teased, and Yugi smiled and looked away, trying not to laugh. The God Dragon snickered when Yami nodded affirmation, then jumped down beside him. Yugi did the same a moment later, glancing at him with glowing eyes.

"Pay attention to where your paws go, little flame," he laughed, licking his cheek before looking around and sighing contently. "Oh, it's so nice to be back here again."

Atem made a noncommittal noise, but Yami could feel the satisfaction radiating from him as well. Atem was far better at blocking him when it came to thoughts in coherent speech, but he still projected images and sometimes memories when he wasn't conscious of it. Yami knew from behavioral patterns that if the memory scuttled by, it was usually because he was nervous or fearful of something. Yami didn't see anything from him now, but his lacking response said enough even without the aura he read.

Atem was waiting on him, he realized. The God Dragon wouldn't look at him, but he was waiting for him to speak.

"This is amazing!" he announced, bouncing about the stones and quickly smoothing a few out when he knocked them from their places. He flattened them and glanced at Atem to find the Sky Dragon snickering. Yugi was trembling with excitement again, looking from Yami to Atem before he sprang at his mate.

Atem dodged at the last second, blinking, and then knocked Yugi over with a swift movement. Yugi huffed where he lay on his back, kicked his legs, flipped, and then sprang again. They rolled a few feet, mouthing each other and growling, and Yami watched with fascination for a few moments. He took a seat as they played, watching how easily Atem managed to knock Yugi back and forth as if he were a tree branch rather than another dragon.

When they separated, Yugi looked as if he might burst with happiness. Atem shook himself out, snickering, and padded to the other side of the den without a second glance. The Sky Dragon came to his side and took a seat, laying out on his belly and leaning forward to lick Yami's cheek. He trembled, feeling almost starved for affection, and melted into the touch as his father folded his paws and glanced back at Yugi.

"I'll leave in a few minutes," Atem murmured, considering Yugi and sighing. "I don't want to keep Seto waiting longer than necessary. I need to know if he's spoken of Yami to the Clan or even just to Kisara. I need her to know I expect her silence on the matter."

Yugi nodded, expression collapsing into melancholy. "Okay, yeah, that…" He sighed. "Okay, yeah, that makes sense."

Atem looked away. "I'm sorry."

Yami blinked. Atem wasn't apologizing for reminding him. He was apologizing for even taking the day before to try to sunbathe and care for himself. He considered that the pinnacle of the problem that had arisen since. Yami didn't understand that logic; maybe it was just an adult thing.

"It doesn't matter. It's okay," Yugi said, forcing a smile and purposefully lightening his voice. "It's better we try to stop it before it even begins, right?"

Atem nodded slightly, but the expression of disappointment toward himself did not change. The expression of concern, though mild, did not alter. Yami looked away.

"All right. This den is far too well-hidden for anyone to notice it should they be close. But watch all the same. If I'm not back by nightfall, do not leave it. If by time night comes and I am not back, you are free to come out as long as the moon is overhead. Do not risk wandering about during daylight." Atem got to his paws, shook himself out, and turned to Yami. "When I get back, I think it best we begin training you. I'd rather you didn't have to lift a paw for self-defense, but it is almost always necessary. And even if it should never be for you, better you learn than not."

Yugi opened his mouth, but stopped when Atem licked his forehead and took off. The Gandora watched him go until he couldn't, then sighed and went over to lay beside him. Yami studied him a moment, blinking, and yawned softly.

It was exhausting sometimes—though he'd never admit it should they ask—trying to keep up with his parents. The amount of things he didn't truly understand in the midst of everything that they did was enough to wind him. Now was no different. Yugi was melancholic because of Atem's absence, and Atem felt guilty for even trying to take care of himself.

Yami didn't understand how that made sense. Atem needed to take care of himself first and foremost before he could take care of anyone else. He couldn't run himself ragged and expect to still be able to protect them as well.

But it seemed so…ridiculous.

Atem needed sunlight. He needed moisture. He needed time apart from them. Yami knew that. He didn't understand how it was Atem could find fault in himself for such a necessity. He couldn't survive off pure stubbornness and his own will forever.

Yami didn't know, either, how to prolong problems of that measure. Healing his paw or providing Yugi extra warmth to reserve his life during that storm had been far easier. Both had sent him into a hibernation-like state as well after. He'd gone dormant in his egg, but he'd still heard Atem's voice and Yugi's though they'd seemed further away at times. They'd been muddled for a while, until they'd strengthened the day of his hatching. And Atem's paw had tired him out and forced him to rest excessively, though the poultice had helped significantly. He'd known where to put his energy, how to press his strength into that balm, and it had perhaps been his only aid.

"Daddy will be okay," he said, looking over at Yugi and tilting his head. His dad blinked and considered him with a startled expression. "He's a lot stronger than his brothers. He'll be okay."

Yugi blinked and shook his head, smiling. "You're so sweet. But I'm not worried about Atem and Seto."

He nodded slightly. "I know. You're worried about me." Yami pulled his paws to his chest. "But I don't know why. I'm okay. You don't need to worry about anything."

Yugi snorted and looked away and Yami saw bitterness in his eyes. "Right," he said, voice somewhere between sharp and soft. "I don't have to worry about anything."

Yami hesitated, then looked over more fully. "Why do you both blame yourselves for things you have no control over? I don't understand. Is it because you're adults? If so, I never want to get any older."

Yugi blinked, startled, then laughed as he looked over. "I don't want you to get any older ever, either," he teased, leaning forward to lick him. "You're too cute and I love you too much."

Atem was unimpressed when he set paw in the camp. He shook himself out, eyes narrowed, as he came forward. The limestone walls looming overhead seemed as foreboding as usual, sharp and sheer as if to cut through paws to the bone. He looked up at the sky as the sun beat down, making the walls almost blinding about him. The sand at his paws was hot enough it made his flesh itch, but he refused to stop as he headed toward the nursery tunnel.

"The God Dragon of the East," a voice murmured, chuckling, and he ignored it as he prepared to spring for the ledge leading to the nursery. "I see your little mate is not present this time around."

Atem ignored him and measured his leap.

"Funny. I would have thought from how attached he was to you, he would not have left you alone to visit like this." The voice paused then. "Or did he finally realize you're not worth the time?"

He flexed his claws and sprang. He caught the ledge, shook himself out, and tried to ignore the prickle of unease in his skin. Rafael stood inches away, peering at him with glittering eyes. He looked as if he wanted nothing more than for Atem to bristle and glare. Atem studied him and turned away again.

He didn't deserve the satisfaction of a response. Why should Atem play the game he wanted? He was a God Dragon. Why should he lower himself to respond to his whims like this?

"Did Yugi do it, Atem? Did he finally turn his back and leave?" the hybrid continued, voice lowered into a malicious hiss. "Or did he go off on his own to scratch the itch you certainly cannot reach?"

Atem remembered all too well the last they'd spoken. Rafael had made it all too apparent how interested he was in stealing Yugi from him. He'd said he only mated with males, because they had better stamina for being mounted. Yugi had been more than slightly insulted, but Atem had been horrified. It was stupid and he knew it, but he still had felt that insecurity rising under his skin after. He'd stupidly assumed he should take the role of initiation, until his legs felt they would break at any moment and he would never regain his strength.

It was because of his insecurity that he'd gotten the chance to lay Yami's egg, however. Had Rafael not gotten so far under his skin as to scare him into action, he would never have stressed himself to the point of copious mountings leading to Yami's egg. He supposed he owed him for that much.

But that still did not mean he had to care for him in any other capacity.

"I asked him to remain in the den. He's still there the last I checked."

Rafael's eyes glinted with interest. "You asked him to remain home while you came here." He chuckled. "Are you so afraid he might find more interest in someone else?"

"I have no such fear." He shook himself out. "Yugi is loyal to me."

"Until he finds a more enticing dragon to pursue."

Atem tilted his head. "What could possibly be more enticing than a God Dragon whose species ties him wholly to his whims and every desire?" he scoffed. "I am by nature forced to his side. What more could he want?"

"I'd use you to warm my belly when I was bored," Rafael snorted, smirking. "There are much more suitable, durable males than a Sky Dragon to be found with a toss of my head. Yugi must realize there are better options surrounding him at any time."

Atem blinked slowly, staring sharply. "Is that so? Do you think you'd have the privilege?" he said quietly. "I am the God Dragon of the East. I've spilled blood to stain the ocean red. You believe I would not have killed you as well?"

"Yugi is but half my age."

"Yugi is also a thousand times smarter than you, considering he does not antagonize someone beyond his range of battle." Atem snorted. "Yugi knows his limits in a fight. I don't think you realize the dragon you're challenging right now."

"I don't think you're so amazingly powerful I would be at a loss."

He nodded and straightened. "I see." He turned to glance toward the nursery tunnel again. None of the hatchlings had noticed his arrival or come at the sound of his voice. He turned back. "You believe so?"

"I know so, Atem. You're not nearly powerful enough to strike down someone of my caliber."

The God Dragon nodded and then sprang. He hit him full force. His left paw caught his ribcage and he tugged upward. Rafael spun from the sharp movement. He rolled in the air, hurrying to straighten himself. Atem did not hesitate to lunge once more. He caught his left wing, tearing it open with his claws. He slammed him to the ground even as Rafael spun to try to slash his face. His back legs kicked and his front aimed for his eyes. Atem dodged aside at the last moment, blinking as the air whistled past his beak.

He landed easily whereas Rafael took a moment to roll to his paws.

"That was cheap, God Dragon."

Atem flicked his wings lazily. "I assumed you'd be so powerful as to protect yourself from me," he sneered. "What of your caliber against mine?"

Rafael snorted and lunged. Atem dodged to the side. He spun, caught his back leg, and flipped him forward. Rafael landed on his back and snarled, rolling to his paws. Atem blinked lazily and tilted his head.

The hybrid shook himself, wing dripping blood, and bore his teeth. When he lunged, Atem narrowed his eyes. He hit him head on, latching his claws into his shoulders. They rolled several feet and Rafael snarled as they landed. He twisted and tried to dislodge him but Atem sank his claws further into his flesh. He hadn't even attempted to use his teeth yet.

Rafael snapped at his face and tried to get a hold, but missed. Atem slashed through muscle and tendon to tear a paw from his shoulders. He cut his face, leaving deep gouge wounds. He twisted his back legs and kicked.

Rafael stumbled, losing his grip. Atem twisted his shoulders, pushed his wings flat to the ground, and rolled to his paws immediately. The hybrid lunged for him again, claws sinking into his shoulders. Atem took the blow, rolling onto his back and kicking. He could have gutted the other male if he'd so tried. Instead he pushed hard enough to wind him, then flipped back to his paws.

Rafael panted and stared, shaking himself out again. Atem blinked and glanced around. There was a small group of dragons gathered about, confused by the sudden attack. He snorted, turning and launching himself onto the ledge once more. When he turned back, Rafael was glaring at him, snarling softly.

"Embarrassment is a mercy, considering the next time you challenge me I'll kill you," Atem announced. He didn't lash his tail or snarl. He stood there, eyeing him without a hint of tension in his body or malice in his gaze. "I'd look to those scars as a reminder. I am a God Dragon, Rafael. Don't underestimate me again."

When he turned back, he found himself face to face with a hatchling much larger than Yami, at perhaps twice his size. He was sitting there expectantly, watching with glittering eyes, and when he noticed Atem's eyes were on him, he smiled. The God Dragon studied him a moment, realizing the pheromones were almost as strong as Yami's own when he'd hatched.

But this hatchling looked nothing like Yami. In fact, aside from the sparkling blue chunks of ice that made his eyes, Atem would not have realized he was even Seto's. It was the way he peered up at him so expectantly that made Atem notice as well the hatchling seemed to know something he did not.

"Hello."

The hatchling blinked, then smiled wider. "Hello."

Atem blinked and tilted his head. Why…had that sounded so much like his own voice? He blinked again, then narrowed his eyes as he studied the hatchling before him. They were black, so dark it was like staring into an abyss. Each scale was lined with a streak of brilliant blue like lightning, with the classic dome-like shape of the Blue-Eyes White Dragon's skull. His teeth were more defined, jagged and huge against his small mouth. Each claw was long and sharp and hooked at the ends like Yugi's, meant for easy evisceration and rapid bloodshed. Each paw was flat and small, barely touching the limestone from how thick and large his claws were, effectively preventing the scent glands from touching the ground akin the manner Atem's did.

He could see the tusks beginning to form on either side of his mouth. His wings were misshapen and large, much sharper and angular than they should have been. Each bottom formation sported a huge spear of bone, and the blades of his shoulders were heavily armored. His chest plate was encased by several layers of scales that looked sharp to the touch, and the outer formation was narrow but firm, with spears of keratin to mirror his own.

His back legs had a similar shape and styling to his shoulders, the scales sharp and jarring to the eye. And the knees and hocks sported yet another protective layer of scales, thick and jagged and speared with bone that rose like claws from the joints. The claws of his back paws were wider and sharper than even the front, and each toe was unusually wide as if to promote the possibility of gutting an opponent.

Atem spent a moment wondering. And then he tilted his head further. A Blue-Eyes Alternative Black Dragon? Was that the dragon he was staring at?

How in the world had Seto and Kisara produced such a hatchling? They were extremely rare, to the point of being extinct but for a few.

But then, had their family ever been normal?

His parents, a golden Winged Dragon of Ra and a blue Tormentor, had laid a clutch containing a Slifer. He'd bred with a Gandora to produce Yami. If anything, this shouldn't have been so shocking. He should have seen it as yet another strange occurrence in a family that was by far unusual.

Atem tilted his head once more. Alternative Dragons of any species were known for mimicry. They were known for being able to mimic a voice or cry or scream or even animals to perfection. If this little dragonet before him practiced, he was sure in no time he'd be able to use his voice as if he were there speaking the words himself.

Seto would be livid if that happened.

Atem couldn't wait.

"Dimitri," a voice called from inside the tunnel, and Atem raised his head to see Kisara standing a few feet away, "come back. Atem came to see all of you."

The Alternative Dragon bared his teeth in a smile and turned to trot over to his mother. Atem blinked several times and wondered if the prickling feeling in the back of his mind was residual from Yami's gift. If Yami didn't know how to control it, he couldn't fault him for the fact it seemed to remain despite the distance.

He shook himself out and walked inside.

Seto was against the wall, speaking to another hatchling who was watching him with huge eyes. He looked ecstatic about whatever his father was telling him. The other three were scattered about, two playing while the third seemed to be referee of their epic battle.

Immediately upon entering the other four spun around to see him. In an instant they rushed forward, one tumbling forward so hard he didn't stop and slammed into Atem's paw with a squeak.

"Mokuba, you dummy," one of them snickered.

"Zigfried, don't pick on your brother," Kisara said immediately. She looked amused when Atem glanced at her, however. The chastised hatchling huffed, then moved closer and butted the other two away to stare up at Atem with narrowed eyes.

"You're not so scary."

Atem snorted. "Should I be?"

He stomped his paws and glared, growling softly. "I could beat you."

"That's news to me. The only one I think capable is another God Dragon, and even then I think I could strike him down first," he stated calmly. He lay down as the others tried to budge Zigfried out of the way and failed. Immediately the other three surged up to him, inspecting him where they could and squabbling loudly when they blocked each other.

Atem watched the hatchling as he growled louder and prepared to spring. When he did, it was to butt him in the jaw. He wailed when he hit the ground and Atem snickered, crossing his front paws.

Kisara laughed as she went to grab him and put him upright again. Zigfried glared and huffed and scrambled away from her to butt him in the jaw again. Atem laughed this time, startling the other three for only a moment, and shook his head.

"My jaw won't soften no matter how many times you strike at it. You're best off calling it a draw now and challenging me again later," he teased. He batted him gently away when he came a third time. The fourth he knocked him aside again and waited to see if he'd come a fifth. Zigfried settled for sitting and glaring instead, huffing. "I promise, it gets easier when you're older."

Kisara snickered and shook her head. "You look well, Atem."

"Must be the shadows," he snorted. "I'm bone and scales these days."

He saw her frown. "Seto said you looked healthier than usual when he saw you the day before."

"I was teasing. Yugi doesn't let me get beneath my peak." He allowed the hatchlings to climb atop his back and play along the jagged scales there. When he looked over, Kisara seemed relieved. "But yes, I am doing well. I suppose you must be, too, if you wished to summon me here."

She smiled. "They're your family, too. I thought you might like to see them."

The way she said the words sent a chill down Atem's spine. His head snapped toward Seto. His brother was busying himself with the task of pretending to groom. Atem could have snarled, but found himself unwilling to startle the clutch.

"Please don't be upset with him. I asked him about it because he looked so amazed when he got back. He didn't want to tell me, so it took pestering until well into the night before he broke."

Atem snorted. "I doubt that," he answered curtly. "He's never been so discreet, nor caring for me."

Seto snarled softly but didn't answer. Atem turned to her again.

"I'd appreciate if you did better than him and did not betray my confidence. I'd like not to have to bloody my paws further." She nodded immediately, but Seto sprang to his paws, bristling. Atem turned to him. "Don't force my paw in front of your own hatchlings, Seto."

The den seemed almost to echo with the threat. In an instant all five hatchlings stopped short and froze in place. Atem found Kisara frowning, giving Seto a warning look. She turned back with a bright smile after a moment, saying, "It's okay, Atem. It's safe."

Was it? Atem couldn't help but wonder. Rumors abounded about the whereabouts of Malik and Bakura. He didn't know how true any of them were, but it seemed as if the three of them were within distance of each other. Travel would have taken a day or less to reach one another. If that was the case, Seto could have easily told them before he'd come home to Kisara.

That might have explained why he held the secret so long as well. He'd spoken to them prior and tried to hide it from her after.

He looked away, swallowing the accusations resting on his tongue. "Yes, you're right," he lied, making his voice amicable. He turned back with a small smile and nod. He wished he could have believed her. He supposed he'd find out if the other two knew only when they showed up or word spread further. "And I did not come here to quarrel. I came to see my siblings."

Kisara smiled and butted him gently in the shoulder. Atem wondered how Seto had ever managed to get the attention of such a lovely female. Her personality alone was so contrast to his cold demeanor that Atem truly had to wonder. But he supposed Seto seemed warmer whenever it came to her. He didn't quarrel as much, he showed shame where he should, and he seemed…relatively happy despite all the things that had come to pass prior. He certainly wasn't tormenting others any longer.

That trait had passed along to Bakura, who seemed far more malicious now as an adult than he had even as a hatchling. His demeanor had gotten sharper, colder, far more brutal and vicious.

Atem looked down as the hatchlings began to play once more. In front of him Zigfried was seated, glaring up at him as if he still wanted to prove himself stronger. Behind him Dimitri had taken a seat as well. He peered up at him, blue eyes glittering. They were intense and unwavering, burning into his.

Atem saw so much of Seto in that moment that he almost snarled. Dimitri looked nothing like his brother but for the glint of his eyes and the arrogance with which he stared. He was reminded so vividly of their time as hatchlings that the urge to knock him aside and deal an equal amount of pain came to him.

But it passed. As abruptly as it came, the moment ended.

Atem lost his malice in a single heartbeat. Then he looked down at where the others had begun to tumble about once more. His eyes had finally adjusted fully to the dark. The dragonets were still too dark to take in the finer details, but he was certain of at least their shapes. One was almost an exact copy of Seto but for the more dome shape of the Blue-Eyes skull. Another was what seemed an Azure-Eyes Silver Dragon, another what seemed a Blue-Eyes Spirit Dragon, and the last a Blue-Eyes Chaos Dragon.

The blue-eyed hatchling had been the only one with a darker scale pattern. Atem blinked and considered him, then looked to Kisara and Seto.

"All males?" he muttered. It seemed so strange. Usually nests had a more equal balance. Yet Seto and Kisara had birthed only males.

How odd.

It was almost reminiscent of their own clutch.

Atem glanced around, mind scrambling for a moment. His eyes shot to Seto. "Where is the sixth?"

Kisara frowned and Seto blinked, shifting to sit up. The hatchlings swapped looks and Zigfried huffed, "He's dumb. There are only five of us!"

Atem smirked and shook his head, and Seto mumbled, "Egg rot."

He faltered, raising his head. Egg rot? Had that been the smell he'd encountered so many times before? Or had it been reminiscent and he'd somehow caught it regardless?

"I see."

"It was the night of the meeting." Kisara fell quiet a moment, then sighed. "I likely shouldn't have gone to meet you, but I couldn't stand the idea Seto might offend you."

Atem snorted. "His face makes me want to hurl."

Seto scoffed and Kisara burst out laughing. The hatchlings swapped looks and snickered, and a couple of them launched at each other repeating the jeer. Atem smirked at them before getting to his paws.

"Oh, he's not so unsightly," Kisara teased. Seto shot her an annoyed glance and she snickered, butting Atem's shoulder. Her smile was radiant when she continued. "Oh, you don't know their names! We haven't told you their names yet!"

Atem glanced at the five of them, wondering for a split second if the sixth would have been female had they hatched. "It would be nice to be able to call them by something," he said dryly.

Kisara snickered and turned to them eagerly. "This is Dimitri," she said proudly, nudging the Alternative Dragon with a smile. The Felgrand—with the oddest gray eyes Atem had ever seen—she announced was Mokuba. The Azure was named Leon, the Spirit Zigfried, and the Chaos—who had surprisingly vibrant eyes with slivers of discoloration—was Noah. Each of them dipped their heads, mumbled greetings in the most rehearsed manner, and then darted off to play once more when Kisara dismissed them.

"Did you make them sit and practice?" he teased, amazed when Kisara nodded and said, "Absolutely! They're meeting a God Dragon, no matter if you're family or not. I expect them to uphold their best behavior when addressing you."

Atem blinked, bewildered, and glanced at Zigfried. "His best manners are to call me dumb?" he muttered, then pretended to snap his teeth when the hatchling drifted closer. He jumped as if Atem had tried to swallow him, yelping and dashing to the other side of the den. Atem snickered and Seto snorted.

"He's…very opinionated and strong-willed," she sighed. "He almost refused to sit down and listen to me when I tried to explain about your coming to visit."

Atem looked over. "Why should that bother you so much?" he muttered. "I may be a God Dragon, but they are still my siblings. And they are young enough to pardon."

"Yes, well…I'd rather they not pick up their father's wonderful nature toward God Dragons," she snapped, then looked mortified when Atem froze in place. Seto looked stunned at the outburst, and the female ducked her head, mumbling, "Sorry."

"It's okay," he assured, though he felt flustered. "I agree they shouldn't adopt his attitude, but it is over and done with."

Seto snorted, "You say that as if you hold no grudges."

"You're still alive," Atem growled, "so I think my grudge does not run so deep as of yet."

The hatchlings stopped short of their game once more, eyes huge as they spun around to face him. They relaxed when neither dragon furthered the tension and Atem watched Mokuba hurry over.

"Don't threaten my dad!" he barked, stomping his paws and glaring up at him. Atem snorted and thought of Yami doing similar, of how he'd struck Seto for the implication Yugi had turned his back on Atem to produce him. "That's mean."

Atem snorted. "Only because it's mean?"

"He's my daddy! You're not allowed to threaten him."

The God Dragon smirked. "Then who is?"

Mokuba seemed to struggle for a moment to think of anyone, then stomped his paws again. "Only Mommy is allowed to threaten Daddy!" he announced, glaring up at him. "You're not my mommy so you can't threaten him."

Atem chuckled. "Oh, yes, you're right. I'll leave it to your mother to threaten your father. It's only right."

The rating will be going up at some point due to violence/bloodshed. It won't be prominent until about somewhere end-part 2 but it'll continue to set a tone throughout the rest of the story.