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Chapter XIX: Blood

"Let her go."

Yugi glanced at Atem and slowly moved back a step. The female scrambled for her paws and looked at Yugi briefly. Then she blinked and stood tall, peering at him. She looked both amazed and horrified. He supposed it made sense; the Gandora species had almost been eliminated from existence prior. His appearance there had to be stunning and more than slightly mortifying if she understood the meaning.

"A Gandora?"

"My mate, Yugi." Yugi glanced at him in his peripheral and found Atem staring at the female with pure malice in his eyes. "But if you don't go now, I'll make his threat a reality. Leave."

She looked amazed when she glanced at him. She flinched when the Sky Dragon stepped closer. She was gone in an instant and Yugi looked around rapidly.

Where was he?

Where was Jaden?

He bristled and looked rapidly around, baring his teeth and growling softly. He narrowed his eyes and snarled quietly. "Where is he?"

"I don't know." Atem faced him, bristling. "How did you know he's here?"

It didn't feel safe to say his name. Instead he turned and fixed him with a small stare. Atem startled, eyes growing wide for a split second. He glanced in the direction Yugi had come, then shook his head. He turned back and quickly jumped into the air.

"I can't sense him properly. But I assume if he came into the territory, he's still airborne for the moment. I think he'd likely be near the valley where he knows we were last." Atem narrowed his eyes and looked at him uncertainly. His expression spoke of enough fear to make Yugi feel as if ice were coursing through his veins. He'd never seen him so shaken before. It was almost as if he were seconds from collapsing. "I don't know of any point else he might search for us."

"Okay. I… Do you want me to come with you or go back?"

"Timaeus is here so that it will look as if we are still acting the same."

Yugi nodded. "Then shed the fear in your stance and let's go to the river," he said softly, though with enough firmness in his tone that Atem stopped short and immediately nodded. The God Dragon looked startled but it quickly faded to something akin gratitude. He turned away instantly and took off. Yugi scrambled to join him, taking off as quickly as he could before Atem vanished from his sight.

It was so easy for the Sky Dragon to outdo him or anyone else. He was so fast a blink could mean he was yards ahead or entirely out of someone's line of sight.

Yugi was both grateful for it—as it had certainly helped to save Atem prior to his victory—and flustered by it. If he got ahead of him so far, Yugi might not be able to catch up before it looked suspicious.

If Jaden saw them before they were ready, what then?

Yugi couldn't imagine it wouldn't turn into a massacre if Atem got upset enough. He wasn't sure he'd be able to restrain his temper if it came to that, either. His hearts skyrocketed as they neared the valley. Atem banked and took a spot abruptly, as if something had caught his eye. Yugi hurried after and relaxed when he realized Atem was only making contact near the den. It wasn't so close he could see it at first glance, but near enough Jaden could not question their stance there without looking foolish.

"Can you sense him?"

"No. It's like he touched the territory and then vanished." Atem narrowed his eyes and glanced at Yugi. "How did you know where I was? Was it him? Did he know?"

Yugi nodded slightly. "He knew exactly where you were—and that she was there, too."

Atem searched his face. "Why did you come?" he demanded. But it wasn't malicious or cold. He seemed flustered. "I don't understand."

"It… He said that you were panicking because you realized Jaden was in the territory." Yugi faltered, hearts racing. He'd almost said his name. And he knew Atem saw it forming on his lips, because the red male snarled softly with desperation. "Timaeus went into the den, and I came to find you. Atem… H-he knew exactly where you were and what was being said."

"Did he now? And what was I saying?"

"That she needed to leave and you wouldn't accept another courtship challenge."

Atem looked as if Yugi had struck him. His eyes stretched wide and his mouth opened and closed. He blinked and looked away, somewhere between horrified and stunned. But it passed. He lifted his head and shook himself out, tucking his wings into his sides, and began walking forward once more. Yugi watched him, wondering for a moment if he should have lied and said otherwise.

But Atem would have grown panicked had he. He would have likely gone to look for Yami, to make sure he and Timaeus were okay. And what then?

Yugi looked at his paws and then Atem. "I'm sorry."

He didn't know what he was apologizing for, and neither did Atem. The Sky Dragon turned and stared at him as if he were speaking in a different tongue. He blinked long and slow, studying him, and slowly shook his head. He began to move away again, walking forward and looking around intently. Yugi could tell he was stiffening as he continued, as if he expected Jaden to pounce from behind a bush at any moment. Seconds dragged into minutes. Yugi kept at his side for the majority of the investigation, sniffing though he knew it wouldn't help much, and scanning as intently as he could.

Jaden wasn't hiding.

When they got toward the heart of the forest, where the mountains sloped into the valley and the valley began to flatten toward the village, they found him seated neatly in a clearing. He was all but sunbathing, eyes closed and head tipped up. He didn't even open his eyes when Atem got closer, murmuring, "And here I thought you'd be expecting me."

"Expecting?" Atem mumbled. "What for?"

Jaden tipped his head down and blinked his eyes open slowly. Yugi didn't know if he meant to intimidate or if he was merely tired. Perhaps he had been sunbathing.

"I thought I'd finish what I originally started," he answered, voice disgustingly amicable. Yugi bristled, uncertain, and tried not to snarl with outrage. Jaden was watching Atem solely, however. "I came to see the territory."

Atem stiffened again, straightening. "It's rather amusing. I seem to recall telling you I would not allow you a tour of my territory."

Jaden snorted. "At this point it is no longer a question." He got to his paws. "I've heard a few things recently, Atem, and I do not know if they are speculation or not. But I would rather not make an enemy of you for the sake of your pride."

Pride? Yugi almost laughed aloud, but the sharp look on Atem's face said otherwise. He glanced at Atem and back. Then he lifted his chin.

"What have you heard?" he scoffed. "There's been nothing to hear."

Jaden finally looked toward him. "A clutch was laid during the eclipse in this territory." His eyes shot to Atem. "I believe it was a female hybrid, crossed between Water and Wind genetics. Do you know of this?"

Atem looked as if he'd choked on something. He stared, eyes so wide they threatened to pop from his head, and slowly blinked. His head snapped toward Yugi and back to the other God Dragon, the amazement and bewilderment so sharp and clear it couldn't be feigned. Jaden seemed to realize as well, startled as his eyes narrowed briefly with consideration.

"Neither of you knew." He got to his paws, snarling softly as he came forward several steps. "Yet, you prevented me coming here. I'd assumed you knew and sought to protect her from me."

Atem shook his head slowly. "I did not realize there were any nests to be born recently," he admitted. "I'd thought… No one notified me or asked a Blessing. I do not make it a point of forcing the others in my territory to present their nests."

"Perhaps you should learn to," Jaden spat. "There is a reason we do these things. You are younger, and so we've allowed leniency with your involvement as a God Dragon, but you should understand we have reasons for the things we do."

"Oh, I am aware of your reasons." Atem bristled and stepped closer. "I understand what you're referring to. I remember the reason you all began forcing mothers to bring their young to you."

Yugi shifted his weight, unsure. Did he ready himself to leap into the potential battle or did he remain where he stood and wait? He couldn't figure out which might be the better choice. He wouldn't let Atem get hurt—he'd kill Jaden first—but if he rushed forward, would that be the signal for him to make the first move? Yugi couldn't figure out which was the better option, to sit and wait or to charge him regardless.

"You were afraid then, just as you are now. I don't remember the stories you told to sway them all to follow that protocol. But I remember hearing of it. I remember my parents saying this region was the only truly free one." Atem stalked closer, snarling. "And why might I destroy that freedom for the sake of your paranoia?"

"Omens came before your birth. They've come now."

Atem shook his head. "Omens will always happen as long as dragons like you insist they mean something."

"Every dragon before and after you has understood and believed in the messages sent by our ancestors in Paradise. Where do you get off defying them and pretending otherwise?"

Yugi remembered Atem telling him he was born on a false moon, a night after the true full moon when a sliver was missing from its form. Most dragons would have killed him. It was meant to bring illness and death. Other dragons might have left him to die in the forests of the mountains making up his home. He would have been dead had his parents followed the superstitions passed through generations.

"Dead dragons do not rule the world." Atem stepped closer, flicking his tongues. "Dead dragons are long since passed. They may visit in dreams and they may stalk memories. But they do not rule the living."

Jaden looked as if Atem had gutted him for only a split second. Then he came forward, turning to Yugi. "I do not believe I have to appeal to your common sense as I do his. Am I incorrect?" he said smoothly. "You must understand the necessity of the Lore more than when it simply benefits your needs, yes?"

Yugi risked a glance at Atem, studying his furious expression. His mate turned to him after a moment, golden eyes flickering across his. He realized he had the potential to cause war or cease the battle before it began. He couldn't think straight for a single second, then turned to Jaden.

"I need more proof than word of mouth that this nest exists." He saw Atem's eyes widen, stretching, and he noticed the glint of disbelief and raw pain, but forced himself to ignore it. If it came to another nest or Yami's life or Atem's, he'd sacrifice anyone and everyone in his path. "What proof do you have?"

Jaden stared at him a moment, then smirked and gave Atem a sideways glance full of mockery. When he turned back, Yugi wished he could have boxed the arrogance from his face. "She spoke to her sister of the matter. And she felt it necessary to notify me." He paused and looked at Atem. "You…smell similar to the sister."

He blinked and turned to stare at him. Realization flashed through his gaze and he straightened, eyes widening. His mouth opened and closed twice and then he looked away, stunned. "She…she came to challenge me in order to save the nest." He shifted his weight and lowered his eyes. "She came to try to tie me to her so I'd fight you should you come."

Yugi bristled, startled. He'd threatened to kill her and she'd only meant to try to get protection for her clutch. He couldn't imagine the panic and pain to motivate her decision. He couldn't even fathom the disappointment and terror she must have felt when Yugi had shown himself. It made sense now why she had not pursued her line of challenge and had simply fled instead.

"You wish to kill the clutch."

"There is nothing else to be done with them."

"And the mother?"

Jaden remained silent. Yugi bristled, horrified. Atem looked down again, breathing hard. Yugi wanted nothing more than to argue, to snap at him it was unnecessary and there was no way he'd help. But then his mind flashed to Yami. What more could he do? How were they to protect him if Jaden came to realize he existed? If they chose not to help Jaden now, the potential war to come might mean Jaden found Yami sooner. And then what came of it? Everything they'd done thus far would be proven obsolete. And then what?

Yami would be found and killed.

And what could they possibly do to stop him if they did not try to distract him in the meantime?

He hated himself for the thought.

But what more could he do?

He looked over, hearts racing once more. "Atem," he said softly, "I'll do it. You can…stay here. I'll go with Jaden."

It was better Atem was spared. He could do it with Jaden instead and Atem could…blame him later rather than himself. He could hold it against him later, when they fought the next time. Because that was inevitable. He knew that much. They'd fight about something or other and this would be brought up. It had to be. It was going to be raw and sore for however long Atem let himself lament over the horror of the situation.

The God Dragon looked over finally. "No. I will do it."

Jaden glanced between them. "There's a very simple solution to this problem. Atem, show me where you know her nest to be. And I will handle it. Why bloody your claws when I can do so instead?" he scoffed. "I don't understand why either of you should wish to attend."

Yugi shook his head. "We'll be there to lead you to this nest. Why should we not be the ones to do it instead?" he spat, shaking. Atem stared at him with sharp, narrowed eyes. Yugi drew a deep breath and turned back. "What would be the point in us leading you there and leaving you to the mess?"

Jaden peered at them as if he thought they might lunge. When neither spoke again, he narrowed his eyes and turned to Atem. "I do not have time for further delay. Just take me to the nest. I will deal with them on my own." He bristled and thumped his tail. "Now, do you know the female I am looking for? You know her signature, do you not?"

Atem was quiet for a long minute. "I will show you to her. And then you will leave. There will be no further investigation of my territory. And should you push your luck, I'll beat you senseless. Do you understand me?"

Jaden fell silent for a moment, watching him coldly. And then he nodded slowly. "Yes. For the moment I will abide by your rules. But I will tour this territory at a later point, Atem."

The Sky Dragon smiled at him. Yugi's entire body turned cold at the look on his mate's face. Atem turned to him after a moment. "Go back to the den. I'll meet you there."

Jaden turned to watch Yugi intently. Yugi went to argue, then nodded slowly. It was better to play along at the moment, wasn't it? It would have been smarter of him to simply bite his tongue and remain silent as he needed. It would make Jaden less suspicious of them. It would make him believe them his ally rather than a threat any longer.

It meant time.

And that meant safety.

Yugi couldn't imagine anything better at the moment. He needed time. They needed time. They needed the reassurance of safety. Yami's life depended on it. If it meant he had to sacrifice someone else…

He didn't want to, but it was no different than being forced to kill to save Atem from Keith. In his mind it was almost the exact same thing, but for Yami was defenseless. He was utterly, beautifully innocent. And he did not deserve any harm sent his way.

Yugi could not stomach the idea of Yami being caught in the crossfires. His hearts hurt too much. And he couldn't fathom the pain he'd feel again should Atem be hurt in his stead.

"No, I'll…I'll accompany you."

Atem stared at him blankly. "Why would you…?"

"Because I…I'm going to," he said more firmly, turning to Jaden. "You had better be right. I won't have Atem known for killing hatchlings for fun."

"I won't let him bloody his paws."

"It doesn't matter if he touches them or not. He'll still be blamed. It's easier to blame the Red Death than it is the Equalizer, don't you think?" he sneered, shaking his head roughly. He turned to Atem. "Lead the way."

Atem looked as if he might be ill, glancing at Jaden and breathing hard before launching himself into the air.

Yugi landed behind Jaden but hurried to stand beside Atem. The Sky Dragon had been silent from the moment they'd left the valley. Atem seemed shaken still, ashamed and disgruntled. Yugi felt sick to his stomach as they continued forward. The den the female had chosen was nestled in the side of the peak of the mountain, the entrance narrow and dark and seemingly endless where it peeked out at them. Yugi shivered and looked over at Atem uncertainly. He bristled faintly and shook himself out, hearts hammering in his chest. His lungs felt tight and his throat began to ache with fear. He didn't have to step forward to know what he smelled.

"Atem?" he whispered.

Atem looked over and then toward Jaden. "Do you smell it?"

The God Dragon stepped forward and froze, eyes nearly popping out of his head. He took off for the entrance, dipping down and dragging himself beneath the sloping roof where it cut away the tunnel. He scrambled away, claws clicking heavily against the stone beneath.

Yugi looked to Atem. "She didn't…"

"Why not?" his mate said bitterly. "I'd much rather my offspring die by my teeth rather than another's. I can assure they do not suffer. Who is to say Jaden would have made it quick?"

"No one would torture hatchlings!" he burst out, but he couldn't shake the thought Jaden might. It was a faraway, vague feeling, but it plagued him all the same. Would he have tortured them for a better understanding? He was so afraid. When someone was afraid, they lashed out harder and far more furiously. He didn't want to think Jaden capable of it, but all the same it occurred to him. "Atem…"

He shook his head. "I'd rather believe otherwise, but…" He didn't finish the statement, instead bristling and taking off into the den. Yugi hurried after him. Only as he got past the stone baring down upon his back did he hear the snarling and spitting.

They barely got within a foot of the den's cavernous mouth when a paw smacked into Yugi's beak. He yelped, startled, and backed up into Atem's side. The God Dragon moved a wing forward and gently pushed him back a step once more. His golden eyes were glittering in the dark, terrible and intent.

Yugi licked blood from his beak. He pressed closer to Atem's side and the Sky Dragon glanced at him sideways. The female was soaked in blood, as if she'd eaten the broken bodies scattered about. Yugi didn't think she'd done the harm to them until after, when they were already dead—or so he hoped. He prayed, trembling, that had been the case. She'd killed the ten of them and left their bodies scattered about. All of them had been beaten and broken and almost torn in half.

"Atem…"

The female turned her head. "And you said you'd protect them," she sneered. "You said you'd protect them and you failed."

Atem was quiet for a long time. "No, I did not fail them," he hissed, "because I did not know they existed. You failed them when you spread news of their existence. You failed them when you allowed others to speak of them. Why did you share news of them when you knew this could be the result? You stupid, foolish female!"

Yugi flinched at the thunderous tone. "Atem."

The female launched herself at the Sky Dragon, screaming. Jaden rushed forward at the same time, and Atem snarled as he bore his teeth and readied himself for impact. The female was thrown sideways as the Prime Material Dragon made contact with her. Atem snapped his teeth and barely missed Jaden's exposed throat. Yugi moved to step between them in a defensive maneuver.

Jaden pinned her almost effortlessly. "Enough. It was not him to call the edict into place."

She squirmed and struggled, unable to move but to stretch her neck. Yugi would never forget the horrifying smile she tossed their way. Her teeth were soaked in blood, her face smeared with crusted liquid, and her eyes narrowed brilliantly. "I hope you one day feel the same pain I do now," she said softly, eyes burning into Atem's. "I hope you one day suffer so much you feel the desire for death as I do."

Atem straightened to his full height and peered down at her, voice low and cruel. "I have," he snarled. "I've suffered plenty. I've craved death before—a great many times. You don't know what you speak of."

Yugi's head snapped around, eyes widening. What?

Jaden looked over in shock as well. "Atem?"

"What?" he snapped. He never removed his eyes from hers. He raised his head further, tipping his beak down, baring his teeth, and bristled. He tucked his wings into his flanks and snarled softly. "Is it so surprising? I nearly starved to death and I've tasted death since I was fifty years. I know misery. I know pain. I know death in its entirety. I am death. I am pain. I am misery. Your hatchlings and yourself… I apologize. If you had trusted me to protect them, you would have told me. I could have prevented it. This is your fault."

Jaden stared at him as if his eyes might pop from his head. Yugi bristled and gaped, hearts pounding once more. Atem did not look at either of them.

"I did not wish them harm. I did not wish you harm, despite your aggravating behavior. I would have helped you if you had come to me." Atem shook his head sharply. "How am I supposed to help when I do not know?"

"You are a God Dragon! You should have known!"

The anguished howl made Yugi flinch. He felt every nerve in his body acutely, as if they were burning beneath the sun. He backed up further into Atem's side, shaking. The Sky Dragon looked unmoved, staring at the female with a furious expression.

"It was your responsibility to save them, not mine. You failed them, not I."

Yugi barely got a moment to blink before the Sky Dragon turned and padded out the den. He faltered, then hurried to chase after. They escaped the den a few moments later and Yugi watched Atem as he padded feet away and took a seat. When Yugi got to his side, the Sky Dragon turned his head and hissed, "She chose to kill them."

"She was afraid," he whispered. "She was afraid and she thought this was the only solution."

"It was a permanent solution to a temporary problem. I could have helped. I could have stopped Jaden from hurting them. I don't understand. Why would she…?" He tossed his head. "Did they all hatch during the eclipse? I…I could have at least stopped him hurting those who did not. I… I… Yugi…"

Yugi nodded and nuzzled his cheek, closing his eyes. "I know, Atem." He risked a glance toward the den, lowering his voice. "This is why we must protect Yami at all costs."

Atem bristled. "I know," he murmured, but his voice sharpened immediately after. "This…this is why I never wanted him to know. He didn't need to know who laid his egg. He'd be hunted and slaughtered. He'll be destroyed if any of them find out about him."

"He's okay! He's okay, Atem. I promise. He's in the den and he's okay. We did well. No one knows about him but us and Timaeus—"

"And Seto. And Kisara. I told my parents and Seto likely told our brothers." Atem snarled softly. "And whoever else they chose to tell now knows. How long before Jaden comes for him?"

Yugi bristled. "He won't. I won't let him."

Atem laughed bitterly, smiling at him cruelly.