Guest: Ah! Okay. I get that.

Chapter XXVII: Ironheart

Yusei had not set paw on the ground before he heard his name. Immediately he turned his head. Yugi came from the brush, eyes wide with surprise before narrowing with suspicion. The Gandora huffed and sneered, "I'd ask his blessing before I set paw. Who knows what I might do if you don't."

Yusei chuckled. "May I ask you your blessing and you can relay the fact to your mate? I have an urgent request of him."

Yugi bristled, eyeing him for a long moment. Then he faltered from his furious expression to look over his shoulder and back. "I… What kind of urgent request?" he demanded. He turned back, bristling again. "You just saw him!"

"I'm aware. And I wouldn't be here if it wasn't important." Yusei sighed. "Leviathan's father, Ironheart, is dying. He requested to see Atem one last time."

Yugi faltered more noticeably, eyes widening. He spun around and barked, "Atem!" before seemingly remembering himself. He turned back. "Yes, yes, blessing. Whatever. Just don't move until Atem gets here."

Yusei laughed and landed, then took a seat and watched as Yugi darted off, calling his mate frantically once more. There was a single moment of silence and then he heard paws approaching from the opposite direction. He turned his head. Atem was coming from the trees to his left, whereas Yugi had run off in search of him to the right. He looked at Yusei with an expression he couldn't quite read, as if he were startled but somehow expected this.

"Yugi!" he called. He watched Yusei the entire time he walked past him in the direction Yugi had gone. "Little one… Where are you going?"

There was a sound like something falling over itself and then Yugi came running back. Yusei tilted his head, laughing with delight, as Yugi tried to stop and ended up slamming into Atem's side. The Sky Dragon—amazingly—didn't budge, blinking at his mate and staring in puzzlement. Yugi straightened immediately, giving his chest an embarrassed lick before smiling brightly.

"I thought you went that way."

"We split up to cover more ground," the God Dragon mumbled, frowning. "You went that way, and I went this way. Why would you assume I was over there?"

"Because you're a lot faster than me. I just… I guess it doesn't matter." His head snapped around and he jerked his beak in Yusei's direction. "He says he was sent to get you."

Atem turned his head and eyed Yusei with the coldest look he'd ever seen. Yusei bristled uncertainly and grimaced, staring at the icy display and fighting a shiver. Atem blinked after a moment, then growled, "Must Jaden tease me with freedom like this?"

Yusei chuckled. "It wasn't Jaden." He paused. "You hate us so much?"

"None of you are my preferred company," he scoffed. He glanced sideways toward Yugi and Yusei grinned wider. Yugi was watching him suspiciously again, blue-violet eyes narrowed and body tensed as if to spring. Yusei chuckled when Atem stepped between them so he could no longer see the hybrid.

"And it's quite a refreshing change," he chuckled. "I'm tired of spending time with Leviathan and Jaden. Both of them are irritating after a while. I never see you half the time. It makes getting together between the four of us more enjoyable."

Atem stared at him in near amazement. Then he snorted. Yugi was snickering behind his shoulder. Yusei grinned.

"Who requested to see me?" he asked after a moment, tilting his head and eyeing him curiously. "If it wasn't Jaden, then who would bother?"

Yusei felt ice in his blood at the casual disregard. Atem seemed so sure of himself no one would seek his company except for dire situations or Jaden being nosy. He glanced past Atem's shoulder and found Yugi frowning as well, looking at his mate with a somewhat crestfallen expression.

He grimaced. Ironheart dying was a dire situation. He sighed.

"Ironheart requested your presence."

Atem bristled immediately upon hearing the name. "Ironheart?" he echoed. His voice turned venomous. "Why?"

Yusei blinked in amazement. What had the Judgment Dragon said to him to make Atem so angry? He saw Yugi bristle behind Atem, but his expression was puzzled rather than angry. "He's dying." He expected Atem to look surprised or even mildly startled, but the God Dragon merely narrowed his eyes and watched him more intently. He shifted his weight awkwardly. "He's dying, and he requested to see you. Apparently he wanted to see you urgently. He…he kept saying the word 'Yami'?"

That made Atem freeze. The God Dragon went so still Yusei was almost amazed he had not turned to stone. Atem stared at him blankly for a long time, then slowly blinked. The tension drained from him…but not from Yugi behind him. The Gandora was bristling and had curled his lips back to show the ridges of his teeth more prominently. Yusei blinked and looked between them intently.

"Judging by your expressions, you know something or other about the word." He tilted his head. "Is it a name or is it just a word? We haven't figured out why he keeps saying it."

"It's a human name," Yugi offered after an extremely long silence. Atem turned his head slightly to look toward his mate. "It means darkness. I don't know why he would be saying it, though."

"Darkness?" Yusei mumbled. "As in…another eclipse?"

The Sky Dragon turned back to him. And Yusei understood immediately that Atem saw right through his attempt to offer him an out. The red male eyed him, critical and cold, and finally said, "I don't know. I don't summon eclipses. I don't summon false moons. I don't summon the wane or the growth. I have no control over the sun. I have no control of the moon. Jaden is a superstitious fool and Ironheart… Seeing as he requests me on his death bed, I shall go to see him."

Yusei studied his face. "Look, I don't know what the name means to either of you. I don't think I want to, if only because I know it'll lead to problems later with Jaden." He exhaled slowly. "But if he uses that word around you, Atem—"

"We won't react to it," Yugi snapped.

Atem blinked and turned his head, puzzled. "We?" he echoed, snorting. "We are not going to see Ironheart. I am going to see Ironheart."

"Eat dung, Atem," the Gandora snarled. He turned to Yusei. "I'm coming with you both. Jaden can't be happy Atem got summoned to his death bed. I'm going to keep him busy in the meantime."

Yusei stared at the Gandora, fascinated and stunned. "I… Leviathan was supposed to have banished him. Ironheart specifically said Jaden was not allowed to be present any longer. I don't know if Jaden listened, but we'll find out, I suppose." He looked to Atem and found the Slifer still watching Yugi. He looked grateful but annoyed as well. "If Jaden is still there despite request of his absence and he uses that word, you'd be wise to pretend it has to do with another eclipse."

"Let Jaden think what he will of the word. It means nothing to me."

Yusei sighed softly. "You can't say that. I saw your reaction at just the mention."

Atem turned to him with a snarl. Yugi brushed against his mate to make him stop short. "And you would be wise to pretend you did not notice it at any point," he snapped. He glanced at Yugi sideways. "It's Water Clan territory."

Yugi nodded. "Ironheart is Leviathan's father. I know. I'm still coming."

Yusei was amazed by how quickly Atem softened from his initial argument. He smiled after a moment, though it was somewhat tight and awkward, and nudged Yugi's shoulder gently. Yugi grinned and turned to him after a moment, expression determined as he stepped forward.

"We should do this sooner, right? Because Ironheart is sick?"

Yusei frowned. "I don't think sick quite covers how bad off he is," he admitted quietly. "I think he's far worse than just sick. Leviathan made it sound as if he might inhale his last any moment."

Yugi nodded and turned to Atem. "Then let's go now and we'll be back before sunset."

He snickered. "You say that like you're not nocturnal."

Yugi huffed and turned back. "I meant for Atem."

"Atem is used to flying at night," the God Dragon growled. "I was capable before. I'm capable now."

Something passed momentarily over Yugi's eyes but it wasn't long enough to read. The Gandora shook himself out and looked at Yusei. "Lead the way."

Yugi landed easily despite the icy chill of fear in his bones. The rushing river beside him made his flesh itch and he almost thought he was molting with fear for a split second. Then it passed. He lived by a river. And he'd come for Atem. It wasn't for himself that he'd bothered to come there. He'd come to protect Atem and give him support if he should waver. Neither of them knew if Ironheart would retract his refusal to see Jaden or what he might say to Atem. And he didn't know that Jaden wouldn't force himself upon them regardless. Yugi ignored where his toes were soaked in river spray and padded forward. Atem was behind him, Yusei in front.

And feet away, Jaden was snarling at Leviathan. The two of them were scowling, teeth bared. Yugi thought the Leviathan stood so much taller than Jaden that he could almost swallow one of his wings with a single bite. Jaden was smaller than the other three God Dragons, but he was a healer. Yugi knew that. He was powerful and dangerous for his abilities and he was more than capable of holding his own no matter the tasks forced upon him.

Yugi looked toward Atem. His mate had come to his side and stood watching the two deities with cold eyes. Yusei snarled, "Enough! I've brought Atem. He's here."

It didn't stop the fight brewing. But Jaden turned his head and stared at Atem for a long moment, before his eyes abruptly fell on Yugi.

"You?"

"Me," he answered firmly, lashing his tail.

Atem looked between them and turned to Leviathan a moment later. "Ironheart requested me? On his deathbed?" he murmured, stepping forward. "I did not realize he was so ill."

"It came more suddenly than anything," Leviathan said sharply, eyeing them both before huffing. "I'll tell him you're here."

He disappeared after a moment, dipping behind the stone and vanishing from sight. Yugi saw only the end of his tail before he was gone. Then he lifted his head and looked between Atem and Yusei uncertainly. Jaden was glowering, head tilted so his ear was lowered to the ground to hear better, but Atem was merely staring up at the sky as if the clouds might have some kind of answer. Yusei had lowered his head slightly. His eyes were on a spot on the stone and Yugi followed the path to find an area the rock seemed eroded with a well-defined hole within its glossy surface.

Yugi remembered Yami's first attempt to breathe fire. His eyes shot to Yusei and then Jaden and slowly to Atem. His mate lowered his head from his cloud counting and looked over, blinking. Yugi jerked his beak toward the hole and Atem looked over, at first without noticing and then with surprised recognition.

"Oh, did you find our little quarrel spot?" Jaden sneered. He looked as if he wanted to strike out at any moment. Yugi raised his head, bristling, and stepped forward to meet him when he came closer. Yusei stepped between them effortlessly, however, and Yugi saw Atem eyeing Jaden with an expression of pure malice. He would be ruthless if he were to fight him, Yugi realized with shock. Atem would not show the mercy Yugi had always admired in him. "See, Yusei apparently thought it a good idea to threaten my life over you."

"He's got good taste," Yugi sneered. "I'd choose Atem over you any day, too."

"Shocker," Atem muttered, and Yusei snickered. Yugi ignored him. He kept his eyes trained on Jaden who was watching Atem just as intently. "I do not know why you fail to understand, but I do not care to be center of your quarrels. Take it upon yourself to aggravate Yusei and Leviathan on your own, without my presence or my name taken into account. I'd rather enjoy it, in fact, if I never had to hear such nonsense from the three of you as it is."

Yugi snarled and sprang forward when Jaden moved as if he might lash out. But the Fire Dragon merely glanced at him and Yusei shouldered him aside gently. Atem growled softly but did not speak, and Yugi saw beyond Jaden's shoulder that Leviathan was approaching again.

"He's invited you in as well, Yugi. Apparently whatever he wishes to say is for both your ears." Leviathan shook himself out. "He still refuses audience with either of you."

Yugi froze, thinking of the water and how easily he could drown. Fire Dragons were horrible in water. They were notorious for drowning and while Yugi hated to think of superstitions, there was one he had come to truly believe.

A Fire Dragon to drown could never make it to Paradise. Their souls were trapped in the water. Their bodies rotted and were eaten by lesser animals. And because of that, they could not join their brethren in death.

Yugi hated the lore surrounding it. But he always remembered. It was something he'd always thought of, though he knew how to swim and did so relatively well. He'd taught himself in an effort to make pursuing Atem that much easier. But even then, he could not swim far distances and being a dragon in the water was unnerving by all accounts. He only so often fished as a human with the net he'd used to pin Atem during their courtship. Humans had no true fear of the water and somehow that was comforting, despite everything and knowing it meant nothing different between one form and the next.

Still, he refused to show hesitation more than a second. He didn't want Atem to realize how cowardly he was around rivers. Rivers made Atem happiest. Every den he chose was close to one, for the sake of convenience of food and because Yugi knew he enjoyed swimming and sunbathing and listening to the water.

He forced his doubt aside and started forward.

"Brave little Gandora you have there," Leviathan snorted. "He almost makes me forget for a second how fearful his species can be."

Yugi ignored it and went around Jaden, pausing then to look over his shoulder. Atem had not moved from his position feet away. Yugi hesitated, wondering, and caught Atem's eye only as the God Dragon turned away from Leviathan. Had he missed something? Had he missed something they were saying? Or had he failed to see what had passed between them wordlessly? It didn't make sense that Atem could read the Water Dragon's body language so well, nor he his. But still Yugi wondered.

Still he feared something had happened and he'd missed it while in his own head.

"I'll show you the way," Atem commented after a moment, moving past him to take the lead. Yugi almost sighed with relief, following faithfully and focusing on Atem's tail more than even the steps he should have taken. It was comforting to have a focal point that did not rely upon his full attention. With Atem to lead him, it felt like nothing could possibly go wrong. It just seemed so much easier, like Atem could prevent the worst from coming to pass.

He knew he'd always felt that way before, but it had only grown as he'd become more used to being at his side. Atem had cunning in spades, even when he was scared and felt he was cornered into the wrong decision. If there was anyone he truly trusted with his life no matter the circumstances, it was Atem. Even if he'd failed in his courtship and been summoned to that fight at the cliffs, the moment he'd have found out Atem would be there he'd have known they'd win.

"Yugi," Atem whispered. He had flattened himself to the ledge and turned his head to peer over his shoulder. Yugi froze in place, for a split second terrified about what the Sky Dragon might say. Atem was staring at him, a look of remorse and perhaps fear in his eyes. "Ironheart knows about Yami. He… I don't know how he knew. He's said to see visions—stronger than Jaden or Yusei's. He spoke to me the first time because he wanted to see my shadow. He said something about pain being in my future and how my shadow was dark and long. I… He knows about Yami. That's…that's really all I wanted to tell you."

Yugi nodded. "He knew his name. He was saying it. I figured as much."

"I threatened his life if he spoke of him to anyone. I…I can't be sure he hasn't. He's losing his mind and he's ill. What if he—?"

"It doesn't matter," he said firmly, though gently. "The Leviathan could know and hasn't said anything. Or he might not and so has nothing to say. He refuses audience with Jaden and Yusei. He asked for you. And he said I could accompany you. That's all that matters. We'll find out later whether it goes further than that. For now…"

Atem looked as if he wanted to argue, but the moment passed. He searched Yugi's face, studied him, and then straightened and turned away. When he walked, he seemed as if he were pressing his weight into the stone ledge as if to find a weak point. Yugi's hearts almost broke at the thought. Was Atem still so scared after that slip down the mountainside that he was trying to find fault in every path they took?

It was sad and amazing all at once.

Atem led them along for a while, until they came upon a crevice in the stone. It was slicked with water further along, but thankfully the outcrop mostly blocked it from the spray. Yugi tucked his wings tightly into his sides and drew in a deep breath before following at a more leisurely pace.

"Ironheart?" Atem mumbled as he came into the cavern, the bed of stone seeming to expand to a monumental hole. Yugi looked around, then froze when he spotted the brilliant white dragon. He lay in the middle of the den, curled up on his side as he breathed harshly. Atem shivered but did not stop from approaching the other male. "I'm here."

The Judgment Dragon hissed and rasped for air. And then his eye popped open, brilliant gray as it centered upon Yugi and bore into him. The Gandora bristled faintly and stepped back, then forward again. He circled Atem, anxious.

"Yugi."

He glanced at Atem sideways, but he knew it was Ironheart who had spoken. When he turned back, the white male was trying to roll onto his belly. Yugi didn't know whether to help him or flinch away. What if he was ill in a sense that was beyond old age and failing organs? He could take something back to Yami and he'd never know—

Atem helped to straighten him instead. He helped him settle on his belly and if Yugi had not just seen the agony he'd gone through attempting to do that, he would have assumed he was just laying there comfortably. Atem hesitated, then stepped back.

"You younglings fuss so unnecessarily," Ironheart hissed, though it was affectionate. Yugi had the feeling he couldn't speak louder, and that was why his voice sounded so low and scratchy. "Yugi, come forward."

He hesitated but followed instructions, coming forward. He stopped a few inches away but Ironheart growled to get nearer still. He was almost touching him when the Judgment Dragon raised his head and peered into his eyes. His gaze seemed almost to glow, his pupils nonexistent, and he bristled and shivered. He was wracked with tremors for the effort, but he still kept his head up and his eyes on Yugi's.

"Interesting," he said finally. His head dropped to his paws. He shuddered and coughed and Yugi thought he might expel a lung at any moment. He bristled uncertainly, glancing at Atem in alarm. The Sky Dragon was watching Ironheart intently.

When the other male did not speak again, Atem prompted, "What is interesting, Ironheart?"

He grunted. "I can see it now."

"See what?"

"The truth of your path. Yugi possesses so much of it that I couldn't see it before. The shadows surrounding you…" Ironheart shivered and rasped a breath before looking over at Atem. "And Yami. I can see him now as well."

Atem was silent for a moment, then his voice came out low and cold. "You've been saying his name. Jaden and Leviathan don't know what it means. Yusei is feigning ignorance of whatever he might suspect. But you've been saying his name."

He chuckled. "Your son…shall be hunted like a deer."

"I'll kill anyone to set paw toward him with the intent," Atem snapped. "But I don't suppose you have more to say on the matter. Perhaps an explanation might be in order?"

"No," he laughed, and then coughed violently. When he finished his fit, he vomited and Yugi flinched at the acrid smell of bile. The Judgment Dragon looked almost relieved when he raised his head again. "No one can know the future regarding themselves—especially not you."

"Especially not me?"

"No. You're too powerful. The balance depends upon your ignorance. If you understood half of what you'll set into motion…" Ironheart chuckled and shook his head. "What you've already set into motion…"

Atem bore his teeth. "I should rip your head off. You tease me and insult me by flinging Yami's name around despite agreement to never speak of it."

"No. I promised I would not tell another soul as to who he is. Ask Jaden or Yusei. Ask them what I've told them of him. Ask my son. Demand answers from him." Ironheart fell silent a moment, then turned to Yugi. "When the moon cloaks the sun."

Yugi tilted his head. "Hmm?" He blinked. "A second eclipse?"

"Your son will be safe until then."

"He'll stay safe," Atem snapped. "What are you—?"

"He shall be hunted by fear and hatred. When the moon cloaks the sun." Ironheart shuddered heavily. Yugi watched saliva bubble along the edges of his jaws, tinted red and orange with bile. "Everything changes that day."

Atem looked to Yugi. "I don't understand."

"A second eclipse changes everything."

Yugi glanced at Atem in his peripheral. "I don't—"

"He's a force of nature, Atem." Yugi and Atem both turned to the Judgment Dragon. "He's going to be the most powerful force to exist. Guide him while you can. When he becomes the prey, all depends on what you've taught him. Both of you…must teach him everything. Teach him until he feels he can't learn anymore. And then teach him more. You cannot allow him to…mirror…"

Yugi froze in place. Ironheart had dropped his head, slumped forward as if he might try to puke again. But his beak was halfway in the pile of vomit, mouth opened partially, entire body still. His eyes were still half-open, but the light was gone from them.

"What…w-what killed him?" he blurted, turning to Atem.

"Maybe he was trying so hard to speak, he forgot to breathe," Atem mumbled, staring at the body with a wary expression. His eyes were glazed over and the gem on his forehead had turned cloudy once more. "I think he knew he was going to die sooner than he requested me. I think he held on just long enough to speak to us."

Yugi shivered. "What…do we do?"

Atem turned to him. "Us?" he breathed. "No, Yugi. We shall not do anything. The Clan will retrieve his body for burial."

"But… I… S-should we move his head? I… I-if I die like that, I'd rather someone change my position." He tucked his wings into his sides until the keratin hooks on the furthest joint pinched his flesh. He looked at Atem and tried not to tremble. "I… It just seems undignified."

"No death is dignified. I'll die one day as well, and I'll likely look far worse," Atem stated simply, voice gentle. "Let's alert Leviathan and—"

Yugi couldn't help it. He couldn't just turn away from a broken body like that, the mouth opened so uncomfortably and dropped to the ground as it was. He shook his head violently and moved forward, nudging Ironheart so as to lift his jaw. He angled his head away to face the back wall and lay his paw flat where it had formerly been half-twisted at the joint. He stepped back to survey his work and nodded to himself.

He looked over sheepishly. Atem was watching him, eyes sparking with frustration but also warm with affection. "Sorry," he whispered. "I just…"

Atem shook his head. "It's sweet. But I think it was misguided all the same, little one." He butted Yugi's shoulder and Yugi tried not to melt into the touch. "Let's go alert Leviathan to his father's passing and see our way home."