Chapter XL: Armor

"I should have asked how Echo died before we left the camp," Atem said suddenly. His eyes shot to Yugi and then Timaeus. "I don't want to disbelieve what Yami saw, but I don't know that the brat showed him what truly happened. I wasn't there to see or hear any details when Jaden and the others went to investigate. I left of my own accord when the summoning happened. They didn't need me there…"

"We should have asked," Yugi agreed, "although even if it wasn't an exact reenactment from the little monster's mind, you know the majority of it was. But none of them have their adult claws yet, either. All of them still have their egg claws."

Atem nodded. "Which…depending on how they said she died, Yami could have seen the exact sequence of events."

"How does a dragonet turn into an adult and back? There's no way."

He faltered, then shifted his weight. "Keith looked entirely different by the time he died from what he was when he challenged me. He ate his victims' hearts to gain their magic."

Yugi narrowed his eyes. "But he didn't change sizes or age. He…changed physically because of the atrocities he committed. That's not what Yami described."

"I know, but it's the closest thing I could think of to explain it."

"Maybe it was just a trick they played on him. Honestly, if they hit her the right way, when she fell she could have easily torn her sides open on the way down."

"No. Yami said the killer was disappointed when it happened so soon. They'd wanted her to suffer." Atem paused and bristled. "Do you think Seto told them about Keith? Maybe one of them mimicked his habit of using teeth and claws over their own. Maybe that's why they suddenly looked different to Yami in the vision?"

Yugi tilted his head, considering. "I could see him telling the story about him—"

"No, not Seto," Timaeus said quietly. "It would have been Rafael. Zigfried said when they're bored, they'll pester Rafael until he tells them stories. I want to say he'd have the common sense not to tell them so they didn't have nightmares, but truthfully I wouldn't put it past him just to keep them quiet. And what story are five male dragons going to listen to besides battles and wars?"

Atem blinked and looked away. "Rafael is quickly becoming one of the worst thorns in my side." He sighed and shook his head. "It wouldn't be too hard to hide the claws when their egg claws are close to shedding. They hollow from the bottom and shed their way upward. So they could easily have placed them beneath the other layer and waited until the moment was right to use them."

"Patty was only pushed. So, what of the change of temperament?"

"Maybe they got cocky because they weren't caught. Maybe they decided they wanted to inflict pain this time because it was too easy before." Atem glanced toward the den entrance. Yami must have been awake by then, listening rather than joining the conversation. "Yami mentioned the same thing when he saw Echo die. So it could have been a change in motivation led to the change in temperament."

"That's a steep change."

"You're forgetting who their father is and what stories they might have been told."

"I don't doubt your reasoning for a second," Yugi said gently. "I never have. You know that. I just… There's such a big difference between pushing someone and then gutting someone else."

"I know." Atem watched the den entrance again. He'd heard Yami moving. He'd heard his claws against the stones. Then he heard him jump atop the ledge. His paws were soft as he hurried through the tunnel toward them. When he sprang and landed and came over to greet them with beak rubs, he was purring again.

"Good morning," Timaeus teased, licking his face. "You seem in high spirits."

Yami didn't answer for a moment. "Not really," he said, though he remained smiling. "I'm just trying to make sure the day gets better. Otherwise it might remain miserable and I don't want that."

"Remain miserable?" Yugi repeated. "What's so miserable about it so far?"

Yami looked away. "It doesn't matter," he said with a full body shake. He stretched and yawned and then hurried over to rub against Atem's legs. "Can you take me fishing again? I want something to keep me busy."

Atem blinked. "Sure. We can do that." He glanced at Yugi and Timaeus. "Are we going alone?"

Yami hesitated, then twisted around his leg and glanced at the other two males. When he looked up again, he seemed guilty. "Please?" he whispered. Atem wondered if he wanted to talk more about the situation. Perhaps that was all it was. Maybe he just wanted reassurance he wasn't alone in the sensation of being haunted the night before.

"Okay." Atem nudged his rump and licked his forehead, looking to the others. Yugi smiled at Yami, but Timaeus tilted his head and studied him. He wasn't upset. He was just curious, almost skeptical even, but the moment passed. He locked gazes with Atem and smiled before turning away. The God Dragon studied Yugi's face a moment, but the usual adoration and devotion was there as always. There was no jealousy. There was no anger. He didn't seem bothered even that Yami was choosing him for comfort after the night before. Atem wasn't sure why he still sometimes expected the opposite. Yugi was so sweet he didn't harbor ill intent, and he only cared that everyone was safe and happy.

"When did you want to go?"

Yami looked up at him, searching his face, and then smiled. His eyes glittered with relief and he visibly relaxed as he pressed against Atem's paw again. "Soon?"

Atem nodded, butting his rump, and shook himself out. "We'll go by the lake," he murmured, licking his cheek. "Say bye to Yugi and Timaeus and we'll leave in a minute, okay?"

Yami obediently scurried over to them. He rubbed beaks with them both, lingering a moment with Yugi before he wound his way around Timaeus's legs and hurried back. Atem tilted his head, glanced at them with mild confusion, and then smiled.

"We'll be back as soon as he's tired," he announced, smiling at Yugi and leaning forward just far enough to lick his forehead. Yugi smiled and nodded, then turned to Timaeus.

"How about you and I go hunting for ourselves?"

Timaeus snorted. "I was brought here to babysit, not provide food. What is all this extra work?" he scoffed, dodging when Yugi swiped at him. He trotted away laughing and Yugi hurried after him, though he paused to spin around and lick Atem several times on the face. He butted Yami's shoulder and then raced off after the Wind Dragon.

Atem watched them go, turning to Yami. "Lead the way, little ruby."

Yami quivered as if with excitement and then hurried forward and sprang into the air. Atem followed a moment later as they began to move forward, leading to the lake. Yami landed happily and trotted a few steps forward to the edge of the bank. Atem followed faithfully, circling around to get closer to the water.

"So, did you want to speak to me about something?" he coaxed gently. He looked over at the hatchling and tilted his head, studying intently. Yami considered him closely for a moment, blinking and searching his face before he turned away. "I assume that's why you wanted to be alone with me?"

Yami nodded slightly. "The story Yugi told…last night."

"Amun and Alexander."

"Was Amun able to change shapes? Was that why he could turn human whereas the other dragons couldn't before then?"

Atem blinked and considered. "I don't know," he muttered. "Amun was barely ever mentioned to me growing up. I think I heard of him all of once before Yugi retold the story last night. He told it when you were in your egg. Do you remember that?"

"He said he forgot the details and Critias was unhappy with the ending because Yugi shortened the story until it was all bare bones." Yami sighed. "I remember it well enough. But if Amun could change shapes…"

"I don't know that any species can, Yami. I've never heard of anything of that measure before. I don't know how any species could do that." Atem fell silent for a long moment. "I know Keith changed physically because he devoured other dragons' hearts. It granted him the ability to use more magic than he should have, and it made him capable of using every element but ice. He changed through physical means in that manner, but it wasn't a full body transformation as you're suggesting. All I know is that Water Dragons can change their perception to others through mist. They summon water and they change their shape to whoever is there. But it's not physical and I don't know that any dragon in lore or otherwise has ever changed shape."

Yami fell silent for a while. "Do you think I really saw that vision the wrong way?" he finally asked. "I said Patty grew and attacked Echo and you were all saying maybe it was the method Keith used, with extra claws and teeth…"

"The claws make sense. The teeth do not." Atem studied his face for a long time. Yami looked over after a moment, troubled and tired. "Someone would have noticed such a malformation a long time ago. But, as you said, Yami, they could have been messing with you. Neither of us know what happened; we didn't get the proper details. And they were messing with us both the entire time we were there."

Yami nodded slightly. "So you think he showed me something false?"

"I believe so, yes." Atem paused. "Are you upset I suspect that?"

"No. I just… The more I think about it, the more I don't understand. And I'm scared. It terrifies me. You said the God Dragons all keep the balance. And the Divine Dragons were born in pairs and groups to maintain that balance as well. So, if that's the case, then…are we just supposed to die? The fifth and sixth both just…died. And they may have done it for a worthy cause, but what does that mean for me? Does that mean I'm a sacrifice as well? Is that all I'm here for?"

Atem faltered. "What?"

"Am I here just to die for everyone else?" Yami asked, finally turning to him again and shivering. "Am I just here to…restore a balance I don't even understand?"

He blinked, studying him intently for a few long minutes. Then he looked away. "The fifth God Dragon was sacrificed. She wasn't just sacrificed because she wanted to make a point that the dragons needed to cease war. She and Amun both lost their abilities at some point. I don't know how she did, or why. I just know she was powerless and she saw it as a sign to make the war end." He looked over again. "She sacrificed herself to put the balance at rest for another thousand years. Amun did the same, but to bind the dragons and humans to secure coexistence. When the fifth and sixth dragons lost their purpose, they were sacrificed. It happened so long ago, and I don't know the Lore as well as I probably should. I don't have those answers for you, and I'm sorry for that."

Yami nodded and looked away.

"It won't happen to you," he said firmly, leaning forward to lick his face and nuzzle his side. "I won't let anyone harm you. You know that."

"But what if it has to happen?"

"We'll find another way."

"And if there's not one?" Yami pressed. "What if my death is the only way to fix things?"

"Then the world will rot when I turn on it," Atem snapped. "Death may have you only when death earns you. Until I am dead, you'll live. Do you understand?"

Yami blinked up at him. He looked startled, then sad. He smiled slightly, nodded, and turned away again. "Okay," he said quietly. He blinked and searched their surroundings, studying everything around them. Then he looked to the water and considered. "Will you teach me to fight?"

Atem faltered. "To fight?"

"I want to learn. One day I'll have to learn to fend for myself, right?"

"Yes, but that day is far in the future. For now you still have Yugi, Timaeus, and me to protect you."

"And you've done amazingly. I could have asked for no better parents." Yami looked over, locking eyes with him. "I could have asked for no better guidance. I love you both more than anything. I admire your strengths, your courage. No matter what happens I'll always know you're the most amazing parents that could have existed. But one day I'll need to be on my own and maybe I'll be sacrificed, or maybe I won't. But it doesn't change anything. I have to learn to hunt and fight on my own."

Atem felt oddly cold. His bones were like ice and he swore the blood had slowed in his body. He blinked, muscles tight with anxiety, and looked away after a moment.

"We'll protect you until we can't. You understand that, yes?"

"I do. But I…I need to learn."

Atem nodded slowly. It wasn't a fun thought, but he wondered if perhaps Yami tasted his fear. The stories from the night before had ruined much of the calmness he'd harbored before. His dreams had been haunted by the warning Ironheart had given him, then Jaden's declaration to kill the hatchlings born during the eclipse. He'd dreamed of the Divine Dragons hunted as deer and the humans beneath the mountains. He'd woken smothering snarls and found himself face to face with Yami as the hatchling came to rest with him.

"What do you do with my nightmares?"

Yami paused splashing about and trying to catch a smaller fish on the bank. He looked over and tilted his head. "I…destroy them. I isolate them and I…force them away. They…create a kind of void, where you sleep without dreams for a while. I did it the first night you laid me, because you had so many nightmares about Seto's nest after the Blessing." He blinked and studied him again. "I don't know where they go, or what happens after they disappear for that time. I think they disappear and change depending on what you fear. Maybe they're destroyed until you dwell on them again. I used to force them away and replace them with dreams of Yugi. It was easier…but I was afraid I'd hurt you somehow if I kept doing that."

"I see." Atem smiled faintly and shook his head. "I suspected, but I didn't want to accuse you of it before. You made it far more apparent this morning."

"Yugi really upset you with that story." Yami turned away and snatched a fish up, grabbing it and hurrying a few feet back. He dropped it and bit at the spine so that it snapped and the fish ceased movement. When he looked back, he seemed sad again. "Yugi was right…to not tell the full story before. He was afraid to remind you how often you stand alone when it comes to your choices and even just your existence. He was so afraid to remind you of that, but he wanted me to know what happened to the fifth and sixth gods."

Atem nodded slightly and watched Yami place the fish in the shallows, crouching and waiting. "We should test your capability to swim underwater, see if you can fish in the depths. Your claws have developed some, haven't they? And your teeth are sharpening?" He smiled faintly when Yami raised a paw and wiggled his toes. His claws were almost shed and sharp. His toes had grown longer, flattening out for better land travel. When he bared his teeth, his canines had come in but the others were still relatively blunt. A few molars in the back had been shed, and it kept his mouth from properly closing in the front. He had been losing teeth at a much more regular rate than he or Yugi ever had. He wouldn't be lopsided for moons or toothless for one.

"Good. Then we'll go underwater later." Atem took a seat and waited as Yami caught another fish and began the task of baiting with another dead body. Whiskered fish were so strange. Atem didn't think he'd ever seen such a gluttonous species before. "You'll stay close to me, of course."

Yami turned to him and smiled, eyes bright. "Of course."

Atem faltered a step, pausing and bristling. Were his eyes deceiving him? He blinked and stopped, standing stiffly in front of Yami. The hatchling took the cue to remain behind him, standing statuesque at his hip and then moving only to shift his stance behind Atem's back leg. Atem blinked again, then pressed his wings into his sides to offer the faintest comfort as he stared at the other male.

"What are you doing here?"

"I saw the most interesting thing last night, at the Lightning Clan camp," the newcomer stated, voice silky smooth and underlined with aggression. "I didn't think it was possible. Seto talks out of his hindquarters as if he knows more than he does. And then in walks this little red hatchling, with black markings on his face, and bright golden eyes without pupils, and the brightest blue gem on his forehead. Everything as Seto described him to be."

Atem narrowed his gaze. "And you are here because of what?"

"I wanted to see him up close, personal." The other male bore his teeth in a brilliant smirk, a snarl forming in his eyes. He was lean and powerful, with gleaming gray scales and sharp claws. Atem watched his tail, where the end was hooked and glittered beneath the sunlight. "I wanted to see him in one piece before I tore him into multiple."

He remembered that tail almost taking his eye out not too long ago. He'd reacted just quickly enough to avoid it. And Yugi had been the one to beat him half to death in front of them all. His stomach churned as he remembered it. Atem hated himself for a single moment.

He should have taken his head when he'd struck him with his tail. He should have done more than just nearly decapitate him. He should have gone through with it, severed his head and left his body for his brothers to deal with.

Yami, he managed, struggling to force the thought through. Run. Find Yugi and Timaeus.

But who's going to take care of you?

"What? Is he too afraid to come out from behind your leg?" he laughed. The Sky Dragon came forward a few more steps, teeth bared. His eyes glittered with malice and Atem suppressed a snarl. "Do you think I can't see you there? What's the point of hiding if you're not even the same shade of red? You're darker than him, or didn't you know?"

Atem lowered his head, snarling. "Leave him out of it."

"But I came for him, not you."

"You'll deal with me."

"I'll beat you half to death and then let you watch him scream as he's torn limb from limb. Maybe I'll start with his wings. After all, what's more shameful than a dragon whose wings have been stripped?" he sneered. He came forward a few more steps, chuckling. "Where is your lovely little Gandora mate? I would have assumed he wouldn't have gone far."

Atem wondered where they had gone. He had a split second where he almost thought to call for them. But if he did, who was to say his war cry wouldn't summon others in the territory? It had once before. Even Timaeus had come running to check on him. His hearts pounded in his chest for a moment, and he flexed his claws as he narrowed his eyes and considered how he would launch himself. If Yami made a break for the trees quickly enough…

Atem shifted his weight and braced himself, snarling. He needed to aim quickly for his throat, try to decapitate him the first chance he got.

Why is he doing this?

He's bored. He needs to inflict pain on someone.

Why does he hate you so much?

He always has.

Are you going to kill him?

I don't have much of a choice.

But… But what if there is?

There's not, Yami, he snapped. There's no other choice. Bakura came here to kill you. And he's going to do that if he gets the chance. Run. Find Yugi and Timaeus.

Bakura looked Atem up and down, brown eyes like pools of mud. He smiled wider than ever, teeth sharp and terrible. His tail lashed and his claws glimmered like blades of metal to mirror it. He stepped closer and tilted his head, angling it to where he could see Yami past Atem's paw. "You're so stupidly brave. You're poking your head out like I won't take it in a few seconds."

Yami didn't move. "Why are you so disgusting?"

"It's fun," the Hunter Dragon sneered. "And Atem used to scream like a little wounded bird when I tore his claws off. Don't you remember, little brother? Wasn't it fun when I tore your flesh?"

"Yami," Atem snarled in warning. "I told you what to do."

"I know, but…" Yami shifted his weight and pressed himself to the ground. He flexed his claws and growled softly. "What is so rotten inside you that you can't just leave Atem alone?"

"My father killed me for him," Bakura said, laughing and baring his teeth in a wider smirk. "I think losing a heart for such a worthless little bastard supports my rage, don't you? Atem couldn't fend for himself and Seto carved a wound in his side, but I lost a heart because of his inability to defend himself."

"Atem didn't want to hurt someone he was raised with," Yami snapped. "Why would he have hurt any of you just because you did him? You're pathetic. He never wanted to hurt any of you."

"That's his own fault. He should have stood his ground. He should have fought back." Bakura snorted. "At least then, it would have been even more entertaining."

Stop entertaining him, Yami. Run.

I can't. He'll catch me.

He won't. I won't let him.

He's got a plan. He knows exactly what he's going to do if you charge him or if I make a run for it.

Atem lashed his tail. "Well," he hissed, stepping forward, "I guess we can see just how much better I am at defending myself in a moment, hmm, Bakura?"

"Yugi isn't here to save you." Bakura bore his teeth and smirked wider. "And your little hatchling can't help."

"I don't need help to deal with you."

Stay close. I'm going to lure him here. Then you run for it. Understand?

Yami was quiet for a moment. Okay.

Atem rushed forward. Bakura charged him, then dove to the side. Atem stopped short and twisted to face him. He backed up again, pacing several steps. Yami kept to his right hind leg as if he were his shadow, permanent and unwavering. Bakura studied him, glanced at Yami, and then chuckled.

"Are you still so afraid of me, Atem?" he laughed. "You're wise to be, but it's a shame you don't quiver like you used to. Do you remember when I'd corner you and knock you senseless? You used to shake like a leaf and fold into a ball. Those stupid wings of yours… I should have stripped them when we were younger. You wouldn't have lasted nearly as long without them. Maybe I could rectify that now."

Atem snorted. Bakura was playing with him. He wasn't aiming to hurt him yet. He was so focused on Yami he hadn't even considered what he'd do yet when he got his claws in Atem's flesh. Atem shifted his weight and studied him more closely. Bakura was exposing his right side, begging for Atem to take advantage of the clear target.

If he feinted right and aimed for his left…

No. His scales were different. They looked…harder. His scales were rougher. Atem couldn't have hoped to strike through his flesh easily enough to even wind him.

"What did you do?"

Bakura snorted. "It's amazing what the sun and arid desert territory do to you after a moon of survival there," he snickered.

"You went to the southern region?"

"I always wondered why Fire Dragons had such powerful scales," he sneered. "It turns out the sun hardens them. Maybe you should try it sometime. I'm sure Yugi would like to know how to make himself more appealing when he finds his pathetic little mate dead."

Atem shifted his weight. Every armor had a kink. He was sure he could inflict some damage even with a short and quick strike. It might have gotten him wounded, but he doubted it would get him killed. He flexed his claws and studied him. If he feinted for the right and then aimed for his left, it'd likely get him hurt but it would distract Bakura from Yami. And if he could distract him for long enough, Yami could make it for the trees.

Sprint, he snarled. You'll have to sprint for the trees, Yami.

He bristled and lunged. Bakura eyed him, then aimed to strike out with his right paw. His mouth opened wide as he sprang. Atem sidestepped at the last second. He dove for the ground and scrambled for his left side. In an instant he struck forward. His claws streaked across Bakura's flank but failed to do more than a superficial scratch. His wings shot forward. The blow sent Bakura back several steps. His claws dug into the earth to ground himself and rivets of disturbed dirt were apparent where he kept his balance.

His eyes shot to Yami. Atem could see the hatchling make it straight to the trees and further into the undergrowth. Bakura snorted and turned to him, smiling.

"That's fine. I'll just beat you until you can't stand. And then I'll retrieve him to tear to pieces in front of you." He laughed softly. "Maybe, by the time he comes back, he'll have Yugi with him. And I can kill them both in front of you. Imagine the hours I'll spend making them scream."

Atem braced himself. Bakura still had a weak spot. He just had to find it. He flexed his claws, tucked his wings closer to his sides, hunched his spine, and watched him intently. Bakura snorted and considered him, then raised a paw. He flexed his claws as if to intimidate him, and the sunlight was almost blinding where it bounced from the keratin.

He struck at Atem's face. The God Dragon bore his teeth but didn't flinch. Atem raised his paw and slashed at his face. There was no blood. His scales were like leather beneath Atem's claws. They caught at the tips for a single second, but still held and pulled sharply. He struck at his elbow, slashing hard enough the bone popped but did not break. His shoulder jarred but didn't dislocate. Bakura threw himself forward violently, spine arched and back paws aimed to cut into his underbelly. Atem rose on his hind legs and jumped just high enough Bakura could not gut him. His back leg made contact with his flank in front of his back right leg. Atem twisted and shoved forward.

They hit the ground with a snarl. Bakura landed on his back, claws hooked in Atem's flesh. The red male twisted and spun, trying to dislodge him. He raised a paw and slashed his forehead and muzzle. Blood spurted and sprayed his face. Atem kicked himself to his paws again, scrambling aside. Bakura blinked and watched him emotionlessly. He didn't look hurt despite the cut, and Atem felt his stomach lurch.

The cut was shallow. He had barely made contact with him. He'd barely tugged his flesh enough to make the gashes. Bakura lunged forward. Atem twisted again, spinning enough to keep his footing and land atop his brother. His claws dug fruitlessly into his wings, attempting to tear and failing. Bakura barely looked surprised. He twisted just enough to face him. His back paw kicked at his flesh and tore into the muscle they'd formerly cut before his back leg. Atem didn't let go. His claws dug into his shoulders with enough force to tear through the scales. He kicked his own back legs and tried to keep his grip. Bakura snarled, enraged, and sank his own claws further into his flesh.

Atem felt blood welling from his elbows as he squirmed and twisted. Bakura kicked and shoved with one paw while the other dug in further. Atem scrambled, startled. Bakura was going to gut him if he stayed in that position. He kicked and pushed off the ground, twisting. His wings braced and folded around his sides. He shoved Bakura away with a kick, pushing off the dirt hard enough it made his spine ache.

Bakura shot forward, hitting him hard enough to throw him into the ground again. Atem snarled, spitting with surprise. He flexed his wings to wind him where they struck his sides. Bakura still caught his shoulders but didn't hold longer than a moment. Blood sprayed the air again. Atem landed easily on all fours, snarling softly. He hadn't swam recently enough. He hadn't swam and soaked and sunbathed. His scales weren't slippery as they should have been.

Atem bristled and faced him, spine hunched again and tail lashing as he considered his aim. Bakura was moving too quickly. If he struck with his tail too soon, it would be easier for Bakura to do so with his own. He could disarm Atem if he got the chance to strike at his tail. He braced himself and tucked his wings into his sides, snarling as he raised his head and considered him more intently. Blood soaked the backs of his forelimbs, his claws braced in the dirt, and he eyed Bakura even as his brother took a seat and stared lazily in turn.

Bakura snorted and looked toward where Yami had run. Atem shifted his weight and bore his teeth, snarling softly. Their eyes locked and Bakura grinned even wider. "He didn't go very far."

Atem blinked and risked a glance. Yami was hovering nearby, pressed into the ground, hiding in a bush yellowed with the coming autumn. Atem bristled and snarled, glaring. Why are you still here? He turned to Bakura again, bristling more fiercely. He shifted forward until he could block Yami from sight. He braced his back legs as if to spring and lashed his tail again.

Bakura snickered and launched himself at his face. He caught the side of his jaw with his left paw, claws digging firmly into his flesh, and his right scrabbled for purchase on his crown. Atem lurched backwards from the pain, startled, but quickly rolled to recover. Bakura tried to latch his back legs into Atem's throat but missed in the moment he hit the ground. He was winded for that split second.

They rolled further and Atem scrambled for his paws. He struggled for a second. Bakura was heavier than before. The scales on his body were reinforced and heavier. He landed on his back and arched his spine upward like a bow, forepaws catching Bakura's sides to dig more forcefully into his flesh. He scrambled, kicking off the ground again, and twisted to disengage.

He panted and stepped back, spitting. Why are you here? he repeated angrily. He stalked forward a few inches, blood dripping from his elbows, his left cheek, his flank in front of his right hind leg. Atem snarled softly and braced himself, raising a paw and taking aim.

He struck hard and fast. Bakura hit the ground and rolled. Then he jumped to his paws, laughing.

"What happened? You realized he's still here and now you're scared enough to really fight me?"

"I just needed a moment to gauge the strength I need to use," he snarled. He lashed out again and sent Bakura to the ground for a split second. Then he jumped aside, testing his weight. His elbows were gouged open but there was no immediate pain. The dirt had caked them almost shut so as to staunch the blood. It was only the bottom gashes which remained freely bleeding.

Bakura burst out laughing. He launched himself once more at Atem's face. He caught him almost exactly as he had before. They rolled backwards and Atem spat furiously. He kicked off the ground, teeth digging into Bakura's shoulder, and tried to scrape past the armor along his flanks. Blood sprayed, but the wound was minimal. Atem dug his teeth in harder, until his jaw felt it might break. It creaked from the force and pain made his body feel as if it were on fire. He kicked and flailed, but could not disengage. Bakura sliced through the flesh along his side but could not eviscerate from the angle.

Atem lashed his tail and took aim. He clamped his jaws, twisted his spine to force his wings against the ground, pressed his paws to the dirt, and shoved upward. Bakura snarled and kept his teeth dug into his throat, right in front of his chest plate. Atem aimed and his tail clicked as the blades opened. He panted against his brother's throat, dug his claws in further, pressed his wings harder against the ground, and swept his tail forward.

And then everything went black.

"Death may have you only when death earns you." - The line is heavily inspired by a line of dialogue from God of War Ragnarok ("Death may have me when it earns me")