Chapter LXIV: Coincidence

Jesse watched Jaden pace a few steps back and forth, bristling and scowling at the ground. Usually he would have found it somewhat amusing that Jaden had worked himself into such a fit. It was usually fun to watch him as he paced and scowled and occasionally the growl he would release made Jesse snicker. But now the air seemed heavy and Jesse wanted nothing more than to duck his head and hide away altogether. The Prime Material Dragon looked so anxious and undone that Jesse wasn't sure what he should do.

He shifted his weight and flexed his claws. "Jaden?"

The God Dragon turned on him with a growl, eyes flashing with anger. "What?" he snapped. "What is it?"

"I… A-are you all right?"

"No. Do I look all right?" he spat. "The region is convinced of war between Atem and I. And I can't find his brother to ask him what he knew of Yami. Atem likely assumes as Yusei did that I am the one who killed his son, and if Atem declares war…"

"If Atem planned to declare war, I think he would have already," Jesse mumbled after a moment. He flinched when Jaden snarled and bore his thorn-sharp teeth. "He's not… I don't think he'd be one to gather allies before he stormed the territory."

"You don't think so, but if he is—Jesse, I don't even know how many allies he may have gained or…" Jaden trailed off and bristled, turning on him again as he stopped moving. "Who might stand with him when they realize he gave birth to a Divine? When they find he raised one, after what happened with Sartorius, they'll kill him for it."

"If they could lay a claw on him," Jesse mumbled, then shook himself out and searched Jaden's face. "But that's not… I don't think many of them know what happened with you and Sartorius, Jaden. His name was almost devoured from legend and no one has uttered it since…years before now. I'd almost forgotten his existence until Yusei said it a couple of days ago."

Jaden blinked and scowled. "Maybe you've forgotten, but others haven't."

Jesse shook his head. "Perhaps not, but it was taken care of. I remember what it did to you—what it still does." He sighed softly. "But that's not the point. You took care of it. And it's over and done with."

"It was too little, too late by the time I took action."

"It was never too little or too late, Jaden." Jesse shifted his weight and looked away again. "I know it doesn't alleviate the guilt, but you've been the first to place yourself in danger when it's come to anything since."

"I didn't stop Keith." Jaden huffed. "We all waited for him to make a move and then he disappeared from our sights and none of us thought much of it. I should have investigated it before he even got to the eastern region."

"No one knew Atem was a blind spot. You couldn't have anticipated his ability to hide in plain sight like that. Keith getting so close to him was the only reason anyone realized he existed in the first place."

Jesse didn't want to remind Jaden of the fact they'd all failed to try to find the truth of the rumors. Jaden had dismissed them when no one had been able to find Atem's image in visions or dreams. There had been no great omen to announce a God Dragon had come into existence and all three of them had thought the rumors more jest than anything. Jesse didn't even remember hearing that Atem had Blessed any of the dragons in his region, let alone the ones where their territories overlapped his own. The rumors were mainly made on the basis of Atem's strange appearance, his two mouths and the gem in his forehead, his immense golden eyes without pupils, and the fact that he was a Slifer and had killed so many.

All three of them had been too busy with tracking Keith to care to try to find Atem, though there hadn't been much to follow in terms of a trail, either. No one had ever said where within his territory he hid, and Atem had likely hidden at times for recovery as well. Jesse had never thought to go there because Yusei had warned him there were rumors of a bloodthirsty Slifer in the eastern region that did not discriminate in blood shed. He'd never thought twice about it, only drifting into the territory when he was sent to spread invitation to the gathering. Yusei had elected him and told Jaden to deal with the Lightning Clan because Akunadin was more likely to listen to him as the eldest.

His first visit with Atem had not been a bad one, though he'd misspoken and angered him more than once. But it had been Yugi to lash out and launch himself at him.

He hadn't told Jaden Yugi was a Gandora when he'd seen the scratches on him after the fact. He'd pretended he hadn't known what a Gandora looked like, though Jaden had chewed his head off for not informing him. But Jesse couldn't have been the reason Jaden snapped and went after Yugi, especially when he knew Atem would step up and fight if it came to that.

The fact was, Jesse didn't know who would survive that fight.

Jaden still had three hearts left. He'd only ever lost one when he'd fought Sartorius. And Atem was so used to killing, he doubted Jaden could truly wear him out. They'd probably kill each other, one heart after the next. And if legend was correct, every Sky Dragon in existence had six hearts or more. He didn't know for sure how many Atem had, but even just six was twice as many as Jaden.

And that wasn't taking Yugi into the equation, either.

The Gandora likely had a minimum of four hearts, which meant he'd also have had the advantage over Jaden. That was a minimum of ten hearts that Jaden would have had to force himself to destroy while only maintaining three of his own.

Jesse shook the thought off. "Keith wasn't your fault. He wasn't Atem's fault, either. He just…was." He struggled for words for a moment. "He was a monster, and monsters cause problems. That's all he was here for. That's all he wanted."

Jaden looked over. "No, he had Sartorius's beliefs. He wanted to purge the world of natural order so that only a race of dragons stronger than the gods existed. He wanted basically every dragon to be a Divine."

"And it didn't work. That's what matters."

"Is it? What of his offspring who share similar views? I never got to see to it that they were killed. What if that's the omen Yusei saw? Atem was the prime target for Keith. It might not be so farfetched to think the mothers might have told them who the dragon is that killed their father."

"You're stressing yourself out for no reason."

"There is reason."

"You don't know the omen pertained to Atem. You don't know it pertained to any of you. It could have been about Yami. It could be the Divine present now—"

"The one we can't see because it's related to Atem. You mean that Divine?"

"I knew if I followed the angry little roars I'd find the two of you eventually," a voice drawled behind them. Both of them spun around to find the Leviathan standing yards away. The Divine Serpent eyed them both sharply. "What happened? Did Atem threaten to flip you, too? You both look like you've been run ragged."

"Threaten to flip…?" Jesse mumbled, then snickered. "Oh, yeah, I wish. That looked amazing!"

Jaden smirked and shook his head, glancing at Jesse sideways. He turned back to Leviathan immediately, raising his head. "What happened? Why are you here?"

"How friendly. I'll remember that greeting later," he snorted. He shook himself out. "I came to see what was going on. Rumor has it you're looking for Malik?"

Jaden bristled. "Have you found him?"

"I'd have to be hard-pressed not to know he's in my territory," Leviathan scoffed. "He's not the force of nature Atem is, but he's definitely violent enough to scare a few of the residents to run to me for protection."

"Violent?" Jaden echoed, peeling his lips back further. "Why?"

"Probably because his favorite brother is dead."

Jesse had almost forgotten Bakura had been killed. Jaden always said Atem had been the one to do it, but even he understood it was Yami. The bite marks had been too small and Atem did not have the jaw power to crush someone's throat like that. He had only half the jaw pressure he should have.

Two mouths was good for using two breaths at once or making one that much stronger, but Jesse didn't think Atem had the power to crush someone's trachea. He assumed that was why Atem used his paws more often in fights, and why Yusei had said Atem had nearly torn Jaden's head off with his long claws.

"Violent as in…? Did he kill someone or did he chase them off?"

"He got into a fight with one of the Clan patrols on his way to try to speak to me. Apparently he almost gutted her and left her for dead for the others to find. I assume he means to ask me about war with Atem, seeing as the most he knows is Bakura is dead and Atem had something to do with it if he didn't land the kill blow himself."

"He's finding you now? It's been two years. Why would he…?"

"Unless he wants protection from you."

"I haven't attempted to make contact more than twice." Jaden blinked. "Unless Seto told him to flee and Malik actually listened to him for whatever reason. Maybe they worked together to kill Yami."

"Is that why you're trying to find him? You're chasing Yami's ghost?"

"If Atem comes after me—"

"Atem isn't stupid," Leviathan spat, scowling. "He declared you the killer the moment it happened and he never came after you then. It's been two years. I don't think he's the type to sit and let a wound fester for so long. I can only imagine him taking charge immediately and going after someone the moment they wrong him. He seems vengeful in the immediate sense rather than waiting for the long game."

Jaden huffed. "I don't know. We can't see him. I don't have control of him. You can't control him. Yusei can't control him."

The Water Dragon groaned. "No one needs to control him. No one needs to monitor him. If he wanted to kill everyone, he'd have already started."

Jesse couldn't imagine Atem being that creature, however. He'd seemed to genuinely value life the few times they'd interacted. He'd stopped Yugi actually hurting him more than a few scratches when he'd visited them the first time, despite being so angry by the unintentional courtship Jesse had mentioned.

"We all know he's got a temper. What if we miss it when he loses it?"

Leviathan laughed so hard his sides quaked. "Are you dense?" he sneered. "He has a temper, as does everyone else. I've seen you lose yours several times and yet no one has called for your head."

"I know how not to hurt someone else—"

"Atem probably loses his temper with Yugi and yet I've never seen him so badly beaten or miserable he could not function. You speak of Atem as if he's some kind of monster, yet he hardly ever so much as raises his voice."

"We're talking about his son, Leviathan."

"The same son he vowed to kill should he get out of control."

"You've never produced offspring. I wouldn't expect you to understand."

"And you've clearly forgotten yourself. I've lost family as you have. They may not have been sons or daughters, or younger siblings, but loss is loss. Your son was a terror and he deserved his death much earlier than it was granted."

Jaden bristled and scowled and Jesse shifted his weight awkwardly as he looked between them. "Jaden, he has a point. Atem isn't going to turn on everyone when his son died two years ago and he failed to even confront you about it."

"And what if he was just waiting for the opportunity?"

"Why are you so paranoid?"

"I have never known a dragon to be so utterly removed from their offspring so as not to care when they consider someone else to be their killer. Do you understand that this means either Atem did not care for Yami at all or he is being very patient and sitting upon my nerves?" Jaden bristled and bore his teeth, snarling softly. "The former is impossible. Atem threatened my life and yours to protect him. He harbored Yami in secret for nine moons. It is impossible that he does not love him. So then what? He simply turns his back on the fact that he suspects me of double crossing him and killing him?"

Leviathan scoffed. "Have you ever considered that Atem killed him?"

Silence cloaked the clearing for a long minute. Jaden glanced at Jesse and back, eyes huge with shock. Leviathan shook his head.

"He didn't, you moron," Leviathan sighed loudly. "He was alive and well when we went there to inquire about his existence. And he basically pledged his life for his should we return. You forget yourself yet again, Jaden."

"Are you planning to supply something worthwhile or are you just here to annoy me further?"

Leviathan sighed loudly and looked at the sky as if Jaden were one of the dumbest creatures he'd ever crossed paths with. "I told you where Malik was. That was something you told the two of us to keep an eye on. And he's in my territory now, looking for me. So I suspect he'll find I'm leader of the Water Clan for the moment and he'll approach soon after."

Jadem blinked. "I wonder what he wants from you."

"I still assume he wishes for protection."

"From me."

"You or Atem. He might be scared the two of you would hunt him down together." Leviathan grinned. "You know, because probably Atem is after him, too."

Jesse snickered before he thought better of it and Jaden shot him a dirty look despite the small smile on his face. Jaden turned back to Leviathan, tilting his head. "I'm sure he's worried Atem might be if he's taking such extreme measures to evade him."

"I think that's you he's trying to hide from."

Jesse smiled faintly when Jaden huffed. "Atem could follow him anywhere he wanders. He's a Sky Dragon, too, remember?"

"I can follow him anywhere as well. The cold would be the only place he could travel without me following immediately. And even then, if I can use Yusei's body heat to shelter my own there is no reason for me to fail to chase."

"He doesn't know that."

"I'm sure he must suspect." Jaden tilted his head. "I'm the Great Equalizer for a reason. My abilities have always been to manipulate others and myself. Surely he would understand…"

"You say that as if the other three have half the intelligence their brother displays."

Jaden huffed. "Intelligence is usually shared."

"Yes…just as you and Yusei only have one brain used between the two of you."

Jesse burst out laughing at the affronted look Jaden shot the other God Dragon, ducking his head when his mate turned to him in surprise. He tilted his head toward Leviathan again. The Divine Serpent considered him with a tilt of his head and glittering eyes. They studied each other for a single moment before Leviathan looked to Jaden again.

"Did you wish to come find him or not? I believe your meeting with him is long overdue, is it not?" Leviathan continued dismissively. "I was almost certain there was something you wanted to speak to him about."

Jaden snorted. "You're hilarious."

"Malik."

The Winged Dragon spun around, bristling and blinking in surprise. His lavender eyes stretched wide before he snorted and released the female he'd been fighting before the interruption. She scrambled for her paws, shaking and coated in blood, and scurried aside with a whispered, "Leviathan."

He tilted his head toward her in acknowledgment but did not speak.

"I should have known you'd run to Jaden the moment you realized I was here." Malik gave him a scornful look, then turned to the Prime Material Dragon. "I was under the impression seeking sanctuary meant the party sought away from could not enter your domain."

"Have you sought sanctuary?" Leviathan asked. "I certainly did not sense prayer from you. I only felt your residual anger and the fear leaking from your scales. You seek sanctuary yet you harm my followers."

Malik huffed a breath. "What better way to get your attention? I've sought the places I knew you used to frequent and you were never there."

Leviathan glanced at Jaden sideways. "I don't know if you're getting this, because the one with common sense is actually missing from the equation, but he doesn't have sanctuary. So do what you wish."

Jaden shot him an irritable glance and came forward a step. "What is the meaning behind this, Sky Dragon?"

"As if you don't know."

"I have to say I don't. I sent word I wished to speak to you and yet you've evaded me where you could. Here I stand and you speak to the Leviathan as if he might owe you something."

Malik looked slowly to Jaden. "You found me. What did you want?"

There was a long moment of silence as the three of them considered him. Leviathan snorted at the brazen remark, glancing toward Jaden and Jesse once more with a wide grin. At least this would be entertaining.

"Did you kill Yami?"

Malik blinked and stared, then narrowed his eyes. "Kill my sibling? No." He chuckled. "You came to speak to me about that? Of all things?"

"What else would I wish to hold conversation with you about?"

Malik tilted his head, then turned to Leviathan more pointedly, as if the God Dragon had called him by name. "You are the war deity. What was Atem doing in your territory?" he snapped. "I saw him a couple of days ago. Did he visit you?"

He blinked. "He was in my territory?" He tilted his head, considering. What would Atem have wanted in his territory? It made no sense. Atem didn't have reason for a visit unless it was to see someone else within his territory. He had not sought him out; he knew that much. If Atem had come to his region without needing his assistance, there was no true reason he should worry about his presence at all. "Interesting, but it has no bearing on anything."

"No? His sudden appearance in your territory means nothing?"

"If he came to see me, he did not make his presence known nor did he seek me out. As far as I'm concerned, he came and saw what he wanted and then left."

"And if he declares war?"

"By Paradise," Jesse spat, "why does everyone assume he'll declare war?"

Malik turned and leveled him with a cold, unimpressed look. "Do you live underground? Even then, I'm sure the shockwaves would have struck you from beneath the stone."

Jaden glanced at Leviathan sideways. "He means the war cry when I entered Atem's territory. When he attacked me the first time to keep me from finding out about Yami."

"Two years ago? Almost three?" Leviathan scoffed, turning to him in bewilderment. "Why should anyone think so much of that incident? It was almost three years to pass now."

"That is the only war cry I have ever heard Atem utter." Jaden looked at Malik slowly, eyes narrowing to slits and lips drawing back further with frustration. "It was as legend says. The sky folds upon itself and the world quakes beneath it. I have never seen or witnessed it before that moment. If someone should fear war for his actions, that is the one that aligns. Especially if you take into account the rumors he will battle me."

Leviathan fought a snicker. "Oh, I see. I hadn't considered that before." Jesse shivered in his peripheral, eyes wide as he looked at the ground. "I'm not surprised the rumor began from there, then. It adds up rather well, don't you think? You invade Atem's territory and Atem panics and attacks and releases the Sky Dragon war cry."

"So what is it? You wish to align with Leviathan should war break out?" Jaden said abruptly, glancing at the war god and huffing. "You expect that he will protect you from your brother should Atem turn on you?"

Malik looked over. "Yes. More or less."

Leviathan snorted. "What loyalty."

"Atem is my brother. He is not my god. He is not my leader."

Jaden tilted his head. "Yes, well, aligning yourself with Leviathan after you attacked his followers? You're a brave soul."

Leviathan chuckled and studied Malik. "You seek protection from your own brother. You realize this, yes? Your brother would have sought you out and hollowed your flesh before now if he'd so desired." He snorted. "I will not protect you from him. Atem's wrath is not something I fear, nor encourage. But seeing as he is not on the warpath, no matter your suspicions, I will not have to protect you from him."

Jaden huffed a breath. "Malik."

The golden male turned to him. "What?"

"Back to the point. What happened to Yami?"

Malik looked at him as if he were the stupidest beast to ever grace his presence. "What about Yami? I never met him. I don't know anything about him. I know he was born after Atem and Yugi somehow produced an egg. I know Bakura wanted him dead to torment Atem, but I never met the brat. And I never wanted to." He scoffed. "I retrieved Bakura's body, yes, but I never spoke or interacted with Yami. I assume Atem had him hidden away again immediately after the incident."

"You didn't go with Bakura to see him?"

"Bakura was going to die one way or the other when he went after that hatchling. The most I saw of him was the night he visited the Lightning Clan camp. Seto was convinced Yami could…see things—something about him having powers. I don't know what to think of that. Atem has no abilities, so why would his…mistake of a son have had any?"

"Even Seto seemed enchanted by him," Leviathan mumbled. "What is it with you and Bakura that you so despised this little hatchling? He was your sibling."

"He was Atem's."

"Your hatred runs so deep?"

"I don't hate Atem. I don't love him, either. He exists. I exist." Malik paused for a moment, tilting his head. "I'd have rather never known about the fact Yami existed to begin with. But Seto… We went to see the nest after Seto pestered us yet again, and he just…started talking about him. We were confused. He sounded like he was talking about one of his own. We thought we just hadn't met them—or he'd changed the name once the egg hatched. But when we asked, Seto said Yami was Atem's."

Jaden blinked. "He spoke of him unprovoked?"

"Yes. I questioned it a lot. Bakura hated hatchlings and he would have done anything to hurt Atem. It didn't make sense that Seto was just…telling us about this hatchling without even being asked."

Leviathan tilted his head and glanced at Jaden sideways. Jesse looked troubled, but Jaden seemed livid.

"Seto saw me a day ago," Malik said abruptly, cutting their thoughts off entirely. "He came to tell me Jaden was following my trail again—especially seeing as you assumed I killed Yami. He said Atem suspects one of his hatchlings of being Divine and making him tell us about Yami."

Leviathan stood taller, curiosity coursing through him. He bristled faintly and considered the Prime Material Dragon beside him. "Yami had the ability to read thoughts. Coincidence?"

Jaden snarled softly. "I don't believe in them, even if it were."