Chapter LXXXI: Blame

Yami wasn't sure how to say goodbye. It felt more permanent than it had before, though he thought it had to do with the fact that Dimitri had finally come out of cover. He was no longer hiding and if he wasn't hiding, then he'd come for Atem or Yugi far sooner. He knew for a fact he'd go for the other three. They had been easily overwhelmed when they'd first overreacted. Jaden was soft and his skills lacking, Yusei had been too preoccupied with trying to help the Clan, and the Leviathan's powers seemed oddly…limited at the moment. Yami had not even felt the usual strength he possessed, nor the aura that so often threatened to swallow onlookers whole.

Atem was the only one of them unaffected by the two years which had passed. He'd been blind to them, fit as always, and fueled by the desire to make sure Yugi was okay. That single goal had kept him at his peak, even when he'd wanted nothing more than to collapse and wallow.

Now he knew Yami was alive. He just had to hope that tempered his anger toward Yugi's betrayal and he kept his mind open later when it most counted.

He watched Yugi pause and glance over his shoulder when he realized Atem was lagging. The God Dragon had stopped short, head turned and eyes narrowed, to see Rafael watching him with glittering eyes.

Leave him, Atem. He's not worth it.

The God Dragon stared a moment longer, then jerked and started toward Yugi again. The Gandora looked at Rafael with a disgusted expression and took to trotting at Atem's side. Yami watched them both until they were almost at the entrance.

Do you remember your way?

Yami raised his head, startled. Father?

To the den in the mountains.

He blinked. Of course.

We'll be there if you need us.

Yami went to respond, but Atem was already airborne. Yugi glanced back at him, head slightly lowered, and smiled meekly. Then he turned and took off after the Sky Dragon. Yami watched them until he couldn't anymore, then turned around to face Seto where he sat feet away. He considered him a moment, then glanced around slowly and back, studying the camp. It was so…desolate now, as if the life had been sucked from it altogether. He wondered when the Clan would recover and hoped it was swift.

"Did you wish to speak to me?" Yami asked, eyeing Seto when he turned back. "You've been watching me and glaring since the moment we all separated. Is there something you wish to say?"

The Felgrand eyed him for a long moment. "All this to save them, and they didn't even wait to say goodbye."

"You realize I hear thoughts, right?" he murmured slowly, tilting his head. "I hear thoughts and I'm capable of sending mine to others. There were no words spoken aloud because there was no need."

"Tell yourself that if that's what helps you sleep," Seto scoffed. "But I know Atem, even if everyone likes to tell me otherwise. He's mad at you, and when he gets the chance to cut you out, he will. He'll sever you like a festering wound and leave you to rot on your own. For now you're useful because you see things and you're stronger than him. Once Dimitri or Noah or whoever is dead, you'll be unnecessary to him."

Yami blinked and narrowed his eyes. "Come what may," he hissed, "Atem and Yugi will survive, and that's what matters."

Seto snorted loudly. "Oh, so is that where you get it from? That useless Gandora? Is that why you're so blind to everything and live in that lovely tunnel of yours?"

Yami hesitated, watching him intently for a long moment. "Maybe. But I see the broader picture as well. That's why Atem and the other God Dragons have to survive. I need them to see this to the end."

"And yet you let this happen."

"I didn't foresee all of this. My scope is limited and the world is much broader than my understanding. If you wish to blame someone, blame yourself. There was every chance Dimitri could have changed his mind had things been different."

"Different?" Seto sneered. "We gave them everything."

"No, you gave Mokuba everything. Mokuba was your favorite." Yami lashed his tail. "If you wish to be angry with me and declare me the problem, you must at least speak truthfully. I don't accept lies tossed my way because you refuse to admit your own faults."

Seto scoffed loudly. "The only fault I'll accept is that I didn't kill Atem when I could have."

Ysmi bristled slightly but forced himself not to lunge. "Perhaps you should have. Keith would have eaten you alive instead of letting you run to Atem."

"Let me—?"

"You didn't really think he never noticed your absence?" Yami said slowly, raising his head. "Even you're not so arrogant and stupid. Keith knew. He saw you flee and he chose not to follow. Unlike Bakura, I don't bluff when I say this. Keith saw you and he chose not to give chase. Had he, you'd have gotten your hearts eaten."

"And Atem would have died alongside me."

"You have no idea what you're talking about. Your spite clouds your judgment. Atem didn't need that warning from you. He'd have realized soon enough. There isn't much that gets past him when it comes to battle."

"You're as delusional as your idiot fathers."

"Atem survived in his territory alone for years before you made contact. You truly think he couldn't have figured out how to deal with Keith on his own?" Yami tilted his head. "You really think Atem so incapable of anything that he needed your help? I don't hate to say this. Atem is far stronger than you. He didn't need the warning and he definitely didn't need the ambush when you brought Malik and Bakura there as well."

"You wouldn't have been born if Keith had gotten to Atem without warning."

Yami barked a laugh, so sharp and angry that several other dragons turned to see what was going on between them. He stepped forward. "You think so highly of yourself, but Keith let you survive. And it wasn't you which dictated my birth. It was Atem and Yugi and…Dimitri. It had nothing to do with you."

Seto opened his mouth, then stopped short. His eyes narrowed, flashing brilliantly. "Do you change shape as well?"

Yami frowned and looked away. "I don't think so."

"Then how do you plan to stop him?" he laughed, sneering. "I created an abomination and you're the solution?"

He grimaced. He wasn't the solution—not entirely. There were so many things that had to align for Dimitri to die. Unless something wavered or changed there was no true telling that this effort would even end well.

He could pretend and bluff as much as he wanted, but the future constantly changed. Destiny did tether them as best it could, but breaking its binds had always been possible as well. All Yami had needed to do was change his course slightly and things had inevitably pulled apart in certain areas. Now he wondered how much damage he'd done rather than good.

But his fathers mattered more to him than the rest of them.

He'd give his own life if it meant theirs.

"Perhaps. Perhaps not." He snorted. "But if I'm not, you need to pray the four of them know what to do to beat him."

Seto scoffed. "In other words, I should begin counting my days."

"If you so desire."

Yugi stopped and looked over. "Atem?" he called hesitantly. Atem's head snapped up and turned, eyes locking with his briefly. He didn't move but to blink and turn away again with a small huff. Yugi hovered a moment, then stepped forward. "A-are you okay?"

Atem didn't answer for a long moment. Then he looked over, narrowed his eyes, and hissed, "Why wouldn't I be?"

He suppressed a flinch and looked away. "Never mind then. Sorry I asked."

Atem bore his teeth for a split second, then growled softly as he moved past him. "It doesn't matter. Let's go. We've still got a few miles before we hit the Wind Clan territory."

Yugi nodded and hurried after him when Atem began trotting. They kept a steady pace to the edge of Timaeus's territory and for the first time Yugi realized Atem had chosen land travel to avoid the possibility of looking aggressive should they have flown directly into the camp. He wasn't sure the pace they'd picked could be considered much less than a charge should someone see it head on, but it was definitely friendlier than throwing themselves into the camp and demanding Aki's attention.

Atem paused as if he meant to say something, then looked sharply away and raised his head.

"God Dragon," someone greeted coldly. Yugi looked past him and toward the female approaching. Sure enough, Chazz was behind her. He broke into a run past her, as if he meant to charge them, but feinted at the last second and skidded to a stop. His eyes locked on Yugi and he huffed but did not speak.

"I haven't had the pleasure," Atem murmured dismissively, looking to Chazz. "Is Aki with Timaeus?"

Chazz turned to him immediately. "Yes." He glanced at Yugi, bristled faintly, and then huffed again as he began to pace a few steps back and forth. "They're in the leader den. She said she'd keep him there until you came to retrieve him."

"Very well. Lead the way."

The female beside Chazz snorted. "Where do you get off, God Dragon? I wasn't aware I took orders from you."

Atem shot her a look that made Yugi's gut churn with anxiety. "Cease and hold your tongue. I have better things to do than trade barbs with you," he snapped. "See to it that I meet with Timaeus in the next few minutes or I'll have your head as my next trophy kill."

Yugi flinched slightly and Chazz whispered something that sounded oddly like "cool". His Clan mate flinched and stared at Atem as if he'd attacked her physically, then snarled and whipped around to lead the way.

Atem looked over to him. "Stay close," he mumbled, and Yugi hurried to get to his side. Their wings brushed from the proximity and he would have preened had it not been for Atem's darkened expression.

When they reached the camp, Yugi felt as if his head might snap off when he tried to look at the length of the thorn barrier. He craned his neck all the way back until the bones threatened to pop, then hissed with anxiety and shook himself out. He'd been in similar areas before, though none had so completely seemed to swallow the sun and there had been no brambles.

He shivered as he kept pace with Atem. The God Dragon didn't look back, instead raising his head and straightening his posture. Yugi followed his lead immediately after, slightly flustered. Were they putting on a power display? Why hadn't Atem at least hinted at it prior to their arrival? Usually he had a warning in the way Atem glanced at him and smirked or flicked his wings. It was a small tell each time, but it had always been present.

Now, however…

"Oh, you're back already," Aki commented as she came from her den.

Yugi looked past her to see Timaeus laying in the den, eyes glowing in the shadows cast. He was both relieved and unnerved to see him so at ease. His eyes flickered to Atem.

"Yes," the God Dragon muttered. His eyes never left hers but Yugi was abruptly aware he felt his stare, cold and sharp, on his skin. "Are you ready, Timaeus?"

The teal male got up, shook himself out, and trotted past Aki toward them. The female glanced at him sideways, then turned to Atem again. Yugi looked between the three of them, uncertain. Somehow it seemed too easy.

"Atem."

The God Dragon bristled faintly and Yugi glanced at Timaeus. Aki wasn't barring him from getting to them. The Knight Dragon didn't even seem to notice she'd spoken. He got to their side and took a seat after a moment.

"Before you take your leave, I'd like to speak to you."

Atem visibly stiffened, then shook himself out. "Very well." He hesitated and glanced at Yugi sideways. The Gandora almost stepped forward but stopped short when he realized he didn't know if that was what Atem wanted from him. For all he knew, Atem could have been looking toward him for affirmation he would stay with Timaeus.

"Bring Yugi and Timaeus," Aki snickered, turning and leading them past her den and toward the very back wall of the camp. Atem glanced at them both as if he were debating telling them to stay, then sighed and followed. Yugi kept a steady pace with him though he didn't try to move to his side. Timaeus glanced at him sideways as if in question and Yugi refused to meet his eyes.

The Wind Clan leader took a seat.

Atem stiffened but slowly did the same.

"Well? You left him here and went off somewhere on your own. Not that it's my business, but where did you end up?"

Yugi realized with abrupt clarity that Aki was testing Atem. The God Dragon had said he'd repay her with an allegiance and anything she asked of him would be granted when she called in her debt. This was a test, to see if he'd offer information voluntarily and prove himself loyal before the time came to repay her. He bristled faintly even as he took a seat behind Atem and carefully avoided the bewildered look on Timaeus's face.

"Lightning Clan," Atem answered quietly. "We went to the camp. I spoke to Akunadin and my brother."

Aki waited, watching him intently.

A long minute passed, and then Atem added, "The reason for my departure fled when he realized I was close. There's nothing to say but that it didn't go as planned."

She seemed to debate further questioning, then nodded slowly. "Very well." She got up and shook herself, though her eyes fell on Timaeus. "I don't know that I'll have to house you again anytime soon, but should I, you are welcome here."

Yugi bristled again, startled. Had it been because Atem had requested it and she wanted to further her hold on his debt later, or did she truly care to offer out of kindness? It seemed odd and backwards, but Yugi had to admit he didn't actually know Aki from Akunadin. They were really just names in his head. He knew who and what they were, but he had no relations to them. He'd been simple minded in his necessity to reach Atem. Had he failed, he would have attempted to get to the Wind Clan camp and join their ranks, but that had been his plan only after. Before he'd refused to acknowledge failure was an option and so he'd gone into that courtship hopeful. But staying within the same area should Atem need him for some reason had been the goal if he failed. Aki's territory would have been the most logical step in remaining close but out of Atem's line of fire should something have happened.

"Did you wish to stay?" Atem asked abruptly, turning to his friend. "I won't force you to come to my territory if you are happier here for the time being."

Timaeus looked at him as if he'd lost his mind. "What? No. No, I'm happy to go with you."

Yugi wanted to laugh. He was definitely the friendliest of the three of them, though his species should have dictated otherwise. Timaeus shot Atem an annoyed look when the God Dragon didn't immediately respond.

"Glad to see my hospitality was favored," Aki snickered.

Yugi smothered laughter as Timaeus gave Atem a sharp glance when the Sky Dragon snorted. Atem turned back to Aki after a moment.

"It is; I promise. Timaeus just doesn't like groups and he only has me as a friend."

The Wind Clan leader smirked. "I see. How good of you, Timaeus."

He grunted. "What can I say? Atem is all I can handle."

Yugi snickered when Atem scoffed.

"Is the Clan all right then?" Aki asked abruptly, turning to Atem again. "Akunadin is not dying and I don't have to worry about war on the horizon? Nothing like Keith has happened, I assume?"

Atem failed to respond for a long moment. "Akunadin was wounded in the fight that took place. There was no usurpation of the Clan or anything of that matter, but I wouldn't go so far as to say war is still…impossible. Things have…escalated, to say the least." He hesitated. "I don't believe when Jaden gets wind of what happened after his departure he'll be happy, but I think the war will be isolated to me by that point."

The Black Rose Dragon stared at him for so long Yugi almost worried she was preparing herself to leap forward. Then Aki blinked and looked away, snarling softly and shaking her head. "You realize I won't demand your information as your debt, yes? I'd rather be left in the dark than lose potential control of you later."

Atem hummed. "I do not know how better to explain without going into detail, and for the moment the only ones who need to know it are Yugi and myself." He flicked his tail. "But, if you are concerned about war, it might be a good thing for you to go ahead and start training and preparing for it. I don't know that it will pass over you later should it come."

Aki curled her lips to show the ridges of her teeth. "Is that so?"

"Yes."

"Are you convinced it will come?"

"Yes."

Aki blinked once, long and slow, and turned to stare at him once more. "Truly?"

"For me, yes. For everyone else? I don't know." Atem shook his head. "Jaden will come to fight me over what has happened. I know that much. When he figures out what happened at the camp after he left, he'll come for me."

Yugi considered the certainty in Atem's voice and wondered if he was stupid for hoping otherwise. But all he wanted was for Atem to be safe, happy and healthy. Was that so wrong of him? Just wanting the God Dragon to have some semblance of peace in his life seemed almost to make the very world quake with anger half the time. He'd courted him, and Keith had come to attack within a moon. He'd talked Atem into attending the gathering, and Jaden had picked a fight with him. He'd wanted Atem to Bless his siblings, and Atem had gotten nightmares for moons before and after. He'd protected and incubated Yami's egg, and Yami's existence had all but gotten war declared.

War would be declared when Jaden realized.

After Dimitri had slaughtered his own siblings and attacked them in the camp, there was no way Jaden would let it go that either Divine existed.

"What did you do?"

Atem was silent for a long time. "I let a clutch live that I shouldn't have."

Yugi had a sudden, irrational fear Atem might have meant Yami for a split second. But then, wasn't that right? Atem had been so afraid of Yami from the very beginning, especially when he'd hatched. And he'd only grown more and more fearful as time went on when he'd realized what Yami could do.

Aki blinked and tilted her head. "The only time a clutch shouldn't survive is when they might be Divine, or second generation Gandoras." She shot Yugi an apologetic look for only a split second. "Besides that, what reason is there to kill? Even Keith's offspring deserved some chance at life."

"Yes." Atem fell quiet for a long handful of seconds. Then he glanced at Yugi sideways. "I didn't know there was a Divine in the nest that hatched in the Lightning Clan camp. Had I known, I would have killed it before it hatched."

"There's an active Divine?" Aki spat, voice ringing with shock and horror. Yugi fought a flinch, staring into Atem's eyes and wondering at the distress he could read there. "What? How? Who bred and created one?"

Atem looked over slowly. "I…don't know how. But it's Seto's."

Aki blinked, then barked a laugh. "What? Seto?" she scoffed. "Seto is not a God Dragon. He can't produce a Divine."

There was a long moment of silence.

Aki blinked again, staring at them. "Unless…" She tilted her head. "The mother is a Lightning female?"

"Akunadin's own."

The Wind Clan leader lashed her tail and tilted her head the opposite way, considering. She tapped her claws against the hard dirt under her paws and blinked a few more times as she thought about it. Then she scoffed softly once more, stared at them as if they must have been joking, and hissed, "I've never heard of a God Dragon's sibling producing a Divine."

"Nor have I."

"Then how would you explain that? It is not as if you would have fertilized the eggs for her had she laid them and asked that of you. Obviously she would have just let Seto mount her and…" Aki fell quiet again. "And Seto was always her mate?"

Yugi blinked, then looked at Atem.

"Yes."