Chapter CXXXV: Daybreak

Atem had gotten a few feet ahead of the Gandora, moving lazily and studying the prints about the ground in front of him. He waited. The Gandora had been oddly quiet, moving slower than usual behind him. If Atem hadn't known better, he would have assumed Yugi was sick or scared of him for some reason. But he wasn't stupid.

When he heard the soft hiss of fire spitting at the air, he barely had to dodge aside. The Gandora hit the ground heavily behind him, snarling, and a burst of flame came forward. Atem threw himself to his belly, wings pressed over himself so completely not a scale showed beneath them. The burst of heat was so muted Atem was almost amazed it was even there.

But he heard it. The trees burst into flames. The earth cackled and roared. Steam billowed upward. A few trees crashed into each other. Atem didn't move for a moment, then tucked his wings and straightened. Yugi's face was twisted with pure hatred as he considered him.

"You feeling okay? Normally you don't randomly discharge fire when you're hunting," the God Dragon said slowly, barely suppressing a smirk. The Gandora scowled, eyes burning so furiously into his that Atem did actually feel a split second wave of anxiety before it faded.

Yugi was asleep.

He was in the den.

The Claim assured of him that, if nothing else.

The Gandora wasn't sleeping well, but he was still asleep.

Atem flicked his tail, mouth twisting into a wide grin. "Dimitri," he chuckled, "maybe you should try to show some patience when attacking your prey."

The Gandora scoffed. "I don't see a point when it's as dumb as you."

"Yet I just survived that. What of that?"

Dimitri was silent for a long moment, Yugi's face twisting once more. The ferocity faded from his scowl. "Luck," he answered coldly, though he seemed dubious. He shrugged it off and stepped forward, flicking the tips of his wings. Atem wondered why the wound hadn't been permanent when Yugi said he'd ripped one of them off during their quarrel. Had he changed just in time? It seemed impossible to inflict damage on him if he changed quickly enough. Atem himself had witnessed it, though Dimitri hadn't handled their fight as well as he had the others.

Atem narrowed his eyes. "Luck?" he echoed, then laughed softly. "It's an interesting thought, for sure. Tell me, Dimitri, where does your luck end?"

"It hasn't so far," he growled, baring his teeth. He flexed his claws, narrowing his eyes, and dug them into the dirt. Atem could see where they cut further into the earth, burying themselves almost completely to his toes. "But I suppose we'll find out how much your son truly loves you, won't we?"

Atem hummed. "Is it the new moon already?"

"What kind of Sky Dragon are you? I'd thought you'd know the moon as well as your own paws," Dimitri spat, lashing his tail and smiling wider. "Is that not a trait of your entire species? Knowing the phases of the moon, the weather, the seasons?"

"I'm a slacker."

Dimitri snorted. "You can't even perform your primary functions as a Sky Dragon, you lack in control of your own abilities as a God Dragon… Why are you so strong everyone cowers? Is it because you're so detached from everything, Atem?" he asked slowly, stepping forward and tilting his head. "I've always wondered. Jaden fears you so much, and Leviathan thought you'd bring the world to ashes. Yusei is the only one so hopeful as to even consider attempting to befriend you. Why is that? Why are they all so utterly afraid of you?"

"Must be my charming personality," Atem answered. He dodged it when Dimitri sprang forward. The Divine didn't move toward him again as he landed, studying him with a cold expression. Atem wondered at his stillness, considering the relaxed stance he'd taken.

Why had Yugi been so fearful of this? He'd dreamed of this happening and he'd lashed out so violently upon waking. Why? Why fear this? Dimitri didn't even seem to care as he attempted to provoke him…

If Atem were foolish he would have assumed Dimitri almost harmless.

No dragon was harmless by any stretch, especially upon being threatened, but the lack of tension and dismissive stance he'd taken made Dimitri seem almost as if he were merely there for conversation. It was as if he were going to sit with him and converse, tell him a story or discuss things pertaining to his territory.

Atem almost thought of him as a dragon attempting to pay him homage.

Dimitri stared back silently for a while before slowly tilting his head and smiling. "I wonder. Do you remember every fight you've ever engaged in, Atem?"

Atem flexed his claws. "Yes."

"Then why do you seem to have forgotten what happened when we last fought?" he sneered, stepping forward. He flicked his tail and studied him with glittering eyes. A purr came forth, twisted and strange, as Dimitri continued to watch him, and Atem wondered at the sound. It was almost horrifying to hear. Yugi had been too old when they'd met to still be able to purr, though he'd mumbled once or twice he wished he could when he was excited. "It seems so impossible you've forgotten how badly I beat you."

He blinked slowly, studying him for a long moment. Did he truly believe Atem could be cowed so easily? "I remember the fact we beat each other senseless," he said slowly, "but if you had not worn Yugi's skin you wouldn't have survived the encounter."

Dimitri scoffed. "Any Gandora would have worked to slow you. It just so happened you're bound to one, which was so perfect for me."

Atem considered him. He wasn't wrong. Gandoras were called Dragons of Destruction for a reason. If he'd fought an adult Gandora on his own, with no ties to Yugi, he'd likely barely make it out alive. Although he still believed the Uria would have been the hardest fight. His ice breath was the only thing to save him. A Gandora wasn't built for stamina as the Uria was. They tired after a while. Combat came mostly in short bursts, as did speed when they hunted.

Atem could outlast a Gandora.

But that was likely his only advantage beyond manipulating the weather to induce shock to slow them. His claws weren't strong or sharp enough to gut on the first blow—not without his abilities front and center—and a Gandora would eviscerate him where he stood if they got close enough.

Atem's tail was likely his best aspect for this fight, and even then it meant nothing.

Dimitri could change shape.

And if he didn't use Atem's own, he'd be stupid.

In fact, if Dimitri had any brains at all, he would have practiced using his shape. He would have stretched his muscles and worked to see what Atem himself could and couldn't do.

Even then, Atem knew all his own weaknesses. He knew all his own strengths. It wouldn't have been so terrible to fight someone wearing his flesh as it had Yugi's.

"Right." Atem stepped forward. "Well. How about we see how well I fare this time?"

He barely got the words out before Dimitri sprang for him. Atem flicked his tail, tightening his muscles, and jumped high enough he could swat him in the air. He hit him hard enough Dimitri flipped, tail wheeling to maintain his balance. The Divine hit the ground on his side and Atem landed easily. Immediately Yugi's face twisted into a sneer as he rushed forward again. Atem rose to his back paws and slashed his cheek. Blood sprayed the air and Dimitri snarled in annoyance. He twisted, arching his back, as Atem struck his face once more.

The Gandora's claws hooked in his left shoulder, then reached up and cut through his right. Atem snarled, spitting with outrage, and barely managed to arch his back high enough to avoid being gutted. He dug his back paws into the dirt and shoved upward. The movement shouldn't have dislodged the Gandora, yet Dimitri rolled away. They both stood at the same time, staring.

Atem ignored the burning in his shoulders as the muscles rebelled the movement. He lashed his tail and considered the tug in his chest. Yugi was still in the den, fast asleep. The dragon in front of him wearing his face was almost as cold a reflection as an image scattered about pond water. Atem tightened his grip on the feeling, until his chest felt warm with Yugi's presence. It was strange how comforting it was, how reassuring.

He stepped forward as something cold nipped at his insides. Dimitri was studying him, blue-violet eyes burning. Atem watched him intently, the cold like fresh chunks of ice overtaking his insides. Every nerve had begun to burn and tingle, his claws flexing until they ached. He couldn't shake the frigid sensation in his veins, but his chest still felt so incredibly warm.

Dimitri sprang up rapidly, claws braced. Atem didn't have to think to understand he hoped to use the heavier weight to throw him off. Atem snorted as he sprang to meet him. He rose on his back legs, balancing on his right for a single second. Dimitri wheeled his back limbs, tucking them toward Atem's stomach once more. Atem tucked his own to his underbelly, front claws hooked into Dimitri's shoulders, and used his wings to catapult them toward the ground. Dimitri landed atop him, though he struggled to keep his balance. Atem pushed off the ground, twisted his back legs, and shoved him away.

Dimitri's claws were caught in his shoulders again, unable to retract. They'd hooked in the muscle there, and Atem felt the fresh blood, but he didn't care. Dimitri's back paws were struggling to maintain their combined weight. Atem kicked his cheek, spilling blood, and Dimitri threw himself toward the ground. They landed on their sides, Atem using the moment to sink his teeth into his head. Dimitri scrabbled, claws struggling to withdraw, hissing and spitting. His tail thumped the ground rapidly and he flexed his wings as if it might help to untangle them somehow.

Atem shoved off the ground, throwing him beneath him. Dimitri tried and failed to kick his stomach. His back legs scrambled at the air, slicing it with a hideous whistle. Atem arched his back, flared his wings slightly, and shifted his grip to his throat. He clamped down, but his jaw wasn't strong enough to penetrate to the jugular. Dimitri shoved his wings off the ground, arching his back, and kicked his legs. Atem ignored it, bracing the muscles in his hindquarters to avoid budging. Dimitri dragged his front claws through his shoulders toward his throat.

Atem shoved them back into the ground. Dimtri tried again to remove his claws, failing and struggling. He kicked his back paws, twisted away from him, and struggled as if to shove him away. Atem kept his grip, the ice in his blood seeming to crystalize. Yugi's face peered back at him as claws dug into his cheeks and tried to shove him off. Dust billowed as Dimitri kicked harder at the ground and tried more desperately to dislodge him.

His back paw caught Atem in the stomach hard enough to wind, but not to throw him. The God Dragon almost laughed, bracing himself, as he sprang into the air. The movement lifted them both from the ground. Blood gushed into his mouth, spilling over his tongue in a sickeningly metallic taste. Dimitri snarled with outrage, Yugi's voice booming in his ears, as he hit the ground hard on his back. The popping noise from the impact made Atem hiss with unease.

He released his throat only when Dimitri managed to sink both back paws into his underbelly. He kicked as Atem shoved away from the ground. They separated for only a moment. Dimitri panted, Yugi's face twisted with hatred, and Atem landed atop him with his claws braced. He caught his stomach with his right back paw, his front left landing in the dirt. Dimitri went for his shoulder again as Atem caught his weight on his forelimb.

Dimitri tried again to shove him. Atem kicked his back legs off the ground to move his hindquarters out of range. His paws were sticky with blood. He threw Dimitri aside with a blow to the face. The Divine landed awkwardly crouched, front forelimb shaking. Atem wondered at the sight, bewildered, but didn't bother to consider it any further. He flexed his wings, shook his paws out, stretched his claws, and lashed his tail.

Dimitri panted, eyes glittering with hatred. He reached forward, catching him with one paw, and shoved off the ground with the other. Yugi's form immediately wavered, changing with a crackle of lightning. Atem braced himself for the Knight Dragon that struck out at him. Atem moved forward just enough to catch Timaeus's leg in his mouth, clamping down until the bone creaked, and used his right forelimb to catch his shoulder. He threw him to the ground, looming over him.

Dimitri struggled a moment, flailing and kicking, and slammed his right wing into his stomach. Atem released him immediately, startled, and lashed out at his head. The Divine yelped, Timaeus's voice twisted with shock, and Atem bristled furiously. The cut was eerily similar to the blow he'd inflicted with his tail. The eye was still visible beneath a sheen of bright blood, though the dragon changed quickly once more. Atem lashed his tail as his own form peered back.

Dimitri shoved off the ground with such speed Atem almost couldn't track it. He flexed his claws, narrowing his eyes, and crouched to the ground. As Dimitri made contact with his shoulders, Atem shoved up and lunged backwards. His wings slammed into his shoulders, his back paws barely catching his weight. Dimitri snapped at his throat and missed. Atem landed easily, straightening, and flicked his tail.

"I was wondering," he said slowly, feeling the warmth in his chest abruptly burning like live flames, "when you would do that."

Dimitri scoffed, "Your form is weak. If not for your abilities, you'd be long dead." He lashed his tail and snarled softly, baring the ridges of his teeth. "But when I eat your hearts, I'll have those abilities, too. And then I'll rip the others to pieces and scatter their corpses about for their regions to see. I'll become the sole god of this world."

Atem blinked. "That's rather ambitious. Do you think sole divinity will cure you of death as well?"

Dimitri snarled, eyes wild, and sprang. Atem blinked, rose to his back paws, and caught his shoulders as Dimitri did the same. He jumped, angling his body to throw Dimitri to the ground, and the other male caught his face in his mouth. Atem was amazed by the pain that seared through him for a split second. The force of the blow sent them spiraling, flipping, as they landed with a heavy thud. Dust billowed up as pain shot through his spine for a brief moment.

It took Atem longer than he cared to admit to understand what had happened. The burst of panic and rising fear were not his, nor were they Dimitri's. The Divine was too arrogant and happy to inflict pain.

That burning in his chest had distracted him. It had cut off his ability for a split second, startling him. He'd felt the pain because the Claim had struck such heat through him. Yugi was awake and panicked. He was afraid because he hadn't seen him there. And now he was frantic.

Atem struck Dimitri hard enough his own paw ached from impact. The Divine released, startled, and Atem grasped his shoulders to shove him upright. The movement was just enough leverage to allow Atem to lunge forward and sideways. He released him immediately, and Dimitri rolled several yards away. Blood and dirt made the air heavy in his lungs.

Dimitri rushed for him. Atem braced himself, trying to shove aside the heat that made his hearts race. The ice in his veins had doubled down, so much so he almost felt sluggish for a split second. Dimitri slammed into him, flipping him onto his back, and Atem cut upward. His claws sank into slippery scales and sliced through. Blood shot through the air and splattered across his muzzle. Atem kicked his back legs from the ground, tossing them into the air. Dimitri snarled, spitting, and they landed heavily on their sides.

Atem hooked his claws in his shoulders, arched his spine, and tossed him sideways. Dimitri was on his back instantly as Atem loomed over him again. His claws cut into his belly, scrabbling, but Atem hardly felt it. He was kicked so hard his legs threatened to collapse before he caught himself. Dimitri snarled and spat with outrage, and soon enough the scales in front of him turned black as slate.

It was strange, pinning a dragon down like this. He'd never have imagined holding Yugi down in such an uncomfortable and aggressive way. Never in his life had he considered fighting Yugi in any way. He'd lashed out before by accident, but this was all but war. And Atem could not imagine if Dimitri didn't wear his face he and Yugi would never have even come close to such a quarrel.

Why should they have ever been?

Yet, Atem could easily imagine it had Yugi truly chosen to fight him for courtship so seemingly long ago.

Atem pulled away only when he heard a brilliant hissing noise. The air crackled as if with live flames and he watched Dimitri catch fire for only a moment. The heat was excruciating, as if he had embodied the sun for that split second, but it faded immediately. Dimitri was on his paws, shaking himself out as the Gandora shape bled away again.

Atem stared silently. He flicked his tail and flexed his claws, and considered how Dimitri had all five on each forepaw while his own were still sharp but only half-grown from when they'd broken in their last fight. He tucked his wings closer to his flanks, flicking his tail again, and considered. He wondered why Dimitri had all of his claws. Shouldn't he have lost a couple as he himself had? He'd never recovered his eye when he took Timaeus's form. Were lost claws so superficial the wound didn't translate?

He wondered then whether his tail was damaged…

Dimitri shot forward. Atem steeled his muscles. Then he sprang up, upper body twisted sideways, and locked his claws in his shoulders. He threw them to the ground even as Dimitri spiraled and attempted to sink his teeth into his throat. They landed heavily, Atem digging his teeth into his cheek and holding tightly. Dimitri kicked at his stomach but couldn't eviscerate. Atem barely felt the scratches he was leaving from the constant struggle.

But he felt it when he squirmed. The heat in his chest had come tenfold. Atem jerked even as a stinging sensation came through his flesh. He hissed, tossed his head so that Dimitri couldn't keep his grip, and used his wings to push backwards. He landed upright, though Dimitri had managed to keep one paw hooked in his shoulder. They faced each other, Dimitri panting where he lay on his back, and Atem risked a glance toward the tree line.

Yugi came bounding forward. Timaeus followed close behind.

Atem looked down again as Dimitri lunged. The God Dragon snarled and jumped. But Dimitri surged upward at the last second. They tangled, claws striking at shoulders, teeth snapping on air. Atem landed heavily on his back, spine popping, and kicked. Dimitri was dislodged from where he'd attempted to gouge his stomach once more. They landed on their sides again, only their front limbs still engaged. Atem scrambled to stand, while Dimitri kicked off the ground with his mouth gaping.

Atem barely managed to slash his face out of the way. Yugi's teeth clicked shut so close he could feel spittle hit his eye. Atem shoved off the ground, twisting to regain his balance. Dimitri struggled to stand, though he lunged up and jumped. Atem couldn't help but flip from the force. He landed hard on his shoulder where he'd managed to brace it. The bone creaked even as he bit into Dimitri's skull and dug so far he managed to crush an eye. The Gandora screeched and struggled, trying to pull away. Atem panted against his flesh, kicking his back legs to throw him off.

He managed to tuck his belly to the ground and struggle upright. Dimitri screeched, slashing at his face, and narrowly missed his eye. Atem debated a moment, realized with surprise he felt nothing but cold, and released him without a second thought. He'd already flattened himself beneath his wings when Dimitri caught fire again. The heat set the trees alight once more. A trunk or two burst and toppled. Atem straightened only when the rapid hissing and crackling from the dragon in front of him ceased.

He stood immediately, tucking his wings back into his sides, and stared. Dimitri was struggling for air, shaking himself out and glaring. He looked more furious than winded, and Atem wondered. His eye was healed and looked as if it had never been harmed to begin with. Had he gotten stronger at some point? It was only logical if Yami's abilities were still growing, Dimitri were as well.

He would have surveyed his wounds, but he'd healed. It wasn't worth thinking about what he'd formerly inflicted. His eye was healed, which meant he was either growing or Atem had missed it when he'd changed shape again.

Atem lashed his tail and considered what little pain he himself felt. The worst of it was the gouge marks along his shoulders. But Atem didn't even feel them for the most part. There was only a mild sting as if in reprimand.

It was only as Dimitri sprang for him again that Atem noticed something he hadn't before. Atem took the blow full force, jumping only high enough he could hook his claws in. It should have winded him, but the collision barely seemed to even startle. He sank his teeth into Dimitri's neck as Dimitri tumbled. The movement sent him crashing to the ground. Atem kept his grip, catching himself, and ignored it as Dimitri tried to claw his stomach open again.

He slammed his wings into his sides. Dimitri screeched, startled, and spat with frustration. He was winded with the second blow, and Atem noticed it again.

Dimitri's left wing hadn't moved once. He'd been fighting with teeth, claws, his right wing, and physical strength. He'd never once truly utilized both wings. Atem narrowed his eyes and tossed his head. Dimitri scrabbled to try to keep from sliding. If he'd tensed completely he would have caught Atem in place.

He'd learned the hard way Yugi was too heavy to move on his own. The Gandora being such a heavyweight Fire hybrid had ensured Atem would struggle beneath him. They'd been playing when Atem had come to the realization. Yugi had tensed when he'd sensed movement, and Atem had been beneath him trying to shove him aside. He'd winded himself before Yugi even lowered his head from listening to whatever had caught his attention. He'd looked down, panicked when he saw Atem out of breath, and jumped aside with an apology.

But he hadn't even been at his current weight. He'd been at least fifty shy. He'd just begun bulking up, shedding more and making sure to hide where Atem couldn't see him picking the loose flesh off his scales.

Atem still remembered Yugi using his wings to knock him backwards during their courtship fight. He could have easily smashed a rib or broken a forelimb now if he were truly utilize them…

Atem risked a quick glance toward Yugi. The Gandora was pacing restlessly, watching Dimitri with burning eyes. Timaeus had taken a seat, mismatched eyes glittering as they took in the scene. Yugi made eye contact with him for only a moment, stopping short and bristling with bewilderment, and Atem almost wondered what he saw.

But he knew he was wondering if he recognized him. Because he knew the gem on his forehead had to be brilliant white and his eyes cold and distant. He wasn't struggling so terribly as before, but he knew it was only the Claim to thank for that, and Timaeus's utter stillness. The Knight Dragon had not moved even once from his seated position but for narrowing his eyes.

The lack of movement had secured him as inconsequential in Atem's head. Yugi's pacing had only asserted his fear, though Atem hardly sensed even that through the Claim between them.

His eyes lowered back to Dimitri. The bite he'd inflicted earlier hadn't done the damage it should have…

And his wings…

Atem burst out laughing before he could stop himself, rearing up and slashing so hard Dimitri was thrown from his paws and went flying. He rolled for several feet as Atem laughed harder and shook himself out.

"Oh, Dimitri," he snarled, voice twisting hideously like writhing clouds. He glanced at the sky, but it was still somehow clear, dawn brightening until the blue almost swallowed away the yellows and reds. He lashed his tail, though he felt the sky overhead somehow ionized despite it all. He lowered his head and looked over. The hatchling had struggled to his paws, shaking himself out and staring in turn. "Why didn't you tell me? I could have killed you so much sooner."

Yugi was statuesque in his peripheral, visibly shaken.

Dimitri eyed him like a wild dog with rabies. Atem could see it then, what he failed to before… "Tell you what?" the Divine spat, slamming his tail into the ground. Atem heard the click as the blades opened, and Yugi let out a low hiss of distress. Timaeus had stiffened, so still Atem was almost amazed he was still breathing.

"That the damage Yugi did was permanent," he growled, stalking forward. He jumped aside when the blades struck out at his head. He didn't know how to utilize them properly, Atem realized with another burst of laughter. Dimitri didn't know he couldn't simply cut at him so wildly. He had to aim. He had to coil and ready his tail if he planned to decapitate. "Your teeth don't sit properly. And your wings… Do you even feel your left one anymore?"

Dimitri was frozen for a long moment, then abruptly straightened. "Well, didn't that just take you long enough to realize?" he spat, lashing his tail again. "It's amazing how smart you pretend to be, yet the most obvious things are lost to you, aren't they, Atem?"

He grunted. "I don't waste my time measuring other's wounds against what I inflicted." He glanced at Yugi sideways. "I guess you're truly a God Dragon, huh?"

Dimitri's head snapped around. "A God Dragon? You?"

Atem raced for him, claws spread and braced. The Divine spun on him again, and Atem stopped short. Dimitri peered back at him with huge golden eyes, like a hatchling terrified of discipline. Atem settled back, flicking his tail and watching intently.

"Did you not suspect it when you saw him at the gathering?" he sneered. "I would have assumed you sensed something when you saw him again."

"He must have been too weak to."

"Or Yugi did a lot more damage than you're willing to admit," he continued coldly. He dodged again as Dimitri swung his tail for his face. He stepped back lazily and growled softly. "You're so afraid. You won't even use your own form. And the other shapes you've obtained… Are they all for nothing now? You truly think I will be what saves you now?"

Dimitri scoffed loudly. "Your shape is pitiful. But mine is too young to kill so efficiently as Yugi's. Even Timaeus's and Leviathan's pale in strength. Amazing the monster you mated with."

Atem ignored the jab, though he glanced at Yugi in his peripheral once more. The Gandora was staring at them with the most shocked yet triumphant expression Atem had ever seen. He wanted to smile, but it would have looked twisted and disgusting, so he turned back and faced his sibling instead.

"You and Yami both. You're so afraid of death. Why?"

Why fear something so simple?

It would happen to all of them. What did it matter that it came sooner or later? Atem had never feared death. He didn't understand those who did. He understood the fear of having lost Yugi and he'd have gladly given his life for his had he had the chance, but the idea of living life afraid then to die…he'd never understood. He supposed he never would.

He also likely would never need to.

"How about this, Dimitri?" he said slowly, stepping forward and dodging yet another attempt to decapitate him. He moved his paw away from a downward strike seconds later, nearly stepping beak to beak with the hatchling. "I'll gift you death."

The hatchling snarled, springing forward. Atem was too close to dodge, though he doubted he would have. He sprang a moment later, and they landed rolling. Atem kicked him hard in the stomach and sank his teeth into the paw nearest him. Blood dripped from the blow Dimitri inflicted above his eye, nearly blinding him for a split second. Atem caught his elbow with his claws and tore along the muscle there. The wound was superficial, though Atem hadn't thought of inflicting much more than just a quick scratch.

Dimitri released him and stepped back, crouching low to the ground. Atem stared, dodged another attempt to strike him, and flexed his claws. He watched his sibling a moment, studying the way he held himself so awkwardly for a split second. He really didn't know how to utilize Atem's form, nor did he know how to hide his blatant weaknesses.

Why wage this war with him if he wasn't able to even defend himself to the fullest?

Atem narrowed his eyes. Was he so afraid of dying he'd rather face him here and attempt eating his hearts in a desperate bid to outrun the visions Yami had seen?

Dimitri lunged again. Atem squared his shoulders, then rushed forward. He sprang at the last second, managing to knock Dimitri off balance at the shoulders. His teeth sank into the base of his neck as Dimitri curled his spine to dig his claws into his shoulder. The force sent them rolling for a few feet, until Atem caught himself against a tree trunk that sputtered embers as they collided. It wavered, crackling loudly, and he ignored the smoke burning his eyes as it roared and tumbled back into a neighboring tree. The groaning made his head pound for a single second as Dimitri tried again to eviscerate him with his back paws.

He leveraged himself to kick Atem in the eye instead. The force nearly broke his jaw, the claws scrabbling at his cheek. Atem released him to avoid his eye being sliced through. Dimitri shot up and grabbed his face with his teeth. Atem spat in annoyance, tossing his head, as claws caught his forehead. The pain had faded to nothing again, though a warning in his head said to get away as quickly as possible.

Atem couldn't shake the grip on his face, however. Even when he tried tossing his head, the hatchling refused to let go. A broken jaw wasn't enough to slow a Gandora when they clamped down. He remembered that from stories.

Knocking one out while they were still attached only made them dead weight. A few dragons had starved to death when they'd managed to kill a Gandora and the beast refused to release even in death. Atem still remembered Yugi's claws hooked in his wings when they tumbled over the cliff years ago. This was worse, but dealing with it once somehow made it a little less daunting.

He pressed his back legs against the fallen trunk, ignoring the sizzling, and pushed off. The leap made Dimitri flip, and they rolled when his weight sent them head over paws for several yards. Atem landed in a heap just as a neighboring tree screamed and toppled. The smoking trunk landed where he'd been seconds before.

Dimitri tossed his head and Atem nearly collapsed. Rage shot through him before he could stop himself. When had Yugi become so heavy? He snarled, hunching his spine as Dimitri attempted to shake him again. He threw himself sideways, landing facing Dimitri, and pressed his hind paws into his stomach, his forepaws braced against his chest. He shoved as Dimitri reached to dig his claws into his shoulders again. It didn't help to dislodge him, but the distance created kept him from an evisceration attempt once more.

Atem dug his claws in, thrashing and using a wing to slam into Dimitri's stomach. The Gandora sputtered, sneering, and Atem repeated the blow, dragging his back claws across his belly as if he had a chance to eviscerate him. The next impact dislodged Dimitri. The Gandora released, spitting at him, and Atem caught his paw with his teeth as he tried to pull away. He clamped down, ignoring the strike to his head when Dimitri managed to right himself.

The second strike nearly gouged his eye out. Atem jerked away and sprang for him. Dimitri was panting when he slammed into his shoulder. His teeth dug in, his claws hooking on his flank, and Dimitri screeched. The Gandora rolled to his back from the impact, tried and failed to get his footing, and kicked rapidly with his hind paws. Atem jerked away before he could strike his flank, snarling and moving a few steps back.

He flexed his claws and glanced toward Yugi and Timaeus. The Knight Dragon was still seated. Yugi was tensed as if to spring, crouched with his tail lashing and eyes narrowed. It occurred to Atem if he hadn't disengaged the Gandora would have rushed for them. He didn't know whether to feel warm that Yugi would be willing to or cold that Yugi thought he'd need the help.

He whipped around as Dimitri changed shape again. His eyes scoured the new image as his stomach twisted. Why did he…? How had he…? Atem lashed his tail.

"Did Malik ever tell you?" Dimitri snarled. He stepped forward and Atem bristled despite himself. He wasn't afraid, nor was there the familiar tug of overwhelming anxiety at the sight, but unease made his bones feel weaker. "That he ran across a nest of them to the north?"

Atem suppressed a snarl. "It doesn't matter," he spat, "whether you take Yugi's form or a Uria. I do not care. I'll still spill your blood as I would a deer."

"Really now?" Dimitri purred, and Atem realized something he hadn't before. It came to him only as he considered the lithe muscles and the sharp claws, the massive tusks outlining his immense jaws.

Dimitri had been playing with him.

Atem lashed his tail. He'd been playing with him as he had at the gathering. Atem considered him a moment, flexing his claws, and narrowed his eyes. He raised his head, mouths tugging into hideous mirroring smiles, and growled, "Good for you, Dimitri."

"Atem—"

He ignored Timaeus's uncertain tone, stepping forward again.

"I'm going to pick my teeth with your bones. The cliffs will turn red with your blood." He tucked his wings into his sides. "That's my promise to you, Dimitri."