You want a revelation some kind of resolution

[puzzlingly]

Who: Atem and Bakura, starring Trafalgar Law.
What: Dweebs. Atem finally finds out Bakura is in Hariel, brings him home and stabs him in the face.
Where: Caves, imported house 6-1
When: Oct 20th - Oct 21st
Warnings: hmm... idk where to start. just all the warnings, blood, swearing, general violence, some torture, because these two put together are bad news.

It hadn't been a coincidence, Atem knew it. He had dreamed of the Thief before (for the short time he's had with his memories), he fueled his nightmares, but so far, it was all they were, dreams. Atem would wake, and soon his mind would do that rest, he'd forget about them, he'd move on with his life in the cave.

And such had been life, so far. Until a different dream came along and made it perfectly clear.

The King of Thieves was in Hadriel.

And he was going to crush everything Atem loves, he knows it.

He will not allow him to do that, not again, not ever. He already fucked up everything good in his life, almost succeeded a second time. He's not going to have a third chance.

But first, first he needs to find him. Atem checks the network to the best of his abilities, and there it is... that damn name. How come he didn't see it before? Why would he even use that name? Putting himself out there so evidently. Didn't Bakura see him being there?

...

Didn't he?

Either Bakura was already toying with him, or he didn't know his name... What were the chances? Atem has no idea what is going on, but once he locates the Thief, all he can think about is to confront him, strike him down before he can do anything.

GPS ready, and off he goes, into the caves with a moped, so a damn monster wouldn't catch up with him this time.

Comments

[stealer_ofsouls]

Falling, hand locked around the Pharaoh's throat and sharp rocks approaching—

He'd woken with a jolt, drenched in a cold sweat and hair plastered to his head. Pushing it out of his face violently the Ring Spirit, the former King of Thieves, forced himself to sitting. Elbows on his knees he fought his own breath until it evened out. Ignoring the throbbing in his arm and the gnawing feeling in the pit of his stomach was becoming increasingly harder. This body — Ryou's body, he knew it as intimately as the one that was once his own — was strong in its own way, used to his abuse. But it'd been weakened from blood loss already (and by his own hand!) and he'd been attacked more than once. Bandages were spread thin now, the overzealous wrapping of the nurse sacrificed to spread to other wounds. His arm felt wet within the sleeve and wrapping, but he couldn't think about that in the moment. His most important concern was forcing himself to his feet, to move on, to try to find a way out of these damnable caves. Things lurked here, things that rivaled even his imagination, and though he had been able to cause some confusion with the holograms of the Duel Disk, his only true weapon was a switchblade and it made for a poor defense.

Forcing himself to his feet — and using the cave wall for support more than he wanted to admit — he focused on putting one foot in front of the other. One step at a time, to find his way out of this hellish nightmare; with that goal accomplished, he could figure out everything else. But all the suppositions wouldn't help anything if he couldn't escape these caves.

He never heard the creature lurking behind him, attracted by the scent of his blood. By the time it pounced he was too slow to react, knocked to the ground. His saving grace — a poor word for dumb luck — was his Duel Disk; the impact jolted the projectors and Dark Ruler Ha Des flared to holographic life above him. It was enough to scare off the scavenger but the impact Bakura took to the skull sent him into unconsciousness.

At least this time, it was free of dreams.

[puzzlingly]

Following the GPS was rather easy, turn left, turn right, stop and listen. It's not a monster, go on. The light of the moped helps immensely to see up ahead, and apparently the constant purring of its small engine brought him some luck, maybe it is what helps him keep the monsters at bay. Regardless, Atem actually brought with him the sword he had grabbed from the armory in his first day, just in case...

Walking through the labyrinthine and sometimes reduced space of the caves, wondering why the hell Bakura would get himself in this place it finally struck him -- What if it was a trap? What if Bakura had figured out that he'd risk his neck to find him, get him killed, or something worse. Atem is already thinking on going back when he sees it up ahead, a rather familiar figure that is a monster, but not a monster...

Look, it makes sense.

He approaches to the hologram, and almost next to it, he sees him, Bakura. Not quite as he was expecting to find him at all. Atem leaves the moped secured and kneels near the fallen one, examining just over the surface how badly hurt he seems, it doesn't seem good. Atem recognizes the deep wound on his arm, wondering if that hadn't happened ages ago. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he remembers Hadriel's newbies guide, something about how people could be brought in from different times during their life. Was this the case? Was it the reason why Bakura hadn't tried anything against him?

If it was such, then Atem was glad he actually called Delmar before heading out, there was no way he was going to let the Thief to know his name, or who his friends were.

Before even considering picking Bakura up, Atem sees it, the Ring, it's mysterious glow almost seems to greet him. He knows he mustn't dwell on things, not with the limited time he might have to get out of the caves before something strikes. Without giving it a second thought, he takes it and wears it instead. He cannot help a shiver from the sensation, it's nasty, but maybe, it could actually be helpful shall they encounter a monster in the way out.

Hah... They. As if he hadn't been considering to leave him there at the cave's mercy. But in the end he picks him up without giving it too much care, and prepares to leave the caves.

---

Once home (should he even call it that?) Atem seems to ponder where to put the dead weight he's carrying on his back, should he drop him on the floor in the middle of the living room or on the sofa?

You know what? The floor sounds about right for him right now.

Shall Law arrive, he'll find the entrance door ajar, and Atem sitting on the floor next to a rather beaten up Bakura, just staring, with a rather disgusted expression on his face.

[hot_mes]

The GPS leads Law to the southern part of the city beyond the river, a much longer walk than he was expecting but the exercise helps to keep him awake. He's already quite alert thanks to the nature of the call, but a little extra jolt can't hurt. He swings past the clinic on the way to get a few additional supplies and something to carry them in, and in no time he's standing in the doorway of the weird house.

He pauses only long enough to assess the situation and then drops down beside the injured person. There is something vaguely familiar about him, but both of these youngsters looked different inside the dreamscape so he doesn't immediately connect it. "What happened?" he has to ask Atem. "He looks like he's been shredded."

[puzzlingly]

Atem acknowledges Law with a mere glance. Good, he's here.

"I don't know." He stands, not looking at the pirate, afraid that his anger and frustration might be too obvious, he pads to the lonely sofa and drops himself there, "Found him this way." But the icy tones in his voice give it away, he knows this guy, and he doesn't fucking like him.

"Just do your job."

[stealer_ofsouls]

Bakura is injured; the term shredded is pretty accurate. The wounds are a mix of old and new: some long since scarred over and some that are fresh (and could be from the former Pharaoh dragging him about like a sack of potatoes). He might groan once or twice if moved or prodded, but for the most part his unconsciousness is complete.

His hand is curled, as if trying to grasp something, but there's nothing there to hold.


[ooc; and this is where I bow out until, he needs to wake up or something, just let me know]

[hot_mes]

It isn't the scars that concern him at the moment. Law brings up a Room around the two of them and Scans, first, to immediately get a picture of the full extent of his injuries. Shouldn't need surgery, the rest is just basic care. The bandages in his bag should be enough.

"Get me some clean water," he demands of Atem. That should give him something to do so he isn't sitting there staring the whole time.

[puzzlingly]

Really?

That's what the raised eyebrow means, and Atem holds his stare for as long as he can before letting out a harsh and audible sigh, getting up from the comfortable sofa and making his way into the kitchen. He's back soon with a small pot with water and, hanging from his arm a couple of clean kitchen towels.

"Try not to make a mess." He says as he places he things next to the taller man. He'd hate to have to clean it.

[hot_mes]

Law gives him that eyebrow right back. Do you even know how medicine works, Atem? "I'll do what I can," he grunts, not even a thank you, and uses the water to clean away blood both old and new, cave dirt, and anything else before binding everything properly. Once or twice he may need to stick his fingers directly into flesh to push deeper cuts together and speed the knitting of tissue and vessels, but with his power it's bloodless, painless, and not anywhere near as messy as genuine surgery would be.

"Who is he." It's less a question than a demand. Might as well make an attempt at solving some riddles while he works.

[puzzlingly]

As much as Atem wishes to not give the whole process any attention, the way Law works around the wounds still marvels the Pharaoh. So, instead on focusing on who he's treating, he focuses on the how, it keeps his mind busy, only for so long.

"No one," Met Mr. Puzzle yet? All right, fine. "Someone who should have stayed as dead as I am." Ah, yeah, that's really helpful.

[hot_mes]

"Someone you know." He can read between the lines well enough, as well as the tension. For as irritable as Atem seems to be, he's still helping this person, so. Complicated, clearly. "I don't need to know. But if you want me to treat him fully, I may need to stick around until he regains consciousness. Scan suggests a slight concussion."

While he finishes up, Law considers asking after that dream of an Alabasta-like place and a crowned pharaoh, but there may not be time. Another day, when he's not busy fixing up the broken.

[puzzlingly]

"Whatever, I don't care." All lies, of course; he cares, he doesn't want Law to be there, exposing himself to this murderer, but it might be necessary.

It is probably be not the best time to ask about those dreams, indeed, nor the place, nor the mood. But Atem remembers, and perhaps those strange dreams are what had the former Pharaoh considering Law among others. He... he might not be a friend, but he does not deserve to be on the side of Bakura's spite just because of him.

"I suppose that means he cannot stay on the floor?" How disappointing. He knows the answer, he also doesn't seem to care if his hatred is showing. It's not like he's hiding it.

[hot_mes]

Oh, Atem, you're much more alike to this pirate than you'd think. Law's brow furrows briefly but then it passes. "One flat surface is as good as the next," he suggests. "Actually, I'd rather you didn't move him until after he wakes up. When I'm finished he shouldn't have any broken bones but I still don't like to throw concussed patients around."

If he knew he'd be mildly amused by the concern for his safety, but it's misplaced. Of anyone in this room, he'd be the most likely to win a fight even without Kikoku at hand. When he finishes up, Law takes care of the mess himself, gathering up the pot and towels and detritus of bandaging and going into the kitchen to wash up fully. Now, they wait.

[puzzlingly]

"Hmph, I should have left him where I found him..." He mutters beneath his teeth.

And he goes back to that sofa, where he just observes both, at Law and Bakura. He might or not be a little surprised at Law for being so pro-action (maybe he's used to others just doing that for him, ah, he actually is), Atem would have probably left those lying around.

Sitting down as he is, it is him who drives a hand to his chest, just to make sure the Ring is still there, under his shirt. And he's hating every minute of it having contact with his skin.

"Why were you awake?" So much for trying not to talk about the whole dreaming thing.

[stealer_ofsouls]

He wasn't sure when unconsciousness slipped into dreaming, when the sleep of injury transitioned into the sleep of recovery. Even with the healing ministrations of the pirate, days in the caves had malnourished his body and he'd lost quite a bit of blood. As such, waking would not come fast or easily. There were a few times he floated a little closer to consciousness — crying out once and convulsing another time — but for the most part he was still, his breathing steady but shallow.

If Atem bothered to keep any kind of vigil, it'd likely be a boring one.

But the strange dreams of nights previous were absent, either because whatever influenced those dreams was absent or because it simply passed him over in his convalescence. Whatever the reason, he was actually able to rest, to find a sleep that healed instead of ripping open old wounds.

When he came to, it was a slow waking, one that was filled with aches both physical and not. He was laying on something hard, he remembered being in the cave, being attacked—

Bakura sat up in a rush, regretting the movement as his head and vision swam. He could see immediately that he wasn't in the cave — how he'd gotten out he didn't know; the last thing he remembered was being jumped form behind — and he could feel immediately that his Ring was missing. Not gone entirely, he could still sense it, but it wasn't on his person.

Eyes narrowed he looked around, trying to figure out where he was and — secondary to that — who (or what) had brought him here. That it appeared as some sort of living space seemed obvious; the real question was whose?

And more importantly: where was his Ring?

[puzzlingly]

Atem was there, of course he was there for the whole deal. He didn't bring in the stupid Thief into his house just to let him die -- the thought did pass through his mind, it did and didn't make him feel any better. So he was there, helping Bakura through the convulsions -- he would hold his head, hoping it would pass and he didn't have to bother Law again -- he was there when he would briefly open his eyes just to pass out again, he was there, checking on his wounds, and noticing along the way, the scars that had been open wounds once.

Just another reason to hate him, having seen how he'd treat his host. Atem tried to pay no mind to that, trying to convince himself that it was not his problem.

When Bakura finally comes to, Atem, is still there, sitting behind him him. And the Ring still hanging from his neck, hidden inside his clothes. He looks at him, making no movement and waits silently to see his reaction.

[stealer_ofsouls]

Bakura — perhaps fortunately, perhaps not — was unaware of the assistance his so-called rescuer provided when he tossed in pain or came near to waking. He'd simply pushed his body too hard and too far, and without another soul sharing the strain of that load, there was little he could do save give in to the physical limitations of his form.

So the Pharaoh's good deeds would likely go unappreciated. But his presence? That Bakura couldn't help but notice; it's part of why he tensed, fighting pain and instinct both.

"You—!" He attempted to rise from the floor and couldn't hide the grimace of pain that the movement caused. Whatever — whoever — had patched him up had certainly done a good job, but there was some healing that the body simply had to do on its own. Unfortunately it left him in a less than ideal position, on the floor and at the so-called mercy of his enemy.

Eyes narrowed as he regarded Yugi-who-wasn't-Yugi; since their first Shadow Game he'd always been able to tell the two apart. This was the Nameless Pharaoh, the spirit of the Puzzle — though it was curious to note how he seemed to be absent a certain Puzzle. Even so, Bakura could tell what he did have. "Give it back."

[puzzlingly]

Atem is not sure if Bakura can tell or not, but there is something different about the way he looks at him, awoken now, he will not be fooled again. He knows everything that's him, everything that drives him, and he hates every little thing about it.

"Tsk, tsk, so feisty. Stop moving so much, you're going to end up killing yourself, Bakura."

Damn, he shouldn't be enjoying the display of despair he's showing over the Millennial Item, and Atem has to wonder if it is the Ring itself what is driving his hate already. Maybe it is, but he is the Pharaoh, there is no former in that title, it is his and it is his right, there is no way the Item is going to take over him. He at least needs to believe that.

"Lie down."

[stealer_ofsouls]

"As if I'm to believe you'd be upset about that." Murder-suicide via cliff Pharaoh, he hadn't forgotten that dream — although it grated on his nerves to think that the Pharaoh had seen something so personal. That probably contributed to his ire now, truth be told.

Another glance around the room confirmed his initial impression: not only was he not in the cave structure anymore, but this seemed to be a sort of strange living area. The presence of his rival suggested that perhaps it was the Pharaoh's domicile, but that made little sense to him. Why would he be here? And why patched up as he was? His bandages had clearly been changed — something had been done to heal him — and he had a hard time believing that the Pharaoh could possibly be behind such good will, especially directed toward him.

"No." In fact, he forced himself to his feet, against what was probably better judgement. His head swam, and he closed his eyes against the pinpricks of black rushing the edges of his vision, forced himself to ignore the vertigo. "Give. It. Back." He enunciated each word clearly, steel in his voice despite fighting physical infirmary; Bakura didn't intend to compromise on this.

He hadn't missed the presence of his Duel Disk or his deck at close by, but the Ring was even more important than either of those two things.

[puzzlingly]

The way Atem looks at him says much more than he can probably express. He's amused at Bakura's distress.

"I will not."

That only confirms Bakura's assumption. He does have the Ring, and he's not going to deny it nor lie about it. Atem scrambles to his feet, finally, stretching some after several hours of waiting for his 'guest' to come to, he even allows himself a yawn, it had been long and tiring. Of course, he's not surprised to see Bakura stumble, it's obvious he's not completely okay yet.

"And don't you dare thinking you're fit enough to even try to take it back." And he yawns, again. The dim light that already is coming from the windows makes it all clear. It's almost dawn already, if it can be called such in this place.

[stealer_ofsouls]

That look eliminated any possible shadow of a doubt: this was the Pharaoh, not the vessel. As much as little Yugi was finally starting to grow a spine, he doesn't think that the boy would broadcast such amusement at Bakura's injuries. The Pharaoh on the other hand — it didn't surprise Bakura that he was evidently enjoying this.

"You have no right to keep it from me."

Eyes narrowed as the Pharaoh stood and he tensed, expecting anything except the exaggerated show of stretching and yawning. He interpreted it to mean that he was inconveniencing the other man. How rude of him! Rolling his eyes he managed to take a steady step to the side, closer to his Duel Disk and deck. It was bad enough the Pharaoh had his Ring; he didn't want to lose anything else to the man.

"You have no idea what I'm truly capable of." It was partly a bluff, but Bakura wasn't going to broadcast that fact. He knew he could push this body beyond its current endurance, had done it before, but that had also been when there were two of them inhabiting it. He'd been damaged enough on coming here, both from the physical injuries and from taking on the attacks of Osiris and Ra. Neither his mind nor his soul was as fragile as a lesser man's, but that didn't mean that he had limitless power either — and he was far closer to the end of his energy reserves than he would prefer.

[puzzlingly]

No right... Did he really hear that right?

"I every right to hold the Millennium Items as the Spirit of the Pharaoh, Bakura!"

His bluff, however, worries him some. He's seen the Ring in action, he learned what it was capable of later on, but the truth was, he's never used it, not that he planned to, but he truly isn't completely aware of its powers. He will not deny he can feel the darkness trying to lure him somehow. Or maybe it is just him being completely biased about it.

Just a think go keep in mind... for now.

"I will not give the Ring back to you--" He pads towards the kitchen, he's horribly thirsty -- just another thing to worry about, sometimes he misses Yugi taking over -- and he goes for a glass of water. In fact... He serves another one, leaving it on the counter. He downs the whole thing before he keeps going. "Not until you and I have little chat."

He knows what the other might say, that it's not a negotiable, that he will get it back not matter what, yadda, yadda; all of it, nothing but words. And of course, Atem doesn't care, he's ready for anything Bakura might send at him this time. He can only wonder how long this banter will go on, the Ring's Spirit vessel doesn't look too good.

[stealer_ofsouls]

"Really." He smirked, arms crossed over his chest. "You know they can't be taken; they have to be won. You might physically hold it right now, but not for long. It's mine, and you will not claim it from me."

What he wasn't going to mention was that the Items were his only link to his people; those pieces of metal were all that remained of his family. If the Pharaoh thought he was going to give that up so easily, he was direly mistaken.

He followed the other man into the kitchen, partly from wanting to keep him in sight and partly from the simple reality of not having anything else to do — although on the way he did stop to pull his deck out of the Duel Disk and slip it into a secure pocket. It took a little more out of him than he would have liked, that bend-and-straighten maneuver, but it couldn't be helped right now. He was forcing himself to stay on his feet; he knew it could eventually be a losing battle.

In the kitchen, he leaned a hip against the counter — for support, though he tried to make it look carelessly casual — and pointedly ignored that glass of water. He wasn't accepting anything that could possibly be considered helpful, not until he had his Ring back. He simply didn't trust the other man and he refused to give the former Pharaoh any opening.

"So talk. And we'll see if you say anything worth the effort of listening."

[puzzlingly]

"Won? You didn't win the Millennium Ring, Bakura."

Not ever. He had stolen it, he had it given by mere chance (or was it destiny? Atem is not sure) but never won it! How dare he say that!?

Atem observes the other, studies him a little, sees the mistrust imprinted in his movements. How easy is it to read him now that he knows what he's all about.

"Not now. Whenever I feel like it."

He's so danm tired to be having this conversation to begin with, he leaves the empty glass in the sink and moves on to the staircase, making no attempt to turn around.

"You better make yourself comfortable. It may take a while."

[stealer_ofsouls]

"Yes I did. I won it and I passed its test. You know that's the only way to wield an Item." He frowned, a mixture of delight an annoyance in his eyes as he shaped his words into weapons; the victory over Mahad had been sweet indeed. "Stop lying to yourself; it's embarrassing."

He wasn't unaware of the other man's scrutiny, but right now Bakura simply didn't care. He knew he was in horrible shape. He knew he'd been through hell and back. And he knew that his very presence in this house could possibly be attributed to the hated figure in front of him. But he knew too that like this he didn't have the strength to force the Ring from his companion; even a physical scuffle would be a losing battle. He was forced to play this game for a little while at least, and he knew he wasn't going to enjoy it.

And when the Pharaoh started to walk away, he considered it not a victory for the other man but a temporary cessation of their sparring. The Pharaoh clearly meant to dictate his own terms and underline how he held control; Bakura saw it as an opportunity to rest and recover some of his strength. It would be harder without the Ring, harder without being able to retreat into the magic and use it as a buffer against the pain. But he'd endured pain before and he would again.

He would win this game.

Narrowed eyes and a distrustful expression followed the Pharaoh as he moved out of the kitchen space and toward the stairs. Presumably the sleeping quarters were at the other end of the steps; he hadn't missed the exhaustion in the Pharaoh's face. He refused to let himself feel remorse for it. If it wasn't for his Ring, he'd leave right now; even the caves had been preferable to this.

"Enjoy your sleep while you can, Pharaoh; I'll give you that much to balance the debt of staying here. But if you think to keep my Ring from me for any longer than that, you will learn in painful detail exactly how dark a Shadow Game can be."

[puzzlingly]

Going by that idiotic logic, did it mean he won the Pendant from his father? That when he gave it to Seto in his World of Memories it was for null? It is obvious to him that it doesn't work in the way Bakura says. Ultimately the Item choses the wielder, not the other way around. Atem just gives him a glare and he's so tempted to roll his eyes, but he doesn't, because he doesn't want to start a stupid fight when all he wants is to stay away form him right now.

"Bring it, Bakura, any time, any day, I will still wipe the floor with you."

But he finds himself responding, as if he were inviting him to do it right there. Hell, even he would summon a Shadow Game right there if he didn't know it would be a crushing and rather unfair victory for him.