The night had begun its shift into day, the whole base waiting anxiously as the early hours of the morning crept by.

Everyone was on edge, Yugi could tell. He had spoken with Anzu and Ryou over a shared breakfast earlier, and from their hushed tones, he could tell that their mood was grim. No one was certain Dartz would be at this base, and if he wasn’t, they ran the risk of wasting time, or falling into a trap. They had barely escaped Dartz’s last game, and Yugi wasn’t eager to be thrown around into more like a puppet on a string.

He caught up with Atem sometime before they were to set off. The android had been milling around the base, walking down corridors and not really doing anything. He had been embarrassed when he had admitted this to Yugi, but Yugi just brushed it off.

“I’ll go see if Mana and Mahad need help at all. I need to be of use somehow.” Atem muttered, moving away from Yugi.

“Wait, Atem.” Yugi tugged on the other’s arm, stopping him.

“What is it?” Atem asked softly, his full attention turning to Yugi.

“I want you to have this; to use, in the fight ahead.” Because there would be a fight. It was impossible to catch Dartz off guard now; he would know they were coming.

He pressed one of his guns into Atem’s hand, making sure he had a tight grip on it before letting go. It wasn’t in the most pristine condition since Atem had sliced through it while brainwashed, but he had managed to restore it to at least fire.

Atem stared down at the weapon, brows furrowing in confusion. “One of your pistols? But why? These are your… well… I can’t accept this.” He tried to hand it back, but Yugi wouldn’t take it.

“No, I want you to use it. This is my decision,” Yugi insisted. “I only need one, but I want you to have the other.”

“But why?”

“You can use guns, can’t you?” Yugi chuckled.

“Of course,” Atem flushed. “But I don’t understand why you’re giving me your treasured weapon. You almost killed Mana for using this before.”

“That was different. I didn’t know Mana, and I had lost that gun for years. I’ve learnt to deal with just one.”

“But now you don’t have to, you have both of them.” Atem argued. He held the gun back out. “Anzu said you were at your best when you dual wielded these pistols, so I think it’s best you take this back.”

“I’m not going to, so there’s no point in arguing with me on this. I made my decision Atem. I want you to use it. Will you accept my wishes?”

Atem paused, processing Yugi’s words. His face went through an array of emotions, each more intense than the last, leaving him with a strange expression on his face.

Yugi gave him the time, standing there patiently. He was aware of their time limit, and how he really should be rushing, but staring at Atem, he found he didn’t have the heart to push the other.

“I think…” Atem started, fingers brushing over the gun. Yugi didn’t think Atem even knew he was doing it, a subconscious reaction probably.

“Yes?” Yugi said gently.

Atem’s expression hardened, and he nodded, his mind made up. “I’ll do it. I’ll use your gun, Yugi.”

“Good.” Yugi smiled, patting Atem’s shoulder. “Treat her nicely.”

“I will.” Atem cradled the gun close to him in an almost loving way, and Yugi coughed awkwardly into his hand.

“I’ll just… Go set up the mech.” He muttered, sliding away.

Yugi was surprised to find Bruno working on his mech when he entered the hanger bay, a panel open on one of the legs in which the android was fiddling around in.

“Bruno.” Yugi said in way of greeting. “Everything good?”

Bruno jumped, turning to give Yugi a warm smile. “Oh, hello General Mutou. Ah yes, just fixing up some stuff from your last encounter. Your suspension was a little out, so Yusei asked me to right it.”

“Well if anyone would know, it’d be Yusei. And maybe Honda.” Yugi commented, standing back to give Bruno room to work.

He wandered around the hanger bay instead, walking up to both Anzu’s and Mahad’s mech, eyes tracing over their armour.

“Interesting, isn’t it?” A voice said softly. Yugi glanced to his side, the tall form of Yusei standing next to him. He was staring at Mahad’s mech, a gleam in his eye. Yugi guessed he was itching to check inside it and see just how it worked.

“Unfortunately, it’s not under my jurisdiction. I can’t let you play with this one I’m afraid.”

“I know.” Yusei said, head swerving to look at Yugi. “You know there’s no way to reverse what happened.” Yusei said. Yugi sighed. This isn’t about the mech I see.

“Yeah, I know.”

“The programming can be rewritten, but that goes for anyone with access. It will be hard, for him to adjust.”

“I’m not going to let anyone even try,” Yugi grunted. “I’ve seen a lot of fucked up shit in my time, but what happened to Atem has got to be the worst.”

“It is a difficult position to be in. We can’t even begin to imagine.”

“I know,” Yugi said sadly. “I can’t even offer him a point of understanding.”

“You’re trying, that’s what counts.”

“Sometimes it might not be good enough though.”

Yusei went to say something, but was interrupted by people entering the hanger bay. Atem, Mana and Mahad walked in, talking quietly among themselves. When Atem noticed Yugi, he led them over. Yusei at the same time excused himself, going to help Bruno finish up work.

“Admiring my mech are we?” Mahad teased.

“Just wondering how it stays standing with marksmanship like that.” Yugi grinned, and Mahad flushed.

“It’s a top of the range model.” Mahad shot back, faltering.

“Yugi please don’t tease him.” Atem chided him lightly. Yugi gave him a wink in return.

“All right, time to get serious I suppose.” Yugi’s expression dropped, and he looked around at the people gathered. “Where’s Anzu?”

“Here.” Anzu called out, striding into the hanger bay with perfect timing.

“Good, so everyone’s gathered.”

“Is it time?” Atem asked.

Yugi nodded. “It’s time.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yugi had Mahad install the location of the base he suspected Dartz to be at in all of their mechas. It meant that if they ended up being separated, or if something went wrong, any one of them would be able to hunt down Dartz.

Preferably they would take him all on together, having the strength in numbers and skills. Dartz was never the hands on type, so cornering the other to fight fist to fist, or gun to gun, in Yugi’s case, would be the most beneficial strategy for them.

“Looks like we’re close.” Atem noted, pulling Yugi back into his body. He glanced at the window on his cockpit displaying a map of their area.

The blimp of the location loomed in front of them on the map, their marker steadily approaching. The reality of how close they were to possibly finding Dartz and opposing him was heavy on Yugi’s mind, keeping his grip and expression grim. He was glad Atem was behind him, unable to see his face with Yugi’s driver seat blocking most of his small form and his entire front from view. He didn’t need to worry Atem anymore than he already was.

It wasn’t much longer before they saw the distance shape of a building forming on the horizon, standing in stark difference to the wavering yellow ground surrounding it.

As they grew closer, Yugi was able to make out a blurry shape, standing as tall as the compound it was in front of, metal plates shining in the harsh sunlight. Its parts were spread out wide, its stance one of battle.

“Is that…?” Atem said, leaning over his seat.

“Yep.” Yugi grunted, right as the mech fired at them.

Twin missiles launched from its arm compartments, shooting upwards to redirect towards them.

“Shit.” Yugi jerked back on his handles, the mech skidding to a rough stop in response. He immediately reset their direction, lunging to the side. The mech awkwardly moved to Yugi’s command, too bulky to really twirl flawlessly. Instead it lumbered on heavy feet, the cockpit bouncing them around.

Yugi’s head smacked against the back of his chair, and he heard Atem hit something behind him too.

“Mutou, that’s Raphael’s mech!” Mahad’s voice came through the radio. “Be careful, we’re coming in behind you too!”

Shit, of course it would be, Yugi thought, flicking several switches on the dashboard. “I’m launching a counter attack, make sure you’re in tight Atem!”

He slammed a hand down on the fire button, and his mech chirped happily in response. An arm pivoted towards the enemy mech, shooting off a series of missiles of its own.

This forced the other mech to jolt into action, shooting regular bullets at the missiles to explode them before they collided. The mecha looked heavier than Yugi’s, more loaded with weapons and with thicker armour no doubt. It would mean movement would be slower, giving them the advantage of speed.

Yugi meanwhile had used this time to jump closer, the moment of distraction the perfect chance for a close strike.

The mech moved to intercept, firing from its small pistols, the tiny bullets pelting down on their armour.

Yugi was no idiot though, he knew the reason they were firing uselessly on him. He kept their distance apart short, not giving the other mech the chance to launch long range missile. He knew they ran the risk of a tiny bullet piercing somewhere vital at this close ranger, but there was a higher chance of a missile causing more damage if they pulled away, like the other wanted them too.

Damn it they’ve got us trapped, Yugi gritted his teeth. It wasn’t hopeless though, he had been in worse situations, and if there was one thing he knew, it was that there was always a way out.

And it came in the form of Anzu in her mech, crashing an arm into Raphael’s mech, throwing his aim off Yugi’s.

The radio crackled to light, and Yugi heard Anzu yelling down the line.

“We’ll handle this guy Yugi! If he’s guarding the base, Dartz is sure to be inside!”

“Roger! Don’t die Captain!”

“Only if you don’t, Mutou!”

Yugi cackled, letting his laughter reach through the line before he cut it.

He pulled the mecha back, allowing Anzu to step in with hers, butting heads with the bulkier mech.

Raphael tried to shift his attention to Yugi, who was creeping away on the outskirts of the fight, but Mahad chose that moment to charge in, stepping in front of Yugi’s mech.

“We’ll keep him busy.” Mahad said, and Yugi heard Mana shout encouragements in the back seat.

“It’s nice to have back up.” Atem noted.

“Reliable friends are always better than a stronger mech.” Yugi agreed.

With Anzu and Mahad keeping Raphael busy, Yugi was able to slip past in his smaller mech, dashing up to the entrance of the base.

“Ready for a showdown?” Yugi asked, turning to grin at Atem.

Atem gave him a worried expression back, nodding grimly. “Do take Captain Mazaki’s words seriously Yugi.”

“I will, it’s hard not to when I have my own personal reminder following me around.”

That managed a smile on Atem’s face as he crawled out of his seat. “I’ll say it as many times as it takes for it to sink in.”

“Never a dull day with you two is there?” Yugi playfully rolled his eyes.

“Add Mana in and you have triple the trouble.”

“I’ll never sleep again.” Yugi chuckled, jumping out of the mech.

Atem followed closely behind, and they ran into the building, guns nestled cocked and ready in their hands.

They made their way into the bowls of the compound, heading deeper and deeper, kicking open doors to empty rooms along the way. Atem exchanged an apprehensive look with him, and Yugi frowned. Where was Dartz? Was he leading them into a trap? It was possible, Yugi didn’t doubt it, but there was something off about how easily they were traversing the place. They hadn’t ran into any problems, no booby traps to test and wear them out.

It was almost like Dartz was inviting them inside, not at all concerned Yugi and Atem would have the advantage in numbers.

They stopped in front of a large set of double doors, metal bars drilled across the sides.

“Looks to lead outside.” Atem commented.

“Or to a garage.” Yugi replied. He pushed on the bars, and they doors parted, sliding inwards.

They opened onto a large warehouse, probably off to the side of the compound as an extension. It was similar to Yugi’s base’s hanger bay, smoothed over with cement and a cold dreariness to the expansive air reaching to the high ceiling, but there were no mechs in this place. 

But Yugi didn’t care for the details. He was too focused on staring down the man standing in the centre of the room, the heavy-duty lights above casting him in harsh brightness.

“So glad you could make it.” Dartz narrowed his eyes, a playful smirk on his face.

Atem and Yugi strode up to the man, stopping some distance away to keep any sudden movements manageable.

“I take it you had some help finding me,” Dartz continued, seemingly ignoring Yugi’s expression. “After all, I doubt you would have known about this place on your own. Have some Armesian help did you?”

“I’m not here to listen to your shitty voice ramble on Dartz.”

Of course, of course. A final showdown is it? You verses me?” Dartz chuckled. “Then why did you bring it?” He pointed at Atem, and Yugi didn’t miss the hurt that flashed over Atem’s face.

It was quickly replaced with anger, however. “Your words mean nothing to me. You’re below me, the things you do are despicable.”

“And yet you deem me enough for a lecture.” Dartz chuckled. Atem flushed. Yugi knew he wasn’t used to Dartz’s verbal battles, and the man had a way of snaking his words around one to strangle them.

He stepped in front of Atem, sparing him the sneer of contempt on the other’s face.

“And here comes Yugi Mutou, the android’s knight in shining armour,” Dartz sighed. “Why do you even bother Mutou? We both know you don’t care about some android’s life, deep down inside you. You’re just doing this for pity points, trying to convince yourself that you’re not the demon everyone thought you to be in the past.”

“My past has nothing to do with this, and you’re in idiot for thinking it does,” Yugi shot back. “This isn’t about me, for you see, unlike yourself, I don’t think I’m the most important thing in the world.”

“Oh come now, I don’t think I’m the most important thing,” Dartz shook his head, disappointment evident in his expression. It quickly changed into a smirk as he continued. “I’m the most important person, you silly boy. I’m not a thing like that trash heap you keep behind you.”

“You said before you thought he was your greatest achievement,” Yugi cocked an eyebrow. “You’re quick to change your mind once he stopped giving a shit about you.”

“It never did, so why would I care? It’s just an android. They’re designed to fight and die by our command.”

“Atem is a person, and you’re a sick creep for treating him as less.” Yugi growled. He could tell Dartz was just firing him up, and he was ashamed to admit it was working. He had subconsciously gripped his gun tighter, his trigger finger pressed tightly to the side of the barrel.

He felt Atem’s fingers brush against his back, and he forced himself to relax. He knew Atem was sending him the silent message, and he focused on the other’s touch, letting it block out Dartz’s jibes.

“I’m done talking with you.” Yugi said, rising his gun.

“Oh? We’re already on to violence are we?” Dartz chuckled. It was an unsettling sound, no joy in it, only contempt. Yugi’s lips curled back in response.

He fired a bullet into Dartz’s chest, and it embedded itself there. Dartz jerked backwards in reflex, but his body stayed upright, and he showed no signs of being in pain.

“What the hell…?” Yugi narrowed his eyes, glaring at Dartz. “I just shot you point blank. You should be dead; that bullet went through your heart.”  

Dartz just smirked, pulling back his jacket and unbuttoning his shirt. Yugi went to shoot him again, but paused when he saw his first bullet lodged in Dartz’s chest, not even breaking the skin. There wasn’t even a trickle of blood, nothing to show damage. But… that should have gone through…

Dartz tapped his chest, and Yugi heard the clang of metal.

“You put… metal plates under your skin?” Yugi recoiled back in disgust. The thought alone was enough to make bile rise in his throat, the urge to throw up growing. “You continue to reach new lows, Dartz.”

“Why thank you. If your little toy had stuck around and been a good boy, I would have given him the same enhancement. But alas, you two decided to go against me. Your biggest mistake.” Dartz tutted, doing his shirt back up. “Now, we were in the middle of fighting, weren’t we?”

Yugi went to respond, but Dartz suddenly pulled out a gun from his pocket, aiming it straight at Yugi.

Yugi froze, cursing himself in his mind, but his body too sluggish to respond.

Atem gripped him roughly from behind, hauling him off to the side. Yugi yelped in protest, his shoulder connecting harshly with the ground.

He rolled away slightly, landing facing the others, just in time to see Atem dodge Dartz’s bullet. He had used the momentum from tossing Yugi to the side to duck under it himself, but they wouldn’t be lucky every time.

Yugi wriggled up into a sitting position, aiming his pistol at Dartz’s hand. He needed to get the gun out of Dartz’s grip; they wouldn’t be able to dodge every bullet at such close range, and it kept them at bay, meaning they only had their own guns, and they wouldn’t be able to hurt Dartz if that armour was all over. Yugi didn’t have enough bullets to test if he had implanted it everywhere.

Every move counted. He was grateful Atem also had his sword, meaning if he could get Atem in close range, he would be able to use it against Dartz.

I just have to give him the chance, Yugi said, taking careful aim. He knew Dartz was watching him from the corner of his eye, not distracted by Atem, but not willing to take his gun off the android, knowing Atem would shoot the moment he did. So maybe that armour isn’t everywhere, Yugi thought, smirking. Dartz’s attention then slipped to him for a split second, and Yugi made his move before Dartz had the chance to.

He shot at Dartz’s hand, and Dartz let out a yowl, dropping the gun to clutch his wounded arm tightly.

Yugi sprung from the floor, using the moment to return to Atem’s side. Atem meanwhile shot at Dartz’s leg, the clunk of the metal sounding out. So he’s got them there too, Yugi noted, seeing Atem nod in acknowledgment as well.

“You bastard.” Dartz growled, glowering at them. “You’ll pay for this Mutou.”

“Add it to the list, you creep.” Atem snapped, and Yugi laughed.

“You heard the man.” Yugi stepped forward, aiming again. He saw Atem draw his sword in the corner of his eye, taking a battle stance next to him.

 “You’re both going to die here.” Dartz said, drawing his own sword.

He lunged forward, and Atem rushed up to meet him in a clash of blades. Dartz kicked a boot into Atem’s gut immediately after, forcing the other to stumble back.

Yugi picked up Atem’s moment of weakness, drawing his dagger and driving it against the side of Dartz’s sword. It wouldn’t last long against a blade as thick as Dartz’s, but it would serve to keep it off him as he pointed his gun at Dartz’s face.

Dartz’s reaction was immediate, ducking down to slam the pommel of his sword into Yugi’s stomach. Damn that was fast, Yugi staggered, momentarily winded.

Luckily Atem was by his side to help, keeping Yugi upright with a light push, sword drawn in front of them to protect them both.

Yugi exchanged a look with him, and Atem nodded. He had seen it too; Dartz was fickle about his face, meaning his hands weren’t the only thing still completely human in him.

They charged again, together this time, both attacking Dartz at the same time.

They moved back to back, tossing and jumping around each other like they would die without the constant contact. They were in complete sync, no need for verbal communication, their light touches and movements enough for them to read off of each other.

Yugi kept Dartz moving with the occasional shot, while Atem would pivot around to slash with his sword. When Yugi needed to reload, Atem took over shooting, using Yugi’s other gun to keep Dartz at bay.

They had Dartz on the defence mostly, the combination of their dual efforts overpowering him, despite his robotic enhancements.

Reliable friends are always better than a powerful mech, Yugi mused to himself, exchanging a momentary glance with Atem. He could tell Atem was thinking the same from the shine in his eyes.

Dartz was getting frustrated with them, the smirk long since wiped off his face to be replaced by a constant scowl.

“You’re not going to win this, Mutou.” He taunted, but Yugi just scoffed.

“As long as you die, I don’t care, Ironheart.”

“You can kill me, but your little android will never be human again. You failed, Yugi Mutou. You-”

The gunshot rang out through the warehouse. Dartz’s eyes went wide, smoke puffing up from the hole in his head.

“You talk too much.” Yugi said, right as Dartz’s body hit the ground hard. “Rule number one of being a human; protect your brain, idiot.”

Yugi went to lower his gun, the threat of Dartz now gone, but he found his arm had frozen.

His hand was shaking, the cold metal of his gun biting into his palm. He pressed harder, not caring as his nerves cried out in pain. His mind was still locked in fighting mode, and he was struggling to let his body settle.

“Yugi.” His head jerked at his name, shooting a glare at Atem approaching him.

“Yugi.” Atem said again, arms raised in a gesture of peace. “It’s over. Dartz is dead. You can… lower the gun now.” He gave Yugi a soft smile.

Yugi could feel his breath leaving his body loudly, panting with his mouth open widely. He didn’t return the smile.

Instead he took a step back, keeping his gun stretched out in front of him. Atem evened the distance again, stepping forward.

“Don’t.” Yugi said in a low voice. Atem paused.

“Yugi, it’s just me. You know I can’t hurt you. I just want you to calm down, and drop the gun.”

“I can’t…” Yugi panted, shaking his head.

“Just listen to my voice, my words Yugi.” Yugi bit his lip, nodding.

“Our job here is done, you’re safe, I’m safe, we saved everyone. Dartz won’t hurt anyone any longer. We beat him. Go on; say it.”

“We beat him.” Yugi repeated, smoothing over the bruised section of his lips with his tongue. “We beat him.”

He closed his eyes, and Atem wrapped his arms around him. Yugi let out a choked sob, dropping his gun to fist his hands in Atem’s shirt.

“Shit, I’m sorry.” He whispered. “I’m so sorry.”

“It’s okay.” Atem said, rubbing soothing patterns over Yugi’s back. “You don’t always have to be strong, Yugi. Everyone has a moment where they need a shoulder to lean on.”

“I’m supposed to be strong though.” Yugi rebutted weakly. “I’m a General. I almost let Dartz get the better of me.”

“You’re also a person, and you’re only human…” Atem sucked in his breath, and Yugi didn’t miss it. He held Atem tighter, pulling his head back.

“You’re a person too you know. Fuck what Dartz thinks.”

“But he was right,” Atem sighed, fingers still dancing over Yugi’s back. “I’m only part human. My free will means nothing compared to a true human’s.”

“’True human’ what is this bullshit terminology? Who taught you that? I sure didn’t.”

Atem opened his mouth to comment, but then thought better of it, gazing off to the side instead. “It’s true…” He said weakly.

“It’s only true if you allow yourself to believe it. I used to think I wasn’t much of a person until you tried your damn best to convince me otherwise,” Yugi snorted, electing a surprised look from Atem. “So I’m going to try my damn best to convince you you’re a ‘true’ person. Your heart is in the right place, Atem. You’re good.”

Yugi took Atem’s hands into his making sure Atem was watching him closely. “You’re good.” He repeated, squeezing them.

“Thank you…” Atem breathed, a heavy sigh escaping as well.

“No Atem, thank you.” Yugi smiled, stroking a finger over Atem’s knuckles.

“What happens now?” Atem asked quietly, eyes turning to Yugi. “What… what do I… do?”

Yugi picked his gun up from the ground, gently sliding it back into its holster, taking the other Atem offered him and returning that as well. “Nothing.” He answered finally.

“Nothing?”

“You don’t need to do anything. Just be yourself.”

Atem’s brows furrowed. “But… if I don’t fight… what… do I do?”

“Just be yourself.” Yugi repeated. He shoved his hands into his pockets, not wanting to see them shaking still. “That’s all you need.”

Atem seemed to see through his attempt, placing a gentle hand on his arm. “Let’s leave this place. We should go check on the others outside, in case they need our help.”

Yugi snorted, a smile breaking out over his face. “Please, Atem. Anzu alone would have been enough to ground that guy, but with your friends too? I have no doubt they don’t need us.”

“True, I suppose.” Atem chuckled. “But we should go anyway. Considering how it went down last time we encountered Dartz, I’d hate to have another fiery escape.”

“Ah yes, I’d rather not be blown up.” Yugi nodded in agreement.

They retraced their steps back through the compound, focusing on the path ahead, too busy to let conversation flow.

The doors were all still open from their storm in, and they slipped out easily, the sunlight greeting them brightly.

Yugi paused as Anzu and Mahad’s mechas sat outside the door. Off to the side, he could see the smoking remains of Raphael’s mech, and he didn’t need to ask what had happened, trusting Anzu had made the right choices.

“Is Dartz taken care of?” Anzu asked over the loud speaker.

“Yep.” Yugi yelled back. The mechs lowered, and Mahad and Anzu jumped out, racing up to him with Mana close behind.

“Is he… you know…?” Mahad said, gesturing for more.

“Bullet to the skull.” Yugi replied, patting one of his pistols.

“What happens now Yugi?” Anzu asked.

Everyone was staring at him expectantly, waiting for him to step up as the leader to make the decision. I’m done being the leader, Yugi mentally sighed. I don’t want to live like this anymore.

He gazed around the makeshift circle, taking in everyone’s expressions, grim yet determined. Dartz was gone, and now they had the heavy task of cleaning up the aftermath, and smoothing over efforts on both sides of the war. Maybe we can finally end this useless fight, Yugi wondered. He knew one thing for sure; his job here was done.

And so was Atem’s. He didn’t deserve to be caught up in this mess any more.

Yugi turned to Anzu, who raised her eyebrows in expectation. “Anzu, I have a favour to ask of you…”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The new recruits were a loud bunch, constantly chattering and yelling at each other. They were young, reminding her a lot of Jou in his younger years, although Jou would deny he had gotten sloppy as time went on. It wasn’t like there was much to do these days anyway, what with the war over and their base reduced to a training camp in the desert.

Suddenly the newbies were bounding over to her, eyes wide and full of questions. She gave them an expectant smile, eyebrow raised.

“Yes recruits? What can I help you with?”

“What happened to the old General, General Mazaki?” One of them asked. “From the old war? That Mutou guy?”

Anzu chuckled, hands gravitating to her hips. “General Mutou had to quit about a year before the war ended. He was made redundant, got send off to a retirement home I believe.” Anzu stroked her chin, smiling at the confused looks she got in return.

“But wasn’t he one of the best soldiers? I remember hearing about this one battle…”

The recruits began excitedly chattering about, and Anzu took the chance to slip away.

She placed a tired hand to her face. No wonder Yugi had preferred his hand selected squad over training recruits. Granted, that had been a different time for the military, but it didn’t stop Anzu lamenting over how much easier it had been when the only wild thing that had happened at their base had been Jou’s curious experiments into Yusei’s tech.

At least, until Atem had arrived.

“Recruits giving you more trouble?” Ryou’s soft voice interrupted her. Anzu turned to see the man smiling at her, a pile of paperwork crammed into folders nestled between his hands.

“Somewhat.” She replied.

“Just pawn them off to Jou.” Ryou winked.

“I could.” Anzu looked thoughtful for a moment, considering it.

“What did they want anyway?”

“They were asking about Yugi.” Anzu said, and Ryou raised an eyebrow.

“That’s a new one, I’d think most people wouldn’t care, on the account of him disappearing before the end of the war.”

“It’s rather hard to shake off a title like that I guess.” Anzu shrugged, as if the action would do the same to hers.

“The General name is a strong one,” Ryou’s eyes shinned. “Isn’t that right, General Mazaki?”

“Please, when the kids aren’t around it’s Anzu. That’s an order.” Anzu sent him a mock glare, and Ryou smiled back.

“Someone’s got to keep you sane. That’s what you did for Yugi after all.”

“I did,” Anzu admitted with a laugh. “A harder job than with me, I’d say.”

“It is rather breezy for me.”

“You can handle anything Ryou. Why didn’t you aim for General rank?”

“I’m content with being a glorified secretary.” Ryou said.

Anzu just sighed, shaking her head. “I wonder how they’re doing out there.”

Ryou understood immediately, used to these conversations happening frequently.

“I’m sure they’re doing fine. They’re good for each other.”

“That’s true. It sucks not being able to see them often, but, this is what Yugi wanted.”

“It is.”

“I hope he’s at least relaxing out there. I’ll kick his ass if he doesn’t take retirement seriously.” Anzu huffed, and Ryou just laughed.

Miles away, in a small secluded valley, Yugi Mutou sneezed.

“Guess someone’s talking shit about me again.” He grimaced, wiping his nose. His attention shifted to his companion, tending to the garden as he always seemed to be.

“Hey Atem!” He called out, waiting for the other to look his way. “You going to take a break today or what!?”

“Just let me finish picking the last of these strawberries!” Atem shouted back, bending back down.

Yugi shook his head, lifting off the chair and trotting over to the other. He leaned against Atem’s back, humming.

“Those are some big strawberries.”

“It’s a good harvest this year.” Atem nodded, a satisfied look drifting over his face.

Yugi stood back, letting Atem finish up his work. He walked around their spacious garden, looking over all the herbs and vegetables Atem was nurturing.

When he has told Anzu he wanted to take Atem into the middle of nowhere to retire with a simple life, she had given him a disbelieving look. No one had expected it, and he himself hadn’t considered it an option until the time he said it. But it felt right, and he had been determined, knowing that it would help Atem grow more confident in his life. If Yugi had to live in isolation for him to achieve that, then that’s what Yugi would do.

And he had, for well over a year now.

He strolled back over to Atem, who had finished picking the strawberries into a small basket, waiting beside the patch for Yugi’s return.

“You feeling okay today?” Yugi asked, falling into their daily ritual.

“I’m fine.” Atem replied, head dipped. “The gardening really helps take my mind off it, and I haven’t ripped anything out in weeks.”

“The plants thank you for that.” Yugi chuckled, gently tugging the punnet out of Atem’s grip. “Shall we go wash some of these off for lunch?”

“I’d like that.” Atem nodded.

Yugi led the way inside the house, walking into the kitchen. He busied himself at the sink rinsing off the fruit while Atem took a seat at the table.

Washing the last off, Yugi placed them in a bowl on the table, plucking a few off for himself.

Atem was a little slower, taking one at a time, nibbling the edges. Yugi couldn’t deny how hungry he had gotten sitting outside in the hot sun, taking huge bites out of his own and finishing them much faster, grateful for the cool feeling of the fruit against his lips.

He stayed at the table, taking a seat across from Atem, waiting for the other to finish.

“Sorry.” Atem mumbled down into the strawberry in his hand.

“For what? Everyone eats at their own pace. Don’t rush, and enjoy them. You put a lot of care into raising them, and it’s not like anyone’s going to scold you for taking your time.”

“I… okay.” Atem nodded slowly.

“You sure you’re okay?” Yugi asked, frowning.

“Yeah,” Atem nodded, face scrunching up. “I just, think my system might be acting up again.”

“I can schedule a trip to see Yusei if you want.”

“No, I don’t think it’s life threatening.”

“Want me to take a look at it then? I promise I’ve been getting better.” Yugi joked, an attempt to lighten the mood. Atem sent a smile his way, acknowledging Yugi’s efforts.

“I appreciate the offer, Yugi, but I don’t think I need that kind of assistance.”

“Okay, sure,” Yugi nodded. “What can I do then?”

Atem tilted his head, gaze thoughtful. “Just being near is enough.” He said softly.

“I can do that.” Yugi reached across the table, taking Atem’s hands into his. He brushed a thumb over the knuckles slowly, Atem humming in response.

“Want to take the car for a spin? I’ll drive.” Yugi grinned. Atem raised an eyebrow, expression sceptical.

“You’re banned from vehicles mister.” Atem waggled a finger in his direction. Yugi ducked his head, laughing.

“True, but hey, I cheered you up anyway.” Yugi winked, and Atem’s eyes widened.

“I… guess you did.” He admitted.

“Come on, I’ll help you water all the plants.” Yugi said, pushing out of the chair.

“I can handle them alone, you know. There aren’t that many.” Atem reminded him gently, rising to follow.

“Yeah, but if I let you do all the work, then there’s nothing for me to do, and I’m tired of lying around. Either you let me water, or I’m taking the car.”

“Well as your caretaker, I suppose I had best indulge you in this then.” Atem said, all serious like.

“You are not my caretaker, quit making me sound so old!” Yugi laughed, pushing Atem lightly.

“Soon he might need a retirement village.” Atem continued, pretending to be deep in thought, finger on his chin. “We might need to say our farewells, old friend.”

“I will lock you in here and water those plants myself if you don’t leave me alone.” Yugi threatened.

“I’d find a way out easily.”

“I could board up all the windows.”

“You wouldn’t be fast enough, I’d already be out.”

“What if I knocked you out first?”

“You would be equally knocked out, our strength levels are quite similar.”

“You flatterer, we both know you have more muscle mass than me.” Yugi stuck his tongue out childishly.

“You’re quicker.”

“Doesn’t matter.”

“Here I am trying to compliment you and you refuse to accept them, what does it take to give you praise?” Atem shook his head in mock hurt.

“A lot of persisting usually. Call Anzu if you want some tips.” Yugi chuckled.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Atem nodded, smiling. “So the plants?”

“Oh, right, of course,” Yugi laughed, slinging an arm around Atem’s shoulder. “Let’s go water some thirsty plants!”

“Roger!”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And that's the end! Thank you for reading! If you've read this all here, I'm probs still updating it on AO3 and it's not done there yet. Feel free to leave a comment telling me what u thought of the fic! Or hit me up on tumblr, url ashethehedgehog and tell me there, feedback is always rly nice to get.
Here is the AO3 version, if you would like to leave comments and/or kudos and the like over there! Thank you!

Atem pulled on his restraints, tugging and snapping at the leather, but it refused to budge. It was high quality material, he could tell, not the kind just any wannabe kidnapper would have.

I’m dealing with someone who knows what they’re doing here, Atem frowned, a snarl twisting his face as he once again uselessly tried to move his arms. But what do they want me for?

He winced, the mechanical part of his mind pushing against his thoughts, an ever-present threat in his current mindset. He forced himself to calm down, letting his mind go blank, and the coding streaming through his head lessened.

A door opened in the distance, and he paused his motions, eyes flickering over to watch a man walk in. As they stepped into what little light there was for Atem to see with, he swore the man looked familiar.

“You’re… from Headquarters.” Atem narrowed his eyes, wracking his brain for the name. This guy was a creep, and Yugi didn’t like him… Another general, what was it…

“You’re Dartz Ironheart,” Atem realised. “The creep.”

Dartz shot him a dark look before it melted into a smirk. “I see General Mutou speaks highly of me.”

“No that was my own assumption.” Atem shot back. “Although, Yugi also thinks you’re a creep.”

“Yugi? My my, Mutou really does have a weak spot for you. No one ever calls him Yugi anymore.”

“Anzu does.” Atem said. He mentally winced, his head throbbing. The chips in his brain protested at how casual he mentioned the captain and general’s names, but he pushed back against it. It felt right not to speak in titles, like he was shedding a weight he didn’t realise he had.

“I’m not talking about his squad, I’m talking about… outsiders,” Dartz’s voice brought him back, their eyes locking. “Because he once punched a guy square in the face for calling him Yugi. Only knew the guy for one mission or so, not very long. Kind of reminds me of someone…”

“What do you want with me?” Atem asked, ignoring Dartz’s jibe.

“Now that’s a good question.” Dartz purred, sliding up to his side. He bent his neck down, sneering. “What do I want with you, little soldier?” He stroked a hand up Atem’s thigh, and Atem wished nothing more at that moment than to kick Dartz’s face in.

“Don’t touch me, you fucker.” Atem growled, trying in vain to jerk his body away. Dartz’s touch was cold, even through the fabric of his pants.

“Such language,” Dartz said, voice full of mock hurt. “Aren’t you supposed to be a good little android, only chirping when someone tells you to?”

“I’m a human, not an android.”

“You used to be human, but you can’t say the same now. Humans don’t have chips in their brain, and metal in their eyes.” Dartz reached out to poke them, and Atem squeezed his eyes shut, hissing at the cold, clammy finger that touched his eyelid.

“So you can’t really classify as human anymore, sorry.” Dartz shrugged, an evil smirk on his face.

“Yugi will stop you.” Atem said, jerking his head up as far as he could manage, glaring daggers at the man. “He’ll come.”

“Oh believe me,” Dartz said, his eyes flashing. “I’m counting on it.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~

“What do you mean you don’t know what to do?” Mana was up in his face, eyes blazing in anger. “Get back out there and go find him! Or give me your mech and I’ll do it, since you’re so scared!”

Yugi ignored her, turning to Anzu instead. “Can we get scans of the area? We need to work out the best direction to take.”

“We haven’t used drone probes in ages Yugi,” Anzu pointed out. “The data would be old, and we would need to update them, if you wanted to send them out now. That’s a lot of time to waste.”

“We have no way to survey the sky then?” Yugi allowed his shoulders to sag, avoiding eye contact with them both. “Can we even do anything except blindly patrol around?”

“Actually I can help with that.” A voice muttered close by. They all turned around to see Yusei standing there, watching them closely, Bruno by his side.

“How so?” Yugi recovered first, giving Yusei his full attention. Yusei held up a chip of some kind, passing it to Yugi.

Yugi took it, examining it over in his hand. He wasn’t an expert, nor that knowledgeable in computer affairs, so he waited until Yusei would explain.

“I put one of those in Atem,” Yusei said. “It’s a tracking device. You can find him with it.”

“Does Atem know you did this?” Yugi asked.

“He suggested it,” Yusei shrugged. “Put that chip in your mech and it will bring up Atem’s location on your map.” With that said, Yusei walked away, clearly having no further input.

“Is he always like that?” Mana asked, eyes blinking owlishly.

“You get used to it, we’re all misfits here.” Anzu winked, waggling her brows at Yugi. Yugi just rolled his right back, shaking his head.

“We have our direction now, so I’m heading off.”

“I’ll come back out with you. Two machines are better than none, right?” Anzu smiled, and Yugi gave her a grateful smile.

“Let’s get the mechs ready.”

“Hey! What about me?” Mana pipped up, jumping to get his attention.

“Since you will refuse to stay behind-”

“One hundred per cent not happening.”

“-Then you can ride with me. Just don’t be annoying.” Yugi said, earning a pouty frown from the other.

“I happen to have soldier training too you know, I can handle myself just fine.” She crossed her arms in a fit.

“Sure, sure.” Yugi said, only half paying attention. He strode over to his mech, climbing up into the cockpit and driver’s seat. He busied himself with the start-up ritual, waiting for Mana to follow.

She climbed in behind him, buckling herself in while Yugi turned the engine on. The mecha purred as if in greeting, metal sections jolting to life.

They shot out of the hanger bay, and Yugi couldn’t resist pushing his mech’s leg out just that little bit to kick the vehicle Raphael had arrived in and promptly ditched. He chuckled as it hit a boulder, a reassuring smack ringing out and putting a dent in the bonnet.

The bright light of day once again greeted him outside, heat wavering over the rock and sand in brilliant shades of red and yellow. Things didn’t look so grim this time though, and Yugi was determined.

He put the chip in the dashboard, and the console beamed in excitement, lights flashing as it read the device. Suddenly a screen flared to life on the cockpit window, and Yugi recognised it as the map of their area. A blue dot marked their position, and quite a distance away on the edge of the map was a flashing red dot.

“That would be our destination.” Yugi muttered, pushing the mecha forward.

Anzu fell into step beside him with her mecha, but hung back just a little, enough to let Yugi lead with the co-ordinates.

The map led them out of the area, into more rock and canyon land. The cliffs rose high and higher yet the deeper they travelled. The path around them was still dusty with scraps of sand fluttering over the surface, and they couldn’t deny the potential of hidden areas in amongst the rock that could fit a mech.

Yugi began to take notice of the way certain sections of the rock had gouges in them, almost as if something had nicked itself against the walls and stones that sat in the path.

Yugi hummed to himself, flicking the microphone on.

“Hey Anzu, there’s something resembling a trail here,” Yugi pointed out, eyes narrowing. “Seems oddly convenient to be a slip up, although it would like us to think it is.”

“Oh, you’re right, this doesn’t look good. What do you want to do Yugi?” Anzu asked.

“We don’t really have the time to do a thorough search. If the enemy is leaving us a trail, I’d say they want us to follow them.”

“Walk into the lion’s den?” Anzu sounded smug.

“Wouldn’t be the first time.” Yugi chuckled. “And besides, I don’t like taking too long. Let’s follow it and see what we get.”

“Roger Mutou.” The line cut off, and they both pushed their mechs forward.

“Do you really think this is the right way?” Mana asked, doubtful.

“If you’re going to keep second guessing me, you can ride with Anzu.”

“Anzu doesn’t need help; she’s got a level head.” Mana replied smugly.

“You barely know her.”

“More so than you apparently.”

Yugi shot a glare behind to her, making a noise under his breath. “We don’t have time to argue. And we also don’t have any real leads. This is the best we’ve got.”

“What if it is a trap? You said you lost the trail before,” Mana pointed out. “This new one suddenly making the driver seem sloppy is a little suspicious you have to admit.”

“I do find it suspicious, but what choice do we have?” Yugi sighed. “Each hour that passes by is more time we don’t know what is happening to Atem. It… worries me, not knowing.”

“You know you keep refusing to tell me why you’re putting so much effort into this.” Mana pushed against his chair, her voice close to his ear. “Why do you want to save Atem so badly and help him?”

“Well he is under my care.”

“So you’re just going to get your soldier back? That’s it?”

“It’s not really important,” Yugi argued. “We should be focusing on what’s waiting for us when we get there, not this.”

“Fine,” Mana replied sullenly. “What are you going to do when you get there then?”

“Rescue Atem.”

“And if he doesn’t want to be saved?”

“What are you talking about?” Yugi spun around, pinning Mana with a frustrated frown. “He was kidnapped.”

“Maybe Raphael did it because he didn’t trust Atem with you, a general of the Domino Empire.” Mana stressed.

“Do you believe that? Atem seemed adamant in fighting Raphael, and I never gave him the command to do anything.”

“I think Raphael’s a traitor and he’s going to get what’s coming to him. But I’m trying to prove a point to you, and you’re too thick headed to get it.”

“Listen here, I-”

“Yugi?” Anzu’s voice cut through the static, making Yugi pause at the start of his rant.

Yugi flicked the mic on. “Yeah?”

“We’re heading deeper into Empire territory.”

Yugi gritted his teeth, hands pulling impossibly tighter over the handles. “I know.”

“This isn’t looking good. I’m going to radio Ryou and make sure he has Jou and Honda on standby.”

“No get him to send them both out instead. If we end up walking into a huge ambush, I’d rather have back up already on the way.”

“Roger.”

Yugi turned the mic off, throwing a glance over his shoulder at Mana. “And that’s enough out of you for now. Let me focus on driving.”

Mana shot him a cool look, but sat back in her chair, arms crossed to clearly announce her distaste.

Yugi promptly ignored her after that, his attention shifting solely onto the ground beneath them and the path ahead.

The ground began to dip slightly in places, curving down into canyons and perhaps valleys beyond. If they were heading in the direction Yugi thought they were, then the landscape would become littered with more and more cliffs the further they travelled.

Soon they were corralled into a wedge in the rock, the large stone like structures rising upwards while the smoother surface of the ground dipped down. They were still able to walk the mechas side by side in the canyon, but now they had to keep an eye skyward, to check no one was planning an ambush above.

The rock seemed to twist around in a horseshoe-like shape, hiding the path ahead from immediate view. Never a good sign, Yugi thought sullenly. He flipped one of the switches for the mecha’s turret, keeping it open and read to go should they run into trouble.

Following the path the canyon was forcing them along, Yugi was shocked to see a building come into view, nestled in the corner of what seemed to be the natural end of the ravine.

“Why is there…” Yugi muttered under his breath, eyebrows scrunching together. No records, no evidence there was a base out here, nothing to indicate people were populating the area… this is supposed to be off limits… That’s why I’m based here! Because it’s an empty section of the desert!

Gozaburo either knows very well that there are all these bases not marked on our maps that he never disclosed to me, or someone is going behind his back and doing something under the table. Which means whatever it is, isn’t good.

“Anzu,” Yugi turned the mic back on, “are you seeing this?”

“Yeah. That’s not on any records is it?”

“No. No it’s not.” Yugi let out a sigh, his finger sliding off the mic. His grip returned to the handles, tilting them back to slow the mecha down.

“Mana, listen-”

“Here it comes.” Mana rolled her eyes.

“Don’t interrupt me,” Yugi scolded. “I want you to stay here in my mech. Leave it running and keep an eye out for any disturbances while Anzu and I investigate inside.”

“Oh no, you’re not ditching me like that. Atem is my friend, and I’m going to save him too.”

“And if someone like Raphael scoops you up and uses you as leverage?”

“Then what would you care? You don’t like me, plus you’ve even threatened to kill me yourself!” Mana pointed out, jabbing a finger at him.

“Well that’s true,” Yugi admitted. “But I would have never gone through with it, you were just pressing my buttons. As much as we may disagree about each other’s methods, we have one thing in common.”

“Do tell me, so I can then bleach it from my mind.” Mana gave a huff.

“We both want to save Atem.” Yugi replied, unable to keep himself from sounding just a little smug, especially at the way Mana’s face fell.

She froze, her expression dropping in what Yugi thought was shame. “I don’t want anything bad to happen to him. He’s my best friend, and he’s suffered so much already…”

Yugi paused. Mana looked like she was about to cry, and he didn’t want to have to awkwardly console her with some kind of fake promise, knowing he couldn’t offer real comfort.

“Look,” he said. “I care about Atem, I really do. I know I have a job to do, and I know technically we’re on other sides of the war, but I don’t approve of what happened to him, and if giving him back to the other side will make it easier for him, then I’ll do it. But for now, he’s in danger, and our best bet is for Anzu and I to go in and try to find him and get him out. But we’ll need an easy way out, and that’s why I need you here. I’m not trying to keep you away from the action or anything, but I need someone on the outside. Will you do it?”

Mana looked up at him, her eyes blazing with determination. “Fine, I’ll stay. But you have to take something to keep in contact with me.”

“Done.” Yugi reached over, popping open a compartment that held two ear pieces. He handed one to Mana, looping the other around his ear so the small microphone section rested at the start of his ear canal. “We’ll be back with Atem before you know it.”

“You’d better.” Mana said, her voice repeating through the ear piece.

Yugi jumped over the side of his mech, landing close to where Anzu was already waiting for him.

“Keeping her behind?” She asked.

“We might need a quick get away, and with easy access to the mecha’s radio she can relay information directly to me.” Yugi tapped the electric device in his ear, drawing Anzu’s attention to it.

“Oh that’s clever.” She winked, pulling out a gun from her pocket. “Shall we head in?”

He pulled out his pistols, flickering the safety off. “Be prepared for anything.”

“Don’t go trigger happy with those.” Anzu responded. Yugi just grunted, avoiding the conversation and entering the building.

There was a small hallway with little detail at the entrance; in fact, the walls themselves held nothing, no ornaments or picture frames, not even the inkling of a security system, the edges where the walls met the roof where devoid of any cameras.

Not the best way to protect your front door, Yugi thought, stepping to the side a little to proceed down the hall.

He took in the walls as they went; an off grey colour, like they had been sparkling and white at one point, but had faded through the years from lack of care.

“This is giving me major déjà vu.” Yugi grunted, pulling away from the edges into the centre of the hallway.

“You think you’ve been here before?” Anzu walked up to him, eyeing the peeling paint with open disgust.

“Not here, but somewhere similar.” He stopped by a doorway, handing Anzu one of his guns for a moment to allow him to jiggle the handle. It opened easily, and he exchanged a look with Anzu. She pressed the gun back into his hand.

He shouldered the door open, guns immediately pointing inwards as his eyes quickly took in the new environment.

They realised the room was empty, nothing moving or reacting to their presence. Yugi didn’t let his guard nor his guns down as he went further in, checking in all the corners for any chance of somewhere to hide. It was just a long room however, the walls lined with different sized cupboards and benches.

Scattered all over and even in the cupboards were stacks of equipment, clipboards and folders full of printed results, medical and electrical gear wedged between the binders.

“What is all this?” Anzu asked, poking her head inside a cupboard, only to come back out holding a clear package of syringes. “A hospital?”

Suddenly it clicked, and Yugi sucked in his breath. “Not a hospital… but a facility… a compound, for doing illegal things.”

“Why is this here? Didn’t you say you destroyed the base where they, uh, ‘changed’ Atem?” Anzu said, fumbling for words.

“I did.”

“Could this be another one?” Mana’s voice drifted into his ear. Yugi’s heart sank at the words. Another one. If this building was the same as the last, then heading further into the compound might prove to give them some shocking results.

“Let’s try another room.” Yugi suggested. They returned to the hallway, moving further down and away from the entrance.

They passed another door, opening it as easily as the first. Inside was a similar set up, except half the room had tables with computers on them. Yugi ignored them for now, instead focusing on anything that would provide easy details to what was going on here.

“Any sign of struggles? Atem must have woken up at some time.” Yugi said.

“Nothing here.” Anzu reported, throwing him a shrug.

“Any movement outside Mana?” Yugi asked into his ear piece.

“Nothing here on my end.” Mana reported.

As they walked deeper into the lab, Yugi couldn’t shake of the feeling of dread that had nestled deep inside him. Something was wrong, he knew that much, but his gut refused to point in any one direction, leaving him floundering around in the dark.

They came upon another room, this one larger than the previous ones. On the far side, Yugi could see a table of some kind, benches littered with equipment. He could only make out vague shapes until he got closer, the light above him weak and flickering.

Leather straps hung off the corners of the table, and the benches were covered in a combination of what looked to be medical and mechanical equipment. Yugi turned over one of the straps, finding red splatters stained into the material. They still looked red, like they were fresh.

“Someone likes machines and medicine?” Anzu offered, exchanging a wary look with Yugi.

“That’s never a good combination, not when you need restraints.” Yugi flailed the strap around, and Anzu swore when she saw them.

“Do you think this is…?”

“The work of Dartz?” Yugi scoffed. “I’m suspecting as much. That man has a lot to answer for.”

“What has he been doing out here though? I thought the facility you destroyed was the main base of his operations.”

“This place is in disrepair, which only leads me to believe he’s working under the law here. There’s enough evidence here for me to present it for treason.” Yugi frowned, picking up a clipboard. The numbers and stats on it were useless to him, but in the hands of an expert, they would provide an overwhelming case against Dartz he was sure.

“But we still need to find-”

A sudden noise behind them jolted Yugi out of his position. Both he and Anzu were of the same mind, jumping up and spinning around, guns pointing at the disturbance. Yugi immediately went to lower his at the sight that greeted him though.

“What… Atem!” Yugi rushed forward, only to pause. Atem was staring at the ground, not even acknowledging Yugi’s presence.

“Atem, answer me.” Yugi tried, putting weight behind his words. Again, Atem didn’t respond. Yugi began to back away, returning to Anzu’s side.

“Anzu…” He said in a warning tone.

“There’s something wrong, I know.” She still had her guns raised.

“He’s not reacting… what if-”

“Ah Yugi, so glad you could make it.” Dartz suddenly appeared behind Atem, his arm slinging around Atem’s shoulder.

Yugi was immediately more on edge, one gun coming up to point at Atem while the other shifted upwards to Dartz’s face.

“What have you done Ironheart?” Yugi snarled.

“Straight the point, no finesse as always Mutou. Although,” Dartz paused, a wicked smile creeping up his face. “That’s not the name our dear android here was screaming just before.”

“Enough of your shit Dartz,” Yugi said, stepping closer. “Tell me what you did to him or I shoot.”

“’him?’ Oh dear, you really are quite attached.” Dartz chuckled, leaning down to graze a hand over Atem’s chin. “But if you shot me, you might hit your precious little android.”

“He’ll live. You won’t. Don’t test my aiming skills.”

“Yes I heard all about them from Raphael. How you really tried your best to help Atem fight him.”

Yugi clenched his fists tighter around his guns, gritting his teeth in an attempt to keep his head cool.

“So it left me wondering, you know,” Dartz continued, hand shifting to pat Atem’s head. “Who would win in a fight between you two? I mean, I heard about your victory from the Commander, but it seemed like you weren’t allowing the android to his full potential. So I thought, why don’t we fix that? So, and I hope you don’t mind, I went ahead and did some remodelling around in his head, get him in the right mindset for a good old fight, you know?”

“You led me here just so you could pit us against each other,” Yugi growled, eyes narrowing. “You’re a sick bastard Dartz.”

“Guilty.” Dartz shrugged, smiling. “As much as I’d love to stick around and watch you hack each other to pieces, I’m off to do bigger and better things! Have fun you two!”

He turned away, heading out of the door, but paused at the entryway, flashing Yugi a wide smirk. “Atem, attack.” He said before slipping off.

Yugi didn’t have the chance to chase him, as Atem suddenly snapped to life, head jerking up and arm raising. Yugi realised a second later that he had a gun, swore, and dove to the ground.

“Get down!” He yelled, hoping his voice would reach Anzu before the gun shot.

He heard the bang, but not much else, his mind already slipping into battle mode.

His hands shot forward again, zeroing in on Atem. The android was too fast, however, already closing the distance between them, gun discarded behind in favour of his sword, raised and ready to slice at Yugi.

Yugi rolled on his side away, repositioning himself behind Atem. He needed a plan; using his guns on Atem wouldn’t do either of them any good. He didn’t have the means to remove bullets from wounds, and he didn’t want to risk sending Atem into shock, wherever his mind was right now. It was still in there, Yugi knew as much, but coaxing it out would be the hard part.

Damn it Dartz sure backed us into a corner here, Yugi gritted his teeth in determination.

He hopped backwards, eyes keeping a close eye on Atem’s deadly sword. He mentally cursed himself for ordering such a fine blade.

Atem jabbed the blade forward, the tip sailing just past Yugi’s cheek. Yugi twisted to the side, batting it back towards Atem with a pistol.

He shot at the ground with his other gun, the bullet ricocheting off the floor between Atem’s feet, bouncing off into something somewhere behind them. The android didn’t even budge from the attack, inside lunging forward again to swipe at Yugi.

“Damn it.” Yugi threw his body backwards, landing on his back from the impossible angle, but still managing to avoid Atem’s strike. It left him sprawled out on the ground, vulnerable to attack and they both knew it.

Yugi sucked in his breath, rocking his hips upwards, positioning his feet curled close to his chest. Then he sprung them forward, connecting his boots with Atem’s stomach.

Atem stumbled back, losing his footing and toppling to the ground in front of Yugi.

Yugi scrambled quickly to his feet, pouncing forward to land on top of Atem before the other could recover.

They both grunted on the impact, Yugi straddling Atem’s legs to keep them in place, sitting on his stomach.

“God damn it Atem snap out of it! You’re stronger than this!” Yugi growled, connecting the butt of the gun to Atem’s cheek. Atem’s head snapped to the side, but he didn’t show any signs of pain, head slowly moving back to its original position.

“Fuck this.” Yugi grabbed Atem’s shirt, pulling him up only to slam him back down, cracking Atem’s head against the tiled floor.

“Yugi! Don’t kill the guy!” Anzu shouted.

“If he doesn’t snap out of it, then I have to knock him out!” Yugi shouted back.

“How can he snap out of it when it’s in his programming!?”

Yugi grunted, shaking Atem up as he tried to struggle again, forcing his head close to his own.

“Atem, I am your commanding officer, and I order you to stand down.” Yugi said, gauging the reaction. Atem stared blankly up at him, arms struggling.

Suddenly he bucked upwards, sending Yugi toppling backwards in a moment of weakness. Yugi quickly adjusted himself, scrambling to be upright.

Atem was coming at him again, sword posed by his side. Shit, Yugi ducked backwards, bringing his guns up as a defence.

Atem’s sword curved upwards in an arc, and Yugi grunted as he felt its impact. No immediate pain surfaced, and he craned his neck to the side, frowning.

Atem retreated his sword, giving Yugi a clear view of the damage. There was a deep gouge down the side of one of his pistols, the metal cut and broken, a piece falling to the floor where it had been cut off.

“My… gun…” Yugi stared down at the slice marring his otherwise perfect weapons. The trigger was completely destroyed, and he had been lucky Atem’s blade had missed his index finger by centimetres.

Yugi barely registered that though, too focused in on the damage to his perfect weapon, the extension of his arm that fitted oh so perfectly in his grip. Ruined.

Yugi saw red.

He slammed the side of the handle into Atem’s sword arm, just as Atem reacted with a punch of his own. Yugi barely felt it connect with his shoulder, too focused on doing damage to worry about any against him.

Atem grunted, his face scrunching up in reaction to Yugi’s hard blow. He didn’t drop his sword however, clutching it tighter and bring it forward for another jab. Yugi easily dodged to the side, bashing the butt of the gun against where he knew the nerves in Atem's wrist were.

Finally Atem dropped his sword, the metal clanging loudly against the harsh tile floor as his wrist gave out, his human weaknesses still present despite the modifications.

“Snap out of it Atem, or so help me I won’t be able to stop myself.” Yugi said through gritted teeth. He slapped Atem on the cheek, forcing the other to stumble backwards at the impact.

And then Atem paused. He shook his head, eyes still glazed over, but brows beginning to furrow. Yugi forced himself to stop, clenching his fists at his sides in an attempt to settle them.

He walked up to Atem, gripping his shirt in a fist. Atem made no move to stop him, staring at him with blank eyes.

“You said I was your friend,” Yugi spoke, pulling Atem closer. “So as your friend, it’s my job to stop you doing stupid things.” He slapped the side of a pistol against Atem’s face, none too gently.

“So stop doing stupid things.” Yugi repeated. Atem finally seemed to react, a hand coming up to touch the area Yugi had struck.

“Yu…gi…” Atem choked out, shaking his head wildly.

“Come back to us Atem. Fight it.”

“I… can’t…” Atem stumbled back, Yugi losing his grip on Atem’s shirt. “Error two one ni-” Atem began mumbling nonsense under his breath, speaking so fast Yugi couldn’t begin to understand it.

Suddenly he jerked his head up, eyes locking with Yugi’s for a moment. He turned around, running to the edge of the room, shoving his hand forward.

He began to scream, and Yugi leaped into action, racing to his side.

“Atem? What the hell?” Yugi reeled back, watching Atem stick his fingers into an electrical socket. The power must have been very active, sparks bursting forth from the holes.

He was electrocuting himself, Yugi realised, eyes wide in shock.

Atem had his teeth gritted, a muffled cry escaping through despite his efforts.

“What are you doing!?” Yugi reached forward to pull Atem away, but Atem shook his head violently.

He couldn’t form words however, a scream letting loose as soon as he opened his mouth.

And then he collapsed to the ground.

Yugi wasted no time, jumping forward to straddle Atem’s waist. “Anzu, the leather straps!” He yelled behind him. He heard a vague acknowledgement, and moments later she pushed them into Yugi’s awaiting hand.

Atem was still twitching, mouth open in a long groan. He didn’t seem to notice Yugi, and Yugi used this to his advantage, stretching out Atem’s hands over his head. He winced at the bruises he saw there, red and raw, as if from tugging too hard on something. Sorry to use these again Atem. He wrapped the leather around them, making sure to pull them tight, looping the ends together in a knot.

“I’ve got his legs.” Anzu said, voice close by. Yugi turned his upper body around to see Anzu by Atem’s feet, slipping another leather strap around the ankles.

Yu… gi.” Atem groaned, eyes squeezing shut in obvious pain.

“Take it easy, no sudden movements.” Yugi said softly, slowly sliding the sword away from Atem’s hands.

“I feel the overwhelming urge to kill you running on repeat in my mind.” Atem muttered, fingers sliding against the tiles above his head.

“I understand I can be a pain sometimes, but if you could resist with the killing, I’d greatly appreciate it.” Yugi chuckled, tightening the leather on Atem’s arms.

“Why am I restrained?” Atem asked, worry in his voice. “Did something happen?”

“Put those things you just said back through your mind, then try again.” Yugi said gently. Atem frowned, pursing his lips. Then his eyes widened, and he looked up at Yugi, concern threatening to spike tears in his eyes.

“I remember having a conversation with Dartz, but everything before the need to fight is fuzzy. I’m having trouble remembering much… I’m assuming Dartz… rewrote my programming?”

Yugi bit his lip, nodding. Atem lowered his eyes.

“I see.”

“You’ll be okay now, you’re back with us, and I won’t let Dartz touch you ever again.” Yugi swore, reaching out to squeeze one of Atem’s bound hands awkwardly, mindful of the bruises.

Atem just nodded, staring at the roof.

“Are you sure you’ll be okay till we get back to base?” Yugi asked, propping him up into a sitting position.

“I’ll try,” Atem nodded grimly. “Best to keep me tied up, I suppose.”

“Yeah, sorry. I promise we’ll fix you up soon Atem.” Yugi patted his shoulder, offering a small smile. He stood up, face morphing into a glower.

“Now where is that bastard.” He growled, searching around the room.

“He’s gone.” Anzu said, walking up to his side, finally putting her gun away. “The coward didn’t want to stick around and deal with any trouble, I’d say.”

“Yugi, do you have Atem?” Mana’s voice suddenly cut through, loud enough he was sure Anzu could hear. He winced at the intensity of it in his ear. “We need to leave, Dartz set a fuse!”

“A what?” Yugi’s hand shot to his ear piece. “Where? How much time is left?”

“Throughout the building I assume, he’s put one out the front here before his mech exploded through the garage, and I can see more inside! I have the mecha at the door, so you better hurry before the whole place blows!”

Yugi swore, leaning down to pick up Atem into his arms. “Anzu you’re on door duty, clear us a way.”

“Roger!” Anzu jumped to attention, sprinting out of the room with Yugi following close behind.

She kept the way forward clear, letting Yugi focus on holding Atem up.

“I’m sorry.” Atem mumbled close to Yugi’s ear.

“It’s not your fault.” Yugi whispered back, trying hard not to wince at the sudden pain in his shoulder. Atem really packed a punch, he wasn’t holding back with that blow.

They soon reached the entrance, lunging outside of the building. True to her word, Mana had Yugi’s mech ready and waiting by the entrance, cockpit open and turned to their side.

Yugi’s gaze followed Anzu, watching her running towards her own mech, reaching it in record time with her longer legs. He waited to make sure she was in and ready to go before approaching his own.

Just as he barrelled into the back seat, awkwardly slamming his body against it to keep Atem’s from the impact, Mana strung the mech into action, bounding away from the compound as fast as she could manage.

They reached a few leagues away before a massive explosion sounded out, fire billowing into the sky in angry red and yellow colours. They felt the shockwave moments later, rattling the mecha’s frame and sending them spiralling forward.

“Shit shit shit.” Mana yelped, her hands working frantically to keep the foot pedals facing downwards.

The mecha rocked in the air for a few seconds before the wave died down, and they crashed hard into the ground.

It took a moment for the dust to settle, and for them to get their bearings back about them. Mana was the first to recover, letting out a laugh.

“Well, you know what they say, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” She offered, turning to grin at the two of them.

Yugi just groaned. 

Yugi sighed, feeling the blade dig closer to his skin. A few inches more, and it would split it. Great job Mutou. You’ve really outdone yourself with this situation.

He barely had cause for celebration; Atem seemed to have his human memory back, at least somewhat, and it didn’t take Yugi long to work out he was an Armesian soldier of some sort. A fine situation indeed.

“What are you waiting for? Finish him off! We can’t afford to let him live!” Mana shouted, fluttering around beside Atem.

Atem seemed to ignore her, staring down at Yugi instead. He seemed… curious, almost? But there was also anger in his eyes, and his mouth was twisting in frustration. But why was he frustrated? Yugi raised an eyebrow, conveying his confusion.

Atem stared at him for a moment longer before his shoulders sagged, and he let out a ragged sigh. “I can’t, Mana.” He said, moving the blade away from Yugi’s throat.

“Why not?”

Atem held out a hand for Yugi, and Yugi brushed it aside, standing on his own. He stared down at Atem, making it obvious he wasn’t accepting anything from Atem anytime soon.

“Because,” Atem said, standing as well. “He’s my commanding officer. It’s my job to protect him, not hurt him.”

“What do you mean commanding officer? He’s with the Empire.” Mana stressed, jabbing a finger at Yugi.

“Well this is awkward.” Yugi said, coughing into his hand. He ran his fingers over his throat, shaking slightly from the near-death sensation. Adrenaline raced through his body, and he felt excited to fight somehow, burn the energy off.

“I wouldn’t trust him Atem,” Mana continued, seemingly ignoring Yugi. “He’s a General! You know this guy has done bad shit.”

“I know,” Atem admitted, keeping his hands up. “But killing him wouldn’t work. I can’t let him die, and I don’t want to hurt you, Mana. Don’t make me choose; I can’t fight my programming.”

“If you could listen to yourself.” Mana shook her head, hand reaching into her bag. “We need some crowd control.” She pulled out a gun, pointing it at Yugi.

Yugi saw the side of the gun, the engraved letters that shined across the sleek surface. Letters he himself had carved into there himself. “That’s… You little- that’s my gun!” Yugi yelled, whipping out his other pistol and pointing it straight back at Mana.

He didn’t waste time, squeezing down on the trigger, only to have his arm thrusted upwards during the process, the bullet shooting skyward harmlessly. He glared at Mana, only to find it was Atem’s hand gripping his arm, eyes boring into his.

“You just tried to shoot me!” Mana squeaked, the pistol in her hand beginning to shake.

“And I’ll do it again,” Yugi snarled. “Atem, let me go.”

“Don’t do this sir.” Atem said. Yugi coolly kept his gaze on Atem, watching the android. Atem’s eyes were silently pleading with him, his mouth drawn into a thin line.

“That’s my gun. She has no right to wield it.” Yugi argued, jerking his head in Mana’s direction.

“I found it! I’ve had it for months, if you really wanted it you shouldn’t have lost it so easily!” Mana tipped her nose up, and Yugi saw red.

“How dare you.” He snarled, smashing the handle against Atem’s fingers. The android hissed, his grip loosening, and Yugi shook his arm free. He moved to point the gun at Mana again, and she flinched.

Yugi had seconds to react, ducking down right before Mana fired the gun, the bullet sailing past into the darkness.

“No Mana!” Atem lunged forward, smacking the gun out of her hand. “Stop fighting, please!”

Yugi paused, the ‘please’ catching him. “Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t blast her head off for having my gun.”

Atem turned to him, eyes serious. “Because she’s my best friend.”

Yugi froze, the sincerity in Atem’s tone like a slap to his face. He lowered the gun, shaking his head to clear his mind. He flicked the safety back on, sliding the pistol into his pocket. He held up his hands in a symbol of peace, and Atem’s shoulders slackened.

“Thank you.” He nodded, and Yugi just groaned, rolling his eyes.

“Fine, but I’m going to need some answers, and quick. But first,” he held his hand out. “My gun. Now.”

Atem looked at the weapon on the ground, scooping it up before handing it to Yugi.

“Thank you.” Yugi sighed, feeling the familiar handle grip nestled under his fingers. “Now, I trust you suddenly performing mutiny was a result of your memories returning?”

“Yes, I… remember who I am, now.” Atem turned his hands palms up, staring down at them.

“And who is that, Atem?” Yugi pressed.

“I’m… not sure, to be honest,” his brows scrunched up, and he jerked his head to stare at the ground instead. “It’s hard to tell. Everything isn’t in place yet. I just have… events, and moments, out of order, trying to slot together. I can remember who I was, and what I did, but… most of it is hazy.”

“Of course, nothing is ever easy.” Yugi muttered, sighing. He glanced over Atem, eyes narrowing when he noticed the way one of his hands sat. “What’s wrong with your hand?”

Atem gave him a strange look, raising it up for Yugi to see better. It looked like something had crushed the tops of the knuckles and joints, some kind of hard material. Yugi frowned; he had a good idea what could make those marks.

“Shit, did I do that?” He bit his lip, gently taking Atem’s hand in his own to inspect it.

“You didn’t notice?” Atem asked, his voice even.

“No, I…” he sighed, looking up into Atem’s eyes. “Do you remember what I told you the day Gozaburo made us spar?”

Atem’s eyes softened, and he nodded. “You have trouble controlling your emotions.”

“You say it so easily,” Yugi sighed. “But you’re right. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean for this to happen.”

“It’s fine, sir.” Atem muttered, looking away. That reaction alone told Yugi it was anything but fine.

“I think we have some antiseptic back at the outpost. Let’s return, and I’ll fix this.” Yugi said, then paused. “You don’t need to call me ‘sir’ anymore, Atem. Just Mutou is fine.”

“Even in the presence of others?”

“Yeah. Unless the other generals are around, although I’d rather not have to deal with Dartz nor Gozaburo anytime soon.”

“Wait wait,” Mana pipped up, scrambling in front of Yugi to halt him. “Outpost? Where exactly are you going? Atem and I can’t go to some Empire base! I’m not handing myself over just to be shot dead!”

“Well Atem’s not going to be shot. Not when he works for me.” Yugi said smugly, relishing in the shocked expression passing over Mana’s face.

She turned to Atem, eyes pleading. “You… please don’t tell me you’re… with the Empire now, Atem? What…”

“It’s complicated,” Atem sighed, rubbing his forehead. “And hard to explain. It might be easier to do back at the current base. I also need to… recharge.”

“You said you were fine.” Yugi butted in, narrowing his eyes in disapproval.

“I don’t want to make a big deal about it.”

“It will become a big deal if you collapse at a crucial time from lack of energy.”

“I understand,” Atem said, “but it’s hard to think straight right now… all my memories are trying to slot back into the forefront of my mind, and my programming is… trying to fight it.”

Yugi sighed, biting his lip. This could get bad very fast. We need to find a way to keep the two sides of his brain sated. “I’ll give Yusei a call back at the outpost. He might have something useful to say.”

“That would be appreciated, sir-”

“Mutou.”

“Sorry.”

“It’s fine. But don’t make a habit of lying to me Atem. If something’s wrong, tell me and be upfront.”

“Understood, Mutou.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“I don’t like this.” Mana said.

“So you’ve said. Five times already.” Yugi muttered.

“You’d feel the same, if you were in my situation.”

“Maybe, but I’m not, so suck it up.” Yugi grunted. Mana fell silent after that, and they were able to make the trek out of the canyon and back to the slight hill the outpost sat on.

Yugi stopped just outside the door, turning back to face Atem and Mana, both looking up at him expectantly.

“Okay, Atem, go back to sleep where you were before we left, and Mana, you can… sit next to him I guess.” He shrugged, walking away. “I have to wake Anzu and give her the rundown of what’s happened.”

“Oh don’t worry, I have a good idea.” Anzu said, appearing in the doorway.

Yugi winced, giving her a smile. “Anzu, hey, certainly have a story to tell you.”

Anzu shot him a glare, her gaze raking through all three of them. “Yugi Mutou, you have exactly ten seconds to explain this before I kick your ass.”

“Ten seconds is an awfully short amount of time-”

“Ten.”

“Anzu you’re not serious.”

“Nine.”

“Hey!” Yugi held up his hands in surrender. “Look you can kick my ass afterwards, but for now, it’s hard to explain things with you pressuring me with that timer.”

Anzu glared at him, crossing her arms matter-of-factly. “Fine, but you better start explaining mister.”

“Okay, but outside here,” Yugi motioned to Atem and Mana. “You two go inside and wait for me. Don’t try to escape off anywhere; if I hear any broken windows you’ll have a bullet in your head.” He said, addressing Mana directly. She puffed up her cheeks, but nodded sullenly.

Atem took her arm gently, nudging her inside and past Yugi and Anzu. Anzu closed the door behind them, immediately shooting Yugi a harsh glare.

“All right, Mutou, spill it.”

“You know, with the way you treat me anyone would think you were the general, not me.” He grumbled.

“Someone has to push the guy around who pushes everyone else around. Everyone’s got a set of strings, as they say.”

“Who says that? I’ve never heard anyone use that analogy before.”

“It’s not important, stop avoiding the main focus here, mister,” Anzu waggled a finger in his face, forcing him to pull back. “Who is that girl? And why were you both walking around at night alone? You better have taken your pistol; I know Ryou gave it to you.”

“He did, but that’s not all.” Yugi reached into his pockets, producing both his guns. Anzu’s eyes widened in shock.

“Is that your second pistol? But… I thought you lost it.”

“I did. But the girl in there- Mana, her name is- had it. Guess it was lying around on one of the old battlefields, and she scooped it up.”

“Okay, it’s somewhat worrying to see it again, but let’s not get distracted here. Who is Mana?”

“Some Armes citizen, I assume,” Yugi shrugged. “Although with the way she wielded my gun, I’d think she might have been a soldier. She was a little shaky though, lacked the discipline of a trained sol-”

“Are you trying to tell me she drew that gun against you?”

“It’s nothing to worry about Anzu. You know I can handle myself.”

“That’s not the point Yugi. Why did you bring her back- and not tied up at all, mind you- to our outpost? She knows our location now. There’s only three of us, and we might all be well trained, but against an army even you and wonder boy weapon of war can’t beat everyone.” Anzu stressed, dragging a hand down her face.

“Relax, Anzu. I don’t think she will be a problem. She’s here for Atem-”

“Him? Why? Does Armes know about our weapon and want to steal him? Rewrite his programming?”

“No, she’s… his best friend.” Yugi sighed, reaching into his back pocket. He pulled out a fresh, shiny packet of cigarettes and lighter, not missing the way Anzu narrowed her eyes at him visibly in the darkness.

“Don’t start, Mazaki. I’m just having one.”

“You don’t need it.”

“After all this bullshit?” Yugi laughed, flicking the lighter. “I think I need more than one, but for the sake of your hairline, I’ll keep it to the single.”

“Fine,” Anzu grunted. “But what do you mean this girl is his best friend? Did she know Atem in the past?”

“Seems like it,” Yugi put the lighter away, taking a long drag of the cigarette. “He seems to know her too.”

“He does? His memory is coming back then?”

“Yeah.”

Anzu paused, staring out into the darkness while Yugi focused on the stick between his fingers, the small flicker of light in the tobacco burning.

“This could be bad, if he’s from Armes. Dartz has done some pretty fucked up things in the past, but kidnapping soldiers from the other side and turning them against their friends and family? That’s fucked up Yugi.”

“I know. But what’s done is done. We can’t change him back.”

“So what happens now then? What does this mean for us?”

Yugi finished his cigarette, crushing out the bud against the side of the building. “For now, we’ll just play it by ear. I have questions I need answers for, and we might need to return to base to sort this out. I think we already know what happened here that sparked Pegasus’s interest.”

“All right. I’m going back to sleep then. You should too; I doubt you’ve slept at all tonight.”

“This morning I think you mean,” Yugi said, staring out at the distant brightening of the sky. “Dawn will be soon.”

“That just makes my point all the stronger Mutou.” Anzu placed a hand over his shoulder, squeezing lightly. “Get some sleep, Yugi.”

“I don’t think I could even if I tried,” Yugi sighed. “You might as well go if you can. I have a lot to think about.”

“All right, but I’m watching you dammit.” Anzu said before heading back inside.

“Someone’s got to.” He said to himself, smiling.

He whipped out the packet of cigarettes again once Anzu was gone, plucking another one out to light it. He took a moment to stare at the flame of the lighter, waving it gently in front of him. Sorry Anzu, but I need more than one tonight.

The door creaked open behind him, and he glanced behind him, snapping the lighter shut. Atem walked up to him, crossing his arms to stare out into the bleak darkness.

“So that was your other gun?” He asked, not turning away.

“Was, I lost it ages ago.”

“It’s back now though isn’t it?”

“That might not be a good thing.” Yugi said, taking a long drag of his cigarette.

“You seemed determined to have it back, though.”

“You’re awfully vocal suddenly,” Yugi observed, side glancing Atem. “Does this whole situation not dawn on you to be rather serious?”

“I don’t doubt the severity of our situation,” Atem confided, shifting on his feet. “But right now it is rather hard to think. The two parts of my brain are in a mess trying to sort themselves out, and I find trying to ponder the issue causes a massive headache I don’t have the time to deal with.”

“You speak awfully formal. Would it be rude of me to ask what your past life was like?”

“I suppose that’s what you’ve been wondering all this time, isn’t it?” Atem smirked, and Yugi frowned. He didn’t like been so easy to read, and Atem- this Atem, the human Atem- made him seem like an open book.

Yugi prolonged his answer, taking a rather long drag and an even longer time to exhale, looking away momentarily, pretending to be interested in some shape barely visible in the darkness, probably a bush.

“I admit, I’ve been curious. You can’t blame me for that.”

“I don’t,” Atem said, “but you’ve seemed rather laid back over this. I would be expecting questions immediately, but you’ve barely asked me anything.” He arched an eyebrow.

“I’ve had a lot on my mind, same as you.” Yugi grunted, pressing the cigarette to his mouth again.

“That’s not good for you, you know.”

“I know.”

“So why smoke it then?”

“I’d rather this than some other form of relief.”

“Relief from what?”

Yugi went silent, using his cigarette to cover his mouth. Atem frowned at him, but Yugi ignored it, choosing to feint obliviousness.

“You’re not going to tell me, are you?” Atem spoke up, and Yugi chuckled.

“You catch on quick.”

“It’s part of the job.” Atem shrugged, his hands shifting into his pockets. “Why do you have trouble sleeping?”

“Aren’t I supposed to be the one asking all the questions about you?” Yugi smirked, and Atem dipped his head.

“That is true, si- Mutou. But, I must admit, I have been just as curious as you, as you have been about my past. Who were you, before all this?”

“I’m sure it would be a riveting tale to listen to,” Yugi snorted, “but I’m not in the mood to discuss my past. I don’t think I’m ready to share that just yet.”

“Understood, sir.” Atem replied. Yugi gave him a side glance, and Atem coughed awkwardly.

“Sorry. It’s hard to shake the habit; it’s in my programming.”

“It’s fine. If it makes you more comfortable, then you can still do it. I fear I’ve been trying to rush you into this, poking at your brain and trying to jar your memory back. I must admit, I’ve been… rather morbidly curious about this whole process. I’m sure you know this kind of thing has never been done before. Attempted, perhaps, but never… committed to.”

“I had considered it, after you had Doctor Fudo install the emotion chip.”

“Ah, yes. How is that going in this mess?”

“I think it’s helping settle my memories,” Atem said. “It makes it easier to think, and slows down the demand from my system.”

Yugi hummed, taking one last breath of his cigarette before crushing it out against the wall, right next to where the other mark was from his previous one. He noticed the muted colours on the wall were much more visible now, and he turned around, the lazy shades of yellow reaching up into the dark night, breathing life into it.

Yugi felt he had wasted enough time. He turned back to the outpost. “I have to call Ryou and let him know we’ll be heading back soon.”

“Back to the base? Mana won’t like that.”

“She’ll have to deal. I’m afraid I can’t let her go scrambling back to Armes and tattle about our position. If the base gets too much attention, I’ll be forced to report activity to Gozaburo, and we don’t want him to get involved.”

“She won’t tell; not if I ask her not to.”

“It’s a risk I can’t take, Atem,” Yugi sighed, turning to the other. “Please understand, I still have a job to do, and as a general of the Domino Empire, I can’t afford to turn a blind eye to potential dangers to my country.”

“I do understand,” Atem’s voice softened. “I’ll talk to her about it.”

“Good. We better get the mechs ready then. We have a lot of work to do.”

The mechanisms squeaked and groaned, an orchestra of grinding gears singing along with the movements of the mech. Yugi hummed along to each creak of the foot pedals under his boots. The connected wires led down in a winding path, causing the feet of the mech to jolt in response to each of his steps.

The walking motions were smooth and continuous, yet so very different from his natural gait. He never stopped to consider how… terrifyingly exciting it could be.

Here, in the belly of this monster, everything was so different, so much more expansive. He felt every movement through his body, every time the clunky steps made contact with the ground. He laughed with every lunge forward, every jerky movement of the machine, the heavy press of the metal foot plates sending jolts through his legs. It was exhilarating, it was refreshing.

It made him feel alive.

“Sir, are you sure you don’t want me to drive?” Atem spoke up behind him, leaning over the side of Yugi’s chair. “You appear to be a little… reckless.”

“You couldn’t get me out of this seat even if you tried Atem!” Yugi yelled, laughing loudly. “Can’t you feel that? The crunch of the dirt? The feel of the pedals under your feet?”

“I’m not in the driver’s seat, I don’t have pedals here sir-”

“Just imagine it! God, why did I ever give this up?”

“How’s the rusty old mech feeling for you, Yugi?” Anzu’s voice crackled over the radio. Yugi pressed the microphone button to reply, letting a laugh escape his throat.

“It’s amazing! I totally forgot that exhilarating rush you get from a jump!”

“It is nice,” Anzu agreed. “Glad you’re having fun.”

“I’m having a blast! I wonder if I can still manage a three point roll…?”

“Yugi Mutou, you better not even try that.”

“Settle down, Captain killjoy, I won’t. I’m just wondering is all.” Yugi chuckled.

“So back to the mission, right. Where is this outpost base supposed to be?”

“Southwest of our current position. Should take another hour or so to reach.”

“Cutting it close with those co-ordinates, don’t you think?” Anzu scoffed, and Yugi could clearly picture the deadpan expression on her face. His lips twitched up in a smirk.

“It just means we get to have our little confrontation with whatever’s there that much quicker.”

“I get the feeling you’re having way too much fun with this, Yugi.”

“You have to find the joy in the small things, Anzu. Besides, I’ve been cooped up so long I’m itching to do something.”

“Yeah, well there was a reason for that.” Anzu’s tone was quiet, and Yugi’s smirk dropped.

“Blame Gozaburo.” He whispered, pressing the microphone off.

A lump had formed in his stomach, making him feel sour. He tried to focus back on the feeling of the mecha moving around him, but Anzu’s words haunted him, nudging incessantly even when he pushed them to the back of his mind.

Maybe he was starting to enjoy these things more than he should be. It could be a risk, these little slips always seemed easier to dismiss in the beginning, weren’t they? Maybe Anzu was right, and he should take a step back, even let Atem drive while Yugi rode shotgun.

He shrugged the thought off, nestling the growing complaint in the back of his mind to deal with later. Right now, he wasn’t having any violent urges, he felt fine. He could pilot a mech just fine.

They travelled on in silence for some time, the clunky sounds of the mechs pushing them forward, eating up the leagues of distance.

An hour stretched by, and finally the land yielded the outpost base to them, sitting on a rise surrounded by twigs of trees with crumpled leaves. Around the outcrop was a mass of rock formations, giant boulders and ridges stretching upwards, hiding everything around the outpost from sight.

“This the place?” Anzu asked, just to be sure.

 Yugi hit the mic button, eyes flicking to the part of his screen showing a map layout of the land. “Yeah this matches the co-ordinates perfectly. Let’s park close by but not quite out the front. If someone’s waiting inside with a rocket launcher, let’s not give them a wide target to hit.”

“Roger.”

They walked the mechs forward slowly, stopped just before the rise in the ridge. They disembarked, jumping down to meet between the two machines.

“Let’s check the perimeter. Atem you go left; Anzu, take the right. Check for any signs of people living here.”

He received two nods of acknowledgment, and they both moved away, walking up and slinking around the edges of the building.

Yugi headed straight up to the door, keeping low, his hand briefly patting over his boot, where a dagger was hidden. He wouldn’t need his pistol for this, anything waiting he was sure he could deal with using just his knife. He tried his luck with opening the entrance, pressing down on the handle, and found it to be unlocked. Strange. No one has unlocked doors in the middle of a war, especially so close to the border, Yugi narrowed his eyes, staring holes into the metal surface. This isn’t the ordinary kind of outpost.

Atem appeared by his side, crouched low. He nodded to Yugi, saying, “No sign of movement or life on that side sir.”

Yugi nodded in acknowledgement. Now they just needed to wait for Anzu.

She didn’t take long, approaching them quickly but quietly, coming back around from her search. “This side is empty too,” she said, “I peered into all the windows and what I could see around the dust made the room out to be bare. I think it’s abandoned.”

“Seems that way, but it could be an act. Someone could be hiding inside. Our mechs weren’t exactly the quietest things around. Let’s go carefully, follow my lead.”

Yugi unsheathed his dagger from his boot, crouching in front of the door. He wiggled the handle lightly, the chunk of metal giving way easily. He nudged it open, just enough for them all to pass through.

Inside it was quiet, and the air was stagnant. It smelt awful, like some chemical mixture had been left exposed, or food was lying around, and rotten weeks past its expiration date.

But it was also empty.

“Check everywhere and everything. Maybe there’s some evidence to show what went on here.” Yugi said, sheathing his blade to begin looking around.

One of the benches he passed held syringes scattered across the surface. He nudged one, rolling the barrel with a finger. The inside was empty, whatever had once been in there now gone. There was at least ten on the benchtop alone, and a few on the ground below, mostly shattered, but still recognisable.

So it’s a science lab then? A study branch out in the field? Yugi wondered, stepping away from the table to look elsewhere.

Anzu was exploring the other side of the building’s room, opening the cupboards beneath the benches, rummaging around in them. Yugi walked up to her, peering down at the open space.

“Any luck?”

“Nothing of value, and nothing to suggest any details.” Anzu gave a huff, swinging the door shut again. “There’s nothing here, Yugi. It’s a bit of a dead end, really.”

“Just enough to give us a hook, but nothing worth biting for,” Yugi groaned, slapping his forehead. “Did Pegasus send us on a wild goose case?”

“Well he didn’t know any better. Can’t really blame the guy, with how much he sticks his neck out for us.” Anzu sighed, standing up.

Yugi went to nod his agreement, but something behind Anzu caught his attention, revealed as she moved.

“Wait, hold up,” he walked past Anzu, staring at a spot on the wall. He touched a finger to it, the pad coming back clean. The area was a different colour to the smooth concrete of the wall though. It looked like a stain, old and muddy in colour.

“Does that look like…?” He tilted his head to where Anzu was peering at the wall next to him.

“Blood? Yeah.” Anzu nodded, a grim look on her face. “Do you think something happened here?”

“Well if there’s blood on the wall… and the bench,” he followed the trail to a splash on the surface. “Then there must have been a struggle of some kind.”

“What are you thinking, Yugi?” Anzu tilted her head, leaning on the bench behind her.

“Nothing yet, but…” He turned to her, expression grim. “I want to examine the outpost a bit more, see if I can run some tests on things through the mecha’s computer. I need more ground for this theory.”

“Sure,” Anzu shrugged. “What do we do in the meantime?”

“Mmm, maybe…” Yugi paused, seeing Atem move out of the corner of his eye.

Atem walked up to them, pressing a hand to the bench, next to the dried blood stain.

“This place… feels familiar.” He said, face scrunching up in thought.

Yugi and Anzu exchanged curious glances. “How so?” Yugi asked.

“I feel like I’ve seen this before. Or… Maybe something similar to it.”

“How does it make you feel?” Yugi pressed, coming up to Atem’s side, picking up a syringe. “Does this give you any kind of reaction in your mind?”

Atem stared at the object, furrowing his brows. “I’m… not sure, sir. It is… unclear. There…” He shook his head, blinking rapidly. “Nothing is coming to the surface. I feel like there is something behind a barrier, that I cannot reach. Perhaps I am not supposed to…?”

“You let me worry about that.” Yugi said, putting down the needle. He gave Anzu a look, and she nodded in response, a silent message passing through them.

Dartz.

This just had to be the work of that creep. He wasn’t sure how yet, but the setup of what this place could have been, and the unsettling atmosphere that still shrouded the building just screamed that the general was involved somehow.

“We might as well stay here for the night. We can hide the mechas on a ridge outside, and see if anyone comes back to this place. Judging by the state of the room, I’d say it’s a long shot, but you never know.” Yugi shrugged, leaning back on a bench.

Anzu nodded in agreement. “You go ahead with Atem and park your mecha, and I’ll wait here.”

“Right.” Yugi pushed off with his foot, strutting up to the front door. He glanced back, not feeling Atem at his side like he usually did.

The android was in the same position, his hand still against the wall. He was staring at it with unrivalled intensity, like the answers to his questions where written in the caked blood.

“Atem.” Yugi said, jolting the android’s attention onto him.

“Yes sir?”

“We’re moving the mechas now, then making camp here for the night.”

“Yes sir.” He moved away from the wall, sliding into position by Yugi’s side.

Yugi led him outside, heading to the bulky figures of his and Anzu’s mechs. They climbed in and Yugi quickly booted up the system again, the mech shifting upwards to its full height once more.

He took it in a circle around the outpost, searching for somewhere to offer even a small amount of protection. If Dartz worked on a cloaking mechanism instead of trying to play God, we wouldn’t have this problem, Yugi scowled, eyes glaring out at the rocky expanse around them.

Luckily there was a small amount of shrubbery nearby; not much in the way of concealment, but enough that crouched down the mech would at least not stand out so easily.

With the mecha parked, Yugi jumped down, heading to the back storage section. He popped the lid, reaching in to haul out a duffle bag, throwing it behind him to free up his hands for another. There were three in the trunk, each weighing a considerable amount. Yugi tested the handles of one quickly, frowning at the other two.

“Think you can carry two bags?” He asked.

“Yes sir.” Atem answered, not even trying them first. Yugi raised an eyebrow, and Atem picked the two bags up, nestling them both under his arms.

“All right then.” Yugi grunted, shouldering his own bag before setting off.

They trekked back to the base, dropping the bags inside. Anzu walked over, stretching out a yawn. “Guess I’ll go park mine now. Did Jou put the food in yours or mine?”

“Mine, I think.” Yugi zipped open one of the bags, rummaging around inside to find the package. “There’s a ration pack here. I guess he put them in mine.”

“All right, I’ll be back in a moment. Where did you park yours?”

“Down the hill south from here, in the bush.”

Anzu snapped her fingers, tossing him a wink before walking out.

Yugi focused back on the open bag in front of him. The food stacked neatly in their little packaging reminded him of the advice Yusei had given him. He quickly scanned several of the labels, finding one that required no boiling or preparation work. This’ll do.

“Here,” Yugi placed one of the packets in Atem’s hands. “Eat this.”

“Eat, sir?”

“Consume it, put it in your mouth and chew, however you want to say it, just do it.” Yugi folded his arms, staring Atem down, which wasn’t much, given their similar height.

Atem sniffed the container questioningly, giving Yugi another wary glance.

“That’s an order, Atem.” Yugi said gently.

“Yes sir.” Atem nodded. He no longer hesitated, hands nimbly working to break open the packaging. Inside were dry biscuits, crumbly, but still edible. Atem brought one to his lips, teeth clamping down on a portion, the biscuit giving way easily.

Yugi watched him chew, waiting until he had swallowed before speaking. “Here, you’re spilling more than you’re eating.” He gently took the packet from Atem’s hands, pulling out a biscuit and snapping it in half. He handed one of the halves to Atem, who took it, the whole section disappearing behind his lips.

Would have never thought I’d be hand feeding someone when they gave me this job, Yugi mused, a small smile twitching his lips upwards. I can only imagine Gozaburo’s reaction to seeing his precious weapon of war like this, or Dartz realising he let his mistake seep through the cracks, so vulnerable.

And it was the right word to describe Atem, he felt. Vulnerable. Underneath all of the overbearing systems forced into his mind, Atem was fragile, unsure. There was an inner turmoil there that he himself wasn’t even aware of, and it affected him more than he realised.

I wonder how long he would have lasted, if he hadn’t been sent to me? Yugi pursed his lips, staring at the biscuit in his hand. Would anyone else have picked up on the details? The signs that Atem was more than just an android? Would they have done something to counter it? The last thought sent a shiver down his spine. What would have happened if they hadn’t of picked up on the faults in Atem’s system?

“Am I… doing this right, sir?”

“You’re doing fine.” Yugi said, focusing back on Atem. He softened his voice, barely stopping to wonder why as he continued to break up the biscuits for Atem. It was almost nice, doing something so mundane and simple, without having a negative consequence attached to it. He allowed himself the moment of simplicity, the worries that constantly plagued him far away for this brief second.

Atem kept shooting him unsure looks, like a child afraid they were on the verge of messing up. Yugi gave him encouraging smiles back, handing him each piece gently.

Anzu chose that moment to re-enter the building, arms loaded with their supplies.

“Anzu, you’re back,” Yugi said, shifting himself away from Atem. “Need any help with those?”

Anzu gave him a confused look, dropping the bags on a counter nearby. “You know I don’t. What did I miss?”

“Nothing, why would you think you missed anything?” Yugi busied himself with his own supplies, taking out some of the packets of meals from the bags. Atem continued to slowly eat the biscuits, his expression thoughtful as he chewed each bite. Anzu’s gaze flickered between then, and Yugi didn’t miss the suspicion in her gaze. Of course she would know when Yugi was trying to avoid something, why wouldn’t she? Yugi inwardly groaned, keeping his eyes on the items in his hands, peering at Anzu from the corner of his eyes.

“I might check in with Ryou back at base,” Anzu said, and Yugi gave her a quick glance. “Maybe he might be able to find some record of something about this place.”

“We’re flying blind here; anything’s worth it,” Yugi shrugged, heading for the door. “I’m going to do a perimeter check. Radio me if anything happens here.”

“Aye aye.” Anzu waved, busying herself with setting up their radio.

“Come on Atem, let’s go.” Yugi motioned with his head to the exit, and Atem followed silently.

“Will you be well enough to drive, sir?” Atem asked. Yugi shot him a raised eyebrow, scoffing.

“I’m fine, I’ve got Anzu already heckling me all the time, I don’t need you as well, you know.”

“Apologies, sir.”

Yugi smiled, softening his expression. “No it’s all right, sorry to snap at you like that. I get a little pent up sometimes, don’t take it personally.”

“It is almost impossible for me to think so, sir. I am here to be at your disposal, after all.”

Yugi smiled softly, turning away. I wish you didn’t think that. No one deserves to be used for all their life. He led Atem back to the mecha, climbing in and booting the system up.

He began by circling the building, searching in amongst the trees from his vantage point above. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, so he branched out, moving further away, into the rocks.

Giant boulders jutted upwards, scattered around to form untraversable areas, even the mecha too large and bulky to slip through the breaks in the rock. He toyed with the idea of getting out to explore, but brushed it off for another time. He just needed to check there wasn’t any immediate danger to them. He could poke around in rock formations later.

Turning back to the front glass of the mecha, he paused, something catching his attention.

“Do you see that? Over there?” Yugi hummed, squinting his eyes. “Looks like… a gap in the rock. Could be a ravine leading somewhere. We had better check it out.”

He pressed the handles forward, and the mecha lurched in response, shifting its massive body around to point in the direction Yugi wanted. Steam hissed from the suspension, and it shuffled forward clunkily, each step bobbing their entire bodies up and down.

The rocks parted to reveal a dusty path, sloping downwards into what looked to be a small valley. Walls rose as the ground descended, stretching upwards, above even the height of the mech.

“This looks like it naturally forms into a canyon.” Yugi observed, eyes tracing the path ahead of them, the rock curving protectively over the ground. “It might have been a stream at one point.”

He pressed on, the mecha clunking heavily over the rock underneath. Some of it was loose, but not enough to mess with their progression. If anything, it was a little sandy in parts, the slack sifting from sand grains, not earth.

“Hold on, are those scuff marks on the wall?” Yugi stopped the mech, leaning closer, his hair pressing up against the window of the cockpit. “I’m exiting the mech, stay here I’ll just be a moment.” Yugi popped the hatch, the mechanic holding the glass in hissing in response, yielding and allowing the glass to slide upwards.

“Sir I don’t think that is wise, I should accompany you outside of the mech, for safety.”

“Says who? I’ll be fine, you can wait here.” Yugi scoffed, unclipping the seatbelt.

“Captain Mazaki expressed clear orders to stay by your side. She informed me she had equal command of this mission with yourself, sir.”

Of course Anzu would, Yugi rolled his eyes, relenting with a sigh. “All right, come on then.”

They both jumped down, working their way forward by foot. The dirt crunched loosely under their feet, heavy boots crushing over the parting grains.

Yugi approached the wall slowly, arm extended to brush his fingers along the rocky surface.

These are marks from a mecha, Yugi frowned, glancing back to his own. He sized up the scuff marks, the gouges in the rock looked like the basic shape of a mech’s arm, combat upgrades and buffed up metal plates aside. Every mech was different on the outside, build up to be a custom machine for the pilot, but no amount of upgrades and changes could hide the design core underneath. It was almost impossible to change that structure without impacting the function of the machine.

There’s no way these marks are from anything else but a mecha. I’d state my job on it. He’s seen similar ones before, even used them to help track down enemy patrols. Armesian mechas weren’t much different at the cores than the Empire’s, which left Yugi with little evidence as to which country made the scar. If it was caused by a fight of some kind, it was safe to assume both sides had been present fighting. But if there was a fight here, why don’t I know about it? He wondered. It could have been Gozaburo brushing off reports again, especially if they had won the fight. Gozaburo would only get involved if someone wasn’t doing their job properly.

So if it wasn’t negligence, then what was it? A double patrol encounter that ended badly for either side? And so close to an outpost, presumably owned by some kind of research team if the contents were anything to go by. An even higher chance of General Dartz being involved somehow, which in itself brought forth a sea if questions and theories.

Something had happened here, and it wasn’t good. If Dartz was tangled into this mess, then Yugi could only assume he had plotted something, and used someone as fodder for something.

All this guessing and speculation work was giving him a headache, a pain blooming behind his eyes. He scrunched them up, massaging a finger to his temple. He needed answers, something more to work off.

“Can you identify metal particles, Atem?” Yugi asked, eyes opening to trace back along the gouges.

He waited a moment before realising Atem wasn’t answering him. He glanced behind himself, his whole body following at what he saw. The android was clutching his chest, brows furrowed in confusion.

“Atem? What’s the matter?” Yugi edged closer.

Atem shook his head, eyes squeezing shut in obvious pain. “Something… Flashes in my mind… I… This place is… familiar.”

“Like the outpost?”

“Yes… and no. It’s… different. I… There’s a girl… She’s…” Atem’s eyes snapped open, and he let out a surprised cry.

“Atem! What’s wrong?” Yugi stepped forward, frowning.

Suddenly Atem’s frame wobbled, his knees buckled. Seconds later, before Yugi could react, Atem collapsed to the ground.

The helicopter landed, touching down on the pad gently at first, before its full weight sunk down. It didn’t even bother to turn off its engines, the driver’s gaze turning to Yugi’s, but not able to speak over the roar of the blades.

Yugi just shrugged, gesturing for Atem to follow him inside.

Boarding the aircraft, Yugi sunk down into the plush leather of the seat, groaning. It would be at least five hours before they saw the runways of the head base, and probably longer before he would be able to take a breather again.

Once they were airborne, Atem turned to look at him, a question tumbling from his lips. “Why a helicopter, sir?”

“They’re faster, and we’re heading deep into the Empire’s territory. The chances of being attacked are pretty low, and we’re on time restraints. It’s worth what little risk it poses.”

“Understood.”

Yugi reclined back against the seat, arms sliding up to the head rests. He regarded the stoic, rigid form of Atem, and how the other refused to relax from his upright position.

“Atem? Why do you always sit and stand so stoically?”

“My programming demands me to always be prepared for battle.” Atem answered, fingers curling under his palms. “I cannot disobey it.”

“Even if I ordered you to relax?”

Atem pause, his gaze turning thoughtful. “…My programming recognises your orders to override the base commands of my system. I believe, in that circumstance, your orders would take preference, sir.”

“Then relax, Atem. There’s no need to be so tense, you’ll knot up your muscles.”

“Yes sir.” Atem’s shoulders slowly slumped, and he spread his fingers over his knees.

Yugi turned back to the window, watching the land speed by in sparks of dull colours, his mind far away.

It was another few hours before they saw the mass of metal and concrete that marked the headquarters of the Domino Empire’s military. They touched down on an offshoot of the runway, away from the main section of the base.

Stepping outside into the swirling dust and baking heat, Yugi grimaced. He could taste the bitter particles in the air and spit rapidly to keep them off his lips.

I hate HQ, Yugi inwardly groaned. He glanced over his shoulder to where Atem was stepping off the helicopter.

“Welcome to Domino’s military headquarters, Atem.” Yugi gave a sweeping gesture, sarcasm thick in his voice.

Atem just nodded, eyes trailing over all he could see, which wasn’t much given their location away from the main buildings of the base. The barren landscape and heat caused ripples to wave over the surface, reducing the base to a series of hazy shapes.

“Aren’t you glad we don’t work here?” Yugi chuckled, sauntering over to a Jeep waiting to transport them to the base.

Atem diligently followed, saying, “The location of your workplace has no bearings on me. Where you go, I follow, sir.”

“You’re allowed to have opinions, though.”

“With all due respect, sir, despite the chip you had implanted in me, I am an android built for war. I do not have any use for opinions in my system.”

Yugi frowned, but didn’t say anything. Speaking with Atem about matters not involving war was a one-sided conversation, and Yugi was tired of his words falling on unresponsive ears.

There has to be some way to get through to him, though, Yugi thought, climbing into the car. He watched Atem slide in beside him, the driver taking off once they were both seated.

Atem was rigid and straight again, hair waving in the wind, eyes squinted against the elements. It was the kind of pose that would make Yugi laugh if it had been Anzu or Jou, but on Atem, knowing that the android didn’t even realised why his body demanded him to shield his eyes like that… Yugi felt a little sick.

He wondered what it was like, where that part that had been human in Atem had gone. Was it still there, buried deep inside? Or was it gone, completely wiped from his mind somehow, through some sick means? Yugi could picture it; a man like Dartz, laughing over the shoulder of a scientist, picking apart Atem’s brain while he helplessly slept, oblivious to the damage being forced upon him, soon to change his life.

The car rolled to a stop, and Yugi was forced out of his thoughts at the jolt. Right, the here and now is more important. Get your head out of your imagination, Mutou, Yugi chided himself.

“This way Atem.” He said, stepping out of the car. Atem followed close behind, and Yugi began the trip to the Generals’ meeting room.

It led them up several levels of the building, and across multiple hallways, the floor springing up carpet part way through, and Yugi knew they were close to Gozaburo’s lurking grounds.

He stopped in front of a double set of doors, cracking his neck to the side to work out the nerves stacking there. “This is the place.”

He pushed one of the doors open, strutting inside.

The only thing in the room was a large rectangle table, a chair on either side. One was occupied by a man with teal hair, while the other was empty. At the head of the table sat Gozaburo, his massive frame swallowing the chair behind him.

“Mutou, you’re late, hurry up and get in here.” He grunted.

“Yes sir.” Yugi said, despite Gozaburo never actually giving him a time frame to be late to.

“Keep the android waiting for you outside, Mutou. I don’t want it in here.” Gozaburo waved at him. Yugi raised a questioning eyebrow, but he didn’t argue. He turned to Atem, giving a quick smile. “Wait outside for further orders, soldier.”

“Understood, sir.” Atem bowed, sweeping out of the room quietly.

“All right let’s start.” Gozaburo gave a grunt, waving his hand widely before turning to the other man, as Yugi sat down opposite. “Dartz, I want to know…”

Yugi leaned back in his chair, zoning out mostly while Gozaburo and Dartz chatted away, hardly giving any notice that Yugi was in the room as well.

Eventually Gozaburo moved on to other matters, leaving Dartz alone, whose mismatched eyes then fluttered to Yugi. Instinctively Yugi straightened, coolly meeting Dartz’s gaze.

He idly nodded along to pretend he was interested, letting the Commander prattle on about something that seemed irrelevant to his General status. Gozaburo did like the sound of his own voice, if the way he compulsively spoke loudly over others was anything to go by.

Yugi patiently waited until he was addressed, leaning forward, eager to finally get the details on why he was forced to come here.

“There’s been some Armes soldiers nosing around in our borders recently and I’m sick of pathetic reports coming back showing a lack of action,” Gozaburo said, slamming down a folder. “If they’re trying to test the waters for something bigger I don’t want to let them do as they please. Mutou you’re the closest to all this; get on it.”

Yugi jumped, back straightening as Gozaburo’s eyes descended on him. “Yes sir.”

“Right, you have your orders. Dismissed.” Gozaburo said. He didn’t even wait for Dartz or Yugi to move, shifting out of his chair and leaving the room before either of them could even stand.

Thank god that’s over, Yugi sighed in relief, pushing out of his chair. The sooner he could leave the headquarters behind, the better off he would be. He didn’t like being here, there were too many risks, too many chances for something to go wrong.

Before Yugi had even made it two steps, a lofty voice called him back. Like that, he grimaced, expression morphing into bored curiosity as he turned.

“Yes, General Ironheart?”

“I’d like to meet the android, if you could spare a moment, Mutou.” Dartz said, inspecting a finger, not even looking at Yugi.

Yugi paused, gritting his teeth together. He so badly wanted to roll his eyes at the statement, but settled for beaming a polite smile at Dartz instead. “Of course, General Ironheart. I’m sure I could give you a few moments with your… creation.”

“Excellent.”

“I’ll bring hi- it in, no need to move.”

“How generous of you.” Dartz smiled, an expression that meant anything but cheerfulness.

Atem was waiting where Yugi had left him outside, back straight and arms clasped behind him. He gave a small salute when he noticed Yugi.

“Sir.”

“You’re needed in here.” Yugi said, gesturing for the android to lean closer. He lowered his voice, eyes glancing around nervously. “General Dartz Ironheart wants to see you.”

“Who is General Dartz?” Atem frowned, looking apprehensive. He must have picked up on my unease, clever.

“You’ll be fine, don’t worry,” Yugi said quickly. “He’s the one in charge of the… side business, that created… you. He probably just wants to examine you like Gozaburo did.”

“Shall I revert to my original programming, sir?”

“It’s for the best.”

“Understood.” Atem closed his eyes, reopening them a moment later, the ring of his pupil resizing itself rapidly. Yugi looked away, uneasy at the inhuman expression. He could practically see the emotions evaporating from Atem’s eyes, his face losing all evidence, leaving the signature blank look of an android in its wake.

Yugi led Atem into the meeting room, where Dartz was still perched elegantly in his seat. His face lifted when he saw them however, and he rose slowly to his feet.

“My my, look at how you turned out.” He practically purred, completely ignoring Yugi in order to examine Atem. He strode up to Atem, stalking around him as if assessing his next piece of prey. Yugi shifted impatiently on his feet, itching to leave already.

“Do you know who I am, Atem?”

“General Dartz Ironheart of the Domino Empire, sir.”

“Indeed,” Dartz said smoothly, eyes flickering back to Yugi. “I trust it performs to the best expectations?”

“Well and beyond, Ironheart.” Yugi nodded.

“Good, good. I would hope our little weapon operates smoothly. He’s quite the killing machine, isn’t he?”

“It fights quite well, yes.” Yugi felt his lips twitch downwards, but he caught himself. Dartz was watching him carefully, and he couldn’t afford to falter now, under the gaze of such a hungry predator. Dartz’s wouldn’t hesitate to cram a sword into a weak point once discovered.

“I can’t wait to see the results of the battlefield, the carnage he’ll leave in his wake.”

Why the change in pronouns? Yugi questioned silently. Dartz didn’t seem to act any different, his gaze wandering between Yugi and Atem. He hummed appreciatively when he touched one of Atem’s arms, feeling the muscles clench under his grip.

“Fascinating, isn’t he?” Dartz marvelled, his slimy hands working their way all around Atem’s arms and shoulders. Yugi felt sorry for him, the way Atem had to remain so stoic while Dartz practically felt him up. Disgusting.

“It’s just an android, Ironheart.” Yugi shrugged, acting indifferently. Dartz shot him a curious look, something wild sparkling in his eyes.

“Oh he’s so much more than that, Mutou,” Dartz practically purred, stroking Atem’s arm. “He’s an innovation of my own design. A feat never before achieved in our history.”

“If you say so.” Yugi grunted. Yeah he is, you sick bastard, but not for good reasons. He crossed his arms, signalling his impatience. “Are you done here, Ironheart? I hate to push you away from your creation, but the android and I have an appointment with General Pegasus.”

“Ah, ever the busy one aren’t you Mutou?” Dartz said. “Surely you could stick around, have a drink with me perhaps?”

“I don’t drink, but thanks for the offer,” Yugi lied. “Best not to keep Pegasus waiting.”

“Understandable,” Dartz sighed, the fakest sound Yugi had ever heard. “Do come back once my little android wins us the war, won’t you? We’ll have much to celebrate.”

“I’m sure we will.” Yugi gave the man a smile, enjoying the grimace Dartz gave him in return.

He started walking in the opposite direction, leaving Dartz far behind them. Once he was certain the other General was nowhere near them, he stopped, Atem slowing just behind him.

“You can turn your emotions back on now.” Yugi instructed. Atem nodded, eyes closing momentarily before reopening.

“Have I… met that man before?” Atem asked, the emotion flowing back into his voice.

“Why, do you think you have?”

“He seems… familiar.”

“He was probably overseeing your… creation.”

“Ah… Perhaps that was it.” Atem nodded slowly, although a frown still danced on his lips.

“Let’s go, Pegasus is waiting, and we still have to take care of your mecha test before we leave.”

“Aye, sir.”

~~~~~~~~~~~

Pegasus’s office was five levels above the ground floor, a lavish array of decade old furniture and dated carpet. Nothing ever changed in here, it was like walking into a time capsule, something professors would chatter about in lectures for years to come.

Yugi had asked him why he never redecorated into the current century once. Pegasus has said it was because the furniture and carpet were his wife’s favourites. Yugi never brought it up again.

Pegasus was behind his desk, long silver strands of hair covering most of his face, head tilted in concentration at the paperwork littering the desk. His eyes lit up when he spotted Yugi, and he waved ecstatically at him.

“Yugi boy! It’s been too long!” He stood, making his way around the desk to clasp Yugi’s hand between his own, shaking roughly.

“Almost a year, yeah.” Yugi grunted, moving his hand back to the safety of his other palm.

“You really should visit more. It gets lonely around here, dealing with grunts and grunters all day.” Pegasus snickered at his own joke, threading his hair behind his ears to free his face. “What brings you here, by the way?”

“The new weapon,” Yugi answered, turning to the side to give Pegasus a better view of Atem behind him. “This is Atem, and Atem, this is General Pegasus.”

Atem gave a half bow, while Pegasus’s eyes lit up.

“What a dashing young face! How strange, it’s of Dartz’s design, isn’t it?”

“I wouldn’t say ‘design’, more like ‘creation’.”

“Odd choice of words, but I’m sure you’re here to tell me all about it.”

“It’s quite the tale; I only wish I had the beginning to go with it.”

“General Ironheart keeping secrets as always, I see.”

“When is he not?” Yugi groaned, rolling his eyes. “You’re lucky you’re not required to sit in these meetings. They’re just plain awful.”

“That’s why I have you, Yugi boy. Your pretty face is more likely to melt the cold hearts of the others as opposed to myself.”

“More like my track record. You know Gozaburo doesn’t even see me when he speaks to me. He just sees a weapon sitting on a shelf, collecting dust.”

“Come now, Yugi don’t think of yourself that way. We both know you’re so much more than that.”

“But Gozaburo doesn’t, and that’s the problem.” Yugi grunted.

“Gozaburo may talk big, but he’ll get what’s coming to him, don’t you worry. You just keep up your title and reputation, and we’ll be good.”

“Easier said than done. I think Gozaburo is starting to consider putting me back on the field.”

“But you’re a general; generals don’t do grunt work.”

“Everyone is a grunt in the Commander’s eyes.”

“This is true, I suppose.” Pegasus admitted, his shoulders sagging. He moved around the room, trailing a hand over the armchairs. His eyes moved to Atem’s form, something curious and searching in his gaze.

“You know, you look familiar.” He said.

Yugi raised an eyebrow. “You think you’ve met him before?”

“How could I, if he’s an android?” Pegasus shrugged. “Ah well, I’m sure he just has one of those faces.”

Atem looked to Yugi for help, and Yugi just shook his head. Best to leave it alone for now, he’d stash away that bit of information to think about later.

“So, about this meeting, Pegasus?” He pressed.

“Of course!” Pegasus clapped his hands together. He reached into his desk, rummaging around in some draw. He exclaimed loudly, finding whatever it was he had been looking for.

“Records,” he explained, sliding them over the desk for Yugi to see. “Of activity between your base and the closest one of our rivals. I think you’ll find some interesting points in between.”

Yugi glanced at the paper, sifting through the maps and locations listed. One particular one jumped out at him as strange. “How long has there been an outpost between this Armesian base and the compound?”

“Ah, that’s the question, isn’t it? Quite the interesting location, too. Close to a General’s base, should an attack happen, and not too far from an Armesian base too. They could potentially play both sides here, depending what colours and emblems they splash on their uniforms.”

“A prime piece of real estate if I ever saw one.” Yugi agreed, frowning. There was something not right about this outpost. He was getting similar vibes to the compound where Atem had been, an eerie chill up his spine, and he wasn’t even at the place. Gozaburo also mentioned something about soldiers poking around our border. Maybe there’s something going on here…

“Might be worth your time to scout, no?”

“Believe me, I’ll be looking into this personally.” Yugi grumbled. Pegasus nodded solemnly before smiling.

“How goes your soldiers? Anzu keeping the boys in line?”

“As always, she’s exceptional. Really helps keep the heat off my back, Ryou too with his endless patience.”

“That’s good,” Pegasus said smoothly. “It might take a while, but we’ll get them out.”

“There’s nothing else worth doing in this godforsaken place. If I can get one person out, then it’ll be worth it.”

“But what about yourself, Yugi boy? Surely you don’t plane to be Gozaburo’s puppet forever?”

“I’m fighting for those with something still left to fight for. There’s nothing left for me, you know this.”

“We’ve both done things we’re not proud of, Yugi boy. But what makes us different is we’re trying to fix the messes we’ve made. You shouldn’t berate yourself ”

“You might be, but I’ll never be able to take back what I’ve done on the battlefield.” Yugi sighed.

“Don’t stress on the past, Yugi boy.”

“I know, I know. I’m trying.”

“Focus on the now, and what we’re fighting to accomplish.” Pegasus gave him a pat on the shoulder, moving back to his desk. “I’ll keep you informed should any more information pop back up about our mystery place.”

“Thanks Pegasus,” Yugi nodded, slipping the report into his coat pocket. “I’ll hit the road when I get back. For once, Gozaburo’s orders actually don’t mess with our plans.”

“Small steps, small steps.” Pegasus hummed, slouching back into his chair gracefully. “I’ll be hearing from you soon, Yugi Mutou.”

“I’m sure you will.” Yugi said, turning away. “Come on Atem, let’s go.”

“Yes sir.”

Yugi began to backtrack down to the ground level floors, taking the elevator four storeys below.

Inside the elevator, Atem spoke up by his side. “What is our current mission now, sir?”

“Mutou.”

“What is our mission now, Mutou, sir?”

“Better,” Yugi hummed. “Now Atem, we have to test your mecha skills, to keep the boss man happy and off my back.”

“Understood, si- Mutou sir.”

“I must admit, given all your results so far, I’m curious to see how well you do in a mech.”

“I am programmed to respond to the best capabilities in all military based situations.”

“Actions speak louder than words, Atem.”

“Then allow me to show you, Mutou, sir.”

~~~~~~~~~

Yugi stood in a glass box stretched out over the stadium field. From here, he had a clear view of the entire track snaking around the field, and the interchangeable obstacles in the middle section. For the exercise, Yugi had chosen a rocky terrain, something to better replicate the area around his base of work, and the paths that led out into the neighbouring country’s territory.

“All right Atem look sharp, I have to record your results for the Commander.” Yugi spoke into a microphone, his voice broadcasting over the stadium. The screen in front of him sparked an image to life, a close up of the cockpit of Atem’s mech. Yugi could clearly see the android in the pilot seat, his hands gripping the twin handles that acted as the steering mechanism. He didn’t move, even as Yugi’s voice was transmitted directly into his ear piece.

“I’ll be controlling the field and projectiles that will be sent at you for the length of the test. The ground may shift, so be prepared for anything.”

“Aye, sir.”

“Good. Let’s begin.” Yugi slammed his fist down on one of the buttons, and the system in front of him flared to life.

He immediately began to press inputs, arranging the tools down below on the field to his advantage.

The ground lurched in response, the metal plates holding the textured lumps of rock shifting underneath the terrain, booming across the stadium.

Atem’s mech began to activate its suspension, legs spread wide to keep the bulky of heavy metal standing. He looked apprehensive on the screen, eyes flickering over the field, waiting for any kind of movement to act on.

With the ball now rolling, Yugi began to up the difficulty slowly. He began with increasing the speed of the plates, the rock moving faster now, making it harder for Atem to remain in one place, the ground jerking roughly underneath him.

With the balance disrupted, Yugi then activated the weapons set up along the outer ring of the field, where the track hugged the edges. Various types of canons and gun-like launchers rose from the ground, aiming their noses upwards.

With a flick of his wrist, Yugi sent a spray of projectiles towards Atem. Bullets of all kinds rained down on him, and Atem was forced to dance the mech across the field to keep the bullets form piercing the hide.

One of the heavier bullets, a type of canon ball, was heading directly for Atem’s new course of direction, and Atem twisted his mech sharply in response, narrowly dodging it, but sending his vehicle spiralling in the opposite direction.

The mech rolled, arms flinging out to the sides to keep itself steady. Yugi paused in his assault, waiting to see what Atem would do in response.

With the ground slowing its advances, Atem was able to kick the mech back into a standing position, the legs slamming in to get a good hold while the arms held the suspension on a manageable level.

Once upright again, Atem slammed his hands forward, the handles flying down their runs. The cockpit lit up excitedly in response, and Yugi’s eyes flickered from the screen down to the field, watching as the mech shot across the terrain.

Has he lost it? Yugi’s mouth hung open. Not even Jou would make such a bold move, straight into the shifting mass of bullets and metal breaking rock. And that was saying something.

His hands flew across the inputs, commands beeping back at him, cheerily announcing an increase in movement. The field groaned under the effort, but Yugi held firm with his commands, and eventually it became more noticeable.

The plates whirled and moved, slamming up against each other only to bounce in opposite directions, creating a rocky field of icebergs, bobbing and deadly in the sea of chaos.

Atem barely reacted, his mech sailed over the sharper points, pressing against the sides of boulders only to leap off them mere seconds before they crushed up against another piece of stone.

He must have past experience from the compound, no one could make a move like that so easily, Yugi bit his lip, fingers twitching. God I just want to hit him once…

He jerked a thumb over the missile buttons. Almost immediately two shot up from canons on the sides of the arena, turning around slowly in the air to lock onto Atem’s position.

Yugi watched Atem whip his head up, the screen on his mecha shouting bright warnings at the homing attack. His hands moved quickly, pressing buttons and flicking dials, but his mech remained in place, crouched against the dirt.

Why isn’t he moving? Yugi frowned, leaning closer, as if it would help him see some hidden detail he was missing.

Just when Yugi thought Atem was going to let the missiles hit, the mech shot into the air, and the projectiles, unable to change projection quite that fast, crashed into the ground, exploding on impact.

Yugi realised what he had just done, firing homing missiles at the government’s most expensive asset. “Shit.” He let out a deep breath, closing down all of the projectile bays. By the time Atem’s mecha had spun around in the air and landed back onto the rocky terrain, the field was still, everything static.

“The test is over,” Yugi pressed down on the mic input, his voice coming out more shaky that he expected it to. He paused, muting it to cough for a second.

“Return the vehicle to its bay and meet me up here in the control room.” Yugi ordered, shutting down the window with the view of Atem’s cockpit.

While he waited for Atem to finish up, he reset the field, hearing the metal clunk and groan as it shifted around.

He brought up the results from the exercise, the computer already organising everything into statistics for him.

Let’s see now… Yugi went straight for the heart rate results, the collection of data he had secretly taken for his own use, and would cut out of the report Gozaburo would receive.

A normal android- at least, one built for war, without human limitations- would be able to maintain their heart rate in any situation, regardless of implanted emotions or human-like reactions. But, like Yugi had suspected, Atem’s spiked all over the chart, reaching higher when he was more pressed to make decisions. Like a normal human would, Yugi sighed. This only proved what he already knew, though.

He knew Atem had been human, and he already knew about the kinds of limitations the surgery had, and what parts of Atem couldn’t be changed with artificial pieces. Maybe part of him had been looking for an excuse to question Yusei’s tests, a small abnormally that would point Atem to be nothing more than advanced AI. But the glaring data results in front of him couldn’t be ignored, nor could the reality of it all.

Atem really was some kind of twisted experiment.

The woosh of the door sliding open behind him cut through his thoughts. He turned to see Atem stride into the room, offering Yugi a quick salute and inclined head.

“Was my performance satisfactory, sir?”

“Yes it was.” Yugi quickly separated the data, storing his secret notes away and breaking up the file to send in the report to Gozaburo. “You did good, Atem. As always, you’re exceptional.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Don’t thank me, I wasn’t the one who turned you into a chimera of inhuman biology. Yugi just nodded, shoving a flash drive with the data on it into his jacket pocket, hands resting in them to strut confidently up to Atem.

“In other new, we’re done here. It’s time to head back to the base, I have orders to give out, and missions to plan.” Yugi stretched his neck to the side, groaning at the crack his joints made. It’s going to get very busy these next few days…

“You’ll be sparring with Lieutenant Jounouchi and Honda today. Jou will start you off. I want you to go all out and show us everything you can do, but don’t hurt either of the Lieutenants. You’re aiming to capture them, not kill them, do you understand?”

“Yes sir.”

“Good.” Yugi grunted, swiping his card for access into the room.

Jou and Honda were already waiting inside, poking and examining the racks of weapons set up. Jou was jabbing a sword around and Honda was eyeing a rifle.

“Jou you’re up first, I’d like it if you could use swords against him for this fight, and then Honda can use guns. Help vary the response we get from him. Can you manage swords and throwing knives you think?”

Jou gave a hum, tapping his foot. “It’s worth a shot. I’m a bit rusty, what with the lack of practice and us using guns instead most days, but what the hell, I’ll give it a shot!”

“Good,” Yugi nodded, flashing him a grateful smile before addressing Honda next. “And Honda, when you get your turn, try not to get carried away would you? I’m trying to test Atem’s powers, not see how much you can show off, and the training room can only take so much of a beating on our budget.” Yugi waved at them, stepping away.

“I… I don’t show off.” Honda muttered, crossing his arms. Yugi turned away, allowing himself a small smile at the reaction, hearing Jou snicker behind him.

He saw Anzu on the observation level, leaning forward over the railing to get a better vantage point. He took the stairs up, joining her.

“Shall we place bets, Mutou?”

“You know I don’t gamble anymore, Captain. My record has been clean since my promotion.” Yugi said smoothly. “Besides, I have no doubt Atem will win.” He flicked his wrist in consent when Jou gave him a questioning look, and the two started.

Jou selected a set of throwing knives, strapping them in runs down his chest and around his legs. He grabbed a sword as well, a thin, long blade that sat loftily in his hand.

Atem just picked up two swords, not looking twice at the designs, his eyes glued to Jou’s form.

“He doesn’t seem to care what kind of weapon he uses. And dual wielding swords too, that’s rare.” Anzu remarked, clearly picking up on this as well.

“He doesn’t, no. But I believe his programming covers all matter of weapons.”

“Were his results from yesterday that good?”

“Let’s just say I think even I would have a tough time fighting him.” Yugi muttered. Anzu stayed silent after that.  

Jou moved first, twisting down to pluck one of the knives off his belt and toss it at Atem. The android dodged easily to the side.

Jou used the moment of distraction to lunge forward, but Atem was already waiting for him. He stabbed a sword out, forcing Jou to step to the side to avoid being sliced. While one arm was stretched out, Atem used the blade in his other hand to jab at his side, where Jou had just moved.

Jou gave a grunt of surprise, dropping down to roll along the ground. As he came to a stop, another knife flicked out from his wrist.

This time the blow forced Atem to move, and he stepped to the side rapidly, keeping his attention on Jou.

Jou threw another knife for each step he took forward, putting Atem under an assault of blades. Most of them the android could side step, but some he bounced off his blades, swinging them this way and that to protect his legs.

“Damn it you’re a tough bastard, I like that!” Jou laughed, launching himself forward.

Atem looked up just in time to cross his blades in front of him, trapping Jou’s sword between them.

“Still think the android will win sir?” Anzu asked.

“He will. This is almost over.” Yugi said. He already saw the means for Atem to pin Jou down, and he had no doubt the android saw them as well.

Atem raised his foot, kicking Jou square in the gut. Jou’s eyes went wide, not having seen the move, and he staggered backwards, momentarily winded. It was all the time Atem needed.

He rushed forward, driving his arm into Jou’s neck, pushing him backwards. Jou toppled to the ground, spinning mid-air and landing on his stomach. Atem put one of his feet down on Jou’s back, pressing the tip of his blade between Jou’s shoulder blades.

“Yield.” He said, his other blade moving to rest over Jou’s neck.

“I yield.” He said, and Atem looked up at Yugi, who nodded in consent. Atem moved off Jou, swords returning to their position at his sides as he walked away, giving Jou room to get back up.

“Impressive. You were right.” Anzu commented.

“It’s a gift.” Yugi chuckled, scrawling down some notes on his pad. Peering down at the trio below, he raised his voice. “Good job Jou! That was some useful data! Now Honda if you could try something with guns, I’d like to see how Atem reacts to being shot at!”

“Not something you hear every day, I’m sure.” Anzu said.

“Aye sir!” Honda shouted back, already scampering off to the weapon bay, selecting the biggest gun he could find. Typical, Yugi snorted, amused.

“If you don’t mind me asking sir, what are you trying to get out of this one? There’s already proof of Atem’s abilities from his fight with Jou, but dodging bullets? You don’t want to hurt him, right?”

No, I don’t, he thought. He suspected that a bullet to the head or heart would kill Atem, despite all the work done to turn him into a cyborg. Mainframe or not, no amount of technology could replace a human heart.

“Just testing some theories I have.” Yugi said, gripping the railing in front of them. “Besides, you can’t tell me you wouldn’t want to see him dodge bullets.”

“All right, you have me there.” Anzu said.

Below them, Honda had returned to the main floor, guns in hand. “Ready, android?” He called.

“Yes sir!” Atem hollered back.

“Good! Here I come!” Honda let out a cry, and pointed his guns, the oddly reassuring sound of bullets ringing in the air.

Yugi smiled at himself at the thought. Only he would find gun fire to be comforting.

Atem’s movements were graceful, his body snapping to the side just in time for the bullets to sail past him into the metal paddings on the walls. He wasted no time with a counter attack, plucking a knife from his belt, whipping his arm around to send it towards Honda.

Honda smacked the knife out of the air with the side of his gun, and Yugi made a sound, impressed.

“I didn’t know he could do that.” He commented.

“He’s been practicing. Something about the cool factor of it.” Anzu giggled, and Yugi allowed himself a small laugh as well.

Watching Atem fight, so graceful and elegant and deadly with those swords had Yugi’s fingers twitching, itching to wrap around his pistol. He reached down to brush them over the base, feeling the bumps along the metal pieces. He wondered how quickly Atem would react if he shot at the android right now. Would the bullet pierce? Was Atem quick enough to dodge Yugi’s aim? His hand longed to grip the handle, finger on the trigger, to have that weight of the recoil slam into his hand…

He turned to the side, noticing Anzu staring at him. He didn’t miss the worry clouding her eyes. She had been one of the ones on the field, fighting close to Yugi, in many of the same battles. She had seen him at both his best and worst.

“I’m fine.” Yugi said, letting out a shaky breath, taking his hand off the gun as he did. He chose to fiddle with his dog tags instead, pulling them out from under his jacket and smoothing a thumb over the metal.

“Are you sure? I am perfectly capable of managing Atem’s results here.”

“No it’s fine, I should be here for it all anyway. What do you think of him so far?” Yugi asked, changing the subject. Thankfully Anzu went along with it, nodding.

“He’s good, for sure. I can see why we’ve been so drained of money and supplies recently, if that’s where the government has been pooling it all into. He’s a fine specimen. It would be interesting to see what he would be like on the battlefield.”

“Perhaps.” Yugi nodded, turning back to watching Atem.

Most of Honda’s bullets were gone, but he kept the assault coming, setting Atem at bay with dodging the bullets. Occasionally Atem would be quick enough to throw a dagger, but he was running out of supplies, Yugi noted, keeping track of how many the android had thrown.

Atem couldn’t get close enough to swing his blades at Honda, but none of Honda’s bullets could hit home either. Atem either dodged them or reflected them off his swords, catching them on the edge with deadly accuracy.

Yugi had no doubt now that Atem had proven his skills, merely waiting for Atem to finish the job so he could get to writing up the reports.

Honda feinted running out of bullets, and Atem took the bluff, running forward to assault Honda head on with his swords.

Damn it, he’s not going to… “Honda stop!” Yugi called, but it was too late.

Honda fired, but Atem was too fast. A flash of red and grey, and Atem had swung around behind Honda, swords raised and crossed, sitting right under Honda‘s throat. Yugi could see the way his adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed, so close to the deadly steel.

“Yield.” Atem said.

“Fine, I yield.” Honda grumbled, barely audible. Atem nodded, pulling his swords away.

Yugi and Anzu moved down to the lower level to meet them. “How was your first taste fighting against millions of dollars’ worth of government funding?” Yugi smirked.

“We should have a sparring dummy like that in here! He must be able to go for ages! Does he ever stop? Does he even need to eat?” Jou was fluttering around Atem, head twisting to observe him each and every way. He even poked Atem’s arms on occasion, and Yugi had to suppress a snicker.

“You’re annoying the android, Jou, quit it.” Honda snapped, slapping Jou on the back of his head.

“On the contrary, Honda, he doesn’t have the means to be annoyed.” Yugi supplied, and Jou grinned.

“If I punched him in the face, would he stop me?” Jou questioned.

Yugi shrugged. “Go ahead and try.”

“Right on!” Jou pulled back his arm, snapping it forward, aiming directly for Atem’s face.

The next few seconds saw Atem ducking down, hand whipping out to bring Jou down with him, where he promptly twirled Jou around in the air, forcing the other on his stomach as he impacted with the ground.

He stood over him, hands holding Jou’s behind his back.

“Ah, self-defence, should have known.” Jou muttered, wriggling under Atem’s grip.

“What would you have me do, sir?” Atem looked up at Yugi.

“Just let him go, he learnt his lesson.” Yugi waved him off, and Atem nodded, standing and letting Jou scramble to his feet.

“You should have a go boss!” Jou said excitedly, bouncing back from being tackled to the ground almost immediately.

“Not likely. I don’t do grunt work anymore.” Yugi smirked, enjoying the off guard looks both Jou and Honda gave him.

“Why don’t you show us how it’s done then?” Jou said.

“Some of that legendary Mutou flare we hear so much about.” Honda added.

“If you’re lucky, you’ll only ever have to hear about it,” Yugi grunted. “I’m off the sparring roster and you know that. I already have all the data I need, and besides, it’s not like Atem is about to be fighting me on the battlefield, not when he has an entire army to deal with already.”

“That sure sounds like a lot to pin on one guy. I mean, I could probably do it, but this guy? He’s so small.” Honda leaned down, squinting his eyes at Atem’s form, still towering over him.

“Atem just beat you both in a fair fight.” Yugi pointed out.

“In a fight where we couldn’t kill each other, yes,” Honda grunted. “But to the death? I know androids don’t have our human needs, but sooner or later he would run out of juice or someone would score lucky.”

“Couldn’t the same be said then for you?” Yugi counted. Honda blinked in surprise, looking away with a barely contained scowl.

“Well yes, but-”

“Ah let it go man! The guy’s a weapon of war, he’s made to be thrown out there and fight until he drops. That’s why they don’t bother with emotion chips and the like. He doesn’t have anything human in him.”

Emotion chips… Yugi’s eyes widened. That could be what he needed. He had to speak to Yusei tomorrow, see if the mechanic could arrange something. I never thought about those… They could… work...

“That’s all for today,” Yugi said, “dismissed.”

“Sir!” They called out, giving lazy salutes.

“Atem, you’re with me.” Yugi gestured, and the android fell into step beside him. They walked in silence for a moment, Yugi trying to word his next sentence well.

“How would you feel about an emotion chip, Atem?” Yugi asked.

“I do not feel, sir.”

Right, I forgot. “Well you can, I suppose, if we get you an emotion chip. The kind androids are given to appear more human.”

“With all due respect, sir, would that not contradict my original programming? I am designed for war, where emotions would hinder my performance.”

“True, but you’re not just for war,” Yugi hummed. “You’ll see what I mean in time, Atem.”

“By your command, sir.”

~~~~~~~~~

Yugi sat curled up on a chair by the balcony, watching the stars twinkle in the sky, the sliver of moon giving a poor source of light in the inky darkness. The crags and mountains around them were fuzzy shadows in the lowlight, he could barely tell what was the red of the rock, everything too dark.

“Have you ever wondered what it was like to live in a field of flowers?” Yugi asked suddenly, nursing the lukewarm cup of tea in his hands. He felt Atem’s presence behind him, swivelling his head to observe the other.

“I have not, sir.” Atem said, only his lips moving as his body remained stoic.

“Then humour me for a moment. What do you think it would be like? To wake up every day, walk out of your quaint little house and see nothing but field after field of blooming flowers.”

Atem tilted his head. “I am unsure how to answer that, sir.”

“Would you like to see a field of flowers?”

“If that is what you command of me.”

“No,” Yugi put his cup down, gesturing wildly with both his hands. “Would you like that? Forget me, I’m not there. Would you think it would be lovely to see a field full of flowers? Doesn’t matter the colour; blues, purples, yellows… reds.” He looked at Atem’s eyes, the tiny flickers of crimson light shining in them in the darkness, no doubt his night vision working to keep everything visible.

“I assume it would be a beautiful sight to behold,” Atem said slowly, “but it holds no bearing on what I am programmed to do, sir. I believe in times of war, my presence would be best suited to the battlefield, where I can be of use.”

“Yes I suppose it would.” Yugi sighed, arms flopping down the sides of his chair.

It’s good to be home, Yugi thought as he strode through the doors into his department, looking up to see Ryou bounding towards him.

“General Mutou! You’ve returned!” Ryou gave a quick polite solute when Yugi stopped in front of him.

“Indeed, nothing like a long drive away from the base to remind you of the horrid war you’re fighting.” Yugi grunted, arms crossed and foot tapping. He felt on edge, eager to get some solid results on Atem’s condition. Conversing with the android had gotten him nowhere, only revealing revealed some rather disturbing rules the compound had imposed on him. Yugi shuddered thinking about them.

“Is this it? The weapon of war?” Ryou asked, bringing Yugi’s attention back to the present.

“This is it. Meet Atem.” Yugi waved vaguely behind him, knowing Atem was standing close by.

“Impressive. But it just looks like any other android. What makes it so special?”

“He single-handedly destroyed the entire compound that created him, team and everything.”

Ryou was taken aback, horror flashing in his eyes.

“On my orders.” Yugi added with a grin. “He only listens to me. Go on, try and tell him to do something.”

“Is that an order?” Ryou chuckled, giving a nervous smile when Yugi didn’t answer. “Alright, uh, Atem… say ‘Ryou is the best!’”

Atem gave a slow blink, not even acknowledging Ryou’s presence.

“Wow, tough crowd. You get him to say it.” Ryou waggles his eyebrows at Yugi.

Yugi coughed into his hand, saying with a smirk, “Atem who is your commanding officer?”

“General Yugi Mutou of the Domino Empire.”

“And who is Ryou Bakura?”

“I do not know, sir.”

Yugi raised an eyebrow pointedly.

“Alright, alright, I get it.” Ryou threw his hands up in defeat. “Must be nice having your own personal android at your beck and call.”

“He’s a weapon, Ryou. He’s meant for war, not for office gags and jokes.”

“Why can’t he do both? I’d say when he’s not on a mission you can do whatever you like with him, it’s not like he’s going to ever complain.”

Yugi pursed his lips but didn’t respond. He would tell Ryou the truth later, after he had the scans and results from aptitude tests.

“Is Yusei in right now?” He asked instead.

“Of course, when is he not?” Ryou laughed.

“Good point.” Yugi replied, swerving around. “I’m taking Atem to get a check-up. I’ll be back up later to see to the new reports.”

“Aye aye sir.”

“Come on, Atem.” Yugi exited the room, trailing down the twisting corridors. His path took him down a storey, winding around until the shiny hallways of the base were replaced with the harsh, concrete structures that led to the weapon side of the base. No time like the present to acquaint their most recent weapon with his new home, after all.

He strutted into the hanger bay, not particularly caring if he interrupted anything. As it turned out, he had arrived at one of the more convenient times.

Yusei was at the front of a large Jeep-like car, the hood popped open and several huge chunks of metal engine scattered around it.

Yugi crinkled his nose at the smell, not enjoying the overpowering stench of oil the hanger reeked of. He liked cars as much as the next soldier, but he was more of a mecha person. The interesting designs and advanced AI were far more useful than the somewhat outdated technology of automobiles.

“Doctor Fudo.” Yugi made his presence known, electing a curse from Yusei as he jumped in surprise.

“General! You scared me.” Yusei gave him a hasty bow followed by a salute. “What can I do for you?”

“I’ve just not long gotten back with the latest weapon of war from a secret compound location, and I want you to run check-ups on him.”

“Sir, I’m just a mechanic, I hope you know that when you ask me to do all this stuff.” Yusei grunted, but dropped the spanner regardless. He walked up to Atem, inspecting him. He prodded at one of Atem’s arms, attempting to lift it up, but Atem snatched it back, eyes suddenly blazing at Yusei.

“Atem stand down, he’s a friend,” Yugi explained, watching Atem’s rigid stance soften. “Just let him do his work, he won’t hurt you at all with anything.”

“Understood, sir.”

“Wow he talks.” Yusei whistled. “Why build a weapon of war in the shape of a human when you have mechas? Seems rather extra.”

“You have no idea.” Yugi muttered, shaking his head. Yusei heard him, dropping Yugi a confused expression.

“Sir? Is there something wrong with him? I mean, you just got him and you already want me to run quality checks? He seems fine, very responsive.”

“I need scans of him. There’s… a problem.” Yugi lowered his voice, glancing around the hanger. He knew Yusei had his own private space to work in, but it didn’t mean anyone with the same level of clearance won’t be able to access the place. He trusted his subordinates here, but he didn’t want to explain to them until he was ready.

“I see… Let’s move to the lab, then.” Yusei led Yugi to a door at the edge of the room. He swiped a key card, sliding in the small door. Yugi, with his shorter height, had no problem walking through, Atem trailing behind him.

Once they were all in, the door closed shut, the mechanism locking behind them. There was a small corridor leading to another door, which Yusei opened, stepping into a large room with white walls.

“Yusei, you’ve returned.” A man walked up to them, beaming a smile at the mechanic.

“Hey Bruno, how’s everything going?” Yusei patted the man on the shoulder for a short moment before stepping away.

“It’s all the same as when you left this morning. But it’s only midday. Don’t tell me you’re finished already.”

“No, but something more important has come up.” He gestured behind himself, where Yugi was standing beside Atem.

“Hello Bruno.” Yugi greeted, politely nodding.

“General Mutou! What an honour.” Bruno gave a half bow, following it up with a salute.

“No need for formalities here Bruno. I’m here for results, not spot checks. Besides this isn’t HQ. We don’t need all those rigid bows here.”

Bruno loosened up, giving him a smile, while Yusei moved forward.

“Okay sir, now would be a good time to fill me in on these details. You know Bruno and I will keep any secret.” He said, flicking some switches on.

Yugi let out a sigh, evening his breath. “Atem is a human.” He said simply, testing the waters.

“A human model android?”

“No, he’s not an android, Yusei. He’s an honest to god human who had his humanity ripped out of him and turned into this shell.” Yugi jabbed a finger at the weapon to further his point.

“A human? You have proof?”

“That’s what I’m here to get. Would I lie about this kind of shit?”

“No, sir, I’m not trying to imply that,” Yusei said quickly. “It’s just… no one has ever tried to turn a human into an android. Made an android more human like, yes, but make something living into… well, a weapon? And not just with enhancements to limbs? It seems… Well, you can understand my hesitance on the matter.”

“I understand, and that’s the reason that compound is no longer in action. If what I suspect is true, and I am ninety per cent sure it is, then there is no way we can allow any more of these weapons to be made.”

“Someone is playing with the boundaries of nature here.” Bruno muttered, a hand on his chin as he gazed sadly at Atem. “That is not right, to have the joy of humanity and have it ripped out… Did he volunteer for the position?”

“I can’t get any information out of him about his life as a human. He doesn’t remember anything past training at the compound, or if he does, some kind of programming doesn’t allow him to speak of it.”

“Can you show us an example? I’m going to need solid examples of all of these things.”

“Atem, what is your earliest childhood memory?”

“I do not understand your question, sir, please rephrase.”

“When you were a kid, a child, a smaller version of yourself.”

Atem paused for a moment, head tilting ever so slightly to the side. “I do not understand your question, sir.”

“You see?” Yugi groaned, rubbing his face.

“Do you remember having a birthday ever?” Yusei asked. Atem didn’t respond, causing Yusei to flush in embarrassment at being ignored.

“Atem, answer any questions Yusei has. He’s going to be examining you to check up on your systems.” Yugi said.

“Yes sir,” Atem’s gaze turned to Yusei, bowing his head. “I do not understand your question, sir.”

“I see why you like your status, sir,” Yusei quirked a smile. “Being called ‘sir’ does sound nice.”

“I can make him change it to something degrading.” Yugi offered, smirking.

“Not necessary,” Yusei coughed. “Atem, where does your name come from?”

“I believe it was assigned to me as my subject name, sir.”

“Did you have it before hand?”

“I have always had it, sir.”

“Do you like it?”

“I do not have interests, sir. This information is irrelevant and interrupts my core programming. Should the General wish it, my name can be reprogrammed to anything he wishes.”

“Nah, I like Atem.” Yugi chipped in, waving a hand at Yusei when he turned towards him.

“It’s an old-style name, I’d have to do research to find its origin.” Yusei muttered, to himself as much as to Yugi. “I suppose I better start testing him them. Will you stick around?”

“No, I have business to take care of; I’m afraid I don’t have any leisure time. I expect the results on my desk by the end of the day, however, and Atem returned to me.”

“Aye aye sir.”

“Any immediate problems contact me directly, bring a message up via Bruno if you have to. I want to be informed.”

“Yes sir.”

“Good,” Yugi turned to Atem. “I’m leaving now, but you’re to stay here. Yusei is going to run some tests on you for various things, and you’re to listen and respond to them all as if I was doing them. When you’re done, return to me, understand?”

“Perfectly, sir.” Atem gave him a half bow, remaining that way as Yugi left the room. He had a sinking feeling he wasn’t going to like those results.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Alright, we better get started then.” Yusei turned away from the console in front of him. “Ready, Atem?”

“With all due respect, sir, I am to be ready at all times. I am a weapon of war.” Atem said smoothly, arms clasped behind his back.

“Right, of course.” Yusei exchanged a look with Bruno. Bruno gave him a comforting smile, patting his shoulder.

“I’ll set up the monitor system.” He said, moving to the other side of the room.

“Sure.” Yusei nodded, grabbing a clipboard from a nearby desk.

Atem looked apprehensive, staring at Bruno approaching him warily. “Sir, what are your orders for this android?” His gaze flickered to Yusei.

“Let him do his job Atem. He won’t hurt you, he’s my assistant.” Yusei frowned. How had Atem known Bruno was an android? He was designed specifically to be completely human on the surface. No one had ever recognised Bruno’s true identity just from looks alone.

“How did you know he was an android?” Yusei found himself asking.

“The signal his body emits is an electrical one. There is nothing organic in him.” Atem stated.

Bruno looked hurt, but he didn’t comment, instead focusing on hooking up the suction cups to Atem’s stomach, pulling his shirt up. He paused with the chest cords in his hand.

“Could you please take your shirt off?” Bruno asked politely, giving a sheepish smile.

“Yes sir.” Atem responded, slipping the cloth over his head and dropping it by his side. He calls Bruno sir as well… Yusei briefly considered if it had something to do with his programming, if he was conditioned to believe every human-like creature was above him. But he’s programmed to only obey the General’s orders… It doesn’t make sense, he thought, watching Bruno move around the weapon, Atem stiffly obeying Bruno’s gentle requests. He had reacted so violently to Yusei when he had approached him the first time, and yet here, in this environment… or was it that Bruno was an android, and as one form of android to another Atem felt more comfortable following their orders? But then he was programmed to serve a human; he was built, from what Yusei could deduct so far, to mindlessly follow human orders.

Bruno gave him the thumbs up, interrupting his concentration.

“Stand still please Atem.” Yusei said, turning back to the machine. He kept the clipboard nestled against his side, fingers flying over the control panel to begin the examination.

He started with a full body scan, wanting to get straight to Yugi’s worries. The machine whirled to life, gauges flickering as light began to stream around Atem. The section he was standing on lit up, and a transparent holographic device materialised, beginning a slow ascent up Atem’s body.

He didn’t move at all, staying completely still while the machine ran the scan. After it reached the top of his head, it dissolved, and the panel in front of Yusei pinged.

He glanced at it, doing a double take quickly. That couldn’t be right… that would mean…

“Yusei?” Bruno’s voice drifted to him, and he felt a hand on his shoulder.

“Yugi was right… He’s…” Yusei closed his eyes, placing the clipboard down. “I’m going to need to run some more tests immediately. We have a lot to do, Bruno.”

“Is it likely we’ll need to keep him overnight?”

Yusei sighed, eyes gravitating to the numbers recorded on the screen. “We might have to. Run a message up to the General, would you? It’s going to be a long night.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yugi leaned back in his chair, hearing the mechanism squeak in protest. Of course chairs weren’t at the top of their budget list, but as the General of the base, he wished they would at least give him a decent one.

It was amazing how leaving for one day could make paperwork stack up. Granted, most of it was about informing the higher ups of the success of the project, and how he had Atem in his custody now. It was only a matter of time until he was given orders regarding Atem’s next course of action. Yugi wondered which battle site he would be shipped off to, and how exactly he would fight there. He would have to take combat evaluations with the android tomorrow, find out his preferred weapon and mode of travel. If what he preferred to use was something obscure or in low demand, he would have to get it shipped from HQ most likely. But he doubted the government would care; they had spent a great deal of money developing this subject, and they weren’t about to throw it into battle without decent support.

A weapon for a weapon… Yugi mused, tapping a hand to his desk. What a strange notion…

“General Mutou? Bruno is here to see you.” Ryou’s voice crackled out of his intercom.

“Send him in.” Yugi grunted into the speaker, shuffling the papers around his desk.

Bruno slid through the doors, entering the room at a slow pace. It wasn’t something urgent, then, or he would have flown into the room, rules be damned.

“Bruno? You’re up earlier than I expected. Something wrong with Atem?”

“Well, no, not really. He was doing fine when I left, everything about him is in perfect health and order.” Bruno scratched his neck in a very human way- something he had picked up from Yusei, no doubt.

“So then why are you here?” Yugi felt his suspicions growing at the way Bruno seemed to dance around getting to the point.

“Well, sir… Your theory was… correct,” Bruno lowered his gaze. “Atem is… human, underneath it all.”

Yugi let out a deep sigh, closing his eyes for a moment to ground himself. “You have results?”

“Yusei is still running tests, but he wanted to inform you of that first. He says we may need to keep him overnight, depending.”

“I want to see the evidence, what the machines recorded. Bring Yusei back up with Atem and the results whenever he is done.”

“Yes sir.” Bruno gave a hasty bow before scrambling out of the office.

Once Bruno had left, Yugi put his head in his hands. A human. He had thought so. Everything had pointed to it, and he had been sure, but to have actual data… evidence supporting it… Part of Yugi had hoped that Yusei would tell him he had been wrong. Yugi wouldn’t have minded it for once, would have been glad to admit it.

But he was right.

“God I have to tell HQ about this,” Yugi let out a muffled scream. “Then there will be human rights and the big bosses crawling all over us… my ass is so fired.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The day slowly bleed into night, the colours fading behind the shutters over his windows, leaving the room dark. Yugi forwent turning on the ceiling light, opting for the desk lamp instead, although he wasn’t working tonight. He doubted sleep would find him with his mind so awake, but he was too anxious to trust his hand to sign papers or to type out the lengthy reports that loomed large in his mind. Though the longer he left them, the more irritated and impatient his boss would get.

Whatever, they’ll understand why it took so long once I show them Yusei’s results, Yugi let his head fall back in his chair, eyes closed as he rested in the semi darkness of the office.

“Sir, Yusei is here to see you. He’s got the weapon with him.” Ryou’s voice chirped.

Yugi fumbled around for the intercom, finding the button and pressing it. “Send him in.” He muttered, forcing himself to sit upright and flick on the ceiling light, hissing at the sudden influx of light in his pupils.

A few seconds later Yusei came through the door, strolling over to the far side of the room where Yugi’s desk sat, with Yugi behind it.

“You’re done?” Yugi asked in way of greeting.

“Yes sir, I have the results.” Yusei gestured to his side, and Atem stepped forward, gently placing the clipboards on Yugi’s desk.

“That’s a lot of clipboards.” Yugi muttered, picking the one on top up. “So what’s wrong?”

“On the surface? Nothing. He functions like a normal android, with everything in pristine condition. You could ship him off to war anytime and he would perform well.”

“But?” Yugi could sense something bad coming.

“But he does have a human brain. Granted, it’s been modified and poked around in so much it would be hard to tell from an x-ray alone, but under my scanners it’s… I could see how they had stuck in wires and power boards in to control certain areas, General. I hope you don’t mind me saying so sir, but it’s disgusting.” 

Yugi hummed in response, eyes trailing over the reports. Activity of the brain monitored through chips inside. Suspected trauma to the brain at one point; subject responds in the same way to all orders but expresses a heightened sense of adrenaline when confronted with sharp devices. Evidence of dissection.

Wait, did he read that right?

“What does this mean?” Yugi flipped the board around, letting Yusei see the text on it.

“It means the machine picked up on gashes in the brain that hint to a possible dissection. Sections that have been sewed back together after being picked apart. It leads me to believe that they inserted things into his brain to aid in the ‘programming’ stage.”

“And this worked flawlessly? Cutting up the brain and shoving shit in like stuffing a chicken?”

“From what I can gather, the marks are professionally made.”

Yugi narrowed his eyes; something in Yusei’s tone didn’t sound right.

“What are you saying, Fudo?”

“I…” Yusei rung his hands, gloves pressing together. “I believe… it’s just a theory, sir…”

“Let’s hear it Fudo.”

“I suspect that… Atem here might have been the last in a line of test subjects. The proper model, if you would. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that he’s designed to be perfect in every way without a single fault; I think he’s the result of a series of failures, and that’s why his design is flawless.”

“You’re suggesting he wasn’t the only experiment?”

“I believe so, sir. Without any evidence, however, I can’t say for sure.”

Yugi felt like something heavy had dropped in his stomach with those words, like a stone had been cast down his throat. Images of his trip through the compound left a bitter taste in his mouth, test tubes and crossed out names suddenly having more significance. They weren’t just names, they had been…

Yugi shook his head; now was not the time. “What about weapons? Anything to suggest he’s superior to the other kinds of androids on the battlefield?”

“I couldn’t find anything, aside from incredible thinking and reaction time. I dropped my coffee cup at one moment and within seconds he had leap to catch it. Right side up too, not a single spilt drop.” Yusei sounded impressed, but also vaguely disgusted. It was a similar feeling for Yugi. He knew they needed a new weapon on the field to turn the flow of the war, but he wished it hadn’t come in the form of Atem.

“I will assess his military capabilities myself in the morning. This will do for now, should any problems arise, I’ll be sure to contact you. Thank you for doing this. I don’t have to tell you to keep it a secret, do I?”

“Not at all sir; I completely understand,” Yusei gave a half bow. “I’ll take my leave.”

“Am I still to follow the mechanic’s orders, sir?” Atem asked, head tilted towards the door where Yusei had left.

“No, you’re done with them. For now,” Yugi sighed, slumping back in his chair. “I suppose if I’m observing your training in the morning I had better get some sleep. Except I have no idea where to put you… Do you… sleep?”

“I am programmed to be available for your orders at all hours, sir. But, it is also advised to allow my system time to recharge, so I may perform to the best of my abilities on the battlefield.”

“Is that what the technicians who worked on you told you?”

“Yes sir.”

“What exactly did they tell you?”

“’Everything must be done to assure you are at peak performance for the Empire’s use.’”

“Mm-hm, sounds about right,” Yugi muttered under his breath, lumbering out of his chair. “All right, I’m about to drop dead, so let’s head to my quarters.”

“Should I take you to the medical bay immediately sir?” Atem was by his side in seconds, gazing at him with hands raised, as if he thought Yugi would collapse at any second.

Yugi paused, turning to the other. “It’s a figure of speech, Atem. It means I’m incredibly tired. I’m fine.” He added, reaching out to give Atem’s hand a reassuring pat. He wondered why that one hadn’t been programmed into the android.

“Of course, sir. My apologies.” Atem retreated behind him, staying a step back as he dogged Yugi’s heels down the corridors.

Yugi’s quarters were thankfully not too far away, just enough that he could split upwork and home time enough to feel well-rested. Of course he spent most nights in the office anyway, until the early peeking hours of dawn. Overseeing the entire base often meant dealing with many problems at once, and he was easier to reach at the office.

But it was always relaxing to come back to his bedroom and peel off the stress of the work day with a nice hot shower and crisp bed sheets. Except this time he wasn’t alone.

“Oh, right, I have to find some place for you don’t I.” Yugi grunted, glancing back at Atem behind him before sweeping over the room.

The entrance to his residence served as an open spaced lounge room, with a kitchenette on the fair side, and a door leading to his bedroom at the other end.

“You can sleep here I suppose. There’s a couch, and it’s kind of comfy. I mean I’ve crashed on it before, so I’m sure it’ll work…” Yugi shrugged, not sure what to say.

“Anything is suitable, sir. Will you require my services anymore this morning?”

“Morning?” Yugi glanced at his watch, groaning at the numbers that blinked back at him. “No, that’s fine. I’m going into my bedroom now. I’ll come out and collect you in the morning. I mean, later, when I wake up.”

“Understood, sir.” Atem gave him a salute, standing next to the couch.

Yugi tossed a confused look his way, but didn’t both to ask. He just assumed Atem wouldn’t actually sleep until Yugi was gone. Might as well make it easier on him then, Yugi moved into his bedroom, shedding the layers of his uniform before donning a singlet and boxers.

He felt his head hit the pillow, but sleep was still a foreign concept to him. As much as his body wanted to rest, his mind whirled with the new information he had, and the impending physical tests he had to get Atem to perform.

He had an interesting day ahead of him.