Ashe

Yugi gave Ryou the heads up a few hours after dawn, telling him they were on their way back to base. Ryou’s response had been muffled by sleep, but he promised to be awake enough to let them in when they arrived.

Anzu and Yugi loaded the mechas back up, with Atem helping carry the heavier bags. Most of this

Yugi put Mana in with Anzu, knowing his captain would keep her contained during the ride back to base. It left him in silence with Atem for most of the trip, which worked for Yugi, who was enjoying the occasional chance to jump high in the mech and twirl around. He kept it fairly contained, though, knowing Anzu was watching, and Atem behind him as well. He didn’t want to give them any ideas.

“Mutou, can I ask you a question?” Atem spoke up, leaning forward in his seat behind Yugi.

“Mmm? What’s up?” Yugi said, still looking ahead.

“What does the Empire mean to you?”

“It’s my job.”

“And does it have your loyalty?”

“You tend to get fired if you don’t throw yourself into your job.”

“But are you truly loyal to the Empire? It’s mission and purpose in this war?”

“Where are these questions coming from all of a sudden?” Yugi snorted, glancing back at Atem.

“I’m curious,” Atem responded. “Here you are, a general of an army you don’t seem to have any love for.”

“What makes you say that?”

“You’re helping me.”

Yugi grunted, turning back around to hide his face from Atem. “I have my reasons.”

“And you won’t tell me?”

“They don’t really matter right now.”

“Then what does matter?”

Yugi paused, clicking his tongue. “I don’t know.”

Atem fell silent after that, and Yugi focused on the path ahead of them.

The day stretched on well into the afternoon before Yugi was able to see the base ahead. The tinge of yellow waving down from the sun across the low sky cast dark shadows over the structure, elongated over the rocks.

“Home sweet home.” Yugi chuckled, glancing behind him towards Atem in an attempt to bright back a light mood.

“It’s charming, I’ll say that.” Atem said, a light smirk dancing on his lips.

Yugi hummed, pressing in the microphone and punching in the radio for Ryou’s line.

“Back already?” Ryou’s voice chirped.

“Yeah, need you to open the gates to the hanger bay.” Yugi replied.

“Roger.” The audio clicked off, and Yugi slowed down his pace.

The hanger doors parted as they approached, and he pushed the mecha forward. Anzu was close behind, but broke off once they were inside, heading to the side of the huge warehouse where her mech usually slept.

Yugi climbed down from his mech, offering Atem a hand before taking it away at the confused look Atem gave him. “Never mind, sorry.”

“I appreciate the offer sir, but I am more than capable of exiting a mech myself.” Atem flashed him a soft smile, and Yugi chuckled.

“You’re right, of course.” Yugi turned away, heading over to where Anzu was unloading her mech, Mana helping.

“Anzu could you get Ryou up to date on all the information please? I need to talk with Yusei.”

“Sure thing boss.” Anzu tossed a wink his way before taking off.

“The doctor?” Atem pipped up from his side. Yugi glanced his way, noticing Mana watching them. I forgot about her… I’ll have to keep a close eye while she’s here.

“Doctor Fudo will need to check you over Atem, especially after everything that happened. Now that you’re back, we don’t want those chips in your brain to pull you back down.”

“Would that not be more beneficial to you, though? Aren’t you supposed to be in charge of a weapon of war? You’re shooting yourself in the foot here, you know.”

“I know,” Yugi hummed, chuckling to himself. “But I like to make things complicated sometimes. Adds a little fun, you know?”

Atem shot him a confused look.

“I guess you don’t know,” Yugi snickered. “It’s an acquired taste I hear.”

“You certainly are a strange one, Yugi Mutou.” Atem mused.

“Then we make a good match, don’t we?”

“I guess we do.” Atem smiled. Yugi offered a tiny smile of his own back before focusing back on their task.

They walked through the doors into Yusei’s lab, where the doctor was behind his laptop once again, like it was his permanent state of residence.

“Doctor Fudo, your favourite patient is back.” Yugi jerked his head behind him, stepping to the side to allow Atem past.

“I’m a doctor in degree sir, not medicine.” Yusei stood, making his way over. “Regardless, let’s begin sorting this out.”

He turned to Atem, giving him a quick glance over.

“You have your memories?” He asked him.

“Partially. I have my own emotions back.” Atem replied.

“And your programming?”

“Still there. I can’t harm anyone identified as a high ranking officer of the Empire.”

“Will this take long?” Yugi asked, conscious of the pile of paperwork that waited for him.

“Give me an hour or so.” Yusei nodded, turning to focus back on Atem.

Yugi ducked out of the lab, trailing back out to the hanger. The building was empty, Bruno busy helping Yusei, and Anzu taking Mana somewhere else he assumed, leaving everyone else too preoccupied to check over the mechas.

Yugi found himself walking around the hanger bay, reluctant to head back to his office. The thought of resuming his job as General, and the possibility of Gozaburo sending him on another mission had him feeling sick.

He found he suddenly wasn’t in the mood to tackle the mountain he knew to be waiting on his desk, so he continued to mill around the hanger.

He walked all around, pretending to be interested in the crates of supplies stacked in the corners and the mechanical equipment lying around from Yusei’s last session.

A door opened on the far side of the warehouse, and Yugi paused, turning to the source.

Ryou walked in, eyes lighting up as he saw Yugi. “Ah, Anzu said I could find you lurking around here.”

“I’m not lurking,” Yugi huffed. “Just waiting for the results from Yusei.”

“You spend a lot of time waiting for results.” Ryou pointed out, although he smiled widely.

“I need a lot of results. You needed me for something?”

“Oh, yes. We got a stock arrival while you were gone.”

“Typical. Of all the days someone makes it this far out, and it’s the one day I’m not here,” Yugi muttered, shaking his head. “What was it?”

“Just the weapon stock you ordered. Oh, and the package you requested for Atem arrived as well.”

Yugi blinked. He had completely forgotten about that. “That’s good. I’ll come pick it up tomorrow.”

“I can do you one better; I’ll drop it by your office tomorrow morning.” Ryou smiled, his eyes shifting behind Yugi.

“Thanks Ryou.” Yugi nodded, turning his head to see what Ryou was looking at. “Oh, Atem.”

Atem walked up to them, giving them both polite nods.

“You’re done already?” Yugi arched an eyebrow, getting a shrug in reply. He vaguely registered Ryou slipping off, and the door closing in the distance.  

“Doctor Fudo informed me there wasn’t much he could do about my memories. He told me they would return in due time, at the rate my mind was recovering.”

“And your programming?”

“He put a new chip in, some kind of modified version of the emotional chip he had used the first time. He believed it will help settle the confusion in my mind.”

“We’ll just keep you away from any battles until this begins to sort itself out.” Yugi jerked his head forward, and Atem nodded.

They feel into step with each other, walking through the maze of corridors in the building. The silence between them didn’t feel as forced as it had before Atem’s memory returned, the air was lighter and Atem’s steps were more uneven, less robotic in their approach. Yugi smiled at that; such a small thing, but it brought something warm to his chest.

“If I may…” Atem paused his speech, glancing at Yugi questioningly.

“Go on.” Yugi said, slowing their pace.

“Well… the more my memory seems to feel natural to me, the more I feel like the android side of me is… more foreign, I guess.” Atem seemed uncertain, almost hesitant. Yugi stopped them completely, turning to Atem fully.

“That’s good,” Yugi said, patting Atem’s shoulder. “That means you’re feeling more human. It’s a good thing.”

“I know, but… It feels weird, I…” He licked his lips, looking down. “I feel strange having to keep up this military personality, even if that was in my past before. I don’t remember being so strict and upright, and it… doesn’t feel right.”

“I’m not sure how to help with that.” Yugi frowned.

“I figured. But I… guess I just wanted to confide that in someone.” Atem looked away, crossing his arms defensively over his chest. “Sorry.”

“There’s nothing to apologise for,” Yugi said gently, squeezing Atem’s shoulder lightly. “If you have the need to talk, I am always here. But I must confess… why me, and not Mana? She’s your friend.”

“Aren’t you my friend too?” Atem blinked up at him, and Yugi froze.

“I’m your commanding officer, technically.” He said, almost on reflex.

“Oh,” Atem’s eyes turned downcast once more. “That is correct. I’m sorry for making assumptions, that was unprofessional of me.”

“It’s fine, don’t apologise,” Yugi closed his eyes, taking a deep breath to reopen them. “It’s not your fault, and I don’t blame you for anything. It’s just… a very stressful time. I guess you caught me off guard there.”

“The great Yugi Mutou, caught off guard? I thought that couldn’t happen.” Atem said, humour creeping into his voice.

“You’d be surprised, the older I get the less sharp I am.”

“You don’t look old.”

“Wait till I start pushing thirty, then your tone will change.”

“I’m twenty four.”

“You’ve got a bit of catching up to do, kiddo.” Yugi smirked, holding up two fingers. “I’ve got a few years on you.”

“You’re not that much older.” Atem pointed out.

“Two years more experience, it counts.”

Atem scoffed, looking away, hands sliding into his pockets. He looked comfortable, the awkwardness fading off his form. He seems more relaxed, that’s good.

“You know,” Yugi said, “if it helps, you can just call me ‘Yugi’. No titles. I don’t mind.”

Atem’s eyes flickered to him, a small smile gracing his face. “I’d… like that.”

“Consider it done. An order, if it helps.” Yugi tossed him a wink before he could stop himself. Wait did I just wink at him? Yugi tensed, coughing as a distraction.

“Anyway I had better go check in and make sure I didn’t miss anything important. Register the patrol we went on with the higher ups and all that.” He said.

“Of course. Where shall I wait for you?”

“Wait for me?” Yugi frowned. “No, just. Go do whatever you want.”

“But my programming still-”

“Then I order you to go hang out with Mana. Go check up on her in her temporary quarters. If you’re still unsure you can wait in mine and I’ll find something else for you to do. Otherwise sleep, it’s been a busy few days.” Yugi made a shooing gesture.

“Yes sir.”

“Yugi.”

Atem smiled, dipping his head. “Yugi. Until tomorrow.”

“Yeah, until then.” Yugi nodded, watching Atem walk away and disappear around a corner bend.

~~~~~~~~~~

Yugi sat in his office, fingers tapping away at his keys as his eyes flickered over the screen. Every now and then he turned away from the computer to scribble something down on a sheet of paper, using the notepad to jot down terminology and keep reminders on certain phrases.

He was trying to send Pegasus an e-mail with his findings, but they had a code language they spoke in, and no matter how hard Yugi tried to memorise it, he still fell short remembering some words.

Eventually he managed to piece it together, sending it off and stepping away from his monstrous workload.

“I’ll do it later.” Yugi hummed, stopping on the other side of his desk. The package Ryou had dropped off was there, the item wrapped snugly in folds of fabric.

“Yugi, Atem’s here.” Ryou’s voice called through the intercom.

Yugi moved away from the desk, walking up to the door to open it.

Atem was standing outside next to Ryou’s work station. Both Ryou and Atem’s heads turned to Yugi as the door opened, and Yugi offered them a smile.

“Thanks Ryou.” He nodded to the other, who gave him a lazy salute in return, going back to his desktop screen.

“Come in, Atem.” Yugi gestured with his head, slipping away from the door back over to his own desk. Atem followed, closing the door politely behind himself.

“Here, this is for you.” Yugi handed the package to Atem, who blinked at it in surprise.

“For me? What is it?”

“Open it and find out.” Yugi chuckled. Atem gave him a hesitant glance, eyes flicking down to the package. His hands unfolded the fabric, revealing the smooth blade underneath.

“A sword?”

“You liked the ones we have in the training room,” Yugi commented. “I thought I’d get you your own.”

“When did you find the time?”

“I ordered it before we left for headquarters. It just took a while to get here. It’s only one I’m afraid. I know you liked to dual wield, but I can easily get you another if you’d like that.”

“One is fine, thank you. You didn’t have to, but I appreciate it.” Atem smiled. Yugi just nodded, clearing his throat somewhat awkwardly.

“You know, I was just on my way to the hanger bay to check on the mechas. I think I left something in mine. You can test the sword there if you wanted to join me?” Yugi offered.

“Sounds good.” Atem nodded, wrapping the sword back up, sliding the package under his arm.

Yugi lead the way through the compound, heading down to the side of the complex that held the massive warehouse.

Once entering the hanger bay, he made a beeline for his mech while Atem went off to the side, unwrapping his sword to test it out.

Yugi jumped up and popped the cockpit, scrutinising the area for his lighter. He realised he didn’t have it when he went to light a cigarette yesterday, and by then he had been too tired to care to search for it. It wasn’t like he had spares, since he had thrown them all out after his previous addiction.

“Ah, there it is.” Yugi snatched up the lighter wedged between the seat cushions, closing the cockpit window and jumping back down. “Found it.” Yugi waved the lighter to show Atem before pocketing it.

Atem nodded, turning back to his sword. Yugi sat on a crate off to the side, observing him work.

Atem twirled the blade around his wrist, flicking it to slice effortlessly through the air, occasionally swapping to make short jabs forward.

Eventually he stopped, nodding to himself about something, turning to see Yugi watching him.

“The sword works perfectly, thank you.” He said approaching.

“Don’t mention it, it’s my job to keep you all in tip top shape.” Yugi shrugged, pushing off the crate to stand next to Atem.

“Are those the orders you are given?” Atem asked.

“Not really, it’s more of a personal choice. Some people in high positions of power don’t really care about their subordinates.”

“That sounds awful,” Atem frowned. “Is it common in the Empire?”

“There’s a lot of things you don’t understand about how the Empire works,” Yugi said, “not everything is as simple as it seems, nor as glorified.”

“I’m sure it isn’t,” Atem agreed. “But at the same time, there are things you don’t understand about our country too.”

“True…” Yugi conceded. He slipped a hand into his pocket, pulling out a cigarette. He just managed to get out the lighter as well before Atem grabbed his wrist, moving it and the lighter away from the stick.

“You don’t need that.” He said, gently prying the lighter from Yugi’s hand.

“But maybe I want it. What does it matter to you?” Yugi shot back, reaching for his lighter back. Atem just pulled it further out of his reach, holding out his other hand for the cigarette.

“Give me back the lighter, Atem.” Yugi grunted, flipping Atem’s hand away.

“You don’t need that toxin in your body. It’s not helping.”

“It helps me feel better.”

“It’s doing more harm than good in the long run,” Atem pocketed the lighter, despite Yugi’s vocal protests. “Please don’t do this to yourself.”

“And why do you suddenly care? You know, if I died you wouldn’t have a commanding officer to mess with your plans.”

“I don’t have plans,” Atem sighed, suddenly looking tired. “I’m just trying my best with what I have.”

Yugi dipped his head, eyes turned downward. That was a shit thing to say Mutou. “I’m sorry.”

“For what? It’s not your fault I’m like this.” Atem shrugged, streaking a hand through his hair. The heavy duty artificial light pouring down from above caught on the highlights, bright crimson flickering through the tips of his hair.

Yugi recalled how soft it had been to touch, the silky strands almost too tempting with how nice they had felt. He found himself unconsciously reaching forward, hooking a finger around a loose bang. Bringing it closer, he rolled the strands between another finger, stopping to admire the sensation.

“Sir?” Atem arched an eyebrow, his lips parted in silent questioning.

“Just curious.” Yugi muttered, swapping his target to another bang. He wondered if the yellow streaking through Atem’s hair came from the bangs too, or if it was just a clump dyed in.

The static from the overhead speaker crackled loudly, jerking Yugi out of his thoughts.

“Yugi?” Ryou’s voice called, sounding worried. “There’s something approaching the base, and fast.”

“What?” Yugi’s head snapped up, glaring at the roof where the speaker was somewhere. “Have they radioed in their ID?”

“I’ve gotten nothing. Estimated time of arrival is twenty minutes.”

“Try to contact them and tell them we’ll shoot on sight if they don’t identify themselves.”

“Roger.”

The static cut off, and Mana chose that moment to enter the hanger bay.

“What was this about someone coming?” She asked, approaching them.

 “Why don’t you tell me. Got any friends you’re waiting on?”

“No!” She frowned, a delicate finger perched over her lips. “I never tell anyone when I’m going out to the site. No one would have known I was there, except…”

“And here it comes.”

“No, I didn’t tell anyone I swear! I’ve been doing this every month since Atem’s disappearance, and no one ever noticed my absence.”

“But?”

“But I was always back before dawn,” Mana whined, biting her nail. “Maybe Mahad got worried and sent someone to find me.”

“Mahad?” Atem whispered, a deep frown settling over his features. “I… know him. Don’t I? A friend?”

“Yeah, he’s a Captain in the Armesian army. You and he were good friends.” Mana smiled.

“I can’t remember his face… but there is warmth when I think of his name.” Atem nodded.

“I hate to break up this touching moment,” Yugi said gently, nudging Atem in the arm. “But someone approaching my base…?”

“They’ve responded,” Ryou said, the sound of him tapping on his computer reaching through the speaker. “Someone from the Armes by the name of Raphael.”

“Raphael? He’s here?” Mana gasped. Yugi narrowed his eyes. Another Armesian at his base. Just what he needed.

“Orders, sir?” Ryou said.

“Do you know this Raphael person?” Yugi turned to Mana.

“Yeah, kind of. He’s a general, in the army. The other army.” Mana clarified.

“Then why don’t I know about him?” Yugi crossed his arms.

“He was only promoted to the role within the last few months. After…” Mana bit her lip, glancing at Atem. “After they declared you gone.”

Atem looked away while Yugi just grunted. “Sounds convenient.” He said, stepping closer. Unfortunately, Mana had a good few centimetres on him, so he had to look up slightly to glare at her.

“Is he somewhat trustworthy?” Yugi asked.

“I don’t really like him,” Mana admitted. “But he’s a pretty good soldier. He’s probably here looking for me, if Mahad sent him. Maybe.”

“Why would a general take orders from a captain?” Yugi muttered, frowning. Something didn’t add up with this. Mana seemed oblivious to the danger of what she was saying.

“They’re just outside the hanger bay sir. Looks like some kind of off road vehicle is parked out there with them. What do I tell them?” Ryou’s voice returned, sounding hurried.

“Tell this ‘Raphael’ to come in unarmed, out of whatever he’s driving. We’ll meet on even terms, but he better understand that he’s entering an Empire base, and I won’t tolerate any hostility, and he won’t receive any, should he be nice.”

“Aye, sir.”

Yugi strolled up to the hanger doors, punching in the combination to open them. The giant chunks of steel parted with a heavy groan, rust screeching as it rubbed against more rust. Yugi moved away from the control panel, returning to his position near Atem and Mana.

The doors opened in just a vertical slit, enough to let a person through, but not much else. A man strode forward through the gap, walking straight up to where they were standing.

“You’re Raphael I take it?” Yugi asked, looking the other over. He was tall, extremely so, especially standing next to Yugi. The man’s eyes peered down at him, giving Yugi a clear view of his face, devoid of bangs of any sort.

“I am.” The man grunted, his voice deep. “And you’re Yugi Mutou.”

“Charmed.”

His eyes flickered over them, frowning at Mana disapprovingly only to open widely in surprise as he took in Atem’s presence.

“Forgive the language, but I have a lot of fucking questions.” Raphael said, eyes narrowing towards Atem.

“I’m sure you do, but before I grace you with the chance to ask them, I have one of my own that is in your best interest to answer,” Yugi stepped forward, blocking Atem partly with his shoulder. “Why are you in the Empire’s territory?”

“I’ve been searching for Mana on Captain Mahad’s orders.” Raphael replied.

“See? I told you Mahad was worried.” Mana beamed proudly. This only makes it stranger though, Yugi thought.

“Are you not a General of the Armesian army? Why would you take orders from a Captain?” Yugi crossed his arms, not budging.

“Rare cases. Mahad is well respected within our ranks,” Raphael waved a hand, his hands gravitating to his hips to stare down at Yugi. “Now for my questions.”

“I’ll entertain some.”

Raphael grunted, but didn’t argue back. “General Atem has been missing from the Armesian army for months now. We had a funeral and everything, and the Empire gave no sign of taking him as a prisoner of war. So then why do I see someone looking like him here? Is this a trick?”

“I can’t answer that question,” Yugi held a hand up as Raphael opened his mouth to protest. “I’m under an oath to not speak about it. Your only hope of answers would be with Commander Gozaburo.”

“Like I can just walk up to him when I’m a Armesian soldier.” Raphael scoffed. “If he is really our dead general, why don’t you let him speak?”

Yugi glanced behind him, gesturing Atem forward. Atem nodded, stepping up.

“I have nothing to add to this, as General Mutou is correct in what he tells you.” Atem said, tilting his head in a confused way. “Your voice sounds familiar.” He pursed his lips, eyeing Raphael strangely.

“Of course, we served in the same army,” Raphael replied smoothly before frowning. “You don’t remember?”

“I’ve had a lot happen in the past few months.” Atem said, shuffling further back behind Yugi.

“Does the Empire want to tell me why you’ve been keeping our general prisoner without our knowledge? This could be igniting an act of war.”

Yugi laughed, throwing his head back. “Oh that’s rich. In case you couldn’t tell, General Raphael, we are already in a war.”

“But you could spur on a battle that would cost the lives of thousands.”

“Tell me what else is new,” Yugi shrugged. “You don’t seem to understand the finer points of a war very well, General.”

“Compared to a notorious murderer like you, no, I guess I don’t.” Raphael said. Yugi paused, his fingers digging angrily into whatever cloth material he could reach.

“If you’re here for Mana, you can have her. Then I want you to leave. Immediately. Otherwise I may have to add more strikes against my ‘notorious’ name.”

“Hey!” Mana pipped up, bouncing closer to them. “I can make my own decisions, thank you! You don’t have any power over me anyway, Yugi.”

“That’s General Mutou to you. And technically, you’re my prisoner, so no, you can’t make your decisions right now.”

“I’m not leaving without the General as well.” Raphael interrupted before Mana could.

“What? You can’t take me.” Yugi snorted, crossing his arms. “This is my base.”

“Not you,” Raphael shot him a glare, and Yugi returned the expression. “Him.” He pointed past Yugi at where Atem was standing.

“He’s with me. You can’t take him.” Yugi stepped forward, forcing his head upwards to glare at Raphael.

“Then you admit the Empire is holding him hostage?”

“Does he look like he’s tied up to you?”

“So them you defected?” Raphael eyed Atem, addressing him directly. “You’re an Empire dog now?”

“Why does everyone keep using that term?” Yugi muttered, rolling his eyes.

Atem stepped forward, brushing past Yugi, his eyes trained on Raphael, squinted at him.

“Wait… you… you were there. At the ambush that night. I remember seeing you.” He said, frowning deeply. He seemed to be trying to remember something rather painfully, and Yugi placed a hand on his shoulder in silent support while keeping an eye on Raphael.

“Yes, I was part of the patrol in that area.” Raphael answered bluntly. “Now if you don’t mind, we need to-”

“No, you,” Atem glared, his eyes snapping up. “You went to attack Mana! Your mecha short circuited mine and cut me off!” He stepped closer, only to flinch as Raphael went to grab his arm.

Atem pulled his back, making Raphael grip air. “You’re a double crosser!”

Raphael paused, looking between Yugi and Atem. He let out a tired sigh, shoving his hands into his pockets. “If you had just come quietly, we won’t have to create a scene, android.” He pulled out a gun, moving to shoot Atem point blank.

Atem crouched down, avoiding the bullet just as Raphael fired. It spurred Yugi into motion, pushing Mana down and off to the side, while he drew his own gun.

“Stay down if you value your life.” Yugi hissed, drawing his attention back to Atem.

The android had brandished his sword, and Yugi had never been more grateful that he had given Atem a weapon. Raphael had a dagger of his own, abandoning his gun back to his pocket to fight Atem blade to blade.

They exchanged strikes back and forth, but it seemed Raphael was quick with his moves. Just when Yugi thought Atem would land a hit, Raphael would block it, sending Atem reeling back on the defensive.

They were moving so fast, and Raphael kept his body positioned in such a way it was hard for Yugi to get a clear shot, limbs twisting, Atem’s leg sliding where Raphael’s had been mere seconds before.

“Fuck.” He cursed, eyes narrowing in annoyance. “Keep away from him Atem!”

“He has guns, Yugi!” Atem yelled back, narrowly dodging a stab from Raphael’s dagger.

“Find a way! I know you can!”

Atem grunted, focusing back on his moves. For every swing Raphael took at him, Atem matched it with a stab of his own. Raphael was quick with his parries though, and it left Yugi wondering if this man was who he said he was. Whoever he was, Atem didn’t like him, and that was enough proof to tell Yugi he shouldn’t either.

He gripped his guns tighter, anger keeping his teeth gritted close together. If I could just get one shot in… He forced himself to even his breathing, closing his eyes momentarily before reopening them, assessing the scene again.

Atem and Raphael were locked close to each other in combat, both jabbing and thrusting their respective weapons around. There were several moments in Raphael’s moves that left his arm away from his body, especially when he went high with a strike. Maybe I can get a shot in… Yugi tilted his head, lining his eye up with the barrel of the gun. You can do this Mutou. You used to be able to shoot smaller targets much further away, even moving faster. You can do this-

“I don’t have time for this.” Raphael snarled suddenly, batting away Atem’s sword. He reached into his pocket, pulling out some square shaped object and pressing a button on the top. Yugi saw a quick flash of electricity pass over the top of the item, and that was when he noticed the two prongs at the front. Oh no… His eyes shot open, abandoning his aim.

“Atem watch out!” Yugi shouted, but Raphael was faster. He shoved the prongs into Atem’s arm, and Atem screamed.

His limbs twitched violently, sword dropping from his hand. A few seconds later, Raphael pulled the device away, and Atem collapsed to the ground, his legs crumpling underneath him.

Raphael swooped forward, sheathing his dagger and holstering Atem over his shoulder in one smooth, fluid movement.

“Hope you don’t mind me taking your toy back to the shop for a fix up.” He chuckled, turning to run away.

“No! Get back here!” Yugi sprinted after them, but Raphael’s legs were much longer, and he moved faster.

They reached the doors, and just as they did, the metal exploded, two huge, clawed hands reaching through the small gap left from Raphael’s entrance to pry open the twin sheets. Yugi silently cursed the rusted steel. He knew he should have had them replaced.

The doors parted easily, revealing some kind of mecha on the other side. The side panel of its cockpit opened, and Raphael jumped up the side of it, landing in the pit.

“Move it!” Yugi heard him bark, and the glass window slotted back into place, the whole mecha screeching as it turned back around.

“No!” Yugi yelled, swinging around to try and locate his own. It sat off to the side; it wasn’t too far away.

He sprinted back further inside, skidding to a halt in front of the beast. Mana had followed closely behind him, looking distressed.

“Let me come with you!” She said.

Yugi grunted, hauling himself over the side of the cockpit. “No time! You have to tell Anzu what happened here! Get her up on radio, I need to follow that mecha!” He shouted back, leaving no room for argument. He slammed the cockpit window closed, jerking the structure to life.

The mech lurched forward, its massive feet smashing against the ground. It shot out of the hanger bay, the endless stretches of rock and sand and harsh desert sun greeting Yugi with a vengeance.

There was a stir of loose sand in the distance, and Yugi swore. How did their mech travel that fast? He pushed his own to higher speeds, the engine growling louder in response.

The mech slammed into the rock, the loose grains of sand scattering around and being crushed into the ground under the heavy weight. Yugi kicked it into overdrive, shoving the handles as far up as they would go in the runs. The mecha responded immediately, speeding up quickly and practically flying over rock, the foot pedals slapping down on the harsh surface only to spring back up seconds later.

He looked around wildly, searching for the evidence of the mech. His eyes widened in surprise as he took the land in.

It was empty. There was no more dust to show which direction they were travelling in. He couldn’t see anything out of the ordinary; it was just a sea of rocks. His eyes turned to the ground, searching for a disturbance, any kind of print or damage to show where the mech had been.

How… How does it move like that? So fast and yet it leaves nothing behind… his brows scrunched up, a deep frown marring his face. It’s like no mech I’ve seen before… Could it be some kind of new model? Something we haven’t encountered yet in battle?

It seemed like they were in more trouble than he originally thought.

He smashed a hand into the dashboard, not bothering to avoid buttons or the like. Something in the mecha jerked in response, but he didn’t care. He had lost it. The trail was nowhere to be found! How could something so heavy move so fast and leave nothing behind? Yugi growled, fingers and nails digging into the metal.

“Yugi, get back to base, you’re not doing anyone any good flailing around out there.” Anzu’s voice drifted through the radio connection.

“No, I have to keep looking!”

“Yugi…” a sigh came across the line. “Just come back, and we can form a plan of action here-”

“No! I won’t lose this Anzu.” Yugi grit his teeth together, slamming his hand down, slapping the palm against the metal of the dashboard.

“Yugi Mutou if you don’t turn around I’m going to come out there and drag your sorry ass back here,” Anzu said, before her voice softened. “You’re tired and angry. You won’t do Atem any good like that.”

Yugi bowed his head, hands digging into metal frame. “Fine,” he seethed, jerking back on the handles. The mecha swerved around in response, pivoting in place to face the opposite direction.

He threw one last look over his shoulder, but the rocky land remained the same, revealing no clues.

He made the trek back in silence, the only sounds the whirl of the engine and heavy steps against the rock, normally comforting sounds now grating in his ears. The familiar sight of the base made his throat tighten. He had never come back from a mission empty handed before; there had always been something to accomplish and achieve.

But now, he had nothing, and it was painfully apparent to him. Like a stab in the side, it was a wound that lingered, and he had a feeling it would be keeping itself known for days to come. Or until he got Atem back.

How could I let him fall through my fingers like that? Yugi berated himself. I just did nothing, I didn’t even try to shoot Raphael. I saw Atem in danger and… I didn’t try, I did… nothing.

The mecha pulled back into the hanger, and he parked it right in the middle of the space, not caring for the location. He jumped down, looking over at Mana, who was being held back by Bruno, a pained expression over his face.

Mana jumped when she saw Yugi, squirming out of Bruno’s hold to race over, bombarding him with an array of questions.

“Where is he?! Get back out there and find him!” She said, slamming a foot down. Yugi gritted his teeth, barely controlling his breathing.

“We need to regroup and plan-”

“Plan what! You’re letting them get away! You said Atem could trust you.”

Yugi growled, reaching out to pull Mana harshly close to him. His other hand pulled one of his pistols out, jamming it near her face.

“He also isn’t here to stop me from killing you, so don’t make me angry.”

“Do you even care about him? That he’s been kidnapped?” Mana replied coolly, keeping his gaze.

Yugi scowled. “Of course I do. I lose my job if I lose him.”

“So that’s all he is? The key to keeping your high rank?” Her face turned sour, and she spat near his feet. “I should have known it; you Empire dogs are all the same.”

“If you’re so high and mighty, then you should have been able to see the betrayal in your ranks coming, if us ‘Empire dogs’ are all the same.” Yugi jerked the gun away, angrily putting it back in the holster.

Anzu chose this moment to appear it seemed, the door slamming open as she stumbled through.

“Yugi!” She raced over to them, giving Mana one side glance before turning all her attention to Yugi. “What do we do now?”

Yugi took a moment to look at everyone gathered. Bruno was off to the side, but seemed attentive. He lived here too, and Yugi’s decisions would affect him as well. Meanwhile Mana and Anzu were up in his face, Mana glaring at him to make the right move, and Anzu patiently waiting for him to give them orders.

“I’m sorry,” Yugi glanced down, shaking his head. “I don’t know what to do.”