closed to atem; a children's 🃏 card game.

[puzzlers]

[ as soon as yugi had heard about an exciting new card game taking anastara by storm he couldn't contain himself. sure, it wasn't duel monsters, but he loved games of all kinds, so he jumped at the chance to get in on the fun. ]

[ literally. ]

[ as soon as he learned where he could get in on the fun he called for atem, roll his familiar dice, and took off for the tournament scene. he is so excited, and that much is clearly apparent in the way he volleys between asking questions and watching matches. it seems like it's easy to learn & hard to master sort of games... his favorite! he can't wait to get his hands on some of his own cards and, who knows, maybe he'll be lucky enough to get his hands on one of the fantastic foi- huh. ]

[ he's snapped straight out of his day dream at the sound of a couple of kids crying. ] Hey! [ he says, instincts taking over. ] Leave them alone. [ yugi approaches the scene, stopping to pick up the cards thrown to the ground and deemed trash by the upperclassman. ] Give them their cards back. You can't just take them. [ the upperclassman explain the ante rules, all while laughing. ]

... [ he looks to the kids, giving them an a small apologetic smile. ] Do you mind if I borrow these? I promise to give them back. [ at this point, the kids don't seem too invested in the game, the bullies having ruined it for them, so they have no problems giving their cards to yugi. ] If you want to play, then let's play. [ he spares a glance to atem, a playful smirk turning up his lips. ] We can even make it more interesting and have a four way match. [ oh, look, mittens has even come over to see what's going on! ]

Comments

[king_of_egypt]

[Naturally, any sort of game was appealing to Atem so when Yugi approached him with news of a new card game he wasn't going to say no. He did wonder briefly if they shouldn't invite Kaiba along- however he was also keen on getting to spend some time with just Yugi. Besides, Kaiba usually wasn't one for paling around with an entourage outside of his brother and his employees. Maybe next time. Yugi's excitement is infectious as they arrive at the location. ]

[Atem mostly observes, allowing Yugi to ask most of the questions but he does listen and pipes in whenever he wants a little more in terms of details. Some of the rules are familiar to him, but they're being employed in a unique way. He studies each match with marked interest enjoying the competitive atmosphere.]

[.... that was until the trouble started. He rose from his seat, ready to intervene when Yugi did it all on his own. Well done. Pride was written on his features though Yugi likely missed it. He wouldn't interfere unless Yugi requested it. His other self had already proven he was ready to take care of these sort of things all on his own. Still, sometimes it was hard to quell that feeling of wanting to protect the slightly shorter boy. Catching Yugi's expression it's not difficult to see where this is going] Do you accept our challenge...? [Moving over to stand beside Yugi]

[puzzlers]

[ yugi had also briefly considered inviting kaiba, but it's not like he couldn't be told about it later on. he already planned to share news of the card game with him, since it was something they could vaguely connect to their home. it wasn't their card game, but maybe it could be their card game... at least here. ]

[ nobody seems to mind them asking questions and they've invited to watch various matches of varying skill levels, which really helps yugi get a feel for the game. it's a shame they don't have any money, because yugi would have already bought a couple of packs of cards. he's honestly tempted to see if he can't do a couple of favors in exchange for some, because he's not sure how he's going to get them otherwise. ]

[ what he's not expecting to happen is for a couple of bullies to enter the scene and start ruining things for the people just trying to enjoy themselves and have fun. he doesn't hesitate to interfere, stepping in and telling them to back off. they don't seem to keen on listening and thought there's authority in his voice yugi isn't exactly the most intimidating person, his height working against him. still, he manages to coerce them into a game, one they think they can win, but little do they know they're going to be fighting the kings of games. ] ... [ it takes them half a second to agree, cocky as anything, so they all take a seat at the table. ]

Meow. [ mittens has jumped up onto the table, taking a seat at the end. it seems like she's going to play ref and make sure there's no cheating involved. ] Thanks Mittens. [ alright, here goes nothing. ]

[king_of_egypt]

[ True, they could always tell him about it later and knowing Kaiba it wouldn't take him long to pick up this game just as easily as he had duel monsters. The only thing that would keep him back here would be monetary reasons, since all of them were decidedly low on anything that would constitute as currency here. Kaiba was resourceful though, so if he took a liking to the game he would find a way to make up for that.]

[Most of the players are rather accommodating, perhaps they realize that this could mean more participants in future. The more that word travels about the game, the more it's popularity can increase. He watches the matches closely, and silently for much of it like he's really trying to take it all in. Yes, this might be suitable for a pastime while they are here. Yugi doesn't have a bad idea either about the possibility of running some odd jobs, it's not as if decks are just going to fall into their laps]

[Admittedly, Yugi doesn't look all that intimidating but he's using his body language and vocal tones effectively in this scenario. It's easy for Atem to pick out the difference between the Yugi of today and the Yugi he met over a year prior. Atem's eyes gleam with the prospect of engaging in an activity he enjoys best- taking a couple of hoodlums egos down a peg or two on behalf of others. The only real problem lies in the prospect that these bullies might actually know a thing or two about the game. Ideally, they're more talk than action, as most of their ilk tend to be because if they could win these games on their own there would be no need for their intimidation tactics. He follows Yugi over to the table to begin their first match using these borrowed cards.] Let the game begin.

[He spares a glance toward the cat before turning his focus back onto their opponents]

[puzzlers]

[ yugi is certainly excited about the prospect of a new game, which is why he'd jumped at the chance to drag atem to see. watching all the other participants has his enthusiasm growing exponentially, though there's, of course, somebody there to ruin it. he's reminded of home and all the times that bullies would pick on him, which is why he doesn't hesitate to interfere. his friends had always been there and stood up for him, so now it's his turn to do the same. ]

[ because he doesn't look all that intimidating the bullies agree without so much as a second thought, though they do seem a bit wary when atem enters the picture. ah well. they still believe they can take them down... unfortunately they're wrong. though they knew more about the game than yugi and atem the two of them are pretty much gaming gods ( one figuratively and one literally ) so the few short matches they'd watched they'd been able to pick it up. when then final cards are laid down and the match is over the bullies seem almost reluctant to give in, though the crowd that amassed has taken yugi and atem's sides and aren't about to back down either. ]

[ they leave, complaining that the game was stupid anyway, so yugi takes their cards and offers them to the original kids that had been the victim of their bullying. they don't seem interested in them, so yugi and atem get to keep them as a sort of consolation prize. ] Thanks. [ he looks to atem. ] That was a lot of fun! I really like this game. It's definitely not duel monsters, but it's sti- [ and then mittens the cat pads over, eager to test their skills, because she was pretty impressed with what she saw. ] Oh, uh, sure, we'll play you! I'm always up for a game~

card games part 2; the book the movie the game.

[puzzlers]

[ yugi had been spending a lot of time playing fantastic foils. he had introduced it to both kaiba and lena and he even made sure to practice against atem from time to time. not to mention he often spent his time in town trying to mingle with those who also liked the game. not to mention he had been thrilled to have found a way to beat mittens one turn kill combo, which lead him to victory against her, something he couldn't wait to share with his friend, especially after she had annihilated him the last time they played. ]

[ the follow night he's surprised to get a message in rebus, though that's pretty exciting in and of itself. he immediately tells atem and goes to not-so-quietly drag kaiba out of bed to join them as they go to the isolde tower. yugi is talking to the both of them when the ninjas appear, so he nearly jumps out of his skin, though he does try to save face and recover as best he can. ] A hidden deck game? [ he smirks. ] Bring it on.

[king_of_egypt]

[It was impressive just how much time Yugi had dedicated to this game, and Yami couldn't boast the same. Sure, when he had a chance to hone his skills he didn't turn it down but he was still filling much of his time with his magical studies, getting a better lay of the land and improving his connection to his familiar. There was a lot to split his attention with. A firmer mastery of the arts would allow for more free time in the future]

[When he's told about the message, of course he is prepared to go with Yugi, and just as they had talked about before Kaiba was going to join them this time. Then to make matters strange a band of roving ninjas block their path. Atem tensed at the sight of them, and naturally was quick to question what the meaning of this was but none of them seemed to be interested in idle chatter.] As you wish. [Yugi had already accepted the challenge so there was no question about it]

[blue_ice]

[ Kaiba did not have quite as much time to practice as the other two, but he'd maximized his study time as usual. The extra cards from his side hustle didn't hurt either.

He met his partners in stony-faced silence, giving them each a nod---and then jumping when their opponents appeared. Of course they'd jump headfirst into an actual challenge, with more of the obnoxious theatrics that had been so common on the other dueling circuit.

There's just a trace of magic in the air as he readies his hand, giving them a cool stare. ]

Mm. We've faced worse. Now draw!

[puzzlers]

[ and the three of them manage to overcome the card ninjas who, then, acknowledge their skill and let them inside the tower. he looks to both atem and kaiba before following them inside. though the ninjas are leading them up the tower, yugi can't help but move at the pace of a snail, because he's soaking in all the history of the game. it's fascinating! even if some of it doesn't seem too likely. it's got its own unique charm and that's what has yugi falling in love with it. not to mention it's filling the void that duel monsters left. ]

This is all so cool. [ he finally says aloud, giving the two of them a lopsided grin as he regrets not having brought his notebook to sketch, like, any of this! ] Who knew there'd be a game like this here. [ he gives a chuckle as reads about the comics and breakfast cereal. ]

[king_of_egypt]

[Still a might leery of the ninjas, Atem wants to see this through so he continues up the tower with the others. The history doesn't seem all that unlikely to him, due to his personal involvement in a very similar but different game from back home. The transition from large stone tablets to paper would have seemed impossible eons prior but here they were. Granted the duel monsters cards had been crafted by Pegasus who at the time had been in the possession of the Millennium Eye but who was to say that there wasn't more behind Fantastic Foils than they were currently aware of. So with marked interest he also gazed at the information the museum could provide trying to commit it to memory. Perhaps he had been taking this card game too lightly] It's..... interesting. [Atem would allow, not as enthusiastically as Yugi. Just what would await them at the top of the tower?] I certainly didn't expect it. I thought for certain we would have to find a different genre entirely to invest our free time into. [Allowing himself to relax enough to smile fondly at the thought.] I wonder .... what is the point of stationing guards when it looks as if they want this information to be readily available. Why go to all the trouble of chronicling it.... [There it is, all over the walls for them to see] Something about this... isn't making much sense.... [Is it a hoax, or is there something real here? Atem looked to where he held his deck, having not really sensed anything out of the ordinary about the cards before]

[blue_ice]

Where are the enthusiasts explaining all the piles of trivia when you need them?

[ Hmph. He's spent his whole life in disbelief...and now that he's marginally willing to listen, all the secrets are being hoarded. Of course. ]

They only seem to want to impart their secrets on the worthy. And that means we're not getting answers until we crush them.

[puzzlers]

I'm not sure, but if they're guarding this place, then there must be something worthwhile inside... we just have to find it. [ but it'd be difficult, because they didn't really know what they were looking for. ] Maybe they have a rare card here. [ he casually glances over his shoulder to kaiba. ]

Maybe. I'm honestly not really sure what's with this place. I mean, I only got the note, which was a puzzle by the way, after I had beaten Mittens... [ when they reach the top of the tower and the ancient stone guardian comes to life with a whole slew of challenges yugi can't help but to stare, quickly looking between his friends. ] Hey, uh, [ well this is making even less sense than they'd previously though. there had to be something past the statue. ] give us a minute, alright, there's only one of you and three of us and... [ he backpedals down a couple of the stairs and turns to atem and kaiba. ]

Something's got to be here. [ he says quietly. ] But I get the feeling we're not meant to pass beyond this point. Think we can stall for time?

[king_of_egypt]

[Both Yugi and Kaiba's suggestions sounded plausible. If they did have to prove their gaming prowess first before they could see what the fuss was all about whether it was a rare card or just a bizarre cult of fans then that's just what they would have to do.]

Mm [Atem hummed thoughtfully as he silently decided to keep his speculations to a minimum. Providing they didn't meet anymore obstacles the truth might reveal itself. It was no sooner than a few moments after he decided on this course when they were met by the stone guardian that now blocked their progress. It seemed as if it would stop at nothing to end their little investigation adding additional difficulty to an already challenging game. It all had a certain appeal- but the trio fell back at Yugi's urging to talk briefly among themselves]

We may be able to do better than that. [Whoever did decide to face the statue might manage a decisive victory. Though either prospect was enough to pique his interest] The only question is, which of us is going to accept that challenge? [Although he was eager to step in to the role himself he gave the others the opportunity to speak up]

[blue_ice]

Hmm. I don't trust it not to cheat. Which can mean only one thing. Pharaoh?

[ Kaiba smiles invitingly at Atem, and after a glance at Yugi and a nod, steps up himself. As close as he is to Yugi now, and as close as Yugi and Atem are to each other, he has an interesting synchronization with the pharaoh too. And it just might do it.

He feels a little lighter as their back and forth falls into a familiar routine, and then the statue flips everything on its head. He bites back a curse and locks eyes with his friend---wait, hadn't the loud-mouth said something about a nice little loophole...?

He won't give up. They've come too far. ]

[king_of_egypt]

[Catching Kaiba's meaning, Atem stepped forward to greet this new challenge together.]

I hope you didn't mean to infer that I've ever cheated at a game of cards, Kaiba... [Said in jest, and with a smirk on his features. The questionable way he had been able to draw precisely the right duel monsters card at the right time had gotten him out of plenty of tight spots in the past but this was Fantastic Foils.]

[Still- he was confident that between the two of them they would be able to defeat this latest opponent together]

[The match proceeds normally for a spell, but that's when things really start to become interesting. The additional rules the Golem makes up on it's whims throw them off briefly, but once the trick is rooted out there's nothing left to stop them.] Clever- [A pointed pause] ... but not clever enough. [Rather than doing what the Golem expected, Atem casually passes on his turn. When the round next passes to Kaiba the danger in proceeding should be lifted, he hopes that Kaiba spotted the same strategy and won't hesitate to make his move]

[blue_ice]

In this case it's more of a counterbalance.

[No, he's not backing down from that. But he respects you and needs you at this moment, Atem.

He starts to sweat as he sees the trap rise up in front of him. It's the kind of maneuvering he'd expect from facing his nemesis...but he has just the person to defuse it here.

And of course, Kaiba still has his own wits. He sees his opening and carefully lays the counter, flipping it at just the right time. ]

And unfortunately, 'close' isn't a measure of anything in this challenge. You've kept us at bay this long, but no more!

[ He grins at Atem. It really has been too long. ]

[king_of_egypt]

[The fact that Kaiba suggested the partnership speaks volumes on it's own.]

[Atem doesn't have long to way to see how Kaiba will respond to the new circumstances, and he is pleased with the results. Without having to say anything their moves complimented each others. It's hard to tell whether the stone guardian is thrown off but this turn of events or not, it's fixed expression giving away nothing. One thing is for sure, that it isn't letting up just because of a little setback.]

[A few more turns pass before the guardian is finally and soundly defeated, the earlier bravado becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy of what was to come. The match wasn't as close as it originally appeared]

[Still, the experience was exhilarating all the same]

[puzzlers]

[ yugi is grinning ear to ear the entire time. it’s so different watching them duel from the sidelines instead of, like, from inside his other half’s heart. it’s so exciting!!! ] Great duel, guys! [ he pumps his fist. ] You kicked that statue’s stony butt. [ a laugh follows. ] It didn’t stand a chance, not even with all of those abrupt rule changes. [ it was definitely a treat getting to see the two of them play together. ]

[ as soon as the statue moves aside to reveal the void yugi looks between both of his friends. ] … [ he blinks, a bit nervous, but this is what they fought for, right. ] You guys ready?

[blue_ice]

[ Kaiba's expression is his usual cold smirk as they depart, but it becomes a genuine smile once they've left him in the dust.

He takes a step into the corridor. It's ancient, naturally, with twists and turns suggesting a trip into the otherwordly ahead. Great. He hates that. ]

Absolutely. Now, Yugi...why don't you take the lead this time?

[puzzlers]

[ following that amazing display of card game prowess has him a little nervous, but he's confident in his deck and his abilities, so this shouldn't be too bad, right? but as he steps through and is met with the rare card he hears a disembodied voice asking if he's here for it. ]

[ well, if he's being honest, he hadn't really known what would be at the top of the tower, but if all of these challenges lead up until this moment, then he's certainly ready. he nods, hand moving to his deck as he stands tall, his voice firm as he replies, ] Yes. I'm here for the Deathtoll.

[king_of_egypt]

I'm always ready. [Atem replied confidently. He hung back a little to allow the slightly shorter version of himself to take point. Should Yugi shy away from the task though he wouldn't mind stepping up, he just doesn't think it will be necessary to do so. The space before them is obscured by darkness and there's an air that is both electrifying and foreboding. There is something of great importance concealed within these walls.]

[As they step into the next makeshift arena, the challenge is issued and it's not long before this match is underway.]