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Post by mugenginga on Nov 16, 2010 0:50:20 GMT -5
Shadi's only response to Atem's surprise was a stare. The man didn't even nod. Atem brought most of his surprise under control, but it was rather clear he still was having trouble with the situation. Shadi had sacrificed his life directly in that Dark Game that Zorc had set up. When he and his friend had come out of it, Shadi's Items had been laying on the floor and the there had been no traces of the man.
"How...?"
"My appearance isn't a coincidence, Pharaoh."
Atem's eyes widened and he looked away, "Shada."
Shadi nodded, "I was once known by that name."
"Why are you here?" Atem asked.
"To prevent Zorc's resurrection."
Atem looked puzzled despite his serious expression, "Partner and I took care of that. Two of the Items are being watched seperate from the rest."
"They aren't safe, Pharaoh. Zorc is on the move."
Atem's eyes widened, "What?! We seperated the Items, he should not have resurfaced!"
"He has regained his memories... You're dedicated to this life, correct? I would ask you to seal the power of the Items once again, but you chose to discard that option."
-----
"Tatsumi-kun, I could get it!"
Kanji had already reached the door by the time Anzu had gotten out her objection. She looked up in surprise as Kanji mentioned that pretty much everyone was there. She stood up and leaned over, blinking in surprise at the group... and then noticing the dog.
"Honda-kun, don't tell me you got another dog?"
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Post by Firebreath Fishslap on Nov 16, 2010 23:10:23 GMT -5
"Ah, he's mine, actually," Minato spoke up. "His name's Koromaru."
"A dog?" Naoto walked up to the door at that point, and looked down at Koromaru. It was indeed a dog. Koromaru gave a bark. He liked the attention he was getting.
"Apparently he used to be Minato's dog back when he was in SEES," Souji said.
"Yeah, I'm not sure why he's here either," Minato said. He decided not to mention the glowing blue butterfly he'd seen just before Koromaru showed up.
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Post by mugenginga on Nov 19, 2010 1:03:29 GMT -5
Atem looked a little pained... and a little angered. Shadi was right, he'd made that choice. Part of him had known what he was choosing, a rather big part. He gave a nod and then gestured towards the god cards on the table.
"You're right, I discarded that option. I've dealt with lectures from the gods themselves over this, you can't say anything that they haven't. Shadi, you've never appeared without a purpose before. Why are you here?"
"You shouldn't pursue the man known as Adil."
Atem blinked. That... okay, that was what he had been wondering but... his eyes widened, "You were the ghost Koromaru sensed, weren't you? Why should we avoid Adil?"
-----
"Oh, okay," Anzu smiled for a moment before looking at Yuugi, Jounouchi, and Honda, "But why are you here? And where's Atem?"
Yuugi looked a bit like a deer trapped in headlights at Anzu's question. It really hadn't been that accusatory, it's just that Yuugi didn't lie well. Honda grimaced and had to fight a facepalm at Anzu's question and Yuugi's subsequent reaction. THe short teenager jumped as Jounouchi put a hand on his shoulder.
"Atem's working on his deck. Man needs privacy to do something like that," Jounouchi said.
Anzu didn't look like she was buying it. Yuugi looking nervous didn't help matters. Ryoji looked between the two for a moment and then gave a nervous chuckle.
"Actually, he's going to try and talk to that Haytham-san and Asim-san to see if he can come to an understanding, right Yuugi-kun?"
(OOC: I haven't forgotten Teddie I just don't know what to do with him. XD)
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Post by Firebreath Fishslap on Nov 20, 2010 4:29:48 GMT -5
Atsuro could already tell Anzu wasn't buying Jounouchi's lie, but he'd still been about to speak up to defend it when Ryoji went ahead and put it out there. He gave a nervous grin.
"Yeah, he kicked us all out since none of us can speak Ancient Egyptian," Atsuro said. "Not that I'm complaining... Those avatar guys weird me out. No offense, Souji."
"None taken," Souji stated.
"Koromaru sensed something weird earlier, so Atem decided to ask Haytham and Asim about it since Souji didn't know anything," Minato explained.
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Post by mugenginga on Nov 20, 2010 5:35:23 GMT -5
"Because you discarded your past," Shadi's response seemed simple enough.
Atem's eyes narrowed, "You're dodging my question. Is Partner or any of our friends in danger?"
"It depends on your definition," Shadi replied.
Atem was getting very annoyed with the situation. Shada had never been one to tiptoe questions so much, not when he'd demanded an answer. Atem straightened up even more than usual and fixed a stare right into Shadi's eerily empty eyes.
"Tell me exactly what is going on," Atem ordered.
"You can't have both, Atem son of Akhenamkhanen. If you wish to give me an order, you would have to be acknowledging your status as Pharaoh without a country," Shadi replied. Atem was startled as his expression softened, "You should keep these friends close. You once surrendered your life to prevent Zorc's destruction of the world. With my Pharaoh having abdicated his duties to the ancient throne, I exist only to carry out the will he once gave his life to fulfil."
"Then tell me what is going on so I can do something! Shada!" Atem shouted, his voice a bit desperate. He caught on the name, wincing at how it had come out. He hadn't meant to say it like that...
Shadi looked away, "I have to look into some options. But you should take my advice. If you are true to your purpose of living as a man of this era and not a Pharaoh of the Ancient Past, then you should remain distanced from Adil Solomon."
"Shadi you can't just... hey, Shadi, don't-!"
Atem cut himself off. Shadi had looked back at him for a brief moment before stepping backwards and vanishing through the wall. The former Pharaoh grit his teeth. Shadi had always walked a thin line between ally and antagonist, but he'd come through when they needed him most. And he was quite certain he'd seen something like pain in the normally emotionless eyes. Atem clenched his hands into fists.
"You can't expect me to just throw away my memories like that!"
The yell was absorbed by an uncaring wall. Atem turned back towards the god cards and frowned for a moment. He never knew what Shadi was really trying to do, and given that he was one of his Priests... well, it was pretty evident he'd been pulling things towards one end for quite some time. He'd even shown no sign of knowing him at all, even knowing he'd sealed himself into the Millenium Pendant three thousand years prior.
The former Pharaoh walked over to the cards and lifted up Ra's. Maybe Shadi had his best interests in mind, but he wasn't going to take the coward's route. He'd almost done so several times, and his Partner's strength had pulled him back each time... and Haytham had been the one to take charge before, right?
"If this is a part of you... Ra, we need to talk."
----------
Anzu frowned at the explanation. If it was as simple as that, why had they tried to hide it from her. She forced a smile at Yuugi's worried expression and shook her head. She trotted over to Koromaru and gave a rather practiced crouch, mananging to do so gracefully despite her tight miniskirt. Girl was limber, she had to be given that. She scratched his head.
"Well, if that's all then that's it, right?" She looked up at Jounouchi, "You know you suck at lying, right?"
Jounouchi had glanced towards Atsuro as he spoke. He felt a chill run down his spine. There was an extra level of "weird" to those avatars when you'd felt the power of part of one nearly kill you. That flame was nothing he wanted to experience in any life ever again.
"Is there room to come in...?" Teddie asked, "It's cramped out here!"
(OOC: BAH. FEEL FREE TO THROW SHIT AT THESE GUYS. XD LIKE. UH. OOH. KOUSEI. WE CAN MAGICALLY PRETEND THE THING WITH BAKURA HAPPENED EARLY MORNING AND THE GUY WORKS FAST AND FIGURED OUT WHERE ATSURO IS AT. XD AND YOU CAN EVEN HAVE HIM RUN INTO HAYTHAM OUTSIDE THE APARTMENTS. WHY YES I LIKE CAPS LOCK. XD (I'm gonna magically pretend Kousei can speak English for this purpose...))
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Post by Firebreath Fishslap on Nov 21, 2010 1:18:05 GMT -5
It hadn't taken long for Kousei to find out where Atem lived. He'd had to go through a lot of records, but the man was actually in them, unlike the mysteriously missing Atsuro. Kousei was beginning to suspect Atsuro was part of some shady business, which wasn't impossible here. There were all ages of people in his kind of business, after all. It also meant that Atsuro, if that was his real name, had been manipulating his client for some reason.
Kousei was dressed no different from usual as he walked toward the apartments. He was carrying a briefcase with him, and had his free hand in his pocket. He noted a blond-haired Egyptian nearby, and thought about what Anpu had said before turning toward the man. Now, Kousei couldn't speak Arabic, and had no clue if this man could speak Japanese, but almost everyone on the island had an inkling of knowledge of English. At the very least, the man would figure out that he was talking to him.
< "Excuse me!" > Kousei called. < "Would your name be Atem?" >
---------------
"Dude, there's plenty of room in our apartment," Kanji said, and moved out of the way of the door. "I dunno why, but Sempai set us up with a bigger apartment than the rest of you guys."
"Possibly because we can actually afford to pay the rent on a place like this?" Naoto commented. Souji didn't comment and headed on in after the two of them. Atsuro slipped in after Minato and Ryoji and moved to a corner near the door. The way he was standing was still somewhat cautious, almost like the new environment bothered him a bit.
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Post by mugenginga on Nov 21, 2010 1:31:18 GMT -5
Haytham had been looking up at the apartments, and if he could have seen through walls he would have been looking straight at the former Pharaoh. He didn't intend on moving in any means but those that were natural for your average human, but he could tell he was being called. He was about to step forward to answer when someone tried to get his attention. His foot went down rather well for his surprise and he looked towards Kousei as he asked his question. Why would this person he didn't know be looking for the Pharaoh...?
< "My name Haytham. I knowing an Atem," > Haytham had shaken his head as he began. He looked down at Kousei's briefcase before looking up again, < "Is he trouble?" >
-----
Teddie beamed at the invitation and despite being in the middle of the large group somehow managed to be in the apartment first. He was lucky he didn't knock anyone over. Ryoji had walked with Minato with a smile of thanks towards Kanji. Honda and Jounouchi were in their own group, but Yuugi had noted Atsuro's hesitation. He'd given him a smile and stood closer to him, but it was mostly slight body language that indicated he'd seen the other teenager's discomfort.
Ryoji's eyes widened, "Oh, right! Souji-kun, we... I mean, Minato and I were wondering if you'd keep an eye on Koromaru? We don't think animals are allowed here, but... well, he wouldn't really be comfortable in our apartment. You know?"
Teddie tensed up at the suggestion. It was rather obvious, and Anzu looked puzzled over it.
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Post by Firebreath Fishslap on Nov 21, 2010 2:00:32 GMT -5
Kousei raised an eyebrow. "An" Atem? As in there were multiple people with the same name? He hadn't had multiple Atems come up in his search earlier, but he supposed it was a possibility. He gave a polite bow.
< "My name is Kousei Hikaru. I'm looking for Atsuro Kihara for a court testimony, but am currently unable to find him. However, I have learned that Atem is an acquaintance of Atsuro's and require his assistance to find him," > Kousei said politely. < "Do you think you could perhaps show me to Atem's apartment?" >
-----------------
Atsuro gave a small smile as Yuugi stood closer to him. He really didn't need Yuugi to worry about him, really. He was already being enough of a burden on Yuugi just by staying there.
Souji frowned and looked over toward Teddie, who seemed a bit nervous about it. "I guess I could... Would that be alright, Teddie?"
Koromaru gave a little whine. He didn't really want to be in the same apartment as that Shadow.
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Post by mugenginga on Nov 21, 2010 2:10:59 GMT -5
Haytham looked in thought for a few moments. The fact was that he was repeating the words in his head. English was not his first language after all. He refocused on Kousei as he figured it out and looked puzzled. Court? He'd gotten wind of Atsuro's arrival from Asim, and while a name hadn't come up that fit the situation. He gave a nod.
< "He should being in apartment. Is expecting me," > Haytham gestured to indicate Kousei could follow him, < "I assume you unable to explain situation?" >
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Teddie actually wanted him to stay with Naoto and Kanji. There was no one here he seemed to have trouble with. But he didn't want to seem rude, and saying that seemed really rude to him. And Souji did seem okay with it. He forced a smile and gave a nod.
"If Sensei thinks it's okay..."
Honda glanced at Koromaru as he whined, "Hey, how about here? I mean, it's big right? If you have to hide a dog bigger is better, right? I'd offer Yuugi's apartment but there isn't really room..."
"I don't want to cause any trouble with this..." Ryoji said, his voice worried.
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Post by Firebreath Fishslap on Nov 21, 2010 11:17:25 GMT -5
< "It's highly confidential," > Kousei said. < "Any further details will interfere with the case." >
Kousei followed after Haytham. The man didn't seem too suspicious to him, despite his odd clothing and hair. Still, he was an acquaintance of Atem, or the "Pharaoh" as Anpu had continuously referred to him as. Kousei wasn't sure what to make of that, but it was likely that Anpu was insane, so that could be chalked up to that.
------------------
"It's quite alright, Ryoji-kun," Naoto said. "We'd be happy to take care of Koromaru for you."
"Yeah! Besides, I love dogs," Kanji said. Koromaru gave a happy bark.
"So it's settled, then. I guess Koromaru will be staying here," Minato said. Kanji bent down to look at Koromaru.
"So what's with this weird collar he's wearin', anyways?" Kanji asked.
"Oh, that's his Evoker," Minato said. "It's so Koromaru can summon a Persona."
Atsuro blinked. "...Your dog can use a Persona?"
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Post by mugenginga on Nov 21, 2010 15:19:13 GMT -5
Haytham nodded to Kousei's response. He had assumed as much. While he hadn't really seen either of them in his current incarnation, he was well aquainted with two judges himself. Not exactly in the secular sense, but they were judges. And Ma'at herself was a sign of that divine scale of right and wrong.
The distance from Haytham and to Souji meant Koromaru probably wouldn't pick up on Haytham as he passed up the stairs. Even if he did, that had been the reason Atem had been left by himself. Atem was in the apartment still, wondering if he should have been so confident about being able to call the avatars to him when Haytham knocked on his door.
"Atem, there's a lawyer here to see you," Haytham said.
Atem had stopped halfway to the door with a confused expression. Lawyer...? He didnt think Haytham would have been clever with referring to Osiris like that, but he wasn't quite sure why a lawyer would need to see him... he shook his head and closed the distance, opening the door. Haytham indicated Kousei with a hand. Atem had a puzzled serious expression on his face.
-----
Ryoji looked relieved at Naoto's comment. As did Teddie, actually.
"Did you have one back home too?" Honda asked.
"That's cool!" Yuugi said about Koromaru's Persona ability.
"I just thought it was supposed to be a costume..." Anzu said. She made a butterfly shape with her hands and flapped them, "I mean, the wings are really cute."
"Of course dogs can!" Teddie said to Atsuro. He wasn't angry, just.. Teddie enthusiastic, "They have other selves too!"
Jounouchi looked stunned for a moment and then put a hand on his forehead. Made about as much sense as anything else did around here. At this point Duel Monsters being real monsters was downright mundane.
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Post by Firebreath Fishslap on Nov 21, 2010 17:48:14 GMT -5
Kousei gave a polite bow as Atem opened the door. He had to correct himself on thinking Haytham's hair was odd. This Atem had even odder hair. He straightened up and his expression was serious.
"My name is Hikaru Kousei. I'm Bakura Ryou's defense lawyer. Would you know where I could find Kihara Atsuro?" Kousei asked.
------------------
Kanji scratched Koromaru's head a little. "Nah, I just fed this stray that I saw wandering around town for a while. I like cats better. They're fuzzy."
"I'm not sure why Mitsuru put the wings on there, actually," Minato admitted. "Maybe she thought they'd look cute."
"Dogs have other selves?" Atsuro asked incredulously. "Woah, so do monkeys have them, too? And robots?"
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Post by mugenginga on Nov 21, 2010 18:11:25 GMT -5
Atem's eyes widened in surprise at the introduction. He chastised himself for the reaction immediately, although it didn't effect his expression much. Because he was now concerned for why a lawyer would be looking for Atsuro. He had spoken to "Bakura" before, but he couldn't see a reason why a lawyer would need to talk to him now. And... why was Anpu even remaining incarcerated? There was a gambit going on here, Atem just couldn't figure out the exact angle.
"He lives here, but he's at a friend's. He'd be in one of two apartments here, do you need addresses?"
-----
Ryoji gave a nervous grin as Atsuro mentioned robots. Well, some could, at least if programmed for it. Teddie looked confused at Atsuro's confusion.
"Of course! Everyone's got a grizzly side to themself!" Teddie said with a rather large grin.
Ryoji's nervous grin increased. Anzu opened her mouth for a moment before facepalming. Yuugi noticed Anzu's expression and what Teddie had said and looked in mild pain as he realized the pun that had been made. Jounouchi just looked confused, and Honda knew something painful had been said just from expressions.
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Post by Firebreath Fishslap on Nov 21, 2010 19:48:08 GMT -5
"That would be extremely helpful," Kousei said. One way or another, he would get the information out of Atsuro that he needed. This was just the easier way.
-------------------
Just about everyone present had a negative reaction to Teddie's pun. Minato groaned and placed two hands on his face in what could only be described as a double facepalm, Souji gave a facepalm, Naoto had a rather annoyed look on her face, and Kanji gave a groan. Even Koromaru recognized the pun, laying down and putting two paws over his eyes. If Atsuro had caught the pun, he didn't show it like everyone else had, and only continued talking.
"Everyone, huh..." Atsuro said. In that case, that meant he had one... He didn't want to think about what his might be. He knew a little bit about Shadows, and he knew that Shadows were suppressed inner selves. His would probably be pretty screwed up.
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Post by mugenginga on Nov 21, 2010 21:37:54 GMT -5
Atem gave a nod and walked back into the apartment, grabbing a notepad and scribbling Souji and Naoto's apartment numbers on it. He ripped off the half of the page with it on it and walked back to the door. Haytham had leaned against the side of the wall and was looking at the ceiling. Atem had called him, meaning they would need to talk after Kousei left. Atem held out the paper.
"Do you think Bakura is going to be all right? Me and my friends have been concerned about him," Atem asked. He knew it was really Anpu, but he hoped that question could give him a bit of insight into what was really going on.
(OOC: I figure we can leave the other group for a bit. XD)
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