Phantasmal Sunshowers

The blue sky where it rains.  

[phantasmal-sunshowers]

A fic idea that popped into my mind as I went back to rewatch what was still available of season 0. Doesn’t matter the season, Yugi is just so gosh darn precious…!

As someone who likes fluff, I realized that I don’t normally write openly optimistic/encouraging fics like this one, so it was an experience. I had to end it on that line, no matter how cheesy (๑≧艸≦) I can’t read it without hearing the m-m-m-m-meme-d version of it—

As the rays of the afternoon sun flooded through the classroom windows, steadying my hands, I carefully placed down the angled cards. While my designated seat was at the opposite end, the degree of warmth that submerged the near lifeless room gradually increased as time ticked on.

I had long forgotten the rocky start I had at the beginning of the semester. And gradually, I had came to cherish the irreplaceable friends and memories I made at school. Everyday, no matter how small or mundane, I would look forward to the time I could spend with my friends. During our breaks, we’d gather together. We would play some games, chat, and there would almost always be laughter. Similarly, when school was out for the day, we’d spend a little time hanging out before heading home for the night.

‘And this afternoon will be fun, too!’ … … Is what I would like to say.

I took another pair of playing cards; a soft tap sounded as I levelled them on my desk. And as I delicately placed the arched stock paper, I recalled how this situation came to be.

Anzu, in preparation for an upcoming evaluation in her dance lessons, had been leaving as soon as the last bell of the day sounded so she could get in as much practice as she could. Miho, being Anzu’s closest friend, would leave with her to support and cheer her on. Honda, taking pride in being a part of the school’s custodian body, had his share of responsibilities around the school to see to. And last, but definitely not least, was Jonouchi. When no one else was free, we’d spend the afternoon with whatever caught our interests that day. Tabletop games, manga, the arcades— we went along with wherever our whims took us. But today, having owned Honda a favour, he had been pulled aside to help with the routine duties.

While I said I’d wait for Jonouchi until he finished what was asked of him, it would have been a lie if I didn’t say I was a little lonely. I thought I had forgotten this feeling— the loneliness I used to have…

To distract myself, I busied myself by building a house of cards, hiding away in its shade as it grew higher and higher. By now, although still in arm's reach, the top of the tower was above head height. Standing, I continued working on the construct.

It was strange, though. It was hard to put into words and describe the feeling, but even when I was alone, there were times when I felt like I wasn’t.

“Ah!!” Too focused on the moment, by the time I realized what was about to happen and had grasped the pendant in my hands, it was too late. With the gentle fluttering of the cards, in a flash, I watched as the tall pyramid came crashing down. Its contents dispersed on and around my desk. “... Aw, man…”

I looked down at the ‘culprit’ cupped in the palms of my hands. A dazzling gleam radiated from the golden puzzle basked in the light, a hint of a reflection looking back at me. Unable to find it within me to be frustrated or disappointed, I could feel a small smile spread on my lips. Wasting no time, I started to play a quick round of 52-pickup.

“Here.”

I followed the upbeat voice, finding your gentle expression standing at the end of it. “T-thanks! Uhm…” As I took the stray card you picked up, my voice trailed off as I realized I couldn't put a name to your face.

“[L/n], [F/n] from class A, but just call me [F/n]. And what’s yours?”

“I’m Yugi! It’s nice to meet you!”

“Hey, Yugi-kun,” A playful tone sounded as you crouched down to meet me. “That was an amazing castle. Would it be okay if you let me help you rebuild it?”

“Sure!” Swallowing my hesitation, I quickly mustered all the courage I had, “A–and if you’re interested, I also have other games we could play!”

“You do?” There was an kind sparkle to your eyes as you agreed, “Sure! Sounds like fun!”

Maybe days like this won’t be so lonely after all…

This afternoon, too…

I got to play games with Yugi again.

“Ah–” The gears clicked in place as you realized your mistake.

Things were already too late as you watched Yugi flip the one and final card he had needed to win the game, turning your previous play against you. “And that's my win!”

You gave a defeated sigh in response to his chipper declaration, “And that's my loss…” But the weary facade didn't last, dissipating just as quick as when you recognized your previous mistake. Perhaps seeing that you finally grasped a solid understanding of the fundamentals, Yugi wanted to test you and didn't let his winning chance slip by. Throughout the game, on countless occasions, the match could have prematurely ended if it weren't for him generously letting you undo some of your mistakes. You wouldn't have gotten this far otherwise. “You’re really amazing, Yugi-kun. It’s your first day playing and you’re already able to explain everything so clearly.” Giving a stretch, you shrugged it off, an airy comment slipping from you as you started to regather all your cards. “Not that I expected I could win against you on my first try. I’ve learned that much when we first met.”

“...” Eyes casted downwards, Yugi fell silent at your words as a thought flashed through him. “Sorry…”

“Hm?” But your spirited hum came to a halt as you noticed his quiet introspection, “No need to be.”

“... It doesn’t matter what game, whenever we play together, I’m always the one winning.” The air was stiff as he solemnly admitted, “It must not be fun to play with me…”

By now, you felt like you had a well-founded idea of what type of person Yugi was and that he wasn’t someone who’d act without reason. Putting together what you knew of him in tandem with your previous utterance, something must have happened between the last time the two of you hung out. That ‘something’ must have had to do with his peerless understanding and success with any game he encounters.

With your share of cards now in your hands, you squared off your deck. The audible clack from them took Yugi’s gaze off his lap. “I don’t think so.”

“Huh?”

“Starting something new doesn't mean I'll always do well. And just because I lost or that something is difficult doesn't mean I can't still enjoy it.” Placing your deck of spiralled-back trading cards on Yugi’s side of the field, you continued your train of thought, “Win or lose, first time or not— whenever we play together, we get to spend time together and I get to learn something new. I think that’s already exciting in itself. It might not be in Duel Monsters, but I'll steal a win from you someday— Just you wait!”

Dumbfounded at your straight forward, good faith, as much as he tried to hide it, you could see that Yugi always wore his heart on his sleeves. This time was no different as his astonishment was replaced with a sheepish and heartfelt smile.

“Now, come on!” You urged him along. “I’m waiting for you so I can shuffle your cards. I think I’ve got the hang of things and I’m not done trying to win yet. Or is it that you would like me to pick your cards for you, too?”

“Ah! N-no…! I— Um…!!” Snapping back to his senses, you watched as he scrambled to compile his cards. Lining up his deck, he gave a bashful glance and chuckle as he traded off his cards to you, “Heh… Thanks, [F/n].”

With his spirits lifted, you give him a giggle of your own, “Don’t mention it.”

“Alright,” After a thorough shuffle, sliding the deck back to their original player, the two of you exchanged a nod and a look of understanding as you both declared the start of the new round:

“It’s time to duel!”

[phantasmal-sunshowers]

Moonlit Sands

Reupload because I didn’t realize how Tumblr works. I’m terribly sorry to those who enjoyed the fic and it was suddenly nuked from their likes

I haven’t wrote or posted a fanfic in ages. I’m also not all too familiar with Tumblr in terms of posting fanfiction, so please bare with me (；´∀｀) D-does anyone still read YGO fanfics...? This takes place shortly after Atem’s father takes him to the ancient tomb to pray for forgiveness for creating the Millennium Items. This is a work of fiction. If you get scrapes or bruises, please don’t wrap yourself in leaves - Sincerely, a hospital staff.

‘Please, spare my son. Do not punish him for the misdeeds of his father. Please do not have my son face any calamities.’

A part of me couldn’t help but recall the memories of my father as I lay motionless on the Nile’s riverbank. The vast, starry sky above me stretched far and beyond. Overwhelmed by the recent events that unravelled in the ancient tomb, allured by the twilight, I snuck out of the palace to find a moment of solace. Even though the full moon was luminous, the nature of the night was that all was covered with a veil of shade. A slip on uneven ground and, before I knew it—

“Goodness, that was quite the tumble.”

I jolted up at the hushed and humored voice cutting me from my thoughts. But in my rush, a twinge instantly ran up and down my arms and legs. Grimacing, a grunt escaped me as I realized and sat with my scrapes and bruises.

“The scenery down here is beautiful, but I don’t think it’s worth rushing recklessly for.” A thick and well-worn cape hooded over your entire silhouette. I kept my guard as you stepped closer, but a light feeling of relief eased my nerves as I noticed that you didn’t seem any older than I was. Stopping in your stride, leaving a gap of distance between us, you settled down in front of me. Perhaps you had sensed my anxiety, but the space you left between us was just enough to make your intentions known without encroaching on my personal space. “I may not look like it, but I hope to one day become a doctor-scribe.”

Raising a hand, you closed your eyes and started to recite an incantation, casting a spell over my fresh wounds. I was in awe by your choice of action. Even though my injuries were superficial, you felt it was still worth a conjuration.

When the chant came to an end, you broke the silence with an apologetic tone, “Though I said I hope to become a doctor-scribe, I’m still a student in training.” Reaching into the woven bag concealed beneath your mantle, you pulled out some materials before asking for my permission to physically patch what was left of my scratches.

The spell and the dedication in making sure what was left of the accident was well mended, both sentiments gave me a great deal of comfort I couldn’t quite express in words.

‘Remember, everyone falls once in a while. That’s what makes us stronger.’ As a gentle zephyr brushed past me, it resurfaced the buried memories of a time long gone. The blow of the calm breeze carried along with it the echoes of when my father still consoled and encouraged me.

Yes… It is important to stand when I fall, but it gave me great comfort that I didn’t have to rise alone.

“And there we go!” Patting the wrappings, your cheer had taken me out of my solemn thoughts.

“Thank you for helping me.” Never the best in casual conversations, I was careful to not let an awkward silence settle. Quietly and hesitantly, I found something to say, “... You have an incredible affinity with magic and healing.”

A gentle chuckle sounded from you, “No, not exactly. Rather than purely relying on my innate abilities, I call to the gods and draw my knowledge of the lands so that they may aid me.” As you turned your head, I followed your gaze up to the full and brilliant moon, “Khonsu— that is, the moon, when invoked, protects travellers and has a connection with healing. And these agapanthuses— lily of the Nile as they call it, when used correctly, their leaves have anti-inflammatory properties and can act as bandages.”

With your detailed explanation, I understood the depths of your dedication to your studies. It was your passion and your pride. Having witnessed and heard your proficiency in your duty reinvigorated me in working on mine.

“The flower is also said to be a symbol of–” Stopping yourself mid-sentence, it was as if you caught yourself from saying something you shouldn’t. Nonchalantly, you waved it off, “Ahh… Nevermind it. I shouldn’t be teasing you.”

It would have been a lie to say I wasn’t curious, but you didn’t seem to hold any ill will so I paid it no mind. Instead, I took in the touch of earth and flora, the scent of the night air, the steady flow of the Nile, and the moon that floated far above. This was the exact sensation I was looking for— what had led me away from the palace. It led me here so I could have this minute of respite.

Just as the moment started to settle, you turned to address me once more, “It’s getting late. You should get going.”

“Uh… huh?”

At my puzzlement, you gave a soft giggle. “Not many folks around these parts can wear linen as lightweight or as well kept as yours.”

Whenever I slipped away from the palace, I ascertained that I presented myself in a way as to not stand out, but you easily caught on. I still had much and more to learn.

Pulling away the cloth that draped over your person, you fixed it over my shoulders and styled it in place. Without the curtain over your form, it was far easier to make out your features. And with your appearance accented by the ethereal moonlight, I could only stare dumbfoundedly.

“There we go. Hopefully, this should help so you won’t catch any malicious eyes on your way back.”

“W–wait.” I stammered momentarily to gather my thoughts, “Please, may I know your name?”

Giving a quick pause, you glanced away for a moment as you made your decision before shaking your head in refusal. “I’m sorry,” you started silently, “I don’t think I should just yet.”

Having just met me and deduced my social standing in that short time, your caution wasn’t unfounded. As much as I dreamed of seeing a peaceful world where status didn’t matter— where everyone could live freely, as it currently stands, I was still the royal prince— that I'd one day become the intermediary for the gods and the people. There were far more repercussions for you than there would ever be for me.

“But…”

A small seed of hope sprouted within me as you interjected with the indication of another possibility.

“If you ever decide to return the cloak, I’ll be here to greet you.” A tender expression painted your face, “Though, try not to take the same path down as you did tonight. Otherwise, you’ll miss the beautiful sights the other roads have to offer.”

“Yes. Thank you.” Without realizing it, I found myself smiling back, “I’ll keep that in mind.”