The monarch’s jaw dropped slightly in reaction to the challenge that the little magician had laid before him. Ok, clearly this guy has been asked that question before and knew just how to answer it. But then, why ask to have his skills proven in a test? Was he trying to get himself caught? “Well now…..that was very bold of you.” He stated, arching a brow and his mouth curving into an intrigued smirk.
“Very well.” Atem agreed and knew just the test to use. He reached into the inside jacket pocket of the sleek, black leather jacket he was wearing over a white muscle shirt, the chain necklace he wore making a soft metal clanging metal sound as it was moved slightly, and pulled out his Duel Monsters cards. He knew it looked probably looked a little childish but he didn’t care. These cards meant more to him than anything in the world at present. “My challenge is this.” He started, shuffling his deck, completing three full rotations, then pulled a card from the top, and revealed it. It was Dark Magician, his most loyal friend. “If you can make the Dark Magician appear on the top of this deck of Duel Monsters cards, face up and the right way up, then I shall believe that you are truly a magician and not a fraud.” He replied, placing Dark Magician back onto the top of the deck and shuffled it several times this time before stopping.
The truth was, he was hoping that this stranger was going to be able to pull it off. He hadn’t seen real magic since he decided to leave the life that he once knew. Having once been Pharaoh of all of Egypt in Ancient Times, Atem knew what true magic, REAL magic, looked like and where it came from. And going off of what he had witnessed from this young man so far this evening, he was definitely showing signs of having the ability to harness the real thing.
“That is my challenge. Are you in?” He asked, a sly smirk curving his lips again. If he truly did possess this natural ability, like he did, then Atem had the proof he needed that magic still lingered in this world. It was just harder to find. But then, why did it take seeing this..rather adorable young magician in order for him to see it. Whatever the reason was, he was intrigued by curiosity and he wanted to witness what happened next. He then held up his deck and offering it to the man.
Yuugi could see immediately that he’d enticed a competitive side out of the mysterious man and smirked to himself as he took his cup in hand and sipped from it without breaking eye contact. If there was one thing he loved, it was getting skeptics to believe in magic. Even if it didn’t actually exist, belief was a powerful thing and the belief in the possibility of magic was equally powerful.
“I’m told I can be rather bold. Sometimes comes off the wrong way too,” he replied with a chuckle.
Dear Gods was he flirting? He was! Oh well, so sue him! The guy in front of him was smoking hot and - he noted - was a gamer going by the impression he got when he pulled out a deck of Duel Monsters cards. Plus he seemed to love a little friendly competition. If they got to know one another, he was certain the two of them would get along beautifully.
“Dark Magician huh?” he replied, his interest visibly perked. “He was my favorite monster too when I played Duel Monsters. Haven’t played since dad died, but nostalgia is a sweet thing depending on the memory.”
Who knew? He may pick it back up after tonight, only time would tell. But for now he watched him slide the Dark Magician back into the deck and shuffle with the fluid grace of a pro. Maybe a professional duelist then. And true to a game lover, his challenge was to get Dark Magician to the surface, face up and right side up.
Knowing his objective, he nodded and set his cup aside, before holding up a hand and shaking his head.
“No, I don’t need to touch the deck. Besides, the heart of the cards beats to your spirit, not mine.” He smiled at the man rubbed his hands free of the moisture they had gained from the cup’s condensation. “No for this, you can hold them. Let’s see if I can call an old friend to the top. In one, two..”
He snapped his fingers and pointed at the deck where the Dark Magician had appeared face up and turned right side up.