magic trick in three acts

welcome to 𝐌𝐀𝐆𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐎𝐈𝐑, an independent, private, headcanon based and canon divergent portrayal of pandora the conjurer of yu gi oh duelist. by knight (he/him, 29+)

carrd tba / rules but not fancy formatted under the cut

pandora has known nothing but magic for as long as he could remember. often, he had tried to pretend he was simply like anyone else- another face in the crowd, but in the end, it was always there. always. 

( ruqauuah nassry had done her best to care for her son, her little magician who presented her with sunflowers and daisies conjured from nothingness. the proof of his bloodline. and what a shame that gaston ambrosie had walked out, before witnessing the miracle that his son possessed. 

pandora ambrosie was already the greatest magician of the modern age, years before the world knew his name ) 

       For once, events turn out the opposite of what Yami expects. It still is very much a surprise since he isn’t let go that easily by any Rare Hunter. They pretty much have obeyed their master until the end, regardless of the outcome. But perhaps, they feared Malik to the point that they couldn’t resist or protest. Pandora on the other hand overcame Malik’s control over him and broke free. This makes him stand out from the Rare Hunters. Well, he is no longer one, Yami would suspect. Still, he admires him for his determination and choice to fight for what is right and precious to him.

       Being given heads up for the next Rare Hunter is a good thing, except that each time there’s always something new that he’s thrown at. More strategies that he has to beat. While he doesn’t know who is ‘Doll’ or what they will provide, he is sure that he will secure the victory for himself as he always has.

       A great and powerful being ?

      Could it be—       No, he can’t assume things. Any monster can be great and powerful. But also, each one of them has a weakness of its own. Whatever it may be, this doesn’t frighten the Pharaoh and he will be expecting Doll’s arrival.

      “Right… It seems I don’t have much choice. Then so be it. I will be waiting for this Doll person. And I won’t let Malik have his way.” Yami nods, his brows furrowing in mild annoyance. Looks like Malik won’t be stopping anytime soon until he gets what he wants. The only option is to fight back.

      “Very well. Leave the rest to me. Let us be on our way out. I’m sure my friends are near. I will have to explain to them what occurred.”

      It can’t be helped that he is thinking about his upcoming duel. How will it play off? Who will be there? There are small doubts lingering at the back of his head yet he shakes them off. Actually, he should be relieved that he was given a heads up at least, rather than overthink. His instincts tell him that he is taking the right path, forward. So, he will walk it. Supposedly, he’s also made a new friend. Perhaps the odds may be in his favor, who knows.

“ there is always a choice, ” comes the magician’s voice, soft and almost melancholy- “ but, time and time again it seems you pick the path of bravery. it’s admirable. others may turn and run from conflict- ” a nervous laugh- “ before malik, i had never been one for such things. and even then... maybe what i wanted most was to perform one last vanishing act. ” now, things had changed. of course, there was no guarantee that catherine was waiting for him, but she would want him to live. to continue to perform his magic and to bring smiles to the faces of others. 

that was the purpose of modern magic, wasn’t it? not to lure people into a deadly mages’ duel, but to reveal even the smallest of miracles that were often hidden in plain sight! if pandora had wished to be a battle mage, he wouldn’t have chosen the path of a great showman! that had been his choice. 

now, he was in a position where he could not rely on the magic he all but lived on. with the damage malik had done to his mind and soul, it would take time before he could feel confident in performing anything without some sort of backlash. and his choices were to run, or to adapt. catherine would want him to adapt, and beyond that, pandora was never one for standing still. “ i cannot, on good conscience, simply walk away from all of this. from what malik is doing- while you say i have talent as a duelist, i have not spent the same time practicing as the others. ” this, his subtle way of saying that the worst was yet to come. 

but his new companion is still optimistic. he speaks of friends, and pandora thinks for a moment of the brothers and sisters he grew up with in foster care. how they laughed together, how they were always there to support each other- even when he was given fame and fortune, he never forgot his humble beginnings, and they had never been far from him. surely, they must’ve thought him dead from that accident-

       He seems to have lucked out big time. Normally, when he’s finished with a duel Malik has a few things to say before he releases his mind puppets and they collapse on the ground. Yami hadn’t considered it much, but now that he thinks about it— are the people he duelled previously safe now? Are they alright? He can’t know how far Malik goes when he is ‘punishing’ them for their loss. He can only hope that it isn’t entirely terrible on his part.

       This time, he’d not heard one little mutter out of Malik. He’s lost control over Pandora and should finally understand what power he is playing with. Magicians are one of the most powerful beings, so it’s no doubt he relied highly on Pandora to win the duel. But he’d forgotten one important aspect— that not everything is as how he desires it to be. The lies, the manipulation, it all will suffice and it did.

       “Heh,” comes a complacent hum first in response, “That means that Malik doesn’t believe in his own strengths to do this all on his own. The fact that he relied on you says a lot.”

       He could’ve done the same with Malik as he did with Pegasus. Sent out a telepathic message, a warning. However, Pandora’s deliverance should be enough to send Malik into a cold sweat. So, that wasn’t needed.

       “He is messing with great power. I don’t know what is it that he is trying to achieve but something tells me that there will be consequences.”

       There always are. Granted, he even had to face the consequences of performing shadow games against people who intended to hurt others. After almost losing his partner’s trust, he had to take it easy on doing illusion magic.

       “Ah, figured. I’d dueled a couple of the Rare Hunters prior to meeting you. I don’t know where they are nor how they are in this moment. Hopefully, they’re in a decent condition at least.”

       He might not like them but he isn’t entirely against them. It’s not their fault they’re under the command of someone who seeks him out this desperately. Though, Yami would wish that they were more like Pandora.

      “Not to worry. For me it is enough that you’ve broken out of Malik’s mind control. You’re the first that managed to resist against him and succeed.”

       The Pharaoh takes a look in their surroundings. He hopes that he sees a familiar face that’s preferably a friend.

       A hand placed to his hip, his magenta gaze darts back at Pandora at the mention of a favor.

       “An odd request coming from someone who dueled pretty well back there,” Yami retorts with a hum and a light smile. “But yes, I can show you. You already seem to know a lot. Perhaps we can win you Locator Cards?”

       That is, if Pandora does wish to participate in the tournament. Or, be granted access to the finals.

       “I assume you have something—… someone more important to think about rather than a tournament. I’m sure we can stay in contact regardless. One way or another.”

❛ ... there are few things that can alter the mind of a magician outside of the emotions felt by the individual. malik ... also wields something very much like your puzzle; surely you must know that. ❜ he remembers the flash of gold, the confusion, the empty promises. he remembers desperation — and the feeling of suffocating. as it was, life among the ghouls was as tragic as it sounded. surrounded by those with dead eyes, dead souls — stripped of freedom, forgetting the feeling of joy. 

if pandora had to guess, malik would not hold back in driving this young duelist into that same despair. something about divinities and ascension; the magician did not have to understand to know how dangerous the situation was. ❛ ... even now, it gnaws at me; that deep sorrow ... it might take some time for me to recover. which means i do have to learn how to duel properly if i can’t rely on my own magic to work as i wish it to — i must heal; i cannot return to catherine in tatters like this — she wouldn’t wish to see this agony, so let me aid you while i ... do what i can to work out the rest ... ❜ because magic was linked to the soul, and malik had done a number on pandora’s. 

this talented duelist with what pandora could only describe as two souls believed him to have skill as well — which was rather the opposite of what the mage would have assumed of his own abilities. he’d learned the basics, and blessedly had been given cards written in egyptian arabic, a language he shared in common with malik. but, outside of what he had been given, most other cards and tactics were foreign. he had been given a purpose: to perform a mage’s duel with another magic user; he had no need to learn anything beyond that. or, so malik had told him. 

       The air is so brittle, it would snap. And if it doesn’t— then, the clear anger in his opponent shows that he did first. And he has the right, after Malik had manipulated him into a duel that might have ended with either of their limbs and conceivably lives at stake.

       Blond locks flow into the whirl of magic, magenta eyes perceive the table that has just flown over his head. Yami comprehends this. If he was in Pandora’s shoes, he probably would have reacted the same way. Pandora seems to really love the woman, as much as Yami cares for his friends— dearly. In a similar situation, the Pharaoh would have done anything to see them again. Sometimes, you are blinded when you want something so much that you overlook the fact that someone else might be taking advantage of your one weakness.

       Both of their ace monsters are still on the field, acting as though they are unbothered by what is happening— but deep down they are. They are supposed to show no fear. But Yami saw how his magician changed his expression when things became tough. Everyone is linked in some way, masking their true feelings until they suffice when they become too much to bear.

       Yami’s eyes widen at how Pandora steps out of the shackles. As if all that magic bursting inside the room wasn’t enough. He is able to do that?! And while in a trance, his vision reflects the man’s hand raising and shattering his own shackles. He could’ve left him right there on the spot… But he didn’t.

       The duel is automatically cancelled, as though they didn’t play. Perhaps it’s for the best. Yami didn’t wish to fight but to know. And he is aware that Malik has lost complete control over Pandora’s mind. That is good. Frankly, Yami would’ve been surprised if he didn’t. Pandora’s magic is quite powerful by the looks of it.

       Now that he has processed the most of the current events, the Pharaoh stands confidently in his position. A nod follows to Pandora’s question.

       “I will. Best to leave as soon as possible. What is it that you have to do?” While he could imagine the answer, he’d rather wait for clarification just in case. Safe to say that he doesn’t have to worry about Malik in the moment. But— Malik definitely has to worry about something now.

       “Let’s go,” he gestures to the exit, his duel disk folding back in its idle form. He puts his deck into his belt’s pocket.

       “I wish to help you, as much as I can. I understand where you’re coming from. I, too, have people I care about.  And I know they would be there for me when I need them the most. I am sure you will find her. You just have to believe in it with your heart.”

❛ ... i have a score to settle. ❜ low and sorrowful, for he knows his beloved would not wish for him to kill; but he needs to know! why, why? all this time, perhaps she was truly waiting at home for him! and he’d found himself working for someone who said ... that he would create love if it no longer existed. that is not how love works. in his mind’s eye, he sees that bleak future; she stands beside him, dull-eyed but smiling still. 

that is not what love looks like. 

      that is not what he wants for her. 

❛ malik sent me to kill you because he was aware that to defeat someone with powerful magic, another magician would be necessary. ❜ 

( for a moment, myrddin lingers, violet eyes trained on this young man with two souls, before turning his attention to his descendant — how glad he is that pandora has not betrayed all that he is. the cuts will heal in time. ) 

❛ that is not how magic works. a mage’s duel is not meant to be something flashy; it is a battle of will and intent. magic is linked to the very SOUL of a person; he could not kill you with my magic, no matter what words he spoke through me. it is not in his soul that this power lies. ❜ so, they step out from the underground theater, sunlight touches pandora’s face for the first time in far too long — ( and how startled he is when someone approaches him! asks him if he is the person he looks to be; magnificent pandora the conjurer, greatest magician of the modern age — he turns away and says that who he was before doesn’t matter. not yet. perhaps one day he will be that person again, but not yet. ) this, perhaps is the downside of walking side by side with the person who won in the duelist kingdom. 

i wish to help you, as much as i can — a small gasp, he stills as he brings a hand to his face, feeling faint scars, but nothing like he had thought. 

it is more proof that malik has lied to him.

❛ first, we should find your friends. stay with me, and perhaps we can avoid his next trial — as you must know, i am not the only person malik has sent for you. ❜ he thinks of the emotionless face. the silent doll. he thinks of the masks, of that petty thief and the american bandit. among them, he had always stood out. the only person with a real life that had been shattered. someone perhaps good who had been dragged into that hell — ! ❛ and when we have finished your journey, then ... i will begin mine. however, i owe you a debt for ... bringing me to my senses. so i will stay here should you need me — ❜ 

ah, the question was bound to come up — there was always a risk of telling anyone of his life; magicians kept their secrets for good reason. yet, his opponent had asked him why he’d joined the ghouls. pandora had graced that inquiry with an answer. why didn’t you trust her, then, came the younger man’s voice — 

he ... 

             it was if the other had just assumed catherine would come back. 

   why hadn’t he ... 

( the table flew across the room, machines bending and windows shattering, the nurses ducking for cover as the magician’s sorrow tore apart everything around him. what were they to expect, telling him he’d never do magic again? that he’d never perform like he used to; that he’d spend the rest of his days relying on others with his body in such horrid condition — the grief was suffocating. 

but she was there, even when he threw her, too. she came to place her hand on his, as if ... as if ... 

she would come back. a silent promise that he hadn’t paid attention to then. what a fool he’d been! ) the mask falls from his hands, the hat follows soon after.

    ❛ ... if either one of us forfeits the duel ... it will still be considered a loss ... ❜ there is an emptiness in his voice, some unfound clarity shining through — ❛ but there is ... there’s always another way out. ❜ 

his gaze shifts to the shackles, eyes closing before he takes a step forward as if his own had never been there in the first place ( it takes more effort than he would’ve liked / the proof of the unseen chains of the sennen item ). the saw whirrs and the magician holds out a hand, the shackles shattering. he shouldn’t feel so tired after simple tricks, but magic was linked to the soul, wasn’t it? his soul ached. ❛ if by some chance she is waiting, then i owe you much. ❜ she is not behind the curtain, pandora knows this. for the first time since the accident, since he fell into despair, he is distinctly aware of truth and lies. malik has lied to him. 

he’d come into the room to settle down & perhaps read; the usual routine where he’d soon find his beloved in his arms, the book placed on the coffee table to be forgotten for the rest of the night— they’d sometimes cuddle & watch a show on tv, but tonight, catherine had done a little redecorating. the blanket fort looks warm, of course it does. everything in their little home is colorful, fitting for a magician & his lovely assistant. vibrant & full of life as they are ( even after everything that had happened, they are still so very full of life ). 

i get,,, very... yell ??? abt pandora’s story which genuinely is nOT about a dude as vain as howl pendragon, it’s about a guy who had a legitimate career & he was happy & then he LITERALLY ALMOST DIED im sorry sure ok the dub cut pandora surrounded by fire but it didn’t cut a literal explosion happening like im sorry im pretty sure uhhhh someone slapped an explosive on the box??? so like , he could’ve DIED this dude has ptsd??? they explore what grief can do aka he pushes catherine away because he’s REALLY DISTRESSED everythihng just fell apart very quickly it wasn’t about his looks like from the nurse’s perspective this dude was likely just told he’d spend the rest of his life in a long term healthcare facility if he actually made it through because his prognosis was TERRIBLE!!!! full body burns on that level???? TERRIBLE how did he not lose limbs?????

TAGGED BY: stole it from dardanos’ blog lmao / TAGGING: steal this tag me

If your character was an npc, what items would they drop when they flee combat/are killed? ( or have when you recruit them ) please repost and don’t reblog !

𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐌𝐘 𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐀 › [ 𝚖𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚖𝚊𝚐𝚒𝚌𝚒𝚊𝚗 𝚙𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚘𝚛𝚊 𝚊𝚖𝚋𝚛𝚘𝚜𝚒𝚎 ] › a powerful wizard & descendant of the legendary merlin ambrosius. if you talk to him as [ 𝚗𝚊𝚖𝚎𝚕𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝚙𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚘𝚑, 𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚢𝚞𝚞𝚐𝚒 ], he will join the party as an ally. 

› tips ! › pandora is a powerful opponent & a very good addition to the party. so, it’s a great idea to talk to him as [ 𝚗𝚊𝚖𝚎𝚕𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝚙𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚘𝚑, 𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚢𝚞𝚞𝚐𝚒 ]. he knows advanced spells, so make sure to bring [ 𝚍𝚊𝚛𝚔 𝚖𝚊𝚐𝚒𝚌𝚒𝚊𝚗, 𝚞𝚕𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚎 𝚖𝚊𝚐𝚎 𝚖𝚊𝚑𝚊𝚊𝚍 ] & [ 𝚍𝚊𝚛𝚔 𝚖𝚊𝚐𝚒𝚌𝚒𝚊𝚗 𝚐𝚒𝚛𝚕, 𝚖𝚊𝚐𝚎 𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚊 ] as other party members. he has his own [ 𝚍𝚊𝚛𝚔 𝚖𝚊𝚐𝚒𝚌𝚒𝚊𝚗, 𝚕𝚎𝚐𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚊𝚛𝚢 𝚠𝚒𝚣𝚊𝚛𝚍 𝚖𝚎𝚛𝚕𝚒𝚗 ] who knows completely different spells. pandora will join your party with all of his master spells unlocked. he will be [ 𝚖𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚖𝚊𝚐𝚒𝚌𝚒𝚊𝚗 ] class, & no, you can’t class change him sorry. also, why would you want to do that, he’s a legendary class unit? 

*this recruitment stage works very much like the gangrel recruitment dlc in fe;a

3-5 special items  ( on his person when joining party )

MAGICIAN’S ROBE

› pandora’s robes. a lovely crimson color with gold accents. elegant, but also suited for battle. [ 𝚍𝚊𝚛𝚔 𝚖𝚊𝚐𝚒𝚌𝚒𝚊𝚗, 𝚞𝚕𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚎 𝚖𝚊𝚐𝚎 𝚖𝚊𝚑𝚊𝚊𝚍 ] could also wear these robes... they seem like they’d fit if it came to that. actually, any magic user could wear them but then again, pandora is 6′4, will they fit? under the robes, pandora wears a plain tunic & slacks so no he is not going to be naked. arguably, these are battle mage robes. since pandora already has maxed out magic stats, he only gains the HP+ 20 / DEF+ 15 bonuses. any other mage gains an added MAG+ 25 on top of the HP / DEF bonus

SAGE’S CRYSTAL 

› a lovely crystal pendant that pandora has. it seems to be something that is a relic, likely it was originally merlin’s. ... considering merlin’s soul seems to be bound to it, which seems to be how merlin has been traveling with pandora.

ELIXIR (3) 

› exactly what’s on the label. since pandora is only human, he does have health potions. restores 75% of HP. interestingly, he has no mana potions, likely due to his natural mana replenishment

ANCIENT TOME  

› a tome of advanced spells. pandora doesn’t actually need this, it’s a nice bonus item to teach other mages advanced spells. teaches [ 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚓𝚞𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 ] [ 𝚏𝚕𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 ] & [ 𝚝𝚎𝚕𝚎𝚙𝚘𝚛𝚝 ], all which are spells for mages at an archmage level or more. this tome can be used multiple times for different mage party members, which makes it very useful.

legendary item  ( obtained if killed )

MAGICIAN’S SOUL  

ah , whats the point to life if i can’t be beautiful ?

i recolored this lmao after having drawn it last year & i’ve been recoloring my art for consistent colors ... just as messily as before