#ygotplusweek

He recognized the firm, expectant posture in anyone by now, human, elf, dwarf or otherwise. This could mean trouble for Atem, but he prayed not as the barkeep came to a stop in front of him.

“You should know I have wards set up to keep you from changing inside my establishment, sir.” 

The title was said with too much of a hiss to be a sign of respect, but the greeting was almost better than Atem hoped for, so he let it slide. Instead he simply quirked an eyebrow “Are you truly expecting me to change form and destroy your livelihood for no reason?”

“Just letting you know ‘tis all. I won’t be turning you away if you want drink or a bed. But I won’t tolerate troublemakers of any kind here, not even dragons.”

Honestly, why so many assumed his kind were havoc wreaking brutes would always elude him. But again, he let the passive insult slide. “I assure you I am not here to make problems for anyone. All I am looking for tonight is a meal and, perhaps, some information.”

It was the innkeepers turn to raise an eyebrow “Information on?”

“There is a man who lives far off the outskirts of your village, by the name of Bakura. I’ve heard he’s made quite a lot a trouble for your people, just as he has for me. Tell me about his hideaway, and I’ll put a stop to his tyranny.”

The man’s posture stiffened even more and he placed his hands on the bar, leaning in towards Atem “Listen, as much as I’d like that little shit gone, you going out there to put a stop to him won’t end well. He’s more powerful than you think, and I wont have an all out battle between you two back lashing on this town. Now, again, if you want a meal or a bed, I can help you. Otherwise, out you go.”

Atem let out a sigh, already contemplating who he could go to next as he said “Just a meal then, if you please.”

He nodded firmly and walked away, leaving Atem to his thoughts. He could try some of the more elderly in the town, ones who likely saw the thief king’s rise and might have something of value to tell. He might also simply asking around in general. He did not like the idea of standing among a crowd and making a speech for a call to arms, so many eye on him was never a pleasant experience...but if it got him-

“Um, excuse me?”

Atem found himself blinking stupidly before he realized the slightly hesitant voice was addressing him. He turned, his eyes landing on a young man standing between his neighboring bar stools. The young elf’s hair was wild and died three different colors, his eyes large and innocent looking, the color of amethyst stones in the afternoon sun. He was quite handsome, and looking at Atem expectantly.

“Yes, can help you?”

The elf’s mouth lifted into a smile “Actually, I think we can help you, I overheard you talking about taking down Bakura. I don’t think it’ll come as a surprise that some of us are more than tired of him causing terror around here. I talked it over with my friend and we both want to help you.”

When the young man indicated across the room Atem looked over his shoulder to see a human woman sitting at a corner booth. Curtains of short brown hair framed her lovely face and she watched the two of them interact with lively blue eyes.

“I’ll have Ushio bring your food to our table. If you’re interested in what we have to say, anyway.”

Atem looked back and gave a slight bow of his head “It would be an honor to receive any help you may have for me, thank you.”

It only took them a short stride to reach the booth and the young elf settled in beside the human girl, leaving Atem to sit across from them.

“I’m Yugi, by the way, and this is Anzu.”

“Atem, a pleasure to meet you. So, you two have information on the thief king?”

The two friends exchanged looks for a moment before the one named Anzu answered “We know a thing or two about him, yes, but mostly, we want to offer you help in taking him down.”

Atem was surprised at that, and it must have shown on his typically stoic face because Yugi was quick to add “I know you probably think we’re kids in over our heads or something, but I promise we can be helpful.”

“Not only do we know the hills his fort is settled on like the backs of our hands, but we can help in the fight too” Anzu assured.

Atem waited a beat before replying “Are either of you trained in combat?”

Yugi grinned and held out his hand. With a snap of his fingers a flame burst to life in his palm “My grandpa’s taught me quite a bit about magic.”

“And I’m quite the archer, if I do say so myself. I can assure we get close and long range hits on him” Anzu’s smile wasn’t smug, just a nice shade of confident.

Again Atem waited before answering, only this time much longer. He wasn’t sure what to expect when entering Bakura’s lair and facing him. What if he had to pull out all stops and transform? That would only put these two in risk of getting caught in the crossfire, the last thing on earth he wanted was for his quest of justice to end with the blood of the innocent being spilled.

Still, the thought was...nice. He had been on the road by himself for so long after all. A pleasant flutter filled his stomach at the idea of having comrades again, to fight by someones side and... and simply not be alone anymore.

Sensing the doubt still within him, it was Anzu’s turn to try and alleviate his worry. “Please, Atem. I know you just met us, but Yugi and I are willing to risk everything to put a stop to all of this. We just want to protect our friends and family. We aren’t looking for glory and foolhardy adventure, we just want to make this town safe again.”

Well, how could he say no to that?

“...Alright. But, I feel I should tell both of you now, I am not a simple traveling paladin, I am also a dragon.”

Yugi shrugged “Yeah I sensed that when you walked in. You have a lot of natural magical energy surrounding you.”

“Your race doesn’t bother us at all, Atem” Anzu assured with a sweet smile.

The chaos of feelings inside him rose at their easy acceptance. By the gods, why did he feel such an automatic connection with these two? “I just wanted you to know, because it might also effect our fight. If I somehow become gravely injured during the battle, I will change into my dragon form automatically. If that happens, promise you will get out of dodge, as I can not promise to be in full control of my actions in that case.”

The two exchanged looks again, he saw no real fear in their eyes, just mature, serious consideration. Finally they nodded and turned back to him, having not said an actual word in their exchange. Just how long had these two known each other?

“We promise to be smart and get out of your way if you have to change forms, we aren’t stupid after all” Yugi’s reply was a mixture of firm assurance and light teasing. 

Still it was enough for Atem.