[An everything expert. Uh huh. Atem is very, very unsure that this guy, who has given Atem the impression that he's an enthusiastic but not particularly effective planner, who likes to take the results and say, "I meant to do that!"...is going to have helpful advice for dating. Especially when Atem's concerns have to do with things like putting the month's trouble first, putting Yugi first, as well as not realizing what's normal and expected in a romance...he'd have no idea what to ask!

And...Marik really likes light metaphors...but it's not like Atem can really talk. For him, "hearts" are just as important. So let's explore that a minute, since as far as Atem's concerned, he's received new information about Ryou that he'll consider on his own, and the discussion is closed.]

In many ways, the darkness is what I'm used to. The powers and knowledge of darkness...that was what I awakened to, when Yugi solved the Millennium Puzzle. I used its magic to punish those who trespassed in his soul. Even here -- my usual form can't tolerate direct sunlight!

But there are other kinds of darkness...like not knowing who you are, and not being able to tell the people you know the truth. Dispelling that darkness...it couldn't have happened if Yugi hadn't come here. I'd have stayed in it until I won this game and returned home, or lost and disappeared...

...what is darkness, to you? And what is light?

[So that he can understand Marik better, and also be on the same page as far as these metaphors go.]