[He's opened a can of worms, here, but Atem can't bring himself to regret it. Letting Marik go on thinking that what had happened to him was unstoppable destiny, was right somehow, would be worse...that would feel like being complicit, like adding his own foot (metaphorically) to all of the ones that have already held Marik down, that have caused terrible pain.

No.

Better for Atem to let Marik experience this now, and work through it, and be able to be himself, than for Atem to use him. He won't do that!

But he also won't let Marik go through a breakdown alone. He doesn't know who Rishid is, if he's a good or bad figure, but Marik's clearly in his own head, and considering what Marik's been through, it's very probable that that's not such a good place.

(He has no idea!)]

Marik! Stay with me. Whatever you're thinking about, it isn't here! Look at me. Remember where you are.

[What helped Adam when Adam was stuck in circular thoughts, when he couldn't shake the fear of what had happened to him? Tea, something with a strong smell, and...

...the tip of Atem's tail hooks one of the blankets from the pile by the window. It's even a little warm from the weak sunlight! He brings it over, and puts it around Marik's shoulders. The snakes fidget.]

Remember what's true here! You're in Ryslig, in an apartment in Bavan. There's a game we have to win! You've got a plan, to beat the Fog!

[Atem's not sure it's going to work! But it sure is a plan Marik has, that Atem is going to follow!]