[That's...about what Ryou expected to see on Atem's face. It makes his heart ache, because he doesn't want to cause Atem pain again. He doesn't want to cause anyone pain, really.

But...he's trying to stop being scared, and to be anything but a burden to those who care about him. Mostly though...he wants something that doesn't feel like Atem gave it to him. It's exceedingly selfish, but he remembers what Atem said during their last argument...and he can't let it go. Maybe it's true, maybe it's not...but he doesn't care anymore.

Some pain, for himself or for others, seems necessary to set things on the proper path. And if it helps the Fog to regain power, then all the more reason, right?]

I appreciate that you aren't going to tell me not to...because this isn't something I want to negotiate on, even though I don't want to hurt you by dismissing your opinion.

I...I did intend to tell you whatever you wanted to know. It would be wrong not to, since the way this thing seems to work, it'll be worse if I don't.

[He takes a breath, then sighs it out.]

I can tell you about how the gem works to start, since it'll make more sense what I plan to do.