[Atem doesn't usually break out the word, "fuck." Usually, he doesn't need it!

But, today, he hisses:]

Fuck "better"!

You only ever are what you are. And it's enough...or it isn't.

I'm not! And I'll live with that how I want.

[But, Ryou's given him space to leave, now, and be confident he won't be chased. He steps back, along the wall, carrying Tybolt with him (who sniffs the air, in Ryou's direction, confused by the smell of blood) -- not facing away. He hasn't activated his powers yet, but he's not going to turn around, and break eye contact.

Ryou called him a cheater. But...

...if Atem had found a way to cheat...

...he'd have done it by now. It's this place, that cheats against all of them...

And he's powerless to cheat back.

So, he'll make a slow retreat, until he thinks he has enough room to run and not be caught.]