Prologue: A Difficult Truth
After living three lives and dying four deaths, Atemu finally decided to rest in peace. To see him every morning now, anyone can see his 5000-year age is weighing down on him. Though only 15 going on 16 in body, his mind and spirit are 5000.
Atemu looks like he has a burden on his shoulders still.
How would I know? I'm his father, and things like that do not escape my attention.
I'm positive that Shalina, my daughter-in-law has also noticed his condition. His eyes, she answered when I had asked, 'If you look deep enough, you can see a dark shadow in the depths of his crimson eyes.'
Atemu…my only son…one that is stronger and older than I in spirit and mind. If he had not been the Egyptian Gods' chosen one, the Afterlife would have been taken by the Dark Gods. He may ignore his place, but he will come to accept it eventually.
-Akhenamkhenan, Atemu's father
He is less active nowadays. It is as if Atemu suddenly lost everything. His condition now reminds my friends and I how he had been when he was the other spirit in my body.
I can see it in his actions; he is suffering from a burden of which I cannot name.
-Yugi Mutou, Atemu's dear friend
He seems to have lost the will to learn.
-Mahado, one of Atemu's priests and childhood friend
He has lost his challenging look.
-Isis, Kalim, and Shada, Atemu's priests and priestess
I fear that we have lost sight of the Pharaoh or he has lost sight of himself.
-Seto, Atemu's priest and cousin
My dear nephew…you must find yourself soon. It is not worth resting in peace without you.
-Akhenaden, Atemu's priest and uncle
My Pharaoh…Atemu…like your father, as a second father, I miss you. You are lost from this world, including the Afterlife. Losing sight of yourself is leading you down the path of destruction. When you find yourself, find your family and friends. Only then will you be able to rest in peace…and harmony.
-Siamun Muran, Atemu's advisor
I cannot say much to you anymore, Atemu. You are not here beside me at night. You are not here holding me in your arms. You are not here talking with your family and friends. You are just not here.
All I wish is that you return soon…to your family…to your friends…to me, your wife. Without you, I feel unworthy to even exist anywhere. There is no better place that I would rather be than beside you, but…you have lost yourself, and I no longer wish for a place.
There just isn't a place for me to exist.
You are just not here.
-Shalina, Atemu's wife
When you are not here, Shalina isn't here either. Life without either of you is a bore. Come back soon.
-Shelby, Atemu's wife's yami and advisor
Where are you, my husband?
-Shalina