Destiny's Beginnings

A lost soul stared at the innocent object of his affections. The observer was in a deep depression as he watched his secret love crying. Crimson eyes could only watch sadly as he realized the truth. He, Atem, could never return all because of one lose in a duel...

Atem wasn't even sure how much of an effort he put into that duel. Half of him was saying he tried his hardest, but the other half was saying he wasn't giving his all. Yes, he wanted Yuugi to be stronger. Yes, he wanted Yuugi to realize he didn't need a spirit to always protect him. But, he didn't fully want to accept those facts. A voice echoing throughout Atem's heart kept telling him he should've fought harder and won.

Atem was now trapped in the other world, the realm where the dead where. He could see Yuugi, but he couldn't pass through what seemed like a barrier. He didn't understand why, though. He knew other spirits could go back, so why couldn't he? Nothing was making sense as he stood frozen.

Atem bit his lower lip as he bowed his head. So many thoughts were running through his mind that it was driving him crazy. Atem sat down as he rubbed his temples and sobbed quietly. Tears of anguish and longing started to escape his eyes. He kept trying to stop the endless flow of the tears, but he couldn't fight them any longer. He told Yuugi he would hide his tears if he won, but he was already hiding them and hiding them only made them spring out faster when he can't resist them any more.

"What did I do to loose him?" Atem whispered quietly.

"Are you staring at him again?" Mahado asked as he walked up to Atem.

"I can't help but stare...he was my light and the only person I was really connected to...the only person I honestly loved!" Atem stood up and whispered solemnly.

"Atem..."

"Mahado?"

"I've never seen you so distressed before...forgive me for staring..."

"I can't blame you..." Atem started wiping at his eyes, even though the tears continued to fall.

"Do you really miss him that much?"

"More than anyone or anything..."

"Maybe I can help you get back to him."

Atem turned to Mahado in shock. Mahado smiled and nodded as he took a quick glance at the object of Atem's affection. Atem stared at Yuugi longingly as his eyes drooped. Mahado sensed Atem's longing and knew he had to reunited him with Yuugi. Seto came over and looked at Atem.

"What's going on?"

"I'm going back, Seto. Back to Yuugi." Atem whispered hopefully.

"What?! How?!" Seto screamed.

"I'll get him there...I still can use my magic..." Mahado nodded.

"I'll help you too!" Mana ran over and nodded.

"You all are doing this for me?"

They all nodded as Atem turned to them. Deep within his heart, he knew he wouldn't see any of them for a very long time. A few goodbye tears escaped Atem's eyes, but everyone smiled as they summoned their magic to get Atem back to Yuugi.

A purple aura surrounded Atem as the three people helping him were glowing bright red. Atem suddenly felt tired and could barely stand up. He could hear them chanting something as he grew even more weary. He knew he was about to leave them.

"Goodbye everyone...and thank you..." Atem whispered and closed his eyes before he vanished.

When he opened his eyes, he found himself outside of Yuugi's room. The sad sound of Yuugi's sobs filled the entire house. Atem stared at himself and saw he was in a body. Atem was excited and overjoyed, but he didn't want to startle Yuugi, so he kept quiet.

"This is it, aibou, I'll be able to see you again..." Atem whispered as he placed a shaky hand on the doorknob and turned it quietly. He took a couple deep breaths before he opened the door and was ready to be reunited with his partner.