With gritted teeth and my body shaking uncontrollably, I ordered Silent Magician, "Attack Atem directly!"

The magician lunged herself at my Yami – no, the brave pharaoh of Egypt, Atem – who stood with his head high, face devoid of any emotion; the face he always made in the duels I had been with him.

I snapped my eyes shut, not wanting to be a part of the scene any more. This was it. This was the- the end. I thought, my heart aching with so much pain, it felt like I'd had a heart attack. My whole being wanted to disagree – that my Yami, my partner for such a long time was going to leave me.

I didn't want to believe it.

But that didn't matter, whether I believed it, or not.

It was inevitable.

Tears formed at the corners of my eyes as the agonizing sound of staff clashing against flesh filled my ears. The ring of life points decreasing echoed against the whole tomb as if mocking those who didn't want to believe the harsh truth.

I screamed like a banshee and dropped to my knees, the tears those were threatening to burst out falling freely down my cheek. I pressed my palms over my face, big, fat tears slipping from the gaps of my fingers and wetting the ancient ground underneath.

A moment later, two strong, yet gentle hands placed themselves on my shoulder, giving me a start. I snapped my head toward the person and saw it was none other than my aibou- no Atem. It was none other than Atem.

His lips twitched upwards and he gave me the same smile that comforted me every time.

"A winner shouldn't cry, Yugi." My clenched my eyes shut and more tears slipped from under the already wet lids. Those hands gripped my shoulders tighter in an attempt to give comfort. After a long moment of silence, Atem finally spoke up again,

"Aibou, you… aren't you happy for me?" He whispered softly, a hint of sadness in his voice that made my eyes go wide.

"I-I- I am happy for you, Y-Atem!" I exclaimed suddenly, surprising Atem at the abrupt change in my voice. I bit my lower lip and turned to look at the ground. I balled my fists and said almost inaudibly,

"I…I am happy for you. I'm happy that you're finally getting to meet everyone – but- but… it's just I- I just can't imagine living without you. I'm such a coward!"

Atem shook his head. "You are no coward, Yugi. If you hadn't solved the puzzle, I'd be still inside, writhing in pain as the shadows pulled at my soul, confused to no end. But, you – you saved me. You freed me. And I'll be forever grateful for you, aibou."

"And besides," He continued, "I know you will cope. You are strong. And now that I'm leaving, there would be no one else for you to follow and that there would be one and only Yugi- Yugi Muto. The true King of Games."

His hand rose to wipe at my tears and I couldn't find another word to utter. Yes, his words maybe did made sense, but it was still unfair. So, so unfair.

He grasped my hands tenderly and pulled me to my feet. I numbly followed his commands when my feet felt like it'd fall apart and I'll crash to the earth in a second. I gripped the fabric of my jacket so tightly, a part of it ripped apart. I didn't care, though. A jacket could be purchased and mended – but what about Atem?

I would never get my Aibou back.

Never, ever.

"So that's how it ends, huh? Nice! You think you can just show up and change everybody's life...and then just leave!?" Tristan's loud, yet sad voice broke the silence and snapped me out of my thoughts, making me look up at him. I could only vaguely understand what was going on- it was as if my brain wasn't recognizing any speech.

"Exactly, Pharaoh, I know walking through that door means your spirit will finally be free, and it's all for the best, but it just doesn't seem fair! I mean...I feel like we were all just getting to know you! In fact, you were just beginning to get to know yourself, and now you're being taken away for us... I know we should be happy for you, but it's really hard to do that when you're losing your best friend, and you just understand why it has to be that way!" Tea exclaimed, her voice tinged with sorrow. But I knew she was trying her best to sound positive as the cheerleader of our group. She stared at me worriedly in between her little speech.

"I guess there are some things we're not supposed to understand...just look at me, I go through half my life not understanding what's going on...but I know that true friends may be hard to leave, but they're impossible to forget! And even if his stay wasn't as long as we would've liked, we're lucky we knew him at all!" Joey joined the attempts of optimism, giving me concerned yet assuring glances.

Atem grinned at them, and his smile too, seemed to be touched with carefully hidden sorrow. "Thanks, everybody. As Joey said, 'True friends may be hard to leave, but they're impossible to forget'. I swear, I will never forget a memory we've ever shared, and I will continue to cherish the memories. Forever."

Atem looked at me over his shoulder and I managed to give a small, teary smile. His eyes softened and he mouthed –

'I will always watch over you, Aibou'.

My tears threatened to burst again and I hastily nodded to not let them fall once again.

'Yes… Yami'. I mouthed back to him with much difficulty while being careful to not cry. I didn't even realize I hadn't referred to him as Atem.

"Pharaoh, please tell the door your name to pass onto afterlife." Ishizu tried to remain neutral, but I knew she was also trying her best not to cry. Atem nodded and took small, bold steps toward the door of Wedjat and I could feel my vision blurring once more.

"I'm son of Pharaoh Akhenamkhanen and my name… is Atem." His voice reverberated through the walls, forcing me to keep staring even though I couldn't see anything. I wiped at the tears but they kept coming, and coming.

My vision temporarily cleared and I could see the double doors moving away, a blinding light with almost the intensity of the sun appearing from within.

I could see Atem's right knee getting up, his boot-clad foot slowly moving toward the light. I reached out shakily.

No… no… Yami- please, please – don't… DON'T GO!

His right foot slowly descended and I could see his left rising in motion. I didn't know why, but suddenly, my whole body which was feeling like glue, filling up with energy. Adrenaline pumped through my veins and I scrambled to my feet, bolting toward the door with energy I never knew I had till now.

Atem was now inside the gate and light began to slowly consume him, his attire turning to the one of Royal Pharaoh's and his peach-colored skin transforming to a rich tan.

Everybody gave a collective gasp and Atem turned around, his eyes saying 'what are you doing, Aibou!?'. I averted my gaze from his eyes and continued to run.

"Yugi!"

"Yug', hey- what the hell are you doing!?"

The gate was closing. The primal instincts kicking in, I scowled like a ferocious beast and raised my speed.

"YUGI!"

"Have you gone insane-!?"

I didn't pay any heed to anyone but continued my run. The gate was almost closed. I was equally close, but fear was gripping my insides, slowing me down.

"NO!" I screamed and clutched the door hinges with all my might, trying to squish through it. Searing pain spread over my whole body as I got stuck in the middle and the door threatened to crush me. I cried out in agony but didn't give up.

I pushed against the force again and again.

But it wasn't working.

This is it. I thought bitterly. The irony, huh? I'm going to join you- Yami.

I was sure I was going to be pressed into a mush, but a hand grasped me and pulled me inside, sparing me the death (Oh, the irony!) but,

"AGHHHHHH!" I growled manically as I felt already bloodied skin tear away. I felt darkness gathering inside my closed eyes as soon I was torn away from the gate and slipped into peaceful unconsciousness.

Didn't the hand felt like Yami? I distinctly wondered before I fully blacked out.