Author's Note: I'm back and with a whole new series! I won't promise this time that I will update ASAP because of my busy schedule but I do hope to get a few chapters in before school starts back on the 20th, then it's full speed ahead. Year and a half towards my Bachelors Degree in Sociology. This story however will be yaoi. But seriously aside from my Beatle story and my Law and Order one-shot what isn't that I have written?

-Citrine

It was a hot Spring day in the Egyptian desert known as Sinai. The air was dry with grains of sand flying this way and that on the winds. The landscape was full of rolling dunes and hills that looked as though they had been painted on a canvas of blue sky. While the temperature was broiling, the sights made up for it.

However, today was just a day for sightseeing, it was a day for exploration. A group of fresh out of college graduates were scattered about the desert, digging, scraping, brushing, trying to find any bit of history they could lay their hands on. They had each won a lucky spot on this excursion thanks to their hard work in completing their degrees in Archeology. To receive such a spot, they had to not only graduate from their respective programs with decent grade point averages, they also submitted award winning essays, completed an internship or two or three, and numerous recommendations had been sent on their behalf from their professors. All in all, if you really wanted in, you had to start as early as your Freshman year.

"I am very pleased with you all." A tall gray haired professor said. "You have been very cooperative and hard at work since we arrived! A successful dig indeed!

"But we haven't found anything Professor Hawkins." A young woman said, looking a bit downtrodden.

Professor Arthur Hawkins laughed kindly.

"My dear, as you have learned, it can take years for the discovery of one artifact. The purpose of this experience is exposure and to build up a bit of patience and further understanding. Just look around you! This place is brimming with history, a past buried deep beneath the sands. This landscape alone speaks volumes!"

"Speaks of emptiness to me." The girl uttered. "I really wanted us to find something worthwhile."

A hand patted her shoulder. She turned to see a shy spiky hair boy give a kind smile.

"Don't worry." He said. "Professor Hawkins has not led us on a wild goose chase. If he thinks there is something here, there is!"

"How can you be so sure Yugi?" She asked. "We haven't found a single thing and we have been here almost a week!"

"Well, it is a month's trip, so it is still early." Yugi Mutou said. "We'll find something, I know we will!"

The girl shrugged and continued to brush some dust off of what was soon discovered to be a rock.

Later that evening, at the campsite as Yugi helped clean up the evening meal, Professor Hawkins decided it was time for a little chat.

"I did not want to say this in front of the others, but I am quite pleased you were able to come on this dig Yugi."

"I hope Grandpa didn't lay any pressure on you?" Yugi said with a grin.

"Nonsense, your grandfather Solomon and I may be dear friends, but I don't believe in favoritism. You came with high regards from Domino University's Archeology Program. Your research too on cultural heritage here in Egypt was quite profound. It would be a mistake not to have you along."

"Well Doctor Perkins made sure it was perfect for submission. I don't know how many late nights I pulled with that paper. Ishizu Ishtar too gave me a hand as well."

"Ah, Ms. Ishtar, such a lovely woman and quite intelligent." The professor exclaimed. "I hear she is coming out with a new publication on the role of women in ruling ancient Egypt."

He looked at Yugi and really could not believe his eyes. While the boy..no young man..still held a little of his remarkable baby face and unusual hair, he could not help but see how he had grown in the last few years..since...that fateful time. He had grown taller by a few inches, a little bit of muscle appeared and now he held the air and maturity of a man, not a teenager. But the elderly professor couldn't help but notice. Those large eyes the strange amethyst color held a bit of dullness, a lack of the cheeriness that was once a part of the boy's mannerisms.

"How is Rebecca doing?" Yugi suddenly asked referring to Arthur's granddaughter.

"Oh, fine, just fine!" He said. "The FBI office is happy to have her on their criminal tracking team. Granted, she is barely fifteen, but she has shown such promise in the technological sector of criminal justice. It is a bit strange not having her here, but far be it for me to stop her when she has so much to give. I am glad at least her best friend and their family was willing to let her stay with them. "

He winked at Yugi.

"And she still has a bit of a crush on you."

Yugi blushed. He remembered the little blonde girl in glasses holding his arm like a vice declaring loudly to the world he was her boyfriend.

"So tell me Yugi." He asked. "Anyone special for you right now? You hardly talk as it is."

Yugi again blushed but shook his head.

"I've been too busy." He said. "I don't have the time."

"Nonsense!" Hawkins said slapping his back. "A young man finds the time if he is willing."

Yugi put his chin in his hands.

"I'm not." He said.

"What about that lovely Tea girl?" He asked, pressing a bit. "You two are quite close."

Yugi smiled.

"Tea is one of my dearest friends, like a sister to me." He said. "I don't feel that way about her. Besides, she is all the way in New York. She did well at Julliard and she is auditioning now for the New York City ballet company. She wants in, even if it is the tiniest role, if not she will hone her skills with another company until she can try out again. She will get in though, me and the guys went down to see her perform, she really can dance beautifully."

"Ah and how are Joey and Tristan?" Hawking asked. "Still getting into scrapes?"

Yugi laughed.

"Not as much." He said. "Joey has taken his competitive nature to the next level and working on becoming a PE teacher while Tristan is still working at the automotive shop. He wants to open his own business though designing motorcycles, so he's taking night classes at the junior college. Duke Devlin too has been working setting out the next format of his dice game."

"Speaking of, I haven't even seen you pull out your Duel Monsters deck this whole week." Hawkins added. "I am a bit surprised, I heard that your professors had to practically sit you next to them while they lectured, you never got a brief moment from all the students pestering you about the game."

Yugi laughed a bit sadly.

"I still have my deck and I still play from time to time." He said. "Just..you know..busy."

Hawkins knew it was time to get to the bottom of this search.

"Yugi, if something is troubling you, please, I would like to help you. You have seem a bit forlorn on this excursion. Did something happen before you left."

Yugi looked up.

"Oh no, no, I'm having a wonderful time!" He said. "I guess I do feel a bit frustrated that we haven't found anything, but really..I am just..tired. Maybe jet lag or something."

"Well if you are not feeling well, do not push yourself my boy." Hawkins said eying the young man. "You are allowed to take it easy and that sun can be quite strong. I would not want your grandfather to go after me should his dear grandson become ill while in my care. After all you may be an adult now, but I run this excursion and it is a tight ship I must say."

Yugi laughed at the Professors euphemism.

"I honestly feel fine." He answered. "Really, I am just tired. In fact I might head to bed a little early if it is alright with you?"

"Quite alright indeed."

Yugi excused himself and went off to his large tent.

Once he was securely inside he pulled out the deck of cards that had been hidden in one of his few duffel bags. The cards that held so much meaning to him. He pulled out one and smiled. The Heart of the Cards never failed as he looked longingly at his favorite card "The Dark Magician." As if they knew already Yugi's heart was aching and needed to be lifted.

He continued to shuffle through the deck, looking at cards that not only he fought with, but another part of him as well.

His other half.

His spirit.

It was strange that a simple card game could bring about chaos. But also such beauty and realization. It was also odd that objects like this cards or a certain puzzle held more than met the eye. But he didn't expect when it all ended, that he would find himself still longing, still wishing, still loving.

The roof to the tent was open and Yugi looked up at the stars. They twinkled so brightly, so strongly, like that one night.

FLASHBACK

"What are we doing out here Yugi, you should be resting after today."

"I just wanted to look at the stars."

"They are lovely, but really Yugi you should get back inside with the others, today with Dartz must have worn you out."

"I guess I am a bit restless after all of that. That's why I wanted to come outside for some air and look at the sky. I have barely had time to look at them since all that is happened."

"I see, I apologize."

Yugi turned to the tall being beside him. He was tall, with deep red, mysterious eyes, wearing the same outfit Yugi had worn that day. He had the same hairstyle as Yugi, but had a deep voice and a more defined face. Even with these differences it was hard to tell who was the other when one took place of the other.

Yugi smiled.

"You have nothing to apologize for Yami." He said. "It is not your fault these things have happened."

"But I have put you and your friends in constant danger." The spirit named Yami said. "If only I could conquer my past without jeopardizing your lives. You should be living carefree and happy, not worrying about helping this five thousand year old ghost."

Yami crossed his arms on his knees and looked up to the sky. Yugi was starting to realize that this brave, but lost Egyptian pharaoh who had come to him was not as tough as he seemed. He felt insecure, afraid.

Yugi put his hand on Yami's, even though Yami couldn't exactly feel it, Yugi believed it would provide some reassurance.

"You came here for a reason Pharaoh, and we are going to help you." Yugi said. "You will not be alone in this fight, I won't let you and the others won't too. We want to help you find your past and we'll get there no matter what the danger. We have done it before haven't we?"

"Yes, but at what cost to all of you?"

Yugi knew what was happening.

"You are still afraid of your dark side, even after you conquered Leviathan and Dartz."

"I acted shamelessly and I could have lost you forever." Yami said looking at Yugi sadly. It haunted him, how he let the Orichalcos take over him and how evil he had become to the cards...to Yugi..who nearly sacrificed his life to save Yami's.

"Please Pharaoh, stop torturing yourself with that, I didn't go away and you did fight the darkness that had taken over you. Let's just focus now on getting your to remember your past."

Yami turned and looked directly in Yugi's eyes. Even though he was just a faint image that could not be touched, the look in his eyes still gave Yugi a chill up his spine.

"I promise you that I will never let that happen again." Yami exclaimed. "You are my Light and I will protect you. My word is my bond and my bond is to you."

Yugi felt his heart race as he stared up at the eyes of the spirit. He wanted so badly to touch the determined yet nervous face of the Pharaoh Yami. To hold him and let him know he was forgiven, that he was...loved.

"Then that is all I need to know." Yugi said.

END FLASHBACK

Yugi looked up at the stars sadly.

"Pharaoh, can you hear me?" He asked. He then laughed brushing a tear from his eye. He laid down on top of his sleeping bag. "If you can, I wish I could have told you how I really feel...felt now I guess. There is no one, there was only you. I know I need to let go, but I can't. I miss you so much. But I guess it doesn't matter now.

Meanwhile 5000 years in the Past

"The city is flourishing my Pharaoh, I don't recall seeing it thriving so well since before you returned."

"I trust the people are taken care of, I want to make sure everyone is provided for no matter what status they maybe. We are a city built on prosperity for all, not just a select few."

"Oh yes Pharaoh, the plans you laid out to help the destitute are now being brought to life."

"And the children?"

"The new sanctuary you commanded for the young ones is nearly complete. Soon they will no longer call the empty roads their home. Many have already lined up to see how they can care for the abandoned little ones."

"Be sure I personally will be making routine visits to ensure they are indeed being cared for." The Pharaoh said as he looked at an outline of the rebuilt city on a scroll. "If the place is filthy or the children are becoming ill rest assured I will be holding people responsible. I want trustworthy caregivers, not manipulators looking for prestige built on falsification."

"Yes my Pharaoh."

The Pharaoh looked to the men who stood in front of him. His knights as they were, Timaeus, Hermos, and Critias. Off at the side stood his advisor and cousin Seth.

The Pharaoh gave a light smile as he stood. He was dressed simply in his white tunic that seemed brighter on his tanned skin, his jewelry of heavy earrings, bracelets and rings always shining as if new. And on his forehead, his crown with the simple eye, his bangs hanging over it. His simple moccasins barely made a sound as he approached his guards.

"You all are doing excellent work." He said. "I am pleased with the way you have handled things since my return. I want our dear city to emerge from the rubble of the past into the brightness of the future. I cannot do it alone though and you have gone great lengths to ensure my people can live a better life than before. I am most gracious. Tomorrow night I will see to it that you are given a feast worthy of such kindness. But for now, if you will excuse me."

The guards bowed and headed out of the room.

"You couldn't give them a feast tonight?" A voice said from the shadows. "Are you planning something that elaborate, they are just doing your orders, no need to spoil them." Out emerged Seth.

The Pharoah put his hand to his head.

"It will be a simple evening, however, I want to be present to toast them. I would also like to invite more of the royal council so that they know I mean what I say about the city and I will do it with or without their approval. But tonight I do not feel up to such a preparation."

"Then have one of your other advisors do it."

"If you are offering then by all means."

"NOT ME!" Seth said turning red in the face. "I advise on more important issues, not who gets to sit next to you at supper. Besides why must you be at the forefront of such trivial matters. You are Pharoah Atem."

"Exactly, which is why I prefer to be at the forefront of any matter, no matter how small. I am sorry Seth but before I returned I faced numerous situations of manipulation and deceit from those I thought were trusting. Far be it for me to make those mistakes again."

"Something has been on your mind though. You seem troubled."

Atem said nothing as they walked through a long corridor. The Pharaoh stopped a moment and opened the door to one of them. It was a bedroom. Simple, yet to a citizen quite elaborate. A large bed, trunks holding precious items, the large window and balcony overlooking the city of Khemet.

"Do you think they will ever return Seth?"

Seth sighed.

"Of course we can only hope." He said. "Stranger things have happened as it is said."

Atem looked longingly in the room. The memories of his parents and the love they shared for him and each other. He then closed the door and walked a few feet down to another room.

"And..."

Seth sighed as they stared into the simple bedroom, the one of a beloved servant.

"Still no word on what happened to her."

"She cared for me when my parents were gone." He said. "She became my second mother."

"We tried cousin."

"Is it a fool's wish to keep trying?" Atem asked.

Seth once again had no idea what to say.

"I guess I am being silly." Atem finally answered. "I came back knowing that there were things that could not be changed, but still I had some hope that maybe there was some returned. That rotten war had taken everything from us. I often wonder, why me? Why did I get sent into that world?"

"You rarely speak of it." Seth said. "You barely tell us what it had been like, except at night. You walk these corridors uttering to yourself."

Atem looked at his cousin.

"And I thought you slept well at night?" He said.

"How could I with your mumbling?" Seth said. "But far be it for me to bother you. You seem like you are in deep thought and you keep saying this one word..Yugi."

Atem looked up in surprise.

"What is this Yugi?" He asked. "And why does it plague your mind so?"

Atem knew he couldn't lie to his trusted cousin.

"Just...someone very important to me that I had met." Atem answered. "He was the reason I was able to return in the first place."

"Do you long for...him?" Seth said knowing he might have been stepping a boundary. Just because they were cousins did not give Seth complete free reign on speaking his mind. One wrong move and he could go from high priest to prisoner in moments.

"Don't we all long for someone?" Atem answered.

"Yes..but..."

"I shall retire now. Good night Seth."

Before Seth could utter a single word Pharaoh Atem disappeared into his own chambers.

With a sigh Atem approached his window. Night had fallen and though indeed tired, he knew he would not be able to sleep. He went out to his balcony overlooking his city that was tucking in for it's slumber. Staring up at the bright moon he smiled sadly.

"Yugi?" He whispered. "If only I could sense you like I once could. To have you near me again. Above all else, that would make me complete."

Atem closed his eyes and remembered.

FLASHBACK

For Atem, at the time known as Yami or just Pharaoh and before that, just Spirit, this world was indeed strange to him. Though he could sense familiarity things were not the same as they had been in Egypt, that he could tell. Things that were so complex in his time were now so simple. These games he played going from simple cards to metal compartments worn on his wrist that would deal him the card, the food (though only he ate when he had taken the form of Yugi), the clothing, it was a bit daunting.

The education too threw Atem for a loop.

"You seem tense spirit?" Yugi said walking home from school one day, the Millenium Puzzle that currently housed his friend in dangling from his neck. "Are you feeling alright?"

Atem was a bit tense as he leaned against a wall in his little room. Yugi's history class had started a lesson on Egypt and to hear the changes that have happened the over many milleniums ago had made him a bit stressed. He knew Egypt had to do with him being a pharaoh, but not knowing the rest of his memories along with the huge changes that had occurred in the country itself made him uneasy. He wanted to know more, but even a high school teacher can only explain so much.

"I feel fine Yugi." He uttered.

"It's about history class isn't it?" Yugi said stopping. "Something about Egypt made you remember something maybe?"

Atem sighed.

"All I know is that I was in that past somewhere." He said. "To know the triumphs and hardships of that country then and now, where did I fall in?"

"And why did you fall here...to this world and time?"

Atem snickered.

"You read me too well."

"You feel like you don't belong here too." Yugi said a bit sadly. "I can't imagine what it is like for you going for one world to now."

Atem looked up in surprise. Yugi read him TOO well.

"I know how you feel spirit as weird as that sounds." Yugi said. "For a long time I felt like I didn't belong here too. My parents were gone and all I had was grandpa. And none of the other students liked me and beat me up. All I had was my games and helping grandpa at the game shop."

Atem remembered the few times that poor Yugi had been subjected to such torment and unable to release himself to save the boy.

"Then you came along." He said. "And showed me how to be brave."

Atem smiled.

"It was all you, Yugi, I had nothing to do with it."

"You did though." Yugi said. "You taught me how to be strong when faced with danger." When Joey took the puzzle and threw that piece in the river I thought I had lost you forever. Then I saw him and Tristan getting attacked by that bully and I knew that you would not want me to just look at it as revenge and walk away, but to help. To show them by being a bigger person. Just like you would."

Atem blushed. He didn't realize Yugi held him to such a high standard.

"And that helped Joey and Tristan realize that being friends is more fun than being bullies. So you too spirit can find your way and I will make sure to help you on that journey, just like you have helped me on mine."

Atem was speechless.

"I must say I feel honored." He said.

Yugi giggled.

"You don't have to be so formal Spirit." He said happily as he approached his house. "You can just say thanks."

"Saying it in such simple words makes me feel like I am lessening the value of my appreciation." He said. "Thanks does not seem like it would be right."

Yugi couldn't help but laugh.

"Believe me Spirit, in this world, it does."

END FLASHBACK

Atem sighed and looked up into the starry desert night. Just before retreating back into his room. "You may have believed that I made you a stronger person Yugi, but indeed it was you who gave me strength. You were the one braver one, not me. I needed to be here, but I didn't imagine being without you make me long for you all the more."

The next few days in the desert brought a lot of exhaustion and little discovery. Yugi decided however, that while he was missing Atem that he would not get all depressed. He had worked hard to be on this excursion and wasn't about to let his longing for his dear friend put him in a funk. He knew Atem wouldn't want him to be sad anyway.

"You seem to be feeling a bit better Yugi." Professor Hawkins commented as he watched Yugi explore and dig meticulously.

"Yes Professor." He said happily from his site where he and two other students worked. "Now that I have had some time to get to know the place, I feel great! I do hope we come across something."

"Even if you don't, do not let it discourage you all." Hawkins said with a smile. "This trip is meant to help you learn what it is truly like to be in the field. A true archaeologist knows never to give up even if the trip was not a success."

"Well even if it isn't, it sure is exciting to me." Yugi said grinning. "I can see why Grandpa also enjoyed it so much."

"You have your grandfather's enthusiasm, that is for certain!" Hawkins said.

Yugi turned back to his work, but just as Hawkins had turned around to check on the others, he heard a loud thunk coming from Yugi's direction. He turned back around.

"That does not sound like a rock to me." Hawkins said.

"I don't think so either Professor." Yugi said. The team worked quicker as Hawkins looked on. Other students came to join and within a span of an hour stood back in surprise.

"Wow."

"I don't believe it."

"We actualy found something..."

Yugi swallowed.

"Not something, but possibly someone."

Hawkins was speechless, he honestly didn't expect to find this while on an excavation with students. This was something he expected with a seasoned crew. He had no idea that he along with the grandson of his dearest friend would be staring down at what appeared to be...

A coffin.