Hi everyone! I'm still alive, so sorry I have been MIA for the past 2 years. Ever since I started university, I hardly found the time to be able to continue writing. That aside, I'm back and I plan to finish this (that's a promise). Thank you to some of you who haven't forgotten this story and I hope that this chapter won't disappoint you. I went back to scan through the story and decided that Atem should be 21 years old when he celebrate his birthday so I'm just going to go ahead to say that he finally reached adulthood :). Anyways, the holidays are around the corner so I hope I'll have more time on my hands. I'll be adding another chapter soon but I haven't written it but I promise it won't take another 2 years. Also, the next one will be longer then this one :) Once again, thanks to everyone who have read, reviewed and liked this story. I appreciate it very much. Please continue to review so that I may improve as well. I own nothing.

The Pharaoh's Memories (Chapter 36: Atem makes a big decision)

"speech"

"Japanese speech"

'thoughts'

*sound effects*

{locations}

#Text#

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Previously:

"Thank you, Phoenicia, it's a beautiful amulet. Thank you for being here as well." Atem said politely.

{Later that night}

As Atem retired to his room after all his guests had left after the party, he felt a slight longing his heart. 'Father, how I wish you were here to celebrate my birthday with me today. It's been 5 years since you left but to me I still can remember that day as clear as yesterday. I have finally turned 21 and Yugi said it was a big thing in his time, turning 21 means I have become an adult. Don't worry Father, I'll make good of my promise to you, I'll make sure Egypt becomes the greatest and most prosperous empire in the whole world.'

Yugi had quietly opened the door only to find Atem deep in thought so he decided to give the Pharaoh some time to himself. The Pharaoh usually hated entertaining so today had to be exhausting for him.

Sighting the carved wooden box on the table, Atem took out the amulet and held the gold amulet in his hands, the design was intricate and it was very well made. Recalling what Aunt Femi had been nagging about the past few months, Atem decided it was time, after all he was an adult now and he had responsibilities to fulfil. Yugi entered the room to help Atem get ready for bed, however Atem had other plans in mind. "Yugi, do you know where Pheonicia is right now?" Atem asked. "I saw her in the garden just now having a cup of tea." Yugi answered, wondering what was going on. "Thanks! I'll be back soon." Atem said as he left the room to look for her.

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{Two days later}

Aunt Femi walked determinedly down the lengthy hallways, after a few turns and stretches, she finally reached her destination: Priest Shimon's office. "Elder Femi, please have a seat, no doubt you have heard about the Pharaoh's request." The elderly priest said as he welcomed the elderly lady into the room. "Yes, it seems that he has finally decided to settle down and fulfil his duty to the Royal House. I'm so very pleased and I'm sure my brother would be as well." Aunt Femi replied as she took the seat that Shimon offered.

After months of "getting to know her better", Atem had finally given the orders to send a message to the kingdom of Byblos. "Tell Shimon to send a message to the King of Byblos, tell him that I wish to ask for his daughter's hand in marriage and send with the message, gifts of gold and silver." This was the order from Atem and Aunt Femi wanted it done as soon as possible.

"I have a question though, traditionally the Pharaoh would marry one of his female relatives to preserve the family's divinity, just as how the former Pharaoh married his sister. But this time…" Shimon asked the elder. "Ha! Don't worry Priest Shimon, Princess Pheonicia is definitely a relative, I picked all the girls to be introduced to the Pharaoh remember?" Femi shrugged off the question but Shimon looked confused so she decided to explain this to him in greater detail. "My brother, Pharaoh Aknamkanon, did not have any daughters but we had many cousins. One of these cousins is the King of Byblos, my father granted him the land and status many years ago. Therefore you don't need to be worried, Pharoah Atem and Princess Pheonicia are definitely related though very distantly."

{Back in Atem's office}

"Wow Pharoah, I never thought I would see the day that you would tell me to bring that order to Lord Shimon. You really do surprise me." Yugi said as he sorted through the paperwork that Atem was going through. "Well, I'm getting older day by day and I have a duty to the royal house after all. There was no reason for me to prolong the process since I got to know Pheonicia better." Atem mused out loud. 'I am sure this news has reached Aunt Femi's ears by now, she must be so pleased.' Atem quietly thought to himself as he returned to his work.

Right on cue, there was a knock on the door and Elder Femi entered. "Ah Aunt Femi, no doubt you have heard about my orders." Atem beamed. "Yes Pharoah and congratulations!" Aunt Femi replied with a smile. "We shall have the gifts prepared for the bride's family at once and our great land would be blessed with having an alliance with the kingdom of Byblos." She continued as Atem listened on about the sanctity of marriage and how he should set a good example for the people.

After the long lecture from Aunt Femi, Atem found it rather difficult to concentrate on his work so he decided to take Yugi out for a jaunt with his two personal guards/friends. Unknowingly, they passed by the spot by the lake, the same one where Yugi was kidnapped from. Yugi smiled softly, "Pharaoh, is it possible that we spend our day here today?" Jono turned to look at Yugi but did not say anything. "Sure, why not, it's a beautiful place." Atem replied. "You sure about this Yugi?" Hond asked his friend. "Yeah, I can't live in fear forever, besides, you guys helped me overcome it already." Yugi assured them.

As they settled down to enjoy the scenery and the breeze, Yugi had an idea. "Pharaoh, let's play duel monsters! It's been a while since we last played." Yugi suggested as he started pulling out the decks of cards from his bag. "Sure! This time I'll be the one who will win!" Atem replied enthusiastically.

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{At the palace}

"What a wonderful day! In the end, we still won the same number of matches. I wonder if life will still be like that after I get married." Atem asked his most trusted servant and friend. "I don't think it will change too badly Pharaoh, though you would definitely be much busier when you are married and when the children comes along, you might have even lesser time for this." Yugi chuckled. "Yugiiiii… Sometimes you say the weirdest things, children? I'm not even married yet!" Atem sputtered incredulously. "I do beg your pardon my king, but doesn't marriage lead to procreation?" Yugi stated as a matter of fact. "Well, it does but… never mind just don't say anything more. That's an order." Atem ordered, clearly embarrassed. "Yes Pharaoh." Yugi answered, laughing softly.

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{One week later}

"Pharaoh, there is a message for you from the kingdom of Byblos." The messenger announced at the throne room. Atem was doing his usual routine of passing judgements on the matters his ministers and high priests present him. Everyone turned their head around to look at the messenger who passed the message to Yugi who in turn passed it to Atem. After he read it, he told Yugi to pass the note to Femi who promptly went on his way. The high priest all looked at him knowingly but decided to carry on as usual.

{Meanwhile…}

"It is confirmed! The Pharaoh is going to get married!" Femi exclaimed as she read the note. "Good job boy for taking good care of the Pharaoh all this while!" Femi complimented Yugi, patting him on the back. "It's my job Elder Femi. I'll always be by the Pharaoh's side." Yugi replied. "Good, good, I'm glad that he has someone like you to confide in. He can be quite reserved at times." Femi continued as she went on her way to ensure the preparations for the wedding are put into motion.

Please remember to R&R!