Chapter 46

New Direction Happiness

Author's note: just to not get in trouble, I should remind everyone that I don't own anything YuGiOh. I just own my characters and Dark Mage of the Sea owns hers.

When a sentence is **like this**, it's sign language. When a sentence is ~like this~, it's phoenix speech.

Thank you, Dark Mage of the Sea, my coauthor and best friend.

About a month after getting engaged, Tima was looking through some wedding magazines for ideas. She smiled at a few dresses and folded a page corner. Looking at the clock, she frowned. "It's getting late…where's Atem?"

Just then, he walked in, looking drained. Dropping his backpack, he collapsed on the couch. He was so tired, he did not notice that Tima was sitting there and that his stomach was now on her lap. Looking down at him, she asked, "Long day?"

Atem grunted in response. She almost chuckled but decided against that. Instead, she started to stoke his hair. "Want to talk about it?"

Atem sighed. "Three exams today…and I have more the day after tomorrow. My professor is also an imbecile when it comes to Egypt and he doesn't like it when I correct him."

Tima winced a little. "That sucks, I'm sorry."

Atem lifted his head a little and sighed. "I hope things will get better…especially when I graduate."

His tone, however, was not optimistic. Noticing, Tima asked, "Are you telling me or are you telling yourself?"

Atem looked at her and smiled softly. "Last time you asked me that, we were in the afterlife."

Tima smiled, remembering. Just then, Atem's phone dinged. Both got up: Atem got his phone and Tima went to the kitchen to figure out dinner. Looking in the fridge, she heard Atem make a noise. She looked up to see him texting. "Who is it?"

Atem did not look up. "Kaiba. That prototype he had me test underwent some changes so he wants me to test the new version."

Tima wanted to respond but noticed the sparkle in Atem's eyes. He looked excited and energized, as if he did not come home disillusioned and drained from his studies. Closing the fridge, she wondered, 'Is this the path…you're really supposed to take?' Out loud, she asked, "When does he want you to test it?"

"Tomorrow."

Remembering what he said about his exams, she asked, "Will you have time to both test the prototype and study?"

Atem paused and grimaced. "Damn…the exams." He got his exam schedule out of his backpack and looked at it. After a few seconds, he smirked. "They're all in the afternoon. That means I can duel the prototype tomorrow, even if it takes me all day, and study through the night or the following morning."

Hearing that confirmed Tima's thoughts. "Atem…maybe you shouldn't worry about the exams."

Atem was taken aback by that. "How can you say that?"

Tima went up to him and took the schedule from him. "Atem…I'm starting to think your path is not being an archaeologist but being a professional duelist. I have been watching you for a while and I've noticed a change in you. You are…not as dedicated to your studies as you were when we first came back. But dueling…you always light up when something involving Duel Monsters is in front of you, whether it's watching duels, overhearing conversations, or working for Kaiba. Atem…your fate doesn't lie in tombs…" she tossed the schedule away, "…it lies in the arena."

Atem's eyes followed the schedule but his mind was processing what she was saying. He thought through the past few months and mentally sighed. 'Tima is right…learning about the past does not stir me as it used to…now that I remember everything. And I do miss the tournaments…' Looking at his phone, he smirked and texted a simple question to Kaiba: "When's the next tournament?"

As the months went on, Atem took a leave from school and dived back into Duel Monsters. Getting his own Duel Disk, he joined every tournament he could find and won all of them. At first, a lot of people thought he was Yugi because of their similar look; the confusion quickly ended when Yugi personally handed Atem his trophy after a big spring tournament. Yugi smiled. "Congratulations, Atem."

Atem smiled back. He then noticed, "You seem nervous."

Tarra looked at Yugi and her eyes sparkled with amusement. Yugi chuckled and scratched the back of his head. "Well…you know I don't like being on camera."

Remembering, Atem then got an idea. "Have you ever considered joining a tournament and facing me again?"

Yugi looked at Atem. Seeing how serious he was, Yugi said, "Um…maybe…"

Seeing the cameras were on them and correctly assuming they could hear them, Atem's idea took shape. "Well, you are the King of Games. I'm sure everyone would like to see you duel."

Tarra looked at her former guardian, wondering where he was going with this. Yugi chuckled again. "I might have the title but remember what Kaiba said about that."

Atem smirked: Yugi walked right into his trap. He held out his hand to shake Yugi's. As Yugi grasped it, Atem said, "I know…" He then pulled Yugi closer and locked eyes with him. The spectators gasped loudly as Atem murmured, "…and I will be taking that title from you."

As the audience roared with cheers, Yugi froze, not expecting this attitude change.

When they went in the back, out of sight, he quickly went up to Atem. "Atem, what was that?!"

Atem laughed. "I couldn't help myself!"

Tarra made a chirping laugh. ~That was amazing, Atem!~

Yugi glared and sulked. Atem then turned serious. "But what do you say to us facing each other one more time? I want a rematch for the Ceremonial Duel. I came very close to defeating you that day and staying. Because of that, I want to duel you again…for the title. If I win, I can take over as King of Games and you can retire from the spotlight, allowing you to become the game designer I know you can be."

Yugi looked at Atem. He seriously thought about it for a solid minute before nodding. "Okay…I'll take you up on that challenge. But do you think you can beat me?"

Atem smirked. "I do."

Just then, reporters came up to them, demanding an interview about Atem's challenge. Atem held his head up high but Yugi was mentally shaking. As confident as he was, he was still nervous with interviews and cameras. All the reporters asked multiple questions and only went quiet when Atem spoke. "As you heard, I have challenged Yugi to his King of Games title." He looked at Yugi, both wanting to have fun and help him get over his nerves. "What say you?"

Tarra mentally laughed, seeing the sparkle in Atem's eyes and feeling Yugi's nervousness. Yugi wanted to glare at him but could not because of the cameras. Instead, he looked at Atem for a solid minute before saying (a little close to a microphone), "I accept."

The two then walked away as security kept the reporters from following them. Atem patted Yugi's back. "Well done."

Yugi gave Atem a dark look. "You're mean."

Tarra made a chirping laugh and Atem smirked in amusement.

After Atem made his challenge for Yugi's title, his popularity skyrocketed. While many people have challenged Yugi for his King of Games title, this was the first challenge that Yugi actually accepted. Both of them found themselves being approached by fans and reporters, asking when the duel would be. Getting together with Kaiba, the three young men started to work on arranging the duel, now dubbed the Accession Duel. At the same time, Tima was working on getting their wedding together. To her relief, she did not have to worry too much about finances. When people learned that she was engaged to the man who was challenging Yugi for his King of Games title, the sales for Ripples erupted. While they did not sell enough for an extravagant wedding, the sales did allow her to have a couple of extra things.

About a month and a half before the Accession Duel, Tima was about to make a booking for their venue when Atem came home. She looked up to greet him but paused when she saw all the letters in his hands. "What are those?"

Atem chuckled a little. "Fan mail, apparently. Most were in our mailbox but a few came from people in the street."

Tima giggled. "Really?"

Putting them on the table, Atem shrugged. "People are excited for the duel."

Tima nodded and went back to the website. Looking over her shoulder, Atem saw the website and took her hand. "Tima…I was thinking. There's a lot of people wanting to be a part of our lives now…"

Tima made an amused noise. "That's what you get for challenging the King of Games."

Atem did not smile. "Let me finish. I have a feeling a lot of people are going to want to watch our wedding and I don't think you want that." Off Tima's head shaking, he continued. "Is there a way for us to get married privately, with just our friends in attendance?"

Taking her hand back, she did a quick search and found an article about why someone chose a courthouse wedding instead of a big ceremony. Both of them read the article and then looked at each other. He asked, "How about it?"

Tima looked at her computer screen and then her wedding notes. After a minute, she nodded. "Yeah…yeah, let's do that. I'll have to cancel a few things and get our deposits back but I like this idea."

Atem smiled and kissed her before going back to the fan mail. He sifted through them, becoming more and more amused by them. Tima got to work, emailing their vendors. But she kept looking at Atem out of the corner of her eyes. "Having fun over there?"

Atem just nodded. He looked at her and gave her a special smile. Seeing it, Tima blushed. "What?"

Atem set aside the fan mail and went over to give her another kiss. "Thank you…for, once again, pushing me."

Tima blushed and smiled.

The morning Tiki was coming home for the summer, Atem was dressing as Tima was on the phone. Arranging his jacket the way he liked it, he looked at the marriage license they got from the local courthouse. He smiled, thinking about their eventual ceremony. Just then, Tima hung up. "Good news. I got us a date and time for our courthouse wedding."

Atem perked up. "Really? What day?"

Tima put on a slightly naughty smile and said, "The morning of July 14th."

Atem paused. "The day before the Accession Duel?"

Tima shrugged, still smiling in a naughty way. "It was the earliest I could get."

Atem looked at her before getting amused as well. "Very well." He hooked his arms around her waist. "You are a devious woman, you know that?"

Tima smiled and kissed him.

The month came and went. The night before the wedding, Tima was spending the night at Kaiba Manor. Kaiba was working and let Tiki have her friends over to keep Tima company. Putting Tima's dress away, Serenity smiled. "Your dress is wonderful, Tima!"

Tima smiled. "Thank you, Serenity. The moment I saw that dress, I fell in love with it."

Merina nodded. "The boho style works for you."

Tima nodded and sat down on the bed next to Tiki. "Maybe that's why I loved it: it kind of reminds me of my wedding dress in Egypt." She then looked at Tsuki. "Once again, thank you for letting Atem and I have our reception at your house."

Tsuki nodded with a smile. "It's my pleasure to help my friends out. Although…" she peeked at Kiko, "…she might take a little of your thunder."

Kiko glared at Tsuki. "I would never do that!"

Nayru poked his head up from the phoenixes feeding from Itami's bowl. ~Why don't I believe you?~

Merina grinned, agreeing. "Oh, so you're not going to ask Joey out on another date?"

Kiko blushed and sulked. That caught Serenity's attention. "You went out with Oniichan?"

Kiko blushed a little deeper and scratched the back of her head with a smile. Crystal smirked and scooted forward. "Spill it."

Serenity innocently asked, "I thought you were a psychic?"

The phoenixes twittered in amusement. Crystal smiled. "Psychics can't see everything all the time."

Kiko chuckled and, seeing all eyes on her, said, "He took me to a wrestling event a couple weeks ago."

Tiki blinked in surprise. "What?"

Serenity was just as surprised but for a different reason. "He asked you? I know he asked me to join him but I had a routine checkup for my eyes."

Kiko nodded. "He was supposed to go with Tristan but he got sick that day. He asked me and, after talking to my friends, I accepted."

Ukino asked, "How was it? I never thought of you going to a wrestling event."

Kiko smiled, getting a dreamy twinkle in her eyes. "It was…odd. But he was…a real gentleman. Not only did he make sure I was comfortable, he made sure I understood everything. At the end, I even found myself cheering and booing with him."

Tima smiled, remembering Jouno and Kiko in Egypt. Just then, Tiki grunted quietly, getting everyone's attention. Merina asked, "You okay?"

Tiki nodded. "Yeah…yeah, I am. It's just Braxton Hicks."

Crystal asked, "Anything we can do to help you?"

Tiki took a few deep breaths. "No, I'll…I'll just get Yuko to make me a snack. That always helps. I'll have her make something for all of you as well, if you want."

Everyone said they were not hungry and continued to talk as Tiki asked Yuko the chef to make her a peanut butter and avocado sandwich. When she made her request, she saw everyone looking at her. "What? It's what Noa's craving."

The girls were amused and continued to converse. Tima took that moment to look out the window. 'Tomorrow is the day…I'm marrying the love of my life…again.'

At Atem and Tima's apartment, Yugi, Joey, Duke, and Tristan were throwing Atem a bachelor party. Tristan stated, "I still can't believe you didn't want us to bring some fun."

Knowing what Tristan was hinting at, Atem shook his head. "I will not have such entertainment. Plus, I don't want to disturb my neighbors."

Joey shrugged and pulled out a bottle of liquor. "Well, we're still gotta party one way or another."

Silently agreeing, Duke started to take out glasses. Atem rolled his eyes but conceded. "Fine. But not too much: I don't want you guys sick tomorrow."

Everyone agreed: none of them wanted to get sick at a courthouse. Yugi especially did not want to get sick since he and Tiki would be witnesses for the couple. As Joey poured the drinks, Yugi asked Atem, "How do you feel?"

Atem smiled. "A little nervous but excited."

Joey smirked. "You shouldn't feel nervous, though."

Tristan nodded. "Yeah! You're getting married to the girl you love."

Atem took his drink. "Yeah…but it's been 3000 years since we were wed. For us to get another chance to do so…"

Yugi smiled, understanding. "But it will be the greatest moment of your life."

Atem smiled back. "Thanks, guys."

Joey held up his drink. "To the luckiest guy on the planet!"

From the balcony, Earthzina and Tarra chirped as the men toasted to Atem. After they took their sips, Duke could not help but point out, "If anyone should be nervous, it's Yugi for the Accession Duel the day after tomorrow."

Everyone gave Duke a look. Tristan grumbled, "Aren't you a little ray of sunshine."

Duke shrugged. "I'm just pointing out…"

Yugi fidgeted a little. "Can we just focus on the wedding tomorrow?"

Atem smiled and patted his friend's back. Looking between everyone, Joey changed the subject. "So what are we going to do tonight?"

Duke looked at his friend. "Didn't you plan this party?"

Joey looked at Atem. "Well, Atem's request threw us off so…"

Atem shook his head in amusement. "Don't blame me."

Yugi suggested, "How about we just hang out with music?"

Smirking, Joey dug out a lot of CDs from his bag and put one of them in Atem's laptop. When the music started, the blonde grinned. "There we go!"

Tristan looked through the CDs. "For once, you have a good taste in music."

Joey glared at his friend. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Atem chuckled in amusement. "Guys, let's not argue."

Yugi grinned and held up his own bag. "If we are, how about we take it out with those fighting games I brought?"

Joey and Tristan playfully glared at each other. Tristan declared, "I'm going to beat you this time, Joey!"

Joey laughed. "Never gonna happen, dude!"

As Yugi got out his old system and started to connect it to the TV, Atem smirked, getting an idea. "How about we make this interesting?" Seeing four pairs of eyes looking at him, he suggested, "How about we team up in pairs and battle? Losers go out and buy pizza."

Before Duke could point out there were an odd number of people in the apartment, Joey grinned widely. "You're on! Tristan and I will team up against you and Yuge!"

The system set up, Yugi grinned back at Joey. "You sure about that, Joey?"

"Of course I'm sure!" Joey then noticed Duke's look of hesitation. "What, you think we can't win?"

Duke gestured to Atem and Yugi. "You two are going up against two of the best gamers out there."

Joey waved it off. "Yeah, yeah, that's games. This is video games, my specialty!"

While annoyingly amused by Joey's confidence, the four still played the game with Duke watching. It only took a few minutes for Yugi and Atem to mop the floor with them. Duke looked away, murmured, "Told you," and took a sip.

Joey sulked. "Shut up."

Atem leaned against the couch. "Looks like you two are getting pizza."

Accepting defeat, Tristan asked, "What does everyone want?"

Yugi and Atem asked for meats; Duke agreed. Mentally registering it, Joey got up and headed to the door. "Let's go, Tristan, Earthzina."

As Earthzina flew over to his shoulder, Tristan pointed out, "You know you're paying for this, man."

Joey groaned, "Oh, c'mon!"

The two continued to bicker and argue with Earthzina following close. As Duke went to the bathroom, Tarra flew in and landed on Yugi's lap. This earned her some scratches, making her coo happily. ~You boys look like you're having fun.~ She looked at Atem. ~Especially you. You're not nervous anymore.~

Atem smiled and gave Tarra his own scratches. Looking between them, Yugi asked, "Do you ever miss have Tarra as your phoenix?"

Atem shrugged, still scratching her head. "At times. But this is how it's supposed to be. She was supposed to be Heba's when the time came, anyway."

Yugi paused. He still remembered Tima telling him that he was the reincarnation of their son. Noticing Yugi's attitude, Atem asked, "You okay?"

Blinking awake, Yugi nodded. "Yeah…yeah, I'm fine."

Tarra looked at Yugi. ~You don't sound fine, Yugi.~

Yugi blushed and looked away. Realizing what he said, Atem smiled in understanding and patted his shoulder. "Hey…it's all right. There's no need to feel awkward about it."

Yugi looked at his friend. "Yeah, I know…but I mean…I've known you since I completed the Millennium Puzzle. Even if Tima hadn't told me, I think a part of me would have still looked at you like a father figure since my own dad is always away on business." He smiled. "You remember him?"

Atem nodded, having met Yugi's father on Yugi's last birthday. "But, again, you don't need to feel awkward."

Yugi smiled and stretched his arms a little. Assuming they would have a few more minutes alone, he asked, "So…can you tell me about Heba?"

Atem smirked at Tarra. "I would have thought that Tarra would have fill you in on that."

Tarra puffed up his feathers. ~I thought it would be more appropriate for you to tell him.~

Yugi agreed. "Who better to learn about him than his own father?"

Atem chuckled and sat up on the couch. "I guess. So…where to start?"

Yugi got an idea. "What do Heba and I have in common?"

Atem smirked at his friend. "Other than your looks?" Yugi chuckled as Atem continued, "Your love of games. Heba loved to play games with everyone, especially me. He could defeat anyone he played against…except me."

Yugi immediately thought of the Accession Duel and got a little nervous. 'Is he trying to psych me out?'

Sensing Yugi's nerves, Tarra looked at Atem. ~What about Heba's favorite food?~

Atem chuckled a little. "Yeah, he was pretty much addicted to sweets. We had our own version of marshmallows. Put some honey on that and you get Heba's favorite meal."

Yugi smiled. "That does sound delicious! I should try that."

Atem then thought of something else. "There's something else: you two were attracted to Merina at first sight." Seeing he had Yugi's attention, Atem continued, "They met when they were 12. Tima, Atem, and Aziza could sense the attraction between the two of them."

Tarra's eyes sparkled at the mention of Aziza. Yugi, however, got confused. "Who's Aziza?"

Atem smiled, reminiscing. "My youngest child…my little scholar."

Yugi smiled, seeing how clearly Atem loved his daughter. Atem looked at Yugi. "Something else: you two have courage and a kind heart."

Yugi blushed a little. "Are the two of us really that similar?"

Atem smiled and touched Yugi's shoulder. "You are and you aren't. While you two share a lot of things in common, you are each your own person. Heba was Heba…you are Yugi, my friend now and forever."

Yugi was touched by this admission. As good as he felt, though, there was another question brewing in his mind. Before he could ask, however, Duke came out of the bathroom. "Atem, how about you and I get a few games in before Joey and Tristan come back?"

Atem agreed and set up a new game. Tarra looked at Yugi and sensed his unease. ~You okay?~

Yugi watched the game as he told her, 'I want to ask Atem about…how Heba died. But I don't…I don't want to ruin the mood.'

Tarra looked at Atem and privately asked him, ~Yugi has some more questions about Heba…rather heavy questions. Do I have your permission to answer them?~

Atem continued to play, having been put in a corner by Duke in the game. 'Yes, you can answer anything he has.'

Tarra nodded and looked at Yugi. ~You can ask me. I can tell you anything you want to know.~

Yugi looked at his phoenix. Before he could ask, Joey and Tristan came back with the pizzas. Duke looked up and raised his eyebrow at seeing Joey carrying his shoes. "Uh, why are you not wearing your shoes?"

Atem took advantage of Duke's distraction to win the game. Tristan smirked. "Joey didn't think I could get us back on my motorcycle with the pizzas. I proved him wrong."

Joey flipped off Tristan. "That's because you made me tie it to the back of your bike with my shoelaces!"

Tristan stated, "Well, you insisted on taking my bike instead of walking!"

Atem said in a loud voice, "Guys!"

Joey and Tristan stopped and put the pizza boxes on the table. Duke asked, "By the way, where's Kaiba?"

Yugi explained, "We invited him but he said he had work."

Joey grinned and flipped the box open. "Good! More for us!"

Earthzina rolled her eyes. ~Joey, be nice. How long are you going to keep this grudge against Kaiba?~

Joey scoffed and crossed his arms. "I don't like him and I never will!"

Atem got some plates out and pointed out, "You'll have to let go of the grudge, Joey. We're talking about the father of Tiki's child, after all."

Tristan took a plate and smirked. "Atem, this is Joey we're talking about. He's too stupid to let go of a grudge!"

Joey growled, "Tristan!"

The two argued some more while Yugi and Earthzina tried to break them up. Duke took up a slice and watched the argument with interest; Tarra focused on trying to get a piece of pizza crust; and Atem laughed, happy to have his friends with him.

The next morning, the men woke up and started to get ready. Atem decided to go with the same suit he wore when he proposed to Tima. As he looked at himself in the mirror, Yugi peeked in, wearing his own suit. "Almost ready? The limo is here."

Atem nodded. He then realized what Yugi said. "Limo?"

Yugi smiled. "Kaiba's here to pick us up."

Atem went to the window and saw a limo. Leaning against the limo, Kaiba was wearing his white suit with Itami on his shoulder. "This is surprising…" Just then, Joey came into view and looked like he was grumbling, making Atem smirk. "That isn't."

Yugi snickered. "Who cares? We all have a ride! So c'mon; you don't want to be late to your own wedding."

Atem chuckled and nodded in agreement. The two went down and joined their friends as Tristan told Joey in a low voice, "Don't do anything stupid."

Joey glared at Tristan as Atem went up to Kaiba. "Thanks for the ride, Kaiba." Kaiba nodded. Atem then asked in a lower voice, "By the way, did you get a chance to…?"

Kaiba cut him off. "Before you ask, no."

Itami's eyes got a glint. ~All the girls made sure to shoo Seto away before he could even try to see the dress.~

Atem nodded in understanding. Everyone climbed into the limo, though they did note that Kaiba made sure Joey got in last.

Already at the courthouse, Tima was in one of the bathrooms, doing a last minute check. She looked at herself in her dress. Down to her ankles, the cream-colored dress' skirt started from her bust and was made with Swiss-dot and lace fabric. She adjusted the short, flutter sleeves and her feather tiara and took a deep breath. Taking a deep breath, she clasped her hands together in prayer and closed her eyes. "Thank you, God…for giving me and Atem this second chance at getting married. Thank you for everything you have given us. We are forever grateful to you."

For a fleeting second, Gabriel appeared in the mirror, smiling. When Tima opened her eyes, she looked at her reflection and smiled. Just then, Kiko and Nayru came into the bathroom. "The limo is here."

Tima smiled, knowing that meant Atem was here. She then noticed Kiko was hiding something behind her back. "What do you have?"

Nayru chirped happily. ~Close your eyes first!~

Smiling, Tima closed her eyes. The next thing she noticed was a familiar scent. "Wait a minute…I know that scent…"

Kiko giggled. "Open your eyes!"

Tima looked and her eyes widened in awe. Kiko was holding out a wedding bouquet of white roses and lotus flowers. "I thought you would love to have a bouquet of Egyptian flowers."

Tima took the bouquet before hugging Kiko. "Thank you so much."

Atem walked into the courthouse with his friends and checked themselves in. He was told that they would start ceremonies in about 20 minutes. As he and his friends reunited with their female friends, Tiki took Atem's ring for the ceremony and smiled, "Rose and Ryou send their love."

Crystal asked, "Why aren't they coming?"

Tiki explained, "Couldn't afford the plane tickets."

Atem did not respond as he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned around and saw Tima. Ignoring Tiki taking Tima's ring, his eyes sparkled. "Wow…you look beautiful."

Tima smiled and hugged him. "I am so happy."

Atem smiled and pressed his forehead to hers. "I can't wait to be married to you."

They were so happy in their moment, they did not notice that the other couples and families there for their own weddings were whispering, having recognized Atem, Yugi, and Kaiba. About half hour later, one of the officials came out and called for Atem, Tima, and their witnesses. The couple, Yugi, and Tiki went into one of the offices and found an official waiting for them. Seeing Yugi and Tiki, the official asked, "Family?"

Tima shook her head. "Not by blood but close enough."

The official looked between Atem and Yugi. "Hmm…I would have thought you two were brothers."

Atem chuckled. "We get that a lot."

Under Yugi and Tiki's watchful eyes, the marriage license was filled out and made official. The official then took them to a room across the hall. As they went, Yugi and Tiki gestured for their friends to join them. The room had six pews and an arch where another, younger official was standing. Atem and Tima went in front of the arch, with Yugi standing on Atem's side and Tiki's on Tima's. Their friends sat in the pews as the young official stood in front of the couple and faced the room. "We are here in front of their family and friends and in the sight of God to celebrate the love between Eliana Tima and Muto Atem. As we see these two young people take that next step into marriage, we are reminded that love comes but once in our lives; we can take happiness in seeing these two as living examples of such love." Tima and Atem had secret smiles at that as the young official continued, "Now they have asked to declare their love to each other."

Atem took Tima's hand and smiled. "Tima... You've been with me throughout all the trials we been through. You are the one light that I love and I have and always will treasure you. You are the only one for me and I love you for that. For that, as your husband, I will always love and take care of you. You are my light and my shining star, my beautiful angel."

Tima's eyes glistened with happy tears. "Oh Atem…you are the only one for me, the one man who's showed me everything. I will always be by your side; there is no man I would ever be but you. As your beloved wife, I will always love and take care of you. You are my one beloved and I love you."

Nodding, the official got the rings from Tiki and gave them to the couple. Atem put the ring on Tima's finger and said his vows; Tima put the ring on Atem's, exchanging her own vows. Once the vows were made, the young official said, "By the power vested in me by God and the country of Japan, I now pronounced you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Atem smiled and pulled Tima into his arms to kiss her deeply. Their friends applauded and a few cheers; even their phoenixes cheered happily with their melody-like cries.

Having moved to Tsuki's yard, the reception was in full swing. There were tables scattered around, some with food and some with chairs for their friends; the phoenixes were overlooking everything from the trees. Music was playing and everyone was mingling, having a good time. The newly married couple was going around the yard, thanking everyone who came and especially thanking Tsuki for letting them have their reception at her house. She waved it off. "You're welcome; it's my honor."

Tima smiled as Kiko came over with Tima's phone. "You got a text from someone named Marik."

Tima smiled brightly and looked at the text. "Congratulations to you and Atem. I hope you two will find as much happiness as you did in Ancient Egypt."

Atem looked at the text and smiled. As she responded, Joey came up and put Atem in a headlock. "You are one lucky bastard, Atem!"

Atem chuckled and broke out of the headlock. "You will be lucky too one day."

Tima locked eyes with Kiko, who looked at Joey. Before Kiko could say anything, Serenity came over and smiled. "This reception is lovely, Tima."

Tima smiled. "Be sure to thank Tsuki as well."

Serenity nodded. Looking around, Joey wondered, "Where is Tristan? I haven't seen him since we arrived."

Atem chuckled and pointed to one of the food tables with his thumb. Seeing Tristan piling up a plate, Joey teased, "And they make fun of my eating habits."

Atem smirked. "And for good reason."

Joey glared as Serenity smiled. "Tris-chan needs to eat for all that energy he has."

Atem and Tima looked at Serenity in surprise. Joey nodded, half-listening. He then registered what Serenity said. "What did you call him?!"

Serenity blushed, realizing her slip. Seeing Joey silently demanding an answer, Atem took Tima to the table where Tiki and Kaiba were eating. Tima smiled at Tiki. "Thank you for being one of our witnesses."

Tiki smiled back. "Of course. I—"

"TRISTAN!"

Everyone looked up to see Duke, Serenity, and Earthzina holding a furious Joey back. The blonde looked like he wanted to kill Tristan, who looked embarrassed. Kaiba raised his eyebrow. "What's the bonkotsu doing?"

Atem smirked. "Serenity might have hinted that she's dating Tristan."

Tiki snickered. "Oh dear."

Kaiba went back to his food, not caring. Seeing Merina and Yugi, Tima went to talk to them. Atem took a moment to look at Yugi. Yugi looked back at him. For a moment, they went still and thought about the Accession Duel happening the next day. Atem thought, 'Tomorrow is a big day…Aibou…'

Yugi thought, 'What happens tomorrow will determine our futures.'

The duel was every bit of spectacular as people imagined it would be. Both sides came close to losing many times but managed to come back from the edge. In the end, though, history was made: Yugi was defeated by Atem, making Atem the new King of Games. Ignoring the deafening cheers, Atem went over to Yugi, who was on his knees, and held out his hand. "Well done, Yugi."

Yugi looked up at Atem. Also deaf to the cheers, he smiled and took Atem's hand, standing up with his friend's help. "That was an amazing duel, Atem."

Atem nodded, keeping his hand in Yugi's for a moment. "Now you are free to make the next great game. Make something that will put Pegasus to shame. I will be waiting."

Yugi nodded and left to join his friends and Merina on the side. Standing in the middle of the arena, Atem looked up at everyone and held up his fist that had his Duel Disk. The roar got even louder. Looking up at him, Tima smiled. 'You are now where you're supposed to be, my love.'