Christmas Chills

Bonus Chapter.

Egypt. Two Years Ago.

'It's finally over.' Was the Pharaoh's thought, as he gazed at the blinding light before him. The world was safe, and the Shadow Realm and Zorc would never trouble it again. Yugi had defeated him in their dual and had more than proven that he was ready to be on his own.

Atem, the now named spirit, was glad to be back in his solid form, after having lost it when he stepped into the Memory World and played Yami no Bakura's game. He had also feared he had lost the items that his friends had given him, after posing as Seto's cousin and enjoying living as himself for a short time. But they were still present, and he gladly gave them back to his friends, showing them his appreciation for each thoughtful gift.

Though they begged at first, Yugi, Jonouchi, Honda and Anzu accepted that he had to go and cheered him on as he made his way up the steps. Their goodbyes were tearful and warmed his heart that they loved him so much and he hated to leave them so abruptly.

Otogi, Ryou, Mokuba, Sugoroku and the Ishtar's also bid him a tearful farewell. Reassuring him that they would never forget him and would always remember what he had done for them, which warmed his heart even more.

"Nii-sama?"

Ah yes. There was also one more he hated to leave and knew that it would take time before he could mend things between them. Though he did not turn around, he could sense his rival leaving, his steps brisk and stiff as he approached the exit to the chamber.

"Seto." He said gently. His voice echoing in the vast room.

Seto paused at the foot of the stairs, his heart heavy as he waited tensely.

"We'll meet again, Seto." Atem said in his native language. "I promise you this."

The brunet felt his eyes sting but refused to let anything fall, as he clenched them shut. Yet the heaviness of his heart lifted, as he held those hope giving words close.

It took him a minute, before he could response. His voice chocked but strong.

"We better, Yami." He replied in perfect Ancient Egyptian. "I'll hold you to it."

Then without another word, he hastened up the stairs and disappeared. Atem smiling the whole time, as he listened to his friend's steps until they faded away.

He then proceeded to step into the light, finding himself wrapped in a large embrace of those who had waited for him so faithfully.

The door to the afterlife closed behind him, sealing the way between the dead and the living once more.

/

Two Christmas's Later

Two years. It had been two years since the Ceremonial Dual and Yami, or Atem as he was now known among his friends, had joined those in the afterlife. It had been a bittersweet time for those left behind and half a year had passed, before they could truly accept that their wonderful and cherished friend was gone.

For some though, it took a lot longer for them get over the grief that it had caused. But their friends had all rallied together and had just supported them and one another, as life continued forward.

Seto had been one of those who had taken it the hardest and had almost withdraw in himself, not wanting to accept that his rival and best friend had lost and left him alone. While he held on to the promise the Pharaoh had made him so long ago, he felt a large amount of bitterness at Atem for leaving, wondering why fate seemed so determine to take people he cared about away from him.

It had taken a very persistent Yugi to get him to come to terms with it, sharing with him his grief and struggle that had come with the loss of the mind link. And having to relearn to deal with one set of thoughts in his mind instead of two.

While Yugi and the others, besides the Ishtar's, had not understood the words that had passed between the two, they knew that Atem leaving had hurt the brunet terribly and resolve to show him he was not alone or forgotten. Forming a very strong friendship between him and the group that he finally accepted out loud.

Yugi and Seto became rather close after that, resulting in the brunet being at the Muto house rather frequently to get away from work or to just unwind when he was troubled. Yugi never pushed him to talk about it when he was struggling but would instead, cox him to play some games with him and just speak of other things. Suki and Sugoroku were also supportive to him and practically accepted him into the family, mothering and fussing over him to the point that he would enjoy it and get exasperated with them at the same time.

Seto was currently strolling down the snow-covered streets of Domino in his black winter trench coat, watching the snowflakes fall silently, as the now eighteen-year-old reminisced on the past two years while heading towards the game shop. Having finished closing Kaiba Corporation for the holiday break, the brunet decided to walk to his destination and sent Isono and his limo driver home to enjoy Christmas with their families.

The kitten, now a full-grown cat, was draped over his shoulders like a scarf and protected from the chill by his high coat collar. After being coxed into taking her home, he bonded with the feline and would hardly be seen without her draped over his shoulders or napping in his lap. He even took her to work on some occasions and found her to be a great stress relief when she curled up close to him, somehow always sensing his mood when he was irritated.

After being teased about not picking a name, he settled for calling her Mika and would never, not matter how hard he was pestered about it, reveal his reason or origin behind the name. Mokuba was the only one who ever knew why Seto picked the name and would always grin mischievously whenever his brother said it, refusing any bribes that would try and tempt him to say the reason out loud.

Seto smiled as he thought about his now thirteen-year-old brother, who was taking more responsibilities as Vice-President of Kaiba Corporation and always kept a very strict eye on the amount of work he did. But Seto kept his promise to him and had backed off taking on so much work on himself, delegating some to his little brother and employees that he found to be competent and trustworthy.

Mokuba had also taken to starting fund raisers for Orphanages in Japan and America and setting up mini tournaments that would sponsor orphans up for adoption. A fact that Seto was very proud of.

His thoughts turned to Yugi, who was usually at those events, helping to promote Dual Monsters and Kaiba Corp. since becoming a spokesperson for the company after graduating Highschool. He would also partake in larger tournaments to defend his title of King of Games. A title that he bore proudly, since it was his partner's final gift to him and proved to be a tough opponent that Seto always looked forward to facing.

Most of the time though, he was at the game shop, which had grown a bit since being funded by the Kaiba brothers and allowing them first access to new releases. Yugi enjoyed his time spent there, loving his now simpler life that he would share with his family and friends.

On that note, a smirk crossed Seto's face as he thought of another dualist that had refused the simple life and one, he now considered, as one of his close's friends…..Despite the fact that they still picked at each other.

Jonouchi had gone to be a full-time professional dualist and was gone several months traveling, becoming one of the best know players of the game. Being sponsored by Kaiba Corp. allowed him to enter tournaments with ease and he met many new and familiar faces. One of them being a certain bright blond hair Harpy Dualist, who had made peace with herself since DOMA and was very happy to see him. They spent several days talking and catching up, resolving to keep in better contact now that they found each again.

Though now that they were, the blond's father had started pestering Jonouchi about giving him grandchildren. Which thoroughly embarrassed him to the brunet's amusement, and he could not help but laugh at that, every time he thought about the elder Katsuya.

Kioshi had been given the chance to renew his medical license, after being vouched for by the elder Kaiba, and succeed in passing all the test required. He later quit his warehouse job and became the head doctor at the new Kaiba Medical Facility. He proceeded to establish himself as a stern but fair boss to those under him and was very kind to all the patients in his hospital. He also hired several old colleagues, who had felt his dismissal had been unfair, and built the hospital up as one of the best care giving centers in Domino.

Seeing the road was clear, Seto hurried across the street, nodding to a police officer who was stationed nearby and continued down the sidewalk.

The uniform reminding him of Honda, who had entered the Police Academy sometime after Highschool and was currently finishing up his second semester. The brunet was one of the more dedicated students there and had made a name for himself with his instructors. Having also been found that he was great with vehicles, he was often helping his teachers with theirs and was recommended as a motorcycle cop, which had made the bike lover practically giddy.

He had also met a pretty girl there that was no push over and found himself appreciating her tough demeanor and dedication to the law. He finally got her to go out on a date with him after trying for a year and they both found they really liked each other, which promoted them to have a date at least once a week. They are now officially together, and one was hardly seen without the other.

Their relationship brought Anzu to Seto's mind, who had been practically thrilled that another female had joined them and had gladly welcomed the girl into the larger group. Much like she had for him, when he had finally accepted the gang's friendship and was now like a sister to him and Mokuba.

Anzu had left for America to attend a dancing school there after her graduation. Her passion for the art won her many scholarships and had her at the top of her class. While it did take her time to get over Atem leaving, she faithfully kept in contact with her friends and found that what she had felt for the Pharaoh, had been nothing more but a crush, while her feelings for Yugi continued to grow.

She later told Yugi everything she had felt and apologized if she ever overlooked him or hurt him in anyway. But Yugi was good natured about it, saying he had been glad that Anzu had been there for Atem when she had and that there was nothing to be sorry for. Right now, they are waiting to pursue any type of relationship until Anzu finishes Collage, but they stay in touch as still close friends.

Passing a shop window, Yugi's mother and grandfather came to mind and a broad smile covered Seto's face, as he reached up to scratch Mika behind the ears while he walked.

Suki and Sugoroku had weaseled in a special place in his heart, replacing what he had lost with his previous family. He never forgot their kindness to him that Christmas two years ago and would always find ways to show his gratitude, despite their protest.

They both pretty much stayed the same, although Suki did finish her training and was later hired as a nurse at Kaiba Medical Facility. She enjoyed her work there, becoming close friends with Kioshi and was well liked by her co-workers. Sugoroku continued to own the Kame Game Shop but did wind up hiring a few more helpers, now that the business had picked up and he later expanded the store and house. They were always happy to see him and made sure the guest room was always open encase he ever needed it.

The breeze picked up, causing Seto to draw his collar up higher, though his neck was quite warm thanks to Mika. A child's laughter caused him to look over, making him realize that he was passing a small park that was one of many in Domino.

A group of kids were building snowmen and dropping down into the snow to make snow angels. He paused to watch for a minute, remembering that he had promised Isono's children that he would take them out to play in the snow sometime soon.

Isono had married a nice widow that he had known for a while last year. She had two four-year-old twins, a boy and girl that were both little scamps but sweethearts at the same time. They adored their new father and had claimed Seto has their favorite uncle, who tended to spoil them just a bit. He and Mokuba sometimes babysat them at their mansion with Adeline's help, which gave his head of security time to take his wife out on a date night when they needed it.

Knowing so many people kept Seto busy, but he would not change a thing. Though, there were occasions that he would have to slip away to get some time for himself. But everyone understood that and left him alone during those days or hours.

But even though he had so many friends now, there was still the gapping hole in his heart that none could ever fill.

It made him sigh, his mood declining as he continued on his way down the sidewalk.

He had tried to get over his sadness at Atem's absence. But it was very hard when no one else ever came close to understanding him like the Pharaoh had. Even Yugi, who still did not know some of the things he had told Atem and could never rile him into blurting out things that were bothering him like a certain Egyptian could.

Seto snorted, recalling the many times Atem had poked or bugged him until he wore down. It had been both infuriating and gratifying that his friend had been just as stubborn as he was. He no longer had so many nightmares thanks to Atem, but on occasion he would have one, he sorely missed having the other teen to talk it over with.

Mokuba had gotten better at wheedling things out of him, but there were still somethings that Seto refused to speak to him about, mostly due to him being his younger brother and not wanting to burden him.

Seeing that he was almost to the shop, Seto slowed his pace a little, tucking his hands in his coat pockets. His brother and everybody else were already there, but would most likely had gotten the party started, since they knew it took him awhile to finish up with Kaiba Corp. and he rather they not wait on him.

It was going to be a full house this year, with all the Muto's, Katsuya's and Kaiba's celebrating together. Honda, Anzu, Ryou and Otogi would also be there, having come in yesterday for the holidays to visit family and friends after getting a break from school or their work. Two new people would be there as well, which were Shizuka and Mai. Honda's girlfriend, Hana, was with her family this year and would not be back until the next semester.

Both Jonouchi and Kioshi were thrilled that Shizuka could come, her mother allowing her to visit them more frequently since she felt her daughter would be fine with them now. It had taken some convincing, but Mrs. Kawai finally relented that her ex-husband had improved, and it would be good for Shizuka to reestablish a relationship with her father. Shizuka had grown more mature each day, no small thanks to Mai, who had taken the red head under her wing and helped her be more confident in herself…. and to say no to certain boys that tried to hook up with her.

Though the pesky blond had recently gotten it in her head that he and Shizuka looked good together and was constantly finding ways to match them up. A fact that both Jonouchi's sister and Seto found embarrassing.

But it was not completely terrible. They enjoyed talking to each other and had become very good friends over the past half year. Though nothing may ever develop further than that, it did not bother them, and both were satisfied with their level of friendship.

Mika meowed and nuzzled his cheek, drawing him out of his deep thoughts for him to realize he almost walked past his turn.

"Thanks girl." Seto told her fondly and scratched behind her ears. "Never would hear the end of it if I got myself lost."

He turned around and headed down the right street, clearing his mind so he would not lose focus again.

As Seto walked down the street the Kame Game Shop was on, he noticed a figure, standing in the middle of the deserted road before the building. He thought nothing of it at first…..until he got closer and started to notice certain familiar characteristics, despite the hood covering their head.

It wasn't till he was a few feet from them that they noticed him and turned slightly towards him. The brunet's footsteps faltering a bit, when he noticed the person's darker skin tone from the bit of skin he could see under their hood.

His heart stopped when they spoke.

"Long time no see, cousin."

'No way…..I-it can't be!' Seto took a shuddered breath, taking a few steps closer. 'Could it really be….?'

Then a pair of sharp purple eyes gleamed at him from under blond bangs.

/

There was something surreal about standing under the falling snow. Felling the chill against his face and the wisp that stuck to his hair. The many Christmas lights and decorations added the charm to the frozen water and seeing the many smiles of children passing by, trying to catch the white flakes with their tongues made him grin.

He had been gone longer than he had intended, but he did not regret the amount of time spent with his past friends and family. Though now that he was back, he truly realized how much he had missed his other friends and could not wait to see the looks on their faces when they reunited.

But there was someone he had to see first before the others.

'Especially since a certain guardian angel put in a good word or two for you.' He thought in amusement.

Hearing someone coming up from behind, he tilted his head slightly to see his intended target walking towards him.

He smirked, seeing the brunet falter and start studying his profile intently. Feeling a bit impish, he called out to him with a bit of a drawl. "Long time no see, cousin."

Seto paled and staggered closer to him.

"….Atem?" He breathed.

The white speckled hood was pulled back, revealing spiky tri color hair and a wide familiar smirk.

"Hello Seto." Pharaoh Atem said warmly. "I'm back."

Seto froze, not quite sure if he was not hallucinating. Mika noticed his tension and lifted her head to see the teenager before them. To the brunet's shock, she meowed and hopped down from his shoulder, walking over to Atem and started brushing up against his legs purring.

"I see you remember me little lady." Atem chuckled and bent down to pet the feline. "Been keeping an eye on Seto for me, have you?"

Mika meowed and flicked her tail happily.

Her action encouraged Seto to come closer, stopping right in front of the Egyptian as his blue eyes took in what he was seeing.

Atem looked just like he had in the Memory World, only he looked a bit older than his sixteen-year-old self. He was taller too, a bit more so than Yugi, who had gained several inches in height and was no longer so short that people thought he was a child. Atem was also well built, for Seto could see the muscles through the teen's thick black jacket and he radiated power just standing there.

But the one thing that had not changed was his tri color hair, which still stood tall and had the blond lighting bangs that made him look like he was wearing a crown.

They stood there for several minutes, not saying anything while waiting for the other to break the silence.

Atem broke it first, becoming a bit nervous at the other's stony expression. "Um, Seto? I cannot help but feel you're a bit upset."

Seto's eyes sparked dangerously.

"Okay, more than a bit." The former Pharaoh shifted and became guilty looking. "I am sorry my friend. I did not mean to stay away so long. And while I could go on about why it took me so long to come back, I won't."

He finally got a response for that. "Oh?"

Atem smiled but inched back a step. Then began taking more inches when Seto started following, looking rather menacing. "Yes. Its because I know whatever I tell you won't satisfy you and that you most likely will have to vent some anger out on me, which I probably deserve."

"You think?"

"Yep! Though before you do that, let me just say that it is so good to see you again!" Atem said jovially, smiling really big. "I missed see the irritation in those eyes. Not to mention your winning personality and charming demeanor that is ever so calm, while inside you plan and plot on how to strangle me."

"Oh you think so?" Seto asked eerily calm, though his eyes were starting to spark even more.

Atem nodded as he picked up his backpedaling. "Yes. So, I shall do you the favor of helping you to not restrain yourself and speed things along?" Then before his friend could blink, he quickly bent down and scooped up some snow, packed it up tightly in a ball and flung it at him.

It nailed the brunet square in the chest. Both boys froze as they stared at the spot, clumps of the snowball breaking off to drop on the ground.

Atem and Seto look back at each other, a set of blue eyes now churring like a mad bull, while purple gleamed with laughter and hint of fright.

"I…..should have thought that through more thoroughly."

The restraint snapped. "AAATTTEEEEEEEMMMMMM!"

"Yipe!" Atem took off, Seto close at his heels as the two tore through the snow and around the street. Mika just walked over to the sidewalk in front of the shop, watching them as she flicked her tail in amusement.

"Get back here you little rat!"

"Hey! I'm not a rat, I have more height than that!"

Atem ducked under Seto's long arms and ran the opposite direction. But the brunet was just as quick and almost snagged his hair.

"Easy on the goods Seto!"

"You know Egyptians wore wigs!"

"Well I don't!"

"I can fix that!"

Their yelling attracted the attention of everyone in the game shop and caused them to hurry out the door to see what the ruckus was about. They stared in bewilderment and shock as a color blur dashed past them, a brown one jostling close behind.

"Hiya guys!"

"Atem?!" They cried out in astonishment.

Before they could move, the two zoomed back out and down the street.

"Atem! When I get my hands on you I'm going to- Oof!"

Atem suddenly stopped, causing Seto to run into him and they both tumbled down to the ground.

Panting, they sat up, brushing snow off their faces and trying to catch their breath. Seto was still glaring at Atem, who glanced over and saw a tuff of white on the brunet's nose. Without thinking, he reached over and flicked it off.

Both blinked for a minute, a bit stunned at the action and still out of breath. Then….they started laughing.

It was a chuckle at first. Then it grew into a roar as they two collapsed on each other, hugging and rolling around on the snow in a fit of glee.

Mokuba and Yugi, who were the first to recover from the shock in the group, joined in the laughter and darted over to the two. Both jumped into the pile, resulting in more tussling and hugging as they reunited with their friend.

Soon everybody dashed over and Atem was squeezed in the middle of a large embrace, enjoying every minute of it and sending internal thanks up for his second chance.

He felt a nudge and glanced over at a grinning Seto.

"Hey Atem."

"Yes Seto?"

"….."

"Welcome back."