A/M: Who's excited for the ceremony? I know our boys are! Merry Christmas everyone and please have a safe holiday! This chapters a few days early and I cannot wait to share the rest with you x Until then, please enjoy!


Atem slept solidly beside Yugi, curled and snuggled in without a care for clothing or bedsheets to protect his modesty. They hadn't needed any for several hours now, often switching from pleasant conversation to heated romance. With Yugi's newfound energy and their relationship soaring to new heights they were taking advantage of every position they could find themselves in. But now it was very early morning and Atem had been sleeping poorly since their return. While there was much to be done Yugi had successfully sapped what energy was left of the King.

He wouldn't sleep all day though and most of the Palace rested as well - so quietly Yugi snuck out from under his lovers arm, draped a silk gown around him and went to stand on the balcony overlooking his soon to be people.

The sun hadn't risen yet but the sky was lightening. The people slept and the only sounds of the city that he could hear was that of running water from a nearby garden. It was peaceful this morning, and behind him slept the most beautiful man Yugi had the pleasure of knowing. All of his dreams were coming true. There were a few things left to do first but soon - very soon - he would spend the rest of his existence beside him.

He sighed, content and happy, and went back inside to fetch a roll of papyrus and ink.

He wrote a letter to his grandfather back home, completely unsure if things here could even return home with his friends, but if anything it was therapeutic. He told him of his adventures here, of the dangers he faced and overcame, and how he found Atem and came to terms with his feelings for him. He told him that he couldn't bare to leave Atem but he loves him dearly and wishes him the absolute best. He told him that he knows this will be hard for him to understand but this is everything he could want. He gave him his love and told him he'd be waiting and that when the time comes he would gladly show him everything there is about the afterlife. He told him his life isn't ending - that it is finally beginning.

Figuring he could spend several scrolls explaining how much he loves them both and that choosing Atem was right for him, he ended it there and rolled it up.

He cried silently, letting it sink in how much he was giving up with this decision. He didn't regret his choice; if anything it steeled his resolve, but it didn't mean it didn't hurt. He loved his grandfather and knew that in his later years he would need help he wouldn't be there to provide. He hoped that his grandfather would understand and that he would wish him well, but a part of him feared that his grandfather might resent his choice. He had to believe that his grandfather would understand though if he wanted to be happy. If he chose to return and it turned out he would have supported his decision then he didn't know how long he could live with leaving Atem.

Just the thought burned a hole in his heart and he quickly shook it off. He was not having second thoughts, he just wished he could see his grandfather one last time.

He heard the door click open then and he turned to see Rajah sneaking in with fresh clothes and various other folded items. He spotted Yugi soon after placing them on a table and froze: wide eyed and mouth ajar, his chest rising deeper and deeper as realisation hit him that he was in fact awake.

"Shh. He knows and needs to rest." Yugi whispered to him, pointing to Atem asleep on the bed before Rajah could announce that he was awake.

He nodded and swallowed his surprise before bowing deeply to Yugi.

"Forgive me. I was not aware you had awoken." Rajah said quietly.

"It's fine, Rajah." Yugi smiled.

"Would the master like a bath? I can fill one immediately if it would suit you."

"Actually please. I would love one, thank you." Yugi said politely. His manners always tripped Rajah over but he was quick to oblige, leaving the room to fetch some water.

It would take him a while to fetch enough so he derobed and crawled in beside Atem again, finding a nice snuggly spot under his arm. Atem never woke but he did pull him closer to him, breathing in his scent pleasantly and humming in satisfaction.


"I just don't get it Yugi." Tristan sighed.

Yugi sighed but not out of frustration or irritation. He knew this was hard for them and they might not ever understand his reasoning… but he wanted their support at least.

Tea was upset. She had taken off in tears and Atem had sent Mana after her. Joey understood but he had politely excused himself to go think while Yugi continued trying to explain this Tristan. Bakura had taken this the easiest. He somehow knew this would be the case and thus was keeping Atem company further inside the room.

"I know this is hard." Yugi began, unsure of how else to explain this.

"Yugi … I get it. You love the guy but what about your life? Everything you've worked for-"

"Has been empty. I don't regret my life but whether I knew it or not I was just filling in time while desperately trying to cling to something I didn't want to lose. I never expected to see him again, let alone hold him but now that I can I don't want to give that up. What would it be for? Knowing that he's waiting for me while I just waste every day waiting to get back to him. I don't want to wait."

"But the rest of us -"

"The rest of you won't be waiting for me. You have the rest of your lives to live with the people you love -"

"We love you too man!" Tristan snapped.

"Not like that Tristan. Joey loves Mai. He's about to start a family with her. You love Serenity, and I'm pretty sure if you asked her out she'd say yes. Teas got the brightest future ahead of her of us all. And Bakura… Bakura doesn't need me enough to make me want to give up the only person that can fill this void I've had in my heart since it was put there.

I mean no offence, but you guys all have something back home. I had you guys too, and Grandpa and my career but what happens when grandpa's gone? What do I do when all of you have families? My life is here and I don't want to wait the next 60, 70 years before I finally get to start it."

Tristan nodded slowly, eyes downcast and thinking, finally understanding.

They heard a knock on the door and turned to see a servant priest Yugi knew to belong to Seto.

"He's on the balcony." Yugi told him.

He bowed his head in recognition and started into the room only to pause abruptly.

"What is it?" Atem asked from the Balcony entry, hands before him patiently.

"My King. High Priest Seto wishes to inform you that preparations are almost complete. He is asking for your approval when you are available." The boy said.

"Thank you. I will see him now. Bakura, would you excuse me?" Atem asked him kindly.

"Of course."

"Actually… Pharaoh." Tristan interrupted. Yugi watched him curiously but he sensed no hostility.

"Tell him I'll be a few moments." Atem told the boy and he bowed and left.

Tristan stood before him then, thinking hard about his words but he couldn't seem to reach them.

Atem sighed gently and placed a warm hand on his shoulder, smiling patiently.

"I'll look after him. I swear it on all I care for." Atem said. Yugi smiled, feeling warm and fuzzy from the promise he made.

"Just promise me he won't regret this decision." Tristan asked kindly.

"I give you a Kings promise." Atem said firmly, taking a hand to his heart and bowing.

Tristan seemed nervous but accepted it basically, rubbing the back of his head and fidgeting with his shirt.

"Okay, you don't need to go that far." He laughed.

Yugi came over then and stood by Atem as he straightened up, gently sliding his fingers in his and beaming with pride.

"Shall we go see?" Yugi asked them.

"Yes. You both are welcome too. We won't be starting yet." Atem said happily.

"I might go find Joey." Tristan said with a tired sigh.

"I'll come with you. I don't fancy getting lost." Bakura said to them cheerfully.

"We won't start until you guys are there. I want you to be there." Yugi said happily.

"Wouldn't miss it for the world pal." Tristan said.

"There'll be food after yeah?" Bakura asked, inciting laughter from all of them.


The ceremony would take place in the Palace Temple. Braziers were lit with blue flames and white silk ribbons were draped between the statues of the Gods with offerings made to each of them at their feet. Priests beyond priests were praying, blessing everything and empowering the area as they communed with their Gods.

At the altar at the end was a golden bowl of water and two candles. Flowers were arranged throughout the Palace and the air was rich with incense.

Everything looked beautiful, just as Yugi imagined a Royal Marriage to be. This was slightly different to a marriage though. Atem would still be able to wed and take a Queen if he wished, but his soul will belong to Yugi after this. This would tie a bond between them stronger than any marriage.

Needless to say Yugi approved but Atem was nervous, seeking perfection everywhere. Even to the point of the water temperature of the bowl. If anything Yugi found it amusing but after his last command to make sure that each god had offerings of exact equal value he pulled him aside.

"Relax. Everything is going to be fine." He told him gently.

"I know but this will be performed by Osiris himself. I don't want him to he displeased by anything and not performing this for us."

"He's made a contract with me. He must go through with it if he wants order in this realm." Yugi reasoned with him. Atem breathed out long and deep, trying to calm down. Yugi smiled and touched his cheek. "Everything is perfect."

"Almost everything. Our friends are missing, Mahaads having issues with his Ring, Isis is-"

"Relax. You and I are getting bound today not them."

"But-"

"Shush. We have all day to do this. Our friends will be here, Mahaad will be fine and Isis will too." Yugi said.

"How are you so calm about this?"

Yugi hugged him, nestling in under his neck and rubbing circles on his back, calming him down gradually.

"I'm calm because after today I will be able to find you no matter how far apart we are. None of this will matter because after today you will be stuck with me for eternity." Yugi said, smirking cheekily.

Atem sighed and hugged him back, finally relaxing.

"I wouldn't call it stuck." Atem giggled softly.

"Hey!" They heard Tristan call loudly to them as he, Joey and Tea found their way here as if on queue.

"Hey!" Yugi called back happily.

"Go to them. I'd like to check on some things." Atem whispered, leaving him with a kiss to his temple.


It was some hours since Atem had seen Yugi. He left with their friends when Atem made to oversee the rest of the preparations. Yugi was right of course, that under circumstances the ceremony would be perfect as is. But it was also the after party and the fact they would be hosting a God himself. The other Gods may even show for this occasion and he wanted to make sure everything would be up to perfection in such an event.

When he was certain that his Priests had quite enough of his perfectionism then he allowed himself to agree. Shimon would assist them and his Priests would attend Osiris when he arrived. He knew the plan by heart and would be able to instruct Yugi as needed. All was set … all they needed now were to settle everyone down to witness.

The city was made aware of his union this morning and during the ceremony they would come by the Palace to offer gifts of honor and congratulations. This was customary even among other souls but this was even more grand an event considering this involved the King himself. Normally it was the King or one of his priests conducting the binding, not receiving.

He left Seto and Shimon to find Yugi, having been told that he was last seen talking with Mahaad in the mage quarter of the Palace. Mahaad's Ring worried him too. It had been shorting out, acting without meaning and not responding to him ever since Yugi's Ring was destroyed. Mahaad would be required to witness this event and if his Ring acted up during it could ruin their planning. He had thought about asking him to leave it in his quarters but that would not do for a Kings Guardian. Even temperamental it was dangerous in the wrong hands.

He was told that Mahaad and Yugi were in the training grounds and curiously he followed these instructions until he finally found Joey, Tristan, Tea and Bakura watching Yugi and Mahaad from the sidelines. They looked to be squaring off, Mahaad with his Ring and Yugi armed with his Millenium Rod. This was curious … and undesirable.

"What are they doing?" Atem asked his friends quietly.

"Oh Pharaoh! Yugi's trying to help Mahaad with his Ring." Tea answered.

"I see…"

"They're having some luck. Yugi tried using it before and it seemed to settle down for him." Bakura said.

"Mahaad wasn't too happy about that but at least it's responding to him now." Joey added.

"That is good." Atem agreed.

He watched them spar with keen interest. Mahaad would send cones of light from his Ring towards him and Yugi would deflect with ease using the Rod. The closer he looked though the more dissatisfied Yugi appeared to be.

"You have to mean it." Yugi said eventually.

"I do not wish to harm you. You have an important ceremony to meet today and Pharaoh would have me killed were you harmed before it."

"I'll be fine. Just remember what I told you. The Ring won't harm me and I have the Rod. Now attack me." Yugi demanded.

Atem had half a mind to announce he was there, to let them all know they were ready but he let them be for now, watching.

Mahaad controlled the Ring to attack, shooting a much faster cone of light towards him. Yugi deflected it again but he noticed he held the attack longer than he had previously.

"Good. I felt that. If you were fighting an enemy then I know you can deal some damage." Yugi said but there was a bite to his words.

"Were I fighting an enemy I would have no reason to hold back." Mahaad countered.

"I believe you. But now I need to know if you can defend." Yugi said, twirling the rod in circles to hold it behind himself, poised to attack. "You know how to use the Ring's shield correct?" Yugi asked.

"Similar to what you did in battle?" Mahaad asked. Yugi nodded.

"You need to call upon Sahar. Her spirit is whose energy you will tap into to protect yourself." Yugi said but this confused Atem. Who was Sahar.

"Who is he talking about?" Atem asked them.

"According to Yugi each of the Millenium Items is made up of different souls and getting to know each one will allow the user to use different abilities of their Item. Sahar is one of the 24 souls in the Ring who can lend her strength to her master. Her power is what let Yugi shield himself during his fight with Thomas." Bakura said confidently.

It stunned Atem to learn this. Not even he knew the names of the souls used to create the Millenium Items, nor did he know that knowing them granted you more abilities. It made him wonder what his puzzle could do.

Without warning Yugi attacked, swinging the Rod to fire a ball of golden light at Mahaad. Mahaad was able to disperse the attack but it wasn't what Yugi was after. They did this three more times before Yugi set the Rod down, making it stand on it's own with a lingering finger and a whisper before he approached Mahaad.

"Let me show you."

Mahaad gave it to him, sighing in apparent disapproval but he was ready to learn. Atem didn't blame him for his mood: he must have felt an amateur before Yugi considering he was the most powerful mage in the Country.

Yugi held the ring before him, making it float in his palm between them.

"Call upon her name in your mind. Sahar. Reach out to her as if calling for a friend. See her and ask for her aid. If she trusts in your power she will protect you, but in return you must protect her too, prove to her that you can defeat her enemy - for you both share in your fates." Yugi said wisely. The Ring vibrated and then settled, as if shivering and with a small smirk Yugi turned to face his Rod, still standing and waiting.

"Siek-sa!" Yugi commanded. The Rods eye lit up but it did no more than this. It waited.

"Fu kushka!" He ordered and the Rod shot a red beam of light straight at him. Before it reached him Yugi held the Ring before him and a golden shield protected him from the light, dispersing the red colours into nothing.

"Fu kushka!" He ordered again, and again the same display.

"What is fu kushka?" Tea asked.

"It's a kill command." Atem said stiffly, nervously. He knew the command and it was one generals of his army used to tell his men to execute someone. Yugi was telling the Rod to kill him and he was relying on a temperamental Ring to protect himself. This was reckless. If the Ring fails to respond…

"Fu kushka ielnah!" Yugi commanded and once again the Rod attacked only this time it was a steady, powerful beam of light channeling into the shield the Ring created.

"Yugi?" Mahaad asked, nervously.

"The Ring will protect me so long as I believe in her. There's only so much she can handle but I need to know her limits. My Rod will not harm me. The moment the shield breaks it will cease it's attack. But your Ring has never faced an attack like this before, has never shielded. She needs to know what her own limit is before you can try to read her. I'm taking her for a spin. After all, how can you trust her if she doesn't know herself?" Yugi asked.

When the shield fizzled the Rod stopped and Yugi lowered the Ring to relax. He held it momentarily, silent before handing it back to Mahaad.

"She is strong and together you make a powerful team… but now you must access her shield. You've seen it in action, now prove to me you can use it." Yugi said, moving to collect his Rod.

"Sahar." Mahaad said quietly before correcting his stance, breathing in deeply and giving Yugi a nod.

Yugi waited, clenching the Rod in his hands before he swung, sending a red slash of light towards Mahaad. Mahaad did as he observed, accessing the Rings power to protect him.

"Good. Again." Yugi said and again, he swung, and again Mahaad shielded.

They did this a few more times, each time Yugi's attack would get stronger.

"I think I understand the Ring more now Yugi." Mahaad said pleasantly, a laugh almost on his words. Atem smiled: he was enjoying this. It must have been some time since Mahaad had been challenged to a friendly competition.

"Good. Because if you're going to protect this city, then you need to understand her." Yugi said, swinging again.

"I need you be ready for anything." Another swing, but from a different direction.

"She can shield you from anywhere." Yugi said, swinging downwards to send a beam from above him.

"You just need to trust her." Another swing from the right.

"Prove to her that you can wield her and protect her." Another swing from the left.

"And she will protect you with everything she has." A pincer swing from both sides. He was getting faster now and Atem noticed that Mahaad was becoming nervous. Were these attacks too much? Yugi didn't relent, he seemed to be too focused.

"Because in the heat of the next battle, he will give you everything." Another swing from the right, larger this time.

"He will not hold back."

"He's getting angry." Bakura whispered.

"Yep." Joey agreed.

"If I'm not here… then I need you to be prepared for him." Another swing from the left.

"You are this city's greatest defence." A swing from above. Mahaad was walking backwards now, trying his hardest to keep up with him.

"I need you to protect it, to protect everyone inside." He slammed the rod before him, shooting a continuous red beam at Mahaad for him to hold. Wind blew everywhere from the power the Rod exuded but Mahaad held the shield as Yugi channeled it's power.

"I may not be here to help. I don't have my Ring anymore. It's up to you to protect him and if I'm not here then I need to know you can."

Atem blinked, releasing a breath he didn't know he was holding. Yugi was doing this for him. He was toughening Mahaad so he could protect him against Thomas.

"Yugi…" He whispered.

"On my life I will protect him. You needn't worry!" Mahaad shouted over the roaring wind.

"Prove it to me!" Yugi commanded, forcing even more energy from the Rod. "Thomas will not relent. Nor will I. Prove to me you have what it takes to defend and retaliate! Listen to her!" Yugi shouted.

Gradually his attack became stronger and stronger and they watched as the Rings shield began to tremble but as if a realisation hit Mahaad he pushed on the Ring, forcing Yugi's attack to stutter which gave him enough time to send the attack right back towards Yugi.

The attack took their breaths away and a scream rested on their tongues but in a second Yugi swiped his Rod violently, dispersing the attack with ease.

They breathed, panting and watching one another cautiously, clearly fatigued from the onslaught but then Yugi smiled, and relaxed, giving Mahaad an approving nod.

"Good. It seems the Ring trusts you." He said, a hint of pride mixed with sadness in his tone.

They all sighed in relief, Mahaad most of all.

"You did not tell me I could return an attack." Mahaad said amusingly as they came together.

"Some tricks are best learnt on your own. By proving to me she trusts you I can rest easy." Yugi winked.

"Damn Yug, did you have to go savage on the guy?" Joey asked as they all approached now. Yugi laughed sheepishly, holding the Rod behind his back as if that would save him.

"That was awesome though. You had complete control the whole time, didn't you Yugi?" Tea asked him.

"I know our limits. Sahar has some growing to do before she reaches the age of my Rod but I believe she's strong enough to defend against what remains of Thomas's jewel. My Sahar … took off quite a lot of the Jewel when she sacrificed herself." Yugi said sadly.

"Yugi…" Tea said sympathetically.

"So there's nothing that can be done for the Ring?" Bakura asked.

Yugi shook his head. "She's gone. All 24 souls has parted after 5000 years. They can finally rest." He said.

"Thats good then, isn't it?" Joey asked.

"Mhm." Yugi nodded.

"What about our Millenium Items? The souls that reside in them?" Atem asked.

"Most of them are dormant. When my Ring died, the souls in Mahaad's Ring woke, stirring from their slumber. That is why it's been acting up. I've taught Mahaad to listen now, and the more he does, the more he will be able to do with it. He's already strong, but soon he will be practically unstoppable save for against the other Items."

"So we shouldn't let Seto know his Rod can be stronger too right?" Joey joked.

"Haha! I believe High Priest Seto and our Kaiba are very different people. But perhaps we shouldnt tell him just yet that there are 36 souls in his." Yugi laughed.

"36!" Mahaad exclaimed.

"Mhm. And I know each one of them. Thats why my Rod is so powerful. Truth be told I was still holding back."

"I was barely able to return that attack and you're telling me that your rod wasn't using all of it's strength?"

"This is why you need to listen to her. The next few days, however long it takes for Thomas to strike… every moment will be critical." Yugi said. "I won't be able to use my Ring to help shield the city, but you can at least shield a direct attack."

"Woah! Shield the City?" Tristan asked, dumbfounded. "Yours was that strong."

"Yeha." Yugi said slowly, as if surprised to be asked this. Atem didn't know why he was surprised… if his Ring could protect his entire city and was still destroyed… Just how much power did Thomas wield?

"You'll be okay. Just … listen to your items… and trust I'll make it back in time to help." Yugi said quietly.

"Speaking of making it back." Atem said quietly. "The preparations are ready. We await the guests of honor." Atem said, giving Yugi his arm to take, which he took with a bright smile.

"Lets go then." Yugi beamed.