A/N: I know this chapter is right in the middle of holiday season so I appologise in advance for the rollercoaster of emotions you will all feel.
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and continue having a safe holiday. Happy New Years to everyone and lets hope 2021 will be nicer! Now, without further ado, I hope you enjoy this chapter. xx


There were a lot more people present at the ceremony than Yugi expected. Almost Atem's entire Palace was here and on the way he saw that the streets of the city were bustling and filled to the brim, singing songs of love and harmony.

They were separated briefly for servants and handmaidens to prepare them properly, dressing them in even finer garments, more jewellery and for Yugi Kohl on his eyes just like every other Egyptian. He felt slightly exposed but he knew Atem would love it and the Egyptian people would accept him completely for it.

Atem was dressed even more royally than even Yugi was accustomed to; wearing colours of rich intensity and an even larger crown that bore wide golden wings, the head of a cobra with ruby jewels and an even longer cloak that trailed behind him. He was beaming upon seing him and Yugi could have sworn that if this realm wouldn't kill him the heart attack surely would. He was so beautiful and soon he'd be all his.

"You look incredible." Atem whispered to him quiet enough no one could hear.

"So do you, my King."

Atem chewed his lip to hide the smile, took a very deep breath and offered him his arm to take.

"Are you nervous?" Yugi asked him quietly as they walked the isle together. It was true, so many people were here, half of them he didn't recognise but the ones he did smiled and waved, bowed their heads and generally gave them their blessing from afar. Sissy and her brothers were seated with the Matron, waving excitedly upon seeing them and he waved back cheerfully. Their friends were seated towards the front and they all smiled, gave them a thumbs up and a wink, no doubt wishing they could be loudly cheering. More and more though this felt like a wedding … he supposed in a way it was. One that would last eternity. Mana was seated beside their friends, almost bouncing in her spot as she bit down on her finger to stop from crying.

"I am… but we're surrounded by so many loved ones. There's nothing to be nervous about." Atem said quietly, an assurance for both of them.

"So many support this."

"Of course. In their mind I am still able to take a Queen … this Yugi is for love." Atem said, smiling at him fondly.

Somehow, even though the prospect of Atem's marriage to a Queen was still available, the idea that this ceremony was for love encouraged him. If he does take a Queen it will be political - but he also knew that with all of his heart he would never weaken their bond. The people did not need to know, but he did and that was what was important.

Rajah greeted him before his Guardians, bowing deeply before tying a white silk ribbon around their wrists. Not tightly but it would not come off with too much ease. Yugi was completely unaware of what this ceremony involved so he followed Atem's lead and he seemed quite versed in it despite the nerves he felt. Yugi only knew that Atem had performed many, but this was the first and only time he would be the subject of one. Normally his place was reserved for the podium - where Osiris would be.

His Guardians each knelt as they passed and as they reached the ornate, marble podium they dispersed to find their place before each of the Divine statues that lined the temple.

"They will pray to the Gods, inviting them to this occasion. Osiris will be the last to show and then he will begin the ceremony." Atem whispered to him.

"I see." Yugi responded, curiously spying the bowl of water and dagger upon the podium as well as the small bouquet of lavender and lilies. "What's the dagger for?" Yugi asked.

"To bind us. We will walk you through it. I promise you will come out of this unscathed." He said but that did little to ease him. At least weddings didn't usually involve blood shed. Usually.

He took a steady, deep breath to calm himself down and soon the fires of the braziers shook as wind played with their clothes and hair. Various songs filled the halls and soon bright light graced them as each of the statues came alive.

Isis, Thoth, Anubis, Hathor, Horus and Ra each in their own, godly respects. They glowed brightly, their image half corporeal as if only half here in time. Their aura was calming, filled with love and joy that spread to each of them, as if they connected to them all spiritually, which was a relief because their massive forms only barely fit inside the Temple, and having two giant Falcons, a Jackal, Ibis and 2 giant but albeit beautiful women lording over them was rather intimidating. They were so beautiful though it took Yugi's breath away to behold them and the entire room, knelt and bowed in respect. Even Atem bowed to them, to which Yugi followed his lead, never wanting to pull his gaze from them.

He's been studying Egyptology for years, even delving into his grandfathers stories when he was kid and the Egyptian Gods always fascinated him. To see them here, really here, he wanted to know them all intimately. He wanted to examine their features, hear them talk and just behold them. But he supposed, there would be plenty of time for that after today. If eternity was not long enough he didn't know what was.

They bowed their heads and as his Guardians returned to take their place on either side, Seto stood before the Podium and called for their attention.

"Great Gods and Goddesses of Egypt, the grand people of Khemet, loved ones from afar and esteemed guests… you are all gathered here today for a union like no other has been, for today we shall witness the Binding between Pharaoh, and mortal." He said and together Yugi and Atem beamed in shared excitement.

"Pharaoh Atem-Kasim Sennen and Yugi Moto - your bond has tested time and space, has weathered many challenges and many are yet to follow, but with this Binding you will never be parted for long. You will feel as the other feels, think as the other thinks and act together as one. To make such a commitment requires you to shed your burdens and your fears and together, we shall see this done. If you are each ready, I shall call upon your Binder, and the ceremony shall commence."

Atem looked to Yugi for an answer, to which he got a firm nod and together they braced for what follows, nodding to Seto call upon Osiris.

He said an Egyptian Prayer, holding his arms wide as if to behold him and soon the jingling of his gold could be heard throughout the Temple. White light began to glow before them and out of it appeared the familiar figure of Osiris. Again all bowed before him and even the other Gods shifted or nodded in recognition.

"Welcome, great Osiris." Seto said before stepping aside for him.

"High Priest. My Pharaoh Atem … and Yugi. Are you ready?"

They nodded and firmly squeezed one anothers hands and with a small smile Osiris began the ceremony.

"By witness of Khemet and her people, by the esteemed welcome of her King Pharaoh Atem and his sacred Gaurdians, we welcome one and all across this land to join us Binding Atem-Kasim Sennen and Yugi Moto together for all eternity. Separate their souls are strong, but together they shall be unstoppable. By the Grace of the Gods and Goddesses of Egypt, I, Osiris, he who lords over life and death shall Bind these souls today." He said loudly, his voice carrying throughout the Temple and likely throughout the Palace.

"Please hold the ribbon over the bowl." He asked of them and they did so, making sure the ribbon never left them and the tails were well inside. Atem guided Yugi to showing the underside of his arm up, exposing the delicate skin to Osiris.

The dagger began to float with a single wave of Osiris's hand and hovered over their skin. Yugi knew it would have something to do with this ritual but now it was poised he was worried. Atem watched him though and he borrowed the trust he had for him to strengthen his resolve. This was safe… it had to be.

"Blood is what binds Life to existence, and it is blood that will Bind you." Osiris said.

The dagger came down slowly, pressing into Atems arm first and drawing a straight light up. He winced but otherwise remained still as his crimson blood began to soak the ribbon, remarkably not staining his skin. The ribbon drew the blood from him but only to a point and then the dagger moved to Yugi to repeat the process.

It hurt a lot but what feared him is how it felt as the blood was pulled from him. He feared collapsing as he felt his energy getting weaker. His knees threatened to give way and his world rocked as if he were on a boat but he kept strong, determined to wait this out. He needed to be strong and that meant standing through this.

After a while the ribbon was completely stained in their blood and as a courtesy Osiris waved his hand over their arms and healed them, discarding the dagger for he no longer needed it.

"You should start to feel stronger soon." He added to Yugi before he removed the ribbon from them and wrung it over the bowl until it was pure white again.

Atem held his hand, a silent reassurance that all was well and Yugi couldnt feel more proud for doing this. Soon he'd be connected to him again and never again would they part. All his dreams were coming true. He felt the urge to jump for joy, to dance and squeal but he composed himself: settling for a tight grasp on his hand and holding his breath.

When the bowl was filled Osiris swirled the blood with a finger, mixing the two together while he said a little prayer to combine them. After he soaked the ribbon until there was no white left and gave them each a single end to hold between them. Atem faced Yugi towards him and they gazed upon each other, holding the blood soaked ribbon as they listened to Osiris.

"Repeat after me. I - Pharaoh…"

"I Atem-Kasim Sennen…." Atem said firmly, setting the example for Yugi.

"And I - Yugi."

"And I, Yugi Moto."

"Take thee unto mine own. I will be your beacon in the dark, your song in the silence, your fire in the cold. Under Ra, above the sands, in the wind and beyond time, I will be there to call you home."

They repeated him together, feeling the power of the words spoken heat their bodies and inflame their souls.

"By blood be bound, by souls entwine, you are now Soul Bound." Osiris finished.

The room began to cheer and the pride on Atems face said it all: it was done. They were bound. It worried him that he felt no different but everyone else was confident. Even Atem. Did it work? What if it didn't?

"Thank you, great God Osiris and thank you all for attending and supporting." Atem announced to everyone before he turned to Yugi.

"How do you feel?" He asked.

He was happy, no doubt, but concerned he felt no different. Was it supposed to feel this way?

"Happy but .. do you feel anything?" He asked quietly. Last thing he wants is for people to be concerned.

"Yes. I feel your presence stronger than ever and I understand your concern right now. Rest assured Yugi you feel nothing because you have not passed yet." Atem said to him softly.

"Really?"

"He tells it true. There is no doubt your souls are bound." Osiris confirmed.

"Are you sure? You said this hadn't been done before with a mortal -"

"I can feel you both connected and Atem would not feel you if you were not." Osiris clarified.

"Its an unreal feeling Yugi. Truly remarkable. I could bask in this feeling for eternity and soon you will too." Atem said fondly, stroking his cheek lovingly as if he'd forgotten they were with company.

"My Pharaoh. Yugi. I shall bid you leave now. Enjoy your time while all is quiet. Yugi, tonight just past midnight." Osiris said. Yugi gave him a nod and with a bow of respect Osiris faded into the light. The remaining gods and goddesses did the same.

"Yugi! Atem! My Pharaoh." Various calls from everyone around them called and they were pulled apart to be congratulated, welcomed, cheered and praised by everyone.


Silence fell upon the dancing heat of the sand as the angry sun of Ra scorched the bodies of those who lay discarded around him. He alone stood as the only living soul for miles and elicited the only audible sound as well as bubbling laughter swelled in his chest.

Before him hovered the jewel, glowing brightly and captivating his focus as it called upon crimson snakes in the desert from the people he had slaughtered. Rivers of blood slithered towards him, crawling up his legs, through his clothes and down his arms straight into the Jewel to devour. Mother, Father, Grandparent, Child and even passing citizens, not even the animals were spared from the onslaught. All live was devoured and Thomas revelled in it.

The Jewel, while deformed and cracked, glowed ever brightly without a hint it was injured, but its insatiable hunger was still high. It needed more and when he was done here, more is what it shall have.

"Never fear, I will drain the blood of every soul in this realm. We will start small, with every breadcrumb on the way to the largest banquet in this desert: the home of the Pharaoh. His city will be an all you can eat, you will devour all. His light will be a feast on his own and while you dine on such delectable morsels I shall find and deliver Yugi myself. He will be weakened from battle but his essence will be no less tasty for you, my dear." He said tenderly, as if to a lover.

Another laughter rumbled in his chest and the jewel's light pulsed with every soul it devoured.


Music and laughter, songs and merriment was abundant in Khemet. The streets were alive with joy and love as every citizen celebrated the King's Binding. No talk of politics or warring was permitted as the King joined his people in their celebration. Yugi was shown to everyone, openly greeting his new people in happy embraces and loving reception. Today he did not walk the streets of Khemet under the guise of an Egyptian, but rather the man Atem had come to love and his new people would learn to accept. Their friends followed with them, being given the royal treatment of their own carriage and hand maidens to attend them and together they celebrated as it would be their last chance to.

The party lasted all afternoon and come sunset it carried through dinner as the streets were treated to a lavish feast. None went without food or wine or song in the air and while the streets were loud with fervor, as was the Palace above.

Atem watched in utmost excitement as Yugi danced drunkenly with Joey and Tristan atop tables many needed to vacate, and while his dancers performed throughout they were the main attraction: loudly singing, swinging from arm to arm, banging goblet to goblet full of wine and never once did they trip or fall. It was as if they'd rehearsed it, knowing the words and movements to a T. Atem had never seen Yugi like this, never knew he danced… the most drunk he had seen him was when they first kissed but this … this was more. His soul was alive and he was taking advantage of every ounce of energy he had…

Borrowed energy.

The thoughts crept up. He pushed them aside but still they persisted. This was a happy moment, one he would cherish for all time and one he knew his friends would too; it was no place for such dark thoughts but it was unstoppable. Inevitable as it were. Yugi would not wake to see the sun rise tomorrow, and every single person in this Palace knew of that. Yugi more than anyone. So he dances and drinks and sings his heart out for tonight was the last time he would while his heart still beats.

"Pharaoh?" Isis asked him. She had remained by his side for the majority of dinner but her soft inquisition would not soothe him this time. He needed to excuse himself a moment to collect.

"Please excuse me." He said politely, bowing his head to her in respect and leaving to find a new strength of wine. Something stronger perhaps.

"It is difficult to watch." Shimon said beside him, startling him a moment.

"Shimon. What is?" He asked, though he knew the answer.

"Knowing that such grief is to follow such happiness. At least we may take solace that his mourning will not last. He will return here within days if not sooner."

"Yes. But it makes it no less difficult. I wish to enjoy this time with him as he is … but I cannot stop the single thoughts crossing my mind reminding me that I am robbing him of his life."

Shimon placed a gentle hand on his arm, making him stop in his tracks. He knew then the words he said were harsh. He felt them of course, but perhaps they were still harsh all the same. He should not be punishing himself for this, but it was hard not to.

"Yugi made this decision on his own. To deny him would be to rob him of his free will. And that my boy, considering the circumstances, is much worse." He said wisely before he took his leave with a bow.

Atem took a deep breath, sipped his wine which was actually too strong and then turned to watch Yugi cease his spinning in time with Joey and Tristan, and together they skulled the rest of their wine in one swig, eliciting cheers and praise among the guests.

He smiled warmly, took a slower breath and bravely downed the entirety of his own. If Yugi could let go tonight knowing what he faces, then so could he.

And let go he did. He joined Yugi in his drinking competitions, he raced Mana on horseback through the streets, he was taught alongside Yugi how to juggle and spit fire by his fire dancers and as the night dwindled down to a low flame he stargazed with him and his friends atop the roof of his Palace which they only got there via Slifer's back.

They brought with them pillows and blankets, candles and wine but besides those they were hanging out as friends do, stargazing and talking about the night they have had and days long passed. They all avoided talks of the future, for they knew in a few hours their future was grim. It was a conversation best left alone but on all of their minds as quiet sleepiness of the night began to sober them.

Yugi was the most quiet, sipping at his wine while the others talked. He paid them little mind and seemingly just enjoyed their presence. He never even spoke when Atem would ask him what he was thinking. Sparing him a smile whenever he was the center of attention and returning to his drink. It was obvious what he was thinking: he would die soon, and while he would find his way here, there would be no returning home. This could be the last night he spends with his friends or it may not, but it is definitely the last night chance he'll miss of seeing his grandfather, of seeing the Kame Game Shop, of dueling his friends or in a tournament, of seeing his office, of exploring his world and furthering his studies… everything he's ever known will be left behind and while he does not regret his decision, he is already missing his sacrifice.

A very small part of him wondered if Tristan was right after all. That living through life to find Atem in the afterlife later would be better… but he was sure it would only be for a small while. He would spend the better majority wishing he was here, knowing that Atem waits for him… and he's already bound his soul to him. What would happen should he find someone to fall in love with? He would be drawn to Atem or leave him waiting for eternity, knowing he was not coming. The thought itself turned his heart cold and he wished he had never thought it. Bitterly he drank the rest of his wine, angry at himself for it but when he felt Atem's hand on his own he leaned into him, seeking that comfort that came from his heart beat.

"Your aura went sour. What is on your mind?" He asked quietly so none would hear.

"Just my mind thinking it's cool to pose awful scenarios." Yugi sulked just as quietly. Last thing he wants is for his friends to notice and impose.

"I understand you would be nervous about this. I don't like it myself, but I am right here for you and I will be until your return."

"I know. Honestly that was half the problem. My mind thought about the possibility of going home, still bound to you and then falling in love, starting a family and moving on - only you'd be waiting … and if I never came… it breaks my heart to even think of that."

"That… would hurt. I don't think I'd handle jealousy very well if I had to kidnap both you and your wife just to bring you back here with me." Atem half joked, an attempt to lighten his mood. Truth be told he'd be heart broken if Yugi chose never to return after having bound his soul to him. It was an ugly truth but he would loath the person who took him from him and could not hold himself accountable for any action he would take. It was a horrendous thought but one he understood was unavoidable to think of.

"It will never happen. It's just one of those random impossible scenarios that will never come to be but cannot really be ignored. Besides, I love you way too much to be swept away by someone else. The more likely scenario to happen if I were to go home: I may just stay there a month, set my affairs in order, say goodbye to grandpa and everyone else I know, donate my stuff and then … well come back to you."

"Like you can just walk through a door? Without the Jewel and Items Yugi how do you expect to get back here?"

"Well there are ways to pass on without waiting…" Yugi shrugged, hoping he would not have to delve into too much detail here.

Thankfully he didn't because Atem immediately gave him a disapproving look, one a father gives to their child for saying something they shouldn't have. It had little affect on Yugi but he knew at least that Atem understood.

"Life is sacred Yugi, even in Death." Atem said sternly.

"I know … but you'd forgive me eventually." Yugi shrugged him off and he sighed, knowing he was right.

"Hey guys, watcha talkin about?" Joey asked, coming over to sit with them while Tea and Bakura slept. Tristan joined them soon after putting a blanket over them.

"Not too much. How are you guys doing?" Yugi asked.

"Yeah we're good. Amazing view up here man." Tristan said happily.

"Believe it or not but this is the first time I've come up here." Atem said fondly. "I may make this a regular hiding spot when I don't wish to tend to my Royal duties."

"Yeah lets see how long it takes for your Guardians to raise the alarms when they realised they can't find you." Yugi laughed.

"You'll just show up on the throne after so many hours and they''ll be like 'you were there the whole time?'" Joey laughed too.

"I will absolutely deny any knowledge of my disappearance." Atem chuckled.

"Man, I'd love to see that." Tristan said and they fell silent.

It was nice having the gang back together again… but it will end once more soon. When Yugi returns they will need to send their friends back soon or they will share in his fate sooner or later. He knew they wanted to stay and wait for his return but then there was the final battle with Thomas… they had no idea when he would strike or powerful he would become. Either way, soon they would all be separated again and for good this time. If only he could return with them… his people would miss him but they would have Seto to rule, and Yugi would not need to say goodbye and they could all be together. Sadly, this did not seem viable.

"Should we get them to a bed?" Yugi asked quietly.

"Maybe." Atem said sadly. He knew they'd want to be awake when… when it happens.

"How long do we have?" Joey asked stiffly, holding back obvious tears.

Yugi and Atem both looked up at the sky and judging by the stars position they had little over 2 hours. Give or take.

Truth be told Yugi had already begun to feel his energy waning. The energy he borrowed from Osiris was getting thinner and his muscles weakening. The affects of this realm were creeping on him and his body knew it was passed it's time only it was not allowed to die yet. In fact Yugi knew that if it hadn't been for his pact with the God of Life and Death he would already be gone. Saying goodbye to his grandfather, setting his affairs in order, donating his possessions… he should be grateful he was given this time with the ones he loves here.

The tears began before he could stop them and instead of holding them in he found himself sobbing and soon full on crying as Atem and his friends held him, shedding tears themselves.

They never spoke, they just cried until they were wet and tired and had woken Bakura and Tea from their restless slumber, to which they joined too after realising what was happening.

It must have been an hour that passed when they had finally all settled long enough to move. Yugi was feeling weaker and weaker by the second, be it from the crying or his time nearing it's end and he wanted to be somewhere comfortable when it happened. They didn't know what would happen; whether he would cease to be in this realm, if his body would remain, if Osiris would take him away completely … they didn't know but dying up here where his friends may need to carry his body back down was not desirable.

They flew down on Slifer who halted by Atem's balcony where they all jumped down and watched as Slifer flew back into the heavens in a sea of stars. From here they offered them more wine or fruit to eat but none had an appetite. Waiting was the worst and now they were in the last hour, it was absolutely horrible. They had known this would happen, but it made this no less easy. For Yugi especially, he wished the time could be now so he could get this over with. If he was alone he would try to sleep, to fade in his dreams and let it happen without his knowing, but with everyone here he felt compelled to stay awake. He hated knowing that every look they gave him was checking to see if he was dying, was waiting to see if they could do anything to make him more comfortable. The hurtful thing was that to make him most comfortable, they would need to leave… but he didnt want that either. He was afraid of dying… of course he was even if this was his choice. He didn't want to be alone, but he hated this waiting as well.

"Maybe I should just call Osiris and get this over with." He joked as he heavily sat down on the end of the bed, leaning against the wooden bedpost. Atem sat beside him and pulled him into himself instead which Yugi appreciated. His chest was much more comfortable than that post.

"Will he show?" Tea asked.

"I think so." Yugi shrugged. "I don't know if he'll show himself to all of us or just me but I think he's coming. I need to be weighed before I come here."

"Weighed… but Yugi you've already bound your soul to Atem's. Doesn't that mean you'll pass this test anyway?" Bakura asked.

"Not necessarily but we all believe I will, including Osiris. I could still be an evil person inside and be bound to him, it just means I can find my way back to him. But the chances of me being evil are extremely slim." Yugi said.

"You better not be evil man. I mean we already got our hands full with one evil nutcase to need to put you down too." Joey said. His words were harsh but in all honesty Yugi appreciated them. They gave him courage to face this knowing that despite whats happening, he still had their support.

"I hope he shows up." Tea said.

"Yeah?" Tristan asked. "You wanna see that half rotted, half mummified giant God again?"

"I wouldn't blaspheme so close to his arrival if I were you." Atem giggled, stroking Yugi's shoulder as he relaxed.

"Yeah Tristan! And yes. I want to make sure Yugi's going to be safe and back with us as soon as possible." Tea said sternly.

"You gonna tell him who'll be after his wrappings if something happens to me?" Yugi asked tiredly. He felt so tired now. It was all he could do to stay awake but the sound of Atem's beating heart and the gentle strokes to his skin was like a lullaby.

"Damn right." Tea said firmly.

"You okay Yug?" Joey asked, kneeling down before him. Yugi gave him a tired smile and nodded. He saw the flash in Joey's eyes, something clicking in his mind but he closed his eyes to it. He was just tired.

"Well I for one actually agree with Tea. I'd like to talk to Osiris too and just get some details from him regarding Yugi's safety, and that of our own. How much time do we have left for starters, should we be able to see Yugi before we must part, what news is there of Thomas and what can we do to prevent his attack. That sort of thing." Bakura said.

"Easy. We find that scrawny blonde butt of his, take that jewel from him and he's as good as dead right?" Tristan said.

"Right. Osiris said the jewel is keeping him alive right? So getting rid of him should be as simple as taking that jewel." Joey said.

"The tricky part is just taking that Jewel." Tea surmised.

"Well that'll be no problem when Yugi gets back. He'll still have the other Millennium Items and if he's as strong as he says he is, then taking that jewel will be a piece of cake." Bakura said optimistically.

"Yeah but if it was that simple then Yugi would have done it before in their last battle." Tea said. "This isn't going to be easy at all."

"True but last time Yugi did seriously damage the jewel. Maybe we can use that to our advantage… not to mention he used the ring to do that. He did say the Rod was stronger." Tristan said pointedly.

"He did. Then there's the puzzle… that should be the strongest of them all and we haven't even seen him use that." Bakura said.

"Yugi?" Atem asked, his voice quiet and chilling, ceasing them all in their discussion.

.

.

.

They looked to him, asleep on Atem's chest, arms limp before him: one fallen to his lap and the other upon Atem's, his fingers slightly curled in utter relaxation. His lips were slightly parted but as they watched him sleep, they saw no rise in his chest, no pulse in his neck, no escape of air through his lips. His eyes didn't move in dreaming and no sign of life could be found upon him.

"Yugi?" Atem asked again, sobbing his name out. He caressed his cheek, shook his arm just slightly but still nothing came from him. "Come back." Atem cried. "Please?"

They all covered their mouths, hung their heads, cried and otherwise mourned. Joey rested his head on Yugi's knee, crying silently as Tea hugged Bakura and cried into his chest. Tristan knelt before them, crying into the floor quietly and Atem, he rocked Yugi gently, crying into his hair as he held him closely, wailing and pleading for him to return.


A/N: I AM CRYING TOO!
Omg I know exactly whats going to happen in this story and this scene was so much harder than I thought it was going to be! I am SO sorry for the feels guys! But I'm sure you know he'll be back, the question is what will happen in between.