A/N: It took a lot, but I did it. This is the longest chapter yet I think, but so so so worth it. I hope you all enjoy this!


"GET THEM TO THE PALACE NOW!"

"THE ROAD TO THE EASTERN GATE US BLOCKED!"

"MOVE THEM TO -AHH!"

A wave of sand erupted violently and in it's wake nothing rose above it's surface except the tip of spears and soon balls of glowing lights being drawn to a single point.

The same destruction and panic was everywhere inside the city walls. People screamed and scurried, others prayed in their houses for the gods to protect them. The Militia was out in full force but with nothing to attack they were forced to defend against violent walls of sand.

The eastern front of the city was been scoured. Sand actively searched every nook and cranny for life to steal as if it had a sentience of its own and it never failed to fill everything it found. Houses overflowed, pots and wagons were carried down the streets. Not even the animals were spared it's wrath. It hungered and reaped all it touched, spreading wide like a disease.

"Hold here men! We must not let it reach the inner walls."

One captain said bravely against the wall of sand fast approaching him and his men behind him. They were armed with shields, creating a wall of their own in hopes of keeping the sand at bay but as it crashed against them, slithering and creeping through the minute cracks they began to panic. They held firm but it pooled around their feet, getting in their sandals, crawling up their skin like an army of scarabs.

"HOLD FIRM!" Their captain screamed. He needed to be brave because while the sand slowly enveloped them it was not attacking those they protected.

Suddenly a burst of golden light blew the sand away from them, back towards where it came and as they looked they saw a golden bubble protecting them. The sand tried to lick at it's shell, failing to enter and when they looked behind them, they saw High Priest Mahaad standing tall and firm, hand outstretched with his Millennium Ring glowing and all of its cones pointing outwards. They were saved! Thank the Gods, the Pharaoh, they were saved!

"Go and help the evacuation. Leave this to me!" He commanded them. They bowed their heads, thanked him and left immediately.

Elsewhere the Pharaohs guardians worked tirelessly to push away other sand assaults. Isis had her Spiria pushing the sand back with her winds, while the others did the same with their monsters; either blowing against the tides or creating barriers made of debris to protect their people. It was not much but they never gave up.

Meanwhile further in the city: Joey, Tea, Tristan and Bakura helped direct the evacuation parties. The North, West and South West gates were all open and many swarmed as quickly as they could. Some children were left behind but with their aid they were able to keep them moving. Many had taken to swimming the Nile, eager to cross the vast river in a desperate attempt to flee. Nevermind the dangers that lurk within, even they fled downstream, upset at the disturbance of their usual peaceful habitat.

"This is nuts!" Joey yelled as he gently pushed a small girl back towards her mother.

"I know! Where the bloody hell is Yugi?!" Tristan shouted back after narrowly missing a rushing cart that come unattached from it's horse. It crashed into the gate, missing everyone thankfully but now with it blocking half of it people were scrambling to get through.

Joey and Tristan worked together with the Egyptian guard to move the cart but it was not easy with so many rushing citizens.

After a job awkwardly well done, they sighed, wiping sweat from their brow and high fiving their success when they heard the oo's and ahh's of awestruck citizens.

Following their queues they saw a bright light descending the heavens, pushing back parts of the sand and through it they saw the red scales of Slifer looming overhead.

"Pharaoh!"

"Slifer the Sky Dragon!"

"YAY PHARAOH!"

"He'll protect us!"

The cries of the people began to roar just as Slifer did and swiftly he flapped his extensive wings, beating against the sands in an effort to push it back.

"Thata boy." Joey said quietly.

"Think Atem needs our help?" Tristan asked him just as quietly.

"We're doing it. He needs his people gone, so lets get em moving." Joey said and quickly they got back to rushing the people, pulling them from their stunning witnessing of the Gods' power. They were not safe yet and would not be if they remained. Slifer was almost big enough to watch across Egypt, they could watch him from outside the city.

As Slifer fought against the raging sandstorm gripping at the Pharaoh's city Atem did everything he could to command his people to safety. He watched from up high where he could oversee everything and issued commands to his signal carriers. His people did the best they could to stay on top of his commands but with this sandstorm it was difficult to maintain a clear sight. He could see where his Guardians were though and trusted in their ability to lead if the need arose.

But throughout all this madness there was still no sight of Thomas. No one had seen a single person to fight, a single person invading. It had only been the sandstorm and it was swallowing portions of his city like the sands of time.

He heard a distress horn to the west and through the sand caught sight of the red flag, a clear sign that one of his Guardians could no longer be seen through the storm. He sensed no loss but if he did not act soon he may yet.

"SLIFER!" He commanded and the great red dragon reacted to his call. With one final gush of wind he slithered to him to low enough for him to jump onto his mighty back and with little effort he flew him closer, within the terrible sands. Hitching up a linen mask to protect his nose and mouth he jumped off his back at the Western Gate, rolling in the sand to inspect the damage.

The sands climbed his legs, trying to bury him but his Puzzle glowed, somewhat creating a barrier between him and the tiny assailants. He'd not seen this kind of protection before but he was thankful for it. It wasn't strong, but strong enough to protect him for now.

"My Pharaoh." He heard the faint voice through the sand but could not see anyone. It sounded like Mahaad.

"I CALL UPON THEE GREAT GODS OF EGYPT, PROTECT THIS CITY IN THE NAME OF THE PHARAOH, OBELISK THE TORMENTOR!" Atem called loudly.

Beckoned to his call the earth began to rumble and from the sands formed the blue stone like skin of Obelisk as he towered over the city. As large as Slifer he used his body to shield this section of the city with his massive body and while the sands raged against him, pelting him violently he merely withstood it with ease. The sands parted on either side of him but his protection gave them enough reprieve to unshield their eyes and find each other.

It was indeed Mahaad and with him were the heads ands shoulders of soldiers he had been protecting. Without command Slifer blue the sands away, freeing them enough so they could get themselves out.

"Pharaoh!"

"Thank you!"

"Praise the Pharaoh! Praise the Gods." They all said gratefully, bowing low at his feet.

"Go to the inner reaches of the city. Aid in the rear line of defence." Atem ordered them and they bowed, praising him and leaving swiftly as Mahaad came to him, saluting him.

"Thank you for coming my Pharaoh."

"Obelisk will hold this gate for a while but not forever and the rest of the city still needs protection. Slifer's winds can help slow it's advance but ultimately Khemet is lost at this rate." Atem said.

"How is the evacuation effort?"

"Too slow. Everyone is doing everything they can but this storm is likely to follow us down the Nile at this point. We cannot outrun it."

"Do not lose faith my Pharaoh. We must try. For them. For this realm." Mahaad said strongly. Atem wanted to believe that but he had weighed the options and calculated the odds. The Gods were turning a blind eye to them despite everything they have done, everything he has done to uphold this life… Yugi had not returned yet and at this rate the temple in which his body remains will be lost.

Obelisk remained strong, faithful, lording over them like a mountain. His presence here was a massive help but there was only one of him. If Atem could maintain an army then they could create a strong enough wall to separate them. Slifer was tiring but he continued trying to create walls of wind the sand must fight through but as time continued the sand became stronger.

If only they could find Thomas. If they could find and destroy him then they could put a swift end to this storm. His people would be safe, they would not need to evacuate… Yugi's body would be safe. They lose no more people… if only they could find him.

"Mahaad!" They turned to see Isis being carried by Spiria. She landed softly and ran to him, clinging to his neck in a tight, relieving embrace.

"Isis you should not be here. You should be defending the inner wall."

"My necklace sensed the fear of your Ring. I saw the red flag. I needed to come to you. My Pharaoh. I appologise a thousand times for abandoning my post -"

"It is alright." Atem said gently. He understood her reasoning. More than anything in this world, even with everything currently going on, he too longed for the embrace of who he loved. Especially with everything going on. He doubted that he would be able to save everyone at this rate and he vowed he'd be the last out of the city. The sands would take him before they took more of his people but that would mean his last encounter with Yugi… when he ceased to breathe, would be his last.

"Mahaad. Is there anyone left in this sector?" Atem asked.

"No My King. It was only I and that small squad defending this wall. Everyone else perished." He said sadly.

"Go with Isis to her post. Defend the inner wall. I will call a retreat. We must buy our people time to leave."

"That will not help you." His voice was everywhere. In each grain of sand. On the wind. Behind them, in front of them, all around them. But they could not see him.

"SHOW YOURSELF!" Atem shouted, wildly searching for any sign of him only to find nothing except the smug, evil laughter echoing throughout his city.

"Isis go back. Tell everyone to retreat." Mahaad told her.

"NO! I'm not leaving you."

"Isis please!" Mahaad begged her.

"It matters not where you are. My sands will deliver your souls to her. And every soul she devours will bring me closer to him. You cannot keep him from me Pharaoh." His voice was getting closer but where?! Where is he and who was he talking about?

"If you want him, come and claim him! Only cowards hide in sand Thomas. Show yourself!"

Again with the laughter but then all of a sudden the sand in front of Obelisk came together, knitting itself like thread and water to form reveal his body. It was difficult to tell but he looked paler than he last remembered him, his hair even more a mess. His skin looked hollow and unhealthy, his eyes sunken into his once youthful face. But the fire in them was alive and the Jewel in his hands shone brighter than the sun, radiating and casting it's beautiful god rays all around.

"Here I am, Pharaoh." He said, his voice sly and sadistic. "Where is he?" He must be referring to Yugi… which means he doesn't know he's not here. Which means if Yugi hurry's up then he could use his vacancy to help his people.

"He's not here. Sorry but your efforts are in vain. He's not in the city." Atem said.

Thomas shrugged, seemingly disbelieving him.

"He must be here. Where else would he go but to you? Wherever you are, he's sure to be. Sooner or later."

He's not wrong… but he can't know that. He's mad. That's all this is.

"You will leave my city, now. You will leave my lands or you will suffer the wrath of the Gods." Atem warned him and he laughed.

"OBELISK!" Atem ordered and in response Obelisk lifted his mighty fist and slammed it down before him, creating a wave of sand of his own but more importantly squashing Thomas where he stood…

Or so they hoped. They heard his laughter again, louder and more manic and in the next second Obelisk was glowing white and Atem could literally feel his power spirit draining from him.

He clenched at his heart, falling to one knee and feeling Obelisk fading, being ripped from him. This wasn't so much as Atem not having the spiritual energy to maintain him as it was Obelisk actually being taken from him. It was violating to feel; like the inside of his soul was being scoured.

"My Pharaoh!" Isis and Mahaad both exclaimed, coming to his aid but there was nought they could do.

"You're Egyptian pets are nothing compared to the raw power of the Jewel! What can you do except be the lure for Yugi, bait to my trap! Your monsters, your shiny pets, your people will be food for my Jewel, fuel for the fire I intend to burn him with and you will call him here!"

If only he could. If it were that simple to call for his Yugi to come to him like he had been doing every day and every night since he left. He missed him dearly but he never came to his prayers. But even if he could… if that was all it took to be with him….

"Even if I could call him here I would never give him to you! If all it took to bring him here was a single call from me I still would not grant you the chance to touch him!" Atem shouted back to him, finding a new strength to stand. Obelisk was almost gone, barely standing vigil where he had been and Slifer was on the defence, waiting and watching. He had half a mind to recall him, or to call out Ra but if he absorbed him there would be no end to this.

Now would be the best time for them to unlock the secrets of their items… all of them. But what can they do? They were disorganised, ill prepared and facing up against an enemy that had absorbed thousands of people by now and that of an Egyptian God. What can they do against that much power?

If only the Gods listened to him. If only they could come to their aid. At this rate the entire afterlife would collapse and who knew what effects that would have on reality as they knew it. They could all stop existing, permanently. The gods may already be pray to this thing… perhaps that was why they ignored him.

He wanted to pray for Yugi. To ask him here to comfort him, to tell him to be strong but the last thing he wanted was to actually have called him here. He believed in Yugi, but what could even he do against this much power?

"You aren't afraid, are you Pharaoh?!" Thomas taunted him. "Are you starting to see you have no chance of stopping me?!" Thomas yelled. He waved his hand and all of a sudden they were all sent backwards into the sand as it tried to crawl up their legs and their arms, tried to devour them. They struggled free, using Spiria and Slifer to blow the sand off them but soon Spiria could not handle the raw energy the Jewel emitted and she fell. Isis clutched at her breast, feeling her temporary death in her heart as her spirit waned. Mahaad protected her, holding her close to him.

"My King!" They turned to see Seto, together with his other guardians standing above them on what should have been the roof of a house. The sand had grown so much that paths were now as tall as buildings and entire houses were swallowed and flooded.

"Not even your Guardians together can stop me!" Thomas shouted and another wave attacked them. Mahaad stood then before them all, holding up his hand against the attack and his Ring glowed, creating a shield around them all that held off the attack. It was just like the shield Yugi had used, albeit smaller but no less effective.

"Get the Pharaoh out of here!" He commanded the other guardians through gritted teeth.

"Not a chance Mahaad! I lost you once, I am not losing you again."

"With all due respect Pharaoh, Yugi needs you alive to return. And we need Yugi here to protect our people." Mahaad retorted. He feared he was right but he did not want to believe it. He did not want Yugi fighting this battle. No! He must defend his people!

"Slifer, destroy him! With everything you've got!" He commanded.

Slifer positioned himself high above them, roaring loudly as both his mouths opened, drawing in energy to burst towards Thomas. It was an extremely bright light, one they needed to shield their eyes from and as they heard the lightning of it crackle and race and rip the air it passed through they waited to hear the collision that never came.

Looking they saw Thomas holding his Jewel as it eagerly absorbed Slifer's attack.

"No way…" Seto breathed.

"That is … impossible." Karim said.

"Slifer's attack…" Isis whimpered.

The light show ended and Slifer remained unphased, the jewel glowing with a brightness unlike any other and Thomas grinned, staring straight at them all as if looking upon the end.

With one thrust of the Jewel in their direction he sent the same light back at them and soon it was all they could see. Atem didn't protect himself. He just stared at the fast approaching light, his heart abandoning him as he saw the end racing for them. He had failed. His people will die. His guardians first among them. He will die before his people would be safe. He would die before he could see Yugi. His friends would die before they could go home.

He failed.

It's over.

"Yugi…" He cried to himself, his heart shattering with the realisation he had failed him.

Warmth

...

But death never came. Time seemed to pause and before his heart could abandon him completely he and his Guardians were thrown off their feet by a large, powerfully warm, golden light intercepting the cold light of the Jewel coming straight for them.

Half buried in sand but very much alive he shook the sand from his face and watched as the golden tower of light dissipated the attack.

His heart reached for it. If it had a body of its own it would have ran. He was filled with so much warmth he swore he could have burned from the inside. Tears fell from his eyes before he could stop them because his body knew, his heart knew… his mind hadn't caught up yet but he felt it… he felt him. For the first time in a week he had felt him. Really and truly felt him here with him.

"What is happening?!" Seto called over the roaring of power.

"Have the Gods heard us?!" Shada shouted.

"Is it Ra?!" Karim shouted too but no… no it wasn't.

It was greater.

"GUYS!" He heard the voices of his friends but he could not turn away from the golden pillar. He saw several golden lights enter the storm and soon the Pillar exploded. He looked away now, shielding himself from the light and when the roaring ceased, when everything stopped he slowly peaked and saw the storm had died. The sand storm enveloping his city was dead and most of it in the immediate area had been blown away or disintegrated into nothing.

Before them, standing in a white glow of his own stood Yugi. He was dressed in white, Egyptian clothing worthy of royalty, almost the same clothing Atem had given him but he wore no gold, only the white linen and blue tabard over his skirt. He stood tall, head high and completely unharmed. His shoulders squared off and but his hands were loose, relaxed… no… they were ready. He was ready. He didn't stand lost and simply here… he faced Thomas and stood purposefully between them in their defence. He wasn't just here, he didn't just appear here at the right time… he arrived here with purpose and a raging intent. The white glow around him was in a way serene but it burned with a rage he had only ever felt. He knew this feeling… but it was more because he also knew that Yugi stood before them now with more power than he has ever had.

He's not just here, a soul in this realm, he's a brand new spirit reborn… which meant within his soul was the power of the Gods still fresh; a power that had long faded from each of them by now.

"So you came. Just before my jewel could taste the soul of your Pharaoh. How noble of you Yugi." Thomas said darkly but Yugi never moved.

From above him the six Millennium Items circled him, waiting to be used and he could feel how cold Yugi felt towards Thomas. He burned with a power so hot but his emotions were deadly protective.

"You don't have anything to say? Not even to your precious love, to your friends, to the countless people I that now reside within my Jewel? They're dead because of you Yugi! If you had given yourself to me freely then-"

The Millennium Eye reacted, shooting a single beam of light towards Thomas to narrowly miss his own eye. Atem didn't know if Yugi had told it too or not but whatever the case may be Thomas did not appreciate it. He gritted his teeth, narrowed his eyes and waved his golden hand at Yugi, shooting his own beam of light towards him.

Atem's heart clenched at the thought he could be hurt but before he could even scream his name Yugi held the scales before him, absorbing the power in one of the scales and as he did the other grew heavier and heavier and heavier until Thomas ended the attack.

With a wave of his free hand the Rod came to him and the power from the scales channeled into the Rod. Discarding the scales to continue floating behind him he held the rod to the sky, seemingly praying before swinging it in a large arc. It's power raced towards Thomas in a massive white arc of power that sent him flying backwards out of the city walls almost comically and they could do nought but watch in awe at the brief power they felt coming from him.

"ALRIGHT! WAY TA GO YUG!" They heard his friends cheering loudly and it was enough now to embrace the fact he was here … and he was giving him the break they needed. The sands had stopped, Thomas was sent flying backwards and Yugi was not harmed. This was their chance.

He stood then to gaze at him properly, reaching for him because surely he could spare a touch, a hug … surely he could hold him.

"Yugi." Atem cried but in the next instant a white beam of light raced towards them all, stronger than last time and it took an instant for Yugi to replace the Rod with the Scales again only this time instead of absorbing it's power, somehow each ot the scales were dislocated from its chains and spinning wildly in circles to create a shield large enough to protect them. He held firm, the wind of the attack forcing their clothes and hair back. It was barely a shield but it was working.

"YUGI!" Mahaad shouted, joining him with his Millenium Ring to shield him for him. Grateful Yugi released the scales and took the eye, throwing it into the blast but why they didn't know. The blast continued and as Mahaad protected them Yugi walked alongside the beam, taking the Rod in hand and sending wave after wave after wave of energy shooting towards Thomas.

They followed him and the beam stopped when an explosion went off near Thomas, enveloping him in white light. They heard him scream in agony but even as Yugi had stopped just outside the city gates and they had come to a screeching halt not far before him Yugi prepared for his next attack. The Eye returned to him from the direction of the blast but he ignored how closely it floated by his head as he held the Millennium Puzzle up above him, replaced the Rod the Millennium Key and pointed it at the Puzzle.

One silent moment later he turned the key and the Puzzle pieces glowed, creating rivers of gold that grew as each pieces separated from the puzzle.

"Thank you." He heard Yugi whisper before he waved his hand. Each puzzle piece flew towards Thomas's location, floating in a mid air in various locations around him like a minefield. They could do nothing but watch in confusion but then Yugi slowly approached, one foot in front of the other. Dismissing the Key as the got closer for the Rod he twisted it apart to stab both ends into the sand on either side of him. They stood tall and independent and then he waved his hand for the Scales. The shaft floated above him while the scales detached and spun around the outside of the puzzle field as if to contain everything within. He then gathered the eye and tossed it into the air for it hover above the very height of the dome he was creating.

"What is he doing?" He heard Tristan ask.

"I … don't know." Bakura said quietly. They all watched in complete awe for none of them had seen the Items used this way and Yugi seemed to know exactly what he was doing.

The necklace he gathered but they could not see what he did with it and last was the Key, which he pointed directly infront of him.

They saw Thomas getting up then, clutching at his arm but on closer inspection they saw his clothes were burned, his skin was red, bleeding and black in places. His golden hand had melted off him and the Jewel's light was dimmer.

"You…. YOU'LL PAY FOR TH-" He never got a chance to finish his sentence for Yugi turned the Key and in an instant the power from the Items fed into each of the Millenium Puzzle pieces, gathering on the inside to creating a swirling vortex of light that did not touch them.

Atem watched this happen in awe but then his focus turned to Yugi, feeling the pain he felt like it was his own and watch his closed fist behind him shaking, the way his shoulders shuddered.

When the Rod fell down, lifeless and no longer channelling he saw Yugi's fist falter with the loss. When the scales fell to slide in the sand he saw him hang his head and felt the stab in his heart. When he saw something gold fall from his body he watched as Yugi readjusted his position, standing stronger and taller against the emotional pain he suffered. Now there was only the Key, the eye and the puzzle left for the others were gone… just like the Ring; and Atem had felt each of their losses through his connection to Yugi.

He couldn't do more though. He felt his hesitation gripping him, his desire to run and hide and seek comfort. He didn't need power to finish off Thomas… he needed strength.

So he ran to him. He ran right up to him to touch his shoulder, to touch the hand holding the Key and he stood behind him, giving him his strength to do this. He felt beneath his hands for the first time in a lifetime but he did not take from him the comfort of his warmth; he gave him his own. He smiled at him, adoring being able to see the life in his beautiful lilac eyes once more despite the pain he felt and soon Yugi turned that pain into courage and resolve. A single deep breath later and he turned the key again, letting it fall to the sand before him. The Eye fell then and the moment it touched a Millenium Piece and bounced off the Millenium pieces spun rapidly. Thomas couldn't be seen but his scream was heard as the puzzle spun faster and faster and faster until finally it imploded within itself, creating a contained explosion inside the dome it created.

As each of the pieces fell to the sand, lifeless as any other gold Yugi and Atem stood before the crater it created. Nothing remained inside except the pieces of the puzzle and the eye that fell discarded. There was no trace of Thomas' body and they could not see the jewel either.

It was done.

Just like that.

One complicated use of the Items later and it was all over. Completely.

They stood, numb and confused, silent as the world around them. The bright blue sky above them hung overhead like a normal sunny day. The silence of the world was eerie but pleasant compared to the storm they had been facing.

Soon though that silence was broken by the pained and strained sobs of Yugi as his heart shattered with the loss of the Millennium Items. Atem wasted no time pulling him in for that hug, easing him to the ground where he could cry and wail freely into him, gripping him tightly. He felt his pain on a very different level to what he was used to. They were connected after all so to some extent he felt his mourning too and not in the same, sympathetic way everyone else must have felt. His heart stung painfully but it must be nothing compared to the pain Yugi felt. Still… his own feelings were his own and buried beneath his compassion to him he loved being able to feel him again. He's alive! Relatively … he's here!

Finally!

After days and days of stress and worry and misery Yugi was finally here. They suffered great losses but Thomas was finished, Yugi was back and in his arms. Albeit crying but he's really here.

"You did it Yugi. I'm so sorry but you did it!" He whispered to him, holding him tight against him. "I missed you so much."

Yugi cried hard but he calmed down slowly, pushing off him just enough to look into him. His bloodshot eyes and reddened cheeks did not suit him so Atem brushed his skin softly with the loving fingers, brushing his hair smooth and held his forehead to his own, closing his own eyes so he could feel his soul.

"YUGI!"

His friends called to him, racing over now. Yugi hid his head in Atem's neck, burying himself because he did not want to be seen right now. Atem held him, petting circles into his back and smiling softly.

"Give him a moment." He said to them softly. They understood and crouched beside them while Atem's guardians examined the area.

"So… Thomas is gone… like completely gone." Tristan said.

"He's dead." Yugi squeaked, pulling back to wipe his face and calm down.

"Yeah?" Joey asked.

"Yeah. He didn't escape." Yugi nodded.

"Then where's his… you know… body." Tristan asked crudely.

"Gone. I felt it, trust me." He said, wiping away stubborn fresh tears.

"Okay." They shrugged.

"My Pharaoh!" They turned to Mahaad in the center of the crater and when they approached they saw, just slightly in the sands, the faint glowing of something white.

"Please no!" Tea said, her hands clapping her mouth.

"Don't touch it." Yugi commanded, sliding down the crater to meet him.

"Yugi be careful." Atem warned him as he followed.

Without too much care though he brushed the sand away to reveal the jewel. It was much dimmer now and cracking but very much alive. The only thing that remained.

"What!? You mean all that and it's still got power?" Tristan complained loudly but Atem was more interested in Yugi's intrigue. He could feel his heart clinging to hope but what could he be thinking?

He went to touch it and on instinct Atem stopped him. He didn't want the Jewel to corrupt him like it did Thomas or for it to suck him up like it did his people but Yugi gave him a firm squeeze of his hand and a reassuring smile.

Gently and carefully touching the Jewel, testing the waters as it were, he slowly picked it up and held it in his hand. It's smooth textures were like holding a perfectly rounded opal and it's weight was considerable, but he felt no malice from with in… no… what was incredible was what he did feel.

Warmth. Hope. Life. So much life. Even life that was familiar to him reached to him.

His heart quickened and he was overcome with an excitement he could barely contain.

"Lord Osiris!" He heard the Guardians exclaim and he turned to see the God of Death and Life appear above them. They all bowed to him, including his friends, including Atem but he stood firm, seeing him as an equal which to everyone else was blasphemy. Atem watched him nervously, wanting so much to drag him down to a bow but he watched the mutual exchange of recognition with great intrigue.

"You know what you hold in your hand." Osiris addressed him and to his surprise Yugi nodded and looked back down to the Jewel glowing in his palm.

"They can never return, Yugi. Their energy has been expelled to cleanse the Jewel. Now, after their long service, they rest eternal." Osiris continued.

"I know." Yugi said and held the Jewel to his heart. "But there are many within who are not yet lost."

Yugi then surprised them again by taking a step towards Osiris with a new determination and resolve, head tall and proud and shoulders squared.

"If you would permit me, please allow me to set them free."

Osiris considered him a moment, weighing his options and they waited in anticipation for his answer. Yugi most of all who stood directly under his scrutiny.

"The Jewel's power is strong Yugi. To free those who can still be returned will take a great deal of energy. Energy you do not possess." Osiris said, holding out his hand for the Jewel.

Yugi was disheartened but he trusted him anyway, handing him the Jewel with slight hesitation.

"It is lucky for you that I am a God." Osiris said. Yugi's spirit lifted immediately and everyone stood to witness as Osiris began to glow brightly with the Jewel.

Yugi back peddled into Atem, seeking his hand as they shielded themselves from the light that grew so brightly they couldn't see a thing.

After a while though they felt the coast was clear and slowly they peeked through their hands, over their arms and saw that Osiris was gone, with the Jewel. Confused as to what they were meant to expect they looked around but saw nothing out of the ordinary.

But then they heard growing cheers inside the city, cries of joy and relief and celebration and they were close too. Atem shifted, clutching at his heart and breathing hard but the smile he wore was one of relief and pure happiness. Still they watched him, almost weak with the joy and slowly tears wet his eyes.

"Yugi…" He whispered, looking at him and then his Guardians. "They're back. Our people. They're back. All of them!"

"All of…?" Mahaad began and then the realisation hit them all and they sprinted off towards the city, Atem alongside them dragging Yugi behind him by his hand.

He was right. Soldiers, warriors, citizens, animals … everyone that had been taken by the sands had returned and were cheering, celebrating with one another as if status did not matter. They were saved… all of them!

"Our people." Seto breathed, a tear threatening to moisten his eye even after he was bumped by Shada and Karim. Mahaad picked up and spun Isis around and Atem collapsed to his knees, feeling overwhelmed by so much relief for having felt his realm repaired. Yugi crouched beside him as his friends cheered with them, high fiving and dancing.

"Yugi…" Atem whispered. Yugi smiled, feeling exactly every ounce of happiness and relief he felt. He was so overwhelmed it made Yugi want to cry with them but he stayed strong for him. Because now it was all over he could feel everything Atem felt to a degree he never thought possible. He could feel the connection Atem had felt and his joy was so beautiful to feel.

"They're all back. All of them. Not just my city but the other villages. Everyone Thomas took…"

"Even they?!" Seto asked in hopeful alarm.

"Everyone." Atem confirmed, hastily standing and dragging Yugi through the streets of his city. They followed him closely and as he passed the celebrating citizens and soldiers they followed too, humbled and curious by their Pharaoh.

The city square was filled with people that should not be here. It bustled so lively with excitement and welcomed confusion.

"Are these?" Tea began.

"My people. From every village Thomas stole from." Atem confirmed proudly. "Isis."

"Yes my King?"

"Do you have the energy to summon Spiria?"

"I believe so yes."

"Summon her. Bring me my wards." He commanded and she obeyed at once.

"Atem?" Yugi asked him and he smiled but said nothing. Squeezing his hand he held him close and admired the happy faces of his people.


It was some time later when people began to disperse, being lead into groups of where they came from so they might make the journey back to their homes that Spiria returned with Rakesh, Sissy and their baby brother. The moment they saw Yugi they ran to him, tackling him to the ground after Isis took their kid brother and they cried in pure joy for having him back. Yugi laughed, hugging them both and nuzzling them affectionately as they crawled and hugged and cried nonsensically. Atem watched the warm reunion with such pride and joy and it was such a beautiful sight for their friends too, even bringing a tear to Joey and Tristans eyes as well.

"We missed you so much!" They cried.

"Never go away again!"

"I won't be. I'm here for good now." Yugi laughed. They settled down, letting him sit up when Sissy brought out a present for him. He happily unwrapped it to reveal the small doll he had been working on and he beheld it with such love and appreciation, surprised she had kept it safe throughout all the chaos.

"Pharaoh said I should protect it because you would be glad it was safe. So I kept it with me every day."

Yugi glanced to Atem who was looking upon him with such beautiful pride he blushed and he looked back to Sissy and pulled her into a firm affectionate cuddle.

"Thank you Sissy. You're a good girl. Thank you."

She giggled happily. Yugi watched Atem with pure love in his heart, silently having some form of loving moment with him when Rajah approached him. He whispered something in Atem's ear and he nodded and sent him away.

Yugi ended his cuddle with Sissy, looking at him expectedly as he held out his hand for him to take.

"Something up?"

"You will see. Kids. Together please." Atem said, beckoning them both, together with Isis and their baby brother to stand beside him.

It took only an instant for them to see her, Yugi included and for the longest moment as registration slowly came to the front of their minds they stood, watching her as she smiled at them, tears streaming down her cheeks and her heart leaping from her chest. She knelt down, hands out wide as she called to them to come to her, crying erratically from the overwhelming emotions taking her.

"MUMMA!"

"MUMMMM!" The kids cried loudly, immediately racing to her. She held them close, kissing them and crying, rocking them gently and petting their hair, rubbing their backs, holding them close like she's never held her children before. Isis approached them gently and offered her her baby and now the small family was reunited.

Yugi held his tears, his lips wavering and heat quickly flooding his head because all this time he's been here, every single day he had been here, he never forgot her. He held her burden close to his heart, held himself accountable for her death, the reason these children were orphans and now she was alive, before them, holding the children he saved and Atem had fostered ever since.

She spied him then and gently her kids made room for him. She beckoned him over as if he was one of her own and he stood, frozen until Atem nudged him, gently pushing him forward.

One step was all it took for him to close their distance. He wanted to be respectful, to shake her hand or give her a polite hug but she pulled him into the tightest cuddle, a cuddle only a mother can give and soon her kids were cuddling him too.

"Thank you for saving and protecting them. Thank you so much for looking after my babies. It was you… wasn't it? That saved us all?" She whispered in his ear and he wanted to cry, holding her back because finally after so long his guilt was gone. Everything he shouldered was lifted with her return.

"It wasn't just me. Pharaoh Atem, my friends, his Guardians, your children, the Gods themselves… they all helped. I just cleaned up the mess I made." Yugi said through his tears.

"You did so much more than that. You saved us. Your light was bright enough to rescue us all." She said sweetly before pulling back to look at him. She bowed his head and kissed him on his forehead.

"Thank you."

He smiled and laughed bashfully, so relieved she was back and so happy for the children, for everyone.

Atem touched his shoulder and she released him to bow deeply at him in utmost respect.

"Thank you Pharaoh. I cannot be more grateful for everything you have done for my children and our people. Thank you so much."

"It was my pleasure. Your children are lovely and if they wish their stay as my wards is still welcomed, as are you my dear." He said politely. She beamed and bowed low again, ushering her children slightly away to embrace them once more.

"Thank you." Yugi whispered to him.

"This was not my doing. It was you. The brightest star in the sky. Without your light, none of this would be possible." Atem said and then he surprised him by kneeling before him, head down and hand covering his heart. He knelt to him as others did and soon everyone in the vicinity was bowing or kneeling to him, following their Pharaoh's example to show their gratitude and respect to him.

Feeling very bashful now he laughed, rubbing the back of his head nervously as he looked over the sea of people giving him their respect. Even the Guardians did, most impressively Seto. Everyone bowed to him.


The entire city partied that night. The Palace was open to all to come and go as they pleased and as Atem sat upon the Throne to welcome those who would pay their respects and gratitude to both he and Yugi, who now sat beside him, they drank and ate and enjoyed themselves as everyone else did. Atem never left Yugi's side, always touching him in one way or another be it a hand hold or a hand on his body to keep him close. He clung to him which to some may seem unkingly but he cared not for appearances. He had missed Yugi terribly and he was not about to let him go to save face.

Still they were able to relax as they all had much to celebrate and as Atem would greet his guests Yugi spoke with his friends as they updated them on what they did while he was gone. They told him of all the work they did for the guardians and how heroic they were evacuating the people. Bakura earned the Kings praises for teaching them what he knew of the Millennium Items and Yugi was impressed he had listened to him for all those years.

As the night carried on and all were retiring they all spent the night in the one room, gathering mattresses and pillows and creating a large circle of comfort for them all to lay and snuggle. Yugi laid against Atem's side, head on his heart to hear him beating and once he was comfortable they were both snuggled and cuddled and laid on by their friends. They could not move much but they enjoyed being close, feeling safe for the first time in a long time.

Yugi did not sleep for a long while though. Not for lack of comfort but because he was processing the days events. So much had happened and yet it some how breezed through. Thomas was gone, the Jewel was gone, the souls it took were restored and balance had returned. Grandpa would be safe now and the earth would be settling, just as the afterlife was. Atem was beside him, real as the day he met with him and he was back. He could not return with his friends but he was where he belonged. Illyana was back with her children, a surprise not even he had expected and while his dear Millenium Items were gone he felt comforted knowing the souls within them were resting eternally now beside the Gods.

"Are you awake?" Atem whispered.

"Yes." Yugi smiled. He knew Atem had been awake too. It was part of their Binding… he felt his emotions on a very personal level and while he couldn't quite read his mind, he could feel the thoughts. He knew Atem had been awake, also reflecting as he was.

"I missed you so much."

"I'm sorry it took so long."

Atem shook his head because it no longer mattered. His people were safe, those Thomas had stolen had been returned and Yugi was in his arms where he belonged. Nothing else mattered.

"I am just glad you are back. It was hard without you."

"I'm never leaving you again. I promise."

Atem giggled and kissed his head. "Good. Don't ever put me through that again."

"I feel the pain you went through. This Binding thing is pretty strong. I know you're happy but underneath it I can feel the extent of how much you hurt. I am so sorry."

Again he shook his head because even though the memory hurt, it was an ache that could not rival how happy he was to have him back.

"You are back. That is all that matters now."

"Hmm. I love you." Yugi whispered pleasantly.

"I love you."

"Go to sleep guys!" Tea grumbled, poking Yugi deep in the ribs. They giggled and obeyed, letting themselves fall into a restful and well earned sleep.

They're friends stayed with them for the next few days as people began to move out of the city and the original inhabitants moved back in. There was much work to be done but Atem was happy to tend to all of it while Yugi was spending time with everyone, helping where he could.


It was the 4th day though when they decided to return home before the effects of this realm began to affect them. They had done all they could and while leaving was painful they all had lives to return to and life in the living world went by quicker than life here. What was only a few days would have been over a week back back home, maybe even almost 2 weeks and life would not wait for them.

So they called upon Osiris within the Palace Temple and said their teary goodbyes.

"You'll be okay guys." Yugi said strongly, a tear running down his cheek as he hugged them all.

"Yeah we will. We got you looking out for us." Tristan said.

"I'm not sure that's how -"

"Shut up Bakura." They laughed.

"We'll see you again, in like 80 years or something." Tea laughed.

"Yeah. This isn't the end forever. Anything's possible here." Yugi agreed.

"You look after our buddy you here?" Joey said to Atem, giving him a strong manly hug.

"I will. Every day." Atem said warmly.

"Say hi to Grandpa for me. And everyone else. And Joey you can have my duelmonster cards but … maybe keep my deck as it is?"

"You bet Yugi. I'll keep it safe for ya."

"Great… and um… I left a little something in Tea's phone before it died. So … check that." Yugi said, trying hard not to cry now.

"We'll miss you so much Yugi." Tea cried and now she was crying he couldn't stop.

"I'll miss you too."

"You'll be alright Yug." Joey said but his voice was straining too.

They all came together then in a big tight cuddle, crying and mumbling their sweet goodbyes they barely heard from one another until they were clearly taking up too much of the God of Lifes time.

"Bakura, my account details are on my laptop. You can use whatever I have and someone make sure he keeps up with his rent and studies." Yugi said.

"I'll be fine Yugi." Bakura said bashfully until Tristan hung his arm over his neck.

"We'll make sure of it."

"Okay." Yugi nodded. That was probably all of it but somehow he felt it never could be. This was goodbye after all, but hopefully not forever.

"Have a great life guys. I expect to hear a lot of stories when we see one another next and have lots of kids and adventures and just everything."

"Name someone after us." Atem said happily, taking Yugi's hand to pull him gently back.

"Yeah if not one of you has a child named after us I'll be pretty annoyed." Yugi laughed.

"Think Joey's gonna be the first there."

"Yeah… I'm probably in trouble when I get home." Joey said bashfully.

"Probably shouldn't keep her waiting." Yugi smiled.

"Right. Alright, we good to go?" Joey asked them all. They took one last glance at them, remembering them together like this and nodded.

They turned to Osiris who had been waiting patiently behind him and with one last glance to Yugi, checking for permission he waved his hand over them. They began to glow and float and with one last wave, blows of kisses and winks and thumbs up they were gone.

Yugi felt himself crumbling now but Atem was beside him, holding him tightly and feeling his pain, trying to relay to him his strength and love.

"They'll be great."

"Yeah. They will." Yugi agreed, drying his tears as best he could with the constant stream.

Atem turned him to him, brushing his cheek lovingly and gazing into his beautiful yet reddened eyes and smiled.

"Thank you for staying with me." He said softly and Yugi leaned into his palm, loving how warm he felt and the adoration that poured into his heart.

"How could I do anything else? You are my home. Your heart is where I belong."

Atem smiled, his chest rising with the comfort he felt and together they leaned in and shared a long, deep kiss that would burn throughout the rest of eternity.


A/N: I didn't want to say this above because I did not want to spoil it, but it's finished! 42 chapters and one HELL of a ride. I want to thank you all for your amazing support and reviews, your insights and for sharing this journey with me. It is sad that this fic has come to an end but I think we had a great run wrought with drama, love and fun.
I want to thank

Girlotaku831
PureDarkWolf
Thor94

For all of your support! Your constant reviews of every chapter kept me going and especially your incredible enthusiasm! I loved your reactions and hope that this was everything you were looking for in a fanfic.

I want to also say that this is not the end for my works. With the completion of this one I now only have 1 current ongoing fic, which I think you will LOVE if you haven't checked it out already. If you don't know what one I'm referring to it is A Whole New World. Lots of B/L in that and teenage feelings (currently getting VERY steamy)

And I have like a couple of others in my head I wouldn't mind fleshing out now that I do not have this epic tale on my mind.

Anyway. Thank you guys so much and I hope to see your beautiful names in my reviews for the other fics! If not, thank you so much, please stay safe, enjoy your lives to the best of your abilities, tell people you love them and appreciate everything. I love you guys x Thank you