This story contains TRIGGER WARNINGS for rape, violence, blood, physical and emotional abuse, suicide (mentioned). READ AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION.
This warning applies to the story in general. NO SPECIFIC WARNINGS FOR INDIVIDUAL CHAPTERS WILL BE GIVEN!
My beautiful readers,
thank you for reading this story until the end and an even greater thank you to those of you who left kind comments. I hope you enjoyed it (and if not, why did you read until the very end? lol) and that those of you who have dealt with issues like toxic relationships feel a little more understood and less lonely. I wish you all the best in life and a wonderful day. Enjoy the last chapter of "Silks and Blades"!
Sincerely,
Pancake
Chapter 37
The rain lasted for weeks, not only in the north but through all of Egypt and even a small part of Nubia. Everywhere people celebrated the miracle with song and dance, praising Hapi, the Pharaoh, and to a smaller extent even Yugi.
The last ritual was another dance to thank Hapi for the water he had sent. It would take place at Hapi's temple in Tamiat and it was also where Yugi and Atem prepared their performance.
One day, after the rehearsal had ended, Yugi returned to the mansion. He found both Mai and Kisara in his office, sitting on new chairs made from bright wood.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," Yugi said and took his seat behind his desk.
"No need to apologise, Yugi. Or rather, my lord," Mai said with a proud smile. She gave Yugi a couple of updates concerning the mansion and Asphaleia. More and more ship engineers went to the latter, fascinated by its library. So many in fact, that in a letter Hanasaki suggested turning Asphaleia into an academy, not only for shipbuilding.
"I do like that idea. And I think my parents would as well. Let's keep that in mind," Yugi said.
"I'm afraid there's also some bad news," Kisara said carefully. "More people who have been enslaved are returning but I'm afraid some cases turn out to be more difficult than we thought. The traces we have of them just … end. I'm afraid we won't be able to save everyone."
It was a thought that weighed heavy on Yugi's shoulders but it wasn't a surprising one. He had heard of these cases for over a month by now.
"We're still not going to give up on them," Yugi said.
"Of course not."
"Another thing." Yugi turned to Mai, changing the subject before guilt could creep down his back. "As we rebuild, the whores of the city will go back to their regular professions as well. I've heard from Anzu many times that the common whores have to deal with rather bad circumstances. I'd like to protect them better by enacting certain laws."
"Oh, sure! Should I talk to one of the scribes and give them an overview on what subjects need to be addressed?"
"Please do."
Mai left the room and Yugi and Kisara were alone. She showed him many documents and lists, detailing the costs of the reconstruction of the city. It was confusing at first but Kisara had organised everything in neat tables and charts.
"That's a lot of money," Yugi said.
"That it is. But the other nobles are willing to give us lenient deals on many resources. After all, Tamiat is the most important sector of the north. They profit as well if we get back on our feet quickly."
They talked through Kisara's other scrolls. With a map in Kisara's hands they entered the balcony. From here, Kisara could point at certain districts and show Yugi what had to be done.
"It seems you have an amazing overview on this," Yugi said, his eyes on the city. It was a cloudy day and while it didn't rain, the air was still cool and moist.
"Well, I want to do what I can to help as well, you know?"
"I've been wondering about something." Yugi turned to her. "Would you like to be Tamiat's head treasurer?"
Kisara's jaw dropped. Fumbling with the map in her hands, she said:
"Are you sure you want me for that job?"
"Very much. You've always had a knack for mathematics and you've been working with treasurers ever since we went to Buhen. All I ever heard from other treasurers is how capable you are."
Pink stains appeared on Kisara's cheeks. She played with a strand of her silvery blond hair.
"I'd love to be Tamiat's head treasurer. I'm just worried about…"
She pointed at the court below them. Lord Seto was talking to two other people, probably his subordinates.
"Well, if it's of any help, Atem and I will stay together. There will be plenty of opportunities for us to see each other. If you were my head treasurer, you'd probably have to come along anyway."
"Really?" Kisara thought about it before she said: "You know, it's actually a good idea. I'll talk to him about this later."
A bark distracted them. It came from somewhere further away, possibly the forecourt. But more importantly: Yugi recognised it and it made his heart skitter.
"Excuse me," Yugi said and hurried out of his office, downstairs, into the forecourt. A group of riders had arrived and with them a sand-coloured dog with a black snout, ears, and tail.
"Taia!" Yugi said just as she was rushing towards him. Yugi knelt down and Taia's head collided with his. The pain was followed by excited licks all over his face. "I missed you too, baby girl."
"I thought you did," someone said. Yugi looked up and saw Ryou, smiling.
"Ryou! It's so good to see you again!"
Yugi managed to give Ryou only a quick hug before Taia jumped at him again. Yugi petted her, watched her spin in circles, until she lay down on her back so that Yugi could rub her belly.
"I'm so glad I was able to reunite you," Ryou said. "But I'm afraid I didn't come here for entirely selfless reasons. May we talk in private?"
"Of course."
Ryou attached a leash to Taia's collar and asked a servant to bring her to Atem who would no doubt be happy too. Yugi led Ryou into one of his drawing rooms. They sat down on couches across from each other and Ryou placed a basket on the low table between them. Before Yugi could ask what was inside, a cat climbed out of it, with black fur, gold-coloured eyes, and a constantly grouchy expression.
"Amerys!" Yugi said with a wide grin. He petted Amerys' head, which was as soft as ever. "Long time no see, buddy."
Amerys closed his eyes and purred but only for a moment. He jumped to the ground and rubbed the side of his body first against Yugi's shins, then against several pieces of furniture.
"I know I already asked you this a long time ago but… Would you like to keep him?" Ryou asked. Yugi's eyes widened.
"Really…?"
"Yes. He was in your chambers in Buhen all the time since you left. He missed you."
Yugi snapped his fingers a few times until Amerys came to him. Yugi placed him on his lap and Amerys stretched out. Ever since Yugi had first laid eyes on this grumpy but adorable creature he had wanted to have him around. This time Yugi didn't need to ask anyone for permission or fear their reaction.
"Yes," Yugi said wholeheartedly. "I'd love to keep him."
"Wonderful. But there's another thing I wanted to ask you about." Ryou rubbed his neck, looking away. "You see, ever since it happened my brother has been even more protective of me. It's like that's all he thinks about when he looks at me. I won't ever be able to move on with him around. So I was wondering if I could stay in Tamiat for a while…?"
"Of course you can," Yugi said immediately. "I won't bring it up, I promise. I know what it's like when… Well, I won't bring it up."
Shame tingled on Yugi's face and Ryou stared at him. But both knew that this was a conversation for another time, if at all.
"Thank you so much. I could try to advise you on being a leader to Tamiat. Bakura may have done most of the work since our parents died but I still picked up on many things."
"That'd be great. Thank you for your support."
Ryou sighed.
"I left my brother a letter about my decision. I guess he'll have a few things to say when he comes here on the day you become the lord of Tamiat." Ryou ruffled his hair. "Well, but before that there's a certain ritual that will take place, right?"
Yugi smiled, scratching Amerys behind his ears and causing him to purr.
"Right indeed."
The last ceremony took place at dawn. It was still mostly dark when a crowd of commoners gathered before Hapi's temple, hoping to at least get a glimpse of the ritual.
Yugi and Atem were inside. In the light of oil lamps servants helped Yugi into his garments. First he donned a short skirt. It had a longer piece of fabric attached to the back, almost like a train, which ended just above his ankles. For the upper body he slipped into a piece that covered half his back and his arms. It left free the chest, stomach and lower back and it had a hood that hid Yugi's hair. The clothes were mostly white with the occasional accent of blue, green, or black – Hapi's colours. The servants put a lot of golden jewellery on Yugi but the most important accessory was the lotus belt around his hips.
Yugi reunited with Atem in a small waiting room. Atem wore the same as Yugi, except instead of the hood he had his nemes headdress. It was the sign of a god on earth but the way Atem was shifting his weight from one leg to another and nibbling on his thumb made him look more like a fearful boy. Yugi took Atem's hands and they were a little sweaty.
"No need to be nervous. You hear that?" Yugi said. Rain was pouring from the sky with a gentle roar. "That's the miracle the gods sent because they forgive you."
An insecure chuckle escaped Atem's throat.
"I will never forget about Heba and I will always regret what I did to him. But at least now I know that my people won't have to suffer the consequences for my actions. Thank you, Yugi. For helping me return peace to my country."
Atem clasped him in a tight hug until a priest came in and told them that it was time. Dawn was breaking.
With the first sunbeams Yugi and Atem stepped out from behind a curtain, hand in hand.
Nobles and commoners alike lined the stone path before them. Everyone cheered as they made their way towards a square shallow pool. The priests who followed them played drums and chanted songs to praise Hapi. The sky was still mostly blue but yellow and orange were growing from beneath the horizon.
They stopped in front of the pool. This area too was so crowded not one person more could have fit into the temple. The high priest welcomed the crowd and said another prayer before he let Yugi and Atem step into the water.
The beginning was similar to the first ritual, albeit with slightly different movements. They spread petals over the water, played the sistrum, and covered each other's chests in lotion. The priests left the pool, the music started, and the dance began.
The song was quick and so were the motions of the choreography. Yugi was light on his feet and elegant, like a gazelle. As the sun rose, it made the rain drops sparkle as if diamonds were falling from the sky. Yugi's heart fluttered but not because of all this.
Atem had never danced as well as today and their movements were almost perfectly in synch. This time there was no fear or guilt in Atem's performance. He was one with the music and with Yugi. They gave each other playful smiles and Yugi couldn't help but feel proud of Atem.
Yugi was starting to run out of breath by the end of the choreography. They ended up right across from each other, one hand on the other's lower back. The music stopped after one final drum beat.
The crowd clapped and threw dozens of flowers but Yugi had his eyes on Atem. The people who had once despised him were now applauding in appreciation and adoration. Tears sparkled in the corners of Atem's eyes, almost indistinguishable from the rain.
A week later, Yugi became Tamiat's new lord. The rain had almost stopped entirely and it seemed like it would be a sunny day. The mansion was buzzing with excitement and the fresh and juicy scents of the upcoming feast were already wafting through the corridors.
Yugi was in his chambers, sitting on a chair with two make-up artists preparing him. They drew black lines around his eyes and covered his skin in powder. Amerys was sitting on Yugi's lap and he sneezed when the power reached his nose. He jumped off Yugi's thighs and rubbed his chin against the make-up artists' folding tables instead. Ever since he had arrived he had been marking everything and everyone as part of his territory.
"You look wonderful," Mai said when the make-up artists were done. Yugi stood up, checked himself in a mirror, and he had to agree. Yugi wore a purple tunic with a matching cape. Their cuts were simple but their embroidery was elaborate and contained the occasional amethyst and pearl. Together with the simple make-up it was the perfect mix of simplicity and elegance.
A knock sounded and Jou, Anzu, and Honda came in. Amerys approached them and pressed the side of his body against their legs. Jou and Honda were in ceremonial uniforms with red sashes while Anzu wore a pink dress with a wide skirt and lots of jewellery.
"I see you're ready to dance at the feast tonight," Yugi said to her. She was beaming.
"It's a dream come true! Thank you so much for the opportunity. I know you could have chosen one of the high-class whores for that occasion."
"But I wanted the best dancer in all of Tamiat. Speaking of Tamiat, I have a question for you." Yugi exchanged a glance with Mai. "You see, I want to improve the working conditions for the common whores with new laws. But I need to make sure those laws are followed and since you always take such good care of everyone at the Red Lily… I'm not sure yet if it should be a team or-"
"I'd love to do that," Anzu said with sparkling eyes. "I've always done my best protecting the others but I could never fully… I accept the position, whatever it may look like!"
"I was hoping you'd say that," Yugi answered and turned to Honda and Jou. "About you two…"
"Yugi, accompanying you into the throne hall is already honour enough," Honda said and Jou poked him with his elbow.
"Too bad because I have offers for you too." Yugi laughed. "Honda, you've been great at leading your squads of city guards ever since I met you. The spot of the commander of the city guard is currently free. Would you like to take it?"
Honda let a hand run through his hair, unable to suppress a grin.
"I humbly accept. Thank you, Yugi."
"So what do I get?" Jou said and earned a smack on the arm from Mai. Yugi chuckled.
"Well, I know you've always been in good touch with the people. I'll spend most of my time in the mansion from now on and I need someone to tell me what the people think and feel. Does that sound like a job you'd like?"
"You bet," Jou, said, his hands on his hips. "See, guys? Being gossipy can earn you money!"
They joked a little longer and Yugi knew already that he had made the right decisions. Leading Tamiat would be a big task but he knew he wasn't alone.
"All right, everyone! No more time to chat!" Mai said. "We've got to make Yugi a lord! On your marks!"
They made their way to the corridor before the throne hall. Considering all the muffled voices from the inside, it had to be packed. Yugi's heart was already thudding against his ribs, even more so when Atem joined them. He had chosen a red tunic with a black cape.
This time, it was Atem who took Yugi's sweaty hands and gave him a comforting smile.
"The gods want you to the lord of Tamiat. Everything you've done has led you here. Take a deep breath," he whispered and Yugi followed the advice.
"I'm nervous but I also know that this is what I want more than anything. Thank you for giving me the confidence to see it," Yugi said kissed him.
Mai and Anzu hugged Yugi, then joined the others in the hall. They got in formation. Atem would lead them, a few royal guards by his side. After that came the priests and lastly Yugi would enter, flanked by Jou and Honda.
The doors opened and drums and trumpets played. They walked inside on a purple carpet and the path was lined by many familiar faces: Kisara, Lord Seto, Ryou, Mai, Anzu, Shizuka, Hansaki, Asa, Neema, Kashto, even the kids from the first village of Tamiat Yugi had ever been to. Commoners and nobles alike had happy expressions on their faces and Yugi couldn't help but mirror them.
The hall was still under construction. Many pillars and statues were framed by scaffolding and the ceiling was no higher than it would be for a usual hall for now.
At the end of the isle they climbed three steps to a platform. They stopped right in front of a pedestal and on it lay a cushion with two golden wristbands. Their diamonds and lapis lazulis formed the waves of the ocean and ships and hieroglyphs were carved into the gold.
"Nobles and commoners of the north," Atem said, his voice echoing. "Today is the day that Tamiat shall receive its new lord. I chose someone who has already earned the trust of the nobles and the commoners alike. Someone who loves this beautiful part of Egypt and who shall help heal Tamiat's wounds and return it to prosperity. As your Pharaoh, I hereby allow the priests to start the ceremony."
Atem stepped back. The priests spread incense and chanted songs, asking the gods to look into Yugi's soul and see that he had the heart of a noble. They gave him a cup with a special wine and Yugi drank it, even though it was a little too bitter for his taste.
The priests withdrew and Yugi knew that now it was his turn to address the crowd. Nervousness crawled over his skin but his legs were steady.
"I, Yugi of Tamiat, son of Master Pegasus and Mistress Cyndia of Asphaleia, hereby vow to dedicate my life to Tamiat and all its people. I shall protect them with Sekhmet's strength and bring justice in the name of Maat. I shall always be an ally to every other Egyptian noble and make decisions that benefit the entire country. I pledge my loyalty to Pharaoh Atem of Egypt and I shall serve both him and my people."
Yugi and Atem approached the pedestal. Atem took one wristband, slid it over Yugi's wrist, and let the hinges click into place. He did the same with the other one. The gold was cool against Yugi's skin and the wristbands fit him perfectly. His chest swelled with pride as both turned to the crowd.
"Nobles, commoners. I present to you Lord Yugi of Tamiat!" Atem said and a warm wave of applause swept over Yugi. His friends were cheering the loudest. Yugi had to be satisfied with waving but he wished he could have jumped around in joy, proclaiming that this was the happiest he had ever been.
Yugi was carried through the city in an open palanquin. Commoners lined the streets everywhere and showered him in love and flowers. Back at the mansion, he and Atem opened the celebration in the dining hall and the banquet began.
Laughter and the scents of food and perfume filled the rooms. The high-class whores entertained the guests and later, when the sun had gone down, Anzu blew everyone away with a spectacular dance.
Afterwards, Yugi needed a moment alone. He wandered through the gardens and towards a pond so far away from everything it was usually a lonely spot. But tonight this was where Yugi found Bakura, sitting on a stone bench with a cup in one hand.
"My lord," Bakura said, rose, and bowed.
"My lord," Yugi returned. "I hope you're enjoying yourself. I'm looking forward to the cooperation between our sectors. I understand that it wasn't always ideal in the past but I do think that after everything that happened the friendship between the sectors of the north is of utmost importance."
Bakura examined Yugi from head to toe, then smirked.
"You already speak more like a noble than me. Funny, I actually believe that you'll be a good leader to Tamiat."
"That's a compliment, I suppose?"
"It is. The only thing I don't approve of is that Ryou decided to stay here. Away from Busiris."
"Ryou will be safe here. I think he's stronger than you give him credit for. He wants to move on from what happened."
"And why can't he do that where I can keep an eye on him?" Bakura said and emptied his cup with a frustrated gulp.
"I saw Ryou earlier in the game room. If you ask him calmly and without any reproach, I'm sure he'll tell you."
Bakura raised an eyebrow at him. He approached Yugi and instead of saying anything just gave him a hearty pat on the shoulder before he walked away. It was only a small gesture but Yugi had a feeling that coming from Bakura, it equalled a lot of respect.
The party lasted all night but Yugi and Atem withdrew when the sky was still dark. In Yugi's chambers they found Taia sleeping on her bed in the drawing room and Amerys curled up on top of her. Servants helped Yugi and Atem rid themselves of their clothes, jewellery, and make-up. In nothing but simple shentis they dropped on the canopy bed.
Yugi's legs and back were hurting after being on his feet for most of the day. Finally being able to lie down was almost as good as a massage.
"What a day. It doesn't seem real," Yugi said.
"It was very real, my lord," Atem said and Yugi laughed. He turned on his side and placed his head on Atem's shoulder, his hand on Atem's abs.
"Atem…?" Yugi's voice was no stronger than a twig. "I've been wondering… Do my scars bother you…?"
Ever since he had been wounded Yugi had heard many people whisper that he had now "lost his beauty". While it was hurtful, Yugi didn't care about his appearance appealing to anyone. Except for Atem.
"I still think you're very attractive if that's what you mean. Besides, I'm not one to talk, am I?" Atem patted his leg that was riddled with scars. "I fell for you because you're smart enough to beat almost anyone at games, so kind you charmed a stray dog and a grouchy cat, and because you've been fighting for your home through any hardship. And of course because no one has ever driven me that wild with desire…"
Grinning, they kissed. Atem's lips were a little chapped, just like his own. It didn't take long until a craving awakened in them, one that drew attention to itself in the form of a slight tingle in Yugi's loins.
"The doctors did allow us some physical activity, didn't they?" Yugi whispered. They wrapped their arms around each other and rolled over the bed. Only now Yugi noticed how much he had missed this kind of closeness. How exciting it was to have another person's skin against his, to experience the warmth and weight of another body on top of him, to feel desired and alive. But it wasn't only that.
Atem knew exactly where to kiss him, how to nibble on the tip of Yugi's chest, knew which naughty words to say to stoke the fire in Yugi's chest. It also applied the other way around. Yugi knew which sounds to make, where to gently caress Atem and where to firmly grab him, and what to whisper so the bulge between Atem's legs grew harder.
It was a balance that had taken time to develop. Time, and trust, and…
"Atem…" Yugi said between two kisses. He looked into those ruby-coloured, gentle eyes and the words came naturally: "I love you."
A smile spread on Atem's face, with a hint of innocence he only showed Yugi.
"I love you too, Yugi. So much."
It was like being pulled into a vortex of lust and hunger. They helped each other out of their shentis so they were both naked. They were kneeling in front of each other and Atem's lips ran over Yugi's scarred shoulder and arm, no different from how he had done it in the past. His hand travelled down Yugi's back and squeezed Yugi's butt. It sent a shiver through Yugi's spine and he pounced on Atem so he was lying on top of him. Yugi was already slightly panting.
"Should I suck you off first? Or the other way around?" Yugi whispered.
"How about both?"
"Good idea."
Both lay down on the side so that they faced each other's crotch. Atem's member was already hard and it took Yugi only a few strokes to make it stand up completely. Yugi softly sucked on the pink tip, dipped his tongue into the slit, and enjoyed how Atem moaned in response.
Atem's hot and wet mouth was doing something similar to Yugi's manhood and his desire for more grew with every touch. Atem grabbed a pot of lube from a bedside table and removed its lid. He covered his fingers in the liquid and began to explore Yugi's entrance. He did so mostly gently but sometimes he added some force and it made Yugi throw back his head. His inner muscle stretched and when he was ready for the next step, he and Atem changed positions again.
At first, Yugi sat on Atem's crotch and let his member slide into his inner. Yugi bit his lower lip in relish. The length and girth of Atem's manhood was exactly how he liked it and he enjoyed how it pulsated against the walls of his core.
Yugi moved back and forth, up and down, all the while Atem looked at him in adoration. That adoration soon turned into a craving to take Yugi hard and so he did. A little later Yugi was on all fours and Atem was driving into him from behind. Yugi surrendered wilfully, revelling in the knowledge of how much Atem desired him.
After that, both lay down on their sides so that Atem could invade Yugi from behind. Now that Atem could look Yugi in the eyes he was a little more tender with his thrusts – but only until Yugi whispered naughty words into Atem's ear, begging him to take him hard. Atem couldn't resist and Yugi got his will.
Lastly, Yugi lay on his back while having Atem squeezed between his legs. The bed was moving with them. Its squeaking grew quicker as Atem's thrusts did the same. He was racing to the finish line, once more giving all he got. Both were sweaty and even though Yugi was running out of breath, he didn't want Atem to stop. It had been so long since they had last loved each other like this and only now Yugi knew how much he had longed for sex. No, not only sex. It was two people becoming one, two people who knew and trusted each other, who loved each other.
Atem came, calling Yugi's name over and over while Yugi felt a hot liquid inside him. He sank down on Yugi.
"Fuck… You're … just … amazing," Atem breathed and Yugi gave him a kiss.
"So are you. But don't leave me hanging now. I need just a little more… Oh, please do me just a little more…!"
"Anything for you," Atem said and sat back up. He took a few deep breaths before he returned to thrusting into Yugi, if a little less intense. Yugi directed him to lean back a bit so that Atem's manhood would tickle that special spot inside Yugi. Yugi's thighs clutched Atem even tighter when he found it.
"Yes, yes! Don't stop! Keep going, keep go…!"
Yugi's words ended in a long moan. It was like falling through clouds while at the same time his blood felt like liquid fire. He arched up his back and felt waves of ecstasy throb through him, so intense that for a moment he thought he might pass out.
Yugi went limp. Atem slid out of him and lay down beside Yugi. Both were gasping for air. The sweet feeling of satisfaction engulfed Yugi like a warm blanket. A unique sense of calm spread all over him, making him feel content with everything.
"See? It's still as wonderful as before," Atem said. "I will miss doing this though…"
"Me too. But it also means that when me meet it'll be even better."
"True that." Atem propped himself up on one arm, grinning. "But until I have to travel back to the palace you better believe that I will take you every night. And hard."
Yugi laughed, wrapped his arms around Atem's shoulders, and pulled him closer.
"I wouldn't want it any other way."
The other nobles returned to their homes on the following days. A week later, Atem's ship back to Waset was ready and he too had to leave.
They took a palanquin to the harbour. Taia was hiding beneath the bench they sat on while Amerys lay on Yugi's lap. Outside, people were cheering as they passed. While Taia seemed to dislike the noises, Amerys only cared about being scratched behind his ears.
At the harbour, a large ship with a red main sail and a golden figurehead was being loaded. Everyone bowed when Yugi and Atem stepped out of the palanquin. The harbour still mostly consisted out of scaffolding but two more piers and a few buildings had been finished since the Yugi's last visit.
Half the city must have come to see Atem one last time. Yugi's friends too had either arrived in palanquins or stood in the first rows of the crowd. Lord Seto and Kisara stood close at the edge of the pier, holding hands and exchanging some final words.
Atem held Amerys in his arms, snuggling him one last time. Yugi was on his knees, rubbing Taia's belly.
"I'll miss you so much, baby girl," Yugi said and Taia licked his face.
"You be a good grumpy boy, you hear?" Atem said, which Amerys only commented by slowly blinking his eyes. Atem placed him on the floor so he and Taia could sniff and headbutt each other.
Yugi and Atem shared a long hug. Yugi inhaled the scent of pomegranates, enjoyed the warmth and safety of Atem's arms. The arms in which Yugi had found love and his sense of self-worth. The mere thought of not lying in them every day felt wrong but that's how it had to be.
"I know you'll do an amazing job," Atem whispered.
"Thank you. I know you will too."
They kissed and Yugi cherished every moment of it, cherished Atem's soft lips and how his breath tickled Yugi's skin. At last, they had to let go of each other and it was like hundreds of needles in Yugi's chest. He picked up Amerys while Taia followed Atem and Lord Seto on the ship.
The sailors called commands, removed the planks, set the sails, lifted the anchor. Everyone waved as the ship started moving south. A lump formed in Yugi's throat but he swallowed it, reminding himself that their separation was merely temporary. His and Atem's eyes locked and Yugi tried not to blink. He let his hand sink only long after Atem was out of sight.
For a while he looked at the glittering water until Amerys wriggled in his arms. Yugi let him jump to the ground. He turned around and watched Amerys walk back to the palanquin, then jump inside. Yugi was faced with Kisara, Ryou, Mai, Jou, Honda, Anzu, and so many more people he loved. Yugi felt the sun warm him, smelt the salty breeze of the ocean, and heard its waves splash against the pier.
This was the place where he was safe, loved, and needed. His sadness melted away because Yugi knew that he was right where he belonged. He was at home.
THE END