A/n: I know, I know. I have two other stories that I am working on. Don't worry, I plan to finish them all… at least attempt to. This one, however, I really wanted to write. Let me know what you think, but please no flames.

Rated M, just to be safe

Summary: The pain of the pharaoh's passing seems to too much for the young dancer. When given a second chance, opportunity seems to present itself. However, even time has a way of putting everything or everyone through difficult trials before offering a reward.

zZz

Transcending Memories - 001

The boat wavered gently across the water as the many inhabitants slept soundly in his or her room. Nightmares, memories, they plagued different people especially with the events of the coming day. A young woman of eighteen-years-old sat upon her bed, her legs pulled to her chest. Her eyes burned from the tears that she had shed while others continued to pool within her cerulean eyes. Each time she tried to curl upon her side and drift to sleep, her mind would remind her of the pain. It had only been an hour since leaving the room.

Tea cried not once, but twice as she stood outside the door to Yugi's room. When she entered the room, she had the courage to speak with the once nameless pharaoh. That all disappeared, though, when she saw the pile of cards upon the small table. Instead of being honest with her feelings and asking to see him, she made some excuse and quickly left the room.

The young dancer leaned her head back welcoming the small pain. It hurt to know that when morning comes, there was a chance he would be leaving them forever. Closing her eyes as the salty trail of her tears pooled and fell, she allowed her head to bang few more times against the wall, welcoming the numbing feeling it was leaving. She should have just told Yugi the truth instead of lying to him. Nothing was ever going to be same again. How were they supposed to pick up with their lives and begin again as if nothing had happened? After everything Atem had brought into their lives, they were just supposed to just sit back and wave goodbye? It just didn't seem fair.

Tea shook her head, tears shaking from her face. Before she even met the pharaoh, she never felt such strong feelings for anyone, including Yugi. She never wanted to try and impress someone or even try to be with that person. The pharaoh gave her a reason to step out of her comfort zone. It was because of him that she started to change.

Tea closed her eyes against the burning feeling of her tears. There really was no sense in crying over the matter. There was nothing she could do. The future was set. They would head to the tablet of memories. He would duel against Yugi. And, he would leave from their lives forever. Tea laughed lightly. How ironic it was that the one person she fell in love with was the one person she could never have?

Knock. Knock.

Tea glanced up at the door. Who could be visiting her at this hour of the night. The young dancer watched as the knob twisted and the door was slowly opened. "Hello Tea. Is it alright if I come in?" Tea could only nod her head as she watched the once nameless pharaoh as he stepped further into the room, quietly closing the door behind him. "Yugi did not tell me you came to see him, but I felt your presence earlier tonight. Does something seem to be troubling you?" His voice was calm, deep. It caused Tea's heart to beat hard against her chest.

Being thankful for the darkness of the room hiding the blush that was spreading upon her cheeks, Tea looked down upon the bed and shook her head. "No, I just wanted to come by and say goodbye."

"I see." He responded as he stared upon the young woman as she sat upon the bed.

"So, I guess this is goodbye, Atem. I really shouldn't keep you from preparing," said Tea quickly. While it was nice that he came to her, she also knew that him remaining would only cause more pain.

Atem walked over to the bed and took a seat. "Tea, I didn't come here to hear you say goodbye. I have known for a while that there has been something on your mind."

"What do you mean?" Her voice shook as she stared at the pharaoh. A part of her was scared to know, but at the same time, her heart kept beating, curious on what he was meaning.

Atem gently reached his hand out and traced the side of the young woman's cheek before dropping his hand. "Did you ever think that maybe you were not supposed to be my friend? You are Yugi's friend, but maybe not mine."

Tea shook her head and quickly responded, "What do you mean? I am your friend, too!"

His eyes cut through the darkness and seemed to glow in the silver radiance of the moonlight from her window. "And I do consider you to be one. However, things have changed especially with our friendship."

"You are not making any sense. Of course, things have changed. You saved mankind."

Atem smiled as he continued to stare out the small window. "Yes, but this change effects both you and Yugi."

Tea shook her head, "Atem, please, stop with the riddles. You are confusing me."

Atem chuckled lightly before standing and taking a few steps away from her bed. "Did you know that Yugi used to harbor feelings for you at one time?" He kept his back to her as he spoke those words.

"Used to? I thought…"

Tea heard as the pharaoh sighed deeply, his hands forming into fists behind his back. "Things have changed. He is like a brother to me, one that I never had before."

"That still doesn't explain everything," replied Tea, a bit of sadness lacing each word. The thought that he didn't consider her as friend sent a sharp pain through her chest. Everything they did together. Every time she stuck by his side to help him learn his name and recover his memories. Did any of those things matter?

Atem turned towards the woman and took a few steps before stopping in front of the bed. "You were never supposed to be just my friend."

"You lie," she ground out as tears began to pool and fall like unending streams. "I have been with you through everything. Why are you…"

Before she could say anymore, the pharaoh quickly moved. He grabbed her hand and pulled her towards his chest. With his free hand, he wrapped it around her neck as he bent down to press his smooth lips against her own causing a light gasp to escape. Her eyes quickly fluttered shut as she pressed herself against him. Their lips matched as they glided across each other. Occasionally, his nose would rub against hers causing a ticklish feeling to dance across her body. Warmth soon started to spread from the dancer's lips to pool within her lower belly, twisting it and causing her to move her hips against his own hips as she buried her hands into his tri-colored hair.

His hands anchored onto her waist, pulling her flushed against him. She gasped and turned her head back as he roughly ground his own hips back against hers. Atem took that moment to rip his wet lips from her mouth to attach them to her neck. She leaned her head farther back to allow him more access as he pulled the tender flesh between his teeth. Her plump breasts pressed further against his flatter, toned chest.

The pharaoh moved her slowly backwards, allowing her body to crash upon the bed. He moved to lean over her, one leg straight while the other bent near her waist. From there, his hands moved from her waist to the hem of her t-shirt. He slowly slipped one hand underneath to feel the creamy smoothness of her belly. "I want you," he whispered huskily.

Her eyes were beginning to glaze over with lust as she stared into his violet eyes. "Please," she begged, surprised at how much her voice cracked even as it came out as a whisper.

His hand continued to trace against her stomach as his lips trailed up her neck to land upon her lips. He pulled against her bottom lip, teasing it with his teeth. When she felt his tongue against her teeth, she opened allowing a new dance to mingle within their mouths as his hand continued to trace. He stopped at the bottom of her bra before pushing the material up, releasing her breasts and allowing him to cup the mounds of flesh beneath.

Tea broke away as a light moan escaped her lips. He rubbed each nipple within his hand as his mouth sucked on her strong pulse. Tea pushed against him as she traced her hand over his arms, up to his neck. His eyes were glazed over with passion as he reached for the hem of her shirt. She helped him pull it over her head. He took it from her, throwing it to the ground before rolling his shoulders and removing the leather jacket.

Moving forward, he caused the young dancer to fall upon the bed once more. She reached up and traced her hand down the side of his face. He quickly gripped it within his own and twisted his head so that he could press his lips against her palm. With a single kiss, he turned his amethyst eyes towards her as his fingers danced across her stomach to the waistband of her sleeping pants. She watched as he moved to pull the material down. He crawled back up, placing warm, wet kisses upon her legs.

Tea watched with heavy eyes as he reached for the belt, undoing the buckle and pulling it through the hoops before tossing it upon the ground. She watched as he undid the button and zipper before pushing his pants down to his ankles. Tea reached for him, allowing him to crawl back to her. Their lips met once more in a heated battle as she traced her hand along his back and under the black t-shirt. She felt as he moved to reach for the hem, only to stop.

"What's wrong," she asked upon seeing the confusion with the pharaoh's eyes. She watched as he moved to his knees and pulled his pants back on, redoing the button and zipper. "Atem?"

"I'm sorry, but this must stop," he replied softly.

"No. Please, I need this. You need this." She quickly said as she moved to wrap her arms around his neck.

Atem grabbed her hand and pulled her to a sitting position before twisting his head so that he could press his lips against her palm. "I know, but unfortunately," with his free hand, he dragged his hand down the chain to grip the Millennium Puzzle, "This is not my body."

It felt like a blow to the gut as Tea remembered that small, important detail. She had gotten so used to the fact that Atem was his own person and after the past few hours of him and Yugi having their own bodies, she had forgotten that in this world, they shared one body. "Oh," she mouthed.

He brought his hand upwards to cup her face. He kissed her softly. It still held the same passion as before, but she knew it also held a different meaning. A twinge of sadness filled her as she realized this was a kiss meant to say goodbye. He pulled away after a moment and rested his forehead against hers.

"I will never forget you," he promised lowly.

Tea smiled as a single tear ran down her cheek. She watched as the pharaoh stood, reaching for his jacket. He walked over to the door and glanced back at her one time before disappearing through. While the morning held pain, she was going to make sure to not forget what they had shared within this small room.

zZz

Morning came too soon for the young dancer. She followed everyone out and watched as Yugi descended the steps to the final resting place of the Millennium items. He removed each piece before finally placing the Millennium puzzle in the correct place. Tea watched as the Eye glowed allowing Yugi and the pharaoh to separate. In her heart as he took his place on the opposite side, Tea kept hoping Atem would look at her. The memories of last night still fresh upon her mind. Throughout the duel, though, there were no glances. She could only listen as Joey spoke words on how Yugi was enjoying the duel, and it was his test to see if he were ready to separate from the pharaoh.

When Yugi revealed his hidden card after Atem try playing Monster Reborn, the duel was concluded with Yugi being the winner. Atem congratulated Yugi on being a strong duelist and that he was not weak before moving to stand before the doorway that would take him to the Afterlife.

"Call out your name," spoke Ishizu from the side. She was standing with her brother Marik as everyone watched the final outcome of the Ceremonial Duel.

Atem stared ahead and shouted, "I am Atem." The Eye glowed brightly before opening the door followed by another bright light.

Tea, Joey, and Tristan all ran to where Yugi was standing calling out to the pharaoh. They all commented how it wasn't fair that he was leaving. They commented on how they all were just finally getting to know him. However, in each of their hearts, they knew it had to be done. Once more, the young dancer was hoping the pharaoh would turn around before walking through the bright light.

At the door, she finally saw him stand to the side. He glanced around at his friends, nodding to each one. When his violet eyes landed upon her azure ones, Atem held her look for a moment longer before smiling and nodding. It was there that Tea realized how much the pharaoh loved her. With one final look, he turned away and walked through the door.

zZz

Three months have passed since the Ceremonial Duel. For most of the part, it seemed like everything was back to normal. Well, at least for most of their friends. When arriving back at Cairo, Yugi was taking it a bit hard but knew it was for the best. Tea, on the other hand, kept holding the second cartouche that contained his name close to her heart. The pain she was feeling was like no other. Yugi tried cheering her up, but even he knew that only the pharaoh was able to do that.

Right before they boarded the plane back to Domino City, Yugi and the rest of the group had learned from Ishizu that the Egyptian Exhibit would be remaining in Domino Museum for another month or two. She would be returning to retrieve it and bring the tablets back to the burial ground of the pharaoh's tomb.

Just after the plane landed back in Domino City, everyone started to drift in different directions. Yugi was surprised to see Rebecca and Professor Hawkins waiting with his grandfather. Joey and Tristan left with Duke and Mai. Tea was the only one who remained. She didn't tell anyone where she was going. Instead, she walked out and quickly raced to the Domino Museum.

This is where she was now. Sitting on the ground in front of the pharaoh's tablet. Ever since getting back from Cairo, Tea would attend classes as normal and then leave back to the museum to sit before the tablet. Ishizu arrived almost a week ago. She explained that the tablets were to be moved in the upcoming week. It was there that Tea had an idea.

"Ishizu, when you head back to Egypt, do you mind if I come?" asked the young dancer as she stood in the doorway of the small office.

Ishizu looked up at the young dancer. "I don't see any problems with that, but may I ask why?"

Tea shrugged, "I am curious where Atem was buried out. Maybe after seeing the tomb I might be able to move on with my life."

Ishizu agreed to the idea and help arrange flight and room plans for the young woman. Tea made sure to pack what she needed. The one thing she didn't do was tell Yugi, Joey, and Tristan where she was going. They all assumed that she was still following her dream to become a dancer. It wasn't like everyone was busy hanging around much. After Yugi arrived back and found that Rebecca and Professor Hawkins were staying around, he began a relationship with the young woman. Joey was busy becoming a better duelist and taking care of his sister. Surprisingly enough, Mai was helping too. Duke was busy with his business, and Tristan was just trying to convince Joey to allow him to date Serenity. Tea knew when she left for Egypt, no one would be curious where she was.

zZz

The trip back to Egypt came quickly for the young dancer. She helped Ishizu load the last artifacts before watching the young Egyptian woman turn the light off in her office and walk out of the museum. It was nightfall when they arrived at the airport. However, it would be day when they arrived in Cairo.

"His tomb was recently found after the Millennium Items disappeared. When we arrive in Cairo, I will take you there," said Ishizu as she took a seat within the plane. Tea could only nod and watch as Domino City disappeared in the background.

"Thank you, Ishizu. I really appreciate it." The Egyptian woman could only smile. Tea watched out the small window as the plane started flying over the ocean. Soon she would see where he was buried. Maybe after seeing everything, the pain she feels will finally heal.

zZz

Hours later and Tea was sitting in the backseat of a small SUV vehicle as it was driving through the Sahara Desert of Egypt towards the destination of the pharaoh's tomb. Tea didn't know what she was expecting. It wasn't like the pharaoh was just sleeping. No, she knew that he had passed away over 3000 years ago. For some strange reason, she felt this was something she needed to do.

The young dancer looked out the window as the approached a small canyon. Ishizu had mentioned that the tomb of the pharaoh was hidden in a different direction than the great pyramid. They stopped outside a huge cave with strange Egyptian statues sitting on each side. Tea stepped out of the vehicle and watched as the men hired to help unloaded the tablets and carried them inside the tomb. There was a single hallway with three doors. One door was situated in the middle while the other were on opposite sides. One tablet went to the left while the other went to the right. Once placed, everyone exit except for Ishizu and Tea.

"The pharaoh's tomb is through that door. There is a small hallway before you arrive in a big room. The sarcophagus is centered in the middle."

Tea nodded towards Ishizu and took the light torch from her before taking a step through the door. Each wall contained the Egyptian writing of hieroglyphics. Tea wasn't sure what to think of it. She remembered back in the World of Memories when her, Yugi and the others were trying to find the pharaoh's name. It was written on the wall within his tomb. While this didn't look like anything from the World of Memories, Tea could feel that this was his tomb.

The last doorway opened to a huge room. Different Egyptian statues containing images of the Gods of Egypt decorated the corners of the room. Once more, hieroglyphics decorated each wall. Tea walked around the walls looking at the beautiful designs. Even on the floor, there were decorations and of course different types of items. She finally stopped at the sarcophagus of the pharaoh. While the carving wasn't of him, she knew that he was lying inside looking as if he was asleep.

Tea dropped down to her knees, tears leaking from her eyes. She thought coming to his final resting place would help her with the pain. Instead, memories started to plague her. The most recent memory, the one upon the boat, plagued her the most.

As the young dancer knelt on the ground, tears falling like crystals to shatter upon the stone floor, she never noticed how each of the statues eyes started glowing. A crash was heard in the distance causing the young woman to quickly stand up. Before she could find where the sound came from, sand blew into the room causing her eyes to shut. Tea tried breathing through the dust, but soon she was starting to become dizzy. It wasn't long before she dropped to her knees and fell to the side. Her eyes slowly opened and closed as the scene before her shifted to the tomb disappearing and only sand and burning sun remaining.

R+R!