A/N: Hello~! I'm back to continue the story! Yay! People left such great reviews and questions that they said remained unanswered so now I will explain them and explore what life is now like with Yugi and Yami (or Atemu) separated. Not just them but everyone who was affected with the change of events.

And so, without further interruption, we will continue with the story.

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-gi-oh, but I wish I did. Then at least it wouldn't revolve with life's problems being resolved by children's card games and the REAL Shadow games would have stayed as they were.

Key:

"Talking"

"Thinking"

[Talking through link]

Chapter Two: Faint of Heart

The Game Shop closed up earlier than usual due to lack of customers. That was just fine for Yugi, seeing as he didn't want to spend all night catering to people who really didn't know what they wanted and would browse for forty-five minutes before saying they needed help. He made sure that the lock was secure on the front door before making his way through the back entrance to the main part where his house was.

When he entered, he saw that his darkness was sitting on the sofa, trying to make sense of a show he was watching. Yugi still couldn't believe that he was back from the dead. Not that he was complaining, because surely he wasn't, but still, what did the Age Old Pharaoh go through trying to come back to this time? Amethyst eyes looked at the tanned skin, which he recalled was the same color Yami had when he was alive and well in Egypt. He looked slightly different aside from that; with his eyes a much deeper crimson color than before and he was faintly more muscular than he was when he resided a part of Yugi. Not only that, but he was a few inches taller than he was before, something Yugi envied considering that he was still almost the same size as from the first time they met.

Noticing (although faintly) Yugi's sudden dismay through the link, Atemu turned to him with a worried gaze. "Is anything wrong aibou?" he questioned. Yugi blinked before slowly shaking his head. He forgot that the link was still somewhat there, though it wasn't as strong as before. They could still feel the other's emotions, but rarely got a glimpse of what they were thinking unless it was openly received. Yugi smiled, reassuringly. "I'm fine Atemu. Just thinking," he replied with sincerity.

His other tilted his head, as if he were trying to pry at the other to see what was really wrong, but instead he patted a seat beside him. Yugi took the offering, sitting beside him and getting comfortable. They let the sound of the television occupy the room, both not really paying any attention to it.

Yugi really wanted to know what his darkness went through, but was always too afraid to ask. Whenever Jou and the others asked, Yami's face would darken and he would glare at his surroundings, proclaiming that he 'didn't wish to talk about it.' But surely he wouldn't mind talking about it with his own other half would he? With a sigh, he played with the hem of his shirt.

Atemu knew that something was troubling his hikari, but he didn't want to intrude in on his light's privacy. He had done so many times before when they were in the little one's body, but now that they were two different people he found it right to try not to repeat his mistakes. But there were times where he felt as if he needed to know what Yugi was thinking, but the light would never open up to him. It was somewhat depressing to see that they were still so close and yet much more apart than they ever were before.

[Ano… Atemu?] Yugi called out through what little of the link they had, hoping that his other half would answer. It seemed that he didn't.

Yugi sighed but tried harder, willing the link to open wider. [Atemu?] This time he saw the other's hand twitch as he looked over at Yugi, surprise flickering in his crimson eyes.

[Yes aibou?] He answered back through the link. Yugi smiled, revealing in the feeling of talking the only way he could with the other without worry of other people hearing. The silence seemed deafening to the ex-pharaoh as he feared that maybe Yugi had changed his mind and closed the link.

[Aibou?] He asked cautiously. Yugi opened his eyes and glanced over at Atemu. [Ah, I sorry about that Atemu. I was just… anyway; I wanted to ask you something.]

His dark half waited for him to continue, a calm reserve filling his aura. Yugi sighed as he hesitated, not sure how his half would react. Would he be the same as he was with the others? He didn't want to anger Atemu, Yami, his other self, but he needed to know.

[What… What happened back then? How did you come back?] He asked timidly, immediately feeling anger course and envelope him through the link. Yami, he was so angry, but for what reason? Had he been through a lot? The suspense was killing him, and Yugi gulped before reaching out to Atemu through the link.

The ex-Pharaoh sighed when he felt Yugi reach out to see if he were okay through the link. [Aibou, you must understand that this isn't a subject I like to reminisce on] he began, feeling hurt and sadness seep into the connection.

[Do you not trust me? You can tell me anything Yami, you know that] he said soothingly. He had used Atemu's old name, as sign of reassurance to the other. That had became a sort of endearment name that was held between only the two of them once Atemu returned, like how he had always called Yugi his aibou.

Atemu nodded, feeling resentment rise up through his chest. [Well then, I will tell you and only you, aibou.] Yugi honored to know that he was the first and only person to find out Yami's truth to being here. It was a sign of trust, surely.

[Well, when I was back in the past, or rather, in my afterlife, I decided to talk to the Gods. I asked them for a second chance at life, to go back and be with my friends from this time]

Yugi was startled, but then again it wasn't anything that was unexpected. So instead, he tilted his head, a small smile planted on his innocent face. "Really? You went to them for us?" Yami nodded a solemn look still on his face that brought unease to his light half.

"Yes, I went to them, claiming a grievance in their name," he said as he looked at the television with a scornful look. Yugi blinked. "What, but why?"

"I blamed them for everything that I went through for them: cursing my own name in security that the evils of the Shadow games remain forever gone. After all that I did they refused to acknowledge my end of the bargain."

Yugi was puzzled. Bargain? What is he talking about? He questioned, careful not to let it slip into the link. As if reading his thoughts, Atemu scowled at the idiot box, his memory still fresh in his mind.

The Great Pharaoh Atemu stood before the Gods of Egypt in a court. He was expecting them to release him from his side of the deal, after ridding the world of the Shadow games that plagued it once one Yugi Mutou had solved the Millennium Puzzle.

However this wasn't the case.

"You call court on us young pharaoh of Egypt?" was the alluringly calm and soft voice of a tall, stunning other-worldly being. The once proud ruler stood his ground, pride exuding his person.

"Yes. I believe that a means is in order that has yet to be solved," he stated full of that striking confidence that stayed with him all these centuries.

The lovely creature gave him a quizzical look, casting a stare to its counterpart of a more masculine in appearance being. They exchanged looks before the calmer of the two turned back to the king. "What is this 'means' you speak of, Pharaoh Atemu of Egypt?" it said, still calm as ever with genuine curiosity leaking out every word.

The man was taken aback. Did they truly think that the matter would be cast aside so easily? He felt his jaw tighten but quickly relaxed. "My gods, we made a deal long ago during my rule. It was said in your word that if I cleansed my people of the darkness that plagued Egypt for thousands of years, you would grant me my one, true desire."

The masculine god snorted conceitedly. "And what is this desire you speak of, mortal?" its voice was rasp, with a sharp edge to it that could cut through mountains with mere utterance and strike fear in man. Atemu clenched his fist in thought. What was it that he desired; the freedom of his people? But that could never be, seeing that Egypt no longer was in tact. The once great land was buried under the sands, mere ruins left as evidence of the great empire.

He didn't know what he wanted, and this was a problem. He pondered longer, feeling the small tinge of something foreign to him calling out. There was something something that he wanted deep down but couldn't for the life of himself remember. It was an eerie yet inviting feeling. Suddenly it hit him.

His mouth opened and closed, searching for the right words. "I want… Freedom…" he said in an almost unsure way. The gentle of the two gods tilted its head, mystified.

"Freedom? From what young ruler? You are already deceased from your time; your people safe and the darkness perished. What more freedom can you possibly ask for?" it queried. Atemu knew It was right, but still he wanted that one thing and nothing else.

"I… Just have this feeling that I want freedom. Freedom from the confinement of…" he stopped abruptly, the thoughts clearer now as his eyes widened only a little. The gods were unfazed, the masculine one growing restless with the pause.

"Well? On with it pharaoh!" it bellowed out. Atemu felt his chest clench. "I want to be freed from the confinement of death," he said finely, feeling the immense confusion and upset from the two deities before him.

"'Confinement of death'? There is no entrapment in death, young pharaoh. Death is the greatest freedom one can ask for. Why do you wish to live?" reasoned the calmer god.

Atemu didn't know himself. He looked down at the empty void of white beneath his feet, trying to remember why he would ask such a thing. Death is freedom after all. It is the greatest form of it. Why would he want to be free from freedom? Suddenly a vision clouded his sight. Buildings he never saw from his time were in view. They were made of this material that was easily seen through and shined like silver. Then he saw people; there was a small group of people in fact.

The sight made his heart pang (should it have been accessible in death). It was so familiar, yet the king couldn't recall where he'd seen it before. Then another vision came into view. Hair identical to his, wide innocent amethyst eyes, a soft round face. The person was smiling so warmly at him that it made him want to embrace the miniature yet purer him on the spot.

But he couldn't remember this person's name. Damn it all!

"I want to see them again," he said nimbly. The gods once again exchanged looks of misunderstanding.

"See who, Pharaoh Atemu?"

"My… Friends," he said carefully. This word… It seemed to fit the group just right.

"Tell me…Where are these friends of yours? Where do they live?" was a soothing voice that bared great endearment.

"I… I do not know."

The masculine god barked a harsh laughter. "You want to go to these friends yet don't know where they reside? Oh yes, this is a grand wish for you!"

Atemu clenched his fist tighter in anger. The gods mocked him! Him, the one that connected them to the people of Egypt! The morning and the evening star! The god among humans bared in human flesh sent to appease them! "My memories are not something to be made a joke of! I demand righteousness of my wish from the gods!" he hissed out.

The masculine god growled. "You humans are all the same! Forgetful and impudent! Be mindful who you order, mortal!" Atemu visibly flinched before asking for forgiveness.

The calmer god nodded in understanding. "I see this wish means much to you Pharaoh. For this, I will grant it to you." As soon as the words were uttered, Atemu felt his body tingle slightly in discomfort before a burning sensation etched at his skin, making his yell in agony from the intensity and pain.

Just as soon as it was there, the feeling left. Atemu blinked looking around to find himself still in the court of the gods. He looked up at them, disbelief and utter bewilderment placed on his regal face. "I do not understand. What happened?" he asked.

The gods frowned upon this, knowing what had happened all to well. "It seems that your wish will not be granted," said the peaceful god. Atemu's eyes widened in alert at the new bit of news. "What do you mean?" he said.

"What we mean is this, mortal," said the masculine god. "You did not fulfill your end of the bargain."

Atemu felt himself grow greatly infuriated. "What is this? I did as you said! I stopped the shadow games from harming my people!" This didn't make sense! What was going on?

"We ordered for you to stop the shadow games for all people! And this was not done!"

"No! I stopped them! I even sealed away my own name, cursing it for the sake of humanity! I was forever lost in time, never to be known for the sacrifice I made!" he was seething now. How could he be denied like this? After all he'd done for his people, for the world!

"Yes, but once you sealed them in the puzzle along with yourself, that boy released it all over again! Due to this the contract is non-in void! Thanks to your thoughtless actions, the world was introduced to the perils of your time once more!"

Atemu's eyes widened in both shock and ferocity. They denied him of something so little just because of this? And who was it that solved the puzzle? It seemed vaguely familiar and yet he couldn't put his finger on it. This was unfair… Everything he'd thrown away; his throne, his title, his life, his identity… in vain.

"I… I refuse to let this be! I am the son of the gods! Surely you could do something~!"

"We have spoken!"

Hands began to tremble as his nails dug, biting into the palm of his hands harshly. "This isn't my fault… Because of some kid I am cursed to be forever damned and plagued with the weight of a job I have done? No… Curse you… Curse you for condemning me to a life like this!"

Just then he felt a coldness that made him shutter in fear and apprehension. The calm god spoke up, the voice much more threatening than before. "Watch who you speak to Pharaoh. We are not lowly forms that you can thrash about." Atemu reluctantly bit his tongue as he glared at the ground.

The silence filled the void, Atemu's anger slowly but surely regressing. After what seemed an eternity, the gods spoke once more. "There is one thing we can do for your wish Atemu." At this the man looked up; shock the overall expression on his tanned face.

"We will grant it, but on one condition. We must purify the body. This means that if you are to live on, your memories must be erased." Atemu, should he still have organs, would have felt his heart stop and breath hitch. Forget it all? The friends he panged to see once more? The boy in his vision? He would have to give it all away for the sake of going back?

He looked at the ground once more. Was it worth the risk? "I do not understand." He said mostly to himself in disbelief.

"It implies in the rules of reincarnation. Events of your pass life must be sealed and detained so that you may relive in a peaceful existence. This is not something we have made; it is the rule of the universe."

Absently, he shook his head. It made sense he supposed. The calmer god nodded. "Do you accept this offer?"

Did he really want to go into a world he hardly knew? To a world where he wouldn't know a single person and then fight for what's good all on his own? But still… he needed to see for himself. He needed to see the boy. For some reason, he felt as if he needed to find and be with him. This settled it.

His posture straightened as he looked up at the gods with a new purpose in tact. "I accept your offer," he said boldly. The gods nodded only once before the sensation of burning radiated throughout his body once more.

The feeling continued to drag on throughout his body, the words muffled and almost muted as he felt wind press against and cloud his sight and hearing. At first there was light, and then nothing.

When he woke up, he was alone in an ally, with no recollection of how he got there. And what's worse, he scarcely remembered who he was or who he was looking for.

Yugi felt torn at the story. Who knew his darkness went through so much for his friends? And the puzzle… he had done that. It was his fault that Yami was denied his freedom and had to gamble with his new life just to be with all of them. He failed to notice the small tears that fell from his eyes until Yami looked at him with slight shock and wiped them away gently.

"It is okay aibou. I am certain that I will regain all my memories once more with you and all of our friends' help," he gave the other a reassuring smile for support. Yugi nodded, wiping his eyes with trembling hands.

It really was his fault that Yami went through so much. If only he left it all alone. If only I wasn't so curious as to solve that puzzle, then Atemu's memories wouldn't have been tampered with and he wouldn't be in this predicament.

"Yes, but I also wouldn't have met you little one," came the low voice of the ex-pharaoh. Yugi jumped, surprised and embarrassed that he let such a thought slip through the link. "Well, yeah but… now it's like starting all over again! We have to start from scratch with your memories! I'm sorry Yami!" Yugi started to tear up again, easily being swept into Atemu's arms in a gentle manner.

Atemu calmed the disheartened light, hating to see his tears. "I still have most of them aibou. The gods knew that I couldn't survive in this time without some of them intact. So I have something to be thankful for. Those memories are what helped me find all of you again," he said, rubbing the smaller one's back soothingly.

A hiccup was heard as Atemu felt the other nod meekly in response. Yugi was glad for that, but still, when he saw his darkness all alone that day wondering around aimlessly like a lost puppy his heart broke. But he was incredibly relieved at his sight. The fact that his soul had been torn when the other left less than five months prior, he was overwhelmed by the feeling of completeness upon seeing his other half.

Yugi sat up carefully and smiled. "We'll help you get them back. Jou, Honda, Anzu, everyone will help you." Atemu nodded in thanks. "I cannot express how much this reassures me aibou. I know that with everyone's help, my memories of this world and this time will be attained with swiftness."

A faint blush was felt as Yugi quickly turned away. "It's as you said yourself Yami; I'll always be there to help you. We are the same soul after all. It's only right that I help you get your memories back." A swift feeling of gratitude and contentment filled the link, making the young duelist revel in it. Yes, he would help Atemu. It was the least he could do after all he put him through.

Getting up, Yugi informed the age old pharaoh that, "I will go tell Jou and the other's to meet in front of the bus terminal tomorrow afternoon." Before he left completely, Yami called out to the light. "Whatever you do, please, do not tell them of what happened. I do not wish to make them worry so much for my sake." Yugi made a face and pouted with disapproval.

"Atemu, you should know by now that it wouldn't matter to them. Friends are made to worry and help you that are what they're there for!" but all the same he let him know that he would keep it a secret. After all, it wasn't in the young Mutou's place to tell people secrets that didn't belong to him. Atemu would inform them when the time is right.

Making sure his other half was gone when he heard the upstairs door shut, Yami sighed and ran a hand through his tri-colored hair. Crimson eyes flickered with guilt at an important fact that he intentionally left a secret from his light. It was a significant detail, and once he thought on it, perhaps it was best he did tell Yugi.

Atemu shook his head thoroughly. 'No, I must not worry Yugi over something like this. It is my problem, and I refuse to drag my friends into it. The gods may have given me another life, but at a higher price than my aibou can ever imagine.' Atemu was sure to keep his stray thought out of the link, grabbing the remote and turning to another brainless show in hopes it would distract him from the thought that he prayed to Ra would never come to pass.

A/N: Aaaand~ Cut! Hah~ I like how this turned out. I mean, for the most part anyway. I hope you enjoyed it. So now the plot thickens. Next installment, Yugi and Atemu go out with the gang in hopes of sparking up a few memories for Yami. If you recall anything from the show that you would like included for the next installment, please, don't hesitate to ask. I would be glad to add it was a memory-encounter for the Pharaoh.

Oh, about that Reincarnation thing, I made it up. I'm not to sure how that all works out. And if they seemed a bit Ooc, sorry. I just had to get the point across on how angry Yami would be in this situation. Wouldn't you be to the same?

Reviews make the world go round! So be sure to keep mines turning, 'kay? Till next time!