Hey everyone I'm back! Sorry for the long delay I actually meant to post it last night (the 22nd) but my dumb computer wouldn't let me submit it. Okay so we are getting to where everyone's still trying to figure out a plan to restore peace again before it'll be too late. Don't worry I'll get into that in future chapters. :) anyways thank you so much you guys for being patient and sticking around it really means a lot! Enjoy and please continue to review/favorite/add the story!

It was by that time that everyone had decided to go home and go to bed, since it was getting late. Yugi and Joey only had a two-bedroom apartment, but after Yugi's persistent insistence that Atem can share one of their rooms, Atem finally gave in. Joey and Yugi had already fallen asleep from exhaustion of the day's events. Atem, on the other hand, still remained awake while sitting up against the window from Yugi's old bed. Yugi had managed to move it from his previous bedroom at his grandpa's. Atem couldn't find the strength to attempt falling asleep, even though he knew he should. He had way too much on his mind to even think about sleep. His conversation with Tea kept running through his mind concerning Yugi. He knew Yugi had been through too much in the past when the Shadow Realm was taking over. As much as he didn't like that part, he admitted to himself they were a great team. But at the same time he was sad that this time, their team won't be the same as much anymore.

He looked over at Yugi while he was thinking this and noticed he still had the puzzle around his neck. He sighed, knowing now the puzzle serves as a good and bad reminder of the past and the future he desperately hoped wouldn't happen. He knows that when Yugi has it on, it reminds him that the puzzle was the one that connected their bond. But at the same time, his worry would come back again, as he knows too it would be part of something Atem wants to prevent occurring.

He thought back to his duel with Rafael when the darkness in his heart took over. He remembered Yugi sacrificing his own soul to save his, and the agonizing grief that soon followed. That was the breaking point in what he thought he could handle any obstacle he faced. It was at that point that Atem decided to make a promise to himself. Yugi had done so much for him throughout their journey. He even went ahead and helped him in the Memory World, when he didn't expect him to. It was his turn to help Yugi this time, and he will do that by protecting him, whatever it cost.

Then he thought of the fact they didn't share a mind or body anymore, when in fact, by some miracle, Atem has his own too. That gave him reason to think of why he should still protect Yugi from the outcome. The only problem was, he still couldn't think of any other way good enough to prevent the inevitable, even though it meant returning the Orichalcos souls back to their rightful place the easy way.

Without thinking, he groaned out loud in frustration. The next second, he remembered Yugi sleeping in the same room while hearing him stir in his sleep while frowning. He felt relieved when Yugi didn't wake up as he went back to sleep.

"He must've thought he was dreaming," Atem thought. He said it too soon as Yugi again stirred, but opened his eyes this time.

"Pharaoh?" Yugi asked, his voice thick with sleep. He didn't turn to look at him so Atem took advantage and quickly pulled the covers over him. He attempted to put off he was sleeping, hoping it would work. The last thing he wants is Yugi questioning him why he's still up, and Atem wouldn't have a good answer.

"Hmm…" Yugi mumbled, which gave Atem the impression that Yugi was too tired to even notice. He figured it was better to stay this way to avoid risking it again. Throughout the rest of the night he kept hoping him and Tea will be able to keep the secret from Yugi.

Over the next several days, Atem kept true to his word and tried every way possible to keep Yugi out of trouble. Of course, Tea already knew without being told why so she didn't comment. Yugi however noticed, but didn't say anything at first. Then, when days passed and Atem's over protectiveness continued, he decided to ask Tea.

"Tea, I don't know if it's something I did but Atem has been acting weird. I know he's keeping me out of things when I can help him."

"Yugi," Tea said gently trying to make him understand, "You know he means no harm, but you can't blame him for wanting to watch out for you."

"I just think he's overdoing it, that's all."

"Think of it this way. We all know the Orichalcos souls can be dangerous because they had their lives taken away by Dartz. They want to unleash their revenge on innocent people. It's even harder now that you two don't share a mind anymore when you both have your own bodies. Just understand he's worried about you."

"I get where he's coming from and I appreciate the gesture, but I'm a college student now. I'm old enough to watch out for myself." Tea took a deep breath and mentally shook her head. He has no idea and now she has to say it.

"Yugi, I have to tell you something. Maybe then you'll understand better." She hoped this time it will work. Yugi looked at her intently.

"Okay…?"

"When you were…gone," Tea struggled to say, "I was with Professor Hawkins and Rebecca waiting for the guys to come back with you. I was sure when they came back you had won your duel. Except, you didn't."

"Yeah…because Atem lost and I let the Seal take me instead of him…"

"Right, but Yugi, Atem didn't take it so well. He was an emotional wreck and was constantly blaming himself and saying it should've been him instead of you. We all saw a side of him we've never seen before, and it was awful."

"Wait…no one told me about this. We've never actually talked about it."

That was because it wasn't everyone's favorite subject…

"So you see Yugi, he's just worried okay? I don't think he wants to risk repeating history. You just never know." With that, she gave him a reassuring look and walked away leaving Yugi feeling bad.

"Wow Tea's right. I must sound so selfish when Pharaoh is only trying to watch over me. I can't blame him when we can't even hear each other's minds like we used to. No wonder he can't chance the possibility of me risking my life. It's just not the same anymore…" Yugi thought to himself. At the same time though, Yugi was still convinced that him and Atem could still be a team like they used to be, and he was determined to figure out how.

"My Pharaoh, you must make a choice. It is the only way to save us all, please! There is no other way!" A familiar female voice cried out in the background. Atem looked around horrified. People were running in all directions, buildings were being destroyed, and the chaos reminded him of the battle against Zorc.

"Who are you? What's going on?!" A figure dressed in blue and pink appeared before him. Her face wore a mask of great distress. It was one of his favorite magicians in Duel Monsters. She gestured to the scene all around her.

"This is the result of the blind rage of the souls that were stolen. My king, if you can prevent this using what was given to you, you can save us!"

"No I-I can't! There has to be another way!" Atem knew what she was implying. She shook looked at him intently but the expression on her face was sadness.

"I know the decision will be very difficult in your case. Unless, of course, you have found another way?" Her voice had a slight hint of hope.

"I have not, at this moment, but this will not happen in the way you believe."

"Very well. I believe in you Pharaoh. Please do not let us down or this will happen. We don't have much time," she said in a sad warning voice. The next scene once again showed destruction and the one thing he hoped won't happen appeared before his eyes. He then shouted out in despair and fear.

The next thing he knew, he shot up in bed panting. Once again, he wasn't going to get any sleep tonight.