The first thing Myra felt was pain when she regained consciousness, her body screamed violently from recovering after using her soul to summon the spirit who heard her call. During her trance she felt comfort as the spirit remained by her side until it was time to let the spirit return, as Myra remained with the spirit she had a feeling she had encountered a very long time ago but could not figure out where or when. Despite being frustrated she soon felt weight on her left hand which confused her enough to open her eyes only to see blurriness leaving her to wince and close her eyes once more.
"Easy, don't push yourself" a voice said causing Myra to open her eyed and look at who was holding her hand, soon specs of white entered her line of vision before the area became more clearer for her to see. Now seeing a tanned hand she forced herself looked at where the hand belonged to and saw Akefia looking at her with worried eyes.
"Are you okay?" Akefia asked before pushing her screaming body down "rest Myra, don't push yourself anymore than you already have" Akefia said despite her struggling. Seeing her confused but concerned look he sighed heavily.
"The world is falling apart, Zorc has been revived" Akefia said in a grudging tone that left her horrified enough to push harder against his hold. "Myra there's nothing you can do, he's already destroyed the Gods! You can't stop him" Myra flashed him a dark look that left him stunned even more, once against she struggled despite her screaming limbs, despite how tired she was, despite everything and the fact he too fought his hardest against her new found strength to fight him. Akefia ignored the pull and searing pain that was being inflicted as she suddenly glared at him.
'Name! Let me go now!' she mouthed at his determined expression as he fought against her hold.
"Not if it means getting you killed Myra! I lost my family I will not lose you to" Akefia groans as he forces himself to fight her, Myra flashes him a sharp furious look as her eyes turn blue and pushed the now stunned Akefia until he slammed against a wall and slumped like a lifeless doll. Narrowing her eyes Myra forced herself up only to wince as she falls to the floor causing her to bit her lip from the pain.
"I have to get to him, otherwise we'll all die!" Myra grunted from the strain as her body collapsed under her but instead of allowing herself to fall completely she gripped the side of the wall and forced herself to continue despite limping badly on one side. As Myra walked sweat ran down her brow as she pushed on ignoring Akefia groaning and whimpering from the pain in his head. She couldn't let him stop her, not this time. There was too much at stake for her to rest. To her dismay her cards were not on her which left Myra more desperate to push on quickly.
"I... I can't keep going, everything hurts so badly and my body is too tired..." Myra wanted to whimper in pain but her throat was closed up, despair filled the weakened girl even as she pushed forward towards a corridor.
"Keep going, you can do it" said a soft voice that made Myra want to cry, how? How can she keep going? Her body was slowly losing the will to continue?
"I can help but you must continue, we know that it's hard but I know you can find the strength to continue" the voice said in a soft voice, steeling her resolve. Nodding as much as Myra could she pushed away from the wall and started to move one in front of the other slowly, as she walked her right arm started to glow from two colours. One colour was blue and appeared on her upper arm taking the form of a sapphire blue dragon, the second was a red colour that took the form of a single red eye. No sooner after they started to appear Myra had slowly gained the ability to push forward to the point she was now running, not seeing or caring that there was a bright light that appeared behind her. Her mind was set on one thing- find the pharaoh at all cost or else it was game over. Yes she was surprised that Zorc was resurrected but she knew something that would help and that was what gave her the strength to push on.
Seeing a balcony nearby she grabbed the ends and jumped before feeling the air on her body, however she continued to pay no heed as she kept going. White wings appeared on Myra's back and flapped once in order to gain more speed as she tried to find Yami, once on the ground Myra broke into a sprint now locating Yami not caring that the wings had vanished leaving a flurry of white feathers behind her. Seeing him in the distance Myra narrowed her eyes and forced herself to push further until he was more closer, to her surprise she saw Yugi, Téa, Tristan, Seto and Joey who were beside him. Her stomach almost dropped as she sensed their feelings of hopelessness but kept running until she was beside Yami who grabbed the now tired girl before she could fall to the floor. No sooner after he caught her the marks stopped glowing.
"Myra? How did you get here?" Seto asked in alarm.
"M-Myra?! What are you doing here? You should be resting!" Yami exclaimed while Yugi rushed towards her but Myra resisted being pulled away and looked at Yami with a determined expression.
"What a surprise! But you are far too late mortal, what can you do now?" Zorc mocked while Myra glared at the creature for a bit before looking at Yami and gripped his hand tightly, she opened her mouth and tried to speak but her vocal cords refused to work to her dismay. As a result a weak whine left her lips confusing the group.
"What's wrong?" Joey asked as he stood beside her.
"Are you trying to say something?" Yugi asked not believing what he was seeing, suddenly he cried out as a blast was about to hit them before being blocked by a ball of light that suddenly surrounded them.
"What was that?!" Tristan asked in alarm.
"Where did it come from?" Téa asked as she tried to also find the source but found nothing, Myra meanwhile tried to gather the strength to speak despite forcing herself to take a vow of never speaking.
"I don't know but we need to find away to try and tell Yami his name" Yugi said leaving Myra wanting to scream since that was exactly what she was trying to do, Seto seeing this was left baffled given that Myra couldn't speak. Did she know something that they didn't?
"Why is it that when I need to my voice won't work?!" Myra wanted to scream but a weak cry left her lips, looking at Yami she tried to mouth the word but Yami was left unable to know what she was talking about causing her to become frustrated enough to grip his arm. Myra continued to try and force noise to leave her throat despite the barrier she had formed was started to fade the more Zorc attacked it.
"Guys… I think we're in trouble" Joey said weakly as he saw the barrier fade completely.
"A-!" Myra cried out weakly as she looked at Yami's concerned eyes as he tried to decipher what she was trying to say, not giving up Myra took a deep breath and tried to speak once more.
"Come on Myra, whatever it is say it" Seto urged mentally as he looked at her with worry.
"Atch…" Myra panted heavily as Yugi and the others were left startled that she was trying to say something despite the fact she was unable to speak.
"Atch?" Yami blinked as she shook her head violently.
"Nggg-Atchm!" Myra shook her head and gritted her teeth tightly as her throat continued to close up from years of being unused, without warning Yami pulled her close as the attack knocked Yugi, Téa, Joey, Tristan and Seto out leaving the pair awake but injured from the attack.
"Are you alright?" Yami asked while ignoring Zorc's words as he focused on her, sitting up he helped her sit on her knees.
"Atchm! Mch!" Myra felt tears of frustration leave her eyes as she forced herself to continue.
"Say it slowly, whatever it is say it slowly" Yami said knowing that she was trying to say something important, staring at him weakly Myra groaned as she slumped slightly in his arms.
"At…Ata…" Myra stopped to huff and puff heavily from trying to speak, however hearing her trying to speak scared Zorc as he saw that she was now trying to speak which in turn meant he was in trouble.
"NO! I WILL NOT LET YOU SPEAK!" Zorc yelled in anger as he fired an attack, seeing the attack Myra stared at it before closing her eyes due to fear.
"ATEM!" Myra screamed at the top of her lungs causing her throat to become sore from years of misuse before she could process what was happening a bright light filled the pair, Yami stared in shock as the cartouche started glowing before symbols appeared on the once blank item. Taking it off he looked at it in shock and wonder before looking at a weak smiling Myra.
"At…em" Myra's voice shook but was now meeker due to how weak she was from using a lot of energy. Atem now smiled softly as he looks at her with kind eyes while hearing the others wake up.
"Myra… thank you, all of you… you have my thanks" Atem said as he nodded his thanks to the confused group who now gasped as his name appeared on the blank cartouche.
"Wait! That's your name!" Yugi cried in surprise while the others were left speechless, looking at Myra who smiled weakly at him before nodding.
"Ugi…" Myra said before chuckling in a throaty manner that left them stunned.
"Wait…" Joey paused.
"Did you just say my name?" Yugi asked now approaching Myra who beamed at them.
"Yek…Ugi, Yugi!" Myra forced out the last part causing Yugi to laugh and hug her which mad the group smile at how she was now able to speak. Atem now feeling the happiness course through him turned to glare at Zorc.
"My ancient name is King Atem" Yami declared as he raised the cartouche high into the air, light soon shot out from beneath him startling Zorc enough to cover his eyes. Soon he felt his father's aura stand beside him.
"Now that your name has been recovered, you must merge the ancient Gods together to create a power that will stop the darkness once and for all" Aknamkanon said before looking at Myra who stared at him in awe, nodding his thanks his eyes shone with pride before vanishing.
"A-Anci…ient… orces-forces… black and… white" Myra said as she tried speak once more,
"Myra, as my thanks speak freely as you would have been able to before. On behalf of myself, Abbas, Ilayna and Marium we are truly sorry we had to place this burden on your shoulders" Aknamkanon spoke softly, Atem as he heard this gasped in shock from hearing the confession. Looking at Myra who's eyes now shone more brightly smiled at him.
"Don't… worry Atem, I'm just… glad I could help" Myra said as she sensed his guilt as he had a feeling that her silence was for his sake, looking at Zorc she grinned. "Summon Obelisk and Slifer, Ra's someone I can summon without a problem" Nodding Atem felt hope grow from within.
"Ancient forces black and white
Course the scene across the sky
Hear my voice hear my cry
Shed light among the darkness
And aid my friends in their time of need
As I call forth thy name Winged Dragon of Ra!" Myra yelled causing Ra to appear screaming at Zorc, a thought soon came to her as she spoke the incantation.
"Ancient Titan who walks these lands
Who will crush your opponents with your fists
Hear my plea
Appear and defeat our foe with your divine wrath
Obelisk the Tormentor!" Myra yelled as more energy filled her leaving her more stronger than before, hearing the incantation Obelisk to have a blue glow surround him as he was revived once more.
"Did you just create an incantation for Obelisk?" Joey asked in surprise while Seto raised his brows signalling he was stunned.
"Did you not just hear her?" Seto asked with a frown while Atem combined all three Gods to Summon Holactie the Creator of Light.
"No I will take you with me!" Zorc yelled as he tried to grab Atem, but Zorc instead started to crumble to dust.
"You have done well Pharaoh, for destroying the darkness and never giving up even when things were at their worst. You have stopped the evil that threatened to destroy the world. However there is one more test before you can finally rest" Holactie said wisely as she looked at the group.
"I… before I leave, I have something that I need to do" Atem admitted surprising the group.
"What is it?" Téa asked sounding confused while the Goddess stared at him with knowing eyes.
"Be warned pharaoh, you cannot change what is meant to happen. Remember that" Holactie said in a stern tone that shocked him.
"You-You mean I can stay?!" Atem asked now eager to find Marium who was suppose to be resting.
"Why would you want to stay?" Joey asked while Atem was still focused on the Goddess in front of them, was he allowed to at least gain some closure?
"…Yes Atem, you may but be warned it will still be as painful reliving things over again" Holactie explained knowing that he was going to endure hardships once again, Atem however didn't care as his mind went back to Marium and whether she was okay.
"Atem what's going on?" Yugi asked now feeling like he was missing something.
"Yeah, why are you so determined to stay here?" Joey asked causing Atem to blink in surprise before looking at Myra and Yugi with a sad smile, seeing this confused Seto and the others.
"You see… there's something I have to do, I… have unfinished business here and I want to stay so I can finally rest with a clearer conscience" Atem admitted shocking Myra.
"You mean-!"
"Oi! Why did you do that?" Akefia's voice startled the group to turn and look at a scruffy Akefia who glared at Myra who blinked in surprise, looking away guiltily he growled at her. "Why did you fight me like that?! You know I worried about you!" Akefia snapped while Rui hovered beside him as a spirit.
"I'm sorry… but this couldn't wait, I had to tell the pharaoh something otherwise we would have been in trouble" Myra said meekly but Akefia was too upset to care.
"Wait a minute, isn't that Bakura?" Joey asked Tristan who shrugged while looking confused.
"And your health wasn't important? Honestly you're lucky Rui helped me otherwise I would have had to see the physician-wait a minute!" Akefia froze as he walked closer towards Myra before Yugi blocked Akefia who now yelped in surprise and looked at Atem.
"Why the hell are there two yous?" Akefia yelled at Atem who cleared his throat weakly.
"Akefia, this is Yugi… Yugi this is Akefia" Atem explained before noticing Marium walking towards the group with a tired smile.
"How are you Myra?" Marium asked causing Atem to twitch at how her main concern was Myra.
"Bit happy I can speak again" Myra said before groaning loudly shocking Akefia who now started spluttering from hearing her speak "being a mute sucked! There was so many things I wanted to say to a bunch of idiots but couldn't say a thing! It was so frustrating" she added causing Atem to go pale from how she spoke.
"So you can speak after all?" Seto asked Myra who nodded.
"Took a vow to never speak until this very moment I said Atem's name" Myra explained with a tired sigh.
"I don't get it, why couldn't you say his name anyways?" Joey asked while Akefia was still speaking to Rui who smiled weakly at how he was freaking out.
"Better yet why couldn't you speak?" Téa asked as she looked at Akefia and then at Myra.
"If I could speak then it would encourage the darkness to come after me more, after all if you can't speak then no matter how hard you force someone they can't break. The darkness needed his name as a key to revive but I denied it every time it tried to bother me. I really found it frustrating" Myra's shoulders slumped, looking at her with sad eyes Yugi placed a hand on her nearest shoulder.
"But it's over now, you're free right?" Yugi asked with hopeful eyes, to his joy she nodded with a smile.
"And I'm glad, the last thing I wanted was for you to suffer anymore" Marium admitted before holding Atem's hand only to blink as he pulled her close for a hug.
"How are you feeling?" Atem asked causing her to chuckle weakly.
"Fine just tired" Marium said before hearing Joey yelping.
"Why is your belly big?!" Joey yelled shocking the group except Myra, Akefia and Atem who now looked at Marium who wanted to cry weakly but held strong.
"Joey…" Téa said weakly before blinking.
"Wait if you're pregnant then who's the father?" Tristan asked as he saw Marium look away shyly until Atem pulled her close with one arm.
"Hold on! Then who are you to Atem?" Joey asked while Téa was left speechless at how possessive Atem was being as he glared at Akefia weakly before looking at Joey, eyeing both males Marium glared at Atem.
"His wife" she said sharply shocking everyone by her words, Téa hearing this felt her heart stop from but kept her disbelief quiet. "Atem stop it Akefia's already married remember and has a son" Marium scolded her still annoyed husband who like Akefia was glaring daggers at the other causing everyone to stare at them weakly.
"Wait he's married as well?!" Tristan and Joey yelled only to see Akefia glare at them as well.
"What is wrong with you people? Can I not be allowed to settle without you judging me? So what if I am the king of thieves! I have a right to be happy thank you!" Akefia ranted.
"No one's judging, are they dear?" Marium said sharply causing Atem to tense up.
"N-No Marium, I am not judging" Atem said causing Seto to snort quietly at how she had Atem wrapped around her finger. Myra rolled her eyes before smiling at Yugi and the others.
"How did you all get here though?" Myra asked causing the others to remember how and why they were here.
"That Bakura guy brought me here and gave me this eye" Seto explained before the eye levitated to Marium's hand.
"We need to purify the items, I think it's about time the spirits finally get the rest they deserve" Marium said while Myra nodded with a smile, looking at Atem she showed him and Akefia the eye.
"Well boys, I'm counting on you both to try and find away to do that with all seven items" Marium said in a peppy voice.
"Wait why us?" Atem blinked.
"Yeah we can't do that" Akefia replied with a frown.
"You may think that but you two have ties to very strong people who lived five thousand years before us" Marium said with a sly smile causing Myra to giggle.
"You mean Sky and the guy who could exorcize and work with the darkness?" Myra asked which left everyone confused.
"Who?" Joey asked while Marium chuckled.
"During the great war of Atlantic my ancestor Marina worked along side Sky who had the power of eternal life and a male who could purge the darkness from one's heart. Sky is connected to your father Atem while the male is Abbas' ancestor. So I would recommend you two get started and go into a room in order to activate your abilities, the later you both put this off the more harder it will be to spend time with me darling" Marium cooed at the stunned pair who ended up mentally crying.
"But what about you?" Atem asked weakly as she smirked at him.
"In my room resting as Aria will be with me while you two do your task, that is unless you want to miss me going-?!" Marium paused as both males left quickly.
"I'm getting this done and then we're having a talk!" Atem yelled causing her to giggle before a loud laugh left her lips.
"Oh dear… I didn't think that would work" she said while Myra snorted softly, shaking her head Marium looked at the group with a sad smile "I don't know if it's wise for you all to be here now that it's all over, Myra I'm sure will refuse to go but-"
"We're staying" Joey said shocking her.
"Yeah, we're here for you all don't forget that" Tristan said while Seto nodded despite feeling out of place. Marium sighed heavily.
"I do appreciate this, I feel sad that we have to relive these painful years but I know he wants closure. I just feel bad burdening him with my problems" Marium admitted shocking Myra.
"You told him?" Myra asked not believing what she was hearing, seeing Marium nod left her startled while the others were left confused due to being out the loop.
"My father was right and yet wrong, who knows what Atem will do now but I know he'll be happy to have you all with him. But be warned there will be a time where you'll be forced back, when that happens don't fight it. I don't want your souls to be hurt" Marium said causing the group to smile softly at her concern for them.
"So Kaiba still think magic doesn't exist?" Joey asked smugly.
"… Maybe it does" Seto said bluntly shocking Joey.
"Wait a minute! Did you just say that you think it does?" Joey exclaimed.
"No… you're hearing things Wheeler" Seto said with a glare.
"Guys you have to back me up here, I swear he said it" Joey pleaded but everyone denied it to his dismay.
Marium watched Atem place a papyrus down before holding her cheek with his left hand.
"Are you going to be okay?" Atem asked softly.
"Are you? It's almost time for me to die… will you be able to cope when I go?" Marium asked now feeling sadness and guilt which then vanished as he kissed her softly.
"I can't change things, but I can treasure what time I have left with you" he assured her as he held her hand softly.
"But what about the children?" Marium asked as she placed her hands on her belly that had grown slightly "you won't-?" Atem placed his other hand on her hands.
"No matter what, I promise to love them" Marium sighed heavily as she looked down weakly.
"It feels weird compared to how things are now" Marium admitted, Atem smiled as he nodded signalling he agreed. After all before he had been a wreck and was left unable to understand anything, now he knew it felt like a sick joke that had been played on them but there was nothing he could do except watch it happen.
"Before Seto had been controlled and now, he's working along side us" Atem said while she gave him a look.
"I still can't believe you asked Akefia to help us by working in the palace as an advisor" Marium said stiffly, Atem smiled as he remembered after Ilayna's burial asking Akefia about working as an advisor only to witness Akefia flat out refusing and claiming that now he was free from the past, he refused to do the same work that killed his father which was something Atem now agreed with. Watching the family of three now leave the city to travel freely and without having to worry about being hunted down by the one who killed Akefia's family, during that time Atem felt some closure from their exchange despite feeling some insecurity in regards to how Akefia felt towards Marium. Even though Marium continued to assure him that nothing would ever happen between her and Akefia, still… old habits die hard.
"Given how my uncle caused him pain, it didn't feel right for me to not try and make things right with our families" Marium smiled and nuzzled his neck.
"I know, just think before you act. I don't want him getting upset" Marium said now sighing in happiness, no matter what happens next she was now happy things were turning out well. Seto was bonding with Atem and Marium, that and Myra was with Yugi exploring the area while also bonding given how things have been. Knowing that Myra was free to speak once more made Marium smile and feel less regrets remain inside her soul.
"I will, I promise" Yami said before pecking her head, his body felt dread that tomorrow was the day she was going to die. However he steeled his resolve and remembered that he couldn't change anything, it was going to happen whether he wanted to or not. His powers might have been able to help Akefia set the spirits free and let them rest, but that didn't mean he could truly do much which left him frustrated. On the other hand he had done more things with Marium than he had done before, stress was no longer on his mind during that time and for the first time he smiled as he greeted her family after not seeing them for so long.
During the few months, he had ruled but at times allowed Seto after he had time to recover in charge while the couple travelled in various parts of the kingdom. They had also visited either grave sites or her family, Isis or Mana who was still sad over Mahad's death. At times Atem had been careful about Marium's health, on the other hand at times he still left stunned at how pregnancy left her swinging from one mood to the other while her cravings had left him almost wanting to pull his hair out at how she could want some absurd thing. Despite that Atem was happy he would witness it with her. To his surprise Yugi and his friends had stayed until the week had passed due to the fact they were being called back to their time, Myra and Yugi however remained despite the fact he was being called back since he wanted to be there for Atem and Marium when the even took place. So the pair stayed at the palace but made sure not to attract attention.
Humming Marium slowly laid down before trying to find a comfortable position to sleep, looking at Atem who laid down with her he smiled and stroked her face softly.
"I love you" Atem said before she leaned in for another kiss.
"I love you too Atem, just please keep your promise and don't grieve. Let me go, the last thing I want is for you to break again" Atem held her closely but never took his eyes off of her.
"I won't, I'll cherish the time that we've had" he promised causing her to smile faintly.
"Thank you Atem, no matter what happens we'll see each other again" she said before closing her eyes and tried to get some sleep leaving him to his thoughts, Atem was left unsettled and sad but knew she was right. They would see the other again and that gave him some closure. Settling his mind he slowly went to sleep while he held Marium close so her head was resting on the crook of his neck.
By the time it was morning Atem woke up and yawned as the light touched his eyes, getting up he looked at Marium who had a smile on her face as she slept which made a sad smile form on his face. Today was the day they were to part and in away it felt surreal. To think such a curse would cause that much harm and to someone who didn't deserve it. Sighing he placed his hand on her arm.
"Marium, it's time to get up" Atem said softly but she didn't move to his confusion, blinking he moved her arm slightly but her arm was limp after he stopped moving it. "Marium?" Atem asked now feeling a sense of dread. Placing a hand to her neck to check her pulse he froze, his heart stopped as a sickening feeling entered his heart and stomach. His eyes started to sting as he realised that her chest wasn't moving like it would have done, placing a hand to his mouth tears fell down his face as he started to cry softly. His body shook as he pulled her lifeless body into his arms and continued to cry.
Later on around noon Atem had called a servant to get Seto and summon her family to meet him, Myra feeling that she knew what was going on remained silent while Yugi entered the room to see Marium in the bed while Atem's face remained tear stained. Confused he approached Atem who hugged him softly which then made Yugi realise why he was upset the more he looked at Marium's peaceful face as she smiled in her sleep. He then hugged Atem tightly as he cried before feeling Myra hug them both in order to comfort the grieving pair.
"I don't understand, she was awake last night so why did she die?" Yugi asked while Atem stared at Marium's body as she was being placed in a sarcophagus but instead of being embalmed and mummified Atem had decided to have her changed into a white dress while small flowers were placed on various places of her long wavy black hair hair, her fingers were laced together and placed just near her belly, in between her laced fingers was Atem's cartouche while the soft smile remained on her face. To some it looked like she was sleeping with a peaceful expression which was why he refused to have them touch her as it would ruin the illusion she gave. Akefia who had heard the news rushed back with Aria and their son to have say their final goodbyes.
"She went to sleep and didn't wake up" Atem explained as some cried near them, "in a way I'm glad. This way she did not feel any pain and was able to be happy to the end" Myra hearing this nodded with a soft smile despite being sad herself.
"Um… Atem, there's something I need to say to you. It involves Marium and the triplets" Myra said shyly, curious Atem and Yugi looked at her.
"What is it?" Atem asked as he held her hand.
"Marium the day before she died spoke to Isis, knowing she was going to die she asked Isis if she could carry the triplets and allow them to be born. This way they will survive even after Marium's death" The pair went still and looked at Myra in disbelief before Atem looked at Marium's form with pained eyes, it took a lot not to cry but remained strong until it was over. Even after she died she still tried to give his life joy, looking at Isis who stared at Marium's form with tears falling down her eyes Atem felt sadness in knowing that she agreed to take on a burden that would leave anyone upset. "She won't be affected in anyway but…" Myra faltered as Atem knew what she was trying to say.
"The curse will live in them" Atem finished as his body grew heavy, startled Yugi looked at them.
"What do you mean? What curse?" Yugi asked not knowing what was going on, sighing Atem looked at him.
"Years ago Marium's grandmother had been cursed by a cruel woman who sold her soul to kill her. The curse killed her grandmother when she had Ilayna but the affects were that every girl born would suffer and die at the age of twenty four while the boys would die at twenty six. Some did survive but it was low and unfortunately the triplets carry the curse" Atem said knowing that his eldest would be the first to die. Horrified Yugi gasped.
"But that's not fair!" Yugi cried before he and Myra were pulled into a hug.
"I know, but knowing this she asked me to treasure the time I had with her. Even to the present time the line still continues to suffer without any cure, however seeing you two gives me some comfort that things will turn out for the better. Just promise me you'll take care of each other and you protect Myra" Atem said in a kind but stern tone, Yugi tensed up while Myra was left baffled by Atem's words.
"What do you mean seeing us gives you comfort?" Yugi asked while Atem chuckled softly.
"Marium hinted to me that you two were connected, knowing that your mothers were quadruplets and seeing as how you bear similarities to us. I now know what she meant" Atem explained causing the pair to go silent.
"So… that means we're… cousins?" Yugi looked at Myra who sighed.
"Makes sense why she hated me and says she wanted to escape her family" Myra added shocking them.
"Mother never hated you, don't ever say that she does worry about you" Yugi said, hearing this made her sigh through her nose.
"If you say so…" she murmured weakly.
"But wait, if we're descendants and related to each other then wouldn't that mean the curse…?"
"Would have passed on" Atem explained with guilty eyes as he saw Yugi go still before looking at Myra who didn't respond.
"No way… you're-?" Yugi shook his head at the fact he now was aware that Myra was going to die due to the curse "Myra, why didn't you tell me?" he bit his lip.
"I didn't know until the day I went to the harbour. Remember when your mother had me stay instead of following you and Seto?" Yugi nodded before groaning weakly, no wonder she was acting up and he didn't know. Instead he had been blind to how she was feeling because he was worried about Joey and Téa.
"Don't say you're sorry, you didn't do this" Myra said sternly despite seeing him trying to cover it up.
"But that means should I get tested as well just in case I have the curse?" Yugi asked causing them to go silent.
"Yugi, we don't know if you have the faulty gene. That's how our cousin Rioto found out about the strand, through our grandfather's research after my sister got ill" Myra explained "for all we know you're fine and just worrying over nothing" she assured him but he still remained in doubt.
"Still, when this is over I'll see him… if that's okay?" Myra smiled.
"He'll be happy to meet you, but um… after this I might travel and see our other cousins and their guardian Akane. I miss her a lot and how strict she can be with others" she chuckled softly causing Yugi to smile at how happy Myra was.
"What's she like?" Yugi asked sounding eager to hear about this woman.
"A very scary Russian lady who works as a ninja so she spends most of the time in the shadows, she can really scare someone with a small dagger. I think last time some mafia guy tried to bother me and my cousins Netto and Zelrina, Akane sliced the guy's tongue off… not sure if that is true or not but she claims it happened" Myra beams as she reminisces her time with the woman with her eyes closed, not seeing how terrified Yugi and Atem were about hearing what this woman could do to people. To think that woman was allowed near children…
"Um… sounds great" Yugi said but in reality knew better than to visit that woman again if she showed up. Myra looked at him and sniggered.
"She's really nice regardless, don't worry as long as you behave. One time Netto did something stupid she used him for target practice to see if her knives were blunt or not" Myra explained.
"Shouldn't you be with safer people?" Atem asked now feeling scared that Myra was allowed near that sort of dangerous people, sensing this Myra giggled.
"She's good at protecting us, that's her job after all. Plus it stops those who want to end us quickly" hearing this Atem was semi scared and yet relieved she was in somewhat safe hands. Yugi however wanted Myra way from Akane at all costs if it involved being in danger.
As the funeral continued Myra and Yugi watched as various people came to speak with the grieving male, some spoke in private while some expressed it freely and asked if they could do something for him. Atem at that moment wanted time alone only Akefia and Seto took him to one side and began having a conversation, soon Myra and Yugi blinked as they heard Atem wailing in grief but knew he was getting off his chest as he was holding it all in since the morning.
"Marium was suppose to be murdered when Seto had been possessed but now that things changed, the assassin didn't get to kill her" Myra explained in a sombre tone, Yugi looked at her in surprise before the pair approached Marium's open sarcophagus to see her once more.
"So since she was suppose to die today?"
"I guess he somehow gave her a peaceful ending, whether he knew it or not. She was never going to make it past twenty four and her family knew it, she only told him after she woke up after teleporting us here" Myra added.
"But she held out as long as she could, it's strange she was just smiling and laughing the day before and now she's gone" Yugi felt Myra hold his hand, looking at her shaky smile he felt his own appear. Myra placed her other hand on Marium's before sighing.
"I can imagine she's waiting for us" Myra mused before smiling "Bakura's no doubt happy he has his sister back again after all these years" Myra commented, confused he looked at her.
"I didn't know he had a sister" Yugi said but kept his voice down.
"After the incident at Kul Elna the spirits couldn't find Rui so they tried to find and take girls bearing similar traits, it just so happens Emi had been one of the only girls to survive. I am sad I couldn't save all of them but knowing I could keep my promise in finding her gives me some closure" Myra sighed.
"I always thought you liked him more as friends" Yugi admitted surprising her.
"He's a friend and brother like figure, Marium immediately took a liking to him since she saw what he was like. Even treated like her own after I heard about his messed up family, but don't go telling anyone I said that" she said sternly, shaking his head Yugi smiled.
"I won't, friends don't do that" he assured Myra her relief.
"Thank you" Myra said softly before sensing relief coming from the three next door. "I think the talk has solidified their bonds" Myra said catching his attention, Yugi smiled softly.
"Well they were close to her, it's good to know that they're not alone in all of this" Yugi said.
"Seto, when I am to die I want you take over as pharaoh" Atem said surprising Seto and Akefia.
"B-But my king, what about your children?" Seto asked now knowing about the deal Marium made with Isis, a soft smile formed on Atem's face.
"They will not want the throne, I know they would want to be away from those who would hurt and judge them. I would they rather chose their own path, like Marium would have wanted. Something I'm sure you can agree with?" he asked Akefia who shrugged.
"This is a big responsibly, will you be able to do it?" Akefia asked with an uncertain look that Seto agreed with.
"My king-"
"I know you'll make a good king in my sted, just like I know you both will take good care of the children should anything happen to me" Atem said confusing the pair.
"You make it sound like you're going to die soon" Akefia said bluntly but Atem didn't respond which left them startled.
"How? When?" Seto asked while Akefia remained stunned to silence.
"Just two months after the eldest dies. She will only be four" Atem explained feeling grief for the child who would suffer even though she wasn't born yet. The pair balked in horror and shock.
"But why?" Seto asked.
"What happened to her?" Akefia asked in a stern tone as they saw Atem looking away while holding his chin as he leaned on the balcony.
"It's long and complicated" was all Atem said to their dismay.
"We have time" Akefia however refused to back down causing Atem's brow to go up slightly, sighing heavily he looked at them before telling them everything. From Marium's cursed grandmother to the very curse that plagued the family leaving them with little to no time left. Silence greeted the trio as Akefia and Seto slowly tried to process what was happening. Disbelief and anger filled the pair before they saw Atem's melancholy expression.
"And you still want to continue like this?" Akefia asked feeling his bile had gone sour in his mouth at the thought of it affecting his child or wife. It sickened him that Marium had been suffering this much of a burden and yet did a good job in masking her pain.
"I have to, it's why I don't want them to inherit the throne. I want them to enjoy life and not risk having them involved with plots that could end them at any time" Atem explained before his chest heaved heavily now feeling relief that the pair understood his pain. Seto composed himself before nodding.
"You have my word" Seto said but no one was sad or happy, instead Atem gave Seto neutral nod while Akefia smiled briefly.
The first thing Atem felt as he held his eldest daughter was indescribable joy in knowing she and her siblings had been safely born. There beside him was a bed containing two sleeping babies, something that gave him relief knowing that they were alive and well. Now looking at sleeping Amaria who nuzzled at his chest as she slept left him wanting to protect them with his life, how could he have had the mind to ignore them? Just knowing he had let them down before riddled him with guilt and at that moment he made a promise to care for them until his last breath.
Giggling filled the hallways as three sets of small foot falls ran through the palace. Atem hearing this smiled and releases a hearty laugh as he goes on one knee and hugs all three children who hug him tightly. Myra and Yugi who were now spirits beamed at how the four interacted, pride filled them at how Atem was truly living up to Marium's promise. What also added to the happy scene was Seto, Mana and Isis standing to one side, the trio watched with either a smile or chuckle at the scene before them. It amazed them that despite losing their mother the family of four continued to survive and smile. Despite what was to come in a year Atem had never stopped smiling and had the children follow him to the royal gardens in order to play with him during his free time while Seto helped with some of the royal duties. Something that baffled both females but they never said anything after Atem declared that Seto would be his rightful successor.
Atem laid in his bed feeling tired and slowly drained of energy, despite this he smiled as he saw his eight year old son Abidos and daughter Myra. To Atem felt like he had said his goodbyes to Amaria even though it had been four years, confusion had filled Atem at how he was still alive despite the fact he was suppose to die earlier but instead of letting the though cloud his head he resumed spending time with the remaining children while Seto took over as king as agreed. The pair did laugh after Akefia had arrived on the day Atem was suppose to be dead and gawked.
"Aren't you suppose to be dead and mummified? I thought the dead were see-through!" just hearing the blunt accusing words made both men laugh while Akefia smiled at them, he was surprised yes but happy to know that the pharaoh had some time left. He gave his condolences for the fallen child and spent time with them, meanwhile tried to help Atem explain to two distressed children as to why their sick sister who had collapsed one day and was forced to be bedridden until her dying day, the saddest part was explaining why she was not waking up. It pained the adults deeply but they could do nothing, Amaria had been frail during her years and clung on to life as best she could which was all they could ask for her. Atem as he bid his daughter farewell felt nothing but pride knowing that she fought against the whispers of death, at times she had given them a scare but lived to see the last day.
Now seeing his remaining children look at him with sadness in knowing he was leaving them broke his heart, however soon the feeling left as images slowly filled his mind when he moved his tired head up. Images of Abidos being happy with a woman beside him, meanwhile Myra looked forward. Standing beside her was a male that Atem recognised as Abbas-Akefia's son who had now grown up a lot since the last time he saw him. Startled Atem saw three children giggling near the pair before one ran away from the group and became a soft smiling woman who held her son and daughter in her arms despite the sadness of having to stand at her husband's grave. Both children slowly left and ended up living lives of their own leaving Atem to watch more and more children grow and have children of their own despite being cut short to a certain age. Soon Atem saw a woman who had been once a scared child that lost her family to a demoness that he was sure had been the person who cursed Marium's grandmother, his eyes went wide as she sealed the demoness with a sword Marium had once held before dying after sending her twins to a maid so they could be born and live in secret. As a result it left her husband in grief and unable to know he had children who survived. Slowly the scene continued showing the twins now having children but instead of being close one the twins' children showed hatred to the aunt and screamed at her for being a mother snatcher, which in turn hurt Atem deeply as he saw that the sisters had in fact ran away but was powerless to take her daughter with her forcing her exiled son to watch over the distressed sister. Time resumed allowing him to see more and more of the line thrive despite the bitter hatred aimed at them by the branch family.
Soon a blue haired girl with blue eyes sat at a part of her home away from the group, her eyes despite being slightly eerie held hidden wisdom that took Atem by surprise. The girl soon looked at him and stood up, walking towards him she stopped once she was at a respectable distance.
"You're the nameless pharaoh, aren't you?" the girl asked in a soft tone that made Atem smile shakily at how polite she was being and knelt down.
"Yes, I am but I know who I am now" he explained in a gentle voice while she stared at him.
"Good, it means the future will now change for the better but you're worried about something aren't you?" she asked bluntly while he blinked at how she knew what he was thinking "You need not worry pharaoh, I am taking care of the timeline till it's time for me to go" the girl explained before walking away from a stunned Atem who was left more surprised.
The girl slowly smiled as she who was now an adult held a little girl while a few children stood beside her, beside her was a man who beamed at the little ones who slept in a cot. There in the cot were three identical babies before the fourth slept beside them, again time slowly moved revealing a woman with white hair and sad brown eyes, beside her was Lily and another woman who had brownish black hair and brown eyes to Atem's shock as she looked familiar but couldn't place how where he had seen her before. The white haired girl soon had two children in her arms. However, one of them looked like someone that made his stomach drop before remembering who Myra- his daughter had married. Lily as expected had held Yugi while the woman beside her smiled softly at the pair while she had some children beside her. In her arms were two babies who grew up revealing a troubled distant boy with reddish brown eyes and black hair. The girl on the other hand left Atem smiling as Myra giggled and waved at him with bright happy eyes, slowly before everything went dark Yugi and the white haired child held Myra's hand. Meanwhile they smiled at the other until they noticed Atem who looked like he was about to cry from seeing the scene that was being laid out in front of him. Deep down he knew that no matter what the three would remain inseparable which eased his mind and spirit.
Atem opened his eyes to see Marium looking at him in worry before realising that he was facing the stone tablet.
"Are you okay?" she asked in a hesitant tone only to release a meek cry as he pulled her into her arms and kissed her, sighing she placed her hands on his cheeks.
"I am better than okay" Atem replied with a smile as he pulled back, smiling back at him Marium sighed.
"You really had us worried" Marium explained causing him to have a guilty smile.
"I was given a vision of what our children and their children would become when I was on my death bed, to think that despite all the bad things they went through there had been some good as well" Atem commented making her smile more.
"True, the others are waiting for you" Atem nodded before taking her hand and went with her to find the others. His eyes gleamed in happiness as he looked at everyone until his eyes settled on Bakura and a slight older Emi who grew up after being sent back to where Bakura was, a soft chuckle left his lips.
"I didn't know your mother was Melody" Atem said softly taking Bakura and Emi by surprise.
"How did you know our mother?" Emi asked looking alarmed as she blinked rapidly, Atem chuckled softy.
"Best to ask Lily" Atem hinted causing Yugi and Bakura to blink in confusion not truly understanding what he meant, Emi pouted slightly but allowed it to slide for now.
"So what is it that you need to do now?" Joey asked before Ishizu explained what his final task was.
"I'll be your worthy opponent" Seto declared startling some from how loud he was being, Marium shook her head while Myra groaned at how loud he was being.
"Let me think on it" Atem said softly, by the time the group went on the boat and were approaching the place which involved the ceremonial duel Atem and Yugi had agreed to duel.
"Won't you need to duel as well?" Marik asked now looking at Marium who had split from Myra after Atem had split from Yugi, looking at Marik she chuckled briefly.
"I have no regrets, I am free to leave if I want but I don't think I would miss this duel for anything. The children can wait a bit longer" Marium dismissed his question with a wave. Blinking in surprise Marik looked at his startled siblings.
"I see" Ishizu said while Marium held Myra's hand.
"I only lived within the pendent because I was worried about my husband and after what his father, Abbas and mother told me... I agreed to take part in a ritual but I had to be on death's doors to use it" Marium explained.
"Seriously? But what if it didn't work? Weren't you worried?" Mokuba asked looking concerned which made her smile.
"Marium like me was born in the alignment, we are interceptors. If we need to do something important we would do what we can to balance things out like what happened with Egypt" Myra explained, Joey meanwhile looked at her oddly "What? What you looking at?" Myra snapped as she felt him looking at her.
"I dunno, it's just weird hearing you actually talk" Myra's eyes went wide from fury and kicked a screaming Joey to the floor causing Seto to smirk mentally.
"Sure you don't want to duel?" Atem asked Marium who raised a brow.
"I'm sure you can take him darling, it's not like you need me to hold your hand right?" she asked with a sly smile that made his eyes flare from hearing the comment.
"Excuse me?!" Atem barked while Joey, Tristan, Téa, Bakura, Emi and Mokuba spoke quietly with the other which made him twitch angrily.
"You heard darling now hurry up, I have an appointment with my mother and grandmother" she clapped her hands together.
"What about me?" Atem asked looking shocked.
"What about you? Last time I checked I spent more time with you then the triplets" his face flushed before he turned his head to mutter lowly in anger.
"Let's just get this duel started" he muttered, Yugi smiled softly at how open Atem was compared to when he had amnesia and was left confused on what Marium was to him. Now it was time to settle things for good.
Marium smiled softly as she knelt down and hugged Yugi as he cried after winning, in a way this was the end for them now and it meant one thing- moving on.
"Yugi, win or lose you were ready" Marium comforted him before smiling at Atem "You did so much for us, you made such a difference and you treasured your bonds. Your determination and strong heart will carry you through, so dry those tears. The last thing you want is a sappy goodbye now that we can all rest easy" Marium felt Yugi hug her and Atem, smiling she hugged them both while Myra smiled brightly.
"I am proud of all of you, not just you Myra but everyone. You all responded and fought for what was right, you worked together and created a stronger bond than some would ever dream of doing. Never forget that" Marium said before releasing Yugi from the hug, soon she went to hug Bakura and Emi who gladly returned the gesture.
"Stay safe, if anything happens Lily and Myra will be there" Marium winked causing a meek Bakura to nod shyly. Now parting from them she hugged Myra before hugging everyone else in groups.
"Take care now" Marium smiled as she gained a white floral dress and ballet flats, waving at the group she went towards Atem who was waiting for her after saying his farewells.
"Ready?" Atem asked while she smiled softy.
"I waited five thousand years, so what do you think?" she beamed earning her a low chuckle from him. Looking back the pair smiled brightly at everyone before turning to walk towards the portal. As they approached the light silhouettes of people entered their line of visions, two people stood with a smaller girl who was now about their age- Amaria. Marium felt her heart flutter as she saw three happy older teens beaming at them, the middle child- their son Abidos grinned with a goofy smile on his face waved while a young woman close to his age smiled with a humble feel to her. Something that surprised Atem until he saw a small little boy between the woman and Abidos, as he saw the shy boy joy filled Atem knowing that was his grandson. Looking at a slightly shorter female who was on Abidos' right was someone who made tears run down his face, he knew her. The one who wouldn't stop trying to get his attention so he could wake up and realise what he had been doing- Myra. However before he could truly feel at ease his eyes caught someone who was holding her by her waist, he almost bristled due to the fact he looked like Akefia but younger which led him to realising that it was Abbas.
"Be nice" Marium said mentally with mirth in her eyes as she sensed his unhappy feelings from seeing Abbas, soon that feeling changed as he saw Abbas' content smile. He wasn't sure but he had a feeling Abbas had endured something due to how his eyes despite his face being happy however it was hard to figure out what it was. Looking to Abbas' right he saw who could be recognised as his grandchildren from Myra's side.
"Atem!" Mana's voice alerted him to seeing her, Mahad, Seto, Shimon, Isis, Shada, Akefia, Ilayna to his surprise and those who were close to them as well as him including his own father. As Atem and Marium approached the group they started beaming in happiness knowing that they could finally rest easy. Aknamkanon nodded at his son with pride in his eyes, on the other hand he was sad due to how his brother would never be able to rest for what he had done. On the other hand it was a punishment that his own brother had to bear for causing so much pain and misery, for ruining families for selfish gain. Abbas looking at his friend patted Aknamkanon's shoulder and gave him a small smile which allowed Aknamkanon to slowly push the thoughts of his brother away, Aknadin had made his choice and so had he so why look back with a heavy heart? Seeing Ilayna rolling her eyes as she smiled at him made the pair laugh even as her husband narrowed his eyes at them, watching to see if they were planning to do something that would annoy him. So what if he was a stick in the mud? He was proud of it!
The door soon closed leaving the group staring at them departed figures with sad smiles but accepted that it was their time to go.
"Take care of your cousins" Marium's voice entered a someone surprising them the moment that they heard her speak to them mentally.
"What's wrong?" asked someone close causing the person to smile.
"It's nothing" the person replied feeling questions brimming but waited until it was time to ask.
Unfortunate outakes!
Atem as he held Marium's hand felt a soft smile form on his face the moment he saw his children, seeing who appeared to be Abbas' wife he nodded politely until he saw someone who looked like Akefia. He froze and went pale.
"No… NOOO! THIS WHAT?!" Atem cried while Akefia appeared behind Abbas and smirked.
"Sorry mate, looks like I win this round" Akefia taunted to Atem's dismay.
"NOOOOO I CHANGED MY MIND! I WANT TO GO BACK TO THE LAND OF THE LIVING!" Atem cried as he turned towards the doorway. "I'm leaving!" only to his dismay Marium had held onto his arm.
"You are staying in the here after! I waited five thousand years to rest so do not make me come after you!" Marium said sternly as he tried to get out of her grasp, to her anger he had broke free and ran towards the exit.
"Yes! FREEEDNOOOOOOO!" Atem screamed in horror as he got tackled to the ground by a very happy Akefia and a smirking Seto who saw half his arm had only managed to leave the door. "I don't want to stay here! I want to leave!" Atem cried in terror.
"Oh you're leaving alright" Seto said bluntly.
"Yeah! You're leaving with us! Besides… now that we're in laws you can say that I'm more closer to your wife than ever before" Akefia said slyly to Atem's fury.
"Oh Akefia, remember that I'm listening" Aria said sternly even though her eyes were lit up from trying not to laugh at how silly Atem was being.
"Don't worry Aria, I can share" Akefia teased.
"Not on your life!" Marium snapped as she glared at Atem but her eyes were filled with mirth as she half looked at Akefia. "Darling! I want to rest so get over here" Atem cried and grumbled as he clawed the stone floor confusing those on the other side as all they saw was a flailing arm at the doorway.
"Did someone lose an arm?" Marik asked with a confused look.
"Who knows" Odion said while he shrugged. Myra meanwhile raised a brow before going up the steps and eyed the arm, pursing her lips to one side she took her left foot and slowly pressed onto the hand earning her a scream which entered her ears and those in the hereafter.
"Oh just go you wuss!" Myra said before lightly kicking the hand back inside the door causing it to close, as it closed a loud pain filled cry that sounded like she had betrayed someone entered her ears. Blinking she shrugged and went back to stand beside Bakura.
"Well that was dumb…" Myra muttered while they all looked at her.
"What did you do?" Mokuba asked as he raised a brow from what he saw.
"Oh someone just had cold feet, no big deal" Myra lightly shrugged with a smile that left them uneasy.
"Right…" Joey murmured not looking the least bit convinced.
I know random right? XD