Atem rubbed his eyes as he woke up for the third time that night. His mind was far too preoccupied for him to get any sort of decent rest. He stared at the ceiling, going over the evening's events in his head. It seemed like a bad dream, like he would go back to sleep and everything would be normal when he awoke. He knew Seto wanted him to stay in his room for his own safety, but he couldn't lay there a minute longer. Sure that the guardians would still be up going over security measures, the pharaoh quietly slipped out of his room to find them. He wanted to help in any way that he could. It wasn't as if he could get back to sleep at this point.

"Pharoah! What are you doing out of bed?" Mahad asked in surprise as his friend entered the room. He politely excused himself from his meeting with the royal guard. "I thought you were told to remain in your quarters for the night."

"I couldn't sleep. I've been thinking of ways in which I could assist the guardians," Atem replied, walking alongside Mahad as they strolled out into the nearby courtyard. "What has everyone come up with so far?"

"The guards have been doubled at every entrance and archers will be patrolling the rooftops for the time being. Enhanced defenses can only do so much good, however. It seems that more drastic measures may have to taken. The enemy is far more powerful than anything we've dealt with before. There are…complications." Mahad hesitated, unsure if he should divulge any further information.

"Complications? What sort of complications?"

"Isis has been attempting to use the millennium necklace to foresee Bakura's plans, but for reasons unknown the future will not reveal itself to her. While we remain blind to his actions we are vulnerable," Mahad sighed. "There is no reason to worry though, my pharaoh. We are taking every precaution to ensure your safety."

Atem frowned, detecting the false confidence in the magician's voice. "There must be something I can do. I was able to summon Obelisk before; perhaps I can summon a god again. Up against a monster as fearsome as Bakura's, a god is our only hope."

"Atem…you shouldn't have had to fight earlier. It was my fault. Because of my carelessness you were put in danger."

"That isn't true! You said it yourself, even Isis was unable to foresee this evil. How could you have been prepared to fight something you didn't know existed?"

"I am the head of your personal security! I should be prepared for anything, even something this powerful!" Mahad snapped, his voice heavy with self-loathing. "What if I had lost you...it would have been my fault. How could I live with myself after something like that..."

The look of despair on his friend's face pained Atem to the core. There wasn't a single grain of truth to Mahad's words; it hurt him to think that the magician really felt that way, that he would try to shoulder the responsibility alone. "Don't you dare blame the actions of a mad-man on yourself. There was an entire palace full of people unprepared for an attack of that magnitude. If you are going to blame someone, blame Bakura. Besides, you didn't lose me. I'm not as fragile as you take me for. We will defeat him together, I swear it." The magician seemed unconvinced and Atem sighed, knowing he was going to get nowhere with this tonight. "Why don't we discuss this further in the morning? You look exhausted and I'd much rather have you making decisions with a clear mind. This is an order from your pharaoh."

"I shall try to rest now then, if that is what you think is best." Mahad bowed his head. He moved to leave, but paused, turning around once more. "Atem... you know I would lay down my life for you. Not only out of duty, but because I love you."

He left without another word, giving the other boy no chance to respond. He knew he couldn't make Atem understand the weight that he carried. A plan was already formulating in his head as he walked away; he would atone for his mistake and protect his pharaoh, at whatever cost it may be to himself.

Mahad woke early and set his plan into motion, gathering his best men to assist him. No one else knew of what he was attempting to do, especially not Atem. If things worked out the way he hoped, he would be far away from the palace before the pharaoh realized he was gone. Atem would try to stop him, and he couldn't have anything getting in the way.

"So, you plan to face Bakura alone."

Busy readying his horse, the magician was caught off guard by the voice. He turned to see Isis, a knowing look on her face as she approached him. "You've looked into my future, I assume. What is it that you saw?" he asked, a bit displeased she was able to spy on his plans.

"Much of what is to come was hidden from me, as your future now involves the thief. I gathered that you will reclaim your power and fight with your full strength. You should be wary, Mahad. That power was locked away for a reason, and I am unable to foresee the outcome of this battle." Her eyes were full of warning, a sense of foreboding upon her. "I am guessing you have not informed the pharaoh of your plans."

"If you came here to stop me, you have failed," Mahad responded sharply. "I am aware of the risks involved, but this is the only option I have left. If it means I am consumed by my own power, then so be it." He turned from her and grabbed the reins of his horse, heading off to meet the rest of the men.

"Mahad, before you go, know that whatever happens on this path you have chosen, I have seen your return," Isis spoke as he walked away from her, toward an uncertain future.

"My pharaoh, are you still sleeping?" Seto knocked softly as he entered Atem's room and sat at the edge of the bed. "I thought I would check in on you this morning."

Atem yawned and slowly sat up, smiling sleepily at the other boy. "I didn't sleep well at all, but other than that I'm fine. What about you? It doesn't look as if you slept well either."

"I was awake much of the night as well, working on a plan to defeat Bakura. I met with Master Akhenaden to discuss gathering more powerful Ka and today we shall begin the search. Hopefully we will not come back empty-handed." Seto took the pharaoh's hand in his own, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "I'm going to do whatever is necessary to keep you safe."

"Just make sure you stay safe in the process," Atem replied, kissing the guardian gently. "Speaking of which, I'm a bit worried about Mahad. The way he was behaving last night, I'm afraid he's going to do something reckless."

"Perhaps you should go check on him now if you have concerns. Though I must say, I don't like it when you have your mind on another man," Seto teased, pulling the pharaoh closer.

Atem rolled his eyes, but he couldn't help but smile at his lover's possessiveness. "I'm just going to check in on him quickly, then you can have me all to yourself for the rest of the day." He wrapped his arms around the guardian's neck, leaving him with a lingering kiss before he went to find his friend.

"Atem! Um, I mean, pharaoh!" Mana called out as she spotted Atem in the hallway. "I was just going to look for you. Mahad was so mean to me…He gathered all of his magicians to go on his mission and he absolutely refused to let me come with him. I'm just as skilled as the rest of them! It's not fair he left me behind."

"What are you talking about, Mana? What mission?" Atem's eyes grew wide, apprehension gripping him as she spoke.

"Wait, you mean you didn't know? He told me you approved his plan to go after Bakura! He also gave me this to give to you as he was leaving." She pulled out a small envelope and handed it to the pharaoh. "If I had known…I would have stopped him…I'm sorry."

Atem grabbed the envelope and ripped it open, finding a short letter inside.

My dearest Atem,

By now you are aware I have left, and knowing you, you are sick with worry. But I ask you not to come after me. If I had told you of my plans, you would have done everything in your power to keep me in the palace, and I couldn't have you getting in my way. I'm doing this for you, Atem. I have more power than you realize, and if I can use that power to defeat your enemies and keep you safe, then it is my duty, no, my privilege to do so. As I told you last night, I would gladly die if I meant you could live on. A long time ago, you saved my life without hesitation. Today I repay that debt. I have always loved you, Atem, and I always will love you, even if death parts us. Nothing makes me happier than knowing you will be safe and free to live and be happy because of my actions. Please allow me to do this one last thing for you.

Forever yours,

Mahad

His hands began to shake as he read, his eyes filled with horror and confusion. "How…how could you do this… you've already repaid that debt a hundred times over…" He whispered to himself, crushing the paper in his hands.

"Pharaoh? What's wrong?" Mana asked apprehensively, slowly placing her hand on his shoulder.

Atem looked up at her touch, pulled away from his own thoughts. "We have to go after him. I don't give a damn what he said, we are going to stop him." He grabbed her hands forcing her to pay attention. "Listen to me, do you know where he went?"

"Yes! I saw him leave, and I overheard his plan and know where he was headed," Mana replied.

"Good. Send word to Seto to gather the other guardians and head to that location. When you are done meet me in the stables. Go now!" He sent her on her way and ran to ready his fastest horse. Mana returned quickly and the two of them took off on their own, not willing to waste time waiting for the guardians.

Atem urged his horse on as fast as it would go, following Mana's directions to the cave where Mahad's magic had been locked away. He hadn't even been aware this place existed, or that the magician possessed such overwhelming power. Something inside him hurt, realizing there were things he didn't know about his most precious friend. "How much farther, Mana?"

"It should be around here somewhere…there! Head that way!" Mana shouted as she spotted their destination.

They jumped off the horse and ran for the cave. The men Mahad had taken with him waited outside, the entrance blocked with debris. "Mahad! Mahad can you hear me?" the pharaoh shouted, attempting to push the boulders out of the way.

"My pharaoh, Master Mahad instructed us to keep the entrance sealed after Bakura went inside. We are not to open it until we see Bakura's ka appear on the stone tablet we prepared!" one of the magicians said in surprise.

"I am your pharaoh and I demand this entrance -!" Hearing a sound from above, Atem looked to see the stone tablet about to fall. "Mana, look out!" He pushed her out of the way just in time, the tablet crashing to the ground beside them.

"What in the world made that fall?" Mana stood and dusted herself off. She looked down at the tablet, her expression instantly changing to one of dread. "Oh no…"

Atem saw what she saw, but he could not understand it. Engraved on the once blank tablet was Mahad's illusion magician, but something about it looked different. "Its face…it can't be." He knelt beside the tablet, touching what was undeniably Mahad's face. "What…what is the meaning of this? Mana, what is going on!?" he turned to look at her, searching her face for an answer.

"Mahad…he must have used his power to fuse with his monster. His soul is trapped now. Bakura must have defeated him." Tears ran down her cheeks as she spoke, not wanting to believe the words she was saying.

"He's trapped? Well get him out! Get him out right now! We can still save him!" Atem grabbed a hold of her shoulders, his eyes full of desperation.

"I can't! No one has that kind of power, not even Mahad himself! Once he joined with his ka, there was no going back. He's gone…"

Atem fell to his knees, tears falling as he stared at the tablet. "You can't leave me, Mahad. You said you would always be there for me!" His fist came down on the stone, his cries of anguish echoing throughout the valley. He wasn't angry at Mahad; he was angry at himself. It was because of him Mahad left. If only he had been able to stop him, to let him know that he didn't want to live without him. It was selfish, but he didn't care. He just wanted his friend alive.

I will always be there for you, my pharaoh.

For a second, Atem could have sworn he heard a voice in his head. "Mahad?" he whispered shakily, hoping he hadn't imagined it, but there was only silence. Yet he felt warmth in his heart in the midst of the sorrow. "You are here with me, aren't you?"

The sound of hoof beats signaled the arrival of Seto and the other guardians. "Pharaoh! What has happened here?" Seto asked in alarm as he saw the look on Atem's face. He dismounted his horse and ran to the other boy, pulling him into a tight embrace.

"Mahad is gone…he sacrificed himself to save me, to save us all." He buried his face in Seto's chest, seeking the comfort only this person could give him.

Seto glanced up at the stone tablet, processing what happened. "I'm so sorry Atem." It was all he could say as he held the pharaoh close. He and Mahad had never exactly been on the best of terms, but he never wanted anything like this to happen; he knew how much he meant to Atem. Seeing the one he loved so stricken with grief was unbearable. "I don't know what possessed him to take on Bakura alone, but he must have been thinking of you. I can understand that kind of devotion to someone you love."

Atem looked up at Seto, his words having struck a chord inside of him. He understood that as well; he would do the same thing for the ones he loved. "I never wanted him to give his life for me…I don't think I will ever stop feeling guilty about that. But knowing that he did makes me realize how strong our bond is. I don't think a bond like that can ever be severed. It's strange…my heart is in pieces, but I think it's going to be okay. He's still here. I can feel him." He wiped the tears from his eyes as he turned from Seto, placing his hand gently on the stone tablet. "We'll always be together, my dear friend."

Bakura may have won this battle, but it was not the end of the war. He would get justice for Mahad if it was the last thing he did. Atem took Seto's hand, its warmth soothing the ache in his chest. Whatever happened next, he would live on beside the one he loved. That was Mahad's last gift to him, the gift he gave his life for. It was a gift Atem had no intention of taking for granted.

This chapter was a long time coming. I got back from vacation to discover my computer no longer worked and was forced to put off any writing. I knew the story was coming to a close, and having to put it off because of a technical problem was really frustrating. Thankfully I was finally able to finish the chapter! There is a short epilogue, but this is the last full chapter. I truly hope everyone has enjoyed this story so far and thank you all for reading! Stay tuned for the epilogue!