The Eternal King of Games

by silkaheart1

Yugi has fallen for Atem, but their destined paths remain unaltered as the ceremonial duel rapidly approaches. Unforeseen consequences from the duel profoundly affect Yugi's soul, leaving Yugi to grapple with the aftermath and Atem with a dilemma. While rebuilding, fate intervenes with an unexpected turn, leading to difficult choices that affects not only them. YxAtem / TWSelf Harm

He'd never forget the way his heart swelled with pride when he watched him take control and unite the Gods into the creator of Light - Horakhty. It was a feat he could never have imagined possible. His other me. Atem… The way he stood taller than ever before, fearless, the no longer nameless Pharaoh overcoming the darkness to defeat Zorc and end the 3000-year war once and for all.

He was so regal, commanding, powerful… Everything Yugi had come to adore so intensely in the spirit that resided alongside him in his own heart.

Yugi knew everything would change from that moment on. It was the beginning of the end. His chest constricted while he watched each day pass like a movie, the inevitable climax approaching at a rapid pace. All knew what the conclusion to the tale was, but all desperately tried to forget, even for a second. To hold on and delay for just one more breath.

It was only natural. To Yugi, Atem was not just the spirit of a forgotten Pharaoh, as incredible as that fact itself may be. After spending so much time together, sharing his body and mind with him, he had become his closest confidant and friend. Atem had changed his entire life. Before completing the millennium puzzle Yugi was mostly alone. But then his wish was granted. All he ever wanted was to share his life with those he cared deeply about, and now he had that in abundance. True friends. Atem had brought so much happiness and purpose to his life. He would always be grateful.

He would never forget the first moment he saw Atem truly separate from himself. Their first meeting. It was while playing Bakura's tabletop game 'Monster World' that Yugi and his friends found their souls trapped within the figurines depicting their characters. In this form he looked up to see his other me towering over them, having taken control of his body. But nothing was frightening about Atem. Atem smiled at him reassuringly and Yugi trusted him immediately. Any of his previous fears proven to be unfounded. Atem's presence brought a glimmer of hope to their precarious situation. His actions succeeded in saving Yugi and his friends. Yugi couldn't help but be in awe of how cool Atem was.

Yugi often thought of Atem's first words to him. "You put your life on the line to fight with your friends. That courage brought us together."

He sometimes grappled with believing those words, but always cherished knowing Atem viewed him in such a way.

It amused him to reflect on a time when Atem's soul had been a mystery to him that he was so unsure of. Fearing the worst when he began to experience gaps in his memory, still unaware of the true nature of the spirit residing within him. Now he could feel Atem's own emotions, just as Atem could feel his. Experience those said emotions rush through his own soul… When Atem would allow it. Despite their mind link, Atem was often guarded, and it just intrigued Yugi more. They were connected in such a deeply intimate manner that it shouldn't have come as such a surprise to him when his feelings developed.

Yugi could recall the moment it truly hit him. Sitting in his bedroom with Atem floating beside him, together looking at a new game that his grandpa had stocked in the GAME shop. Yugi had scattered the game parts across his desk and gushed over the different strategies that could be implemented. Getting increasingly animated as he spoke. Atem nodded along dutifully before lightly teasing him, even though Yugi could tell that the spirit was becoming more and more invested with each passing second.

Atem let out a deep melodic chuckle before poking him in the side playfully, "Never change, Aibou." Yugi looked up at Atem and their eyes locked for a second longer than usual. And just like that, it was done. Yugi was captivated by him. His cheeks prickled as the thought slipped out before he was even conscious of it.

'I really, really like him.'

Yugi had never fought so hard to block his mind link with Atem as quickly.

The revelation had briefly led to an inner panic within Yugi. Questioning himself in a way he had not fully allowed himself to do before. He had been comfortable in his sexuality, having explored his interest in women, albeit only in the privacy of his own mind and home. But men? The more he considered it, the more natural it felt, reconsidering moments that he had tried to pass over in his youth. It made sense to him that the two people in his life he had developed feelings for had been his close friends. However, he struggled with embarrassment and guilt when he considered the reality of the situation. Atem was not just his friend like Anzu. Atem was the spirit of someone long passed, the stars aligning in such a way to bring him into his life in such a supernatural and unexpected way. A relationship was impractical if nothing else. He quickly decided it would be unfair to share his feelings. The last thing he would want to do is to cause someone he cared so deeply about discomfort. Would Atem feel betrayed? Appalled? Pity? Nothing? It was a secret for him to keep hidden.

So, he accepted his truth and acknowledged that he had another crush.

It didn't matter, it would pass.

It didn't.

Atem made every part of Yugi's life better. He had brought excitement and adventure, but what really solidified their connection was how he made the mundane parts of life special. On the days that he walked to school without his friends, Yugi was never truly alone; Atem floated nearby, ready for a conversation whenever Yugi needed one. And the spirit could always sense when Yugi needed him. Playing games was no longer an activity to indulge in during times of solitude, Atem would cheer him on, and together they would enthusiastically discuss a myriad of theories and strategies, often leading to Atem taking over his body so he could have his turn (often cutting into Yugi's time to study, a fact that Yugi kept from his mother and grandpa.) Slow days working in the GAME shop were never quite as tedious anymore, with his own invisible friend to whisper in his ear. They dined out together, albeit with only one of them enjoying any meal at a given time. They watched movies together… Talked late into the night in each other soul rooms… Yugi found himself sharing his hopes and fears with Atem, finding comfort in their bond.

They did all this while also battling against rivals and adversaries next to each other. It was something Yugi would always be proud of for the rest of his life.

And just like that, the goal was achieved. Having defeated Zorc and restored Atem's name and memories, the hourglass was set with one month left. Yugi had one month left with the spirit, with Atem.

When his eyes closed before drifting off to sleep, he often found himself standing once again on the hot sands of Egypt. Before him was the image of Atem carried by a horse, once again rushing out of the palace in chase of the Thief King. His robe billowing behind him. In these recollections, he often found himself not focusing on the adrenaline he should have felt due to the intensity of the situation but on the way the sight of Atem made his heart pound painfully, the way it made his breath quicken. The way he yearned for him.

Yugi already had admitted to himself that he felt strongly for Atem, no matter how much he tried to push it to the back of his mind. Atem was his hero, the one he looked up to… He was irreplaceable. But seeing Atem before him in his own flesh and bones, seeing his true face, the Pharaoh of Egypt… It was clear. He was so beautiful.

It continued to escalate from that point onwards. It was like the floodgates had opened, and Yugi's true feelings couldn't be reined in any longer. Now that Atem had regained his memories, all Yugi wanted to do was learn everything he could about him, to drown in Atem's inner world. Soak up everything possible… To never forget him.

He'd fall asleep and a new attribute would charm him.

Often it was his eyes, the most enthralling eyes he had ever seen. Like fire. Yugi could not deny how much he wanted Atem anymore.

The month after Atem regained his memories were the greatest but most heartbreaking days of Yugi's life. He knew that he had to make each moment count, but he often struggled with knowing how. Being near Atem, speaking to him, feeling his soul was enough.

Then one night lying in his bed, with Atem in his spirit form lying beside him, face to face they talked into the early hours of the morning. About everything and about nothing. Eventually, the words slowly dwindled into silence as Yugi's eyelids grew heavier. He was almost gone, a mere thought away from floating into a dream when he heard it.

"Aibou…" Atem's voice was gentle and just barely above a whisper. "You mean so much to me… More than you know."

His heart fluttered in response. A warmth spread across his chest, the smallest hint of a smile on the corner of his lips. He had time for one last fleeting thought before sleep overwhelmed him.

'I really love him.'

There was no turning back the clock, once acknowledged Yugi could not go back to a time where he hadn't admitted he had fallen for Atem. His heart would forever have a space for Atem, no matter what lay before them. When he awoke the next morning, the realization dawned on him that in just a few weeks everything would be different, and one morning he would open his eyes to a world where Atem was no longer residing in his heart.

In ancient Egypt, people believed that ships carried kings back to the gods, traveling from this world to the land of the dead.

Yugi couldn't help but agree that a ship was the most fitting transportation for such a poignant journey to the Valley of the Kings. After slamming down his finely polished deck on the coffee table, he sat back in the comfortable armchair in his cabin and exhaled deeply. As he closed his eyes he could feel the faint rocking of the ship's motions on the water, trying not to pay too much attention to the slight twisting sensation in his stomach.

The cabin was roomier than he needed, and he filled the coffee table and floor before him with scattered cards. It was done, and he had sharpened his weapons for the battle.

"Okay, that's it!" Yugi announced to the open armchair opposite him.

As soon as his voice rang out into the empty room, the familiar feeling of his anchor and security appeared beside him, allowing for his shoulders to somewhat relax.

"Have you finished, Aibou?"

Yugi raised an eyebrow before looking over his shoulder at Atem. "Other me… where have you been?" He moved to place his deck into the golden box that once contained the pieces of the millennium puzzle and slid the lid closed. "Everyone was worried about you."

Atem looked out across the cabin, choosing to look at the door rather than Yugi while he spoke. "I'm sorry… I had to sleep inside you. I couldn't watch you build your deck." He paused before adding, "The deck for your duel with me."

Yugi turned his full body to face Atem, pushing a heavy sigh through his nose. "Ah... Then you know."

For a few moments nothing filled the air between them but silence, continuing for so long that it almost seemed that Atem had not heard him for his lack of response or movement. Before Yugi could address him again Atem's voice broke through the silence. "Yes. I heard Marik's explanation. The Rite of the Duel." Atem turned to finally make eye contact with Yugi, acknowledging what they had been skirting around. "So, Aibou… You accepted the duty of giving me my final test."

Yugi broke away from Atem's gaze to stare down at his hands, his fingers running over his knuckles. He nodded his head wearily. "I… I will use all of my skills… To duel you."

A small smirk pulled at the corners of Atem's lips. "I know. I expected no less."

"It's your turn now, to build your deck."

Atem seemed to consider this. He replied nonchalantly. "Soon."

Yugi cocked his head towards Atem, "You better not underestimate me. Don't forget, I know all the weaknesses of your current deck."

Atem gently chuckled in response. "Aibou, I'm not. I've been considering strategies the whole time you were building your own deck. This will be my hardest fight yet… But, we have some time."

Yugi smiled softly, "I was worried we'd not get the chance to talk before, you know…"

"Before I leave."

Yugi flinched at the bluntness of the statement. "If I can beat you."

Atem hummed in response.

Yugi spoke tentatively, "Other me… This might be, this could be our last night together… And that's okay, I willingly accept my duty... But could we maybe, maybe go to our soul rooms, to talk?"

Atem nodded, "Of course, Aibou. I'd like that."

Atem reached forward and placed his hand on Yugi's chest. It was always a strange sensation, being touched by the hand of a spirit rather than a physical form. Yugi felt no pressure on his chest, but somehow, he could feel the warmth of Atem's touch radiating through his skin. He still couldn't be sure if the warmth was actually caused by the otherworldly touch or his own anticipation of Atem's touch. A moment later, Atem leaned forward and pressed his forehead against Yugi's affectionately.

Yugi's breath hitched at the action before reaching within himself. Atem hadn't needed to touch him; they could reach their soul rooms simply through their minds. Slowly the scene around them faded into a new shared space between the pair, the inviting and intimate environment of Yugi's soul room replacing the faint creaking of the ship.

His soul room was similar to his own bedroom at home in Domino City, but here sprinkled across the floor were childhood toys and games that helped comfort Yugi as he grew, along with pictures pinned to the walls around his bed of all the faces he cared about dearly. The room had slowly become more organized through time, reflecting the same changes and maturing within Yugi. The warm glow of moonlight shone through a window mirroring the same positioning in his own bedroom, but in his soul room, the light seemed to bring with it a peaceful ambiance that was often lacking in his real life.

The difference between the pair's two soul rooms was stark in their contrast. Yugi's room always had an air of innocence, of friendship, and of love. Atem's room was filled with mystery, with silence, and with loneliness. Yugi was not surprised that his soul room was the backdrop of their meeting. The two had spent many nights together, sometimes simply for privacy and convenience, but often because they both enjoyed the feeling of being physically close. It brought comfort to both souls. Their emotions were felt more freely and deeper, and in their soul rooms, they could feel each other's touch, although still in a muted capacity. Yugi could always sense through their mind link that Atem felt soothed in the surroundings of Yugi's soul and knowing that left Yugi with a deep satisfaction.

Yugi was motionless as his eyes followed the spirit moving around his soul room as if Yugi wasn't there. Atem walked towards the desk adorned with figurines and trinkets, his finger gently tracing over the top of the items littering the desk, until his finger stopped on a wooden picture frame containing the smiling faces of their friends, the 'gang'. Atem was also in the picture, not presenting as his true self, but as Yugi's projection of him, the familiar image of him trapped in his partner's body. However, like always, his eyes gave him away.

As he watched Atem the anxiety quickly began to rise within Yugi, his heart hammering loudly in his ears and his thoughts becoming more chaotic. He looked away, trying to control his emotions.

'Why is this so hard?'

He already knew the answer. He knew where they were heading, he understood that Atem's destiny was quickly approaching. But it all began to feel too real, too fast. It was like they had been living in a bubble the last month, ignoring the reality of their situation, ignoring their fate while trying to grasp onto every last second. But the seconds were slipping through Yugi's fingers, and they were almost gone.

His gaze drifted to small plushies of marshmallon and kuriboh huddled together tightly on a shelf across the room. It could be all over soon.

"It's okay, Aibou."

Yugi's head snapped up to meet the spirit's face that he had missed watching him intently, Atem's reassuring voice breaking him from his frantic thoughts.

Atem looked down at the wooden frame that was now firmly in his hands, "I can feel how heavily this is weighing on you. But you don't need to worry. We'll get through it."

Yugi swallowed to ease the dryness of his mouth. "That's the picture that was taken during my birthday, after the arcades."

Atem smiled warmly as he recalled the memory, "Yes, I remember, Aibou. Jounouchi tried so hard to beat us, hmm… What was it called? Tekken? Regardless, he was good, a little rough around the edges, but he didn't stand a chance."

Yugi smiled sheepishly, "Yeah, Tekken. He was so disappointed… I set a new high record that day too."

"You always do. At least, until I come and beat it." Atem said, adding a playful wink.

Yugi scoffed while rolling his eyes at the taller teen, "That's what you like to think."

The spirit teasingly wagged a finger towards his partner, "Have you even come close to my score in Tetris yet?"

"Just wait!"

"I don't have another 100 years to wait for that kind of growth, Aibou," Atem said in jest.

Yugi was close to truly letting out a laugh, but the feeling of tightness started to return to his chest at the mere reminder that their time together was slipping away. He felt the urge to let the heaviness overcome him, so he let his body collapse onto the bed in his soul room, looking up at the ceiling and spreading his arms out as he did so. The soft fabric of the yellow blanket succeeded at absorbing some of the emotional weight building inside him. He couldn't help but muse at that moment about how the bed in his soul room was always strangely more comfortable than his real bed.

"Other me… I always wanted to duel against you. In a way, this should be the most exciting match of my life. I finally get the opportunity to really show you how far I've come, but it just feels… I don't know, unfair?"

Atem replied softly, "Life often is."

Yugi frowned, mentally berating himself for his choice of words. "Here I am saying life is unfair to you of all people."

It was Atem's turn to look away, "I've accepted what has happened to me, and my path."

"Doesn't mean you should have had to." Yugi paused before adding, "You were so young when you sealed yourself away."

Atem leaned back against the desk and shrugged, setting the wooden frame back down carefully before speaking once more, "If I hadn't then I wouldn't have met our friends, and I wouldn't have met you."

Yugi pushed himself up with his elbows to a sitting position to look at Atem once more. "That's true."

The spirit's features opened into a wide grin. "It would have been unfair if I'd never gotten to compete in Duelist Kingdom beside you and help you save Grandpa, or Battle City… Or tasted a burger through you."

Yugi smirked, "But maybe you wouldn't have lost so many games of shogi."

"I think you are confused Aibou, maybe you are misremembering some of your devastating defeats. I can tell you that it's a shame I had to witness some of those outfits you tried on for your date with Anzu."

"That was your date!"

Atem let out a deep chuckle. "I suppose so."

"And we looked okay in the end!" Yugi said in a weak defense of his often alternative clothing choices.

"Yes, you did, Aibou," Atem responded, oblivious to Yugi's cheeks reddening at the comment.

Yugi pulled his legs forward, wrapping his arms around them and resting his chin on his knee, still lightly smiling to himself. Silence descended upon the pair, both lost in their own thoughts.

After some time, Atem broke the silence once more, "We've played against each other right here in this room many times. It doesn't have to feel any different. It's just me and you."

"I know. But I can't ignore that this time you have so much depending on me."

"Aibou, I know you will put everything into our duel. I can't ask for anything more from you. I don't need you to worry about the outcome."

"It's not that easy," Yugi said, tapping the side of his knee.

"You are worried about losing?"

Yugi ruffled his hand through his unruly hair, struggling to find the words to accurately describe the turmoil that was twisting his stomach tighter and tighter. "Yes, but… I… I'm worried you won't find peace, because of – because of me. That I will fail you."

Atem began to shake his head, "Aibou-"

"That's not just it though… I want you to find peace, I really do. But I'm afraid of losing you. If I win… How will I – what will I do? Without you?" Yugi hid his face away from his other self, touching his forehead to his knees. Hugging himself a little tighter at the admission.

Atem's brows knitted together at Yugi's words. He moved to sit down on the soft bed beside Yugi, resting his hands on his lap and facing out away from Yugi. "Aibou… You are so much stronger than you think. You shouldn't fear what is next."

"I don't know if that's true," Yugi said quietly.

"I know it is," Atem replied firmly.

"There is a lot to fear."

"But that hasn't stopped you yet, Aibou."

"Other me, my duty is to defeat you so that you can pass on. Succeeding means I lose you. Losing you means-" Yugi's voice cracked, and he clenched his fist, not finishing his thought.

Atem fidgeted with his fingers in his lap, leaving Yugi's words to hang in the air for several moments. "I… I didn't know if I could face having this conversation with you tonight. That's partly why I stayed away today."

Yugi raised his head up out of the comfort of his arms, but Atem continued to look out across his soul room.

Atem continued, "Ever since my memories were restored, well, ever since I first found out the truth about my identity, I knew. I knew that eventually, I'd need to leave. I've been a spirit for so long, my soul has been trapped for so long… It's the right thing to do. But Aibou, I need you to know that it pains me too." Atem's voice trailed off, his voice betraying his composure, "If things were different…"

"If what was different?" Yugi asked softly.

Atem shook his head and laughed bitterly, "Everything would have to be different."

"I wish it was. I know it's selfish… I just wish you could stay with me."

Atem's body stiffened.

"I'm sorry… I know you must want to be surrounded by everyone from your past… everyone you cared about. I would never stand in the way of that. I hope you know that." Yugi said sincerely.

Atem twisted his torso around to face Yugi. He reached his hand out and took Yugi's in his own. "Aibou, please don't apologize to me. I do want to see my family and friends. I love them deeply, and I want to be reunited with them someday, I can't deny that. And I don't doubt for one moment that you want that for me." He squeezed Yugi's hand a little tighter. "If things were different… We could forget the Rite of the Duel. I'd stay. But… right now, like this… I am holding you back."

Yugi blinked at Atem, "Holding me back…? Other me you've changed my life. You gave me everything."

"Aibou… I helped you see what was always there within you. I am a spirit that resides within you… It would be wrong of me to stay. I need you to live for yourself, not me."

"Other me, I don't see it that way. Sharing my body with you has never been an issue." Yugi pressed.

"It's never been an issue… Yet." Atem eyes turned downwards, drawing small circles on Yugi's hand with his thumb. "I am not another version of you, we are separate souls, but people view us as one and the same. Naturally, of course, I speak through you. I know you will surpass me, and that makes me so happy… But I don't believe you will put yourself first with my soul inside you… What will you do when you want to move away, discover your purpose in life… When you meet new people, when you grow older and want to settle down… When you want to find a wife and have children… I don't want to take anything away from you. If I'm honest, I want to be there with you, but Aibou, that would be selfish of me. My time has passed. I think… I think it's important you consider that."

Yugi stared at Atem intently, his breathing becoming shallower as he listened. He understood what Atem was saying, and deep down he knew in a sense he was right. Living with another soul in his body was an all-encompassing experience, and he did factor Atem into so many of his decisions and actions, and undoubtedly, he always would for as long as Atem was part of him. Atem presented it as a negative… But Yugi wanted nothing more than to have Atem by his side, and he could not comprehend a world that it could ever be construed as a negative experience. He wanted Atem to understand. The feeling of Atem's hand holding his began to burn at his skin, and he suddenly lurched forward onto his knees and clutched Atem's hand with both his own, causing Atem's eyebrows to rise sharply at the action. Both sat frozen unable to tear their eyes away from each other's. Every fiber within Yugi's body and mind screamed for him to stop, but his lips moved of their own accord. He needed Atem to understand. The words tumbled out, just above a whisper.

"I need to tell you something."

Atem searched Yugi's eyes, silently questioning the smaller of the two. Before the answer reached his ears he felt the barrier of their mind link crumble, if only for a second, and the wave of Yugi's emotions crashed through him. An intensity more overpowering than he had ever felt before.

His body was overwhelmed by the feeling of warmth, devotion, and with…

"I love you, other me."

…love.

The impact of those words heightened the surge of emotion flooding through Atem. His eyes widened while trying to piece together the shattered parts of his once confident understanding of his partner. In the immediate aftermath of Yugi's admission, everything around them faded from Atem's vision, allowing him to focus only on Yugi before him. His mind raced, with questions, doubts, fear, and with a little hope. His body wanted to move forward, but he remained still, rooted to his spot, still locked in a gaze that he could not will himself to break.

Then he noticed the slight flicker in Yugi's expression, his violet eyes growing, the fear of rejection palpable on his features. It was enough to bring Atem back to the present.

Atem breathed, "Aibou-"

Yugi quickly pulled his hands away and held them protectively against his chest. "Ah, other me, I-" he hastily lifted himself from the bed and began to pace around his soul room, no longer meeting Atem's gaze, still cradling his hands. Yugi spoke quickly, his voice becoming more strained as he spoke, "You are my best friend. I need you to understand that I, I wouldn't care if you lived inside my heart forever. I'll never feel differently about our connection. I meant it when I told you after the fire that I wanted you to stay with me forever, that I'd give you all my memories to keep you with me. I'd never regret spending a single moment with you." He stopped in front of his desk and breathed deeply, resting his palms down on the grainy surface and leaning forward, trying to ground himself with the sensation, unable to block the feeling of hot prickling tears beginning to cloud his vision.

He did not notice the sound of the other teen's footsteps stopping behind him. "Aibou, please, look at me."

Yugi obeyed the command and slowly turned to be standing face to face with Atem. Yugi had been unsure of what to expect from the other teen, but he was surprised by the pained expression that met him.

Atem said, "This is unfair." He reached forward and brushed one of Yugi's blonde bangs away from his face tenderly. He swallowed a lump in his throat, his voice thick and low. "I didn't… I never thought you could… You know that I- I feel-"

"It's okay. I get it." Yugi said, interrupting Atem. Yugi smiled ruefully, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. "I'm sorry, other me. I'm just getting emotional, but I understand. I don't need you to explain yourself anymore. Keeping you in my heart is wrong. You deserve to be free. At least, we have to try."

"That's not what I…" Atem said quietly, his words shakier than he intended.

Yugi shook his head. "Please… Let's not make this harder." Yugi sniffed, standing a little taller, his features reflecting the walls rebuilding. "Other me, I can do it. I will do what you need of me. I'll get through it. It's going to hurt… There is no way of getting around it. I need to accept that. But I made a promise to you that I would help you regain your memories. That's why we fought against Marik, that's why you battled against Bakura to discover your true name. We can't stop now." His eyes softened and he touched Atem's sleeve, "I don't really want to fight you… But if I don't, then you'll never be free, you'll always be trapped in my heart. This is my duty. I have to beat you."

Atem touched his chest when Yugi referred to his true name. He did not respond immediately, appearing to wrestle with himself on his next words. Eventually, he closed his eyes and faintly said, "I was trapped for so long. I never would have thought… Being with you has opened my eyes. You've taught me so much, Aibou."

Yugi continued, "I am a duelist, other me. I've made a decision to fight, so now, I must keep silent, so that you can prepare for our duel."

The Pharaoh took time to process Yugi's words. He found himself smiling fondly back, nodding slightly. "Yes. You're right. It's time. But first…"

He reached forward and pulled Yugi into an embrace, ignoring the involuntary gasp from Yugi. Atem took the opportunity to avail of the physical sensations they could only experience inside their souls. To avail of what potentially would be their last opportunity. The smaller of the pair unreservedly responded in kind, wrapping his arms around Atem, and pulling him tighter. Both taking the chance to create one more lasting memory. After a few moments, Atem pulled away, and reached for behind his neck, to unclasp something that had been hidden underneath the millennium puzzle and the fabric of their black shirt. Yugi caught a glimpse of light reflecting off metal before Atem placed it into the palm of Yugi's hand.

"My cartouche pendant."

The metal was warm in his hand, and Yugi ran a finger over the name now engraved, his heart aching as he sensed the end approaching.

Atem continued softly, "So you'll never forget me. So I'll never be nameless again."

"Never. I could never forget you, Atem. None of us will ever forget you. I promise." Yugi gripped the cartouche tightly and closed his eyes to fight the familiar stinging sensation returning.

"I know… I challenge you, Aibou."

When Yugi opened his eyes, he was left standing alone in his soul room. It was his turn to let his partner prepare for the ceremonial duel. Carefully he consciously closed their mind link, preventing any of his emotions from spilling over, and preventing anything from Atem finding a way to reach him once more. Once again, he fell heavily on the bed's yellow covers, sinking into the mattress, and letting the cartouche dangle above his face from his fingers.

Now, alone in his soul room, he was able to let the warm tears spill freely, droplets running down the sides of his temples to soak the pillow underneath him.

"I'll do it for you Atem."