In Another Life

Introduction: The Start of a New Life

Silence continued to fall. Yugi continued to sob in his place as he remained on his hands and knees. The Pharaoh stood before him, his feelings very mixed. Yugi had won the duel and by doing so had set him free. Now he could return to his ancient past, yet seeing the one he's shared a body with for years, the one who grew a strong bond with him, his best friend, the Pharaoh wasn't so thrilled upon returning now. The monsters on the dueling field were long gone but there still held a strong tension in the Pharaoh's tomb. He himself felt a sudden wave of reluctance now. He finally walked over to his prior vessel and knelt down to put a hand on his shoulder. Concern was etched in his features as he tried to find words to say. In the end, all he got out was a 'Yugi' before the little one had thrown himself at him, clutching desperately at the back of his jacket. The action made the Pharaoh speechless. His violet eyes remained wide as his mouth remained partially opened. Yugi continued to sob into his chest and the Pharaoh instinctively wrapped his arms tightly around the shaking body.

"It's alright Yugi." He tried to assure but Yugi only sobbed harder into him.

"I don't want you to go!"

He finally wailed out in a muffle due to his face being pressed into the Pharaoh's chest. The Pharaoh knew Yugi didn't want him to go, but it was the only way everything can be settled. Things can be placed back in their rightful orders.

"I have too, Yugi. I don't belong in this world."

"You can! You can live a new life, you won't have to go!"

The Pharaoh sighed and soon looked over to the corner of his eye where a brilliant shine of white light came. The doorway was opening; his heart clenched, but was it because he desperately wanted to return or now that he was reluctant in doing so? Sure, he finally knew where he came from. He knew the people, the friends he had back in ancient Egyptian time. He knew of his actual name now. It used to be a phantom circling around him in taunt for ages, but now it felt amazing knowing who he truly was. However, now that he knew and was willing to go back, is that truly the right choice? Yes, he was a Pharaoh, but maybe Yugi was right and that he could make anew here with all of his new friends. It'd be different, very different, but was there a possible way? The millennium items wouldn't be sealed fully, but they'd be kept safe in his tomb. However, the very thought in staying to have a new life seemed almost selfish on his part. He needed to return to seal away the seven items permanently, but he'd also be selfish in returning back to his home and leaving those that he's grown attached to in this world behind. Yugi was the prime example of that. It broke the Pharaoh's heart to see such sadness and reluctance in the sophomore teenager. Could he truly leave his friend behind?

"My Pharaoh," Ishizu's calm voice was heard and it forced the Pharaoh and Yugi to both look at her with matching violet irises.

"I understand how hard this must be for you, however if you do not leave now while the door is opened then you will be forced to live a mortal life in this world. You won't be able to return to your past."

At that, Yugi twitched in the Pharaoh's arms. He looked down and saw Yugi pleading with him through the psychic bond that they shared. The Pharaoh sighed and brushed his hand over Yugi's flushed cheek to wipe his tears away.

"Atem," Yugi whispered out and his eyes widened a bit. It was the first time Yugi's addressed him by his actual name rather a title.

"You've given me so much over the years. I've met people who have become my friends and you've always helped me when I needed it. I know you need to go back, but I...I can't let you go. You're the closest thing to a big brother I've ever had. I don't want to lose you."

Yugi's words touched Atem in more ways than one. Atem never sought himself out as being this figure of a big brother for Yugi. Atem just felt that they were friends, but apparently he's taken a different role with Yugi, one that even Atem can understand Yugi's reluctance. Atem looked over to the Kaiba brothers. The older one, Seto, he remained unreadable as his arms remained crossed over his torso. However, the little one, Mokuba, his grey eyes were glistening, obviously understanding where Yugi was coming from.