Author's Note: This took way longer than necessary to get out, and for that I apologize. But, here it is, the last chapter. I want to thank everyone who waited patiently for this last bit to come out, and for supporting this story throughout its run. And with that, I give you the epilogue!

Aftermath

On the morning of Atem's burial, Yugi woke up with the taste of his own tears in his mouth.

The usual perpetrator – a recurring dream that was proving to be impossible to shake – caused the fit. It was always the same.

Yugi would be alone in the dark, aware that he should be somewhere else yet not knowing exactly where to go. Atem would be there, and he would call for him, over and over, and no matter how hard Yugi tried, no matter how loud he screamed, Atem never heard him, never saw him. The image of the deceased man would walk away eventually, still desperately crying Yugi's name, and whenever Yugi tried to follow, prying hands and fingers would grip at him and tug, never allowing him to follow after Atem, forcing him to wait until his lover disappeared into the dark. He always woke up crying afterwards, feeling as if there were something he should know, something he ought to be doing, but the answer always eluded him.

It was frustrating, but Yugi didn't mind. Crying, being weak, didn't bother him much anymore.

The only thing that truly bothered Yugi at all these days was his inability to save face in front of others. He hadn't garnered up a reputation for himself around the palace by simply following the Pharaoh's every command, after all. As a man of few words, Yugi had all the time in the world to listen to those around him, and he knew the slaves and nobles alike respected him for the quiet and calm demeanor he displayed no matter the situation. But ever since Atem's death, Yugi's gift had left him.

The change began with Seto's assault – which Yugi was none too proud of – and escalated from there. Human interaction was almost a nuisance now, he neglected his duties without thinking of the consequences, though for the most part, everyone left him alone. Yugi knew that the rages he sometimes fell into did not go unnoticed, the sounds of his crying and things breaking loud and clear to anyone who happened to pass by his door. He had fallen so far in only a matter of days, but at least he could pretend he was okay when alone in Atem's old room.

He hadn't had that luxury when forced to go to Akhenaden's trial, smashed between Isis and Mana as he watched the man who tried to murder him shuffle into the throne room, hands bound together and clothes in tatters from days spent in the bowels of the palace with little to no care. Yugi had to sit and listen to Atem's uncle, the man that should have loved and protected him, recount his plan to everyone present and talk about murdering his nephew in cold blood with no remorse whatsoever made Yugi see red, and if Mahado and Karim hadn't restrained him, he probably would have killed Akhenaden on the spot, unknowingly unleashing the shadows on him and putting everyone else in danger in the process.

Karim had a few choice words for him about that, saying he shouldn't have been there anyway and was only allowed in because Seto said it was all right, and Mahado, Mana, and Isis had to escort Yugi from the room. He bolted as soon as he was away from prying eyes, ignoring Mana's cries for him to come back and secluding himself in Atem's room once more.

That had been almost two weeks ago, and Yugi had been by himself ever since. Jou and Honda brought him his meals – or so Yugi assumed – though sometimes Mana took responsibility just to have an excuse to try and coax him out of his solitude, though she never received positive results.

But today was going to be different, Yugi told himself as he got out of bed, though it took a lot more energy than he would have liked to admit. He'd spoken with Jounouchi the other day and was now willing to go back to his duties as a slave, though he was really just tired of everyone worrying about him all the time. Seeing Jounouchi plead with him to at least leave the room was sobering, and Yugi had realized that he wasn't just hurting himself by keeping everyone at arms length, agreeing when Jou suggested he and Honda return the next morning to help him move back to the slave's quarters.

Yugi turned to the balcony, stretching luxuriously before grabbing the Millennium Pendant and slipping it over his head. He only took it off when sleeping nowadays, though even in slumber he could tell something was missing, aside from the obvious. He often took to just sitting by the balcony and staring off across the landscape, rubbing his fingers over the smooth gold of the Pendant. He wasn't sure why he did it. Perhaps it was a subconscious way to appease the shadows, keep them happy, so no one else would have to suffer their wrath.

Yugi didn't really know, though he hoped his efforts were of some help. He didn't know what he would do if someone else died because of those cursed shadows.

"Are you going to hole up in here all day?"

"It was not my plan." Yugi turned, forcing a smile as Mai closed the door softly behind her. He'd been so caught up in his musings, he hadn't even heard the door open. It had been a long while since Yugi had last seen his old caretaker, had actually taken the time to have a conversation with her. He knew Mai didn't mind though, wouldn't say a word even if she did. There had been a lot going on, after all. "I was actually waiting for Jou and Honda. For some reason, they didn't wish for me to leave here without them. Have you seen them? I'm starting to grow restless."

"Those two are busy at the moment and sent me in their stead." The older woman replied, arms crossed as she moved further into the room, taking in their surroundings.

Yugi pursed his lips as he watched her, knowing full well that she was taking note of everything he had destroyed during his time spent in solitude. He hadn't bothered to clean up after himself, though he really wished he had. Mai had drilled it into Yugi's head since he was a smile child that it was survival of the fittest amongst the slaves in the palace, and if you couldn't control yourself, couldn't stay strong, you were finished.

If she suspected that Yugi was out of his headspace, that he wouldn't be able to attend to his duties in the aftermath of Atem's death, she was going to get upset. Yugi expected a lecture, prepared himself to be smacked as the other slave drew closer, but she only observed him quietly, aubergine eyes lidded with what Yugi realized was concern.

"They sent me because they were worried about you." Yugi couldn't hold her gaze for long. She knew him too well, and there were still things the man wanted to keep to himself for the time being. "No one thought you would make the move back to our quarters if someone wasn't here to push you. I told them you didn't need to be babied."

"Then why are you here?"

"I came here for my own reasons. Mainly just to see how you were holding up. The Pharaoh's death must be tough on you."

Mai, Jounouchi, and Honda still weren't aware of how far Yugi had taken his relationship with Atem. As far as they knew, Atem had ordered Yugi to remain at his side at all times so he could serve the Pharaoh more efficiently. In some ways it was true, though not in ones the other slaves would have been comfortable discussing, especially Jou and preferred women, always had, and in that way, Yugi had always been set apart from them. Despite their tough exterior, Yugi knew how squeamish they would get if the subject was brought up.

"It's been difficult." Yugi conceded carefully, fighting past the burn in his eyes and the thickening of his tongue. "I put a lot of my time and effort into serving him. And more than that, he was my friend. It was too soon for him to go."

"Seventeen." Mai sighed. "Not necessarily a ripe old age. I swear it was just yesterday that fool was tracking mud through the palace."

"He was a bit spoiled." Yugi hadn't helped any though, never had the heart to deny Atem anything while they were growing up. Anything the royal asked of him, Yugi did, so long as it was within his ability to do so. "He could hardly help it though, born into the life he was."

"A bit? That boy held everyone he met in the palm of his hand." Mai chuckled, but Yugi couldn't find the strength to join in. He respected Mai and cared for her as he might have if she were his real mother, and while he had missed speaking with her, he wished she would take her leave already. Maybe he just wasn't ready to talk about Atem yet.

It had been hard enough to stand at Akhenaden's trial, listen to him recount his murderous intentions towards his nephew with no remorse at all, and after an experience like that, Yugi was completely burned out, even two weeks later. He couldn't cry now, not in front Mai, but if she kept speaking so fondly of the deceased Pharaoh, he wouldn't be able to control himself.

Yugi was about to suggest that Mai leave so he could continue to prepare for the day when she started to speak once more. "You know, I remember the day he was born. I was eleven – no, ten, at the time. It was late at night, and I remember the Queen asking me to accompany her on a walk. It was during the last few stages of her pregnancy, so she was very restless and didn't wish to disturb the Pharaoh. You would have loved the Queen, Yugi, as she would have you. She was a kind and loving ruler, beautiful both inside and out. I think Atem took after her, looks and personality wise. He may have had his father's eyes, but the way the boy moved and spoke reminded me a lot of the Queen. He had her beauty about him."

Yugi believed it. He had never met Atem's mother, but he had heard stories of the woman that gave Atem life. The man would always be grateful for that, even if the time he had spent with the young Pharaoh had been tragically cut short, but Yugi wasn't sure why Mai was bringing the Queen up now. "Mai, I don't – "

"Don't interrupt, Yugi, it's rude." Yugi may have had the Millennium Pendant, the most powerful and dangerous – in his opinion – of the Items, at his disposal, but it didn't make him feel any safer when facing Mai's intimidating glare. "Anyway, while the Queen and I were walking through the palace, she began to have pains. I led her back to her chambers and hailed a midwife. I was young then, so I wasn't too keen on sticking around to witness a live birth, but the Queen was in so much pain, and I couldn't bring myself to leave her."

"Were you her personal slave?"

"I was one of many, the youngest to ever serve the Queen of Egypt. I was extremely loyal to her, and even in my youth and arrogance, she never lost her temper with me. I was bound to her by that loyalty and stayed with her through the night as she gave birth to Atem. Pharaoh Aknamkanon was so fearful for the both of them, for it was her first pregnancy, pacing the room the entire night without stopping once, not even to get more sleep. Her labor continued all through the night and well into the morning, and when midday rolled around I was just as exhausted as the Queen.

"I remember the midwife handing him off to me once it was over, and I wrapped him up while the Queen regained her breath. He was so small, so fragile, and I didn't think something so precious could truly grow up to be the next Pharaoh of Egypt. But then he opened his mouth and shrieked right in my ear. I remember thinking that if Atem didn't have the heart for war, he could at least scream his enemies into submission."

Yugi didn't want to hear this, didn't think he could hear this, really, but still, he nodded and listened politely to Mai's story. It was strange to think, even now, that when he was two years old and back in his village, probably tussling around with Becca, the love of his life was being brought into the world. A part of Yugi wished that his parents had given him up sooner so he could've been there, been able to be present for his lover's first moments in the world as well as his last.

The Pendant pulsed against Yugi's chest.

"The Queen loved Atem dearly, more than even her own husband, I suspect. There wasn't a thing she wouldn't do for him, and I think the thought of leaving him frightened her when she became sick. She knew Akhenaden thought Seto should be Pharaoh instead of Atem once Aknamkanon died, and she also knew Aknamkanon would be hesitant to believe that his only brother may not have Atem's best interests at heart. I told myself that even after she was gone I would look after Atem for her, make sure nothing happened to him, but as it turned out, I didn't really have to."

Yugi was finding it hard to breathe. Just go. I don't want to hear this. "I know what you mean." He found himself saying. "Atem took pretty good care of himself without our help."

"Eh, maybe so." Mai agreed, shrugging. "You practically raised the boy, you know, or at least when Aknamkanon was too busy to do so. You taught him how to walk efficiently, dress himself, speak. Everything Atem was derived from your parenting, for lack of a better word."

Parenting. Was that what Mai was calling it? Fathers and sons didn't do the things Yugi and Atem had when alone together. If Mai found out, would she think Yugi took advantage of the influence he had over Atem? Yugi hoped not. He did remember Atem as a small child; his growth had been rather stunted when Yugi had arrived at the palace. She was right. Atem had learned how to walk properly by watching Yugi and had learned to dress himself in a similar fashion. "I didn't teach him to speak." Yugi protested. "I never even spoke myself while we were growing up."

"Well, Atem never got any better until you showed up. Never showed much interest in moving about on his own or trying out new words until he saw you. He took his first steps to get closer to you. Atem learned to speak purely as a means to communicate with you. It was all about Yugi from the very first day."

Forcing a laugh, Yugi dismissed the woman's words with a wave of his hand. "You remember our childhood differently than he and I did, it seems. He remembered weakness, disability. He grew tired of being second best to Seto and did something about it. That progression had nothing to do with me, it was his own determination."

"There's something different about you."

Yugi allowed the faux smile to disappear from his face at the look Mai was giving him, as if he had just done something terribly wrong in her eyes. He didn't like it. He hated disappointing Mai. "You're not a stranger to death and suffering, Yugi, you've helped with burials before." She continued quietly. "You love human life and celebrate it in all its forms. I know Atem was different, but if he was truly your friend, shouldn't you be happy about the life he lived and the one he now gets just as you were for those others?"

No, Mai didn't understand. There was no life for Atem after what happened, not ever. "There is no reason, Mai, I just – "

"Don't lie to me, Yugi. You know better than that. And to make matters worse, you've been disregarding your duties. That's never happened before. I want to know what's going on with you, and I want to know now."

There was nowhere to run, and Mai wasn't going to leave until she got a straight answer from him. But there were no straight answers. Even though Atem was gone, their secret still lived on in Yugi, Mana, and the other Priests. To keep Atem's name clear, Yugi could never admit to what they had done. To the nation, he had no claim to the deceased Pharaoh or anything he had once owned.

Not that Yugi cared about the finery; the only thing he truly wanted was well beyond his grasp, but he could never say so, for Atem's sake. Not even to Mai, the one person who, now that Atem was gone, meant more to him than anything. She would tell someone, and when word spread, Atem would be remembered for his relationship with his personal slave, not the sacrifice he had made to save his kingdom from the power of the Millennium Items.

Yugi owed it to Atem to keep this secret. He owed him more – a lot more – for lying to him all those years and inadvertently getting him killed, but this was all Yugi could do, give up his right to call Atem his, release the deceased Pharaoh from any and all commitments he may have made to Yugi when he was alive. It was what Karim had told him to do at the sentencing, right before Mahado, Mana, and Isis had escorted Yugi from the room. "Mindlessly attacking Akhenaden will not bring the Pharaoh back." The man had said. "If you want to help, set him free."

Yugi remembered the distaste in his voice, the contempt. He wasn't stupid. He knew Karim didn't like him, thought he had corrupted Atem and made him lose focus when it came to his duties, but the Priest had cared for Atem. It was the only thing that bound the two of them together, their devotion to the deceased Pharaoh, and it was for that reason alone that Yugi was actually heeding his words.

"I'm grateful for the life Atem lived." Yugi began carefully. "Truly I am. I'm just tired, Mai. I was there when he died."

"And you loved him?"

It wasn't a question. Not really. Mai had obviously grown tired of his hesitance to admit to it, and Yugi might have laughed if he had the energy. Who had he been kidding? He couldn't hide anything from the older woman, not when he was a child and especially not now. "I still do. Death could not possibly change that."

"How long?"

"I had just turned seventeen when I initiated it. Everything escalated from there."

"And he returned your feelings?"

"Tenfold."

"Well, that was to be expected." Mai sighed, shifting her weight onto her left leg and placing her hands on her hips. She was completely relaxed, didn't look even the least bit surprised, and that made Yugi nervous. "To be honest, I'm surprised you were the one that made the first move. You were the quiet one and Atem was always the type of boy to take what he wanted without hesitation."

No one knew that fact better than Yugi, though he did find it somewhat amusing that not even Mai could guess that beneath the surface, Yugi was far from quiet and could be just as impatient as Atem had been. Yugi had waited and longed for years, but once it became too much to handle, he went for Atem's heart and never looked back. "I was the one thing he was too afraid to take without permission."

Mai laughed, the jovial ring like music to Yugi's ears after spending so much time alone, but it also reminded him of how hollow he felt. He wanted to laugh, but couldn't. He wanted to smile, but knew it would be fake. His heart wasn't in it, any and all happiness and light in his world snuffed out the day Atem died. Would it always be like this? Would Yugi keep feeling as if he were dead himself until the day he entered an afterlife where Atem would not be? "This changes everything." Mai said as Yugi struggled with himself. "It's not just about losing a friend now. You two were lovers, weren't you?"

Yugi closed his eyes, trying to block Mai out. "Yugi, what's wrong?" She was holding on to his wrist now, could probably feel his racing pulse. "You have to talk to someone about this. It's not good to keep hiding away."

"It's hard knowing he isn't coming back."

"I know."

"He sacrificed himself to save me that night. I just feel guilty, I suppose." Yugi had to peer at the woman through the blur in his vision, through the hot tears threatening to spill down his cheeks. "How can I face everyone after what happened? It's my fault that he's gone."

"Hey, none of that." Mai said as Yugi tried to turn away, ashamed of his cowardice. "This couldn't possibly be your fault. I don't know what happened that night, but if what you say is true, Atem knew exactly what he was doing. You cannot blame yourself for another person's actions. And if the roles were reversed, Yugi, I doubt you would have just stood by and let Atem die."

He was so tired of hearing it worded like that. Mana had said the same thing out on the balcony, and Yugi supposed Seto and Mahado said the same when they tried to speak with him, though he had shut the two of them out and didn't know if or when he would let them back in. It didn't matter who played what role in what had happened that night. No matter the outcome, no matter who it was in the grave when dawn came, it would've been Yugi's fault.

"I know you loved Atem." Mai continued, reaching out to cup Yugi's face in both hands, forcing him to look at her. Yugi was slightly surprised by the gesture. Mai had never been one for such things. "And he loved you just as much, if not more. Don't you think seeing you like this would hurt him? This isn't what he would want for you. Dammit, Yugi, this isn't what I want for you! You can't hide from life no matter how much you want to sometimes."

Yugi nodded, hupping quietly as Mai wiped at his tears, the scowl on her face overpowered by the fond look in her eyes. "You'll be okay." She assured him, leaning up slightly to press a kiss between him eyes. "It may take some time and hell of a lot of work, but you'll be okay. I promise."

As Mai dragged him into a fierce hug, he really wanted to believe her, though at this point, he couldn't bring himself to. Maybe things would be good again, with time, but the irrational side of him beat out the rational one. He really couldn't see how things could get any better. But he couldn't tell Mai that, so he simply closed his eyes and held on tight, feeling like a real child for the first time since his parents left him in the throne room all those years ago.

Jounouchi and Honda came not long after Mai left, not giving Yugi much time to change his clothes before hustling him out the door, probably to prevent him from losing hold of his epiphany and hiding away again.

"We've really missed you around, Yug'." Jou said as they walked, he and Honda flanking Yugi on either side. "It's just not the same without you around to dump work on. We even left our beds unmade for you to give you something easy on your first day back."

"Well, at least you guys gave me something to come back to." Yugi replied. "I don't want to sit around with nothing to do. But aren't we supposed to help with, you know, the burial?"

"Actually," Honda began cautiously, and Yugi could've groaned in frustration. Despite all that had happened, he didn't appreciate being treated like an invalid. Jou and Honda probably didn't understand just why Yugi was so upset. If anyone would doubt the depth of his relationship with Atem, it would definitely be those two, oblivious as they were. But they meant well, so Yugi could hardly fault them for it. "They don't need everyone to help. So you, Jou, and I are going to stay behind and do some of the more basic chores."

"Like making beds." Yugi drawled, though he felt useless, unable to even help prepare for his lover's burial. "We're going to have so much fun, I can already tell."

"That's the Yugi we know and love." Honda laughed, clapping Yugi on the back a few times while Jou gripped his shoulder tightly. It felt nice to be in the company of his friends again, though after going two weeks with little to no human contact, the rough housing he had grown up with wasn't as familiar or welcome as it had once been.

"Pharaoh Atem!"

Yugi froze, noting how rigid his companions were and how their grips on him had tightened considerably. Yugi spun around without thinking, brushing off Jou's and Honda's hands, torn between feeling livid and mortified, but stopped short before he could utter a sound of rebuttal, a breath of surprise caught in his throat.

A young woman was standing a ways down the corridor, waving enthusiastically at the three of them – or just at Yugi? The slave couldn't make out much from where he stood, though he did notice the short, auburn hair and that blazing grin, one that he had once been familiar with, back during his childhood. "Anzu?" He muttered to himself, waving back as she began to move forward.

"Anzu?" Jou repeated from behind Yugi. "You mean Princess Anzu?"

"The Pharaoh's betrothed." Honda added, and despite himself, Yugi couldn't help but stiffen. He knew he had no right, for out of everyone, it had been he that pushed for Atem to marry the young woman the most, but never had he imagined that Anzu would show up at the palace, not now that her would-be-husband was gone.

But . . . perhaps she hadn't been informed? She had called out for Atem when Yugi had been facing the opposite direction. The two of them had looked similar enough. Did the woman think Yugi was the Pharaoh?

Yugi's questions were answered as Anzu drew closer, and the cheerful expression on her tanned face melted into one of dawning realization. "Oh." She exclaimed, clutching her hand back to her chest. "I do apologize, I thought you were . . .Yugi? Is that you?"

Yugi blinked, struck by how much the young princess he once knew had really grown over the years. She was definitely a woman now, and by the fidgeting going on behind him, Yugi knew he wasn't the only one who had noticed the supple curves and added weight of a woman of nobility. "It's been a long time, Anzu." He said with a slight nod. "Fret not that you did not recognize me."

Anzu jumped slightly, though she collected herself before Yugi could wonder what the problem was. "I have never heard you speak before. As children, you were always silent. I thought you never talked because you were unable."

"My silence back then was a choice, one I hardly understand now." Yugi replied with a slight laugh that he knew must have sounded forced, though he reassured himself that after all this time, Anzu wouldn't be able to tell. "I am sorry for the trouble it caused when we were children."

Waving off his apology, the young princess said, "Oh, please, you and I both know you never had any trouble communicating with everyone. Oftentimes I preferred speaking with you over Atem or Mana, if only because you actually listened to me."

The two of them shared a hearty laugh, and it struck Yugi then that he'd forgotten himself momentarily, realizing that the movement from behind hadn't been Jou and Honda shifting in the presence of a beautiful woman, but the two of them kneeling on the floor, as was expected of those of their class when in the presence of royalty. Yugi took a step away from his friends and closer to Anzu, unwilling to back down now that he'd already forgotten his place.

Anzu didn't seem to mind, reaching forward to take his hands in her own, squeezing gently with a soft smile. "It is so good to see you again after all this time. I often wondered what became of you after I left."

Squeezing back, Yugi nodded solemnly. It was a valid concern, after all. Slaves weren't protected with the fierceness shown to those of the royal family. Under Atem's rule, they had all been as safe as they could be, but things were changing, whether Anzu knew it or not.

"We absolutely have to talk more later, now that you actually speak." The princess went on, sapphire eyes bright with a happiness Yugi hadn't seen in many days. "But I must be going. I wandered off on my own while my father talked with the Pharaoh's priests. I am sure they have noticed my absence by now and are looking for me."

Anzu began to pull away, loosening her hold on Yugi's hands, but the slave held on, refusing to let go. She turned back to him, glancing at their hands. "Yugi, what – "

"There is something you need to know." Jou and Honda were probably beside themselves with shock and anxiety over the way Yugi was acting, speaking with a noble so casually and now interrupting her, but Yugi pushed on. "I know you and Atem were . . . soon to be wed, and perhaps you were already traveling here when it happened and never received the news, but . . . there was an incident here at the palace and the Pharaoh died."

When Anzu pulled her hand away, Yugi didn't stop her this time, though she left her right clasped firmly in his while her left clapped over her mouth in obvious horror. Yugi watched her solemnly, another wave of despair washing over him as he saw the tears building in Anzu's eyes, the subtle shake of her head. "Atem is dead?" She whispered, the words muffled through her trembling fingers.

Yugi nodded, swallowing past the burn in the back of his throat. What a cruel existence this was, comforting the person who would have been his lover's wife, his Queen, the only person who would have truly held a claim to Atem in the eyes of his people. But he couldn't hate Anzu for that, not even a little. While Yugi had been set apart from Atem by a mere two years, he was Anzu's elder by four. They had been friends, yes, but Mai had made it clear all those years ago that Yugi was to watch over the young princess during her stay at the palace. Even now, Yugi saw her as someone he wanted to protect, a friend that he didn't want to see suffer.

He was about to offer words of comfort when Anzu's shaking ceased. Yugi watched her carefully, half-expecting her to fall apart, remembering how soft-hearted she had been when they were younger, but nothing happened. Anzu closed her eyes, took a deep breath which she held for a few moments before releasing, and finally let go of Yugi's hand, wiping gingerly at the few tears that had spilled down her cheeks. "I am sorry." She said with a slight shake of her head. "That was unbecoming of me."

After spending many years in Atem's company, Yugi was slightly shocked by the restraint Anzu was showing. Atem had been stoic in public, but when they were alone together, he had no issue showing emotion and perhaps breaking on occasion if things became too much to handle. But Anzu was in the company of slaves, lowly citizens in the society they lived in. She had no need to restrain herself with no one around to impress. Why the quick – almost too quick – recovery? "It is okay to mourn – " Yugi began, but Anzu held up a hand, silencing him.

"I suppose I do not really have the right to mourn in such a way." She said quietly. "Not the way you do."

Yugi didn't know what to say.

Anzu smiled slightly, glancing around Yugi's shoulder to where Jou and Honda were still kneeling before stepped closer to Yugi, dropping her voice so only he could hear what was being said. "You know, when we were kids, it never occurred to me that perhaps something was a bit off about the way you and Atem interacted with one another. You two were so close, like brothers, and it was so obvious that Atem looked up to you more than anyone aside from his father. Like I said, I thought nothing of it, not until a few years later when I was old enough to understand that you both, while physically similar, were different in a lot of ways, debilitating ways.

"You may not have spoken back then, but your actions spoke loud and clear, and when my father told me I was going to marry Atem, my thoughts immediately went to you, the mute slave boy that devoted his entire life to serving his ruler. I worried about the future for many days after that, about what would happen when I came here, how many lives would change because of me." Anzu paused, studying Yugi's face carefully before adding, "I am fairly certain, but I would appreciate it if you would tell me. Was something going on between the two of you?"

Yugi could have laughed. Were he and Atem truly that transparent, that even a girl they hadn't seen in almost ten years could understand that there was a connection between them that went far beyond that of master and slave? It was pretty obvious now, what with Yugi's reaction at the trial and his brooding nature as of late, the refusal to take off the Millennium Pendant, no matter how uneasy it made him.

Everyone had known, so why had Yugi been so adamant to hide it? Why couldn't he have just let it go?

Too tired to do much else, Yugi nodded. "I loved him very much. Far too much, perhaps."

"You can never love a person too much, Yugi, though you can not love a person enough, which is my greatest sin. I cared for Atem enough to be able to live comfortably by his side as his wife until my dying day, but not enough that I could tell myself with certainty that I loved him more than anybody ever would. You would have sat by and let him marry me without complaint, would you not have, because you loved him that much?"

Yugi turned his head away. "Enough to let him go, you mean? Yes and no. It was I who whispered your name into the priests' ears, but I was also the one weeping bitterly when the marriage was announced. In the end, I loved Atem more than myself, and that was my greatest sin."

Anzu sighed, reaching up to cup Yugi's cheek gently, directing his gaze back to her own. "What a pair we make, you and I, too willing to put someone else's happiness before our own. I was prepared to share Atem when I walked into this place, though I suppose you would have been the one doing the sharing."

Yugi hummed, grateful for the warmth against his face, the heat of another human body so close to his after spending so many days in solitude. "Atem belonged to nobody. But you are a kind soul, Anzu. I know many who never would have thought about doing what you contemplated."

"Well, not many are as wonderful as I am." Anzu cooed, patting Yugi's cheek twice more before pulling away. "I do take pride in my generosity."

Yugi chuckled, shaking his head at the woman's antics as she peered around him once more. "Whatever are you two still doing on the floor? That cannot be comfortable. Stand, stand!"

Yugi turned to find Jou and Honda exchanging doubtful looks before rising hesitantly, staggering a bit before finding their footing once more. "Well-trained boys you have here, Yugi." Anzu said, crossing her arms over her chest and eyeing his companions critically. "They have not said a single word since I arrived. The helpers at my palace are more lively, though."

"Boys?" Jou repeated with a scowl, hesitance forgotten. "We're actually well-trained men who know how to treat a woman of your stature, Princess Anzu."

Anzu grinned, turning deep blue eyes to Yugi. "Oh, I like him. What are your names?"

"I'm Jounouchi, Princess." Jou replied, jerking his thumb in Honda's direction, who still looked a little troubled. "He's called Honda."

"It is a pleasure to meet you both." Anzu said warmly, moving away from Yugi's side to step up to Jou, extending a hand. "I am certain I saw you once or twice the last time I came here, but I do regret that we were never properly introduced."

Yugi watched with a slight smile as his friends struck up a conversation, none too surprised that Anzu was just as friendly as ever, never one to let social divides come between her and the people she associated with. Maybe it wouldn't have been too bad having her around the palace as Atem's wife. Maybe the three of them could have worked something out, though it was much too late now. Yugi wished desperately that Atem was still with them so that he could see Anzu again, witness the kind, beautiful ruler she had become, but such thoughts only brought another inescapable wave of melancholy.

Oh, how he missed Atem's presence in his life. Yugi often woke up in the middle of the night feeling like nothing but a common concubine, plagued with dreams of past encounters with Atem, yearning for the feel of that familiar body pressed firmly against his own. But more than the physical, he missed the emotional connection they'd had, how Atem knew what was bothering him before Yugi even knew himself. He missed the conversation, the laughter, the knowledge that someone loved him, wanted him, even if his own parents hadn't.

And not for the first time since Atem had died, despite what he'd told Mana on the balcony, Yugi wondered desperately how he could continue living without the younger man at his side.

"Anzu!"

Yugi turned to find a man he vaguely remembered approaching from down the corridor, followed closely by Seto and the rest of the priests. "Father!" Anzu called back as Jou and Honda dropped back to their knees and Yugi whipped around, fists clenched tightly at the knowledge that Seto was so close, the Pendant pulsing against his chest, though that could have been from the heavy pulse of his heart.

He really shouldn't have felt so hostile towards Seto. The man had had nothing to do with his father's plans to assassinate Atem, but Yugi really had nowhere to direct his anger now that Akhenaden was gone. Seto had assumed his position of Pharaoh too easily, Yugi would try to assure himself. He had always wanted it, envied Atem for having it, and for now, that was enough to fuel Yugi's anger.

"I apologize for wandering off." Anzu continued. "I ran into an old friend."

"Do not fret, my daughter, all is well." The King of Libya said, and while Yugi couldn't see his face, he detected the sadness in his voice. "I have just been informed that Pharaoh Atem passed away recently."

"Yes, I was told that as well."

"But our journey was not in vain. I have made an arrangement with Pharaoh Seto and you are to become his wife."

Anzu didn't miss a beat, and from the sound of her skirts brushing against the floor, Yugi guessed she was bowing in consent. "I would be honored to serve by your side as your Queen, my Pharaoh." Yugi bit his lip, annoyed that Seto had received not only Atem's position but also his wife, picking up his pace until Anzu spoke again, this time calling out to him. "Yugi, where are you going?"

"I apologize, but we have work to do." He replied, shooting meaningful glances at Jou and Honda, who both nodded slightly. "I promise we will speak again before the sun sets today."

"Yugi, stop."

Resisting the urge to spit, Yugi turned once more, slowly this time. He met Seto's gaze evenly, able to see Mana fidgeting from behind the Pharaoh, nervous herself about this confrontation. "Is there something you require, Pharaoh?" Yugi inquired, kneeling himself now that the ruler of his country was present. He clutched at the Millennium Pendant to keep it from moving too much, running his thumb over the grooves on the symbol of the Eye of Horus. Keep me strong, Atem, wherever you are.

"Rise." Was all Seto said, and Yugi did.

For a long moment the two of them watched each other, Seto with the melancholy of something lost and Yugi with hardly any expression at all. Anzu stood caught between them, unwilling to move and disrupt whatever was happening around her. It didn't even look like she was breathing.

Eventually, Seto sighed. "I have discussed the matter of the Millennium Pendant many times with my council, and it has been decided that it shall remain in your care."

I wasn't planning on giving it back either way, Yugi thought, but Seto wasn't finished. "But there is one condition. If you wish to keep the Pendant, then you must train to become one of my priests."

Silence.

Yugi could do naught but stare, trying not to let on how shocked he was but failing miserably. "Me?" He said eventually after a few failed attempts to speak. "You want me to become a priest?"

This was unheard of. Unspoken of. Did things like this even happen? You had to be born into that sort of life, have some sort of credible lineage to even think about serving the Pharaoh in such a close and intimate manner. Mana's parents were priests themselves, as were Mahado's and Karim's. They had the blood for it. Yugi was born a commoner, a peasant from the lower district of Memphis, his parents laborers who had nothing to offer the Pharaoh they owed except the life of their only son, who they had given away to repay their dept, but also to protect him. What did Seto have to gain by asking him this?

"The Pendant was created to serve the Pharaoh." Seto said, though most of them knew that to be false. "Thus far, you are the only one aside from Atem that the Pendant accepts. You have proven yourself to be loyal to the throne, Yugi, and my court would benefit from having someone like you in their midst. If you accept my offer, Siamun will train you until you are ready to assume your duties as a priest. The decision is entirely up to you."

Entirely up to him? That wasn't something Yugi was used to, having lived his life as a slave. Everything had been decided for him, from the time he woke up in the morning, to what he ate, and when he went to bed at night. He had been a victim of others' whims his entire life, never able to control his own fate. He had been born into poverty, forced into slavery, and even his own death had been taken from him. Now, the choice was his, yet he had no idea what to do.

Mana looked so very hopeful from behind Seto, her emerald eyes shining as she stared hard at Yugi, nodding, probably wanting one of her best friends to finally be on her level so they could talk as they wanted, laugh and play as they pleased, have the kind of relationship they both had yearned for since they were children. Mahado stood close beside her, more reserved in his demeanor but still smiling at Yugi, accepting no matter what path he chose. Karim didn't look too happy, though he didn't look upset either, and Yugi wondered if he really wanted to become more involved with the man than he already was, though perhaps this was the only way to make the priest respect him as a person. Siamun, the man Atem had respected so dearly during his life stood on Seto's left side, watching Yugi with his own small smile.

Then there was Anzu and her father, the latter of whom didn't really understand what was happening, though Anzu was watching Yugi carefully. Yugi knew without thinking that she wanted him to say yes, wanted him to finally step out of the shadows of his position in life and reach for something better, as Atem would have wanted him to do. Jounouchi and Honda were silent, and Yugi could only guess as to what those two were thinking, torn between wanting him to stay with them and wishing for him to have what they may never get.

His decision would affect so many people, and he doesn't want to hurt anyone, but what does he want? What does he want for himself now that Atem is dead? As of now, he's been floating around in a half-dead state himself, unwilling to think of the future, but now that he is, the anxiety is returning. What does he want?

If only Yugi knew.

"If it will help you make your decision," Seto said after a heady silence, "if you do agree, you will be permitted to attend Atem's burial this afternoon."

The statement should have made Yugi angry, and it did somewhat. He was Atem's lover. If anyone had a right to be there, it was him, regardless of his social status. But, of course, that wasn't how their world worked. Should he even go? It would technically just be a formality since Atem's soul was lost, never to return, so he didn't really need to go. But it would be his only chance to see Atem's body one last time, even if by now it was probably embalmed and wrapped, ready for burial. Yugi reached up to grasp at the strap tying the Pendant around his neck, his thoughts overwhelming him.

Anzu moved suddenly, stepping closer to Yugi and extending a hand, her eyes and smile kind. "Please, Yugi. Be my escort to the burial."

Yugi stared at her. Atem's male lover and female fiancé, attending his burial together. What a notion.

He thought of Atem then, of how he had looked as a toddler and a young man, smiling, frowning, crying, everything Yugi had witnessed since they were both very small. What would Atem want for him? Yugi recalled some of their last conversations, the deceased Pharaoh's idea to give Yugi his freedom.

Yugi knew what Atem would say if he were alive. He would tell him to decline but ask for his freedom. He would tell him to leave, to never look back, and go home, back to that place in Memphis where his parents were, where Becca was, where he could be his own man and never have to answer to anyone. It sounded appealing, and after all the trouble he had caused, Yugi just wanted to do what Atem said for a change, even if he wasn't around to appreciate it.

But then again, this was Yugi's time.

He could decide his own fate now, do what he wanted with his life instead of bending to someone else's wishes. There would always be a leader to follow, Yugi knew, for there was no way to climb higher and sit at the top of the pyramid where his love once resided.

But for now, for the first time in his life, Yugi held the power, and in front of the Pharaoh of Egypt and the King of Libya, he used it, releasing his hold on the strap tied to the Millennium Pendant and placing his hand in Anzu's.

~FIN~