After the scandal that lead to his brief resurrection, Pharaoh Atemu was not the least bit surprised to see Seto Kaiba stroll through the doors of his palace, the resting place of his afterlife. He stood slowly, greeting his long time rival with a playful smirk. A part of him worried over his rival to go through great lengths to get here, but he knew nothing more would ruffle Kaiba's feathers than taunting him.

A part of him also silently anticipated to experience this face off.

Perhaps it was unfair with choosing Yugi for his Ceremonial Duel. However, Yugi was his other half. His partner. The apple in his eye. He had assumed once the Ceremonial Duel was over, his fate among the living was closed. The pharaoh never counted on one little detail.

Seto Kaiba had no means to give up.

Pharaoh Atemu had no idea what to call this, other than an unhealthy obsession. But even he couldn't deny a good duel if it meant to heal whatever wounds Kaiba needed to seal. After all, risking death just by coming here meant nothing would stand in his way.

"Pharaoh," Kaiba's voice was a little deeper from the short time since the Ceremonial Duel, echoed through the court. Atemu stood his ground, though found himself shivering at the greeting.

Kaiba had never called him that. He knew of Kaiba referring to him as such after the Ceremonial Duel, but actually hearing it in his presence had him reeling. It made him realize that, for a long time, he had hoped Kaiba would come around and address him as his own person, not as Yugi. Only out of stubbornness did he refuse, even after their team up against Dartz.

Perhaps Kaiba wasn't the only one who felt a hidden unfinished business to address. Although Kaiba is the only one of the two to pursue. For the first time in his rival's presence, Atemu felt a sense of guilt.

I am the one who did this to him.

"Kaiba," Atemu paused, noticing his voice beginning to fail him. What was wrong with him? In all the times they faced off, he was never afraid. Never bowed down. Always ready to face any challenge Kaiba sent his way. He often thought of them as tedious, when Kaiba refused to see the bigger danger than winning back his pride. Yet despite his own thoughts, in the end their dance to outwit each other was a thrill.

Then a realization hit him. Kaiba's eyes. In the past, they were a dark blue with a hue of life in them. Always burning with the fires of life, stirred by his pride and unwillingness to crumble before him. Now, that light was gone. Kaiba's eyes had darkened naturally without the light of life in them. This was more than winning, more than pride.

This is different. While Yugi showed us that he can stand on his own without me, Kaiba on the other hand...

Pharaoh Atemu felt torn. Then again, how was he to know? He still didn't fully understand what was going through his rival's mind. Kaiba was a puzzle he could easily piece together in a duel, yet outside the arena his picture of him was always everchanging. Actions and facts sprang up and would change his views of Kaiba, but he was never given the full picture. He had to paint and fill in the gaps himself and trust he was correct.

Seeing those eyes shattered his views, leaving him with a blank canvas with barely any understanding of the man who stood before him. Kaiba has changed drastically, and not in the positive way as Yugi and his friends have grown. Whereas they have blossomed, Kaiba had reversed, withering to almost nothing but one strand he clung onto desperately.

I have become his sole reason to live.

Unnatural and unhealthy obsession indeed.

"Shall we skip the formalities and get on with this duel?" Atemu offered, hoping his voice didn't give away his growing anxiety. "I fear, the longer you remain here, the less you'll be able to go back."

"It matters not whether I return. I accepted the possibility a long time ago. Now," Kaiba activated his revolutionized duel disk. "Are you ready?"

For the first time Atemu was afraid. Not of losing to his rival, but being partially responsible for his rival's death. Despite their differences and many arguments, he had always held Kaiba to a level of respect. He always viewed Kaiba as his equal, and one of very few who could keep him on his toes.

"Always." Despite his concern, Atemu put on his best game face.

After all, he will give Kaiba what he wanted. A duel between them with no holding back. He will give his all into this one dance. Thus, the duel commenced.

Throughout, everything was the same as every other duel between them. However at some point, Atemu began to lose focus. Kaiba's complete disregard for his own life fueled his temper. And for the first time Kaiba riled a side of him he had always considered caged and tamed. This only spurred Kaiba on, undeterred for awakening a side he had always seen in the pharaoh.

The duel took a turn of near explosion as they clashed.

And, in the end, Atemu watched as his life points dwindled to zero. His shock had him motionless, mind sluggish as he processed. Atemu accepted defeat when it was won fairly, which was few. For the first time it was by Kaiba's hand that dealt the finishing blow. He could do nothing but stare, dazed and confused.

He had given his all, just as he had with Yugi. Even prayed to have his message across plain and clear that he will not be the cause of Kaiba's demise. But in the end, Kaiba had the upper hand. As the pharaoh processed he realized that Kaiba played him for a fool.

This is exactly why he did this. He knew.

Not only did Kaiba earn newfound respect from Atemu, but a sense of precaution. Nothing will stand in this man's way of getting what he wants. Not even death.

As it finally processed, Atemu found himself aghast. Kaiba's body was barely nothing but a face, hands and bits of his feet. The shape was still there, however color had eroded into blue nothingness, the sign that he not only did not belong here, but was rapidly disappearing from existence. Pharaoh didn't know what this entirely meant, only that the result was not good in Kaiba's favor.

"Seto," His voice choked, not fully believing his eyes.

"He will never return." A familiar voice spoke with dread beside him. Atemu turned to see his father. Violet red eyes blinked, this can't be happening.

"Father...?" He couldn't find the courage to finish his question.

"After he has disappeared, his very existence will vanish. Even memories of those who knew him will perish with him."

No! I refuse to allow this!

Atemu was ready to move and take action, when his father spoke once more.

"My son, if you go to him, you will never come back." Sorrow filled his voice, yet his father wasn't interfering. He was merely informing him of the consequences of his actions.

If Kaiba risked death for this, then I must take this consequence to save him.

"I am fully aware." Atemu had concluded as much already. Without glancing behind him the young pharaoh ran to Kaiba's side.

"Seto!" His voice was in a panic, not caring he had slipped to first name basis. His rival was kneeling, finally showing the pain he had been enduring this whole time. Blue eyes stared at him, dully. Panic rose higher within him, for during the duel the light of life returned to them. Now they were worse than before.

"You will risk everything for me?" His voice was hoarse, evidently he heard the whole conversation from afar.

"You and I both know I cannot allow a soul to suffer. And, I value and respect you." Atemu meant every word. For the briefest of seconds, the fire burned in those deep blues.

Something stirred within Atemu. He didn't allow it to process, for time was not on their side. He had an idea, and he hoped it will work. No, it had to. This was his only chance to make an attempt to save Kaiba. He didn't have the means to attempt trial and error.

He threw his arms around broad shoulders as the Sennen Puzzle glowed. The eye activated the magic that brought him briefly from his resting place. Together Atemu and Kaiba were engulfed in a golden light. It was warm and, despite their fear, reassuring. Then the gravity of their descend hit full force. Atemu closed his eyes as he tightened his hold on Kaiba. He will ensure at everything that they will return safely. Atemu felt an arm around him in return, and he was relieved that Kaiba wasn't taking his sacrifice for granted.

It was mere seconds, although the experience felt like it went on forever. Then suddenly, they were in the space pod. Atemu was in Kaiba's lap, arms still holding onto his rival. He felt the heavy weight of life breathed into him, and suddenly he didn't have anymore energy. He could faintly feel a heartbeat in the broad chest against his own. Atemu felt nothing but relief.

He's alive. I have succeeded.

"Seto? Seto! Can you hear me? Big brother?" Mokuba's voice from the monitor echoed.

Atemu didn't have the strength to open his eyes to answer. He hoped Mokuba had a video feed. Although Kaiba was alive, he needed attention. Apparently he did, too, although he cared not for his well being. Evidently his hopes were true.

"What? Pharaoh? Guys! Hey! Can you hear me?" The younger Kaiba began to panic. Atemu could hear him bark orders at the staff. A younger Kaiba indeed.

"Hold on guys! We're getting you down!" Mokuba assured, returning his attention to them.

Praise the Gods.

Once more they were descending. Although this one was just as urgent, it didn't have Atemu reeling and dizzy. The pharaoh was almost lulled into a deep slumber from the humming of the machines. Then he felt a sudden jerk, and for a brief moment he almost could open his eyes. His vision was blurry and everything was too bright. It made him nauseated.

Atemu didn't bother to resist closing his eyes again. Seconds later the pod opened, Mokuba and a few of the employees were checking them over. Atemu, relieved to know that they were safe, allowed himself to finally succumb to a dreamless slumber.