Author's Note: This is a story I originally uploaded several years ago and then didn't repost (partly because posting a completed story takes a LONG TIME :D). However, at Tsunami Storm's request, I've decided to put it back on the website for others to read.

As the memories came flooding back, a gunshot sounded. Wading in the river…Startled blue eyes gazed into horrified crimson. A child's laughter…The Pharaoh caught Seth as he fell. The sun shining down, the kingdom finally at peace…The High Priest lay in a widening pool of his own blood.

Atem could not hear the screaming and barked orders; his world narrowed to the rasping wheeze of a man struggling to breathe through punctured lungs. A trembling hand reached up and grasped the Pharaoh's own.

"Well this was certainly unexpected," Seth croaked. Blood was bubbling up at the corner of his mouth, but the sardonic smile was still faintly visible. A smile as they finally mastered a difficult spell, a smile of triumph and pride…The memory shattered as Seth groaned in pain.

"Quick, call an ambulance!" someone cried.

Atem's heart clenched. 'They won't get here in time.' Seth was staring up at him with wide eyes; he seemed to read Atem's mind.

"I'm going to die." It wasn't a question.

"You're going to live," Atem said firmly, squeezing Seth's hand even more tightly. "Help will come."

The small smile was back on Seth's face. "With respect, my king, you are a horrible liar."

Footsteps sounded, too languid to belong to Yugi or one of his friends. Atem glanced up. Piercing blue eyes to match Seth's own gazed at the scene with studied indifference. Atem felt a spark of hope.

"Kaiba, Seth's been shot. You must help him!" he cried at once.

Seto Kaiba did not move. And all the while, Seth's lifeblood continued to spill out into the street.