Chapter Text
The Eye of Wdjat has closed itself and the light has faded out,
The sword failed to be sheathed and The Pharaoh's soul is unable to rest.
His fire will continue to blaze in the world of mortals,
––Until The Eye opens once again.
It’s been three months since Rite of the Duel was held. Although, Mutou Yugi’s heart is still sunk with everlasting guilt from his failure, from his incapability of putting his other self– no, The Pharaoh’s soul into a peaceful slumber. The mixed feelings still feel so real and close despite how much time has passed. Is this truly the ideal outcome? Doesn’t Atem actually wish to return to the side of his dearest family nor companions–? Even though the person himself has reassured Yugi’s restless heart more than one can count, these feelings will never subside, he knows it better than anyone else. Not until Atem has truly found peace in his own judgment. Yet, at the same time, he feels like these are precious moments not to be wasted. Who knows when The Eye of Wdjat will shine upon them once again? “The next future, even The Millennium Tauk deems unpredictable. However, hope still exists and The Eye shall shine again, it told me, ”, quoted from Ishizu back at the Shrine of the Underworld. Perhaps, it is the message from the Gods to let Atem take his time in a much leisured manner to forge stronger bonds with the friends he has made in this period-?
‘Perhaps, it is … allowed to treasure this chance and be happy?’
Yugi sighed to himself, a little smile curving up on his lips as he gazed on the golden box where he used to keep the puzzle pieces and now his cards safeguard. ‘It all began here..’ ––His mind-boggling adventure with a mysterious soul residing in his body after he finished the challenging game. It was an illogical experience beyond one’s wildest dream. He even gets his wish fulfilled by an Ancient Egyptian Pharaoh! Even though that statement is being denied by the deed doer himself. Still, he is truly grateful for choosing to solve the puzzle and for having the chance to meet such an incredible individual in this life.
“Having nostalgia?” The baritone voice Yugi knows so well interrupts his inner monologue, his eyes dart towards Atem, who is crossing his arms and leg while floating above Yugi’s bed. “Sort of.” Yugi nods while keeping his smile sustained. “You seem to be feeling better these days, it puts my mind at ease.” Atem continues, reflecting Yugi’s smile in a more confident fashion.
“ . . . “ Silent. The vessel’s smile slowly fades and there is a bit of solemnity taking over. “Are you–” … It really does feel like a knot is tied tightly in his throat to continue this query, but he musters up courage, because this is something that he has always been wanting to ask, ever since that day . “–Are you sad that you are unable to return-?” His voice slightly trembles, but thankfully, he manages to hold back his tears well this time. Though, it appears so obvious to Atem that Yugi is still very much bothered, even to this day. He seems to be doing better on a daily basis, but deep inside, his heart still rots in guilt and sorrow.
Atem floats down to match Yugi’s eye level, his smile leaving his face too. “In the realm of the dead nor the living, there reside the precious people of my life. Being able to be together with either one of them is already giving me so much happiness.” Yugi shifts his gaze to Atem, still looking troubled and not resolved, to which Atem responds with a huff alongside his trademark loop-sided smile. “Remember, there is still the next final showdown. We know that The Millennium Tauk is trustworthy.” He winks in addition, “You still have time to prepare before defeating me! And as we wait, I can simply enjoy pleasantries by spending my time with you guys.”
––He is always like this, seemingly so genuinely unbothered and reassuring. His statements might be simple, but it clears doubt from Yugi’s mind and calms the dark clouds in his heart. Atem’s spirited demeanor has uplifted Yugi too, a similar confident smile is finally showing up. “Next time, I will definitely win!”
. . . And that is another usual day for Yugi to chat with The Pharaoh in his room. It seems like a normal routine for them, but what about the perspective from the witnesser? His grandpa won’t again be surprised by the sight since he knows already, but what about his mom ?
“ . . . “ Peeking behind the door, Yugi’s Mom placed her palm in front of her mouth. Her eyes slightly widened as a comical sweat rolled down her temple. She finally confirms that there really is something wrong about her son–– All these times, Yugi always manages to get away, but this is the end of it. As a mom, it’s only natural that she must know what is actually happening with her only son. Thus, uninvited, she pushes the door open, revealing herself.
“––Mom?!” This unexpected guest earned his surprise! “Uh, it’s so unusual for you to come here this late– Do you need anything-?” Yugi looks somewhat uneasy, he reflexively hides the golden box he has been holding to his back. “...Who were you talking with-?” The woman still has concern so obviously all over her face. “You know, it’s not the first time you are talking with yourself…” ––Seeing his mom being so observant like this puts Yugi on edge, he unconsciously averts his gaze. “Uhh, well, sometimes I’m doing it to– to evaluate myself! It’s like self-therapy!” He doesn’t know if that even makes sense at all, but hopefully his mom buys it … hopefully. Of course his prayer only goes in vain as his mom scrutinizes further at his statement, she even makes her way into his room, sitting in front of him. “Yugi, please tell Mom if something is wrong with you–– You are actually only making me worry even more-”
There is no escaping it this time . . . Not a word slips out from him. He pursed his lips, thinking quickly; What kind of words should he use to explain all of these oddities? How to explain to his mom that he has been hosting an Ancient Egyptian Pharaoh’s soul and relating to dark magic for a year now without giving his mother a heart attack–– … breathes in. Okay, here goes!
.
.
.
“I… It’s hard to believe–” The female Mutou finally responded. It’s so palpable from her face that there is so much to take in and that she still has a hard time digesting it all. Yugi scratches his cheek as he smiles sheepishly. “It might be hard to believe, but–– it’s the truth, Mom.” He adds awkward chortles in the end.
“. . . I need proof.”
“––Eh?”
“Turn into The Pharaoh right now. I won’t believe it until I see him with my own eyes.”
“Uh, sure– but.. Don’t get surprised, okay?”
Yugi closes his eyes, reconnecting to their mind link in a vivid image. ‘Atem, it’s.. embarrassing, but–– it seems that we have to scream “Yu-Gi-OooOooooOOH–!!!” again as we transform to look more convincing–– just like in old days-’ Atem nods without much hesitation, he agrees that a dramatic procedure is a necessity to prove that he is indeed an entirely different entity.
Inhaleeees . . .
Yugi has been transforming for 1234823 times throughout their journey, but it feels drastically more challenging to perform this– ritual in front of his mom. Though he is going to give it his all. There shall be no more secrets between a mother and son…!!
DIIIINNGGG––!
A crispy bell SFX rings from the … cursed-like object dangling around Yugi’s neck, which is already a first weird phenomenon because how the heck does that thing make that voice out of nowhere?! But, it doesn’t stop there, an Egyptian-like ringtone plays in the background as if it’s a prelude for something even wackier. Yugi’s Mom gulps down her saliva, she is not sure if she is ready to see what’s coming next– and–– it’s confirmed in less than a second! That eerie puzzle shines so abnormally bright and dances by itself?! Making things worse, her son actually looks so … stupid when he looks upward while gaping his mouth open so widely. At this point, she doesn’t even know what causes his golden bangs to be blown around when they are literally indoor with a chill AC wind.
“ Yu-Gi-OooO ooooOOH–!!!”
“!!!”
No way, she is not imagining it– Her calm and sweet son actually screams his name with so much spirit like those nonsensical anime protagonists-! And his voice … it is gradually doubled with–– a much more masculine voice-? It’s definitely still her son’s voice, but it has transformed into someone else’s she is unable to identify with. Frantic dark magic circles keep respawning where Yugi stands with piercing blue light as the center, light blue fog shrouding it and clears as the center fades out along to reveal … his son? He now stands in the middle of the orange spotlight; she doesn’t even bother to figure out the source. It’s still Yugi … right? Although, he is standing in such a cocky stance that is so out of character for him––
… She doesn’t even realize it, but she has already gotten her hold on the broom resting on the wall without leaving her shocked gaze to him. She is so ready to hit this foreign entity’s head with it if he is proven to be evil or suspicious–– She must save her precious son no matter what!!
“I–”
“BEGONE, DEVIL!!!”
“!!”
Not even being given a chance to introduce himself, The Pharaoh has already gotten the first launch of DIRECT ATTACK towards him! Thankfully, he was The Pharaoh not only as a mere title, alright. He had already been trained for situations like these–– and it granted him good reflexes to dodge A Raged Mom’s Broom Attack! Although, it does not seem like a single dodge is enough. With fear, she still utilizes her broom very effectively in an attempt to smack his wacky hair multiple times. Seeing that this is not coming to a bright end, Atem decides to hold the broom stick as it goes in his direction, firmly, halting it before he uses all his strength to pull the other end closer to him, which forcibly drags Yugi’s mom forward, almost making her lose her balance.
“Enough.”
–Just a single word is enough to send chills down her spines. It’s weird, it’s definitely her son, Mutou Yugi, in the flesh in front of her, and yet he possesses so much charisma that is capable of making everyone kneel. Those purple eyes that have always seemed so docile and gentle are now fierce and piercing, enough to intimidate even her, his biological mother. Still hard to believe–– but it’s real. The boy in front of her … it doesn’t take long for one to notice that it’s no more Yugi who is in control. It’s an entirely different entity, with an overwhelming aura around him, and that realization honestly struck her with a different kind of fear. Her grip is loosened as energy is slowly leaving her body and her face pales in hopelessness. She feels utter defeat–– she feels like she has no chance to save her son from such a powerful being with otherworldly strength. This sense of powerlessness is killing her–– but before her condition can get worse, The Pharaoh snaps back. “–Ah, it’s a habit of reflexes.” His baritone seems to be filled with guilt, and to express his sincerity, he rests the broom back at the wall and shifts his palm to his left chest, slightly bowing in a graceful manner. “I apologize, Mother of Yugi. That was improper of me.” He acts with manners since now he is treating her just like how he has been taught to behave around his late father nor mother.
… Yugi’s mom is still dazed, blank, blinking slowly to process everything that is happening so quickly. It’s actually the first time too that she finds her son’s face that is 90% inherited from his irresponsible dad looks … actually quite good-looking. It’s a discovery, really. She still freezes for brief seconds before finally opening her mouth again.
“W-Where is my son–– WHERE IS HE NOW?!”
“Exchanging with me, his soul is the one that resides in this puzzle now.”
. . .
“Are you really… some ancient king?”
Atem’s arm returned to his side as he straightened his posture to look straight into her eyes again. Giving a firm nod once. “It is I, Pharaoh Atem. I am a soul residing in The Millennium Puzzle. I feel honored to meet you, a mother of such a kind-hearted soul.” He bestows a confident smile to ease the air.
‘I-It’s a real deal––!’ Yugi’s Mom thought to herself.
“You.. From what I’ve heard, you’ve brought Yugi to a lot of.. Unusual things. As a mother, I.. I just don’t want you to bring any danger to him. Please..”
… That pure concern coming from his mother.. It raises guilt in him, because gods know just how many times Atem has unintentionally brought Yugi to danger that can actually harm his soul. Sure, he has also been saving him throughout those adversaries, but … Yugi wouldn’t have had to go through them all in the first place.. Shall he never exists within his body. Although.. Now, since the evil has been condemned and they managed to reach the final stage together, Atem can confidently reply, “I understand your worry, but be assured. I always punish any evil dares to harm Yugi,”
––Well, that really seems convincing. It’s the way that he talks, really. It silences Yugi’s Mom for a few good seconds before finishing her question marks.
“Honestly, this is too much to take all at once–– but I’m going to believe in my son nevertheless- so … what is my son to you-? Are you only making use of him as your vessel-?” It feels kind of bitter to spit that out, but she just wants to make sure.
Atem raises a brow. This is going to be a long talk … he thinks, thus he sits himself in front of the older figure to match her gaze and to behave more politely. “Perhaps, it was like that when I was just regaining consciousness. I subconsciously protected Yugi because he is an important vessel to keep me alive physically, but now it’s different.” That’s right. To Atem, Yugi is no more a mere vessel to protect for his own survival. “He is a partner, a dearest friend.” He continues proudly. “I was taught to be cold and merciless as a Pharaoh, but then it’s Yugi who taught me the power of kindness. I suppose aside from defeating Zorc, this destiny also leads me to our meeting as a highly valuable lesson of my life.”
His words are so heartfelt, reaching to Yugi’s Mom’s heart. From being all confused and dumbfounded. She is slowly melting into relaxation, and her gaze softens as long as her lips. “..Both of you are speaking so highly of each other. It definitely shows how this friendship has affected each of you positively.” She pauses for a bit, “I guess it’s thanks to you that Yugi has looked much more spirited and confident these days. I don’t see him with bruises whenever he comes home anymore.. He even brought some friends here and you know, Anzu has come even more often~!” She teases, which Atem reciprocates immediately with a playful smirk. “I see that you have also caught his crush over her.”
“Of course! He is so easy to read!”
Easy to read, huh … Atem smiles silently at that. It might be true at some points, but also not entirely accurate if he looks back at their experiences. Although, these days, he is more open about his feelings, and it reassures him well.
“I suppose.. We are boosts for each other’s character development. I am glad if I can improve someone’s traits over this stay in the mortal realm.” There is a somewhat matured aura revolving around him as he speaks so tenderly, and Yugi’s Mom takes note of that, it immediately piques her further curiosity. “You seem so mature that it feels weird to see you acting that way in my son’s body.. Sorry, but.. how old were you when you died..?”
“Hm, I think I was 16?”
“16?! That’s the same age as Yugi–– So young––” … How pitiful– that’s all her expression is saying, but Atem dismisses it with a smile. “It was the price I have to bear for the greater good of my country nor this world.” Yugi’s Mom can only listen to him saying that so acceptantly, she falls silent as she starts to understand why her son admires this figure before her so highly. But then–– something more trivial compared to him being the world savior hits her. He is the same age as her son– and he shares the same body with Yugi, which means he has that pretty chick, Anzu, looming around him too! Gosh , if it’s him being Yugi’s love rival in the weirdest way (since they are in one body), things can get difficult! And he is surely a tough opponent. She feels the need to make sure somehow–
“Wait– wait–– I’m just curious, but–– I’ve been wondering if you also develop romantic interest towards Anzu-?”
Atem pauses before chuckling very briefly, he knows where this is coming from. “She is a precious friend, yes. Though, no more than that. Worry not.”
Yugi’s Mom makes her relieved sigh so audible that Atem has to hold back another chuckle as he slightly looks away. “You are so mature and charismatic for your age, I’m sure that you got a lot of girls crushing on you!” she jests. “..Well, I am not so sure about that–” For once, she noticed a shred of doubt in his tone. Looks like this is the only topic that can make him actually kind of wavering … “I was so occupied with studies and tending to country affairs that I never really thought about having a romantical partner..”
She observes, his expression transforming into a very gentle one, as if he is speaking of someone he holds so dear in his heart so affectionately. “..However, there is one I adore very much.” He stops at that, not wanting to reveal too much.
“My, my~ Look at you~! That’s definitely the face of someone falling in love!”
“What kind of expression am I making?” He tilts his head a bit, genuinely not having a clue.
“Something so obvious for an experienced one like me!”
Atem blinks twice, still wondering, but he slightly averts his gaze to hide the very faint pink that is creeping on his cheek.
“So… You both are going to reunite again one day.. Right?”
That question gets his attention back, and it drifts his focus into a more serious matter. He looks a bit saddened and lost, this is not something he can confirm with certainty and it glooms him in that moment.
“I.. don’t know.
It’s been 3,000 years, I don’t know if she has the patience of the world to wait for me, I don’t even know if anyone is still waiting for me at the other side of the gate, I–”
. . . Hugs.
“!”
The next thing he knows, he has already found himself in her arms. So warm and tender, it’s like the breathing scent of spring after a long lonely cold winter. Just how long has it been.. Since the last time he felt something so safe like this-? Instead of standing on the front and putting his life on the line to protect others..?
She closes her eyes, smiling softly. “Have faith in my son. Next time, he is definitely going to succeed.
We just met briefly, but I’m very grateful for you, and for someone as wonderful as you, who wouldn’t wait for your return even if it costs eternity?”
… Now, everything makes sense.
Why does her son suddenly become The King of Games.. Why does he become so bright in his own way.. Why are people drawn into him … It’s not because of her deeds; if it’s not for The Great Pharaoh, none of it will happen. And, even for such a great king, just a moment ago, he looked so frail with his insecurities and fear. He is also a boy who has his future stolen away by the corrupts before him. How poor … Even if it’s only the slightest gesture she can provide in this meeting, she would like to give it to him as a form of her sheer gratitude for looking after her beloved son. He too, is still a 16-year-old boy who needs embraces at difficult times as such.
––Atem freezes. His eyes widen and he finds himself lost at words. He can’t even move his arms to return the hug, he is just … blatantly surprised.
Realizing that he is not budging at all, which is understandable, she releases slowly. “Did I make you feel uncomfortable?”
“..No, it’s just–
It’s been so long since I felt someone embraced me.. So motherly.
I lost my mother at such a young age, that’s why–”
A soft smile reappears on her lips, it’s filled with empathy. Just how much has this boy had to go through in his life? It must have been so tough, it actually brings forth her motherly instinct to ensure him a safe place … before he actually departs.
“Take your time here until your departure. I will welcome you whenever you appear as if you’re my own son.”
With that, Atem’s heart feels touched.
Another bond has been forged.