The Alternative

Chapter Twenty Six

A forced summon.

The gods had called him forth without any consent, regardless of the situation.

It was known as a forced summon.

As the depiction of god on earth, pharaohs must be aware that they may be summoned at any time to have a meeting with the gods regarding an earthly matter.

Atem knew this. It had happened to him once before when he was alone in his suite after his carnation. The gods wanted to speak with him personally regarding his new title and the responsibilities he would bare. The situation was similar—extreme heart pains to the point of collapse. It was a way of extracting the soul temporarily until the gods were done with what they had to say.

The gods lowered themselves to a meeting point that would best fit the needs of the situation. Their summon left both Atem and themselves in a cloudy, pearly dimension that existed merely to take up space.

Upon arriving, Atem smiled. He couldn't help but feel happy when witnessing the glory of the gods presence and their divine works. Light pink clouds and a scent of fresh fruit drifted through the air. Light sparkled on the clouds to form marvelous crystal reflections. It was indeed a beautiful sight.

"Pharaoh."

It was an airy voice. One that came so smoothly Atem wasn't sure if it was even said at all. He cocked his head around to look for the source.

"Pharaoh."

It was much clearer this time around. Atem kneeled in respect, bowing his head as he awaited what would come next.

"Pharaoh, you have returned."

Don't raise your head unless asked. Never stand unless ordered to. Do not ask questions; merely answer them.

Rules of a summoning ran through Atem's mind to the point where he wasn't even aware the gods had spoken at all.

"Pharaoh!"

Atem jolted, nearly bringing his head up in habit, but quickly lowering it once he was aware of what he was doing.

"At your will!" Atem answered with a shake in his voice.

There was a heavy hesitation. One that nerved Atem to no return, but he continued to keep his composure.

"You have returned."

"I have."

"Are you aware of the consequence your return has signified?"

A little tingle ran through Atem's neck, begging him to raise his head and confront whatever was above him. Even if there was no one there at all.

"I am aware that my return leads to a call for action, but I have an alternative option that will spare both my soul and Yugi's if you would please take heed."

"There is no alternative, Pharaoh. You have already exercised the unconventional option."

Atem's eyes widened as he kept his face towards the ground. Well, I knew it wouldn't be that easy.

"Holy Gods, the alternative that I have discovered could only have been established due to the unconventional option that was offered to me. Please hear my hypothesis regarding an exception."