A Whisper of Time || Yu-Gi-Oh Book 1 ||

Chapter 3

Many people wondered what it was after death. Was it a heaven or a hell? Was there any existence at all? Atem was raised in other beliefs long ago forgotten and past even though Atem died, his soul was trapped for five millennia, so Atem hadn't seen what it actually was to be dead. Until that day Atem entered the door guarded by the Eye of Wdjat. Atem saw his family and subjects, leaving behind his friends. It was a hard thing to do: his heart was breaking in two – one half was with him but the other rested with the world of the living. Atem wished there was a way to stay. If only for a little longer but there was none. Except if Atem wished to stay trapped in the puzzle for another five thousand years which Atem didn't want. That's why Atem chose to continue forcing his legs to move towards the light. Atem couldn't face them because he might not be able to go. It was too hard to look at them and say goodbye. However, her words hurt the most. She needed him, Atem felt it in her voice, her words... but was helpless to do anything. The all-powerful pharaoh was powerless to do anything at all. After saving the world so many times and being the Great Pharaoh, being able to do nothing was hurting him the most. At least, Joey was a bit more encouraging but still, her words echoed in his mind. She made him freeze in his place. If she had continued or... maybe tried to stop him, Atem would've stopped. Atem knew he would've done it for her. Hearing her cry because of him was enough of torture. How Atem managed to continue was a mystery to him.

Here Atem was, he knew what the afterlife was like at last. It wasn't like anything they described or tried to picture. It was simply... out of time and dimension. It was so calm and steady. After having to fight for so long, the stillness almost drove him crazy at first. It seemed his former friends were quite used to it, though. Atem reminded himself that he was part of it now so better get used to it sooner. Well, it wasn't so easily done. Sometimes Atem dreamed about his friends in the future; truth be told, Atem missed them a lot. Sharing a body with Yugi was a notable experience. Sometimes Atem still thought they were sharing this mind bond, half-expecting Yugi to answer him or interfere. Neither of these happened. Despite finding peace at last and being reunited with people once dear to him, Atem was lonely.

Atem walked through the palace; a habit he got used to. It was his only distraction. Atem knew all the halls and rooms. How Atem liked being here once he didn't know. Maybe Atem had spent too much time in the present because he wasn't accustomed to his Ancient Egyptian life anymore. Atem missed too many things. His thoughts were interrupted by Mana, his childhood friend.

"Atem! I'm so happy to see you!" Mana was always happy to see him as Atem returned to them.

"Hello Mana," Atem greeted her.

The young magician in training was always an enthusiastic girl with an endless amount of energy which often got her in trouble especially in her magic lessons with Mahad. It was nice to be with them, true but...

"You seem to be somewhere else again," Mana deducted observing him.

Mana felt like everyone else, happy for their pharaoh's return, but Atem didn't seem so joyful, however. Maybe Atem was too attached to his future friends. That hurt a bit, Mana was his best friend, but Atem had found new ones.

"I'm sorry, Mana. I was thinking about something." Atem tried to apologise.

"You don't have to apologise to me, Atem." Mana said with sadness in her voice. "You miss them, don't you?" Atem looked unsure at her but there's no point in denying it; Mana already knew the truth.

"Yes," Atem sighed. Mana bowed her head before continuing.

"I guess it's harder getting used to living again and to have to go willingly," Mana said dryly.

"It is," Atem confirmed.

"So, would you be happy with us again?" Mana dared to ask and look at him. It was a question whose answer Atem didn't know. His absence of an answer told her everything; Atem was deeply connected to his other friends. They weren't his only family anymore.