Disclaimer: I don’t own Yu-Gi-Oh!
Chapter One- New Life
Mahad took a deep breath and slowly let it out as he sat on the floor of the Magician’s Training Ground. His eyes were closed, his hands resting on the knees of his cross-legged position. He felt relaxed and focused; the kind of frame of mind that easily facilitated training to increase his magical power. He had buried a portion of his power upon these grounds and chose to spend his free time to come here, retrieve it, and strengthen it before burying it again. He felt a little frustrated at having to do so, but knew it was for his safety as well as others for his magic was quite powerful. If I had my full power with me at all times, the Millennium Ring may influence me to use it for evil instead of detecting evil nearby.
Suddenly the Ring glowed and its points were aimed at the entrance of the room he was in. Mahad’s eyes flew open and he stood, his gaze fixed on the doorway. “I know you’re there,” he called. “Show yourself.”
A dark, evil laugh rang out before a voice said, “As you wish, priest.” Slowly a figure with short white hair, and pale purple eyes appeared wearing a kilt, a long open coat, shoes, and cuffs on his ankles and forearms. A smirk graced his lips as he looked at Mahad with smug confidence.
“Bakura,” Mahad said in a low voice. “It was foolish of you to face me here, thief.”
“On the contrary, I had intended to come here to see you. I have plans for Egypt and you are a part of them.”
“I will not help you. Illusion Magician, come forth.” Mahad summoned his monster and it stood before the priest ready for battle.
“You don’t understand. You are already part of my plans. You will soon find out.” Bakura slowly began to approach.
Mahad backed up slightly before saying, “Illusion Magician, magic blast!” As much as Mahad didn’t want to attack a human, he felt he had no choice. The magician fired a blast in Bakura’s path as if it sensed Mahad’s intentions. The blast hit the floor and the result was dust and smoke filling the area.
Mahad coughed as he waited for the dust and smoke to settle. Did it scare him off? Somehow, I doubt it. Bakura is a master thief and a near hit would not deter him. The path in front of him cleared to reveal no sign of Bakura. Mahad looked around quickly. Where did he go? I know he’s here; the Ring detects his presence but not his exact location. He quickly quieted his fast breathing and strained his ears to hear for Bakura’s footsteps no matter how softly the thief may walk. He heard a noise behind him and whirled around: No one there. He turned around and startled slightly for he found himself face-to-face with Bakura.
The thief grinned and Mahad saw his incisors lengthening and becoming sharper. Bakura leaped up and sank his long teeth into Mahad’s neck. The magician gave a scream at the teeth piercing his skin and the feel of his blood and life force being drained out of him. He felt Bakura release him and he dropped to his knees. His eyes were squeezed shut and a hand went to his chest while the other was on the floor. His heart was beating wildly before going to a normal rhythm.
He then gasped painfully as he felt his heart begin to beat slowly. Bit by bit, it slowed down until it ceased beating. Oh, gods! I’m dying! he thought. His eyes flew open and looked down to see healthy looking skin but his fingernails had become long sharp claws! He felt something brush against his lower lip and moved the hand on his chest to his lip to feel two razor-sharp objects there.
He looked at Bakura as he staggered to his feet, noticing his magician was gone as he had lacked the focus to maintain it. “What…have you…done to me?” he asked weakly.
Bakura’s grin grew and his incisions shortened. “Oh, come now Mahad. Isn’t it obvious? I turned you into a vampire.”
“Vampire?” Mahad repeated, the sharp objects which he now knew were fangs almost pierced his lower lip when he spoke. He recalled seeing Bakura shorten his own and concluded that focus was needed to change the length. He focused on shortening them to keep them from almost puncturing his lips and he succeeded, feeling them get shorter.
Bakura smirked as Mahad’s new fangs grew shorter. He’s already learned to change the length; very impressive. Now, the question is will he ask for my help or will he seek a way to cure himself and learn of his abilities on his own in search of a non-existent cure?
“So, this was your plan for me. But, why?”
“I know you are close to the pharaoh. When the time comes-,”
“No! I will not kill him!”
Bakura shook his head. “I don’t want you to kill him. I want you to turn him. Him and the sacred court.”
“What?”
“With the pharaoh as a vampire, I will be free to plunder and feed as I wish.”
“I will not turn him or anyone.”
“You say that now, but in time you will be controlled by dark impulses and desires. In the end, you will turn him.”
“And you are certain of that?” Mahad folded his arms over his chest.
“Absolutely. I have become darker since I put on a cursed amulet that turned me into a vampire. Sadly, I flung it into a chasm after my transformation. That amulet had also transferred knowledge of my condition to me as I changed.”
“So, I take it that there’s no way to reverse this.”
“Correct. Your heart no longer beats and will shrivel up while it fills with darkness. I imagine your Ring will aid in filling you with darkness.” He eyed the Item hanging around Mahad’s neck.
“You must feed every night,” he continued. “And that means completely draining them.”
Mahad was appalled. “I have to kill them?”
“Why not? You need blood to survive. If that truly disgusts you, I suppose you could drink without killing. But, you can’t bite as that will turn them. Your claws could serve to open a wound and then you could heal the injury and remove memory of the attack.”
Mahad perked up at hearing this alternative. “I could do that?”
“You can as you are a magician. Though I suspect that once you have attacked and drained someone, you will desire to continue to feed in that manner.”
Mahad couldn’t imagine draining someone. He had sworn to protect the kingdom, not attack the people. He knew he needed blood to survive, but did it have to be human blood? I need more information.
“Bakura, is there anything else I should know? I mean, could I drink any kind of blood?”
“Oh, no. Only human blood will do. I didn’t want to believe that piece of information but after drinking animal blood, my thirst wasn’t satisfied until I drained a human. That’s when I knew that that bit of information was true.”
“I see,” he said slowly, disappointed. He unfolded his arms and stared at his claws, thinking maybe he could destroy himself. I can’t let Bakura’s plan succeed and this would be the ultimate sacrifice.
Bakura suddenly moved forward and seized the priest’s clawed hands with one of his own. “You really don’t realize the gift I’ve given you. You’re stronger and faster now. Your senses are enhanced, you can still walk in sunlight though your eyes will be a little sensitive to it as your eyesight is equipped with night vision.”
“I don’t want to be a vampire,” Mahad protested, trying to break Bakura’s grip so that he could kill himself.
“You already are one. You don’t understand but I know how you will understand.” Bakura reached into a pocket, pulled out a container, opened it with his teeth, pried open Mahad’s mouth, stuck the container into it, and tilted it.
Mahad felt liquid enter his mouth. He involuntarily swallowed it and wasn’t thrilled with the taste. However, by his third swallow, it tasted better. Bakura removed the container and Mahad’s hands. “Feel better now, priest?”
“Yes, actually. Was that blood?”
“Indeed. You can eat and drink same as everyone else, but only blood will satisfy you. It is necessary for us to blend in with humans and that’s why our skin is still warm and not pale. I believe I’ve passed on everything you need to know so enjoy your immortal life.” He swept an arm to the exit.
“Immortal? We’re immortal?” Mahad paused at the doorway and looked back.
“Oh, yes. Just try to make sure you don’t get beheaded or impaled through the heart or brain.” Bakura grinned as Mahad left. I will stay close by so that I can push him down the path of darkness and when Mahad is dark, I will be able to convince him to turn the pharaoh and his fellow priests.
Chapter Two- Secret and Senses
Mahad exited the training ground and into the sun. He suddenly gasped and put his face in his hands. Oh, gods! It’s so bright! I had no idea just how bright it would be now. He lifted his head and used a hand to shade his eyes from the glare. He untied his nearby horse and mounted it before heading home, his head turned down to avoid the sun’s now unusually bright light.
I cannot believe this. I came out here to strengthen my magic and I end up becoming a vampire. I don’t look any different save for my claws which I could conceal with an illusion spell. His eyes widened when he realized that he hadn’t buried a portion of his magic back at the training ground. He had his full strength with him. Now that I have all my magic with me, the Ring will indeed be able to influence me. But it’s probably just as well that I have it all. I will need such power to conceal my claws, heal wounds, and remove memory of the attacks which is the most complex of spells that I know. Bakura said I will need to feed every day, but surely not tonight as I have already drunk blood not that long ago.
He continued to dwell on his condition as he rode. Maybe he should inform the pharaoh of what happened to him. He was certain that if he hid it from everyone, his odd behavior and actions would attract unwanted attention. But if he told Atem, then he wouldn’t have to sneak around to get his daily blood. I will have to start with Bakura being a vampire as it was his bite that turned me.
&&&&
Mahad chanted the illusion spell before entering the Throne Room and approaching the throne where Atem sat. He knelt at the steps and bowed his head. “My pharaoh.”
“Welcome back. Training went well?”
“It was until it was interrupted by the thief Bakura.”
“Bakura!?”
Mahad nodded. “He intended to attack and kill me. He boasted that he became a vampire. He bared a pair of fangs at me which convinced me that he was telling the truth.”
Atem’s face darkened. “He’s a vampire now? That is very troubling. We cannot allow him to roam and attack the people.”
“Of course not.”
“We will also need to check the people to make sure that none of them have become vampires. It would be just like Bakura to inflict his evil on others.”
“My pharaoh, if any are infected, what should be done?”
Atem stroked his chin. “Well,” he said slowly and with clear regret. “As they would no longer be human, they would need to be beheaded, impaled, or imprisoned while being deprived of blood.”
Mahad was rocked to hear Atem’s words. No longer human? Was that truly what the pharaoh believed? If he does believe that, then he wouldn’t see me as being human. There’s no way I could tell him I was turned. I will have to keep my condition a secret.
“Mahad, I am relieved that you escaped your attacker.”
“As am I. I had my Illusion Magician create a smokescreen with its attack to affect my escape.”
Atem nodded. “You know if you were turned, I would have to insist that you…kill yourself.”
Mahad bowed again. “Of course. I have sworn to protect you and the kingdom. Vampires threaten that peace and safety of the living and I would gladly end my existence to insure continued peace and safety.”
“Good. You are dismissed.”
Mahad left the room and decided to spend some time examining his features more closely. He entered his room, dropped the illusion, and stood before the mirror. He recalled what Bakura had told him and the legends he had heard about vampires. He stared at his reflection and realized that the myth of vampires having no reflection was just that: A myth. He opened his mouth to see that his incisors were normal human length. He focused on elongating them and found that they could grow past his lower lip and the tips were very sharp. He retracted them and nodded in satisfaction. He looked at his claws and decided they needed to be cut a bit shorter. I wonder how strong they are; enough to cut skin obviously. Perhaps I can use a rock and slam it down on them in order to break them and maybe use that same rock to smooth out the jagged edges. Yes, that might work. Bakura did say that I’m stronger and faster now. I wonder what else I can do besides strength, speed, and shaper senses.
A sudden prick of pain caught his attention. He looked down to see that he had clenched his left hand and his claws had punctuated his palm. He held up the hand to see blood well up from the pricks. He brought his hand to his mouth and licked away the blood. He then watched his injury heal within seconds. He blinked in surprise. Do vampires heal fast? he wondered. He brought his right index claw to his left arm and drew it down length-wise, leaving a long scratch.
Mahad hissed slightly at the pain before he licked up the blood. It took a minute this time for the scratch to heal, but it confirmed his suspicion: He could heal faster than before. Amazing. Why didn’t Bakura tell me? Maybe he wanted me to discover some things on my own. Maybe I should explore my senses and see how sharp they really are.
He approached his window and closed his eyes, listening to the sounds of a day becoming night. He heard the crackling of fires starting, smelled the pungent scent of incense and wood. He heard the sounds of nocturnal creatures as they awoke and went about their business. He heard the voices of the citizens as they headed for home, closed up their businesses, or visited friends. He also heard the night guards getting ready to spread out to protect the city. In short, he was hearing sounds that were usually a mix of muted sounds and smells that were not usually so sharp and distinct.
He opened his eyes and gasped. His night vision had kicked in and the clarity was astonishing. He could see the citizens and guards moving about as clearly as if it was daylight. He could even make out individual faces. This is simply amazing. I can hear, smell, and see even better than when I had been human. Bakura has indeed given me a gift. I am immortal with amazing abilities. The only drawback is that I must drink blood. However, as I do not have to kill, drinking blood is not that bad. The only trick is to make sure that no one learns the truth about me and if they do, I will simply erase that knowledge from their minds. Satisfied that his secret would remain just that, he went to bed aware that his thirst for blood was absent. I was correct. The blood Bakura gave me was enough. However, I will need to go in search of blood tomorrow. He closed his eyes and fell asleep.
&&&&
Atem stood on his balcony as night fell on the kingdom. He had been given a new danger to worry about: The thief king, Bakura, had become a vampire. Mahad had encountered him at the Magician’s Training Ground and managed to escape with his life.
I don’t know how Bakura became a vampire, but that’s not important. He is now a bigger threat than before. Tomorrow, I will have the guards and Mahad search the city for dead people and any who are vampires. If any are found, they must be dealt with. Hopefully, they are newly turned and have not drunk any blood and thus easy to convince that they must die.
Chapter Three- First Attack
Atem awoke the following morning and quickly dressed. There was much to do and had to be done as soon as possible. He left his room and strode quickly to the Throne Room. He was not surprised to see his court already assembled; it is required for the court to be present before the pharaoh arrives.
Atem took his place and looked at his court. They were attentive and waiting for him to speak. He slowly exhaled. “We have a serious problem. Mahad encountered the thief Bakura yesterday who boasted that he became…a vampire and is apparently unaffected by sunlight.”
There were gasps of shock and Seto said, “My pharaoh, how is that possible?”
“I do not know but this is not important. We need to insure that our subjects are safe from Bakura. The first step is to look for people who have been killed or turned. The latter must be convinced that they must not attack anyone and that they must…die.” The look of regret was obvious on Atem’s face. He cleared his throat. “Mahad, take the guards and check on the people. Take note of the deceased and imprison any vampires or criminals you find.”
Mahad bowed his head. “Yes, my pharaoh.” He left the room to begin the search. A hand went to his temple once out of sight. He had a slight throbbing and surmised that it was a sign that he would require blood before long. He took a deep breath to push aside the pain. He could not afford to experience pain while searching. A thought occurred to him, then. I’m breathing and yet I’m not truly alive. Is it another way to blend in just as my healthy skin tone and warmth does?
“Master Mahad, what is our mission?” a guard asked.
“Our mission is to check the people. I encountered and escaped from a vampire who threatens the safety of the kingdom. We are to look for corpses or people who have been turned. If you find a vampire, the pharaoh has ordered them to be imprisoned. Now, let us do our duty to the pharaoh.”
“To the pharaoh!” cried the guards.
Mahad split the ranks into units and sent them out into the city after lying that pale skin was a sign of a vampire as well as long fangs. He set out by himself, deciding to look for a rock to shorten his claws. He soon found a suitable rock and ducked into a dark and deserted area, feeling relief to be out of the sun’s light and dropping his illusion spell. He placed a hand on the ground palm up and raised the rock, preparing to bring it down.
Suddenly, the rock vanished followed by a familiar voice saying, “I suggest you reconsider your decision.”
Mahad whirled around to see Bakura, holding the rock in his hand. He squeezed his hand, shattering the rock into shards. “I was thinking of shortening my claws,” Mahad said. “I can’t keep using my illusion spell forever.”
“Sure you can. You’re a magician and can use the blood you drink to fuel your magic in addition to your natural skills. Besides, you’ll need your claws if you intend to drink without killing.”
“Yes, of course. Bakura, did you neglect to mention a few abilities to me?”
“I did. You’re an intelligent and curious man, Mahad. I knew you would want to learn of some of your abilities on your own.”
“You were correct. I discovered we heal fast. I also tested my senses.”
“And?” Bakura prompted.
“My senses are just amazing. I obviously had no idea. I now understand and appreciate the gift you’ve given me.” His temple throbbed and he put a hand to it.
“Starting to get thirsty?” Bakura said smugly.
“Yes, but it must wait until the search is over.”
“I did notice more guards than usual. What kind of search are you doing?”
“I told the pharaoh about you being a vampire. He sees you as a bigger threat and believes you would turn others. He ordered a search for dead victims or turned ones. The latter would be imprisoned and convinced to accept death.”
“I take it you did not tell him you were turned otherwise you would be dead.”
“Correct. Now that I think of it, I don’t know why I didn’t tell him.”
“Self-preservation, priest. Pure and simple. Everyone has that, even the undead such as ourselves.”
“Yes, of course. I have a right to live like everyone else. I was right to keep it a secret.”
“Exactly. So,” Bakura grinned, fangs evident. “The pharaoh sees me as a bigger threat. Oh, that is just too good.”
“It is?”
“Oh, yes. You see, he views me as a threat, but he doesn’t know how much of one. But he will, eventually.”
“You’re alluding to me turning him. I can’t see myself doing that.”
“I can imagine. No matter. I can turn him myself, but not now. Security’s a bit tight at this point.”
“Master Mahad?” a nearby voice called.
“We’ll talk another time,” said Bakura in a whisper before speeding away.
Mahad put his hands behind his back as a guard appeared. “Master Mahad. We found no dead victims or vampires, but we did apprehend a few criminals.”
“Very well. Return to the palace and I will make a report to the pharaoh.”
“Yes, sir.” The guard left and Mahad licked his lips. His thirst was growing and he needed to attend to it- now.
Luck was with him as a young woman was walking by his spot. He came up behind her and chanted a word. She crumpled to the ground, asleep. He dragged her back to the deserted spot and propped her up. He pushed her hair aside and used two claws to make one long deep cut on the back of her neck.
Blood welled up and Mahad lowered his mouth to the wound and began to drink hungrily. The first swallow was warm and soothed his throbbing temple. Every subsequent one was delicious and he felt his thirst subsiding. He pulled away and healed the mark before leaving the woman there and concealing his claws. He sighed in relief at having finally secured his blood for the day.
His relief faded to be replaced with feeling of strength and euphoria. He suspected the strength came from the blood drinking while the euphoria had to come from the act of drinking. It had been so easy and such a thrill to drink her blood. He left her alive as he had intended and left no clue that she had been attacked aside from the fact that she was asleep. She’ll awake soon and while she may wonder how she ended up there, no one will suspect a vampire attack as none have been found.
Bakura watched Mahad walk away from the scene of the attack. He had witnessed the entire encounter and was impressed with how the magician had put her to sleep before dragging her back to the deserted spot. Mahad wasted no time in opening a cut on the neck and drinking from it. It was a bit of a strange sight: A righteous priest attacking an innocent citizen for her blood. However, seeing Mahad drink was just what he wanted to see. Now that he’s attacked and drank on his own, the darkness in him will grow and he will be comfortable being a vampire and he will eventually drain people and will agree to turn the pharaoh and the priests.
Chapter Four- Harsh Training
The criminals caught on that search check were quickly judged and sentenced. Mahad had given his report beforehand and Atem was pleased to hear that no one was dead or turned. He insisted that Mahad lead the guards every day to check the people; the time of day didn’t matter as long as a check was conducted. Mahad was happy to do these checks as it would give him opportunity to get his blood. He wondered though; if Bakura wasn’t attacking the citizens then who was he draining? I’ll be sure to ask him next time he desires to talk to me.
&&&&
The man fell without a sound. Mahad used three claws this time to widen the cut. He brought his mouth to the cut and began to drink in earnest. There was no throbbing to ease; there was the simple need and joy of drinking blood. He eventually stopped, healed the wound, and left the man behind him. He felt the same strength and euphoria flow through him as he headed back to report that all was well. Again, he wondered how Bakura was getting his blood.
&&&&
A loud terrified scream echoed across the sand as sharp fangs plunged into his neck and proceeded to suck up every drop of blood. The corpse fell to the ground and Bakura sighed contently. That was as good as usual. He leaned back against a wall of rock cropping that built a deep dark hiding place with the help of other rock cropping. He recalled the day he became a vampire and the day he learned that he had to drink human blood exclusively. He, too, had used his claws to drink at first but that ended when a rival thief tried to kill him. He had seized the man, sank his fangs in, and drained him. The thrill and satisfaction he had gotten from killing his victim filled his already dead and dark heart with more darkness and each subsequent kill continued to feed the darkness. It was what led him to the plan he had come up with: Turn the pharaoh into a vampire. He knew if he and the pharaoh shared the same lifestyle, he would be free to plunder and feed as he wished.
But, the pharaoh was well-guarded and protected; even with his thieving skills, getting near the king wasn’t easy. Hmm, he had mused. If I could turn someone close to the pharaoh then he could do the turning and maybe even the sacred court. The sacred court! That’s it! If I can turn one of them, they can get close to the pharaoh. All I have to do is wait for one to be alone and then I’ll strike.
And it went perfectly, Bakura thought as he returned to the present. I turned Mahad the magician and he has attacked twice by this time. I wonder how the darkness will affect him. I was affected by plundering more lethal tombs and succeeded where others failed simply because I’m faster and can’t die unless I lose my head, get impaled, or can’t get access to blood within two or three days. I am the greatest thief in Egypt and have rightfully earned the title of Thief King. Hmm, perhaps Mahad will become a Master Magician who will engage in light and dark magic, more dark than light.
&&&&
Mahad looked through a spell book, gauging the strength of the spells and running through the skill levels of his students. They were all capable of the basic spells but of the advance ones, their levels were all over the place. That would simply not do. They needed to be equally strong if they were to help protect the kingdom when they became great sorcerers. I will have to step up their studies. They don’t seem to be studying hard enough. Not even my top student, Mana. She has strong magic, but she lacks proper study and focus. I will remedy that by bearing down on her. Mahad was aware that his plans for his students seemed harsh, but he now saw what Seto had seen and had commented more than once on numerous occasions. His students needed to study more and he needed to train them harder as well.
He spent the next two days devising lessons and study sessions whenever he had time. Citizen checks were still being conducted and Mahad made sure to get some blood afterwards. Finally, he was satisfied with his plans. He conducted an early citizen check and blood drink before reporting an all-clear to Atem and then headed to the Training Hall to await his students.
They filed in, looking relaxed and carefree. It was an attitude Mahad used to appreciate, but now it annoyed him. He fixed a stern look at them and they shifted nervously on their feet. One student said, “Master Mahad, is something wrong?”
“Indeed there is,” he said, his tone matching his expression. “I have been looking over your progress and I am, honestly, disappointed. You are all below the level you should be at this stage of your training. We are going to remedy that with regular lessons and longer ones at that.”
The stunned looks on their faces were evident, but Mahad didn’t care. “Let us begin.”
Two hours later, his students were on their hands and knees, panting heavily. The vampire priest strode among them, half-satisfied and half-annoyed. He had worked them hard over the last two hours and all had improved but still below where they should be.
“All right, you’re dismissed. Practice tonight and I will see you the day after tomorrow at the same time.”
They shuffled out, looking tired and irritated. Seto watched them before entering the room. He had been peering into the room for the last hour and had been stunned by what he heard and saw. He saw Mahad- patient, calm, almost easygoing Mahad- pushing his students harder than he ever had, being almost tyrannical in his training of them. “Mahad,” he said as he approached.
“Can I help you, Seto?” Mahad asked, sounding normal.
He tilted his head toward the doorway. “Aren’t you being a bit hard on them?”
“Not at all. It was you who made me realize I needed to be tougher.”
“Me?”
“Yes. Aren’t you always hinting to me that they could use more training? I’m finally taking your advice.”
“Seems like you’re taking it a little too seriously.”
“That’s your opinion,” Mahad snapped. “Now, I will have to insist you leave so I can train Mana.”
Seto swept from the room, passing Mana as he did so. He didn’t know why Mahad was acting harsh, but knew that, with him in that mood, Mana was in for a harsh training lesson like the others went through. I hope Mahad comes to his senses soon because this is so unlike him.
Mana smiled as she entered the room. She loved her lessons with Mahad. He was always patient, willing to let her try or learn new spells. Yes, he remonstrated her when a spell failed, gently telling her to focus in order for the spell to be effective. She still loved her lessons, despite these mild comments. Her smile faded when she saw the cold, stern look on her teacher’s face. “Master Mahad?” she asked gently.
“Mana, you want to be a great magician like me, correct?”
“Yes, Master.”
“Well, it won’t happen if you don’t focus,” he said harshly.
Shocked by his tone, she hung her head and said, “Yes, Master.”
“Good. Let’s resume from your last lesson then we will review previous lessons with emphasis on focus.”
Mahad pushed Manan hard over the next two hours. He told her to focus again and again, particularly when she seemed to struggle to maintain a spell. He seemed unduly harsh and when he dismissed her, she was almost in tears. She had no idea why her master was being so strict, but vowed to strengthen her focus so Mahad would be pleased with her.
Mahad huffed angrily as Mana left. His students seemed to working, but to him it wasn’t hard enough. I will be really pushing them. They will be great like me. I will focus on my own magic tomorrow.
Chapter Five- First Kill
“Mahad, what is the matter with you?” Seto demanded the next day, breaking in on the vampire’s meditative training.
“Nothing, Seto. I’m fine,” he replied calmly.
“I do not believe you. You have been harsh with your students and seem to be withdrawn when not performing your duties. Your very nature seems to have changed and that concerns me.”
Mahad appeared to think it over. He sighed. “I am taking my duties very seriously, Seto. There is a vampire loose out there and the safety of the citizens and the palace is of the utmost importance. We must capture or kill Bakura in order to insure the end of his threat.”
“And that is why you are pushing your students?”
“That’s right. I won’t be around forever and they must be able to protect the kingdom as well as successfully train their own students.”
Seto nodded. “That’s admirable long-term planning. So, all this is to end Bakura’s threat and insure the kingdom’s safety in the future.”
“Precisely.”
Seto regarded Mahad for a moment before saying, “Duel me. If we are to protect the pharaoh, we must be strong.”
“I accept. Shall we duel here or do you have another place in mind?”
“Here is good. We will have peace here and none will disturb us.”
“My thoughts exactly.”
&&&&
Seto panted as he faced Mahad with two monsters, Duos and Battle Ox. Mahad, however, still looked as fresh as he did at the start of the duel as did his only monster, Illusion Magician. I don’t understand. Both of us are almost equal in strength, though I’m a little stronger. But, we’ve been trading attacks and spells back and forth for a good while and I’m almost exhausted while Mahad seems to have plenty of strength left. I had to summon Battle Ox to help defend Duos.
Mahad’s eyes glittered with an aggressiveness he had never felt before when dueling. He could only attribute it to the blood he had consumed over the last few days. He still had plenty of strength and more than enough to end this duel. “All right, Seto. This is it,” he declared. “First, I use my magician’s ability, Spellbinding Phantasm on your Duos.” A magical circle ensnared its target. “Next, my magician will attack Battle Ox.” The magician swung its staff and Battle Ox exploded to pieces. “And finally I will transfer some of my magic to my monster so that it can wage a second attack, this time on Duos!” Mahad started to chant and, to Seto’s shock, instead of his usual white magical aura, it was black! The same black aura surrounded the magician before it attacked and blasted Duos.
Seto dropped to one knee, stunned at the conclusion: He actually lost to Mahad! He looked up at his opponent who suddenly didn’t look like someone he had known for some time. He still had that aggressive look in his eyes and a faint black aura drifted off him briefly before fading. He got to his feet and smiled gamely at Mahad. “Congratulations. You’ve clearly been practicing.”
“At least one of us has,” was the acid reply. “I suggest you improve your skills before you challenge me again.” Mahad left the room, failing to notice the drop-jawed look on Seto’s face.
Okay, now I know something’s wrong with Mahad. He’s kind of acting like me, only darker. Is the Ring starting to influence him with evil thoughts? No, surely not. His magic is strong enough to control his Item just like the rest of us. Something else is responsible for the change in Mahad’s behavior.
The next day, Mahad led another citizen check and afterwards he ambled aimlessly, wondering if his students had practiced yesterday. I certainly hope so. Regardless, I will be pushing them hard today, especially Mana. He licked his lips; he was so thirsty and drinking without killing wasn’t an option anymore. It shouldn’t have been an option to begin with, but it was. Now, I’m ready to kill.
He found his first kill in an old man. He had hidden in the shadows of a building and when the man shuffled by, Mahad snagged him by the arm, hauled him into the darkness, and sank his long fangs into the neck, one hand over the mouth to muffle the scream. He proceeded to drink hungrily and greedily, his eyes including the whites went completely black as he drank. He sucked up the last drop of blood, healed the marks, and he dropped the corpse as his eyes returned to normal. He licked his fangs and lips clean of blood before shortening the former to a little longer than human length. Oh, that was wonderful; much more satisfying than just taking a little.
“Well done, Mahad. Very nice.”
The priest turned to see Bakura leaning against the wall opposite, hidden in the darkness but he saw him clearly due to his night vision. He glanced back at the corpse and felt a stab of horror. “Oh, gods. What have I done!?”
“You did what was inevitable. Believe me, I went almost this long before killing for blood. Don’t deny that you enjoyed that.”
Mahad was silent for a moment, thinking over the attack. The seizing of the man, sinking his fangs into the neck, and sucking up all the blood. “I did enjoy it,” he admitted. “I still feel the thrill of it.”
“As you should. Killing for blood is what vampires do.”
“That reminds me. How have you been drinking?”
Bakura smirked. “I stalk trading routes, roaming quickly among them. I can kill one by draining them and storing the blood of another. A vampire can go without blood for two or three days but beyond that we would die.”
“I cannot imagine going that long without drinking.”
“Me neither. That is why I store blood in case I don’t find prey. I don’t see you having that problem.” Bakura swept an arm in the direction of the open street.
Mahad smiled slightly, the tips of his fangs exposed. It was hard to hate being a vampire with Bakura there talking about how great it was. Indeed, I love being one. I am a stronger magician because of it and it allowed me to defeat Seto.
“I am curious, Mahad,” Bakura said. “How is your darkness affecting you? Mine has resulted in me becoming the greatest thief in Egypt thus my title of Thief King is well-deserved.”
“Ah, okay. I think the darkness is affecting me in terms of my magic and my attitude toward my students. Yesterday, I dueled Seto and defeated him. He was getting exhausted toward the end while I still had plenty of strength.”
Bakura nodded. “Yes, the darkness and the blood fuels your body, senses, and magic making you a stronger magician, as I suspected. You may end up being a Master Magician, the greatest one of all.”
“A Master Magician,” Mahad repeated, liking the sound of that. He brought his mind back to what he had been saying. “I have noticed that I am being hard on my students’ studies. They need to be stronger and I am determined to insure that.” He glanced up at the sky. “I need to go. Lessons will be starting soon.”
“Go ahead. Oh and let the darkness guide you. After all, it is why you’re getting stronger.”
Mahad nodded as he shortened his fangs further and left. Bakura grinned at what he learned. Mahad is definitely becoming dark and he’s not fighting it. He’s embracing it and that will allow the darkness in his heart to grow. Once he had gone completely dark, that is when I will again broach the subject of turning the pharaoh and the sacred court. I doubt he’ll object to it as he’ll likely see the necessity in turning his king in order to avoid being killed.
Chapter Six- Dark Acceptance
Mahad strode back and forth as he awaited the arrival of his students, his mind dwelling on the conversation he had had with Bakura. I can’t deny that I am becoming dark due to my vampire nature. It was going to happen; one cannot be a vampire without going dark in the process. The fact that I’m going dark does not bother me nor do I think it’s wrong. I enjoy attacking people and drinking blood. Right now, I can’t tell anyone that except Bakura because he feels the same way I do. He turned in his pacing and the gleam of the Ring caught his eye. The Items held evil and darkness within and it is the strength of the Sacred Court’s power and purity of soul that prevented them from infecting their owners with that evil power. But now that Mahad had become a vampire, he was attracted to his Item’s dark power. I have fought and contained it all this time, but now I drop my defenses and allow it to come forth and join with the darkness that is already in my heart. The Ring glowed with a black aura and it leaped into Mahad’s body and entered his blackened heart. His body glowed in black briefly as the two dark forces joined together.
Mahad blinked and ceased his dark thoughts as his students entered the room. Some looked fearful while others looked determined or resigned to another tough lesson. He folded his arms as he regarded the group. “I hope you’ve been practicing since our last lesson. We shall see.”
&&&&
Seto knelt before Atem. “My pharaoh, I am concerned about Mahad.”
“Concerned?” Atem cocked an eyebrow. “He seems fine to me.”
“I observed part of a lesson with his students the other day and he seemed unduly harsh with them. Yesterday, we had a duel and he was unusually aggressive and had plenty of strength when the duel ended. I feel as if something’s wrong with him.”
“Seto, I have not witnessed anything in Mahad’s behavior that is cause for concern. If he seems to be acting out of sorts, it may be because of the citizen checks. I will let him know that they don’t have to continue or need not be conducted every day.”
“Yes, my pharaoh. An excellent decision.” Seto left the room, not assuaged by Atem’s insistence. He remained convinced that Mahad was acting and behaving differently. He doubted the daily checks were the cause of Mahad’s harsh attitude. He’s not returning to normal; if anything he seems to be getting worse, actually acting darker every day.
&&&&
“Come on, you can do better than that!” Mahad snapped as he glared around the room.
“Master Mahad, we’re trying,” one student pleaded. The exhaustion on his face was clear as it was on all the others.
“Not hard enough! I expected you all to have practiced yesterday!” He saw the scared, tired faces around him, but felt no sympathy for them. They had been training for nearly three hours now and their teacher had been becoming increasingly tougher as time went on.
“We-we did practice,” a second student said timidly.
“Fine,” he snapped. “You’re dismissed. I expect to see you practicing before the next lesson. Next time, I should see vast improvements.” The students rushed to the door, scared of Mahad’s impossible to please standards. He turned his back on the door, feeling the darkness in his heart growing faster due to his vampire nature and the Ring. The darkness was feeding his anger and impatience at his students and that’s why he lashed out. He knew others would view his actions as irrational and cruel, but he didn’t care. He rather liked being angry and cruel. The human he had been had died days ago when Bakura bit him and he had finished changing into a vampire. Yes, my humanity is gone. I am a vampire and I will kill to get my blood.
“Master Mahad?” came the voice of Mana.
He turned to see Mana standing before him and raised an eyebrow at the sight of dark shadows under her eyes which were full of determination. “You’ve been practicing?” he asked, his voice hard.
“Yes, Master,” she said.
“Then, let us see. Show me.”
Mana couldn’t believe what she was hearing and seeing. She was performing better than she ever had, but Mahad was not satisfied. Her focus began to falter because of this and this angered him. “You said you practiced!” he said, almost growling.
“I did!” she insisted.
“I would have thought you would be able to do illusion and concealing spells by now. They are basic spells of the advanced level. Watch.” He held up a hand and letting his illusion drop to expose his claws, making himself look as if he casting an illusion spell. She gasped at the claws and he concealed them again, making look as if he was dropping the spell. “Impressive illusion, isn’t it?”
“Yes, Master.”
“If you wish to be a great sorcerer, you must focus and maintain that focus.”
“Yes. I will strengthen my focus.”
“Good. Then, we’ll end your lesson for today so you can begin your focus training.” He watched her start to walk away and he felt a desire to drink. He licked his lips as he came up behind her. He couldn’t use his magic on her as she could block a sleep spell, so he would have to depend on his strength and speed. He also planned to only drink a little, not turn her.
He dropped his illusion, grabbed her arms, and pinned them behind her back with one hand. He pushed aside her hair and scratched her neck, bringing blood to the surface. She gasped at the pain and tried to escape, but Mahad kept an iron grip on her arms. He licked at the blood before latching his mouth over the cuts and sucking. He felt Mana weakening as she started to slide to the floor. He pulled back, healed the wounds, and erased knowledge of the attack from her mind.
She stirred and moaned softly before she noticed she was on the floor. Mahad knelt beside her, his concerned expression looking odd on his face after being angry all lesson. “Mana, are you all right?”
“I think so. I guess I’m more tired than I thought. I practiced so much, I barely slept.”
“Well, go get some sleep and then resume practice.” He helped her to her feet.
“Thank you,” she said sleepily as she staggered out the door.
Mahad grinned and ran his tongue lightly over his fangs. He brought a hand to his mouth and licked the tips of his claws. He had enjoyed that attack and she hadn’t noticed the fangs or claws. He didn’t put her to sleep, but had managed to remove memory of the attack from her. She admitted to hardly sleeping and Mahad seized onto that to explain why she was on the floor. He closed his eyes to savor the thrill he had gotten from the attack.
He was unaware of Seto peering around the doorway. The brunette stared in wide-eyed shock. Mahad’s hands sported long sharp claws and he had long incisors in his mouth! He pulled back and stole down the hall. I knew something was wrong! Mahad didn’t escape from Bakura; he was bitten and turned. That explains his recent behavior. He’s becoming dark due to being a vampire. But, if he’s been a vampire for days, why are there no dead bodies or turned victims? Could it be that Mahad has control over how he attacks and that it’s only his dark attitude that’s different aside from the claws and fangs? I should report this to the pharaoh.
“Seto?”
The young priest turned to see Mahad behind him, looking completely normal. He’s using an illusion spell; he must be, he thought. “Yes?” he asked.
“What are you doing?”
“Just heading to the library. Care to join me?”
“Perhaps another time.” Mahad passed Seto, looking preoccupied.
“I told the pharaoh about your recent behavior and he’ll tell you to lessen the citizen checks,” he called out.
Mahad turned around, keeping his alarm hidden. “But, Bakura’s still out there,” he protested.
“Yes, but he’s not been attacking the city.” Seto took a deep breath, deciding to confront Mahad. “You didn’t really escape Bakura, did you?”
“I said I did.”
“Mahad, I saw you a few minutes ago with claws and fangs. You were turned into a vampire, weren’t you?”
Chapter Seven- The Plan in Motion
Mahad was silent for a moment. “Yes,” he said finally. “I’m a vampire now.”
“You need to confess to the pharaoh and then kill yourself. You know that’s what you have to do.”
Mahad’s face hardened. “No, I don’t. I have a right to live like everyone else.”
“Not everyone drinks blood.”
“I have not killed anyone. I only take a little.” Mahad knew he was lying, but so far he had only killed once. He knew he would kill more because Bakura had been right: Now that he had drained someone, he would prefer to feed that way.
“A little or a lot, it’s still attacking!” Seto scowled. “You don’t deserve to remain a priest. I’m afraid I’ll have to place you under arrest and bring you to the pharaoh.” He started to reach for the vampire.
Mahad, however, saw it coming and acted fast. He zipped out of Seto’s range and field of vision, got behind him, and chanted the sleep spell. Seto hit the floor and Mahad waved his hands over the brunette. He erased the knowledge of his secret and planted false images in their place. He nodded approvingly before moving on. Seto will believe the two of them had been talking about kingdom affairs and that he had passed out once Mahad had left. He planted the suggestion that Seto hadn’t been eating enough.
Seto’s been suspicious of me for three days now and today actually saw me with my claws and fangs. It might be time to turn Seto; I would prefer to turn the pharaoh first, but Seto is the first to notice my dark nature.
&&&&
“You have a point. It seems it is time to turn them. If Seto discovers the truth again, he will immediately report you,” Bakura said as the vampires conversed under the cover of darkness and night.
“I want to turn the pharaoh first,” Mahad said.
“Of course. Tomorrow after feeding, kill someone else and have a way to store the blood. I suspected that I needed to have blood with me to keep you from killing yourself soon after turning. I believe the pharaoh and the others will be of similar disposition.”
“You are correct. All right. Tomorrow, they will be turned.” Mahad left and Bakura smirked. He had no doubt that Mahad would turn the others. I no longer need to watch over him. I can go about my business and maybe one day I will come back and visit my fellow vampires.
&&&&
“Reduce the checks, my pharaoh?” Mahad asked the next morning, pretending to be surprised even though Seto spoke of it yesterday- before Mahad modified his memory that is.
“Correct. There have been no deaths or vampires at all so every day checks seem unnecessary. Conduct one today and we’ll put them on hold for a while.”
“Yes, my pharaoh.” Mahad left the room once everyone was dismissed, a dark fanged smile on his face. This is perfect, he thought. Once the check is done, I will feed and kill another for their blood to store in this pouch I’ve hidden on my person. I have smaller containers to divide the blood; I recall that Bakura did not give me much.
Everything went perfectly. After another uneventful check, Mahad fed on a woman. He wondered about the man he had killed and guessed that Bakura probably disposed of the body somehow. That would soon not be needed. He snagged a second person, pulled out the pouch, and then drew all five claws of one hand across the woman’s throat, severing the jugular. He collected as much blood as possible and then split it into six smaller containers, but some blood still remained in the pouch. Good; in case someone knocks the container out of my hand.
He headed back to the palace, his mind fabricating a way to get near the pharaoh to bite him. I think I know a way: A duel. Atem can’t resist an opportunity to duel and as we’re more than pharaoh and priest, I can ask without it being suspicious.
“No problems detected, my pharaoh. Not even criminal activity,” Mahad reported.
“Good. Mahad, Seto expressed a concern to me. He believed you were being harsh with your students and he further believed something was wrong with you. I told him that you were probably being overly concerned about the citizen checks.”
“Yes, my pharaoh, you’re right. Now that the checks are not every day, everything will return to normal.”
“I’m pleased to hear that.”
“My pharaoh, I was wondering. Would you honor me with a duel?”
Atem was flattered by the question. It had been quite some time since he dueled and it was his longtime friend who asked. “I would be happy to duel you, my friend.” He got up, descended the stairs, and started to lead Mahad out of the room.
Mahad grinned as he lengthened his fangs. The moment was here! He could see the spot to bite. He swiftly came up behind Atem, wrapped his arms around the torso and pinning the arms, and sank his fangs into the neck. He heard Atem cry out as he drank some of the young man’s blood before pulling back. He seized a container as he moved to stand before Atem, curious to see the transformation.
Atem’s eyes were closed with a hand over his heart, the nails growing longer, sharper, and hardening into claws as were the ones on the other hand. Atem gasped and Mahad saw long fangs growing. His sharp hearing heard the heart slowly beat to a stop.
Atem panted as he felt his heart stop and the pain faded. He knew what had happened: He had been bitten and had just become a vampire. His head shot up to see Mahad before him bearing fangs and long claws. “Mahad!? You’re a vampire?” he gasped, his new fangs almost biting into his lip.
“Yes, my pharaoh. I didn’t escape my encounter with Bakura. I didn’t like what I had become until I learned that I’m immortal and have incredible enhanced senses.” Mahad shortened his fangs as he spoke.
Atem followed Mahad’s lead and shortened his to human length before saying, “That doesn’t excuse the need for blood. I will not accept this lifestyle.”
Mahad sighed. “Yes, Bakura suspected that.” He seized Atem’s hands to prevent him from taking his life or Mahad’s, uncorked the container, put the opening in Atem’s mouth, and tipped the blood into it.
Atem had no choice but to swallow the blood. It was disgusting at first, but it soon tasted good. The container was removed and his hands were released. He licked his lips, swallowed, and said, “If you’ve been a vampire this long, why have there been no deaths or turned victims?”
“I used my magic and claws to drink a little, heal the wound, and leave no trace of the attack in the person’s mind. The way I turned you is the only way. My pharaoh, what I’ve given you is a gift.”
“A gift?” he repeated incredulously. “Having to drink blood from my subjects and you call it a gift?”
“I do. Now, I need to share it with the rest of the sacred court.” Mahad turned and was gone before Atem could stop him. He groaned at this turn of events. His friend was a dark vampire and he would go the same way; he was certain of it. I can still kill myself, but somehow I can’t bring myself to do it. Is it the blood I just drank?
Chapter Eight- Success
Mahad moved down the hall, his ears straining to locate heartbeats. He heard some that belonged to the guards. He headed for the library, figuring he’d find at least one priest there. He was in luck: He found two. He silently chanted the sleep spell. Aknadin and Kalim were instantly out. He quickly went over to them, bit Aknadin and then Kalim. Once they had changed, he poured the blood down their throats and left to find the others. He encountered Shada on the way to where Isis did fire-reading visions using her Item. He knocked the Millennium Key user out, turned him, and fed him before seeking out Isis.
He found her exactly where he thought she’d be: In the Tower Room. She faced him calmly. “I know why you’re here and what you plan to do. I know that I cannot stop you, so go ahead.” She tilted her head, giving him a clear shot and kept her arms at her side showing she was unarmed. He came closer and bit down. He figured Isis would be the easiest to turn what with her ability to see the future. He sucked some blood from her before pulling back and watching her change. He passed her the container of blood and was about to leave when she said, “Turning Seto will not be easy.”
“You wouldn’t happen to know where he is, would you?” he asked without looking back.
“His Spirit Temple,” she said.
“Ah.” He smirked as he walked away. Yes, Seto will likely duel me to stop me. But, I have had quite a bit of blood today and I feel very strong. He will join the rest of us. Even if he defeats or kills me, one of the others would turn him or the pharaoh will do it. Then again, he is unaware of what I plan to do.
He entered the temple and spotted Seto at the very top. He climbed the steps to see Seto regarding the tablets on the wall; he did the same for a few moments. “Spying on me, Mahad? You hope to learn my new strategy?” Seto asked after several more moments.
“Not at all. I came to tell you that the pharaoh wants to see all of the sacred court right now.”
“Does he?” He faced Mahad. Suddenly, the Rod was in his hand, the concealed point exposed. He raised the Item and swept it down toward Mahad, intending to strike him in the skull but Mahad turned and got a cut on the side of his neck.
“Seto! Have you gone mad?” Mahad exclaimed, a hand to his neck, to staunch the bleeding until it healed.
“I will not let you turn me,” he sneered. He nodded at Mahad’s free hand, the claws in evidence.
Mahad scowled. “I should have put you to sleep like most of the others.” He removed his hand and licked away the blood, knowing the wound was healed.
Seto held the Rod’s point in front of him. “Yes, you should have, but you didn’t. That was foolish and arrogant, Mahad. Once I kill you, I’ll kill whoever you turned and will lead a search party to kill Bakura. I will protect the kingdom from-,” Seto suddenly screamed and Mahad saw why: Atem was on his back, fangs buried in the priest’s neck! He’s attacking a human! So soon. Has he given in already?
Atem pulled out and jumped away. Seto turned around and stared at Atem, stunned. “My pharaoh, why?” he managed to say before gasping as his heart began to slow.
Atem folded his arms. “I was given a gift. You will understand soon enough.”
“Pharaoh?” Mahad said slowly, hardly daring to believe Atem had turned dark already.
“I thought about what you said. I like the idea of being immortal and powerful. I know I will become dark like you. Indeed, I believe it is starting.”
“All of you will be dark. It depends on how accepting you are. It took me a few days as I fought against it.”
“And I will fight it,” Seto insisted as he stood and examined his claws. “Or maybe-,”
“You will not kill yourself,” Atem ordered. “Mahad, do you have more blood?”
“Yes, my pharaoh.” Mahad retrieved the final container and Atem pried open Seto’s mouth and Mahad poured the blood in. Atem closed the mouth and insured that the blood went down. Seto reluctantly swallowed and a look of disgust crossed his face.
“Oh, come now Seto,” Atem said. “You love power and as a vampire you will have that and immortality.”
“True, but I do not like the price.”
“We do not have to kill,” Atem replied. “Mahad did not.”
“Actually, I have killed two,” Mahad admitted. “Yesterday and today.”
“What!?” Seto exclaimed.
Mahad kept his head up, unashamed. “I was told once I drained someone, I will want to continue to feed that way and I realize that I do.”
“We need to minimize that,” Atem stated. “We cannot have seven people dying every day.”
“Criminals,” Seto said quietly. “Two dying a day should be acceptable.”
Atem considered that a moment. “Gather the court and bring them to the Throne Room.”
“Yes, my pharaoh,” chorused the priests as Atem left.
“I am not happy with being turned,” Seto commented as they entered the palace. “And I blame you.”
“Of course you do and I accept responsibility. Even though the pharaoh bit you and he would not have done so if I hadn’t turned him.”
“How could you?” Seto asked before wincing as his fangs pierced his lip.
“Focus on shortening them. I learned that from watching Bakura.”
“I…take back blaming you. This is all Bakura’s fault.”
“Seto, you asked how I could turn all of you. Your suspicions of my behavior prompted me to take this course sooner than I expected. This was all part of Bakura’s plan. He turned me so that I could turn the others.”
“But, why?”
“To have the freedom to feed and steal as he wishes.”
Seto sighed. It was too late to stop Bakura’s plan as it had already succeeded. He was a vampire now as was the pharaoh and the court. He required blood to live and he would turn dark like the one beside him. The pharaoh is starting to turn dark. He sees being a vampire as a gift and he’s already attacked in order to turn me.
&&&&
Atem regarded his court before him. All six were like him: Fangs, sharp claws, no heartbeat, and much more. They, in turn, were looking at Mahad with burning resentment, except for Isis. She must have seen this future with her Item and knew sharing this knowledge would not change it.
He cleared his throat. “We cannot change what’s happened and continued resentment will likewise not help.
“It is obvious that we will need blood every day. Seto suggested feeding on a criminal.” Atem held up a hand. “We can use our claws to create an opening and drink a little. Mahad, I trust you will heal the wound and remove memory of the attack should our…victim live?”
“Yes, my pharaoh.”
“Good.”
“My pharaoh, what of Bakura?” Seto asked. “He planned for us to be turned and he is still out there.”
“He has not attacked the people,” Atem said. “Let him be. We are all part of the same group now.”
Seto bowed. Atem then dismissed the court after announcing security patrols for the next day. Mahad smiled, pleased with succeeding with the plan. We are all vampires and we will live for eternity. A new era for Egypt has begun.
