Disclaimer: I don’t own Yu-Gi-Oh!
Chapter One- The Vision
“It happened again, Master Mahad.”
Mahad frowned at the tomb entrance though his inclination was to sigh in exasperation. A rash of tomb robbing had broken out, but thus far no one had been caught. He cautiously entered, though the caution seemed unnecessary: All the traps had been sprung but it would seem the criminal deliberately set them off as he left the tomb which was clever and brazen. Clever as the traps were designed to catch people as they go into the tomb, not exiting it. It was brazen as it was saying that they wouldn’t catch him.
Who could avoid all the traps with such ease? It should not be possible. This is the third tomb in two weeks to be robbed. He must be stopped, whoever he is. Mahad had a shrewd idea who it was, but he had no proof: Bakura. The young man was well-known to steal anything he wanted from anyone; such skill had led him to claim himself The King of Thieves. If Mahad was correct, then it would seem that Bakura had moved on to robbing tombs; specifically ones that Mahad booby-trapped himself. This was what really rattled him: That a thief could defeat traps that a great magician like him had set. Next time, I set traps, I will set a spell that will identify the criminal.
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Bakura leaned back in his hideout with a self-satisfied smirk. He had just robbed his third tomb whose traps had been personally set by the magician priest, Mahad. Mahad may design all of the traps, but most were set by slaves and thus, too easy to avoid. But traps Mahad set himself? They represented a challenge and he thrived on challenges. The traps had been tricky and cleverly disguised. The first one he robbed, he had almost gotten caught and only his fast reflexes and sharp eye helped him to avoid the first trap. After that, he surveyed every step in front of him.
The second tomb set by Mahad had some new challenges but he defeated them too. The latest one wasn’t as challenging as he knew what to look for and was familiar with Mahad’s style.
I am deliberately targeting the tombs he booby-trapped for a reason: I want to meet him and eventually befriend him in order to get my hands on his Millennium Item. The tricky part of the plan is the face that he is a magician. He will be suspicious of my supposed intentions but if I refrain from stealing and plundering and assist in trap suggestions that should allay his suspicions. The theft of his Item will be my greatest achievement to date. Bakura laughed as he pictured the look on Mahad’s face when he succeeded in stealing the Ring.
Mahad led the guards back to the palace, not looking forward to giving the pharaoh the bad news. He prided himself on assuring the safety of the tombs’ treasures and for them to be plundered like this hit him very hard. He set the guards to search for suspicious behavior before heading through the palace gates and toward the Throne Room. He entered to see Atem alone save for two guards. He approached the steps and knelt. “My pharaoh, I fear I bring bad news.”
“Another tomb robbed?” Atem asked, though he sounded as if he already knew.
“Yes, my pharaoh and it was one I set myself.”
“That would make three in two weeks unless I’m mistaken.”
“You are correct. I set all three.”
“Why only target the ones you set?”
“I do not know, but I have a few guesses. I believe the criminal views the traps of a magician as a challenge and, having avoided them, sets them off as he leaves, telling me that he thinks of my traps as a joke.”
Atem took in the look of frustration on Mahad’s face and felt sorry for his friend. Mahad had a lot of pride and it shows in his duties; for him to fail in those duties hits him hard. “Do not despair, my friend. I have faith that you will catch the robber and he will be subjected to a Millennium Trial.”
Mahad looked up at him. “Yes, my pharaoh. You are right. I will eventually snare him. I have some new traps that should work.” He rose, bowed, and left to design the traps and study the spell that would reveal the thief. He exited the room, went down the hall, and saw Isis seemingly waiting for him and he inwardly groaned. Lately, Isis had displayed affection for him, but only in private. He was flattered by her feelings for him but he did not reciprocate. She was a dear friend to him, nothing more. He just hadn’t told her yet as he had been busy with his duties.
“Isis,” he said with a nod, not ready to tell her he wasn’t interested in her and too occupied with catching his mysterious thief.
“Mahad,” she replied. “You seem preoccupied.”
“I am. Someone is deliberately robbing tombs I personally booby-trap and shows he’s capable of avoiding the traps. I intend to catch him and I have a plan to do just that.”
“Oh, Mahad. That’s awful. I hope your plan works.”
“If all goes as I plan, it will work.” He gave her a friendly smile as he went past her. She returned it in a way that seemed too friendly to him. I will have to talk to her after I catch the thief and make it clear to her that I do not share the sentiments she feels for me. It is possible that I prefer men to women. Mahad laid that thought aside as he entered his chambers and set to work on a new set of traps and that one special spell.
Isis watched Mahad walk away, apparently deep in thought. She had developed a close friendship with him, much like what Mahad had with the pharaoh. But over the course of their duties as members of the Sacred Court, she felt like their relationship had developed into something more. She felt affection for the magician but wasn’t sure how deep it was. Now, as he walked away, she knew: She was deeply in love with him. I should let him know. It’s possible he has feelings for me, but keeps them hidden as he is not sure how I feel. I have tried to subtlety convey my love for him, but he seems to not have picked up on it. Mahad would seem to be a typical man: Subtlety does not register. Perhaps, I should be more obvious, such as coming out and saying it or even showing it. Isis proceeded to the Sacred Court’s tower where she would do fire-reading with the aid of her Necklace. Hopefully, she would see a vision that was happy for a change. Maybe see if Mahad’s plan to catch the thief would succeed.
She knelt before the fire, closed her eyes, put a hand on either side of her Item, and concentrated, asking the Necklace to reveal a vision of the future to her. She felt it glow warm in response to her plea. Her eyes flew open and she gasped at the image that had appeared before her. It had showed a slumbering Mahad and standing behind him was a shadowy figure with lavender eyes, full of triumph and in one hand, was the Millennium Ring!
Oh no! she thought. Someone seeks Mahad’s Item and will trick Mahad gain his trust and confidence in order to take the Ring. I must warn Mahad!
&&&&
Mahad studied the layout of the new tomb and used a quill to scratch out the placement of a trap he had just designed. He was quite proud of it; one the best he had conceived thus far. I’d like to see him get past this one and, if he does, that is where my spell will activate and capture an image of him and then I will use a matching spell to reveal his identity to me. I still suspect Bakura is the one avoiding my traps, but I have never seen him up close; usually just a fleeing figure that looks like a young man no older than the pharaoh. Well, my spell will give me a clearer image of the one robbing the tombs. Then, I will construct a false tomb and wait for the thief inside, where I will apprehend him. He smiled at the thought of ending this rash of tomb robbing.
“Mahad?”
The magician turned in his seat to see Isis there, wearing a serious expression; an expression she wore whenever she had a vision. “Isis? What has the Necklace revealed to you?”
“A plot of treachery and deceit. Someone plans to befriend you in order to steal you Item. I could not see who for he was in shadow. Please be careful, Mahad.”
“I promise you, I will watch my step. I will not allow anyone to lay a hand on my Item.” He gave her a reassuring smile as he returned to his plans and Isis left, feeling better that she had warned Mahad and put him on his guard.
Chapter Two- The Fourth Tomb
Finished, Mahad thought with satisfaction a few weeks later. After much planning, building, and construction, his latest traps had been laid. Now it was just a matter of waiting for the traps to be triggered and the culprit to be revealed. Mahad was most eager to see if his spell worked. He had studied it and its twin spell and practiced their pronunciations during the building of his traps and was quite confident that he had it right.
“Well done, men,” he said. “Let us return to the palace.” He led the guards back save for the ones assigned to the tomb. He was thinking of how long he would have to wait when his Ring glowed and the pointers on the right rose and pointed to the right that led into the desert. A criminal nearby. It could be our tomb robber or a minor criminal. I will let him go for now.
“Master Mahad?” one guard asked, noticing the magician had not moved.
He shook himself from his musings. “It is nothing,” he said upon seeing their concerned faces. He continued to lead them home.
“The tomb’s traps are laid?” Atem asked.
Mahad knelt. “Yes, my pharaoh. They are set and so is the spell that will reveal the one responsible. I plan to lie in wait in a false tomb in order to arrest him.”
Atem nodded. “Clever plan, Mahad. As he is targeting your traps, you will make certain he will come to the false one.”
“Yes, but I must wait for the new traps to be sprung before ending the criminal’s robbing spree.”
“When you learn his identity, please inform me.”
“Yes, my pharaoh.” Mahad left the room and headed off to teach his students. Magic was his joy in life and teaching others was also a pleasure. He quickly recalled what he was to teach them today and he smiled. Ah, conjuring water from thin air. This will be an enjoyable lesson as well as a useful spell and later on there will be a review lesson for Mana. He strode into the Training Hall to see his students gathered and waiting for him. They bowed and chorused, “Master Mahad.”
He nodded at their greeting before saying, “Today, we will learn to conjure water out of nothingness.” He allowed his students to murmur comments before continuing. “Naturally creating anything from nothing requires focus, concentration, and magical talent. I know you possess all three. Now, the spell for this feat is thus…”
He felt satisfaction as his students left. Most haven’t managed to produce any water, though they gave it their best effort. He had assured them that they would devote several classes to the lesson. In the meantime, he recommended they practice the incantation so that it would be memorized by next class. Seto criticizes that I don’t train my students hard enough, but he does not know how trying learning a new spell can be on one’s mind. It can be mentally exhausting. I know from experience when I was an apprentice.
Mahad looked up from his musings when his top student, Mana entered the room. Mana definitely had the gift of great magic. She could do more than his other students. The only thing was she had a problem with focus. She would use a spell with no problem but lacked the focus to undo it. A prime example was the freeze spell. Mahad knew she could undo her spells and encouraged her to practice and improve.
“Master Mahad, I’ve been working real hard for today’s lesson,” she said.
“Have you really?”
“Yes, Master. My focus had gotten better.”
Mahad smiled. “Well as this is a review lesson, show me how much you have improved.”
“Yes, Master.”
Two hours later, Mahad dismissed her, pleased with her progress. Her focus had indeed improved and he promised that they would start learning a new spell in her next lesson. The smile on her face as she left gave Mahad a good feeling. He absolutely loved seeing his students learning spells and working hard to perform them. He knew that his teacher had felt the same way with him. His gift of magic resulted in him performing advanced spells at a younger age than usual. All that led to him becoming a powerful magician and a desire to teach the next generation of magicians.
He directed his feet to the library while his mind dwelled upon Isis’ vision. She said she saw someone stealing his Item. A plot of treachery and deceit she had said. The people he interacted with daily wouldn’t betray him just to get his Item and the same certainty went toward those he saw almost as often. No one I know would deceive me to steal from me, so that means I must be cautious if I choose to make a new friend. Hmm, it would be nice to have someone new to talk to; to share my hopes and dreams and hear theirs in return.
His thoughts then turned to the new tomb. He reviewed the traps that had been laid and again, felt pride in them. He thought of the new one and the spell put after it. The target wouldn’t feel the spell wash over him which was perfect. The spell would merely capture the target’s appearance and its counterpart spell would make the image visible. Once the tomb has been plundered, we will either have the thief or know who it is and what he looks like.
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Bakura eyed the tomb entrance with an expert eye. He had been informed by one of his men that a new tomb had been completed and that Mahad had laid the traps. He had been thrilled to hear that. He had been itching to rob another tomb set by the magician. Now, he laid in wait nearby for an unguarded moment to enter. I wonder what kind of traps he set this time. Maybe a magical trap? That would be exciting and challenging to avoid. That does make me wonder: Why not protect the tombs with magic instead of the traditional traps? Ah, no matter. I don’t mind the normal traps. He continued to examine the entrance from his hiding spot. It didn’t look as if there was a trap in the doorway which re-enforced the need for guards. He wasn’t afraid of the guards, he would easily disarm and kill them. But, he had killed anyone before and wasn’t’ sure if he could. No, not could. If my life is threatened, I will kill the one who threatens me.
The hours ticked by and Bakura continued to watch the guards intently. They showed no sign of their attention flagging and he growled to himself. Damn, how can I get by them? He felt a tingle, looked down, and gasped softly. His hands were fading out! He looked past his hands and saw his entire body was fading and, for a second, he saw the coils of his monster, Diabound. He grinned as he completely faded away. Diabound just granted my desire to slip past the guard. They’ll never see me coming.
Bakura strode forward, confident that no one could see him; even his footprints were invisible. He walked past the guards, and once inside, smirked. He didn’t laugh as that would just alert the guards and even though he was invisible, he knew it wouldn’t last forever. He moved forward and as he stepped into the darkness, his invisibility wore off. He wasn’t too concerned; Diabound likely needed to recover its strength so it could help its master escape later.
Bakura scanned every foot before him, his eyes able to discern Mahad’s traps as he had the last three times. They weren’t the same traps; they were new and, for a normal robber, they would be near impossible to avoid. But, Bakura wasn’t normal. He skirted the traps quickly but paused in the center as a brand-new, intriguing trap faced him. It was new as it could be triggered by one of at least a dozen pressure panels. The trap result would be several swinging blades from overhead. He scanned the area and then smirked as he saw the path of safety and gracefully made his way through. He had avoided the trap and as he continued on, didn’t feel the spell capture his image. His focus was on beating the traps that stood between him and the riches he decided to take, despite the fact that he really just wanted to beat the traps of a magician in hopes of meeting the man, befriending him, and when the time was right, he would claim the Ring for his own. He smirked as he left the tomb later on, invisible. His plan couldn’t fail.
Chapter Three- Thief Identified
“It happened again, Master Mahad. The thief got in, robbed the tomb, and set off the traps. The guards did not see anyone enter nor did they fall asleep so it’s a mystery how he got in.”
Mahad cupped his chin as he stared at the entrance and listened to the report. He did it again. He got away, but not scot-free. His image was captured and now is the time for his identity to be revealed. He entered the tomb and proceeded to the center, noting the robber had brazenly and deliberately set the traps off in a straight-forward manner. He found it amazing that he would set the traps off rather than avoid them on the way out as he had done getting in. He stopped past his clever blade trap and off to the side before chanting the spell to reveal the thief’s identity. The air shimmered and a ghostly image walked past Mahad. It was a teenage boy with short silver-gray hair, lavender eyes, and a scar under his right eye. He wore the clothes of his thefts: An open red coat with a matching kilt, royal slippers, and gold cuffs on his legs and arms in addition to rings on his fingers and a couple of gold chains around his neck. Despite never really seeing him, the scar was enough for identification: Bakura!
My suspicions were correct. Bakura is the one robbing the tombs where I lay the traps. Mahad smiled in satisfaction. Now that he knew who was responsible, he would inform Atem and begin his plan to apprehend the young thief.
“So, Bakura is the one robbing the tombs whose traps you set,” Atem said.
“Yes, my pharaoh. I had suspected him for a few weeks and now that I know, I can begin setting up the false tomb to snare him.”
“See to it.”
Mahad bowed and left the room, eager to trap Bakura. He again met Isis in the corridor but her blue eyes seemed troubled. “Isis?”
“Mahad, I keep seeing the vision I saw weeks ago and it concerns me.”
“I see. Well, I haven’t befriended anyone new and no one I know has tried to rob me. I have been careful while trying to catch the thief. He robbed my latest tomb.”
“The one with your plan?”
“Yes. This one had a spell to capture his image so I would know who he is. I have learned his identity today: Bakura.”
“Bakura. He’s a very good thief. No one’s ever caught him.”
“I hope to be the one to do it. I will wait for him in a tomb that is empty save for a couple of traps. I plan to use the freeze spell in order to apprehend him.”
Isis smiled and gave him a hug. “That sounds like a good plan. I look forward to judging him.”
“As do I.” Isis released him and he continued down the hall with Isis watching him. She had kept her feelings to herself, feeling that telling Mahad while he was intent on catching the one who avoided his traps was not a good time. She felt waiting until the culprit had been caught was a better time. Yes. When Bakura is caught, judged, and sentenced, I will tell Mahad that I love him.
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Bakura laid on his pillow with satisfaction. Thanks to his monster’s new power, he could enter heavily guarded tombs easily. But only those with Mahad’s traps. I enjoy defeating his traps, so much so, that I’ve stopped stealing and plundering other tombs for neither gives me the same thrill or pleasure. Once the Ring is mine, I may return to stealing. He laughed as he once again pictured Mahad’s face upon having his friendship thrown in his face. I’ve never actually seen him but my men have described his back to me as they tell me when he completes the tomb’s defenses. I see a foolish old man who likely wears a smug, arrogant expression.
“Master.”
Bakura opened his eyes and sat up to see one of his men kneeling before him. “What is it?” he snapped.
“Mahad is defending another tomb. Word says it will be ready in a very short period of time.”
“Really? Well, keep an eye on it and inform me when it’s ready.”
“Of course, Master.” The man left and Bakura laid back down with a grin. He would soon be robbing yet another tomb being protected by Mahad. I usually have to wait weeks to rob a tomb. He is determined to catch me. Hmm, perhaps this time I will. I will not take anything and allow myself to be snared by a trap. Once I am before Mahad, I will claim that I wish to be friends and point out my lack of thievery and targeting only his trap protected tombs as proof. I will put on an act of sincerity so good, Mahad is sure to fall for it. Bakura’s grin grew as he pictured that moment.
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Mahad smiled as he stood before the false tomb. His plan was ready at last. Soon, Bakura would be arrested. He would give Bakura no opportunity to escape. He would cast the freeze spell and tie him up. “Stand guard men and this time, you have my permission to fall asleep or feign sleep.”
“Yes, Master Mahad,” the two of them said as the magician headed inside, setting a couple of simple traps behind him before sitting cross-legged in the center, closed his eyes, and waited for his prey. Come, Bakura. I’m waiting for you.
Bakura looked the entrance over with his customary ease. Only two guards again and they seemed alert. No matter. They can’t stop what they can’t see. He was about to call on Diabound when the guards slid to the ground, eyes closed and clearly asleep. They must be new to tomb duty. Pity it will be their last as Mahad will surely punish them for sleeping at their post. Bakura quickly, but quietly, crept up to the entrance and went in. He quickly spied a concealed trap that was easy for a thief of his caliber to spot. He skirted it and then came upon another simple trap. This gave Bakura pause. This wasn’t Mahad’s style at all and yet his men saw the magician overseeing the construction. This could be a trap. I better make sure it fails. He called on his monster and became invisible. He avoided the second trap and confidently moved on, decided to rob it after all.
A figure in white came into Bakura’s field of view and this peaked his interest. Who was this and why was he in this tomb? Bakura drew closer and he felt his breath catch. The figure, a man, had a lean look under his white robes. He had a white cape, a white headdress, and accents of gold and gold jewelry. What really caught his eye was the object around the man’s neck: The Millennium Ring! So, this must be Mahad. He’s rather young and it seems I was right. This is a trap, but one I can work with. He reached a hand out to seize the Ring but when his hand was halfway there, Mahad opened his eyes and Bakura frozen as he saw brown eyes that spoke of power, authority, determination, and compassion. The eyes intrigued him. Perhaps it would be worth getting to know him. Bakura backed away from Mahad.
Mahad sat in his spot, eyes closed and focusing on his power. He was determined to be at full strength when Bakura showed himself. He also focused his senses on his surroundings to try to pick up a hint of anything or anyone in there with him. His ears heard a barely audible intake of breath and his eyes opened to look for the source of the inhale, but saw no one. He stood and called out, “Who is there? I demand you show yourself.”
A voice spoke from the darkness. “Priest Mahad, I presume?”
“Who are you?”
“I am the one who robbed the tombs where you set those traps.”
“Bakura.”
“How…?”
“I cast a spell in the last tomb to capture your appearance and I used another spell to reveal it to me. Then, I set this place to lure you to me.”
“You intend to arrest me?”
“I do and to know why you targeted the tombs I set traps in as opposed to robbing any tomb or stealing.”
“Ah. You want to know my motives. I targeted those specific tombs to get your attention so that I could meet you and hopefully the two of us could become friends.”
Chapter Four- Friendship Offer
“Friends?” Mahad repeated incredulously. “Why would I be friends with a thief?”
“I have not stolen since robbing your tombs,” Bakura pointed out. “I truly want to know you now that I have actually seen you for the first time.”
“How do I know this isn’t a trick?” Mahad asked, folding his arms.
Bakura retreated into the darkness and dropped the invisibility. “What would convince you that I am sincere?”
“You not hiding would be a start.”
Bakura chuckled. “Yes, you have a point.” He stepped out of the shadows. “Better?”
“Wait.” Mahad spoke a word and a glowing white orb appeared in mid-air, allowing visibility. “Now, that’s better.”
Bakura looked at Mahad up and down now that he could see better. “You know when I first heard your name and that you were a magician, I had imagined an arrogant old man, but you’re actually young.”
Mahad sank to the floor to get comfortable and considered his response. He could either not answer, be somewhat guarded, or be open. Despite Bakura offering friendship, the thief hadn’t really proved himself worthy of trust. “I am very gifted in magic, he said at last. “I was apprenticed at a young age and I proved able to perform spells that only the older students could do.”
“And now you’re a royal magician,” Bakura said, also sitting.
“Actually, I spent most of my life in the palace. When I was not having lessons in the Training Hall, I performed other duties. One was obviously training for priesthood.”
“Clearly, you lead the guards as well as train magic students. You have a full schedule.”
“I do.” Mahad decided to be guarded in his answers. One thing he would not reveal is his close relationship with the pharaoh. If Bakura learned of that friendships, he could use it for some sinister purpose. “’What of you, Bakura? I only know that you are an accomplished thief and very good at avoiding tomb traps.”
“I was born in a village of thieves but when I was a child, it was destroyed. Everyone was killed except me.”
“Bakura, I’m sorry. I….didn’t know.”
“Yes. I know you didn’t.” What Bakura didn’t say was that he knew why his village was attacked: To create the Millennium Items. He knew Mahad had nothing to do with them as the priest was likely a teenager at the time. No, someone else was responsible and he would be an old man by now. Perhaps Mahad knows him.
“So you were raised to be a thief,” Mahad said neutrally.
“That’s right. I was taught how to steal without getting caught and I also observed other thieves, learning what they did and careful not to make the mistakes they did, if any.”
Fascinating, Mahad thought. I’m learning the history of the Thief King and understanding why and how he got this way.
“Mahad, if I present you with most of what I took from your tombs, would that prove that I am sincere about being friends?”
Mahad blinked in surprise. “It would,” he said slowly.
“Very well. I will gather it and return here in three days to return it to you so that you put return it to where it belongs.” Bakura stood and so did Mahad.
“Agreed. Three days, Bakura.” Mahad extinguished the white orb and moved past the traps safely while Bakura became invisible and skirted the traps as well, pleased with the confrontation.
That went better and I planned. I had intended to let myself be caught and brought before Mahad. Instead, Mahad used a spell to learn my identity and name, then used this tomb to lure me to him in hope of catching me. Now, we have begun tentative steps toward friendship and returning what I took will get Mahad to trust me. It won’t be long before his Item becomes mine.
&&&&
Mahad found his guards were feigning sleep and thus had no trouble rousing them. “Let us return to the palace. It would seem our thief will not come tonight and besides, there is no treasure for him to take.”
“Yes, Master Mahad,” one answered as they stood and followed their captain back home. Mahad dwelled on his talk with Bakura and had to admit that it had been surprising. He had planned to arrest Bakura, not begin a possible friendship with him.
We shared a little of our history with each other and Bakura offered to return most of what he stole from the tombs I had defended in three days. If he does return the treasures, then I will know he is serious about being friends and I will accept his offer of friendship. I should make an inventory list for each tomb to determine what is missing so I can see what is returned.
&&&&
Bakura muttered to himself as he picked through the gold, jewels, jewelry, and other riches he had stolen. He hadn’t thought of returning his loot as a form of sincerity, but now that Mahad and he had agreed on it, it was important for him to remember what he had taken from those four tombs. His offer to return it was a spontaneous idea due to a change in his plans but it would in his favor if he could earn Mahad’s trust from it. He picked up a handful of coins and put them in a sack before holding up a necklace and examining it. He tilted his head. Did this come from one of the four tombs? I’m not sure. Heh, I have no trouble remembering traps, which tomb they were in, and how to beat them, but I can’t recall which treasure went to what tomb. Bakura gave a grunt before sweeping most of his entire collection into sacks. I’ll just give back almost everything I took, but keep enough as I might need it. He looked around him and saw a lot of sacks. Hmm, too many for me to carry or to load onto a horse. Fortunately, I have my monster. He can help me carry them. Satisfied, he laid back and stared up at the ceiling. In just a few days, he would prove that he wanted to be Mahad’s friend. A smirk played across his face. Mahad was a gullible fool, actually believing that a thief like him would want to befriend a priest. An older priest would not fall for such a ploy, but a younger one might and Mahad seems to be buying it.
&&&&
“No sign of him?”
“No, my pharaoh. I intend to try again in a few days. It is possible that having a false tomb ready so soon after he raided a tomb was foolish.”
“Not at all, my friend. We all want to end Bakura’s criminal ways. Keep watch on your trap and you’ll eventually snare him.”
“Yes, my pharaoh.” Mahad left the room and bit his lip. He had lied to Atem, his pharaoh and friend! He had never done that before. He had always told the truth. Why did he lie? I lied because I want to know if Bakura really wants to pursue a friendship with me. I find it hard to believe that that is what he sought by robbing the tombs where I set the traps. Well, in three days I will see if he is sincere and if he is not, I will freeze him and bring him in to be judged. That would assuage my guilty conscience.
He looked up from his musings to see Isis up ahead of him. She had a hopeful look in her eyes that faded when she saw the preoccupied look in his eyes. “He didn’t show?” she asked when Mahad got closer.
“The guards reported that they didn’t see him the whole time we waited,” he said, which was true.
“So, now what?”
“I will try again in a few days. It may take time for word of a tomb to reach his ears. Eventually, he will come.”
Isis nodded as Mahad headed for the Training Hall to gather his students. Her admission of love would have to wait even longer but she told herself that longer she kept it to herself, the sweeter it would be when she said she loved him.
Chapter Five- Closer Friendship
Mahad paced back and forth in front of the tomb, awaiting Bakura’s arrival and learn if this was a trick or not. He had his doubts and had resolved that if it was a trick, he would attack without hesitation. A criminal of Bakura’s level seemed unlikely to repent and try to start anew so, while he would open up to Bakura, he would be on the lookout for any deceit on Bakura’s part.
Deceit. Isis’ prediction! This could be the vision she saw! Bakura could be trying to steal my Item by pretending to be my friend! Of course. That’s why he’s been robbing tombs with my traps: To trick me. He has no intention of returning anything. Mahad ceased his pacing and stood in front of the entrance, looking around to make sure he didn’t get ambushed.
His Ring came to life and all pointers aimed straight ahead. He sensed he was in the presence of strong evil and deduced that it was Bakura. Ah, now he shows his true colors. He faced the desert, his magic at the ready.
Slowly, something gray appeared over the distant dunes and Mahad inhaled sharply at the emergence of a shadow monster. He quickly called on his faithful servant, Illusion Magician and prepared to give some of his magic to it. The monster continued to grow as it came closer and Mahad spied several sacks in its arms and, sitting on its shoulder with a couple of sacks, was Bakura.
“Greetings, Mahad,” he called as the monster deposited its cargo and then held Bakura down before returning to his master’s body. Bakura raised an eyebrow at the monster that hovered between him and Mahad. “Did Diabound scare you?”
“It worried me,” Mahad corrected. “I was concerned you were going to attack me.” Bakura laughed. “If I had planned to attack you…” He broke off and his eyes went wide as his mind seemed to see things from Mahad’s point of view. “Oh,” he said softly and with realization. “Yes. I can see why you would think that and would take this defensive position. I’m sorry.”
Mahad recalled his monster. “I too apologize for being suspicious.”
Bakura waved a hand dismissively. “No apology needed. I fully understand your line of thinking. I would be suspicious too if you came to me, claiming friendship.”
“True and I see you are deserving of my trust and friendship.” He swept a hand at the bags. “Though, it appears to be more than my inventory lists indicated.”
“Yes, well I just combine everything I take in one big pile so I decided to bring almost all of it with me and hope all of what I took from the four tombs is there.”
“I will teleport it to my chambers where I can sort it out.” Mahad sat down and Bakura followed suite.
“Mahad, you said you spent your whole life in the palace. I would like to know more about that. For example, the people you know.”
“I will if you will tell me about your village and particularly your family. I trust it is not painful to talk about them.”
“You are correct and it’s a deal.”
“Good. Let’s see. My master is no longer with us but he was a kind, patient teacher and it is a disposition that I emulate to this day. I interact with the pharaoh and the other members of the Sacred Court on a daily basis.
“The oldest is Master Aknadin. He served the previous pharaoh as did I. Then there are Masters Kalim, Shada, and Seto. Finally, there’s Priestess Isis.” Mahad frowned as he dwelled on her, which caught Bakura’s attention.
“Is there something wrong with her?”
“No. It’s just that lately she’s seemed a little too friendly with me. It would seem to me that she has strong feelings for me. However, she has not come out and said it, but when she does, I will need to gently tell her that I do not feel the same way toward her.”
“Sounds like you have a close friendship with her.”
“I do and that is how it will stay.”
“Of course. Now, my turn. My family was just my parents and me. They were loving and taught me the ways of the thief well. It was clear that I could have been the best thief of Kul Elna.”
Mahad felt like the blood had drained from his face upon hearing the village’s name. “K-Kul El-Elna?”
“Yes. Mahad? What’s the matter?” Bakura saw Mahad’s pale face and tilted his head in concern.
Mahad swallowed hard and felt the weight of his Item around his neck. His magical senses had sensed a great evil within the Ring and researched on why that way. He had uncovered the ritual spell that fashioned the Items and was horrified by it. He had brought his findings ot Atem’s father which had led him to fall ill and die from guilt. He levelled his gaze at Bakura, his eyes full of sympathy and sorrow. “Bakura, I am so sorry about your village’s fate, that being sacrificed to make the Items. Understand, I was not involved or aware of it when it happened.”
“Of course I understand. You were likely a teenager when it happened.”
“Correct. When I received the Ring, my magic sensed a great evil within it. I endeavored to learn why and came across the spell to create the Items and the name of the village that was sacrificed. I confronted the previous pharaoh with what I discovered. His shock upon hearing the facts convinced me that he did not authorize the attack and the guilt of what he allowed to happen caused him to fall ill and die.”
“How could he be shocked of what happened when he allowed it?”
“I believe he was told that the Items would bring about peace but not told what it involved.”
“Ah. He desired peace and the one responsible didn’t tell him a village had to be sacrificed in order to create the Items that would bring about peace. That being the case, I forgive him.”
“That is generous of you.”
“And your research didn’t tell you who authorized the attack or carried it out?”
“It did not. If there was a record, it was likely destroyed.”
“I see. Pity. I would like to make the one responsible pay for what he did.”
“I understand your anger and if I knew who ordered it, I would ask him why.”
“Well, that’s something we both agree on. I will confess that Diabound was created from that fateful night, part of it from the villager’s desire for revenge and the rest of my rage and hate of what happened.”
“A monster like that would have almost limitless power.”
“I’ll take your word for it. It recently gained the ability to make me invisible.”
“How recent?”
“When I robbed the fourth tomb.”
“That explains why I did not see you when I heard you inhale sharply, yet quietly.”
“You have sharp ears.”
“Thank you.”
“Mahad, I would like to further prove I’m trustworthy. I would like to assist you in designing tomb traps.”
“That could be beneficial as a thief would know what would deter or stop them from stealing.”
“Indeed.”
“I will return here in two days with some tomb layouts and I will listen to any ideas you have.”
“All right. Until then, my friend.” Bakura rode off on his monster while Mahad teleported home with the recovered treasures.
Chapter Six- Tomb Talk
Mahad breathed a sigh of relief as he put the last piece away. Finally done and everything from the four tombs was returned. Bakura fulfilled his promise. Honestly, I was surprised when I saw how much he brought back. This proves that he does want to be friends; indeed he called me his friend as we parted. It would also seem he wants to repent as he’s offered to help in designing traps. He turned to where he had the layouts of some tombs, one of them belonging to Atem. He wanted to lay special and unique traps to protect his friend when he was laid to rest; he only hoped it was not for a good while. I do not know when it will be my time but I hope it is either peacefully in my sleep or defending my pharaoh. Both outcomes appeal to me. Maybe Bakura will have some ideas when I see him in a day.
&&&&
Bakura was lying on his back, arms folded under his head, his legs crossed, and his gaze on the ceiling while his band stood nearby. The second-in-command took a step forward. “You returned almost everything we stole, Master?”
“I did, but it is all part of the plan. Once I have Mahad’s Item, we will simply rob the tombs again.”
“Brilliant, Master.”
“Of course it is. Now, leave me in peace.” He heard his men leave and he rolled his eyes. There were times when he felt like he was the only one who made the plans while those he led simply followed his orders and never suggested ideas to him. It’s not easy being the smart one all the time. On the other hand, at least I don’t have to worry that my men will turn on me.
His four men gathered in a separate chamber and the second said, “Master said nothing of returning what we stole. I know he said it is part of the plan, but suppose he is giving up his life of crime, thinking of atoning and allowing himself to be caught.”
“You think that’s possible?” another asked.
“Yes and if he does, he may try to have us arrested and judged. We will keep an eye on him and if he does show signs of repenting, we will kill him.” The other three nodded in agreement.
Bakura continued to stare up, his mind sorting through the traps that he had defeated in his life. Some of there were ones any thief could avoid with some effort, others were avoided by experienced thieves like his men, and others still were ones that only an expert like him could detect and avoid. I still don’t understand why Mahad doesn’t just use magic to protect the tombs. Hmm, I think I’ll ask him and, depending, on the answer, I may discover a weakness of his. He smirked at that as his eyes slid closed and he fell asleep.
The guards gaped at the sacks that sat in Mahad’s chambers. “You found them, Master Mahad?”
“I went out to the trap to wait for the robber and found these along with a note of apology. It seems the one responsible now regrets his actions and wants to atone for them. I have already sorted which ones go to which tomb, so pick up the sacks and let’s return them to where they belong.”
“Yes, Master Mahad.” The guards hefted the bags onto their shoulders and followed Mahad out to the burial sites to put everything back where they belonged. Throughout the entire process, Mahad pondered on other matters.
Isis kept alternating between her concerns for him due to her vision and being too friendly for his liking. There were times where she looked like she was going to kiss him or some other display of affection. So far, she hadn’t, but he felt it was only a matter of time before she did. I will gently but firmly tell her that I am flattered by her affections but she is just a dear friend and nothing more.
I hope to have a friend in Bakura. The more time we spend together, the more it might make Bakura consider giving up his thieving ways and become a good person. He smiled at the thought of the teen repenting because of friendship.
&&&&
Mahad arrived early for their get-together and disabled the traps, feeling that the stone would be a better surface to write on than sand, plus it guaranteed privacy. He then stood at the doorway, waiting for his young friend. His wait wasn’t long as his Ring indicated, when it began to glow. He looked where it pointed but saw nothing. He smiled in amusement: Bakura was invisible. “You can’t hide from the Ring. It senses the evil within you.”
“’The evil within me’?” came his voice as he appeared. “That’s quite a thing to say to a friend.”
“Nonetheless, it is true and honesty is one of the cornerstones of friendship.” He swept an arm at the tomb. “I disabled the traps so I will be able to write our ideas down easily and on one will see us or disturb us.”
“Perfect,” Bakura remarked as he followed Mahad inside to the spot where they met face-to-face for the first time. Mahad conjured several white orbs for lights before sitting and opening the layout designs.
“Mahad,” Bakura said as he sat. “Why not use your magic to protect the tombs?”
“Protection spells are complex and must be constantly maintained. It also causes a drain on the magician.”
“Ah, okay. So you would like some input with this one? Looks like it has no traps at all.”
“This one is special and I want to design clever and unique traps. This will be the resting place of the current pharaoh.”
“The pharaoh’s tomb? Yes, I see how that would be special. It would require the best. Have you had any thoughts about it?”
“I’ve considered traps that work like games as he is a lover of games, but I also want traps that honor our beliefs in our king’s divinity.”
There was silence as both pondered trap ideas before Bakura said, “What about statues with real swords? Ones that move if someone does not walk with their left foot forward and have the statues put in a zigzag pathway so the robber must pass the trap to move on?” Bakura moved his finger over the papyrus to show what he visualized.
“Yes,” Mahad said slowly. “They’ll move when the right foot is forward but stop when the left if forward and the statues will be carved with the left forward as a clue to beat the trap.” Mahad etched the design and how it worked.
Bakura felt proud that Mahad took his idea and built upon it. It would seem they worked well together. That observation held true as they continued to discuss traps for Atem’s tomb as well as others. We do make a good team, Bakura thought and said as much to Mahad as the magician etched in their recent trap design.
“Indeed we do. You have some good ideas.”
“And you build on them. I never would have thought of those additions.”
“Thank you.” Mahad looked at Bakura and his eyes drifted to one side. “May I ask how you got that scar?”
Bakura fingered it reflexively. “It was a rite of passage and I received it shortly before the attack. I had just proven myself an exceptional thief and this scar serves as a badge of honor and a means of identification.”
“It certainly does make you identifiable. I had thought it came from a narrowly missed trap.”
Bakura laughed. “A very narrow miss at that. I can’t imagine the weapon that would leave these lines.”
“In any case, it also gives your face character and it suits you.” Mahad rolled up the papyrus and stood as did Bakura. “I will be busy for a time with architects, doing patrols, and teaching classes.” Mahad vanished the orbs and the pair started walking.
“In other words, it will be a while before seeing one another again.”
“Yes, but maybe not. After all when tombs are being built I tend to be there.”
“Ah,” he said as they reached the exit. “Perhaps we can meet during those times.”
“Agreed,” Mahad said as the pair parted ways.
Chapter Seven- Possible Love
Bakura watched Mahad from afar over the next few days as the priest oversaw the construction of a tomb. Only Mahad knew Bakura was nearby, thanks to the Ring though the glow wasn’t as bright as it used to be. He would slip away occasionally to see his friend and the two would share information on topics such as hobbies, hopes, family, and dreams.
“You hope to have a team of great magicians to protect the kingdom.” Bakura nodded. “Yes, that would be quite impressive.”
“I believe I am doing well in that regard. I have a class of well-trained students and a top student who has private lessons with me. She has improved greatly as of late and I am quite proud of her.”
“As you should be. I know I would be proud as well.”
Mahad smiled and Bakura felt his heart beat faster as he returned the smile. They had spent a lot of time together since they first met and Bakura felt that Mahad really, truly trusted him. He, himself, had ceased stealing and robbing and came to the realization that he no longer wished to steal the Ring. He valued Mahad’s trust and friendship too much to throw it away. Bakura realized, as they parted, something else he wanted to steal, though: Mahad’s heart.
Gods, am I really…in love with him? I find him handsome certainly as well as loyal and dedicated to his duties and the pharaoh. I am realizing that I’d rather live with Mahad as a good person than continue to steal and rob which I have stopped doing. I won’t tell Mahad what I suspect at least not until I am certain of my feelings for him.
Mahad looked back the way he came and saw Bakura’s retreating form. The two of them had come a long way in their friendship and all suspicions of this being a trick on Bakura’s part had vanished. He was convinced of the thief’s sincerity. No, he thought. Not a thief. He has not stolen anything since robbing tombs and now he’s even stopped doing that. He really is repenting and I admire him for his willingness to change. I also find him…attractive. He blinked at his thoughts. Attractive? Oh, gods…am I falling for him? It’s possible but completely unexpected. A priest and a former thief becoming lovers? I will keep the possibility to myself until I am sure that I love him.
Mahad pondered his possible feelings for Bakura and if such a relationship would be acceptable. I’ve studied the laws of the kingdom thoroughly but when it comes to matters of love and relationships, I am severely lacking in knowledge. So, upon returning to the palace, he went to the library after reporting how tomb building was going. He scoured the scrolls and books of law, finding that as long as two people loved each other that was all that mattered. But if Bakura and I did fall for each other, the next logical step is marriage. We cannot as that would require one of us to move in with the other and Bakura would likely be arrested as others still see him as a criminal. Of course, I am still not sure how I feel about him or his feelings about me. Nonetheless, I could pose a hypothetical question to Master Siamun and maybe even the pharaoh. Mahad nodded as he left the library to search for the people in question. He ended up finding both in the courtyard, enjoying the warm sun. He went up to Siamun and bowed. “Master Siamun, may I ask your opinion on a hypothetical matter?”
“Certainly. Proceed.”
“Do you suppose it is possible for a righteous person to love a criminal and receive that love in return?”
“A righteous person? What type of righteous person?”
“Well, let’s say me, for example.”
“A priest and a criminal? The notion is absurd. A priest like yourself wouldn’t love a criminal.”
“Suppose the criminal repented?” Atem spoke up, intrigued by the topic. “What then?”
“Well, then I guess it is possible.”
Mahad nodded a little. “I see. Thank you for your wisdom, both of you.” He bowed and headed inside. Now, I have my answer. If Bakura does reform and does love me, we could live in the palace and Bakura may allow his monster to be extracted; that is, if I love him.
“Mahad!”
The priest turned to see Atem approaching and knelt. “My pharaoh?”
“Mahad…are you in love with a criminal who’s repenting?”
I guess I can’t fool him. “It’s too soon to say, my pharaoh.”
“If you are, I will support you.”
“I appreciate that.” Mahad rose, turned, and left. He decided to head back to the almost finished tomb and await Bakura’s return to that spot. And while I wait, I will place some traps, but not set them as there is no body or treasure there yet. I think I will also focus my feelings for Bakura as well while I wait for him.
Atem watched Mahad leave. He had always believed that his friend would never find love as he seemed focused on nothing but protecting others from evil. Yet, it looked as if he had found someone. Granted, it was a criminal but if it was one who was resolving to change his or her ways, then he would support Mahad’s choice. I only hope it is not a trick otherwise that person will feel my wrath.
&&&&
Bakura sat with his eyes closed. He had sent his men to steal, rob, and cause trouble in general, but he sensed his heart wasn’t into the orders he issued. Not too long ago, he would have relished in chaos that they would unleash, but now he felt nothing about it.
No, that’s not quite true, he thought. The idea of stealing and robbing is wrong. I know that and yet I did it anyway as I was raised and taught. Then, I met Mahad and through our many talks, I have gotten to know him and understand how he lives and his views on law, order, and justice.
I have learned much from him and now I may even love him. It is unusual for someone like me to befriend someone like Mahad, much less love him. Yet, I believe that is what is happening: I’m falling in love with Mahad and I should tell him and that I wish to truly atone for my crimes, perhaps allowed the extraction of Diabound.
The sound of his men returning prompted him to open his eyes. The group entered with sadistic grins and bags of stolen goods. They dropped the bags before him and his second went to one knee. “Master, it has been a satisfying outing.”
Bakura looked at the bags with disinterest. “Fine, good to hear it,” he said, his voice flat and unexcited.
“Is there a problem, Master?”
“I’m just thinking of my next encounter with Mahad.”
“Will you take his Item this time?”
“No. In fact, I no longer care about it.”
“No longer care? Master, you said that was why you pretended to be his friend.”
“The plan has changed. I see a new way of life for myself and I intend to ask Mahad for atonement and perhaps extraction of my monster.”
“Atonement!? You would turn your back on us and everything we’ve done for years?”
“I don’t want to steal or rob anymore, but I won’t keep you from it.”
“No. We will not let you turn on us or assist in capturing us.” The second nodded to the others and they charged en masse on Bakura, bringing him to his feet and holding him still. “What are you_?” Bakura began before gasping as his second drove a fist into his stomach. He felt himself being released and he went to his knees, grasping his stomach. His men stood around him, kicking, punching, and he yelled in pain and fear. His fear caused Diabound to appear, drape its coils around Bakura, and turn his master invisible allowing Bakura to flee his home and into the desert. He was injured and homeless and knew beyond all doubt, that he needed to see Mahad, the man he loved.
Chapter Eight- Love Confessions
Damn it, Bakura cursed as he slowed. The pain of his injuries was getting worse and it felt like a couple of his ribs were broken. They seriously thought I would betray them? I only thought of atonement, not betrayal. He winced as pain came from his chest. He needed to rest somewhere if he intended to reach the palace. He dropped the invisibility and had Diabound cradle him as it slithered toward the tomb Mahad had been overseeing for the last several days. I’ll rest in the doorway before trying to get to the palace. He let out a long sigh as he slipped into unconsciousness.
&&&&
Mahad’s horse galloped across the sand as he headed to the tomb. He had thought on the ride out about Bakura and concluded that he did love the young man and decided to tell him when he saw him. He may not love me, but I have to tell him. Once I have, we will still be friends.
A figure in the tomb’s doorway caught Mahad’s eye as he drew closer. He smiled when he saw it was Bakura, but then his smile became a look of alarm as he dismounted and rushed over. He’s been attacked! Mahad thought as his eyes took in the bruises and cuts over the face, body, and limbs. Bakura’s brows twitched and his eyes opened and focused on the magician. “Hey, Mahad,” he rasped.
“Bakura, who did this to you?”
“My men. I admitted that I intend to atone for my crimes and they did not want me to do that, believing I would assist you in capturing them. They probably would have killed me if Diabound hadn’t saved me.”
Mahad, now crouched, ran a hand over the injuries, closed his eyes, and chanted a spell that sounded like a song. He heard a sigh of content and relief from Bakura and knew it was working.
“I feel a lot better,” Bakura said, his voice sounding normal again.
Mahad opened his eyes and smiled at him. “I’m glad. Bakura, you really intend to atone?”
“I do. Maybe even have Diabound extracted.”
“Extraction won’t be necessary.”
“No? Well, all right. Mahad? I have something to tell you and it has to do with my desire to atone. I…I love you.”
Mahad pulled back in surprise before he smiled down at Bakura again. “You love me. That’s good as I love you too.” He leaned down and captured Bakura’s lips in their first kiss. They parted and, as Mahad was pulling away, Bakura seized his robes, pulled him down, and kissed him again.
They parted and Mahad couldn’t help the dreamy smile that came to his face. “That was wonderful.”
“Indeed and I’m glad I told you how I feel.”
“So am I.” He pulled Bakura to his feet. “I researched the laws on marriage and relationships and found that as long as two people love each other that’s all that matters. I hypothetically asked the pharaoh’s top advisor, Master Siamun, if a righteous person and a criminal could love one another and receive that love in return. He said it was possible, especially if the criminal is repenting.”
“That is exactly what is happening,” Bakura said. “I no longer steal or rob and would rather live my life with you.”
“And you will. The pharaoh figured I was in love with a criminal as he was present when I asked Master Siamun my question. He said he would support my choice. So, you know that by moving into my chambers that will make us married.”
“Yes, I know and I would love to be married to you.”
“Wonderful.” Mahad led Bakura to his horse where both mounted and Mahad sent the horse galloping for the palace.
The ride was quick and Bakura’s heart was pounding. He would live in the palace and be Mahad’s husband. His presence would need to be explained and he already knew the pharaoh would accept them being in love. I should confess to Mahad my original plan. I will make it clear that the plan changed as our friendship grew and blossomed into love. Bakura composed his confession in his head as Mahad rode them through the palace gates, threw a robe over Bakura, and smuggled him into their room. Bakura looked around to see a neat and orderly room. Everything had its place. A desk and chair sat near the door, books and scrolls neatly stacked on it. A polished mirror hung above a table that had its accessories arranged on it. Even the bed was neatly made. The room defined Mahad’s personality of order. And that’s one thing that I love about him.
“It’s not much but I’m sure we can and will change that,” Mahad said.
“I have no doubt of that.” Bakura shifted on his feet and, to Mahad, he seemed uncomfortable.
“Bakura, are you uncomfortable being here? I assure you, the pharaoh will accept our relationship.”
“It’s not that. Mahad, you know I love you and we shouldn’t have secrets.”
“What are you saying?” Mahad asked slowly.
“The real reason I robbed the tombs and befriended you was to steal your Item. Believe me, falling in love wasn’t part of the plan.”
Mahad smiled, a reaction Bakura hadn’t expected. “I had my suspicions and doubts when we started becoming friends. Indeed, Isis had a vision of a shadowy figure stealing the Ring and, at one point, I was sure that was your intention. Nice to see that her vision was wrong.”
Bakura smiled as Mahad embraced him. His confession had gone better than he thought it would. Mahad wasn’t angry that Bakura had been trying to deceive him; indeed he had already been warned of the plot. However, true friendship had developed and Bakura lost interest in the Ring. Now, friendship had become love and he knew that his life was going to be better than he ever dreamed.
“It is getting late,” Mahad said. “I will bring up some food and then we can sleep.” He released Bakura and left the room to get food and drink for what would be a private marriage celebration. In the morning, he would boldly enter the Throne Room with his husband at his side. He would announce to all that the two of them were in love and that Bakura had already moved in, thereby making them husbands. Naturally, there would be doubts and explanations, but he was sure everything would work out.
Mahad was halfway to the kitchen when he saw Isis who seemed to be examining his eyes. She then smiled. “Bakura’s been caught?” she asked.
“In a manner of speaking,” he said, thinking that, in a way, it was true.
“Wonderful!” she said as she hugged him and then pulled him down and kissed him.
Mahad pulled away in mild surprise. “Isis,” he said.
“Oh, Mahad. Surely, you’ve noticed how I behave around you. I’ve been wanting to tell you but I chose to wait until Bakura was captured. I love you, Mahad.”
The priest slowly exhaled, knowing he would have to let her down gently. “Yes, I’ve noticed. I’m flattered by your affections but I’m afraid that I do not return them. I have found that I prefer men and have just fallen for another already.”
Isis stared. “You’re in love with another man? Who is he?”
“You will see in the morning. I plan to bring him before the pharaoh and the court.”
“All right.”
“I am sorry to disappoint you.”
“I’ll be all right. I’m actually happy for you.”
“Well then I have more good news. Your vision concerning me was incorrect.” He smiled at her as he walked away.
Isis smiled too. He made a friend who didn’t deceive him and take the Ring. That is good news. I’m really, truly happy for him. He found a friend and a lover. Wait. He could have fallen for his friend and clearly the feeling is mutual. I look forward to tomorrow morning when Mahad will reveal his mystery lover.
Chapter Nine- Dream Come True
“So, she did love you all along,” Bakura said the next morning as they headed toward the Throne Room.
“Yes, but I never felt that way about her. She is a dear friend and that is all.”
Bakura nodded and fell silent. Mahad had an arm around him and a look from him kept any guards they passed in their spots. He felt lucky that Mahad led the guard as it guaranteed safe passage. Mahad had told him of his encounter with Isis and he knew that she had probably relayed the news of Mahad being in love and would be presenting his beloved this morning. He was nervous, despite Mahad’s assurances that the pharaoh would accept their marriage. His past could not be forgotten or overlooked, he was sure of that. Yes, he had stopped committing crimes ever since he met Mahad but that didn’t change the past.
Mahad led him to the doors and the guards opened them, allowing them to pass. They came out of the short passage and into the room. The pharaoh and the court were already there and the looks of confusion or shock were evident on the courts’ faces. Mahad, however, saw mild surprise on Atem’s face and knew he was curious about how they got together.
“Bakura!” Seto exclaimed. “Mahad, is this a joke?”
“No joke, Seto,” Mahad said as they came closer. “I love Bakura and last night, he became my husband.”
“This is impossible!” Aknadin said.
Bakura looked at Aknadin and saw fear in the old man’s eye which seemed to be focusing on the scar that Bakura had earned due to his thieving prowess. Why is he afraid? No one else is. Bakura thought back to his talks with Mahad and his mind drifted back to their topic was his village and that the one who ordered the attacked would be an old man by now. Aknadin is an old man and he would have been about the right age as the one who attacked with the royal guard. Yes, it could be him. However, I have no interest in revenge; if he hadn’t sought to create the Millennium Items, he wouldn’t have attacked and ultimately Mahad and I wouldn’t be in love.
“Mahad,” Atem said, snapping Bakura’s attention to him. “How did this come about?”
“He wished to meet me and robbed the tombs I was involved in to get my attention. When we met at last, he claimed he wanted to be friends and returned the treasure he took to prove it. We met over the weeks and got to know each other.” He looked at Bakura and tilted his head to indicate that he should speak.
He knelt at the stairs. “I had an ulterior motive for why I wanted to be friends. I had planned to steal his Item once he completely trusted me. But, as we got to know each other, I found I no longer cared about the Ring. I valued his friendship too much to throw it away. This realization was quickly followed by my realizing that I actually loved him.”
“I see,” Atem said, now knowing that his suspicions of Mahad being in love with a criminal was true. What more, Bakura was reforming if he wasn’t already. He could have stolen the Ring, but it would have cost him something he had come to value just as much: Mahad’s friendship.
“Bakura,” Shada spoke up. “Why the interest in Mahad’s Item?”
“Ah, yes. I hate to say it, but it is because my village was destroyed and the people were killed in order to make the Items.”
There was a collective gasp and some looked at the Item he or she had. “No,” Shada said in a horrified whisper. “That can’t be.”
“It’s true,” Mahad said. “My magic sensed a great evil within the Ring and sought to learn why. My research led me to the spell used to create them and what was required: The sacrifice of human souls.” Mahad looked at Atem with endless sadness and guilt. “Forgive me, my pharaoh. When I told your father what I learned, the shock and guilt caused him to fall ill and die.”
Atem’s eyes were wide with surprise before they gave way to anger. “I don’t blame you, Mahad,” he said tightly. “I am angry at the one who thought sacrificing a whole village was an acceptable price to pay. Who did it?”
“I don’t know. That information was destroyed.”
Bakura gave Aknadin a suspicious look before saying, “I suppose we will never know, pharaoh and really I don’t need to know. Revenge won’t bring them back and I have no interest in getting even.”
“What do you want?” Aknadin asked.
“I just want to live with Mahad, nothing more.”
“You would have us overlook our past crimes?” Seto asked.
“I know that’s asking too much. I would be willing to do what is necessary for you to accept me.”
“Would you give up your monster?”
“No,” Mahad said before Bakura could reply. “I have reason to believe that such a loss would diminish him and furthermore, his monster could be of use.”
“That is an absurd notion,” Seto scoffed.
Bakura caught the meaningful look on Mahad’s face and turned to Seto. “I believe he’s referring to Diabound’s ability it acquired a little while ago. It allows me to become invisible.”
“Invisible?” the young priest gasped.
“Yes,” Mahad said. “I’ve seen this ability and Bakura could utilize it in hiding the guards in order to seize criminals far better than they do now.”
Bakura had to admit that was a clever idea. “I like that and perhaps it can gain other abilities that would be of use to the guards or help catch other criminals.”
“You are not a criminal Bakura,” Atem said. “Not anymore. Your willingness to help us and your love for Mahad makes that clear.”
“The pharaoh is correct,” Kalim said. “The evil in his heart is nearly extinguished.” He held up the Scales to show that the baskets were almost balanced.
“Yes and the Ring indicates the same,” Mahad said. “It has not glowed much in Bakura’s presence in recent weeks.”
“That said, Bakura you are forgiven for your past and you will assist the guards in catching criminals.”
“My pharaoh, I ask he also help design tomb traps. He helped me come up with new ones, including ones in the recently finished one.”
“Oh? Very well. Bakura, you will also work to design traps.”
Bakura knelt again. “Yes, my pharaoh and thank you for your pardon.”
&&&&
“That went well,” Bakura said as Mahad presented him with new clothes and accessories once they were in their room.
“Yes, except when Seto suggested extracting Diabound.”
“I was willing to let them, but I liked your reasoning for why it should stay.”
“Yes and when you said it could gain more abilities to help the guard. How would it gain those powers?”
“Usually when I stole either from people or tombs.”
“Ah, well the court’s monsters grow stronger in friendly Shadow Duels. In fact, we use these to call on those in our Spirit Temples.” He held up his left arm to reveal a gold object on it.”
“What is that?”
“It is called a Dia Dhank. It is used to call monsters from their tablets or from our own soul. There is one for you.” He pointed at the pile. “I decided that you and I will share the tablets in my temple at least until you receive a temple of your own.”
“My own,” Bakura repeated as he put his Dia Dhank on. He felt lucky. He had a husband and a new purpose in life. He had duties and a comfortable place to live. He only dreamed of such a life and now it had come true.
