Disclaimer: I don’t own Yu-Gi-Oh!
Chapter One- Desert Discovery
Atem looked furtively around as he snuck toward the stables. No one in sight: Perfect. He stole into the stables, led his horse out, and mounted it before guiding it to the gate where a guard opened it. As the hooded teen passed, the guard whispered, “Be safe, my pharaoh.”
“Thank you,” he whispered back as he urged his horse into a trot. Once out in the desert, he changed the trot into a gallop. He grinned as he rode across the open land. He needed this! He may be the pharaoh, but he was still a teenager and deserved to have fun- considering what Siamun told him that morning:
Atem gaped at his advisor and the solemn court. “I must choose a woman to wed?” he repeated.
“Yes, pharaoh. It is high time that you give the kingdom a queen and an heir to the throne. You must make a decision in three days.”
The thought of having to choose someone made his head hurt. There was no one he had a romantic interest in! I could choose Isis or even Mana. Hmm, yes. Mana could make a fine queen and a wonderful mother. I will ask her when I sneak back in.
&&&&
Bakura stood at the entrance of a newly discovered tomb, heart pounding with excitement. He always got this feeling when about to plunder a new tomb. It wasn’t the treasure within that he desired, though he did take what he found. It was about defeating or avoiding the traps and memorizing their triggers with his customary ease that excited him. It was this skill that made him such an accomplished thief. There is no trap I can’t avoid or defeat, he thought as he stepped up to the entrance and carefully scanned it and first several steps as he always did. He saw nothing and entered with confidence. He surveyed every foot before him and the walls as well. He stepped on a stone and felt it sink. He immediately took a few steps back and waited. Nothing happened.
Heh, seems we have a failed trigger, he thought. He approached the sunken stone, put his foot down on it hard, and smirked. Incompetents.
Suddenly, there was a rumbling before dust and gas came down from above and the walls. Bakura was enveloped by the gas before he decided to retreat. He dashed through the cloud, coughing until he reached the open space of the desert. He continued to run before stopping. He drew in several lungsful of air before straightening. The world then began to spin and he felt dizzy and strange. The world went black as Bakura passed out.
Atem gave a howl of joy as his horse pounded across the sands. He felt so free! This was a freedom he didn’t experience very much. He knew he would be getting a serious reprimand from his court were they to learn of his sneaking out. But, I need to get away every now and then. Luckily, I befriended a guard who has a teenage son and understands my desire to get out.
Silver-white and beige caught his eye and he reined his horse to a stop. He got down and led his steed toward the colors. He drew closer and he gasped. It was an unconscious young woman! He knelt down and cradled her upper body. Spiky silver-white hair trailed down to her waist, but some of it framed her smooth tanned face. She wore the simple dress of a commoner but wore shoes like his own. She’s pretty. I wonder who she is and if she’s already married. Gods, I hope not! He rubbed a cheek and said, “Wake up. Please, wake up.”
A soft moan came from her and her eyes fluttered open to show pale lavender eyes. “Oh,” she groaned as she sat up and cradled her head. “My head,” she groaned in a firm, mature voice that Atem found as attractive as her looks.
“Who are you? How did you get out here?” Atem asked.
The girl slowly lifted her head and looked right at Atem. She saw the crown as the hood had come down, gasped, and threw herself face-down on the ground. “My pharaoh,” she said.
Atem gazed at the kneeling girl. Her face looked a lot like the thief king Bakura except for her gender. He went to both knees and tilted her head up with one hand. “Listen. I want to know what your name is and how you got here.”
She opened her mouth, closed it, and after a moment her eyes went wide. “I…I don’t remember. I don’t know my name or how I got here. My whole life is gone!” Tears filled her eyes and spilled over.
Atem smiled in sympathy as he gently brushed away the tears. “Don’t worry. I’ll help you. I think I’ll call you Kura for now.”
“Kura?” she asked.
“You remind me of someone named Bakura, so I decided to give you a variation of that name. Plus, it seems to suit you.”
Kura smiled slightly and blushed at the comment. “I’m honored,” she said, grateful to have a name.
“Now as to your living arrangements.” Atem took her hands and pulled her to her feet and toward his horse. “I believe you will come with me. You will be my guest at the palace, at least until you remember your family.” He placed her on the horse before getting on himself.
“My pharaoh, I-I don’t know what to say. Thank you.” She put her arms around his waist as he snapped the reins and the horse took off.
“It’s my duty to care for my subjects. Also, I like you. You’re very pretty.”
Kura blushed, but said nothing. She dwelled on her situation and felt sick at the fact that she had no memory before waking up in Atem’s arms. She recognized him and knew of the sacred court and daily life, but anything about herself was a blank. This is awful. What if I never remember? What will I do? She felt tears burning in her eyes, but blinked them away. I’m going to be all right, she told herself. The pharaoh’s taking me home with him and he’s said he’ll help me. Of course I believe him; after all he is the pharaoh. And rather handsome, too. Kura blushed harder as she recalled him admitting that he liked her and saying she was very pretty.
Atem rode into the city with his passenger and as he approached the gate, it opened and he rode through it before bringing the horse to a stop. He got down and helped Kura down.
“Pharaoh!” an angry elderly voice called.
Atem turned to see his court coming toward him, Aknadin leading the way and was clearly the one who had called out.
“Pharaoh, we were worried sick about you. You know your place is in the palace,” Aknadin scolded.
Atem sighed. “I know that, but I need to get out and away for a little while and it turns out that it was good that I did.” He stepped aside and gestured at Kura. “I found her unconscious in the desert.”
The court’s stern looks melted at their guest. Siamun bustled past them and up to Kura with a warm smile. “Welcome, young lady. What’s your name?”
“I’m…not sure. The pharaoh calls me Kura.”
Siamun looked at Atem, confused. “She’s lost her memory so I gave her a name and said she will be my guest here until she remembers.”
“What if I never do?” Kura asked, voicing her worst fear.
“If that happens, then I would like to have you as my consort,” Atem answered.
Kura was flattered. They had just met and he wanted to marry her one day. I like him too and it sounds nice to be his wife and queen one day.
“Pharaoh, with all respect, you don’t know anything about her,” Siamun protested.
“Of course he doesn’t,” Kura cut in. “As I don’t know either.”
Atem smiled. “I do know that she’s not afraid to speak her mind. To me, that shows strength of character and what I would want in a wife and queen.”
“Well,” Siamun said. “If she does not remember in three days, then she will become your consort.”
Chapter Two- Operation Recovery
The sacred court gathered together in private while Atem led Kura inside to get her settled. “I will admit,” Seto began. “Kura looks familiar, but I don’t know why.”
“Agreed,” Aknadin said. “I think she could pass for Bakura’s twin sister.”
“But could she be his sister?” Isis said. “It would devastate the pharaoh if this is so.”
“It’s possible,” Shad said. “She could be faking her amnesia.”
“No, she is not,” Aknadin stated firmly. “I used the Eye to subtly look into her mind. She has general knowledge of life and recognizes us and the pharaoh but her life and name are blank.”
Mahad shook his head. “Listen to us. We’re suspicious of an innocent girl and whom the pharaoh likes.”
“The latter of which is our job,” Seto said. “He has chosen a candidate and it is our job to approve of his choice.” Everyone nodded as they knew Seto was right.
&&&&
Kura looked around as Atem led her inside, feeling unworthy to be walking the palace. After all, this was where the pharaoh dwells; the person who is viewed as a god. And yet, he acts like a normal person despite his divine status. As they went down a corridor, she felt uneasy at the sight of guards; she wasn’t sure why, but she felt it nonetheless.
Atem glanced back at Kura before facing forward. He felt bad for her. He couldn’t imagine not knowing who he was or his name. He knew it had to be scary for her. I want to help her remember. Perhaps, Mahad knows a spell to restore her memory. If not, then she will be my consort in three days. He stopped at a door. “You can stay in this room. If you need to speak with me, my room is right there.” He gestured to a door to the left of the spare room that was at the end of the corridor.
“Pharaoh,” she began.
“Please, call me Atem at least when we’re alone. If we are to rule together, we should be personal.”
“If,” she agreed. “Atem, I don’t know how I could thank you for your generosity.”
“Your company is thanks enough.” Atem gently brushed some hair from her face, making her smile. She has a pretty smile. I would love to wed her, but she needs her memory more. Kura smothered a yawn and Atem smiled in amusement. He moved his hand to take one of hers. “Get some rest, Kura. Perhaps some sleep will help.”
“Thank you, Atem.” She entered the room, deciding she liked speaking the pharaoh’s name.
Atem entered the Throne Room to find Siamun and the court waiting for him. He took his seat and said, “Kura is resting now and I hope she recalls something no matter how small or trivial.”
“That is always desirable,” Aknadin said neutrally.
Atem took in the solemn looks of his court and guessed they were either still annoyed with his slipping out or with Kura’s situation. He raised an eyebrow. “Yes? You all have concerns?”
Seto came forward and knelt. “We were discussing Kura. She bears a remarkable resemblance to Bakura.”
“That thought did cross my mind when I first saw her.”
“Could she be his sister?” Kalim suggested.
“Could be,” Atem said slowly. “It would be nice if she recalls her family. However,” he fixed his court with a stern look. “If she is related to Bakura that does not mean she is a bad person. Have any of you used your Items on her?”
“I have,” Aknadin admitted. “It was subtle and exactly what you said. She has no memory about herself.”
“How did she get like this?” Atem said. “I doubt she hit her head as she has no sign of injury.”
“It is most likely a spell, then,” Mahad said. “My pharaoh, I would be willing to find a spell or counter spell to restore her memory.”
“See to it, Mahad.”
Court was dismissed and Mahad immediately set off to find a spell. Shada watched him hurry off and fingered his Item as he left the room. His Key was used to see if a monster lived in someone’s soul. But, could it unlock her mind? Would she consent to that? If I were in her place, I would accept any form of help. He returned to the Throne Room to ask for her location and to speak of his idea.
Atem nodded. “That may help. She is in the room closest to my own.”
Shada bowed before leaving, eager to help and hoped to uncover something.
Kura fluffed her hair in the mirror before smiling at the result. She felt a little better after a nap. She still remembered nothing but she felt refreshed. A knock sounded at her door and said, “Come in.” She turned to the door and went to one knee. “Priest Shada,” she said.
“Please, rise.” He waited until she had done so before continuing. “We had been discussing ways to restore your memory and if you will allow, I can try with the Millennium Key.”
“It could do that?”
“There’s a possibility that your memories are suppressed, not gone. The Key might unlock them.”
Her face lit up with hope and Shada then understood why the pharaohs was so taken with her: She was lovely and he could see himself serving her, his future queen. He removed the Key and put the point to her forehead. He traveled to her mind and saw a blank landscape where her memories should be. There is nothing. If a spell was used, it did a thorough job of erasing them. But why would someone do this to her?
As he gazed sadly at the land, a glimmer caught his eye. He wandered over to see an oval of gold with a carved picture of a family: A man, a woman, and a baby. He smiled at the image. He had found something! It was a small thing, but it was a start. It also proves that she is not related to Bakura. He placed it carefully on a rock before he withdrew.
He removed the Key and as he put it on, he saw Kura’s happy face and tears sliding down her cheeks. “I remember my parents,” she choked.
“I’m sorry, but that was all. Everything else is truly gone.”
Kura clasped Shada’s hands. “But you found one memory. I’m grateful that you found that at least.”
Shada gave a small smile. “You are welcome. Perhaps Mahad will have better luck. He is looking for a spell or counter spell to help you.”
“I hope he succeeds.”
“We all do, Kura.”
&&&&
Shada told me of using the Key to help you,” Atem said as he and Kura had a private dinner. “Did it help?”
“A little. He suggested my memories might be suppressed, but he found that they’re all gone, but one.”
“One?”
She nodded. “Just one. It’s about my family.”
Atem perked up at that. “What do you remember?”
“I’m an only child and my parents died some time ago, but I don’t know how or why. I don’t know if I have other relatives. I only know my parents.”
“My family is the same way. I have no siblings and both of my parents are gone. I’m the last of my family line as far as I know.”
“I could be the last of mine as well.”
“Kura, I said you would be my guest until you remember your family. Well, as they’re dead, I say you live here permanently and you are my consort. There’s no point in waiting two more days as I really like you.”
“Thank you, Atem. I would love to be your consort.” She felt like the luckiest girl in the world, despite her amnesia. I want to remember, but if I don’t, I can make new memories with Atem.
Chapter Three- Shocking Revelation
Mahad sighed as he leaned back from his books and scrolls. He had found nothing in them yesterday and so far this morning was the same result. Restoring lost memories is not easy. But maybe if Atem or Kura could show me where they met, it might give me an idea of where to look among my books and scrolls. He exited his room and began asking around for Atem and Kura’s locations. He was told Atem was showing his Spirit Temple to Kura and explaining Shadow Dueling to her. He had no objections to that as it was revealed that her family was gone and that Atem had indeed named her as his consort. He claimed he saw little reason to wait for the deadline. Kura had won over Atem, Siamun, and Shada in a short time and seemed to be in the process of winning over the rest of the court. Mahad felt she was trying too hard to get people to like her, but he had no idea why he thought that. Kura was a sweet lovely young woman that one couldn’t help but like.
“Atem, your collection of monsters is impressive,” Kura’s voice echoed in the building as Mahad entered. He frowned at the rather personal tone from the girl; to be addressing him without his title seemed to be inappropriate. He rounded a bend to find the couple with their backs to him and holding hands. He knelt as he said, “My pharaoh.”
Atem turned as did Kura. “Yes, Mahad? Have you found a spell?”
“No, my pharaoh, but I was hoping you could show me where the two of you met? It may guide me to a specific book or scroll to find a solution.”
“Hmm, yes. I can do that. Kura, you should come too. It might just unbury a memory Shada missed.”
“Okay.” She went out ahead of the men, giving Mahad a chance to address Atem.
“My pharaoh, I hear Kura talk to you without your title. It strikes me as inappropriate.”
“She spoke thus as I requested that we be personal when alone. It is quite appropriate and more so now that we are engaged.”
Mahad bowed his head. “I ask for forgiveness.”
“Granted. You were simply acting as my friend and a priest.”
&&&&
Atem and Kura rode together while Mahad rode another horse. He watched the pair as they rode. They were clearly attracted to each other and it made him pleased that Atem was happy. I only hope I don’t end up destroying that happiness. I vow to help Kura regain her memory and to support her engagement to Atem. It is wrong of me to be suspicious of her when she had done nothing to garner it.
Atem reined his hoarse to a stop and Mahad did the same. “It was here,” he said as he got down and assisted Kura down. Mahad dismounted and looked around. Now, he was in charge of security for the tombs in Egypt and was familiar with the traps used in them. He knew there was a tomb nearby with a rather nasty trap. Mahad looked at Kura who was staring in one direction with an air of shocked revelation. He went up to her. “Kura?”
“Somehow, I just know. I got here on foot and from that direction.” She pointed westward.
Mahad frowned. The nearby tomb was in that direction. “You don’t remember anything else?”
Kura shook her head. “I wish I did. It’s terrible not knowing anything before yesterday. Who would do this to someone?” She wore a look of frustration that melted as Atem took her in his arms. She felt loved and happy in her beloved’s arms. She again reminded herself that remembering wasn’t quite as important as the man she loved, but it was close.
“Okay,” Mahad said. “Why don’t you two head back and I’ll head west to see what’s out there? I promise to bring back anything I find.”
“All right,” Atem said, helping Kura up onto the horse before mounting himself. “Thank you, Mahad.”
“Yes,” Kura added. “Thank you Priest Mahad.”
Mahad smiled at her. “It’s not necessary to use my title.”
Kura tilted her head. “I thought you said not using one’s title was too personal and inappropriate.” She smiled at Mahad’s surprised expression. “I have sensitive hearing, it seems.”
Mahad laughed. “So it seems. But really, just Mahad will do. You will eventually be my queen.”
“Right.” Atem flicked the reins and the couple were off and heading back to the palace. Mahad mounted his horse and headed west. He carefully scanned the ground as he rode, looking for anything that would help Kura or give him an idea of how to help her. His search brought him to the tomb. He dismounted and stepped inside, looking around as well as up. His eyes narrowed when he saw cracks in the ceiling and wall as well as the sunken stone. He exited the tomb. So, someone triggered the double trap. It took time to perfect it. The gas that issued from the delayed trigger did two things: One, it changed the gender of the thief to the opposite and two, it erased their memories. In this way, the thief got to start over with a very clean slate. A counter-spell for the memory loss does exist. A couple of our spies tested the trap in order to infiltrate a rival kingdom. I reversed the memory loss so that they’d be able to fulfill their mission; however they remained women and were given new lives as payment for their loyalty and sacrifice. And, judging from what I saw, someone triggered the trap and is wandering around with no memory and a new gender…wait. Kura has no memory and she looks similar to Bakura. It’s possible that Kura is Bakura! Mahad felt sick. He had just promised to help and support Kura, but now he found that she may not be an innocent girl after all. I’ll try to restore her memory with the counter spell and if it works, she’ll recall everything. When she admits her true name, she’ll either by imprisoned or banished to the desert. Atem will be crushed that his engagement is off, but he’ll get over it- I hope.
Mahad returned to the palace and searched through his books and scrolls until he located the counter spell. He looked over the words to refresh his memory before leaving and calling for Atem, Kura, and the court to come to the Throne Room. He arrived to find everyone assembled and avoided looking at Kura for the time being as he knelt before Atem. “My pharaoh, after my search of the area and my scrolls, I believe I found a spell that will work.”
Kura’s eyes lit up at Mahad’s words. She left Atem’s side and down the steps to stand before Mahad. “You found one? That’s great. Please use it. I want to know who I am.”
He looked up at her. “I said I believe it’ll work. There’s no guarantee that it will.”
“Please try,” she begged.
“All right.” Mahad stood, put two fingers on Kura’s forehead and chanted the counter spell, hoping with all his heart that it wouldn’t work, that his suspicions were wrong. He finished the spell and at first it seemed that nothing happened, but then Kura gasped and sank to her knees, her hands grasping her forehead. I was right, Mahad thought with a sinking heart. She is Bakura.
Kura grasped her forehead as a flood of images and words rushed through her mind. Her memories were returning and slotting themselves into their proper places. It was painful, regaining them but the pain ended once restoration was complete. She closed her eyes to collect her thoughts. Now I remember, she thought. I am the thief king Bakura…or I was until yesterday when I entered that tomb and triggered the trap. It erased my memory and changed me into a woman. I remember falling for the pharaoh and being engaged to him. But, that’s over and it’s Mahad’s fault.
She opened her eyes, lowered her arms, and stood, glaring at the magician. “This is your fault, priest,” she hissed. “I insist you reverse the other spell.”
“I cannot. No counter spell was designed to reverse it.”
Bakura wanted to call him a liar, but her memories of almost two days told her otherwise. He wouldn’t lie about that. “Fine,” she said as she went past the others to head for the doors. She stopped at them when Atem called out, “Kura, wait! Where are you going?”
She whirled around. “My name’s Bakura, not Kura!” she called back before fleeing out the door and into the approaching darkness of night. She felt tears burning in her eyes and blinked them way. I shouldn’t be sad. I have my memory back and I escaped the palace before I could be arrested. But then why do I feel like my heart is about to break?
Chapter Four- Consort Search
Atem was stunned. I was engaged to Bakura? I fell for the thief king? I should be disgusted over that, but instead I’m sad and heart-broken. I still love her. He jerked himself out of his thoughts and focused on Mahad. “Why was she blaming you, Mahad?”
“Because it is my fault,” he said. “The tomb nearby where you found her contained a two-fold trap. It changes the gender of the intruder and removes their memory. The gender cannot be undone, but the memory can be restored. Clearly, Bakura triggered and fell victim to it.”
“My pharaoh, shall we send the guards to capture her?” Seto asked.
“No, let her be for now. She needs to truly adjust to being a woman.”
“My pharaoh, she is a thief. At the very least, her memory should be erased again.”
“I said, let her be!” Atem snapped.
There was stunned silence after his outburst before Seto bowed. “Yes, my pharaoh,” he said at last.
Atem exhaled slowly. “Dismissed,” he said softly. Slowly the room emptied until it was only Mahad and Atem, the former staring at the carpet, head bowed. “Mahad,” he said gently.
“I am sorry, my pharaoh. I cost you your consort. I should never have crafted that trap.”
“It is all right. You were trying to help.” Atem got down and as he passed his friend, added, “Let’s get some sleep. We have duties to perform tomorrow.” And I have to choose a new consort, he thought, a couple of tears escaping as he thought of his lost love.
&&&&
Bakura awoke under a rock cropping at a beautiful oasis. She had plentiful water to drink, but no food. That was fine with her as she had other things on her mind. The first was her body. Now that she didn’t believe she had been born female, she looked it over closely. She sat at the edge of the lake with her legs tucked to one side and leaned over. A woman with pale lavender eyes, high cheekbones, and full lips started back. She turned her head to see a slender neck and silver-white hair flowing down her back. She saw medium-sized breasts and a lean slightly muscular torso with a lean waist. The dress of a commoner cloaked her body but her slender legs were exposed and royal-like shoes covered her feet. Her arms were slender and her hands were smaller with delicate fingers. Damn, but I am attractive. I can see why the pharaoh fell for me. And thanks to that priest, I acted like a real woman and fell for the pharaoh. I…actually still love him. I know he no longer loves me now that he knows who I really am. I feel awful about this and normally I would steal to feel better, but no amount of thievery will make this heartache go away. In fact, now that I’ve experienced love, I’m through with being a thief. I want to marry the pharaoh and be loved, but I can’t. It’s all over. Bakura gave in to her tears and sobbed.
&&&&
Reports were received, patrols were scheduled, criminals were judged, and all was peaceful. Atem dealt with each one in a half-hearted manner. He was distracted and depressed over losing Bakura. Yes, she was a thief, but the woman he had been with had been sweet, kind, and loving. He missed that woman and would never be with her again. She got her memory and life back, just as I swore to her that she would. It’s only a matter of time before she goes back to her old ways and I suppose that’s as it should be. But still…
He dwelled on her the rest of the day, only coming out of it when Siamun said, “My pharaoh?” He shook his head before saying, “I’m sorry, Siamun. What?”
“You need to choose someone to wed,” he said gently. “Today’s the deadline.”
“Yes, I know.” His tone was sad and distant. His eyes stared ahead, unfocused.
“Pharaoh?” Siamun said, concerned. “Your choice?”
“Bakura,” he said.
“I’m afraid that’s not an option.”
“I don’t care!” Atem shouted, leaping to his feet. “I can’t choose another because I still love her!”
“She doesn’t love you anymore,” Seto reasoned. “She’s most likely gone back to stealing.”
Atem got down and left the room saying, “I’m going to bed.” The court exchanged looks once he was gone.
“He fell hard for Bakura,” Isis said. “He doesn’t want anyone else.”
“But she’s a thief,” Seto protested.
“Yes, but for two days, she was another person,” Shada pointed out.
“Let’s give him a few days before I pose the consort question again. Perhaps by then he’ll be over Bakura and chosen someone else,” Siamun said.
Atem laid in bed, unable to sleep. Last night’s sleep came easy as he had been in shock, but tonight his head was too full to allow him to rest. He missed Bakura terribly and wanted to see her; he wouldn’t be able to rest until he did. He got up, pulled on his hooded robe, slipped into the kitchen for provisions, out to the stables for his horse, and got out the gates thanks to his guard friend. He got the food and water as he had no idea how long he would be gone. He rode off into the night, deciding to check every oasis he came across; Bakura needed access to a source of water.
&&&&
Bakura sat by the water the next day, contemplating her options. She was tired of stealing, missed Atem something awful though he most likely didn’t love her, and was depressed with how empty she felt. I have nothing to live for. I can either face imprisonment at the palace or commit suicide. Yes…killing myself would put an end to this pain I’m feeling. No one would care that I’m gone. There should be a sharp rock or two around that cropping I’m sleeping under. I’ll wait until tomorrow morning and then I’ll die. She heard pounding hooves approach but didn’t react until she heard Atem’s voice say, “Bakura! I finally found you!”
&&&&
Atem rode to the next nearby oasis, feeling frustrated and slightly despaired. What if she wasn’t at an oasis? Suppose she was underground or in a cave or an abandoned tomb, maybe even the abandoned town of Kul Elna? His horse climbed a dune to reveal an oasis below and he spied a figure with sliver-white hair! His heart pounded as he urged his horse into a gallop. He was soon behind Bakura and, as he got off, said in relief, “Bakura! I finally found you!”
Bakura looked over her shoulder with sad, empty eyes before looking away. “Hello, pharaoh,” she said flatly. “Have you come to arrest me?”
Atem blinked in confusion. “Arrest you? No, I simply came to find you. I’ve been looking since last night and no one knows. Well, they probably do by now.”
Bakura got up, glanced at her sleeping place, and then the water in front of her. She had thought of dying tomorrow, but Atem’s presence really hurt and she couldn’t take it anymore. Time to leave this world. She headed over to her rocky home and began to search the ground, unaware that Atem had followed. She found a pointed stone and smiled as she grabbed it. I’ll slit my wrists and then my throat. That should do it. She gripped the stone in her right hand and held it over her left wrist.
Suddenly, a strong hand yanked it out of her hand. “Bakura! What were you thinking?” Atem asked.
“I was thinking of dying,” she answered without looking at him. She turned back to find another stone, but strong arms wrapped around her, pinning her arms to her sides. She struggled to get free.
“No! You will not commit suicide!”
“What do you care, pharaoh?” she shot back, almost in tears. “I’ve given up stealing, my life is empty now, and I still love you though you feel nothing for me.”
“You still love me? I still love you too. I thought you didn’t love me.”
She stopped struggling and once she was released, she turned to face Atem and saw his eyes shining with affection. “You still love me? Even though, I’m a thief?”
“I don’t care about that. Besides, you just said you gave it up. I chose you as my consort and I still want you.” Atem pulled Bakura down slightly and kissed her. Bakura melted at the kiss. It was warm and loving and knew she would receive more as Atem’s wife. He pulled back and said, “Bakura, please come home.”
“I will. I have a request I wish to make to Mahad.”
Chapter Five- Modified Memory
Bakura held onto Atem’s waist as they raced across the ground toward home. Her heart was light with joy. She was loved and still engaged to Atem. The court may object, but she had a plan that may quell their objections. At least I hope so, anyway.
“Bakura, what’s this request you want to make?” Atem asked as they went through the palace gate.
“You’ll find out and I’d prefer it if you called me Kura again. I…really liked it.”
Atem smiled as they dismounted. “As you wish…Kura.” He led his love inside and into the Throne Room to see seven stern faces: Siamun and the court.
“We knew it,” Seto said. “You went looking for the thief.”
“No,” Atem corrected. “I went looking for my consort. It turns out she still loves me. She thought I didn’t love her.”
Kura saw the court exchange looks of disbelief and marched up to them. “You don’t believe me, fine. Then use your Items to determine the truth for yourselves.”
“Kura, that’s not necessary,” Atem protested.
“I disagree. If they will only believe me using the Items, then it is necessary.” She stood calm and still as she waited.
At last, Aknadin came forward and activated the Eye. He looked at her thoughts of yesterday and today and was stunned by what he learned. He withdrew and announced, “It’s true. She does love the pharaoh and she has given up being a thief.”
“I have and I have a request.” She turned to the magician. “Mahad, I ask for my memory to be erased and this time for good.”
There was a collective gasp and Mahad repeated, “For good?”
Kura nodded. “I realized that I was happier being Kura and not remembering.”
“But surely your knowledge as an ex-thief would be useful. They say it takes a thief to catch a thief.”
“That makes sense, but still…”
“Kura, I understand your reason to forget your past, but by doing so, a valuable resource to stop thievery would be lost. However, what if I made you forget you were male? I can have you believe you were always female.”
Kura’s mouth parted slightly in surprise before saying, “Really? That sounds perfect and everyone pretty much gets what they want.”
“Give me time to set it up. I promise to have it ready before the day is over.”
“All right.”
“Well then,” Siamun said. “Shall we give you different clothes, Kura?”
“Different?” she asked, looking down. What’s wrong with what I have on? I’m a commoner and this is what common women wear.
“As you will be queen, it is only fitting that you look the part.”
“Oh. Uh, okay.”
“Master Siamun,” Isis said. “Allow me to assist Kura with her attire.”
“Granted.”
&&&&
Mahad scoured the memory spell, modifying it to suit his needs. He didn’t need to erase Kura’s memory, merely replace the male parts with female. He would have to modify her memory of the double trap, fixing it so that she only remembered the memory spell. At last, he was satisfied and left to find Kura and fulfill her request.
He entered her room to see her and Atem alone. The young woman was now wearing the clothes of a queen and looked royal and confident; a perfect match for Atem’s own regal bearing. She also wore gold earrings, a necklace, bracelets, and new shoes.
“You look lovely, Kura,” Mahad commented.
“Thank you. I love how they feel.”
“As I promised, the spell is ready. I warn you though, you will likely pass out at some point.”
“I understand and I’m ready.”
Mahad placed his fingers on her forehead and began chanting the modified spell to rearrange everything he intended to change. Kura’s eyes slid out of focus as the male images of her past morphed into female ones. She lost consciousness as Mahad began modifying her memory of her last attempted tomb-robbing. Atem supported her as Mahad completed the changes.
Kura’s eyes fluttered open and focused on Atem and Mahad a few minutes later. She blinked before blushing slightly. “I passed out, didn’t I?”
“Yes. I’m guessing you haven’t eaten in the last two days,” Atem answered. He reasoned that she wouldn’t remember her request as it involved making her forget she had been male. Her flee to the desert, however, should be clear to her recollection.
“You’re right. Maybe we could attend to that?”
“It is close to dinner. While we eat, we can discuss our marriage contract.”
&&&&
“I’m not sure what I could bring to my half of the contract aside from my knowledge of thieves.”
“Siamun wanted me to choose someone to wed and have an heir.”
Kura’s eyes lit up. “Oh, I would be honored to help produce an heir.”
“And we will eventually. Now, we need to throw a feast for the city to celebrate our wedding and your coronation.”
“Coronation?”
“Yes; at the feast we will be bonded and you will be crowned queen.”
Three days later, the city was celebrating the royal marriage. A couple members of the court led the crowd in two toasts. Kura beamed at the happy festive mood. No one knew she had been a thief; she surmised it was her clothes as her appearance was exactly the same as when she had been out stealing and plundering.
A fanfare of trumpets sounded and silence fell. The people stood as Siamun approached the steps that led to where two thrones were situated, a pillow with a gold woman’s crown on it. He ascended the steps and stood beside Kura’s throne, facing the crowd.
“Citizens of Egypt, we are honored to have you here to celebrate the union of the pharaoh and his consort. As is tradition, their marriage involves the crowing of the wife.” He gestured for Kura to rise and she did so before kneeling on one knee as Siamun put the pillow down and lifted the crown.
“As advisor to the pharaoh, it is my duty and pleasure to crown the new queen of Egypt.” He lowered the crown onto Kura’s head. “Rise, Queen Kura.” She did so and the people kneeled. “Our queen,” they murmured.
Kura smiled at the crowd before her. These were her people now and she knew that her life could only get better. She would share a bed with Atem, attend meetings and judging with him, support his decisions, and give her advice when asked. In time, she would give birth to the future pharaoh or queen of Egypt.
I never dreamed I would go from thief queen to queen of Egypt. It took one botched robbing to bring me to this point and I intend to serve the people to the best of my ability.
&&&&
Kura snuggled against Atem’s chest and felt his arms wrap around her back to draw her closer. “That was a wonderful celebration,” she said softly.
“It was indeed.” Atem smiled lovingly at her. “I feel so lucky that we met.”
“Me too. I can’t believe you didn’t recognize me at first.”
Atem was momentarily confused. I didn’t recognize her…oh, right. Mahad modified her memory. She doesn’t remember being male.
“No one told me you were a female thief, so of course I didn’t know.”
“Oh. Well, it all worked out. I look forward to my first day as queen.”
“As do I.” He kissed her forehead and as she fell asleep, she heard Atem say, “Sweet dreams, my queen.”
