Disclaimer: I don’t own Yu-Gi-Oh! Only the nameless attackers are mine.
Part One
Atem’s eyes ran down the list of preparations and topics. He had a lot to prepare for before leaving for the diplomatic mission in two days. It was unusual for a pharaoh to travel for diplomacy, but it was necessary in this case. He was nervous about the mission rather than the journey. He had rejected the suggestion of a large procession. He felt such a thing would attract the attention of bandits and thieves. His travel group was one of the things on which he had to decide.
The Throne Room doors opened and Siamun entered followed by the sacred court. “Pharaoh, we are here as you asked,” Siamun said.
“Thank you. I want advice on whom I will travel with to the meeting.”
“I insist on guards,” Seto said. “You cannot go unprotected.”
“I don’t dispute that. The question is, how many?”
There was silence for a time before Mahad came forward. “My pharaoh, I suggest a group consisting of four or five guards, you, and me.”
“You, Mahad?” Atem asked.
“Yes. I have been studying spells that may be of use. I have even learned a spell I call a last resort type.”
Siamun stroked his short beard and nodded. “Yes, that is a good idea. Mahad is magically strong and magical protection can be better than physical protection.”
Atem nodded. Siamun was correct and he rather liked the idea of traveling with his close friend. “All right. Four guards, Mahad, and I will make this journey. Now, about the provisions.” Atem ticked off each preparation thanks to his court’s advice and suggestions. At long last, everything was settled and, as the court was leaving, Atem called, “Mahad, wait.”
The magician turned and waited as Atem descended the stairs and approached him. “Yes, my pharaoh?”
“I am looking forward to the two of us being together on this trip. It brings me comfort having your skills on my side.”
“I could do no less. I have sworn to always protect you.”
“I am curious, though. This last resort spell. What is it?”
“One I hope won’t be necessary. I do have other spells to protect you from danger. I am confident that they are enough.”
“Good. Keep looking up more spells. Better to be overly-prepared than not.”
“Of course, my pharaoh.” Mahad and Atem shared brief friendly smiles before the former left to look up more spells. He ran through the ones he knew would protect the group and Atem and then one particular one for Atem should matter became dire. I hope matters to not come to that.
Atem began packing for the trip the next day. He shared a list of duties that needed to be carried out while he was gone and saw to the food and drink provisions. Mahad selected four guards to accompany them and made sure that they were well-armed. He made sure that even the pharaoh’s horse had a sword for the king to use. He knew Atem could defend himself and would insist on being able to fight back as he would likely be the target of any attack.
Atem attempted to settle as much of the listed duties as possible to lighten the workload, but Siamun put a stop to it. As Atem finished another duty, the elderly advisor put a hand on the list, getting Atem to look at him with exhaustion-laden eyes. “My pharaoh, you need rest. You have quite a trip ahead of you.”
Atem sighed and rubbed one eye. “All right. I’ll get some sleep. Good night, Siamun and thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Sleep well, pharaoh.”
Isis was heading to her chambers when she heard rustling and muttered words. She turned in that direction and saw Mahad’s door slightly ajar. She peered in to see an exhausted Mahad looking over scrolls. “Mahad?” she asked softly.
He looked up. “Oh, Isis, hi.” He rubbed an eye.
“Mahad, you need to sleep. You’re exhausted and you have a long trip tomorrow.”
Mahad stifled a yawn. “You have a point. Good night, Isis.”
She kissed his cheek. “Good night.”
&&&&
Atem mounted his horse and nodded approvingly at the sword that was within easy reach. Mahad understands me so well. He knew I would insist on being armed as well. Two mounted guards stood in front of him while the other two were behind him and Mahad was beside him. Each horse had food and water, but only the guards had extra weapons. The court stood by the palace entrance.
“Safe trip, my pharaoh,” Siamun called as the gates opened and the group exited to the city streets before soon leaving it for the desert beyond. That part had been peaceful as Mahad’s Item wasn’t reacting. Mahad found that reassuring; danger had a habit of appearing whenever a pharaoh strayed from the palace.
Atem kept a sharp eye out for trouble as did his escort and Mahad. He also enjoyed the freedom of the open space. He spent his life in the palace, rarely allowed to get away from the pressures of being a ruler. He felt blessed to be royalty, but sometimes wondered what it would be like to be an ordinary person; to live a normal life. He shook his head slightly. No point in wondering. I’m a pharaoh and that’s that. Besides, it’s not so bad being the ruler.
The group had traveled far from the city, but Atem knew a fast gallop would bring him back home in almost no time. He felt safe and secure but in no way was he going to relax his guard. As they approached a path flanked by two dunes, the Millennium Ring suddenly lit up and was pointing at the path. Mahad called, “I sense criminals beyond those dunes.”
The front guards stopped and one turned his horse around. “What do you suggest, Master Mahad?”
Mahad aimed his Item around the surrounding area, turning his horse as he did so; the Ring glowed no matter where he aimed it. He did some calculations. Five armed people and a magician. Time to employ a spell. He focused and a white transparent dome appeared. “It is a protective shield,” he explained to his astonished companions. “It guards against physical and mental attacks, physical or magical.”
“Very impressive,” Atem commented as the group passed between the dunes.
Two bandits suddenly leaped forward from behind the dunes, swords raised. They brought the blades down, but they shattered when they made contact with the shield. They blinked in surprise before fleeing into the desert. Mahad smiled in satisfaction. His spell was perfect; a bit of a drain on his magic but he could return to full strength almost immediately while the spell remained active and once the shield was dropped.
The sounds of hooves and battle cries carried on the air as six black horses with black riders came charging forward. They split into two groups, three on each. They charged forward swords drawn. One group ran along the left side, dragging their swords across the shield. Mahad flinched as the shield flickered. He looked to see the blades flare black for an instant. Their swords; they’re different. Must be magical; draining the shield and making me flinch, unable to strengthen the shield. The second group ran along the other side, dragging the swords and making Mahad flinch again. The groups ran up on either side and, as one, dragged their swords along the shield. Mahad gasped and the shield failed.
“Master Mahad!” the guards cried.
“I’m fine,” he groaned, feeling his powers returning, despite the attack on the shield.
“Seize the pharaoh!” a rider yelled before the group charged forward.
“Bring it on!” Atem yelled back, drawing his sword. He charged forward, the guards following alongside him.
Mahad quickly recovered before charging forward. The battle had become a melee. Swords were flashing and clanging, cries of pain were heard, horses whinnied in fear, and laughter sounded. Mahad hardly knew where to look, but knew one undisputable fact: He needed to get to Atem’s side. He whipped his head around to spy that distinctive hair.
“Mahad!” screamed Atem’s voice. The priest whirled around and dismounted as he saw Atem had been pulled off his horse and was being dragged to a hole by two of the black men. Mahad sped toward them, avoiding the battle still in progress. Atem was gripping the edge of the hole but was slipping. Mahad lunged forward and grabbed Atem’s hands in his own. “I’ve got you,” he said.
Atem’s hands slipped slightly as his captors pulled from below. “Mahad, I can’t hold on much longer. Please, help.”
“I will. I have one spell designed for save you and it will be disorienting for both of us and draining on me.” I was hoping I wouldn’t have to use this spell, but who knows what these people plan to do with Atem. He closed his eyes and chanted under his breath.
Atem felt lightheaded and disoriented as Mahad cast his spell. He felt his hands sliding out of Mahad’s and he fell…onto his back on the sand. He blinked up at the sky, surprised. I’m outside again. Did Mahad use a teleportation spell to put me out here while he’s with those men? He sat up and put a hand to his head, feeling cloth instead of hair. He moved his hand and realized he was wearing a headdress. What? He lowered his eyes. He was wearing a long white sleeveless robe with a white cape and around his neck was the Millennium Ring! He gasped in shock, hearing his own voice, but the body was Mahad’s! Mahad switched bodies with me! He did this to save me, but now he needs saving! Atem got to his feet and looked around. All the guards and four of the attackers were dead. The remaining two were with Mahad. He saw his horse nearby that had survived the attack and hadn’t run off, mounted him, and took off for the city as a fast gallop. He needed to get help!
Part Two
The court was in the Throne Room helping Siamun with the duty list when a guard entered, looking worried. “Master Mahad is back and alone.” Everyone shared stricken looks before rushing outside to see Mahad getting off the pharaoh’s hoarse. Seto strode forward as the magician turned. “Mahad, where is the pharaoh?” he demanded.
Mahad looked straight into Seto’s face. “I am the pharaoh,” he answered, Atem’s voice coming out of his mouth.
There was a gasp and Aknadin said, “Impossible.”
Mahad, or rather Atem, fired a glare at Aknadin for a moment that was reminisce of Atem before looking back at Seto who stared intensely into Mahad’s brown eyes. He saw a myriad of emotions, fear, and worry dominant. It was rare for Mahad to freely express emotions for Mahad was an adult while the pharaoh was a teenager. “Seto, believe me. Please,” Mahad pleaded, Atem’s voice still sounding and was tinged with desperation. He looked hard into the eyes and could see Atem’s soul looking back at him. Seto’s eye widened before falling to one knee.
“I believe you, my pharaoh. What happened?”
Atem was relieved that Seto believed him as he recounted what happened. “We were ambushed by six men in black. Four died as did the guards. Two men had dragged me off my horse and into a hole. Mahad took my hands but my grip was slipping. It was then that Mahad used a spell to switch our souls in order to save me.”
Seto stood. “And now he needs to be saved. Pharaoh, lead me to the ambush site.”
Atem nodded and as he mounted his hoarse and Seto went about to fetch one, Isis came forward. “I am coming too and two guards as well.”
“All right,” Atem said.
“Perfect,” Seto agreed. “The four of us will handle those attempting to stop us while you rescue Mahad, pharaoh.”
Atem nodded again and once the others had mounted and the gate opened, he took off for the desert. Hold on, Mahad. We’re coming.
&&&&
Mahad slowly opened his eyes, feeling lightheaded, but it soon passed. Did it work? he wondered. He looked down to see the clothes of a pharaoh and the Millennium Puzzle. Ah. It did. I am in Atem’s body. Now, where exactly am I? He then realized that his hands were behind his back and he was bound securely. He looked around to see at least six people scattered around the room. I’m guessing none of them is the leader. I wonder who planned this.
“Ah, you’re awake, pharaoh,” a voice drawled as a figure entered the room.
“Bakura,” Mahad growled, consciously shifting his voice to sound like Atem. “You dare attack the- attack me on my way to a diplomatic trip?”
Bakura laughed. “There is no diplomatic trip, pharaoh. It was a trick to lure you out of the palace so my men could capture you.”
“For what purpose?”
Bakura smirked. “I will rule Egypt as you.”
“What?”
“You and I switch bodies. Once we have, my men will tied you up and I will leave and take my place on the throne. Three days later, my men will kill you to insure that I will keep your body.”
Mahad swallowed hard. He had to admit it, Bakura’s plan was good. The thing was since Mahad had already switched with Atem, the others would know that Bakura wasn’t Atem or him. He flinched away as Bakura reached toward his head. “What are you doing?” he demanded.
“I was going to cast the spell to switch us. I must touch you to cast it.”
Mahad knew that, of course. His mind was racing. He couldn’t let Bakura switch bodies with him! If I have my magic, I can cast the shield spell to block Bakura’s spell. He focused on the spell and sensed the Puzzle glow as Bakura put his hand on his head and began to chant.
Bakura yelled in shock and backed away. Mahad opened his purple eyes and looked at Bakura blandly. The thief king smirked. “Well, it seems the pharaoh has been trained in shield spells. Impressive, but you can’t stop me forever. Your magical reserves will drain away and once they do, then we will switch bodies.” Bakura turned and stalked away.
Mahad moaned, dropping his Atem voice. His magic apparently had made the transition when he took control of the pharaoh’s body. He managed to recover enough to put up the shield which he now dropped so he could regain his magic’s strength. The switching spell had taken a lot out of him, but it was worth it as Atem was safe. I must regain my strength so that I can block Bakura’s attempts. Once I am strong enough, I will escape and try to get back to the palace so Atem and I can switch back. Mahad kept his eyes open; the last thing he needed was to fall asleep and wake up to find himself in Bakura’s body. Of course, my magic would travel with me, but I must not sleep as I will most likely be killed if I attempt to escape in Bakura’s body. I sure hope a rescue party is on the way.
&&&&
Atem pulled his horse to a stop as he arrived at the ambush site. The dead men still littered the place. He dismounted and began looking for the hole. He still felt awkward being in a much taller body. He could hardly wait to be himself again; but for the time being he was actually looking down at people or straight into their face like he did with Seto. It was strange to be taller, but not entirely unpleasant.
He scanned the ground and felt panic rise within him. He didn’t see the hole! It was around here! I’m sure of it! They must have covered it! Oh, no! Mahad!
Isis and Seto came up beside him, the latter noticing the stricken look on his face, further proof that this wasn’t really Mahad; of course hearing Atem’s voice was proof enough. “My pharaoh, what is it?” Seto asked.
“The hole is gone.”
“Where was it?”
“I don’t know. Everything happened so fast. One moment, I’m fighting a man and the next I was pulled off my horse and getting dragged off.”
Isis put a hand on Atem’s arm. “It will be all right. My pharaoh, try to sense the criminals with the Millennium Ring.”
That’s right, he thought. The Ring can sense evil and criminal activity. He closed his eyes, put his hands on either side of the Item, and focused. He felt a warmth and looked down to see the points glowing and aiming down and to the right. He walked to the right and points aimed down. “There,” he said. The guards came forward and began digging. The sand was cleared away to reveal a wooden hatch. The cover was lifted to reveal the opening. The guards dropped in and assisted the others in before leading the way, following Atem’s directions via the Ring.
&&&&
“Damn you, pharaoh!” Bakura snarled as he pulled back after failing to switch again.
“You will not take over my body,” Mahad said in his Atem voice.
“Yes, I will. I’ll just wait until you fall asleep. The spell doesn’t require both of us to be awake.” He smirked as he walked away.
Mahad dropped his Atem voice and spell. He felt his magic was a half-strength and used a little to keep himself awake. He could not sleep or he would be in Bakura’s body. Although, it that did happen, my magic would be able to assist me in escaping. The shield spell would be invaluable in that regard. A glow caught his attention and he looked at the Puzzle, confused. Why is it glowing? I’m not using my magic. Hmm, the Puzzle would glow like that if…other Items were nearby! The rescue party is coming! The sound of rapid footsteps from a tunnel drew his attention and he saw two guards burst into the room, followed by Seto and his spirit beast, Duos, Isis, and Atem. Isis summoned her spirit monster to protect everyone as they battled Bakura’s men.
“Mahad!” Atem exclaimed as he rushed over to untie the ropes. “Are you all right?”
“Reasonably well.” He rubbed his cuffed wrists.
“Mahad!?” came Bakura’s angry voice. Atem turned in his crouch to see the thief king standing there, his mouth hanging open. “I had Mahad all this time?” His eyes narrowed at Atem. “All right, then. I’ll just switch with you, pharaoh and then kill you.” He charged forward, hand outstretched.
Atem felt Mahad’s hand on his arm and Bakura flew backwards as he hit the shield. He sailed through the air, hit the ground hard, and passed out, his head striking a rock. The shield dropped and Atem turned and smiled at Mahad. “Thank you.”
“I will always protect you.” Mahad stood as did Atem and Mahad was struck by his short height. He hadn’t exactly been on his feet since the switch and had new admiration for Atem. His royal raising gave him such a strong personality that it didn’t matter he wasn’t tall or average size.
“Mahad! Pharaoh! Let’s go,” Seto called.
They raced to their friends and rushed for the exit. Mahad was lifted up first and Seto used his monster to lift everyone else out.
Epilogue
Everyone climbed onto their horses, Mahad with Atem, and rode back home. Mahad looked at everyone, again struck by his different height. “How did you manage to navigate Bakura’s hideout?” Yes, he had been unconscious due to the spell, but the escape had given him a glimpse of the maze that constituted the hideout.
“The pharaoh used the Ring to find the way,” Isis said, looking at her dear friend. It was a strange sensation for her. She saw Atem’s body, but the soul and voice were Mahad’s.
“This diplomatic mission was a disaster,” Atem commented.
“There was no mission,” Mahad said. “Bakura admitted it was a trick to lure you out of the palace.”
“Based on what he said, “Atem said. “I’m guessing Bakura planned on switching with me.”
“Yes,” Mahad admitted. “If I didn’t have my magic, Bakura and I would have switched and his men would have killed me to insure we couldn’t switch back.”
There were gasps. If that had happened, Atem thought. Then I would have been stuck with Mahad’s body. “So, when can we switch back?” he asked, glancing back at his friend.
“I suggest once we’re back at the palace. I still need to regain more magic to use the counter-spell.”
The group arrived back at the palace and the rest of the court awaited them just inside the gate. There were sounds of relief that Mahad was safe and gasps when told of Bakura’s plot. “It is fortunate that you were there, Mahad,” Aknadin said.
“Also fortunate that I learned this spell.” He turned to Atem and held out his hands. “I believe I can access the power of our Items to supplement my powers.”
Atem took his hands and closed his eyes. Mahad did the same and began to chant. The eyes of both Items glowed and white mist flowed over their clasped hands. The mist faded, the Items ceased glowing, and both men opened their eyes, smiling as they released their hands. They were back in their own bodies. Atem led the way inside to the Throne Room, relieved that things worked out. It had been awkward and interesting to briefly be someone else physically and hoped not to do it again.
&&&&
“You were the pharaoh?” Mana gaped at Mahad.
“In the sense that I was in his body, yes,” Mahad said.
Mana’s eyes were wide. “What was it like?”
“Different. It was also strange to see myself and hear the pharaoh’s voice coming from it.”
“Would you do it again?”
“Hopefully not. Or maybe we could switch, Mana. Just for amusement.”
“What!? No, Master, please.”
Mahad laughed. “Don’t worry. I used it to protect the pharaoh. I will use it again if I have to.”
&&&&
“You were so brave,” Isis said softly as they gazed at the city that night. “You faced down Bakura and thwarted his plans.”
“I was protecting the pharaoh,” Mahad protested. “I did not know who was behind the attack or his plans when I performed the spell.”
“Still, I’m sure the pharaoh appreciated your efforts.”
“He does. I could see it in his eyes after I reversed the spell.”
“It must have been strange to be in another’s body.”
“It was indeed, but I would do it again to save him.”
“Any of us would, Mahad.”
Mahad nodded. Isis was right. The sacred court was charged with keeping Atem safe in addition to protecting the city, but to Mahad he was protecting his best friend. We saved each other today. As friends, we could do no less.
