Disclaimer: I don’t own Yu-Gi-Oh! Only Aisha and the nameless criminals are mine.
Chapter One- New Form
The rabbit hopped into view and Bakura crouched down, claws kneading the sand. His gold eyes stared at his prey, keeping it in sight. It hopped out of sight and that was when he moved. He charged up the small dune and over it, jaws wide open. His jump was perfect. The rabbit’s neck slid into his mouth and he bit down, killing it instantly. He released it and gave a joyous howl before settling down to eat.
Ah, another successful hunt, he thought as he devoured his meal. This gift of mine is quite useful. I can live off the land by assuming the form of an animal and hunt as they do, but only two hours at a time, lest I be trapped in that form forever. I would still have my human mind, but I would have the body, voice, and instincts of the animal.
Bakura’s tail swished across the sand as he continued to eat. He rather liked this body. It was strong and powerful, but the lack of hands was enough to keep him from deliberately staying a wolf. There’s also not being able to talk to someone. Bakura stood up and turned back into a human and walked away, his stomach full and happy. He knew he would need more food than raw meat to eat. He turned toward the pharaoh’s city. He paused outside the city gates. He had a reputation of being an expert thief but he only took food and a bit of money needed to live. I can’t just walk in and buy some food. I’ll be arrested. If I was someone else, that wouldn’t be a problem.
Wait. Someone else. Hmm. I never thought of seeing if my gift could let me look like another person. Now seems to be a good time to try. He closed his eyes and visualized an average-looking man to become. He didn’t feel the tingle that usually accompanied a change. He frowned, eyes still closed. Either I have to look like someone alive or I can only take animal form. He concentrated on an actual person and felt the tingle. He opened his eyes and looked down.
He stood a little taller and wore a long sleeveless white robe with a duplicate of the Millennium Item around his neck. He had a white cape behind him and he reached up to feel a headdress-like hat. A satisfied smile appeared. I can look like a person. I have taken the appearance of Priest Mahad.
He strode into the city, pleased with his ability. He had been born with his power but it hadn’t manifested itself until he was five when he managed to transform into a horse. His parents got him to change back once he had gotten control of the horse panic he had felt at seeing he was a horse. When he was a boy again, he was told that once in every few generations, one thief in Kul Elna would receive the power to become an animal. The gift aided in making a clean getaway as no guard would look twice at a simple animal.
Bakura grew excited at his power even with the two hour limit that his parents cautioned him about. His initial practice was used in pranking his village. The pranks weren’t mean and the villagers found his pranks amusing and showed reverence with his gift. It was clear to them that Bakura would become a great thief.
Then came that fateful day when his village was slaughtered and used to create the Millennium Items. He had become a dog to avoid capture and then became a boy again and watched the slaughter with horror. His horror then turned to hate and spurred him to hone his skills as a thief to live up to the destiny his village had thought was his.
It’s been years since then and I have been building my reputation using my skills and gift to do so. This new part of my gift opens a whole new realm of possibilities. I could impersonate anyone I want, like I am right now. I look like Mahad and everyone is showing me the respect they give him. He saw the people going to one knee and bowing their heads as he passed. A few people even paid him a small tribute. He accepted them as Mahad would, finding he was acting like Mahad. Human second nature. Mahad’s priest training and duties are second nature to him; similar to an animal’s instincts. Fascinating.
Bakura used his disguise to acquire some free food before slipping out of the city and resuming his true form. He smiled in satisfaction. His impersonation had been perfect. He even sounded like Mahad when he thanked a vendor for his generosity of fruit. Of course since his gift allowed him to speak like an animal, it followed that would speak like the person he emulated.
I think I will do that again in a few days. It was fun pretending to be Mahad. He walked off in the direction of his home, pleased with learning he could change into people.
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Mahad was confused. He had headed out to collect the fruit for the palace larder only to have the vendor claim he had already claimed them. “That cannot be,” he said.
“I beg your pardon, my lord, but you did. It was you and no one else.”
“Very well.” Mahad walked away, frowning thoughtfully. Someone had managed to disguise himself as the priest and took the fruit meant for the palace’s residents. There was still enough food from the last collection, so that wasn’t a concern. It was the crime of impersonating a priest that interested him. Who could disguise himself so well that he could trick the vendor into giving him the food?
“Is there a problem, Mahad?”
The magician looked up to see Seto approaching. “More of a mystery. I came to collect the palace fruit, but the vendor says I have already done so.”
“Impossible. You were running security drills until now. I saw you.”
“You know it and I know it, but the vendor insists he saw me. Clearly, an imposter managed to fool the man and collect the fruit.”
“The thief must know your routine. I suggest varying it so he cannot know when you will collect.”
“Sound suggestion, Seto.” Mahad felt that first thing in the morning would be best and as soon as the market was open. If the imposter strikes again, I will purchase the fruit we need. Mahad felt a great desire to catch the imposter, particularly when a few citizens asked him if their tributes to him were satisfactory. He covered his confusion but it made him absolutely determined to catch the one responsible. It’s one thing to take the food, but it’s another to impersonate a priest and take money from the people. I don’t really want the money, but some insist on it and I ultimately accept as it makes them happy. Their peace, safety, and happiness is why I became a priest and lead the guards. Mark my words, imposter: I will catch you and you will pay for your crimes.
Seto strode among the populace and questioned some of them. Each one said they saw Mahad earlier in the day which he knew was impossible. He had seen Mahad running the guards through security drills at the same time the citizens had claimed to see him. Clearly, it’s an imposter, but how? They people say it was Mahad, right down to his Item. There is some kind of sinister magic at work; dark magic that Mahad wouldn’t touch or employ. How else to explain how Mahad could be in two places at once? Well, we’ll catch him and he will pay.
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Bakura smirked and the image of Atem smirked back. Remarkable. I look exactly like the pharaoh. He changed back and then took on the form of the priestess, Isis. His eyes roved over the beautiful woman he impersonated before turning back to normal before taking Mahad’s shape again.
Oh, yes. I like this. I’m taller, a little older, and everyone shows me respect. He admired the white robe, the cape, the hat, and even the Ring. I wonder if it’s real. He reached up for the Ring, but his hand went through it. I guess not, but it’s a perfect fake.
He looked up into the reflection of Mahad’s face and tilted his head. You know, he’s actually handsome and his voice is not too bad, either. A shame I can’t tell him, but perhaps I could as a young woman. I will scout out other villages and when I find the perfect woman, I will got back to the pharaoh’s city, wait until I see Mahad, take the form, and approach him. Who knows? He may like me that way and, if so, I will gladly stay as a woman.
Chapter Two- Aisha
Mahad rose the next morning and once the market was open, he went to the vendor and collected the fruit, pleased that he beat his lookalike to it. He’ll not get it today. He then mounted his horse and rode out to the tombs. He had heard some thieves were turning to tomb robbing to acquire wealth and he wanted to make sure the tombs remained safe and maybe even catch one or more law breakers. There was one thief he hoped to catch: Bakura.
He wanted Bakura caught for a few reasons: He wanted to know how he eluded capture so easily, why he turned to crime, and that he loved Bakura. Yes, he had fallen for Bakura. He wasn’t sure why. Perhaps it was his looks or his skills as a thief. I wish to tell him but our places in life make that difficult. There had been a few rare times when we pursued him, only for him to vanish without a trace.
A scream overhead made him look up. He saw a falcon soaring high in the sky above him. His eyes followed the bird’s progress and a small smile appeared as an idea came to him. I could acquire a falcon to be my eyes in the sky. No one would think twice about a bird flying around. The bird would be trained to identify criminal activity and lead my men and me to them. It would give us an edge in curbing crime. I will present my idea to the pharaoh upon my return.
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Bakura dipped and rolled as the air from below filled his wings. He loved flying! He had never changed into a bird before and wish he had done so earlier. He felt free and could streak through the sky far faster than running on four legs. He had been flying to distant villages to find the perfect woman to become, taking care to resume his true form for a few minutes. He would float above the villages, his falcon eyes far superior to his human ones.
Another village came into view and Bakura swooped low before perching on a roof to observe the people below. They were like the other people he had seen before: Nothing special and all ordinary. Well, time to move on, he thought. He spread his wings, ready to take flight when he saw her. The woman who would catch Mahad’s attention. She was average-sized but with fair skin, ebony black hair, and emerald green eyes. Bakura folded his wings and watched her. She moved gracefully and even spoke with a lovely voice.
He eventually flew off and landed to take his true form. He then focused on the woman and saw himself take the woman’s form. He smiled at his female body. “Perfect,” he said in the woman’s voice. “Now, I will change back and wait for Mahad to appear in the city.” He returned to himself before taking falcon form again and soaring away.
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A falcon to help you catch criminals.” Atem gazed at the space above Mahad as the considered the notion. “It will take time to catch and train it. Falcons are fast birds.”
“Yes, my pharaoh. But they are also cunning and intelligent.”
“They are. Very well, Mahad. If you can capture a falcon, you may keep it and train it.”
Mahad bowed. “Yes, my pharaoh. I thank you.” He left the room to begin planning how to catch such a remarkable bird for his partner and companion. Maybe even something to practice on for when I do capture Bakura and confess love for him.
Mahad spent the next few days making plans and making sure the fruit was kept away from the imposter. He spent time devising different ways to catch a falcon. The simplest way is to wait until one landed to kill and eat and then sneak up and toss a net over it. If that fails, I could hit it with a freeze spell. It will fall from the sky and into my arms. Regrettably, I will have to restrain it until it is trained. Mahad imagined calling to it and it flying from its perch and to his shoulder. He smiled at the thought.
He arose the next day and held some drills before deciding the collect the food. As he approached the vendor, he saw the man’s eyes blink in confusion and he knew the imposter had struck again. I had anticipated that this would happen at some point.
“Master Mahad, you’re back,” the vendor said.
“I am,” he said, playing along. “The pharaoh had ordered another load of what I gathered earlier. I brought payment.” He held up a bag of money.
“Is that from today’s tribute?” he asked as he put together the order.
“Uh, no. I gave that to someone who truly needed it.”
“Ah. Well, here you are, my lord.”
Mahad slid the money across the counter and accepted the fruit. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure, my lord.”
Mahad sensed he was being watched and turned to see a brilliant green eye dart away from the edge of an alley. Curious, he headed that way, entered the alley, and froze at what he saw. There, before him, was a lovely slightly unusual woman. Her skin wasn’t tanned but fair. She had dark black hair that tumbled to mid-back, and deep green eyes. She likewise froze before kneeling before him, a blush covering her cheeks.
“Hello. Who are you?” he asked.
“It’s Aisha, my lord,” came a voice that matched her looks.
“Aisha. Why were you watching me?”
Aisha looked up. “I…glimpsed you out in the desert and felt I had to see you closer up. I wanted to tell you that I think you are very handsome.”
“Well, I’m flattered that you think that. I do hope that you ae not attracted for my heart is set on another and I hope to tell him eventually.”
“No, my lord. I feel nothing of that sort. I blush because my dream of speaking to you has come true.”
“I am happy that you accomplished your dream.”
Aisha rose, bowed, and said, “Farewell, my lord. Perhaps we will meet again.”
“I will look forward to that day. Until then, Aisha.” Mahad left the alley, pleased that he had met such a lovely young lady. If I had not already fallen for Bakura, I could fall for Aisha. But maybe I could introduce her to Seto. I imagine they would make a cute couple.
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Bakura, as “Aisha”, jumped up and down with glee before turning back into himself. His plan had gone perfectly. He had first entered the city as Mahad and collected money and food before entering the alley and stowing the food so that Mahad wouldn’t see it. Then, he kept peering around the corner to keep an eye out for the priest. When he saw Mahad exit the palace gates, he had ducked back, transformed, and peered back around the corner to watch Mahad do business with the vendor. When Mahad turned in his direction, he made sure he saw his eye before pulling away to pique Mahad’s curiosity.
And it went perfectly. I let him know what I thought of him and he admitted to being flattered. Curiously, he said his heart was set on another guy. I would never have thought of Mahad loving another man, but clearly he is. I wonder who that is. It’s likely that he’s told no one of this revelation or who he’s fallen for. That’s really no concern of mine. I, as Aisha, have found that Mahad to be friendly and nice. This is a side of him I normally don’t encounter. I’m familiar with the man devoted to putting a stop to crime. It’s a dedication I can understand but that will not stop me from stealing and getting away with it. I love breaking the law and with my skills and gift, it is almost too easy. Perhaps it is time to put my skills and gift to robbing tombs. I can avoid traps by taking small animal shapes or a flying one. Bakura seized his bag of food, took his Aisha disguise again, and left the city unnoticed.
Chapter Three- Trapped
Mahad pulled the net in opposite directions. It refused to break. He nodded in approval. He was ready to search for his bird. It had been three days since he met Aisha and he was desperate to get his sky eyes as there had been a sudden rash of tomb robbing. The traps hadn’t been sprung and yet the riches had been stolen. He believed that with his falcon, he and the guards would be able to surround the tomb entrance while the robber was still inside, enabling them to snag him when he comes out.
He put the net he had tested on the side of his horse before mounting and facing the quartet of guards before him. “All right, men. Our mission is to find and capture a falcon to aid us in ending tomb robbing and lowering the crime rate. Let’s move out.” He took off into the desert with the guards riding behind him. The idea was to surround a feasting falcon and throw the nets from different directions in order to insure a successful catch. Mahad intended to freeze the falcon once it had been caught and he had attached it to the perch in his room. He hoped that they did find a falcon.
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Bakura soared high above the desert, looking for something to eat. He had been searching for a good while, stopping before two hours past to resume human form and then return to falcon form. He was having no luck in finding prey to kill.
Perhaps I should fly to a river and try to catch a fish. He floated there for a moment to think. He would need to change back very soon. I could land, change back and maybe head for the river as a wolf before becoming a falcon again. Movement, a small one, caught his eye, and he looked down.
There was a desert mouse crawling across the sand. His stomach growled as he looked at it. He had enough time to swoop down and kill it. Once it’s dead, I will change and then take falcon or wolf to eat it. His decision made, he tucked back his wings and dived down toward his target. His shadow alerted the mouse to danger and it started to scamper away but it was too slow. Bakura flared his wings and racked his talons forward. They impaled the mouse, killing. Bakura used his wings to shield his kill from other predators. He knew he needed to change back but chose to indulge in his bird’s instincts.
The sound of something whistling through the air caught his attention. His head jerked up and his wings flared to take off but before he could, a pair of nets landed on top of him. He screamed in animal panic before calming down. I will change back to remove the nets, take a small form, and escape. Bakura was about to do so when he felt himself freeze and he saw Mahad ride up on a horse and dismount. He narrowed his falcon eyes before attempting to change back, but nothing happened. His body, in its frozen state, refused to change! No! I can’t be trapped as a falcon! Change! Change! But his body didn’t respond.
Mahad stood over him before leaning down and seizing the ends of the nets and lifting them and him up. “Yes,” he said as he looked Bakura over. “Oh, yes. He is a fine specimen. He will be a great companion.”
“He will help us find criminals, Master Mahad?” one guard asked.
“Once trained, he will.” Mahad tied the nets to his horse’s saddlebags, mounted, and rode home with the guards following.
Bakura couldn’t believe it. He had been caught and frozen. He knew his time was up: He was now forever trapped in falcon form and expected to serve Mahad as his eyes in the sky. This was not for what he intended to use his gift! He had planned to use it to commit crimes, not prevent them. But he was frozen and unable to move to effect an escape and spend his life as a bird.
Mahad glanced down at the stiff bird beside him. He was a magnificent bird. Gray feathers cover his head, his back, and the tops of the wings and the tail. The chest and the underside of the wings and tail were white. His beak was curved and sharp, his talons sharp and dangerous and his eyes were intense. He could hardly wait to use his pet to catch criminals. His eyes can see a mouse from high above so spotting a criminal enter a tomb or steal something will not be a problem for him. Mahad was certain the bird was male when he had examined him.
Upon his return to the palace, Mahad had a guard inform Atem of his success before heading up to his room with the trapped Bakura. He removed the nets, tied a length of rope to the perch and a leg before balancing him on the perch, and lifting the spell. Bakura flapped his wings to stabilize himself before landing on the perch. He looked at the rope before bending his neck down, lifting his leg, and nipping at the rope. It resisted his efforts.
Mahad watched his attempt to get free. “I’m sorry to do this,” he finally said. “The rope will not break as I have magically re-enforced it and only my hands can untie it.”
Bakura fixed the magician with a stern eye and Mahad felt his breath catch. The look the falcon was giving him seemed almost human. It was as if a human was inhabiting the body, but of course that wasn’t possible. If it was, I would change myself into a bird.
“Mahad,” Atem said as he entered the room which caused the magician to kneel. “I was told your search was successful.” He turned to the perch and regarded Bakura who returned the look with unblinking eyes. “He is impressive-looking. He seems to be a young one.”
“I would agree and I believe him to be the most intelligent of his kind I have ever seen.”
“He will be more so once he is trained. But I do expect you to fulfill your other duties as you always have.”
“Yes, my pharaoh.” Mahad stood once Atem left before turning to Bakura. He stretched out a hand to stroke Bakura’s feathers but a snap of the beak prompted Mahad to pull back. “You are a stubborn one, aren’t you? We will have to work on that. I shall think on your training and a name while I teach my students.” Mahad left the room.
Bakura shifted on his feet. He was truly trapped now. He was tied with magical rope and would never be human or another animal again. Oh, wait! I remember being told that if someone confessed love to me, I will be human again and have access to my gift as well. But, no one knows about my gift and I can’t talk. He hung his head. I guess I better get used to serving Mahad. I belong to him now.
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The students waved their hands or wands, chanting the words to their latest spell. Mahad beamed as he moved among them, either correcting a word or a movement here and there. He was pleased with his students’ progress. They were truly talented, but it seemed only he saw that. He guessed it was because of his own talent. He was a powerful magician and, due to that, people expected him to push his students, to have them push themselves past their limit. He refused to do that: Pushing someone past their limits could be dangerous at times. He knew that from experience.
“All right, everyone. That is enough for today. The chanting and movement stopped. “You all did well today. Please practice on your own and next time we’ll work on it a little more.”
“Yes, Master Mahad,” the class chorused before leaving the hall, talking excitedly to each other.
Mahad smiled at their enthusiasm as he left. His thoughts turned to his falcon’s training. It would take time to domesticate a wild animal but it could be done by rewarding the creature for good behavior. I need to be careful for this is a proud beast and I would hate to crush its pride and spirit.
To that effect, I believe I have chosen a name I think he would be proud to bear. I also think I need to provide a peace offering that may smooth the way for a good partnership.
Chapter Four- Quick Training
Mahad entered to see that the falcon had been looking down. His head snapped up and around when Mahad entered and then back at the floor. He took in the bird’s posture. Whereas he had been perched in a proud almost arrogant way, now he looked as if…his spirit had been broken! No, this is not what I wanted! he thought in horror.
He reached out and was able to run his fingers along the falcon’s head. “My friend, do not despair. You will be treated well. I do not want this new life to break your spirit. I merely want help in catching criminals and you would see what I could not and no one would think twice about your presence.”
He lifted his head, his gold eyes staring at Mahad. He gave a soft squawk that sounded sad.
“You will be allowed to fly as freely as before and you will have a place to call home. I have a name for you and a peace offering. I have decided to call you Horus. I do hope we can work together as a team.” Mahad held up a plate of raw meat.
Bakura felt his stomach gurgle and the food did appeal to his instincts. He scooped some of it into his beak and swallowed it. He continued to eat, seeing the happy expression on Mahad’s face. The smile made him look more handsome than Bakura had originally thought. It may not be so bad working with him. If I listen to him, I will be treated well. Bakura would have smirked if he could. He was not a real bird and thus understood Mahad’s words. He believes me to be the most intelligent falcon he’s ever seen. I shall have to live up to that.
Mahad ran the back of his fingers along the chest feathers. “Night is falling, Horus. I will need to sleep. So, good night.” He proceeded to get ready for bed, aware of his bird watching him. He ignored it as Horus was as simple animal despite his unusual intellect. He got into bed and before lying down, saw Horus had his head under his wing, clearly tired himself. Both owner and pet were soon asleep.
Bakura felt warmth and lifted his head. It was morning and the start of his first full day as a falcon and Mahad’s pet. He tugged slightly at the rope on his leg. It was still as strong as before. He began to preen his feathers to make sure there were no loose feathers that may disrupt his smooth flight. I will fly again. Mahad said so and I believe him.
He heard footsteps and looked up from his preening to see Mahad enter with a plate of meat, seeds, and nuts and a pedestal. He pulled the pedestal over to the perch and put the plate on it. “Eat up, Horus. Your training starts today.”
And it will end today, Bakura thought as he ate. I’ll follow your instructions. You would be so surprised if you found out you were teaching a thief to seek out his own kind. He gulped down some water Mahad provided and felt himself being untied from his perch.
“Well, I hope we won’t need this anymore.” He nodded at the rope.
Oh, you won’t.
“Now, Horus. When I tap my shoulder, I want you to land there.” Mahad tapped his shoulder, expecting the falcon to sit there and cock his head. He was, therefore, surprised when Horus flew over and sat on the shoulder. “Very good,” he said, stroking the back.
Bakura preened at the praise and discreetly looked around as Mahad headed down the corridors. This was his home now and he felt he needed to be familiar with it as he would eventually be allowed to fly around as he pleased.
The pair entered the Throne Room and Bakura saw curious looks on him as Mahad took his place. He simply sat on the shoulder and did his best to look impressive and important. Atem entered and Bakura had to hover when Mahad bowed, but settled back down when he straightened.
“Mahad, why not introduce your companion?” Atem asked.
“Yes, my pharaoh. This is Horus and he will look for criminals from the sky.”
“He is trained?” Isis asked.
“Just started but he seems to be smarter than other falcons. He knows a tapped shoulder means he is to land there.”
“Perhaps another spot.” Atem held out an arm.
“Ah. Horus, when you see an arm held out like that, fly to it.” Mahad pointed and Bakura immediately took flight and landed gently on Atem’s arm.
“Remarkable.” Atem stroked the feathers. A whistle got Bakura to look over to see Mahad tap his shoulder and he flew back to his master. “Mahad, I believe you’re right. He is a smart bird. Take him with you to begin patrol.”
“Yes, my pharaoh.” Mahad left the room. “Well done, Horus. I only hope patrol goes as well.” Bakura gently nibbled Mahad’s earlobe which earned him another stroke. He found he liked people stroking his feathers; it felt good. Yes; listening to Mahad’s orders is not so bad and I find myself actually liking him. Too bad I’m trapped as a falcon, we would have made an interesting couple.
He listened to Mahad introduce him to the guards, outline the routes, and split them into units. Once the guards were gone, Mahad said to him, “Time to go to work, Horus. Fly around and search for criminals.” Bakura gave a screech before soaring up and flying over the city. He savored the wide open sky around him and the wind rushing over his feathers. He felt free and he could see everything from his height and with his eyesight. He saw some people looking up and imagined that they envied him. Humans had always dreamed of flying and with his gift, that dream was now a reality and one that would last forever. That thought saddened him. He would never be able to swim with fins, run on two or four legs, or slither as a snake. He would always be a falcon.
Movement caught his eye and he focused on it. There was a man by a stall who looked suspicious. He swooped lower and saw him reaching for a piece of gold jewelry. He’s stealing, he thought. I know the movements of a thief as I’m one myself. He swooped lower, flew in a circle, and then alighted on the edge of the stall’s poles that supported the linen that served as a cover. He fixed his intense eyes on the thief who froze upon locking eyes with him. Bakura leaned forward a little and snapped his beak at him. The man withdrew his hand and scampered away.
Bakura took off and flew around the city, savoring his wings but sad that he could not take another form. He cursed himself for flirting with the two hour deadline. If he hadn’t, he wouldn’t be in his current situation. And if I hadn’t flirted with the deadline, I wouldn’t have realized that I really like Mahad.
“Thief!” a voice yelled and Bakura almost fell out of the sky upon hearing it. He trained his eyes below and saw a man sprinting away from a quartet of guards. It was clear to him that the sprinter was the one the guards were trying to catch.
He folded his wings and dove toward the man. Instinct prompted him to scream as he plummeted to the earth. He then flared his wings and put a talon foot on each of the man’s shoulders and squeezed slightly. The man gasped at feeling the talons biting into his flesh and he came to a stop, fearing the bird was going to rip open his shoulders.
The guards caught up with them and, as one went to pin the man’s arms, Bakura released his hold and flew up. He saw one guard hold out an arm and he landed on it. “Good work, Horus,” he said. “Keep it up.” Bakura screamed in response as he took to the air again. He felt proud at catching the man. He wondered if this was supposed to be his destiny: To be trapped as a falcon who would serve the captain of the guards as an air guard who could see criminals before the humans did. If so, I could learn to like this.
He heard a whistle and looked down to see Mahad with his arm out. He dove toward him and braked before landing lightly on the arm. Mahad stroked the chest. “You did well, Horus. You deserve some rest and perhaps some training or a tour of your home later.” Mahad turned and carried his pet inside. The first day had gone better than he had expected and hoped that every day was like today.
Chapter Five- Curse Broken
Days turned into weeks and while Horus continued to catch criminals and alert him to tomb robbers, Mahad felt worried. He hadn’t seen a sign of Bakura. Had the thief been caught elsewhere or killed by someone or by a trap? The idea of the one he loved being dead was unbearable and yet he couldn’t help dwelling on it, not that anyone could tell…except maybe Horus.
The falcon would stare at Mahad as if he sensed Mahad’s worry and was curious about it. In truth of fact, Bakura, however, sensed no such worry from Mahad. He stared at the magician because, over the weeks he had spent as Mahad’s pet, he found himself falling in love with him. The realization had been startling at first, but then he came to like the concept.
I was a thief until I became trapped as a falcon. Now I help keep crime low and deter those who seek to rob tombs. I am not the same person I was anymore. I am a justice-seeking bird who’s in love with his master. He preened his feathers and a loose wing feather came away in his beak. He paused with the feather in his beak before flying over to Mahad who was at his desk. He landed on the surface which caught Mahad’s attention. He stretched his neck out, presenting the feather.
Mahad gave a sad smile as he accepted the feather. “Thank you, Horus,” he said softly. Bakura blinked at him, cocked his head, and chirped. Why are you so sad? I would have thought you would be happy with the low crime rate. What’s wrong, Mahad?
His sad smile didn’t waver. “You’ve done nothing wrong, my friend. You are the best companion I could ever have. I’ll tell you a secret: I’m in love with a thief. His name is Bakura and he is the cleverest criminal I have ever seen. I wish to ask him how he’s eluded capture, why he’s a thief, and to admit love for him. However, I haven’t seen him for weeks and I fear he may be dead.”
Bakura couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He loves me? He fears I’m dead? Mahad, I’m right here and I love you, too. He gently nipped Mahad’s fingers in an affectionate way and Mahad’s smile became an amused one.
He stroked the feathers. “You seem to know how to cheer me up. Maybe Bakura is alive and if so, I can practice how to confess to him with you pretending to be him. Would that be okay?”
Bakura chirped, praying Mahad said the words to break his trapped state, and stood there as Mahad turned to face him with that look of triumph when a criminal is caught. “So, I’ve finally caught you, Bakura. It has been a long time coming. I am curious why you became a thief and how you evaded capture until now. I hope to learn those answers in time. I don’t know what kind of riches and precious treasures you’ve stolen but I only care about one.” His face softened as he looked into Bakura’s gold eyes. “I care about my heart which you stole. I love you, Bakura.”
He said it! Bakura cheered. He said it and that means- His thoughts trailed off as he felt heat and soon he was sitting on Mahad’s desk in his human form. His gift’s curse was broken!
Mahad leaped to his feet and backed up, knocking his chair over. “B-Bakura?” he gasped in surprise and shock.
Bakura hopped off the desk and smiled at Mahad, delighting in being able to do so again. “Yes. You broke my curse. Thank you.”
“Curse?”
“The curse of my gift which is how I evaded capture. I have the ability to change forms, but only for two hours and then I’m trapped in that form until someone says they love me. I often flirted with the two hour deadline and when you froze me, I became trapped as a falcon.
“I don’t hate you for that. You see, I found you handsome before you caught me and over these past weeks, I realized that I had fallen in love with you. I had wanted to tell you, but couldn’t as I can only speak like the animal I become.”
“No wonder I hadn’t seen you,” Mahad finally said with soft wonder. “You were my pet all this time. Is your gift the reason you became a thief?”
“No. I was born in a village of thieves and my gift is bestowed on one of the villagers every few generations. I was five when it manifested itself. I had been wondering what it was like to be a horse and the next think I knew, I was a horse. I panicked as only a horse can and once my parents had calmed me down and told me about the gift, I changed back.”
“Wait.” Mahad stared at Bakura, his eyes widening a few minutes later as the pieces fell into place. “It was you, wasn’t it? You changed into me and collected the food and the tributes.”
“I did. It was the first time I became a person. Up ‘til then I only took animal form as I could hunt for meat that way. But I need more than meat to live. I actually enjoyed pretending to be you and when I looked in a mirror while being you, I then realized how handsome you are. I actually got the chance to tell you.” Bakura closed his eyes and became Aisha. She opened her eyes and flashed a charming smile before changing back.
Mahad chuckled as he came closer and took Bakura in his arms. “Very clever, Bakura: My little thief.”
“I’m not a thief anymore. I spent weeks helping you stop others from committing crimes. I can’t go back to stealing and I honestly don’t want to, now that I can be with you as myself.”
“You’re still a thief because you stole my heart.”
Bakura gave a smirk that Mahad found he liked. “All right. You win that one.” He then pulled Mahad down into their first kiss.
“This does present a problem,” Bakura continued. “I am still considered a criminal by everyone else. Your guards will want to arrest me.”
“That is true, however, I can ask the pharaoh to forgive you for your crimes.”
“Really?”
“I believe so. I will ask in the morning and you will be with me as the falcon. Once he forgives you, we will reveal your gift.”
Bakura nodded. “I suggest I not change until the last minute. I don’t wish to be trapped again. I believe the love confession can only happen once.”
“I wouldn’t want you trapped either so we will hold off your change.” He chuckled then. “All this time, I thought I had a smart bird, but it was you. You understood everything I said.”
I did and I was desperate to talk to you, to tell you that I love you. It was torture at times.”
“I can only imagine. Bakura, tell me about your village. You said it was one of thieves?”
“It was. I’m afraid I am the sole survivor. I had been filled with hate and rage at its destruction, but no more. My time as your pet has washed all that away.”
“It was destroyed? How?”
Bakura’s gaze went to the Ring. “They were sacrificed to create the Millennium Items.”
Mahad’s jaw dropped. “What?” he asked in a horrified whisper.
“Yes, but I do not deny that some good did come from the Items.”
“At the cost of a village of people,” Mahad countered. “That’s not right.”
“It’s not, but it’s done and all we can do is keep crime low.”
“Very well. I have a class to teach. Would you like to watch?”
“Sounds like fun.”
“I’m curious. How do you know when the two hours are almost up?”
“My gift came with an internal clock.” Bakura changed to falcon and sat on Mahad’s shoulder as he left to teach.
Chapter Six- Live Anew
Mahad guided Bakura through the empty corridor to the Throne Room where the other priests were already gathered, but not Atem. Once outside, Bakura changed and flew up to Mahad’s shoulder where he got his wings stroked. Bakura allowed some human reaction to show in his enjoyment of the stroking before the pair entered.
Mahad stood with the others, his mind trying organize his thoughts and how to phrase it, but his mind dwelled on his class yesterday. Bakura had stood silently on Mahad’s shoulder, watching the class which he had never done before. His presence was a bit distracting to the students but Mahad managed to bring them back on track. He left once to change to human before taking falcon again. The two of them slept together and enjoyed truly being together at last. Mahad looked forward to seeing Bakura take other forms and Bakura wanted to keep helping in catching criminals.
Mahad came back to the present as Atem entered the room. Bakura bowed as he had been taught and hovered when Mahad bowed. He saw the other priests share still amused smiles at a falcon showing respect the way they did. If the pharaoh forgives me, they will be in for a surprise.
The court opened and, one by one, each one came forward to report kingdom affairs until Mahad was left. Mahad knelt while Bakura stood next to him, wings outstretched and his head bowed as had become routine. “Criminal activity is low, my pharaoh. It, ideally, could not be better.”
“Very true,” Siamun spoke up. “No kingdom is crime-free. You and the guards have done well.”
“We cannot take all the credit. Horus has been a tremendous help.”
“Indeed,” Seto spoke up. “But I fail to see Bakura captured.”
“Yes, that is true, but no one has seen him for weeks and he’s ceased stealing and robbing. My pharaoh, would it be possible to forgive his crimes?”
Atem looked thoughtfully at Mahad. “As he has not committed any crime for weeks, it points to repentance. If he were to come before me, asking for forgiveness and declaring repentance, I would grant it.”
“I see. I think that can be arranged.” He looked over at Bakura who instantly changed back and knelt before Atem.
“Pharaoh,” he said amidst gasps from everyone. “I ask you to forgive me for my crimes. I repent my life of crime and wish to start my life anew.”
“You were the falcon all this time?” Atem gasped.
“I was. I was born with the ability to change forms but only for two hours and then I would be trapped that way. I was minutes away from the two hour deadline when I was caught. I was unable to change back as I was under a freeze spell. I spent weeks as a falcon and enjoyed helping to stop crime and catch criminals.”
“How can you be human if your power has a deadline?” Atem asked.
“Love, my pharaoh,” Mahad answered. “The gift’s curse can only be broken by someone confessing love to him. I have loved Bakura for quite some time and practiced a confession yesterday on “Horus.” I said, ‘I love you, Bakura,’ and he instantly changed.”
Bakura went to both knees and laid face-down. “I came to love Mahad over these past weeks and had wished I could tell him. I ask to continue to serve you and the kingdom as I have been and live with Mahad.”
Atem looked at the kneeling Bakura, to the hopeful Mahad, and then the rest of the court. Three Items glowed in quick succession: The Scales, Key, and Eye. Their owners expressed surprise, telling Atem that Bakura had repented. His monster and evil had been destroyed by helping stop crime.
“Bakura, I forgive your past crimes. You may continue to help catch criminals and live with Mahad.”
Bakura lifted his head. “I thank you, my pharaoh. I swear to serve you well.”
“I expect nothing less. Now, this gift. Can you take any form for two hours?”
“I can. I have an internal clock that helps me keep track of time.”
“Any form?” Siamun repeated. “Even people?”
“People too. Shall I demonstrate?” When Atem nodded, Bakura stood and became Mahad’s double. The court gasped at how exact Bakura resembled Mahad, down to the Item.
“So, that’s it. Bakura was disguised at you weeks ago.”
“Correct, Seto,” Bakura replied in Mahad’s voice, shocking everyone again, except his boyfriend. He changed back into himself, amused at everyone’s surprise.
“This is interesting. Do you have a favorite form?”
“Two, my pharaoh. One is obviously the falcon. The other is a wolf. I think a wolf’s sense of smell could sniff out hidden criminals.”
“Some criminals are adept at hiding and Bakura as a wolf, may be able to find them. In fact, my men and I are currently looking such people.”
“Yes. Mahad, take Bakura and some guards out to the desert and try to find them.”
“Yes, my pharaoh.” Mahad rose and led Bakura out of the room. “So, a wolf is one of your favorites?”
“It is. I am strong and powerful but a lack of hands is a disadvantage.”
“Of course and unable to talk would be another disadvantage.”
“Absolutely.”
&&&&
Mahad shook his head in amazement. Bakura was a natural in wolf form as he had been in falcon form. He sniffed the sand to search for human scents and trotted ahead when he got a scent trail. He would sprint ahead if the trail grew stronger. He would change before the deadline and then resume wolf to take up the trail again.
It had taken some time to explain Bakura and his gift to the guards as well as the pharaoh’s pardon and that he and Bakura were in love. They expressed shock that they had been working with a thief trapped in the disguise of a falcon. Mahad further explained that Bakura’s time as a falcon helping them had eliminated his evil and his soul was clean.
A loud triumphant howl brought Mahad back to the present and he and the guards charged toward the sound. They rounded a dune to see Bakura digging at a hump that looked indistinguishable from the other humps nearby. Bakura looked up at their approach and became human.
“Here,” he said, pointing. “At least five or six of them are hiding below.”
“Start digging men,” one guard said and soon spears were moving sand aside. Bakura resumed wolf form to aid in the digging. In time, a long sliding path appeared and everyone slid down it, Bakura in the lead and human. When he reached the bottom, he became a wolf again. He sniffed the air, found the trail, and trotted down a tunnel with the humans behind him. He took several seemingly random tunnels before stopping at a rough wooden door. He took human form, stood aside, and tilted his head to indicate the guards can go first.
They did so and the sounds of shouts rent the air. Bakura and Mahad blocked the door which was the only way in or out. Both listened as the guards rounded up the criminals.
“This is the biggest round-up we’ve ever done,” Mahad said. “And it’s all thanks to you.”
“It would never have happened if we hadn’t fallen in love and broke my gift’s curse.”
“You’re correct and I’d like to see other forms you can take.”
“You will later on tonight,” Bakura promised as they stepped aside so the guards could lead their prisoners out the door.
