Disclaimer: I don’t own Yu-Gi-Oh!
Chapter One- Family Secret
Atem stood on his balcony, watching the sky as it turned into bands of vibrant colors. Pink and orange fading to dusky purple to a deep blue, and finally inky black. His pupils expanded as his eyes switched to night vision. He saw movement below and he looked to ascertain that, yes, it was the early night shift, stretching and yawning before spreading out. He then looked up to see a shimmering as the protective shield came down. The court is awake and awaiting my arrival.
Atem left his room and went through the corridors, his nose smelling the usual scents of death. It was a scent he had grown up with, but it remained an unpleasant smell. Ah, such is the life of a lone werewolf in a group of vampires, he thought.
Atem had been born a werewolf just as his parents had been. Generations ago, a vampire pharaoh fell for a wifewolf. The two wed and conceived two children, one vampire and one werewolf. As the firstborn, the vampire was expected to rule, but due to a tragic accident, his younger werewolf brother became pharaoh instead. The ruling line had produced werewolves and wifewolves ever since. His family kept their true nature a secret as his kind and vampires were eternal rivals.
The palace residents and the citizens were all vampires and, thanks to changed family records starting with the wifewolf’s pharaoh husband, they believed Atem was a vampire too. There were no outward signs to tell between a vampire and a werewolf. Both had tanned skin with a warm touch but that was it. Vampires had fangs that could grow longer or shorter, had sharp hearing to detect heartbeats, were immortal once fully mature, and turned to ash in the sun.
Werewolves had sharp noses, ears, and eyes, became immortal when fully mature, died by silver impalement, and became self-aware wolves during the full moon. A claim by the pharaoh of the two sons of a family illness on the full moon had kept anyone from being suspicious of Atem being absent three nights a month.
Since the sun wasn’t fatal to him, Atem would venture through the palace and the city. The court magician, Mahad, would raise a protective shield around the city before dawn and lowered it once he was awake. However, the shield didn’t stop Atem from changing to a wolf, digging under it, and having a joyful run in the desert.
Of course, he needed to sleep during the day in order to stay awake all night, so he planned his runs not long after dawn. His escape route was in an obscure corner so no one would see it and think humans were sneaking in. Atem did his best to hide his true nature. It wasn’t easy as he had to drink blood with the rest of the court. Fortunately, his stomach could handle it and small doses were enough to sustain a vampire for the night. Atem feared being found out and cast out even though he was the pharaoh.
Tonight began as most nights did. Atem entered the room, his court bowed to him, and once he was seated, everyone was provided their dose of blood. Atem secretly preferred raw beef to eat for dinner than blood but was resigned to waiting for morning for food. He listened to the usual reports of his court before he dismissed them so they could pursue their nightly activities. He was a bit surprised to find his advisor Siamun still beside him. “Siamun? You are not going to attend to your pursuits?”
“The night is still young, my pharaoh. I will do them later on as I have a matter I wish to discuss with you.”
“Oh?”
With a smile, Siamun leaned in and said in a low voice, “I know that you’re a werewolf.”
Atem stared at him in shock before saying in a shocked tone, “Siamun! Why would you say such a thing?”
“Because it is true. The court does not bother to check but I did and I hear your heart beating. As vampire hearts don’t beat and I know you’re not human, that leaves werewolf. Your monthly ‘illness’ also points to werewolf.”
Atem felt like the blood had drained from his face. He had spent sixteen years of his life pretending to be a vampire and now that seemed to be all over. “Do you intend to tell the court?” he choked out.
“Not at all. You know I’ve served your father as advisor and I also knew he and your mother were werewolves too. I saw no reason to reveal them as they were wise and good rulers. You are also wise and a good ruler. I may be the only vampire in this city to see that it’s possible for vampire and werewolves to peacefully work together.”
“Given the long-standing rivalry, a peace between the two races would be nice but that requires trust and I have done my best to hide what I am.”
“Your parents did the same but I don’t see or understand why you hide it.”
“I fear that if I am found out, I will be exiled, cast out.”
“What? But, you are the pharaoh.”
“Yes, but I am one of the enemies of vampires. Human prey is the source of the dislike between us. Both races can turn humans in addition to birthing.”
“True and vampires prefer to turn as it takes time for born ones to be fully mature and achieve immortality. Seto and Isis are the only ones of your court who are not immortal.”
“Isis will be in one year and Seto will be in a few years just as I will be. The thing is that your race does age a little at least a few years every…”
“At least five years every fifty years. Aknadin and I have lived for centuries and now that I think of it, you are the last of your family line.”
Atem smiled ruefully. “As my race ages, some become arrogant over their immortality. My family is prone to this, especially around the full moon. While we are self-aware, we do tend to indulge in wild behavior and turning humans. It is the turning where the arrogant ones end up killed as humans know of our silver allergy.”
“I see. I pray you do not fall into that state of mind.”
“I do not intend to. There is a secret room where I spend my full moon nights. I can open it only when I’m in human form. It is comfortable and I can sleep the night away.”
“Night is the only time my kind is awake as the sun is fatal. Your parents have satisfied my curiosity of the sun, but tell me your impressions of it.”
“It is a bit hard on my eyes as they are more suited for night vision, but it is warm and allows one to see things in a different way. I admit it does get hot and uncomfortable if out in it for too long without precautions.”
“What kind of precautions?”
“Water and a hat of some kind. Siamun, I confess that I take runs as a wolf shortly after dawn. Early morning is not as hot as it is later on.”
“Your impression of the sun is much like your parents.”
“Of course. I’ve heard them comment to each other how fortunate they are to experience the sun and I agree with them.”
“I agree as well. Your race is lucky to see the world in light and darkness.”
“And we’re off the subject. I want to trust my court and my subjects with the truth but I fear what they’ll say or do.”
“You could treat the subject as a discussion topic.”
Atem nodded. There were nights where the court and he would gather and talk of a random topic. We haven’t had one in a while and I think vampires and werewolves would make an excellent topic.
Chapter Two- Suspicions
Mahad ambled aimlessly about the palace’s corridors. He had already checked on his students who did not require supervision or classes. If one felt he or she needed help, they were free to come to him for a little one on one time. He cherished those private lessons as it filled his nights with something to do.
Mahad had gained his immortality a year ago and it drove home how long his life was now. He would age a little every fifty years and would need to find ways to fill his nights now more than ever. He had a few ideas of time fillers. He could study and practice his own magic, duel his fellow priests, and have talks with his court members, Siamun, and Atem.
He looked forward to speaking with the three vampires alone when they gained their immortality. Isis would be the first as she would be twenty-one in about a year, Seto would be second in three years, and finally Atem in five years. Doubtlessly, there would be a big celebration when the pharaoh’s night came.
“Master Mahad.”
The magician vampire blinked and focused on a guard who was kneeling before him. “Yes?”
“The pharaoh sent me to tell you that there will be a court talk tomorrow night.”
“Excellent. Thank you.” The guard left and Mahad smiled. It had been a while since their last court talk and he loved those talks; for one thing, it takes up time.
He pondered other ways to spend his immortal life as his feet guided him to the archives of their own accord. He automatically ran his fingers along the scrolls as he tried to think of what he wanted to read. He shook his head as nothing interesting came to mind.
“Mahad?”
He turned to see Seto at a table with a scroll in his hands. He joined the young priest and took a seat. “Seto,” he replied.
“You seem restless, Mahad.”
“I’ve been contemplating my immortality ad how to fill it.”
“Really? You’ve been immortal for a year now.”
“I know, but it hadn’t really hit me until recently.”
“I haven’t given it much thought beyond the fact that I look forward to gaining it.”
“I felt the same way when I was your age, maybe even the pharaoh’s age.”
Seto rolled up the scroll. “I’ve been thinking about the pharaoh.”
“How so?”
“I find it odd that his entire family line has an illness every full moon. One would think that illness wouldn’t touch us.”
Mahad frowned. “Yes, now that I think about that, you’re right. Our bodies, for all intents and purposes, are dead and it has been found that illness needs to thrive in a living body. So, how can the pharaoh suffer from illness while the rest of us do not?”
“Indeed, how? There is another mystery as well.”
“Another one?”
“Yes.” He leaned forward toward Mahad. “The bodies of the people we drain. It is know that we dump them in pits in the rear of the courtyard, however, we are just using the few pits we have instead of digging new ones. No one can explain why and no one has really examined the pits.”
“Are you suggesting the corpses are being stolen? That’s not possible. We have patrols guarding the palace and the city at night and then there’s the protective shield while we sleep.”
“And yet we aren’t digging new pits. It would indicate that the bodies are being stolen somehow.”
Mahad’s curiosity was piqued by Seto’s words. He rose from his seat. “Let us examine the pits. I can use a spell to levitate the sand off them.”
The two men headed off for the courtyard, guards bowing as they passed. Mahad and Seto nodded in acknowledgement, but Mahad turned the conversation Seto and he had just had over in his mind and marveled at how no one had questioned Atem’s monthly absences. He did just point out that illnesses have no hold over dead bodies and yet Atem seemed to have a family illness. A gene in his family line could be the trigger of this condition. Any offspring he has could inherit this gene as well.
Mahad then became aware of another odd thing that he never thought of before: There was no silver anywhere in the palace. He didn’t travel so the absence of silver didn’t strike him as odd, but now he felt that a normal palace would have gold and silver. Why is there no silver? “Seto, I just realized that there is no silver in the palace.”
“None?” Seto repeated. “Why would that be?”
“No idea. No explanation was given as no one has asked. Perhaps we should during our court talk tomorrow.”
Seto nodded in agreement as he began to puzzle over the lack of silver. He had lived in a village and had seen silver jewelry and coins when visiting the market that stayed open until well past dark. His mother, a born vampire, wore silver herself and said it protected her from werewolves as they couldn’t bear to be near it and being impaled by the metal killed them. The lack of silver here hasn’t really caught Seto’s attention as he had been busy with his studies, his duties, and getting blood. But now, the lack of silver and Atem’s family illness filled his mind and he wondered if the burial pits would prompt another mystery or a simple rumor. He hoped it was the latter.
Mahad and Seto entered the courtyard and the former questioned those assigned to guard the area. All gave the same answer. “They see no one near the pits save for when they are placing another body in an open pit.”
“Then, perhaps the idea of stolen bodies is just that: an idea,” Seto said as they approached the oldest pit.
“It would seem so but let us check to be sure.” Mahad focused on the needed spell and he murmured it. The sand rose into the air and landed neatly beside the now open pit. The noxious stench of decomposition assailed their noses and they pulled back to let the gas dissipated before approaching and looking down.
All they saw were decomposed bodies and Mahad covered it before moving on to the next one. This one was just like the first one. “It would seem your assumption is correct,” Mahad said as they headed to the third pit. “All bodies are accounted for.”
“So far, it seems that way,” Seto agreed as Mahad removed the sand from the third pit, which was the last filled one. Both expected a lot of gas like before, but this time not a lot escaped. They approached the edge, looked down, and stared astonished at what they saw.
There were bodies but the ones on top were ripped up and shredded. It was clear that something had dug up the bodies and ate whatever it wanted. The sight of the bodies made Mahad feel sick which was impressive considering he only drank blood. “The bodies weren’t stolen,” he managed to say. “They are being eaten.”
“How?” Seto asked. “The guards said they saw no one.”
“Perhaps an animal got in while we slept. It’s the only time this could happen.”
“Yes, that makes sense and I say it’s either jackals or wolves who are doing this. It could even be werewolves, in which case we will need greater protection against our ancient rival.”
Chapter Three- Fated Encounter
Atem ventured through the empty, sunlit road, the silence as oppressive as always. It wasn’t too bad as it allowed him to think. Mahad had come to him last night to report on drained bodies that had been eaten and requested greater protection.
“Mahad, we sleep in coffins that are hidden under our chamber floors and we have a protective shield,” he had said. “I don’t know how much more protection we could need.”
“Some silver perhaps?” he had suggested.
Atem had suppressed a growl before snapping, “No. No silver in this palace or city, ever.”
Mahad had bowed his head. “Yes, my pharaoh. I apologize.”
I hate being cross with my court, but I can’t be around silver and I can’t explain as I don’t know how they’ll react. I do plan to admit my true nature tonight so that would explain everything. A small yelp and whine broke the silence and he hurried toward it; it sounded like someone had run into the shield and was rebuffed. He rounded a corner and came to a startled stop. Sitting on the other side of the shield was a boy who had spiky tri-colored hair like him. His eyes were closed and he was rubbing the side of his head. “Are you all right?” he asked.
The boy’s eyes opened as he looked up. Atem was startled again as the boy also had purple eyes. His eyes trailed up to Atem’s crown before kneeling on both knees and bowing his head. “Pharaoh,” he said, the sun glinting off a gold crown his hair concealed slightly.
“You’re a prince,” Atem said, recognizing the design.
“Yes,” he answered. “Prince Yugi.” He rose to his feet and gently put a hand on the shield. “Why the protection?” He looked past Atem. “And where are the people?”
Ah, yes. He doesn’t know. No one outside the city knows why there’s a shield. His nose flared and, despite the shield, he smelled a scent he hadn’t smelled since his parents were alive and there was only one source. “You’re a werewolf,” he said to Yugi in soft amazement.
“No, I’m not,” Yugi countered but Atem heard the slight panic in his voice.
“You are. I can smell it on you.”
“Smell…?” Yugi’s nose flared and he smiled. “You’re a werewolf too. What’s your name?”
“It’s Atem. Listen Yugi. There’s a hole near the shield you could go through to come in. I could show it to you.”
“I’d like that. So, you can’t lower the shield?” Yugi followed Atem as the pharaoh walked.
“No. My court magician is the only one who can and he’s asleep right now.”
Asleep? Yugi thought. Why is he sleeping during the day? Is the entire city asleep? Why? Atem then vanished from sight but called, “Keep going along the shield and you should see a hole.” Yugi did so and found the hole that had clearly been dug by claws and paws. Yugi shifted to wolf before leaping into the hole. He crawled through the tunnel and came out the other side.
He resumed human form and he wrinkled his nose at the stench he picked up. “Ugh! No offense, pharaoh, but your city reeks like vampires.”
“I know, but I’m familiar with that. Everyone here, except me of course, are vampires. That’s why there’s a shield.”
“Vampires? Wow! You rule a city of vampires. I didn’t think that was possible.”
“Actually…they think I’m a vampire too.” Atem headed for the palace with Yugi behind him, happy to have someone else to talk to.
“They do?”
“Yes. There was a time long ago when a vampire pharaoh fell for and wedded a wifewolf. They had two children, one vampire and one werewolf, both brothers. The vampire was expected to rule as he was the oldest but he tragically died and his brother became pharaoh. His father changed the family records and claimed a family illness every full moon. Every ruler since then have been werewolves and wifewolves. No one’s questioned the illness or lack of silver.” The pair went through the open gates.
“The illness story is kind of weak,” Yugi said. “I mean, illness can’t spread in a dead body and vampires are technically dead.”
“True, but I fear if they knew the truth, I would be cast out.”
“I understand that but you’ve lived here your whole life. Surely, everyone would see that our kind can live peacefully with them.”
“My top advisor knows I’m a werewolf as he had served my parents and heard my heartbeat though the others don’t bother to check it.”
“He could vouch for you then. If he served your parents and knew they were wolves then the others would know that you’re not bad or however they view us.”
“I know that human prey is the main reason for the rivalry as does every vampire and werewolf, but I don’t know if there is another reason.” Atem led the prince into the courtyard. “My advisor, Siamun, suggested I hold what we call Court Talk tonight with our races as the topic. I would like to come clean about myself. It would save more blood for the others.”
Yugi didn’t ask why Atem was drinking blood: It kept up the lie that he was a vampire. “Are all of your court truly immortal?”
“No. There are two who are not. One will be immortal in a year and the other will be in three years. I myself have five years to go.”
“I’ll be immortal in three years.”
“I see. You know, a deal could be worked out concerning prey. The vampires need the blood but our race prefers the flesh. It would cut down on the burial pits.” He gestured to them.
“There’s bodies just wasting away here?” Yugi asked, licking his lips unconsciously.
“Indeed. I had thought of coming here to eat after my walk and you must be hungry too.”
“I am. I was hunting but the shield’s shimmering distracted me.” He watched Atem shift into a black wolf with yellow tips before taking his form of a black wolf with violet tips. The two dug at the sand to make a hole before leaping in and eating their fill. Once done, Atem changed to human and pulled a rope out of the sandy wall with the end tied around a buried rock in that wall. They climbed out and covered the pit, the rope again concealed in its place.
“Ah, that was good,” Yugi sighed. “We don’t get much chance to eat flesh. It’s usually fish, bread, cheese, fruit, and water.”
“Yugi, if the talk goes well, perhaps that deal I spoke of could take place. It would benefit both races.”
“That would be great. I’ll roam the desert tonight and wait by the hole tomorrow for you report.”
“Agreed.” Atem escorted Yugi to the palace gates and then closed them so it seemed like they had never opened today. Yugi changed to wolf, went through the tunnel, and came out the other side. Yugi breathed deeply, taking in fresh air, and cleaning that vampire stench out of his lungs. He raced out into the desert and to an oasis where there would be plenty of water, shelter, and prey once the heat of the day had passed. He reached the oasis and slid to a halt upon seeing a gray wolf with purple eyes like his own. “Hi, Grandpa.”
“Yugi, I thought you were hunting.”
“I was but I found a city behind a protective shield and met its ruler.”
“Really?”
“His name is Atem, he looks a lot like me, and he’s a werewolf. He actually rules over a city of vampires who don’t know he’s not a vampire. He plans to tell his court the truth tonight and, if it goes well, we could make a deal with them as they have burial pits of drained bodies.”
“My boy, this is excellent news. We could have an understanding with vampires, access to flesh, and maybe a mate for you?” He gave Yugi a wink and the prince shuffled a paw, a blush on his cheeks.
Chapter Four-Court Confession
Atem lifted his cup in a toast as usual but once everyone was drinking, he passed his cup to Siamun so he could drink. He admitted to Siamun to having eaten before dark and was still full. Siamun, responsible for the court’s blood dosage, brought seven cups of blood, claiming he had already had his dose. Of course he hadn’t as he would receive Atem’s cup. We could have done this a long time ago, Siamun thought.
“All right,” Atem said once all had finished drinking. “I chose to have a court talk tonight and the topic is on werewolves and vampires.”
“Werewolves?” Seto scoffed.
“Yes. I know there’s a rivalry over human prey, but is that all?”
“No, there is also the stereotypes of each other,” Aknadin said.
This piqued Atem’s interest. “Go on.”
“The werewolves see us as vulgar and crude. I believe this view stems from our need for blood. Obviously we are not vulgar or crude.”
There were nods from everyone and Atem said, “And what stereotypes do we have about werewolves?”
“Oh, a fair few,” Aknadin replied. “Unlike us, they are vulgar. They crave flesh and eat nothing else. When they change, they behave like vicious animals. They tend to speak using only the canine language whether in human form or wolf.”
Atem felt angry at everything he was hearing, but kept his anger in check. He saw Siamun’s look of disbelief out of the corner of his eye. He knew his advisor didn’t believe Aknadin. We both know that werewolves are not vulgar, we’re not vicious animals when we change, and we can talk like anyone else though we do speak the canine language, but that’s to be expected. I admit, we do desire flesh but that is not all we eat.
“I believe that we need to know if these beliefs are true. I have trouble believing they speak only as wolves. They have human form so one would think they can talk same as we do,” Atem said.
“Well said, my pharaoh,” Mahad said. “I agree with that point.”
“What of their behavior when they change?” Aknadin asked.
“I would think that not all of them act like animals when they change,” Atem said.
“I’m afraid I disagree, pharaoh,” Aknadin said.
“Have you spent a lot of time with werewolves?” Atem asked.
“No, my pharaoh.”
Atem’s eyes twinkled mischievously. “Actually, you have. Your entire life as a priest. All of you have.”
The court shared surprised looks and, for Mahad, he caught on to what Atem was hinting at and it was a shocking conclusion he was drawing. “My pharaoh…are you saying that you’re a werewolf?”
Atem slowly exhaled. “Yes, that’s exactly what I’m saying and not just me. My family line going back generations were also werewolves and wifewolves.”
“Generations? How?” Aknadin asked.
“It goes back to where two sons were born and the younger ruling as his brother died before he could rule. The eldest was a vampire and the younger one was a werewolf because their father, the pharaoh, was a vampire who fell for a wifewolf.”
“A pharaoh tainted his line with a wifewolf?” Shada asked with disgust.
“I prefer blended,” Atem countered with a slight scowl. “Surely, revealing myself as a werewolf shows that the stereotypes you spoke of are not true.”
“The pharaoh has also shown himself to be a great ruler,” said Siamun. “Just as his parents were.”
“It all makes sense now,” Seto said in awe. “The full moon illness, the lack of silver, the eaten bodies. All of which are werewolf traits.”
“Yes,” Atem admitted. “I become a self-aware wolf on the full moon, not a vicious animal. I can still talk when in wolf form. I did not tell you as our races are rivals for prey as well as our eternal dislike for one another. I also feared I would be cast out, exiled.”
“Nonsense,” Seto said. “We would not cast out a wise ruler, no matter what he is. I feel no dislike for you, my pharaoh. You were justified in concealing your true nature from us. I would have done so in your place.”
“Thank you, Seto. I also realized today that we do not have to fight over prey. You need the blood while I want the flesh.”
“Yes,” Kalim said softly. “Of course. There is no need to fight over prey. You are welcome to eat the bodies as it is only the blood that we want and need.”
“I appreciate your permission,” Atem said with mock sarcasm. “But I do need your approval on a related matter. I was on a walk today and met a werewolf prince who was outside the shield until I invited him in via a secret tunnel I dug so I could run outside.”
“A prince?” Isis repeated.
“Yes. His name is Yugi and he looks similar to me. He admitted to not getting to eat flesh much. I propose that we offer the drained bodies to his kingdom as we have no use for them.”
“That’s not entirely true,” Aknadin said. “You would have a need for some of them.”
Atem smiled a little. He had become used to pretending to be a vampire; it would take time to remember that the truth was out now. “True enough. Still, giving them some of the bodies would benefit both of our cities.”
“Now that we know the truth, does this mean you will be present during the full moon?” Aknadin asked.
“I believe so. It will be a little strange at first but we will adjust. I only ask that you allow me to indulge in some wolf behavior such as running and making sounds.”
“Of course.” Mahad then came forward and knelt. “Do you require any food before we continue?”
“That is not necessary. I ate earlier today with Yugi. That is how I learned of his not eating much flesh.”
“I see nothing wrong about giving the bodies to Yugi and his city,” Shada said. “It is the perfect solution.” The others nodded in agreement and Atem felt pleased.
“Then, I will inform him when he comes by tomorrow. Everyone is dismissed to do your duties and activities.”
“That went well,” Siamun remarked once the others had left.
“Better than I had hoped and I look forward to tomorrow night as it is the full moon.”
“All this time, our pharaoh was a werewolf and we didn’t realize it,” Aknadin said as the court sat in their tower.
“We had no reason to suspect that he wasn’t a vampire,” Seto pointed out. “It is ironic, though. Our races are rivals and one would think we would never get along, yet it seems we can.”
“Perhaps we can make deals and agreements with the werewolf city as the pharaoh has already befriended their prince.”
“A prince who looks similar to the pharaoh,” Isis said. “Is it possible for two werewolves to rule and produce heirs?”
“We could ask him, but why? He hasn’t given any indication that he is attracted to Yugi,” Mahad said.
“Yes, you’re right. In any event, I would like to meet this prince. Make the deal Master Aknadin proposed.”
“It would have to wait until after the full moon, but we can bring it to the pharaoh’s attention.”
Chapter Five- Merging
“It went well and they’re willing to let my city have the bodies?” Yugi asked with joy.
“With some set aside for me, of course,” Atem said. “We will need to set up a night where we can write up and sign the agreement. I would say the night after the full moon is over.”
“Sounds good to me. So, they’re really okay with you being a werewolf?”
“They are. Yugi, how are vampires viewed by our race? I know that vampires are considered crude and vulgar from their need for blood, but is that it?”
“Well, there is how they look down on us. The vampires I’ve encountered would sneer at me and speak of how superior they are compared to me. I don’t let it get to me. I’m proud of who I am and not ashamed of anything I do.”
“You would not encounter that kind of vampire in my court. The fact that they are priests and, in one case, a priestess, I imagine that would contribute to their thoughts in accepting werewolves though they did hold to the stereotypes.”
“What are those?”
“That we’re the vulgar ones, that we act like vicious animals in wolf form, that we only speak as wolves, and eat only flesh.”
“Gods,” Yugi said. “None of that is true. Full moon aside, one can’t tell us apart from humans.”
“Yes and I will preside over court tonight instead of claiming to be ill. I’m looking forward to showing my wolf form to them for the first time.”
“I’m sure they’ll like it. I…certainly do.”
Atem saw Yugi’s cheeks turn red as the prince looked away. “Yugi?” he asked.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “I know we just met but I feel very drawn to you. I told Grandpa about our meeting and I think he’s hoping to play matchmaker.”
“Yugi. Wouldn’t it be better to mate with a wifewolf or persuade a woman to be bitten?”
“Not necessarily. The royal family of my city can produce heirs regardless of gender. If we were a couple, I would carry the child.”
“A marriage like ours would unite two races and cities and possibly usher in a golden age of peace and cooperation.”
“A marriage like ours?” Yugi repeated. “You mean a political union?”
“The political aspect would merely be a by-product. Yugi, I’m flattered and glad that you’re drawn to me for I find you cute and charming. Someone I would like to know and share my immortal life with.”
Yugi blushed harder at this. “You would?”
“Indeed. I would prefer to wed one of my race rather than wed a vampire from my city. I know that sounds biased considering what I am and ruling the opposite race.”
“It does sound biased but it also makes sense. I would prefer my own kind as well.”
Atem took one of Yugi’s hands with his own and interlaced their fingers. “Then, you and I will wed one day in the very near future. There are several details to discuss and settle before the wedding.”
Yugi nodded. There was much to discuss before getting married. We could merge our cities together, though city is too generous a word in my case. We sleep in a network of caves and huddle close for warmth. I should tell Atem…now.
“Atem, my city’s not a fixed location.”
“You’re nomadic?”
“In a way. We have a market but we carry it around and we sleep in caves where we huddle close for warmth.”
“Yugi, that’s no way to live, even for werewolves. Your city and mine should merge together. New houses can be built by both races during their respective waking hours. Naturally, you and your grandpa will live in the palace.”
“It would be nice to have a permanent home.” He drew himself up. “I’ll speak to Grandpa and my subjects, but I’m sure I can convince them to agree to this.”
“And I will convince my court and subjects of this.” Atem and Yugi shared smiles before the latter changed to wolf and left through the tunnel.
&&&&
Atem stood on the balcony off the Throne room and watched as the sky darkened. A few minutes later the shield came down and the moon was starting to rise. His ears heard his court enter and he turned to see them look a little puzzled as he was still in human form. “Just wait,” he said as moonlight spilled onto the balcony. He felt the familiar tingle and was then on four paws.
There were open, amazed stares at him before Isis said, “You look impressive, my pharaoh. Your fur is quite unique.”
“It is,” Atem agreed as he led them back inside. “Yugi’s fur is equally unique.”
“I image he was pleased when told about the bodies,” Aknadin said as Atem got into his seat.
“Oh, yes he was and he was glad that my telling the truth went well.”
“And we are glad that you felt comfortable enough to tell us,” Mahad said.
“Yes. Now, Yugi and I spoke of other matters and I learned that Yugi’s city is nomadic in nature. I feel that is no way for them to live. I think it would be better if they had a permanent place.”
“Would you be suggesting that they live here?” Seto asked.
“It would make sense as I am drawn to Yugi and vice versa.”
“If you intend to wed him, we would like to meet him,” Isis said. “We had wanted to meet Yugi and draw up an agreement concerning the bodies, but if he is to be your husband, a meeting is essential.”
“It should be after the full moon.”
“That was our intention with the original agreement,” Aknadin said.
“I say the first or second night after the full moon would be best.” The court nodded and Atem felt that Yugi would show up in the morning so that Yugi could relay the news of his subjects’ feelings of the merger.
&&&&
Yugi gave a joyful howl to his subjects before he spoke. “My people, our days of wandering could soon be at an end. I have met and fallen for a werewolf pharaoh who rules over a city of vampires only the citizens don’t know that. He will tell them as he wishes to wed me and have us merge with his city.” He heard worried murmurs before continuing. “His court does not act like the vampires we’ve met despite their believing in the stereotypes of our race which have been dispelled as they know their pharaoh’s true nature.
“I hope to meet Atem’s court soon, preferably after the full moon. I will meet with Atem in the morning to learn of what took place tonight. I hope my union to Atem brings a golden age of peace and cooperation between vampires and werewolves.”
The wolves barked and howled before dispersing to engage in their usual full moon activities while Solomon stood beside Yugi. “I know I’m asking a lot for them to accept the idea of living with vampires,” Yugi said.
“I’ll bring them around while you meet with your beloved.”
“Thanks, Grandpa. You support the idea of a permanent home, right?”
“Of course I do. It’s been at least a century since we had a fixed city. It would be nice to have one again.”
“And we will…very soon.”
Chapter Six- City Confession
“Yugi, last night felt like any other night once the court got over my change,” Atem said as they sat in the courtyard. The shield was still in place, but Atem was free to leave the palace gates open during the day.
“So, they support our future marriage and my city living here?”
“They do, but I need to reveal to my citizens that I’m a werewolf and our plan to have a city the world has never seen.”
“I spoke to my people last night about you, your city, us getting married, and moving in with vampires. Naturally, the last part worries them but Grandpa is speaking to them right now.”
Atem then bit his lip. “I admit I’m a little scared about speaking to my people. The guards had spread the word last night I will speak to them tonight. I just don’t know how they will take it. They don’t interact with me every night and they likely hold fast to their stereotypes of us.”
“Perhaps walking among them in wolf form will help,” Yugi suggested. “You didn’t before because you were used to hiding it. After tonight, you won’t need to.”
“Yes, walking among them is a good idea. It’ll also show that I don’t fear them and our races can living together. Our preference in regard to human prey is so different that it’s silly for us to fight each other.”
“True. Do you think I could have some flesh to take with me? A pair coupled for the first time last night and it would be nice to have something special to celebrate with when I give the blessing howl tonight.”
“Of course you can.” Both shifted forms and spent the rest of their visit selecting the best flesh and organs and slicing them up for easy carry.
&&&&
Atem confidently walked onto the balcony with his court behind him. He heard the hisses of his subjects at his appearance but went to the rail and reared up to plant his paws on it. The moon glinted off his crown and the hisses changed to murmurs. He held his head high as he began his speech.
“Hello, my subjects. For my entire life, I have hidden what I really am and now I have chosen to reveal it for I am in love with a werewolf prince. His city is nomadic with no real home. It is my hope that the two cities could live together in peace once we have wedded.” Angry shouts erupted from the crowd and he gave a soft whine that his court heard.
Seto stepped up beside Atem and his voice soared over the crowd which fell silent upon hearing him. “This is exactly why the pharaoh hid the truth! Our narrow-minded views of werewolves! Clearly, you can see that he is self-aware and hear that he speaks as we do! In all the ways that truly matter, werewolves are no different from us. Also, consider this: We need human blood, but the bodies are worthless to us. The werewolves desire the bodies more than blood. The drained bodies would be better served as food for them rather than rotting in mass graves.”
“Werewolves don’t need to sleep in daylight,” Atem spoke up, emboldened by Seto’s small speech. “They can serve as protectors in case a human breaks through the shield. New houses can be built by both races as well as vendor stalls as the werewolves have a market that they carry with them.
“My court will meet with my beloved the night after tomorrow where we will discuss when the wedding will take place and how to combine our races into the most unique city in the world.” His words were then greeted with cheers and chants of his title as he went back to all fours and headed inside.
“Seto, thank you for defending me. I didn’t think the citizens would be so opposed to me being a werewolf not to mention living with my race.”
“Our races have been rivals for countless ages and we believed the stereotypes which further fueled our dislike of one another. Now is the time to end it and work toward a golden age for both races. I, for one, look forward to meeting Yugi.”
“And I want you all to meet him. I’m sure you’ll like him.”
“If you are sure of that, then it must be so,” Mahad said before bowing. “Shall I calm the citizens who may still have doubts?”
“Please do and Seto will join you.”
“Yes, my pharaoh.”
Atem watched them go for a moment and then his stomach growled. He had been so nervous about his speech that he hadn’t eaten much. “Court dismissed,” he announced before leaving the room to head for the storage room where the food was preserved.
There were two guards, one on either side of the door. Both kneeled at Atem’s approach and higher-ranking one said, “Pharaoh.”
“I would like some beef for dinner,” he requested.
“Yes, pharaoh.” The guard opened the door, went in, and returned with a hunk of raw beef. He knelt on one knee, bowed his head, and held out the meat.
“Thank you.” Atem took it in his mouth and carried it out to the courtyard. He laid down under the moon and hungrily tore into the meat. His nose smelled a vampire approaching behind him so he didn’t react when Siamun asked, “Good, my pharaoh?”
“Delicious,” he replied. “I am grateful that there’s a room of food available.” A thought then struck him and he looked at Siamun who was beside him. “Are you the one who insured there was food as vampires do not need food?”
“Yes, my pharaoh. Your father assigned that task to me when I told him I knew what he and his wife were and that I would not tell anyone else. I insure that a variety is available as well as a large selection of meat. I always felt that sometimes a werewolf would not feel like eating flesh.”
“You were correct in feeling that way.”
&&&&
Yugi stood proudly as he faced his subjects and focused on the couple in the forefront. “Grandpa brought it to my attention that two of us coupled last night. Such an event is special during the first time and as tradition dictates, the ruling head is to deliver the blessing howl upon the happy pair. I, Prince Yugi, bless these two in their union. May you both have children who will make you proud.” Yugi gave a long howl and the other echoed it once he had finished.
“And to celebrate, my beloved Pharaoh Atem, permitted me to leave with a special treat.” Yugi pulled the sacks over one by one and slashed them open to reveal the flesh and organs within. The wolves yipped and barked happily as they converged on the feast.
Yugi beamed as he opened a smaller sack for him and Solomon. “They obviously appreciate this. I thought Atem would let me take some without asking, but to do that would be wrong.”
“A royal should always be polite and ask for permission,” Solomon said. “I taught you well.”
“Thanks.” Yugi laid down, grabbed a kidney and started to chew on it. “So, did you manage to bring them around?”
“It took a lot of talking but I did it. I pointed out that you always approached in daylight, left before nightfall, and spoken with Atem at length. I reminded them that a pharaoh is just as respected as a prince and that he would defend you. I believe the point that finally convinced them was reminding them that Atem is one of us, not a vampire.”
“The way Atem talks, it sounds like his city runs like any other, just at night instead of daytime.”
“Perhaps it could run day and night. We have guards, vendors, and families as well as being fierce protectors as is our nature as werewolves.”
“I’ll visit Atem the morning after the full moon to discuss that idea,” Yugi said and Solomon nodded.
Chapter Seven- Meeting the Court
Yugi came out of the hole, changed back to human, and glanced around before heading for the palace. He had just seen a few half-built houses and wondered if they were houses for his people.
Atem was waiting inside the gates and seemed pleased with himself as Yugi came up to him. “You saw the construction,” he said to Yugi.
“Yeah. When did that start?”
“Since last night. A lot of my subjects pitched in the building and those half-finished ones will be finished tonight.”
“Speaking of night, when will I meet your court?”
“Is tonight too soon?”
“Not at all. I’d also like to propose an idea Grandpa had the other night.”
“What is it?” Atem asked curiously.
“That the city could run day and night. We have our own guards and vendors who could run a day shift in addition to protecting the vampires while they sleep.”
“I’m sure they would appreciate the extra protection. They all sleep in coffins in hidden chambers under the floor of their homes. Our merged city wouldn’t need the shield as we would have day and night guards in addition to vendors.”
“Plus, being werewolves, we all have the trait of being protective of those we care for. We’ll protect the vampires during the day and they could watch over us at night.”
“I find that an acceptable and sensible arrangement.”
Yugi stood by the window of a guest room, watching the sun go down. He knew his grandpa was already heading home as he had accompanied Yugi and promised that if the prince did not come out by sunset, he was to leave as it meant that Yugi was meeting the court that night.
Night fell over the land and Yugi breathed in the cooler air despite the vampire smell and watched the shield for a few minutes until it faded away. The city’s awake and soon I’ll meet those who live in the palace. A knock sounded and he turned to the door. “Enter.”
The door opened and Yugi blinked at the man in the doorway. “You look a lot like my grandpa.”
“And you look similar to the pharaoh,” the man replied before giving a bow. “I am Siamun, the top advisor. Welcome to our city, Prince Yugi. I was asked to escort you to the Throne Room and you’ll wait outside it until I come back for you.” Siamun gestured for Yugi to follow before heading down the corridor. He did so, seeing vampire guards who bowed as they passed. When they reached the Throne Room doors, Yugi stopped while Siamun went in.
Atem saw Siamun give a small nod to him as he took his cup and drank the blood. “He’s cute, your beloved,” he whispered once he had finished. “I like him.”
Atem beamed at this before he quickly and briskly took care of business before saying, “While you were sleeping, Yugi arrived and agreed to stay to meet you. Siamun, please have him come in.”
“Yes, my pharaoh.” Siamun hurried off and returned minutes later with Yugi behind him. He was led up the steps and directed to Atem’s left. He did so and faced the court, seeing the surprised looks on their faces. It has to be my resemblance to Atem. That’s the only explanation.
Atem cleared his throat to bring his court out of their shock and they responded by kneeling and bowing their heads. Atem then looked at Yugi and tilted his head at the court, indicating that Yugi should address them.
“Please stand and give your names.” He waited until they stood before pointing at Seto. “You first and then down and around.” He indicated the direction he had spoken. One by one they gave their names and Yugi asked question about what they do.
“Oh, so you’re the one who casts the shield,” he said when Mahad admitted to being a magician. “You must have studied it for a very long time.”
Mahad smiled. “Not as long as you’re probably thinking, Prince Yugi. I only became truly immortal a year ago.”
Yugi’s eyes went round. “You’re really strong then; to keep a shield working while asleep is impressive.”
“Thank you. It is a drain but the nightly blood counters it.”
“On that note, my grandpa had an idea a couple of nights ago concerning the merging of our cities. We have guards, vendors, and other positions as well. The idea is that the city can run day and night with the werewolves doing the day shift and providing extra protection to the vampires while they’re asleep.”
“Yes,” Seto said. “And the vampires would do the night shift and watch over the werewolves while they sleep. Brilliant and a perfect example of peace and cooperation.” The others nodded and Yugi beamed.
“I admit,” Aknadin said. “We originally wanted to discuss an agreement with you concerning the drained bodies we have but, given your interest in the pharaoh and his for you, it was better to meet you and discuss details for the wedding.”
“Obviously, it’ll take place at night,” Yugi said. “As will the celebration.”
“I will use the shield spell to insure protection as all of us will be tired from celebrating,” Mahad said and everyone nodded at this.
“Mahad, I would like you to spread the word to the city tomorrow that the wedding will take place the week before the next full moon,” Atem said. “And that Yugi’s city will join us a week before the wedding.”
“Yes, my pharaoh.”
“I will tell our builders that our new citizens will be here in two weeks to assist in the house-building,” Seto added.
“That went better than I had hoped,” Atem said as they stood in the guest room. “The transitioning from the merging of our cities to the wedding was smooth and I could tell that the court likes you.”
“I found it easy to talk to Mahad,” Yugi said. “He seemed warm and friendly.”
“He certainly is. I don’t interact with my court much so the fact that I can talk easily with them is a surprise.”
“Perhaps you should interact with them more often,” Yugi suggested. “After all, they’re only awake at night.”
“You’re right. I should. Now that everyone knows I’m a werewolf, I no longer fear being cast out and with our cities, merging, peace and cooperation between vampires and werewolves will be a reality.”
Yugi nodded happily. Worldwide peace between the two races wouldn’t happen, but it could start in their part of the world.
&&&&
“The pharaoh chose a cute one for his mate,” Isis commented to the others in their tower.
“Indeed,” Mahad said. “I liked speaking with him.”
“He is definitely a leader,” Seto put in. “He has the aura of one and states his decisions firmly and confidently.”
“He does,” Aknadin agreed. “I’m just not too sure about having a city of werewolves living among us. We’ve been enemies for ages.”
“It will be strange,” Mahad admitted. “But it should be fine. We will welcome them warmly and watcher over them so that they feel safe and they will return the favor by protecting us while we sleep.”
“A sensible arrangement, but I just don’t know,” Aknadin said.
Seto scowled at him. “Master Aknadin that is the attitude that caused Atem to hide his nature. It is unacceptable. We will be ruled by two werewolves and living among others and that is that.”
Chapter Eight- Joined Together
“Pharaoh,” the people murmured and knelt as Atem walked by in wolf form. Their show of respect was unchanged from previous walks before he revealed he was a werewolf. Clearly, Mahad and Seto did their job of calming the populace.
“Pharaoh, when will the werewolves arrive?” one vampire asked.
“It should be a few more nights. They understand that it is best to come at night so that the city is not taken aback by their abrupt appearance.”
“I look forward to living with them and seeing your mate.”
“I will see to it that everyone sees and meets him before the wedding.”
The vampire exposed his shortened fangs in a smile. “Thank you, pharaoh.”
Atem nodded as he kept walking, his paws carrying him further down the streets. Here and there were new or empty houses as some vampires moved to a new house so that both races could live side-by-side with no territory lines drawn via the newly built homes. Vendor stalls didn’t need to be built as the werewolves did only day shift while the vampires would to the night shift. It made sense and allowed the werewolves to roam during the full moon.
The bodies in the pits would be brought out every few nights until they were empty. After that, the drained bodies would be placed in a hidden underground chamber that would be known only to the citizens and the palace’s residents.
Atem was pleased with how the city was incorporating their new neighbors into the layout. The two races would exist together in a mixed fashion and hopefully be a shining example for all other vampires and werewolves.
&&&&
Yugi led his pack to the city, all in human form. Everyone was armed, but kept their arms clear of them. They were eager to have a permanent home and hoped they’d be able to live peacefully with the vampires. As the city came into view, they saw Atem with his court behind him and the citizens behind them. Yugi stopped before Atem and the two embraced.
“This is a nice welcome,” Yugi said once they parted.
“That was the intention and my subjects wanted to see you and some even wish to meet and speak to you.”
Yugi smiled. “It turns out that some of my subjects want to speak to you.”
Atem nodded. “I’m sure we can schedule day meetings for the werewolves and night ones for the vampires. Of course, we can talk during the wedding celebration as well as the days and nights leading up to the wedding.” Atem gestured for Yugi and his city to follow him, the court and vampires parting to allow them to pass. He saw his subjects nodding and smiling at the werewolves as they passed and them nodding in return. It made Atem happy that his subjects were happy to live with their former rivals
Yugi also noticed the greetings and he was thrilled. He knew that there would be wary eyes from both races and that both would be keeping tabs on one another. His subjects would have some night guards to guard the whole city and keep an eye on the vampires. That would last for at least a week before they were sure that they weren’t going to be attacked while they slept.
I don’t blame them for that, he thought. Our kind has fought vampires for ages; to accept them immediately is expecting too much.
Yugi and Atem helped the pack set up in houses with the vendors taking the houses near the marketplace and those with young ones residing near one another. The vampire vendors moved to speak with their daytime counterparts and Yugi heard questions of procedure and how a mobile market worked. He was pleased to see his vendors fall into easy conversation after a few minutes of business-related questions. It will be all right.
Atem was equally pleased with his subjects’ eagerness to assist and talk with the pack. The pack seemed cautious and wary as they settled into their homes and spoke with their vampire neighbors. He understood their caution as sunlight was the only thing that killed a vampire and that wouldn’t rise for hours while silver impalement could occur at any time. But no silver is allowed here. My ancestors made sure of that. He then became aware of someone looking at him and turned to see someone who bore a resemblance to Siamun. He tilted his head for a moment before smiling at Atem.
“Yugi was right,” he said. “You two do look similar.”
Atem smiled back. “You must be Yugi’s grandpa.”
“Yes. My name is Solomon but once the wedding is done, I want you to call me Grandpa too.”
“I’d be happy to. You know, you look a lot like my advisor, Siamun.”
“Yugi told me about that and, if he agrees, we could both be advisors, day for me and night for him.”
“That would be perfect. Yugi and I spoke of trading day and night times so we can rule both races.”
“Excellent idea.”
“Yes,” Yugi piped up as he came over. “And I insist I have the first night shift after the celebration."
“It’s yours,” Atem said. “Siamun and the court will be happy to tell you the procedure we have and you can incorporate yours into it.”
“And you’ll do the same with Grandpa on day shift.”
Atem nodded. It would take time to get used to just one person to advise him during the day not to mention being on the throne at that time. I’ll adjust. The point is to combine two cities into one and that means accepting the practices of the other, not forcing our views and routines on the other. Our merging works out perfectly as one race sleeps during the day and the other can function day or night. Our wedding will also be two ceremonies together.
&&&&
“As top advisor to the pharaoh, it is my honor and pleasure to unite Pharaoh Atem and Prince Yugi in the bonds of matrimony,” Siamun announced a week later. The vampires cheered as the court knelt, murmuring oaths of loyalty to both rulers.
Solomon, in wolf form, stepped forward and Yugi and Atem shifted forms too. Solomon’s eyes shone happily as he took in both of them. “It was a happy day when Atem and Yugi met and it became apparent not long after that, that they were meant to be together. Tonight, I bless Atem and Yugi as mates and the pack’s leaders.” He gave the blessing howl that was echoed by the pack who were also in wolf form. Yugi nuzzled Atem’s cheek with his own and growled softly. Atem returned the gesture and also growled.
“Let the celebration begin!” the two advisors said together. Cheers erupted as the gates opened to allow musicians and servants to bring out food, drink, and blood, the food largely flesh. Music began to play and the citizens began to dance, talk, and laugh.
As Atem and Yugi resumed human form and headed inside to leave the palace and join the celebration, Atem said, “You do realize that you are Pharaoh Yugi now, yes?”
“I do and you will be addressed as alpha by the pack as I am.”
“That sounds nice and I look forward to ruling on my first day shift.”
“And I look forward to ruling tomorrow night,” Yugi said as the gates opened again and they headed out into the streets to join their subjects in celebrating their union and the first city were werewolves and vampires live together in peace.
