Chapter Seven- Possible Love

Bakura watched Mahad from afar over the next few days as the priest oversaw the construction of a tomb. Only Mahad knew Bakura was nearby, thanks to the Ring though the glow wasn't as bright as it used to be. He would slip away occasionally to see his friend and the two would share information on topics such as hobbies, hopes, family, and dreams.

"You hope to have a team of great magicians to protect the kingdom." Bakura nodded. "Yes, that would be quite impressive."

"I believe I am doing well in that regard. I have a class of well-trained students and a top student who has private lessons with me. She has improved greatly as of late and I am quite proud of her."

"As you should be. I know I would be proud as well."

Mahad smiled and Bakura felt his heart beat faster as he returned the smile. They had spent a lot of time together since they first met and Bakura felt that Mahad really, truly trusted him. He, himself, had ceased stealing and robbing and came to the realization that he no longer wished to steal the Ring. He valued Mahad's trust and friendship too much to throw it away. Bakura realized, as they parted, something else he wanted to steal, though: Mahad's heart.

Gods, am I really…in love with him? I find him handsome certainly as well as loyal and dedicated to his duties and the pharaoh. I am realizing that I'd rather live with Mahad as a good person than continue to steal and rob which I have stopped doing. I won't tell Mahad what I suspect at least not until I am certain of my feelings for him.

Mahad looked back the way he came and saw Bakura's retreating form. The two of them had come a long way in their friendship and all suspicions of this being a trick on Bakura's part had vanished. He was convinced of the thief's sincerity. No, he thought. Not a thief. He has not stolen anything since robbing tombs and now he's even stopped doing that. He really is repenting and I admire him for his willingness to change. I also find him…attractive. He blinked at his thoughts. Attractive? Oh, gods…am I falling for him? It's possible but completely unexpected. A priest and a former thief becoming lovers? I will keep the possibility to myself until I am sure that I love him.

Mahad pondered his possible feelings for Bakura and if such a relationship would be acceptable. I've studied the laws of the kingdom thoroughly but when it comes to matters of love and relationships, I am severely lacking in knowledge. So, upon returning to the palace, he went to the library after reporting how tomb building was going. He scoured the scrolls and books of law, finding that as long as two people loved each other that was all that mattered. But if Bakura and I did fall for each other, the next logical step is marriage. We cannot as that would require one of us to move in with the other and Bakura would likely be arrested as others still see him as a criminal. Of course, I am still not sure how I feel about him or his feelings about me. Nonetheless, I could pose a hypothetical question to Master Siamun and maybe even the pharaoh. Mahad nodded as he left the library to search for the people in question. He ended up finding both in the courtyard, enjoying the warm sun. He went up to Siamun and bowed. "Master Siamun, may I ask your opinion on a hypothetical matter?"

"Certainly. Proceed."

"Do you suppose it is possible for a righteous person to love a criminal and receive that love in return?"

"A righteous person? What type of righteous person?"

"Well, let's say me, for example."

"A priest and a criminal? The notion is absurd. A priest like yourself wouldn't love a criminal."

"Suppose the criminal repented?" Atem spoke up, intrigued by the topic. "What then?"

"Well, then I guess it is possible."

Mahad nodded a little. "I see. Thank you for your wisdom, both of you." He bowed and headed inside. Now, I have my answer. If Bakura does reform and does love me, we could live in the palace and Bakura may allow his monster to be extracted; that is, if I love him.

"Mahad!"

The priest turned to see Atem approaching and knelt. "My pharaoh?"

"Mahad…are you in love with a criminal who's repenting?"

I guess I can't fool him. "It's too soon to say, my pharaoh."

"If you are, I will support you."

"I appreciate that." Mahad rose, turned, and left. He decided to head back to the almost finished tomb and await Bakura's return to that spot. And while I wait, I will place some traps, but not set them as there is no body or treasure there yet. I think I will also focus my feelings for Bakura as well while I wait for him.

Atem watched Mahad leave. He had always believed that his friend would never find love as he seemed focused on nothing but protecting others from evil. Yet, it looked as if he had found someone. Granted, it was a criminal but if it was one who was resolving to change his or her ways, then he would support Mahad's choice. I only hope it is not a trick otherwise that person will feel my wrath.

Bakura sat with his eyes closed. He had sent his men to steal, rob, and cause trouble in general, but he sensed his heart wasn't into the orders he issued. Not too long ago, he would have relished in chaos that they would unleash, but now he felt nothing about it.

No, that's not quite true, he thought. The idea of stealing and robbing is wrong. I know that and yet I did it anyway as I was raised and taught. Then, I met Mahad and through our many talks, I have gotten to know him and understand how he lives and his views on law, order, and justice.

I have learned much from him and now I may even love him. It is unusual for someone like me to befriend someone like Mahad, much less love him. Yet, I believe that is what is happening: I'm falling in love with Mahad and I should tell him and that I wish to truly atone for my crimes, perhaps allow the extraction of Diabound.

The sound of his men returning prompted him to open his eyes. The group entered with sadistic grins and bags of stolen goods. They dropped the bags before him and his second went to one knee. "Master, it has been a satisfying outing."

Bakura looked at the bags with disinterest. "Fine, good to hear it," he said, his voice flat and unexcited.

"Is there a problem, Master?"

"I'm just thinking of my next encounter with Mahad."

"Will you take his Item this time?"

"No. In fact, I no longer care about it."

"No longer care? Master, you said that was why you pretended to be his friend."

"The plan has changed. I see a new way of life for myself and I intend to ask Mahad for atonement and perhaps extraction of my monster."

"Atonement!? You would turn your back on us and everything we've done for years?"

"I don't want to steal or rob anymore, but I won't keep you from it."

"No. We will not let you turn on us or assist in capturing us." The second nodded to the others and they charged en masse on Bakura, bringing him to his feet and holding him still. "What are you-?" Bakura began before gasping as his second drove a fist into his stomach. He felt himself being released and he went to his knees, grasping his stomach. His men stood around him, kicking, punching, and he yelled in pain and fear. His fear caused Diabound to appear, drape its coils around Bakura, and turn his master invisible allowing Bakura to flee his home and into the desert. He was injured and homeless and knew beyond all doubt, that he needed to see Mahad, the man he loved.