Author's Note: The Book of the Dead contains mostly spells for how to care for the mummy, lots of hymns and spells, and various oaths that should be said. There are some descriptions on how the spirit enters the afterlife, which is kind of confusing. All in all, there are only two actual trials that are conducted in order to get into the afterlife. So, this story is a little short...

Coming Forth By Day

The Papyrus of Atem

By Pearl of the Dark Age

Sekhet-Hetepet Waits

Horus led him down a long, winding pathway. Trees such as Atem had never seen before stood glistening in the surreal light, their rosy-colored leaves sparkling in the apparent afternoon. The air smelled fresh and refreshing after being in the two judgment halls of antiquity. "So, when are we playing Duel Monsters?" Atem asked his lord casually.

Horus gave him a sideways look, and Atem thought he saw merriment in those mix-matched eyes. "That is an earthly activity. Your life in Sekhet-Hetepet (1) will be much, much better!"

So no Duel Monsters? Atem wondered. He began to imagine just what could be better when Horus stopped at a small lake. In the center of the lake was a reed-hut, and underneath that was a golden throne. Upon the throne sat the god Osiris, Lord of the Underworld, dressed in starched, white linens that would blind a mortal eye. Upon his dark green head he wore the Atef, and in his arms he held the crook and flail crossed upon his chest. (6) His long, black goatee jaunted out before him, and his eyes were the blackest black Atem had ever seen. Behind him stood his sisters, Isis and Nephthys.

The Pharaoh gulped. He was so impressed he couldn't be scared. Before Osiris sat the four sons of Horus upon a lotus petal growing out of the water. Imsety, Qebekh-Sennuef, Hapy, and Duamutef walked forward to hand Atem his liver, intestines, lungs, and stomach, respectively. (1)

"Thanks!" Atem said as each organ was magically replaced in its proper location. Osiris Atem turned to the Lord Osiris and raised his arms in offering while bowing his head respectfully. "I humbly beseech thee, O Great Lord, Master of the Underworld, Almighty Osiris to become a khu and to be able to eat, drink, plow, reap, fight, make love, and never be in a state of servitude and always be in a position of authority in Sekhet-Hetepet."

Osiris looked down upon Atem with indifference. Waving the flail lazily he said, "Thou art a khu. Go, board the boat, and work in the Fields."

I have to work? Atem thought. Then he suddenly remembered that he was supposed to be mummified with ushebti (3) so he wouldn't have to do the actual work - just supervise. Knowing that he had been dismissed, he gave one last deep bow to Osiris and his son, Horus before boarding the long reed boat at the mouth of the lake facing the river.

If I recall correctly, the ushebti weren't made yet by the time I died. I hope someone made some for me. He thought of Isis Ishtar. She probably realized that I didn't have any and made some. Yeah…

Atem was so lost in thought he did not notice a giant black cat approaching him as he was boarding the boat. "Wait Osiris Atem!" she called in a deep voice. He stopped walking up the ramp about halfway. "Wait! I have a proposition for you!"

Curious, Atem walked back down the ramp to her, the ushebti forgotten. "Who are you?" he asked, puzzled.

Her large, cat-face twisted in disgusted annoyance. "I'M BASTET, YOU FOOL!" she roared.

Atem gulped and nearly cried! He had forgotten about the goddess! But wait a minute, he thought. She isn't supposed to be here. So why would I expect her to show up?

Bastet took a deep breath, her patience waning. "I have a proposition for you, fool." Her amber eyes pierced through his flesh as she glared at him. But, after a moment, she smiled sadistically, enjoying whatever it was she was about to say next. "Harken to my words, former pharaoh. I am willing to have Khnum (4) make you a new body of flesh, exactly like the old one, and allow you to return to Earth, living a mortal life."

Atem's ruby eyes widened as the words sunk in. A second life? Reincarnation? "Your Majesty is most generous to this humble soul," Atem said, bowing deeply.

"Well, I'm in a generous mood," she replied airily. (5) "It doesn't come without a price, of course…" she added cattily, smirking. She preened one of her paws against her bosom lazily and then licked her claws, as if she were bored.

Atem considered the possibilities of reincarnation. "What's the catch?" he asked, realizing he could talk to her less formally, but just not stupidly.

Her bright yellow eyes glinted. "You must worship me, of course! You will hold me as your totem goddess, build me shrines, and encourage others to worship me as well." She smiled, baring her gleaming white teeth. They looked very sharp to Atem - as did the claws, which she flexed. "Well? What do you think?"

"So you want me to start a cult to worship you?"

"And don't forget the temples!"

"Temples?" Atem repeated, incredulous. "I'm not sure…"

She gave him a dangerous look. "That's the deal. I want shrines and temples and priestesses and food offerings and everything else like in the old days."

"What about when I die again?" Atem inquired. "Do I have to do the trials again?"

"Uh…" she said uncertainly. "Nyah! I'm sure I can arrange something in exchange for an obelisk!"

Atem gulped. Obelisk? They don't make those anymore!

"A full sized one, of course…" she murmured, not really paying attention. "That's not too difficult for the Pharaoh who has saved the world several times over, is it?" She winked at him. "Modern day times, not too long after you departed, some temples, an obelisk, and my own cult following… Not a bad second life, is it? You'll get to be with your friends again, won't you?" And for the first time since she arrived, Atem felt a kind warmth from her aura. "What do you say, Osiris Atem? Wanna rejoin the Living?"

Atem only needed a second to consider. "It's a deal."

The End!

Author's Note: This short story will have a longer sequel titled, "Return to the East Bank." Story Alerts for "Coming Forth By Day" are no longer necessary - you can deactivate them now - but if you are interested in the sequel, or any other upcoming fics, I suggest you put me on Author Alert instead.

(1) The Fields of Peace

(2) The four sons of Horus are the canopic jars (little alabaster jars with carved lids that resemble the head of their respective god) that hold the mummy's soft parts:

Imsety: human head: liver

Qebekh-Sennuef: falcon head: intestines

Hapy: baboon head: lungs

Duamutef: jackel head: stomach

(3) Little carved figurines that were buried with the mummy. They were the servants who were supposed to do the deceased's wishes, including the work. However many ushebti you had were how many servants you had in the afterlife.

(4) Egyptian ram-headed god who made human bodies on a potter's wheel.

(5) The cat-goddess was known for her wild and dangerous temper, but also her whimsical generosity.

(6) Atef is the upper crown of Egypt with red feathers, the crook and flail is the Pharaoh's symbol of absolute power, and his skin is green because it represents vegetation.

Reviews are very much appreciated! Thank you everyone!