Chapter Two- Operation Recovery

The sacred court gathered together in private while Atem led Kura inside to get her settled. "I will admit," Seto began. "Kura looks familiar, but I don't know why."

"Agreed," Aknadin said. "I think she could pass for Bakura's twin sister."

"But could she be his sister?" Isis said. "It would devastate the pharaoh if this is so."

"It's possible," Shad said. "She could be faking her amnesia."

"No, she is not," Aknadin stated firmly. "I used the Eye to subtly look into her mind. She has general knowledge of life and recognizes us and the pharaoh but her life and name are blank."

Mahad shook his head. "Listen to us. We're suspicious of an innocent girl and whom the pharaoh likes."

"The latter of which is our job," Seto said. "He has chosen a candidate and it is our job to approve of his choice." Everyone nodded as they knew Seto was right.

Kura looked around as Atem led her inside, feeling unworthy to be walking the palace. After all, this was where the pharaoh dwells; the person who is viewed as a god. And yet, he acts like a normal person despite his divine status. As they went down a corridor, she felt uneasy at the sight of guards; she wasn't sure why, but she felt it nonetheless.

Atem glanced back at Kura before facing forward. He felt bad for her. He couldn't imagine not knowing who he was or his name. He knew it had to be scary for her. I want to help her remember. Perhaps, Mahad knows a spell to restore her memory. If not, then she will be my consort in three days. He stopped at a door. "You can stay in this room. If you need to speak with me, my room is right there." He gestured to a door to the left of the spare room that was at the end of the corridor.

"Pharaoh," she began.

"Please, call me Atem at least when we're alone. If we are to rule together, we should be personal."

"If," she agreed. "Atem, I don't know how I could thank you for your generosity."

"Your company is thanks enough." Atem gently brushed some hair from her face, making her smile. She has a pretty smile. I would love to wed her, but she needs her memory more. Kura smothered a yawn and Atem smiled in amusement. He moved his hand to take one of hers. "Get some rest, Kura. Perhaps some sleep will help."

"Thank you, Atem." She entered the room, deciding she liked speaking the pharaoh's name.

Atem entered the Throne Room to find Siamun and the court waiting for him. He took his seat and said, "Kura is resting now and I hope she recalls something no matter how small or trivial."

"That is always desirable," Aknadin said neutrally.

Atem took in the solemn looks of his court and guessed they were either still annoyed with his slipping out or with Kura's situation. He raised an eyebrow. "Yes? You all have concerns?"

Seto came forward and knelt. "We were discussing Kura. She bears a remarkable resemblance to Bakura."

"That thought did cross my mind when I first saw her."

"Could she be his sister?" Kalim suggested.

"Could be," Atem said slowly. "It would be nice if she recalls her family. However," he fixed his court with a stern look. "If she is related to Bakura that does not mean she is a bad person. Have any of you used your Items on her?"

"I have," Aknadin admitted. "It was subtle and exactly what you said. She has no memory about herself."

"How did she get like this?" Atem said. "I doubt she hit her head as she has no sign of injury."

"It is most likely a spell, then," Mahad said. "My pharaoh, I would be willing to find a spell or counter spell to restore her memory."

"See to it, Mahad."

Court was dismissed and Mahad immediately set off to find a spell. Shada watched him hurry off and fingered his Item as he left the room. His Key was used to see if a monster lived in someone's soul. But, could it unlock her mind? Would she consent to that? If I were in her place, I would accept any form of help. He returned to the Throne Room to ask for her location and to speak of his idea.

Atem nodded. "That may help. She is in the room closest to my own."

Shada bowed before leaving, eager to help and hoped to uncover something.

Kura fluffed her hair in the mirror before smiling at the result. She felt a little better after a nap. She still remembered nothing but she felt refreshed. A knock sounded at her door and said, "Come in." She turned to the door and went to one knee. "Priest Shada," she said.

"Please, rise." He waited until she had done so before continuing. "We had been discussing ways to restore your memory and if you will allow, I can try with the Millennium Key."

"It could do that?"

"There's a possibility that your memories are suppressed, not gone. The Key might unlock them."

Her face lit up with hope and Shada then understood why the pharaohs was so taken with her: She was lovely and he could see himself serving her, his future queen. He removed the Key and put the point to her forehead. He traveled to her mind and saw a blank landscape where her memories should be. There is nothing. If a spell was used, it did a thorough job of erasing them. But why would someone do this to her?

As he gazed sadly at the land, a glimmer caught his eye. He wandered over to see an oval of gold with a carved picture of a family: A man, a woman, and a baby. He smiled at the image. He had found something! It was a small thing, but it was a start. It also proves that she is not related to Bakura. He placed it carefully on a rock before he withdrew.

He removed the Key and as he put it on, he saw Kura's happy face and tears sliding down her cheeks. "I remember my parents," she choked.

"I'm sorry, but that was all. Everything else is truly gone."

Kura clasped Shada's hands. "But you found one memory. I'm grateful that you found that at least."

Shada gave a small smile. "You are welcome. Perhaps Mahad will have better luck. He is looking for a spell or counter spell to help you."

"I hope he succeeds."

"We all do, Kura."

Shada told me of using the Key to help you," Atem said as he and Kura had a private dinner. "Did it help?"

"A little. He suggested my memories might be suppressed, but he found that they're all gone, but one."

"One?"

She nodded. "Just one. It's about my family."

Atem perked up at that. "What do you remember?"

"I'm an only child and my parents died some time ago, but I don't know how or why. I don't know if I have other relatives. I only know my parents."

"My family is the same way. I have no siblings and both of my parents are gone. I'm the last of my family line as far as I know."

"I could be the last of mine as well."

"Kura, I said you would be my guest until you remember your family. Well, as they're dead, I say you live here permanently and you are my consort. There's no point in waiting two more days as I really like you."

"Thank you, Atem. I would love to be your consort." She felt like the luckiest girl in the world, despite her amnesia. I want to remember, but if I don't, I can make new memories with Atem.