My first AU fic! When I began to write fics I swore that I would never write an AU fic – yet here it is anyway, because I'm a sucker for Ancient Egypt. Reviews to this would be most welcome, as I'm really not sure how this has turned out. At the moment, I'm planning this to be roughly around 5 chapters.

When Yami first saw him, it was at a small village that was burning. He was there, commanding the soldiers, watching the bandits that fled for their lives while his soldiers rapidly destroyed their small hideout. Some got away; some were killed while foolishly attempting to fight. And when all was over, Yami was still watching as his limp body was uncovered from the rubble that was left.

"Sire, one survivor – a slave boy by the looks of him, sire."

And Pharaoh Yami Atemu looked down, ready to give his word to leave the slave to fend for himself. But he couldn't. Not when he saw the boy lying there, pale and bloody, and with vivid bruises covering him from head to toe.

"Very well. He will ride double with you back to the palace, where he will be put into my charge."

The soldier looked surprised, but knew better than to say anything. So he saluted, put the boy in front of him, and with Yami in the lead they rode back to the palace.

Reaching home, Yami took the boy off the horse, and carried him straight to the Healing Room, where he called for Isis. She strode briskly over, black hair falling over dark shoulders - a strong and capable woman. One eyebrow rose as she took a look at the bed in which the slave now lay.

"And where did you get this boy from, sire?"

"A village of bandits we uncovered."

"I see."

Her tone gave nothing away, but she unhurriedly looked him over.

"Well?"

"Sire, he is not fatally wounded. He has sustained several bruises but nothing serious. I would hazard a guess that he has been treated ill by his once-masters. He should wake up in a while."

"Alright, he will remain here for the time being. He will be lodged in my apartments."

Isis gave the pharaoh a long, level stare.

"Are you sure in this, sire? It may not be... wise, to do such a thing."

Yami glared, but she did not flinch away – he had known Isis since he was a small child, and she was one of the only ones who dared talk so informally to him.

"I know it is a quick decision, but... I will not just turn him away. I cannot."

She nodded, perhaps with a hint of a smirk on her face, but the look quickly vanished as she leaned closer to me, and spoke softly.

"Know then, my pharaoh, that this boy may have been abused in... other ways, other than by beatings. It may be that he will be afraid when he awakens."

"Yes, I see."

"Do you?"

Yami did not reply, but picked the boy up and turned to go.

"Atemu."

She had said his name – something she did only when she had something important to tell. Yami looked back, and her face was serious.

"Watch over him well."

Yami nodded his thanks and left, heading to his rooms. Guards bowed as he passed by, but he ignored them, his mind focused on one thing only. The boy was so pale, and so small – is that why he had taken pity on this skave? Because he looked so helpless, and so completely innocent, lying there in Yami's arms? It was a rash decision on Yami's part – something he did not usually do. He was the Pharaoh, and therefore his decisions were always be careful and thought out, and all consequences considered. But, even so, Yami knew that he would not change his decision, had he been able to go back and do so. A strange feeling came over him, one that made him want to look after the boy, protect him no matter what the cost. He swore to himself right then that he would do so. He would protect this boy, and Ra help anyone who tried to stand in his way.