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Some Things Never Die	By : BurneHazard Category: Yu-Gi-Oh > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 1025 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own YuGiOh!, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 1-Disclaimer
- 2-Prologue
- 1
- 2
          As the night was pushed back by the gradual coming of Ra, the horizon was painted in pale gold and pink, richer amber edged in silver where a few thin clouds burned in the coming of the sun. Blood crossed the sky as the light intensified, a truly foreboding sign as heat rose to make it shimmer like distant liquid beneath the enriched gold. It finally faded into the color of flames as Ra peeked over the edge of the sands. The morning was hot, as all of them seemed to be once the sun cleared the horizon in Egypt to show upon the cities.

           The predawn shadow had barely been touched where it rested like a serpent stretched along the banks of the Nile. However, already families were waking and preparing to go out and begin the day's toil. One such family had a little girl sent to the river to fetch water for her mother. As she stepped into the calm river to lower the earthen jar, motion on the surface caught her attention and she froze.

           It was not uncommon for the great crocodile to come in from their muddy realm to snatch the unwary person and drag them under for food. Luckily, it was no crocodile that drifted upon the waters of the Nile but an odd boat fashioned of wood and reeds like the woven mats many of the Egyptians used as their night covers to keep out the chill of Ra's absence. Clutching the water jar to her chest, the girl watched the drifting thing come closer as the gentle current nudged it.

           When there was no motion from the thing, she risked being brave and wading further out. Maybe it was the boat of some family further up the river and it had come untied during the night. If so, maybe there would be a bit of a reward for finding and keeping it safe. The water reached her chest when one small hand caught the edge of the boat but she was able to keep on her feet and tug the thing closer to shore.

           By the time she got close, her older brother had come out to see to their father's animals. He spotted his sister and paused near the door to their earthen hut to watch her. At about that moment, a rattling groan came from the boat and startled; the girl fell backward, releasing it with a cry. Fearing as all young ones did that the evil khefts that were said to steal children away, the girl retreated to the shore. Her motions had stirred the water up enough that the boat's tail came around and being higher up, her brother could see inside it.

           Turning, he went back into the house. "Father! Father, come quick!"

           Meanwhile, the girl cautiously stepped back into the water and moved to the boat. She too saw the body that lay in the bottom of the not-quite shallow vessel. Peeking over the edge to look inside, she blinked. It was a person dressed oddly. They wore no clothes that she remembered seeing before. Leaning closer, she peered intently at the body, as it was still a bit gloomy in the shadow of the Nile's bank.

           The feet were bare while what looked like a very short robe was belted around their waist. It was white she thought and came to the person's knees, but there were so many scrapes and smears of dirt it was hard to know really. And then there was the hair. Maybe it was a woman because the hair was longer than anyone else's ever, tangled and obscuring a lot of the body. The person looked dead though and she reached out to hesitantly poke at them.

           "Hequet! Come away from there now!" her father's voice ordered.

           Jumping, the girl lost her footing and fell into the water with a splash, soaking her clothes through and sputtering. Strong hands caught her and her father lifted her from the water to set her on her feet on the shore. Her brother instantly caught her and pulled her back. Only then did she see the clouds of dust coming down along the sandy path that led to their house. She quickly ducked behind her taller sibling to peek out at the approaching riders.

           Pulling the boat up so it at least rested secure in the shallows nearest the shore, their father turned to face the approaching men. It was uncommon to see riders in this area intent on getting somewhere fast. Self-preservation, and the fact that he like his daughter did not recognize the type of boat or what could be seen of the clothes told him it was most likely they were coming for it.

           As the lead rider came into view over the slight rise, the man hauled back on the reins, jerking his mount's head around sharply to force it to halt. Others came up behind, the hooves of their horses skidding, sending clouds up before them and choking the air. Giving a signal with his hand, the lead rider started down, followed by three others while the remainder stayed back. From their clothing, head coverings and the weapons in easy reach, it was clear that these men were guards within the Royal Palace itself.

           Sweat formed white lather on the sides of their horses. It made sense, as Thebes was miles up the river from the man's home. He motioned for his children to go inside, something his wife quickly came out to ensure by pulling the brother and sister into the house. Bowing deeply, the man waited as the men dismounted and approached him. They said nothing, two going into the water to pull the boat up onto the land as the third moved to look at the person lying within it.

           "When did you find the boat?" the lead man asked.

           "My daughter found it only moments ago, honorable sir," the bowing man replied.

           The three guards stood near the craft, reaching out to pull the hair back a little at a time, seeing if the person still lived. One nodded to the leader. "Did she speak with that one?"

           "No, honorable sir, she did not."

           Apparently satisfied, the lead guard turned away from the man to draw near the boat. Unnoticed by everyone, one of those that stayed at the top of the rise was focusing intently on the unmoving form in the boat. The hiss of metal on leather rose as the head guard drew his blade and stepped up to the boat, raising the weapon.

           Ra finally cleared the hill to cast his eye on the gathering and the still form. The light making the clothing nearly glow blinding white against the blood and dirt ground into it, fully revealing the figure. It was the body of a young man, slender and sculpted with steel muscle. His face was oddly innocent, beautiful for a male with a tragic peace that made him seem saddened even in his unconscious state. And that long hair fell around him like liquid night, blacker than a tomb and dancing with blues and purples in the sunlight.

           "Stop!"

           The sword had already begun to fall. At the sharp order, the stroke was jerked aside, diverted. The guards looked up as one of the horses began to pick its way down to join them. Upon its back sat the priest Karim. Before, his white robes had been concealed by the other guards but now that he was coming forward, none could ignore him. In his free hand rested the golden Scales, swinging some with the motion of the horse. He looked to the form in the boat.

           "My lord?" questioned the lead guard.

           "He will not be killed."

           "But sir...he's not an Egyptian!"

           It was true. Though beautiful with the long, straight black hair most Egyptians had, the features were different, his skin was fair instead of tanned by the sun and even the shape of his eyes was not the same. Granted, blood did distort some of the attributes, but Karim did not back down.

           "He will not be killed, captain. Put the boat back in the water. It will be safer to transport him on the Nile than jostling him on the back of a horse. Two of your men will row it back to Thebes where he will be taken to the palace. And be careful that he is still alive when he arrives."

           The priest looked to the still figure. He saw the blood matting the black hair, the visible wound on the head, the scrapes and marks of a fight, but he looked beyond them. When he spoke again, it was from a distance, almost to himself. "Whatever he is...his heart is pure. That is enough."

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           Karim stood within the spacious chambers of the palace healer, watching the man tending the stranger from the Nile. He had refused to let the man or his female assistants cut the long hair so the head wound had to be treated carefully, drawing sections of the hair back and forth. It was not all that hard once the tangles were brushed out. The priest himself was thoughtful, rather puzzled actually though he had been unable to answer his own questions.

           As he watched some of the minor cuts and scrapes being tended, Karim frowned. It was true that while the guards had been busy with the family and boat, he had taken the chance to weigh the man's heart and had indeed found it pure. What he did not really know was why he had stayed the guards from killing the stranger. There was no reason other than the pure heart. There had been no real reason to kill him either but that seemed unimportant.

           "So here you are."

           Turning, Karim nodded to the priestess who was just entering the room. He looked back to the healer and his patient however, as if he stared long enough he would have his answers. Isis moved up beside him to look on as well. They had pulled a sheet up over the man's lower body more for decency than anything else and were beginning to bandage his head, again working around the hair.

           "Have they said anything about him yet?" Isis asked.

           Karim shook his head. "No. Nothing yet. Then again, from what little of his injuries I saw, the blow to his head is the worst one. And it may just finish what I stopped the guards from doing."

           "So you did stop them. I would assume you had good reason?"

           He nodded. "His heart is pure. Even if he could not answer questions, the Scales would not lie. All of his walls would have been down. It...to be truthful, it felt like placing a feather against a feather. Lighter than air."

           Considering that, Isis stepped forward to draw closer to the still man as the women withdrew with low bows, continuing their duties. Raising one hand to the Tauk, she focused. Behind her, Karim remained silent to watch, curious as to what she may see that he had not. After a moment, she released a sigh and turned back to him. Shaking her head, her eyes were as puzzled as the priest's thoughts had been.

           "I cannot see anything for him. Almost like staring at a cloud, it was there but I could not see past it. He may not have any future for me to see other than Death."

           "What's this about death?" asked a voice from the doorway.

           Akunadin and Shada, two more of Pharaoh's priests came in. If Shada's frown were of any indication, they had broken off a discussion when they entered. The elderly man was partially crouched, stooped some with age though he was hardly as aged as he acted like. The golden Eye stared from his face as he drew near the still body to peer intently at it. Shada hung back, still frowning and folding his arms across his chest where the Ankh rested.

           "I was telling Karim that I wasn't able to see anything of a future for this man. It's quite strange really."

           "Strange how?" asked Shada.

           Karim spoke up then. "I weighed his heart. Though it is pure, it felt as if the Scales were just weighing one feather against another."

           Isis nodded. "And to me I saw was is easiest explained as a cloud, there but unable to be seen inside."

           "Well, I certainly can't help you. He's unconscious," muttered Akunadin, sounding almost disappointed. But then again, the old man was odd in such regards.

           Shada glanced down to the Ankh and considered. Just then, the pharaoh himself arrived with Mahado following and all gathered bowed to him. Atemu absently waved one hand. "Yes, yes. Now, tell me just what is so important it has taken my healer's attention away from my servant."

           No one said anything for a moment, mostly pitying the servant the pharaoh had last used no doubt. At last, Karim spoke up since he had been the one to spare the stranger's life. He repeated what had been said thus far and Atemu nodded as he moved to stand near the prone stranger's head, just studying him. The white bandages looked odd in and against the black hair where locks were fed between the lengths every so often.

           Things were silent for a bit as the healer waited for Atemu to acknowledge him. It was Karim that turned to the man. "So?"

           "The wound on his head is...touchy, sir. It was wise to move him on the river rather than on a horse. He is strong. Ra willing, he will live though I cannot say for certain that he will. If he is left here, still, where he can be watched constantly, perhaps."

           Atemu nodded. "Very well, now go tend to my slave. I'd like him ready tomorrow night."

           Bowing, the healer gathered his things and left to tend the man likely left in the pharaoh's rooms. Mahado wrinkled his nose while Karim and Shada both glowered at the floor. None of them were stupid enough to say a thing though. Isis was the one who came forward to address all of them. "If he does live, what shall be done about him?"

           "We have no clue where he came from or even what he has done," said Karim. "Just because his heart is pure means little. Who is he, what station does he serve?"

           Akunadin spoke up. "Perhaps if we sent riders out to trace the Nile and search for hints of people that wore clothes like his or at least the boats. To get one he had to be near water, perhaps a smaller river that joined the Nile."

           "That would take time," said Mahado. "He may not even live."

           "True, but it was clear he was likely attacked. His clothes were torn, slashed, even burned faintly and ground with dirt and blood. There was the smell of smoke in his hair before they washed it." Only now did Karim think of those minor details. It was enough to catch more attention.

           "If he is a survivor of an attack, then perhaps there is a force that may pose a threat to Egypt," Atemu mused. They all began to mutter among themselves.

           "Where is Seth at anyway?" asked Shada. He was the only one that had noticed the absence of the last member of their gathering.

           "I sent a servant to fetch him," muttered Karim. "He should be here..."

           However, Seth--or the High Priest as he was more commonly known by--remained locked away in his special tower. It was the highest point of the palace and the place where he was able to survey the kingdom and take note of the stars in the heavens. Pouring over a scroll which lay upon a dusty table he finally growled as his eye twitched some. The panting slave had shown up outside the door about ten minutes ago and had refused to leave Seth alone to work. Just who did Atemu think he was, prying him away from his spell casting without a warning?

           The knocks continued until he could stand it no longer and he stood up. Walking to the entrance of his private chamber, he viciously jerked the door open and caused the slave to jump backward. Glaring down at the startled man with a cold, murderous gaze that could set the courage of even the bravest man to flight, he growled, "What?"

           "The Pharaoh wants your presence... something about finding a man on the beach... great priest."

           Seth could not help but smirk. He was somewhat amused as the cowering slave bolted off his knees and down the stone stairs to be away from the hard blue gaze piercing him like daggers. The interruption however kept his mood dark. As if it were not enough that he worked endlessly to further the knowledge of the magic in the world so that they could understand and control it, the pharaoh demanded he also serve as an appraiser for human flesh. Well, the sooner he went to see this stranger, the sooner he could get back to work.

           Karim was pacing, for multiple reasons. All of them continued to argue over the issue of the stranger, whether or not to search for the place he had come from or even if he should be killed or his fate left to the gods. The thing that was bothering the priest more than any of that was the way Atemu was constantly looking the still form over. Karim tried to push away the odd feeling of... possession over the young man who--other than the sheet--was quite nude.

           There was another that had a few choice words for the pharaoh, though where Karim likely would say nothing, the second person was quite ready to as he entered the healer's area. Immediately Seth saw all the priests hovering over someone and rolled his eyes. Probably nothing, he thought. Crossing his arms he approached them his posture showing much of his distaste of being interrupted.

           Mahado was speaking. "It would take days and to send a few men into a possible kill-zone would be sheer idiocy! Not only would the troops be alerted to the fact they were noticed--if there are any in the first place, the men would be dead and we would have no--"

           Isis cut him off. "A larger party would be sheer stupidity! Fewer men would be able to travel faster and more likely to pass under any force's notice."

           Akunadin sighed and grumbled. "You're all treating this like some impending disaster. I say he's just some servant run away from his master--"

           "--which is short-sighted as you can plainly see no slave brand or mark of any kind other than these recent cuts," came the rejoinder.

           Seth noticed Isis look up at him and give him a look to behave. A slight roll of his eyes told her all that she needed to know. Let the others act like children, he was here for a reason and ready to leave given the first chance. Approaching the bed he glanced down, his size making him eligible to towering over all the other priests to get a look at the newcomer.

           He froze in place, eyes locked upon the sleeping beauty before him. Almost able to almost feel his heart stop, his breath stilled in his chest. Never before in his age had he seen anyone so...exotically beautiful. The pale skin stood out against hair darker than the heart of a human eye and longer than his arm. It seemed almost sacrilegious the way the bandages separated and broke the straight silk to bind the man's head. And the features themselves were somehow fragile in their strength instead of sharp and hard like many Egyptians.

           Shada and Karim were the only two other than Atemu who were staying out of the argument. The pharaoh and Shada were both studying the motionless form, but for different reasons. Shada was debating whether or not to use the Ankh, but the injury on the man's head concerned him as to the strain it may have. Atemu was beginning to look on the man with lust more than anything else. Karim...had ceased his pacing and was focused intently upon Seth.

           After several moments of staring in awe at the newcomer Seth cleared his throat glancing over to Shada. "Did you use the Anhk yet?"

           The other man slowly shook his head as one hand moved to touch the item upon his chest. "No, I don't think it would be wise at the moment considering the state he is in right now."

           Nodding, Seth tried to remain as indifferent as possible. Karim however seemed to intensify his look before shifting it toward Atemu. He had to admit, given the choice between the cousins, he would trust Seth more than the pharaoh with the young man's well being. It did not mean he had to like it really. Rather than risk saying as much, the Scale-holder turned to the argument still going on in the background.

           Glancing up at the pharaoh, Seth felt his eye twitch. He knew Atemu's lusty smirk just as well as the other priests and most of those within the palace did. Repressing a small growl with an attention-drawing cough he glanced around as the others fell silent for the moment.

           "How about all of you leave for a few hours? I can look him over thoroughly for any sign as to where he may be from, or what could have happened, while performing some tests which would be much safer on his condition. From there we can decide what course of action is best."

           Isis studied Seth intently as if reading between the lines. She was the only one who apparently chose to reveal that fact, or if not, she was the only one to really suspect an ulterior motive. Karim frowned, as did Mahado. Shada was the one who spoke up.

           "What makes you think that testing him will be any safer than what I have already chosen to hold off on until he is stronger? For all you know, you may kill him."

           Atemu nodded slowly. "Yes, then it would indeed be a great waste. He may just have vital information for us."

           Seth retained his regal position looking completely dignified. "What I have in mind is far safer and requires less stress on him both physically and mentally, I am not known for my failure as a high priest. First I plan to look his body over thoroughly to see and possibly heal his injuries as a faster rate while checking for markings of any indication of whence he came. As you all know I have been on a three year pilgrimage and have traveled far outside of Egypt to learn and grow."

           His gaze then looked up to Atemu as he bowed respectfully, holding in his sneer back. "Wouldn't you say that it is more wise for someone who has such experience and knowledge behind it to look him over in a attempt to solve this enigma?"

           The pharaoh considered Seth intently for a moment before looking back to the unconscious young man. Lust still rested within his eyes but it was muted a bit. At last, he nodded. "Pharaoh speaks."

           Akunadin, Karim, Shada, Isis, Mahado and Seth fell absolutely silent as was only proper when Atemu went official as he did now. It made the spiky-haired young man smirk in arrogance.

           "High Priest Seth, you may have three hours with the stranger to do as you suggest. Be certain not to damage him further. Once you are finished, you will come to me and report what, if anything, you have found. If he lives, he will remain in the palace at a status to be determined in the future."

           Karim glanced toward Mahado for a moment. The Ring holder's arm fell away from where it had nudged the darker man's elbow. Catching the look from pharaoh's most loyal priest, he nodded once. Mahado likely knew Atemu the best and now Karim was absolutely certain of what the undecided status meant. Likely, if nothing solid were discovered about the stranger, he would be added to the pharaoh's harem.

           Seth was not a fool and knew only too well what the pharaoh meant. He would not allow it. The harem would be a horrible fate and a waste for someone who was so very beautiful. Inwardly he vowed to inspect every inch of this newcomer to ensure the young man did not go into that place from where he would never return. Perhaps, if he found nothing, he might still find a way to fool the pharaoh from such a prize.

           Usually the high priest did not care over such matters as to whom Atemu added or removed from the collection of pleasure slaves, it never concerned him, though Seth did find it despicable. Glancing up at Atemu, he bowed again to show his respects--or at least act like it.

           "I agree with the terms, pharaoh." His voice was cool and uncaring, sounding more dutiful than anything else. Of course the motive behind it was far beyond the call of duty.

           With one last look to the prone form, Atemu turned and departed in a swirl of his cloak. Mahado and Akunadin followed immediately, though likely for different reasons. Karim hesitated before being drawn away by Shada. It was Isis who lingered for a moment to study the young man. She finally left without further word so Seth was alone with the stranger.

           Setting his mind right on the task at hand, he focused on what needed to be done. He could not afford to lust over the newcomer's body or be distracted by anything that would interrupt or throw off his concentration, not that he planned to let it. Seth was a priest on a mission and the instant he had steeled himself, he immediately began. As the stranger's torso was bared, he started there.

           The man's skin was smooth, upper body hairless and the muscles beneath taut despite their laxness. Even if he was keeping it to a professional examination, Seth still marveled at the strange pale skin the stranger had. The aureoles were tan and highly sensitive for when he barely stroked them, the nipples naturally pebbled. He had to pause to remind himself he was not touching for that purpose before he continued.

           Other than the newer cuts and scrapes that had been cleaned, he found no blemishes or hints of injury. The man's shoulders were strong, his arms holding the same strength though when he studied the inner arms between wrists and elbows, he found the faintest hints of crisscrossing silver scars so fine they could only be seen when he bent close. Similar marks were upon the lines of his palms though Seth found their precise mirroring to hint at something possibly ritual-based.

           His fingers were slender and agile, elegant enough while the fingernails themselves were well cared for, rather sharp really, and almost effeminate. Finally, he came to the neck. There were no rub-marks or any hint that the man had ever been shackled by a collar as some slaves were, no markings. A few bruises scattered along the line of the jaw, then the naturally beautiful features.

           Deciding suddenly that he would leave the actual head for later, he reached rather slowly for the sheet. Seth found himself hesitating now and instead of pulling the sheet down, he went to the foot of the bed to lift it away from the stranger's feet. Here was something a bit safer. Grasping the ankles, he squeezed, finding no hints of strain or marks of any sort. More bruises and cuts were littered here but as he had been without shoes, it was understandable.

           Just as before, there was no hair to be found, leaving the legs smooth. As his hands ran along the powerful limbs, minding the bandage around one knee that had been deeply lacerated by stones, Seth found his mind wandering. His fingers splayed more to deliver a stroke more like a caress as he continued further up along the thighs. Each touch was bringing about a reaction, faint but there as the pale skin warmed.

           It was a stark contrast really, his sun-tanned and dark hands against the virtually untouched skin. The sheet momentarily halted his progress before he carefully slid it aside. His subject lay fully uncovered and the high priest's blue eyes fell upon him with growing desire. Fighting that rising lust back, he ran his hands lightly over the narrow hips, searching for any brand or tattoo of any sort. There was what appeared to be a birthmark shaped almost like a fang on the man's inner right hip near his abdomen.

           At last, he finished with the man's front and with the utmost care, rolled him onto his stomach, minding not to jostle his head or place weight on the bandaged wound. Seth was relieved to find no signs of any markings upon the strong back. No lash had ever fallen there, no heavy burden had strained the shape or stretched the muscles. Even the taut rear was unmarked and untouched if the graze of his fingertip gave any clue. He had to mentally berate himself for rubbing the area a few seconds longer than necessary.

           Seth's determination to keep this stranger out of the hands and bed of the pharaoh was only strengthened by the discovery. Possibly this person had only experienced sex a few times, if he was not still a virgin. Such a thought made the priest himself harden slightly before he focused his train of thought to willing it away. It would be unthinkable to let Atemu have something so precious. Gently drawing the man back onto his back and straightening his limbs, Seth paused as he realized he was again studying the revealed sex.

           The stranger had hardened slightly at the touches, just enough to be noticeable. Running his tongue over his lips, Seth swallowed hard with a sudden urge to lean forward. It was enough to make him pause and remind himself that he was only there to examine the man, nothing more. He had to repeat it a few times before he could move. The last part of the task would be easier, he hoped.

           Taking a deep breath, the priest brought both hands up as his eyes closed. Focusing, he tried to avoid looking at the young man as a green light began to emanate from his palms, spreading along his fingers. Lowering his hands, he began to run them over the still form once more, no longer using just his hands and eyes but testing the aura for any hints of information, nudging bits of power in to help quicken the healing. Palms barely brushing over the body, Seth really could not resist brushing along the hot length.

           More on principle than conscious thought, the priest brushed over the aura again, trying to glean any information from it. For a time, it was as unflawed as the body beneath his hands, puzzling and rather annoying really. Then, he felt it. At first it was a faint spark of light and he turned his attention toward it. Nearly loosing it, he chose to risk pushing slightly--and the sudden surge of power flowed over his senses like rising water.

           As it pushed at him, he discovered it was neither harsh nor gentle but firm and although weak, it was stronger than he would have expected. In fact, it seemed to grow a bit stronger as he withdrew before it rather than risk inadvertent harm to the man. Eyes snapping open, Seth started to gasp only to freeze, forgetting the reaction. A pair of eyes like blue crystal met his gaze, clear and unrevealing. The sense of power itself was rooted deep within the steady gaze.

           For several minutes, they stood locked in each other's eyes. Seth became aware of something pushing, something that made him look down...and flushing slightly, remove his hand from the arousal he had unconsciously been stroking. He realized that the young man was not the only one affected by the motions of the tanned hand, though the robes concealed the priest's own hardening desire. The moment their eye contact was broken, the push of power was gone. When he looked back, the eyes were closed and the stranger again unconscious.

           Now, at least, Seth had a few of the answers he needed to at least stay Atemu from taking the stranger into his harem. What worried him was the strange feel of cold about the aura, both dark and light at once. If he had to make a guess, he would place his thoughts toward the possibility the blow to the head had caused the young man to loose his memory. Only one sensation had really been present, a single thing that could be called a word--or more appropriately--a name.

           "Sutekh."
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Some Things Never Die