A/N: This was one of the stories that placed last in my poll for a story, and it was just suppose to be a one-shot, but I love this pair way too much. I had to make it full story. X]

Rated for later chapters.

I own nothing but the plot.

Chapter One

Mahad watched the little brunette on his bed eat furiously; and stuffing down any food he had given her, and even some of his own food. He suspected she was from a village outside of Egypt, since she was without her family or a guardian when he found her asleep in a small pot in the city, snuggling a piece of molding bread. Out of the sincere kindness of his heart, he brought her back to his chambers in the palace, smuggling her past the guards and others. The young prince was really the only on to notice Mahad's rush and strange behavior.

"Will you tell me your name now that you have eaten, child?" he asked softly, trying not to frighten her.

She silently tilted her head to the side in question.

Mahad laughed softly, pointing to himself with a tan, slender finger. "My name is Mahad," he turned his finger towards her, "what is your name?"

The little girl was silent for a moment, her little brows furrowed as she studied both Mahad's face and finger. "M… Ma… Mah… Maha… Man… Mana…?"

Mahad's face lit up, a large smile spreading across his lips. "Mana! Your name is Mana!"

Mana blinked rapidly at his sudden outburst. What was he so excited over? She had just tried to attempt saying his name, but failed. It was his own fault for misinterpreting what she meant; but, then again, it was mostly her own fault for not being able to remember anything before this day…

Slowly, he settled back down from his excitement and handed her his drink in apology for his outburst, and she accepted without hesitation, gulping it down. He chuckled lightly, watching her little antics intently. The kids he was around were not as light-hearted as this Mana was, so he could not quite help himself to be entranced by the way she acted. The prince was already losing his childish behavior… Well, that was mostly because he had no other kid friends… Wait! What if Atem became friends with Mana, then he wouldn't be so lonely and stern! That's a brilliant idea!

"Are you tired, Mana?" he asked softly, watching as he eyes threatened to drift closed, confirming his suspicions.

"No…" she lied, rubbing her eyes.

He smiled and patted down her messy, brown hair. "Lair," he chuckled, "you can lay here and sleep for tonight. I will figure out another sleeping arrangement for you by tomorrow night…"

Reluctantly, she lies down on her bed, snuggling his soft pillow, and hummed softly as he tucked her into the blankets.

He pats her hair down once more before standing up from the rather large bed and leaving his chamber. It was the middle of the day, yes, but she had a rather long and stressful day, so she needed her rest. Right away, he headed towards the garden; Mahad was in search for someone in particular that he was nearly certain would be in the lavish garden. When he arrived, his eyes feverishly scanned the large area for the prince, who sat quietly by the silent water in the pond. "Prince Atem!"

Said person's head jerked up at the sound of his name, looking around feverishly when he didn't spot Mahad immediately; but when he did, he smiled lightly and stood, striding over to Mahad quickly. "Yes…? What is it, Mahad? Is something the matter…?"

"Not at all, my prince…! I just needed to ask a favor of you…"

Atem looked at him questioningly. "Of course… What is it that you need…?"

Mahad twiddled his fingers together nervously. "Well, you see… um… there is this girl…"

Suddenly, the prince began chuckling.

"N-no…! That's not what I meant! I mean, I found this little girl today… that is why I was attacking strangely this morning, by the way. As far as I know, she has no family. Her name is Mana, also… and, uh…"

"You want me to be her friend, correct?"

Mahad nodded meekly.

Atem smiles softly and nods. "She sounds nice. I cannot wait to meet her,"

The future priest sighed and returned his smile.