A/N: Ok, the first chapter looks alright. I'm writing this one in the same night. It's 2 in the morning. I'm insane.

Oh minor PS

"talk"

'thought'

more will be explained as they come up.

Disclaimer: I only own the characters and plot I made up and nothing else. You know what's not mine if you're a fan (or a lawyer .)

~Ancient Egypt~

Haku Bakura ended up on the doorstep of another Duel Monster woman. She gladly took him in. There was a small piece of papyrus with his name written on it in the blanket, courtesy of Antonio. The woman raised him as her own.

-----Fast Forward-----

Haku was ten. His Duel Monster powers had yet to reveal themselves. He had two close friends, but they were human. One was Maya Tana, a spell caster, and the other was Namu Ishtar, who was becoming a swordsman.

The three were on they're way to Haku's house. His house was out of the way and all three could practice there. Haku loved to spar with Namu as well as help Maya. Usually his favorite part of the day was indeed helping Maya. He couldn't wait for this, so he took them on a shortcut through part of the desert. The three had enough water to get through this small fragment.

The three stumbled upon an unconscious person. Namu looked at the man "Is he dead?"

"No, he has a pulse. He must have passed out from the sun." Maya said.

The three flipped him over, revealing pale skin and white hair. Namu looked at Haku, "Is he related to you!?"

"I've never seen him before in my life." Haku shook his head. Then he grabbed his water, "He can have some of mine."

He put a bit in the man's mouth. They watched him swallow. Then the eyes fluttered open, revealing orbs of silver. His eyes had a look of exhaustion to them, beyond the obvious heat-induced issues. The children helped him to the shade and Haku offered more water.

The man had recovered soon. "Thank you, children. The desert must have got to me. I'm not used to this place yet."

Maya looked at the man, "You're still not really better."

"Ah, we have a young healer. Perhaps you can make a recommendation then." he smiled warmly at her.

"You should be inside for a while. The nearest town is a while back, though."

Haku answered, "He can come with us. I'm sure Mom won't mind, she helps strangers all the time."

The man smiled at Haku and answered in the Duel Monster tongue, "Thank you, young man. I will return the favor."

Haku eyes livened up, "You're a Duel Monster, too!"

"Indeed, I am." he chuckled. He switched back to Egyptian, "Now, I think some introductions are in order. You may call me Dagger."

"I'm Haku."

"I'm Maya Tana, sir."

"Namu Ishtar."

The man looked at them all for a moment. His gaze was strange, but it was gone in an instant, "Thank you for your help. Now, I believe we should head out before a sand storm kicks up."

The four of them went to the house. Haku quickly explained what happened to his mother. She agreed to let the man stay for the night. The three seemed satisfied with this and went outside to do their typical activities.

Dagger spoke to the woman for a bit. He eventually brought up the little shed-like building she owned. He offered to pay rent in order to live there. The woman was all too happy to oblige. Haku was excited. This man was the first Duel Monster he'd seen in a long time.

Haku, Maya, and Namu gathered around Dagger one day. "Please, show us your true form," they begged.

"I don't know," Dagger said. Then he looked into three pairs of big eyes and earnest faces. "Well, alright. Stand back a bit." The children scooched back. Strange armor appeared on his body. A sword was on his waist. Then four beautiful angelic wings spread behind him. Three little jaws dropped.

"I see you're impressed," he chuckled. "You mustn't tell anyone, but I am the Lunar Paladin. Many have heard of me and some of what they hear is true."

Haku asked, "Is the reading minds thing true?"

"No. It's close. I can see auras, the energy surrounding people, and can discern from that a person's real intentions."

"Can you see people's powers?"

"No. That's one I never understood how it came around."

Haku finally asked quietly, "Will you train me?"

Dagger smiled, "Yes, you have great potential, all three of you. I will train all of you." The three happily hugged Dagger.

----Fast Forward----

Haku was thirteen. Three years of training with Dagger hadn't allowed him to find his true form, but he thought he was close. They were taking a break as Dagger had fallen ill.

Maya went into Dagger's room. She had brought some remedies she invented to help him. She knocked and entered, "Dagger, it's me. I brought some stuff." She saw him lying on the bed, his breathing ragged.

She crept closer. Dagger then noticed her presence. He spoke hoarsely, "Maya, stay back."

"What's wrong?"

"I can't control..."

"Control wh..." she was cut off by a sudden attack. Dagger was trying to strike her, but she could see he wasn't himself. She kept dodging his attacks for a while. His assault continued until he collapsed onto the floor.

His breathing was worse and he coughed roughly. "Maya...it's too late. Don't use magic, that makes it worse."

"What about these?" she held up the remedies.

"No good...I'm too far gone."

Haku came bursting through the door, "Dagger, are you alright? I heard the noise and..." he stopped when he saw Dagger on the ground. He went closer, "Dagger?"

"Haku...I'm sorry I won't see your true form. I really wanted to. You're like...a son to me." he coughed again. "You three will be strong. I can see it. Funny, close to death and... I can see a bit of the future. Not mine, yours." He touched Maya's hand, "That wedding your mother arranged will not last." Haku tried to hide his feelings at the mention of that event. Dagger continued, "Namu will be a great swordsman." He looked at Haku, "And you...will find your true place in the world." A violent coughing fit silenced him. Blood appeared on his hand. Maya gasped and Haku fell to his knees. "Please, go children. I will return someday. My sword will hide itself until the time is right. Take care of yourselves." He smiled gently at them.

Maya led Haku out. They shut the door and allowed the man to die alone. Maya was married next week. After her marriage, the three split apart, meeting again only years later.

A/N: Short again. Next chapter will have adult Haku and friends. And more characters. It's 3 AM. I'm going to sleep. Bye-bye.