Warnings: None again.

Chapter Four

The sand kicked up in Seth's face as he tried to cover it with his shirt, but he shivered from the cool desert air. The sun was due to rise in a few minutes and Seth knew that he had to keep walking. The further he got from the hideout and the city the better. Coughing, he attempted to moisten his parched throat, but all he got was the arching, stinging sensation as if he swallowed a sac full of pointy rocks. He wondered if the pharaoh would be rescued. He silently hoped for the best. The pharaoh was a great man and deserved to live a long prosperous life. Smiling as the sun began to rise, Seth moved further into the unknown sand, awaiting for his new master or a chance at freedom.

Atemu sat quietly in the cell. He didn't know if Seth managed to bring his troops or not. He expected to see the young man again, but as hours went by and Seth didn't return, he began to worry. He wondered if someone killed him or prevented him from escaping. He didn't hear anything from the guards to acknowledge the fact that Seth was discovered leaving. Praying for a miracle, Atemu hoped for the best.

Footsteps snapped Atemu from his thoughts as he stared up at the familiar brownish red eyes. Bakura smirked at him, knowing full well that he was staring at the dress job the guards did earlier. He wore a simple white garment that barely hid any of his flesh, and his arms were chained around his back, preventing him from attacking the thief. Bakura unlocked the door and stood before Atemu. Without saying a word he grabbed the pharaoh and pulled him along the slightly lit tunnels. Atemu didn't speak. He didn't want to even breath as his nervousness shot through him, wondering if his guards were going to be outside.

The light blinded the pharaoh as Bakura continued to pull him towards a horse. Within a matter of seconds, the two were surrounded and spears and swords were plunged into the thieves standing by the entranceway. Bakura jumped out of the way and climbed quickly on the brown horse. He cursed under his breath before taking off through the desert quickly tailed by two of the pharaoh's guards. Mahado ran towards Atemu and stood before him. "My pharaoh, are you alright?"

"Fine. Where's the boy that told you where to find me?"

"He did not follow us."

Atemu growled. He should have known that Seth wouldn't want to return to the palace with him. "Capture everyone inside of the cavern and get these chains off me."

After a few minutes of struggle, Atemu was finally free of his bonds and climbing up on the nearest horse. "I'm going after that boy," he shouted not caring if someone came with him.

"My pharaoh, he'd be long gone by now."

"He is traveling on foot, correct? We will catch him by horse."

"We do not even know which direction."

"I do." Atemu said as he took off. "Bring all those thieves back to the palace and place them in the dungeon. I will deal with them when I return," he shouted behind him as Mahado and two other guards followed the young pharaoh. Atemu wasn't sure how he knew where Seth was, but he wasn't going to doubt the feeling he had in his gut. He had to find him no matter what.

Riding swiftly through the sand, Atemu saw a figure in the distant. His back red from the sun beating down on it and a cloth wrapped tightly around his face. Pulling the horse to a stop, Atemu ran the rest of the way over towards Seth, ignoring the burning sun on his back. He pulled Seth to a stop. "I told you to return to the palace."

"No, my pharaoh. I do not deserve such kindness."

"You saved my life. You deserve everything I want to give you. Do not play coy."

Seth stared up at the other three that came with the pharaoh. "You give me too much credit. If it was not for me to begin with, you would still be safe in your palace."

"Then help me make it right. Return to the palace with me and become my military advisor."

Seth stared at him. "I know nothing about the military. I am barely educated as it is."

"Then you shall be taught and when you are ready, I will appoint you as one of my advisors. Do not pass this up, Seth, I owe you that much."

Seth sighed and nodded. There was no way the pharaoh would let him simply walk away. He climbed on the horse behind Atemu and rode the distance back to Egypt. The palace was all a hustle over the return of the king and many people approached Atemu with concerned faces and news about keeping his disappearance quiet from his enemies. Atemu turned to one of his servants. "Clean Seth up and place him in fresh garments. Then escort him to my chambers."

Atemu walked into his throne room, listening to all the demands and answering them when appropriate. "Mahado, execute all the thieves from the cavern. I wish not to let them live longer than they were will to let me live.

"Yes, my pharaoh."

"Akhenaden, from here on out you will train a young boy by the name of Seth on how to run my military. Educate him in everything he may need and do not treat him with any disrespect. He will come see you after he is properly fed and clothed." The older man bowed his head and left the chambers. "As for everyone else. Go about your business like I have been here the entire time. I am going to my chambers to rest."

Atemu left the throne room and walked the long distance to his chambers. Inside Seth stood by the bed as if he was in a daze, remembering the last time he was in there. "Are you hungry?"

The sound of Atemu's voice caused Seth to jump. He turned to the pharaoh and bowed. "No my pharaoh,"

"I suggest you eat later whether you are hungry or not. For now I suggest you rest."

"In here, my pharaoh?"

"Yes, I want to keep an eye on you." Seth nodded and started for a position of the floor. "The bed is big enough. Join me." The young man blushed and shook his head.

"The floor will do."

Not giving Seth a choice, Atemu pulled him over to the bed and pushed him down onto the soft mattress. "Rest. We both need it." It didn't take long for the two to fall into a deep sleep, neither objecting to the close proximity that they were at.

Months went by without much stress. Seth studied hard and was impressed by his teacher's wide range of knowledge. He enjoyed learning about old battles and how he defeated the enemies. He spent days listening to the older man reminisce about old times and nights curled up in his own chambers directly beside the pharaoh's. He barely saw much of Atemu, choosing not to bother the obviously busy pharaoh. The two saw each other every now and then, joining each other for lunch or a walk through the gardens. Seth became attached to the exotic pharaoh that never showed him any disrespect. Deep down inside he wanted something more than a simple friendship or loyalty.

Seth was excited about the following day. It was the day he finally joined the pharaoh's advisors. Now he'll be able to see him no matter what time it was. Seth walked quickly but quietly down the hallways until he reached Atemu's chambers. "May I enter, my pharaoh?"

"Come in, Seth," Atemu called knowing who was standing there. He stood away from the balcony and faced Seth just as he felt light headed. He placed his head on his forehead and instantly felt his soul being ripped from his body. He stared down at the scene before him, watching Seth enter into his chamber and his body faced him. "Congratulations on completing you studies. I heard you are highly intelligent for your age. I am glad you decided to come here. I have heard rumors on you interesting strategies."

"Thank you, my pharaoh. It gives me great pleasure to serve you." The pharaoh walked towards the balcony, staring off at the sun washing over his garden.

"From this moment on I'll treat you like all my other advisors. In your chambers if a new outfit and everything you may need for the first day. Oh, and Seth, do not be late by falling asleep in the library again."

Seth smiled. "I shall not. Thank you, my pharaoh." Seth instantly frowned and bowed his head, choosing that time to break free of his mask for a few minutes. His feelings for the exotic pharaoh have developed quickly over the few months that he was here. It disappointed him that the pharaoh didn't hold him any higher than all the other advisors working for him. Disappointment shined through his eyes. "I will do your bidding, my pharaoh," he added finally.

"Rumors have it that an army is moving closer to here. I will need you to start preparing the army. I'm counting on you, Seth."

"I will do my best."

Atemu watched the scene before him. He never noticed how disappointed Seth looked to be sent away from his side. Everything began to make sense. Maybe there was more to Seth feelings than just loyalty over the one that helped him. Seth bowed and left the room. That's when his mask fell completely and Atemu saw the heartbreak for the first time. He felt like a fool for not noticing it before. "I'm sorry, Seth," Atemu whispered from the shadows. "I wish I could be there to ease your suffering. I remember now. I had to look away from you. I had to separate us. I was afraid that my feelings for you would destroy what we had." Atemu felt his soul being pulled further and further away from the scene, confirming that this was all just a dream. A memory and nothing more.

Thank you for reading please review.

Angel Dove