Chinchilla: *Scurries in with mallet* Chee?

Treska: *Strides in* Okay are you happy? I'm doing the next chapter.

Chinchilla: *Growls*

Yugi: *Pokes head in* Didn't you learn last time not to piss her off?

Treska: Yes and I think I'm going to get another lesson. *Runs out of room* Yugi do disclaimers I can't find the announcer guy!!!!

Chinchilla: *Runs after authoress* CHEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yugi: *Comes out completely* Okay let's see here. Treska does not own Yu-Gi- Oh. The only things that are her's are the Dragons, related characters, the plot . . . hey this story has a plot.

Treska: *Running by* I'm not quite sure at this point in time. Ask her!!!

Chinchilla: *Stops and looks at Yugi, who proceeds to look cute and scared. Chinchilla backs away from overwhelming kawaiiness* Chee, chee!

Yugi: *Chuckles* Always works. Okay where was I . . . oh right disclaimers. Did those so now the warnings. This is a yaoi story, meaning boy/boy pairings. If you don't like then don't read. There is mention of rape, beatings etc. Nothing is ever described in great detail so just let your imaginations fill in the blanks. Okay I think that's it. On with the story.

Symbols, symbols everywhere and I will confuse everyone eventually.

/aibou to yami/

//yami to aibou//

((Telepathy))

'Personal Thoughts'

~(scene change)~

-Emphasis- (stupid Word or FF.net I'm not sure which)

* * * * * * * * *

The velvety blanket of night spread itself along the world with a warm sigh. Tiny diamonds slowly winked into existence as Ra's bright eye lowered itself into the earth. Slowly the sands released the heat they had been saving for the day and the wind crept along the ground. Creatures of the night slowly emerged to start up the night's singing.

Far away from the palace and the capital city of Egypt lay a very decrepit looking town. Buildings were run down like so many weary old men. Camels stood placidly around posts chewing on a few measly grains. Men in tattered leggings and tunics lounged against chipped walls. Sacks filled with food, loot and clothing was scattered every which way.

In the middle of this poor forgotten town lay the only tavern and gambling den. Smoke from torches trickled out of the windows pushed along by the loud, rough laughter. Coarse language streamed out that would make the fainter of spirit cringe.

Inside harbored men who looked just as run down as the town around them. Except that they were rougher, dirtier and deadlier than anything for miles around. This tavern was a natural den for thieves, murders and the rest of the scum of Egypt. Here you needed quick wits, skill and enough courage to just step foot in here. A healthy hate for the Pharaoh wasn't a bad thing to have either.

Yami found it all very entertaining.

A mug of beer cradled in his slim fingers the teen ruler watched on as the less noble class of Egypt entertained themselves. There were several playing Sennet, while others tossed dice. Yami himself never joined in the games, more content to just watch. He had been asked several times in the past, even challenged when he refused. However the other men quickly learned that the small hooded figure was not someone to be reckoned with.

The beads that were the tavern door clinked as another man entered the room. From his shadowed corner Yami glanced at the man. Huge was the first word that came to mind. His black hair must have decided to leave his head because he was bald as an egg but covered with a thick mat of short curly hair. His face was beat red from the sun with the rest of his skin a very leathery brown. Once a well muscled man he was now going slightly to seed, a belly showing one too many beers.

"Hey Nassor where've ya been?" One voice shouted.

Nassor let out a belch and plunked himself down on a hastily vacated seat. "Was out collecting some dues."

There were a couple of guffaws at this statement and a new voice spoke. "Get anything worth while?"

"Naw, just some stringy sheep."

"Hey ya here the news about Luzige?"

"Na, what happened to that desert scum?"

"Got picked up by those Guardians. Heard tell it he tried to sell that whore Blue some stones."

"Served him right the prick. Hey slave get me a drink!"

Yami had been ignoring most of the conversation at this point. Nassor was a high ranking thief out in these parts; the Royal Guards had been trying to find his lair for some time. Although Yami was tempted to bring the man in himself he didn't want to risk blowing his cover to these people. Even with Shadow Magic to help him he would still be greatly outnumbered. So he ignored them keeping a wary eye open in case anyone tried to make trouble.

That's when the slave emerged.

Yami had to stop the gasp that threatened to draw attention to him. Out of the shadows of the larger man stepped a small, petit boy. Large, innocent amethyst eyes darted fearfully between the bar and the thief. Black hair tipped in crimson drooped slightly from a lack of care. Golden bangs framed a soft face speckled with bruises. Yami could see cuts, abrasions and bruises marring the alabaster skin of the boy.

'How can this child look so much like me?' Yami wondered as he watched the smaller version of himself trot to the bar. 'So much alike yet he's so innocent looking. How did he come to be with this man? Nassor called him a slave. I wonder what his name is.'

The boy was given a large mug of the foul beer the tavern served. On weakened legs the boy started back towards his master. Yet just before he got there a foot came out and tripped him. The petit creature let out a cry of dismay as the drink went flying from his hands. The brown liquid splashed Nassor, covering the man's fifthly pants and shirt. Shivering the slave got to his feet and bowed his head.

"S. . .sorry master. I didn't see . . ."

"Who told you, you could speak slave?!" Nassor growled, silencing the boy. The boy just gulped and kept his head down. An evil grin spread across Nassor's red face. He reached behind him and pulled out a Cat-O- Nine-Tails. "Well it looks like I'm going to have to punish you for that."

"Please. . .no master. I . . .I didn't mean it." The slave stuttered.

"I told you not to speak!" Nassor bellowed and let the lash fly.

Yami cringed as the innocent youth cried out in pain. He gritted his teeth as he adverted his gaze, hands in a death grip on his mug. He couldn't bare it. How could anyone hurt such innocence, such light? Yet he couldn't do anything, there were just too many people here.

The cries of the boy ripped through Yami's soul. He had to do something to get him out of here. His mind raced through all of his options, none of which would be any use right now. 'I need to get them all asleep, or out of the room yet leave him behind.'

Another cry and Yami had to shift his grip to his cloak lest he break the mug. It was then that his hand brushed against a lump in the clothing. Eyes that had been unknowingly clenched shut sprang open. A slim hand darted in and retrieved the bundle. A worn leather pouch secretly held a strong sleeping drought . A slightly evil smirk crossed the Pharaoh's lips.

Small amethyst eyes were clenched shut as the lashed descended ripping into his already tattered back. Crystal tears streamed out of his eyes as he cried out again. 'Be strong Yugi.' He thought to himself. 'Grandpa, I don't know if I can. It's just so hard.'

Suddenly he felt himself jerked upright. Rough hands jerked him towards a pole, a leather cord twisted around his wrists. Nassor tied the cord tightly to the pole, just high enough so that he was in a somewhat standing position, but not high enough to actually stand or low enough to sit.

"There. Now you'll think twice about spilling some good drink." Nassor hissed in his ear.

"Hey, Shadow just ordered a round for the house." Yugi heard someone cry. A rousing cheer rose up (along with several belches). The only thing that Yugi could do was cringe. It was going to be a long night.

~ ~ (A couple of hours later)~ ~ ~ ~

Yami watched from his corner at the bar as another thief dropped to the ground in a drug induced sleep. He wanted all of them to be asleep before he made a move to help the young boy. And it was taking all of his willpower to do it.

After Yami had the barkeep dump the little pouch and its contents into one of the beer barrels Yami had ordered a round for everyone. Naturally the thieves couldn't resist and had drunk heartily. Yet there was an aspect to his plan that he hadn't counted on. Every time a thief walked past the helpless slave they gave him a rough kick or punch. If the boy was lucky they just spit on him. Yami had watched, wanting to hurl and send every one of them to the Shadow Realm.

Finally he noticed that all of the thieves were asleep, or reeling from the effects of the drug. Throwing a large purse on the counter Yami slipped off the stool and made his way to his smaller duplicate. Knowing that the boy would have problems standing on his own Yami wrapped one arm around his back. Silently he cursed to himself as the little angel cringed. Taking out a small knife Yami quickly cut the boy free from the pole. The little one whimpered in pain as his legs started to give. Yami quickly replaced the knife and scooped the boy up.

Quickly and quietly the two left the den of sickening smells and hurtful memories. In the quiet darkness of the night a soft wind jumped up and tugged at the two figures guiding them towards the end of the town. As they neared the town limits Yami let out a soft two-note whistle and waited.

During this entire time the smaller figure kept very still and as quite as possible. Only once did he dare look up into the face of his newest captor. The darkness held onto his face, but Yugi thought he saw a flash of crimson and gold in the shadows of the hood. A lone tear made its way down his cheek as he thought about this new turn in his life. A complete stranger had taken him away from the most ruthless men in Egypt. Life, he was sure, couldn't get any worse.

A movement on one of the dunes caught both figures eyes. In the pale moonlight blue scales glittered, making the moving form seem like a creature of living ice. Pale blue light glittered from the eyes of the beast quickly moving towards them.

Yugi stared wide-eyed as the Blue-Eyes White Dragon stopped just in front of them. Those glowing eyes regarded him for a moment and then shifted slightly to the hidden face of his carrier.

"I'll explain later. Let's just get out of here." A deep soothing voice emerged from under the hood. Yugi shivered in response to the voice, so deep and powerful yet oddly soothing.

The dragon bent its foot slightly so that the cloaked figure could mount up without having to let Yugi go. As they settled Yugi watched as some of the scales in front of him light up. They became a set of living ropes that twined themselves around him and the robbed figure. Yugi felt the hooded figure shift slightly and grab one of the ropes. Then the creature bunched its legs and with a powerful thrust launched itself into the air.

Yugi briefly felt his stomach leave him and for once was glad that he had not eaten. Then they were gliding away from the town. Cradled in the strangers arms Yugi couldn't see much except for the stars above him. That suited him just fine, the stars had always brought him a sense of peace. Now the great wings beat down gently and the cool night wind whipped around them. Yugi couldn't help but snuggle into the chest of the stranger, seeking warmth while praying that it wouldn't earn him a beating later.

So it surprised him to no end when those slim arms tightened protectively around him.

Yugi glanced up into the hooded face again, still seeing nothing beyond the glint of crimson. But that glint held gentleness and kindness in it.

"It's all right little one, you're safe now." The calming voice assured. "Rest if you want to."

Yugi just nodded his head and turned his face away. He was safe? Was he free? He didn't know and wouldn't allow his hope to raise any higher than it was. To many times he had hoped only to have it torn away by the lash's sting. But in the warm embrace of the stranger and the steady rhythm of the dragon's beating wings the little angel felt himself drift into dreams.

~ ~ ~ ~(Somewhere in the desert)~ ~ ~

Three tall palms guarded over the glistening pool of crystal water. A very thin carpet of short grass clung grimly to the sands, drinking up the water as slowly as possible. A few night peepers chirped gossip with each other. The oasis lay in quiet contentment for the night.

Leathery wings of an ice blue carried three figures to the quiet piece of heaven. The majestic dragon landed carefully so as not to disturb her riders. Or more specifically the one rider cradled in the arms of the other. The small figure had fallen asleep on the way to the oasis and the dragon did not want to disturb him. Walking over to some boulders that graced the shore line of the very small pond the creature line herself up with them.

The cloaked figure swung a leg over and gently slid a short way down the beasts back and onto the boulders. The little one in his arms shifted slightly and muttered incoherently but did not awaken. The cloaked one let out a sigh of relief.

The dragon gave a toothy grin then craned her neck to remove the bundle strapped to her back. With a gentle tug she pulled it off and placed it in front of her. Using her claws she delicately removed two blankets from the bundle and placed them several feet away from the water. The figure walked over and laid the little one onto the blanket then covered him with the other cloth. The boy sighed in his sleep, a slender hand clutching the blanket.

"We should stay here for a couple of days. He needs to rest and have a couple of decent meals." Yami whispered lowering the hood part of his cloak.

The dragon just nodded, but her eyes were scrutinizing the sleeping figure. She then turned to the petit ruler and snorted gently at him.

Yami gave the muzzle a friendly shove. "What could I have done? Leave him there?"

The dragon growled slightly as she settled for the night.

Yami crawled into the arms of the beast and yawned. "He's so innocent. I'm going to look after him, make sure he's never abused again."

The dragon watched as the ruler made himself comfortable. She watched as his eyelids gently closed over those crimson eyes that could hold so much coldness and then become as soft as velvet. Just before the teen ruler drifted off the dragon heard another word that made her regard her friend in amazement.

"Beautiful."

The dragon looked over at the sleeping figure that looked so much like her friend. The boy shifted in his sleep so that he was facing her. Moonlight touching his face, lighting it up so that he had an angelic glow to him. Again she looked at her friend. Even in sleep he radiated mystery and darkness. A dragonish smirk crossed the beast's features. Maybe, just maybe Yami was falling in love.

* * * * * * * * * *

Treska: *Saunters in* Go me another chapter.

Yugi: *Jogs in* Okay, I don't mind what you had to do, but Yami's not to pleased.

Yami: *Yelling from off stage and getting louder* Treska!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You have earned yourself a trip to the Shadow Realm.

Treska: *Gulps and runs off* Okay review please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yami: *Streaks past cursing in Egyptian*

Yugi: I wonder if we'll ever see her again.