"So Pharaoh, what are you thinking, entering a cell with an unknown Tomb Robber? You could be putting your life in jeopardy, you know." A rough, growling voice spoke from the shadows in the far corner of the cell. Atemu smiled.

"I know that, but I also know that you won't attack. How did I get into the cell? I don't have any keys with me."

"True. How did you get in?"

"Just a little trick I know. Why don't you come out where I can see you?"

"Why not?" A slender figure stepped into view, and Atemu was surprised. All of the other Tomb Robbers he'd dealt with were rather well off, their pockets well lined by the profits of raiding royal tombs, and middle-aged. This one was scruffy and ragged; a rather beat-up scrap of humanity, hardly a year older that Atemu himself, if he was even older then him at all. He was about Atemu's height, just a hair under five foot eight, with a hard, wiry, muscular body created by years of hardship. His hair was messy and long, hanging down to nearly a hand span below his shoulder blades and dirty white, though it would probably be a lot whiter if it were clean. It framed a long face, bangs curling slightly at a stubborn chin and falling into red-brown eyes. He had a black eye, and a ragged cut across one cheekbone. He was dressed in a ragged pair of pants, styled after the fashions worn by the foreigners from the North and made of rough cotton, ripped at both knees and well-worn. His chest was bare, displaying several bruises that could only have been caused by boots, and a slender, bloody cut. It would seem that this young man had been on the receiving end of some abuse from the guards.

"So, Tomb Robber, why were you found trying to break into one of the tombs in the Valley of Kings?" The youth in question shifted nervously.

"For the past three weeks, whenever my brother has tried to come home with his wages, he has been caught and robbed before he's even halfway home. If I hadn't been able to steal something to sell, we would've starved. He hardly earns enough to keep us alive as it is."

"You're telling the truth." Atemu said softly, clearly surprised.

"Of course I am. Do you think any self-respecting thief would have come up with a story that makes him sound so weak and useless?"

"Actually, yes, I do. I've heard the excuses. But I can tell that you're inexperienced. Were you causing trouble when they brought you in?"

"No. I value my life."

"Then why are you bruised? I know those bruises came from getting kicked by the guards, and that black eye can't have just appeared out of nowhere. What did you do?"

"I already told you! I didn't do anything!They hit me for no reason! I went with them like I was told so I wouldn't get hurt, and they hit me anyway!" The youth cried angrily.

"Alright, quit yelling. I believe you. Some of the guards can be cruel, and you should be thankful that you didn't cause trouble. I've heard of them dishing out broken bones to those who resist capture. By what name can I call you?"

"Bakura. So why did you come down here?"

"To have a look at the latest Tomb Robber."

"So late at night? Are you sure there wasn't another reason?" Bakura asked. Atemu was rather annoyed that this teenager was proud enough to question him.

"Yes, I'm sure."

"It has something to do with your Priest, the one who controls the Tomb Guard." Bakura's words shot like a spear through Atemu. How did he know? "He's dying, isn't he?"

"How could you tell?"

"It's in your eyes. So, what's wrong with him?"

"An old wound has started bleeding inside him. He told me he has a day or two left, at most."

"At least it will be quick and painless. Better than wasting away." Bakura said quietly.

"He's my best friend. I just don't understand why he has to go so soon."

"There's probably a reason, but I doubt either of us would understand it. I'm sorry."

"Thank you."

"So, are you ditching your duties to spend time with him tomorrow?"

"How did you know?"

"It's just what I would do, if I were in your position. A friend that close would be more important than anything else."

"You're too smart for your own good. Where does your brother work?"

"Here, in the stables."

"Why don't you work?"

"Twins are considered unlucky, and the elder of the two even more so. Add our unusual looks, and you have a combination that does not bode well. I managed to win a post for Ryou out of one of your hostlers, but there was no way I could get one for myself too."

"Why haven't I seen him? And even if I haven't, why hasn't my cousin, Yugi?"

"He's pushed to the back, and given the hardest jobs. I'm not surprised that neither of you has seen him. You should go, if you intend to get out of the city before daybreak."

"Thanks. I'll come back later." Atemu smiled and waved, and was gone. A soft click told Bakura that the door had locked itself again.

/One hour before dawn/ Atemu raced into the stables and skidded to a halt in front of Mahaddo, who was standing near the open doors that led to the main palace gates and holding the reins of a pair of horses. "I win." He said cheekily.

"Yes, I know. You have the clothes?"

"Of course. Here." Mahaddo tossed a bag at the Pharaoh, who ducked into an empty stall to change. He shoved his clothes in the bag when he was dressed, and stuffed the bag into the saddlebag on his horse. To the casual eye, he looked like a wealthy merchant's son, just like Mahaddo did.

"Ready to go?"

"Yes."

"Then let's go. Yah!" At Atemu's words, the pair of them kicked their horses into a gallop, and were gone.