Chapter Text
The sun was blazing hot as it blared down on his skin. The slight breeze in the air only temporarily cooling him off as he made his way towards Waset, towards the king’s city. The boat rocked gently underneath him, setting a lulling rhythm that Yugi found himself prone to, catching himself nodding off several times. The boat ride between Ineb-Hedj and Waset was a few hours long. He’d managed to buy passage on a cattle boat with what meager saving he had, his grandfather and mother wishing him well on the journey to come.
Yugi Muto had just finished his healer’s apprenticeship only the week prior and had wasted no time in preparing to outsource his talents to the king’s city. His father, one of the two healers in his small town, had died a little after he had started learning. Fortunately for him, the other healer took up where his father had left off, picking up his teaching before the young boy even got the words out of his mouth. That had been several years ago, and now Yugi, a man of twenty-one, was setting out in hopes to find more work.
His grandfather and mother owned a small farm in their village, but their income was barely enough to keep the three of them fed and happy. Yugi vowed he would leave when it was time to find work elsewhere and hopefully support them better. They tried to stop him, but once Yugi got his mind set on something, it was hard to convince him to change his mind. He now only mildly regretted his decision. Ineb-Hedj sat closer to the ocean than Waset did. The soft sea breeze cooling the desert air there more than it seemed to the further inland he went. His skin was already turning a cherry red, stinging him any time he touched it. In contrast to most others who lived here, Yugi was pale. A life spent indoors learning to read and write, learning to make medicines, and heal people.
Still, he could not stop the low simmering excitement. He had never been to Waset, never thought he was going to go. Nerves filled him to the brim, but the thought of a new adventure excited him. His long-time friend had moved there a few years ago to join Pharaoh’s Army, and he was the main reason he decided to go ahead and make this trek out in the first place. In addition, Jou had a friend who recently moved out of the city to take care of her elder parents in a different city, leaving her home to Yugi, a gesture he much appreciated.
When Ra neared the highest point in the sky, the older gentlemen herding the cattle to the city nodded to him. “We will be there soon.” Yugi nodded back to him, looking out towards the horizon, Waset becoming more apparent in the distance. Even from here, he could tell the city was huge compared to his own. Mudbrick homes and buildings stood clustered together. People gathered at the river’s edge to do this thing or that. It was such a stark contrast to what he had known his whole life; it was shocking.
The cattle boat docked, Yugi thanking the gentlemen for allowing him passage before getting off, standing there for a moment before pulling out a small piece of papyrus with a crudely drawn map. The directions to his new home scribbled on there. He pulled his pack closer to himself as he made his way down the main street, head down as whispered seemed to start up concerning him. Did he stand out that much? Taking a quick glance up, he took in a breath.
The citizens here were adorned with jewelry. Women and Men wore wide golden necklaces, their arms covered in golden bands, from their ears hung simple gold hoops. So it seemed, at least this part of town was where the wealthy lived, those who could afford to look their best. Yugi, by contrast, wore a simple shendyt. Its length met his mid-calf with a tunic tucked in, dirtied from wear. Even the gold belt at his waist seemed dull compared to those around him. Again, though, it was to be expected. The palace loomed over him, seemingly mocking him.
He took another breath, forcing his head high as he continued onward, following the map until he came to a small house with an ornate pitcher in the window, his home. He entered quickly, depositing his bag on the floor and taking a moment to breathe. He did not expect to be so overwhelmed here. His grandfather must have mentioned it, but he must not have heard in all of Yugi’s excitement to live where Pharaoh resided.
He sat, digging through his bag for a small jar filled with salve, spreading it across his now rose-colored skin to soothe the ache. At least the home was lovely, it was small, but it was his. A sleeping mat sat in one corner, a stone oven, and a washbasin sat closest to him under one of the windows. A less ornate, more practical water jug sat on a small wooden table in the middle. He would need to venture out again soon to find the well, perhaps find the market to trade for some food for the night, hopefully. He did not have much, but hopefully, it would provide for him for a while until he was able to find work in the city.
He would also need to write to Jou soon, let him know that he had arrived safely. He wondered if he would be able to see him soon. The other had not given much away regarding how he was treated in the palace if he was working all the time or given a day off to relax. In due time hopefully, he would find out. The weight of leaving his family home behind finally started to sink in. He knew no one here; he had no friends, no one to rely on while he tried to make a name for himself. It was going to be difficult, but Yugi was nothing if not stubborn.
He stood with newly set resolve, grabbing the pitcher from the table and heading out to find the well. Fortunately, it was close, and with the sun sitting so high, most everyone had retired to the shade until it lowered. His jug was filled, and he quickly set it back down in his home, heading in a random direction to hopefully find the markets. By the time he did find it, the sun had lowered enough for people to return to their stalls, opening back up for the rest of the day.
He was quick about it, stocking up on dried fish and a couple of fruits to get him by for the next few days. He was about to make his way out when the smell of fresh bread caught his attention, his stomach being the entire reason he made it to that stall. “I haven’t seen you around before, boy. What brings you here?”
The man’s voice was gruff but genuinely interested and more quizzical than judgemental. “I just arrived this morning, actually. I came here hoping to find work; I’m a healer from Inej-Hedj.”
“You’re that young lad that Anrn was speaking about. Welcome to Waset boy. I can pass the word along that you’re around and in need of services. Anrn is a good friend of mine.” Yugi watched as the man pulled a small loaf off of his stand, wrapping it in a piece of cloth before handing it over. “For the road. I can imagine you’re hungry, and I got some extra wheat this go around so you can have it.”
Yugi took it, smiling gently at him. “Thank you very much. I’m Yugi; it was a pleasure to meet you….”
“You can just call me Sef.”
Yugi nodded, placing the loaf in his satchel. “Thank you, Sef, truly. If you ever need anything, please do not hesitate to come to me.” Yugi waved to him as he set off back towards his home, feeling a little lighter than he had all day. At the very least, he knew someone by association now.
He was nearing his home when he heard a scream, his feet running in that direction before he even had a moment to think about it. Against a house only a few paces from his own sat a young girl, his eyes catching the tail of a snake slipping away. “Are you alright?”
She shook her head, gripping at her ankle where Yugi now saw blood. “I was bitten.”
He kneeled next to her, hands reaching towards her ankle before he stopped. “I just arrived here, but I’m a healer. Will you let me help you?” She took a long look at him before nodding, releasing her ankle to let Yugi pick it up, bringing the wound to his lips to suck out the poison. He did it a few times until he tasted copper only. Then, wiping his lips, he looked at her. “The rest of my supplies are in my home just across the way. Let me help you?”
Again he questioned her, not wanting to do anything to anger her or ruin his chances of being able to stay in this city. Just by a quick glance, he could tell she was wealthy compared to him. Her necklaces held stones; a beaded headpiece sat atop her nearly unruly brown hair. “Of course, I will need help walking, though.”
Yugi nodded, standing and pulling her to her feet, letting her place most of her weight on him as they made their way back to his home. “Forgive me, I just moved in this morning, so I do not have much, but I will be able to help you.” They entered, and he sat her down on his sleeping mat, near skidding to his pack in the corner. A healer never left home without a sizable amount of supplies; there was no telling when he was going to be able to get more. He quickly pulled out a few herbs and flowers he’d need, lading a small amount of water into a bowl before crushing them into a paste. He looked to her once again for permission before bringing her ankle to sit on her lap, gently spreading the paste and wrapping it in a thin strip of cloth.
He turned to face her and smiled. “There we are. I would recommend not walking on it for the rest of the day. If you have somewhere you need to be; I can escort you; otherwise, I would rather you stay here until the morning at the very least. If there is still poison in your system, I need to be able to know at the first sign.”
“I have nowhere urgent to be. If you do not mind me imposing, I can stay here.” She pulled her weight to sit back against the wall, letting her leg sit out before her. “I have no way to pay you, though.”
He just waved her off, heading to the satchel he had brought with him to the market. “Nonsense, I won’t charge you. You needed help, and I helped; it’s as simple as that.” He took a moment to pull out some dried fish and pulled off a piece of bread from his loaf, handing it to her. “Eat. I can imagine you’re not feeling your best right now; this will help ebb any side effects from the poison. I’m Yugi, by the way; it’s nice to meet you.”
She hesitated but took the food offered to her, smiling. “My name is Mana. It was a pleasure to meet you, Yugi, and thank you again; I will find some way to repay you.”
The two talked for a while, Mana questioning Yugi about his home and Yugi questioning about this city. The sun was setting before either of them knew it. Yugi glanced towards the moon. “I think it is time for the both of us to retire now. It is getting late, and I am sure you’re needed somewhere tomorrow.”
“Before we do, Yugi, do you mind if I ask you a question?” Yugi shot her a quizzical look before nodding. “Of all the people I have met, those in this city and those from far aware, you have the palest skin I have ever seen. Is there a particular reason why?”
Yugi laughed, shaking his head. “I spent most of my younger years under the shade or indoors. I was practicing medicine young and then having to go to scribe school. It tended to leave me more acquainted with the night than the day.”
A soft smile spread across her face as she laid down, nodding. “I imagine Khonsu is glad to have someone to greet him when he wakes.”
A blush flared across Yugi’s cheeks, it was an odd compliment, but he could tell she meant it as one. He stood, going towards the window to look out into the night sky. The night had always been his favorite. The soft calm of the cities, the gentle cool breeze that only could happen during the night. He just hoped Ra would understand. So many people were awake during the day; it didn’t hurt to have an insignificant mortal watching over the moon for even just a while.
——-
The following day found Yugi alone, Mana having gone off before he had risen. Washing his face and arms, he dug through his bag for the small mirror his mother had given him and his stick of kohl, carefully lining his eyes once more, stroking it a few times across his lashes to darken them. Today was a new day, his second in this fair city, and it was time for him to find some clients, or at least spread the word that he was around. So he grabbed the bag with his healing supplies in it and set off, his destination primarily unknown, but a trip around the market didn’t sound like a terrible idea.
Exhaustion had swept over him by the time Ra had risen to his highest point. He missed the cool sea breeze of his home; he was used to sweating, but even with the Nile, the air here was drier, and it was taking a while for him to get accustomed to it. From the sounds of it, though, it did not seem like there was an established healer around this part of the city, which meant his chances to get clients were higher than he had expected. Finding a shady spot to sit in, he took a moment to get off his feet. Reapplying the cooling salve on the worst of his burns. The need to get longer sleeves until his body became accustomed to the sun was evident, though he had no clue how he was going to pay for it.
There was a commotion on the northern side of the market, a group of what seemed to be the king’s guard entering through the streets. He took a moment to take them in. Their shendyt was shorter than most, likely to accommodate quick movement. Armor made from leather sat at their chests and swords at their sides. He watched from the shadows, curious until someone pointed at him. The guards turning to face him, chatter among them until one yelled out to him. “You, come with us.”
Yugi’s eyes widened in fear, but he stood, not wanting to invoke the wrath of the guard or his god-king should this be his order. He had no clue what he had done to invoke the guard to come to seize him, but it must have been severe. To his surprise, they only encircled him as they walked, not tying him up or roughhousing him in any way. He had many questions weighing his tongue down but thought it better to keep them silent until he knew the real reason behind their need for him.
He set his arms behind him, sitting at his lower back to try and calm his nerves. He was freaking out but tried not to show it. The stares from the townspeople that had subsided mainly by that time, only grew worse. Confusion set as whispers drifted to him; they were just as confused as he was. He tried to ignore him, keeping his head down. He could not let the pressure of others work him up any more than he already was. What was going to happen to his family should the worst come? He couldn’t think about that; he would find a way out of it whatever was happening.
When the palace grew closer, his worries only grew. They were taking him to the palace. What did he do? He thought back to the few hours he had spent out today; nothing of note jumped out. Anyone he had talked to had been kind, and he had been careful as he spoke. Pharaoh was one to quell any significant misdeeds that happened. Was he going to see him? Yugi, in all honesty, would have been happy enough just seeing him at a distance. Just living in the same city as him brought about a sense of calm that he hadn’t known before. When Yugi glanced up again, they had just entered the central palace gardens, a beautiful courtyard where most of the festivals were held. The colors were lively and vibrant, a not-so-subtle contrast to the doom that seemed to loom over him.
They walked a little further until they came upon two large doors, the throne room. A different set of guards nodded and opened the door, Yugi’s eyes hitting the floor in a moment. He watched until the guards kneeled, Yugi doing the same.
“Mery-n-kheprer, Sakhentuma’at, Djeru-kheftiu-eg, King of Ta-Shemau and Ta-menu Akhenaten, Son of Ra, Atemu. We have brought the boy as you have commanded.”
There was silence for a moment before he heard Pharaoh speak. “You have done well. You may leave, boy, you stay.”
Yugi shuddered; the king’s voice was like velvet, a soft mid-tone that very nearly met baritone. It was a gentle caress to his shot nerves. A giggle sounded to his left, and against his better judgment, he glanced toward that direction, shocked to find Mana standing there. His eyes darted right against his will, taking in the sight of his Pharaoh. They could have been brothers. Pharaoh stood taller than him, his skin darker, matching everyone else in this city. His hair, though, had the same unruly spikes that his own did. Thin stripes of gold placed upon black, placed upon the most brilliant shade of Amaranth that Yugi had ever seen. He glanced down, setting his gaze upon the other’s eyes and knowing he was doomed. Liquid amaranth, the color even more mesmerizing than the shade of his hair, and so incredibly dangerous.
He saw Pharaoh narrow his eyes before Yugi realized his mistake, his head bowing downward once more. “I could have your head, boy.”
“Forgive me, my king. I did not mean to offend you.”
Yugi heard a soft chuckle before sandals sounded on the ground. “Stand.” Yugi stood, his eyes never once leaving the floor as the other walked towards him. A finger placed gently under his chin startled him. He was forced to look up, to meet those brilliant eyes that Yugi wanted nothing more than to stare at for quite possibly the rest of eternity. “How curious. If I did not know I had no brothers, I would assume you one of mine.” A thumb traced along one of his cheekbones, causing a shudder from the more petite boy. “Your eyes, much like mine they are rare in this city.”
“Per-a’a.”
The king let his chin go, but he didn’t retreat, a voice speaking up from behind him. “My king, I do not think it wise to touch the boy so freely. His appearance alone should warrant more caution from you. He might very well be a demon.”
Yugi’s eyes widened as he looked towards where the voice came from. Seto, the priest, stood there in all his vicious wisdom. A snarl was placed on his face, the golden rod he always carried sitting ready. “Pharaoh, you must believe me. I am not what he says I am. I am just a boy come to the city for work.”
“Silence!” Yugi clammed up as Seto yelled. “You insolent fool, Pharaoh could have your head for speaking out of turn.”
Yugi knew this, but that did not stop him from trying to defend himself. A noise escaped from the king, a sigh if Yugi did not know any better. “Seto, be calm. I believe him to be what he says, but if it should please you, you may go ahead and test him.”
Seto nodded and stepped forward, the rod glimmering in the light as he brought it forward, his other hand going to touch Yugi’s forehead. He saw a flash of light before pain radiated through him. His body seizing up as a choked gasp escaped him. “Please, whatever this is, stop.”
His voice was weak, barely audible if not for the silence of the chamber. A few more moments passed before the throne room came rushing back to his vision, the pain stopping as his legs gave out, collapsing on the floor. Seto clicked his tongue but walked away, nodding to their king. “He is safe.”
“Very well. Young one, what is your name?”
“Yugi, my king.”
“Mana here tells me you just arrived. So tell me, why is it that you came here. You mentioned earlier you were seeking work?”
Yugi nodded as he got back up onto his feet, his legs wobbling for only a moment before he was able to steady himself again. “Aye, I came to make a living for myself. I hail from Ineb-Hedj in Ta-Mehu. I am a healer, as was my father, as was my father’s father. I left my mother and grandfather back home. I could not support them in such a small town, so I came here in hopes to find work and to be able to support them in my father’s stead.”
Yugi watched as the king thought for a moment, the other going to sit back down on the throne. “I wish to thank you for yesterday. You saved Mana, one of my closest in court and a childhood friend. You asked nothing from her; you did your duty as a healer and wanted nor required anything in turn. Mana owes you her life, and you have my gratitude.”
Yugi shook his head as he smiled towards the girl. “I appreciate it, Pharaoh, but she owes me nothing. I did my job, and that is enough. If someone comes to be ill but unable to pay, am I supposed to turn them away at the door, let them die because of circumstances that may not have been their making? I dare not anger Ma’at in such a way.”
“Be that as it may, most healers would not have done what you have. You used your medicines on her, and by your right, you were allowed to take her money, but you asked for none. Your soul is pure, and it radiates so brightly that even I can see it from here.”
Yugi glanced back to his king, smiling gently. “Thank you, Pharaoh; your words bring me everlasting joy.”
The king took a long look at him before calling his council over. The group of them talking quietly amongst themselves. Mana just smiled at him, despite the slight fear still sitting squarely at the forefront of Yugi’s emotions. He had not expected to come here to the palace at all in his lifetime, yet to be nearly dragged and then questioned by none other than Pharaoh. It was nerve-wracking, to say the least. After a while, the group broke off, attention going back to their god-king. “I have talked to my counsel and gotten their approval, not that it really matters much in the end… However, from this day forth, you shall serve under the king as the palace healer. You will obey my orders and come when I call. Anyone who is ailing in the palace may come to you for aid, and I will ensure that your mother and grandfather get monthly rations. While you work under me, I shall ensure the health and safety of your family. One wrong move, and I will have your head. Do I make myself clear?”
Yugi bowed lowly to him. “Yes, my king.”
“Very good, Mana, show him to his rooms. I will give you the rest of today to get settled in. Tomorrow I will have a guard show you to the healing ward. You shall start then.”
Yugi looked stunned for a moment, unable to quell the question on his tongue. “My room?”
The king looked at him for a moment, an unreadable expression on his face. “You will have a room in the same corridor as mine. Being that you are now working for me, it is only appropriate that I have you in close quarters should I need you at a moment’s notice. Now please leave; I have much to get done.”
Yugi nodded as he bowed again, waiting for Mana to pass him before he straightened and followed her out of the room. When the doors closed, he let loose a breath, resting on one of the pillars. “I thought that was to be my end.”
Mana covered her mouth as he giggled. “I assume the guards took you without so much of a word as to why you were requested?”
“You would be right, also, if I may ask. What was it that Priest Seto did to me?”
“That Yugi, is not my place to speak. If they wish to inform you, that is their business to do so. However, you indeed bear an uncanny resemblance to Atem. It is rather odd.”
Hearing the King’s name come so casually from someone’s mouth shocked him. Though the king had said that Mana was a childhood friend of his, he supposed that it only made sense. “I bear minimal resemblance to him.”
Mana just rolled her eyes and continued on down the hallway. Yugi listened intently as she rambled on about the palace. It was stunning, every bit as magnificent as he thought it was going to be. Everywhere you looked, the gods were on display. The gardens in front were lush with green grass and a swell of trees lining the exterior walls—a simple well off to the side. The lower floor was simple. The alter and chamber were off to the left of the throne room. The kitchens stood in the back next to the nursery. The Far East corridors held the servants’ quarters and the harem. Yugi’s medical ward stood to the north. That room specifically entranced him. It housed everything he might ever need.
The upper floors held Atem’s room as well as a balcony overlooking the lower gardens. In addition, there was a meeting room and the royal bed-chamber to the back north. As expected, the second floor was much more spacious, meant to house the King as well as his honored guests. His own room was only a few hallways away from the Kings. They stopped there on their tour, Yugi looking around for only a moment before turning back to Mana. “Might I ask you a question?”
Mana sat down on the chaise, nodding. “Sure, go ahead, Yugi.”
“Is he a fair king?”
Mana thought about it for a moment. “He is as fair as his station allows. He is young and still learning. Admittedly, he has no patience. When in the face of his people, he has to look demanding, fierce. What you saw before you today was not the Pharaoh that you’re going to see often. He might frighten you… I would just say be careful about him. Keep your guard up and do everything in your power to not offend him. If he is moody, hold your tongue. Do not ask him questions until he strikes up a conversation with you, or unless it is something absolutely dire to the state of the palace or his people. If you follow these rules, then you will have nothing to fear.”
Yugi nodded, heading towards his own balcony. “I will do what I can to ensure that I stay within his good graces.”
They spoke for a while after, Mana having to run off to do her duties after a time, leaving Yugi alone to think. Today had been so hectic, surprise after surprise, crashed into him without much notice. He would need to write home, to tell him of the good fortune he stumbled upon. But first, perhaps a nap. Yugi laid down on the bed, sinking into it with a sigh. He had never slept on anything quite as comfortable as this, and he had to admit that he loved it. It only took Yugi a moment before he had passed out, exhaustion entirely overtaking him and leading him into the world of the dreams. And in the morning, when he would awake, he would ask for forgiveness from Khonsu for not greeting him when he rose that evening.