This idea I have been banging around in my head since I first started collection KaiJou fan art, 137 images as of 7/3/04. The title came to my mind when I was glancing through one of my few –sniff-, Egyptian books. Ever since I got the title stuck in my head flashes and partial scenes have come to me but never enough to actually mold into anything useable. Finally after posting two other stories to this pairing I have something to work with. Some scenes and such were inspired by my fan art others just pop in for no real reason. What can you do? My minds always on, one to five fic ideas playing in my head at all times, this is the reason I have twenty notebooks some three other five subject and a few one subject.

Any way this fic is set in the past, always a good idea, using one of the more common fan created accepted pasts. The site that tells me all about the past has yet to mention anyone from the past beside the Yami, Kaiba, Ishizu, Shadi, and some of the monsters. Most fans accept it when the gumi is kept near Yami, Atem, as Medjai, slaves, what have you. I am one of those people. The title is taken from a game, similar to chess I guess, called The Jackal and the Hound, black and white pieces topped with the appropriate head. Enjoy.

WarNingS: OOC, AU/AP, Set in the past, Japanese Names, Shounen-Ai

Aishi Say

"The past is never over the future never begins." Does this just scream Yu- Gi-Oh! Or what?

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Jounouchi sighed as he watched the Medjai trainees train with spear and sword white and tan clothing shifting and flapping with practiced movements. "Jou what are you doing?" Honda asked walking up to him.

"Just watching Honda," Jounouchi answered not turning to look at him.

Honda shook his head at him, "Shouldn't you be training to?"

"For what? Former street rats don't get to play Medjai," Jounouchi muttered unhappily.

Honda shook his head again, "Atem said he'd have a look at you besides you've been behaving yourself."

"Yeah I've been a good little stray," Jounouchi muttered glancing up at his friend, "I'm not you I can't change as easily."

"You were born for this job. Fighting and protecting it's in your blood," Honda reminded his blond friend.

"That's because I'm a mutt," Jounouchi pouted with a frown.

"You are not," Honda protested they had been through this more then once.

"Please I'm a pale little stray," Jounouchi snorted at him.

"Jou that doesn't matter," Honda assured his friend. "Atem is not like some of the nobles he will not judge you because you are not a child of Egypt."

"Yeah but the nobles will," Jounouchi reminded him refusing to look on the bright side.

"He doesn't let them boss him around," Honda countered rubbing his temples.

"Nice to know," Jounouchi glanced up and stared at a tall youth clad in blue, white, and gold. 'Beautiful.' "Honda who is that?"

Honda followed his friend's gesture, "That is one of the six priests. His name is Seto."

Jounouchi thought that over for a moment, "Seto huh?"

"Yes, he is very powerful," Honda answered with a nod.

Jounouchi could have guessed that from the way the other carried himself, "Is he a noble?"

Honda shrugged, "I'm not sure but he's as arrogant as any of them."

"Why is he here?" Jounouchi asked fascinated by this priest named Seto he wanted to know more.

"Maybe Atem asked him to do him a favor how should I know?" Honda asked he did not rank high enough to know the priests every move. Jounouchi watched Seto converse with the Medjai's training master looking up when a familiar from stepped into the sun. Honda caught the gesture and fallowed the priest gaze. 'Atem!' "Look alive buddy the two most powerful people alive are coming this way."

"Hello Honda," Atem greeted the taller youth with a friendly smile.

Honda placed his fist over his heart bowing slightly, "My Pharaoh."

"Honda you do not have to do that it is only me and Seto," Atem reminded him looking a little embarrassed.

"It's drilled into his brain Atem he cannot help it," Seto reminded him tone making it impossible to tell if the joke was meant to be mean or to simply amuse.

Atem smiled, "I really should do something about that. Is this your friend?"

"This is Jounouchi," Honda answered gesturing at his friend.

Jounouchi fell to his hands and knees afraid to do otherwise. Atem and Seto shared a look before the Pharaoh spoke. "Umm...you can get up now. You really do not have to do that. Seto?" Atem asked turning to his friend for help.

"On your feet Mutt!" Seto snapped crossing his arms getting Jounouchi to jump to his feet.

"You did not have to scare him so Seto," Atem chided.

Seto nodded slightly at the Pharaoh, "Forgive me force of habit."

"Jou breathe huh?" Honda hissed in his ear.

"Is he alright?" Atem asked concerned he had not wanted him so frightened he could not speak.

"Oh he's fine he's just awe struck. Jou?" Honda shook him slightly.

"Sorry," Jounouchi murmured looking down.

"That's quite alright Honda has told me much of you," Atem assured him voice gentle and understanding. He was use to people acting nervous around only him Seto beside him must be very intimidating even though the priest look curious not treating at the moment.

"I see," was all Jounouchi could think to say.

"I think you would fit in nicely here. What do you think Seto?" Atem asked he valued Seto's opinion above all others.

Jounouchi felt dark blue eyes studying him long tan fingers curled around their owner's chin. "Hmm...he looks sturdy enough." Seto answered as if he was talking about some animal. Jounouchi fidgeted light tan robe matching the surrounding sand. "What a frighten little puppy."

"Seto be nice," Atem chided some times Seto's indifference to other's feelings worried him.

"I am not a puppy," Jounouchi growled golden eyes meeting blue ones blinking when their owner smiled.

"He is spirited at least," Seto commented with a smirk. "If the puppy survives a day with the trainers I say keep him."Jounouchigrowled. 'Arrogant is putting it lightly. I'll show him.'

"Jounouchi would you care to try out tomorrow? It would be unfair to start you now." Atem asked ignoring Seto's remark.

"If it pleases you my Pharaoh," Jounouchi answered copying Honda's bow.

"No," Atem corrected getting golden eyes to blink, "I was asking if it pleases you. You are free to start when ever you want please do not agree just because I suggested it?" Jounouchi blinked. 'I can say no!'

Seto sighed shaking his head gold flashing, "Atem you are wasting your breath. People are trained since birth to do as their Pharaoh commands with out question."

Atem frowned at him he did have a point as usual, "As you know Seto I prefer that people do not especially those I plan to spend much of my time with." Seto nodded a faint smile on his face. "So Jounouchi what say you?"

Jounouchi thought for a moment before specking up, "I will be honored to prove my worth tomorrow my Pharaoh."

Atem smiled, "I am glad to hear that. Walk with me?"

Jounouchi blinked, "My Pharaoh!"

"I would like to talk more and you might as well look around. You are free decline I will not hold it against you," Atem assured him he liked people around him that did not only see him as my Pharaoh.

Jounouchi bit his lip looking the violet, white, gold clad Pharaoh over for a moment before turning to his sapphire attired companion. 'He may be an arrogant jerk but he is a beautiful one. I think I could stand his insults just so I could watch him for a little longer.' "If it pleases the Pharaoh then it pleases me," He caught Honda smile. 'I did good then.'

Atem smiled, "Please Atem it is just us? If it is alright Seto will be joining us?"

"That is fine Pha-Atem," Jounouchi answered correcting himself this would take some getting used to.

"You will get use to soon I promise. Come," Atem smiled before turning violet short cape flaring.

"So where are you from?" Seto asked falling in beside him curious.

"Abydos," Jounouchi answered blinking when the priest blinked.

"You were born in the city of Osiris!" Seto asked not bothering to hide the surprise in his voice.

Jounouchi winced a little, "Yes...is that bad?" 'Oh gods what did I do now?'

"Not at all I was born there to," Atem answered smiling, "Mother loved Osiris and Isis."

"I just assumed you were born in..." Jounouchi trailed off thankful he was in trouble for something that had never been in his control.

"In the palace? Do not worry most people assume this. You did not have to scare him so Seto?" Atem half chided lightly smacking his friend's arm.

"Would you rob me of my fun Atem?" Seto asked smiling use to Atem's chides.

Atem shook his head, "The young man is nervous enough he does not need to be terrorized by you as well."

Seto sighed softly in defeat, "As you wish Atem I can wait until his fate is decided." Jounouchi swallowed catching Seto smile.

Atem nodded knowing that sigh well, "Thank you Seto. The gardens are out there you are free to spend as much time as you wish in them."

"Would I not ...umm...be with you?" Jounouchi asked confused.

Atem chuckled softly, "Do not worry my guards are given a lot of free time now that I have an Item, " He informed him taking the puzzle in his hands.

"Then why have Medjai?" Jounouchi asked if these Items were as deadly as they said who needed guards?

"Tradition and the fact I hate being lonely," Atem answered the fact not everyone in the palace had one did not hurt either.

"Atem really?" Seto sighed crossing his arms.

"Well I do, besides I like Jounouchi," Atem countered his friend's protest.

Jounouchi blinked for what felt like the hundredth time, "You...you do!"

Atem smiled before nodding, "You are a honest man I can tell. Mana hello."

A happy looking dark skinned girl smiled as she stopped in front of the small group. "Atem...Mahado...needs to see you. Something about...umm...something?" Mana shrugged catching her breath, "He sent me to find you. Hello Seto."

"Mana," Seto greeted nodding slightly.

"Seto can you show him the throne room before taking him to the Medjai wing?" Atem asked one of his priests needed him.

"Of course Atem," Seto answered he had nothing that needed attending to right now.

"Thank you. I will see you both tomorrow," Atem smiled before walking off with the bubbly girl.

Jounouchi watched Seto shake his head, "That girl is just too happy," Seto muttered softly he liked her well enough but sometimes.

"Yeah but she seems sweet," Jounouchi commented before he realized the words were out of his mouth.

Seto nodded, "She is. Come."

Jounouchi fell in beside the priest again watching him as he moved, "So who's this Mahado guy?"

"He is the holder of the Sennen Ring," Seto answered simply.

"A ring huh? So he's a priest to?" Jounouchi asked without thinking that he had to be to have a Sennen Item.

Seto nodded absently, "Yes," came his short reply.

Jounouchi frowned slightly, "Am I annoying you?"

Seto stopped turning, "What?"

Jounouchi looked down, "You just seemed distracted is that my fault?" 'What am I saying? Thoth help me?'

"I was just thinking about how funny it will be watching you try to play Medjai," Seto answered he had not been annoyed.

Jounouchi growled, "Excuse me?"

"Nothing I was only thinking aloud," Seto commented dismissively.

"Do you insult everyone?" Jounouchi demanded once again becoming fed up with the sapphire clad beauty.

Seto was quite for a moment fingers curled around his chin before nodding, "Yes actually."

"Oh and here I thought I was special," Jounouchi muttered.

Seto laughed, "You may just survive tomorrow. I shall pray for you."

Jounouchi smirked at him, "Oh thanks so much...big help there."

"Seto who is this?" A woman asked walking up to them a gold necklace around her dark throat.

"Isis this is Jounouchi a possible new Medjai," Seto answered.

'Nice headdress lady.' "Hello are you a priest to?" Jounouchi asked she seemed nice enough.

Isis smiled placing a hand on her item, "Yes I can see through the mists of time."

"Really! How?" Jounouchi asked curiosity getting the better of him.

"Why with my Item of course," Isis answered as if that answered it all before turning to her fellow priest, " Seto have you seen Atem?"

"He is with Mahado," Seto informed since that was all he knew.

"Ah...thank you. May the gods guide you Jounouchi," Isis said with a smile before walking off.

"Thanks!" Jounouchi called, "I never knew you priest had such amazing powers! What can you do? Kill people with a glare?"

Seto sneered, "Only when I am angered." Jounouchi swallowed not sure if he was joking or not. "Come your friend must be worried about you."

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Jounouchi sighed watching Seto walk off from his door way, "Jou what are you looking at?" Honda asked curious.

"Just a serpent," Jounouchi answered not turning.

"Ah you mean Seto?" Honda asked smiling at his friend.

"Honda!" Jounouchi squeaked turning.

"He is very beautiful but he is also very cold," Honda cautioned, "Mahado is just serious but Seto is just cold sometimes to his fellow priests. He can be short with Atem but usually they get along the only ones he is always patient with are Mana and Mokuba."

"Who's Mokuba?" Jounouchi asked sitting down on the cot across form Honda's hands folded between his knees. Mana he had already meet and he could see why it would be hard to stay mad at her but the other M he had not heard of yet.

"His little brother," Honda answered Mokuba was a good kid.

"Brother!" Jounouchi asked surprised.

"Complete opposites, though Mokuba will be just as beautiful when he grows up. Atem just seems to draw those kind of people to him," Honda commented.

Jounouchi sighed, "Well Seto seems to think I'm some joke."

"Then prove him wrong. He respects skill," Honda informed him.

Jounouchi perked up a little, "You mean beat all the other guys asses?"

"That could work," Honda admitted before frowning, "A word of advice my friend just like a serpent he could attack you at any moment."

Jounouchi nodded, "Words I can handle Honda. How did you know?"

"The way you stared," Honda answered, "With Atem it was awe and a little bit of fear but Seto it was awe and something like longing."

"He confuses me. One moment I enjoy his company the next I want to strangle him," Jounouchi admitted frustrated.

Honda smiled he knew the feeling though not with Seto, "He has that effect on people. I over heard Mahado tell Isis he thinks Seto is overly defensive because of his childhood. He grew up always having to be alert just like us."

"Maybe that is why I'm drawn to him?" Jounouchi suggested thinking out loud.

"That or the fact he is gorgeous and most likely unattainable to all but Atem," Honda teased.

"Oh shut up!" Jounouchi muttered throwing a pillow at him. Honda laughed throwing it back at him before leaping at him his own pillow in hand.

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"Seto what are you looking at?" Mokuba asked his stargazing elder brother.

"Just the stars," Seto answered softly chin in his hands an absent smile on his lips.

Mokuba sat down on the bed beside his brother, "And the smile?"

"Atem's newest soon to be Medjai. He intrigues me," Seto admitted absently.

"Oh?" Mokuba asked lying down on his stomach as well chin in his hands.

Seto sighed softly he had few answers for his younger brother, "I do not really know why."

"He sounds interesting," Mokuba commented he wanted to know more.

Seto frowned, "He's an unmannered Mutt from Abydos."

"So what does that matter? Atem has collected quite a few misfits," Mokuba rested his cheek on Seto's shoulder, "Including us."

Seto sighed, "Must you always be right?"

Mokuba smiled, "I learned from you Seto. Can I meet this Mutt later?"

"If he survives the test then yes Moki you may meet the Mutt," Seto promised.

Mokuba smiled snuggling up against his brother, "Thank you Seto."

Seto smiled before kissing his younger bother's soft night akin main, "For you anything." 'Help this Jounouchi pass his test he seems…amusing.'

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NOWHERE is it written that either Jounouchi or Atem were born in Abydos. That is an illusion to Yami's God card whose Japanese name is The Saint Dragon of Osiris and it links the future two best friends together.

As for Mana her personally is taken from Fan Arts, Images, and the Dark Magician Girl if I am mistaken forgive me, Mahado's personally as well. Expect most, if not all, of the future gumi to show up somewhere. Feel free to give me suggestions in your reviews. I do like to give the fans what they want.

This is once again for Demented Marik my best friend both on and off line.

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