Akefia, Amara, and I were out riding our horses in the desert. They were my cousins; our mothers were sisters. Akefia and Amara shared a horse, while I rode my own. We were on our way back to the village, and stopped at the cliff. The village was covered in smoke, and we could see fire all over. Horses were running about wildly, and we could hear our people screaming, though we couldn't see anyone.

Akefia told Amara and I to stay put while he went to look for our families. Amara left only a moment later to search herself, even though I tried to keep her with me. As Amara disappeared into the smoke, soldiers came up the cliff pathway. Royal soldiers, belonging to the Pharaoh. Why, why would they do this to us?

I ran. I knew that, if the Pharaoh was behind this, none would escape. We were a village of thieves, after all. As I ran, I tried to look for Akefia and Amara, but they were nowhere to be found. I knew from my mother that there was an oasis ten miles east of Kul Elna, and I would be safe there. I ran as far as I could into the desert before collapsing.

"I had been out there to retrieve a runaway genin. I knew I was closing in, and then I saw a figure in the sand. I ran over to investigate, and found Shinju, though that wasn't her name at the time. She was breathing, but unconscious. I decided to take her with me. As I started back to my base camp, I found the genin dead. I disposed of him, and continued on with Shinju back to the elemental countries.

"We got back here, and I sent Gamakichi to sensei, Hokage-sama to you, and stayed with Shinju while she recovered. When she awoke and told me her story, I knew I would adopt her. We travelled around a bit, before deciding to build this house, where Shinju would live. I had to return to the village, and Shinju wanted to be close to the desert, her original home."

"Wow, what a story Jiraiya-sama!" Shizuuka looked at Shinju in awe.

"Did you ever find your family again Shinju?" Sasuke had a curious look on his face. Shinju gave a sad smile as she shook her head.

"No, not yet."

The Pharaoh sat on his throne waiting for the strangers to arrive. The priests, sans Bakura, stood at the bottom of the throne, staring at the door. Isis was trying to receive another vision from the Millennium Necklace, without much success. Bakura was leaning against the wall with his eyes closed. Mahado stood against the opposite wall with Mana. Shimon stood behind the throne on the right.

Suddenly, the door opened and Marik walked in, bowing before the throne. "My Pharaoh, the strangers have arrived."

"Show them in Marik." Honda stood and went back to the door. He poked his head outside and motioned for the people outside to come in. They were the strangest group of people anyone in Egypt had seen. There were five males and four females, and one of the females was a young girl. She was held in the arms of a blond man with black scars on his cheeks. He appeared to be the leader. Each person was dressed in bright colors, very unlike the white and cream tunics of the locals.

Marik bowed before the throne, and the strangers followed. "My Pharaoh, I have brought them as you said. May I present Uzumaki Naruto and his group." With that, Marik stepped back and out of the way. He was anxious to see how the Pharaoh and the priests reacted to the strangers. Many of these foreigners could pass as priests and guards. Ra above, one could even pass as the Pharaoh's sister, they were so alike visually!

Pharaoh Atem had seen foreigners before. He had to, in order to deal with trade agreements and the like. But never before had he seen such strange foreigners. By the Gods, one looked just like him! Well, if he were a girl anyway. Another of the strangers looked like he could pass as a brother to Marik, and one of the other females looked so similar to Bakura, it was frightening! All nine had an aura about them that told of hardship and danger, much like Bakura when he was still the Thief King.

There are a great many tales of the fantastic feats these foreigners are supposed to be able to do. If they can do even half of the rumored abilities, they would be a great asset to Egypt. If they were not to be trusted, however, then they could bring just as much harm. Atem decided it was time to stand and face the group.

"Greetings, and welcome to Egypt. Where do you hail from, travelers?" The blond with the scars on his cheeks stepped forward, confirming that he was the leader. So, he must be Uzumaki Naruto.

"Great Pharaoh, we hail from far to the East, in a land known as the Elemental Nations. We have all left our homes to escape persecution. Most of our villages hate and despise us for something we have no control over. We simply seek a home, a place where we can live and be free without being hated unnecessarily." As Uzumaki spoke, he seemed tense, and the Pharaoh realized how exhausted they all must be. The Pharaoh took pity on him and hurried the questioning.

"And what would you do if you lived here?"

"Ryou," here Uzumaki pointed to the Bakura look-alike "is a healer, a doctor. Jounochi," Uzumaki now pointed to a blond with amber eyes and a single black mark on his right cheek "is a veterinarian, a doctor for animals. He can do that or fight. The rest of us are all fighters and warriors. We could do anything you ask of us."

Isis stepped forward in surprise. "Even the young one?" Uzumaki tenses at her tone.

"No, not yet. She is too young and has barely begun her training. In a few years, maybe. For now, she would stay with Ryou if we were out fighting. We want her to have the childhood that we never had." This time, it is Seth who steps forward, his angry scowl ever present on his face.

"What do you mean by that?" At this, Uzumaki gave a grin. A grin that stretched across his face and sent chills down everyone's spines.

"That's very personal information, Priest. Perhaps one day, if you gain our trust, we will tell you. For now, that information is classified. End of topic."

"Even if we cannot make our homes here," began the white-haired female, Ryou Atem's mind supplied "we ask for a few days to rest and recover. Ningyo is sick and she needs rest to get better." Atem looked over the group once more. Their weary faces cemented his decision.

"You may stay for a few days. If, at the end of one week, we feel we can trust you, then you may stay permanently. Marik." The guard stood at full attention, awaiting his orders. "Take our guests to the open rooms in the south wing. Give them two rooms; one for the women, and one for the men." Marik bowed to the Pharaoh.

"Yes my Pharaoh. It shall be done." Marik motioned for the group to come with him. "Follow me."

OMG I'm not dead! I'm so sorry everyone! Life got really hard there for a while. I want to thank everyone who stuck by me, even though it's been a year since my last update. Unfortunately, real life comes first in these situations. That, and I really had no passion for writing for a while. It was the biggest case of writers block in my recorded history. I've rekindled my passion for writing, and writing this story specifically. I promise to update as fast as possible, but no guarantees on a time frame. The next chapter is actually already written, it just needs to be typed up. So look for that to come in the next week or so. Sayonara!

Shinigami Seniade out!