Chapter Two

The next day arrived and the young mage found himself with nothing to do. Mahaado decided to make his way around the palace. If he was going to live in such a place, than he better know his way around.

The palace was built on top of a large hill that was flattened to serve the purpose of holding the monumental structure. The palace main gates faced towards the city below. A large stair structure was the connection between the Royal Family and the citizens of the kingdom. The palace itself was built with white marble and fine oak wood. It was large and complex with many long hallways and hundreds of rooms. It consisted of two large gardens that were filled to the brink with flowers, and two large water fountains. One garden was for the Palace to use as they seem fit, the other a private one that only the Pharaoh and his wife had access too. Mahaado walked slowly, taking in the structure when a single thought crossed his mind.

"I wonder how many people it took to build such a place." He wondered aloud.

"It's best not knowing." A voice said behind him.

Mahaado turned around and found himself face to face with Priest Karimu. The younger of the twins had a smile on his face.

"Hi." He said casually.

"Hi." Mahaado returned quietly, trying to figure this mans intentions.

"Getting a feel for the place?"

"Am I that obvious?"

Karimu shrugged and grinned.

"Want me to give you the grand tour? I might be able to show you some of the more interesting things that this place can offer." The young man explained with a knowing grin on his young face.

"Sure better to see it from someone who actually knows where they're going. I sure don't have a clue."

"Oh, it's okay. My first time here was before the Prince was born. I got lost and accidentally walked in on the Pharaoh and his wife…well while they were making the Prince." Karimu blushed brightly at this.

Mahaado looked at him closely and then began to laugh, and continued to laugh even after Karimu glared at him and shoved him to the ground.

"It's not funny!" He snapped.

"Yes it is! My word, what did the Pharaoh say when he saw you?"

"He didn't notice me. I was gone in a second from when I walked in."

"Yes…" Mahaado said nodding his head. "That's a very good thing. But I am to believe that he was pretty preoccupied to even notice your presence."

He then broke off laughing again, in which Karimu joined in on. The young Priest reached down and pulled the magician to his feet. They two grinned at each other and began to make their way down the hallway.

"So what amazing things dose this place has to offer?" Mahaado question, bringing the pair back to their earlier discussion.

"Not much, once you get use to it. After a while, it gets pretty boring." Karimu admitted with a sheepish look on his face.

"Well that's too bad."

Karimu shrugged and led him down to the kitchen. Once there, the jokester opened the doors and stepped in. Mahaado followed and was introduced to the sight of tons of servants rushing around. A handful of them were standing by stoves cooking what was to be their lunch.

"This is the most important room in the whole palace." Karimu explained with a smirk. It was obvious this place was a common ground to Karimu.

"But of course!" The Magician agreed with a smirk of his own.

"If you ever feel the need to make friends with any of the servants, pick these ones."

Mahaado merely nodded his head and looked to watch some female slaves run by with platters of desserts. He observed it and smiled in approval.

"Smells like another great meal." He called to them with a smile.

One of them noticed him and gave a low bow.

"Thank you Priest Mahaado."

He bowed back and smiled widely. At this point Karimu grabbed him by the arm and dragged him out of the room. The two of them next made their way to the library where they met Akunadin. The older man was standing on a high stool reaching for a thick book. They decided to let him be when the books started to fall to the ground. Akunadin was the type that you didn't want to be in the same room of if he was angry.

The next place they went was the royal garden. Mahaado was looking up at one of the trees when Karimu nudged him on the arm. The mage turned and watched as a disgruntled Shadi quickly made his way towards them. He stopped short in front of them and leaned on his legs as he caught his panting breath.

"Have any of you seen the Prince? We were in the middle of our lesson when he was able to sneak out of the room while my back was turned. I can't find him anywhere!"

Karimu paused for a good moment before a wide eyed expression appeared on his face. "You lost the Prince?"

"Do not mock me!" Shadi snapped angrily.

"Mock? I wouldn't dream of it dear brother. Tell me, what are you planning on doing?"

"You are going to help me find him."

"And if I say no?"

"You better or else I will make sure you are eating scraps for the next few days."

"Alright, alright I'll help you!"

Shadi gave a low bow before running off again. Karimu gave another sigh and turned to Mahaado.

"Well I guess this concludes the tour. Sorry." Karimu said with a smile. "I can't allow my food to be threatened like that."

"That's okay; I'll just walk around by myself. If I remember not to walk into any unmarked bedrooms then I'll be fine."

Karimu glared at him and shook his head.

"I'll get you for that jerk." He said darkly, but Mahaado could tell that he was joking.

"I'll be waiting." Was all Mahaado said.

The twin gave a wink, and took off running after his brother. The magician just stood there and watched him go before he turned to continue the tour. He decided just to stay in the garden and enjoy the sun. It was rare that the days are as lovely as this.

"Besides, how much trouble could one get in the garden?" He questioned aloud.

The journey though the garden was peaceful and for the most part uneventful. It seemed most of the palace residents were inside doing their own thing and that was probably where Mahaado should go next. He was about to head in when he was passing by the large fountain in the middle of the garden. A soft melodic voice met his ears and he was surprised how lovely the sound was. Slowly, as to not surprise his mysterious vocalist, he made his way around the fountain to find the singer. What he saw surprised him greatly.

Sitting on the edge of the fountain was the Priestess Aishisu. She was leaning over the fountain end with one hand dipped in the cool water below. She watched with a serene expression on her face as the water rippled around her small hand. Her voice rang out like bells as she softly sang. Mahaado slowly made his way towards her, hypnotized by her voice. At one point, she paused her singing and sighed.

"Please don't stop." Mahaado said without thinking.

Aishisu gave a small shrike and spun around. She was about to fall into the water when two strong arms wrapped themselves around her waist and held her tight.

Surprised that she wasn't soaked from the water, she slowly opened her eyes and found herself staring into a pair of deep blue eyes. She blushed and realized it was Mahaado that was holding her. She gazed at him shyly.

"Um…thanks…" She whispered to him.

He blushed and let her go, once she was comfortable again. The two stared at each other before Mahaado got his voice back.

"I'm sorry about surprising you." He said quietly.

She blushed again.

"Oh…it's quite alright."

"Will you…will you start singing again?" He asked blushing. There was something about that voice that compelled him to hear it again.

She blushed as well and opened her mouth. As she sang, again he sat down next to her and listened. He was in love with her voice. It was as simple as that. It was soothing and seemed to ease any fear he had. She smiled over at him and he smiled back. This caused her to break the singing because she started to laugh. He gave her a peculiar look.

"What's so funny? If I may ask." The young man asked confused.

"I'm sorry." She said between giggles. "It's just that your one of the first people I've sang to in a long time."

"You have a beautiful voice." He commented sincerely.

She blushed brightly and bowed to him. A small smile lingered on her face.

"I thank you. I'm glad that my voice brings happiness to others for once."

The two were smiling at each other when there was a rustle in the bush next to them. Aishisu gave a small gasp of fright as Mahaado jumped to his feet. His blue eyes glared darkly and his Millennium Ring began to lightly glow at the thought of an enemy.

"Who goes there? Show yourself or else!" He called out.

"Whoa! I come in peace! I swear." The voice called out in alarm. A voice that sounded very familiar to the two.

"Prince Atemu?" They both called out at the same time.

There was movement of a person and the two Priests stared in shock as the young Prince Atemu stepped into view. His hair was slightly messy and his clothes had leaves and branches sticking to it from his hiding. A hand was behind his head and he had a sheepish grin on his young noble face. They recovered from their shock in a minute and dropped to the ground to bow. The young prince waved his hands and laughed.

"Please, no formal crap. I don't want to get caught."

"Whom are you hiding from?" Aishisu asked curiously.

"Shadi I bet." Mahaado said with a smirk.

The two looked at him in surprise.

"He was here earlier looking for you."

The prince groaned and sat on the edge of the fountain. Placing his arms in his lap he lightly swung his feet back and forth.

"I am supposed to be studying right now on how to become a better Pharaoh. However, Priest Shadi is so boring and it is too nice to be inside. Priest Karimu use to be my tutor but we never got anything done. Father appointed Shadi then." The prince explained with a sigh.

Mahaado grinned at the thought of Karimu being a teacher. It was a funny image indeed for the magician.

"So what brought you to the fountain?" He asked curiously.

The prince blushed and looked shyly at Aishisu.

"I was passing by when I heard this beautiful singing. I followed the hypnotic voice here."

Aishisu blushed at all of the compliments that she was getting and bowed her head.

"Thank you, my young prince. Mahaado? Will you keep an eye on him whole I go and find Shadi and Karimu?" She questioned, starting to walk away.

"Sure thing!" Mahaado called out.

The two watched as she made her way out of the garden. Once she was gone, Prince Atemu spoke.

"You like her." He said with a smirk.

"I have no idea what you are speaking of My Prince." Mahaado said without looking down.

"Yes you do! It's written all over your face."

"You like her too."

"I do not!" The prince yelled defensively.

"Yes you do! 'I followed the beautiful voice here.' Its so obvious."

"I said its hypnotic voice!"

"Ha! See!"

"…"

"I told you so!"

"You won't tell her will you?" The prince asked shyly.

Mahaado looked down at the blushing prince and smiled.

"I'll keep your secret if you keep mine."

"Deal!"

The two shook hands, sealing the promise between them and grinned. At that moment, Aishisu returned with the panting Shadi and Karimu. Once they saw the prince, Shadi jumped forward and grabbed the collar of his robe.

"There you are Prince Atemu! You still have a lesson to finish."

"NO! I do not want to! I could care less how my Great Uncle Yami saved his kingdom from evil bandits with only his dinner utensils! You are so boring! Priest Mahaado! Help me!" The prince yelled loudly.

Mahaado laughed as the prince was practically dragged away by Shadi.

"I'm sorry my prince, but its probable best that you go." He called out.

"NO!" The prince screamed.

The three watched until the screaming prince was completely gone before they headed in themselves.

"Well some day it has been." Karimu said when they entered the palace.

"Yes there have been many interesting surprises moments today." Mahaado said smiling.

He turned and looked at Aishisu who blushed and looked away. Karimu watched this curiously.

"What did I miss?"

"Nothing interesting."

"Liar."

Mahaado just grinned at this and walked away.