Hello my beautiful readers, if you're still there. I'm sorry for taking so long, but I've recently finished up two big projects, so I can devote my spare time to finishing this story. I feel terrible, although I have half a mind to put this story on permanent HIATUS, but I promised myself I would always finish my stories. I can definitely see where my writing has improved through the beginning of this story, and I can only hope to make it a smooth transition to the next part of the story I have in mind. Thank you all for baring with me, so here's the next chapter!

I lingered outside of his door, debating on ditching what was sure to be a totally awkward and embarrassing conversation. I really needed to talk to Walt- even if it meant confirming it was time for me to move on. I really hoped it wouldn't come to that. With the rest of my friends pairing off, I craved company. Someone who I didn't feel like an extra wheel with.

My decision was made for me when Walt rounded the corner and ran straight into me. "Oh! Sadie, were you waiting for me?" He asked politely, which did absolutely nothing to help stem the awkwardness.

"Y-yeah, but if you're busy, I could come back later." I stuttered without thinking, and my cursed myself silently. I wasn't Carter; I was blunt and to the point. If I didn't get this out of the way now, I'd chicken out for good.

"It's alright. My next class isn't for another hour." He smiled apologetically, his white teeth contrasting sharply against his dark skin. I mentally shook myself. I needed every last drop of my concentration if I wanted this to go decently.

"Look, I know this is a... Uncomfortable topic, but where do we stand? Things obviously aren't the same as before we defeated Apophis, and I need to know... I-I just need to know." I finished shakily. My palms were drenched in sweat and quaked slightly. This was harder than I thought.

Walt dropped his cheery facade and wrung his hands. "Honesty, I don't even know. Everything is just so confusing. It's literally like having two souls inside one body. You understand, don't you?" He pleaded. "At times, I can't distinguish what he's feeling and what I'm feeling. I do know one thing for sure. He has these intense feelings for you. It's almost obsessive, and it scares the bajeezus out of me." He finished in a rush.

I felt the blood bloom across my cheeks. "Anubis really feels that way? What about you?"

"Like I said, I'm not sure. I thought I liked you, but that was before I had someone else occupying a space in my head. I'm not ready for whatever he's feeling; we're still kids."

"So you're just going to ignore me?" I gaped.

"It makes it awkward, Sadie. I'm not ready. It's not you; it's me. I'm sorry." There was that apologetic smile again. He gently brushed past me and continued on his way. " I really hope you find a way to understand."

I watched in frustration as he walked away. I still didn't know what our relationship was, although I could definitely say it wasn't romantic. I glanced down ar my watch. It was already nine-thirty at night, and I felt exhausted. I didn't care what Carter would think; I was ditching his late-night astronomy class. He'd probably be so wrapped up in Zia that he wouldn't even notice I was gone.

Again, it stuck me as to how many of my friends were suddenly in relationships. Carter and Zia, Bes and Tawaret, and soon to be Walt and Jaz. Even Bast had started seeing her old 'friend' Ptah again.

I reached my room, and flung the door open in a huff. A small note was folded on my bed, and my curiosity demanded that it be immediately opened. I ripped the small ribbon holding it shut and hastily read its contents.

Anubis says he'd like to speak to you tonight. He'll visit in a dream. From what I can tell, it's pretty important. -Walt

I had half a mind to toss the note, but with a grudging scowl, I put it on my nightstand. I perked up slightly. Finally! I'm going to get some answers! I thought gleefully. I rushed through my shower, and was certain to discard my usual pillow that was supposed to keep my soul anchored and deities out of my mind (not that it worked) and replaced it with my favorite down pillow.

I awoke in one of my favorite places. A ghostly outline of New Orleans shimmered in my room, and Anubis was standing by my door.

I jumped out of bed, thankful I had worn my pair of nice, flannel button ups rather than sweats and an old T-shirt.

"What took you so long?!" I smacked his arm angrily.

"Err, Walt was at his class and he had to be as-"

I cut him off. "Not to get here! What took you so long to contact me?"

"I tried." He protested. "Walt wouldn't listen to me, or say what I asked."

"And what exactly changed his mind?" I demanded.

"You confronted him." His mouth pulled into that annoying smirk I had missed so much. "It convinced him he was hurting you by ignoring you. As strange as he acts, he does care about you. I tried telling him that the Lady Kan-"

"Sadie. My name is Sadie." I cut him off again.

"Ehem, I tried telling him that you weren't a patient girl, but he wouldn't listen."

"I've heard you're obsessed with me." I snickered, and it was his turn to blush.

"I'm not obsessed." He scowled. "I just like you, and would really love a chance for you to bring me up to date on modern courtship rituals." His voice lowered, and he was barely mumbling by the end, but I managed to hear every word.

"I'd be more than willing, but you're virtually trapped, unless you want to basically murder Walt. This is where we've reached an impass. " I sighed.

He yelped a little. "That reminds me, I think I might know how to cure Walt."

"You're joking!" I exclaimed in disbelief.

"Not at all, Lad- ah, Sadie. Do you remember how you cured Carter?"

"With a shabti? Yeah, I remember." It had been one of the scariest days off my life. I thought I was going to lose my brother for sure.

"It's similar to that. You'll need to create a Walt shabti, imbue it with healing and purifing spells, and speak his true name over it."

"And those healing spells are?"

He blushed again. "I'm not sure. Something like that has never been done on this scale. You're going attempt to actually correct the corrupted gene, and that is far out of my league." He spread his hands in frustration. "I wish I could be more help, but as you know, I am... Stuck, for the time being. I do know some people who could help, though, if you can convince them. Isis is the obvious first candidate, since she is the goddess of magic and healing. Next is Ma'at, daughter of Ra. Her powers of order could help."

"Wait! You're telling me Ma'at is a person?" I interjected.

He raised an eyebrow. "Of course. She's no different than Nut, Shu, and Geb. They are all the personification of things you normally consider objects, like the earth, air and sky. The objects themselves aren't the god, but that is their realm where they have complete control."

"Oh." I replied embarrassedly. I didn't think of that.

"Kebechet would also be willing to help. " he mused.

"Wait a second." That name sounded horribly familiar. "Isn't she the daughter of Anput, who's supposedly your w-"

"I'm not married." He blurted. "There was a time, back when I was only a thousand years old, that Osiris thought it would be best for me to find a bride. He picked Anput as a potential suitor, and we went on a 'date', if you will, but I didn't feel the need to peruse her further. She got upset, and started spreading rumors. We made up eventually, but the damage was already done. Kebechet was orphaned, and Anput took her in. Because of previous rumors, everyone assumed the child was mine, but I can assure you, she is not."

I didn't know whether to be angry or amused at his discomfort. Feeling generous, I settled on amused. "Alright, I guess I believe you. Anyone else who might be able to help?"

"Ptah or your friend Jaz could help with he shabti." He pitched in. "Although Anput and I have gotten over our quarrel, I would advise you to steer clear of her. She's still bitter that I didn't pick her, and it might bruise her oversized ego if she learns I've fallen for someone else."

"For once, you actually gave me enough information to go off of." I said in mock-surprise.

"Let's just say, I'm motivated to get this done quickly." He kissed the top of my forehead. "I don't know when I'll be able to visit you again. I still love your closet decorating, and goodbye."

My face flushed. I had forgotten he knew about that. "Hey! Get back here!"

His laughter still rung in my ears as I opened my eyes to the mound of my alarm. Carter had insisted I get one to try and stop my habit of sleeping in until noon.

"Five more minutes." I mumbled as I rolled over and silenced the sound, to savor the remnants of my dream.

YAY! Chapter finally done. I feel like this was out of character for some reason. Oh well. What did you guys think? I hope it wasn't too terrible. Be sure to let me know in the reviews!