Disclaimer: I don't own Yugioh. I'm not an evil mad scientist either, so, quit trying to hire me peoples!!! @____@

AnimeFan: Sorry I haven't updated in a while. My mother dragged me to DisneyLand and since I don't have a lap top I couldn't write anymore chapters to this story. So, I'm posting this chapter at once to repay for the inconvenience! ^-^ Forgive me peeps!

Chibi Seto: You still need to write a chapter for Behind the Veil and start working on the sequel to Key to Your Heart as well, Miss AnimeFan.

AnimeFan: (pats little chibi on head) I know, I know... Here I swore that I wouldn't go and try to type five stories at once and yet I did. Damn. -____-' I really need to work on my resolutions. Bye the way, Happy New Year everyone!!! ^-^ Ok, now I'll shut up and get back to the chapters before I wear out you peeps patience again. lol

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Chapter 8 -- A Change of Heart



"Hey! What's a friend for? See ya later, hopefully not for any bad reasons though."

"Bye."

Setoek waved to Jono one last time before turning and heading in the direction of the Shadow Realm. It wasn't far from Lower Egypt so it would only take a normal group of humans a day or two to get there. He was not going there though, just close enough between the borders of the two lands to call Kenori to him. The brunette walked slowly at first, taking his time to examine the many houses and stores along the way of the dusty road. What would this all look like if the war was over. It would probably be the same if the humans won, the houses and stores would be full of Mons if the Mons won, but what if the Rebels won...would things be better or worse. Setoek wished he could speak to one of the Muses, but he was here in the Lower Kingdom instead of their in the Shadow Realm lands. He could always keep going, return to his village and never think twice about it. No, he loved the prince to much to abandon him like that...even if Ouiji beat him for the rest of his life. Oh why did the goddess Isis curse him with this loyalty.

The lightly tanned colors of the sand dunes greeted him as he left the shelter of the houses to stand before the barren desert that separated the two kingdoms. Setoek smiled to himself, remembering the times he used to run off to explore these sands with his friends. It was not far from here, near an oasis, that he had discovered the crystal orb he now wore around his neck. It had not been long ago, when he had fought a sand dragon to protect his friends and discovered something within him...something he never wanted to call upon again. If Ouiji was to find out about this...what he had discovered...Ouiji would surely become obsessed with it. Humans are easily waned be greed and power. After that battle long ago, Setoek had sworn to never fight again...for fear that what he found would resurface and destroy everything.

That's why I can't fight...Ouiji... Setoek closed his eyes for a moment, just enjoying the feel of the sun on his skin and the light breeze that ruffled his hair along with the sand. After a few minutes he reached into his pocket and drew from it the summoning card of his dearest friend. Once again he threw it, spinning, into the air and cried as loud as he could, Kenori!! Come to me my friend! Bright white light showered out of the card and, with a roar, Kenori sprang from the light to land gracefully at Setoek's feet. The brunette smiled and stroked the great beast's nose gently. Kenori purred loudly and nuzzled close to him, love and worry shining in those brilliant blue eyes. They had been friends since childhood, ever since the day Setoek found her with a broken wing and nursed her back to health.

Kenori...I'm so afraid of going back, but I can't leave Ouiji. I need him, you understand...don't you? The white armored dragon nodded and shrank down to its second to smallest size. Setoek let the dragon land on his shoulder and nip at his ear playfully. The brunette smiled and stroked her neck at the display of affection, I knew you would, my dear friend. You've always understood me.

What a beautiful dragon...her blue eyes are almost as gorgeous as yours, mage.

Setoek froze where he stood as a familiar voice drifted from behind him. He turned around slowly and came face to face with the first and last person he ever wanted to see again in his life. Ouiji. The spiky haired prince smiled up at him sweetly and reached out to stroke Kenori's neck in awe. Tell me, is this wonderful monster a friend of yours or did you just find her? Unable to move or take his eyes off the prince, Setoek wasn't sure what to say. Why was his master being so...nice? I...she...we've been friends since we were...um...kids...er...little I mean. Ouiji pulled back and smiled up him again, a hint of worry in his eyes, Were you planing on running away? Is that why you're here at the borders of my father's kingdom?

No master. I would not go against your orders to not leave the kingdom. I was just stopping here to speak with Kenori, master.

Setoek tried to not stare when he noticed Ouiji wince slightly as he called him master. The prince seemed to stare off into space, delving into his own thoughts. He was finally able to get a closer look at his prince. Something was out of place...different then before. Had his prince got a hair cut or something, he couldn't figure out what was suddenly wrong. Maybe it was because Ouiji hadn't scowled at him, hit him, or anything like he had been doing lately. Ouiji finally snapped out of his thoughts, giving Setoek a royal smirk, I do remember telling you not to leave the gates of my kingdom. Yet, here you are and there the gates are...how did you get past the guards unnoticed?

Setoek laughed nervously and shifted where he stood. In all truth, he couldn't remember how he had gotten past the guards. He had been so into his thoughts that he hadn't even noticed that he had walked through and beyond the gates and he told his amber-eyed lover just that. Ouiji took a relaxed stance and thought this over, frowning slightly after a while, Damn those guards. No one should get past the gates without clearance. I'll have to speak with my father about this lack of duty.

He was now very skittish. Master Ouiji still hadn't snapped at him or hit him and this knowledge was really racking at his nerves. Oh well, might as well get this over with. Setoek bowed his head in complete sign of surrender and winced, waiting for Ouiji to just get it over with. The prince blinked slightly, surprised by this sudden strange move by his mage but soon got the gist of why he had done it. Setoek thought he was stalling in hitting him. Damnit. The brunette blinked in complete shock when, instead of hitting him, the other pulled him into a hug and placed a few eager kisses to his lips. I'm sorry for how I've acted, Setoek. I've been unjustly cruel to you...please forgive me and come back home.

What could he say...what should he do? Ouiji was holding him and asking him to return to the palace...he was even apologizing! Was this some cruel trick or was it true...was his prince serious? He wasn't sure but Ouiji's soft yet eager kisses were becoming harder and harder to resist. Not to mention the hand that had taken to roaming the expanse of his chest, tweaking his tightening nipple every time it passed. Wait though...he pulled away slightly and gazed at the other fearfully. Ouiji blinked and met his gaze with a confused look,

How do I know this isn't just some trick of yours to get me into bed? Then you'll ravish me or whatever then just go back to beating me!

You don't...like I didn't know whether you were spying on me or not... you must trust that what I say is true like I must trust that what you say is also just as true.

Good point. Setoek bowed his head slightly and kicked at the sand. He wanted to go back with Ouiji so desperately. He wanted to be in those arms...but, it was hard to tell whether the other was lying or not. So this was how it must of felt for his prince when he learned that Setoek was a rebel. Oh... Setoek, why don't we walk together back to the palace and on the way you can tell me all about the Rebels. What their goal is and all. Are they really after peace like the rumors say? I'm thinking of maybe...joining...them. Setoek shifted uncomfortably but when he looked into his love's amber eyes he say no hidden intentions, just pure sincerity. Maybe his running off shook some since into the prince...maybe. Setoek nodded his head timidly and they started off towards the palace with Ouiji's arm wrapped possessively around his waist and Kenori asleep on his head.

Humans are weird...

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AnimeFan: ^-^ See, I told you Ouiji was gonna stop being mean to Setoek. Hee hee. Kenori making an appearance. Love this. Next chapter soon, I promise this time. I'll write it tomorrow and everything. Ok, bye now everyone! Dai-onna and Solitaire and Xphne...keep up the good work with your stories!! ^-^