I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh! Only the nameless people are mine.

Chapter One- The Prediction

The six priests of Atem's sacred court were gathered around the tower room, a fire crackling way in the center. Isis sat before the fire, eyes closed, and her hands on either side of the Millennium Necklace. Shad and Kalim stood on the side closest to where the room opened up to the outside, revealing a calm night and a star strewn sky. Seto and Aknadin were sitting opposite them, both in meditative states. Mahad observed his friends' actions before glancing at Isis on his left. His friendship with her was a long one but not as long as his friendship with the pharaoh. However, lately he had found himself spending more time with her and even having dreams about her but not in a sexual way. I think I might be in love with her. I just have to tell her about it.

Suddenly, the Millennium Necklace glowed brightly and Isis' eyes flew open with shock and she gasped in absolute fear. Her actions naturally drew everyone's attention.

"Isis, what is it?" Aknadin asked.

"Darkness," she breathed. "The kingdom shrouded in darkness and ruled by fear and evil."

"Can you identify the source? Maybe even the enemy?" Mahad gently prodded.

"The source. The source is the Shadow Realm itself. The enemy will come from within; consumed by darkness. Our pharaoh's reign will come to an end."

The men exchanged looks before Seto said, "The pharaoh must be informed of this."

"Agreed," Kalim said. "But let him sleep for now. We should all get some sleep."

At this, a round of stifled yawns swept the room. Smiles and chuckles were shared before the group left the tower and descended into the palace. One by one, each guardian retired to their chambers, save for Mahad and Isis the former escorting the latter to her chambers.

"This wasn't necessary, Mahad but I do appreciate the gesture," she said at the doorway.

"It was my pleasure. Isis, I have something to tell you. I believe I am in love with you. We have known each other for some time and I would like to spend my life with you."

"Mahad," she said, cheeks reddening. She was flattered by his words; enjoyed his company, felt a connection to him that was different from the others. "I think I love you too. I'm glad you told me. Let us talk of it more tomorrow." She kissed his cheek before disappearing into her room.

Mahad smiled as he headed for his room. His confession had gone well and he and Isis would discuss it tomorrow. He felt so light-hearted that he put the earlier ominous prediction to the back of his mind. Who cared about a darkness when the woman he loved accepted his affections?

Isis smiled as she laid in bed. She never dreamed anyone would admit feelings for her, much less her dear friend Mahad. The man was so dedicated to studying magic, teaching student, and providing security for the palace, the city, and the tombs that she hadn't considered that he would be interested in anything else. Clearly I was wrong and I look forward to talking to him. I also hope I was wrong about what I saw tonight with the Necklace. She rolled onto her side and was instantly asleep.

Atem's brows furrowed at Isis' report. "A darkness, you say? That is serious. Mahad, we must seek out any criminal activity no matter how small and lock them away."

"Yes, my pharaoh. I'll begin the patrols at once." Mahad bowed and left the room, eager to make the kingdom safer. No darkness with extinguish the light of hope and peace we have in this kingdom.

He regarded the troops before him before saying, "We are to search the city for any criminal activity, no matter how small. There is a dark threat on the horizon and pharaoh has ordered a thorough search."

The guards raised their spears and swore to protect the pharaoh and the city before Mahad split them into units and sending them out into the city, telling them to search every corner before leading the group assigned to searching the marketplace. His eyes scanned left and right, seeing nothing but the people going about their business. They parted before him and the guards as was to be expected.

The Millennium Ring then lit up and pointed straight ahead. Mahad looked ahead to see a figure in a dark robe and hood. His eyes glowed red from within the depths of the hood before the robe parted and a spear hurtled through the air toward the magician.

The flash of a sword flew downward and knocked the spear to the ground in front of Mahad, courtesy of the guard beside him. Mahad glared at the hooded figure before pointing at him and saying, "Seize him." Two guards came forward, taking the man, and pinning his arms behind him while two more pointed their spears at him. "Take him to the dungeon," Mahad ordered.

The man's eyes were now black and as he passed Mahad, his eyes seemed to bore their way into Mahad's brown ones and the priest felt an unexplainable chill go down his spine. Then the moment passed and he led his unit to resume their patrol.

"The patrol went well, my pharaoh," Mahad reported some time later. "The cells are nearly full and the prisoners are secure."

"Very good. We will judge them tomorrow before patrolling again. Again, well done."

"Thank you." Mahad bowed and left for the courtyard where he found Isis sitting on one side of the pool. Well, of course, he though. We made arrangements to meet here as we headed for the Throne Room this morning.

"All went well?" Isis asked as he sat beside her.

"Oh, yes. We will be doing a fair amount of judging tomorrow morning."

"I'll be certain to get plenty of rest."

"As will I. I plan to go down to the dungeons tomorrow to assess which ones need to be judged first." Mahad frowned as he recalled his odd encounter.

"Mahad? What is it?"

"I encountered an odd man in the marketplace. He wore a black robe with a hood and his eyes were a glowing red. He then hurled a spear at me but it was intercepted by a guard's sword. As he was being taken away, his eyes were black and they seemed to bore their way into my eyes, perhaps even my soul. I felt a chill go down my spine from the encounter."

"Of course. I get that feeling just from listening to you describe it." Isis shivered slightly.

"Well, he'll be one of the first to be judged as attempting to assault a priest is just as serious a crime as attacking the pharaoh."

"Indeed it is. I am relieved that you are unharmed, considering how I feel about you."

"You said you think you love me last night. What about now?"

"I've had all morning to think about it. I admire you dedication to your duties and magic. I would consider myself lucky if you showed that same dedication to me."

"The same dedication," he repeated. He nodded. "Yes." He took her hand. "Isis, I promise to always protect and love you. I would give my life to save yours just as I would for the pharaoh."

Isis' eyes sparkled at his words. He vowed to love and protect her. That was exactly the level of dedication she had been hoping for. Since he was still holding her hand, she put her free one on his hand. "Mahad that was just what I was hoping to hear. I am touched by your words. I love you."

"Wonderful. What would you say to a walk around the courtyard while we talk?" he asked as they stood up.

"Sounds perfect," she answered.