V.E.: Yes, I know people, it has been AWHILE since this story has had an update. Again, other stories, lack of motivation, procrastination, I can only say the same excuses so many time but that doesn't make them any less true. Oh wait, forgot about the video games.

Well, good news is I have an outline so hopefully this won't take as long as my last update (which was mostly because of the backstory for the villains in that chapter). I guess I should get this show on the road.

Quote: "Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future."- John F. Kennedy (I feel like even though Kisara and Seto at heart are still themselves, they have changed over time in this story. Hence the quote.)

"WOW! It's beautiful!"

Kisara's cheeks were blushed with a light rose as she turned around towards her audience.

"Do you really think so?"

Mana nodded with affirmation, her deep green eyes sparkling while Mahad was nodded along with her though his smile was more toned down. Perhaps that was because of his nervousness at having Isis sitting so close to him, who also looked to be in agreement. Finally, Kiya (the only one standing) gave a sigh before she spoke her mind.

"Of course you do! That dress is perfect for you, I'm surprised the pharaoh has such a good sense for women's fashion."

Kisara looked very surprised at that bit of information.

"What?"

Kiya answered the question with a similar expression to her master.

"Wait, you mean you didn't know?"

Kisara shook her head, her face still retaining the blush.

"I just assumed it was form Lady Nephthys, aside from Atem with Neftis, she's the only one to ever send me any gifts."

Isis spoke up then.

"Oh no, though my aunt did give him your size the pharaoh picked out the dress and the color himself. The blue really does look good on you."

Kisara's face reddened a little more as she glanced down at her new dress.

It really was a pretty dress, a light blue fabric that was very fine and reached her feet. The neckline was covered by her silver neck collar and she also had her silver belt around her waist along with the pair of silver bracelets on her wrist. Her old things gave the new dress some nice touches. But there were also new additions she hadn't used before such the second pair of silver bracelets close to her elbows and silver drop earrings (a very new addition as she recently got her ears pierced). By the far, the newest thing she was trying was the matching fine white shawl/cape with a nice sized train trailing behind her.

She turned around in a circle, watching her long cape sway with her movement.

"I really do like the cape, though I don't think I could wear something like this all the time. I'd be too afraid of tripping. Though, why is it so important that I have to dress formal for the feast tonight? I'm pretty sure there isn't any festival going on."

Mahad spoke then, his voice also questioning such a thing.

"I've been wondering that too, Master Rashidi was just as silent about it."

Isis perked up, joining the conversation.

"Actually, Lady Nephthys says that the reason feast is so important is because Master Khalid's apprentice is going to make his first appearance as a Sacred Guardian!"

That seemed to catch the rest of the group unaware, Mahad voicing the shared sentiment.

"Really? You're certain?"

Isis nodded, her voice firm as she went on.

"From what I hear, the Pharaoh is going to appoint him today and present him with Khalid this evening so he can get familiar with the rest of the court. He'll be going through some lessons like the rest of us, but mostly just to get to know the ones who will be prominent magicians and Sacred Guardians in the future."

Kisara looked thoughtful at the new information.

"That makes sense, the feast is a good time for someone to meet a wide range of the people at Court. In regards to the lessons, it would also be a way for him to showcase his magic and put any doubts aside whether he has magic capable enough for a Sacred Guardian."

Mahad, Isis, and Kisara were lost in their thoughts for several moments before Kiya glanced to Mana, both of whom had rather confused expression.

"I don't really get it."

The brown haired little girl shook her head.

"Me neither."

With those words, the three of them snapped out of their thinking with Mahad looking rather reddened at having talked to Isis almost normally(though she didn't seem to notice) and Kisara apologizing.

"Oh, sorry. I forget sometimes that you're not the best when it comes to following politics Kiya."

Kiya sighed, turning around and wlakign towards the door as she spoke.

"Anyway, the dress is delivered so I'm going back to help out at the kitchens. Apparently, the feast is going to be so big they need all the extra help they can get. Is that okay with you, Princess?"

Kisara shook her head, perfectly fine on her own and knew that sometimes there were things in the palace that could be more pressing than what was going on with her.

"No, it's alright. I'll see you at the feast, Kiya."

Kiya bowed her head in thanks before turning back to the direction she was heading and walked out the door.

Mana got up then, seeming to skip over to admire the fine train and touching it softly.

"It really is pretty. Can I try it on when you're done Kisara?"

Mahad stood up quickly before the white haired princess could reply, shooting down the little girl's hopes.

"NO. You'd only get it dirty or tear it."

Mana retorted indignantly.

"I wouldn't!"

"Yes, you would! The last time you got a new dress, it ended the day soaked from being pushed into the pond and torn because you baited one of the cats from the kitchen with it!"

The young girl pouted.

"It was itchy."

'That's no excuse. Besides, you're still banned from Court wide feasts."

Mana's pouting eased up, her face becoming a little sad as she answered.

"That's not so bad, at least the other magic students don't talk about me like I'm not there when I eat in my room."

That prompted an uneasy silence in the room. Kisara knew that Mana wasn't very liked among the other magicians in trainings and many others in Court partly for her pranks, but mostly for her low class background. There were often nights Mana would sneak into her room just to talk and feel safe, something Kisara could relate to all too well.

Kisara caught both Isis and Mahad's looks (both of them who were just as well aware of the situation as she was), the three going back and forth before Isis stood up and walked over to where Mana was. The young seeress smiled as she slipped her hand into the little brown haired girl's own.

"Come on, I have some nice clothes that are too small for me that my Aunt sent, but my father never let me wear."

Mana seemed to perk up a bit at that.

"Really?!"

Isis nodded, leading the two out the same door Kiya went through not too long ago.

"Yeah, and if they are uncomfortable you can get them as dirty as you want."

That really seemed to brighten Mana up, as the two remaining in the room could hear her reply.

"Cool!"

Both Kisara and Mahad looked at each other, sharing a fond of shake of the head. The white haired princess being the one to speak first.

"It's good that Isis and Mana get along, she needs all the friends she can get."

Mahad's eyes seemed to tighten as he nodded in agreement.

"I know. If I had a bit more magic and a lot less self-control…"

Kisara smiled knowingly.

"I have no doubt that some of those bullies would have their robes noticeably singed. I'm glad you aren't though, I have enough time spent calming down Mana AND Atem."

Mahad responded with an oddly calm tone.

"I'm almost tempted to let the Prince do something. Almost."

Kisara smiled at that before heading into the next topic.

"Almost. Speaking of nice things, that was some progress back there with Isis."

Mahad reddened at the thought, answering roughly.

"That doesn't count, I…didn't even think about what I was doing."

Kisara nodded to that answer.

"Maybe that's the problem."

He looked at her questioningly.

"What do you mean?"

"You think too much when you're trying to talk with her, next time just try and not think about trying to run away or how nervous you are. Just…roll with the conversation."

Mahad looked at her with a wry glance.

"Are you trying to give me girl advice?"

Kisara shrugged, the cape following her movement as she still smiled.

"What better person to give that kind of advice then a girl herself?"

"Thanks. I'll…try. No promises, though."

Kisara nodded, her smile dying down.

"I'll take that. But seriously, are you okay?"

He looked a bit confused at her question.

"Okay with what?"

Kisara looked at him frankly.

"You know what I mean."

The young man stood still as he realized exactly what she meant. Out of all the young guardians in training, Mahad had been training the longest. Despite his setbacks due to his magic capabilities being sealed, it had been expected that he would be the first to ascend to Sacred Guardian. In comparison, Khalid's apprentice (whose name she still didn't know) had trained in less time and had done none of it at Court. Kisara had been worried about how Mahad had been feeling about this, only breeching the subject now that they were alone.

As still as the magician in training was, his expression was downcast as he seemed to be gathering what he was going to say.

The young princess got closer to him, laying a hand on his shoulder.

"Hey, if you're angry, I'm pretty sure that's justified."

Mahad seemed to shrug with a sort of pained smile to that.

"Well, I guess there's a little bit of that. But mostly, I guess I'm just disappointed. Master Rashidi hasn't even mentioned about me taking on the Millennium Ring any time soon. Sometimes I wonder if I even will get to that level."

Her tone as she replied was warm and comforting.

"Don't say that, of course you'll become one of the High Priests someday. Just wait, I'm sure you'll be next."

Mahad's smile seemed more genuine at the encouragement.

"Maybe so. Just don't expect me to act very friendly towards the new guy for a while."

"Oh come on, he could be really nice."

The brunet seemed to stand firmly on his case.

"Or he could be a complete jerk. I'll see how I feel about him after I get to know him."

Kisara sighed, seeming to be her time to turn towards the door.

"Well, I suppose it's time I better go find Atem. He went to the Inner Court a while ago, so whatever was going on should probably be done by now."

Mahad didn't seem all that worried, walking up beside her.

"It's probably nothing if you weren't called there with him. I'm going to go find Karim and Shada, might as well give their cramming session for tomorrow's test a little bit of help."

She chuckled in amusement, the two walking side by side.

"That sounds interesting."

"You know, I could introduce you to them. I know Karim isn't the most tactful when it comes to women and Shada can seem pretty cold, but they're pretty good people once you get to know them."

Kisara sighed, sounding very tired as the two exited the room.

"I should, but I've been so busy these days I guess I've kind been putting off getting to know them better. After this all, definitely, but not today."

Mahad shrugged, waving goodbye as he turned away to walk down the hallway in the direction opposite where she was going.

"Alright, see you at the feast tonight then."

She waved back at him, his back to hers as he walked away.

"You too."

Turning away from Mahad to go her own way, something seemed to stir in the back of her mind that stopped her for a bit to look around.

It wasn't something around her that was bothering her, but something that was on the inside. It felt like her dragon was…getting restless.

What's going on?

Seto was NOT nervous. AT ALL.

At least, that was what he told himself as he was pacing back and forth in the hallway of the palace.

The palace, the thought making him pace even more.

"Seto, that's enough."

The sound of his mentor's voice stopped him in his place, turning himself around to face Khalid who looked very amused at how his student was acting.

Seto straightened himself up, embarrassed at how only his master ever this side of himself.

Khalid didn't seem to mind, his smile reassuring.

"You'll be fine. Try to calm down. You certainly look the part."

True, Seto didn't look at all like the magician in trading from a dusty temple in the countryside. Now with clean white and blue robe lined with gold, golden bracelets to go with his golden belt, a white cape, and blue hat with gold shaped to look like a snake. The first time he saw himself after putting the clothes on, he could barely recognize himself.

He looked at his master apologetically.

"Sorry sir."

The still master of the Millennium Rod (which was in his right hand) shook his head.

"Don't be. Everyone's nervous their first time before the Pharaoh, it'll get better when you get used to it."

"Any more advice?"

That got Khalid to think for a while before finally speaking.

"Just two things. First, try to get along with your peers, especially the apprentices. They'll be Sacred Guardians with you someday."

Seto grunted, crossing his arms to himself.

"I'll be civil if they will."

That seemed to depress his teacher.

"I doubt your definition of civil is the same as theirs. Just be careful."

Seto grudgingly nodded.

"And the other thing?"

Khalid's eyes sharpened momentarily before answering.

"Watch out for Aknadin."

Before Seto could ask further on that, Vizier Shimon approached the two of them looking rather out breath.

"Sorry I'm late, the cases ran a bit over. We're ready now."

Khalid nodded to the Vizier before turning to his student.

"Alright, good luck in there."

Seto's eyebrows rose quickly at those words.

"Wait, you're not coming in with me?"

Khalid stood firm as he answered.

"Seto, the best way to learn something is to immerse yourself in a situation and learn from experience. It's best that you start handling these things by yourself. I won't be around here for much longer and truthfully there's nothing more I can teach you."

The priest handed held out the Millennium Rod to Seto.

"Here, you'll need this."

The young priest looked down at the golden scepter, which he had not been allowed to touch ever since that day his teacher had dropped it in that room at the temple. Hesitating for a moment, he nonetheless took the Rod and straightened his posture.

Khalid smiled, giving a single nod before turning back to the old vizier.

"Good, now you're ready. Shimon, if you would…"

The vizier responded immediately.

"Of course."

Khalid gave on last glance to his former student.

"Good luck. I'll see you afterwards."

With one last look, the former wielder of the Millennium turned and walked away from the two to his own business.

Shimon cleared his throat getting Seto's attention.

"This way."

The young man wordlessly followed behind the vizier as the two traversed the halls of the palace.

As the two walked further and further into the place all of Egypt heard about but few were allowed to enter, Seto looked on in amazement and felt the stories didn't do it justice. He had never seen a place so big, the walls more ornately decorated than the temple he lived or probably any other temple. Every now and then, he would see small man made pools and patches of green gardens between the halls and in the courtyards. It truly was like o place he had ever seen before.

And yet…there was a place in the back of his mind that it felt almost…familiar. As if he had been here before a long time ago. A crazy illogical thought, but…

His thoughts stopped as another feeling seemed to pop into his head. After the quietness of following the old man, Seto finally spoke.

"Umm, Vizier Shimon?"

The old magician and vizier turned to the blue eyed young man with similar robes.

"Yes, what is it?'

"We're heading to the Throne Room, right?"

"Of course."

"Are you sure we're heading in the right direction?"

Shimon stopped, seeming to take offense at the question.

"I have been in this palace for over forty years, as a tutor, a Sacred Guardian, and a vizier. I know this palace like the back of my hand and the Throne Room is right over…"

His face blanked, his mind going through the layout of the palace in his mind, thinking it over out loud.

"We passed the two gardens and the old harem…the magicians in training's living quarters….but that's nowhere near…"

His face brightened as he found the answer, turning back around.

"Oops, took a wrong a turn. It's this way."

The young man once again followed silently behind the old man as this time Shimon spoke.

"I knew you were different, but you really aren't going to be like the others, are you?"

Seto perked up, making conversation as the two once again navigated the hallways of the palace.

"What do you mean?"

"Most newcomers tend to get at least once month before getting used to this place. How'd you know we were going in the wrong direction?"

Seto simply shrugged it off.

"Lucky guess."

Shimon merely gave a through look over the young priest, seeming to accept his answer.

The two continued the walk in relative silence, Seto not so much admiring his surroundings as keeping his head facing forward. Finally, after some time, the two came to stand before the doors they were looking for with the soldiers standing at attention.

Vizier Shimon glanced to Seto, the two standing side by side at that moment.

"Are you ready?"

The blue eyed young man took only a moment to steel himself.

This is it. Father was a soldier and did his duty, now it's time to do mine. I wonder what he and Mother would say if they could see me now.

With that thought, he turned to the elderly Vizier nodded.

"Yes."

Shimon gave what seemed to be a comforting smile at the young man before nodding to the soldiers who went to work at pushing back the doors. Creaking bit by bit, finally the doors opened and allowed the two to walk into the room.

Allowing Shimon to go first, Seto followed him at a slower pace down the golden like path to the throne that occupied and had several other people nearby.

As the older man ascended up the steps towards the dais the throne was on, Seto kneeled (left leg forward, as he had been instructed to do) at the bottom of the steps keeping his head down and focused on the floor, the Millennium Rod still clutched in his hand.

Finally, he heard a booming and authoritative voice speak.

"Is this him, Shimon?"

Shimon's voice answered, Seto's head still down as he listened to the vizier speak.

"Yes. Now, let us all welcome the new Guardian of the Millennium Rod, Master. Though raised and trained in a country temple, he has risen to excellence with the best exam scores I have ever seen."

The person belonging to the other voice seemed to take note of this and addressed the young man still kneeling.

"Welcome to my Sacred Court. Stand up straight, Seto."

Sensing now was his time, his head rose to look at Pharaoh Aknamkamon sitting on his throne. The young boy with the unusual hair (which didn't surprise him, he had heard Master Khalid said as much) at the Pharaoh's right must have been the Crown Prince Atem whose look Seto couldn't quite identify. Nearby him was Vizier Shimon. Off to the Pharaoh's left, were all the other Sacred Guardians he would be serving with.

He spoke, the words coming out of his mouth calm and collected.

"Many thanks for this great honor, my king. I'll serve thee well. From this day forth, I am your humble servant."

Taking in the young Guardian's politeness, the Pharaoh spoke once again glancing at his son.

"I'll be interested in what you will accomplish Seto. You could become the right hand of my son in time."

Seto bowed down in gratitude.

"Thank you for those words."

At that time, Shimon seemed to turn his attention to the priest that was closest on the left side of Pharaoh who wore the Millennium Eye.

"You've been unusually quiet, Aknadin. Are you alright?"

That seemed to startle the one eyed man as Seto took a small glance at him before returning his gaze back to the Pharaoh. So that's Aknadin.

"Is it a crime to keep silent?"

Shimon shook his head as he and the young woman that wore the Millennium Necklace seemed to be giving the man odd glances.

"No, only that…"

Aknamkamon rose from his throne, turning his attention to Seto then back to the Vizier.

"That's enough, I'd rather not have this discussion with our newest Guardian right here. Seto, you are dismissed. Shimon, escort him back to his quarters. He'll need to get ready for the feast tonight"

Shimon nodded and stepped back down from the dais, the rest of the Guardians silent at the Pharaoh's words.

"This way."

Seto got up, following the elder man as he turned and walked forward, without one glance back at the dais as the two walked away.

Passing through the doors as the guards started to move back into place, the two exited the grand room and moved down the hallways. The two didn't go far before seeing Master Khalid there leaning against the wall.

"So, I take it everything went well."

The two stopped, Seto responding to his old teacher's question.

"I guess so."

Khalid's star pierced his pupil greatly before he turned to Shimon.

"Shimon, if you could give me a moment with him, I'll escort him."

Shimon smiled at his former Guardian before turning to walk away.

"Very well, see you at the feast."

As soon as the old man was out of earshot, Khalid turned his full attention on Seto.

"Seriously, Aknadin didn't say anything out of line?"

Seto shook his head warily as he answered.

"No, he didn't really say anything until Vizier Shimon said he was being quiet. He didn't say anything about me."

Khalid's face shifted into thoughtful seriousness.

"That's rather unusual."

Seto looked at the former Sacred Guardian questioningly.

"Why? What's so unusual about it?"

Just as Khalid opened his mouth and was about to say exactly why, a voice that Seto had heard not so long ago interrupted.

"Khalid, it is good to see you."

Seto turned in the direction his teacher was facing to find the one eyed Guardian Aknadin glancing between the former master and student.

His teacher recovered from the surprise quickly and replied calmly.

"Master Aknadin, what do I owe the pleasure?"

Almost as if forcing himself to look only at Khalid, Aknadin didn't take his eyes off the former wielder of the Millennium Rod.

"Might I speak with you for a moment?"

Khalid nodded slowly before he turned back to his protégé with an order.

"Stay here, I'll be right back."

He then left Seto standing there, walking off with Aknadin to some place more private before beginning their conversation.

That left the young man with more questions than answers.

Why do I get the impression there is a lot more going on than I first thought?

(AN: Oh Seto, you don't even know the half of it.)

He stood there for some minutes, somewhat relaxed by the peace and quiet after the busy move and noisy arrival at the palace. It was nice to finally get a chance to catch his breath after everything that had happened.

He felt ready to doze off just as the sound of footsteps snapped his attention back to reality.

Coming down the hall alone, was the young Prince Atem.

Backing further into the wall behind him, Seto gave the tricolored prince a wide birth and bowed his head, expecting to be passed by unnoticed. What he did not expect was that instead of passing him by, Atem stopped right in front of Seto and looked him like they were back in the throne room.

Now that he got a closer look at it, the young prince's royal purple eyes weren't full of hatred or spite, like the ones he was used to getting back at the temple. His look seemed to be that of searching for something, piercing as if he was unsure of what to think of Seto.

Eventually, Atem turned away as if confused before his eyes brightened as he broke into a run down the hall.

"Kisara!"

Seto turned from his bow to look down the hall to see who it was the Crown Prince was running to.

His thoughts stopped as he saw the person who Prince Atem was hugging.

The silver hair flowing in the night sky as the girl rode away, thanking him…

The pale faced girl that flashed through his mind the moment he saw the White Dragon…

It…it was her.

She was dressed like a goddess, a beautiful vision of blue and silver. It was impossible that they would meet here of all places…and yet Seto knew it was her. He would recognize her anywhere.

He stared on as if transfixed as she glanced down at the young prince.

"There you are, I've been looking almost everywhere for you."

Atem looked utterly happy, his hair measuring above her waist.

"Me too, you will not believe what Court was like today!"

Kisara smiled at him indulgently.

"Oh, I think I can imagine."

Just as he was detailing exactly what it was like, she looked up and froze as she caught Seto's eyes.

Her blue eyes wide as she stared at him transfixed, much like him not believing what she was seeing.

She knew. And she remembered him.

Noticing that the older girl was not listening, the young prince looked up at her with concern.

"Kisara, what's wrong?"

Breaking off her gaze and coming back to Prince Atem, she smiled at him.

"Oh, it's nothing. Come on."

Taking his hand in her own, the white haired girl led the boy down the hall as he chatter all the way, not once looking back at him.

Leaving Seto standing in that hallway out of breath and his mind running wild. He wasn't sure whether his mind would ever be the same.

It was in that state that he was in as Master Khalid came back down the hall, muttering under his breath.

"What is in Ra's name is Aknadin playing at?"

His posture straightened as he noticed the obvious change in his student.

"What's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost."

Seto glanced down the hall out of the corner of his eye, not meeting his teacher's gaze.

"I'm alright."

Maybe I just did.

V.E.: Cliffhanger, cliffhangers, all around. Finally, I finished this. IT TOOK A LONG TIME TO WRITE.

Sorry, I couldn't really come up a final test. Frankly, I'm back at college so now that's got my attention.

The scene in the throne was mashup of the English Dub, the English Sub, and my own words. Hope I did it justice.

PLEASE REVIEW!

See you all next time!