Here we go with Chapter 2!
I'm actually really excited about this story.
I've never written a femalexfemale based story before,
so I hope I do it justice!
Enjoy!
Love, Catch Fireflies

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Recap: He had never seen his sister smile that way at the sight of anyone. He had also never seen Mana blush in such a manner. Hmm, maybe this is why my sister never gives men a chance.

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Malik and Mana began walking into town, chatting about their plans for this new day. He noticed that every time he brought up Hijra, Mana would blush again reminding him of his sister's orders to keep her brother out of trouble. This caused Malik to begin an internal scheme. Maybe he could set his sister up with the aspiring magician; slyly, of course. They would wind up in the same place, just the two of them, giving them the opportunity to get to know one another on a more personal level rather than business. Malik had a feeling his sister would secretly appreciate it and was ready to take action.

Mana was talking cheerfully about new spells she's been learning, but her mind was elsewhere. She thought about the exotic features of the Priestess Isis and the way she spoke. Her voice; it was deep, yet elegant, just like her eyes. And that smile. She's seen Isis around the palace and talked to her before, but she had never seen the Priestess' lips curve in such a gentle way. It made Mana shiver in delight. Then she felt her cheeks heat up. What is this? Mana thought. I feel like I have an admiration for Priestess Isis… a crush! Eep! Is that normal?! She's a… woman. The young girl didn't notice that she had become too caught up in her thoughts and stopped rambling away.

Malik noticed.

"Uh, Mana? You were saying…?" he asked, poking her playfully in the side.

She squeaked and jumped. "Ah! I'm sorry! I sort of… lost my place…"

"Thinking about my sister?"

Mana flushed furiously. "Wh-what!?"

The violet-eyed young man released a hearty laugh. "Just kidding!" he sang.

"Oh... Oh. Alright," She scrunched her nose and folded her arms with a nod.

That was all the evidence I needed, Malik thought with a satisfied smile.

The two friends traveled around different markets and Malik decided to buy Hijra a beautiful bouquet of Nymphaea Coerulea, Blue Egyptian Water Lilies, and use them as an excuse to go see her.

"If I don't get them to the princess, they'll die and go to waste!" Malik pleaded with Mana.

The cloudy-brown haired girl sighed. "But your sister—"

"Or maybe you could give them to my sister," Malik mused.

Mana's eyes widened as that same pinkness fluttered across her small face. "Malik! Why do you keep bringing her up in such a way?!"

He chuckled. "I'm just teasing, Mana. Don't get so worked up. If you like her, that's fine with me. I personally think she may have a soft spot for you too,"

"M-Malik, that's just silly…"

"Is it?"

The young sorceress pursed her lips and refused to continue on the subject. Why does he keep mentioning her? Can he know that she's been crossing my thoughts today? How could he know that? He doesn't know that. It's Malik, he's always acting foolish!

"Is it?" Malik persisted, leaning down to meet Mana's eyes with his. He leered.

Mana gasped, once again cut off from her mental conversation with herself. "L-let's just deliver these flowers to Hijra... I won't tell," she said, defeated.

Malik smirked and picked up the pace of his steps. Mana hurried behind him.

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Meanwhile, Isis was tending to the garden in front of hers and Malik's home. It was of decent size, for the two were wealthy. Their family had been and Isis makes a comfortable living by being so attentive to the Pharaoh.

The Priestess' thoughts were wandering. They traveled to the cheerful girl that had been in her living area earlier that morning. Isis' eyes softened. She accepted this brainwork more willingly than she thought she would. She then remembered all of the times her younger brother had pestered her to relax and have fun, to explore love. With a sigh, Isis stood up from the flowers she had just planted and neatened. She didn't really know what to do with her day off for she didn't get them all too often. As peaceful as it was to be able to relax, Isis loved her job. She cared very much about the people she worked with. Although usually stern, she did have a good time; contrary to what her brother would say.

"If you enjoy your job, act like it!" he would tell her.

Isis would sigh and reply with, "Just because I don't act like some happy-go-lucky prance-about does not mean anything,"

"Have you ever thought that people might like your smile and laugh?"

"…I smile and laugh,"

"Not as often as you should,"

She would sigh again and press her fingers on each side of the bridge of her nose, shutting her eyes. "Malik, there are some things you just do not understand about the pressures and seriousness of my job as a Priestess. I must keep the Pharaoh safe,"

Malik would scoff and fold his arms. "You know I'm not too fond of him,"

"There's no reason why you shouldn't be,"

"…"

"If someone were consistently pursuing and borderline harassing me, you would become a little irritated as well,"

"No! I would, in turn, harass YOU to accept the pursuit!"

"Leave Hijra alone. She and Atem are having enough problems right now with Akiefa," Isis had stated firmly, changing the subject.

Malik would sigh, slightly sad. "You know, you think Pharaoh Atem would be more open to someone like me working for Hijra's heart. I'm not a tomb-robber. I'm a decent, young man. I really like Princess Hijra, sister. I would treat her like the princess she is. You know that,"

"Malik, I know, but in times like this… Atem has the right to be so protective over his little sister. At least for a short while longer; until the threats and wars of these Shadow Games and monsters cease. No one can be trusted. With her affection for Akiefa, things have become more uneasy—especially between the siblings. Atem loves Hijra very much. He's afraid for her future,"

She always changed the subject. Always. In truth, Isis' care for Malik and the way his life went far surpassed any she had for her own. Since their parents passed, she was determined to make sure he grew up right and happily. Malik was the love of her life. Isis' joy came from Malik's joy and safety. She would never tell him. She didn't want him to know.

He knew; which is exactly why he was always pressuring her to actually live her life.

Isis' flashback ended and she went back into her home to fix lunch for herself. She thought about Mana again and all of the cheerfulness the young woman possessed. Recalling the way she attempted to be official while greeting her, Isis let out a small laugh. She shook her head with a hint of a smile. What a peculiar young mage…