A/N: I'm so sorry I haven't posted in a while! What with finals and school getting out and some family drama, I haven't had much time. Please forgive me!

I would like to give a thank you to D17-pharaohfox, who so kindly favorited my story! Thank you so much! *smiles* It means a lot!

DISCLAIMER: Since it's been a couple of chapters: I don't own the characters or the anime/manga, or any of that, and I'm not trying to make a profit off of it, so please don't sue me.

Onward!

Chapter Four Change

Seto had retreated back to his room to think about what had happened when Shimon sought him out. The old man's eyes were red from tears, his expression still tired and hurt. For a moment they simply looked at each other, understanding the pain they shared in the silence. Loss and sadness, agony and despair, anger and confusion, all swirled between them for that infinite moment. Despite the drastic difference in their age, despite their different feelings for the young Pharaoh, they realized something. They saw, the felt, and they knew that in spite of all the devastation the entire Palace felt, they understood each other. They weren't alone in this grief. Then Shimon broke the spell by stepping into the room.

"Seto." There was something so grimly determined in his hoarse voice that Seto got to his feet, wondering what had happened.

"What is it, Shimon?" His own voice, despite being tired and hollow and emotionally drained, still possessed a determination that made the old advisor study him closely before speaking again.

"You may wish to sit down again before I explain…

Mahad staggered out of the main room into the side one, dropping to his knees in front of a wooden basin. Gasping and coughing, he grabbed the rim and leaned over it, throwing up violently, tears on his cheeks. O-oh Gods, Atem… He shuddered and coughed, then threw up again, shuddering, his body spasming at the force of his heaves. Desperate to block out the images of what he'd had to do to Atem's body, he closed his eyes tightly, but it didn't help. I am sorry, so sorry! Spitting the lingering, bitter water off his tongue, he sat back on his heels, panting, and rested a hand on his cramped middle. I hope my work was good enough to send you to the Gods as you deserve…

Seto shook his head slowly, his eyes a little wide, sitting on the edge of the bed, and he ran a hand through his hair as Shimon finished his explanation.

"Akunadin…is my father." He looked up at Shimon, who nodded in confirmation. "And he is the twin brother of Pharaoh Akunamukanon." Another nod. "So…why me? Is he not next in line? Why am I to be-" He stopped and faltered with his own realization. "Gods, that makes me… that makes me the late Pharaoh's cousin…" Shimon sighed but nodded again anyway.

"Some believe that Akunadin would ascend the throne, but…" He frowned. "He is ill with the same disease that his brother had. He… will not live much longer. Seto stared at him in disbelief. Akunadin will die soon? He frowned and shook his head. And I am of royal blood… my father is not dead, he is a Priest… a dying Priest… which… puts me in line to be Pharaoh…

"I had hoped that this revelation would come at a better time, Seto, but with Egypt's throne now empty, and no young heir, you need to begin the preparation to be come Pharaoh…" Even as he spoke, Shimon hated that he couldn't show late Pharaoh Atem a bit more respect by not rushing the preparation, but he knew full-well that with all the skirmishes breaking out all along the borders, Egypt couldn't afford to remain leader-less for any longer than was absolutely necessary. Seto shook his head at Shimon's words, speaking slowly.

"No… I understand…" He sighed heavily and looked at the old man, showing no sign of the shock he still felt. He knew now what his duties were, and he told himself he wasn't about to let Atem's kingdom fall to ruin. I am a powerful priest… magic, knowledge, and experience are all at my disposal. He got to his feet. And I will have Shimon and the others to stand behind me. He completed his thoughts aloud. "I am ready." Shimon nodded, a new courage lighting in his eyes at Seto's solid determination.

"Then if you wish to say farewell, I can take you to him." Seto's brow furrowed, but he nodded. That's the least I can do for him…

Mahad was sitting on one of the smooth, ornate benches as the healers in the room behind him finished Atem's mummification. His elbows rested on his legs, his head in his hands. Trembles ran through him, his ashen face devastated. That was how Seto and Shimon found him, both of them feeling a pang of sympathy for the other man's loss and grief. Seto rested a hand on his shoulder for a moment as he passed, then walked into the room and looked to the mummified body on the wide table. Pharaoh…

Shimon sat down next to Mahad, but didn't speak, offering silent company. Together they listened to Seto's murmured, song-like prayer for Atem before Mahad raised his head, his gaze so painfully lost and distant Shimon had to look down, letting the Priest stare at whatever he alone was seeing in that great distance. Shimon had seen this look on many a man's face; a soldier returning from war would wear it, a father who lost her son would wear it, a man who lost his wife. No one could describe what they were looking at in that distance. Many said they were looking at nothing, or at their own thoughts. The elderly man didn't even dare to speculate what the Priest next to him was seeing.

"Shimon…"

"Yes Mahad?"

"Did…" Mahad cleared his throat, his voice still so very soft, as if he desperately wanted to know something but wasn't sure if he wanted to ask. "Did anyone know what he was planning?" Shimon frowned and shook his head, clenching his hands together in his lap.

"No, Mahad. He told no one." Sighing softly, he looked at the grief-stricken Priest. "You were the last to speak with him before he left the Palace." Mahad lightly touched his lips with two fingers, remembering the desperate passion in Atem's last kiss. I thought him worried, scared that I would be killed, but… he knew he would be the one that would not return alive…. New agony crashed down on his heart at his realization, making his throat burn and his chest tighten. Why, my Pharaoh? But then he silently cursed himself for not noticing Atem's intentions, his thoughts spinning around to snap at him instead. I was too focused on my own goals, I failed to pay attention to him, and… and because of that… He furrowed his brow.

"I knew fighting the Thief King would destroy me, Shimon," he murmured softly. Shimon looked at him, surprised. You willingly went to your death…? "But I also knew that my magic was powerful enough to fuse my Baa with my Kaa, so I understood that I would never truly leave the Pharaoh.." He shook his head and looked down, touching his fingertips together. "I knew what would happen, but if it meant that brute could no longer hurt the Pharaoh… my Pharaoh… then it did not matter. He would be safe." Shimon looked at the Priest with a m ix of sadness and wonder. Such devotion, Mahad…

"The Pharaoh did not know of your abilities," he reminded the Priest softly. "Perhaps he wished to keep you safe, when-"

"Why?" Mahad cut him off, clenching his hands. "What is my life when next to the Pharaoh's? I am but a Priest, a servant! My duty is to die for him if need be!" He dropped his head into his hands again his eyes closed tightly to try and keep himself under control. "I was more than willing to do just that…" So why, Atem…

When Seto finished his farewell, surprising himself at how steady he was, the healers approached him. One was carrying a linen-wrapped bundle, and he held it out to Seto as he bowed to him.

"What is this?" the Priest questioned, taking it carefully.

"Belongings of the late Pharaoh that will not be buried with him, Priest Seto," the healer said, sadness clear in his voice. Seto partially unwrapped the linen and furrowed his brow. "As you are the next Pharaoh…" The healer faltered a little, feeling awkward saying that next to Atem's body, despite having heard Seto mention his change in status in his farewell. "these… these should be yours." Wrapped in the cloth were Atem's gold arm bands and braces, as well as his gold, winged headpiece and clean, newly folded robes. His decorations and robes that will be buried with him are much finer, he does not need these now… He looked down at the items almost sadly for a bit longer.

The soft robes looked so much smaller than he expected them to, and it sent a shivering pang through his heart to realize that Atem had truly been younger than anyone ever treated him. He'd been their Pharaoh, their leader, their divine guidance. When he became an orphan, he lost more than his parents; he lost his childhood, his right to play, his simple naivety. At that young age he took the throne, held all of Egypt in his inexperienced hands, and lead his people to greatness. Hidden behind that power, Seto now understood, the child had remained.

It made his eyes prickle with new tears that he quickly blinked away as he wrapped the belongings again. He held the bundle gently in his arms and turned to leave. Mahad understood that the Pharaoh was more than just a ruler… With a slow sigh, he walked out of the room, looking to where Mahado still sat on the bench, his head in his hands.

"Mahad." The Priest looked up at him as Seto held the bundle out to him. There was a flicker of confusion in his eyes before it was drowned by miserable understanding. He reached up hesitantly, taking the bundle as if it held a baby, cradling it in his arms, his expression lost. Seto waited for him to speak, but silence alone reigned in the hall.

"I thought you deserved to have them more than I, Mahad." His voice was soft, but seemed almost jarring in the quiet. "And I apologize for my harsh words and actions before." Mahad simply shook his head, and again all was silent as he held the little bundle. Neither Seto nor Shimon knew what to say, or even if there was anything to say. Mahad was clearly lost in his thoughts, and neither of them wanted to jar him back out again.

Eventually, Mahad got to his feet, still looking down at the bundle, then he walked away from them. They understood even though Mahad said nothing. It didn't matter who was around him now - without Atem, he was already alone.

A/N: Musical Assistant: Bright Eyes by Art Garfunkel

Again, I apologize for the weeks of delay between the last chapter and this one!

Thank you for taking the time to read and catch up with this! *smiles*

Please review!