Meeting New Friends

Lion-O was glad that the Children of Millennia would be staying here in the palace for a while. He still had so much to ask his new friends. Even Snarf was beginning to enjoy their company. In turn, Atem and his friends still had much to learn about Thundera. And since they were going to be staying for some time, they figured they would need to learn to adjust to the customs.

Since Lord Claudus said the children were his guests and could roam around the palace, that was what the children were doing now. However, Mana had wandered off on her own. The trouble with being the youngest was that she had more curiosity than her friends did and was easily fascinated with anything she saw or heard. As such, she tended to wander off on her own. Well, she wasn't entirely by herself. She did have Ralts with her. Still, when she realized she had lost sight of her friends, she began to look for everyone. "Uh, guys?" she asked, looking around. "Prince? Mahad? Mystery? Where are you guys?"

When you spend only a few hours in a large palace, it's easy to lose your way and forget where you've been or where anything is. However, she did remember Atem's orders that everyone was to meet back in the guest room they were staying at. Mana considered having Ralts use Teleport to transport herself and her partner back to the guest room, but she figured that if they kept looking around, maybe they would recognize some areas.

Mana eventually came to one of the gardens. She liked seeing the different kinds of flowers. Though it was a nice place to be in, the girl felt ready to give up. She came to a tree and sat down. Suddenly, she shrieked as she felt hands grasping her and lifting her up by her wrists. Looking up, she saw two Thunderian children; a boy and a girl. The girl had orange hair with a black stripe in the center and the boy had orange and white hair with black stripes at the sides.

"Can we help you?" the boy asked.

"You really shouldn't be all alone," the girl said in concern.

"I'm not alone," Mana argued. "I'm with my friends."

The Thunderian children released her and came down from the tree. They got a closer look at Mana. She got a closer look at them too and recognized them. She remembered seeing them at the banquet hall during dinner. Mana was fascinated that there would be other children living in the palace and while they appeared to be a bit older than she was, she figured they were nice.

They recognized her too and asked her, "You're one of the Children of Millennia, right? We saw you and your friends yesterday."

"Uh-huh," Mana answered. "My name is Mana. This is my partner Ralts." Ralts coos and waves at them as a way of saying 'hello'.

"Nice to meet you," the Thunderian girl replied. "My name is Wilykit. This is my brother Wilykat."

"So, Mana, where are your friends?" the boy asked. "We saw you wandering around all by yourself and we got concerned."

She chuckles nervously. "I was with them, but I'm afraid I wandered off a bit and got lost."

"That's not good," said Wilykat. "You need someone to look after you. Maybe you should stick with us for a while," he suggested.

"We'll help you find your friends," Wilykit promised. "But do you want to play with us for a little bit before we do?"

Mana smiled eagerly and nodded. She also wondered what kinds of games these children liked to play. Maybe tag, hide-and-seek, making shadows, or pretend?

Wilykit noticed Mana's magic wand behind her back. "Hey, Mana, is that a magic wand you've got there? Are you a magician?"

"Well, sort of," she answered. "I just started training to be one."

"Do you know any magic tricks?" Wilykit asked.

Though Mana had just started practicing magic, she did know a few basic spells. However, she hadn't yet had a chance to see what she could do with the wand the Great Goddess gave to her. But this seemed like an opportunity to find out. She points her wand towards the same tree from before and it begins to sway its arms and move around like it's dancing.

"Hey, that's pretty cool," Wilykat commented. He and his sister decide to take Mana and Ralts with them to their room. Once they get there, Mana begins using her magic again. She casts the same spell on the kids' toys, causing them to move on their own. The siblings clap in delight. "Hey, this is great!" Wilykat cheered.

"You're pretty good, Mana," Wilykit commented. Even Ralts was applauding.

Mana decided it was her partner's turn. "Wait until you see what Ralts can do." She begins commanding her partner. "Ralts, use Psychic and lift me up into the air." Ralts does as commanded and lifts her partner up, amazing the siblings. "Now, Ralts, use Teleport to transport me behind Wilykat and Wilykit." Ralts obeys and uses Teleport. Mana appears behind the siblings and taps them from behind.

Wilykat and Wilykit continue applauding, telling Mana and Ralts that they're amazing. Mana laughs with great joy and her amulet begins glowing. Wilykat sees this and says, "Hey, Mana, your necklace is glowing."

Mana notices it as well. "Oh, yeah, that happens sometimes. When I'm filled with joy or make my friends feel happy and cheerful, my amulet glows like this."

"I like the pink color," Wilykit was saying, "but why does it do that?" Though she and her brother had heard the Children of Millennia talk about their amulets, they were curious about Mana's. The young girl hardly understood it herself. She said it just happened that way sometimes. Though the siblings were baffled, they agreed that Mana was certainly a joyful and cheery person and Ralts was as equally amazing. Mana laughed, appreciating their compliments. She decided that she liked these two siblings and wanted to keep playing with them a little more.

Meanwhile, Mahad was looking for Mana, calling her name. He had Kirlia with him so he wouldn't be by himself. Seto and Bagon were helping out too. Mahad was exasperated. He was used to Mana wandering off all by herself, but he figured she would have at least learned by now that it was important for everyone to stay together. He just hoped she wasn't getting into trouble.

The boys and their Magical Creatures came to the library, wondering if Mana wandered inside. Mahad was worried, but Seto told him to relax. "I'm sure she's fine. Lord Claudus said we were welcome, so I don't think anyone would want to hurt her."

"I trust Lord Claudus," said Mahad. "It's Mana I'm worried about. She's always getting into trouble and there's no telling what she may do here."

"Yeah, I know," Seto replied. "Still, we've got to keep calm. We agreed that we'd all meet each other back in our room, so I'm sure that's where she'll go once she's had her fun." He looks down at Kirlia. "Besides, you've got Kirlia with you. I'm sure he can use his psychic powers to locate Mana and Ralts."

He had to admit, the older brunette was right. "Kirlia, do you think you can find Mana?" His partner nods and begins using his telekinetic powers to find her. Mahad was more skilled in magic than Mana was since he was older than her. One of his abilities was mental power. He could communicate with his partner mentally and see what Kirlia was seeing in his mind. He managed to get a vision of Mana playing with Wilykat and Wilykit. "Mana's all right," Mahad said. "She's made some new friends."

"That's good to hear," said Seto. "Since you and I are already here, why don't we look around?"

"Sure," the young mage replied. He and Seto walk inside. They were in awe of the many books on the shelves. This place was certainly bigger than the palace library back home.

"Whoa, look at all these books," the older brunette said. Much to his surprise, he could read the passages and titles clearly, though they weren't in Egyptian. He wondered, was this another benefit from the Great Goddess, being able to understand foreign languages and texts?

Seto was about to reach for a book until a clawed hand covered his. This startled the brunette and caused him to jump back. The hand belonged to a man with tiger features. "Sorry about that. I didn't mean to startle you," he apologized.

"That's all right," Seto replied. "Hey, I remember seeing you the other night at dinner. You must be one of the nobles who lives here."

Mahad looked at him in astonishment. "Why, you're a tiger," he said in awe.

"Tygra's the name," he said. "What are your names?"

The older brunette clears his throat. "Well, sir, my name is Seto and this is my friend Mahad. And these are our partners Bagon and Kirlia."

"Nice to meet you boys," Tygra said politely. "And I remember seeing you too. You're part of the Children of Millennia." He was glad he was getting the chance to meet a few of them and talk to them. He got an idea. "Say, why don't you boys come with me for a while? I sure would like to get to know you."

Both of the brunettes face each other. This tiger seemed friendly enough. And being in the company of an adult was better than having no supervision. "We wouldn't want to impose," Mahad said. "I mean, is that all right?"

"Sure, I don't mind," Tygra answered. So the boys follow him through the library and come to another room. There was a table filled with a tea set and plates full of biscuits and small cakes. "Sit down," Tygra insisted. "Make yourselves comfortable." Seto and Mahad comply and seat themselves. Tygra began pouring tea into everyone's cups. "I must say, I was really fascinated with you children and your stories. I mean, I've heard many things about Egypt, but to hear about it from a few visitors from Egypt is something else."

Mahad sipped his tea. To his surprise, it tasted good. Seto thought it was a bit bitter to his liking.

Tygra noticed this and pointed to the sugar cubes and jars of honey. "You can add some of that to make your tea sweet if it's too bitter."

"Thank you, Tygra," Seto said, taking a small spoonful of honey and adding it to his tea. "So was I right when I assumed you were a Thunderian noble?"

"You certainly were," he answered. "And judging by your fine clothes, I assume you boys are of noble status as well. I doubt royal servants dress the same way you do."

Mahad helped himself to a slice of cake. "Yes, sir."

"Oh, you don't have to call me 'sir,'" Tygra insisted. "Just Tygra is fine." He sipped his tea and got his own slice of cake. "So, have you boys had any schooling?"

"Oh, yes," Mahad answered, chewing on his cake. He swallowed and said, "We learn mathematics, agriculture, architecture, making trades with foreign lands, the physiology of living beings, astronomy, and we also have lessons in sorcery."

Seto chewed and swallowed a bite of his own cake. "Mahad and I are training to be sorcerers. We're also training to be members of the royal court."

Tygra nodded. "Well, you certainly seem like intelligent and dedicated young men," he commented.

Mahad smiled. "We do tend to take ourselves a bit too seriously. That's because our responsibilities are serious not just regarding palace life, but also with who we are as followers of the Great Goddess."

"The whole Children of Millennia thing isn't just a title," said Seto. "It's an actual concept. And it's not all fun and games either. True, we like being heroes and helping those in need, but like Mahad said, it's something we take seriously. We have to take it seriously if we and the rest of our friends are really going to be rulers and protectors of our kingdom." He explained that since Atem was the prince of Egypt, this meant that he was going to become pharaoh someday and this whole concept was just as crucial to him as it was to the rest of their group.

Tygra understood and agreed. He could also tell that Mahad and Seto really cared a lot about Atem. "Seto, Mahad, are you boys close to Prince Atem?"

The young mage sipped his tea. "I've known him since our younger years, so we're pretty close. But our bond was never like that between master and servant. He always insists that we're friends and nothing less. So, yes, I value him as my friend as much as I value him as my prince."

It was Seto's turn. "Yeah, he's my best friend. After I lost my family and moved into the palace, the prince and I hit it off with each other right away. Don't get me wrong, I get along with everyone else." He and Mahad grin at each other. "I mean, sure, we have our differences and we tend to disagree from time to time."

Tygra chuckled in amusement. "Well, they say the more friends fight, the more they grow on each other and show they care about each other." And they all laughed.

The older brunette clears his throat. "Anyway, Prince Atem, there's something about him that sets him apart from everyone else. I can't explain it, but he's like the little brother I never had." He smiles and adds, "There have even been times when he said I was like an older brother to him because I was always supporting him and encouraging him and challenging him. He said it means a lot to him and I said it means as much to me."

As Tygra listened to what he was hearing, he could really tell that Mahad and Seto truly were dedicated young men. "You boys certainly have a strong sense of devotion. I like it." His words caused the two brunettes to smile in appreciation.

Joseph was starting to get hungry. He had to admit, the food here in Thundera was nothing like the food from back home. A lot of the delicacies he tried at yesterday's feast were delicious. He stopped in his tracks as he heard strange noises coming from the room up ahead. When he and Trapinch stepped inside, they were amazed at the sight. There was something he believed he heard was called a vehicle; nothing like the wooden carts and carriages from back home. Joseph knew it was wise not to mess with things he didn't understand, but his curiosity would sometimes get the better of him. He decided he would take a closer look.

Looking down, he saw the lower body of a person with black fur-like skin. And based on the sounds of the voice, it was a man. "Hey, anyone in here?" he asked.

"Uh, yeah," Joseph answered. "Do you need any help?"

"Yeah, do me a favor," he answered. "On the desk next to you, there's a box of tools. Could you bring it here?" he asked, reaching out a clawed hand.

The blonde looked and saw a case full of what looked like iron rods and sticks. He figured that this was what he was asking for. He gripped it by the handle and brought it over. "This thing?"

The hand reached for the case and set it down. "Thanks, kid," the voice said. The hand reached out again. "Now I need the oil can. It looks like a silver pot. You'll find it on the same desk."

Joseph looked and saw a small kettle with a long spout and figured that this was the oil can the man was asking for. "Here you go."

"Thanks again," the voice said, taking the oil can in his hand. A few seconds later, the man came out from underneath the contraption. Joseph gasped at the sight of him. He had a strong build of a body and the blonde figured that based on his feline features, this man was a panther.

"Oh, sorry if I scared you," the panther apologized. He looked at Joseph and recognized him. "Hey, I know you. One of the Children of Millennia, right?" Seeing him nod, he introduces himself. "The name's Panthro."

"Joseph," the blonde returned.

Panthro figured he understood why Joseph was acting nervous. "Don't worry, kid, I'm not going to hurt you. I may look mean, but I can be nice."

The blonde managed to smile. "I guess I was a bit intimidated."

Panthro looked down at Joseph's feet and saw Trapinch. "Is this giant red ant your pet?"

The blonde looked down. "Well, he's more of a protective companion than a pet. His name is Trapinch. He's nice, but he's a biter, so I have to keep his mouth bound with a strap so he doesn't accidentally hurt anyone."

Panthro knelt down. "I bet he's got a pretty strong bite." He held his hand out and Trapinch began nuzzling it, meaning he liked this panther.

Joseph smiled at the sight and looked around. "So, Panthro, what is all of this stuff? It's not like anything I've ever seen."

He explained that this was a facility where he often helped do repairs and modifications on vehicles. Sometimes he would even build his own. "Go on, take a look," he offered, hoisting the boy up and setting him in the control seat. Joseph was amazed. He didn't understand the build of this contraption, but it was still amazing to look at. Millennia was right; the technology here was too advanced for his own understanding. But maybe Seto and Mahad would enjoy it.

Panthro saw the look on Joseph's face. "Has everything here surprised and amazed you since you arrived?"

"Oh, absolutely," Joseph answered. "But it's the same for me back home. I guess that comes from learning something new every day." He laughed to himself and said, "I mean, you'd think a kid like me, someone who comes from a world of magic and monsters would be used to that kind of stuff no matter where I go, but it still takes me by surprise sometimes."

Panthro laughed. "I hear you, kid. But being used to some things and not being surprised in any way takes the fun out of it, if you know what I mean."

"I guess it does," Joseph said in agreement. "Say, Panthro, do you think you could teach me about these things you call machines? Maybe I can help you work on them. You see, my dad is a carpenter and he would sometimes let me help him when he would make carts or wagons for transporting goods. Plus, as a servant boy, I always work with my hands anyway."

Panthro thought about it. "Well, you did sort of help me. But I have to warn you, working with vehicles of advanced technology isn't for the faint of heart."

Joseph thought about what he said. "Yeah, I know. And like my friends are always telling me: it's best not to mess with things you don't understand."

Panthro had a different idea. "When you first arrived, I noticed you had a bow and arrows. How good are your archery skills?"

The blonde confessed that he was an amateur. He had only started learning how to use a bow a few weeks after he moved into the palace. He had been practicing since then, and his skills have only gotten better by so much. Panthro figured he could help with that. He led the boy and his partner out of the station and into a field where he could do target practice.

Joseph drew his bow, took an arrow from his quiver, took aim, and released, only to miss the target by a margin. "See?" he asked Panthro. "I can't hit the mark."

"I would have been surprised if you did," he confessed. "You just need more practice."

The blonde shrugged. "Hey, Panthro, I was wondering, are you also a soldier? With a strong build like yours, I'm sure you could beat a lot of enemies."

Panthro chuckled in amusement. He wasn't a soldier, but he did have supreme fighting skills. He began showing off his acrobatic movements, doing backflips and pounding his fists and kicking around while jumping.

"Whoa, that's amazing," Joseph said in awe. "Do you think you could teach me a few moves? Before I met any of my friends, I used to always get into fights and come out with some scrapes. And I would like to learn to defend myself."

Panthro thought about it. "I guess it wouldn't hurt to have a student. And maybe having a little helper wouldn't be so bad either. You got a deal, kid."

Joseph was happy to hear that. It would have to wait, though. He felt his stomach grumble and Panthro heard the gurgling sound as well. The blonde laughed in embarrassment. A second later, there was another gurgling sound, coming from Panthro's stomach. The two of them laughed together. "What do you say we have lunch first?" the panther suggested. "Working with my hands all day has got me working up an appetite."

"I know that feeling," said Joseph. I like this guy, he thought to himself. A little intimidating, but not bad once you get to know him.

Panthro smiled and ruffled Joseph's head. I like this kid. He's eager and he's got a sense of humor. I think we're going to get along just fine.