Angel: In today's news, Mai is in a mental-restoration clinic to become normal again, and Yami Ang has been banned from touching my books again.

Yami Ang: (looks rather annoyed)

Angel: (sighs) Anyway, I don't own Yugioh. I do own my characters and other stuff. If you really want more exact details, see Chapter 3.

Note: Magician of Black Chaos may not be the most powerful magician, but I have not watched the TV series for a very long time (slight problem of it not being on TV, as I do not have Foxtel :()

Lonely Heart In Egypt

Chapter 4: The Attack and the Explanations

Yami raced towards the gardens; his mind already inserting all the possible scenarios he would find. He prayed to every god that he could think of on such short notice that Crystal was safe. Isaac ran after him, his thoughts very similar to Yami's own. Both feared what they would find.

As they arrived at the gardens, Yami was surprised to find a very angry-looking Mana and Mahaado. What captured his attention most, however, was what the two were looking at. The mages attention was upon a powerful duel monster, the Magician of Black Chaos. Although he was the most powerful magician in Duel Monsters, neither mage seemed to be backing down. Yami's thoughts returned to Crystal, and he was instantly comforted to hear Mahaado's voice in his mind. 'Do not worry my lord, she is safe.'

Yami heaved a sigh of relief, which made Isaac look at him strangely. "Please, do you know where my daughter is?"

"I'll ask Mahaado."

'Mahaado, where is Crystal?'

Mahaado seemed to listen for a moment. 'Somewhere over there,' he said back, glancing away from the Duel Monster to point in the intended direction.

Yami was about to move that way when the Chaos mage attacked Mana. She fell with a cry, and Mahaado roared in anger. A woman's angry cry was also heard and a powerful beam of flame erupted from the direction of the fountain. The Chaos mage didn't move out of the way in time, and got hit. After the flames cleared, it was clear that the Chaos mage had either been disintegrated, or had merely vanished.

Yami was rather startled by the sudden attack, but Isaac looked immensely relieved. "Crystal!" he called happily.

Crystal walked into view from behind the fountain, and as she smiled in reply, she spotted the fallen Mana. "Mana!" she shrieked, before running to her guardian's side. Fortunately, Mahaado was gifted in the art of healing and within a few minutes Mana was fine.

"Mana, are you okay?" Crystal asked worriedly.

"I'm fine now. Thanks for healing me, Mahaado. And Crystal, watch your aiming! I almost got scorched too!"

Crystal looked rather sheepish. "Sorry about that. My aiming is off this week."

"I could tell."

Crystal was about to reply when she suddenly cried out in pain.

Yami's expression changed from puzzled to concern. "Crystal, what's wrong?" he asked as he worriedly placed his arm around her to hold her steady.

She winced in pain as she again tried to move her left arm, but she still replied, "Cursed mage got me in my arm. That was what made me scream before. It's really starting to hurt now. That magician knew too much magic for my liking."

"Will you be okay?"

"I've had worse."

"How could a princess of your rank have worse than a magical burn? I thought your people all respected you and wouldn't try to assassinate you."

Crystal sighed, trying not to grimace. "It's not my people that attack me, but crazy duel monsters like that Chaos mage and then rogue human mages. My people would never hurt me of their own free will."

"But why would anyone attack you?"

Isaac interrupted. "This is a rather long story. Could we please go indoors? It will take a while to tell, and I don't want anyone else to overhear us. Also, Crystal's arm needs to be tended to."

Yami was surprised at the request, but hid his confusion by nodding and leading them all towards a guest room where they could speak frankly and be comfortable.

-------------------------------------------------In the guest room--------------------------------------------

"So why are all these people after you?"

Crystal sighed heavily, her arm now bandaged, "Promise me that whatever I say will not leave your mouth outside this room."

Yami was surprised, but still he answered, "Of course. Now what is going on?"

Isaac spoke up, "Yami, you know of the land of Syria I believe?"

"Of course I do. It's not my favourite place in the world, mostly because of the fact that their obnoxious prince rules there. He and I do not get along, and it was he who stopped Syria trading with us. It caused uproar 3 years ago. How could I forget?"

"Do you remember the name of their prince, now King?"

"Yes. His name is Ishtar. His father was killed last year."

"Exactly," Isaac said, his eyes filling with tears as he spoke. "Forgive me Yami, but this story saddens me when I think of what I almost did to my daughter."

Crystal smiled at the King. "It is alright Father. I know why you did it, and I'm fine with it now," she said as she squeezed his hand with her good one.

Isaac smiled sadly and pulled his only daughter close, kissing her forehead. "I know Crystal, but I will never forgive myself for what I did."

Yami hated to interrupt, but decided to get back to the topic. "What happened?" he asked curiously.

Isaac still looked upset. "I almost forced my daughter to marry that man," he said quietly.

Yami was shocked. "What?" he asked, looking rather horrified.

Isaac winced. "Sorry, but that is hard to believe," Yami said, in way of apology.

"I know. You don't need to apologise, Yami."

"But how and why did this happen?"

Crystal was the one that answered this time, perhaps to spare the King the pain of answering. "Father and the late King were good friends. They arranged for a marriage between their children: Ishtar and myself. This was before Ishtar grew so ruthless, and his father was murdered."

"Murdered? I was told that he died in his sleep of an illness."

Crystal replied bitterly, "Since when does dying in your sleep involve your throat being slashed?"

"But healers examined the body and found no proof of murder. The healers would have said something if they found a cut."

"Sadly they did find the slash, but they didn't recognize it, as the king always had a mark there from his numerous chains. Whoever murdered the king cleaned the wound so it would appear he died of natural causes. To know where that mark was suggests that whoever killed him knew him well, or at least spent a lot of time around him. It also proves that this was a planned murder."

"You suspect Ishtar?"

Crystal hesitated. "Yes, because he and his father argued the day before the murder. Ishtar was furious with his father and stormed from the room, threatening that he would get his way."

"But how do you know this?"

"Because I was there. They were arguing about our wedding. They never knew I was there, as I hid with both magical and mundane means. Their argument was over the fact that even then, I had my doubts about the wedding and pleaded with my father to cancel it. I was afraid of what Ishtar would do to me when we were married."

"What happened?"

"Ishtar was furious when our fathers went into negotiations about it. I suspected he would harm me because of my decision, so I stayed with Father. Ishtar didn't know until after his father's death that they had already cancelled the wedding. He was in a rage when he found out, though. He came to my palace to try to persuade me back into it, but of course I refused."

"So you suspect he killed his father because he thought that if he did, you would have to marry him?"

Crystal sighed sadly. "Suspect? No, I know he did it. When I went to tell him the news that his father was dead, I found his dagger, covered in blood. A quick spell proved that the blood was his father's. To use one of Ishtar's daggers was to die, so I knew he killed his father. None even was allowed to touch his daggers, he even carried the two around with him. When I showed him the dagger, he didn't even seem fazed. Normally he would freak out if he saw blood on his daggers, this fact meant that someone else had used them."

"So Prince Ishtar killed his father?"

Crystal looked frustrated, "It appears that way, but somehow I doubt it was him, because Ishtar loved his father. One of the reasons I had my doubts about the wedding was that when I was around Ishtar, I sensed this alien presence around him. It was evil, and sometimes when he and I talked, I could swear it was someone else's voice."

"At another time, I was flicking over the minds of those in the palace, when I found an unfamiliar evil presence where Ishtar should have been. I believe an evil spirit, something that he can't control, possesses him. I suspect this evil presence killed his father, as Ishtar seems unable to control it. That's why I went to Father about the wedding. Even before the King was murdered, I was frightened."

"Forgive me for changing the subject Crystal, but you keep mentioning magic as a part of this. Are you a magician?"

Crystal looked surprised, and glanced over at her father before answering "Well, yes...in a way"

Yami sighed. "Do not be afraid, Crystal. As an accomplished mage myself, I do not judge you on the fact that you have magic on your side. With or without magic, you are no different from the beautiful princess I met earlier today. Now, what are your skills then?"

Crystal blushed at his words. "I'm a rare case: I have both telepathic skills and magical skills outside the mind. Depending on my relationship with the person, I can 'talk' to people through my mind, though it is difficult. I can read thoughts sometimes, though this is a result of lack of training rather than skill. I can't really control that sometimes. As for skills I can control, I can easily identify when spells are being used, and can often identify the spell. I can move objects with my thoughts if I concentrate hard enough, and I can usually teleport myself short distances. I am also skilled at magical healing and protection charms. However, all my abilities could be stronger if I were only able to train them. There's only so much I can learn by trial and error, or through Mana."

Mana smiled at the last, and then grinned cheerfully. "You forgot being able to scorch people at will, and inflict blades on the mind."

"Mana!"

"What do you mean?"

Crystal winced again, and glared at Mana. "She means I can inflict great damage to the mind, but this depends on the situation. Also, when I get really mad, I can attack with powerful energy blasts."

"She can't aim very well though."

"Mana!"

"What?"

Yami smiled nervously. "Umm, can't aim very well?"

Crystal looked rather embarrassed, "I'm slow to anger. I rarely am angry enough to scorch someone or try to kill them. In other words, I rarely get a chance to practice my aiming."

"That's why you kill them with the sword instead."

"MANA!"

"Well, it's true."

Yami looked interested at this. "You are skilled at weaponry? Not a very princess like trait. Regardless, what weapons can you use?"

"I am very skilled with a blade and longbow."

Yami sighed and leaned back in his chair while glancing at Mana. "Any other talents you'd like to tell me about, Crystal?"

Crystal shook her head. "No. My magical abilities could be a lot stronger and perhaps more varied if I trained more, but as for the moment, that's it."

"Unless you count flirting with almost every attractive guy she meets as a talent," Mana piped up with a grin, though her eyes were watching the Pharaoh for his reaction.

Crystal's cheeks burned, "MANA! Be quiet!" she said before resuming a dignified silence.

Yami was slightly disappointed with this. That meant the Crystal's casual flirting with him in the garden meant nothing, and he didn't like that. He thought it had been genuine.

Isaac was interested in Yami's disappointment, and tried unsuccessfully to hide a smile.

Yami noticed Isaac grinning at him, and flushed, changing the subject. "So Crystal, what about the mages that come to kill you? Do they fear your magical abilities or somewhat?"

Crystal looked up from trying to resist strangling Mana. "Few know of my abilities. Those that do know tend to not like me anyway and then try to assassinate me, so Isiria doesn't have a mind-reading queen."

Yami raised an eyebrow. "Oh, the possibilities. World domination is just one of the many terrible side-affects of Isiria having a mind-reading queen," he said dryly.

Crystal flushed. "There is no need for sarcasm, Yami. I don't know exactly why they attack me; I just assume that that is the reason. After all, it is a logical explanation."

"Logical, yes. Reason for murder? No."

"Well, I am royalty. Does anyone need a reason to murder royalty, besides hatred?"

"Point taken. Though I can't see why anyone would hate you, since you are Isiria's princess. You are loved throughout the nation, and your beauty is renowned. Also, your army is feared in these parts, and no-one in their right mind would attack you for fear of inviting swift retribution."

Crystal flushed again. "Whoever said that whoever is attacking me is in their right mind?" she retorted dryly.

Yami smiled in embarrassment. "Ah, point taken. Sorry."

Crystal smiled. "Don't worry about it. Anyway, I'm sure I'll be safe here. Your army is even more feared than mine, and your personal wrath tends to keep many in fear."

Yami flushed and lowered his gaze. "I'm quick to anger," he admitted.

Crystal laughed. "As some people know too well, I'm sure."

Yami's face just went deeper red, and Crystal just laughed more. Eager to change the topic, Yami then remembered something. "Why did you tell me of Ishtar when I asked what's going on?"

Crystal stopped laughing and frowned as she tried to move her arm. "Sorry for not making it clearer earlier. I believe that Ishtar is behind the attacks on me. He has powerful allies, numbering many magicians. These magicians could summon Duel Monsters or attack me themselves."

"But why would he do this?"

"Didn't you listen before? I said he was furious that I didn't marry him. I assume he believes in the concept, 'If I can't have you, no-one can.'"

Yami sighed. "Well that's terrific. If you can prove in court that it was Ishtar, we're going to have an international war."

Crystal sighed too, a look of fear on her face. "I know. That's why I haven't come forward – I don't want war to become of this. I know Ishtar didn't mean to do all this. I know him – he just wouldn't. But anyway, I don't want war. My people shouldn't have to fight because of me."

Isaac spoke up here, his tone sad. "You are royalty, and your safety comes first. Your life is more valuable then your armies' lives. I know this isn't fair, or even makes sense, but sadly it is necessary. Never forget this. Your people know this, and they believe in it, because what is a country without a ruler to protect and care for them?"

Crystal scowled, looking upset. "You already told me this, Father! And in answer to your question, a country like that would be a happy one. They could make their own decisions, and people would only die for their families. They wouldn't die for someone higher in society then them!" she said angrily, before storming from the room and heading towards the gardens. Mana sighed, and followed her.

Yami blinked at the female magician's retreating form. "Isaac, what just happened?"

Isaac sighed sadly. "Crystal hates the fact that our army would die to protect her. She says people should die for their families and friends, not for royalty. She would go into battle with her people, not hide and let them give their lives protecting her."

Yami looked distressed. "But she could be killed! Anyway, if there is a war, I will gladly keep her here under my protection. She would safer here then at your palace anyway...no offence."

"None taken. You speak the truth. Now, do you think that you could find and talk to my daughter? She will ignore me, as always. And she seems to like you," he said, but Yami seemed to not hear this last part.

"I'll do my best. Mahaado! Let's go!"

As Yami and Mahaado left the room, Isaac also departed in the direction of his quarters. He sighed. 'I hope Yami canhelp her. He seems right for her somehow. I can tell they like each other more than they show. Oh well, if not a romance, it will definitely be friendship. Just like when they were kids, before all this started...' he thought sadly to himself.

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Angel: How about that?

Yami Ang: It's good. I'll admit that it's better than the first time through.

Angel: Good. (looks around curiously) Is Mai back yet?

Yami Ang: (sweatdrops) Yes, but she has to be locked in a room by herself with some books that should get her back to normal in a week or longer.

Angel: (also sweatdrops) Okay...And please review! I'm aiming for ten reviews before I update, so PLEASE review! Being put on your author alert list is great, but please review the story too, OK? It would be appreciated.

C YA! Angel