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Quick Recap for you with some ages:

Bakura is now 20- 6 when his mother died and he was left in Kul Elna, 11 at the time of the raid

Atem is now 17

Seto is 18

Anzu is 16

Amane is 14

Malik is 19

As the sun rose on the summer day in the Royal City, Bakura wiped his brow from the already sweltering heat. He had only been residing in a makeshift dwelling in the slums there for a few months. Together with his band of thieves, he had finally made it to his destination. For so many years he had saved wealth to travel here and make a new living. Here he had been disgusted to find his former countrymen, the other villagers of Kul Elna, reduced to slavery and prostitution. He gritted his teeth thinking of his distain for the Pharaoh.

Ever since that day the royal soldiers had invaded his home, Bakura had never been the same. He went from a confused, lost boy to a young man determined on discovering the truth about him, no matter what the cost. He so desperately longed to learn where his ring came from. He had learned some of its power during close encounters with guards and rivals, but never could any specialist tell him where the gold originated nor who crafted the mysterious object. He had also had no luck in finding any remnants of his lost family. He hadn't spoken of or asked the whereabouts of any of them for nearly 2 years. No longer was Anzu his main objective in life. He assumed she had move on, likely married by now. No longer did he feel shame for stealing. It was the path he had chosen and the life he knew.

Bakura made his way through the crowded morning scuffle of shoppers in the bazaar. Within no time he had successfully made several pickpockets and snatched a few items from right under the noses of distracted merchants. He evaded a couple of guards and worked his way through the main shopping plaza of the city. Somehow, he soon found himself near an area of construction.

"Hey, watch it!" a man yelled, nearly knocking Bakura with a heavy cylinder of marble. Bakura squinted, preparing to fight if need be. When he noticed the mans age and appearance, he drew back from his challenging stance. The man looked so familiar...where had he seen him before?

"Can I help you?" the man asked with a short temper as he became annoyed with Bakura's stares. Suddenly it came to him: It was Jethro!

"Jethro?" he asked, but certain it was him.

"Yes? Who-no! I don't believe it! It cannot be!" he gasped, lowering his load from his shoulders and approaching his long lost charge. He had felt years of guilt for never knowing what happened to the boy that fearful day in the village. His worst fear was that the masked man who gave Bakura to him would one day find him and punish him for losing the boy.

"How did you get here?" Bakura asked.

"How did you?" Jethro returned, placing a hand on his shoduler, looking him up and down. "My how you have grown!"

"Yes, I have only been here in the city a short time. We thought you were out of town during the raid. How did you get placed here with the refugees?" Bakura asked, noticing his identifying symbol on his shirt.

"I had only entered the town that day, still at the stables when the soldiers invaded. I had no time to send word to you all that I was back. I thought the worst when I didn't see any of you here. At least you're alive…" he trailed off somberly, thinking of his lost sister and niece.

"Anzu is, I am sure of it," Bakura stated.

"How do you know?" Jethro's eyes lit up with hope.

"I saw a man on a white horse come and take her from my grasp. He knew Iania was her mother and said he was her father. I tried to protect her but he overpowered me. I was far weaker then," he replied.

"White horse you say? No doubt someone from the palace then. I never met Anzu's father. Iania simply begged to come with me on my travels, claiming she had to get away from this place. I had no idea she was pregnant until about 4 months after we settled in Kul Elna when she started to show."

"I have been looking for her for some time but with no luck. I had more or less given up until today," Bakura sighed. "But I will find a way into the palace at once. I have to see if she is still there."

"Be careful my boy. They aren't light on criminals breaking in the royal premises."

"You…know I am a thief?"

"I was too when I was your age. You learn," he said, lifting a hand to show him where he was missing two fingers.

"But you said that was from an illness!" Bakura cried, remembering far back into his past.

"You have quite the memory Bakura! But no, it was from a guard who was aiming for my whole hand, but a horse bumped him from behind and threw him off balance as he lowered the sword. Much to my advantage!" he said winking. "And I never stole a single thing after that day."

Just then, a guard appeared behind Jethro, rearing back his arm to strike him for his idling. Bakura pulled him away in the nick of time, the whip snapping the dry ground instead of the backs of Jethro's already worn and beaten legs.

"You! Back to work!" he grabbed Jethro by the sleeve of his shirt and yanked him back towards the construction. "And you, be gone, unless you want to join!"

Bakura decided not to kill this guard for the sake of time and Jethro's presence. He simply scowled and retreated.

"I will remember your story," Bakura said flatly, nodding as he left. It had been quite some time since he showed so much kindness to another human being. As he headed back to his "home" he saw Marik leaving.

"Don't wait up for me tonight," Bakura joked as he gathered some items he might need.

"Staying out all night eh?" Marik asked with a smile and playful shove.

"No, I won't be patronizing the brothels all night like you, fool," he snapped. "It's a dangerous mission sort of thing."

"Can I come?"

"I'd rather you not. Things get more complicated the more people get involved," Bakura finished as he headed towards the palace. He would have to scout out the premises and find an easy way inside.


Meanwhile as the day progressed, Seto tried to think of a time to meet with Anzu. She was normally busy with her studies until mid afternoon and always ate her midday meal with Atem, so he assumed it would have to be in the evening. Luckily, he passed her the royal corridor on her way to dine with her fiancé. She smiled when she saw him approaching and raised her hands to signal her maids to stop behind her. However, she could see Atem watching from a dining room behind Seto.

"Good day Seto," she said sweetly, especially trying to seem just polite.

"It's a better day now that I've seen you, Anzu," he said, bending slightly and taking her hand in his to kiss it. As he did so, he made sure that a note was slipped from his hand to hers. She looked a bit surprised, but continued on towards her meal.

"And what did the High Priest To Be have to say my dear?" asked Atem as she entered and he kissed her cheek.

"He simply greeted me as he should, that's all," she responded kindly. She hated when Atem was angry with her. It was so easier if she did what she could to appease him. "Might I be excused? I need to wash before the food is served."

"Of course," he said, nodded and eyeing her as she entered the small room near the eating area.

Once the door was closed, Anzu opened the small parchment.

It read:

Anzu,

I must speak with you in total privacy this evening, after your maids and guards believe you have retired for the night. I will find a way to your room this evening through the royal secret passageways. Do not be startled if you hear me. Dispose of this after reading.

-Seto

She shredded the note and then crumpled the pieces slowly and tucked it down in her dress into her undergarments. She quickly dipped her hands in the washing bowl and dried them, hurrying to return to Atem. What could be so important that would worry Seto so dearly? Whatever it was, she couldn't let it bother her during her lunch. Atem would read the worry right off of her face. She had to convince him all was completely fine. She took her place across the small table from him and prepared to eat.

"So, how was the boating adventure today dear?" she began.


Meanwhile Bakura had made his way undetected past the first round of guards who were patrolling the gates and fences. He had disguised himself as a servant by pulling back his hair and donning a more regal cloak. He found several parcels to carry that made him seem as though he in fact belonged there working. Thankfully no one stopped him to question his tasks. He spent nearly an hour or so simply listening for any clues as to where Anzu might be. He doubted she was in much danger, seeing as how her father had saved her. He assumed he had been someone of importance and she was alright. To start, he began scouting the castle. As he made his way down various hallways and ventured into several rooms, he felt a sense of strange familiarity overcome him.

'I feel as though I have been here before...' he thought to himself for a moment. 'Foolish...' he said, shrugging off the notion.

The thief searched the other servant quarters briefly. No sign or word. Perhaps the dancer and entertainers' areas? He skimmed over the performers who were preparing to dance during the king's dinner and did not see her. Then he feared worse: the harem. He was certain there was one in the palace and immeadietly began his search for it. As he suspected, it was heavily guarded, as it was for the Pharaoh only. He tried to stay inconspicuous as he waited for a girl to leave the quarters. Finally one girl did emerge from the room. He followed after her and tried to catch her attention cleverly. She ignored him, so he grabbed her by the arm when no one was around and pulled her into a small storage room.

"Hey what is the meaning of this! Unhand me this instant! I have magical abilities!" the girl wailed.

"I need your help," Bakura barked as he wrestled with her.

"Why would I be of use to you?" she questioned. "My services are for the Pharaoh only! Not that he ever visits."

"I am not in need of that sort of service," Bakura assured her as he held down her hands.

"What's that supposed to mean? Being a concubine is often considered a great honor!" she wailed. "I'm training to be a magician anyway! The king has never once touched me, nor has the prince."

"Sure, whatever woman, I just need to ask you something," Bakura insisted.

"Who are you anyway? I have never seen you before," she wondered.

"Who I am does not matter. I am just a servant, like you. Its a big palace you know," he protested coyly. "Just answer this one question for me, then I will let you go."

"Well I am not rude, unlike you. My name is Mana," she said snobbishly.

"Fine then Mana, tell me, is there a girl named Anzu among you?"

"Ha! You jest! Among the courtesans?" she laughed.

"You know her? I am looking for her. She was an old friend of mine," he said.

"Well you won't find her among us, that is if it's the same Anzu we're talking about," she said with a disapproving look.

"Why? Where is she?"

"She is to be married to our next Pharaoh, Prince Atem. His uncle is our current Pharaoh, serving as regent until Atem has completed all of his training. They have been engaged for several years now," she responded, looking at her nails. "I don't see what's so great about her really. She came from some village out in the desert they say."

Bakura did not want to say anything further. If she were in such high a position now, him revealing her humble origins and home of Kul Elna would bring her down and he would not be responsible for that.

"Thank you for your help," he said as he released her abruptly and left the room.

Mana looked around in shock. "That was so weird…." she said scratching her head.


Anzu waited in her bedroom, sitting on the edge of her bed nervously. She gripped her evening robe tightly as her heart rate increased. She was so anxious to hear what was bothering Seto.

Just then, she heard a firm thud. Her eyes widened and she stood up, only to see part of her wall moving. She gasped upon seeing Seto emerge from the other side. She started to say his name but refrained as he placed a finger to his lips to remind her of the need for silence. A guard stumbling in on Seto in the room of the future Pharaoh's bride wouldn't fair well for either of them. He grabbed her hand gently and led her out to the patio room, which was the room leading to her private balcony. He stopped and turned to face her. She looked up into his eyes, hers full of questions and confusion.

"What is wrong Seto? I have been worried all day?" she asked, continuing to hold his hand. He raised it a little higher and admired it almost, then pulled away from her touch.

"I need to know how you really feel about the engagement to my cousin," he stated smoothly.

"Oh Seto, are you trying to change your father's mind for my sake? That's sweet of you but-"

"No, it's not about that right now. But from the sound of it, it doesn't seem like you care that your future is no longer so certain," he said, eying her cautiously.

"I would not mind being Queen. It was the life that was chosen for me and I accepted it," she said firmly.

"But do you really want to marry Atem and be with him for the rest of your life Anzu?"

She did not answer. She looked away, avoiding the question. He knew the answer and she knew he knew. Why he was subjecting her to this she was uncertain.

He placed a hand on her face and gently turned it to make her look at him.

"Answer me, Princess," he demanded.

She let out a sort of pout. "No. I don't. Isn't it obvious?" she threw off his grasp and walked to the other end of the room, nearer to the balcony.

"To some, yes, others not so much. You're a good actress, pretending to like him for the sake of the family, your title, and so on."

"Why are you making it seem like I am the bad person here? I didn't ask to marry Atem!" Anzu asked.

"If you had the choice right now, to marry someone else that you actually love, would you pick him and be happy or marry Atem and be Queen?"

This was so difficult. This question tested her heart, integrity and honesty yet at the same time her loyalty and dedication.

"Ideally I would choose to marry someone I love. Maybe someday, if the contract holds out, I will come to love Atem. But regardless, I made a promise to my mother and my country and unless that fate is again decided for me I intend to keep my word," Anzu huffed proudly. Seto was impressed.

"Is there anyone in particular that came to mind when I asked that previous question?" he asked, walking around her now, slowly coming closer.

"I would want someone who respects me, loves me, and wants me for more than trophy's sake. " She gulped. Seto was toying with her! This wasn't like him. Usually he saved these semi- manipulative tricks for snobby noble children or other annoyances.

"Atem does all but the last," Seto suggested, right in front of her again. She didn't want to endure any more of his prodding.

"Seto…" she said softly but passionately, taking his hand in hers again. She playfully spun around into his arms. He caught her and they both sank softly to the carpeted ground. He wound up on one knee, she was in his harms, face buried in his shoulder as her knees gave.

"Anzu what is with you? This is no time for silliness!" Seto said sternly.

"If you're trying to ask me if I would rather marry you, the answer is yes." Her eyes twinkled as she looked up at him. His mouth was open partially in shock.

"R-Re-Really?" he stammered, clutching her tighter. She nodded. Then he sat her up so she might be more comfortable. He recomposed himself. It was not his nature to be caught of guard, but her bluntness was starling.

"Are you sure you aren't just saying this because the thought of being with anyone but Atem sounds better at this point?" Seto questioned. Anzu sighed.

"I don't see how I can win. I don't love Atem but I don't know if I love you that way either, Seto. We are so young and we've been friends…"

"I know Anzu, I just didn't want you simply telling me what I want to hear," Seto said.

"Well, do you want me to marry you Seto?" He gritted his teeth. She was turning the tables on him! He couldn't be angry with her though. Not with that face of hers.

"Yes, I would," he replied blatantly. She hugged him.

"I just want everything to be alright. No more fighting. I want to be happy," Anzu pleaded.

"Well, that is a large party of why father is reconsidering your arrangement with Atem. He knows you are not happy. Perhaps you would be happier with me."

"I am sure I could be, Seto. We have been the best of friends for several years now. It might be awkward at first, but I know it would be better than with Atem. He doesn't look at me like you do," she said stroking his face.

"That's because he doesn't appreciate what he has," Seto said. "Do you think your parents would approve?"

"I am not sure. I think they want me to be pleased and if I said being with you would make me happy, then yes," she responded, looking up at him. Blue eyes met blue. How badly Seto wanted to tell her that if all went accordingly, she would still be the future Queen…just his queen. She hugged him again as he started to stand, preparing to leave.

"Please don't leave…" she begged softly. Seto looked down at the top of her head surprised. He didn't want to, but he had to. He had gotten what he needed to know.

"I must leave Anzu," he said, gripping her tighter as he rose and lifted them both. He could see the sadness in her face. "You are still Atem's fiancé and me being here this late puts both of us at risk. I cannot allow any harm to come to you."

She knew he was right, but she hated to part ways. Somberly she nodded and tried to smile. He kissed her forehead and turned to leave through the passageway.

"Goodnight," she said gently.

"Goodnight…" he returned. Once he was out of earshot, he continued, "…my love."

Anzu remained in the netting and curtain enclosed room for a moment, alone. She then wandered out onto her balcony to gaze up at the stars. Placing her hands on the railing, she closed her eyes and breathed in the crisp night air. Where was her life taking her? Two young men both of esteemed positions sought to make her their bride. With Atem, she would be queen but would not love the man to whom she was wed. With Seto, she would be happier but not as high of rank. Deciding to marry him should the contract fall through would also upset Atem. She knew that it was only a matter of time before the contract was dissolved now that Seto knew she cared for him. He would tell his father to make sure Anzu could be his. Was she a prize to be won? The thoughts made her angry. She knew Seto did not see her as an object like Atem did, but something about their conversation still bothered her. A sudden realization sank in: she was living in the palace. 8 years ago she would have never guessed this would happen to her. How blessed she had been to have been saved by her father from the invasion at Kul Elna! But how she longed for the people of her village to be set free. Her mother had told her she was never to say where she was from, as then the contract would be terminated for sure and she might be imprisoned. She gave no thought to Bakura during these thoughts. She had almost given up on ever finding him, believing that he was dead or imprisoned as a slave. Either of these fates would be the same to her; she would be in no power to free him. Plus that had been years ago. She was sure if he was alive, he was not the boy she had known. He would be 20 now, a man. Probably married with a family or embarking on dangerous adventures. She wished to know what had indeed happened to him, but dwelling on the subject left her sad and frustrated.

Suddenly a cold breeze brushed over her and caused her to bring her arms closer to her sides for warmth. She opened her eyes to gaze over the city and the Nile. The moon glimmered perfectly in the water, reminding her of her flaws. She sighed and turned to go inside for the night, when she found herself face to face with an intruder. She was paralyzed with fear and could not even cry out. The masked man had bushy white hair and carried a small dagger. He approached her cautiously, lowering his knife. Clearly he wasn't an assassin or else she'd be dead already. As he neared her, he could see the beads of sweat forming as she panicked. He was so startled to have finally found her he was speechless. She was more beautiful than he remembered. She had become a woman of exquisite appeal; no wonder the pharaoh wanted her.

"Don't worry Anzu, I'm not going to hurt you. It's been so long," he said as he reached out to embrace her. Her instincts told her to strike this stranger and run to get help, but she replayed what he had just said again in her mind. 'It's been so long?' she wondered. 'No…it couldn't be. But the same white hair and tan skin….Was it?'

"Bakura?" she asked, petrified.

He smiled and removed his mask, catching the princess in his arms as she fainted.