DECLARAION: - This story has been written and produced by Cathrath (FanFiction. net ID: 609465). Distribution of any kind is prohibited without the written consent of Cathrath. If you should see this story posted anywhere other than FanFiction .net or under any other name it has been stolen so please notify the author. I do not own Yu-gi-oh.

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Chapter 7 – Truth

Jou wandered the tunnels in the direction of the servant's quarters. In his explorations over the weeks he had discovered that the tunnels came close to the living quarters of the palace. In some places you could look, or even squeeze through the grates in the walls. Yugi had promised to come back with the food he had forgotten but he couldn't help it, he was hungry. He was making his way towards a grate that led into the servant's quarters hoping to be able to steal a piece of bread or fruit to tie him over until Yugi came back. He approached the grate and looked through to check the coast was clear. Just as he was about to push the grate back an old woman entered the room. Jou took his hand away from the grate and sat down, he would have to wait before venturing out. He became aware of a quiet sobbing noise. The old woman had sat down in a chair with her face in her hands and was quietly sobbing into them.

'I wonder what's wrong?' thought Jou.

As if to answer his question the door to the room opened and a young woman entered. The old woman raised her head expectantly.

"Well, any news Mai?" the old woman asked.

"He's been arrested".

The old woman let out a gasp

"What in Ra's name is the charge?"

The young woman paused before answering.

"The attempted murder of the Pharaoh."

The old woman sat back in her chair her hand across her mouth in shock. Jou leaned forward at the mention of the Pharaoh.

'Maybe Yugi's involved?' he thought.

"Who accused him?"

The woman paused again.

"It was Pharaoh Yami himself".

Again the old woman gasped in shock.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I spoke with Katara, Ishizu's assistant. Late last night Ishizu was called to the Pharaohs chambers. He had been attacked whist sleeping. Katara said he had deep cuts on his back and arm where the assassin's blade had caught him and it looked like he had put up a fight because he was unconscious when Ishizu arrived. Ishizu dressed his wounds and a little while later, when he awoke, Ishizu asked him if he had seen his attacker. Katara was preparing medicine in a corner of the room when she clearly heard him say Yugi's name".

This time it was Jou's turn to place his hand over his mouth in shock.

"There's more. Kintar was extinguishing the night torches in the second corridor when Seto the High Priest swept past him with several guards. Wanting to find out what all the commotion was about Kintar followed them. When he turned the corner in the corridor he saw the guards grabbing hold of Yugi. Seto started to ask him questions and demanded to know his whereabouts last night. Yugi wouldn't tell him. Seto took that as confirmation of his guilt and ordered him taken to the dungeons." She paused.

"What will they do to him Sarah?"

The old woman looked up, fresh tears streaming down her face.

"He'll be executed".

"But...he's just a boy!"

"It won't make any difference. If the Pharaoh is the one who's accused him then there is nothing anyone can do".

"Oh, Sarah." the young woman cried as she ran into the old woman's arms.

"It can't be true, it just can't!"

Sarah embraced the crying woman.

"I know, but only a miracle can save Yugi now".

Jou stepped back from the grate shaking violently. He felt numb. He hadn't just heard that. It couldn't be true and Jou knew why. Yugi had been with him all night. His eyes widened with sudden understanding. Yugi hadn't told the Priest where he had been because he had been in the tunnels with Jou. Yugi had put is own life in danger to save him.

'Oh Yug,' he whispered sadly.

He clenched his fists. He had to help him, but how, there was no way he was going to be able to rescue him, Yugi would be to heavily guarded, and Jou wasn't even sure where the dungeons were. No he had to find someone to talk to. Tell them where Yugi had been all night. Even if it meant he was punished or worse executed himself for being an escaped slave. He didn't care what happened to him, he had to help Yugi. He screwed his eyes shut. Who could he tell? Who would believe him? Suddenly it came to him. There was one person. From what Yugi had told him over the weeks, Pharaoh Yami would listen. Or would he? After all he had been the one to accuse Yugi in the first place, but Jou knew he had been mistaken and Yugi's lack of information concerning his whereabouts had just confirmed his wrong suspicions. It was a long shot but it was his only chance to save Yugi. He knew the way to the servant's staircase that led to the Pharaohs chambers. Yugi had described it many times and he knew how to work the exit door. What was there to lose? If he was captured at least he had tried to help Yugi and it was better than staying in the tunnels knowing his best friend was about to be executed for a crime he didn't commit. Even if the Pharaoh ordered his own execution after he had told his story it would be worth it to get the truth told. With his mind resolved to his course of action he made his way towards the door and slipped through into the palace.