Disclaimer: (looks at jar) I got 30 cents so far! Ha!

A/N: Nooooooooo! Loyal reviewers! You're not supposed to be confused! I command you not to be confused! Okay, since I love you all so much, I'll give you a mini summary of what's been going on and who's who.

Characters:

Bel Saf: Yami's "father"
Reira: Seth's guardian/teacher; Priest
Kentara: Yami's mother
Yami: Current Pharoah
Anzu: Seth's servant
Seth: Current Priest

Summary:

After passing out from the wrath of the Egyptian gods, Seth starts having dreams (more like visions....) about certain events from the past (not getting into that because the visions are pretty self-explanatory). Uhhh....then it moves to Priest Reira, who is having a conflict with his millennium rod while he's trying to save Pharaoh Bel Saf from the gods of abeyance (hmm....I wonder why..?) After saving Bel Saf from the gods of abeyance, Saf is overwhelmed and dies, leaving his millennium puzzle for his son, Yami. Meanwhile, Seth wakes up from his visions and is angered from what he has witnessed (wouldn't you?) Then, it goes to Yami and Tea, who are about to confess their feelings to each other when Yami passes out because he has a vision about Seth becoming Pharaoh (It's kind of weird how Seth is about to read the words on the text and Yami has the vision at the same time. It kind of tells you what Seth will do if he is Pharaoh.) Finally, Seth hears voices that tell him to "look within the Nile." Listening to the voices, he sees......Reira.

Title: Almost Royalty

Chapter IV: Exhibition of Disloyalty

"Reira?"

Seth drew a hand to his cheek, only to witness the Nile reciprocating his action. Too overwhelmed to breathe another word, Seth's thoughts occupied his mind with images from his first dream. Kentara and Reira. Surprise soon turned to outrage as he angrily brushed a hand through the Nile and brought himself to his feet in one swift motion.

"I understand your anger, Seth."

The young Priest, who had his back turned toward the river, recognized the voice as Reira, but made no attempt to acknowledge his master. Instead, he whispered, "and I hope you understand that you're the cause of it." Without waiting for a response, Seth turned around and yelled, "what were you thinking!? How could you keep something like THIS from me? I..." Pausing to relieve some frustration, he whispered sadly, "I....trusted you" almost to the point where it was inaudible.

"You were not ready, and I see now that you still aren't."

Seth could not believe what he was hearing. "How was I supposed to react? Either way I would have lost!"

"To lose is to gain. You, my novice, have gained the power of the millennia."

"Have you no compassion!? Ever since you told me that my parents were lost in a sandstorm, I have been searching for answers. Answers that lay hidden in the only person that I trusted in this world!" Seth clenched his hand into a fist firmly, "why now? Why did I have those dreams?"

"It was time. With the millennium rod in your possession, destiny was to be known to you."

Seth shook his head, "how can you still believe in destiny? You, of all the gods and goddesses, should know its undesirable fate." Reira's book, which was passed on to Seth, was proof that destiny was only a false ambition. "Your destiny was to control the millennium rod, yet you failed to fulfill it."

"Wrong. My destiny was to control the Egyptian Gods."

In reaction to his response, Seth's mind flashed images of when Reira captured the Egyptian Gods in the millennium rod. Suddenly, his thoughts dissolved into one major realization. "It was you.....you're the one that made me fall victim to the wrath of the gods of abeyance. A-are you inside the rod?"

"Yes, the day I sealed the Egyptian Gods was the day I sealed a part of myself within the rod. It was the only way to grant Egypt her prosperity. I gave my life for Egypt that day, Seth, and I hope you will do the same when the time is right."

"So...is that my destiny?" His eyebrow raised, creating a puzzled facial expression.

"No, that is the Pharaoh's sealed fate. You are to keep the other millennium items from harm."

"Nothing more?" The Priest sounded more shocked than relieved.

"Protecting the items is more than enough."

Seth brought a hand to his forehead, but swiftly pulled it away to ask, "wait--now that you're in the rod...does that mean that you're apart of me?" His question was only out of curiosity, but his tone of voice created a stale fragrance in the air.

"Yes, but I will only serve as a guide."

Reira was definitely walking over troubled water, Seth mused, he just hoped that his master could swim through the currents of betrayal and disloyalty. Indeed, Reira had taken him in as his very own, but Seth would never give Reira the benefit of the doubt. After all, he was the cause of his mother's troubles.

"You need not trust me, Seth, I only want your word that you will keep the relics safe."

"Words can break as easily as trust, Reira. I learned that the hard way."

"So it may be, Seth, so it may be."

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

"How is that possible?" Anzu's eyes lowered to the puzzle, which was giving off a strange aura. "Yami, your necklace can't just warn you of danger....there has to be another explanation." Baffled from what she had witnessed, Anzu wasn't sure if there was a rational explanation.

Yami shook his head in disagreement, "this isn't like any other necklace, Anzu. My father used to talk about how it was made by the gods themselves to rid any evil that threatened Egypt. I think my puzzle was created to warn the destined keeper of danger."

"That's amazing," Anzu whispered, "are there any more like yours?"

"Seven, including mine. I believe each relic has a different power, but they were all created to destroy evil." Yami surmised, the puzzle in hand. "As the destined owner, my puzzle was trying to warn me of imminent danger. I'm not sure what to make of it though..."

Anzu gently wrapped a hand around his, making his eyes mount to hers. Plastering a smile, she comforted him with, "it will come to you when the time is right. I'm sure you will be able to handle it." Rubbing her thumb across his hand, she blushed at the softness of his skin. "My Pharaoh..."

Yami, too lost in her touch to speak, nuzzled his nose into her neck, making her gasp in surprise. This wasn't like him. Fighting for breath, she felt his hands move very slowly to her hips. His touch was intoxicating--addicting almost. The heat that was emitting from his palms seeped through her clothing, awaking her senses to euphoria. She bit her lip to restrain herself from his advances, but the sudden touch of his lips to her neck made the fight an impossible one. "Anzu...you're beautiful.."

"Yami...I..."

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

"Destiny is a guide for the weak." Seth proclaimed, "one must follow their own path."

"Strong words for someone who lives in the shadow of others."

Seth winced, but regained his composure. "No longer will my life be ruled by command. As Bel Saf's son, I will be the rightful Pharaoh of Egypt." Placing the millennium rod beneath his cloak, Seth stood in silence. "Yami will fall to his knees when he witnesses my power."

"Anger will not win you the throne."

"Force will, though." Seth's eyes fell to the river. "Leave me to my thoughts, Reira." Seeing Reira's features disappear from his face, Seth abandoned the Nile river to return to the temple. He needed to think, and meditation was the best way.....to form a plan.

%%%%%%%%%%%%

".....I can't." His hands deserted her sides upon hearing her rejection. Even the feel of his lips to her neck surrendered in defeat. "I'm sorry..." Though she had been waiting for this moment, she dared not go against the law. If she was caught under the embrace of the Pharaoh, she would be sentenced to death.

Yami knew he had gone too far--he couldn't control himself. Had his love for her turned to lust?

"It's late, I must return to the temple before Seth knows I'm gone." Fighting the yearn to stay, Anzu brought herself to her feet, never meeting his eyes."Sleep well, Yami." She knew she wouldn't. The Pharaoh's spell left a hunger that sent tremors from head-to-toe.

"Anzu."

Keeping her back toward him, she didn't seem to notice that he had walked up behind her. "Anzu.." He spoke softly as his chin rested on her shoulder, cheek touching hers. She blushed once she realized how close they were. He's like a different person. Anzu wasn't sure what to make of Yami's behavior. One minute he was talking about the powers of his puzzle, the next he's telling her how beautiful she is. She wasn't sure if she was dreaming or if, in fact, her love was requited.

"I want to see you again." His breath was warm, Anzu noted.

Turning around, she faced the eyes that made her knees weak. "Yami," his hand tightened around her waist at the sound of his name, "I don't think we should." Though her statement was negative, that didn't stop him from leaning closer to her face. He felt her shiver. Why was she afraid of him?

He DID know of the strict code a Pharaoh had to follow. The Pharaoh was only allowed to marry his bloodline or royalty, not including foreign princesses. If, by chance, a Pharaoh did fall in love with a foreign princess, the princess would have to move into the Pharaoh's palace, and abandon her culture by changing her name to something Egyptian.

{A/N: Yes, Pharaohs usually married their sisters....yummy...}

The code didn't matter to him. It was love for him and he would undeniably give up the title of Pharaoh to be with her. Why couldn't she understand that? He'd make her understand. Gradually closing the gap between their lips, he felt Anzu's muscles tighten under his. It was then where his lips were about to brush hers when she turned her head away from him. Her breathing turned irregular upon turning around. "Oh...Isis.." she whimpered as she pulled away from him.

{A/N: Sorry about all these notes, but in ancient Egypt, men called their god "Ra" while women called theirs "Isis..."}

"What's..wr-" Before Yami could finish, he saw Seth's figure from the corner of his eye.

"I knew I heard something," his strong words had a twist of sarcasm, creating a smirk across his face. "They say curiosity killed the cat," Seth took a step forward, "but it looks like my curiosity may in fact kill you, my dear." His eyes crossed paths with Yami's stern ones. "And Pharaoh, what will the citizens of Egypt think? Hopefully bad thoughts." He laughed and walked up to his servant. "Now then," he grabbed Anzu by the arm. "What should we do with you?"

Anzu remained silent.

"Going to let me decide, are we?" He put a finger to his chin and paced around her. "Decisions. Decisions. Decisions." He stopped and smiled maliciously. "Ahh..I think I have the perfect one in mind. I would tell you, but I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise." Turning away from the two of them, he lifted a flower from its stem and placed it under his nose. "Beautiful place you got here, Pharaoh. Too bad I'm going to replace it with something of more importance."

Yami stood forward, hands clenched tightly, "I have heard enough, Seth! You will leave here at once!" Anger was evident in each word.

"Watch what you say, Pharaoh," his eyes twinkled with something unknown to Yami. "Tomorrow brings new discoveries."

Yami smirked, his eyes looking beyond Seth. "Do you find humor in knowing you will be looked down upon by every citizen in Egypt?!" His voice slightly raised, but Yami maintained a cool, sly smile. Before Seth could turn around to discover his amusement, his head came into contact with the back of an Egyptian sword. The blow caused his eyes to roll up to its sockets with an after effect of collapsing to the ground, unconscious.

Yami sighed, while Anzu looked at her master's body. "Is he....dead?"

"No." Jou, the culprit, stepped out from shrubbery and smiled at them. "Don't we all wish?" Putting his sword back into its sheath, he put his hands on his hips and looked at them. "I was waiting for the perfect moment to strike, but he wouldn't stop talking..." He looked down at Seth's body, a smile creeping on his lips.

"How did you know Seth was here?" Anzu asked, eyes still on her master.

Jou looked at her, "as Yami's--I mean, the Pharaoh's--bodyguard, I must keep a strict watch on him at all times. As soon as I saw another figure approaching the Pharaoh, instinct told me to make sure the Pharaoh was not in danger. When I saw Seth, I knew he was stirring up trouble, so I took him out before anything could happen."

"Thank you, Jou." Yami walked up to his bodyguard and put a firm hand on his shoulder, "but I'm afraid he will remember what took place tonight." A feeling of guilt washed over him, knowing that he was at fault for his actions.

Anzu stepped forward, leaving Yami to his thoughts. "Do you think we can carry him back to the temple unnoticed?"

Jou frowned, but responded with, "if caught, we can always say that he got carried away with the ale..."

"Let's go."

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

The temple had no name, founder, or purpose. Some say Ramses I built it for his wife, while others believe foreigners built it when they had Egypt under siege. Though the hieroglyphics and notations tell a story of a Pharaoh and a High Priest who battled for the throne, one can surmise that the temple had no ideal purpose but to honor and pray for the gods and goddesses of Egypt. Built with brick and the labor of foreign slaves, the temple was no more majestic than the pyramids.

"Don't priests usually fast," Jou stated in between heaves as Yami and him brought Seth to his chamber.

Though the temple was only a short walk from the garden, the countless steps to Seth's chamber made the trip...a struggle.

"If...not, they should...start," Yami panted, obviously not used to tough conditions such as these. "Do you...think we can leave...him on the floor?" Jou only smiled as Yami wiped the beads of sweat that were polishing his forehead.

Anzu, watching the scene, walked forward and eschewed them aside. "Honestly," she whispered, slightly irritated. Grabbing Seth's arms, she dragged him to the side of the bed, placed his head and shoulders on the bed and used the rest of her energy to roll his lower body on to the bed.

They looked at her, stunned.

"It's routine," she dusted off her hands, "they usually have a lot of feasts in the dining hall, so I have the job of bringing him to his chambers if he falls asleep or gets drunk." Her eyes shifted to her master, sighing at the sight. "Usually he's drunk."

"Why didn't you tell us this before?" Jou's question came with a smack in the head by Yami. "What? That was a lot of steps!"

Anzu smiled weakly, "I'll fetch you two some water."

With that in mind, she disappeared from the chamber, leaving Yami and Jou to look around his sleeping quarters. Seth was a simple man with simple tastes. His room only contained a bed, a small wood cabinet, and a torch, which was on the verge of going out.

"What's th-" Yami paused, not wanting Jou to hear him. Looking at the book he had spotted on the floor, he picked it up and looked at it. "Reira's book." He whispered, reading the title. "Hmm.." Yami remembered how much Seth had changed upon receiving Reira's book. "I wonder..." Before he could finish, he heard footsteps from outside the room. Slipping it into his robe, he turned around to see Anzu carrying a tray of water.

"We should go," he said, drinking the rest of his water. "If Mai or one of the other servants sees us-"

"I know." Yami interrupted, turning his attention to Anzu. "Will you be alright?"

"He won't be waking up any time soon."

Jou nodded and headed for the doorway, "I'll be waiting outside, Pharaoh."

"Anzu?" She looked up at the sound of her name, but Yami knew she didn't want anything to do with him at the moment. "I just...this whole thing...I'm sorry." He wished he could say more, but he couldn't think of anything comforting. He hoped she would forgive him.

"Pharaoh," he cringed at the sound of his more formal title. She hated him. "I know I will probably be shunned upon if Seth remembers, but..." She stepped forward, hand reaching out to touch his cheek. "I don't regret anything." Her hand glided down to his neck. "Tonight, you made me feel like a real person. I...thank you." She leaned in to kiss him on the cheek.

"Anzu, I-"

She put a finger to his lips. "Go."

%%%%%%%%%%%%%

"Jou," Yami whispered, once he was successfully out of the temple, "do you...think Seth will remember?"

His eyes met the ground, "Seth has been out to destroy you since you became Pharaoh....I can't see him not remembering."

"Ra, what am I going to do?"

Jou frowned sympathetically, knowing that the last thing Yami wanted to see was Anzu hurt....or worse. No, he wouldn't think that way. "Yami, you just have to hope for the best. I know it may seem hopeless at the moment, but there's nothing we can do.

"Ra, please help her.."

%%%%%%%%%%%%%

"Isis, please help him."

On her knees, hands clapsed, Anzu imitated her master's actions when he was praying. She rarely prayed, believing that the gods and godesses had done nothing good for her, but she needed their help more than anything. Closing her eyes, she tried to concentrate on a prayer. It was for Yami's sake.

"Are they gone?"

Her eyes snapped open as the rustle of sheets and the sound of footsteps filled her ears. Turning around, she could see Seth walking toward her. "Master, you're up.." she fumbled for the right words as she stood up to face him. "You passed out...and the Pharaoh and his bodyguard brought you to your chamber-"

"Enough, I already know what happened."

Anzu swallowed hard, "master? What do you mean?"

He saw the confusion in her eyes, but knew she was lying. "You're not making this easier on yourself." Folding his arms, he felt something poking his forearm. The millennium rod. It was time to test the power of his millennium rod....she was the perfect victim. "I saw everything. From the garden to my chamber. What makes you think you can fool me?" He placed a hand on the rod from under his cloak, excitement shaking at his fingertips.

"Master, please, I can explain..."

His smile fed on her fear. "Too late, you have made a grave mistake." With a firm grip on the rod, he was about to pull it out when he realized that he could use the girl to his advantage. The Pharaoh loved the girl. She loved him. It was too perfect.

"Please, I'll do anything..." Anzu pleaded, tears now forming in her eyes.

"Anything?" Ra was shining down upon him tonight. "Do you know that puzzle the Pharaoh wears around his neck?" His question was responded with a nod from Anzu. "Good. I'll forget the incident ever occurred if..." His smile grew, "you bring the puzzle to me."

Anzu's face turned slightly pale, "you want me to steal his necklace?"

"Exactly, do we have a deal?"

Anzu's bottom lip trembled at his question. Yami's puzzle was given to him by his father, she couldn't just....take it and give it to his enemy. But, if she didn't, he would ruin Yami's name....and she would be stoned in public for the breaking the law. What was she going to do? Yami did say the millennium items were created to destroy evil. It wasn't like Seth could use it for his evil intentions.

"I...accept."

Seth contained the urge to laugh in victory. "I'm glad we have an understanding. If you fail, however, you'll lose it all."

Anzu forced a nod, "I understand."

"You have tomorrow to bring it to me."

Not waiting for an answer, Seth turned around and walked out of his chamber. Anzu, meanwhile, stifled a couple of sobs before falling to her knees in utter despair. She couldn't believe she had agreed. "Yami....I'm sorry...I couldn't refuse.." Pulling her knees to her stomach, she cried herself to sleep.

%%%%%%%%%%%%%

"This is too good to be true," Seth rubbed his hands together, but stopped when he felt a disturbance from within him. "No, he's ruining my fun. I've been waiting for him to find the millennium rod for too long. I will not let him stand in my way."

"What's going on?"

"No, he's awake. I must go back in the rod before he suspects anything. He cannot find out what I am planning....he cannot find out that I'm not Reira....that I'm-"

"Reira, what have you done?"

Closing his eyes, he retreated back into the rod, leaving his host in the hallway, bewildered. "W-what happened?"

"Nothing, the Festival made you weary, so I took control and brought you back to the temple."

Seth held his head, "I...don't remember anything."

"Not to worry, everything is taken care of..."

"Okay, thank you.." His tone didn't sound like he believed Reira.

"No Seth, thank you."

%%%%%%%%%%%%%

To be continued...

Yes! I'm so happy I got this up before exams started!! WOOOO! Anyway, wow, I'm surprised how well this chapter turned out. I hope you all enjoy it and if you're confused, I'll be sure to make a summary for this chapter. Anyway, next chapter won't probably be up for awhile that's why I tried to make it long, but I got writer's block toward the end. AHH! I freakin' hate this quick edit. LET IT BURN IN HELLA! LOL, well, until next time.....

Jellybob 15