Disclaimer: I got a claim on YGO today....I bought a Yami pencil! {cough}
A/N(1): Arigato for reviews: Mystic Darkness, eveeee90, Luthien-Anwaman, Karania Avalon, norestar-angel, Black-wings91, Hysterik-Angel, inuzgirl, Little Atemu, AerinM, Shining Friendship, horse-crazy-gurl, SweetMisery1, Animedreamer, and SeaBreeze-Yami/Anzu-fan! Alright, you guys are awesome! Couldn't have written this chapter without you guys! You're my inspiration--all of you! Man, is it just me, or do you feel a song coming on? {clears throat} "You're the meaning in my life! You're the inspiration!"--Chicago
A/N(2): Wow, everyone was mad over the dungeon incident...{smiles maliciously}....umm....yeah! Well, this chapter might make you feel...well..um...ready to throw me out the window. Hopefully, though, I may be saved with the romance scenes in this chapter....{wipes sweat} Well, enjoy!
Title: Almost Royalty
Chapter IX: Beginning of Darkness
"Isis," stopping from her chores to look out the window, Anzu grimaced at the gloomy, dismal features of the form perched above the Egyptian people. No, not Ra's sky. "Pharaoh Seth." It seemed that the new title he acquired had made him into a monster--or one coming out of its shell. "But that's only describing him in kind words," thought the servant, as she picked up a bucket that she had left by the door.
Sighing, she decided to return to her chores, for it was the only thing that kept her mind from thinking of Yami. "I wish to see you one last time though..." Seth was well aware of the forbidden relationship between the lovers, and had informed the guards to prohibit her from the dungeon. "He won't stop me. I'll--" She stopped. Then, walking over to the window, she heard the steady flow of a speech descending over the crowd.
"....and Pharaoh Yami has committed a horrible crime..." She heard, watching Seth pause to cast a fake frown over the crowd. Not anyone, of the three hundred standing below him, looked aware of why he was standing up there, but she knew he was awaiting the moment to answer their bemused faces. "...this crime deliberately disrupts the code of conduct..." She recalled him practicing in his room last night, but it seemed that even without the practice, the words would come naturally. After all, he had probably been practicing the same words five years ago--when he started priesthood.
As she watched Seth unravel the truth about Yami's birth, she couldn't help her thoughts from drifting to Yami's handsome face. "He didn't commit any crime. He was trying to save Egypt from the truth that was rightfully buried in the sands of the Sahara."
Letting out a sigh, she looked down at her master, but was only greeted with the same scene. "He's like an Obelisk statue." But, before she could react to her comment, she heard the faint whispers of the crowd. Some went like "Pharaoh Yami was an honest man," others whispered, "who will become Pharaoh?" The majority, however, only wanted to return to their farms, not caring either way. Anzu agreed. "Some things are not meant to be listened to--especially Seth."
With this said, she walked out of the room, a plan now forming in her head. "Yami, I'm coming.."
"Listen to him," the dark-haired teenager mumbled, catching pieces of Seth's speech. "He doesn't even take into account that I had not known myself." As Yami steadied his back against the begrimed wall, he tilted his head to look out the window, but this effort did little to take his mind off Seth. It only made him think of his brother more; after all, the window was barricaded with strips of metal, and the whole atmosphere of the place really did fit the word dungeon.
As a place of confinement, the dungeon only granted the prisoner one room, one window, and one door--all filthy with rust and age. "The luxurious life" Yami called it once he stepped foot inside the dungeon. To separate the prisoners, each captive was chained to the wall, or separated by bars if they were a dangerous convict. He, however, was the only prisoner. As Pharaoh, he was fair to all the people of Egypt. "I'm sure it will be full by the end of the full moon."
"Correct."
Shifting his eyes to the door, Yami found Honda standing there, angry. Before he could say anything, Honda said: "I came as soon as I heard." Then, approaching the barred wall between them, he continued, "how could you let this happen?"
"I didn't actually accept my imprisonment with open arms," turning away, Yami faced the wall. "I should have lied to Seth's claim, but he was the rightful heir to Bel Saf's position. I couldn't--DAMN HIM!" He banged his fist into the wall, causing dust particles to scramble downward. "I trusted Kentara's secret with him."
Honda, not having the slightest idea what Yami was saying, decided to question Yami's declaration. "I only knew that you were arrested for disregarding the code of conduct. What's this about Seth being the rightful heir to Bel Saf's throne?" He paused, heaving in a breath of air. "Is Seth really the Pharaoh? I thought he lied to overthrow you."
Yami turned around. "It's true. Everything is true. My mother..." It was then he confided in Honda about his mother's story, his story, and the dreaded story of Seth. Honda listened; accompanying an understanding yet confused look.
"You were right, Reira. I've been denied my destiny for too long." Seth stroked his millennium rod as he spoke; too caught up in his speech he gave to the crowd. He then continued. "We have to take action immediately relieve the guards, hire more servants" As he seated himself in a wooden chair, Reira muttered to the servants to carry out Seth's orders. "Reira, look at this," Seth pointed to the hieroglyphics on the chair. Then, "it tells the story of Osiris."
"I'm not familiar with that story, Pharaoh."
Seth smiled. "Pharaoh suits me well, doesn't it Reira?" Before the blonde could answer, he brought up the story of Osiris again. "Osiris brought growth to crops and plants around the Nile River. People praised his good deeds until he was killed by his twin brother, Set, who was jealous of his brother." Then, smiling, Seth added, "it reminds me a lot of Yami and I. But, you see, the difference is...the public will kill Yami."
"Stoning, sir?"
Seth frowned, apparently finding Reira's inquiry disagreeable. "No...much worse." Before he could get into the details, Jou, who looked furious, interrupted them. As Seth stood from his chair, he asked: "What brings you to my palace, Jou?" Smiling, he watched as Jou's face scrunched up angrily.
"Explain why you relieved all the guards!" He clenched his fists, yearning to connect them with Seth's face.
"Well, they were Yami's guards," he chuckled. Then, "I wouldn't want any reminders of his corrupted lie." It seemed that this was the only statement needed for Jou to charge at Seth, ready to land a punch on the Pharaoh.
"When you appointed him priest, I told you that it wouldn't be easy for you," mumbled Honda, now leaning against the wall. "I wish I wasn't right all the time. It seems he really became a--" He stopped. "That reminds me." Reaching into his cloak, he pulled out a small book. "I brought you something to read--the guards wouldn't let me bring anything else inside." Sliding the book toward him, Yami picked it up and read the title:
"The Murder of Osiris?" Yami's eyebrow raised, obviously confused. "You're not helping, Honda."
He laughed. "You might find some interesting things in there." With a sparkle in his eyes, he smiled warmly. "I'm sure there are plenty of key facts in there that--" He paused, hearing the sound of a woman's voice from outside the door. "Hold on," he whispered to Yami, as he walked to the door.
Yami, on the other hand, tried to ask Honda what was the matter, but he was already out the door. And what he saw disturbed him. It was Anzu, struggling with one of the guards, who refused to let her past him.
"Excuse me, what's going on here?"
Once Honda spoke, the guard looked up. "She's not allowed to enter the dungeon, Prince Honda. It was Seth's order." Pushing Anzu into the wall, he was about to strike her, when Honda stopped him by holding his arm back.
"Listen, Seth told me nothing about this. Would you please let her go?" As he spoke, he knew he had enough authority to question Seth's orders. This was probably the only reason the guard let her go. "Now, be on your way. I'm sure the Pharaoh has more orders for you to carry out." The guard took one last look at Honda before walking away. Anzu, bewildered, not only looked but stared at Honda. "What?" he asked, eyes on her.
"I--thank you." Her eyes lowered to the floor. "Have the gods been kind to you?"
"Yes," he started. Then, "I'd rather have the gods kind to Yami."
She nodded. "How is he?"
"Ask him," he nudged her toward the door. "Don't worry, I won't let that guard come back." Smiling, he walked around the corner, leaving Anzu to gaze at the door that led to the dungeon.
Finally, with all the courage she could muster, she opened the door.
Inside, she found Yami, sitting behind a barred wall. His face was dirty with soot, and his tri-colored locks had lost their wealthy sheen. He had truly become a peasant....and it had only been his second day in the dungeon. Anzu wondered what would happen if he was to stay in here more than month. "He won't survive, he's been pampered by royals all of his life."
As Anzu watched Yami intently, it had not occurred to her that this might indeed be the last time she would get a chance to see him. Honda couldn't protect her from the guard forever. Sighing, she was about to make her presence known, when Yami said:
"I really don't think I can make any.." He words trailed off once his eyes landed on hers. "Anzu..."
The blow was hard; he was a bodyguard after all. Usually a bodyguard faced three hours of training a day--maybe more if there was a threat to the Pharaoh. But, when Jou hit Seth, it wasn't the training that caused the blow to be hard, it was his intense dislike for Seth mixed with defending Yami's honor. Yami had showed him nothing but kindness when he was Pharaoh, and he would do anything to requite his actions. "Even kill the one thing that disgraced him," his eyes lowered to Seth, who had been thrown on the floor due to the blow.
"GUARDS!"
Jou smirked, apparently amused. "You think they'll listen to you? You're the one that relieved all of them from duty." Then, rubbing his knuckles, he added: "They won't make it in time by the time I'm through with you." As he stepped toward Seth, his vision was blocked by his blonde advisor, who had his arms stretched out so he couldn't get through. "How can you defend something like that? He'll do the same thing to you as he did to Yami."
"GUARDS!" The Pharaoh yelled, now bringing himself to his feet.
"It's time to finish this, Seth." Jou pushed Reira to the side--not that Reira gave much of a fight--and approached Seth. "You think you can get away with dismissing all the guards? You won't win. I'll make sure of it." He raised his fist again.
"Yes," the brunette whispered, her bangs washing over her eyes. "I...wanted to see you."
His face, even his words, had softened at the sight of her. "Anzu," he started. Then, with a raspy voice, he added: "Please, come closer." Once she obeyed, he tried to touch her cheek, but the metal shackles around his ankle ceased his effort. He pulled on the chain harder.
Seeing that he was struggling, she slipped her hand through the bars and cupped his arm. "So many things have happened since that night in the garden," she whispered, now stroking his arm. "And it seems I may have been the cause." She let go of his arm.
"Anzu?"
"Yami," she said, "I've done something...that's unforgivable."
"Surely it won't be," he said a moment later. "I have faith that you have a good reason for it." With a nod, he urged her to continue--or end--what she had brought up. Anzu swallowed hard, hoping he would still keep the same faith for her once she was finished. Fingers trembling, she said:
"Seth did remember what he saw in the garden. The reason I didn't tell you the truth was because...we--Seth and I--made an agreement that if I brought him your puzzle, he would dismiss what had happened. I...carried out bringing him your puzzle by stealing it from your room..." Her words trailed off with the occurrence of tears pouring out of her eyes.
Yami sighed; a reaction she wasn't expecting. "Whether you stole the puzzle or asked me for it, it matters not. My father gave it to his son, which I am not. I only was an imposter to the royals. Seth...deserves to be Pharaoh."
"You're wrong," touching his cheek; Anzu smiled at how familiar it was to her. "You are Bel Saf's son. Even if he had known about you, I think it would have made no difference to him. He would have been proud of the job you have done as Pharaoh. But Seth," she paused, letting out a sigh. Then, "Seth only rules with power in mind. Saf would not have seen him as a son, but rather an heir to his throne." When she looked up to see his reaction, he only embraced her cheek and kissed her.
As soon as Jou raised his fist, he put it down. "No, I won't end it like this."
"Fool." Kicking Jou in the leg, causing him to fall, he pulled out his millennium rod and held it to the bodyguard's neck. "You should have finished what you started, but now I have the advantage." He pierced the rod deeper into his neck. "Egypt won't you forgive you for threatening your superior."
"Egypt won't forgive you for overthrowing yours."
Seth smiled. "All that dissent will pay the ultimate price."
"You bastard," Jou spat, causing Seth to dig the rod deeper into his skin. "Ra will condemn you to an afterlife." As he said this, two guards walked into the room. Both seem troubled by the scene before them.
It was Seth who awoke them from their dazed state. "Throw him in the dungeon." He recanted the rod from Jou's neck. "He has threatened the Pharaoh on numerous accounts. I will not tolerate this behavior from any of you."
One nodded, taking Jou away. The other stayed. "Pharaoh, I have some disturbing news."
"What is it?" Seth snapped. He was in no mood to deal with the troubles of the guards on duty.
"That girl," he said," the one you condemned to the dungeon, sir?" Seth nodded. "Honda insisted that she be let through to see the Ph--Yami. I tried to tell him that they were your orders but--"
"Did you let her in the dungeon?"
"Ye--"
Seth smacked him across the face. "Do you know how to follow orders?! I told you that I did not want that girl in the dungeon, and you strictly went against my judgment. I should send you to the dungeon for--" He paused. "You know, Reira, this could actually work in my favor."
"Pharaoh Seth?"
He turned to the guard. "Make sure Anzu doesn't leave the palace. I have plans for her tomorrow." Bowing, the guard left Reira and Seth alone. "This will prove to the public that no one makes a fool of me and gets away with it."
"Yami," whispered the servant, once their lips parted. "Why--?"
"For giving me hope," he whispered, "once Seth ordered his guards to throw me in here, I thought everything was lost to me--including you. I never felt so alone when they threw me in here. But you, you gave me hope once again."
"As have you," she admitted. Then, "when I left your room that night, I thought our relationship would be a drought in the Nile, but you never once stopped loving me." She looked into his eyes. "And for that, I'm sorry. I should have had faith in..us."
He tilted his head to kiss her again, but the struggle of someone outside drove his eyes to the door. "Do you hear that?" he asked Anzu, who nodded. "Seth must be already implementing his power." He whispered, more to himself than her.
"LET ME GO!" Yami heard, as the door of the dungeon swung open. Yami gasped. "STOP!"
"Jou?" The tri-colored teenager asked, making the blonde give up his struggle.
"Yami!"
As they locked the bodyguard into a set of chains, they took one last look at Yami before making there way toward the door. But, before he walked out, he looked at Anzu and said: "Seth wants you in your room. He has plans for you for tomorrow." Then, without glancing at the prisoners, he walked out of the room.
Meanwhile, Jou was pulling on his chains. "I can't believe him!" He pulled harder.
"What happened, Jou?"
He threw the chains down. "The Pharaoh is planning to make everyone in Egypt surrender to his power."
"No, what did he do to you?"
"He relieved all the guards on duty," he said, making Yami gasp in shock. "Yes, and that means that the guards without jobs will have to either live on the streets or sell themselves into slavery. I won't let him! Most of those guards have families to support." He growled. "I tried to ask him why he did it, but he only told me that it was because we were your guards."
"And then what happened?"
"What do you think? I attacked him; almost knocked him unconscious."
Anzu sighed. "He deserves it."
"Not even," Jou said, "he's corrupted with power. We have to destroy him...before he destroys us."
"Wait," Yami said, looking over at Anzu. "If he really wants to destroy Egypt, he must be planning to go after the people who have defied him first. Anzu, if he has plans for you for tomorrow, he must--"
"...want me to be stoned.."
He grabbed the bars between them with both hands. "You need to get out of here at all costs, Anzu! Please, you must find some place to hide! Ask Honda, I know he will let you stay in his palace."
She nodded. "I will find him."
As she turned to leave, she felt the gentle squeeze of his hand to hers. "Be safe, Anzu."
Leaning toward him, she kissed him one last time before leaving the dungeon.
"Honda, where are you?" Walking through the corridors, Anzu couldn't catch sight of the Prince of Simbel. It seemed a useless search, that is, until she saw the shadow of someone walking toward her in the adjacent corridor. "Honda?" The shadow didn't answer. She tried again, but as soon as his name left her lips, the shadow took the form of...
"Mai?"
The servant girl growled. "I thought it was actually someone important."
"I'm looking for Prince Honda," she said, ignoring the previous comment, "have you seen him?"
"No," she lied. Honda had just passed her a few minutes ago. "What is it to you? Oh, I see, now that Yami is nothing but a Priest's son, you've decided to go after Prince Honda. How romantic." She smirked.
"Mai, please, it's not like that. I only want Honda's friendship."
She laughed. "Friendship? You're a better liar than I thought."
"What? How can you--wait," she paused, raising an eyebrow. "How did you know about Yami?"
"Who didn't? Even Pharaoh Seth knows."
This brought Anzu back to the realization that she had to find Honda. "I'm sorry, I must--"
"You're not going anywhere."
"What?"
She grabbed Anzu's arm. "You heard me. We're going to pay Pharaoh Seth a little visit."
"Mai!" She struggled to break free of Mai's grasp, but Mai put up a fight of her own. "You don't understand Mai. I need to find Honda. Please, Mai, let me go." She looked into Mai's eyes, but saw nothing but hatred.
"Sure," she continued, "after we find Seth."
"If I find Honda, maybe he can help Jou get out of a dungeon sentence." This made Mai stop, but not because of what Anzu said. Her eyes were gazing ahead of them, at a certain figure talking to Seth. "Mai? What is it?"
"Prince Varon...no.."
"....when do we get to eat again?"
Yami turned to Jou, amused. "You're easily preoccupied from the dungeon sentence, huh?"
"Why burden my thoughts with Seth?"
He laughed. "Good point, I'll keep that in mind."
"You know," the blonde said, "we're probably better off in here than out here. Do you know how many people he's causing pain and misery to?" Sighing, Jou could only think of one person in mind--Mai.
"Yes," he said, "but look how much we could prevent if we weren't in here?"
Jou shrugged his shoulders. "Not much. I went to talk to him about relieving the officers, and look where I am now." He spread his arms out, as if to emphasize his statement. "You need to stop playing hero, Yami."
"What should we do then?"
"We need to act, think, and talk just like Seth does. It's the only way we can get out." With a sickened expression, he added: "And if that's the case, you can count me out. I'd rather stay in here and rot."
"Well," Yami gave a defeated sigh, "what do you suggest we do?"
"Wait," was the only response Jou gave, as he stared at the ground, dazed. He was thinking about Mai. "If Mai is suffering, I swear to Ra that Seth will never see daylight again." He clenched his fists together.
Yami shifted his eyes away from Jou, knowing that their conversation was over. As his eyes wandered around the room, they came across the book Honda had given him. Picking it up, he rubbed his hand across the papyrus cover. "The Murder of Osiris." He knew very well of Osiris' story, but had Osiris served a dungeon sentence too? Sighing, he turned the page, but the book only revealed a shiny, small blade tucked in the middle.
It was then he recalled what Honda had said to him earlier...
"You might find some interesting things in there.."
"I'm sure there are plenty of key facts in there..."
The cruel irony of it all, he thought to himself, now rubbing his index finger along the blade. Would it be enough to free the chains from his ankle? "Jou!" he yelled, lifting the blade from its pocket. "Look what I found."
When Jou looked up, his eyes seemed to gleam with hope. "How did you--?"
"Never mind that," he interrupted, "we're escaping......tonight."
To be continued....
Yes, it's been a long time since I updated. I guess this can just be a reminder that school has officially come to haunt me again, and that my "updating every two weeks" days are over. LOL. Anywayz, just in case I don't update for a while {don't worry, it shouldn't be longer than a month} I left some "sneak previews" in my web journal. Check it out if you want, the address is on my profile. Anywayz, until next update....
Jelly