Disclaimer: Will the real YGO creator please stand up? I repeat, will the real YGO creator please stand up? We're going to have a problem here. Ya'll act like you never seen a duelists before; cards on the floor, like Rex like Weevil burst in the door---uhh....I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh!

A/N(1): Well, I warned you guys that I wouldn't be updating for a long time....(someone throws a chair at her) AHHHH! Who threw that?(reviewers glare at her) Ummmm...Enjoythischapterandthanksforbeingpatient! (runs away)

Danke for reviews: Hikashi Suzuki, Little Atemu, Luthien-Anwaman, Smilie-faced person, Black-wings91, eveeee90, Moon Struck Sea, Karania Avalon, Mystic Darkness, Seabreeze-Yami/Anzu-fan, Chibi Kitty Sorceress, Shining Friendship, Animedreamer, and Dreams 0f Two!

Gah! Almost everyone thought Mai was a (beep) in the previous chapter. Why would you guys think...(reads chapter over)....well....she wants all servants to be punished for loving a royal...and she's taking Anzu to see Seth for misconduct. So? (everyone sweat-drops) Don't worry, you'll understand why she's such a (beep) and a (beep) to a (beep) in this chapter. Hehehehe.

A/N(2): Varon was NOT a Prince in Ancient Egypt. As said before, this fic completely disregards the YGO storyline altogether. Hahahaha. Anyway, with this said, I would just like to point out that Varon was the rich, famous actor that tried to marry Mai in Season Two of YGO. Thanks Karania Avalon for questioning his place, for some people may not be aware of this particular character. And yes, Luthien-Anwaman, Varon needs to die. LOL....thanks for your feedback on the journal.

Title: Almost Royalty

Chapter IX: Plan of Escape

"Prince Varon?"

Dazed, Mai dropped Anzu's hand. "I..need....to be alone."

"Mai, what does Prince--" She stopped, for when she turned around, Mai's presence was entertaining the wash room. There was no use talking to someone that was no longer there. "I wonder who this Prince Varon is to Mai," the servant thought, now sneaking a glance at the royal across the corridor. "She seemed so frightened. Could he be her former master?" Squinting to get a better look of the royal, she didn't notice another's existence behind her.

"You act like you've never seen a prince before."

She jumped, eyes quickly shifting to the being behind her. "H-Honda! I thought--" Holding her chest, she completed her sentence with an exhausted sigh. Then, "I was looking for you."

"Yami will be jealous," he joked. Then, letting out a chuckle, he added: "Is it serious?"

With a blush, she nodded. "I need your help."

"Proceed."

Looking around, she pulled him into an empty chamber, to make sure no one could hear their conversation. Once the vicinity was safe, she fidgeted with her hands a moment before looking into his brown eyes, which were full of confusion. "I think Seth plans to punish me--"

"I will have a servant wait for you in the garden to take you to my palace."

"Honda, you didn't even hea--"

"I don't need to," he interrupted, "there's a crowd of people outside--that could only mean that a stoning is going to be held." Sighing, he brought a hand to his forehead. "The crowd won't see you coming from the back. My servant will wait in the garden."

She nodded, but then frowned. "What about you? Won't you accompany me?"

"I have some things to take care of with the Pharaoh." His face contorted at Seth's new title.

She stifled a laugh. "Honda, I....can't thank you enough." He shook his head.

"I still can't believe you helped a foreigner like Shizuka," he folded his arms, "I--that's incredible."

"It's not--"

"It is," he interrupted the blushing servant, "Shizuka's my life--the reason why I haven't turned into Seth." Sighing, he leaned his back against the wall. "When you saved Shizuka, I realized that....I could have really lost her. Now I cherish the very being of her existence everyday." Honda was a real poet.

Anzu rubbed her arm, embarrassed. "Honestly, I didn't do--" She stopped, seeing a blurred vision of Prince Varon walking down the corridor. "Mai!" the servant blurted out, now receiving a confused look from Honda. She only shook her head. "I'm sorry, I have to get back to chores before Pharaoh Seth finds out." Bowing her head, he said:

"Yes, and remember: my servant will only wait until Ra's sunset."

She nodded. Thieves and robbers found it easier to maneuver under Thoth's moon--it was the perfect way to take advantage of a royal carriage after sunset. "Thank you again," whispered the brunette, now walking out of the chamber. "I wonder what Prince Varon wants with Mai..."

"No, no, no," the blonde whispered, now kneeling on the floor, hands around her slim waist.

"Condemn her! She has tried to seduce Prince Varon!"

Eyes moist with tears, Mai completely sunk into the floor. The wall she had built around her past memories had collapsed. Seeing Varon had created one stone brick to bring down the whole fort. "I loved you...."

"What do you want us to do with her, Prince Varon?"

"I thought you would protect me against them," she whimpered, tears running down her cheeks.

"Bring out the whip. She has disobeyed the Code."

Her body started to shake violently. "I tried to tell you to stop.."

"YOU loved me! I would never dishonor the gods!"

The tears started stinging her eyes, but it didn't stop them from replenish the dry tear stains. "That night....you....told me you loved me." Her soft moans soon turned into heavy sobs. She couldn't control herself; she had blocked her emotions for too many years.

"I am to marry Princess Miho next moon, I could never confess such feelings for a servant.."

"NO!" she yelled, hands now covering her face. "NO!"

"Mai," a voice called soothingly to her. "Mai?" he repeated, worry now in his voice.

Looking up, the blonde servant felt her heart stop. "Prince Varon...."

Walking down the corridor, Anzu made sure her footsteps could only be heard by the owner only. She did not want to intrude on Mai's conversation with Prince Varon. Something was going on, and it was in Anzu's nature to find out. "I've never seen Mai like this. Prince Varon is the cause, I'm sure." Tilting her head to glance into the washroom, she found inside two figures: Varon, with his back turned toward her, and Mai, crying on the floor. "Something is--"

"Why....are you...here?" Anzu heard, translating her sobs into words.

He stepped forward. "You were my servant before, I wanted to know how Seth is treating you."

"He doesn't call me a seducer and has me....w-whipped for three days."

"I was protecting my people," he reasoned. Then, "once I married Miho, the kingdoms of Asyut and Suez would have been reunited, thus stopping the war over the canal. If word got to the people that I was in love with a servant, the war would have spread to Cairo....and the Pharaoh. Mai, you need to understand that I would have been shunned upon--"

"....so you decided to let me be punished instead?"

"It was for the good of the people. I still.......love you. That's why I came back."

Anzu gasped. The information shared between the two stunned her. "Mai was a servant for Prince Varon. They were in love until Varon had to make a decision between the people or Mai. He chose the people, and Mai was condemned to a whipping. That could explain why she wants Seth to find out about Yami and I.....it was the kind of relationship she lost. She built stone around her heart, and sought revenge....on servants who loved royals."

The brunette's eyes widened. "It all makes sense now..."

Soon, though, her thoughts were interrupted by Mai. "You're married."

He took another step toward her. "That matters not. What matters is that I've found you.."

"Somebody has claimed my heart already."

"Jou," Anzu thought, remembering how she caught them kissing. "I never thought Jou would fall for Mai..." As she started dazing off again, she soon realized that she had to get her things ready to leave. "Honda is discussing royal issues with Pharaoh Seth....this will give me some time to gather my belongings." Pushing herself off the wall, Anzu walked to her chamber, Yami now claiming her thoughts....

".....so we're going to unlock the chains, pretend we're still wearing them, and attack the guard?" questioned the blonde, gazing into the amethyst eyes of his friend. "I'm glad I wasn't doing the night rounds when you were in here." They both shared a laugh.

Once the laughter ceased, Yami said: "Do you think we can escape?"

"Seth's new guards shouldn't be a threat," the blonde answered. Then, "we just have to figure out a way to get past the guards outside of the palace gates." Putting a hand to his chin, Jou sat, deep in thought.

"Anything?"

"Yes," he said, "but I still can't figure out what's for dinner."

Yami looked amused. "I think I might have an idea..." the former Pharaoh added.

"As long as it has nothing to do with Seth," Jou commented.

Yami shook his head. "Leave Seth to me."

".....and that's why we have to give the Maghara port to the city of Simbel. We can't trade through the Nile without taking over the port.....what will become of the people? You must help them." Honda, accompanying a determined look, explained to the Pharaoh.

Seth looked at him. "What has your city done for Cairo?"

"Pharaoh," the Prince said through clenched teeth, "my city has supplied Cairo with many things! I cannot even begin to explain the many workers we have in Simbel that are supplying Cairo with dye, clothing, and food!" The rage inside Honda was building. Talking to Seth was like talking to a pyramid, except the pyramid would probably listen.

"I'll think about your claim," Seth finally said. Then, while rubbing his gold rod, he added: "Now, be on your way." Waving his hand to excuse the Prince, Seth then took a sip of wine from his goblet.

"Fortunately I'm not the kind of person to poison people, but there are probably citizens that would," whispered the Prince, making Seth spit the beverage into the cup. "I bid you farewell." Holding back a chuckle, Honda left the Pharaoh's parlor, a smile carved on his lips.

Meanwhile, Seth brought himself to his feet. "Reira! I require your assistance!"

"Pharaoh?" Appearing in the doorway, the blonde bowed deeply to his superior.

The Pharaoh pointed the rod at Reira. "I've had three conflicts today, Reira. One concerning another war on the rise between the cities of Asyut and Suez--"

"Forgive my interruption, but is that why Prince Varon was invited?"

Seth nodded. "He wants me to supply shields and swords for the Asyutians." Sighing, the Pharaoh brought a hand to his forehead. "The second conflict was with Honda. He wants me to give the Maghara port to Simbel. And finally, the third conflict is with the crowd gathering outside. The pain in my head is growing from their protests! I cannot wait for Anzu to be stoned tomorrow.....it has to be tonight. They'll drive me to Osiris!"

Reira nodded. "I can tell the guards to bring her--"

"Not yet," the Pharaoh looked down at his rod. "I need you to show me the powers of the millennia."

"I couldn't possibly--"

"You know the rod better than anyone." He paused. Then, giving the rod to Reira, he said: "Unlock its powers. I want to rule this country; not obey its many laws! I want the citizens to fall under my command! Show me!"

Reira forced a frown, though he felt like smiling. This was his chance.....he would be able to control Seth, thus controlling the people of Egypt. Fingers trembling, he faced the eye of Ra toward Seth. "To possess the powers of the millennia, one must chant its ancient text." Pausing, he read the inscription on the rod.

Before Seth could say anything, he felt his mind slipping from his body. "Reira, what--?" As expected, Seth fell mute, now under the control of Reira--really, Marik. It was Marik's plan all along. He would rule Egypt through Seth. Then, once he released the God cards, he would have complete control.

"Before I do, I must dispose of that servant and Yami..."

Wrapping her clothes within a silk cloth, Anzu turned her head toward the balcony, which now viewed the landscape of Cairo. Ra's rays had turned from a bright yellow to a dark orange, which now cascaded off the lower parts of the villages outside of the palace. "It's almost sunset," she whispered, "I have to get to the garden unnoticed."

Looking cautiously around the corner, Anzu quietly walked down the corridor. "I'll just tell the palace guards that I'm picking flowers for the Pharaoh's parlor," the servant concocted, looking around for guards and servants.

That's when she heard the screams of Mai. "STOP! NO!"

"Prince Varon," Anzu thought. Then, looking toward another balcony, she saw the sun sinking below the villages. "No, I have to leave the palace...but...." Looking in the direction of the washroom, Anzu knew she had to make a decision between saving Mai or saving her own life.

"NOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Throwing her sack of clothes on the floor, Anzu ran toward the washroom. "Though Mai tried to bring me to Seth, she's been hurt mentally and physically by this man. I won't let him get away with it a second time..."

Stopping in front of the washroom, she charged in; about the same time Varon was going to strike Mai across the face. "Stay away from her! You have no right to assault a servant in this palace!" He stepped away from Mai, eyes slightly widened.

"You will not tell anyone of what you have witnessed!" he threatened, walking out the room.

Anzu growled. "MAI!" She knelt down next to the blonde. "Why did you let him do that to you?"

Along with her ripped clothes, Mai's hair was disheveled and her arms were full of fresh abrasions. Anzu couldn't understand how a strong woman like Mai would let a man like Prince Varon attack 't....stop him."

"You let him hurt you," she said, now pointing to her ripped tunic. "Why?"

Shivering, Mai let a few tears escape her eyelids. "I...thought he would stop after I told him that I was in love with someone else, but then...he tried to convince me that he didn't love Miho....and that he wanted me to live in his kingdom with him." She paused, drying her tears. Then, "I told him that I couldn't, and he pushed me on the floor and started ripping off....my clothes. I tried to push him off...but I couldn't. I didn't want to....I wanted to....die."

"You should have fought him. You have much reason to live."

Mai shook her head, but stopped when she saw the figure in the doorway.

"I need you in my life, Mai. You're the reason I live..."

"JOU!" she yelled, covering herself. in...I don't want you to see me like this.."

Despite her warnings, Jou stepped inside the room. "While I was in the dungeon, all I thought about was your safety. Something was telling me that Seth would do something to you, but I didn't think--"

"No, it...wasn't Seth."

Anzu stepped in front of Mai. "It was...Prince Varon. He attacked Mai."

"Mai," he gently moved Anzu to the side, "is this true?"

Her eyes lowered. "Yes, he....did..."

"My love," he whispered. Then, wrapping her in his arms, he said: "I'm sorry.." As they hugged, he looked over to Anzu. She looked sad. He then understood why. "Yami went to find Seth. He said that he would meet you in the garden after.."

She was about to open her mouth, but instead, she ran out the room...

"Honda's carriage.....sunset....." As she ran, she realized that her clothes, which she had thrown to the floor earlier, were not in the corridor anymore. "Maybe one of the servants picked them up," she surmised, nearing the stone path that led to the garden. "Please......be there..."

As she reached the garden, she immediately noticed how dark it had become. "Could he have left?" Looking around, she couldn't make out anything besides the plants and their many leaves.

Walking further into the garden, she then started hearing the steady flow of footprints. They were coming from the other side of the palace. "The carriage.." she thought, now hearing the footsteps getting softer. It was two camels. She could tell by the way their hoofs met the sand. "They are leaving.." Sighing, she walked back into the palace. "I'm too late..."

"Don't worry, Pharaoh Seth will understand."

Anzu looked at the guard. "What?"

"Didn't you hear? The Pharaoh has requested your presence."

Her face dropped. "After I finish my chores, I should be able to see him--"

"Not acceptable," the guard interrupted, now grabbing her arm. "He wants to see you at once."

"I--"

"Come," he pulled her arm, "it's Seth's order."

Defeated, Anzu followed the guard voluntarily. "There's no way of escaping him now.."

"My plan is working out perfectly," the blonde thought. Then, holding up the rod, he added: "Seth and Reira were fools.... but now that I have used the Separation Ritual, they cannot interfere with my plans anymore." Laughing, he didn't realize the presence of someone in the distance....

"That's the man that was standing next to Seth," whispered the tri-colored teenager. "Who....is he?"

As Yami suspiciously peered into the Pharaoh's parlor, he now saw the blonde man towering over Seth. "Now, Seth, do you understand the powers of the millennia? They don't belong to a novice like you!"

"I understand." Pausing, the brunette looked into the blonde's eyes.

The blonde laughed. "You learn quickly," wrapping his hands around the rod, he continued, "then again, I am controlling your mind. Who's to say that I'm not putting those words into your head?" He laughed again.

"He's controlling Seth's mind?" Yami, now hiding behind a stone pillar, was confused.

"I've been waiting for this day for so long." Marik, eyes still on Seth, said. Then, "I've been stuck in the millennium rod too long. Now, however, our places will be switched. I will be its master! I will hold its power! Most importantly, however, I won't have to pretend I'm someone else. People will quiver when they hear the name Marik!"

"Marik?" questioned Yami, still looking at the scene. "He was trapped in the millennium rod? It doesn't make sense.....unless rumors of two souls in one body are true." The teenager tried to remember the story. Then, "it was said that millennium items carry spirits within them. Could this Marik have shared Reira's body?"

"Pharaoh!"

Yami's eyes averted to a royal guard, who was now standing in the doorway. "I guess I'm still used to being called Pharaoh." Before he could react to his thoughts, he saw a familiar brunette appear in the room. "Anzu..."

".....and then Anzu came in and stopped him.."

Jou, listening intently to Mai's story, was now on his feet. "I'll kill him!"

"No!" Mai pleaded. Then, her back now turned away from him, she said: "I have to...talk to him--"

"So he can hurt you again?! No, I won't let him! I'll--"

"Jou," she interrupted. "Trust me."

He tilted her head up.

Her eyes were red. Her cheeks were tear-strained. Her neck was bruised.

"He tried to take so much from you, but....he'll never take your beauty." Smiling, he kissed her softly on the lips. Then, he left her lips and kissed the bruises on her neck. "I love you......and I meant what I said before.." He found her mouth again.

She broke the kiss. "What? Jou...do you mean..."

"I want to marry you," he whispered. "I want to....leave this palace and share a home with you.."

She felt tears moistening her eyelids again. This time, however, they were tears of joy. "Jou..."

"Please Mai," he brought her hands to his chest. "I need someone to cook for me."

Her eyes widened. "JOU! You're such a..." Her words were forgotten when he kissed her again.

"Will you let me court you?"

She nodded. "....you better fend for your own food though..."

They both laughed.

"I found the servant," the guard said, "do you request anything else?"

Seth's impassive eyes bore into Anzu. "Rumor has it that you were trying to escape."

"No, master."

He eyed her. "Reira, hand me what the guard brought earlier."

"Here," Reira said, giving a silk blanket to the Pharaoh.

Anzu glanced at the material. She almost gasped aloud, but contained it. "Master....?"

"Don't make a fool of me," Seth answered. "These are your royal uniforms!"

Yami's eyes widened. "No....Anzu....she couldn't escape..."

"I must have left them near the washroom after I cleaned--"

"SILENCE!"

Anzu's eyes met the floor.

"Now, did you try to escape the palace?"

"Y-yes," stuttered the brunette.

"Tayu," he called out, referring to his guard, "take her--"

"PHARAOH!"

"What is it?"

".......your two prisoners....they have escaped..."

"WHAT?!" Seth roared, "how could you have let this happen?"

"I...they....tried...."

Seth clenched his fists. "I was going to send you to the dungeon, but now I know what I must do--GUARDS! Bring her to the citizens to Cairo. Let them decide her fate!" As he pointed his finger toward Anzu, the guards, meanwhile, took Anzu by both arms and dragged her out.

Marik folded his arms, as did his new apprentice. "Now that Anzu's in danger.....Yami will be there to save her..." he paused, looking at his millennium rod. "It will be like catching two thieves with one guard..." He laughed.

"I won't let that happen...." whispered the tri-colored teenager.

It was then Marik looked up......."Who's there?"

Yami froze....

Walking toward the pillars, Marik said: "Show yourself! You can't escape!"

Yami breathed in......

"Come now, I won't punish you....severely..."

Yami looked around...

"Last chance," Marik whispered.

He found an aperture. Would he make it?

Marik stepped closer. He couldn't let the intruder escape. If they did, they would know his secret: he was mind controlling the Pharaoh! What would happen then? "It won't happen," whispered the blonde, now closing in on the pillar.

"Ra, save your soul!" Marik yelled, turning his head around the pillar.

Nothing...

He was gone...

Marik growled, but then looked closely at the pillar. Soot. "That could only come from the dungeon..."

"Yami..."

To be continued...

Oh yeah! It hasn't been a month yet! (cheers) Umm..yeah...(looks at angry reviewers)....give me a break! I only get the weekends to work on this fic, and if by chance I get to work on it over the weekday, I only have about ten minutes 'cause of homework and....well....sleep. (cough) Anyway, hopefully I'll have the next chapter up soon. Thanks for being patient!