-Thank you to all who have reviewed. For the record for some readers, this story is focused on Yami no Marik (The real EVIL one that challenged Joey in the Finals) not the one you've seen half of the 2nd season (the "good" Marik/Malik) Thanks a bunch-

Note: The song Ishizu sung was "Could This Be Love" from Forte. I know, not a lot of you guys might not know them because it's just a group from Hawaii (Local music group, no? )

Testing of the Unfaithful The Next Morning

"You did what?!?"

Shadi and Marik were eating breakfast in the dining hall. Serenity silently poured either wine or water in their glass.

"It's true." Marik sipped his wine. "I have asked Miss Anzu for her hand in marriage."

"There are good and bad points to your situation." Shadi chewed on his bread. "The good point is that you finally love someone enough that much to go that far. The bad point is, ARE YOU NUTS?!?"

Marik avoided his question as he took a bite out of his apple. "I want you to do something for me."

"What is it you wish for me to do?" Shadi's voice seemed slightly tense.

"I want you and Bakura to keep an eye on Anzu for the day." Using his for, he tapped his glass. Serenity made her way towards Marik, pouring in some wine. "See if she does anything wrong." He stood up, making his way towards the doorway.

"Are you insane?" Shadi stood up. "Besides, with the events that have happened recently, shouldn't you look into who tried to kill her?"

Marik stopped in his tracks, glaring at his advisor. "Are you questioning my authority?"

"I'll see to it and let Bakura know." Shadi took a glance at Serenity before leaving the kitchen.

As soon as the two left the kitchen, Serenity picked up the dishes and placed it in the sink. Turning on the water, she started to soak the plates. "Bakura." She called out as she finished the last of the dishes.

For moments, there was no answer. As Serenity placed the dishes on the rack, a cold hand was placed on her shoulder. Startled, she dropped one of the dishes, shattering it. Looking up, she saw Bakura standing right behind her. "Now what do you want?" his hands slowly massaged her shoulders.

A small smirk curled Serenity's lips. After placing the last dish on the rack, she tilted her head to the side. "You and I are going to take Anzu down. Way down."

"And how do you suppose you are going to pull that off?" he continued to massage her. "Crucify her?"

"Close." She then squatted down, opening the bottom cabinet. She then handed Bakura a Polaroid camera.

"What is this?" Bakura tossed the camera side to side.

Taking Bakura gently by the arm, Serenity led him out of the kitchen. "Come with me. I'll tell you exactly what we are going to do."

(-)

Meanwhile, Anzu was walking down the halls. She was still confused and slightly dazed from the night before.

Marik just asked me to marry him. Anzu stopped in the middle of the hallway. She noticed that she stood right by Yami's chambers, the door closed. Anzu rested her hand on the doorknob, debating on whether to open or not.

Should I? Shouldn't I?

Anzu had no idea whether to say yes or no to Marik's proposal. It is true that she loved Marik but she also loved the former pharaoh of the north. The pang of guilt had hit her ten times harder, for she had two-timed with the very people she cared about.

"Miss Anzu," a familiar voice called out.

"Huh?" Anzu looked up, seeing Shadi standing not too far away from her. "Oh…Shadi…"

"You look troubled m'lady." Shadi tilted his head to the side. "Is something the matter/'

"Well," Anzu's fingers clenched. "Marik had asked me to become his wife."

"Yes I heard." Shadi just stood there. All was silent for what seemed like hours, he finally spoke again. "I am rather surprised myself seeing that he never gets that with any escort. But I could understand."

"I'm not sure what to do Shadi." Anzu leaned against the wall. "I feel like a whore. I mean, I love Marik but at the same time, I love Yami."

"I have noticed that child." Shadi then took Anzu's hand. "Even now, I still feel the torn pain of a lost one."

"And who might that be?" Anzu quirked an eyebrow.

To this, Shadi smiled weakly but shook his head. "I don't think I should mention that to you." A single tear streaked down his face but he quickly wiped it off. "How about I take you to the city?"

Anzu nodded in agreement. "All right. I'll go change then."

(-)

Bakura watched Anzu head for her bedroom, his head shaking from side to side. He was in deep thought for a long while. A smirk curled his lips.

She'll be mine soon, he cracked his knuckles, whether that two-timing bitch likes it or not. He then made his way up the stairs and to Serenity's room, knocking on the door three times. "You can come out Serenity. She's in her chambers changing." Taking out the camera, he made his way to the balcony.

(-)

Yami slept alone in his chambers. Yugi, on the other hand, slept in one of the guest rooms, allowing Yami to have the bed all to himself.

All of a sudden, the door creaked open. His eyes opened a sliver to see a familiar figure standing by the doorway. "Anzu? Is that you?"

To this, she nodded. She then made her way towards his bed, sitting down on one side. "I'm sorry, it's just that I can't fall asleep."

"Is that so?" Yami quirked an eyebrow before sitting up, scooting close to her. "Look, Anzu, I've wanted to ask you something."

"Go on." She urged.

"Well," Yami scratched his head. "I wonder if you managed to choose between me and Marik?"

"Why do you have to ask?" she nearly snapped. She then came back to her calm self. "I'm sorry Yami. It's just, every time you ask me that…well…I don't know. I just feel torn. I love both you and Marik…" she was nearly in tears.

Yami placed a hand on her shoulder. "Anzu, it's all right." He kissed her on the cheek.

Surprisingly, she returned the kiss. Yami took her face in his hands, leaning forward, pressing his lips onto hers. "To hell with Marik." He whispered in her ear as he pressed her down onto the bed.

All the while, no one heard the sounds of the camera shooting.

(-)

"I think you will like this place." Shadi led Anzu to a tavern in the north.

"Why did we travel to the northern city?" Anzu followed Shadi inside and sat with him in the bar. "There are a lot of taverns in the south."

"To tell the truth," Shadi raised two fingers to the bartender. "There are a few reasons. Partly because I don't enjoy the taverns in the south. Second, I've come to visit a friend of mine.

"Who is your friend?"

The bartender placed two goblets filled with water.

"She's up on stage singing a song." Shadi pointed to the stage.

Anzu looked up seeing a slim girl in her early twenties with black hair, stepping onto the stage. She wore what seemed to be a skimpy Arabian outfit. The soft music started to play and when the time finally came, she held up the microphone. As she sang, most, if not all the words, got to Anzu.

Staring through…the windows are tight.

Drying up the last tear of my life.

Was it real, or just a mirage?

Love has its way, of making you blind.

I stare deep into your heart, and your soul.

And I feel, what any woman could want.

Why did I run? Why did I hide?

Because of the memories, that bleed on and on and…

Time goes on, the feeling stays strong.

This word called "Love"

Are you the one that I want?

Tell me is this real or just a mirage.

After the song had finished, the singer seemed to have spotted Shadi. She went down the steps and approached him. "Shadi? What are you doing here?"

"We need to talk." Shadi then glanced at Anzu. "Miss Anzu, this is Ishizu. She used to be Marik's escort before she had been transferred to work for Kaiba. Ishizu, this is Anzu, Marik's newest escort."

"Uh…hey." Anzu gave a weak smile.

Ishizu only bowed. "Good to see you." She then looked up at Shadi.

"Miss Anzu." Shadi placed his hand on Anzu's shoulder. "Wait for me in the carriage. I have a few things to talk to Ishizu about."

"All right." Anzu slowly got up and made her way out of the tavern.

Ishizu watched Anzu leave, then turned back to Shadi. "Follow me. We should talk somewhere private. "Turning around, she made her way up the stairs and into her dressing room. Shadi followed, closing the door behind him.

"You know you didn't have to lie Shadi." Ishizu sat on one of the chairs, crossing her arms over her chest. "You know Marik wanted to kill me because of that prank I've pulled off."

"A lot of things have happened while you were gone." Shadi took a seat on the sofa. "And I think a former friend of yours has gone from mad to pure evil."

"I had a feeling this would happen." Ishizu's eyes stared to the floor. "I guess something must've triggered Serenity's mind enough to send her to a dark peril. And we both know where she's getting it from."

"The ties between her and Bakura are getting stronger than I've expected. It's just too bad she's denying it."

"What do you mean?" Ishizu gave Shadi a strange look.

"Bakura is not exactly the thief we all know. Whether Marik knows that or not is what I'm not sure. You see, Bakura is actually a shadow of darkness created by Serenity."

"A shadow?"

"Let's just say Bakura had nothing to do with Serenity's insanity. After all, she's responsible for the death of Mai."

"Mai's dead?" Ishizu couldn't believe what she was hearing. "But…but how?"

"Your childhood friend was framed." Shadi replied. "That's all I can tell you."

"Tell me!" Ishizu demanded, nearing the point of rage. "Damn it Shadi, you do this every time!!"

"Apparently, someone tried to kill Anzu a few weeks ago by drowning her. After Anzu described who she saw, Marik thought Mai was behind it. So…" he released a cough. "The next morning, he executed her with the guillotine. But we both know who could have done that and we both know why?"

"WHAT?!?" Ishizu then got up, grabbed Shadi and started to shake him with all her might. "You freak!! Why didn't you stop the execution?!? Sure, Mai can be a bitch sometimes but you're Marik's advisor!!"

Shadi grabbed Ishizu and slammed her onto the wall. His eyes bored into hers, as if ready to kill her. "I may be Marik's advisor but I'm as unholy as he could ever be."

"So basically, you're glad that you killed off the one you love." Ishizu glared down at Shadi. "You're sick!"

Suddenly, Shadi wrapped his fingers around Ishizu's neck, choking her. "What makes you think I love Mai, huh?"

Ishizu choked against Shadi's hold, struggling to speak. "I guess I'll have to give you a memory check." All of a sudden, her millennium necklace started to glow.

Shadi's eyes widened, knowing exactly what would happen when Ishizu's necklace went nuts. "No!!"

Flashback to 10 years ago…

"Come on Master Marik, you promised her."

A young Shadi was already on one knee before Marik in the throne room.

"Look Shadi," Marik rested his head on his hand. "You may be my advisor but it's not your job to determine who gets an afternoon off."

"Master Marik," Shadi didn't dare to look up at him. "Give her a break. After all, she's your daughter."

And at that point, Shadi felt Marik's fingers gripped onto Shadi's neck. Shadi's eyes widened, looking up at Marik, whose face makes an obvious point that he was extremely pissed.

"How many times did we have to go through that?" Marik raged. "That little wench was never and will never be my daughter. You forget about thaqt night, understand?"

"Yes m'lord." Shadi replied weakly.

But Marik tightened his grip on Shadi's neck. "What was that Shadi? I couldn't hear you earlier."

"M'lord, I promise not to bring up that night again!"

"That's what I thought." Marik released his hold on Shadi, causing him to collapse onto the floor, gasping for air.

Meanwhile, a little girl with blond hair slowly stepped in the room, carrying a tray with a goblet filled with water. Making her way towards Marik, she knelt down before him, presenting the tray.

Looking down at the child, Marik took the goblet and sipped the water. He gazed down at the child curiously for a long time before finally speaking once again. "Take the rest of the day off Mai."

Mai's eyes lighted up. She happily got up with the tray and skipped out of the room. After watching Mai leave, Marik turned his attention towards his advisor. "Well Shadi, you got your wish." He chuckled softly. "Make the most of it."

(-)

Moonlight fell upon the skies of Egypt. Shadi was tucking Mai in her bed. Patting her head, he fixed his turban. "Is there anything you want before you go to sleep?"

To this, Mai shook her head in reply. Smiling, Shadi blew out the few candles that lit her room. "All right, sleep well Mai." He turned and slowly left the bedroom.

"Um…Shadi?"

Shadi stopped by the doorway, shifting his gaze back to Mai. "Yes?"

Mai's eyes were full of curiosity and wonder as she looked up at Shadi. She shook her head, smiling. "Nothing. Just nothing."

"Are you sure?" Shadi tilted his head to the side. Mai nodded in reply before plopping back onto her bed. Smiling, Shadi left the room.

(-)

Hours passed by as Shadi re-entered Mai's room, this time, holding the millennium key in his hand. He was pretty daring that night as he used it to check out the minds of Ishizu, Rishid and Serenity. Of course he didn't dare to check out Marik's mind. If Marik were to find out, he would be dead.

"Hmm…" he looked her over just to be sure she's asleep. When he was satisfied, he took the millennium key, placed the tip on Mai's forehead and turned the object like any ordinary key. Closing his eyes, Shadi found himself within the corners of Mai's mind.

"Heh," Shadi laughed softly. "Sleep well my child." He then stalked the halls that led to her mind, taking a glance here and there.

"Just the things similar to what a child could desire." He shook his head. "Exactly like Ishizu's. Of course, Serenity's mind is a little too…innocent." He noticed a door within the darkest corners of her mind.

"That's odd." Making his way towards the door, his hand rested on the door handle. "A door that leads to the dreaming mind." Opening the door, Shadi slowly stepped in, noticing a projector sitting up on the table and a white screen hanging up on the wall.

"Don't feel like dreaming so soon Mai?" Shadi smirked. "Let's see what you wish to dream tonight." He switched on the projector, watching the images swarm around the screen. There was Mai, sitting in one of Marik's private gardens. She was on her break from her duties and was just simply sitting there, picking a few flowers.

"Mai," Shadi approached Mai from behind. "You know you're not supposed to play in Marik's private garden. Last time you did, Marik gave you such a whaling."

Mai looked up at Shadi, slightly startled. For a moment, there was nothing more than silence. Finally, Mai plucked a single purple rose from the bushes, giving it to him, the innocent smile curling her lips.

Shadi seemed to be taken back by this. His hand reached out, taking the flower in his hand. "Is this for me?"

Mai nodded in reply, getting up on her feet. "Yeah." She then stepped out of Marik's garden.

"Mind telling me why?" Shadi's eyes looked over the flower, then at Mai.

Mai's face blushed, looking away from him. Finally, she made her way towards him, stood on her toes and placed a kiss on his cheek. And at then, the images on the screen scrambled and faded.

(-)

"So that's how you feel." Shadi just stood there, staring down at Mai. After her dream sequence faded, he too faded from her mind. Staring down at her for quite some time, he was unsure of whether to wake her or not. Reaching inside his robe, he took out a red rose. With his other hand, he took her hand and placed the rose on it. Using her fingers to gently grip the storm, Shadi leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead and cheek before leaving.

The next morning, Mai woke up to see the red rose in her hand. A wave of emotions struck as her mind racked on who might have given it to her.

"Hey Shadi." Mai ran through the halls only to find him in the kitchen.

Shadi looked up at Mai, arching an eyebrow. He then eyed the rose in her hand before looking back at her. "You haven't been playing in Marik's private garden again, have you?"

"I don't think so." Mai twirled the rose with her fingers. "Who do you suppose gave it?"

And at that, Shadi stood up, gazing down at Mai for minutes. "I don't think there is a soul in the world who would want to give you such an elegant gift." He left the kitchen.

Mai watched Shadi leave, a few tears streaking down her face.

(End of Flashback)

"Not only you loved Mai but you were the one responsible for making her what she was today. No wonder she 's cold hearted at least 75 percent of the time." Ishizu leaned against the wall, staring down at Shadi.

"It is true though." Shadi glared at Ishizu. "There is no soul on earth that could love her. Except…" he trailed off after that.

"Except?" Ishizu tried to make Shadi finish. "Except what? Come on Shadi!!"

Shadi shook his head and left the dressing room, leaving Ishizu rather dumbfounded.

(-)

Back in the south, Serenity was sweeping the floor in the living room. It was already 5:30 in the afternoon. Marik was sitting on his throne, having a lot in mind. Asking Anzu, his own escort, to be his wife had cut something deep within him. A feeling that he had never felt for the longest time.

What have I done? I have promised myself to never stoop myself to the level in where I would actually love someone…

"Marik." Serenity's voice broke Marik's thoughts.

Slowly, Marik looked up at Serenity, his eyes bored into hers. "What do you want?"

"Well," Serenity handed him a bunch of photos. "I found these scattered in the kitchen."

"What is this…" Marik gazed down at the photos. His eyes widened, first in shock before setting into an evil look. "So, this is what the bitch does behind my back on her spare time."

(-)

"Shadi, are you feeling all right? You seem awfully quiet ever since you left the tavern. What's wrong?"

Shadi and Anzu were still in the carriage. They have arrived at Marik's palace but had no intention of going inside…yet.

"Miss Anzu, it is truly nothing." Shadi's eyes gazed up at the sky, then down at her.

"All right." Anzu nodded but continued to stare him down.

Finally, Shadi got out of the carriage, helping Anzu off. The two slowly made their way back to Marik's place, hardly saying a word to each other.

All of a sudden, Serenity approached the two with a broom in her hand. She stared at Shadi, then at Anzu. "Anzu, Marik wants to see you in the living room."

Anzu nodded. "All right." She then made her way into the living room, leaving Shadi and Serenity standing alone.

Once Anzu was out of sight, Shadi looked down at Serenity. "What did you do this time?"

Serenity had an evil grin as she looked up at him. "Oh, it's something that you wouldn't expect me to do everyday."

"Where's Yami?" Shadi looked around.

"The poor northern pharaoh was exhausted." Serenity attempted to remain her sweet, innocent self. "That is, after he and I conducted some business."

"You know that Anubis is going to embrace you sooner than you think when it comes to your Judgment Day." Shadi stared at Serenity, unable to believe what she had done.

(-)

"M'lord," Anzu stepped in the living room. "M'lord, do you wish to see me?" she looked around the living room, only to find out that there was no one around in the darkness. "Serenity told me you wanted to see me."

From the corner of her eyes, she noticed a candle being lit. The candlelight illuminated a part of Marik as he stared at her. Emerging from the shadows, a sadistic smirk ran across his lips. "My little Anzu." His voice had been layered with ice as he spoke.

Anzu took a step back, a bad feeling crawling up her spine when her master acted in such a way. "M'lord, what have you wished to see me for?"

"I thought I always could trust in you to the least." He stood right behind her, his hand on her shoulder while the other around her waist. "Tell me Anzu-chan, we can always confide in each other about our darkest secrets now can we?"

"W-we always could m'lord?" Anzu stuttered. "I mean, of course! Always m'lord."

"Well, I'm glad to hear that." Marik then kissed her earlobe, whispering. "And guess what Anzu? I have a secret to tell you."

"Is that so m'lord?" Anzu's eyes shifted to the ground. "Is it all right to know?"

Marik laughed softly. "I think you already know the secret dear." He then shoved her down to the floor, his voice changing from cunning to harsh. "I heard you were making time with Yami."

Anzu's eyes widened, unable to believe that Marik had found out her secret. She tried to get up but Marik placed his foot on her head, pinning her down. "M'lord…"

"And guess how I found out?" Marik went on as if he didn't hear her. He tossed the Polaroid snapshots onto the floor. He then picked up Anzu, staring down at her. "I actually believed when you said you loved me. You know that?" he slapped her right in the face.

"M'lord…" Anzu felt her face turning red from the slap.

"So one pharaoh isn't good enough for you huh?" Marik went into a frenzy as he started to beat on Anzu, assaulting her. He threw punches on her stomach and face. His fingernails scratched her arms and back. He kicked her once on the head but more on her body. The assault went on for at least fifteen minutes before Marik finally took out his millennium rod. Looking down at Anzu, he then smacked her head with the item, causing her to fall unconscious and knocked out. A trickle of blood appeared to be flowing down from her head but Marik didn't seem to notice that.

Sitting on Anzu's body, he held the millennium rod out to her. "It's just too bad that love is that painful. I would feel as hurt as you are right now." I guess I would have to do the same thing that I have done to most of my maids and escorts who dares to test me.

Shadi had entered, shocked to see what was going on. "Master Marik!" he called out.

But Marik ignored Shadi, waiting for the millennium rod to glow. Shadi noticed the photograph on the floor. Picking it up, he looked over the photo, stunned at what he was seeing. "Marik stop!!"

"Keep out of this Shadi!" Marik snarled. "Her mind's going to the Shadow Realm. For good!"

"Marik no!!" Shadi lunged forward, trying to restrain Marik from sending someone to the Shadow Realm. "Those photos…"

"Yeah. Well, the photos are of Anzu and Yami going into the Discovery Channel!" the millennium rod glowed as he struggled within Shadi's hold.

"Marik!" Shadi tried to hang on. "You have to stop!! Those photos are fake!!"

(-)

To Be Continued. BTW, please do not ask me the ages of the characters now and back then (especially during the flashback scene). Just…yeah. Happy reviewing.