Alley Cat: Yay! I'm getting more readers!
Dark Conscience: Hurrah.
Seto: That was my line!
Dark Conscience: (smirking) Too bad!
Alley Cat: Anway, just to warn you all...I officially have absolutely no idea what I am doing.
Dark Conscience: ...You're scaring me...
Alley Cat: I'm serious! Like Dark Conscience said in the last chapter...I don't plan ahead. For example, when I first started this fic, I didn't even intend for Marik to have a part in this at all... That is how bad I am at planning ahead.
Dark Conscience: No. You plan ahead. You just plan what's going to happen, like, seven chapters later and don't think about what's going to happen inbetween!
Alley Cat: -.- Shut up! Anway, just a warning. And another warning...I am, once again, in the middle of a writer's block...
Dark Conscience: ...or you never got rid of your last one...
Alley Cat: Shut up! So...this chapter is more of a "filler"...but technically, I can't go on without this chapter...so I guess it's somewhat important... You know, something really dramatic just happened and now Seto and Yami have to "make amends"--
Dark Conscience: Hence the title...
Alley Cat: Yup. So...yeah. Bear with me if you don't like this chapter...
Dark Conscience: Although, I have to say, it's quite long to be a "filler"...
Alley Cat: Yeah, yeah... Now to thank my reviewers:
anonoumus - No. This is not the end. Not even close. You think I'd end you right there with a ritual uncast? (gasps) I'd never! I find it hard to believe that this fic is actually one of the best ones you've read... n.n;; I mean, it's my first fic and, honestly, I don't think it's very good...but I'm glad you like it! Thank you so much for the review, and I hope you enjoy this chapter too!
Skyring - It's your fault Marik disappeared... (Dark Conscience: That and she ran out of ideas...) Shut up! Anyway... Marik's gone...but he'll be back! And...in this chapter, Seto and Yami are both perverted so make fun of them all you want. I made them perverted to make up for getting rid of Marik. Happy now?
Pharaoh's Jewel - OMG! You actually reviewed! n.n I'm soooo happy!!!!!!! (sighs) But Yami's not too happy, is he? Oh well...although it'd be nice to have him like it too... Well...I hope you update your fic soon because I'm really looking forward to reading it! ...I just had a sudden urge to go huggle Yami... (sweatdrop) I...gotta go. (runs off)
Pharohs-slave - n.n You really like my fic? I'm sooooo happy! (sighs) ...Apparently, you hate Marik. Is it because of this fic, or have you always hated him? Anyway, he's the "bad guy" so I guess it's okay to hate him. Um...kill Marik? Uh...that's going a little far don't you think? (sweatdrop) Don't worry. I don't plan ahead so I can literally "accidentally" kill a character. I don't have any plans for Marik now so just hope that the little chance that he's going to die kicks in. If he does die...it won't be for a while. And...he's not going to be punished for a while either... (sweatdrop) He has a sprained ankle right now, so be happy!
Kaiba's Slave - (acting surprised) What's this? (gasps) Have I made you like Marik more than Seto? (gasps again) You should be "Marik's Slave" now! n.n Joking, joking. But, apparently, you like him...a lot. Was it because of this fic? Hmmm... Well, hope you like this chapter...even if nothing really happens... (sweatdrop) Oh. About Marik leaving for fifteen chapters...don't bet on that. Most likely, he'll come sooner...or later. I tend to have an 89.8 percent error. Let's just hope he plays a big role sooner...instead of later...
Black-Lightniing - Yes. I absolutely LOVE writing Marik's evil, sadistic parts. ...But, unfortunately, Marik's gone now... Oh well. Yup. In this chapter, both Seto and Yami are perverted so make fun of them all you want. Does that make up for making Marik go away? n.n And about never showing up in the intro...well, maybe, if someone included me in theirs (hint hint, nudge nudge) I might include that person's in mine. Beside's, you've shown up quite a few times already! (sighs) I'll see what I can do...
Alley Cat: Now that I'm done with my thanx, I guess we can continue on with the chapter!
Dark Conscience: Have you noticed that Kaiba hasn't said a word since I took over his lines?
Alley Cat: Well! If you at least gave him something to say--!
Dark Conscience: Well...I was going to let him say the disclaimer...but...I changed my mind.
Alley Cat: !!
Dark Conscience: All right! All right! Sheesh...
Seto: (moping in corner with a lack of words)
Alley Cat: ...I feel sorry for him... Oh! That reminds me! I put more Egyptian gods in this chapter...so I put "Ra" in there less often and subsituted them with "Serapis" and other gods like that.
Dark Conscience: -.- Alley Cat...Serapis is an Egyptian god combining attributes of Osiris and Apis and having a widespread cult in Ptolemaic Egypt and Ancient Greece.
Alley Cat: ...So?
Dark Conscience: Are you trying to say that this fic takes place in the era of when the Greeks ruled Egypt?
Alley Cat: ...No...
Dark Conscience: Are you trying to say that this fic takes place in the era of when the Romans overthrew the Greeks and ruled Egypt?
Alley Cat: ...No...
Dark Conscience: THEN WHY ARE YOU USING THE TERM "SERAPIS"?!?!?!?!
Alley Cat: ...Because..."Serapis" reminds me of the word "Seraphim" which reminds me of--
Dark Conscience: (slaps forehead) Nevermind...I shouldn't have asked...
Alley Cat: Anyhoo...it's really time to get on with the chapter... Hey! Seto-sweetie! Do the disclaimer for me! Pwease!
Seto: Alley Cat doesn't own Yu-Gi-Oh...and don't call me that.
Alley Cat: (pouts)
Layla opened her eyes, unconsciously murmuring, "Water...water..." Well...she was thirsty. Her throat was really dry.
Seto had fallen asleep with his head on Layla's bed. Hearing her say water, he immediately got up to go get some for her, but she grasped onto his arm.
"Please, stay," she whispered, fear in her eyes.
Seto looked back at her. "Okay," he said softly. He called for one of his other slaves to go get water.
Layla had not let go of the High Priest's arm, afraid that, if she did, he would go away...leaving her vulnerable to Marik...again. "I'm sorry," she whispered again. "I shouldn't have—" She coughed.
Seto looked at her, sympathetically. How had he been so stupid? He should have immediately known where Layla was...immediately gone to rescue her... He sat back in the chair. It was too late for "should haves" now... "It's not your fault," Seto murmured soothingly, trying to calm her down.
"Yes it is!" Layla tried to counter, raising her voice slightly, but was too weak to go on.
Seto shushed her. "No it isn't. Calm down," he ordered.
Layla immediately became quiet again and looked away.
Seto sighed. She was so sensitive... "You need to rest," he said, trying to explain. "I'm sorry I didn't come for you earlier. I was just...preoccupied."
Layla looked back at him. "No," she countered again, her voice soft. "You were weak, still recovering. I should have been there...to watch you, but—I'm sorry," she apologized again, wincing at the pain in her chest.
Seto watched Layla. Unfortunately, the spell that he had used to help heal her wound didn't heal it completely... He did bandage it though. He took Layla's hand. "I told you to calm down," he stated worriedly.
Layla nodded a little and seemed like she was about to say something when a girl came in, cowering and shaking. Layla watched at the High Priest curiously as he took the glass of water from the tray she was holding and dismissed her. Why was she so afraid?
"You wanted water, right?" Seto asked as he saw Layla staring at him.
Layla nodded numbly and tried to sit up, but pain ran through her as she struggled to sit. She collapsed back onto the bed with a thud, increasing the pain in her chest. She whimpered.
Seto barely had any time to react. He sighed and carefully pulled Layla up to a sitting position, using his shoulder to support her.
Layla looked up at him as Seto brought the glass of water in front of her.
"Drink," he whispered.
Layla took hold of the cup, but the High Priest wouldn't let go, afraid that she was too weak to hold it. He guided it up to her lips.
Layla drank the cool, refreshing water. "Thank you," she whispered to him and settled down on his shoulder.
Seto sighed and relaxed a bit. Might as well stay with Layla until she recovers...
Anippe opened her eyes slowly to find the Pharaoh anxiously pacing around the room. She moaned slightly at her headache.
Yami immediately snapped his head back at Anippe, relief spread across his face. "Anippe," he said, quickly stepping forward. "I'm so glad you're okay."
Anippe stared at him, then stared out the window.
Yami was, once again, full of anxiety. What was going on? Since when did Anippe turn so cold? He sat at the edge of her bed. "Anippe?" he asked nervously. "Is something wrong?"
"No master," Anippe replied emotionlessly, looking out her window. "I'm fine. You should really get back to work."
Yami was stunned. Why did Anippe all of a sudden act so coldly to him? He just rescued her! "Anippe..." he tried to explain. "Please, listen to me. I'm sorry. I really am. I didn't mean to—"
"It's all right," Anippe whispered coldly. "I understand."
"No, I don't think you do..." Yami tried to counter.
"Master, you need to get to work," Anippe reminded him. She examined herself, noticing that her stomach wound had been re-bandaged. In fact, her back was bandaged as well. She felt so weak... She closed her eyes.
Yami looked at Anippe. Damn it! He should have expected this...after what he did to her... He sighed. "Please, Anippe, you must understand."
"Please...just leave me alone," Anippe whispered, tearfully.
Yami stared at Anippe for a little while. How? Why? Why had it come to this? Oh Isis! Why has fate become so cruel? "All right," he whispered back. He got off the bed and left.
"Shukura," Yami called.
Shukura was the only person, other than Seto's slave, who had really had any contact with Anippe. In fact, Anippe was pretty isolated. Since the day she became his slave, she never talked to anyone except for him, the High Priest (occasionally), Marik, and Layla...not counting Shukura who had directed her to her room the first day...
In the midst of the Pharaoh's thoughts, Shukura appeared from around the corner. "Yes, master?" she inquired.
Yami was surprised at the presence of Shukura for a moment, forgetting that he had called her. "Shukura. You remember Anippe, right?"
Shukura thought about it for a moment, and then nodded. "Yes, master."
"Make sure that she is well rested and getting enough food and water. She hasn't eaten for a while, so, for now, I want you to get her something to eat and drink," he ordered.
Shukura nodded. "Yes master," she replied obediently. She bowed slightly before leaving his presence.
Yami sighed. Now he had to earn back Anippe's trust... He wanted Anippe to have a good recovery. With him around, she probably wouldn't, so he ordered Shukura to do it for him... He growled slightly. This may even have been more torturous than Anippe being with Marik...for him anyway. He shook his head. His life had never been so complicated...
Mokuba was searching the palace grounds for his brother. He was so worried. The last time he saw Seto was two days ago...when he was recovering from his faint... His eyes flashed with worry. And he never came to visit him last night...Seto always came to visit him before he went to sleep... He suddenly pasted an open room and saw a glimpse of his brother. But...why would he be here? These were the slaves' rooms... Mokuba stepped back a bit to get a better view. Yes...it was his brother.
Seto was sleeping comfortably...his back was up against the wall and...there was a girl in his arms?!?!
Mokuba stood there, astounded. He stepped forward to get a better look, but was careful not to disturb anything...or anyone, especially his brother. He peered in and noticed that it wasn't just any girl sleeping with Seto, it was the girl who was so concerned over him in his faint...it was...his slave.
Mokuba stared there, rooted to the ground, perplexed. What was going on?
Mokuba closed his eyes, trying to recall more information about the slave. Her name was...Layla. Right? He remembered the conversation he had with Seto three days ago... He claimed that nothing was going on between them... He claimed that he hardly even knew her... Mokuba looked back at the sleeping couple. He didn't understand it. Oh well...he'd question Seto about it later... He examined Layla more closely. She seemed quite fatigued. Her hair was in disarray and her chest was bandaged tightly. However, she seemed to be sleeping quite peacefully on his brother's chest, with his arms wrapped around her. Mokuba shook his head. Nothing made sense anymore... He walked away, intent on asking his brother the reason later...
Anippe woke up to find Shukura just entering the room, carrying a bowl. She managed to sit up, even though it caused her quite a bit of pain. "You're Shukura, right?" Anippe asked weakly. "What are you doing here?"
Shukura looked at her for a moment before answering. "The Pharaoh sent me to take care of you until you get better."
Anippe looked down. "Oh," she said softly, disappointed. The Pharaoh wouldn't even take care of her now... Shukura probably didn't want to take care of her either. She was just following orders.
"Are you hungry?" Shukura asked timidly, gesturing at the bowl in her hands.
Anippe looked back at Shukura, noticing how famished she was. She nodded and took the bowl carefully from her. "Thank you," she whispered.
"You're welcome," Shukura replied. "I'll be back later to treat your wound."
Anippe watched Shukura leave the room and then looked back at the bowl. It was broth. She sniffed the air to be greeted by its pleasant smell. In fact, it was barley broth sweetened with honey. Not as fancy as the food she usually got in the palace, but she could live. She immediately drank the broth, surprised at her hunger. The warm feeling of the broth flowed throughout her, making her feel so much better. She closed her eyes, just enjoying the feeling of the broth.
She must have fallen asleep because she woke up a little while later to find her bowl gone and her stomach and back re-bandaged. She sighed. She hated to admit it, but she kind of enjoyed the Pharaoh's company. But now that she knew what he was really like...she just couldn't open up to him 't trust him anymore... She was just a simple slave to him...and no more. Something he could dispose of easily and do as he pleased with. She closed her eyes. ...How could she have been so foolish?
Layla woke up to find herself snuggled against the High Priest. At first, she took comfort in his loving grip, but she suddenly remembered who she was and quickly pushed herself away.
Seto woke up with a start. "Wha—what's going on?" he asked anxiously.
"I—I'm sorry, master," Layla said softly. She didn't know what else to say. She just didn't want to be wrapped in the High Priest's arms.
Seto looked at Layla sleepily. "Okay then," he said, reaching towards her. "You need to get some more rest if you want to make a good recovery."
Layla moved away from his hand. The High Priest could do whatever he wanted with her, including making love. But Layla didn't want this. She didn't want to be...entertainment for the High Priest... She wanted true love. If she fell in love with the High Priest...all that would come would be pain. The High Priest, of course, could make love with anyone he wished...but he had to marry someone with a high enough rank...probably a noble. Most likely, Priestess Ishizu would be perfect for him... She shook her head. "I'll be fine. In fact, I'm a little hungry," she said, hoping desperately that it would get the High Priest distracted.
Seto smacked his forehead. She must not have eaten for a long time. How could he be so stupid? "Right," he said and called one of his slaves.
Layla became disheartened again. Obviously the High Priest didn't catch her drift.
"Get Layla something to eat," Seto ordered. The slave (a boy this time) nodded, bowed, and walked out. Seto watched him leave, and then looked back at Layla.
Layla was dumbfounded. She didn't know what to do. She couldn't just tell the High Priest to go away...that'd be rude...and she wasn't allowed to do that...or else she'd be punished. She returned the High Priests gaze but just got lost in his blue eyes instead. She shook her head and looked away. No...she wasn't allowed to do this...she...just wasn't allowed.
"Layla?" Seto asked worriedly, reaching out for her again. "Are you okay?" He looked at her, with her head bowed down. She looked so...pretty. Two brown bangs hung apart from the others, directly falling in front of shoulders, covering most of her face. The rest of her hair slid elegantly down her back... "Layla?" he asked again as he got no reply the first time.
"Hmm?" Layla had been lost in her own thoughts, paying no attention to the High Priest...although she was thinking about him... "I'm sorry master. I guess I'm just not feeling well," she said quietly.
Seto looked at her worriedly. "Okay. Get some more rest...or would you like something to eat first?" he asked fretfully. "The slave should be here any minute..." Right after he said that, the boy, who was actually quite young, walked in with a golden tray and a dish on it. Seto took the plate and told the boy some other orders before letting him go. The boy nodded and left. Seto looked at the plate. It contained bread and a cup of beer. The bread was fine-grained and flavored with sesame seeds, honey, fruit, butter, and herbs...a rather common food. Seto thought that Layla was too weak to hold it so he intended to feed Layla, but she had already reached out for the bread herself.
Layla carefully took hold of the bread and ate it carefully. "Thank you," she whispered when she was done.
Seto looked at her inquiringly. "Are you thirsty?" he asked, gesturing towards the beer.
Layla nodded and reached for the beer. By this time, she had enough energy to pick it up herself.
After Layla finished the beer, Seto took it, paying no attention to her objections.
Layla looked at the High Priest tiredly, fearing for the worst. "Master, I'm kind of tired now. I don't have anymore needs right now, so you can go do your business," she tried to say as politely as she could. "I'm sorry I held you up."
Seto looked at her slightly perplexed. "Okay then," he said softly. "I'll leave you to rest." He looked back at her before he left.
Layla gave him a reassuring smile before collapsing onto her back right after the High Priest left.
Seto walked back to his chambers to be greeted by Mokuba along the way. He gave Mokuba an inquiring look, wondering what got him so excited.
Mokuba really didn't know how to ask his brother about earlier that day... So he started out with a tight hug.
Seto stopped walking because, apparently, Mokuba's hug got in the way. "So..." he questioned casually, "What's up?"
Mokuba looked up at his big brother. "Oh nothing," he said casually. "But I saw you sleeping with Layla earlier today," he commented nonchalantly.
Seto looked down at Mokuba. He wasn't supposed to know that. How had he known? Seto managed to pry Mokuba's arms off his legs and continued walking, not wanting to explain.
Mokuba was a bit disappointed and then ran to catch up to Seto. "But...I thought you said you hardly knew her," Mokuba pointed out innocently.
Seto sighed. There was no way his brother would get off the topic. "She was hurt, Mokuba. I was just comforting her," he said, trying to twist the truth a bit.
Mokuba was still a bit confused, although his brother's explanation mostly made sense... "Okay then," he replied naively, sounding like he didn't believe Seto and shrugging. Then he walked off, having other things to do.
Seto stopped walking and stared at his brother walk off. Strange how much he's turning into me...
Yami sighed, once again pacing his room. What could he do? Absolutely nothing. He was helpless...again.
Goddamn it Serapis! Why? He was the Pharaoh, the ruler of the sun and moon and all who stood below it. So...why couldn't he control something like this? Oh Osiris! Why did it have to be so agonizing? He collapsed into a chair. Great. Just great. Everything was going fine for him until he met Anippe. Then everything changed... He growled. Because of one slave, his whole life had been turned upside down.
Marik sat in his bed, cradling his ankle. Damn High Priest. Had to come and ruin it all. He growled. Everything had been going so well up until that moment... Now he couldn't even walk...
He was...he was...helpless and weak. No! He couldn't think that way...not now...not ever... He'd get revenge...he'd get revenge on them all...
Anippe carefully walked toward the window in her room and sat there, just looking out below the land. Why did her life have to be so miserable? She'd probably never achieve true happiness again...not like this... Suddenly, she sensed another presence in the room. She turned around to find the Pharaoh gazing at her. Anippe had such a fright that she almost fell through the window.
"Be careful," Yami yelled out as he lunged toward Anippe, afraid that he was too late to save her.
Fortunately, she grabbed the two sides of the window on instinct. She breathed a sigh of relief and braced herself there to catch her breath. Her cheeks were flushed.
By this time, Yami was close enough to grab Anippe by the waist and pull her to standing position.
Anippe hadn't expected this and immediately fell backwards. If it weren't for the Pharaoh's arms, she would have crashed to the floor, probably opening her stomach wound again. She looked at the Pharaoh with her beautiful, blue eyes. "Thank you," she whispered. "I—I'm sorry," she stuttered embarrassedly.
"It's okay," Yami whispered back, hoping this would make amends with her. He led her back to her bed and sat down next to her.
Anippe curled herself into a ball, hugging her knees and looked away.
Yami looked at Anippe. She still hadn't forgiven him. He sighed, unable to think of any way to help her realize the truth...that he didn't mean to put Anippe in such torture. "Anippe," he tried again, not really knowing where to begin. "You're still mad at me, aren't you?"
Anippe stayed silent, but stared at the Pharaoh curiously. Why would he even care?
Yami smiled slightly as his spirits began to lift. At least he got her attention... "Listen," Yami began. "I'm really sorry...but...but Marik tricked me," he added embarrassedly.
Anippe felt tears well up in her eyes, and her throat closed in. Just thinking of Marik brought back painful memories of him...of his torturous ways... Anippe moaned slightly and collapsed back on her bed. She wasn't ready to talk about it...not yet. It just hurt too much...
Yami was taken aback at first. What had he said that was wrong? All he did was say that Marik tricked him...Marik... He shook his head. He shouldn't have mentioned him. "Anippe," he tried again, "please forgive me." He hugged her tightly. "I'm so sorry," he whispered.
Anippe stiffened a bit, not sure if it was because she was so close to the Pharaoh or because the movement reminded her too much of Marik. Whatever the cause was, she was completely paralyzed.
"Anippe?" Yami asked anxiously. "What's wrong? Did I hurt you?"
Anippe snapped back to reality. "No," she replied, "I'm fine." Maybe she'd been wrong about the Pharaoh. She blushed slightly. How could she have thought that way? Especially about the Pharaoh! "I forgive you," she whispered, slightly embarrassed that she had the Pharaoh begging her for forgiveness instead of the other way around...and even more embarrassed that the Pharaoh had hugged her. In fact, he hadn't let go yet...
Yami looked at Anippe, as happy as ever. He had finally regained Anippe's trust! And plus, she did look kind of cute...
Anippe saw a glint in the Pharaoh's eye and immediately knew what was to come. "I'm sorry," Anippe apologized as she pushed herself away from the Pharaoh's chest, although it was comforting to be there... Anippe cursed inwardly. She didn't care about the Pharaoh! Her world did not revolve around him! But why was it that all she could think about was the Pharaoh and...the Pharaoh.... Damn it! Why were all her thoughts revolving around him! Anippe breathed in slowly, trying to calm herself.
Yami looked at her curiously. She seemed to be fighting within herself...over something. But he wasn't sure what... And the fact that Anippe practically threw him off her only got him more confused.
Anippe noticed a look of perplexity pass through the Pharaoh's face. "Sorry," she murmured. "I—I didn't mean to—"
"It's fine," Yami interrupted. He sighed. He earned Anippe's trust back. That's all he wanted...nothing more. Or, at least, he hoped nothing more... "I'll leave you to rest then," he informed her, leaving the room without giving Anippe anytime to object.
Anippe curled up into a ball again. Yes; she had forgiven the Pharaoh...mostly. But the Pharaoh lost a part of her that he was never going to get back again...
Layla was feeling much better and decided to walk around the palace a little bit. Her chest wound restricted her from doing too much, but she felt she needed a little fresh air. Anippe once talked to her of a courtyard...or was it a garden? She couldn't remember...
However, she did remember that it was the third door on the left in the main hallway. She found the door and opened it to be greeted by warm sunshine. How much she longed to see the light of day! She smiled slightly as she looked around at the maze of bushes. Yes; it was quite late to be out here... She stared up at the sun. Only an hour or two more of daylight...but it was good enough for her. She sat down on a stone bench and breathed deeply. Yes...this was exactly what she needed...
Dark Conscience: O.o I thought you said Marik wasn't going to appear in the next fifteen chapters or so...
Alley Cat: Oh...uh...(sweatdrop) I just threw him in there because I felt sorry for Kaiba's Slave, Skyring, and Black-Lightniing...
Dark Conscience: Okay...whatever...
Seto: God...what have you turned me into?
Alley Cat: A pervert...why?
Seto: -.-
Alley Cat: Don't worry...Yami's suffering too...
Seto: -.-
Dark Conscience: Well...no need to stall everyone much more. R&R please!!!!!!!!
Alley Cat: Remember! I accept anonymous ones too!!!!!!! n.n As long as people are appreciating my writing, I'm happy!