Alley Cat: Hallelujah! My Internet is back!! (huggles computer) Now, I spent five hours today to get my security just right so I can access certain areas... I was A PAIN.

Seto: Albeit...

Alley Cat: Shut up! Anyway, I spent too long that I no longer feel like entertaining all you people.

Dark Conscience: Oh ppfftt...

Alley Cat: :P So, I'll just go straight to the thanks. n.n

emotional-writer - Hurrah, hurrah! I have a new reviewer! n.n I really think that a lot of people would like this fic if they only give it a chance...but they don't. So all the people out there who don't read this fic really, really suck. (sticks tongue out at those people) As for you, I'm happy that you like this fic! n.n Except...I really don't think it's that great... In fact, I feel that I can do better... But, I'm glad you like it... n.n

pharohs-slave - ...Glad you liked it. Um...I'd tell you something...about the whole running away part...but that would be spoiler...so I won't tell you. You'll have to find out for yourself. :P Anyway, thanx so much for the review. n.n Reviewers make me so happy!

Kaiba's Slave - (huggles) Thank you so much for standing up for me!!! n.n You do not know how happy I was when I read that review!! n.n Anyway, about the whole flaming thing... Skyriing and Black-Lightniing are my very close friends, and we go to school together and junk. Given that they know me, they think that just means they can flame me all they want. In fact, I think I'm the better writer out of the three of us, but that's just me... (Dark Conscience: Black-Lightniing's going to kill you for that statement...) (sighs) I know... But...no use explaining how I'm the better writer... How about you take a look at Black-Lightniing's fic called Silent Attraction sometime? Tell me what you think of it, especially compared to mine. Of course, I'm not forcing you to read it... I'm just curious...very curious She seems to think that she's better than I am so she can flame me all she wants... Skyriing, on the other hand...well, I don't know what she thinks... Anyway, thank you so much for defending me! n.n I hope you enjoy this chapter as well.

Skyriing - Alright, alright. No use apologizing. It's just...that was a really harsh flame! I mean, Black-Lightniing flames me in every review, but her flames aren't as...brutal as yours are... (Dark Conscience: Black-Lightniing might actually find that as an insult...) Anyway, sorry I got so upset... I just hate it when people flame me for no good reason. I really don't agree with your flame. If you flame me, and I agree, then I wouldn't be so angry. Anyway, here's my apology to you. I over-reacted.

lost in reality - Yup. Romance. But...this chapter isn't so...romancy. It's more...uh... I don't know what you can catagorize it in... Anyway, thanks for the praise. n.n

Vampiress Natalie - (groans) You're right! I'm sorry! I wasn't thinking when I wrote the whole staff part thingy-majiger (Dark Conscience: I don't think you spelled that right...) I don't either, but shut up! Anyway, thank you for all that...praise. You really made me feel oh so good. n.n My reviewers rock. When I read the whole "Pharaoh Yugioh riding in a Chevy Montero straight out of the palace", I cracked up...in the middle of class. Alright, so it wasn't the middle of class, but same thing! People looked at me like I was crazy. Yeah...I tried to make it as historically accurate as I could...but I don't think I did...not too much anyway... The kiss scenes, I thought, went absolutely horrible. They were too...I dunno...cheesy? But, then again, I don't have much self-esteem. For example, I think this fic sucks. To be down-right honest with you, that's truly what I think of it. I think it's a failed attempt. But...I shall continue since no one else thinks so... Except for Black-Lightiing and Skyriing, but they're just jealous. (sticks tongue out at Black-Lightniing and Skyriing)

yugiohfan255 - O.o Did you post up the same review twice? Oh well! More reviews for me! Reviews! Reviews! Reviews! Reviews! Reviews! I love reviews! (Dark Conscience: (makes incoherent noises) (stabs Alley Cat with a rubber chicken)) (screams) Evil chicken!!! (cries) Mommy... (Dark Conscience: (chasing Alley Cat around the room with the chicken)) (screaming) Thanks so much for the review. I luv my reviewers so much! (runs into a wall) x.x

Seto: Now, it's on with the chapter...

Dark Conscience: (pours cold water over Alley Cat)

Alley Cat: (wakes up) The answer is 42!

Seto: What answer?

Dark Conscience: The answer to life, the universe, and everything.

Seto: O.o

Alley Cat: Anyway, this chapter is...short? I don't know what it is... I just don't think it's all that great...

Dark Conscience: You say that for every chapter...

Alley Cat: Shut up!

Seto: Anyway, Alley Cat does not own Yu-gi-oh for those who haven't figured it out yet...

Anippe woke up to find herself snuggled up, quite comfortably, in the Pharaoh's arms. His arm was still tightly around her waist, and her head had been buried in his neck. She shifted slightly, accidentally waking up the Pharaoh.

Yami moaned slightly as he tried to move his left arm. He had forgotten it was wounded.

"Be careful master," Anippe whispered.

Yami sighed. "I thought I told you not to call me that." For some reason, it made him feel uneasy that Anippe was still calling him 'master'.

"I'm sorry," she murmured in his ear. "I forgot."

"So," Yami said playfully, "Do I get a 'good morning' kiss?" He grinned.

Anippe smiled slightly. She noticed that the Pharaoh had loosened his grip a little. She climbed onto his chest and kissed him lightly. "That good enough for you?" she whispered playfully as well.

"Mm," Yami whispered, relishing the kiss. "Yeah," he concluded. He sat up and looked out the window. "It's late," he concluded, seeing the sun was positioned quite close to noontime.

"That's good," Anippe said. "You need rest to recover."

Yami sighed. "Don't worry. I'll be fine." He attempted to get up, but his legs felt quite wobbly. He sat back on the bed.

"Blood loss can do that to a person," Seto stated, leaning on the door with his arms crossed.

"Seto!" Yami exclaimed, utterly surprised. "Wh—what are you doing here?"

Anippe blushed. She wasn't supposed to be here, especially in the Pharaoh's chamber…on the Pharaoh's bed…

"I'm here to check up on you," Seto stated bluntly. "You were injured yesterday and have slept for quite a long time. What is she doing here?" he asked, gesturing toward Anippe.

"She—uh," Yami couldn't think of a good excuse. "She's—"

"I just came to check up on him too," she said softly, meeting the High Priest's suspicious gaze. "I guess I should go," Anippe said as she got off the bed and slipped past the High Priest.

Seto watched her go, then looked back at Yami to see the pained look on his face. "Is something wrong?" he asked.

Yami snapped out of his daze. He didn't want Anippe to leave him…not yet. "No," he muttered. "It's nothing."

Seto shrugged. "Okay." He was still concerned, but he decided to abandon the subject. "How are you feeling?" he asked.

"Much better," Yami said, a bit too enthusiastically.

"It's causing you a lot of pain, isn't it?" Seto deduced.

"Yeah, but it's better than yesterday," Yami commented, noticing that the pain had returned to him once Anippe left. He moaned slightly.

"Anippe's right," he said slowly, hating that he was agreeing with a slave and embarrassed that the slave was actually correct. "You need more rest."

Yami sighed. He wanted to spend more time with Anippe. Furthermore, he didn't want to be trapped in a room for days. "How long, do you think?" he asked despairingly.

Seto knew Yami didn't like to be confined in room. He knew it would be boring for Yami, but he needed his rest. "A day or so, at the least," he reasoned.

Yami gave a moan and laid back down on the bed. "Alright," he said dejectedly.

Seto shrugged apologetically. "I could cast a stronger healing spell, if you'd like… But that would make me use up more of my energy… Have Anippe keep you company," he suggested. "Just don't get too excited with her or else your days spent in here to recover will be wasted." He winked at Yami, knowing that Yami had found a sexual interest in Anippe.

Yami practically choked. How had Seto known? "Alright," he agreed. "Can you call her back once you leave?"

Seto nodded. "Remember. Don't get too excited with her." Saying that, he left the room.

Anippe had gone to the kitchen to get something for the Pharaoh. He had just woken up and would be hungry…

She only found some common food found in the marketplace. That wouldn't do… She decided to throw some stuff together and see what she could get… Then, something struck her… Her mother…had taught her many delicious recipes… There was one that she liked the most… She grinned. Since she had all the right ingredients, why not make it? She took out all the ingredients and utensils she'd need and went to work.

Layla was pacing her room. What happened yesterday? Everything just went so fast… The kisses… She gave a moan of frustration. This High Priest was probably just toying with her… She wanted out! Out of this hellhole…back to her family! She slammed a fist against the wall. Then, she noticed someone was standing behind her. She turned around to find the High Priest's brother staring at her.

"What's wrong?" he asked innocently.

"Um," Layla blushed. "Nothing. Is there anything you need?"

Mokuba shook his head. "Nope. I was just wondering if you knew where my brother was."

"Sorry," Layla apologized. "I have no idea…"

Mokuba nodded. "Okay then. Sorry to bother you."

Layla nodded and walked toward her window. Since the palace was so high, she could see all the roads quite clearly. She didn't need Anippe's help to escape; she could do it herself. She realized that the route Anippe decided to take was the most complicated. For a moment, Layla hated Anippe. Anippe had gone with her out of fun…

She made a mental note about the easiest way out of the capital and turned around to see Mokuba still staring at her curiously. "Is there anything else you need?" she asked.

Mokuba cocked his head. "No…I was just wondering… Are you in love with Seto or something?"

Layla blushed. "What?!" she exclaimed, completely caught off guard.

Mokuba shrugged. "Seto sure seems to like you…"

"H—he's my m—master…I…couldn't possibly…" Layla stuttered.

"Okay…" Mokuba said, unconvinced. "Well, I better go find my brother now." With that said, he left.

Layla sat down on her bed. She couldn't possibly be in love, right?

Seto was wandering around the palace searching for Anippe. He found her in the kitchen, putting some dishes on the Pharaoh's golden tray. He snuck up on her and looked over her shoulder to see that the dish looked quite…beautiful… "You make that?" he asked curiously.

"What?!" Anippe said, surprised that the High Priest was practically breathing down her neck. She jumped slightly and tried to move away from him, in a more comfortable position.

Seto grinned. "So…did you make the dish yourself?"

Anippe nodded. "Yes…master."

"Well…the Pharaoh wants you to entertain him for the time being. He needs to rest for a few days," Seto told her.

Anippe nodded. "I thought you'd say that. I prepared the dish for him. I will go to him when I'm finished, which shouldn't be too long."

"It looks delicious," Seto commented.

"Thank you master," Anippe said.

Seto gave her one last look and then left.

Anippe knocked quietly on the door.

"Come in," the Pharaoh said weakly.

Anippe opened the door and carried in the plate she had created.

Yami immediately brightened. "Wow…" he said, commenting on the dish. It was beautiful…and looked delicious. He'd never seen this dish before…but it looked…amazing.

Anippe grinned. "Hungry?" she asked.

Yami nodded.

Anippe set the tray on a table and brought the dish over.

Seto was pacing in his room. Why could he not stop thinking about Layla? The things that occurred yesterday…they were just for fun, right? It could possibly be that he actually wanted to spend his life with her…right? He was so confused. He couldn't stop thinking about Layla…the way she smiled…just…everything about her… He growled.

His life had never been so complicated before Layla came along. Some of the feelings welling up inside of him…he'd never experienced them before… He sighed irritably. Maybe he should spend some time away from Layla…

Yami relaxed in his bed. The dish Anippe had prepared was absolutely scrumptious. After a while, he stared at Anippe.

Anippe blushed. "Yes, ma—"

Yami cast her a stern look.

"Yami…" she said softly, correcting herself. She really didn't understand the Pharaoh at all. Why was he allowing her to call him by name? Nobles didn't even have that opportunity!

"Anippe," Yami said kindly, "Thank you."

Anippe cast him a startled look. "For what? …I—I am your slave…after all…" She closed her eyes. She hated to admit that fact. She hated how she just had to throw her whole life away.

"Yes," Yami said thoughtfully… There had to be a way out of this! He could no longer think of Anippe as his slave. Especially…since he found out that he was in love… "Anippe…you like playing the flute, right?" Yami asked curiously.

Anippe shook her head. "Yes…Yami."

Yami nodded. "How about you play a little for me?"

Anippe looked a little shocked, but nodded her head. "It's in my room. Let me go get it." With that said, she left the room. She soon returned with her flute in hand. The Pharaoh smiled, and Anippe's heart pounded. A look of confusion ran across her face. She wasn't supposed to be feeling this way…not toward him… A slave…and the Pharaoh… It would never work out… The Pharaoh must have been just playing with her…the other day…when he kissed her… She…it…just wasn't possible!

"Anippe," Yami asked anxiously. "Are you okay?"

Anippe pulled herself out of her daze. "Fine," she managed to get out.

Yami looked at her worriedly. "Maybe you should get some rest too," he said softly.

Anippe nodded and left the room without another word.

It was late into the day by now, and Layla was getting anxious. The more she thought about it, the more she wanted to do it. She just had to get out of here! She decided to hunt Anippe down… The friendship that had developed between them during their time spent in the palace was strong. She couldn't just leave without telling her!

She managed to bump into Anippe in the main hallway. "Anippe," she said softly. "I…I'm going…tomorrow."

Anippe cast her a concerned look. "Alright. I'll help however I can," she said after a few moments of silence. "But…I am afraid I cannot come with you this time…"

Layla looked at Anippe. "Why not?!" she asked furiously. "We can get out of this…this hellhole together!"

Anippe shook her head. "Layla…I'm sorry," she said softly. "But, as much as I want to go with you, I cannot. There is no point for me to come with you."

"Wh—what do you mean?" Layla asked.

Anippe sighed. "My fate belongs here. My life belongs here. If I go with you, I will have nothing…I have no reason to flee here."

Layla cast her an incredulous look. "You have me! Isn't that enough?" Layla asked desperately through pleading eyes.

Anippe shook her head and cast Layla an apologetic look. "I'm sorry," she choked, tears forming in her eyes. "I—I can't." With that, she ran to her room.

Layla was left, standing there, in a state of confusion.

The next day, before dawn, Layla got up and took a bag, similar to Anippe's. It would come in handy. She'd need food and water, especially.

Anippe knocked on Layla's door. "Layla…may I come in?" she asked quietly.

Layla opened the door and went back to work.

"I—I want…to give you this," Anippe said hesitantly, taking off a golden necklace with a red ruby in the center.

Layla glanced at it. The pendant was…beautiful… Something one would expect a noble to wear… "I—I can't take that…" she whispered.

Anippe shook her head. "It was my mother's. I want to pass it down to you. May it protect you in times of need," she said, putting it over Layla's head.

Layla looked at Anippe… She'd miss her… Tears began to form. "Thank you," she said gratefully.

"Well," Anippe said softly. "I guess this is goodbye."

"I guess so," Layla agreed.

"Is there anything I can help you with?" Anippe asked.

Layla shook her head. "I've taken care of everything."

"Oh. There's something that might come in handy. Do you know how to use a bow?" Anippe asked.

Layla looked at her curiously. "Wh—what? Why?"

"Just answer me," Anippe said sternly.

"A—a little, I guess," Layla said softly.

Anippe sighed. "Good enough. Wait here. I'll be back in a second." She ran to her room and took out a bow and arrows, with a pack, from under her bed. She returned back to Layla and gave it to her. "I went out into the marketplace yesterday. This caught my eye. You might need it."

Layla stared at Anippe, baffled. How did she know… It didn't matter now. "Thank you."

"There's something else… Um…" Anippe pulled out a small, silk bag. "Here. Take this. You'll need it." She threw the bag to Layla.

Layla caught it and looked at it curiously. She poured it into her hand to reveal gold coins. She gasped. "I—I can't take this!"

Anippe blushed. "I'm sorry. I've used some of the gold already."

Layla looked at Anippe. "I won't take this," she said firmly and handed it back.

Anippe shook her head. "You need it more than I do." She pushed the bag back into Layla's hand.

"Thank you," Layla said, tears brimming her eyes.

Anippe stared at the sky. "You better hurry. I'll get you a horse…" She didn't even wait for Layla to agree. She started dragging her toward the stables.

Layla had gotten out of the palace. Her heart pounded excitedly. She had just escaped! Of course, she was still in the city…but it was improvement. Her horse trotted leisurely. This wouldn't be a problem. She hung her head, noticing the golden necklace around her neck. How could she be happy? She…she left Anippe behind… A solitary tear ran down her cheek.

Suddenly, her horse's ears perked up and stopped all together.

Layla snapped herself out of her thoughts and looked around. Everything was quiet…too quiet. She could sense someone's presence… "Who's there?" she snapped.

Bakura walked out from behind the shadows and crossed his arms. He glanced at the girl standing out in front of him. He could sense that her soul was quite strong… She'd have to do. Since Marik hadn't contacted him at all about the ritual…Bakura had to do some of the work for him… He growled slightly at the thought of Marik slacking off. He decided to take his mind off of that for now though. It was no use thinking of it now… He concentrated on the girl in front of him. A slave…on a horse. He stared at the girl peculiarly. She was pretty and had a bag across the horse's back and a bow slung around her shoulder. He also noticed a pack of arrows slung across her back. "Running away, are we?" he asked sarcastically.

Layla made the horse rear up, ready to bolt.

"I don't think so," came Bakura's dry voice. He muttered a spell that froze the horse in its place.

Layla stared at him fearfully. "What do you want?" she asked dreadfully.

Seto was looking for Layla. It was mid-morning by now, and he hadn't seen Layla at all… A flash of concern ran through his blue eyes. He had to find her. What if she was in trouble? Marik couldn't have done anything…he was hurt. She couldn't be out of the palace…she had promised him that she'd never run away again… He growled. Something was wrong…he just couldn't figure out what!

"Seto. Is something wrong?" Yami asked as he turned the corner to find Seto so aggravated. Anippe followed closely behind. She was…unusually quiet today…

Seto looked at Yami. "It's…probably nothing. I just…can't seem to find Layla."

Anippe stiffened a bit. She tried not to show it, but…she just…couldn't…

Seto cast Anippe an inquiring eye. "Anippe…do you know of this?" he asked coldly.

Yami looked at Anippe as well.

Anippe hung her head, trying to hide the fact that she was blushing profusely. "N—no," she stuttered.

Yami looked at her. "You're lying," he pointed out.

Anippe shook her head. Layla trusted her…to keep this secret. She had to guard it…no matter what happened.

"Check the stables," Yami told Seto. "I bet you she ran away."

Anippe stiffened even more at this. There was no way she could cover it now… Then she cursed at herself. The way she was acting…just further proved to them that it was true! How could she be so…so…stupid?!

Seeing Anippe's reaction, Yami and Seto immediately headed out toward the stables, forcing Anippe to follow.

Seto saw that one of the stable gates was foolishly left open. He didn't even have to check to see if the horse was there. He knew what happened. He turned on Anippe, glaring at her. "Where's Layla?" he demanded, furious.

Anippe couldn't look into his cold, blue eyes. It was too hard for her… She shook her head. "I—I…don't know!"

"Anippe," Yami said softly. "Where is she?"

Anippe couldn't suppress her tears any longer. And…the Pharaoh's voice…was so…sweet…and loving. She shook her head. Nothing made sense anymore. "I don't know!" she screamed as she ran to her room.

Yami started to run after her but stopped when a sudden surge of pain ran up his left arm. He fell to his knees.

"Don't worry about her," Seto assured him. "She'll be fine. She…just needs time. Besides…I can have my own means to make her talk. Meanwhile, don't worry about it. You need rest."

Yami glared at Seto. "You. Are. Not. Torturing. Her."

Seto sent Yami's glare back at him. "Why not?"

"B—because…I said so!" he yelled.

Seto backed up. This was getting nowhere. "Get some rest, Yami. We'll talk later." He helped Yami get back to his feet.

"Anippe," Yami said softly, knocking on her door. He had left her alone for two hours now. From what he knew, she was in her room the whole time. She didn't answer him. He opened the door to find her…drinking. "Anippe!" he yelled, running to her. "What do you think you're doing?!"

Anippe just couldn't take it anymore. She didn't even look at the Pharaoh but reached for another glass of beer instead.

"Anippe!" he yelled again, holding her wrist down so that the beer could never reach her lips. "Please. Stop."

Anippe glared at Yami, but was sober enough not to slap him. Instead, she tried to pry his hand off her wrist.

Yami stared at Anippe's tear-streaked face. What had happened? "Anippe. Control yourself," he demanded but soon realized it was no use.

Anippe managed to pry his hand off and threw it aside and drank the beer wholeheartedly.

Yami was tossed aside, the pain in his arm returned. "Anippe," he pleaded. "Please stop."

Anippe wasn't listening anymore. She was just concentrating on the liquid that was entering her body. It was comforting…

Yami got up painfully. He went over to Anippe and twisted her wrist. The glass of beer crashed to the floor and shattered. Beer spilled over the floor.

Anippe glared at him but couldn't concentrate on being mad. He looked so…sexy… She leaned in and kissed him passionately.

For a moment, Yami gave in and just let the kiss bring him to a state of euphoria. His hands began to roam, but he stopped himself. Anippe was drunk. She needed help. She couldn't even think clearly… He pushed her away.

Anippe looked at the Pharaoh for a second. Her cheeks were flushed and she couldn't think straight… She fainted into his arms.

Yami stared at the unconscious girl in his arms. Then he observed his surroundings. The glass of beer that shattered wasn't the only one in her room. There must have been around twenty glasses already empty. "Oh Anippe," he said softly, horrified. "What have you done to yourself?"

Dark Conscience: Can a person even consume that much beer?

Alley Cat: ...Shut up!

Seto: A bit of an angsty ending there, don't you think?

Alley Cat: (shrugs) Getting the readers emotional isn't a bad thing, right?

Dark Conscience: I guess not...

Alley Cat: Anyway, Layla will have no part in the next chapter...I don't think.

Dark Conscience: Then I'm guessing that ritual will be happening pretty soon?

Alley Cat: Yep. Well...hope you liked this chapter!! n.n

Dark Conscience: Please R&R!!!