Alley Cat: Sorry for the long wait...again. n.n;; I was on a trip for Spring Break and...got occupied and stuff. Anyway, thanks for all you readers who are still with me... I luvs you all... Anyway, I'm feelin' lazy today so...I won't put along introduction 'cuz...eh...I said so. :P
Dark Conscience: (slaps forehead) Lord Rodolfo all over again...
Alley Cat: n.n;; Anyway, I...needed a plot this time and...I don't know if you like it or not but...I needed new bad guys so...I got this idea and...it's a bit out-of-the-blue and strange but...if I can get it to work...I might actually be quite fascinating...
Dark Conscience: (sighs) You're too timid, you know that?
Alley Cat: (nods feverishly) Anyway, give me suggestions and stuff if you don't like the idea. But...I just need some conflict until Seto and Layla work things out... Therefore...I figured Yami and Anippe could use some conflict... Eh...you'll see... n.n;; Please tell me what you think about it. I'm trying to do something new... Well, off to thank my reviewers and then the story...
Emotional-writer - O.O Wow...you review fast! Anyway, I did harm Anippe and Layla a lot with Marik... Marik and Bakura got really hurt during the ritual battle... Yami got hurt during that too... And Seto has the most emotional conflict. I didn't intentionally make Ishizu a major character...it just came out that way so...yeah. And...she's not the only one who got majorly hurt... As for Ishizu's Egyptian name, "Isis"...Umm...I knew it was "Isis" but...I like using Ishizu more because I'm more used to that and using "Isis" would merely confuse me when I'm writing. For example, people back then didn't call Yami "Yami" because "Yami" means "darker half" and...they just didn't call him that. His really good friends called him "Pharaoh Atemu" and, to everyone else, he was just "Pharaoh" or "The Nameless Pharaoh"...whichever one worked best... Anyway, I'm glad you pointed that out 'cuz it shows you're paying attention. n.n Thank you for the review.
Darkforestchick - Yes, I realized that. Yami and Anippe seem to recover too much, don't they? Well, I have them involved in powerful magic and stuff the most so...yeah. But...I'll lay off it for a while because of this brand new twist I put in the story... As for Layla falling into Seto's arms... Well, Seto ordered the soldiers to go, remember? And then she fell into his arms. (nods) In front of the soldiers, he only put a protective arm around her so they couldn't harm her... I'm glad you like my story so much and...I'm really sorry it takes me so long to review yours... n.n;;
SilverSickle - You deserved all those reviews! I mean, the story was just wonderful! (claps) You're a great author...much like...well...everybody else who reviews my story... n.n;; Yes, Seto as a High Priest is wonderful, no? Well, I hope you catch up soon!
SirisAnkh - Ah yes...Kaiba's Slave is a wonderful writer, no? I mean, she captures the realism to such an extent that...well...it's...real. n.n;; Well, I hope you enjoy this chapter...and that brand new twist I put in... n.n;;
Tango Romancer - (giggles) ... (pokes Yami) Girly-boy! n.n Just kidding. Yeah, I understand. Yami's too...girly. LOL Well...I'll try to make him more..."masculine" but...a lot of the time, I can't control what's coming out of my keyboard so... n.n;; Yeah... As for Layla and Seto...I'm working on it! Really, really trying... Ah...we'll have to see... Now then, thank you so much for the review and praise! Enjoy this chapter too! ...Hopefully. n.n;;
Starskittle410 - n.n Thank you for the praise! I'm glad you like my writing so much! ...Though I think it's horrid... Anyway, yes! You discovered a change coming over Marik! Mwuahaha! You will see what happens in this chappie! (evil grin) Now read and enjoy! LOL Oh, and the hot pink hair came from SirisAnkh. I thank her for the idea. n.n
Alley Cat: Now then, on with the story! (pushesSeto out of closet)
Seto: ...Alley Cat doesn't own Yu-Gi-Oh. Blarg. (goes back in the closet and falls asleep)
Dark Conscience: O.o What's with him?
Alley Cat: (shrugs) I just kept him up all night...by blaring music... n.n
Dark Conscience: ...You are one weird little girl...
Yami hugged Anippe tightly as they watched over Ishizu. They had only been there for a few minutes but they had come first thing in the morning… Apparently, she still had not woken.
A few more minutes passed and the High Priest joined them. "How is she?" he asked.
Anippe looked away, and Yami sighed heavily. "I have no idea," Yami finally said. "I…just don't know anymore…"
Seto stared at Ishizu for a while. …Why had she not woken? "Perhaps I didn't cast a strong enough healing spell," he muttered.
Anippe shook her head. "No…" she said softly. "It's not that…it's just…I have no idea… But…I don't know. Are you sure the Dark Magician didn't cast a certain spell on her?" she asked, directing her question to Yami.
Yami shook his head. "I doubt it. It certainly didn't seem like it at least…and he didn't tell me anything… No…I don't think so," he concluded.
Anippe sighed. "I don't know anymore…" she said exasperatingly. With that, she buried her head in Yami's neck.
Yami wrapped his arms around her comfortingly before glancing at Seto. He seemed so…lost…in his own thoughts… Yami sighed. He'd just let Seto drift for a while…it's not like it was necessary to interrupt him, especially when there was nothing to say…
"Marik," a soft, voice drifted into the room. "Marik."
Seto snapped out of his thoughts and stared at Anippe. "Anippe?" he asked suspiciously.
"Did you just call for Marik?" Yami asked, finishing Seto's question.
Anippe shook her head.
All three immediately gazed at Ishizu.
"Marik," she was whispering, beads of sweat trickled down her face from her fever. They had put a damp towel on her forehead but that's about all they could do for her…
Anippe let out a shaky sigh. "Let's let her rest for a little while longer. Besides, I have other things to do…" With that, she left the room.
Yami nodded. "Anippe has a point. It's futile just waiting for her like this… We'd better find something productive to do in the meantime…"
Seto nodded and stared at Ishizu for a little while longer before walking out.
Yami sighed. What were they going to do?
Seto knocked on Layla's door. Now that he had revealed his feelings to her…he didn't feel like…he didn't want to have Layla as a slave anymore… He sighed. Layla was probably still sleeping. The shock from yesterday…must have exhausted her, as well as the whole palace… "Layla?" he asked softly, waiting for the door to open.
Layla woke up and groaned. Her muscles were so stiff… She must have pulled one of her back muscles yesterday in fear of the guards. She immediately cursed herself for her actions the other day. Anippe wouldn't do something like that… Anippe was the one to resolve things. And here she was, weak and helpless.
"Layla?" Seto asked from outside the door, a little louder this time. A hint of urgency could be detected in his voice.
…Which brought Layla to another predicament. Why her? Out of all the slaves…out of all the people…the High Priest had chosen…her to be his bride… Something was wrong with that picture. Of course the High Priest could use his slaves and have them…"warm his bed" so-called…but he actually admitted that he loved her…he admitted that he wanted to marry her… No…he had to be joking…
"Layla!" Seto said forcefully this time, the concern clear in his voice. Before Layla could open the door or respond to his call, he opened the door urgently, using his magic.
Layla stared at him, wide-eyed, for a minute. "M—master," she stuttered.
A wave of relief washed through Seto as he realized that Layla was alright. When he suddenly snapped out of his relief, he scowled at Layla. "How many times have I told you not to call me that!" he snapped, perhaps being a bit more forceful than intended.
Layla blushed, suddenly coming back to her senses. "I—I'm sorry," she stuttered, directing her gaze to the floor. Perhaps it was just true…he was just giving her false hope…he was just playing with her… With a tone like that…it didn't sound like he meant it when he said he truly loved her…
Seto sighed and sagged his shoulders. Why was Layla's spirit so easy to…well, break? If it had been a regular slave, he would have been grateful that he didn't have to work so hard…but…this was a special case, right? "Layla…" he said dejectedly. "…You know I love you, no?" he asked worriedly. "Nothing could separate us…nothing. Do you understand?" He hugged her tightly, pushing his cheek to hers.
Layla's face flushed even more. She could feel is cool skin on her cheek…and she couldn't help but like it. She nodded numbly at his words, just to make him happy, not able to fully take in his words at the moment.
"Good," Seto whispered, his lips lightly grazing her ear.
Layla couldn't help but crumble into his touch. Her lust was rising…and she couldn't fake resentment toward him anymore. Her breathing shortened, as well as increased in speed. She hugged him back, kissing him lightly on the neck several times.
Seto smiled. At least Layla had relaxed a bit more…and seemed to have begun to realize…the truth. He continue to hug her tightly with one arm while the other one tilted her chin up toward him so he could look her in the eye. He stared at her soft-looking cherry lips. He smiled and kissed her softly at first, enjoying the lush softness of both her lips as well as her body. As his lust grew stronger, his kiss harshened to such a degree that Layla had to pull away, both flushed and speechless…but he could tell she not only liked it, but wanted more…by the look in her eyes. He stepped toward her, but Layla just recoiled, partially from shock. "Layla…" he said concernedly. "What's wrong?"
Layla backed up against the wall. The thoughts in her head were just so confusing… Did she truly love him? Did he truly love her? "N-nothing!" she stuttered again, her face heating up more than ever.
"Layla…" Seto muttered. "I thought I'd already proven my love to you… When Marik and Bakura wanted to sacrifice you…I went to save you…I wouldn't let you die," he said softly. "And just yesterday, the guards wanted to have some fun with you…and I wouldn't allow it." His voice was growing louder even though he had not meant it to be. "And when Marik took you away for torture, I went and rescued you, healed you, comforted you…" He softened his voice again, practically on the verge of tears because of how stubborn Layla was being. "…Is that not enough for you, Layla?" he asked desperately, looking at her with compassion and plead, completely exposed without his usual cold demeanor.
Layla bit back a sob. She didn't know anymore. Everything was just so confusing… The High Priest had hit upon the one sole thing she did not want to recognize… She gave in. Tears flowed down her face as she slumped to the ground, hugging her knees, weeping.
Seto sighed exasperatedly. What had he done this time! He walked over to her and sat on the floor with her. Perhaps this was a little too much to take in at one time… He gently wrapped his arms around Layla and pulled her to him.
Layla made no resistance. Instead, she uncurled herself and cried on his shoulder. She just couldn't control her tears for some reason. …She couldn't understand why she was crying…
Seto sighed. His cloak was going to be wet…but it didn't matter. It's not like he cared anymore… He rubbed her back soothingly. He'd stay with her a little while…then he'd go check up on Ishizu…
Yami snuck up on Anippe and hugged her from behind.
Anippe let out a little yelp of surprise but it was quickly smothered by Yami's hand.
"Shhh… Calm down," Yami said gently. "It's just me…"
Anippe relaxed a bit and let Yami guide her so that she was facing him.
"What are you planning to do today?" Yami asked innocently.
Anippe shrugged. "…I never knew the palace could be so…bland," she stated.
Yami cast her a look full of disbelief. "WHAT?" he drawled. "It is not, by any means, 'bland,' " he stated firmly.
Anippe shrugged. "If you say so…" she said leisurely. "Anyway, I'm going back to the dungeon. Follow me if you wish, though I doubt you'll like the trip." With that, she turned on her heels and headed toward the dungeon.
Yami stared at her, wide-eyed. "W-wait!" he stuttered, shouting after her, anxiety clear in his voice. "Why are you going!"
Anippe shrugged. "Because I want to. I have something that needs my attention."
Yami sighed. "Like?" he asked, irritated but Anippe was already too far away to hear him. Well…if Anippe felt it was okay…then it must be okay, right? …Perhaps it was best to give her at least a little freedom… …And it would probably ruin his image as the High and Mighty Pharaoh if he just followed her around all day… …No. He would leave her alone. It'd be fine, right?
Anippe walked into the room for the second time and closed the door firmly behind her, insuring privacy… "I'm sorry I kept you waiting…" she said slowly.
Yami sighed irritably. Where was Anippe? …It must have been a few hours at least and she had not shown up yet.
"Yami?" someone behind him called.
Yami jumped, not expecting someone to break through the silence. He turned around to find Anippe. He relaxed a lot more and hugged her. "Are you alright?" he asked worriedly.
Anippe nodded. "Of course. Why wouldn't I be?" she inquired.
Yami sighed. "I don't know…" he said, "I was just worried about you."
Anippe cocked her head. "Don't worry about me. I can take care of myself…you know that, no?"
Yami nodded. "I know, I know. …I just can't help but worry…"
Anippe sighed. "Well try not to," she suggested. "As you can see, I'm just fine." She twirled around for him to see before returning to his arms.
Yami smiled. Unconsciously, his hands began to roam her body…
Anippe slipped her hands over Yami's and held them firmly. "No," she said softly. "Not now…not yet."
Yami let her go. "You're right," he muttered. "I'm sorry."
Anippe smiled. "Don't be. I'm happy you care for me so much," she said cheerfully. "How's the High Priestess?" she asked, switching the topic.
Yami paused. "I…don't know," he said slowly.
Anippe expected that response. "You were too worried about me, weren't you?" she asked scoldingly. "Really. Set your priorities straight. Aren't we all expecting her? It's best to be updated on her health."
Yami nodded. "You're right. I'm sorry," he said again. Why was it always him who messed things up? Wasn't he the Pharaoh after all? "Let's go then," he said after a moment of silence. Then he walked off toward Ishizu's chambers. When he noticed Anippe wasn't following, he turned around. "Are you coming?" he asked.
"Of course!" Anippe said and quickly caught up with him. She smiled apologetically. "I guess I'm just distracted today…"
Ishizu opened her eyes, feeling a warm bed underneath her. Where was she and how did she get here? She sat up and immediately felt woozy. She moaned and collapsed back onto the bed.
"Don't overexert yourself," a voice warned her. It was coming from her left.
She glanced over to find the High Priest sitting leisurely by the window, with one leg standing on the ground supporting him, passing time with a book and enjoying the sunlight.
"M—my High Priest…" Ishizu said softly, almost as if embarrassed.
Seto didn't glance up from his reading material. "Rest some more. We'll talk later."
Ishizu paled slightly. "T—talk?" she stuttered. "Wh—what do you mean by that?"
Seto sighed and closed his book. "I mean, talk about why the hell you were in Marik's cell," he hissed, glaring at her. He got up from the windowsill and walked over to her, towering above her. "Or would you rather explain now?" he sneered, crossing his arms, his peircing blue eyes boring through hers.
Ishizu shirked slightly. "No?" she replied meekly.
Seto snorted. "Didn't think so," he said coldly. He gave Ishizu one last glare before leaving the room.
Ishizu hugged her sides tightly and curled into a ball. What had she done? Now the High Priest hated her. …The Pharaoh probably did as well… Unconsciously, tears rolled down from her eyes. Everything was going wrong…so wrong…
"Ishizu…" came a destressed voice from the door.
Ishizu quickly wiped away her tears and looked at the visitor. "M-my Pharaoh!" she stuttered, anxiety welling up inside her. Her face flushed and her cheeks burnt bright red.
Anippe raised an eyebrow. This was certainly…unusual behavior, considering it was coming from the High Priestess, Ishizu…
Yami's face was full of concern and worry. "Ishizu…why were you crying? …Does it have anything to do with Seto?" he asked, distressed. "He was watching over you until just a little while ago. We passed him in the hall…"
Ishizu just gaped at him for a minute, unable to say anything. Then she slowly shook her head when she got ahold of herself again.
A wave of relief passed through Yami. Ishizu was pretty close to him and…he didn't like seeing her sad. Rarely had he seen her so…depressed…
Anippe noticed Yami's tension decrease, which gave her the suspicion that, perhaps, something was going on between the Pharaoh and the High Priestess… She shook her head. She had to get rid of those nasty thoughts. She couldn't think that way! Yami had always been loyal to her…right? No. She couldn't doubt. Once she doubted, the distrust between her and Yami would only increase…and she did not want that to happen… …No. She couldn't allow that to happen… Yami meant the world to her…she had no idea what she would do if he was to leave her…
Yami glanced at Anippe worriedly, noticing her sudden reserved attitude. "Anippe—"
"I'm fine," Anippe cut him off, forcing a smile to reassure him.
Yami bit his lower lip. Something was bugging Anippe but couldn't find out what… Oh well…he could deal with that later. Ishizu was his first priority… "Ishizu…I want to know what happened," he pressured, the last part coming out in a rush.
"Yami!" Anippe scolded, sending him a glare. The High Priestess had just recovered. Now was not the time for such an interrogation.
Ishizu's eyes grew wide as she realized Anippe had called the Pharaoh 'Yami.' …Had there been a relationship between the two that she had missed? Even if Anippe was a noble now…she wouldn't be allowed to call the Pharaoh by his name unless… She felt tears resurfacing, trying to force themselves out but Ishizu held them back. …She couldn't show weakness in front of the Pharaoh. She was the High Priestess. She had duties and a reputation to uphold. "…Okay," she said forcedly, her voice cracked.
"No," Anippe said firmly. "You need to get better first before we discuss anything," she said, her eyes locking on with Yami's on the last word.
Yami stared at her for a minute before averting his gaze. "Okay," he muttered.
Ishizu relaxed a bit more and gave Anippe a thankful smile.
"Get some rest," Anippe said. "I'm sure the High Priest has suggested that as well."
At the mention of the High Priest, Ishizu felt even worse than before. Her relationship with him had turned sour and Yami seemed to be already taken with Anippe… A pang of jealosy ran through her, causing her to glare at Anippe for a moment.
Noticing the glare, Anippe backed up a little bit and bowed her head. "I'm sorry," she muttered. "I guess you would have known that…" she said softly, assuming that was the cause of the scowl. She blushed slightly.
Yami cast a concerned look from Ishizu to Anippe, noticing some tension between them… …But…what could have caused it? Perhaps they both thought he was attracted to the other? …But Ishizu had never been more than a friend to him… He furrowed his brow for a moment, oblivious to the fact that he was being nudged.
"Yami," Anippe said softly. "Let's leave her be."
Yami nodded. "All right," he said, disappointed because he just wanted to get this whole ordeal over as soon as possible.
Anippe gave him an apologetic smile and guided him out of the room.
Yami sat down on his throne, dismayed. …There was something about Anippe…something that was suspicious about her…something that had changed her… That…or he was just being paranoid… But something kept nagging him that Anippe was keeping something from him…
"My Pharaoh, you summoned me?" Hapi asked politely.
Yami snapped his head up from its downcast position. "Yeah," he said, a bit too informal for such an occasion. This brought him a few curious glances from his advisors but he ignored them. "Hapi," Yami said gravely. "Have you noticed Anippe acting strangely recently?"
Hapi shot Yami a confused look. "Strange, my Pharaoh?" he asked innocently. "I'd say Anippe's a strange girl but…the last time I was with her was at the banquet…" He trailed off.
Yami shook his head. "Okay then. You don't have to go any further. I understand," Yami said, disappointed in his findings. Of course, Anippe had rarely left his side in those last few days except… His eyes widened…could Anippe have…no…it couldn't be… He shook his head. "I'm sorry Hapi," he said softly. "I shouldn't have interrupted you…"
"Oh no my Pharaoh," Hapi objected. "It's fine."
Yami sighed. "Okay Hapi…" He paused, watching Hapi standing there with his head bowed, eager to leave. "You have my leave to go."
Hapi nodded quickly and shuffled out of the room.
Layla wrapped her arms around her knees. Tears were still streaming from her face. She was so lost and confused…what was she to do? Yes, Seto loved her. He had done so much…and she had been blind to it all! The truth was what she was trying to evade…she was…she was running away from her problems…finding every which way to convince herself that Seto didn't love her…and yet every way and loophole she found just led to heartbreak…
"Layla," Seto said soothingly in her ear, "Are you okay now?"
Layla reeled back, away from Seto, for a moment, surprised that he had snuck up on her. "Y-yes," she stuttered, tears still silently flowing down her face.
Seto sighed and pulled her into his loving grip. "It's okay," he said, trying to soothe her. "Everything will turn out fine…" Or, at least, he hoped everything would turn out fine… He still had no idea how they were going to make it but… He gritted his teeth. There had to be a way…there just had to be...
"S—seto?" Layla asked timidly, despair in her eyes.
Seto snapped out of his thoughts. "Yeah?" he asked, cocking an eyebrow.
"Thank you," she whispered, snuggling in his chest. "You've done so much for me and…I've never had a chance to express my gratitude..." She paused for a moment. "A—and I'm sorry for doubting you," she mumbled in his ear.
Seto smiled. Layla had gotten over it…they were one step closer to their goal, their future… "Don't worry about it," he said softly and kissed her passionately, pulling her closer to him…
"Marik?" Bakura whispered softly. Marik had been in silence, almost as if in a trance, since…well, yesterday, ever since Ishizu was taken out of the cell… "Marik?" he asked again, becoming more anxious. It wasn't like him to be so silent…
"Bakura…" Marik said softly, sounding very far away. He looked up at Bakura for a moment, his eyes a soulless, milky-white. A look that would send shivers down anyone's spine and anyone's neck prickle at the sight…especially Bakura's. Thankfully, it was just a second before Marik dropped his eyes back toward the ground. "My life has no point…"
Bakura growled. "Don't think like that!" he barked. "Just because your sister got hurt, that doesn't mean it's the end of the world!" Anger flashed through his eyes…but this anger was different from the anger he usually felt… Yes…this anger was fed by…worry.
Marik gave a small laugh. "You care about me that much, Bakura?" he asked sarcastically.
Bakura glared at Marik but doubted he'd be able to see it, especially since Marik was staring at the floor, his blond, spiky hair hanging loosely over his face. The very tips of his hair was lying on top of his wound in his chest, which was now encrusted with dry blood. Ishizu had done her best…if it wasn't for her, Marik would be in a lot more pain right now but… "Marik," he said softly. "There's so much more you could live for…"
"Bakura," Marik replied, even softer. "I don't think this…rebellion against the Pharaoh is working…it has only brought us pain and there will be more to come if we keep this up…"
"So what are you suggesting?" Bakura snapped. "That we should join up with the Pharaoh!" he sneered.
Marik hesitated for a moment. "Yes," he said finally. "I want to join my sister…I want to join her side. …I see now that I was wrong, and, for that, I am sincerely sorry…" Marik looked up at Bakura, his purple eyes full of conviction.
Bakura glared at Marik. "M—marik!" he hissed. "You're backing out now! COWARD!" He tried to move closer to Marik, his anger growing and no longer concerned about Marik's health. Thankfully, his shackles prevented him from getting very far.
Marik noticed this and moved as far away from Bakura as his shackles would allow. "I'm guessing you don't agree with me then?" he asked, sarcasm dripping from his voice.
"Gee, how could you tell?" Bakura replied coldly.
Marik stared at the ground for a little while longer and then looked up to give him a wry smile.
Bakura saw the regular smile painted on his friend's face. At this sight, Bakura thought Marik meant it as a joke and eased up, but the relief was short-lived.
"Then I guess we're enemies now, aren't we, friend?" Marik jeered.
Bakura snapped. "Traitor!" he screeched again, his eyes glowering.
"Now, now Bakura," Marik said smoothly. "Keep this up and you'll look like a madman sooner or later…"
Bakura snarled.
Glee crossed Marik's face. "Do you know how fun it is to taunt you?" he asked, his smile growing broader. …He could get used to this…
"Anippe!" Yami called out, stopping her in the middle of the central hallway.
Anippe turned around. "Yes, Yami?" she asked curiously.
Yami opened his mouth, but nothing came out.
Anippe cocked him an eybrow.
"I…I was wondering why you went to the dungeon today," he said, stumbling over his words slightly.
Anippe cast him a playful smile. "Well, that's for me to know," she said slyly.
Just then, Seto walked into the hallway to see Yami and Anippe. He shot them a curious look. "I couldn't help but overhear," he said shrewdly. "What is it you're talking about?"
Anippe backed up slightly and blushed. "It's nothing of concern," she said softly.
Seto put his hands on his hips. "Oh really?" he asked, pressuring them to tell him.
Yami nodded. "Yes, but, Seto, if you really must know…"
Anippe's face paled. She didn't want to involve more people…especially if she had been sworn to secrecy…
"Anippe went to the dungeon today," Yami said.
Seto's piercing blue eyes landed on Anippe. "What!" he said coldly. "What business do you have there?" he demanded.
Anippe looked at the floor. "I—I just had something to do," she said quickly.
"Anyway," Yami continued, trying to break the tension between the two. "I just thought it was strange behavior…especially for Anippe. And she's been…detached…or at least I think so..."
Seto crossed his arms and looked at Anippe sternly. He had already figured out the problem. "You work for Marik, don't you?" he asked accusingly.
Anippe backed up, fear in her eyes, not believing the High Priest, of all people, would accuse her of such. "I—I do not!" she said indignantly.
Yami closed his eyes and looked at the ground. …Then his previous suspicions were correct… "Anippe…" he said softly. "Don't lie to me…"
The terror in Anippe only grew at this statement. "Y—yami?" she asked, her voice cracking. Even Yami doubted her!
"It's the truth, isn't it?" Yami asked dejectedly.
"N—no!" Anippe stuttered. Her brain had barely even registered this thought yet.
Seto glared at her and walked toward her threateningly. He then held her by the throat and pinned her to the wall. "Tell the truth," he snarled.
"Y—yami!" Anippe begged, struggling to breath. "Y—you believe me don't you?" Her voice was shrill and anxious. She clawed at the High Priest's hands but it was in vain. Her last hope was the Pharaoh, Yami…her beloved. Truly he wouldn't think such preposterous things! The High Priest's eyes locked on hers and she was unable to turn away.
Minutes of silence ensued with no one moving.
Finally, Yami broke the silence. "Lock her up," Yami said coldly, grimacing. "I'll deal with her later."
"Y—Yami!" Anippe pleaded, trying to get out of the High Priests grasp. She couldn't believe this…this was just… She stared at Yami, her eyes full of plea but she could already see it was no use. Yami had made up his mind… His blond bangs were shadowing his eyes, hiding his expression…but Anippe already knew… Yami had betrayed her… Tears sprung to her eyes. "Yami!" she cried one last time, but Yami could not hear her. …She already knew…he would no longer be able to hear her…to listen to her… She was nothing to him…
Seto's glare was none the less menacing. However, he did smirk for a moment. No matter what Anippe said, Yami had sided with him… Besides, his accusation had to be true, right? What else could Anippe be doing down in the dungeons besides plotting with Marik? And why else would she hide it from the Pharaoh? He took Anippe's wrist with his free hand and twisted it while letting go of her at the same time.
Anippe cried out in pain at this sudden movement and fell to the floor. She was quick, but she wasn't quick enough. The High Priest was behind her in a flash, holding both of her wrists behind her back. "Y—yami!" she whimpered but Yami was already walking away from her.
Seto jerked Anippe roughly to her feet. "Don't count on him saving you," he said coldly in her ear. "Besides, you cannot deny what is the truth."
"But it isn't the truth!" Anippe objected as she stumbled into the dungeon. "You don't understand!" she tried again but the High Priest was relentless.
Seto threw her into a cell and stood at the doorway with his hands on his hips. "And what don't I understand?" he sneered but obviously did not want an answer to that question. He left no time for an answer anyway for he immediately began murmuring a spell. Shackles of light bound Anippe to the wall, shining in all their brilliance.
Anippe closed her eyes, unable to bear the light coming from the shackles. Spots danced in her vision. When the light receeded, the High Priest was gone, leaving her to think about what exactly just happened.
Alley Cat: ...Yes... (gaspers!) Well...I hope you like the little twist. I have a fairly good idea how I'm going to work that out but...Seto and Layla is still very confusing to me right now so I'll work them out first.
Dark Conscience: My goodness... That twist is...
Alley Cat: The twist is...?
Dark Conscience: ...Different. That's all I'm saying. :P
Alley Cat: -.- Well, all you readers out there... Please tell me what you think. I need to know 'cuz I need some help...
Dark Conscience: Yes you do... Now, R and R everyone!
Alley Cat: Oh! Before I forget...can you people help me figure out who was who back in ancient Egypt? The episodes aren't very far in over here... And, when the word "(fixed)" is next to there name, it means it's too late to change their role...
Joey - I've read him playing the role of a "warrior chief" but...I've heard he's a villager who was good friends with Yami...
Tea - I've read her being the Queen of some land that wasn't Yami's...but I've also heard that she's also a villager who was good friends with Yami...
Seto (fixed)- ...I'm pretty sure he was the High Priest... n.n;;
Yami (fixed)- ...OMG...I am so unsure of this. He was the Pharaoh, wasn't he? (sarcasm if you can't tell)
Ishizu (fixed)- Ah yes... High Priestess is what I've heard most so...yeah.
Mai - Yes, I'm pairing her and Joey up but...what was her role in ancient Egypt? Any thoughts or suggestions? Any rumors or facts? Anything at all?
Serenity - I dunno about her. So...same question that went for Mai goes to her... My friend, Black-Lightniing suggested they both be dancers but...what do you all think?
Marik (fixed) - Noble, since his sister is the High Priestess and all... And...he doesn't have a dark side... So I made "Malik" Marik and Marik...go poof! n.n
Bakura (fixed) - Although he was a tomb-robber in ancient Egypt, I made him a noble to fit the context better... And...it's Bakura's "dark half"...no Ryou. (nods)
Dartz (fixed) - ...Evil sorceror of the...Orikalcous thingy-majiger... He won't be here...but I might put him in the sequel...
Tristan - Eh...I've got nothin' for him... Any suggestions?
Duke - Umm... I don't have anything for him either... n.n;;
Alley Cat: Well...that's all the characters I can think of now... Well, please give me suggestions 'cuz I need your help! Please R and R and...tell me what you think. n.n