Angel: (happily settles back into her computer chair, smirking)

Yami: ...this can't be good. What's up with her?

Y.Ang: (sighs) She has her summer holidays now, and just got back from a week's vacation at the beach. So she has about two months of no school in which to write (if she wasn't so lazy).

Angel: (grins happily)

Yami: (eyes widen) Oh dear god...I'm doomed.

Y.Ang: (dryly) You ain't seen nothing yet. You haven't seen her plan for the last two chapters...trust me, that's going to be far worse. Especially the Rames revelation (winces) It's gonna suck being you.

Yami: (sweatdrops) Thank you for your inspiring and calming words (sarcastically)

Crystal: (also winces) Sarcasm that may be Yami, but it's REALLY going to suck being you. You really don't want to know what she has planned for you in this story. It's almost as bad as what she does to me (glares)

Angel: (stops smiling and frowns) Hey, I can understand Ang knowing what I plan to do because 'our minds are connected' and all, but how do you know?

Crystal: (shrugs) I'm just so awesome that I know all.

Yami: (pauses, and then starts shaking her) WHAT HAPPPENS TO MEEE??

Crystal: (slaps him) I'm not telling! Now be quiet so this chapter can be started, and Angel stops typing up these stupid author's notes!

Yami: (is unconscious)

Angel: (sweatdrops and shakes head) Lover's quarrels...(hastily looks away as Crystal glares at her) Dear god, this girl's got a scarier glare than I do! O...O

Crystal: (grins)

Angel: (coughs) Anyway...Ang, do the disclaimer.

Ang: (sighs) Angel does not own YuGiOh. She does own various things in relation to this story, but that's about it. Enjoy!

Lonely Heart In Egypt

Chapter 20: The Announcement

Completely unaware of Rames's evil plans, the young royal couple returned to the throne room after a member of the Royal Guard came to say that the Pharaoh was requested in the throne room. Yami was unable to keep the smile off his face, and was positively grinning, whereas Crystal managed to maintain at least some decorum. They entered through the golden doors, and Yami reluctantly removed his arm from around her waist. Crystal then moved off to find her friends, and Yami moved to the throne.

Seto instantly appeared at his side. "So, did you ask her?" he asked immediately, and Isis appeared at his elbow as though the words had been a summoning charm.

Yami grinned. "Ask who what?"

Isis barely smothered her shriek of delight, and Seto outright grinned. "Obviously you did, and by that grin on your face, she said yes," he said, before Isis disappeared to make a beeline towards Crystal. He smiled as he watched her, and then turned back to Yami. "So, when should I make the announcement? Or are you going to?" he asked.

Yami was unable to take the grin off his face. "Whenever you want. And yes, you can announce it if you wish," he said before hearing Isis shriek with happiness again, and the two cousins turned to watch in some amusement as Isis hugged Crystal, whereas Crystal's friends merely looked bewildered. Seto's attention was then drawn to Crystal's hand as something glittered there. "Holy Ra Pharaoh, did you make her ring big enough? It's a miracle she didn't blind half the room when she walked in!" he said in a half-teasing manner. He was just happy that his cousin and old friend had finally admitted their feelings for each other.

Yami frowned lightly at that. "Well, I know Crystal loves jewellery, and I wanted to make it something special..." he mumbled, before lighting up again as Crystal glanced over at him.

Mahaado suddenly appeared at his side, looking somewhat breathless. "What has happened, my Pharaoh?" he asked, slightly surprised at the sheer delight on Yami's face.

However, before Yami could answer, Mana appeared next to Crystal, saw her ring, and shrieked happily before near tackling the Isirian heiress. Yami pointed at the Dark Magician Girl. "That," he said dryly.

Mahaado raised an eyebrow at his lover's antics, but then noticed the ring. "Oh, so you finally asked the Lady Crystal to marry you, my Lord? About time. Mana has been badgering me for weeks to get you to ask her," he said, sounding somewhat grumpy.

Yami's eyes twinkled. "Judging by your expression earlier, I'd say she made it up to you," he said before grinning outright at the blush forming on his friend's face. "Seto, whenever you're ready," he said with another grin.

Seto sighed and beckoned Isis over before gesturing to the Master of Ceremonies, who used his powerful, well-trained voice to announce to the crowd that Pharaoh had something to say. Yami then stood up, his cape flying out behind him. "Priest Seto has an important announcement to make on my behalf," he said simply before sitting down again, and Seto stepped forward, clearing his throat. "It is my pleasure to announce to the court of Egypt the engagement of our Pharaoh to Princess Crystal of Isiria. May the gods smile down on this couple, and shower them with wealth, happiness, and good fortune throughout their married life," he said with a smile. Normally Isaac, as the father of the bride, would announce the engagement, but he would not be here until tomorrow as he had to oversee the celebrations in his own city for Isis before coming to see his daughter. And Seto knew Yami didn't want to wait that long to make the engagement public.

The reaction to this news was rather interesting. Several young women gasped or screamed in shock, and several young men were equally angered by the news, but all these reactions was covered by the storm of clapping that filled the throne room. It was tradition to applaud the couple to congratulate them, but Crystal had never heard such loud applause. She moved over to the throne to stand beside her fiancée, and Yami took her hand in his and kissed her cheek, which caused an outbreak of cheers and more applause. Crystal blushed and pulled away slightly, but Yami remained grinning.

After the applause died down, Yami called out to the crowd. "Well, let the festivities continue!" The crowd cheered once more, and the buzz of conversation returned to the room.

Crystal remained by the throne, now surrounded by Yami, Mana, Mahaado, Isis and Seto. "Well, that was interesting," she said at last before turning to Yami. "I only wish my father had been here to make the announcement, or at least know about it beforehand. I know you had his approval, but I would prefer he found out from me rather than street gossip," she said with a soft sigh.

Yami frowned in thought, and Mahaado stepped forward. "My lady, I might be able to help with that. I was looking through some spell books a few days ago, and found a simple communication charm that enables someone to see and communicate with someone else in a completely different place. Mana and I have been studying this spell, and I believe I have mastered it. I was going to perform the spell for you to let you speak to your father for your birthday present anyway, so I suppose you may as well use it now."

Crystal beamed. "Oh, thank you Mahaado. That is so thoughtful of you," she said before hugging the startled mage. "How does it work?"

Mahaado sighed. "It's a long process my lady. Basically, the spell creates a small cloud of magic in which you can both see and talk with whomever you desire. However, I advise that you use it later in private, so that curious nobles do not overhear your conversation."

Crystal nodded. "I agree with you. We'll have to wait a while though, because Father will probably want to talk to Yami, and our almighty Pharaoh will be unable to leave for some time," she said with a grin at Yami.

Yami scowled at her. "Well, it's your birthday, so you're not allowed to leave either," he said before grinning back at her.

Crystal sighed and poked her tongue out at him before returning to her friends, who all started jumping up and down and shrieking in delight.

"I can't believe it! You snagged the Pharaoh?!"

"This is so not fair! You always get the best guys!"

"Just because no guy in their right mind would go for you doesn't mean you can tease Crystal."

"Hey! And I wasn't whining – I am happy for her. Crystal, you're so lucky!"

"Aww, our little Princess is growing up"

"Saria, future Queen of Egypt or not, I will slap you if you continue that false crying"

"Sorry. But, by Ra, the Pharaoh! How do you get so lucky?"

It was about this point that Yami completely tuned out the girls, particularly as they were slowly moving away from the throne.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was a few hours later that Crystal was returning to her quarters to remove her ceremonial jewellery and such before going to the gardens to speak with her father. She was going to speak to her father, and then go down to dinner. Yami was going to come meet her at her quarters in a few minutes. Sighing, she rounded the corner to the corridor of her quarters, and the guards outside snapped to attention as she passed them. The young Isirian heiress smiled briefly at the guards before stepping inside.

Once inside her room she moved to her desk and pulled out one of her jewellery boxes. She pulled off her formal tiara, necklace, bracelets and earrings, and settled for a much simpler setting of elegant yet plain dangling gold earrings, no necklace, and one gold bracelet. Crystal then sighed and brushed her hair back from her face as she fitted the simple circlet of gold onto her head – enough to keep her hair back from her face.

The Isirian princess then heard the door open, and paused in brushing her hair, assuming it to be Yami. She placed the brush on the vanity desk, and stood up before she turned around, and thus didn't recognise the person until it was almost too late.

The heiress of Selima Oasis, Princess Anzu was scowling at her, her brown hair curling about a decidedly less pretty expression. "How dare you?" she practically growled.

"How dare I what?" Crystal asked, sounding somewhat confused, but she was cut off from further questions as Anzu suddenly tackled her, knocking both royals to the ground. Crystal grunted as the air was knocked out of her, but quickly recovered and shoved Anzu to the side so she could get up again. Anzu was not trained to fight, particularly in restricting formal wear, and thus Crystal knew she could easily beat the other Princess in a fight if she had to. "Beat it Anzu, I have no time for your stupidity," she said icily, turning away from the Princess who was currently struggling to her feet.

Anzu's growl was the only warning Crystal had before Anzu roughly shoved her again, knocking her down once more. Annoyed now, Crystal jumped up to a crouch, and swung her left leg out and around, tripping Anzu. Anzu landed heavily on the ground, and Crystal jumped lightly back to her feet. Anzu glared at her, and stood up more slowly, Crystal's wary gaze upon her. "Anzu, what the hell is wrong with you?" Crystal snapped, looking somewhat confused.

"How dare you take the Pharaoh, you bitch! He was mine until you enchanted him, you magical hag!" was Anzu's only response before she leapt at Crystal again. Crystal blinked rapidly in shock, but still managed to side-step the enraged Princess, who at not meeting her target, was off balance and nearly fell over. However, Anzu twisted around, grabbing a handful of Crystal's hair as she fell, causing Crystal to cry out and fall down with her.

Crystal once more leapt to her feet, looking thoroughly annoyed now. "Anzu, you are beyond delusional. Yami wouldn't want a spoiled brat like you in a million years. You're conceited, petty, bitchy, and the only reason anyone ever tolerates you is because they are trying to get on your father's good side," she snapped, too annoyed to be polite.

Anzu's eyes widened at that statement. "You bitch!" she screamed, launching herself at Crystal again. Since Anzu was untrained, and a lot weaker than Crystal, Crystal was easily able to stop Anzu's punches and slaps getting to her, though she managed to land a fair amount of blows on the Princess. Crystal normally hated fighting, and was doing all she could to not harm Anzu, but the girl was really starting to get on her nerves.

Anzu, getting rather frustrated at her inability to hurt the Isirian princess, then suddenly swiped at Crystal's face, and was rewarded with the sight of scratches. She jumped backwards and smirked in satisfaction. "Well, I can't see what Yami would want with an ugly cursed hag like you. Especially one who was cast-off from her first engagement. Trust the Pharaoh to take another man's leavings for his own. The only reason he's marrying you is because he wants you, and because he pities you. He doesn't love you," she said with another smug smile. Anzu saw Crystal's deadly glare, but just smirked, knowing by Crystal's expression that she'd cut deep.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yami calmly strolled through the corridors towards Crystal's room, completely unaware of the storm brewing within its walls. He was about to knock when he noticed the door was slightly ajar. Frowning lightly, he pushed the door open just in time to see Crystal leap at Anzu with a scream of anger. Yami blinked rapidly, rather shocked by her actions, and thus it was a few seconds before he acted. He gestured to the guard across the hall to accompany him, and managed to pry Crystal off Anzu, where she had been attempting to strangle her. The guard then helped Anzu stand up and restrained her.

Yami glared at both women before addressing Anzu. "Princess Anzu, go back to your rooms or your father will hear of this," he said at last, and the simpering expression on her face was replaced by a scowl as she whirled around and stalked out of the room with her nose in the air. The guard sweatdropped slightly and looked questioningly at Yami, who nodded to say that he could leave.

The Pharaoh then turned his attention to his fiancée, and gently guided her over to her bed where they both sat down. Yami then raised his hand to her cheek, and gently turned her head so he could see the scratches. Crystal winced at the movement, and Yami quickly moved his hand away. "Beloved, just what was going on between you two? What did she say to you?" he asked as she stood up and turned away from him, her left hand covering her cheek as she healed it.

"What makes you think she said anything?" Crystal asked quietly, though there was a note of curiosity in her tone.

Yami sighed, and also stood up. "Because I know you, and you would not have attacked her for no reason. What did she say?"

"Nothing," she replied, turning her head away again.

Yami sighed once more, and gently placed his hand on her shoulder and turned her around to look at him. "Crystal, what did she say? Please tell me."

Crystal sighed, and kept her gaze on the floor. "Anzu said that she couldn't see what you wanted in a girl like me – someone who had already been cast off from one engagement. She said that the only reason you're marrying me is because you pity me, and because you want me – not because you love me, " she said, looking into his eyes at the last. "I know you weren't lying when you asked me to marry you and said that you loved me, and I just got so angry that she would dare insult you that way without knowing anything about the situation."

Yami chuckled, and Crystal raised an eyebrow in query. "Then you attacked her to preserve my honour? Remind me to keep you away from court when foreign delegates come to visit then. Although it would be an interesting sight to see you attack them when they insult me (subtle though they think they are), it could result in complications," he explained, and Crystal also laughed.

It was at that point that Mahaado appeared, closely followed by Mana. He bowed to the royals. "My Pharaoh, my lady. I am here to perform that spell now, if you wish."

Crystal smiled, lowering her hand as the cuts were now completely healed. She then sat down, gesturing for Yami to join her. She then nodded to Mahaado. "I do indeed wish to speak to my father now. Once again, thank you for such a generous gift," she said, smiling sweetly at the Dark mage.

Mana then grinned. "See? I told you that she would like it!" she said just as Mahaado started chanting. Crystal then glanced sideways at Mana. "Mana, how long is this spell likely to last?" she asked, still watching Mahaado.

Mana shrugged. "As long as it needs to I guess. Don't worry, it won't drain Mahaado. Energy is only used to create it, and then to dispel it. He'll be fine, no matter how long you talk."

Mahaado then stopped chanting, and a large silvery cloud appeared in front of Crystal. Though the outlines remained hazy, the centre of this 'cloud' cleared into a scene that Crystal recognised as her father's study. It was almost as though she was really sitting in front of him. He was currently sitting at a desk piled high with papers.

Crystal seemed unsure of how to start, then decided to be blunt. "Hello Father!"

Isaac nearly jumped a mile when he heard that, and his eyes widened when he regarded the spell. "Crystal?" he asked, somewhat uncertainly as he half-rose from his chair.

She beamed. "Yes, it's me. Mahaado created this spell for me as a birthday present for me so that I could talk to you."

Isaac then sat down, visibly relieved to hear that there was a friendly reason for this sudden vision in his study. He put down the quill he had been writing with. "Well, though I am somewhat surprised, it is lovely to hear from you daughter. First, I must wish you a happy birthday. How has your day been so far?"

Crystal glanced at Yami, who Isaac could see as though the pair were sitting in front of him. "Well, that's mostly what I wanted to talk to you about..." she said, raising her hand to tuck some strands of hair behind her ear.

As it was her left-hand, Isaac saw the ring there, and positively grinned. "So he waited until your birthday to ask you to marry him? And by that rock on your hand, I'm pleased to assume that you said yes?"

Crystal blushed and smiled. "Yes, Father. He asked me a few hours ago. Seto announced it to the court, but I wanted to tell you in person. So...here we are."

Isaac beamed. "Well, you seem happy, so I'm delighted for you, my daughter. I hope you have a wonderful marriage, and a very happy life," he said before his gaze turned to Yami. "Yami, I'm delighted to have you as my future son-in-law – you clearly care for my daughter, and I know she will be happy with you. Just make sure you never forget how blessed you are to have such a beautiful, intelligent and all-together wonderful woman at your side, and we'll never have problems," he said with a bright smile at his future son-in-law.

Yami chuckled, and put his arm around Crystal, kissing her cheek. "You don't have to worry about that Isaac," he said with a soft smile at his fiancée.

Isaac smiled back. "Well, it was wonderful to hear from you two, and I'll speak to you tomorrow at the palace. Crystal, enjoy the rest of your birthday, and congratulations. I will see you tomorrow," he said with another smile, and Mahaado shut off the spell after Yami and Crystal said their goodbyes.

Crystal beamed at Mahaado, then ran over and hugged him. "Thank you so much Mahaado, that was a wonderful birthday present," she said, grinning up at the startled Dark Magician.

Yami then moved over to the pair and reached into Mahaado's pocket. "Speaking of birthday presents, here's the second half of yours," he said, handing a small wrapped package to Crystal.

She smiled at him and opened it to reveal a beautifully carved heart-shaped locket with intricate carvings and a blue sapphire in the centre. Crystal gasped, and flung her arms around Yami, "Yami, it's gorgeous!" she said happily before kissing him.

Yami grinned at her. "I'm glad you like it. I got it specially made for you," he said, before helping her place it around her neck.

She turned around and kissed him again. "Thank you so much, it's beautiful."

Yami smiled. "Then it suits you well my love. Come, let's go down to dinner. We must get through this day so we can start planning the wedding tomorrow...unless of course you'd like to leave it for a while?"

"Yami, nothing would please me more than to start planning our wedding tomorrow. It'll keep me busy for some time at least, because I refuse to let it be planned for me!" she said passionately.

Yami chuckled, and put his arm around her waist. "You're going to turn Egypt on its ear my love, what with your passionate nature and stubbornness," he said affectionately, kissing her forehead.

She turned her head to glare at him. "Well, it seemed to somehow survive with just you, so I'm sure Egypt and I won't have any problems," she said with a playful grin before darting away from Yami down the corridor. Glaring, Yami chased after her, and their laughter filled the hall as they ran.

Mahaado left the room and put his arm around Mana. "And so it begins," he said simply, watching the couple.

Mana smiled. "Well, the next few years are going to be very interesting. May they always stay as happy as they are now," she whispered, though knowing in her heart that the trouble with Rames was not going to just go away.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Angel: And so this chapter ends – sorry it was pretty much just a filler chapter. The wedding and all that will happen next time...and then the end of the story will be just around the corner!

Y.Ang: By the way, the idea for Mahaado's birthday present to Crystal was taken from Raymond E. Feist's Prince of the Blood, which is one of the awesome books of his Midkemia series. Angel liked the idea of Pug talking to Arutha and giving him a surprise, so she decided to let Crystal talk to her father in a similar way.

Angel: All hail Feist! Anyway, I got this chapter out just in time for Christmas! n...n I made myself a promise I would get it out before Christmas...and I did! I kept a promise regarding a fanfiction!! n...n

Y.Ang: (rolls eyes) About time too. Only took you, what, 20 chapters to keep a promise regarding updates?

Angel: (glares) Anyway, hope you all enjoyed the chapter, and Merry Christmas to everybody! (grins and starts tossing out presents)

Y.Ang: (gets new YuGiOh manga and some new DVD's) YAY!! (runs off to read manga)

Yami: (gets some new cards, and another case for all his old ones) Well, I suppose I do go through a lot of cards and practically change decks each series...(shrugs)

Crystal: (gets some new embroidery patterns and some jewellery) Yay for me – more stuff to wear n...n

Mana: (gets shiny new staff and book of magical practical jokes) Well, this is going to be fun...

Mahaado: (sweatdrops at Mana, and gets some new scrolls of magic spells) I think I'll need a few spells of protection...

Isaac: (gets a new sword) Why do I get the feeling I will actually need this? (sighs)

Rames: (gets smashed with a hammer) Oww...that wasn't very nice...(sulks and plots Angel's demise...then gets smashed again)

Reviewers/readers: (all get boxes of chocolate and lollies)

Angel: You guys are awesome, and I honestly would have given up long ago if not for your support. So lots of thanks must go out to all of you, particularly those who stuck with me even with the long wait between updates. So once again, thanks to all my reviewers and readers! Your comments make it all worthwhile:)

Y.Ang: Yeah, you reviewers are awesome. Angel is nicer to me when she gets compliments :D

Mana: (sneaks up behind Mahaado and starts chanting)

Crystal: (sighs) Please review!

Merry Christmas everyone:D