Synergy

A Fractured Fairy Tale

Sakura Takanouchi

The rocky path of two people destined to be together, and the actions of all who try to stop them. A story of the romance between Shizuka and Seto told as a fairy tale.

Synergy: The interaction of two or more agents or forces so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects.

I do not own Yu-gi-oh, I am just using these characters in my story. Which means the plot is mine, although this is also influenced heavily by Ever After; Ella Enchanted, Jane Austen, and the song 'Spell' by Marié Digby. I don't own any of these either.

"…But you see
I'm not that graceful like you
Nor am I as eloquent
But just a simple melody
Can change the way that you see me …"

-'Spell,' Marié Digby

Chapter Four

"Then let's get started."

So this was what it took to discompose the Lady Shizuka. Why was she so surprised; it was what she wanted, right? All that he could think about was that right there, in the partial sunlight, she looked surprisingly fragile.

"I'm sorry, I just didn't think it would be that easy."

Incredulous eyes met doubting eyes. "Heaven forbid you actually get what you ask for. You obviously haven't spent enough time at this Court to become accustomed to the proper route, of intrigues and deception." His eyes laughed at the maiden before him, looking horrified at his pessimistic words. "Must I teach you the ways of the world as well? Tell me, is there anything you do know?"

"I have read philosophy."

"I would think that obvious," the Prince countered. "More."

"Literature, mathematics, and the Arts." She paused, embarrassed. "That's it."

"We have quite a ways to go, then," he replied smoothly, looking her over. When had they started to move?

"Look, can we please stop this verbal sparring?" Shizuka didn't mind that she was the first to cave. "So we can get on to—"

"Brilliant!" The Crown Prince hardly noticed that he had interrupted her, figuratively poking through her defenses again. "You said it yourself—sparring! You want to learn, I'll teach you exactly what my tutors relay to me. Let's ignore all of those books in favor of a more…practical approach." She looked even more fragile at that moment. It didn't matter. "I'm going to teach you sword fighting."

It took the overt mentioning of swords for the instruction to sink in. "You're… teaching me… this is ridiculous!" What had she gotten herself into now? "And however are we going to procure swords in this forest?"

"Of course we're not going to start with real swords. I doubt you can even lift one anyways." Seto strode over to the nearest break in the woods and pulled a fallen branch from the ground. It was light, relatively straight and only a few feet long. He tossed it to Shizuka, who caught the branch with only mild difficulty. "We're going to learn the same way I was taught. Wooden branches are similar to wooden swords, in theory. Let's see how fast of a learner you are." He found himself a branch and began to show his companion, by example, several of the stances that she could use, from defensive to aggressive. Her transition was natural, but she was having some problems keeping her grip in those transitions. "No, keep your dominant hand always on top, and grip the, err…stick this way, see?" He took her tiny hand in his and wrapped its slim fingers around the branch, keeping his hands in place on top of hers, so that her grip wouldn't falter again. "Now swing. I'll help you."

Shizuka could feel his arms moving in time with hers, the ruffling fabric of his shirt a constant reminder of how close he was. They went through the stances once, together, moving fluidly, almost as if they shared the same thoughts. It seemed effortless this time, as if she knew that it would go perfectly with his assistance. In a moment, Seto was no longer there, but several paces to the side, holding his own sword facsimile again. "I knew you could get it. Now let's see how you fare sparring against someone."

"You?"

They both let out secret smiles at the inanity of her comment. "Who else?" Without warning, she charged forward into the attack sequence they had just rehearsed. He parried it easily, but kept with the footwork, stepping back as if she was driving him back. "A clever diversion, Shizuka." He was surprised at her aggressiveness in making the first attack. Of course, it would be a stalemate. She would never get to him, and he wouldn't ever outright land an attack on her.

As they exchanged directions, the Prince on the offensive, Shizuka couldn't help but feel a strong affinity for her brother, wherever he was. Maybe this was what he felt like, all the time. Happiness. It had been a long time since Shizuka had really felt this level of escape. And it was here, of all places, with—

"You have to pay attention, Shizuka!"

His sharp words pierced through her reveries, bringing her back to the task at hand. They fought onwards in relative silence, the only sounds being his words of encouragement or hers of acquiescence. Slowly they moved alongside the river; around the clearing made naturally by the shaded canopy of trees. Shizuka's arms were becoming tired from swinging the branch, but she would never tell him that. For some reason, she wanted him to always see her at her best. They moved back again, towards the trees. Shizuka moved to parry, hooking her foot under an upturned root of the massive tree shading them.

"Shizuka!"

She fell forwards, dropping the branch from between her fingers as she cursed her clumsiness for the second time that day. Seto reached out almost instinctively for her arm, pulling her strongly against his frame for support. "Are you alright?" Was his voice always that soft?

"I believe so." Shizuka slowly entangled herself from his viselike grip, trying to control the sharp rise in her heartbeat upon the sudden fall—and catch. "Maybe we want to stop for now."

The branches on the ground remained there, quickly forgotten. Seto's gaze moved from them upwards, to Shizuka's face. "No wonder you tripped, with those shoes—they're practically falling apart!"

One look downwards proved what Shizuka had been dreading. In her haste, she had left on her old shoes—certainly recognizable as those of a peasant! She had to think, literally and figuratively, on her feet. "Do you sometimes not prefer comfort over style? I'm sure for some things, you do. Just leave me be with my shoes." She turned from him, seemingly angry. He, in fact, was smiling at her!

"You are the most unusual noblewoman I have ever met," Seto said, moving around to face her. "You tout the ideals of Pluto and wear threadbare slippers; your whole existence seems to go against everything I've ever been taught!"

"Maybe it is you that needs the lessons, then," came her arch reply, surprising the speaker as much as the receiver. Shizuka turned to leave the clearing, figuring she had done more than enough damage for one day. "I'm afraid if I stay any longer, I shall be missed."

"Until our next lesson, then," Seto turned towards her, his serious expression evident in the lines etched on his face.

"When?" Shizuka's easy smile tempered his stone structure. "How about 5 days from now?"

"It is settled, then." He offered up one, last, meaningful look. "Shizuka."

She curtseyed slightly, her offending knee creaking audibly, again. "Prince."

"No." The command came before she turned, preventing her escape. "Not here. Here, I am only… Seto." The name sounded foreign, even to him.

She smiled, knowingly. "Seto." With a rustle of sky blue silk over the ground at her feet, she was gone, leaving Seto alone in the clearing. In another moment, he, too, was gone.

The Crown Prince Seto paced in his chambers, unsure how walking back and forth was supposed to vent his rage. How dare that man! What kind of ultimatum was this, if not one to fulfill his own ends! It made Seto seethe with anger. He swore that the next man to cross that threshold was to be banished from the Kingdom. But no, he didn't have that power. Not yet.

"My son." Gozaburo's words were practically dripping with sugary sarcasm. He had not motioned for the guards and other nobles to leave the chamber.

After the customary bow, Seto was permitted to speak. "What is it that requires my attendance, father?" Two could play at this game.

"It has come to my attention that in one weeks' time, you come of age," Gozaburo's sneer told the Prince exactly what he thought of that coming to pass. "You will have much more privilege, and declared officially as my… successor." That sneer resurfaced, proud and dominant. "I almost forgot to mention; a grand ball has been arranged especially for the occasion."

"You almost forgot?" Seto echoed, his voice strained with frustration. His father's wicked smile told him exactly where this conversation was headed; and he now knew why their audience was not private. He could feel the stares of everyone present boring holes into him, trying to bend but not break. He was too strong for that.

"As my heir, it is imperative that you, too, be concerned about the future of this Kingdom. I've taken the liberty of sending invitations to every household with an eligible young woman. I'm sure I won't have to remind you again of your duties as heir to the Kingdom of Domino. One of those women will become the future Queen; and either you will select her or I will."

Gozaburo's triumphant tone was less than subtle; he thought he had won, but Seto was not about to concede anything to that tyrant. Already his hands were shaking with rage. Everywhere his eyes darted, he saw the pennants and tapestries dedicated to Domino's King. Gozaburo had to be stopped—Seto could never allow his influence to extend beyond the grave. For even just from looking at the man, Seto could tell his corruption had taken a toll on his body as well. Lines creased his face into an omnipresent frown; grey was his crown now. They both knew it wouldn't be much longer. Without any of the customary salutations, Seto spun neatly on his feet and swiftly exited the room, ignoring the protests of the other attendants.

Seto wondered which family had bargained with Gozaburo, which girl had bid the highest to become his wife. It was despicable! His feet stopped their pacing. He was forced into playing Gozaburo's game. For now.

Anzu's shriek woke up not only Shizuka, but probably everyone else in the Kingdom. Feet thudded in the hallway; a door was flung open. "Look at the carriage! It has the royal insignia of the crown on it!" After a second pause, "And what are you doing asleep at this hour, anyways? Father will have your head if he catches you!" With an excited smile, she closed the door and flew downstairs, nearly colliding into the strong frame of her father, engaged in conversation with the messenger, a plump man bearing the crest of the royal family.

"And how many others have been invited to this gala?" the Baron inquired.

"Every household with a young lady of, hmm, fortune or status has been invited to celebrate the Prince's birthday." The page gave an entirely too forward wink at Anzu, before continuing, "It is no surprise as to what is expected of the Prince on that night. Some say, hmm, that he will announce his engagement to a girl that very night!"

"Very good then," The Baron said; his hands then coming to rest on Anzu's shoulder, bringing her more into view of the page. The creaking of the stairs announced the arrival of a yawning Shizuka.

"What is all this commotion about?"

This new addition to their party sparked the interest of the page. After all, he was instructed to report on every eligible girl, and this one was exceptionally pretty. And the coin he was paid to do so shouldn't be in vain. "My lady," the page bowed, greeting her. "I was not aware that there were any others in the Mazaki household. Pray, what is your name?"

Against stone glares from the other two, Shizuka took the offered hand of the page. "Shizuka," she replied softly, her cheeks reddening with all the attention.

"Well, Lady Shizuka, I hope to see you at this ball as well. Hmm, now, I must be off! Baron, Lady Anzu, I hope everything remains well with you both." The page tipped his head and left, onward to the next house. The three remained motionless on the entryway, watching the carriage disappear.

"There's going to be a ball?"

"The ball is in honor of the Prince's birthday!" Anzu gushed, ignoring her father's blatant warnings. "He comes of age in one week, and so all the women in Domino are invited to come to the ball!"

"…all… the women?" Shizuka's hopeful smile permeated through the room, stifled only by the furrowed brow and slanted lip of the Baron. "Even… me?"

"We shall see," was the Baron's tight-lipped response. Anzu grabbed Shizuka's arm tightly, proclaiming that 'she would learn to dance and act properly before the week was out.' The Baron practically growled at their giggling, barking at Shizuka to "get back to work!"

Five days passed, uneventfully, languidly, and seemingly in an instant, Shizuka found herself on the pathway leading away from the Manor house again. Anzu and the Baron had left earlier that morning, on their way to the Palace. Only to be disappointed. Smiling, Shizuka let her hair flutter in the breeze caressing the high grass of the meadow, glad that she had remembered to dress according to her supposed station, down to her shoes and jewelry. Anzu's cast-offs were fine enough for her. Although it seemed an utter waste, she was learning to move in the thin shoes and voluminous fabric of her raiment. The sheer thought of it stopped her motions entirely.

No one was near her; the sound of nature almost drowned out her whisper. "What am I doing?!" She cried out in despair. "What is this charade supposed to accomplish?" She knew above all else that it couldn't last forever. Eventually, one party would find out, and then she would be forced to bear the responsibility of all her crimes. And it was her responsibility. Even before she met the Prince…Seto, she had been raiding the Manor's library. And ever since she had assisted with the cleaning and airing out of Anzu's many gowns, she had wondered what it felt like to wear those same dresses. It was her own weakness that would lead to her destruction.

She lifted her face to the sky to stop the tears. She was weak… how would she ever tell him the truth? He deserved to know; he was wasting his time with her. She was a servant, to the same family that was probably destined to merge with his! Would the truth come out when she served their breakfasts at the castle? The thought was ludicrous. Her mind was made up. Seto would have to be told the truth.

With a new resolve, her steps led more surely towards the grove of trees. Why was it she felt most at home underneath their shadow? Her moment in the field took more time than she realized; she saw the Crown Prince pacing in the clearing, his boot prints creating angry furrows in the dirt.

"Prince Seto… are you alright?" Her voice caused him to snap to attention, his head automatically nodding deeply at her arrival, yet his face retained all of the frustration that was etched so prominently. With just one look at his face, her resolve melted, and Shizuka attempted to justify her falsehoods by saying that it would be better for the both of them if her secret did not come out just yet.

"Not yet, but this place seems to have some soothing qualities," he returned, holding her gaze. They stood awkwardly, each unsure of what to say in this environment. "What shall you learn today?"

"Well, what did you learn today?" Shizuka smiled at him.

"Do you really think you can match me in my studies?"

He was dodging the question. "Not until you tell me what you were taught today."

No one could say that Shizuka lacked tenacity. "Dancing," he mustered through tightly clenched lips. He judged her reaction out of the corner of his eye. Contrary to his prediction of her laughter, she looked nearly as frightened of the concept as he had been in the hall. "I spent the entire blasted day in the ballroom to prepare for that ridiculous ball taking place in two days."

"So I suppose that ball wasn't your idea? I figured as much."

"I don't know whether or not it is an insult to my character to be so easily read," Seto grumbled, angrily pushing several stray locks of hair from his face.

"Who would want to throw such a party? A single night, whereupon the rest of your life, your happiness, is decided for you?" Anzu, they simultaneously thought dejectedly.

"Are you going?" His question caught her off-guard.

"Possibly," Shizuka dared not give away too much. "I daresay it would be nice for you to have a friend there, though. I promise not to judge you." She found herself hastily turning away from his steadfast gaze, a heated blush starting to caress her cheeks. What was wrong with her?

"I'm glad," he said, his voice almost so low it was nearly impossible to hear. "I will be at the command of the King's whim most of the night," he put particular emphasis on the word 'whim,' "Perhaps I might be able to escape for a few moments, before the end of it…"

"Hmm?"

"It ends at midnight; right before a certain… announcement is made, either by Gozaburo... or myself." He chuckled sardonically at the thought. "Is it wrong of me to wish this curse upon anyone else?" He stared at his companion bleakly. She noticed how pallid his face was, dark circles underneath each eye.

"But just imagine all the possibilities for good, positive change!" Shizuka interjected, concern for the man beside her filling every fiber of her being. "You must stay strong and prove to the people of Domino that you deserve to be their leader because you are one, not because you were born to the right." She smiled, hoping to lighten his countenance. "You don't have to wait until you're King, you know. You can start anytime you want to."

"That's easy for you to say," Seto grumbled, "you don't have anyone watching you're every move, ordering you're every action, until all you want is simply peace and solace." Oh, I understand, Shizuka thought, more than you know.

"Well, just think about it," she said, stepping an arm's length away from him, realizing just then how close they had become. "Now, what about my lesson?"

He watched her smile with disbelief, sure that there was something hidden beneath it. "You want me to teach you to dance?" She has got to be kidding me.

"What's a better way to learn and understand something yourself than to teach the same material to someone else?" It was almost too clever for words. She got a dance lesson before the ball, and her image was still maintained! She flushed at the depths to which she had sunk to maintain this façade… or was it his sudden embrace?

"If that's what you want," his hushed voice tickled the nape of her neck. Her arms found their way to his shoulders, like she had seen Anzu in her own dancing lessons. Her eyes locked in his, and she found herself unable to look away. "Just follow my lead, as they say." Oh so slowly his left foot glided forward, to fill the space her right foot made as it backed out of the way. It was almost automatic, the way his eyes and arms commanded her to move.

It was as if they communicated telepathically; soft whispers and meaningful looks the only things that passed between them. The weather was not particularly cold, yet Shizuka felt herself drawn to the Prince like he was her Sun, as they whirled around the clearing. After their meter had been developed, Seto was skillfully able to guide them away from any upturned roots or branches; they spun and stepped to the music their backdrop provided. The merry trickle of the river provided a soft percussion while the whistle of the wind wrapped mournfully around the dancing pair.

It was only when nature's symphony settled until it was almost inaudible did either of them realize that they had stopped dancing, or even moving. Shizuka's heart grew heavy with the way the Prince clutched her to his frame, simultaneously supporting her and using her to support him. The language of touch can communicate much more than the spoken word. All of their previous encounters ran through her mind, and at once she realized, what a dangerous game they were playing.

It seemed an eternity before the Crown Prince reluctantly pushed her away. His sorrowful eyes bored straight through to her soul, and Shizuka found she was unable to meet his eyes. "Will you come tomorrow?"

Of all the questions in the world, this was the last she could have ever expected. Shizuka cursed herself for her weakness. "I will try to."

"Then I will wait all day," Seto replied, with a seriousness that contradicted his words. With a "Lady Shizuka," and a deep bow, he left the clearing, judging the time by the color of the sky.

Shizuka couldn't stand there a moment longer. Once the Prince had left her sight, she turned on her heel and ran, ran as fast as the silken garments would let her, back across the field towards the Manor house. Her body was acting independently of her mind; she couldn't fathom the desire to suddenly be back in her room, away from anyone else. Her hand mercilessly brushed tears from eyelashes already soaked, and uncaring of how loud she was, Shizuka wrenched open the door and hurried upstairs to her chamber.

Her bed never looked more inviting. Without a thought to the condition of her dress, Shizuka threw herself against the pillows and wept. What was wrong with me? The Prince… Seto deserves to know the truth. He would never want to be anywhere near me if he knew what I was. This was simply too good to be true… The tears cascaded down her face, causing spots to appear on the pillows. Shizuka rolled over so that she was staring up at the ceiling. She wished that there was someone she could talk to about this. She would have to find the strength to tell Seto the truth tomorrow. That was really the only way. She had to fade out of his life, to end this dangerous game they were playing. She was playing. She was playing him for a fool. Was this where her charade was going? She hoped that he would understand when she told him. She had to tell him. She would tell him.

Exhausted and spent, Shizuka barely fought the wave of sleep that passed over her like the wind, her eyes closing, unaware of the noise of the main door opening to beckon the family within.

"Shizuka… what. Are. You. Doing?"

She was dreaming. And Anzu was there, in her dream. It was nice. She smiled, settling further into the feathery pillows.

Feathery pillows?

"Shizuka, get up now! Before Father comes in!" Anzu looked at her friend worriedly. "He is in one of those moods. He barely said a word during our ride home."

'That only means he's saving it all up for…' Shizuka's eyes blinked once, twice. "Oh no."

"Oh yes."

The man's deep voice permeated the room, causing both Anzu and Shizuka's eyes to lock upon him. The Baron stayed in the threshold with a near palpable air of distaste, as if refusing to deign to even enter. "I have been struck with a dilemma. Maybe you could do something to help." His voice was cool yet tense. It made her shiver.

"You know I will do whatever you ask." Anzu looked from one to the other, confused.

"Then next time we go to Court, you will be our lucky charm." The Baron frowned in disdain. "The last time we have even caught a glimpse of our future King was when you went to the Market." His lip curled. "Who knows, maybe when Anzu becomes Queen you may live at Court with them." The Baron slowly turned, muttering in his gravelly voice how "the Prince doesn't know what he's already got."

"Next time, you're coming with us!" Anzu grabbed Shizuka's arm, bringing her to a fully upright position on the bed. "And you know what that means." She squealed. "You're coming to the Ball with us! You have to!"

Shizuka smiled weakly. "That would be great."

Anzu got up and disappeared into her room for a moment. Upon returning, she was carrying a dress. 'A dress of apple green silk…' Shizuka looked fondly upon the fabric as it was thrust into her arms.

"I want you to have this. For the ball."

After making and serving breakfast for Anzu and the Baron (they wasted more food than they would actually eat) Shizuka stood before her bed, the dress she had received the previous day lying on it. She sighed and picked it up, cursing her resolve as she did so. Why was it that she felt so free, so… much like herself when she was with him? And she mostly spent her time scolding him, even so! He deserved to know, but a small part of her wished that things would continue to stay as they were forever. It was foolish, she knew. But once he knew that she was but a servant, she couldn't even bear to see the look in his eyes, if he would even look her in the eyes.

She also knew that she wouldn't even be worth any of it unless she told him the truth. They both deserved it. Today was the day. She strode out of the room, the hem of her dress brushing softly against the wooden floor.

Of course, he was there. Sitting on a fallen tree trunk, his gaze instantly softening upon seeing her approach. Shizuka's heart went out to him. With the upcoming dance only a day away, he must be under a terrible amount of stress. She steeled her resolve and decided to just come out and say it.

"Before our lessons today, Seto… there's something I wanted to tell you." Seto looked up at her; they each seemed to gain strength from each other.

"No lessons today. But first, I do have something to show you." Her declaration seemingly forgotten, her hands in his, Seto led her from the clearing, along the river. She had never ventured around its bend. "Now, this bend in the river marks the end of the Mazaki's property, and the start of the imperial lands. Hardly anyone comes into this area, so it was perfect for what I had in mind."

Shizuka was smiling at him; the Crown Prince actually looked his age for once. "Just what is it you are showing me?" They walked hand-in-hand around the bend in the river, and Shizuka gasped, her free hand covering her mouth in surprise. The river had grown and transformed into a beautiful lake, sparkling in the midday sun. Its shallow banks were lined with tall pine trees; it was stunning.

"Now this is the best-kept secret in the Kingdom." Shizuka turned to the Prince. "Thank you for showing me this."

"You don't think this is all, do you?" He beckoned her to turn away from the lake. To their right was an old temple, constructed of stone. It fit in to the tranquil atmosphere perfectly. They entered the building slowly, the marble flooring beneath them still shone despite its age. "The temple of the Azure Dragon," Seto mused. "It is more than centuries old."

"It's beautiful," Shizuka walked to the center of the room reverently. Despite its age, the temple was in surprisingly good condition. "Why did you want to show me this?"

Seto still lingered at the entrance. The shadow of the temple only covered him halfway. "I am commissioning a new building adjacent to this one. My plan is to build a library, one that is open to all people, regardless of status. No one should be denied the opportunity to improve their mind."

His words made Shizuka's throat turn dry and sent shivers up her spine. "But… why are you doing this? Why now?"

Only then did Seto move to stand before her. "This is a project inspired by you, and by our discussions of books. You made me see that there is so much more than being Prince. I have a responsibility to my people. I want not to win, but to deserve their approval… as well as yours."

What was he saying? She couldn't even process it. She had to get out of there. He caught up to her before she crossed the threshold of the temple. "Why did you run? Am I really that repulsive?"

"Prince… Seto, may I ask you something?"

"Anything." His bangs partially obscured his eyes, but they clearly shone through to her. "You know I cannot refuse you now."

"What are you going to do tomorrow?"

It caught him off-guard, that much was certain. "I know what I want to do. I want to, before the entire Kingdom, announce my intentions to marry the Lady before me. Shizuka, you have made me realize things I never would have known otherwise. You have given me something to live for. I have been captivated by you ever since I first laid eyes on you. Shizuka, please say something."

She had been on the verge of tears since he began his confession. Could it really be? Marry the Prince and leave her old life forever? He had clasped both of her hands within his much stronger ones, so the tears that now cascaded down her face freely flowed, as much as she wished to wipe them away. "You are too good." That was all the invitation he needed; for the Crown Prince swept her up into a crushing embrace, that almost made her feet leave the ground.

She couldn't see the satisfied smirk that spread across his face through the tears. "You have made me the happiest man in Domino. I will be counting the hours until I see you at the ball."

He left, almost ran, away from the lakeshore. In the distance Shizuka could just make out the turrets of the castle. They were closer than she had realized. Even in such a beautiful location, she suddenly felt very alone, and sank down upon the marble stairs of the temple. The waters glittered merrily, as if congratulating her, or only adding to her ridicule…?

She didn't feel like going back. Not just yet.

The next day

The Baron strode down the richly decorated hallway, his boots thumping furiously upon the floor. He noticed none of the finery, his gaze instead fixed upon the open door at the hallway's end. "How can you expect to control your peasants if you can't even control your own son?"

Gozaburo looked up from his desk, a scowl etched into his features. "I warn you not to be so loose with your tongue. Isn't that what started this whole problem in the first place?" Baron Mazaki closed the door and moved directly in front of the desk. "I want to know why the last three times we've visited have been in vain! Where is he hiding, and how soon can he come to his senses?"

Gozaburo's scowl morphed into a twisted sort of grin. "But you don't know? Oh, this simply won't do." He motioned for someone behind his guest to come forward.

"Who are you?" The Baron addressed the unctuous-looking man to his left as one would address a particularly offensive insect.

"I tutor the good Prince," the man said, bowing slightly to the Baron. "But he hasn't been very good as of late. He has been spending a lot of time with another maiden. I managed to follow him yesterday, where he spent about an hour in her company."

"Well who is she? Tell me now!" The Baron ordered, thumping his hands upon the sturdy desk.

"Fortuitously for you, I ran into her before and got her to tell me all about herself. I knew she didn't look like a courtier," he added as an aside. "Don't you know your own niece, Baron? The Lady Shizuka Kawai?"

The Baron felt himself melting under the two pairs of eyes. Pressure built inside him like a volcano. How dare that girl! After he had taken her in and raised her like one of his own, this was how she repaid him? And with the smug look on Gozaburo's face, he was obviously finding this highly entertaining. "She will be dealt with. Severely, your majesty."

"I would expect nothing less." Gozaburo turned his attention back to the papers on his desk. "Until the ball, then." The Baron left with a harrumph, the echo of his boots resounding long after they could no longer see his form—not like either of them was looking.

Shizuka was glad that a window had been put into the kitchen. It made washing dishes much less tedious, although she wished she could be outside. She reached for another dish to find that there were no more in the stack—she had finally washed them all. It was the last thing on the extensive list that the Baron had left that morning. Shizuka had weeded the flowerbeds, picked vegetables and washed them free of dirt, scrubbed the floors on the main level, and dusted everything else. And now that she was finally free, Shizuka practically danced up to her room, ready to start preparing for the ball that would begin in only a few hours' time.

Shizuka carefully washed her hands, making sure to remove every trace of dirt, and dried them on the worn yellow dress she was wearing. She could hear screaming from next door, and wandered into Anzu's chamber, where she was rebuking one of the maids for 'accidentally' burning her with the hot iron. "How am I going to get curls?" She shrieked. "Prince Seto likes them better than straight hair," she noticed Shizuka entering the room. "Shizuka, will you do my hair? None of them can seem to get it right."

She ushered the maids out and gladly took over, working until Anzu's head was covered in lovely sweeping curls. "Now everyone at the ball will see me for what I will soon become!" Anzu crowed, admiring herself in the mirror. With the dark curls and red dress, she looked like a china doll. "If only we could find someone for you too, Shizuka!"

"Oh, I think she's already found someone… isn't that right, Shizuka?" The Baron appeared in the doorway, his eyes two hot coals. "Why don't you enlighten us?"

Anzu turned questioning eyes up at her. Shizuka turned startled eyes up at the triumphant Baron. "What are you talking about?"

"Oh, I think you know," the Baron sneered. "I had to be informed by none other than King Gozaburo himself that his son has been sneaking off to spend time with some Lady Shizuka Kawai." Shizuka felt her cheeks start to flush with defiance. "I don't know what sort of trickery you used to bait him, but I swear—"

"Wait… it was you?"

Her whole life, Shizuka had been nothing to her stepsister but a harmless plaything. Now, Anzu lashed out at her, for the first time feeling betrayed. "You were keeping my future husband away from me? You would deny me my crown? How dare you!" Anzu's hand went straight to the hot iron and threw it towards Shizuka, who barely dodged out of its way.

"After all that we did for you! You ungrateful little weasel!" Anzu's eyebrows narrowed in fury as she jumped up out of her chair, looking at Shizuka like she was about to slap her. She chased Shizuka into her room, where Anzu's sights immediately fell upon the green dress lying out for the ball. "I don't think you deserve this!" She grabbed the bottom part of it into her arms.

"You gave it to me!" Shizuka grabbed the top of the dress before it left the surface of the bed.

"Well I take it back!" The girls tugged on the dress until a loud rip in the fabric caused them to stop. A footlong gash growing from the hem of the dress could never be repaired, especially not in time for the ball. "I guess you're not going to the ball then," Anzu crowed, throwing the ruined dress upon the floor. "Too bad, because that dress belonged to your dear, dead mother."

The words stung Shizuka like a thousand bees. The words brought her to her feet but once Baron Mazaki entered the room, Shizuka knew that any small battle won would cost her the war. "Now this charade has gone on long enough!" he thundered. "I will not be made a fool! And in my own house!" He eyed the torn dress with disgust. "Get in the carriage."

"What?"

"Was I not clear enough? Get in the carriage, now! Both of you!" He leered at Shizuka, who was nervously smoothing the wrinkles in her worn dress. "Let's see what the Crown Prince thinks of you when he sees you at the ball, dressed like a servant!"

Author's Notes:

The temple of The Azure Dragon may not seem that important, but there's some culture to it. In Asian mythology, the Azure Dragon is the guardian of the East, and you notice that the temple is on the right of the lakeshore. Also, Dragons are associated with bodies of water, hence the lake. And doesn't it seem fitting that our Crown Prince is drawn to this temple?

Reviewer Replies:

Kako: Thanks for such a positive review… not like you had a choice though… :) I'll tackle 'Stranger' next, don't you worry!

The Duelist's Heiress: Here's the update! So sorry for the long wait. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and thanks always for reviewing!

Blueshadows2010: I'm glad you liked it :). I tried to find a Duel Monsters card name that would fit the name of the temple, but Azure Dragon works pretty well, don't you think?

UnlessAbsolutelyNecessary: I'm so glad you think Seto isn't too romantic… although this chapter may change your perspective on him. Also, I'm glad you like the dialogue—I work very hard to make my prose flowery, to match the mood of the piece. Hope this monster chapter lives up to your expectations!

Arana Is: Thanks for your review! Yeah, Kaiba is my weak point so-to-say… I need to make him more of the strong and silent type, I guess? Oh, Duke is terrible… next chapter is going to be fun; don't want to give anything away!

GoddessOfVictory: Yeah, Shizuka has to find her own inner strength—at least that's my excuse for why she hasn't gotten around to telling Seto who she is yet. I actually haven't decided how much more of Jounouchi there's going to be in this story. What would you like to see? Thanks for the motivation!

Key: Oh, the dreaded pseudo-flame! Don't worry, I still respect you and your opinion. Yes, I have seen Ever After like 10 times, and I really like the chicken scene. The natural conclusion was in the last chapter. I do state where my inspiration is coming from, and I think this chapter sufficiently deviates along the path I've laid out for this story. I'm interested to hear your opinion of this chapter… if you're still reading this…

I apologize for the exceptionally long wait, but really this is a super-chapter! And I really only planned for two more chapters after this, so we'll see where it goes! Reviews are always greatly appreciated for this story, as well as my newest one-shot: Subtly, Almost Imperceptibly. I figured I'd pitch it to this crowd as the tone for both of these pieces is very similar. I hope you enjoyed reading this, now go forth and be awesome!!!