Pharaess Cleopatra: Hello again everyone! So many things to do and so little time! I will update my other story soon – I hope – if all goes well and nothing tears me apart from the written world! Until then, stay lovely!

P.S. If it seems like you've read something like this before, credit to the original goes to Sister of the Pharaoh, but mine has a dark twist on it. Even so, enjoy!

Chapter 6: A Tangled Dance – Part 1

"Yugi!" A female called out.

The boy perked up as he turned around to see a girl around his age or so running over to him, looking rather frantic for some reason. When she finally reached him though, the girl leaned over and grabbed ahold of her knees, panting heavily to try and catch her breath, since it looked like she had been running all over the castle just to look for him. Once the girl's panting had seized and she was able to breathe normally, she stood up straight to gaze at Yugi, both around the same height level. The girl that had run over to him, seeming in a panic or something, had chocolate brown hair that went a bit past her shoulders, her thick bangs framing emerald green eyes with slightly tanned skin. "I'm so glad I caught up to you." She said, seeming out of breath. "I've been running all around the castle looking for you, but I'm grateful I managed to find you in this huge place."

"What is it, Mana?" Yugi asked.

"It's Princess Hikari. She told me she would like you to meet her in her chambers – she said it was very important and fetch you right away due to urgency." She explained. "But you must hurry, for the ball will begin very soon and guests shall be arriving."

Yugi nodded with a smile. "Okay, thank you, Mana!" He said before running off to go seek out Hikari.

Knock knock knock!

"Come in."

The door opened to reveal Yugi behind it as he peered his head into the room, Hikari giving a warm smile. "Hello, Yugi. I'm glad Mana managed to find you."

"You wanted to see me, Princes – err, Hikari?" Yugi quickly corrected himself, the princess smiling at this.

"That is correct." She closed the book in her hands that she was reading and set it down before getting up from the chair she had been seated in. Hikari went over to her large closet and took something out that was being covered by a black cloak, hiding what was inside as she handed him the article of clothing. "Your costume is complete for the ball tonight."

Yugi took the outfit in his hands and pulled back the cloak that was covering it to get a quick glimpse at the costume before he gasped in sheer awe, the princess giving a warm grin at his enthused reaction. "Do you like it?" She asked. "I hope you do not mind the colors, however, I thought those colors fit best, for they suited your eyes."

"It's amazing! I love it!" Yugi said in excitement before he set the outfit down only to throw his arms around the princess in an embrace. "Thank you so much, Hikari! I don't know how I can ever repay you!"

Hikari's smile softened at this as she wrapped her arms around the smaller boy, returning his embrace. "Nonsense, there is no debt to repay. I only wish the best for you, Yugi. Now you must hurry; the ball will be starting soon so you should quickly get changed before everything is underway."

Yugi pulled away from the princess with a bright smile. "Okay! I'm just going to help Mana and Joey get changed and then I can put the outfit on. But thank you again, Hikari!" The boy then grabbed the outfit and took off, Hikari smiling happily as he made his leave, happy as can be that his night will finally come true.

"You are most certainly going to be in for a wonderful surprise this night, big brother..."

Yami gazed at himself in the mirror, his sister, Hikari coming up from behind him as she gently placed her hands upon his broad shoulders with a gentle smile gracing her beautiful face. "You look absolutely wonderful, Yami, simply perfect. The guests will take quite the liking to your costume on such a glorious evening."

The prince let out a depressed sigh. "Yes, though it would be even more perfect if only Yugi were to see it this night... I do hope he will be there for I wish to share this with him..." This alone saddened Yami, unsure if Yugi was going to actually show at the ball.

"Fear not, brother, for I am sure that little Yugi shall be there. You worry far too much, Yami." She said. "Calm your nerves."

"Is this true? Will Yugi be at the ball tonight?" Yami asked with hopeful eyes.

"Have faith in me, brother. I made certain the young one will be there to share your beloved dance this night. Trust me, for have I ever steered you astray before?"

"Very well then, sister. I shall trust your word."

"Excellent." She smiled warmly.

Yami's outfit consisted of a crimson red, sleeveless, button up shirt, a couple of them undone at the top; black pants; matching black belt; black dress shoes; red and gold bracelets around his wrists; a black belt-like choker around his neck; and a black cape around his shoulders with a small gold chain loosely attached to either side of the cape on the front. But suddenly, while staring back at his reflection, Hikari held up something for her brother as he stared at it for a moment, his sister giving a grin as she spoke.

"It is a masquerade ball, remember? This mask shall complete your costume for tonight."

He reached out and took the mask in his hands, staring at the object for a long moment. The mask was black and red – the left side being red whereas the ride side was black, merging the colors together in the center. On the left side, there were black swirls and markings while the right had red swirls and markings, though the mask itself was a rather odd shape, not that anyone would really care. Yami turned the mask around and placed it upon his handsome face, a very thin and clear rubber strap around his head to hold said mask in place as not to fall off. He turned to the mirror once more and let his eyes slip open, looking rather amazed that he was nearly unrecognizable, if you don't count his outrageous hair, that is. However, Yami was pulled out of his trance when his sister placed her hands upon his shoulders once more. Hikari had been wearing a violet red gown with a halter neck made of silk ribbon; matching violet red heels; a silver locket around her neck; and her own mask on her beautiful face. The mask she had been wearing was also violet red in color and had black swirls and markings all around the surface.

"Are you ready, brother? It is time for us to appear."

Yami closed his eyes for a moment as he let out a low sigh before gripping the side of his cape, flinging it around just as he turned and headed for the door with his sister close behind, making their way to the ballroom...

Yugi took a deep breath as he stood in front of the mirror with his eyes closed, wanting to surprise himself when he saw the outfit on for himself. However, when Yugi's violet eyes fluttered open, he gasped in awe and amazement at how dashing and handsome he looked in the outfit Hikari had so graciously made for him simply so he could have this night with his Prince Charming. The costume consisted of a violet, short sleeve, button up shirt that was trimmed with gold; black pants; black and gold belt; black dress shoes; gold and violet bracelets around his wrists; a black and silver belt-like choker around his neck; and a black hooded cape around his shoulders, a gold chain loosely attached to either side as it dangled in front, just like Yami's did. Yugi admired himself in the mirror until he remembered the time. He quickly glanced over to the clock, realizing the ball had already started as he grabbed his mask from off the bed and put it on his small face. The mask itself was gold, mostly around the center, but blended in beautifully with a violet purple near the bottom edges. There were purple swirls and markings on the gold whereas there were gold swirls and markings on the purple surface. As soon as Yugi opened his eyes to see the mask, they went wide with amazement, though he didn't have time to admire it for very long for he had to hurry and get to the ballroom and he made his leave in a haste.

When Yugi finally made it to the ballroom, everyone gasped in awe at just the mere sight of how amazing he looked in that costume. Once Hikari glanced over to get a glimpse o her outfit on Yugi, she gave a proud grin at seeing how well it turned out, and how great he looked wearing those colors – she was right though, for those colors suited him perfectly. Yugi seemed sheepish at all the stares he got as he made his way down the steps, making his way through the crowd when he spotted Yami at his thrown, though he seemed to be rather bored and unimpressed as numerous women came up and introduced themselves. Suddenly though, Yugi's eyes went wide as he not only saw both of his stepsisters, Mai and Tea introducing themselves to the prince, but his stepfather, Dartz as well! Yugi felt frozen in that mere moment before he forced himself to move, heading towards the exit to make his leave right away. However, just as Yugi made his way to the exit of the ballroom, Yami caught him in the corner of his eye, pulling the hood on his cape over his head to shield himself. Just before Yugi could reach the exit though, someone grabbed his wrist as he whipped around to see Yami with a tender smile, which made him relax a bit, but gripped the hood to hide himself. Without a single word, Yami took the boy by the hand and led him to a large balcony where they could be alone. Once the music started to play from the orchestra, the prince took the lead and twirled Yugi all around that balcony.

"I must say, you are quite the dancer." Yami finally commented as Yugi blushed slightly out of embarrassment, though it was hidden by his hood.

"Oh, umm, thank you, your highness..." He said shyly, unsure if the prince knew it was him or not.

"I do believe I have told you my name before, did I not, Yugi?" Yami smiled.

Yugi gasped softly as a blush coated his face. "Uhh, I-I'm sorry, Yami! It's just, I didn't know if you knew it was me or not!"

Yami laughed. "Come now, Yugi, even if I was unable to recognize you, I would still find my way to you no matter what. For you see, you cannot hide from me, my little Yugi because I will always seek out my light." He gave a wink, causing Yugi to blush a deeper shade of red.

Suddenly though, before Yugi could say anything, Yami surprised the boy by spinning him around in a circle, taking him down into a dip as their eyes locked together. As they stayed in this position, the prince lifted a hand, the other to support Yugi, and pulled the hood off of his head, his beautiful masked face revealed to him in the moonlight glow that shined from above. "Your eyes look even more enchanting in the moonlight, Aibou."

"Aibou?" Yugi asked.

"It means "partner," and as I recall, you are mine." Yami quickly brought Yugi back up before pulling him in as their bodies collided, the prince grasping the boy's small waist. "I was hoping to dance with you tonight."

"I was too, Yami, but..." Yugi let his voice trail off.

"Your stepfamily is here tonight and you feared they would attempt to take you away from here if they discovered how well you were being treated, and that you would be allowed to attend the ball."

"How did you...?" The boy lifted his gaze up to meet Yami's.

"Hikari explained everything to me."

"Oh, right..." He let his gaze trail away.

"Yugi..." Yami pushed the boy's chin up so that he could gaze into his violet hues. "I would never allow them to steal you away from me, no matter what may come. They would have to get through me in order to get to you if they wished to do such a thing, but I would never allow anyone to take you, willingly I should say."

Yugi smiled at hearing Yami's kind words before he leaned his head against the prince's shoulder, letting his eyes flutter closed. "Thank you, Yami..."

The prince embraced the boy tightly in his arms, taking in Yugi's rich scent of vanilla and cherry blossoms. "Anything for my Aibou..."

Hikari gave a warm smile as she saw the two finally sharing the dance they both have been wanting for quite some time before she began to head through the crown when someone suddenly stopped her. "Princess Hikari!" Mai exclaimed, looking even tackier than ever, if that was even possible... "It's so great to finally meet you! My name is—"

"Mai Valentine, the eldest daughter of the wealthy merchant, Dartz and sister to Tea Gardner. I have heard much about you and your family..." She said, sounding unimpressed.

"Yes!" Mai smiled.

"Well, whatever it is you wish to say to me, I am not interested. One glance at you and I can already tell your heart is clouded in nothing but pure darkness, which I intend to have no part of. Good evening, Miss Valentine..." And with that, she walked away, leaving a very stunned Mai.

However, as Hikari made her way through the crowd, she suddenly caught the eye of someone – someone she thought was very familiar. Her eyes went wide as her whole body was frozen stiff at seeing her older brother's childhood best friend, here at the ball tonight. This male had spiky jet black hair with streaks of gold, though his hair was shaped similar to that of a crab, thick bangs framing deep, cerulean blue eyes. The raven haired male was dressed in a black, long sleeve, button up shirt that wasn't fully buttoned all the way, like Yami and Yugi's, and was tucked in as well; royal blue pants; black and silver belt; blue overcoat that was open and trimmed with silver; and a mask upon his handsome face. The mask he was wearing was all blue, silver swirls and markings covering the blue surface. But suddenly, both him and Hikari locked gazes for a mere moment as a soft gasp escaped her lips, quickly turning around as she ran towards a nearby balcony, placing her shaky hands on the railing due to her stunned state.

It's not possible! That cannot be him! I was certain he left the kingdom several years ago when we were still children... Could that man really be him though?

"Hikari?"

The princess gasped as she whipped around to see said man standing before her. He slowly reached up and grasped his mask, however, when he removed it, Hikari's eyes went wide with shock. She couldn't believe who it was under that mask, and was in complete shock and disbelief. It really was him, the man she had never forgotten ever since they were children.

"Impossible... Is...is that really you...Yusei?"