Disclaimer- I Don’t own Yu-Gi-Oh

Love in the Heart

A Cinderella Story

The three stared at the little long haired boy. He looked fearfully up at them but sucked up his courage and moved closer to them. Miho, seeing his uneasiness, moved closer to him and knelt down to his height. She looked at him gently making the young boy feel warm inside. Swallowing hard he motioned for them to follow into the kitchen where if Chono or Aileen were to walk in then they wouldn’t here him telling what happened. The fear in him caused it. Once in the kitchen the young boy climbed onto a chair and sat down, his head just poking over the table. Jonouchi, Honda, and Miho sat on the three empty chairs and then waited for him to tell the tale.

“When I was sitting in the kitchen,” Mokuba began, “I saw Lady Chono walk in and she was taunting her along with Lady Aileen. Then his goons came in and dragged Anzu away. She was traded for me so Anzu couldn’t go near the prince and spoil Lady Aileen’s plan. You were asleep Lady Miho at the time and I would have woken you up but I couldn’t. I was so afraid of you mother… I’m sorry. She was dragged out and now she is in the clutches of my former master! Lord K-Kokurano.”

Upon hearing that vile man’s name Miho gasped pressing her hand to her mouth. Jonouchi let out a growl and slammed his fist on the table, causing the young boy to jump. His eyes darkened and then he began to head for the door. “Where are you going?” Honda called out standing up. “I’m going to rescue Anzu from the creep!” Jonouchi said in a blind fury. Miho got up and stopped him from going out of the door. Furious Jonouchi shouted, “MOVE.” But the young girl didn’t cower to him. Instead she stood her ground. “If you go and cause a riot you could be arrested.” Miho coaxed. “Kokurano is the most powerful man next to the King and if you do anything rash we might lose are chances of saving Anzu.”

Hanging his head low the blond hair boy unclenched his fists. Shaking his head he looked up at Miho and then at Honda and then back to her. “What do we do?” He asked. Miho shook her head and then leaned it against the door. “I don’t know.” She said honestly. Rubbing her temples she took paced around the room a few times trying to come up with a plan.

“To bad Aileen has the slippers.” Honda said. “If she didn’t then she wouldn’t be with the prince.”

Like a ton of bricks hitting her Miho looked up and then snapped her fingers. “THAT’S IT!” she exclaimed. “I know for a fact that Aileen’s feet are larger then Anzu’s feet. That’s why she burned her mothers. If she couldn’t use them then she didn’t want Anzu to either. But what I don’t get is how she was able to trick the prince?” She thought for a moment but Honda spoke up, “If she had one slipper and the prince had the other why would he doubt her? He would believe she was the girl.”

So they figured it out. How they screwed Anzu out of her rightful place as the fiancée of the prince and the soon to be princess. Jonouchi growled and then punched the side of the door in anger. Honda looked up at Miho who was looking extremely angry as well. Closing her eyes for a moment she concocted a plan. A plan she hoped would set everything right.

X, X, X,

Aileen stood on a stool as the maids and servants adjusted her dress. It was a beautiful white silk gown with a long train. It was fit for her curves and it laced up in the back. The shoulders and elbows puffed out of the long sleeves. The neckline was square and had beaded embroideries around it. All down the back of her dress were beautiful flower designs with small jewels in them. One of the maids was adjusting the silver tiara that would be on her head as she walked down the aisle. Attached to it was a long white veil that was partially see-through.

Aileen marveled at herself as she looked at herself in the full length mirror in front of her. The servants were rather annoyed at how spoiled and self centered she was. Personally they wondered what the prince saw in her but kept their thoughts to themselves. The worse thing the needed was Prince Malik to throw them in the dungeons or execute them. Just the one of the servants was placing pins in the dress and because of Aileen’s excessive movement she pricked her on accident.

Aileen let out a loud scream and causing all the servants to jump. Then without thinking she turned to the servant. “You incompetent filthy wretch,” Aileen shouted pointing at her, “How dare you prick me. I demand you leave at once.” Stamping her foot and pointing to the door the servant left with her head down. Once she was gone Aileen decreed that the next person to prick her would be whipped. Scared the servants continued slowly.

A few minutes later the door opened and Malik walked in. The servants gasped and tried to cover Aileen up for it was bad luck for the groom to see the bride in her dress before the wedding. Ignoring this Malik looked at her and said, “You screamed?” Aileen pouted and then nodded. “Yes this ignorant servant pricked me.” She said motioning to the spot. Malik rolled his eyes and turned his back thinking it was something more important. Aileen huffed and then stepped off the stool to the maids and servants disbelief. She walked over to her future her husband and wrapped her arms around him, hugging him to her.

“Oh my love I cannot wait until you and I are married.” She whispered. “Then you will rule this land and me at your right hand.” Malik felt her hands on his chest and he couldn’t help but think of how it wasn’t right. Yet it had to be right. She was the one. Sighing he smiled and said, “Yes you at my side.”

X, X, X,

Honda and Jonouchi crept along the grounds of Kokurano’s manor. It was evening and soon it would be night and they would be in full cover, not the either of them cared about being seen. They hid behind several large hedges peeking through the leaves to see if they could spot Anzu anywhere.

They had made a plan earlier. The plan was obviously to save Anzu and dethrone the evil stepsister and mother. First was to find out if Anzu was okay and to help her escape. Jonouchi was the one who volunteered to go and find out but Miho suggested taking Honda with him. Mokuba had explained how dangerous it was to wonder the manor alone because Kokurano had his lackeys out patrolling every hour to make sure his manor wasn’t disturbed. Agreeing on letting Honda come along the two men left the kitchen and headed for the horrible manor. Miho on the other hand had to complete her own objective which was to make Malik realize his choice for a bride was a wrong one. The only problem was that if Chono or Aileen heard they would instantly try and rid her from spoiling their plans.

“Do you see anyone?” Honda asked Jonouchi. “No, looks like everyone is inside.” He replied crouching down low. “It’ll be dark soon and Kokurano will send his guards out.” Honda nodded and then scratched his head. “Yeah but how are we going to find Anzu?” Honda asked softly. “We can’t go peeking into every window.” Jonouchi scratched his head and then an idea came to him. Grinning devilishly he ran his hand through his hair and then rubbed the bottom of his nose. Wondering what he was up to Honda watched as the blond haired boy stared as the door to the manor open and two guards walked out.

X, X, X,

Miho walked through the magnificent palace in awe. She knew she was on a mission but she couldn’t believe how amazing this place was not only that but she was lost as well. As she walked through the halls she wished she could have passed a servant or a guard so she could ask for directions. Just as she continued walking she heard a loud laughter. It was a familiar laugh that could only belong to…

“Aileen you looked ravishing in your dress.” Chono complemented. “Soon you will be royalty and then we will never have to worry about anything. All the clothes, jewels, balls, and banquets, it’s so exciting just thinking about it.” Aileen smiled as she fanned herself with her fan. She then flopped on the bed her raven hair flowing all around as she undid the pins holding them up. “And because of my superior acting I am now the future princess.” She laughed. “All thanks to you my dear mother.” Chono laughed covering a part of her mouth with hand.

Miho listened with repulsion. Her stomach lurched making her sick just listening to them talk about it with no remorse. She wanted to go in there and yell at them but she knew it would do no good. She shook her head and then continued down the hallway hoping that somewhere near would be Prince Malik’s room. Going around several corners and traveling down long hall ways Miho groaned once again lost and no closer to finding the prince.

X, X, X,

“You sure this is going to work?” Honda asked placing on the helmet of one of the guards. Jonouchi grinned as he finished putting on his helmet. In the corner tied up were two of Kokurano’s lackey’s who had been patrolling before the two men jumped them. After quickly knocking them out and then dragging them into a cellar. Then they stole there armor so they could easily sneak through the ground so they could find Anzu.

“This place is huge.” Honda complained as the traveled down each of the twisting corridors. “We’ll never find her.” Jonouchi ignored him and continued on peering into each room hoping that one of them would contain Anzu. “You check the ones on the left.” The blond haired boy said, “And I’ll check the right. Nodding in agreement he pulled open the first door on the left and found an empty bedroom. Jonouchi opened the first door to his right and found it was a study, no sign of Anzu. After checking all the rooms in that corridor they turned to a long hallway.

“You start on the other…” Jonouchi began until he noticed a light coming from the door at the end of that hall. He pointed toward the door and the two sneaked up to it standing on either side. Jonouchi peered in carefully and his eyes widened. Honda peered through the crack in the by the hinges and looked inside and his eyes widened as well. Inside the room was Anzu, her clothes in tatters, and blood seeping through wounds all over her back. Standing above her was Kokurano holding a whip. Jonouchi would have rushed in there had Honda not pointed out there were guards inside the room with weapons, so they listened.

“Now my dear,” Kokurano sneered stretching his whip between his hands, “What do you say to my proposal?” The brunette’s head shot up her eyes fierce and full of fire. “I’d rather die.” She spat. Kokurano growled and then back handed her across the face. The young girl fell to the side but when she looked at him her eyes were still glaring at him. Kokurano motioned for the two guards to grab hold of her by the arms. “Take her to the cellar.” Kokurano ordered dismissing them. Nodding they dragged the young girl away.

Jonouchi and Honda freaked when the guards came into the door. Looking around quickly Honda opened a door and shoved Jonouchi inside and then pushed him self in as well. It turned out that the two had ended up in a closet, a very small closet in fact. The problem was the armor the two boys had on made it even more cramped then if they didn’t have them on. The two listened as the two guards who were walking outside the door clanked pass them. Once they heard no sound Honda opened the door, only to cause Jonouchi to fall on top of him and cause a loud crash.

“Geh… ovf… wee.” Honda said from under Jonouchi which meant ‘Get off me.’ As he moved off him they heard Kokurano say, “What was that noise?” Then the next thing the new Kokurano was standing at the doorway with two other guards. Jonouchi and Honda gulped as they saw the cruel lord of manor staring down at them. Fearing that they have been caught they were about to run when he said, “Where have you two been? Come have wine with us.”

“Uh we have to finish our… uh rounds sir.” Jonouchi lied quickly. “Fine, hurry up!” Kokurano said turning his back. Sighing with relief the two turned to go down the hall and hopefully find where the guards took Anzu. Sprinting down the halls the two searched for the guards had taken her but with no luck. That was until they saw them coming back from the room Anzu was placed.

Rushing down the hall Jonouchi called out, “Anzu are you here?” Honda did the same, “Anzu say something.” Just then as they ran they heard a cry coming from one of the rooms. Stopping they followed the cry to a door with a small barred window. Peering inside they found the young brunette huddled in the corner of the room crying.

”ANZU!” Jonouchi shouted. Anzu’s head shot up as she peered at the door. “J-Jonouchi?” she questioned. Pulling off his helmet the young blond ran a hand through his hair and tossed the helmet aside. Anzu jumped up and ran to the door. “Jonouchi!” she cried out happily. “I’m here to save you, Anzu.” He said with a smile. Smiling at her friend she looked over at the other guard who then pulled off his helmet. “I’m Honda.” He said. Anzu bowed her head and did a small curtsy to be polite. Then a small smile crept on her face. “You are the boy my stepsister Miho likes, are you not?” Blushing furiously Honda turned his head away.

“Please hurry; get me out of here… Kokurano… he wants me to marry him!” Anzu cried. Jonouchi and Honda stared for a moment and then nearly gagged in disgust.

Jonouchi grabbed the handle to the cellar door to try and open it but it was locked. Cursing to himself he kicked the door and then looked at Honda. “We need to break it down.” Jonouchi said. “How are we going to do that?” Honda asked. Tapping his armored shoulder Jonouchi suggested that they run at the door head on and full force. Anzu stood back to make sure if they did bust the door down that she was about of harms way. Once she was clear the tow boys rammed at the door, trying to break it down.

X, X, X,

At the other end of the manor Kokurano was enjoying his fine wine and expensive meal. His four guards were also enjoying themselves and yet they were still waiting for the other two guards to return. Finishing his first glass of wine in a few gulps he grabbed the bottle and poured another full cup and then offered more to his loyal guards. As he drank though he sat in his chair and thought about the fiery way Anzu had looked at him. For a commoner she was beautiful but disobedient as well. She was hard to break yet he would break her and then force her to accept his proposal.

As he began to sip his wine again he heard muffling coming from the hallway. Looking over at the door it burst open and two men came in gagged and tied to one another. Kokurano stared in confusion and then as one of the guards pulled off the gag he heard the man say, “Two men jumped us and stole are armor!” Kokurano growled and then shouted, “FIND THEM!” Instantly his other guards ran off.

X, X, X,

Plowing into the door once again Honda rubbed his aching shoulder and looked at Jonouchi. “Brilliant plan this door isn’t coming down.” Honda explained. Cursing Jonouchi looked at the dents he and Honda made. “One more time and it might fall off.” Jonouchi said hopefully. Sighing Honda stepped back in line with the blond haired man. Getting into a running stance the brown haired man began to count, “One… two…”

“LOOK THERE THEY ARE!” shouted a voice. The two boys gasped as they saw two guards at the other end of the hallway. “Damn!” Honda said. Jonouchi ran to the door and said, “We have to break it down I won’t leave Anzu here.” Try desperately to break it down Anzu ran to the door and tried to coax him to leave.

“Get out of here if you get caught then they’ll be no way to save me.” Anzu said hoping he would listen. “I’ll be fine I promise!” Jonouchi looked at her cerulean orbs and saw determination. He then nodded but as soon as he did Honda had grabbed his upper arm and the two dashed down the hall, stripping away the armor as they ran. As they ran they heard Anzu’s voice ring out behind them, “Don’t let Malik marry Aileen!”

Anzu closed her eyes and slump to the floor. One hand fell to her heart and she bit her lip. “Even if he doesn’t love me because I’m a commoner… don’t let him marry Aileen.” She whispered. “She doesn’t love him and he deserves someone who does…” letting a few tears fall she then finished by saying, “Like me.”

X, X, X,

After escaping the horrible manor Jonouchi and Honda waited outside the castle gates, knowing there would be no way in hell they could get in. They didn’t even want to try sneaking in because if they were caught there would be surely thrown in the dungeons. They waited though hoping that when Miho would come she would give them some good news, like for instance Malik through Aileen out of the palace along with Chono. The thought of that made the two boys chuckle.

X, X, X,

In the palace though Miho was sitting at a long table watching Aileen talk about her self and how happy she was to be marrying the prince. It made her sick watching her sister lie through her teeth about how much she was in ‘love’ when that entire woman cared only about was herself. The same went for Chono. The only reason she wanted Aileen to marry was for the money and how she would be high above everyone else as if she was better then them. To the lavender haired girl, it made her wonder how she could ever be related.

Glancing over around the table she noticed Malik was not looking quite happy. He seemed more interested in moving his food across his plate then eating it. After long time Malik suddenly got up, the food on his plate uneaten. He looked at his mother and father and said, “May I be excused?” and then without waiting for a reply left. Miho watched him leave but Aileen didn’t seem to care, she was sucking up to Queen Isis, complementing her on things that Miho didn’t even bother to listen to. Carefully putting her silverware down she stood up and then bowed to everyone. “I’m sorry but it is a late hour and I tire.” She said politely. “Forgive me but I wish to go rest.” Isis nodded politely. “Take care child.” She said and then Miho left, this time determined to talk to Malik.

X, X, X,

Malik shut the door of his room with a loud slam and then flopped down on his bed face down and his legs hanging off. Hearing a smirk he looked up and saw his cousin sitting at the windowsill. His white haired tied let loose and in a black suit. “Good evening cousin.” Bakura said nicely. “Why were you not at dinner?” Malik asked his eyes glaring at him. Smirking the white haired boy said, “I listened to that old hag talk forever about her daughter and then she tries to get me to marry her second daughter. I don’t need that.” Malik groaned and buried his face in one of his pillows when there was a knock on his door.

“Enter.” He called not caring who it was. Opening the door and walking in, Miho looked at the prince and his cousin. Bakura looked at her and then said, “Oh jeez.” Moving away he pushed pass her and said, “I’m going home, good bye cousin.” Malik looked up and saw Miho and then blinked. “GET OUT OF HERE!” he ordered. Ignoring him the lavender haired girl closed the door and walked over to him. She stared at him and then said, “Do not marry my sister.”

Taken aback the young prince stared at her for a moment before regaining himself. “How dare you speak to me like that!” he snapped. “Be gone wench before I call the guards and have them drag you away.” Miho stood her ground and then crossed her arms defiantly. When she didn’t leave Malik stood up trying to intimidate her but she couldn’t or wouldn’t back down. “You do not love my sister.” She continued. “And she does not love you.” Denying it all the young prince said, “Of course I do you fool.” Miho arched an eyebrow and then stood back one leg staring at him.

“I know you do not love her because I know who the woman is you truly love. I saw the way your eyes shined when you looked at her. You look at my sister with no passion in your eyes.”

“If that is so…” Malik began, “Then who is the woman I love?”

“Her name is Anzu Masaki my stepsister… a commoner.” Miho said. Malik stared at her with utter revulsion. “A COMMONER?” he said in disbelief. “You come in here and have the nerve to say I LOVE A COMMONER?” Furiously he grabbed her arm in an attempt to push her out the door. Miho fought trying to get everything out before he could stop her. “My sister cannot fit the slipper I swear it. You never had her try it on she only showed it to you! Please! Listen.” But before she could even get another word she found herself outside the room.

Malik on the other hand slumped to the floor, utterly confused.

X, X, X,

“We failed!” Miho burst into tears upon returning to the Masaki manor. Honda allowed her to cry into his chest but he too seemed like they failed. Miho had explained what had happened to her and then Honda explained what happened in the manor. Mokuba looked up at them with tears in his eyes. “Poor Anzu.” He whispered.

Just then Mokuba let out a gasp and fell to his knees bowing. Looking over the three gasped when they saw the platinum haired prince and his cousin standing in the doorway. Malik looked at Miho and then said, “Tell me… everything you know.”

X, X, X,

After a long time Anzu had cried her self to asleep and was now curled up in a ball on the floor. Although her sleep was peaceful it didn’t last for Kokurano and his men and yanked her up. Confused about what was going on, she looked at Kokurano. He stared at her with an evil glint in his eyes. “My dear after the little intrusion from your friends I have made an arrangement.” He said grinning. Anzu gulped feeling a lump grow in her throat. Managing to choke out, “What arrangement,” Kokurano responded, “Our wedding.”

“NO!” Anzu screamed out trying to get free but Kokurano new she would be resistant so he said, “If you do not I will kill your friends.” Instantly stopping her struggle she stared at him in horror. Her lower lip began to quiver as she slowly shook her head. Kokurano nodded, grinning evilly which caused the young brunette to break down into tears. She didn’t know whether or not he had her friends trapped but she could never risk it. Then to add insult to injury Kokurano said, “Besides tomorrow is the wedding of Prince Malik and you stepsister, Aileen.” Anzu gasped and stared in disbelief. She felt a twinge of pain in her chest and then fell to her hands and knees. Sniffling she whispered, “I’ll marry you.”

X, X, X,

“So Anzu was the mystery woman?” Malik said as he sat at the table, his eyes cold. Bakura was leaning against the wall with his head tilted down and his arms across his chest. Miho nodded. “Yes I know it is hard to believe but it is true.” Miho explained. The prince sat back and placing his head in his hands. “Is something wrong your highness?” Honda asked. Malik nodded.

“I was a fool. I knew Aileen could never be her but I was blind, thinking I would never find her. Then upon seeing that slipper I wanted it to be her. When… Anzu left me I felt my heart sank. I had lost her, the first woman to except me as a person and not as a prince.” Malik closed his eyes holding back the tears.

“Yeah and your going to lose her again!” Jonouchi jumped in. “That creep Kokurano has her and Anzu said was that, “Kokurano wants to marry her! You have to get to her before that creep touches her.” The young prince stood up his eyes cold as ice. He turned to Bakura who looked up and then arched an eyebrow. “Cousin you and I shall go to Lord Kokurano’s manor.” He said. Then he turned to the others. “Return to the palace Miho and act as if nothing has happened.” She nodded and then Malik spun around and left with Bakura following him.

Riding in the dark night Malik urged his horse faster and faster toward Kokurano’s manor. Upon arriving there he jumped off his horse and then pounded on the door of the manor. Bakura slid off his horse and then went up to the door just as a servant opened it. “Where is Kokurano?” Malik yelled at the servant who instantly bowed to his prince.

”F-f-forgiveness my lord but Lord Kokurano has left to the church down the road to be married.” The servant quivered with fear. “The pastor there has already prepared for the ceremony. He didn’t want to wait for the father in town too…” but before the servant could finish Malik jumped on his horse and road off to the church. Bakura jumped on his horse and followed.

X, X, X,

Dressed in a simple white dress and vale, Anzu was forced to her knees in front of the pastor with Kokurano next to her, gripping tightly to her hand. Tears flood the young girl’s eyes as she heard the pastor began the ceremony. It seemed to move by so fast that when she heard the pastor say, “Do you Anzu Masaki take Lord Kokurano to be your husband to have and to hold, in sickness and in health until death do you part?” she didn’t even respond right away. Kokurano squeezed her hand and then she looked up at the pastor and said, “I… I… I… do….” She choked it out through her tears as Kokurano smiled with glee. “Now I pronounce you man and…”

“STOP THIS CEREMONY!” shouted a voice from the doors of the church. Kokurano spun around and then gasped instantly as he saw Prince Malik coming down the aisle. Anzu turned her head and then gasped as well. “By order of the Prince these two may not be wed.” He said stopping a few feet away from them. Kokurano glared at him and then roared, “She is my servant and she belongs to me. SHE IS MY PROPERTY!”

“She is a person and belongs to no one!” Malik yelled back in protest. “And if you would rather be taken to the dungeons then you best release her!” Kokurano glared at him and then took a step forward his eyes glaring at him.

“You maybe prince but I will not submit to a selfish brat like you.” The vile man hissed. “She is my bride and I will marry her with or without you blessing and…” he suddenly snapped his fingers and the guards surrounding Kokurano unsheathed their swords. “And with you dead or alive!” he yelled. Malik gasped and then unsheathed his sword as well as Bakura. They two cousins stared at the six guards and then glanced quickly at each other.

“Six against two, cousin, not fair at all.” Malik said with a grin. “Yes, not fair for them!” Bakura laughed. Then the sword fight began. Both Malik and Bakura had been trained by the best in sword fighting and were the best fighters in the kingdom. These lackeys were brainless buffoons that the two cousins could easily dispatch off.

Malik dispatched the three guards that had attacked him and then moved toward Kokurano while Bakura taunted the guards fighting him, for fun. “I’ll have your head on a platter.” Malik growled, “You treacherous snake!” Kokurano, who was still clutching Anzu, pulled out a sword in one hand and a dagger in the other. He then held the dagger against her throat causing a thin line to appear. Malik backed off not wanting to endanger her. Laughing the evil man pushed Anzu aside causing her to fall to the floor. Malik gasped and wanted to go help her but Kokurano lunged at him at the two began to sword fight.

Anzu watched in fear as the two men fought. She crawled away and saw a side door to the church. She backed herself against that door and watched as Malik and Kokurano clashed.

“You prince are pathetic.” Kokurano said. “I’ve been fencing before you were born.” He placed Malik on the defensive pushing him into a wall. Malik through spun out of harms way, when Kokurano tried to stab him with his sword. Now on the offensive, the platinum haired prince slashed at Kokurano giving him a wound on his left cheek. “That was for harming the lady.” The prince said indicating Anzu. Kokurano spat and then began to swing wildly with his sword but Malik being a younger and superior trained moved out of the way and disarmed the evil man. The sword went flying in the air and then landed with a clank on the floor.

Growling Kokurano tried to stab the prince and would have succeeded had not he forgotten one vital thing, Bakura. Bakura came out of no where and stabbed his sword through the hand that was clutching the dagger. Crying out with pain, he clutched his hand and fell to his knees. Prince Malik placed the tip of his sword to the man’s neck and then said, “Do you surrender?” Kokurano averted his eyes unable to believe he lost. “I surrender.” He mumbled. Smiling the two cousins looked at each other. The platinum haired prince then turned to see Anzu but then realized she was no where to be found. His mouth hung open as he looked around the church when he noticed the door to the side was open. “Go get her.” Bakura said. “I don’t need to here you whining anymore.”

Placing his sword back in his sheath he took off out the side door to find her. The woman he loved.

X, X, X,

With tears in her eyes the young brunette stumbled in the church’s garden until she fell to the ground unable to run anymore. She bit into her fist to keep herself from crying loudly as she felt her heart begin to ache. He was marrying Aileen! He was marrying her wicked stepsister not her. He didn’t love her she was after all a commoner. But then why did he come? Did he feel bad for her? Or maybe it was because Miho had begged him too. He couldn’t possibly love her… a commoner!

“Where do you think you are going?” said a familiar feminine voice. Anzu’s head shot up and she looked up in front of her was the blond haired fairy godmother, Mai. “MAI!” she cried out. Anzu stood up and looked at her fairy godmother wondering why she was here. “I’m here to stop you from running away.” The spunky fairy godmother said as if she was reading her mind. “Why are you running away?” Anzu hung her head in shame. Mumbling she said, “He loves Aileen… not me.”

Placing her hands on her shoulder Mai said, “That prince loves YOU. He came here to get YOU! Not Aileen, YOU!” Anzu looked up at her, her cerulean eyes puffy and red. “How come someone like him like me, I’m nothing but a commoner?” she sobbed. Wiping away her tears Mai smiled warmly. “You are what he wants. Anzu do not run away because you are what you are. Stay for what your heart tells you. That man would go searching through the ends of the earth for you. He loves you and I know you love him.”

Closing her eyes a small smile crept on the brunettes face. She then opened her eyes to thank Mai but she was gone and a few feet in front of her stood Malik. He was breathing heavily, sweat on his brow, and hope in his eyes. Anzu looked at him and felt weak in the knees and butterflies in her stomach. Malik stared for a long time and then moved toward her in a sprint. Once he reached her stopped and then asked, “You are Anzu Masaki?” She nodded in agreement. Smiling at her he pulled out two slippers, the slippers she had worn and the ball. “Then would you please tell me if she is the one I want to spend the rest of my life with?” He knelt down and pulled off her shoes and replaced them with the slippers.

With tears in her eyes she looked into his purple eyes and blushed. Malik stood up and then instantly she wrapped her arms around him hugging him closely. “Yes!” she cried, “Yes she is the one that loves you and wants to be the one to spend her life with you.” Holding her in his arms Malik buried his face in her hair, giving her a few soft kisses. She looked up at him, her cerulean eyes glowing with happiness and then she reached up and kissed him on the lips, long and full.

X, X, X,

Dressed in her wedding dress, Aileen waited for the music to being to when she will walk out to be married to her prince. Chono was waiting in the pew in the front row of the church; sitting next to her was Miho also waiting. Prince Malik looked regally as he stood in the church in a white and gold suit. Standing next to him was his cousin Bakura, while his parents were sitting in at their thrones. The church was magnificent. It was made of stone, and had incredible religious tapestries, candles, and oak wood pews for sitting. The windows were stained glass and had religious themes on them. When the music began, Aileen stepped out from behind the doors and walked down the aisle to her fiancée. When she reached him he took her hand and the ceremony began.

As the priest did the prayer and a small speech he asked, “If there is anyone here who believe these two should not be wed then speak now or forever hold your peace.” Aileen glanced back and saw no one was making any notions. She then looked over at her mother who was staring wide eye. Wondering what she was staring she turned back and then gasped herself. Holding his hand up and shaking his head was Malik.

“My love what is going on?” Aileen asked. “Yes what is the meaning of this?” Chono piped up coming to her daughter’s side. Sighing Malik released her hand and then ran his hand through his platinum locks. He then looked at the raven haired girl and said, “I can’t keep this lie up. Aileen I am already married.”

Both Chono and Aileen gasped but they were the only ones. Chono looked at King Seto and Queen Isis and saw them unmoved. She then turned to Miho who was smiling like a Cheshire cat and now standing next to her was Honda, Mokuba, and Jonouchi. Clearing his throat Malik then finished by saying, “I would like you to meet my wife.” He held his hand up to the front of the church. Standing there was an incredibly beautiful young girl in a white dress, angel wings, and a angel mask. Slowly she walked down the aisle toward them, Chono and Aileen looked horrified.

Once only a foot away the girl pulled off her mask to reviled it was none other Anzu. Aileen let out a screech. “NO! THIS CANNOT BE!” she cried out. Chono on the other hand glared at her Anzu looked at her and then said, “You have treated me worse then anyone should be. You lied to try and get your way. After years of torment there is only one question I have for you. Why?”

Chono glared at her. “Why you ask?” She mocked. “WHY? I’ll answer that! It’s because you, you little leech was loved by all. Your father adored you not me. All the servants adored you and never me. You were always so happy even when miserable and everyone loved you. I hate you and never at any time in my life did I ever love you!” The blond haired stepmother was fuming. Then she growled and then let out a hiss. “I won’t let you steal my happiness once again.” With that she tried to lung at Anzu but Miho jumped in the way and with one good punch knocked her mother to the floor, completely knocking her out.

Anzu looked at Miho in shock. The lavender haired girl only smiled and then looked at Aileen who was still whining like a baby. Seto stood up and said, “Guards take them to the dungeons with Kokurano.” The guards dragged away to the dungeons. As they were taken away Anzu looked up at Malik and smiled holding his hand out to her. Meekly the young brunette took it and took her place next to Malik. King Seto and his Queen stood up and then watched as the priest placed a golden crown upon Malik’s head and a smaller golden crown upon Anzu’s head. The young couple looked at one another and smiled as they turned around.

The Church erupted with applause and Malik’s purple eyes looked at his beloved. Then slowly he kissed her long and on full lips.

X, X, X,

Unable to believe what had happened to her, Chono committed suicide by strangling herself with chains in the dungeon. Aileen was later freed and sent away as a servant girl and was never heard from again. Kokurano remained in the dungeon for life for treason and attempted murder of the prince and his cousin.

X, X, X,

Walking along the cobblestones in the garden, Anzu looked at the budding flowers. She looked regal in her white and gold trim dress. Her gold crown gleamed in the sunlight as she stopped. She continued walking until she came to the fountain where near the garden wall. She sat down on the edge and hugged her stomach, a smile creeping across her face.

The warm summer wind picked up, causing her shiny brown hair to dance wildly in every direction. She lifted her cerulean eyes to the vast blue sky, allowing the warm rays of the sun to shine upon her face. Closing her eyes she took a deep breath enjoying the beauty all around her.

“So there you are,” Said the gentle voice of Malik. Anzu looked over at her husband and smiled. His hair was pulled back in a ponytail while his crown sat upon his head. Slowly he approached her, his hands behind his back as he came to her. “I was looking for you my dear.” he smiled. Anzu blushed turning her face to the side. The new king slid next to her and then said, “For you.” He handed her a beautiful apricot rose. “Oh Malik.” She said receiving the thoughtful gift. “Thank you.” She then kissed his cheek and leaned into him.

He then leaned into her and pressed his mouth to hers. When they broke apart Anzu’s cerulean eyes locked with his purple eyes. “I love you Malik.” She whispered. “Will you love me until the day I die?” Malik shook his head and then said, “No, I’ll love you forever and more and more each day.” She smiled at him and then kissed him once again, as a breeze moved across the land. Then the two turned and looked at the shining sun as it disappeared beyond the horizon.

--The End--

Author note- Sorry it took so long. I was sick, I had a lot of school work, and I didn’t have much time to write. Anyway thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this fic. Take care people!

Thanks to

mariks1andonly- Thanks for the compliment and the reviews!

Fox-san- thanks for the review… and glad you like this fic

Eve-of-Misery- It ended happily ever after… I love fairy tales! Thanks for the review

Vladimir Lenin- Thanks for all the reviews!

Jess-chan of the Nya Nya Neko!- sorry it took so long… so much crap happened to me. Well I want to leave you with something. Belief in yourself. I know you can be a good writer. Be optimistic and I’m sure you will do great. Thanks for the review.

Cerulean San- Homer Simpson rocks LOL! Thanks for the review hides her brain Lol

Midtow- thanks for the reviews

CRAZYABOUTANIME- I hope you liked the ending… sorry I took so long. Thanks for the reviews.

LoneGothic- Yeah Malik found out. Aren’t we all happy? Sorry I took so long. Thanks for the reviews.

The Gothic Girl Over There- Good old Passions… I wonder if I can get on that soap opera lol. Thanks for the reviews!

Ziek- Thanks for the review

Steph- Sorry I took so long. Thanks for the review

Starian Princess- I know last chapter cries but the means I can write my new fic… hee hee. Thanks for the review

Adele- I’m glad I’m better again! Lol anyway thanks for the review

Kryah- Sorry I took so long and thanks for adding me to your faves list! You rock. Thanks for the review.

White Ninja Spy- SO SO SO SO sorry I took so long. Here’s the end though… but endings stink cuz you wish there were more lol. Anyway thanks for the review

DojomistressAmbyChan- Thanks for the review and I’m glad you hate Aileen so much. I was hoping her and Chono were evil enough people.

L.D. Kaket- Glad you like it and I’m glad you’re reading. Thanks for the review