Chapter 36

"We can't avoid them." The Duchess said, putting her idea into the litle boiling pot of thoughts that they'd come up with. "No doubt they'll have the place surrounded to prevent anyone going out of the palace."

"We need to split up." The King suggested. "Some of us take the Ringleader to safety, some to watch out for them and some to stand and fight."

"No, we'll be weaker if we do that." Bakura said, "They'll pick us off one by one. It's best to stay together. Strength in numbers and all that."

"What about weapons?" The March Hare suddenly thought, "We talk of attack and yet we have nothing to attack with."

"We have our fists." Alice smiled, malevolence behind that sweet demenor.

"And fangs." Marik growled, flashing his.

"And claws." The Cheshire Cat added, unsheathing his and biting them in an almost seductive way.

"Those are all well and good but the guards and soliders have bloody spears and guns and crossbows." The March Hare told them. "I'm all for physical fighting but not when the odds are weighed against us."

"Then our only choice is to get the Queen himself." Lady Isis chimed in, causing everyone to look at her in shock. "If we attack the Queen, or get between him and the guards, then they won't attack us for fear of attacking him."

"That," The King of Spades suddenly broke out into a grin, "Is the best thing I've ever heard you say, Lady."

Lady Isis smiled modestly, "I try my best."

"So that's our plan." The King turned to the rest of the group. "We get to the Queen. Now, the best way to do this is to give ourselves up at first."

"Sneak attack." Bakura smirked, "Its what we're good at." Marik nodded, matching his partner in crime's devious smile.

"Exactly. Pretend we've given up, then attack while everyone is being all smug and unsuspecting." The King nodded. Marik noticed his hat had gotten lost somewhere in the chaos. He wondered if the tanned royal was as bothered as Akefia would've been.

"Why don't we wait here then?" Alice suggested, hands clasped innocently behind his back, "Pretend we can't go any further and let them cuff us when they find us. Like Isis said, its only a matter of time before they discover us here."

"Good point. We can also use the extra time to prepare ourselves and plan properly than if we were to find another place." The King nodded in agreement, thankful they had Alice on their side. "If you don't mind, Yugi," He used the crossdresser's real name, which made him smile, "We'll use you as a distraction. The guards will hesitate to get you because of the Queen."

"Its only times like this that his infatuation with me becomes useful." The short boy commented, mostly to himself. "But sure, I'll do it. I'll be at the front. And the ladies should be at the back. I've heard the soldiers are also hesitant to arrest women."

"Sexist." The Duchess muttered under her breath but otherwise consented to the idea. She silently wished she had to harpies to help her.

They all took a moment or two to get themselves calm and steady, ready for whatever was going to happen, because while they could plan and plot, half of their idea was based on the actions of the guards.

Bakura kept an eye on the Ringleader, who had woken up again and Marik was trying to get him to stop being so obediant. The white haired knife thrower felt sick to his stomach to see Akefia actually listening to the lion instead of telling him off for trying to boss him around. However he could also see the effects of the shrooms were wearing off, as the Ring King was grumbling when Marik was talking; a clear sign of the man's returning dominance. All he was missing was his trademark hat and coat and all would be well again.

They all suddenly shut up, silent as the thundering footsteps of oncoming guards could be heard only a few feet away. They held their breath, or most of them did, waiting for the next move of the daring little game they were playing.

"Freeze!" One shouted, rounding the corner at the sight of them. "Anyone dares to move gets beheaded!" The soldier threatened, the little gang of deviants being surrounded by his comrads. "You will all surrender and come with us!"

"Yes sir, Mr Soldier Man!" The March Hare cheerfully grinned. "Will you be cuffing us? I like handcuffs. Mine broke last week thanks to the Mad Hatter." Marik turned to look at the pale hare, and noticed the Cheshire Cat was gone from around his feet.

The card soldiers came forwards, putting handcuffs on each of them, Alice walking forwards without the assistance of the guards who were, as predicted, reluctant to touch him. The ladies brought up the rear and Marik and Bakura made sure the Ringleader was between them.

"Bring them to the Queen." Another soldier ordered, and off they trudged out of the maze.