Title: Meet me in the heavens

Rating: M for some language

Genre: Drama/Romance

Summary: Anzu, an angel of the heavens, never wanted to go to the annual meeting between Heaven and Hell. She never wanted to meet Malik Ishtar, and she certainly never wanted to fall in love with him. Three part.

Disclaimer: No, I do not own YuGiOh, unfortunately.

Notes/Warnings: Three part; Malik/Anzu; rated for mild language and sexual content

---

Meet me in the heavens

Part I

Anzu Mazaki glanced over her shoulder at the tall, white gates that loomed behind her. She heard the soft click of them locking. She knew that there was no turning back. Of course, she had known before that there was no turning back, but now it was permanent. Permanent, in her eyes, was never a good thing.

Heaven was a beautiful place. Anzu had to admit that much. Nature sprung from every place that the white marble was not. Lilacs, tulips, chrysanthemums and tall, green grass were scattered around, along with other gorgeous plants. Oak trees and especially cherry blossom trees spilled around, giving shade from the bright heavens that never had a bad day. The white gates that Anzu was walking from were solid and welcoming to the good souls that had died.

Rarely leaving Heaven herself, Anzu didn't like looking back on them and seeing them closed. But she knew nothing could be done of it. She turned back, hastening her pace, flexing her light, feathery wings in preparation for flight. Her light blue robes fluttered slightly at the wind that passed over her from her wings. The robes were light for the warm, average spring-like weather. It had no sleeves and was long, but not heavy or bulky. The silk simply glided over her skin with ease. The white sash tied around her middle kept the robes in place and the silver clasps at her shoulders assisted in that as well.

"Nervous?" Another angel, Shizuka Katsuya, queried with a gentle smile. Her robes were more modest than Anzu's, but it fit her entirely naïve and soft nature. Anzu knew that the angels in Heaven preferred Shizuka to herself, but didn't mind. She was never in the mood for men, anyway.

"Only a bit," Anzu replied, flashing a quick smile. "I've never been chosen to go to any kind of meeting of all the 1500 years I've lived. It's...surprising. And exciting." Shizuka let out a high, lilting laugh.

"I know what you mean. I've only been to one of the District Meetings and that was bad enough with there being only one demon present. Now, going to a World Meeting...It makes me anxious thinking about it." Anzu just nodded, a small smile on her lips. She was disappointed. Shizuka had only been alive for 900 years and she had already been to a meeting before. She inwardly wondered why she hadn't ever gone to one. She had more experience than Shizuka did.

"Rise," an angel called from the front. The angels spread out their wings and bounded into the air, moving towards the place where they would be meeting the demons.

---

Malik Ishtar grumbled and sighed and complained until his companion, the prince of Hell, Bakura Ryou, snapped at him to shut up before he clipped his wings. Malik's mouth snapped closed and he sent an irritated look to Bakura. He had been avoiding all the meetings he'd been required to go to. He had been assuring his superiors one time that he would come and did, but skipped out right when the meeting began. It was almost the same every time any meeting was held. It didn't matter if it was one between both the angels and demons or just the demons. He hated them. The only reason he'd gone to this one because last time when he skipped out, he was supposed to be the only demon since it was a District Meeting. He had been politely informed that "there were no words for how pissed off the angels were." Bakura tracked him down and forced him to this meeting and would be at his elbow every minute. Not that Malik minded, since Bakura was his best and only friend.

It's still going to suck ass, he thought gloomily as they approached the large, exotic building the meeting would be held at. From what he could remember, the last World Meeting had taken place in Heaven, so it was to happen in Hell this time. The demons were not quite as cordial to angels as the latter were to them, though. There would be no entertainment of any sort from what Bakura said. It would be strict business and that was all. And we have to have damned "partners" for whatever reason. Who the hell came up with such an absurd rule? I mean, honestly!

"No sneaking out," Bakura warned as they stopped in front of the tall building. Windows dotted the sides, the black walls gleaming in the eerie light. "And don't kill any angels." He grabbed Malik, glaring down at him. Malik stared up at him a bland expression, his mouth twisted unpleasantly. Bakura, though he was just as twisted as Malik was, couldn't afford to take any chances else his father, the Lord of Hell himself, Satan, killed him. And Malik knew he would. That was the only reason he had vowed to himself to keep in line this time.

"Don't worry," Malik lightly said, shoving away from his friend, fixing his shirt, flashing a suave smile. His and Bakura's outfits were practically matching, except Bakura was more of a blue and rough-clothing kind of guy while Malik preferred the silk. While Bakura was decked out in a white, long-sleeved shirt with a button undone and black over-jacket and black jeans, Malik had decided on a silk, black, long-sleeved shirt with it open to mid torso and similar black jeans and black boots. If the angels weren't so innocent and good, the women would be launching themselves at them. Well. Maybe. "I'm not quite ready to have you die yet, Bakura. Who would entertain me?" Bakura flicked a look over his face, and then nodded, a slow smile creeping the corners of his mouth upward. Malik bared his teeth at him, his fangs flashing. "Shall we?" He swept a hand to the building, his three golden rings with green, blue, and red gems in the center flashing in the strange light that was in Hell.

Bakura led the way, his golden jewelry flashing, his face composed, and his grey-blue eyes cool. Malik followed, his earrings swinging only slightly as he turned his head to observe the people in the building. He knew that, unlike last year, the angels had paired up the partners this year. The only reason for angel-demon partners was so they didn't rip each other's throats out and so they could decide on things more easily by arguing with each other one-on-one rather than in a group. He still thought it was stupid, despite seeing the logic behind it. An angel and a demon, Otogi Ryuuji, stood at the podium, helping with the pairs. It was clear by the unusually irritable expression on Otogi's face that he wasn't in the least liking his job. Thank goodness the whole angel and demon community wasn't here and only a select few.

With an easy gait, he went to Otogi with Bakura following behind him. Otogi's expression lit up at seeing him. "Malik!" He said with a sly look. "You've suddenly decided to come to a meeting? My, my." The angel beside Otogi frowned at the two, his eyes narrowed. "You've been on the list since you became of age and now, when you're – what is it, again? – 2600 years old, you decide to come? A little late, don't you think?"

"I believe you're six hundred years older than me, Otogi," Malik reminded him with a smirk. His lavender eyes flickered to the angel. "So, pray tell me...Who am I paired up with? I've never actually done this before, so it will be interesting." Otogi flicked through the list quickly and shrugged, handing it to the angel, who took it, looking at the name.

"Anzu Mazaki," the angel replied. "Since this is your first "official" time, Ishtar, you two will do well together for the meeting. This is, after all, the first time she's been to any meeting. Don't see why she went to this big of a meeting for her first time, though..." The angel's last sentence was mumbled more to himself than to them. Malik waited patiently while the angel contacted his companion. He glanced at the female that came floating over to them and blinked in surprise. "Anzu," he greeted with a friendly smile.

"Atemu," she greeted, her wide, azure eyes sparkling in welcome. "How is it?"

"Well enough, well enough," he answered. Malik rolled his eyes. Was this guy a joke? He was drooling all over her!

Apparently angels have hormones, too, he thought with amusement, glancing at Bakura, who raised an eyebrow at him, a corner of his mouth tilted. Amazing. He returned his gaze to the angels and noticed how utterly oblivious the girl was. She just turned to him and the other two demons, a curious expression on her face. He could sense a hint of anxiety in her fair face, though.

"Malik Ishtar will be your partner," Otogi informed her in a level voice. She glanced at him quickly as he gestured towards Malik, who gave a brief smile to her. "If you'll both step aside..." He trailed off meaningfully, smiling secretively to Malik, who stifled a snicker.

"Of course," Anzu replied politely. She glanced at Bakura, who met her gaze and inclined his head respectfully, as a prince of Hell was supposed to do. Malik led her from the podium with Atemu calling out a friendly goodbye to her. She raised her hand in a wave to him and followed Malik down to two seats. Other pairs were sulking in their seats, either appearing resentful or bored.

"I hear this is your first time, Mazaki," Malik remarked pleasantly. She turned to him in surprise. She didn't know the actual procedure of things, but by the looks of the other pairs, she had assumed they weren't supposed to be talking to each other.

"Oh. Yes," she replied, smiling slightly at him. "And is it yours?"

"Not technically," he responded, leaning back in his chair, keeping his gaze locked with hers. Her robes were different, he noticed. They were softer and showed more of her fair, silken skin. He confessed that she wasn't the prettiest female out of all of those that were there, but she wasn't plain or ugly, either. But, he reminded himself, she was an angel. Lusting after an angel was strictly prohibited – even if she did have a nice body. "I usually skip out on these boring things. Last time I did, I pissed off some angels, so..." He trailed off, his smile fixed in place.

"Ah." Her expression turned wry as she peered up at Atemu. He recalled the look of resentment the male had sent him and, though he hadn't thought of it then, he wondered if he had been one of the angels at that District Meeting. "I heard about that from Atemu. He was...less than pleased. He had quite a few things to say about you and the demons." Malik snickered.

"Well, that's fine. We demons have things to say about the angels, too." She shrugged lightly, the silk of her robes shifting on her soft shoulders. Malik finally tore his eyes from hers, eyeing the room, wondering who else was here. He spotted Mai Kujaku with a fidgeting angel that appeared nervous to be around her. But then, Malik didn't blame him. He'd had his share of times in bed with Mai and knew that she, more or less, had no morals when it came to men. As long as they had something between their legs and didn't try killing her in bed, she was up for them. He supposed that was why she usually dealt with female angels. Someone had made a mistake for once.

Malik's eyes moved to Bakura and as though feeling his gaze, his friend locked gazes with him and then rolled his eyes to the blonde male beside him. The man looks like he's going to piss his pants, Malik observed, smirking. He was a boyishly attractive male with shaggy blonde hair and brown eyes that darted around the room nervously. Bakura started towards Malik and Anzu and the blonde gave a pitiful look. When his eyes moved to Malik's left, though, he instantly brightened and followed eagerly.

"Anzu!" He crowed, startling the brunette beside Malik. "I didn't know you were here..."

"Uh, yeah," Anzu answered uncertainly, "I'm kind of surprised to see you, too, Jounouchi. I've forgotten. Is this your first meeting?"

"Well, yeah," Jounouchi Katsuya admitted sheepishly as Bakura settled beside Malik. Jounouchi remained standing beside Anzu. "I insisted they let me come. I didn't want Shizuka going to dis ding alone, ya know? If I had known you were going, though, Anzu, I wouldn't have worried." He laughed slightly. "I never thought you'd even end up in a meeting while you were alive!" Malik and Bakura both raised their eyebrows and then looked at Anzu, who frowned up at her friend.

"Jounouchi..."

"Anzu?"

"Go sit down before I break your nose."

"Uh..." Jounouchi grimaced. "Right..." He hurried over to the chair beside Bakura's, sinking in it in shame, knowing he had done something wrong; he just wasn't sure what it was that he had said wrong. Letting his shoulders slump, he folded his wings carefully and crossed his arms on the table, covering his mouth with them.

When the last of the angels and demons were partnered up, the two representatives of the groups went to the ends of the table. Malik curiously looked to see who was representing the demons. He almost groaned aloud. Of course it would be that complete asshole, Seto Kaiba, he thought with a sulky look. When he looked to the opposite end, he saw his partner's admirer, Atemu. Both were staring at each other with challenging looks, making Malik groan beneath his breath. He didn't think there would be anyone as stupidly arrogant as Seto, but apparently this Atemu was exactly the same based on the way he was holding himself. He heard Anzu give a small sigh of irritation and he suspected she saw the same problem as him.

"The World's Meeting shall commence," Seto announced in his cool voice, his hard, azure eyes never leaving Atemu's. "We come here to resolve any problems that these superior angels and demons wish to bring up, to make the bond between Heaven and Hell stronger." He frowned as he spoke, no sign of pleasantness on his face. "If the latter representative has something to add, then please do so."

"Hey, Anzu," Jounouchi whispered, leaning over the table as Atemu began an elaborate speech. Bakura rolled his eyes while Malik and Anzu turned their heads to Jounouchi, an amused expression on Malik's face. This male was truly an idiot. He was a funny idiot, though, so he supposed he would deal with it. "I don't like that guy. He seems like a real hard-ass."

"Don't swear, Jou," Anzu murmured back. "Shizuka will have your head and then Atemu will, too."

"Whatever, we're in Hell," he scoffed, "what are they going to do?" Bakura blinked and then covered his face, shaking his head slightly. Malik snickered, leaning back in his chair. Anzu watched him as he raised his arms and crossed them behind his head, creating a makeshift pillow. Wrenching her eyes from the smooth expanse of his tan chest, she returned to Jounouchi.

"Just be quiet and don't cause trouble, Jounouchi. This is a serious meeting, not a training class like we've been through. You can't just snore on the table and expect to be excused lightly with a smack on the head." He rolled his heads in response and leaned back in his chair. Anzu shook her head and turned her attention back to Atemu. Her eyes flicked to the demon representative, who was appearing dryly amused by his adversary. The angels were smiling and nodding their heads pleasantly. The demons had similar expressions as that of their representative. When Atemu finally finished, he sat and so did Seto Kaiba.

"An excellent speech," Seto drawled. "I wish I could put one together that is so extensively pointless." Atemu's eyes narrowed at Seto while the demons chuckled in response. Anzu frowned, seeing the humiliation on her friend's face and the smugness of the demon.

"Well, I suppose it would only be pointless to you," she spoke up without meaning to. All eyes turned on her in surprise, Atemu's the most shocked of all. Seto's eyes turned to slits as he looked at her. Well, this is probably why I'm never allowed to be at meetings, Anzu thought to herself. Swallowing, and ignoring the shaking of her hands, she continued, "If you're so intent on making the 'bond between Heaven and Hell stronger,' than why mock us? We're a proud race. Our speeches are like a part of us. Do you have any idea how rude and cruel it is to shoot something like that down as it did?"

"You're treading on thin ice, angel," Malik hissed in her ear. "Be careful how you talk to Seto Kaiba. He's just as your friend says." She glanced at him, but she gave no other sign of hearing him. Seto, in fact, looked livid at being talked to as he had. Slowly, he rose to his feet. She stiffened as he came around the table and paused in front of her. She raised her chin a notch, staring him in the eye. His frown deepened and he leaned in her face.

"If you ever speak to me that way again," he told her lightly, "I'll kill you." She blinked.

"You can't kill me," Anzu answered a bit shakily. "It's...it's against the Treaty."

"Then so be it. You opened your mouth and let those words slip out of your mouth. No one speaks to me that way."

"You spoke out of line towards Atemu!" She cried, fear gripping her around the heart. "You are the one that first spoke rudely! How is that fair, will you tell me?"

"Fair?" He repeated in an outraged tone. "You – "

"Seto," Bakura cut in sharply, rising to his feet before the demon made a mistake. The latter frowned at the prince, who gave him an icy look. "The girl is right. You spoke out of line. Go back to your seat so we can get this meeting finished with. None of us wants to be here, that has been made obvious. Everyone has a right to speak however they want as long as it does not result in death. If you believe otherwise, go over the Treaty. What I have cited is in Article 214." Malik glanced at Bakura warily. As the prince, he was to give off a sophisticated air and there was no doubt that that was exactly what he was doing at that moment. Seto looked irritated, but drew back, inclining his head in respect.

"Of course, prince," he quietly said, a hint of a sneer in his voice, as there always was. "You are correct, as always." Bakura nodded to Seto's seat and the brunette swept past them, casting a last, loathing look to Anzu. He settled in his chair, silent. Bakura slowly lowered himself to his chair, watching Seto as he propped his elbows on the table and made a steeple with his fingers, hiding his mouth behind them.

"Proceed," was all he said to the others.

"I'm sorry," Anzu apologized quietly to Bakura. "I couldn't let Atemu be taunted like that, though."

"Atemu has forever been the representative for the angels," Bakura told her neutrally as the room filled with noise. "He is often taunted for his long speeches. He gets irritated, but that is all. You should have kept quiet, girl. You're not in Heaven anymore." He flashed a look to her. "This is Hell, and sweetheart, no one's safe here."

---

Malik sighed as he exited the building, irritated to say the least. As usual, nothing was resolved on the first day. The angels grouped together with Otogi at the head. Malik paused, glancing behind him. His eyes found Anzu Mazaki instantly and by the bow of her head and the slump of her shoulders, he was guessing that she was feeling terrible about her first meeting. It might have shocked most of the others, but Malik, frankly, was impressed that she had stood up to Seto. Hardly anyone else but himself and Bakura would dare to go against that particular demon. He was the fourth most powerful in Hell, Satan being first, Bakura being second, and Malik being third. Anyone could tell just by looking at him and his hard face that he was no one to trifle with. He knew Anzu had seen that, but hadn't cared much, it seemed.

That's one strong angel, he thought to himself. He joined Otogi, who gave him a puzzled look. Flashing a bright, fake grin, he stated cheerfully, "I thought I'd join you."

"Don't cause any trouble," he grumbled. "Your angel partner already pissed off half of the demon community." Malik's smile dropped and he frowned at him, before peering over the heads of angels to see a soft, young girl about the same height as Anzu standing beside her. She was a cute thing, with long, auburn hair, soft, brown eyes, and a petite figure. The shape of her face and the brown eyes looked distinctly like Jounouchi's, so he supposed she was his sister, Shizuka Katsuya. She was cute, but Malik found himself thinking she was too sweet and that he'd prefer Anzu to her. With a small huff, he turned back to Otogi and shrugged helplessly. "You should have stopped her, Malik. That's what partners in this thing are for."

"Why should I have? Just as Bakura said, she can speak if she wants."

"Bakura was spouting bullshit," Otogi snapped. "Yeah, it might be true, but do you honestly think it matters here in Hell? Satan might not even do anything if Seto goes after her. She's just an angel, after all." He paused, an uncertain look on his face. "It depends on how much he believes in the Treaty." Malik merely grunted in reply.

"Are we leaving or not?" A voice snapped. They turned to see Atemu standing there, looking irritable. Malik's brief surge of anger disappeared seeing the nervous way his eyes darted around and how the feathers on his tense wings bristled in anxiety. He was worried about demons attacking Anzu.

"Yes, yes," Otogi replied with a slight glare. "Come this way."

---

Malik stayed at the gates of the wall that surrounded the buildings that would be housing the angels for a while. Anzu was in the back and he wanted a word with her before she went in. When she and Shizuka came up, he stepped in their way, startling them. He let a suave smile slip on his lips. "A word, Anzu, if you don't mind." Shizuka eyed him nervously, flicking a look at Anzu. She patted her younger friend on the shoulder.

"Go on ahead, Shizuka. I'll meet you in a bit, okay?" She smiled at Shizuka, who hesitated a moment later before nodded and returning the smile uneasily. Shizuka disappeared, her white wings the last to be seen. Malik raised his hand casually and blinked, seeing a white-bladed dagger at his wrist. "I can't help but be a bit on edge," she told Malik apologetically as he raised an eyebrow at the blade. "I don't trust you enough to not have a weapon in my hands."

"I'm not here to attack you," he informed her, moving the blade away with a finger. Her brow furrowed and she carefully dropped her arm, not bothering with putting the dagger away. "I'm actually very impressed with your actions today. Your morals are in the right place, but throwing words around like you did with Seto today will only get you killed. He's respected here in Hell, so you shouldn't try to make an enemy out of him. Is that clear?"

"I already did, though," Anzu protested. "I'm not going to take my words back."

"Seduce him, then," Malik replied with a shrug. Her jaw dropped and her face went pink. He snickered at her expression. This angel was so easy to mess with. She was so naïve.

"I'll do no such thing! Especially not with a demon!" She spat at him. Malik's mouth gradually eased upward into a sensual, inviting smile. He stepped close to her and she stepped back, her wings brushing against the gate. He planted his hands above her head and gazed down at her with hungry, glittering eyes. Anzu's heartbeat quickened slightly at his proximity and she clutched at her dagger, her lips parting as she drew in air and let her hand fly forward towards his chest.

Malik mildly glanced down at the dagger imbedded in his chest while Anzu stared up at him with a horrified expression. He covered her hand, but she quickly removed hers from the hilt of the blade. She flinched as he jerked out the dagger and held it in front of him. His eyes flicked briefly to her as he stated lazily, "For some reason, I have the impression that was supposed to hurt." He flicked the blood from the blade and her eyes went a bit rounder as he dropped the dagger. "Now, listen, angel," he purred as he got in her face, "I'm not an ordinary mortal man, let alone an angel. Don't fuck with me and we won't have issues. That little stunt you just pulled wasn't the wisest action on your part." He lowered his face and she let out a low whine as his mouth cupped her skin. She could feel his unnaturally sharp canine teeth drag over her skin.

"Y-you can't blame me for..." Anzu swallowed, hating the rising feel of eagerness that welled from her abdomen. "...self-defense," she weakly ended as he edged even closer to her. His mouth slid up to behind her ear and she moaned lightly, her head dropping back. He let out a rumbling chuckle, burying his hand in her hair, cupping the back of her head while his other hand went to her hip, pulling her closer. Damn demon, she thought with no real inflection. Her mind wandered and as he made love to her soft flesh, she recognized the stifled shame for what it was and pushed him away, stepping towards the gates.

Malik laughed softly beneath his breath, wisely keeping his distance from the shaken angel. So, she is more innocent than I even assumed, he mused humorously. She has never been kissed before. Ah, I will enjoy playing with her. She is a precious treat that will be a grand prize, indeed. "Why deny what your body wants, hmm?" He asked, sweeping a hand out grandly, his mouth curved in a tempting smile. "Why not forget the current troubles and enjoy what time you'll have in Hell?" Seeing the thought lying close behind her eyes, he stepped forward and took her hand, his other tilting her chin. "Why not I let you show you the excitement you can't find in Heaven?" His breath was warm on her face and his voice, so sensual and seductive, promised dark things that shouldn't have been tempting her.

"Malik," a familiar, rasping voice lashed out. Malik paused, turning his head the slightest bit to look at the prince of Hell. Bakura's eyes were dark pools of fury and irritation, his body tense. Slowly releasing Anzu, Malik moved from her and tilted his head at Bakura in mocking curiosity. Ignoring him, Bakura snapped at Anzu, "Get inside the walls!" She winced and hurried through the gates. Although Malik was calm outwardly, inside he was cursing Bakura for ruining his seduction. He'd had her in his spell and would have been able to get her in his bed after he kissed her, but that damned meddling prince had stepped in. "Malik," Bakura repeated, this time no anger was withheld. "Just what the hell did you think you were doing?"

"If I have to endure these meetings," Malik sneered, starting to walk past Bakura, "then I can at least have some kind of other fun while I'm at it."

"Malik!" Bakura's tone had him involuntarily stopping. His jaw twitching from the spell, Malik's eyes narrowed on Bakura as he came to stand beside him. "If you continue to act like your brother once did, I will be forced to deliver the same fate. That angel," he nodded to where Anzu had been, "isn't one that you should be associating with. I wouldn't fucking care if it was any other angel, but she has already made trouble with Seto, and Atemu seems to have his eyes set on her, as well." Bakura moved in front of him and leaned forward so their lips were nearly touching. "Can you honestly tell me that you're not doing this just to piss more than one person off?"

"I wanted her before any of that shit with Seto even happened," Malik replied with a bit of bite in his voice. Bakura noticed and gave a cruel, heartless grin. A shiver ran up Malik's spine. He knew what Bakura was capable of, had seen him tear apart both his brother and sister. It had wounded Bakura to do so, especially since he felt towards the Ishtars the way a family would. Nonetheless, Malik didn't want to end up like his family.

"Don't test me, Malik," Bakura warned, a flash of emotion entering his eyes. "You're the last person I want to kill over something so petty. Think of who you want to be. Do you want to be the dirty bastard Marik was?" Malik gave no response, staring mutely at Bakura, his mouth taut with tension. Bakura smiled slightly. "That's what I thought." He landed a kiss on Malik's mouth and then turned and left him there, flicking a finger so that Malik could move again.

No, Malik mused as he watched his best and only friend walk from him, I don't want to be anything like Marik.

End Part I