Disclaimer: I don't own YGO…duh!

Chapter 12: Shizuka's Escort

Shizuka sat for a while, stroking Kazejin's hair. Her Lady was so tired; it was apparent by the harsh, dark half-moons beneath her eyes. Kazejin fell asleep rather quickly; snoring and rolling about, as uncouth as a beggar. But then again, this was normal for Kazejin; she had always been a fitful sleeper, and she often kicked Shizuka when they would sleep in the same bed as children.

Satisfied that her mistress was safe and relaxed, Shizuka left the room quietly. She turned, and bumped into someone.

"Oh, I'm sorry," she stammered timidly. "I didn't mean…"

"How dare you, little servant girl!" a voice cried menacingly.

Shizuka raised her eyes at a snail's pace, petrified, and then sighed in relief. "Not funny, Jou. I thought you were someone else."

"Shizuka, who else could I be?" Jounochi laughed heartily, his chocolate eyes filled with merriment. "I told you I would escort you back."

Shizuka nodded, and her brother took her hand into his, and they walked down the long corridor.

"So, how is Miss Kazejin?" Jou asked casually. "Is she alright? Mai and Anzu were pestering me to find out after you had left."

Shizuka grinned. "Anything for Lady Mai, huh?" she teased playfully.

Jounochi flushed. "Anzu asked too," he said huffily, turning away, trying to hide his blush.

"You love her, brother. You could never lie to me!"

"Oh yeah? What about you and Honda? He's my best friend, so I really don't like the idea of you two getting engaged. But, our dad does like him, and you guys are of the same status, so I'm sure its only a matter of time before you marry him." Jounochi grinned, continuing to talk, not even noticing that Shizuka had stopped moving. "And then, you guys are gonna have kids, and I'll be an uncle, and…" Jounochi frowned. "Oi! Shizuka, come on!" he tugged on her arm, finally noticing how deadweight she had become. Shizuka remained rooted to the spot.

Jounochi looked at Shizuka out of the corner of his eye. Her shoulders were shaking, and she was staring at the floor. Jounochi followed her gaze, and saw tiny pinpricks of water hit the gleaming, golden floor. Tears.



"Shizuka, what's the matter?" Jounochi asked, oblivious. "What? You don't love Honda anymore? I didn't mean to upset you, but I figured you guys were gonna get married soon. It's only natural."

"It's not that. It's just, well, I haven't seen Honda since Kamen was pillaged. We're not sure if he…made it." Shizuka finished reluctantly. "What if he…well…many died, and he could be…could be…counted among them." Shizuka was crying freely now.

"Hey." Jounochi started. "Hey." Jounochi kneeled down, holding Shizuka's shoulders. "No tears, all right? I thought I was the family baby."

Shizuka laughed through her tears.

"Knowing Honda, sis, he probably got away. He was always a hard head. He probably knocked the blocks off of some soldiers and escaped."

"Maybe." Shizuka still wouldn't meet Jounochi's eyes. She looked away from him.

"Sis," Jounochi commanded firmly. "Believe me. Honda is alive. At least wait until we go to court. If he survived, and didn't get out of the village, he should have been taken to the palace as a captive. He will be questioned and released; the Pharaoh is a good guy.I am sure he will release all the women that are here, as well. He will know that these soldiers were just trying to defend themselves. After all, Honda and the others had no idea what our Lord had been planning."

Shizuka jolted up, her large, stormy eyes looking at her brother with alarm. "Jou, Lady Kazejin says not to speak of such things! Oh, please don't say that in front of her! It will upset her so!"

Jounochi's eyes went hard. "Shizuka, I believe what I see. I am the one who is in the royal guard, remember? Akhenaden found evidence that our Lord was using dark magic. There is also reason to believe that he was harboring the thief king, Bakura, right under our noses!"

"I know," Shizuka agreed. "I am sure our Lord betrayed us all. But, Lady Kazejin refuses to believe it."

"Lady Kazejin is mistaken," Jounochi commented flatly. "She fails to see the flaws in those she loves. And, she is stubborn. She cannot accept the truth just yet, but she will in time. Meanwhile, sis, chin up."

Shizuka smiled. It was a small smile, but it was a start. "Anything for you, big brother."

"Atta girl." Jounochi patted her shoulder affectionately, and stood up, motioning for her to continue down the hallway.

They padded along in silence for a bit. Then, Shizuka spoke. "Um, Jou? I have a question. Lady Kazejin wanted me to ask you something."

"What? What does our dear lady want from me?"



Shizuka laughed. "Stop acting like you don't care, brother. I know you care about her deep down. I know she used to tease you a lot, but still."

Jounochi growled. "She used to push my face into the Nile all the time! Girl almost drowned me! I bet I could take her now that I'm a professional warrior and all."

"I guess."

"What do you mean, you guess?! Of course I could!"

"Seriously, Jou. She has a question. She wanted to know if you were of the royal guard."

"Yeah, I am," Jounochi affirmed. "I just told you, remember? Why does she need to know that?"

"Well, she was just curious as to why you are at the Ishtar home, and not in the palace."

Jounochi tilted his head, and considered Shizuka's statement. "I am not sure, Shizuka. I take orders from Akhenaden. He commands the army as the strategist. I just do what I am told."

"Well, if that's all you know, I'll ask Lady Mai, then. Lady Kazejin told me to ask her as well."

"Good." Jounochi nodded vigorously. "Let us go see Lady Mai, then!"

Shizuka caught the excitement in Jounochi's voice and cast a sidelong glance at her brother. "Anything for Lady Mai…" she mocked.

Jounochi blushed again, and the two siblings locked arms, heading towards the servants' quarters.