Disclaimer: I don't own YGO…duh!

Thanks for the reviews. My TWO readers. I can see the hits on my site, so I know about twenty of you are reading and not reviewing. I don't want to bug for reviews, all I want to know is what you think of Malik's personality. After that, I will back off and let you enjoy the story ;)

Chapter 16: Unexpected Friends

Kazejin and Malik sat on the rocks together, silence pervading the air, yet again. Malik scrutinized Kazejin's facial expression carefully. Her lips were occupied, nibbling on the date she had chosen, but her eyes were far away, pensive.

"Little Kaze," Malik called. "Hey, Kaze!" he tried again irritated.

"Huh?" Kazejin blinked, turning slowly to look at him, her eyes dazed.

"You're quiet, yet again. I told you I hated silence. Entertain me." Kazejin remained silent.

"Cat got your tongue?" Malik queried. "You've been like this since this morning. Zoned out." He waved his hand in front of her face pointedly.

"It is not something I wish to discuss," Kazejin replied shortly. "I have a lot on my mind, and I'd really appreciate it if you would just stop prying."

"Well, I want to pry. You're not getting out of talking to me. I want to ask you about your sister. What kinds of things does she like?"

Kazejin was taken aback by the question. "Um, I don't know," she said softly, wringing her hands tightly in her lap. "Why?"

"I intend," Malik smirked, "to take her up on her offer."

"You don't even know her!" Kazejin exploded. "And suddenly, you want to sleep with her?!"

"Hm," Malik chuckled. "I always wanted to sleep with her. I was actually going to pick her, not you. But then you called me, a, what was it? A "filthy bastard", I believe. So I decided you needed to be taught a lesson. Hence, you, not her, are my attendant."

"But you said she was too eager! And she is! Why bother courting her?! She will do anything with you, anyways."

"I was teasing her, at the time. But, like I said, you and that attitude of yours stepped in and changed my mind. I chose you. Now, I'm bored. I'm not my brother. I don't force myself on any girl. But, why not take one that is willing?" Malik mused bluntly.



"This is my sister, we're talking about! How could you say something like this to me?! Go tell her, then. I don't want to hear it! You men are all alike. You see one girl that's pretty, and you just want to take her to bed! Filthy!"

Malik snickered. "I'm sensing some angst," he said jokingly. "Someone's just bitter that I didn't choose her. I need someone to do things with. Unless you offer your services to me, I'll just have to go with your lovely sister."

"Do as you please, then! I would never sleep with you, not if you were the last man in all the world."

"Ah. The same could be said for you, my stubborn little slave. Maybe if you were the last person left in the world, I might reconsider. But, as of now, I will do as I please. I'll take the Lady Mai to bed with me, and there's nothing you can do about it."

Kazejin folded her legs and arms, and stuck out her lower lip, saying nothing, merely pouting. Malik smiled happily. Now, he was entertained. He had succeeded in getting a rise out of her. His violet eyed roved over his attendant where she sat, silently assessing her features. She wasn't as pretty as Mai, but attractive nonetheless. A challenge. He had asked for one, and that's what he had got. Malik didn't really love or even like Kazejin per se, he liked the challenge within her. He wondered if he could make her jealous enough to give in to his desires. His eyes landed on a brown streak that had stained her clothes. Malik clucked his tongue.

"I leave you alone for a few hours, and this is what you do? Your dress is dirty!"

"I slipped, okay?!" Kazejin snapped.

"Clumsy little slave," he remarked in jest, reaching out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear, just to annoy her.

Kazejin looked furious, probably enraged by the fact that he had touched her again, and was about to snap back when a voice interrupted.

"That's our Kazejin. Always a mess."

Kazejin whirled around in surprise, recognizing the person's crude cadence. "Jounochi, can you ever say anything nice to me?"

Malik laughed. "She is rather clumsy, Jou, but her good traits make up for it."

"What good traits?" Jounochi asked derisively, eyes on Kazejin.

Her face reddened in anger, but instead, through clenched teeth, she managed, "You two know each other?"

"Yeah. We do," Jounochi said. "Hello, Lady Kazejin."



"Hello." Kazejin nodded nonchalantly, but anyone could see she was happy to Jounochi. She smiled slightly.

"My darling attendant, I would appreciate it if you would extend a more polite greeting to my good friend."

Kazejin looked at Malik, puzzled. "A good friend?"

"Don't worry about it, Malik. When it comes to Lady Kazejin, that is about as nice as its going to get."

"You're right," Malik commented breezily. "You should see how rude she is to me. It makes for a good time though. I've only known her two days and she has me on my toes."

"Maybe," Kazejin cut in, "I would be nicer if some people around here weren't so rude to me!"

Jounochi stuck his tongue out at Kazejin before turning back to Malik. "When do we leave for court, Malik?"

"Inside of a week I expect. You are coming with me. I want you a good soldier like you in my party, and I am going to need someone with me to go talk to the Pharaoh. He likes you Jounochi. Maybe you and I together can figure out the reason for the recent battles our men have been put through. Putting down your traitorous city was one thing, but, what of the other attacks on our own people of late by the national guard?" Malik felt Kazejin tense next to him, and he turned one eye to her questioningly.

"Not in front of her," Jounochi commented softly.

Malik nodded, but made no apology to Kazejin. After all, as far as he knew, the rumors were true. Her father was a scum, who sinned greatly. He had intended to kill the Pharaoh, and take over Egypt. Akhenaden and his intelligence reports had proved it.

"What do we have here?" and oily voice simpered. Kazejin shivered, and even Malik was slightly unnerved. His brother approached rapidly, coming to halt next to Jounochi.

"Good afternoon, everyone," Marik greeted coldly. His eyes met Kazejin's as she turned on the rock to face Marik. She held his gaze, her body stiff. She was clearly terrified, but was trying to hide it.

Marik smiled, his canine teeth flashing in the sun. "I don't think we've met, my dear. At least not…in the proper way. My name is Master Marik."

"Lord Marik," Malik corrected sharply. "I am her master."

Marik ignored Malik and leaned down to grab Kazejin's delicate wrist. "Your name, dear lady?"



"Kazejin," she replied eavenly, sounding more confident than she looked. Marik could sense her fear and kissed her hand, his lips lingering. Kazejin snatched her hand away, and shifted closer to Malik, turning away from Marik to face the laundry pool.

Marik looked pleased at Kazejin's withdrawal from him. "Brother, you really ought to teach that girl some manners. I'm rather insulted that she just turned away from me like that."

Malik didn't respond. Instead, he stared at Marik, his eyes stony, fists clenched.

Marik stepped behind Kazejin, placing his rough hands on her shoulders. "Didn't you hear me, sweet?" he asked aloud, against her cheek. "You owe me an apology." His hands migrated downward, across her shoulders, his fingertips fanning out near her chest. The movement was intimate, telling of his intentions for her.

Malik had had enough. He pulled Kazejin in, close to his side, one arm slung over her. Simultaneously, Jounochi placed his firm grip over one of Marik's hands, stopping the movement.

"Don't move another inch, Marik," Jounochi spat angrily. "Stop touching her!"

"And, if I don't?" Marik asked threateningly. "Will you attack me? I suppose that could be a good thing. I'll get you thrown out of here and that will leave your sister open, mine for the taking."

Jounochi lost it. He punched Marik hard, sending him flying across the sand. Marik got up, wiping his lip. A trickle of blood escaped from the corner of his mouth. "I'll have you tried for that, boy," Marik hissed shakily, his breath raspy, as he struggled to stand. It appeared Jounochi had caught him off guard.

"Not if I kill you first!" Jounochi threatened, his eyes deadly.

"Jounochi." Malik addressed the blonde as calm as he could. "Jounochi, listen to me. Bring Kazejin to my chambers. She can wash the floors and clean the tub out. I will handle my brother."

"But…"

"Jou, that's an order!" Malik boomed.

Jounochi gently tugged on Kazejin's arm, but not before shooting a venomous glare at Marik. Kazejin, shaken up by Marik's touches, wouldn't move. She clung to Malik's arm that lain across her shoulder, terrified. Carefully, Malik disentangled her arms, and nudged her away. Kazejin complied, and got up slowly, allowing Jounochi to guide her away, back into the Ishtar home.

Once Kazejin was inside, Malik walked towards his brother, stopping an inch from his nose. "You and I have some things to discuss," Malik muttered. He looked at his older brother squarely. "And I'm not leaving until we do."