Chapter 5

"Now you'll do what I say," hissed Malik.

Ryou had fallen into a state of shock. Memories of the time when he was still a slave came back to his mind. His people died and he couldn't do anything but watch. It would be like that again. It would happen again, and even if he acted brave, in the end he would only be able to watch again. He was weak. He would never be able to defend himself against the Notechis.

"Malik, stop," Mariku tried to appease him. He stood up from the bed and was about to approach them, but Malik pressed his claws harder against Ryou's neck. Mariku stopped. He knew, if Malik only scratched Ryou, he would poison him.

"You don't tell me what to do!"

"I'm... I'm sorry." Mariku held up his hands. "I'm not in the position to dictate you. You're right." He acted submissive; otherwise Malik wouldn't listen to him. "I beg you, let go of Ryou. You've saved us all. What sense would it make to kill us now?"

"I won't let you chain me up again," snarled Malik.

"No one will. We promise."

Malik laughed. "You are not in command here. You're useless." He took a step to the side and cleared the door. "Now, move!"

Mariku gritted his teeth. His eyes fell on the gun on the ground, but Malik would rip off his head before he was even close enough to it. With his eyes glued to Malik, he walked past him. "What are you going to do?"

"Shut up!"

Mariku sighed. He entered the cockpit and immediately all eyes turned to them.

"Ryou?" Anzu got up from her chair. Ryou didn't respond. He stared straight ahead blankly, caught in his terrible memories.

"You're now under my command, you useless insects. Unless you want to see your captain lose his head."

Mariku sank into one of the seats and crossed his arms over his chest. He couldn't believe what kind of situation he was in again. Just minutes before, they escaped death only to face something stupid again.

"The coordinates are 458C 52W, Veri Galaxy."

"A jump is impossible. The ship is too damaged," said Jonouchi.

"We jump!" Snarled Malik. Jonouchi and Anzu exchanged worried glances. "GO!" Anzu and Jonouchi let themselves sink back on their seats. Honda was not present. Bakura probably still took care of him.

Mariku watched them until he caught Jonouchi's eye. Jonouchi had clawed his fingers around the control pad and looked at him intently. Jonouchi looked from the control pad to Mariku and back again.

Mariku sat up and straightened himself. He looked at Malik, who paid no attention to him. Malik nodded slowly and Jonouchi turned his gaze back to the control pad in his hands. As casual as possible, Mariku stood up.

"What are you doing?" Hissed Malik.

"Oh, you know," Mariku grinned slightly. That was probably the last thing he would ever do. He took advantage of Malik's limited movements since he was holding Ryou hostage, and placed his arm around his neck at the very same time Jonouchi tossed around the control pad and they lost their footing.

Malik let go of Ryou and his teeth dug into Mariku's arm. Mariku cried out.

He expected his body to become numb and his breathing to stop any second. Mariku closed his eyes, but nothing happened. Only pain spread through his body.

It was a dry bite!

Surprised Mariku opened his eyes again. Malik didn't injected venom into his body. That didn't mean the bite didn't hurt like hell. Despite the pain, Mariku didn't let go of Malik.

Ryou woke up from his rigidity and grabbed the armrest of his chair. He shook his head a few times to shake off the dark thoughts. His heart was still racing, but now he was more than ever sure that he would kill Malik as soon as he was in possession of a weapon.

While Jonouchi made sure that the ship flew a steady course, Ryou keyed in a number combination into the control panel of his chair. The armrest opened and a hand gun appeared. With trembling knees Ryou sat up, pistol in hand. He watched Mariku and Malik, who still lay on the floor. Mariku had Malik in a firm grip, while Malik had his teeth sunk deep into Mariku's forearm.

Ryou pointed the gun at Malik. "Let him go, asshole," he hissed. He was trembling all over, but this time he would shoot Malik once and for all.

Malik looked up, but he made no move to release Mariku's arm. He tasted blood in his mouth. He couldn't kill him, even if he wanted to, because at the moment Mariku was the only one who didn't want to see him dead.

"Let him go," repeated Ryou and narrowed his eyes. Maybe it was best if he just shot them both.

"Stop Ryou!" Mariku intervened. His body had fallen into a shock and he didn't feel the pain anymore.

"Don't tell me you're still defending him? Even NOW?"

"Yes."

Malik's eyes widened in surprise and his bite loosened slightly.

Ryou pressed his lips together. "I should shoot you along with him." His finger was placed around the trigger and Mariku and Malik looked at him expectantly. Ryou made a frustrated sound and lowered the gun. He couldn't kill anyone. It was against his nature. He was not a murderer. He would never be one. Even if it was a Notechis he had to face.

The door slid open and Bakura entered. He held his head. The area around his eyes was still slightly red, but he seemed to have no more problems with his vision.

"What is it now..." he paused when he saw the gun in Ryou's hand. Then he looked at Mariku and Malik on the ground. "I've apparently missed something."

"Long story," Mariku answered. His arm had become numb and his brain still refused to accept the pain.

"Um, I hate to interrupt, but we have a little problem here," said Jonouchi suddenly.

"What is it?" Ryou asked annoyed. He was angry at himself, angry because he was so weak.

"We got too close to a planet and ended up in its gravity. We're slowly drifting towards it."

Ryou rolled his eyes. "Then get out! This is not the first time you've had to deal with something like that."

"I tried, but the attractivity is too strong."

"Does that mean we'll crash again?" Bakura asked.

"No," contradicted Jonouchi. "We still have control over the ship. We will probably touch down gently, depending on the planet's surface."

"The surface scanner says that the planet is composed mainly of snow and ice." Anzu pressed a few buttons on the console. "Outside temperature estimated -20°."

Mariku felt Malik's body tense. He still hadn't let go of him.

Ryou tucked the gun back in the armrest. "Mariku." Mariku looked up. Ryou suddenly seemed somehow happy despite their situation. There was a gleam in his eyes, Mariku hadn't seen before. "The Notechis remains alive for the moment, but don't expect me to bother when he suddenly kicks the bucket." He chuckled. "It's your job to take care of him." Mariku raised his eyebrows in surprise. He certainly had not expected this. Ryou turned his back on him, "Now leave. I don't want to see you until we touched down."

The pain came when Malik let go of his arm. Mariku pressed his injured arm against his chest and pressed his hand onto the bite wound. Malik wiped his bloody mouth and avoided looking at Mariku. Silently, he stood beside him, looking at the floor. An unusual behavior, considering his normally irascible nature.

"Do you need help?" Bakura asked, holding out his hand for Mariku. Mariku took it gratefully, but the next moment pain shot through his shoulder. If this continued, he would end up as a cripple. Hopefully Malik didn't attack his legs next time.

Despite Bakura's help it was difficult for Mariku to get back on his feet. His legs wouldn't obey him and he stumbled a few times until Bakura grabbed him under the armpits for support. Malik followed them out of the cockpit and into Mariku's cabin.

Face contorted with pain, Mariku dropped down on the chair, holding his arm. With all the dreaming of adventures he had forgotten that they were really quite dangerous and he was probably not born a hero. Especially, considering the fact that the only thing he had contributed so far was defending a mass murderer. He looked at Malik, who had lain down on the bed with his back to Mariku. What was going on in his head? But the question was much more: what was going on in his own head?

Bakura gently took his arm and began to pluck the fabric from the wound. Mariku gritted his teeth and closed his eyes. Malik would one day be his death, and he himself was to blame.

"Take it off." Bakura tugged at Mariku's shirt, but Mariku had trouble lifting his arm and getting it over his head. Bakura had to help him.

He was only a few days on the road and his body already a wreck. Bakura cleaned the wound and Mariku drew a sharp breath. The remedy almost burned worse than the wound itself.

Black spots began to dance before his eyes and Mariku took several deep breaths. He wouldn't allow himself to lose consciousness. Mariku looked at the still bleeding wound. Malik's canines had left deep holes in his arm and the rest of his teeth had pierced more than just the top layer of skin. He was lucky that Malik hadn't ripped out a chunk like he had done with his shoulder.

Bakura wiped the blood away and looked at the wound more closely. "If his bottom teeth were as long as his upper teeth you could probably see through the holes in your arm."

Mariku coughed and choked. The very thought was making him feel sick.

"Wow, calm down, that was just a joke. But if you two continue like this, I'll soon be out of bandages." He pressed a compress on the bite wound. "Hold tight." Mariku did as instructed while Bakura opened the bandages. "But you should really work on your relationship; otherwise there won't be a happy end for you."

Malik hissed angrily. "Be careful what you say, or I'll rip out your tongue, bloodsucker."

Bakura smirked. He didn't seem to feel threatened by Malik, or at least he didn't show it. "What do you say, Mariku?"

Mariku sighed. "There is no relationship."

"Not yet," piped Bakura and packed the first aid kit back together.

"Get out!" Malik hissed.

Bakura winked at Mariku before he left the room.

Sighing Mariku turned to Malik, who shot him a contemptuous look, then turned his back on him again. Mariku didn't know what he was going to do with Malik. Ryou had put him in charge. What was he thinking? As if Malik would listen to him.

Ryou seemed to know something about Malik that he didn't tell anyone. Did it have to do with the planet? He remembered how Malik's body had suddenly tensed.

Mariku yawned. He felt like he hadn't slept for days. All the uproar had drained him.

Meanwhile, he had made friends with the idea that he would never reach Ptera in time. They still didn't know where they were, the ship was damaged and in a few hours they would again land on a foreign planet without knowing what awaited them.

"Do you want to wash yourself?" Mariku asked since he didn't know what to talk about with Malik.

Malik sat up and looked down on himself. His arm was covered up to the shoulder with dried blood. There was blood in his face. He shrugged his shoulders, but still got up from the bed. "Do you want to borrow some of my clothes?"

Malik snorted. "I don't need anything from you!"

Mariku held up his hands. "It's all right. I just thought you wanted to get out of those rags."

Again Malik looked down on himself. His trousers had a big hole on his right knee and were torn in several places. He himself had torn off the sleeves of his shirt to get rid of the blood, as he had killed the first Trodectans who had been positioned as guards. His clothing was more than battered, but he stubbornly pressed his lips together. Mariku rolled his eyes and led Malik in the small bathroom.

"Hurry up though." Mariku leaned against the door, as it closed behind Malik and slid to the floor. He tilted his head back and closed his eyes. These were the worst days of his life.

Mariku fell backwards into the room as the door slid open. "Ouch." He looked up at Malik, who was standing over him with raised eyebrows. Yawning, he got to his feet. He was glad he could go to bed now. He looked at Malik. "Feels much better, doesn't it?"

Malik said nothing, but pushed past Mariku and went back to his room. Mariku sighed. This would never end well.

Malik lay on the bed again, face turned to the wall. Mariku sat back on the chair and rubbed his newly-bandaged arm. It would be very cramped in this bed and he was sure Malik wouldn't like it.

"So," he started and drummed his fingers on his thigh, "the Veri Galaxy – does the rest of your people live there?" He leaned back in his chair.

"That's none of your business." grumbled Malik without looking at him.

Mariku had expected a response like that. "How long were you on that dilapidated space station?"

"Shut up!"

Mariku rolled his eyes. No small talk then. He changed his seat from chair to bed, which made Malik turn around.

"What are you doing?"

"This is still my bed," He wouldn't take any of Malik's power nonsense. "And I'm tired. I almost got eaten, got hunted through a forest, and then even bitten. I want to sleep and I'll do it in this bed. If you don't like it, then sleep on the floor!"

Malik growled and showed his teeth, but Mariku was not impressed. He stretched out on the bed, which resulted in Malik making him as small as possible and sliding close to the wall. Nevertheless, they were almost touching, because the bed didn't offer enough space for two people.

Malik hissed and spat. Annoyed Mariku grabbed him by the collar and pulled him closer. Pain shot through his arms and upper body, but he repressed it. Malik's and his face were almost touching.

"Listen up, you've bitten a piece out of my shoulder, and pierced my arm and yet I still defend you, even though you don't deserve that. At least show some gratitude and let me sleep in peace."

Malik pressed his lips together and Mariku let him go. The pain and fatigue got Mariku in a bad mood. Moreover, he couldn't even remember when he had last eaten. He turned over on his side, but his shoulder punished him for it immediately. He turned onto his back, but he couldn't sleep. Sighing, he turned on his belly. Also, not necessarily his preferred sleeping position, but he hadn't much choice.

Mariku turned his head and looked at Malik, who in turn was watching him. "Why did you not poison me?"

Malik opened his mouth and closed it again. He stared at Mariku, searching for an answer. "Because," he began, but then he shook his head. "I had my reasons." He lay back and made sure there was as much distance between Mariku and him as possible.

"Stubborn," muttered Mariku and closed his eyes. His limbs felt like lead, and pain throbbed dully through his whole body. Even if he had wanted it, he wouldn't be able to stay awake much longer.

Malik listened to Mariku's steady breathing. He felt the warmth emanating from Mariku's body and because it was higher than the ambient temperature, his own body acclimatized. Humans were really a strange species. Stupid, but also brave. Or was their bravery based solely on their stupidity?

Nevertheless Mariku was pretty tough. He had survived his venom and he still defended him. What was going on in the head of this frail human? Why wasn't he afraid of him, even though he knew what he was capable of?

Malik licked his lips. It made him uneasy that he couldn't catch the meaning behind Mariku's actions.

Malik sat up, grabbed the blanket and pulled it over himself and Mariku. At the moment, Mariku was the only ally he had. Malik closed his eyes. But this didn't mean he trusted him. He distrusted him as much as the rest, and would kill him as soon as he saw a way out of this mess.

But Malik was more worried about what he soon had to face: Cold. No wonder that cursed Cygni was in such a good mood suddenly. Malik thought of the cold and slipped unconsciously closer to Mariku's warm body.

Mariku startled from his sleep. He wanted to sit up, but his arms protested. He sank back on the mattress and buried his face in the pillow. Mariku noticed a movement beside him and turned his head. He had to look down to discover Malik beside him. He lay on his side, his breath brushing Mariku's skin. Mariku raised his eyebrows in surprise. He turned slightly to the side. Malik looked almost peaceful when he slept. Mariku stretched out his arm to touch him, but before this could happen Malik grabbed him by the wrist and opened his eyes.

"What are you doing?" Malik hissed, and push Mariku away with so much force, Mariku rolled off the bed. Mariku gasped in pain as he hit the ground. He lay there, paralyzed by pain.

Malik hesitated, then slid to the edge of the bed and looked down.

"Was that really necessary?" Mariku asked.

"Don't touch me!"

"Okay, okay." Mariku managed to raise an arm and lay it on the mattress. He concentrated and tried to lift himself, but with a faint cry he fell back to the ground. "I want to go home," he murmured.

"How is the planet you are from?" The question was such a surprise that Mariku just stared at Malik without answering. However, Malik withdrew his gaze by lying down again.

"Well," Mariku said slowly and looking for words. How to describe the earth? "It varies. It has a lot of different vegetations; mountains, oceans, snow and ice, deserts and forests."

"Where are you from?"

It was better when he didn't question Malik's sudden curiosity. It was at least better than when he hissed at him. "Egypt – it's very hot during the day, but at night it gets very cold. There is a lot of sand, but only little water." He waited to see if Malik said something else, but he didn't. Should he ask him about his own homeland? Mariku casted away the thought. It was better when Malik told him on his own accord. "Do you want me to lie here all night?"

Malik's face reappeared above him. He seemed to think about it, he then got out of bed and helped Mariku back on his feet. Relieved Mariku dropped onto the mattress and closed his eyes. "Biting surely isn't on my turn-on list." He opened his eyes again and looked at Malik. "Can you bite someone else in the future?"

"I was just defending myself." Malik explain himself.

"I didn't even attack you when we first met."

"I was hungry." Malik shrugged. Mariku couldn't help but laugh which led to a very confused expression on Malik's face. "Why are you laughing?"

"Because this situation is ridiculous. Your whole species consists of mass murderers, you almost killed me and still want to do so, and yet, despite that I'm still defending you. I'm even sharing a bed with you and talking to you; this whole situation is just absurd."

Malik still couldn't understand Mariku's behavior. "Humans are weird."

Suddenly a shock went through the ship and Mariku held on to the bed frame. The ship seemed to slide across the surface. From outside could be heard a strange noise, which Mariku couldn't define. Finally, the ship came to a stop and the engine died.

"Looks like we're here." Mariku sat up again and shot a glance at Malik. "You better stay here."

Malik didn't argue. He kept a straight face, and laid back down turning his back on Mariku.

Mariku walked toward the cockpit, when he met a yawning Ryou.

"What do you want?" Ryou's tone was anything but friendly.

Mariku and Ryou would probably never be friends.

"I wanted to ask if I can be of any help." Even if they weren't friends, Mariku wanted at least try to gain a few sympathy points.

"We're going to sleep first," said Ryou, "then we'll look around and try to contact the inhabitants of this planet."

"Do you know what or who lives here?" Mariku had no desire to encounter yet another alien race who wanted to eat him.

"A hunch." He shrugged. "Now get back in your cabin and keep an eye on the Notechis scum. We're going for a walk later." Mariku didn't like the grin on Ryou's face. Not a single bit. It didn't fit his otherwise gentle appearance. He schemed something and Mariku wasn't keen on finding out what it was. Definitely nothing good.

He wanted to take a look outside, but he didn't want to risk angering Ryou. Their relationship was already tense enough, so he turned back and returned to Malik.

"The others are resting for a while." He sank down on the bed. Malik was still laying with his back to him. "After that Ryou wants to go outside." Was it just him or did Malik just wince? "I hope we get out of here soon." He lay down next to Malik and turned his head slightly in his direction. "Are you telling me where we are?"

"No."

"Oh come on, you want to leave as well, don't you?" He reached out to Malik, but Malik spun around and pinned Mariku on the mattress. Mariku grimaced in pain. Not only, that Malik had a very firm grip, his wounds hurt as well.

"I told you not to touch me," he hissed. His tongue flicked restless.

"Right now, it's you who touches me."

Malik looked at his hands, pulled them back and let him sink back to his previous place.

Mariku rubbed his wrists. "You're pretty strong."

Malik made an amused sound. "Of course."

"Don't you want to get out of here?"

Malik took his time with his answer. "I do."

"But?"

"I die one way or another, the only difference is, as long as you don't get out of here, you die with me." He had turned around and grinned at Mariku.

Mariku didn't know how to respond to that. He easily forgot Malik's true nature and had difficulties to accept what he had done.

"Are all Notechis like you?"

"Yes," Malik replied without hesitation.

"Really all of them?" Mariku couldn't believe it. "Don't you have your own minds?"

Malik grabbed Mariku by the throat. "Don't you dare to insult my people, you scum!" He let go of Mariku, who greedily gasped for air. He had to choose his words carefully.

"Are there..." he cleared his throat "...Notechis who rebel against the system?"

Malik put his head slightly askew. "There are." He grinned again; he then ran his thumb along his throat. "Weaklings get sorted out." With that, the topic was finished for Malik because he turned away from Mariku.

Mariku didn't raise the subject again. He couldn't imagine what it must be like to grow up as a Notechis. He didn't even want to.

Mariku sat up and pulled up the blanket. He wanted to get some more sleep before they plunged into the next involuntary adventure. He put the blanket over Malik and him and turned over on his stomach again. However, it was hard for him to fall asleep. There were too many things on his mind. He noticed Malik's movements and kept still as Malik slid closer to him.

He just didn't know how take the measure of Malik. He was a murderer, cruel, condescending and still... Mariku made a frustrated sound, which resulted in Malik hissing at him.

"Sorry," muttered Mariku.

Malik grabbed the blanket and turned away from Mariku, pulling the blanket off him. Mariku grabbed the blanket and dragged on it, which led to a sharp pain in his arm. He cursed.

"You can be quite a pain in the ass, you know that?" Malik did not respond. "Come on, how old are you? Five?"

"Be quiet!"

And right now, Mariku had difficulties to see the monster in Malik. He acted unapproachable and dangerous, but was he really? Had he really fought in the war or was it just a story that he had thought of because he admired the warriors of his people?

The queen of the spider women had said she would know Malik's father, but she didn't recognize Malik. Had they just never met or had Malik really lied to them?

Mariku sighed. This was bothering him way too much. He thought of Mai, his high school friend; she had always teased him by saying that he had a weakness for complicated guys. Malik definitely blew up the scale. It was not like he was attracted to him, it was just... he could not explain it.

"Malik, its cold, please give me the blanket." With a hiss Malik pressed the blanket against Mariku's chest. "Thank you." He spread the blanket about Malik and himself. As Mariku stretched himself, Malik slipped away from him, only to be stopped by the wall. "Sorry, but I have to put my arm up here. You can use me as a pillow if you like. Just not the shoulder."

Malik said nothing. He simply stared at him and Mariku tried to interpret his expression. It was not dark in the room, since a soft, blue glow spent enough light he was able to see the expression on Malik's face; a mixture of surprise, disgust, and... something else, but Mariku couldn't say what it was. "All right, was just an offer, continue lying uncomfortable then."

Malik hissed at him and Mariku hissed back. For a moment Malik looked like as if he would burst out laughing any moment. Instead, he sank back on the mattress, with distance between himself and Mariku. "You're weird."

"You're complicated." Mariku had to smile. He yawned and closed his eyes.

He hoped that this time Ryou had a better plan than just mindlessly running through unknown territory.