AN: I'm back! You all miss me? Of course you do! What reasons do you have
for not missing me!! hehehe...Aren't you proud of me? I finsihed this
chapter in a day!! I've impoved my talents ^_^ Remember, all suggestions,
ideas, and thoughts or reviews can be sent to me at my email addie:
HyEsUnGsLiL1004@hotmail.com or IM 'em to me at: infatuationv1 or cathy jung
disclaimer: lalalalalala....Yu-Gi-Oh! belongs to......some rich dude and not me...boo hoo..
====I'll Go On and On====
Chapter Seven:
Domino Police Station
"What did I do wrong?" Joey wailed at the police officer.
"I think its best when your lawyer gets here."
"Can you at least take these handcuffs off of me?"
"No can do!" the officer replied cheerfully. "Against regulations. Have a seat and relax." The officer sat back in his comfy chair and moved his legs onto his desk.
"How can I relax when I'm at the police station arrested for who knows what?" Joey screamed. "This is unjust!"
"Rough morning, Brian?" another officer asked the blonde.
"Yea, I got a report from an anonymous caller and this lunatic fits the description." He said coolly.
"You want me to beat him into a confession? I haven't done that for a while." the brunette officer said with a grin.
"WHAT? Uhh, I'll be quiet now." Joey promised.
"That's a good boy." the short brunette said petting the top of Joey's head. He grinded his teeth in frustration but kept his mouth shut.. "So what is this?"
"A code 143."
"Oh, those. By the looks of it, I bet he's guilty."
"I think so too." the officer agreed.
The phone rang and the officer picked it up. "Thompson speaking." He greeted. "Yes, yes, I've caught the suspect....would you like to come in and identify him.......okay, okay.....a trial? Sure we can have one today if he's the suspect. We'll schedule one today in an hour. Okay Miss. Good Bye." Officer Brian Thompson hung up the phone and turned to Joey. "That was the anonymous caller and she's taking you up to court today," he explained.
"But my friends aren't even here yet!" Joey exclaimed. "And I'm entitle to have a lawyer present. I know my rights!"
"We have public lawyers if that makes much of a difference to you. You don't have much of a choice, pal."
"Man, Mai and the others better get here soon." Joey mumbled to himself.
Domino Courthouse
Yugi, Tristan, Mai, Tea, and Serenity were informed that Joey will be taken to trial shortly. They waited in the empty courtroom.
"What's going on here?" Tristan asked confused.
"I don't understand what's going on." Yugi stated.
"Wonder what Joey did wrong." Serenity mused.
"Knowing Joey, he probably deserves it." Mai said
"I agree with Mai this time. Joey probably got himself into this mess." Tea said pessimistically for the first time ever.
A door opened and the turned around and saw Malka walked in. She was dressed in a blue-gray pant set suit with a white-collar shirt inside.
"What are you doing here?" Tristan inquired.
"What does it look like I'm doing? I'm attending this court session. Heard it's going to be quite interesting," she replied a bit too cheerful.
"Who told you that?" Serenity asked annoyed by her tone.
"I have my sources," she responded.
The door opened again and Joey walked in still handcuffed with the officer who rested him and what looks like a lawyer.
"Tea, tell me you found me a lawyer to defend me."
"I'm sorry Joey. I couldn't find anyone at this hour." She gave him a sympathetic look.
"So who's defending you?" Yugi asked.
"The same guy who arrested me. I'm done for."
"Joey, don't be so negative. I'm sure everything will be fine!" Malka said cheerfully.
"Malka's starting to remind me of Tea." Tristan whispered to Yugi.
"I heard that, Tristan!"
"Well, I better take my place." She waved at her friends and walked to where Joey's accuser would originally be seated.'
"Wait a second, here! Don't tell me she's the one who called the cops on Joey!" Tristan exclaimed.
Than Joey remember what Malka had said earlier that morning when he walked into the apartment.
["You know, I can charge you for breaking and entering into my apartment."]
Those were her exact words. Remembering the tone of her voice than sent chill down Joey's back. It's starting to fit in together that she is the cause of his problem. 'But why would she do this to me,' he thought.
Moments later, someone announced, "Please rise for the honorable Judge." Everyone in the courtroom stood up and in walked a red-haired young judge.
"Let's see, this is a Ishtar versus Wheeler. The plaintiff, Malka Ishtar is charging the defendant, Joey Wheeler for stealing, is that correct Miss Ishtar.
"Yes, that is correct, your honor."
"What? This is crazy?! I haven't stole nothing from her. She's lying." Joey protested.
"There is no yelling in my courthouse!" the judge scolded. "Anymore outbursts from you and I will be force to add to your punishment."
"What?" Before Joey could continue, his lawyer/officer pulled him down to the seat.
Malka smirked at Joey and than waited for the judge to let her start her case.
"Miss Ishtar, let's hear your case."
"Your Honor," Malka started,. "the defendant, Joey Wheeler has stolen something very dear and valuable to me and it cannot be replace." Malka took a few steps towards the defendant. "This man here," she pointed at Joey "has stolen Mai Valentine's heart. Not only he stole it away from her, he abused the delicate, fragile irreplaceable heart. I would like for Joey Wheeler to pay for this crime. I can call Mai Valentine to the stand to testify of this unless the defendant decides to plead guilty, I can let him off with a mere warning."
"What? You're taking something like that and joke around in court!" Joey practically screamed at Malka. Her eyes brighten and widen in enjoyment. She was getting under Joey's skin.
"ORDER!" The judge slammed her gavel loudly. "Miss Ishtar, would you elaborate your punishment for Mister Wheeler if he is convicted."
"I propose that he must remain in Miss Valentine's custody for the next week."
"And what do you say to that Mister Wheeler. Do you plead guilty?"
"Wait a minute. Isn't today Sunday? The courthouse don't operate today." Joey said.
"Mister Wheeler, don't test my patience!" The judge demanded. "Do you plead guilty?"
"I would plead guilty and get this over with." Joey's lawyer whispered into his ear.
"Alright, alright. I plead guilty."
"I hereby sentenced you to Miss Valentine's custody for the next week. Case dismissed." The judge slammed her gavel and allowed everyone to leave.
Malka walk up to the redhead and gave her a hug. "Thanks so much for coming in such a short notice, Scarlet."
"No problem, hun. I'm glad I can play along with you," the judge replied.
"I'll see you tonight at my banquet than."
"Of course. I wouldn't miss your annual banquet. I'll see you later."
"I wish I could have seen the look on Joey's face." Mai said approaching her boyfriend.
"Oh you can. I have it taped." Malka said pointing at the camcorders at the corner of the rooms.
"You girls planned this."
"Sure did. Next time, I'll think twice before forgetting a date with Mai." Malka warned him.
"You had us all worried." Tristan said.
"Can you get me out of these handcuffs?" Joey whined.
"I don't know. I sort of like it like this." Mai teased.
"Brian, sweetheart, can you remove the handcuffs."
"Sure thing Mal." He unlocked the cuffs and removed them from Joey. "I better get back to the station."
"Thank you for helping." Malka leaned and kissed him on the cheek.
"No probs." Brian headed for the doorway and than paused. "Let me know if you ever wanna pull this stunt on your own boyfriend."
"I'll be sure to call if I do." she called out to him and blew a kiss.
"Mallie, do I get a kissie?" Joey asked. "After that prank that you pulled off, I deserve one."
"Joey." Mai started angrily.
"On second thoughts, why don't you save it for next time."
"Well, I better get to the office and pick up some last minute things." She said grabbing her purse off the bench. "Mai, don't forget about the banquet later tonight. Bring Joey if you like."
"A banquet? I don't like getting all dressed up." Joey complained.
"There'll be food there, Joey. A buffet I believe." Malka tempted him having some information of Joey's love for food.
"I better get going." Malka glanced at her cell phone checking the time. "I'll see you later." Malka hurried out of the courthouse
"Hey wait." Yugi called after her running to catch up.
"What's up?"
"Umm. Yami wanted to talk to you remember. Do you mind if I tag along until you finish your errands. You did promised him that you'd meet him later today."
"Uhh...sure." She replied slowly. 'I guess I couldn't avoid this too long.' she thought to herself.
"If you're not comfortable, we can meet up some other time."
"Today's fine. Let's go, squirt."
***
Malka finished her errands by early afternoon but she still had to get ready for her company's annual banquet later that night. She decided to sacrifice an hour of her time and dealt with Yami and Yugi before things get too out of hand.
"So Yugi, where do you want to grab lunch? We can have a talk over lunch." Malka asked as she drove around in her car.
"Anywhere is fine with me." Yugi replied.
"I'm in the mood for Italian food. Is Olive Garden good for you?"
"I've never been there before."
"I love it there." She made a U-turn and headed for her favorite Italian restaurant. It was another fifteen-minute drive since it was in the next town. Yugi decided to question on Malka's knowledge on Egyptian History.
"Hey, Malka, how much do you know about Ancient Egypt?"
"I have a little bit of knowledge about it. Why do you ask?"
"I just thought you'd know about it since you appeared to be fascinated with the Millennium Puzzle."
Her face formed a slight smile. "What is it you would like to know?"
"Well, Yami was a pharaoh in the ancient times, but he's lost his memories. Somehow, he thinks you can answer them." Yugi explained.
"He has a lot of confidence in me. I'm flattered."
"So can you help him?"
"It really depends on my mood. Hey, we're here." Malka turned into the parking lot and parked her car. Once they stepped out of the car, Yugi switched to Yami. Malka looked up and felt herself blushing. 'Don't blush' she told herself. 'Hope he didn't notice it. Thank goodness my skin is tanned.'
'Why is she uneasy?' Yami wondered. 'She was okay with Yugi a minute ago.'
Malka headed to the entrance and a waiter took them to table. After they had ordered, an uncomfortable silence fell between them. The waiter returned with their drinks and disappeared back to the kitchen. Malka took a sip of her wine and pretended to concentrate on her cup.
"Is that a good idea for you to drink?" Yami asked breaking the silence watching her fixed her eyes on at the cup.
"I'll be fine." She took another gulp of wine and squint at the bitterness. She almost choked on the wine. She drank a glass of water to wash down the wine and clear her throat from the bitter taste. 'I have to stop acting like this.' she thought. 'I'm making myself look like a fool.'
"Are you okay? Is something bothering you?"
"No. Yes. I mean..."
"Am I making you uncomfortable?" he inquired thoughtfully.
Malka swallowed the lump in the back of her throat and picked up her glass of wine, but Yami stopped her. He placed his hand firmly on hers preventing her to drink.
Automatically, like a normal reflex, she drew back her hand away from Yami. Realizing that gesture was a bit rude, she apologized. "Sorry." Her tone was gentle as well as soft and very familiar.
Although she was acting unusual around Yami, all of her actions felt natural and common to him. Her touch. Her voice. Her smile. Everything about her seemed to screaming out the past. His past.
"Are you afraid of me because I'm a spirit that dwells within Yugi's body."
She simply shook her head not looking at him. She didn't trust her voice right now and she didn't want any eye contact.
"You don't find that a bit bizarre or abnormal?"
Again she shook her head in response.
"Malka?"
Slowly she looked up and gaze into the pair of eyes before her. 'I want to tell you, but I can't bare to hurt you. After what happened in the past, I...I...' Malka took in a deep breath and looked away from Yami. "Sorry." Those were the only words she was able to speak. It wasn't a surprise it came out so easily. She owed him countless apologies.
"What are you sorry about?"
Malka shook her head. 'Speak, dang it!' she ordered herself. 'You were always great with voicing your opinion, where did that all disappeared to?' The waiter showed up with their order and left shortly after. Once he left, Yami started their one-sided conversation again.
"You're not drunk after a few sips, are you?"
"No, I'm not, Pharaoh." 'Damn it! Why did I address him as Pharaoh,' she thought scolding herself.
"Pharaoh?" he repeated. 'She must know the past. I sense her hiding something. Holding back the truth.'
"Yugi told me earlier that you wanted to speak with me because you're looking for some answers regarding the past. I'm sorry but I don't think I'll be much help," she lied. "My knowledge of the Ancient Egypt is limited."
"Than tell me what you do know. What do you know of this Millennium Puzzle?"
"It probably dates back to about 3000 years ago during the eighteenth rule during the New Kingdom of Ancient Egypt." Malka sounded like she was reading out from a history textbook. Suddenly, there was a sharp pain in her chest. She swallowed the pain and continued. "The puzzle belonged to the ruler of Egypt. I believe there are six other items similar to the one you posses. It was said that it sealed away an evil a long time ago." The sharp pain didn't go away. Malka closed her eyes and than remembered something important concerning her health.
"Are you okay?"
"It's just a bit of chest pain," she replied. "It'll go away in a bit." She picked up her glass of wine and took another sip. "I don't know too much about each item and what happens when all seven items are brought together." 'At least I didn't lie there. Wonder what would happen if they were all brought forth together.'
"Do you know much about the owner of this puzzle?"
"In other words, you're asking me if I know anything about you, the pharaoh."
Yami nodded.
"What specifically do you want to know about yourself?" she asked somewhat entertained that he had no memory of the past. 'This is starting to be fun.' Malka thought.
"Didihaveaqueenbyhmyside?" Yami muttered.
"Hmm? I didn't hear that. Could you speak up and not mumble?"
"Sorry." Loudly and clearly he asked, "I asked if I had a queen."
Malka felt that other people were staring at them but shrugged off the thought and answered, "If my memory was correct, you did have a queen." 'If he only knew how much I wanted to stress on the word -did-. But it's best he don't know the details.'
"So do you remember her name."
Malka didn't answer and luckily her phone rang interrupting them. She checked the number and groaned. It was Kaiba. After what happened yesterday, she didn't want to talk to him yet. She was still upset with him.
"Can you answer for me." Malka beseeched sweetly. "I don't want to talk him right now."
Feeling like he owed Malka, he took her phone and answered it. "Malka doesn't want to speak with you right now." Malka can tell Kaiba was yelling something out but Yami merely hung up.
"Thanks."
"What happened between you and Kaiba?"
"I rather not talk about it." Again the phone rang. Her pleading eyes asked Yami to answer it once more. "Take a message." she mouthed to him.
"Kaiba, look, leave a message and I'll get it to Malka."
"Where is Ishtar? I want to speak with her."
"Ishtar?" Yami repeated giving Malka a questioning eye and she pointed to herself to confirm that it was indeed her he was referring to. "Talk Kaiba or I'll hang up again."
"Who is this?"
"Yami."
"What the hell are you doing with Ishtar?"
"Look, are you going to leave a message or not."
"Give her the phone. I'll tell her myself."
Yami handed the phone to Malka and she listened. Kaiba didn't say anything so she pressed a button to let him know she's there.
"Ishtar, in spite of how you feel about me right now, I'll be there tonight at the banquet whether you like it or not." A smirk formed on her face. She knew she should be mad at him after that slap. She shouldn't forgive him so easily, but she couldn't help it. She pressed another button and than hung up on Kaiba.
Yami observed her face expression and voiced his opinion. "I take it that he said something to please you."
Malka only smile.
"Can I ask you something." Malka gestured Yami to go on. "Are you related to Marik and Isis Ishtar."
"You know, Kaiba asked me that same question."
"Well?" Yami said impatiently waiting for a reply.
"That's a secret!" she replied cheerfully.
***
AN: I decided not to start on the banquet and leave that for next chapter. Did you like the lil joke the girls had on Joey? I got the idea from this dating site and decided to exaggerate it a bit. I also got the 'drag your love one out of bed to watch the sun rise' from there and from Ranma 1/2 when girl-type Ranma dated Kuno. Let me know if I need any more improvement! I know I need criticism!! ~~ In the next chapter, it'll be mostly banquet/business stuff. More of Kaiba appearance, a little bit of Joey/Mai. I can't believe I had Joey asked Malka for a kiss in front of Mai. He has some nerve!
btw, I'm basing some info to the information provided at theria.net and that saying "that's a secret," I stole that from Slayer's Next & Try from Xellos...did I say steal? I mean I quoted it from him...
disclaimer: lalalalalala....Yu-Gi-Oh! belongs to......some rich dude and not me...boo hoo..
====I'll Go On and On====
Chapter Seven:
Domino Police Station
"What did I do wrong?" Joey wailed at the police officer.
"I think its best when your lawyer gets here."
"Can you at least take these handcuffs off of me?"
"No can do!" the officer replied cheerfully. "Against regulations. Have a seat and relax." The officer sat back in his comfy chair and moved his legs onto his desk.
"How can I relax when I'm at the police station arrested for who knows what?" Joey screamed. "This is unjust!"
"Rough morning, Brian?" another officer asked the blonde.
"Yea, I got a report from an anonymous caller and this lunatic fits the description." He said coolly.
"You want me to beat him into a confession? I haven't done that for a while." the brunette officer said with a grin.
"WHAT? Uhh, I'll be quiet now." Joey promised.
"That's a good boy." the short brunette said petting the top of Joey's head. He grinded his teeth in frustration but kept his mouth shut.. "So what is this?"
"A code 143."
"Oh, those. By the looks of it, I bet he's guilty."
"I think so too." the officer agreed.
The phone rang and the officer picked it up. "Thompson speaking." He greeted. "Yes, yes, I've caught the suspect....would you like to come in and identify him.......okay, okay.....a trial? Sure we can have one today if he's the suspect. We'll schedule one today in an hour. Okay Miss. Good Bye." Officer Brian Thompson hung up the phone and turned to Joey. "That was the anonymous caller and she's taking you up to court today," he explained.
"But my friends aren't even here yet!" Joey exclaimed. "And I'm entitle to have a lawyer present. I know my rights!"
"We have public lawyers if that makes much of a difference to you. You don't have much of a choice, pal."
"Man, Mai and the others better get here soon." Joey mumbled to himself.
Domino Courthouse
Yugi, Tristan, Mai, Tea, and Serenity were informed that Joey will be taken to trial shortly. They waited in the empty courtroom.
"What's going on here?" Tristan asked confused.
"I don't understand what's going on." Yugi stated.
"Wonder what Joey did wrong." Serenity mused.
"Knowing Joey, he probably deserves it." Mai said
"I agree with Mai this time. Joey probably got himself into this mess." Tea said pessimistically for the first time ever.
A door opened and the turned around and saw Malka walked in. She was dressed in a blue-gray pant set suit with a white-collar shirt inside.
"What are you doing here?" Tristan inquired.
"What does it look like I'm doing? I'm attending this court session. Heard it's going to be quite interesting," she replied a bit too cheerful.
"Who told you that?" Serenity asked annoyed by her tone.
"I have my sources," she responded.
The door opened again and Joey walked in still handcuffed with the officer who rested him and what looks like a lawyer.
"Tea, tell me you found me a lawyer to defend me."
"I'm sorry Joey. I couldn't find anyone at this hour." She gave him a sympathetic look.
"So who's defending you?" Yugi asked.
"The same guy who arrested me. I'm done for."
"Joey, don't be so negative. I'm sure everything will be fine!" Malka said cheerfully.
"Malka's starting to remind me of Tea." Tristan whispered to Yugi.
"I heard that, Tristan!"
"Well, I better take my place." She waved at her friends and walked to where Joey's accuser would originally be seated.'
"Wait a second, here! Don't tell me she's the one who called the cops on Joey!" Tristan exclaimed.
Than Joey remember what Malka had said earlier that morning when he walked into the apartment.
["You know, I can charge you for breaking and entering into my apartment."]
Those were her exact words. Remembering the tone of her voice than sent chill down Joey's back. It's starting to fit in together that she is the cause of his problem. 'But why would she do this to me,' he thought.
Moments later, someone announced, "Please rise for the honorable Judge." Everyone in the courtroom stood up and in walked a red-haired young judge.
"Let's see, this is a Ishtar versus Wheeler. The plaintiff, Malka Ishtar is charging the defendant, Joey Wheeler for stealing, is that correct Miss Ishtar.
"Yes, that is correct, your honor."
"What? This is crazy?! I haven't stole nothing from her. She's lying." Joey protested.
"There is no yelling in my courthouse!" the judge scolded. "Anymore outbursts from you and I will be force to add to your punishment."
"What?" Before Joey could continue, his lawyer/officer pulled him down to the seat.
Malka smirked at Joey and than waited for the judge to let her start her case.
"Miss Ishtar, let's hear your case."
"Your Honor," Malka started,. "the defendant, Joey Wheeler has stolen something very dear and valuable to me and it cannot be replace." Malka took a few steps towards the defendant. "This man here," she pointed at Joey "has stolen Mai Valentine's heart. Not only he stole it away from her, he abused the delicate, fragile irreplaceable heart. I would like for Joey Wheeler to pay for this crime. I can call Mai Valentine to the stand to testify of this unless the defendant decides to plead guilty, I can let him off with a mere warning."
"What? You're taking something like that and joke around in court!" Joey practically screamed at Malka. Her eyes brighten and widen in enjoyment. She was getting under Joey's skin.
"ORDER!" The judge slammed her gavel loudly. "Miss Ishtar, would you elaborate your punishment for Mister Wheeler if he is convicted."
"I propose that he must remain in Miss Valentine's custody for the next week."
"And what do you say to that Mister Wheeler. Do you plead guilty?"
"Wait a minute. Isn't today Sunday? The courthouse don't operate today." Joey said.
"Mister Wheeler, don't test my patience!" The judge demanded. "Do you plead guilty?"
"I would plead guilty and get this over with." Joey's lawyer whispered into his ear.
"Alright, alright. I plead guilty."
"I hereby sentenced you to Miss Valentine's custody for the next week. Case dismissed." The judge slammed her gavel and allowed everyone to leave.
Malka walk up to the redhead and gave her a hug. "Thanks so much for coming in such a short notice, Scarlet."
"No problem, hun. I'm glad I can play along with you," the judge replied.
"I'll see you tonight at my banquet than."
"Of course. I wouldn't miss your annual banquet. I'll see you later."
"I wish I could have seen the look on Joey's face." Mai said approaching her boyfriend.
"Oh you can. I have it taped." Malka said pointing at the camcorders at the corner of the rooms.
"You girls planned this."
"Sure did. Next time, I'll think twice before forgetting a date with Mai." Malka warned him.
"You had us all worried." Tristan said.
"Can you get me out of these handcuffs?" Joey whined.
"I don't know. I sort of like it like this." Mai teased.
"Brian, sweetheart, can you remove the handcuffs."
"Sure thing Mal." He unlocked the cuffs and removed them from Joey. "I better get back to the station."
"Thank you for helping." Malka leaned and kissed him on the cheek.
"No probs." Brian headed for the doorway and than paused. "Let me know if you ever wanna pull this stunt on your own boyfriend."
"I'll be sure to call if I do." she called out to him and blew a kiss.
"Mallie, do I get a kissie?" Joey asked. "After that prank that you pulled off, I deserve one."
"Joey." Mai started angrily.
"On second thoughts, why don't you save it for next time."
"Well, I better get to the office and pick up some last minute things." She said grabbing her purse off the bench. "Mai, don't forget about the banquet later tonight. Bring Joey if you like."
"A banquet? I don't like getting all dressed up." Joey complained.
"There'll be food there, Joey. A buffet I believe." Malka tempted him having some information of Joey's love for food.
"I better get going." Malka glanced at her cell phone checking the time. "I'll see you later." Malka hurried out of the courthouse
"Hey wait." Yugi called after her running to catch up.
"What's up?"
"Umm. Yami wanted to talk to you remember. Do you mind if I tag along until you finish your errands. You did promised him that you'd meet him later today."
"Uhh...sure." She replied slowly. 'I guess I couldn't avoid this too long.' she thought to herself.
"If you're not comfortable, we can meet up some other time."
"Today's fine. Let's go, squirt."
***
Malka finished her errands by early afternoon but she still had to get ready for her company's annual banquet later that night. She decided to sacrifice an hour of her time and dealt with Yami and Yugi before things get too out of hand.
"So Yugi, where do you want to grab lunch? We can have a talk over lunch." Malka asked as she drove around in her car.
"Anywhere is fine with me." Yugi replied.
"I'm in the mood for Italian food. Is Olive Garden good for you?"
"I've never been there before."
"I love it there." She made a U-turn and headed for her favorite Italian restaurant. It was another fifteen-minute drive since it was in the next town. Yugi decided to question on Malka's knowledge on Egyptian History.
"Hey, Malka, how much do you know about Ancient Egypt?"
"I have a little bit of knowledge about it. Why do you ask?"
"I just thought you'd know about it since you appeared to be fascinated with the Millennium Puzzle."
Her face formed a slight smile. "What is it you would like to know?"
"Well, Yami was a pharaoh in the ancient times, but he's lost his memories. Somehow, he thinks you can answer them." Yugi explained.
"He has a lot of confidence in me. I'm flattered."
"So can you help him?"
"It really depends on my mood. Hey, we're here." Malka turned into the parking lot and parked her car. Once they stepped out of the car, Yugi switched to Yami. Malka looked up and felt herself blushing. 'Don't blush' she told herself. 'Hope he didn't notice it. Thank goodness my skin is tanned.'
'Why is she uneasy?' Yami wondered. 'She was okay with Yugi a minute ago.'
Malka headed to the entrance and a waiter took them to table. After they had ordered, an uncomfortable silence fell between them. The waiter returned with their drinks and disappeared back to the kitchen. Malka took a sip of her wine and pretended to concentrate on her cup.
"Is that a good idea for you to drink?" Yami asked breaking the silence watching her fixed her eyes on at the cup.
"I'll be fine." She took another gulp of wine and squint at the bitterness. She almost choked on the wine. She drank a glass of water to wash down the wine and clear her throat from the bitter taste. 'I have to stop acting like this.' she thought. 'I'm making myself look like a fool.'
"Are you okay? Is something bothering you?"
"No. Yes. I mean..."
"Am I making you uncomfortable?" he inquired thoughtfully.
Malka swallowed the lump in the back of her throat and picked up her glass of wine, but Yami stopped her. He placed his hand firmly on hers preventing her to drink.
Automatically, like a normal reflex, she drew back her hand away from Yami. Realizing that gesture was a bit rude, she apologized. "Sorry." Her tone was gentle as well as soft and very familiar.
Although she was acting unusual around Yami, all of her actions felt natural and common to him. Her touch. Her voice. Her smile. Everything about her seemed to screaming out the past. His past.
"Are you afraid of me because I'm a spirit that dwells within Yugi's body."
She simply shook her head not looking at him. She didn't trust her voice right now and she didn't want any eye contact.
"You don't find that a bit bizarre or abnormal?"
Again she shook her head in response.
"Malka?"
Slowly she looked up and gaze into the pair of eyes before her. 'I want to tell you, but I can't bare to hurt you. After what happened in the past, I...I...' Malka took in a deep breath and looked away from Yami. "Sorry." Those were the only words she was able to speak. It wasn't a surprise it came out so easily. She owed him countless apologies.
"What are you sorry about?"
Malka shook her head. 'Speak, dang it!' she ordered herself. 'You were always great with voicing your opinion, where did that all disappeared to?' The waiter showed up with their order and left shortly after. Once he left, Yami started their one-sided conversation again.
"You're not drunk after a few sips, are you?"
"No, I'm not, Pharaoh." 'Damn it! Why did I address him as Pharaoh,' she thought scolding herself.
"Pharaoh?" he repeated. 'She must know the past. I sense her hiding something. Holding back the truth.'
"Yugi told me earlier that you wanted to speak with me because you're looking for some answers regarding the past. I'm sorry but I don't think I'll be much help," she lied. "My knowledge of the Ancient Egypt is limited."
"Than tell me what you do know. What do you know of this Millennium Puzzle?"
"It probably dates back to about 3000 years ago during the eighteenth rule during the New Kingdom of Ancient Egypt." Malka sounded like she was reading out from a history textbook. Suddenly, there was a sharp pain in her chest. She swallowed the pain and continued. "The puzzle belonged to the ruler of Egypt. I believe there are six other items similar to the one you posses. It was said that it sealed away an evil a long time ago." The sharp pain didn't go away. Malka closed her eyes and than remembered something important concerning her health.
"Are you okay?"
"It's just a bit of chest pain," she replied. "It'll go away in a bit." She picked up her glass of wine and took another sip. "I don't know too much about each item and what happens when all seven items are brought together." 'At least I didn't lie there. Wonder what would happen if they were all brought forth together.'
"Do you know much about the owner of this puzzle?"
"In other words, you're asking me if I know anything about you, the pharaoh."
Yami nodded.
"What specifically do you want to know about yourself?" she asked somewhat entertained that he had no memory of the past. 'This is starting to be fun.' Malka thought.
"Didihaveaqueenbyhmyside?" Yami muttered.
"Hmm? I didn't hear that. Could you speak up and not mumble?"
"Sorry." Loudly and clearly he asked, "I asked if I had a queen."
Malka felt that other people were staring at them but shrugged off the thought and answered, "If my memory was correct, you did have a queen." 'If he only knew how much I wanted to stress on the word -did-. But it's best he don't know the details.'
"So do you remember her name."
Malka didn't answer and luckily her phone rang interrupting them. She checked the number and groaned. It was Kaiba. After what happened yesterday, she didn't want to talk to him yet. She was still upset with him.
"Can you answer for me." Malka beseeched sweetly. "I don't want to talk him right now."
Feeling like he owed Malka, he took her phone and answered it. "Malka doesn't want to speak with you right now." Malka can tell Kaiba was yelling something out but Yami merely hung up.
"Thanks."
"What happened between you and Kaiba?"
"I rather not talk about it." Again the phone rang. Her pleading eyes asked Yami to answer it once more. "Take a message." she mouthed to him.
"Kaiba, look, leave a message and I'll get it to Malka."
"Where is Ishtar? I want to speak with her."
"Ishtar?" Yami repeated giving Malka a questioning eye and she pointed to herself to confirm that it was indeed her he was referring to. "Talk Kaiba or I'll hang up again."
"Who is this?"
"Yami."
"What the hell are you doing with Ishtar?"
"Look, are you going to leave a message or not."
"Give her the phone. I'll tell her myself."
Yami handed the phone to Malka and she listened. Kaiba didn't say anything so she pressed a button to let him know she's there.
"Ishtar, in spite of how you feel about me right now, I'll be there tonight at the banquet whether you like it or not." A smirk formed on her face. She knew she should be mad at him after that slap. She shouldn't forgive him so easily, but she couldn't help it. She pressed another button and than hung up on Kaiba.
Yami observed her face expression and voiced his opinion. "I take it that he said something to please you."
Malka only smile.
"Can I ask you something." Malka gestured Yami to go on. "Are you related to Marik and Isis Ishtar."
"You know, Kaiba asked me that same question."
"Well?" Yami said impatiently waiting for a reply.
"That's a secret!" she replied cheerfully.
***
AN: I decided not to start on the banquet and leave that for next chapter. Did you like the lil joke the girls had on Joey? I got the idea from this dating site and decided to exaggerate it a bit. I also got the 'drag your love one out of bed to watch the sun rise' from there and from Ranma 1/2 when girl-type Ranma dated Kuno. Let me know if I need any more improvement! I know I need criticism!! ~~ In the next chapter, it'll be mostly banquet/business stuff. More of Kaiba appearance, a little bit of Joey/Mai. I can't believe I had Joey asked Malka for a kiss in front of Mai. He has some nerve!
btw, I'm basing some info to the information provided at theria.net and that saying "that's a secret," I stole that from Slayer's Next & Try from Xellos...did I say steal? I mean I quoted it from him...