I feel so bad! This chapter feels like it's one of those filler chapters. I can't seem to come up with anything! (Stupid Writer's Block) It's so frustrating!!!

Well, first, I believe for once I'm going to actually do an outline so I can finish or have a guideline as to where this story is going. As for what the keepsake is, well, I think I have a good idea what it should be. Thank you so much to those who gave some suggestions. They actually helped, or should I say, they're helping me decide what Malik has that is Mai's.

The only thing I can do for now is apologize for the lateness of this chapter. I'm going to make an effort to finish all my stories from now on. So enjoy this chapter for whatever it does for this story!

Disclaimer: I don't even own my own shoes, much less Yu-Gi-Oh.

...italics.... thinking

"....talking..." person talking.

".....talking...." I use it normally when writing any sort of media broadcasts in my fics..


Keepsake



"For once, she was glad how durable cell phones could be. Her "latest" call had been the fifth in the last three days. Each call ended up the same way. She'd hear her phone ring, answer, receive no answer and then slam her phone down on the table or whatever hard material she could slam onto.

America had turned out to be a nice place to get away from all her troubles. In particular, it was meant to forget the whole Battle City ordeal.

"Phew!" She plopped herself down onto a comfy couch, and searched for the remote control. Finding it wedged between the couch, she turned the television on and flipped through the channels.

"Boring... boring... even more boring...stupid...not interested..." she commented as she glanced from channel to channel.

"—Miss Isis Ishtar. As your museum tour comes to a draw, might we ask what your future plans are?"

Isis?!! Mai leaned forward upon hearing the familiar name. Although they had only met for a brief moment, she still knew who Isis was. She was Malik Ishtar's older sister.

"Currently there are no plans for another tour. I believe the success of this one will open up further opportunities to organize another tour."

"And you, Miss Ishtar, what are you going to be doing? Taking some time off?"

"Well, um, it's been rather exhausting. A little off time might be a good idea. I would like to take the time to spend time with my younger brother, Malik--"

"Malik Ishtar? Ah, yes, your brother was one of the Battle City finalists, was he not? I believe congratulations are in order for him on at least making it to the finals. It was a spectacular battle that he had with Yugi Mutou."

Mai clenched her teeth. Malik…that…that…

"I'm very proud of Malik for making it as far as he did. We've been apart for so long, that…"

The pause felt like an eternity. Isis tried to keep her emotions in check for the camera. Few knew why they were apart, Mai, being one of the few. However, she hardly knew the real background behind of the Ishtar family's involvement in the Battle City tournament. At the time she had first heard of Malik Ishtar, all she could gather was that he was the leader of the Rare Hunters. From what she was told and could conclude, Malik had become obsessed with Yugi and attaining the God Cards. Even if there were talk and words uttered about the past and other proclamations, she'd never understood or yet, didn't want to believe the meaning behind them. In fact, she had never understood the real deal between Yugi and Malik.

Like any other person, it was hard to believe that ancient spirits existed--or even the fact that those spirits live in and take over the bodies of their hosts. Yugi was Yugi. That was it. Whatever his problem was with others was his own. Being so, she never questioned his motives, nor tried to involve herself into them.

In the case of Malik, she could not forgive him. Malik, even if he claimed that his "evil side" took over, he was still responsible for his actions.

"…that...well, that we have to catch up on our brother and sister time."

"Well, Miss Ishtar, thank you for your time and--"

CLICK.

The screen went blank as Mai turned off the television. "Heh," she chuckled lightly. "Here I am, trying to get away from Yugi and his friends and they keep coming back to bug me."

She sighed heavily. "Now what am I gong to do?"

Isis smiled and shook the hands of the reporter as they said their goodbyes to one another. She's just finished another publicity interview, many of which she was required to do for her job. Thankfully, they were arriving at the end of their tour. Their last stop was in America.

Another thing she was delighted about was that Malik and Rishid would be joining her as soon. After they had left everyone at the Domino Harbor, reality had hit and she had had to return to work. But there was so much she wanted to say to Malik, so much to do, so much to catch up on….

"Hey!!"

Isis turned around to see her younger brother coming towards her. Watching him run up to her gave her a nostalgic memory of the younger Malik running over to her, overjoyed to see his older sister.

Out of breath, Malik panted and kneeled down to catch his breath. When he was done breathing heavily, he looked up to give his sister the biggest grin he could possibly give her.

It was one of those smiles that could melt anyone's heart. "Malik!"

"Nee-sama," he panted, "good morning!"

"It's evening here, Malik."

Malik straightened up and scratched his head, embarrassed by his mistake "Oh, well, then good evening, nee-sama."

Isis shook her head. Sometime Malik could look so darn cute acting dumb. Out of impulse, Isis grabbed her brother and hugged him.

Malik blushed slightly, completely baffled by his sister's actions. "Nee-sama?" he asked nervously.

"What is it?" she responded, only tightening her grip on her brother even more.

"Nothing…" he smiled as he nuzzled her shoulder and hugged her in return, "Nothing at all…"

"You want me to make an appearance at your tournament?"

"Yes, Miss Kujaku. You're a famed duelist. It would be an honor for us to have you host our tournament."

"What about participating in the tournament?"

"That could be arranged. Though, I doubt anyone would be able to beat you."

Mai inwardly smirked at that statement, as she undoubtedly being kissed up to, but nonetheless, the prospect of a tournament sounded interesting. "I'll think about it."

"We'll be expecting your response, Miss Kujaku. Have a good evening!"

"You too." She hung up the phone and let it land beside her.

Ah, another tournament. And it's got nothing to do with Battle City. No Yugi, no Jonouchi, no Kaiba, and no Malik.


So yeah... that was... filler-ish. Well, review and hope this ties you down until the next chapter. Thanks for reading!!

As for my reviewers, thank you so much for taking the time to review!! Next time I promise to write responses!!

And as always, thank you Jieli for being my beta-reader and great friend!