"Malik," Ishizu said over the telephone in a hoarse whisper, "I need you to do me a favor… I'm ill…"
Malik fumbled with his Millennium Rod as his sister droned on the answering machine. In the corner stood Odion, who remained politely silent.
"Ishizu never gets sick…" Malik mused out-loud with a frown. His sister's voice went on.
"As you may or may not know, I'm teaching an elementary class in the place of their usual teacher. I was hoping you could take my place as my substitute teacher today."
What the hell?! Malik thought in surprise. He wasn't about to teach some babies how to pick their noses.
"Malik… I know you're there… pick up the phone, now."
"…" Malik reached for the phone and then hesitated, bringing his arms into a stubborn cross. "I'm not going to help her! What has she done for me?"
"Master Malik… forgive me for my opinion on the matter, but she's your sister. You should help her. You can probably get something from her in return."
"That's a good idea, Odion," Malik said, pausing thoughtfully, "she'll have to pay us back eventually."
"Malik, please… pick up the phone!" He turned back to the source of his sister's voice and picked up the receiver.
"We'll be there, Ishizu," he promised and then quickly hung up the phone after hearing her cough a word of thanks. "We should probably get going," he said, turning back to Odion who nodded.
"Yes…"
Malik took off his cloak from the back of a chair and slid it on.
"Let's go. It can't be that hard babysitting a few brats… Hmm… I wonder if I can…" The phone started ringing again cutting off his thoughts. He waited for the answering machine to pick it up and he heard Ishizu once more.
"Oh and Malik…? No inviting Bakura."
"Dammit, Ishizu!" Malik pounded his fists on the table as he shouted at the silent answering machine. His lips curled into a smirk. "To hell with her... I'm inviting him anyway!"