Sisters of the Moon

by Beloved Shadow of Light

Eveything comes in threes.' 2 girls are sucked into the YGO world but how and why? What's Tea's role in this?

2. First Day on the Job

"Sisters of the Moon"

By:  Yin-Yang & JanimeLee

            The next day, the girls found themselves at Burger World at 9am sharp. After getting fitted for the uniforms, the manager showed them what they would be doing and such.

            Cheri did not like the skirt though, and kept trying to pull it down whenever she had the opportunity. Things were simple though, as Tea also helped the girls out. It was good money and the atmosphere was nice. However, there was still the problem with school but as they worked Tea told them that she could help them enroll at her high school.

            "I'm sure they'll let you keep the job when you tell them you're on your own. And I can introduce you to my friends," she smiled at them.

            "Hey, sounds great to me," Cheri smiled back and pulled the back of her skirt down once more. "Now I remember why I hated skirts and dresses."

            "Ditto," Keriam grumbled.

            They day went by rather quickly and the two new girls learned a lot. When their shifts were almost done, Keriam decided to take her last break. "I'm going outside," she told Cheri and Tea. "See ya in fifteen." Keriam walked out the back door and leaned against the wall next to the fence that shielded the garbage dumpster from sight. Sighing, Keriam sat down on the pavement.

            ~There she is, Malik. ~

            "Marik, are you certain she did see you?"

            ~She saw me and Bakura. Didn't you notice her reaction when we stepped out of the elevator? ~

            "No I didn't." He sighed and looked at the girl once more. "She seems normal enough to me."

            ~Don't judge a book by their cover.~

            "Fine. So now what? I go up to her and start to strike a conversation?"

            ~Wouldn't hurt, ~ the translucent specter snorted.

            Malik narrowed his eyes at his other personality. He had his father to thank for his mind splitting, and the Millennium Rod for dividing his soul. "Alright," Malik sighed, "make you sure you disappear and don't say anything--just in case she can hear you as well."

            ~Agreed. ~ Marik stepped into Malik's body.

            Malik waited until the feeling of pressure dissipated then started to walk over to Keriam. She looked up when she heard his footsteps and paled a little. Malik stopped. "Hi."

            "Hi..." Keriam answered. Oh my God! her mind screamed.

            "I saw you in the hotel yesterday," said Malik and felt Marik shift at the line.

            "Yeah, I saw you too, with your friend." And your doubles...

            "So... new in town?"

            "Yeah, we dropped in." Literally, she added silently to herself.

            "I take it we'll be seeing you at school then."

            Keriam blinked at the plural meaning. "We?"

            "We as in... my friends and myself," he quickly corrected but was mentally hitting himself. Stupid mistake! But she's quick.

            "You mean that other guy you were with, right?"

            Malik nodded. "He's been my best friend for a year now."

            So we've landed after the Battle City Tournament, Keriam thought. "I have to talk with the school directors first, though."

            "Oh," said Malik, then smiled. "Well, I will see you at the hotel, won't I?"

            ~Get to the point, Malik! ~

            Keriam gasped and jumped to her feet, staring at Malik with wide eyes.

            Malik swallowed and put his left hand on his chest. ~I think she heard you... ~

            ~Of course she heard me, ~ Marik said as he stepped out of Malik. ~If she can see me, she can hear me! ~

            "Marik!" Keriam quickly covered her mouth but the damage was already done.

            "How did you know his name?" Malik stared at her.

            "Keriam!" Cheri called from inside.

            "I'll be right there!" she yelled back, and then turned to Malik. "Please, I have to get back to work. I'll talk to you tonight at the hotel. What room are you staying in?"

            "Twelve, thirty-five."

            Keriam nodded and ran back into Burger World.

            ~Well, that went well, ~ Marik crossed his arms.

            "Marik..."

            "Relax, will you."

            "How can I relax? She knows about you which can only mean she knows about everyone else. What I want to know is how? Who is she really?"

            ~I told you not to judge her as normal. ~

            "Oh shut up."

            "Keriam, are you alright? You look like you saw a ghost," Cheri asked softly, pausing in her duties for the moment. "Did something happen?"

            "I'm okay," Keriam was leaning over with her hands on her knees and took a couple breaths. "Don't worry, I'm alright." But I did see a ghost, she thought.

            "Keriam, could you clean out the grease trap?" Tea called as she loaded the serving trays into the conveyer dishwasher.

            "No problem," she answered, thankful that she could get away from answering Cheri's questions.

            Cheri frowned a little and returned to her register. "Welcome to Burger World. May I take your-" Seto and Mokuba were standing on the other side of the counter. "...Order..." she managed to finish.

            Keriam peeked around the corner and rolled her eyes. "Oh brother..."

            "Hey, Tea!" Mokuba said.

            "Hi, Mokuba, Seto."

            The CEO nodded to her. "Pick what you want, Mokuba."

            "Um lemme see... I'll take a Mighty Burger Meal with extra pickles!"

            "Um okay," she nodded and looked at he register. "And to drink?"

            "Coke please."

            "Okay..." God I hate machines with numbers, she thought to herself as she punched in the order then looked up at Seto. Girl, don't you dare lose it now! "And for you, sir?" she asked politely while trying hard not to stare.

            "A Coke and small fries," Seto answered.

            "Oh my God," Keriam muttered as she watched her best friend ring up the order. "This is getting bad..."

            Cheri gave them their food on a tray and watched Seto dreamily as he and Mokuba walked over to a small both and sat down. Quickly excusing herself, Cheri ran to the locker room.

            Seto noticed her hasty exit and frowned a little.

            "What's wrong?" Mokuba asked at his brother's _expression.

            "That girl," Seto answered. "She was acting rather... strange."

            "Maybe she likes you."

            Seto almost choked on his soda. "What?!"

            "From what you told me," Mokuba began, "about the way some of the girls were acting when Devlin arrived at Domino High, she looked like she was acting the same way."

            "You must have been imagining it."

            "Why, don't you think a girl could actually like you?"

            "I don't have time for some girl to be hanging around me, wanting to be showered with romantic nonsense. I have my hands full with Kaiba Corp." With that said, he slowly began to eat his fries.

            Mokuba sighed, knowing it would be a losing battle. For once, big brother, I wish you would think of something other than work, he thought to himself as he ate his burger.

            "I waited on him! I waited on him!" Cheri all but squealed in delight and rubbed her hands together. "We're even, Keriam!"

            The locker room door opened by said person. "Are you alright or am I going to have to call hyper control?"

            "I am higher than a kite, right now," Cheri stretched her arms up and sighed, lowering them. "Keriam, there is nothing that you can say that will bring me down."

            "Tea has to count your drawer."

            "Except maybe that..."

            "C'mon Ms. Kite, just a few more hours."

            The rest of the day was spent waiting on a few people that came in but so far nothing happened that they couldn't control. By the time it was time to close all three girls felt they had done a good job's work. But the girls still had to shop for some of the necessities that Tea offered to show them around. Tea was actually a nice girl but sometimes she was just a bit too 'perky' but she was a good girl. Already they were friends.

            Gee, she's so different from the stories I've read, Cheri thought to herself then shook her head. What am I saying? Tea is alright. I guess people portray her as mean because she gets to be close to Yami. But I think Yugi is cuter.

            "Earth to Cheri, come in please."

            "Huh?"

            "You spaced out for a moment. Are you alright?" the blue-eyed brunette asked.

            "Oh, I'm fine, just long day on my feet. Good thing I'm used to work," she explained.

            "Yeah, and they say you're also affected by certain people you wait on," said Keriam, giving Cheri a grin when she glared at her.

            The three girls changed into their regular clothes, said good night to their boss and the night workers as they left via the front door.

            Tea's cell phone rang and she quickly grabbed it. "Hello? Yugi!"

            Cheri couldn't help smiling a little.

            "We're on our way over to the mall before it closes," Tea said into the phone. "Two girls that started today--they need to pick up a few things."

            "Hi, Yugi!" Cheri leaned over Tea's cell phone. "Keriam's here, too!"

            "You know Yugi?" asked Tea.

            "We met him and Joey at the Game Shop yesterday," Keriam explained.

            "Mr. Mutou is going to give us tips on how to play Duel Monsters," said Cheri.

            Tea smiled. "That's good to hear. What? Oh that sounds great!"

            "What's great?"

            "Yugi said that he and Joey can meet us at the mall. Turns out they're there already."

            "Really now?" Cheri looked at Keriam and flashed a 'he'll be there' grin while nudging her in the side with her elbow.

            Keriam smiled nervously and turned slightly to her left. Malik was standing near an alleyway with Marik glowering right behind him. A group of teens passed in front of the two and when they moved out of the way, Malik and his double were gone.

            "Na-noo, na-noo," Cheri waved her hand in front of Keriam.

            She jumped. "Sorry, I thought I saw something."

            "Joey's at the mall, Keriam."

            "At least he's waiting."

            "I hope you sit on a spot of grease tomorrow and stain your skirt," Cheri muttered as the trio started walking.

            The mall looked like any other mall the two girls had been to so it wasn't much to be surprised at. The first place the ladies went to was a clothing store to pick up some outfits and underlings. As much as Tea tried to get the girls to purchase some skirts, Cheri would have nothing to do with them. She stuck with jeans and baggy shirts. Tea sighed but decided to pick up a new blouse or two.

            "Why won't you buy at least one skirt?" she couldn't help asking.

            "Let's just say we each had a bad experience," Keriam said.

            Tea took the hint and let the subject drop. Her phone rang again. "Yes, Yugi. We're upstairs. No we are not in V.S." Tea's cheeks turned a light shade of pink. "Who just arrived? Oh, Malik."

            Keriam froze for a moment.

            "Uh huh. Okay. We'll be done shortly." Tea pressed the button. "They're waiting in the food court."

            "Why I am not surprised?" Keriam rolled her eyes and they laughed.

            "No doubt Joey begged them to go there," Cheri smiled. "I wish I knew where he puts all that food. He can eat enough to feed the entire country but not look it!"

            "Now that is every girl dream!" said Tea. "To eat as much as we want and not gain an ounce."

            "Well we can always blame him for taking that away from us." They all laughed at the joke and went to the counter to pay for their clothes. Taking their bags they headed for the food court by taking the escalator while looking at their new clothes.

            "I think that blouse looks great, Tea," said Cheri. "Not many people can pull off pink."

            "Thanks... I think. But you'll have to wear pink as well. That's what our school uniform looks like: pink jacket with a dark blue skirt."

            Cheri cringed and Keriam made gagging noises. "Can I make a special request to wear slacks or capries?" Cheri asked.

            "I don't think so," said Tea.

            "Would they object if I had shorts underneath the skirt?" asked Keriam.

            "Since they don't check under your skirt, I don't see why not."

            "Good."

            "There they are!" Cheri pointed over to a table where Joey, Yugi, and Malik were sitting.

            The first two boys waved and Malik just looked at Keriam. ~Stay inside, Marik. ~

            ~I know, I know, ~ Marik answered. ~I'm not the dog here. ~

            ~And no remarks, either, ~ Malik warned.

            ~You're just taking the fun out of my whole day, aren't you? ~

            The girls made their way over and again brief introduces were made. "So Tea, whacha buy? Something to show off perhaps?" Joey asked with a sly grin as he tried to look into one of her bags. This resulted in him getting hit in the head with her purse.

            "Knock it off!!" she yelled at him.

            "Looks like your puppy is kinda hentai," Cheri whispered to Keriam then jumped to the side when she tried to hit her.

            "Tea told me that two girls were hired today. I guess you two are them?" Yugi asked, trying to draw attention from the blonde who was rubbing his head.

            "Fortunately, yes," Keriam grinned and sat between Joey and Malik; she could feel Marik regarding her with interest.

            Malik apparently felt it too, for he patted his chest and coughed. "Wrong tube," he said.

            Nice cover, Keriam thought.

            "We are now working girls at Burger World," Cheri chimed as she sat between Yugi and Joey with tea sitting on Yugi's other side. At the mention of the fast food place Joey's eyes seemed to brighten.

            "Burger World?? Then you wouldn't mind giving us, your new friends, a couple of free meals," he said.

            "No can do. You want us to get fired on our first week?"

            "Well no."

            "Besides. Eating all that junk food will stunt your growth and make your break out really bad."

            He made a face at the mental image. "Gee thanks."

            "Why don't you tell us about the high school? What is it like? How are the teachers?" Keriam asked, feeling a bit of sympathy for the poor blonde.

            As Joey, Yugi and Tea told Cheri and Keriam about Domino High, Malik excused himself and went to the men's restroom. He walked inside an empty stall, slid the bolt shut, and then Marik stepped out of his body.

            ~So, do you still think that she's normal? ~ his other personality asked, crossing his arms over his chest. ~You can't deny the energy radiating from her. ~

            ~It's very strong, ~ Malik agreed. ~It was also coming from her friend, Cheri. ~

            ~I felt it. And I'm sure Yugi and Yami did as well. ~

            ~But something's bothering me. I don't think they're even aware of the power they hold. ~

            ~It has to be hidden then. But something tells me that this is just beginning. ~

            ~Yami? Are you alright? ~ Yugi asked his dark self.

            ~Yes, I'm fine. I'm just thinking. ~

            ~About Keriam and Cheri, I take it. Yami? Can you feel... something strange about them? ~

            ~Very, and I don't think they even realize that they are important. ~

            Malik returned, apologizing for being so long. He secretly dropped a piece of paper in Keriam's shopping bag.

            "So you can help us with the school directors tomorrow," said Keriam.

            Joey nodded. "It shouldn't be too bad," he said, "I still got my job after all this time."

            "And passing," said Malik. "I'm impressed."

            Joey was about to shoot back a remark when a tall brown-haired teen caught his eye. "Uh oh," Joey leaned back. "Emotionless prick at one o'clock."

            "Don't start anything, Joey," Yugi said. "Mokuba's with him."

            "For Mokuba's sake, I won't say a word," Joey promised. "Unless he starts with the dog remarks."

            I think they're cute, Keriam thought to herself, biting her lip so not to say it out loud. Cheri on the other hand, was trying desperately to look anywhere but at the Kaiba Brothers.

            Oh, this is either my good or bad day, depending. She sighed and finally stared down at her hand, playing with two rings she wore on her right hand with a third on the left pinkie.

            "Hey everyone," the raven-haired youth said happily.

            "Mokuba!" Joey held out his hand and the boy slapped it. "What's up, little man?"

            "I'm birthday shopping for one of my classmates," Mokuba answered. "The party's this weekend."

            "And 'big brother' is letting you have semi-access to his credit cards? Very nice." Joey cupped his hand to the side of his mouth. "Make sure it's expensive," he said loud enough for Seto to hear.

            Mokuba laughed a little. "Her parents kinda asked for me not to go overboard."

            "Her?" Tea asked. "This wouldn't happen to be Sheeta, now, would it?"

            Mokuba smiled nervously and looked away.

            "Well, well, Mokuba has been bitten by the Love Bug," said Keriam. And so has Cheri, she thought.

            "Hey, way to go! Now that you have a girlfriend allow me to give you some pointers on the fairer sex," Joey said with a grin.

            "I seriously doubt that, mutt. You don't seem the type to have gone out on many dates," Seto said coolly. Sure enough that got the blonde's hackles up.

            "For the hundredth time, I. Am. Not. A. Dog!"

            "Prove it."

            "How the hell am I suppose to prove that?!"

            "Joey quit cursing! There are ladies present!" Tea scolded, not to mention stop this before a full blown fight got out of hand.

            But Keriam jumped up and grabbed the front of Seto's jacket and pulled him close. "Knock it off or I'll rearrange your face!"

            Everyone--even Seto--blinked at Keriam's reaction. Malik and Yugi's eyes grew wider at the energy that only they could see emit from the now angered young woman.

            Seto regained his composure and grabbed Keriam's wrist, pulling her hand away from him. "Who do you think you are?"

            "Why don't we go look for that present, now?" Cheri jumped up and caught Seto and Mokuba's hands, leading them away from the food court. "By the way, my name is Cheri." The trio disappeared around the corner.

            Keriam sat in her chair again and rested her face in her hands. "Sorry, I didn't want to do that."

            "You okay?" Joey asked.

            Keriam nodded. "Guess I took it a little more personally than I should have."

            "That's the first time a girl stood up for me... I don't know if I should feel flattered or what."

            "You're one of the few people to stand up to him, Keriam," said Tea. "Seto is... not someone he lets people get close to," the young lady explained.

            "I know his kind." Only too well.

            Once they were out of sight of the group, Seto pulled his wrist from the girl's grasp only to look at her coldly. "I didn't need your rescue."

            "I... I didn't mean anything by it..." she said softly, looking disappointed.

            Mokuba looked at the two before frowning at his brother and tugged on Cheri's arm. "Hey, you can help me pick out a present. What do girls like for their birthdays?" he asked while pulling her towards one of the stores.

            "Well, what is Sheeta like?" asked Cheri, letting the young boy lead her away from Seto. "With girls, it's best if you get them a gift that reflects their personality."

            Seto watched the two as Mokuba pulled Cheri into a store to look around. Seto couldn't help admitting to himself that this girl and the one that was sitting next to Wheeler, seemed a lot different than the ones he went to school with. Seto walked into the store, finding Mokuba and Cheri standing at the end of one of the toy isles.

            "Okay, she likes video games, has a few stuffed animals, loves the outdoors, and can't stand Barbie," Cheri counted off on her fingers. "Good lord, she's gotta be related to Keriam."

            Looking around the store they found it had quite a bit of everything so they decided to try video games first. Going through the isle, they found the store had the Nintendo Game Cube, Play Station 2, Game Boy Advance, and lots of games for each console. "Hmm, see any games she doesn't have or might like?" Cheri asked as she looked at the large case.

            Looking carefully Mokuba slowly shook his head. "Not really. All the games she likes she already has and a lot of these aren't that great," he answered.

            "Well, if anything we can do a Walk-Through look. Okay, you said outdoors. What kind of sports does she enjoy?"

            "Soccer and baseball."

            "Hmm..."

            "Keriam doesn't like those?" Mokuba asked.

            Cheri couldn't help laughing. "She's more of a hockey fan. And the occasional Ping-Pong game."

            Seto remained quiet as the two went over the items in the sports section. He looked at a basketball, remembering shortly before his father died, he was teaching Seto how to play. The young CEO couldn't help smiling a little.

            After a while they settled on a play set that could change into a basketball hoop, soccer/hockey goal, and in case it rained a Ping-Pong/air hockey game. "There!" said Cheri. "She gets five games for the price of one."

            "Now she can play indoors and outdoors," Mokuba smiled. "I think she might like it."

            "I'm sure she will. It's the thought that counts."

            Dragging it out from the bottom shelf, they took it to the cashier who rang it up.

            "Hmm, I think all we need is the birthday card and some wrapping paper," Cheri said.

            "The card store is down that way," Seto gestured with his hand.

            "Let's go!" Mokuba grabbed Cheri with one hand and Seto with his other; they started walking.

            What are you doing, Mokuba? Seto thought as his little brother started swing their arms back and forth. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a few people he recognized from school looking at him and started to whisper. Seto cringed inwardly when he realized that they noticed there was a girl with him even though Mokuba was in between them. Oh, he could hear the rumors now.

            Cheri smiled as she looked at the young boy. He was such a sweetheart, and she immediately remembered her little cousins. It had been a while since she had seen them but she did love them a lot. Looking up at Seto, she noticed that he didn't seem very happy with this. It was now she was beginning to feel doubts about him.

            I know he's been through a lot but can't he just learn to relax for one minute? she thought and looked ahead as they headed into the store. But then again, that would be asking for a dragon to change his scales.

            Mokuba and Cheri immediately went over to the birthday cards for girls. Seto looked at Cheri, suddenly feeling terrible about how he had treated her before. He waited until Mokuba was out of earshot before walking over to Cheri. "Thank you," he said. She looked at him. "For helping my brother pick out a present."

            "You're welcome," Cheri smiled. "No biggie."

            "No it is. I just have a lot to do and I don't spend time with him as I should."

            "Well I know being CEO is big and such but you're still young. Live life before you get too old before your time."

            "Easy for you to say. I can't show weakness or lose." He almost expected her to say something but she didn't. He looked up in time to see her looking at him before she quickly looked away. Was that pity?

            Mokuba may have been out of earshot but he wasn't out of sight. He grinned behind the card as he watched Seto and Cheri talk. Finally! he thought, and then ran over to them with the card. "What do you think of this one?"

            Caught a little off guard, Cheri jumped but quickly recovered and took the card. "Not too sweet and to the point," she said, "very good. Now wrapping paper."

            They settled on a light beige-colored paper with balloons all over. "We'll wrap it at home," Seto said and Mokuba took the paper and the card. "Thank you again, Cheri."

            "Thanks a lot," Mokuba beamed.

            "You're welcome," she smiled. "Well, I better get back to my friends. I'll see you."

            Seto stopped himself from asking her where she was staying and was mentally kicking himself as he watched her go. "Let's go home, Mokuba," he sighed.

            "Alright. Bye Cheri! Thanks for helping me out."

            "Hey no problem. But you better tell me how the party goes." Winking she waved to them and headed back to the Food Court. So far today was alright and tomorrow Keriam and herself would start school. Pink. Ugh! Only good thing is no one I really know can laugh at me in a skirt and pink, she thought to herself as she hummed one of the Yu-Gi-Oh songs under her breath. Smiling she very softly sung the words under her breath.

            "I'm getting worried," said Keriam. "How long have they been gone?"

            Tea looked at her watch. "Just a little over half an hour. Don't worry, Keriam. I know Seto's not exactly..." she paused, trying to find the right words. "Cheri's fine."

            Thank you for your words of comfort, Keriam thought.

            "There she is," Yugi said as Cheri walked around the corner.

            "And from the looks of it," said Joey, "she survived the ordeal."

            Looking at the group she smiled and waved to them. Hurrying up she smiled and waved. "Hello!"

            "We were starting to get worried. What happened?"

            "We wanted to find the perfect birthday present then we had to get a card and wrapping paper. But it's done and I'm tired."

            "Not surprising," Joey mumbled.

            "Anyways," Tea cut in, "we better get home. Tomorrow's going to be a long day."

            "I hear you," said Keriam as they stood up.

            Joey, Yugi and Tea went in one direction, while Cheri, Keriam and Malik started to the hotel.

            "How come you're not going with them?" Cheri asked.

            "Believe it or not," Malik said, "I'm staying in the same hotel, on the same floor, down the hall."

            "Wow..." Cheri blinked and looked at Keriam.

            "Weird, isn't it?" her best friend said then winked, signaling that yes, Ryou and Bakura were there too.

            "Very weird. Does this mean we'll see you at school tomorrow?"

            "You two going o register at Domino High?"

            "We gotta continue our education." Cheri smiled, trying to get over the feeling that this guy had his personal ghost. Okay, so he isn't a ghost but he looks like one, she thought absently.

Malik nodded as if approving. The trio reached the hotel and went upstairs to their own rooms. Malik closed the door and leaned against it as Marik stepped out.

            ~Maybe I should've shown myself to Cheri, ~ said Marik. ~That way we could've found out if she's like Keriam. ~

            "Well, it's a good thing you didn't," Malik tossed his coat onto the chair. "Ryou, Bakura," he said but no answer.

            ~They went for a pizza, ~ Marik said looking at the note on the table. ~Do you think that she'll come over here? ~

            "I hope she does."

            "I gave up on hope."

            "I've notice." Malik rubbed his neck as he walked over towards the bedroom. "Wake me if she comes."

            Marik rolled his eyes but decided to let him sleep. He couldn't take over Malik's body anymore unless Malik permitted him. It was the same for Ryou and Bakura. It was amazing how much they had all changed after the final duel on Battle Ship. Especially himself. He should have been destroyed but he was given another chance at life and he was going to make good on it.

            In their own room, the girls took out their new clothes and paced them in drawers. in was then that the note Malik had dropped into Keriam's bag came into view.

            "Hey maybe Joey gave you a love note," Cheri giggled.

            The phone rang, saving Keriam from embarrassment as she quickly grabbed the note. "Answer it."

            Cheri made a face, wanting to know what kind of mush Joey had written. "I say he wrote about your eyes," she grinned and picked up the phone. "Hello?"

            Keriam watched her best friend's eyes widen in shock at whoever was speaking to her.

            "How do you do that?" Cheri asked. "I believe you. No, not yet. You're downstairs right now? Oh you're good." She laughed a little. "Okay, I'll be down in few minutes. Sure, I don't think she'll mind. Alright, I'll see you soon." Cheri hung up the phone, grinning from ear to ear. "Thank you for making me answer--it was Seto!"

            "The same one who acted like a jerk at the mall?"

            "Keriam, stop being mean!"

            "What did he want?"

            "To talk, so if you need me I'll be downstairs. I can give you and the love note some time alone." She was out the door before the pillow ever caught up.

            Keriam glowered at the door, knowing that Cheri would still be able to feel her deadly gaze. Sighing, she hopped on her bed and opened up the note. She blinked when she saw that it was from Malik. He wanted to talk to her as soon as possible. Keriam folded up the note again and stared at the wall. Malik didn't bother her, it was Marik. What would he do if he was in control of Malik's body?

            She reached over to the phone on the night table and punched Malik's room number. After about seven rings, he answered in a groggy voice. "Hello?"

            "Hi, Malik, it's Keriam."

            "Hey, so you got my note."

            "Yeah...um..."

            "Marik, shut up."

            "Is he inside you or standing in the room?" Keriam asked.

            "He's standing in the room," said Malik. "Why?"

            "I can't hear him over the phone."

            "Okay... I just wanted to ask you something."

            "About why I can not only see Marik and Bakura but hear them as well, right?"

            "Can you read minds too?"

            "Lucky guess. But believe me when I tell you it's something you wouldn't believe," she sighed as she rubbed her eyes.

            "Try me."

            Keriam paused for a moment. "Okay... I'll be over in a bit."

            "Right," Malik said. He waited for the click and placed the phone back in the cradle. "Not a word," he warned Marik and the specter just shrugged. Malik walked out of the bedroom and started to pace slowly.

            ~If I didn't know any better, ~ Marik said, stretching himself out along the couch, ~you're acting like a lovesick puppy. ~