"Sisters of the Moon"
By: Yin-Yang & JanimeLee
"So what do you think?" Cheri asked.
"Beats me," answered Keriam.
The two girls were sitting outside the principal's office, waiting to hear whether they would be allowed into Domino High and still keep their jobs. At first it didn't look like they would be accepted but a phone call had been placed through during their interview with the principal, and whoever had called must have said something positive on their behalf.
Cheri couldn't help wondering if the caller had been Seto.
Just before they could begin to get bored the door opened the principal came out. "Ladies. After thinking about it I have decided to let you both keep your jobs. But," he held his hand up to stop them from saying anything, "Should I see that you are failing a class or have been acting up in anyway you two will quit your jobs. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes sir."
"Good. Now my secretary is currently looking for uniforms in your sizes. When she returned you will dress in them and you will also be directed to your homeroom. Schedules should be ready by lunch time." He bowed and offered them a small smile. "Welcome to Domino High School ladies."
"Thank you," Cheri half-forced the smile on her face: happy that they had been accepted, disgusted because of the dreaded skirts.
Fortunately, the schedules were ready before the secretary found the uniforms. Keriam and Cheri quickly left the office and headed for the cafeteria.
"Man, we are standing out as the newbies," Keriam couldn't help laughing a little.
"You'd rather wear the skirt?" Cheri asked.
"Hell no! I want to stay in my jeans as long as possible."
"Then don't complain." She tapped her nose but quickly pulled her finger away before she could bite it. Upon entering the cafeteria though nearly half the student body went quiet at the appearance of two girls dressed in casual clothing such as jeans and shirts. Murmurs were heard but they ignored that and tried to focus on locating their new friends.
"Damn. This is like looking for a needle in a haystack..."
"I'll say," Keriam mumbled. A hand shot up and waved. "It's Joey," Keriam smiled and they walked towards the table.
Just as they were nearing it, Cheri saw Seto sitting by himself at a table at the far end of the cafeteria, with his laptop in front of him, typing away. She paused, wanting to sit with Yugi and crew and wanting to sit with the lone CEO. He looked up from the screen and saw her. He gave a small smile and waved, then motioned that he would call her later.
Cheri nodded and sat next to Keriam.
"Hi guys. Tristen, these are the girls we told you about," Yugi said as he introduced a taller boy with brown hair and hazel eyes.
He smiled and waved. "Beautiful young ladies I see." Joey couldn't help but growl softly.
"So what did the principal say?" Tea asked.
"We get to keep our jobs on the condition we don't start anything and keep our grades up," Keriam said simply.
"I know that line," Joey smiled. "So, where are your uniforms?"
"We split before they could find them," said Cheri.
I'm not putting that thing on unless I have shorts underneath, Keriam thought.
"Tea, can I ask you something?"
"Sure Cheri."
"How can you stand those things? They're so..." she frowned. "Short. And what if it's windy?"
She sighed and frowned as she remembered something. "You get used to it but I seem to remember two immature boys who used a t-square from class to flip up the back of my skirt. They called it the Panty Tank." At this Joey and Tristen flushed and looked away. "I taught them to never try that stunt again."
Keriam and Cheri started to laugh. "Oh you naughty boys!" Cheri scolded jokingly.
"Where were you last summer," Keriam whispered to Joey in a sultry tone, which made him blush deeper.
"So what classes do you have?" Yugi asked.
Cheri and Keriam took out their schedules and compared them with the others. Keriam had the last two classes with Joey and Tristen. Cheri was with Yugi and Tea.
"Well it looks like you'll be seeing us after all," Yugi smiled.
"We know you guys so it won't be so bad after all. Okay what do you guys recommend to eat? I'm starving!"
"Please don't tell me you eat as much as Joey!"
"Hey I'm a growing boy!!" he protested but his friend joked.
"Yeah, growing sideways."
Joey moved to swat Yugi but Keriam put her hand on his shoulder. "Now, now, play nice, boys," she said. Looking around the cafeteria, Keriam saw Malik and Ryou at a table adjacent to the one behind Cheri, Tea and Yugi. She didn't see Marik or Bakura, guessing that the spirits were inside their hosts. Malik looked in her direction and winked. Keriam returned the action.
"Well everything is good here just don't try anything that has the word 'surprise' in it," the young girl warned.
"The surprise might be your last," Tristen added.
"Ugh I think I just lost my appetite." With a sigh Cheri stretched her arms out before her and began to play with her rings. Wonder how long we have to stay here? she thought to herself.
"Good lord, does that guy ever shut up?" Keriam asked as she, Joey, and Tristen walked down the hall to their last class.
"Only when he has to take a breath," said Tristen. "Damn, forgot my homework in my locker." He took off in the other direction.
"Usually I'm the one that forgets the homework," Joey laughed and stopped when he felt something take his hand. He looked at Keriam, who was holding his hand, fingers interlocked.
"Are you going home tonight?" she asked.
Joey swallowed and nodded. "I gotta... just in case."
"If he does anything, Joey, you're more than welcome to come to my place."
"Promise. Thanks." he smiled and gave her hand a squeeze. "C'mon, let's wait for the others at the gate."
"Ick ick ick!" Cheri made a face at the uniform as she held it out before her. "I'm sorry but I cannot stand pink pink!"
"Sorry but you do have to wear it," Tea sighed. She liked the color just fine.
"I know but pink and I just don't blend. Oh well..." she sighed and shrugged her shoulders. "I'll live. I like you're school though it's... big!"
Yugi couldn't help laughing. "Come on," he said, "the others have to be waiting at the gate."
They left the school and headed to the main gate. Tristen, Joey and Keriam were already there, and Keriam was standing behind Joey with her arms around his waist. Joey didn't seem to mind it at all.
"Hey guys, how was your day? Joey asked with a smile.
"Okay I guess but I hate this." Frowning she showed the uniform. "Keriam, this is for you." She handed the bag to Joey who wordlessly took it.
"Joy," she muttered although her face was hidden on the blonde's back. "So now what should we do?"
"Want to come back to the game shop?" Yugi suggested. "We can do our homework together."
"Just let me know when it's five o'clock," said Keriam. "I have to work tonight."
"Too bad you couldn't get the night off with us," Tea said.
"Oh well," Keriam sighed, resting her chin on Joey's shoulder. "I have to pay my half of the room."
"You get night shift, I get weekends. But hey, it'll pay for our rent and some shopping money."
"Well shall we be off then?" Smiling the group headed to the game shop, talking along the way. Today had been a good day what could possibly go wrong?
Seto walked out to his car, catching a glimpse of Cheri as she walked with Keriam, Yugi and the rest of the group. He frowned a little but didn't let it get to him; after all, it wasn't as if he and Cheri were a couple. And even if they were...
Seto shook his head, bringing himself back to earth and the meeting for a new account opening. He tossed his briefcase into the side seat and was about to get in when he saw something over by the small grove of trees not far from the school fence. There was someone dressed in a dark robe standing in the middle of the trees.
A Rare Hunter? Seto thought. He noticed that the cloaked figure was looking in the direction Cheri and the others had gone.
What would a Rare Hunter be doing here? He couldn't help but begin to worry and wonder. It took him only a moment before he closed his car door, making sure it was locked he decided to follow.
Joey smiled happily. He felt so happy right now and it was all thanks to Keriam. She was a great girl and she accepted him for him, even after he told her about his family and past. That's what made her great in his eyes. "Hey Keriam... would you like to go to a movie with me, maybe on Saturday?" he asked.
"I'd love to," she smiled at him. "I get out of work at two."
"Lucky," Cheri groaned. "I'm there till six."
"Don't feel bad," said Tea. "So am I."
"Well least we can talk to each other," she smiled and ran ahead a bit. "Hurry up guys I suddenly got this surge of energy!"
"It could be all the soda you had before we left," Tristen sighed. Who knew a girl could drink so much caffeine!
Cheri stuck her tongue out but raced on, swinging her bag around her some.
"Is she always like that?" Joey asked.
"All the time," Keriam nodded, "especially after a high sugar intake. I'm surprised she hasn't become diabetic."
"I heard that!" Cheri yelled from the corner of the street; she turned and bumped into someone. "Sorry!" she quickly apologized.
"Don't worry about it," said a gentle voice. Cheri looked up and blinked--it was Ryou. "No damage," he smiled at her.
"Hey, Ryou!" Joey called, waving his hand.
"Hi everyone," he waved back and soon he was joined by Malik.
Yugi smiled as he jogged up a bit. "Hey guys! How was school today?"
"Same 'ole day. Where were you guys headed?" Malik asked.
"The game shop," said Keriam. "What about you?"
"I have to wait for my sister to call back. Ryou's just here at the moment."
"Hey, Ryou, if you're not doing anything, why don't you come with us," said Yugi.
"Alright," Ryou agreed.
"Catch all of you later," said Malik and he walked off.
"Bye Malik!! Tell Ishizu we said hi!!" Cheri waved before realizing her mistake. She had just come to Domino and she knew nearly everything about the group and was letting it slip out every five seconds.
"Idiot!!" Keriam hissed behind clenched teeth as everyone stared at her.
"You know about Ishizu?" Yugi asked.
"Um well kinda..." she said nervously, tapping her fingers together. Way to go big mouth, god next time I'll just bite my tongue! she thought to herself before grinning. "Hey let's hurry I wanna learn to duel!!" Without waiting for an answer she ran in what she hoped was the right direction.
Saying that Malik was shocked when Cheri spoke his sister's name was an understatement. How did she know?! Malik would have to worry about that later. He needed to talk to Ishizu and know if she managed to find out anything about two girls in the legends. Malik opened the door to his room and tossed his books onto his bed.
Marik appeared next to them. ~Well?~
"Okay, you win. Are you satisfied?"
~It's been awhile since I've won.~
"And without the Millennium Rod," said Malik.
The spector snorted at the remark. ~When is our dear sister calling?~
Malik stopped for a moment at the accent on the word 'our'. He knew Marik had said it that way to aggravate him. "My sister will call soon," Malik answered.
Marik stood up and put his arm around his other's neck. ~I'm not like Bakura,~ he said, ~Ishizu is also my sister. And nothing can be done to change that until our body dies.~
"I know... It's just..." he sighed in defeat as he couldn't voice his reasons. Despite how good he had been since Battle Ship it was still haunting at what he had done to gain the pharaoh's memories. He shut his eyes tightly as he tried to push the memories back but jumped when he heard the phone ring.
Marik let him go as he saw him answer the phone. Noting the happy look on his face he knew it could only be the older Istar sibling.
"How are you?" Ishizu asked.
"I'm fine," he said, very happy to hear her soothing voice.
"And Marik?"
"He's okay."
~Oh please, don't let my presence disturb you.~
"Shut up," Malik glared at him. "Did you find out anything?"
"Surprisingly, yes," Ishizu answered. "There was something recorded about two hundred years before Yami was pharaoh. It doesn't give an exact number, but the text mentions the Sisters of the Moon. They were very powerful. The priests believed that their power came from the Shadow Realm."
"The Shadow Realm?" he blinked. If they had that kind of power... "What else did it say?"
"Nothing much except with their great power they acquired many followers who saw them as equal to the gods. But with that much power they had fierce enemies so they were forced to fight back. The texts don't mention anything else but it mentions something about them giving up their lives to protect innocent people from their powers. They died but they left behind a prophesy," she explained.
"What did it say?"
"I could only make out several words but something about the sisters being reborn yet again. But should their power fall into the wrong hands..." she trailed off but they knew with someone holding power of the Shadow Realm no force on earth would stop them.
"Anything else?" Malik asked.
"Two stars closest to the moon," his sister answered. "I didn't have a chance to look though."
"I'll look tonight and I'll email you if I see anything."
"Alright then. Be careful, both of you."
"We will," said Malik and hung up the phone.
~What? No 'I love you, big sister'?~ Marik smirked.
"Have I told you how annoying you are?"
~Several times in fact. But you know I'm only teasing you.~
"I hate being teased."
"Keriam, it's five o'clock," Tea said.
"Adios, people!" Keriam threw her books into her backpack and slung it over her shoulder. "Cheri, I'll be home a little after nine."
"I'll wait up for you," said Cheri.
"Keriam, wait!" Joey jumped up from his seat. "Lemme walk you there."
"Expecting a free burger?" Tristen snickered.
"Hey, since when is it a crime to escort a young lady?" Joey shot back, taking Keriam's hand as they left the shop. "I swear..."
"He's a good friend," she smiled.
"Yeah my best. He and I were best buds before we meet with Yugi. He was there for me and even helped me with some of my street fights." He smiled a bit. "He was also there for me even when he found out about my dad."
Keriam laughed; he looked at her. "What?"
"I can't believe how some of your lives sound like parts of Cheri's and my life."
"Hey, things happen."
"I know."
They arrived at Burger World. "Well, another day, another pay," Keriam sighed.
"I'll see you at school tomorrow."
"Okay. Good night, Joey." She leaned close and kissed his cheek.
Dreamily, Joey released Keriam's hand and watched in a daze as she went inside. He touched his cheek and slowly spun around, a large grin spreading across his reddened face. I'm in love...
"Well I think I had better head home myself," Cheri sighed as she gathered her stuff.
"I'll go with you as well," Ryou said as he gathered his books as well.
"Cool. I won't be alone," she smiled her thanks and after biding farewells they walked out of the shop. heading in the direction of the mini hotel they didn't realize that a cloaked figure was following them. The sky was dark but it was beginning to little by little. As they passed a dark alley another hooded person stepped out and silently followed them as well. However, this did not go unnoticed by a certain blue-eyed young man.
Bakura jerked when he felt a dark presence very close by. ~Ryou, you're being followed.~
~What?~ he blinked and slowly turned to look behind him.
~No don't look! Just keep walking as if nothing it wrong.~
Cheri was about to ask if he was alright when he blanked out but the feeling of being watched came again. Oh no, not the tickle feeling, she said to herself. Slowly she pulled her hand out of her pocket and pulled out a compact. It didn't have any make-up but she liked to use the mirror. Snapping it open she held it up and her eyes widen. Oh no...
"Just keep walking," Ryou said, taking Cheri's hand in his and forced a light laugh.
Cheri responded by leaning against him, making it look like the two were enjoying a private joke.
Seto saw the two and the strange man following behind. He quickly pulled his car over and rolled down the window. "Get in."
Cheri immediately jumped into the front passenger seat as Ryou went into the back. Once the doors were shut, Seto hit the gas and they sped away, leaving their follower behind. He only smiled, and then disappeared, leaving those around him in stunned silence.
"Thank you, Seto," Cheri breathed.
"Yes," said Ryou. "Thank you very much."
"No thanks from your ghost?" Seto asked sarcastically.
~I don't have to thank you for anything,~ Bakura said appearing next to Ryou.
"Ack damnit Bakura! Warn me!" Cheri cried out as she glared at him. "But who are those guys and what did they want?"
"That's a question I want to know as well," Seto replied.
~You ladies have tremendous power but you have yet to waken yours,~ the spirit said, ignoring the glare sent his way.
"You're not going into that Shadow Realm garbage again," grunted Seto.
Cheri gaped at the driving man. "You can hear him?"
"And see him. I don't know if it was from Pegasus' Millennium Eye or what happened on the Battle Ship."
Okay, I missed an episode, Cheri thought.
~The Shadow Realm is not garbage,~ said Bakura.
"Seto, I understand that you have a hard time still accepting it," Ryou said, "but unless Malik tells us what Ishizu found out, we don't know what exactly what to do. And there's the matter of who we're up against."
Cheri stayed quiet as she looked out the window. She kept thinking about her mom and wondered if she was okay. She had tried calling but the operator said the number was unlisted and that it didn't connect to anywhere. Sighing she rubbed her face and leaned her head back. Why us? Is it because we love this show so much? Is it because we were at the wrong place at the wrong time? Or is it because of the powers Keriam has and I supposedly have? she asked herself but couldn't think of a single answer.
"Good night, everyone!" Keriam waved as she left Burger World, and started walking towards the hotel. She was about two blocks down when the creepy feeling came over her. Oh man, not now! She quickened her pace.
"You can't hide forever."
Keriam stopped and looked towards the alleyway. "Who are you?" She stepped closer to the ally but stayed back far enough in case she needed to start running.
"I am Perjiem; your gracious host."
"You're the one who brought us here."
"Indeed," said Perjiem. "Sister of the Moon."
"What are you talking about?"
"You are a Sister of the Moon. Your power is greater than that of the Ancient Egyptians. Even the Pharaohs then, looked to you as gods."
"Pharaohs looked up to us? As gods?? I don't know if I should feel honor or what."
"Already your powers have awaken and now it is just a matter of time before I locate your other Sisters. Now come with me, dear Sister."
Others? He must mean Cheri! "Listen pal, I'm not going anywhere with you so leave me alone!" Without waiting for a reply she began running. She didn't even bother to look behind her to see if he was chasing her.
Keriam was almost to the corner of the street where the hotel was when some dressed in a dark robe stepped out in front of her. Skidding to a halt, Keriam looked at the person.
"You should not have run away from my brother," he said.
"She doesn't know her place," another male voice said.
Keriam whirled around and saw another robed figure and a third, no doubt Perjiem, walking towards her. Not good... she thought. Wait a minute... what happened to the people?
It may have been a school night and the young teens and children would be home, but what about the adults? Keriam didn't see anyone besides Perjiem and his brothers. And it was too quiet. This is getting freaky... Keriam swallowed.
The sound of a motor reached her ears and then a motorcycle flew up onto the sidewalk, making the three men jump back. The rider lifted his face shield. It was Malik.
"Keriam! Get on!"
She didn't have to be told twice. Keriam ran over and jumped onto the cycle, wrapping her arms around Malik's waist as he sped away. Suddenly, the people began to fade into view again. "What's going on?" Keriam yelled.
~It's an illusion,~ Marik answered.
"They managed to block themselves and even you from view, like how a chameleon can blend in with their surroundings," Malik explained.
"And you two weren't affected?"
"Because I was in contact with the rod for so long I guess you can say I became a bit immune to other magic."
~I could feel you in danger and pointed him to your location.~
"Thanks. I really mean it."
~Don't mention it.~
Keriam blinked at Marik's words. He actually sounded... normal. "Hey, where are we going?"
"Kaiba's mansion," Malik answered. "Cheri and Ryou are already there."
Keriam nodded and hugged Malik's waist a little tighter. They pulled into the long driveway, driving past the main gate up to the front door.
"Keriam! You okay?"
"Joey?" she blinked as he ran to her and pulled her into a hug. "What are you doing here?"
"Cheri called us and told us what was happening," said Yugi as he, Tea, and Tristen came over to them.
"We were so worried when she told us! Cheri said she was followed and we thought the same happen to you!" Tea fretted worriedly.
'That's it, I'm walking you home and school and work from now on!" Joey said with a fierce growl.
Malik turned off his bike and removed his helmet, nodding to the group. "Let's go inside where it's bound to be safer." Once they went in the young woman was soon tackled to the ground by a very concerned friend.
"Keriam!! You're alive oh god I was so worried!!" Cheri said in a rush as she hugged her tightly on the floor. "Are you okay? What did they want? Did you have to use your powers?"
"Powers?" three voices asked.
"I guess this would be a good time to explain everything," said Keriam.
"I'm afraid it sort of starts with Marik," said Malik.
"Why am I not surprised?" Seto grunted.
"Let's go to the living room. It's a bit of a story." The group wordlessly got up as they all headed to the living room and sat down. Malik remained standing for only a moment as he felt Marik take control so he could tell the story. Opening his eyes he took a deep breath and began with what Ishizu said about the girls.
"Turns out the men after Keriam and Cheri are because they might be the reincarnations of the Sisters of the Moon. They were women even before Yami's time that were so powerful the people saw them as gods. But their powers came fro the Shadow Realm."
"Say what?!?!" came the chorused cry he was momentarily deafen.
"Can I continue? Like I was saying, with great power came enemies. The battles between them became so bad that they gave up their lives just to protect their worshippers. So, they died but legend has it that their souls would be reborn once again."
Yugi was quiet but he knew Yami was listening. Power from the Shadow Realm? Just what were these ladies then? Mortals… or gods?
"… So what does this have to do with us?" Keriam asked where she sat next to Joey.
Now he looked away as one of his hands kept clenching and unclenching. "I… I know the guy who sent that monster…"
"You said his name was Perjiem," Joey spoke up. "What did you do to him?"
"Putting it mildly, I had him locked up. His two brothers helped him escape and I haven't seen them since."
"They never mentioned that in the show," Cheri blurted out.
"You idiot!" Keriam yelled at her. "For once in your life, keep your mouth shut!"
"Show?" Ryou asked. "What are you two talking about?"
"Wait a minute," Marik stepped closer to Keriam, "the two of you were pulled through the TV screen. This, "he waved his hand around, "is everything about us?"
Keriam nodded.
"Would you please bring the rest of us up to date here?" Tristen asked.
Marik sighed. "Keriam and Cheri are from another dimension."
"And everything here," Cheri picked up, "the Millennium Items, Duel Monsters, Domino City, Battle City, all of you..."
"Is a cartoon in our world," Keriam finished.
"... Y-You're kidding, right?" the brunette asked.
"Sorry... we kinda know everything about you guys..." Cheri looked at everyone in turn as she played with her rings. "We know how you all meet, your dueling history, the Items, everyone you've gone against; we even know you're personal lives. Yugi, I know it took you about eight years to solve the puzzle. Yami, I know your soul room is a living labyrinth. Tea, you want to go to New York to be a dancer. Ryou, you had to transfer schools when your friends played a game with you then fell into a coma. Bakura, I know you're a tomb raider in the past. Joey, I know about your dad. Marik, I know you were born from Malik's frustration and pain. Malik, I know about the scars on your back from your father. The same ones on Rishid's face. We know everything from Duelist Kingdom to Battle Ship Tournaments." she looked at the floor yet closed her eyes tightly. "But I am not important!! I don't have any power and even if I did how can we go home??"
"You just need to awaken your power-" Marik tried explained but stepped back when he felt a strong surge from her.
"Don't you get it?! I don't have any kind of power! I'm just a good hostage who doesn't know how to shut up!!" she practically shouted, "I'm sorry Keriam..." Shaking her head she ran from the room, even as she tried to keep the tears back.
"Cheri wait!!" she called out but it was no use. She ran out the front door and tried looking for her she was already gone. But her friend couldn't run that fast. It was like she just vanished...
Seto appeared next to her. "Cheri," he whispered.
"I didn't mean to yell," Keriam said, "I didn't-"
Seto placed his hand on her shoulder. "I know, Keriam. Come on." They walked back inside to the living room.
"We have to find her and fast," said Malik, now back in control.
"But she just disappeared!" Keriam cried out. "She could anywhere!"
"Wait, Keriam," Yugi stepped in front of her. "What's your favorite place here?"
"Yugi, what are you talking about?"
"Just tell us."
Keriam sighed. "The aquarium where Joey battled against Mako Tsunami."
"And what's Cheri's favorite place here?" asked Yugi.
"The stadium where..." Keriam stopped and looked at Yugi with hope. "Where you all fought in the Battle City Finals."
Yugi took her hands. "It's just a hunch," he said, "but she might have teleported herself there. We'll go get her."
"I'm coming with you."
"Keriam, you can't," said Malik. "You have to stay here--it's safer."
"But-"
"I'll stay with you," Joey said.
"So will I," said Malik.
She wanted to argue but sighing in defeat she nodded her head. She would be safer here. "Just... tell her I'm sorry."
"We'll bring her back so you can tell her yourself. Let's go." Taking one of the cars several of the friends headed out while the rest waited. Joey took Keriam's hand in his own and gave it a tight squeeze.
"Everything will be okay," he said softly, trying to cheer her up just a bit.
Cheri was scared and curious as she looked around her surroundings. She was at Domino Stadium where Kaiba Blimp took everyone for Battle Ship finals. How she got here she didn't know but she still felt terrible. "God I am so stupid!!" she yelled at herself, kicking at he ground while insulting herself over and over before slumping against a wall and slid to the ground.
"Keriam was right; I do have a big mouth. Stupid stupid stupid!!" she repeated while banging her head against the wall before stopping and grabbed her head. Another thing to add to my stupid list, she whimpered to herself.
Cheri rubbed the sore spot and sighed. She looked up at the night sky. It was clear and the moon was in its first quarter. Cheri smiled; she always liked the crescent moon. For some reason, it made her feel better. As she gazed at it, Cheri couldn't help noticing two stars that were very close to the two pointed ends of the moon.
I've never noticed that before, she thought then remembered that this wasn't "her" moon. Cheri stood up and walked a few steps away from the wall.
The stars seemed to be glowing brightly than any of the others that soon she found herself in the center of the stadium. Her eyes never left the sky though and for a moment, the stars seemed to glow brighter as did the moon. She tried to look away but he longer she looked the more she felt hypnotized by it. Soon she could feel something stirring deep inside, it almost felt like something was singing deep within.
"What is this feeling?" she asked herself softly.
"Ah, there you are."
Gasping, Cheri spun around and saw a man wearing a dark robe. "Perjiem?"
"So that pretender told you," he said. "No, my name is Haziem. I am here on my brother's orders."
"What do you want?"
"You are a Sister of the Moon. What we want is you and the other Sister."
Keriam! Cheri backed up and looked around, trying to locate a way out.
"There is no escape, Sister. Come with me and let your powers be awaken."
"For destruction no doubt. Can't you just leave us alone?"
"I'm afraid not. But if you won't come willing... then you'll just have to come by force."
Cheri was scared yes and she had a huge urge to cry for help but no. She was a big girl; she should be able to take care of herself! "I'm not going anywhere, Haziem. And just you try, I'm not giving up so easily," she snapped as she held her fists up.
Haziem laughed. "Very brave, and foolish." He held up his harms.
"Over there!" Tristen yelled, pointing out the helicopter window.
"Cheri!" Ryou shouted.
~She's not alone,~ said Bakura.
Seto landed the helicopter and everyone jumped out. "Cheri!" Seto called out to her.
"Huh? Seto?" she blinked and looked up... but she didn't see the attack that struck her hard in the chest.
"Hey it's that hooded guy!!" Tristen pointed to Haziem.
"I have to help her," the CEO almost growled as he made to go to her.
"No stay back!!" Cheri pulled herself up, looking in pain as she held one hand over her chest. "I... I'm not letting him hurt any of my friends..." Taking a deep breath she ran at him. She didn't know much about fighting but maybe if she could get a hit in that would be enough. I am not going down without a fight! she swore to herself as she ran faster.
"Cheri! Don't!" Seto ran after her. He was right behind her when Haziem threw another attack. Seto grabbed Cheri and moved so that the blast hit him in the back, protecting Cheri. The two were sent flying and skidded across the ground.
"Seto?" Cheri shook him. "Seto!" He groaned a little, and she sighed with relief. Cheri stood up and faced Haziem, glaring at him with rage-filled eyes. Oh, she was pissed.
"It's one thing to come after me and attack me, but it's something entirely different when you hurt the ones I care about!!" Her hands were clenched tightly at her side ass he began to walk towards him slowly but steadily.
Bakura had been watching through his light's eyes and now he could see that her body was being engulfed by a kind of dark aura. ~I think her powers have just awoken,~ he declared.
True enough it looked almost as if dark flames had been ignited and grew with each step she took. Standing several feet away from the hooded man she had her hands to her sides as she glared angrily at him.
"I am not going to let you hurt anyone I care for, especially Seto and Keriam! So take this to your brother and tell him I will never join his ranks!!" Energy pooled at her hands, similar to massive blast before she let it all loose with a shout of anger. It arched at him like black lightning before striking him dead on. With an explosion that filled the night air, blinding and deafening the group that when the debris cleared...
"What the... he's gone!!" Tristen pointed out. The guy was gone!
"Is he dead?" Ryou asked.
~Possibly,~ said Yami. ~It depends.~
"On what?" asked Tea.
~On whether he was smart enough to leave before receiving quite a shock,~ Bakura answered.
Cheri ran back to Seto, who was now beginning to sit upright. "Are you okay?"
"I'll be alright," he grunted. He gasped as Cheri threw her arms around his neck. Hearing her quiet sobs, Seto put his arm around her. "It's okay, Cheri."
"I'm scared..."
"I'm right here."
~Why don't you take this back to the mansion?~ Bakura suggested.
Ryou groaned. "Enough, 'Kura."
She sniffed before pulling back and rubbed at her eyes. "I-I'm sorry... I guess I saw red for a minute."
Yugi slowly made her way over and rested his hand on her shoulder. "Cheri? You sure you're okay?"
"Yeah I'm fine. I guess... I'm not as worthless as I thought." She weakly laughed and looked up at the sky. Two stars closest to the moon...
Seto managed to get to his feet without any help. He held out his hand to Cheri and pulled her up.
"Are you okay to fly this thing, Seto," Tristen asked.
"Yes," Seto answered, wrapping his arm around Cheri and leading her to the helicopter.