"Sisters of the Moon"
By: Heikou and Janime Lee
The moon was whole and lighted the alleyways just enough for a person to see. A figure crouched low to avoid being spotted by guards, snaked his way through the dark paths and to the temple of the Sisters of the Moon. Kasuyan neared the temple, keeping quiet and staying in the shadows. For the past few days, he had watched the guards make their rounds and timed them--who moved to which direction and how long it would take them to return.
He ducked behind, large clay water jars, carts, and huge bundles of straw. Soon he was only a short distance away from the temple, hiding behind a wagon. Kasuyan would have to time this perfectly. There wasn't anything else to shield him from the guards from where he was now. He watched the guard by the temple steps walking then turned and walked the other way.
Kasuyan dashed across the open area, slipped, quickly regained his balance and ran to the corner of the steps.
"Who's there?" the guard spun around.
Kasuyan held his breath. They would surely kill him for being this close to the temple in the middle of the night. And being an outsider would not help him at all, despite the kindness Theliane had given him.
The guard started walking back; Kasuyan shut his eyes tight.
"Meow."
"Was that you making that noise?"
Kasuyan peeked out and saw the guard pick up a young kitten.
"I think I'll take you home," the guard smiled, "my daughter would love you." He walked away.
Sighing, Kasuyan leaned against the cool stone; he waited a little while then peeked out again, watching the guard walk down a few paces then turned left. Kasuyan ran from his hiding place and up the steps, going past the door to one of the open windows. Grabbing one of the white banners that hung from it, Kasuyan climbed up and through the window. He let himself hang from the edge before dropping down to the smooth marble floor, falling over.
Recovered, Kasuyan stood up and slowly walked towards the enormous statue of the goddess Isis. He stared at it in awe for a moment then pulled a small piece of sage from his pouch, held it to the lamp that burned all day and night, lighting it. Kasuyan knew that the people here in Egypt would--and did--considered his way of worshipping the gods heresy, but he didn't care. This was the way he had been taught, this would be the way he would worship.
He held the sage up and drew symbols in the air, the light smoke coming from it leaving a wavy pattern behind the movements. Kasuyan placed the sage in the incense holder next to the alter. Kasuyan knelt down and bowed before the statue.
"Great Isis," he prayed, "Lady of Love, hear my prayer. Know that in the recesses of my heart burns a flame for Theliane. The ways of the heart are mysterious, Lady, and I ask your guidance in this path, for Theliane is a Sister of the Moon. If my love for Theliane weighs true in your hands, let Theliane know that I welcome her glance. Let her know that I delight in her conversation. Let her know that I yearn for the touch of her hand, and desire that we should love one another happily. If my attention is not welcomed by Theliane, let my heart release all desire for her. If you find this love unworthy, cleanse my heart of it. Take its power as an offering. Bring forth new joy and free me of sorrow." Kasuyan sat up and stared at the statue with beseeching eyes. "Great Isis, hear my prayer!"
The only thing he heard was the sound of crickets chirping. Closing his eyes, he rose to his feet.
"Kasuyan."
He spun around and faced the speaker.
Theliane!
Kasuyan's heart leapt to his throat as he looked at her. She was not wearing her temple attire but rather a simple green dress. Theliane slowly walked over to him. Kasuyan's heart was beating so fast and hard against his ribs that he was certain that she would hear it.
Theliane said nothing as she took Kasuyan's left hand and placed it over her heart. She looked into his shocked almond eyes. "It seems that Mother Isis has answered both our prayers," she whispered.
Kasuyan slowly moved his hand from over her heart, up her neck to her cheek. She leaned into his hand, and then he brought up his other hand, bringing her lips to his and kissed.
"Theliane..."
Joey woke up with a start, lightly sweating. He glanced around the white room before easing himself back on the bed and took a deep breath. Dream... It was a dream... he told himself but even so the time, the place, the people…
Kasuyan. Keriam asked if he knew the name. He didn't when first asked but now he did. Kasuyan... was his name.
"Joey? You okay?" Malik asked, carefully resting his hand on his arm only to frown. His skin felt clammy to the touch. "Do you want me to get the nurse?"
"No... No I'm fine. Just a dream," he said softly, taking a deep breath before letting it out slowly. "What time is it?"
"Around 3am. The dream, do you want to talk about it?"
"...I had a dream... about a girl called Theliane and a guy called Kasuyan." He let his eyes close as images of the dream flashed before him. "That guy... that was me."
"You sure it's not the pain killers the doctors have you on?"
"Malik, I swear it was more than a dream. I was praying to Isis."
That caught the Egyptian's attention. "And what did you pray to Isis?"
Joey repeated the prayer he/Kasuyan had said. "Believe me now?" he asked.
The look on Malik's face gave him the answer. "Great Ra..."
~What about this Theliane?~ Marik asked.
"She's Keriam," answered Joey. "I think-no, I know that Keriam was once Theliane and I was Kasuyan."
~You and Keriam were lovers over five thousand years ago...~ said Marik.
"I'll assume we were," Joey crossed his arms. "The memory ended on us kissing."
~You were.~
"If you insist, Bakura."
The spirit stepped out of Malik's body and leaned over to Joey with narrowed eyes. ~Never. Call. Me. By. That. Name.~
The blonde glared back at him. "Then. Shut. Up."
"About the dream, that would explain why you two seem to work so well together," Malik explained as he privately told Marik to leave Joey alone.
~Among other thing,~ growled Marik before he turned his back on the two of them.
"I guess it makes sense... in the dream, the Sister said that Isis seemed to have answered both our prayers. But I still love her and not because she can summon Silver Fang."
She can do more than that, Malik thought, Cheri can summon Obelisk and Tea can summon Slypher. And that leaves Keriam to summon the Winged Dragon of Ra. All three Sisters are here and they're waking up.
"So what else is new?" Joey asked, trying to settle himself again, wincing from the pain.
"Tea's feeling better."
"What happened to Tea?"
Malik stopped, realizing that Joey didn't know that Tea had the temporary fever like Cheri and Keriam. He looked at Joey who had a concerned, frightened look on his face. "She went through the same temporary fever," said Malik. "But she's doing much better."
"Temporary fever?" Joey asked. "Tea is a Sister of the Moon?"
~You caught that quick,~ Marik said in surprise.
"Considering the last couple weeks of events, yeah. Now how in hell did that happen?"
"Everything comes in threes, Joey," Malik rubbed his head. "Three normal guys, three guys that each have a spirit or other personality, three Sisters of the Moon, and three Egyptian God Cards."
Joey stared at him. "That is too damn freaky to be a coincidence."
After seeing two scary movies Cheri was nearly jumping at every shadow. After 'Darkness Falls' Mokuba had wanted to 'Ghost Ship'. Not as scary but it had more graphic violence in it. Less than halfway through it and Seto had gotten up and took out the DVD. There was a brief argument about it so they settled on a comedy. By the time that movie was over Mokuba was tired and it was getting close to be three in the morning. So being the caring big brother he was, Seto took the young boy to his room and she stayed to clean up some. Taking the dishes to the kitchen she was reminded of the horror movie and suppressed a shudder.
Okay calm down. It was just a movie and not of it is true, she thought to herself as she took out the last four cookies in the bag. Sitting on a bar stool she munched on them silently. Besides, I don't have any loose teeth or such. But every sound she wasn't aware of she nearly jumped out of her skin. It is just a movie. God why am I so jumpy! Thinking of 'Ghost Ship' she was reminded of Joey and she frowned. I did not need to be reminded of that.
"Cheri?" Seto called.
"In the kitchen," she answered.
He walked in and stood behind Cheri, wrapping his arms around her waist. Cheri held up one of the cookies and he ate it. She looked at him and grinned. "Who would've thought I'd have you eating out of my hand."
Seto winked at her and finished the cookie. "Who indeed," he leaned over and kissed her neck lightly.
"Mokuba's asleep?"
"As soon as his head hit the pillow."
"And then there was two." She sighed happily, resting her hands on his arms as she leaned her head back some. "So much has happened so far..."
"I know but we will get through this together," he whispered, nuzzling her neck tenderly.
She idly traced the gauze on his arm as she carefully hugged his still healing arm to her. "I don't know what I'd do if you were in Joey's position... I love you, Seto."
She felt him take a sharp breath at her words. Maybe I shouldn't have said that so soon... Cheri thought. She moved out of his arms and off the stool, heading for the door.
He gently grabbed her arm and turned her around to face him. Seto looked into her eyes, and Cheri noticed that he didn't have the dark, uncaring glare in them. Instead they seemed to have a small flicker of light deep within them. Seto brought his hands up, cupping her face and he kissed her. Cheri wrapped her arms around his neck as the kiss intensified. He pulled away and looked at her, both a little breathless.
"I never express my emotions, Cheri," he said, "but... I love you, too."
"Oh Seto..." Forcing the tears back she hugged him tightly before kissing him back. It felt for that single moment that time was standing still and nothing could bring her down. She never wanted to leave him or this world but thinking about it she remembered her mother and began to feel homesick. Pushing it away she ran her hands through his hair as the kiss deepened some, just wanting to melt into him.
I swear I'll kill them if they try to hurt you, she promised fiercely.
Tristan paid the cab driver as Serenity and her mother walked into the hospital. Serenity was so worried about Joey that she kept jumping at every stoplight, ready to exit the cab and run the rest of the way. Mrs. Wheeler on the other hand, did show concern for her son, but not as much as a mother should. Tristan couldn't understand the way Joey and his mother acted towards each other. They both loved Serenity, no question there, but there was always a gap between the two. When Serenity was going to have the operation on her eyes, Mrs. Wheeler didn't seem pleased that Joey had showed up, even though she thanked him for talking to Serenity.
As soon as they stepped inside the young teenager quickly made her way to the front desk. "Excuse me, miss? Can you tell me where Joey Wheeler's room is?" she asked the nurse.
The woman smiled as she checked on a clipboard. "Sure thing sweetie. He's in the room just around the corner. But he's with a visitor at the moment."
"Please can I still see him? He's my brother!"
"Okay you can go then." She couldn't help but smile as Serenity thanked her and ran off.
Joey was talking with Malik and Keriam when he heard hurried footsteps. Thinking about it the door quickly opened and he couldn't help but stare in surprise. "S-Serenity??"
"Joey!!" With a soft cry she ran to his side and wrapped her arms around him tightly, trying very hard not to cry. "I was so worried when I heard!!"
"Ow! Sis! Please, I missed you too, but I'm still healing!" Joey cried.
Serenity quickly let him go. "Oh, sorry!"
Joey smiled at her as the pain subsided. "It's okay. I'm alright. Um, Serenity, I don't know if you've heard about dad but-"
"I know; he's dead. Ryou told us."
Joey held his sister's hand. "Oh Serenity, this is Keriam."
"Hi," Serenity smiled. "Joey told me about you."
"Joey's told me a lot about you, Serenity," said Keriam. "I wish we could've met under better circumstances."
Serenity nodded. "How are you, Malik?"
"Can't complain. Who would listen?"
~I'd hear but I wouldn't listen.~
"Did Marik say something?" asked Serenity when Malik rolled his eyes.
"You can't hear him, can't you," Keriam said.
Serenity shook her head. "No, but I know about him and Bakura."
"Where's mom?" Joey asked.
"She's in the waiting room with Tristan."
"I'll go and let her come in," Keriam said. Joey noticed the tone in her voice but she left before he could say anything. Keriam walked to the waiting room, finding Tristan sitting by himself on the bench, looking up as she walked closer.
"How's Joey?" he asked.
"A lot better then when he was brought in last night," Keriam said. "Where's Mrs. Wheeler?"
"She went outside," Tristan stood up. "I think she's smoking a cigarette."
Keriam shook her head. "Why don't you see Joey. I want to talk to her privately, anyways."
Tristan looked at her quizzically for a moment, but then nodded and went to Joey's room.
Keriam watched him leave then walked outside, finding the older woman with a cigarette between her lips. "My uncle's boss died from those," Keriam said, "lung cancer."
Elizabeth Wheeler took the cigarette from her mouth. "Look," she said, "I've had my share of lectures. As long as my daughter doesn't start, I'll be happy. And you should mind your own business."
"I'm Keriam. Joey's girlfriend."
Elizabeth sighed. "Sorry about that. I've had a long night."
"So has Serenity."
"He's her brother, of course she has," Elizabeth snapped. "She cried most of the night."
"Did you?" Keriam asked. "I'm surprised you're here."
The older woman noticed her tone of voice. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"You're not his mother," said Keriam.
Elizabeth stared at the young girl in shock before sighing and leaned against the wall. "How did you find out?"
"I saw his medical file. Joey's blood is B Negative. Your ex-husband was O Negative. But you and Serenity are A Negative. I love to know how that happened. Joey and Serenity look like Grandmother Wheeler--I saw the pictures, so he wasn't adopted."
"Joey is Greg's son," Elizabeth confessed, "and Julia, my best friend's son. The three of us knew each other for a long time. They got married, Joey was born... and Julia died from an internal hemorrhage shortly after giving birth."
Oh, Joey... Keriam thought.
"Out of my love for my best friend, I married Greg and said that I was his mother. A few years later, Serenity was born. Everything seemed just right... Until Greg was laid off when the factory closed and he started on the bottle. I had to get Serenity out of there. So I left for a little while and when the divorce was final, I took her with me."
"And left Joey behind," Keriam glared at her. "You claimed to be his mother and you just left him as if he was nothing!"
"Because he wasn't really my son! There's a difference between loving him and loving Serenity." She paused as she took another drag and let it out slowly.
"Did you ever stop to think how Joey felt about all this? He loves his sister very much and I can tell from the way his eyes light up or the tone in his voice."
"I only did it because I thought it would be for the best. At first I did love him as if he were my own.. But then Greg was developing that drinking habit and I feared not only my life but Serenity's as well. I had to get her out of there."
"... Didn't you think he would come after his own son?" she said in a low tone as her hands tighten into fists. "Would you like to see the scars he left on him for life?"
Elizabeth's eyes widen before looking down, flicking ashes from the cigarette. "Why should it matter to me?"
"Why? Why?! He almost died and you act as if he meant nothing!! Joey told me that the reason he thinks you left is because you were afraid he would turn out like his father!!"
"And he did!! He's nothing but a hooligan that fights and gets into nothing but trouble!!" she snapped at her only to prove that she really didn't care about him the least bit.
"A hooligan?" Keriam kept her hands at her sides, fighting the temptation to punch the older woman. "Hooligans don't sneak onto boats to fight in a tournament to win the prize money so that his sister will be able to keep her eyesight. Hooligans don't go around blaming themselves for his mother leaving and refusing to let him see his sister." She paused, moving her hands behind her back and gripped them together tightly. "Do they know the truth?"
"I'm guessing Joey does," Elizabeth turned her head away but Keriam saw the anger in her eyes.
"Maybe if you actually cared, things would be different. My parents are dead; I live with my aunt and uncle. They never had any children but I know they love me as if I was their daughter, and I love them as much as if they were my real parents. You don't want Serenity having anything to do with Joey, and I bet it kills you that you can't stop her from loving her older brother. You're so full of shit, it's pathetic."
"Why you-" Elizabeth moved to slap Keriam, but she grabbed her wrist and shoved her hard against the wall.
"Hooligans tend to flock to each other," Keriam hissed. "I also fight and get into nothing but trouble." She released Elizabeth and watched her rub her wrist. "You're not worthy to be Joey's mother or step-mother. You're not worthy to be Serenity's mother, either." Keriam walked to the door, stopped and turned around. "One day, Serenity will find out the truth. But she's not going to hate Joey. She will hate you."
She tried to say something but there was truth to those words. If and when Serenity found out... she was not going to hate the one who has done everything to ensure she lead a good and happy life. But for some reason... she didn't feel a twinge of regret.
"Joey... why didn't you tell any of us about what dad was doing to you?" the young girl asked as she carefully sat next to him, holding one of his hands with both of hers. "Maybe we could have stopped him sooner."
"Naw don't worry about it sis. Besides," he looked a bit depressed as he squeezed her hand. "He threatened everyone since he didn't know where you or mom were at."
"Wait I thought your dad didn't know about us," Tristan said as he scratched the back of his head.
"Me to. Scared me when he said he would ask one of his buddies to drop by your houses for a 'visit'. But we never have to worry about him ever again."
Serenity smiled as she looked at everyone before looking at him. "I'm really glad you have friends who care for you, big brother."
Malik watched as the door open but instead of Keriam walking in they were surprised to see Mrs. Wheeler. Joey took a sharp intake of air but held it, even as he squeezed his sister's hands. It looked like the two were ready to have a stare off but the tension was beginning to build so much that it was practically sucking the air out of the room. "I would like to speak to Joey in private," she said and everyone just stared at her. Hadn't she heard of manners?
"But mom-" the younger girl was about to protest but watched as the blonde spoke up.
"So right. Shouldn't take long and visiting hours won't be over for couple hours," eh said as eh tried to shrug his shoulders but couldn't.
"If you're sure man." Tristan carefully patted his shoulder as the friends silently stepped out and soon it was just the two of them. At first it was a tense moment of silence before she asked to see his scars. Joey looked at her before sitting up some more and with some grunting removed as much as his shirt as much as he could. He didn't need to see her face to know her reactions.
"Ain't pretty but these are the most recent," he said in a soft voice. "If my friends hadn't gotten there in time... I wouldn't be alive today."
"I never would have thought..." Elizabeth couldn't help staring at the horrible marks, "He'd be capable of that..."
Joey moved his shirt back in place. "If you did, would have taken me with you? Oh wait, I'm not your son."
"Did he tell you?"
"No, I found a picture of dad standing with his arms around a blonde-haired woman who was pregnant. On the back of it said 'Greg, Julia and baby'." Joey flicked a lock of his hair. "Now I know where this came from."
"I took that picture," said Elizabeth. "Julia was my best friend."
"I bet she's having second thoughts now."
"Joey, what did you want me to do? I was scared for Serenity."
"And not for me," Joey looked out the window for a moment then back to Elizabeth. "Every time I called you 'mom' your face lit up--I remember that. Even after Serenity was born, you still loved hearing me call you that. And when you left... you have no idea how much that tore me up. And then you took Serenity away..." he looked away from her. "I kept trying to figure out what I did to make you leave me behind."
"Joey..." Elizabeth touched his arm but he jerked away, hissing from the pain.
"Just go," he said. "You don't need me. You have Serenity."
Sighing, Elizabeth turned and left his room. After closing the door, she jumped upon seeing Serenity, Tristan, and Malik standing there. Malik and Tristan had angry stares, while Serenity had tears flowing down her cheeks. "What?" Elizabeth asked.
"How could you?!" Serenity screamed at her mother then turned to Tristan, burying her face against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her, rubbing her back as she cried.
"Serenity, please!" Elizabeth said. "Let me explain!"
"We listened at the door," Tristan glared at her. "We heard enough."
"I think you better go, Ms. Baskins," Malik said, purposely using her maiden name.
She saw the look on his face and took his advice, leaving the hospital alone.
"How could she lie to me? To us?" she sobbed into his shirt.
"I... I don't know," Tristan said with a sigh, hugging her tightly.
"Who would have thought... Serenity, why don't you spend time with Joey. Just the two of you," the young Egyptian said. "We'll wait out here."
Sniffing he wiped the tears away and smiled tentively. "I'm so glad he has friends like you all," she said softly. Wiping the tears away she slowly opened the door and closed it behind her. The guys heaved a heavy sigh, knowing that the siblings should have this time to themselves.
Now what? Joey asked as he rolled his eyes, looking at the door but blinked. "Sis... what's wrong?" he asked, immediately growing concerned.
Serenity said nothing as she slowly stood at his side, noticing the scars along his arms before leaning over and wrapped her arms around him as carefully as she could. Only then did she begin to cry, even more. "She lied to us."
He didn't say anything except wrap his arms around her and hugged her as tight as he could, trying to give her some comfort. "I know sis; I guess she thought she was doing the right thing-"
"No it was wrong! We had a right to know!" she shouted, looking at him with bright, shimmering eyes. "I don't care if we don't have the same mother you'll always be my big brother who took me to the beach and always made time for me. You're also the one who won that prize money for my operation and took me on that blimp ride." She smiled and kissed his cheek before hugging him tightly once more. "I don't care what anyone says. You'll always be my big brave brother and I love you."
Now he could feel tears prickling at his eyes that he smiled and rubbed his cheek against the top of her head, breathing in deeply. "I love you too sis. Always have, always will."
Keriam slowly walked to Joey's room. After seeing Elizabeth leave with the look on her face, Keriam guess that the cat had been let out of the bag. She saw Tristan and Malik standing outside his room. "I take it by the looks on your faces that you know," said Keriam.
Malik nodded solemnly and turned to her. "When did you find out?"
"Yesterday--I saw Joey's file. The blood types gave it away."
"Aw man," Tristan sighed and looked at the ceiling.
"How's Serenity handling it?" Keriam asked.
"As best as anyone could." Tristan turned to her. "She's with Joey now. I honestly don't believe that she wants to go home."
"I wouldn't blame her." Keriam leaned against the wall next to Malik. "Do you think Seto would mind setting up an extra room?"
Tristan snorted. "If not, she can stay with me and my parents. We have a spare room."
"Oh yeah, you two have been dating for awhile, haven't you?"
"A little to Joey's dismay."
"Little? I thought he was going to play chaperone on all your dates."
"Funny, Malik. Very funny."
~Who would have thought he had such a, dysfunctional family,~ Marik said with a frown. ~But he is a good brother.~
"Can spirits get sick?" Keriam asked.
"I'm not too sure," said Malik. "But there's a first time for everything."
~What are you talking about?~
Tristan looked confused. "I know I missed something."
"It's what Marik said," Keriam explained.
~What about it?~
"You complimented the mutt," said Malik.
Marik rolled his eyes. ~Oh brother...~
Tristan laughed. "Man, I wished I wasn't left out on these things."
"Maybe we can get Yami or Bakura to take care of that," said Keriam.
"Yami I trust. Bakura... hell no!"
"What about Marik?" Keriam said with a smile.
"After what happened to Joey and Tea? Forget it!"
~You'll never let me live that down will you?~ the spirit frowned.
Everyone laughed softly, trying not to bring attention to themselves or the fact they were talking to a spirit no one could see except for a selected few.
Nearly an hour passed before Serenity joined them. Her eyes were a bit red but she was smiling softly and seemed a bit better. "Everyone, I want to thank you again for being there for Joey where I couldn't."
"Hey Joey may be a doofus time to time but he's a good guy," Tristan smiled as he hugged her. "And we'll be there for you too." She smiled and gladly hugged him back.
~That's so sweet I'm getting a toothache.~
"Shut up, Marik."
The young girl blinked then looked up. "What's going to happen to Joey? Where will he live? He's... an orphan but I want to stay with him."
"We'll think of something, Serenity," Tristan promised. "I'm certain we'll have it taken care of before the doctors release him."
"Are you out of your mind?" Seto looked up from his computer. "I understand you have feelings for him, but I am not letting him stay here."
Keriam shifted, annoyed at the CEO. Serenity was staying at Tristan's house for the night, which only left finding a place for Joey to stay as he finished recovering. "Seto, he doesn't have any other place to go. It's only temporary."
"Why doesn't he go with his mother?"
"Elizabeth isn't his mother," Keriam said and Seto blinked. "That's why she only took Serenity with her after the divorce. Joey's mother died shortly after he was born. Serenity is his half-sister."
Seto leaned back in his chair and looked at the ceiling. "I've never been civil to him but the mutt can stay here for awhile."
"Thank you, Seto," Keriam turned and walked to the door, "I'm sure Joey will appreciate your hospitality." She opened the door and paused. "Oh, and one more thing," she looked at him over her shoulder. "Please stop calling him a mutt, you dumb-ass prick." And she left Seto's office.
"Yes, Wheeler, she's perfect for you." Seto went back to his computer.