"Sisters of the Moon"
By: Heikou and Janime Lee
"The Sisters have remembered their pasts," Perjiem said as he allowed a smirk to grace his lips. "Soon their powers shall awaken and they will summon the gods."
Haziem slowly walked into the room and nodded his brother. "Our attempt at removing the boy, Joey Wheeler, has failed," he said in a tight voice. "The father is dead and the boy lives."
"Marik. That fool has no idea what he is doing," he growled.
"What will we do now?"
The eldest of the brothers was quiet as he moved to sit at a large, round table that held only three chairs. Sitting down he thought about it as Haziem sat in one of the other chairs. Attacking them in the open was useless and the yamis would be protecting them. Perhaps if they could force them into surrendering into their hands they would win but how?
Deliem appeared, smirking at he strode to the table and sat in his seat. "Thinking of a way to capture the Sisters?" he asked.
Haziem slowly nodded, a frown appearing on his brow. "We must force them to join us but at the same time keep those meddling boys busy."
"Then you will be most delighted in my news." Now that caught both their attention and turned to look at the youngest of the brothers. "It seems they will be a large social gathering at their school tomorrow evening. The Sisters will be there."
"As well as Marik and the others," Perjiem sighed and sat back. For a moment he thought they had a chance.
"Yes but even they cannot be in two places at once. If we take the spirits' holders captive, the yamis will have to listen to us for they will do anything to protect those boys... as will the Sisters."
"But one of them has awakened her power to summon."
"Yes but only a low level monster that can be easily dealt with. What do you say?" Thinking about it it could work. The three girls may have gotten their memories back but the power within was still dormant for the most part. And as such they could be easily manipulated and they could use their powers for chaos. Grins of malice spread on their faces as they nodded. Their plan would soon be set into motion.
"Easy," said Keriam as she and Malik helped Joey lay on the bed.
He grimaced a little from the pain, and then sighed when he relaxed. "What I give for morphine right now," Joey said.
"The doctor said no more pain killers," said Malik. "Or you'll become an addict."
"I'll keep my addictions to DDR and Duel Monsters."
"And me," Keriam said.
"Of course," Joey smiled at her, "you're my favorite addiction."
Malik couldn't help but feel slightly uncomfortable at the scene. He didn't mind it was just he felt like a third wheel. "Do you want me to leave you two alone?" he asked.
"Naw so right man. Hey, any word from the creepy brothers?" he asked with a sigh.
~Nothing so far and I'm starting to get worried,~ Marik spoke up as he appeared next to the young man, arms crossed over his chest with his fingers tapping along his arm.
"Maybe they've given up," Keriam said but even she knew they wouldn't give up so easily.
~I wish. No... They must be planning something big for this. But it makes me wonder just what they will do to get you, Tea, and Cheri.~ They didn't realize it but Cheri was listening outside the door. She didn't mean to but when word of the three brothers came up she was curious. Hearing what Marik said and thinking about it she couldn't help but grow worried. Picturing Seto in Joey's condition she slowly walked to her room. Closing the door behind her she slowly slid down it to the floor, resisting the urge to cry.
Seto... if anything happened to you... Thinking about the stitches on his arm she pushed back the tears and went to her bed. Sitting down she grabbed a blank sketch book she bought and just began to sketch. It was one of the simple pleasures she got in life, even in this world.
Suddenly, she felt as if someone else took over. When she became herself again, the page was full. Cheri looked at it and gasped.
Three young women, all wearing Egyptian temple dresses were lying unconscious.
"Dead..." Cheri whispered and knocked the book away.
Ryou heard the noise and poked his head into the room. "Cheri?" he asked upon seeing the distressed look on her face.
~Temper, temper,~ said Bakura.
"Be quiet." Ryou walked into her room and picked up the sketch book. He gasped at the picture.
"... You drew this?" he asked but she said nothing. "Cheri?"
"... I'm starting to hate this with each passing moment..." she said softly, staring intently at her lap as she clasped her hands tightly together.
The young man was silent even as he made his way to her and carefully sat before her, setting the book on the nightstand. Reaching out he rested his hand on top of hers. "Cheri, I know this must be hard but we will get through this. We're your friends."
"That's what I'm afraid of. You were there when Mr. Wheeler tried to kill Joey. What if they try the trick with someone close to us?" She sniffed as she reached up to rub at her eyes. "What if the next target is Seto? Or even Keriam and Tea? I can't protect them."
"Your powers are awakening."
"But that was a one time thing and it was when I was really upset. What if I lose my temper over something stupid and hurt someone without meaning to?" Looking up at him their deep browns eyes meet but hers were filled with tears. "I'm scared, Ryou. I'm scared because I don't want to hurt anyone I care about ever again."
"Cheri," Ryou hugged her, "you won't. I know you won't. Seto, Bakura and I will make sure that won't ever happen."
~We will?~ Bakura asked; his light glared at him. ~Ah, yes, we will make sure you won't do anything to harm others.~
Cheri laughed and looked at them. "Thanks guys, that means alot." She kissed Ryou's cheek.
Ryou smiled at her and stood up. "I'm going to see how Joey is."
Cheri nodded and the two left her room.
"What?" Ryou asked, noticing the look Bakura was giving him.
~Nothing,~ said the spirit.
"Don't tell me you're jealous because Cheri gave me a kiss."
~I'm not...~ Bakura turned away.
Ryou blinked at his dark's reaction. "I don't believe it... you are!"
~I'm not so just drop it,~ he snapped.
"Bakura you can't lie to me. Don't get upset, please."
~... Sometimes I envy you,~ he said softly but refused to look at him.
Ryou couldn't help but stare at his darker self. He was envious of him? "Why?"
~Because you're alive and you can experience everything. Especially touching other people. I can't touch anything but even when I take over I still can't touch anything myself.~ He sighed as he shook his head before disappearing into the ring. ~I'm staying in here for the rest of the day.~
Ryou stared at his Millennium Item, still confused by Bakura's attitude. Sighing, he decided to let the spirit have his way and went to Joey's room. "How are you feeling?"
"Better but still in a little pain," Joey answered. "How about you two?"
"Not too bad. Tristan and Serenity will be over later."
"How she'd survive with her mother?"
"She stayed at Tristan's house."
"WHAT?!" Joey shouted and yelped from the pain.
"Joey, calm down." Keriam put her hands on his shoulders. "Tristan adores your sister. Injured or not, he knows you'd kill him if he tried anything."
"I do more than kill him," Joey gritted through his teeth.
"Jeez, Wheeler, can't you stay out of trouble?" a new voice asked from the doorway.
"Not you!" Joey groaned and leaned his head back.
Keriam looked towards the door and saw Devlin leaning against the doorpost, smirking. He straightened and walked towards them. Joey grabbed a pillow and threw it at the Dungeon Dice master. Devlin caught it. "Your aim sucks, man. No wonder you're horrible at Dungeon Dice. Stick to the cards."
"Right," Joey glared at him but grinned, "as soon as you get rid of that earring."
"Not a chance in hell." Devlin tossed the pillow on the other side of the bed. "How are you?"
"I feel like I just came from hell. How'd you find out about it?"
"Tristan. Why didn't you tell me your lovely sister was in town?" he grinned and the blonde frowned.
"Oh no you don't! I'd rather have her dating Tristan than you! Him I know what to expect!"
"So Duke, what brings you here?" Ryou asked before Joey hurt himself by trying to fight the other teenager.
"Just wanted to see how Joey was holding up," said Devlin. "Tristan told me about you and Serenity. I'm sorry."
"I knew for a while," Joey said, "I'm just mad at how she found out."
Devlin sighed and looked at Malik and Ryou. "So how are all you guys?"
"Not too bad," said Malik. "You know how it is having a second entity sharing your body."
"Fortunately, no I don't."
"So Devlin," Keriam spoke up, "is the rumor true that Amierla suckered you into taking her to the dance tomorrow night?"
"Only if aliens land in the soccer field within the next fifteen minutes."
"Be careful, D-man," warned Joey. "At the rate some things have gone and are going..."
"I know, I know," said Devlin. "But seriously, I asked her now ex-best friend, Mina to the dance a week before that duel you had with Amierla, Keriam. And I did like that remark you said to her about her dice."
Joey grinned broadly as he rested his hands behind his head. "That's my girl. Takes crap from nobody!"
"She had it coming to her anyway. Surprised she had any friends before the duel," she said as if it was nothing.
"Let's just say she's rapidly becoming the least popular girl at school no matter how much she 'juggles her dice'," he said with a grin and everyone laughed.
Joey coughed weakly into his hand and sighed. "Damnit. And here I was hoping to go the dance but I doubt I'll make it." He sighed sadly as he looked at Keriam. "Sorry but I was really looking forward to taking you with me," he said softly.
"That's okay," she smiled at him.
"Would you mind if I took her?" Malik asked.
Keriam, Joey, and Ryou, looked at the Egyptian. Ryou even felt Bakura shocked at the suggestion.
Joey looked at Keriam. "You still want to go tomorrow?"
"Um, yeah," she confessed, "but I'd rather stay with you."
"No, go, have a good time." Joey looked at Malik. "Try anything and I'll kill ya."
He crossed his heart. "I swear I won't try anything. She's actually the only girl I know well enough to ask anyway."
"Right... I want all the details when you get back too!"
"So Ryou, are you going with anyone special?" the green-eyed youth smiled at he brown-eyed boy.
"Oh um I'm not sure yet..." he said sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his head.
"Well you don't have to look far. A bunch of girls think you're something."
He blushed as they laughed.
"Are you sure you're well enough?"
"Positive, Yugi," Tea said.
"Absolutely positive?" the short boy asked.
"Do you have a Millennium Item hanging around your neck by a chain that houses a spirit of a pharaoh who ruled Egypt over five thousand years ago?"
"You're fine," said Yugi.
"Told ya, but thank you for worrying over me." Tea smiled at him. He was so sweet and caring she couldn't help but smile even more.
Yugi noticed her smile and smiled back himself. tea was a great friend, always there for him and she was also pretty and very understanding. That's when he remembered about the dance and flushed ever so lightly. "Tea? Are you going to the dance tomorrow?"
"Hmm I don't know... Maybe but so far no one I waned to go with has asked me."
"Oh."
"Are you going?"
"Um yes... But I was wondering..." He took a deep breath and looked up at her. "Would you like to go to the Fall River Dance with me?"
Tea looked at him in surprise, and then smiled. "Of course."
"You-you will?" Yugi asked, eyes brightening.
The blue-eyed girl nodded. "Cheri needs to get a dress; I'm going with her tomorrow morning and I'll pick out one for myself. Too bad Keriam's not going."
"Oh, so you didn't hear then."
"Hear what?"
"Malik's taking Keriam to the dance.
Tea stared at him in shock. "Malik is taking Keriam to the dance?" And I thought it was unbelievable that Seto is taking Cheri, she thought.
"Yeah I was the same way but Joey said she should have some fun." His smile grew as he remembered how Joey had threaten their friend not to do anything. "So it looks like everyone is going."
"Wow... I guess that's good but it's going to be weird without Joey. He makes everything so much livelier."
"Yeah he does but he said afterwards he wants all of us to come see him and tell him everything that happened," the shorter boy said. Joey was a good friend, stubborn but his heart was in the right place. "Oh! I still need to pick out a tux! I just hope they have one in my size..."
"No way."
"Keriam, just try it on."
"Forget it, Tea! I don't do bows or floral patterns! I'll look like a flower basket!"
"Don't argue with her," advised Cheri. "If you value your life, that is."
Sighing, Tea returned the dress to the rack. "Come on, you two. There's gotta be at least one dress you'll like."
"If not in this store," Keriam said, "then there might be in one of the others we haven't hit."
"You said that in the last two stores," Tea reminded.
"So I'm picky. I do not want to look like a center piece."
"Ladies ladies c'mon, this is a big night for us," Cheri soothed as she stood between them, linking arms with them. "I'm sure we're going to find a dress for each of us that'll blow the minds of everyone at school!"
"Are you always so optimistic?" Tea asked with a half smile.
"No a lot of times I'm really moody and uptight. Ask Keriam--no wait, forget that." The three of them laughed as they decided to check another store in the large mall.
Seto walked into Joey's room carrying a tray with food. "Here," he said and placed it on the night table.
Joey turned his head from his notebook, looked at the food, and then cast suspicious eyes at the standing man.
"There isn't anything in it," Seto snapped.
"Really?" Joey asked, setting the notebook aside and picked up the plate of spaghetti, sniffing it carefully.
Seto rolled his eyes and fought the dog remark he wanted to say.
"Are the girls still at the mall?" Joey asked.
"Yes, Cheri called me a few minutes ago."
"Do you love her?"
Seto looked at him. "What?"
"Do you love Cheri?" Joey asked again.
"Why is it any of your business if I do care for her?" the CEO glared at the blonde.
"Because," Joey set the spaghetti plate back on the tray, "you and I are in the same boat. When this is over, Keriam and Cheri are going back to their world."
As much as he didn't want to think about it the young man did have a point. Not saying anything he carefully sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the plush carpeting. "Part of me wants to keep her here but I know it isn't right," he said softly, "she has a family to return to, a life that exists out of our world."
"Tell me about it. They're special girls alright... but they don't belong here." But there has to be a way. I want to stay with Keriam. Joey rubbed at his eyes, telling the ache in his heart to go away before nodding to Seto. "Hey look at us, we're bonding."
"Freaky," Seto agreed and Joey was surprised he would use such a word. "But a lot of things have been that way since they arrived."
"Or became freakier."
"True."
"Could you do me one small favor when you're at the dance?" Joey asked. "Keep your eye on Keriam--I know Malik is taking her but Marik's been looking at her and that's starting to bother me. I've been pretending not to notice."
"I'm going to have enough problems with Bakura looking at Cheri," Seto informed.
Joey blinked. "You're kidding."
"You should know by now that I don't kid, Wheeler."
"Right it slipped my mind. Well we can always ask Yugi."
"Is there anything that boy can't do?" But he allowed his guard to fall just enough to crack a smile. "I'll let you eat in peace." Getting up he was about to close the door behind him when he heard his name. Looking at the blonde question he asked, "Yes?"
"Thanks... Seto."
"You're welcome... Joey." The door silently closed behind him. Who knew, maybe they were becoming friends.
"Well, miracles do happen," Joey smiled and ate his spaghetti.
"Good thing you and Joey are the same size," Yugi said as he held the jacket for Malik, "or else he rented the tux for nothing."
"I'll pay him back the money," Malik said, facing the full length mirror as he tried to tie the bow-tie. Sighing in frustration, he turned to the other three boys. "Anybody know how to do this?"
Seto stepped forward and grabbed the small piece of fabric.
"Try not to choke me," said Malik. "I know the thought has crossed your mind."
"Several times," the taller boy admitted.
"Great..." he rolled his eyes but stood patiently. Seto took a moment or two before stepping back.
"Okay I'm done. Have a look."
Malik did so and frowned as he peered closer. "I feel so weird in this... it's constricting."
"It'll loosen when you begin to dance," the brunette said as he straightened his own tie.
The tanned blonde stared at him through the mirror's reflection. "You're suppose to dance in this? I can barely move as is!"
"Give it time," Ryou said, "it's cotton. It'll stretch out after a little while."
The three spirits just watched. ~I'm finding this highly entertaining,~ said Malik.
~That makes two of us,~ Bakura snickered.
Yami sighed. ~Are you sure it's a good idea to both of them be inside the dance hall?~
"They need to get out, Pharaoh," Seto said, putting on his jacket. "We can't keep them locked up in the mansion all the time."
There was a knock on the door and it opened slightly. "Are you guys ready yet?" Cheri asked.
"Almost," Seto answered.
"Good, because Keriam went to show Joey her dress."
"Too bad he can't go though but at least he won't feel left out," Yugi smiled.
~So are you and Tea ready then?~ Bakura asked.
"Yes we are but we want to show you our dresses just before we leave," she smiled and closed the door. "And no peeking!"
~She sucks the fun out of everything.~
"I heard that, Bakura!" came the reply through the door.
Malik sighed as he ran his finger along the inside of his collar. "I feel like this thing is choking me," he complained.
"Don't pull on the bows or it will tighten."
~Really?~ Bakura smiled.
"Don't even think about it," warned his light.
"Keriam..."
"Okay, open your eyes."
Joey did and his breath caught in his throat. Keriam was wearing a medium green dress with a small carnation at each shoulder and at her hips. Part of her long hair was pulled up behind her head in a French twist with small beaded hairpins holding it in place, while the rest cascaded down on her shoulders. "You are beautiful..." he breathed.
Blushing a little, Keriam spun around slowly. "You like it?"
"I love it." Joey stood up from the bed.
"Get back," Keriam ordered. "What do you think you're doing?"
"Hey, I'm gonna get at least one dance with you this evening." Joey slipped his right around her waist and held her right hand with his left.
"I never knew you were such a romantic," she smiled, resting her left hand on his shoulder. Although there was no music they didn't need it. They slow danced around the room, not wanting to let go for anything. For that moment, time stood still for just the two of them but Joey had to return to bed when he was feeling weak. But he was smiling happily.
"Least I got to have the first dance with you," he said softly, reaching up to gently caress her face. "Love ya, Keriam."
She leaned down, kissing him. "I love you too. You know, I can still stay. I don't have to go."
"Malik's in my tux; go, Keriam. Just save the last dance for me when you guys get back."
"Deal." Keriam hugged him and left his room. She paused outside the door, staring at it. In truth, Keriam didn't just want to leave because of the dance; she didn't want to leave Joey at all. Keriam didn't want to go back to her world, not if she had to leave Joey.
If there is a way for me to stay here, she thought, I'd do it.
"Keriam?" Tea walked up next to her. "What's wrong?"
"I'm worried about Joey. What if... what if Perjiem and his brothers try something else?"
"Everything will be alright. Seto has twice as many guards walking the grounds and the staff is working until we come back." She smiled and took her hand in her own, giving it a comforting squeeze. "I'm sure he'll be fine. Besides, would you rather we leave Marik and Bakura here with him?
She had to only think about it for a moment smiling, shaking her head ever so lightly. "Okay you got me there. It… just won't feel right and I can't help but worry."
"It's normal to worry. C'mon, Cheri wants to make an entrance for the boys." She smiled as she smoothed her hands over her ice pink dress with the white flowers on the front. It had come with gloves but she had them in her purse and she had some matching flowers tucked in her hair, just behind her ear. She had to admit, this dress was wonderful. Now she was glad Keriam and Cheri went from store to store, locating the perfect dress.
Soon the guys were dressed and waiting as the base of the steps for their dates. Yugi had been lucky to find a tuxedo in his size, although he still had to roll up the pants some but now he looked more mature. Malik kept complaining about his tie, tugging at it despite the warnings not to pull it too much or it'll come loose. Seto looked impeccable in his tuxedo as he looked at his watch once more. Ryou looked handsome in his tuxedo as well though he seemed very nervous.
"Okay you guys ready?" Cheri called down.
~We've been ready for almost ten minutes,~ Marik snapped impatiently.
"We're building up to the moment!" Whispering was heard before the ladies came down one at a time. Keriam looked stunning in her green dress as the front of it came to below her knees and the back dropped further down. It was great on her and the color matched her eyes. Tea's gown suited her just fine and it was clear to see that pink was definitely her color with the straps wrapping around her neck and the puffy sleeves held the same flowers as the bodice. She was even blushing lightly. Cheri was holding up the slightly long train of her dress in her right hand as she slowly and carefully came down the stairs, making sure she didn't trip. Her gown was form fitting, dropping off her shoulders and a delicate lavender color, a sash going across her chest with a large rose and bow on her left shoulder. A matching, smaller bow was on her left hip and her hair was done in loose curls with several clips holding most away from her face.
"So, what do you guys think?" Tea asked with a giggle.
All of them stood there with wide eyes. Finally, Bakura growled and Marik whistled.
"Don't get any ideas," Seto warned, offering his arm to Cheri.
She accepted, then hooked her other arm with Ryou's. "I always wanted to have a guy on each arm."
Poor Ryou started blushing as the two remaining couples laughed.
"I hate to tell you this, Cheri," said Tea, "we have the two guys, you have three."
"Bonus!" Cheri grinned as they walked to the front door.
"Tea... you look really pretty," was all poor Yugi could say as he blushed and held his arm like Seto did.
Tea smiled and took his arm. "Thank you, and you look handsome. You look older," she complimented to him as they walked out also.
Malik was unsure of what to say before he realized he was staring and offered Keriam his arm. "You look... beautiful," he stammered, "I take it Joey liked your dress?"
Keriam nodded. "I'm not too crazy about the flowers, though," she said, flicking the one on her left shoulder. Then she whispered, "This might sound weird--I've never worn this color before but I feel like I have."
Malik just shrugged then he remembered when he had asked Joey what Theliane was wearing in the dream.
A simple green dress.
Is it possible? Malik thought.
"Are you okay?" asked Keriam.
He nodded. "Sorry, I just have a lot on my mind."
"I'm not surprised."
The chauffer opened the door and the three ladies entered the limo. Seto went in next, followed by Ryou, Yugi, then Malik.
"I still cannot get over this thing," Cheri said, running her fingers lightly over the leather seat.
"The rich certainly know how to travel in style," Malik said with a small smile.
"You got that right." Tea smiled as she looked around the spacious limo. "I'm so excited. I never thought I'd go to a dance in a limo!"
"A dream come true. You three look like princess," Ryou said softly then blushed when he realized he said it out loud.
"Ryou... that is the sweetest thing!" All the girls smiled at him for him comment and he just thanked them.
The rest of the ride there the limo stopped at their school and already the students who were just arriving were crowding around to see who it was. The chauffer got out, going to open the door and bowed as the boys got out first. As soon as the ladies came out all the students gathering around began to whisper urgently. They couldn't believe this was happening!
"All we need is the paparazzi and we can feel like celebrities," Keriam whispered to Cheri and Tea.
Cheri brought her hand up to shield her mouth. "We are celebrities. We just got out of Seto Kaiba's limo."
"With Yugi Mutou in the same limo as Seto Kaiba," Tea whispered, "and they haven't killed each other."
"I guess they figured how much of a mess they would make and would rather not see our dresses ruined," Cheri giggled.
"Yours, not mine," Keriam winked.
Cheri stuck out her tongue and Tea politely hid her giggle behind her hand.
"Keep the limo close by," Seto told the driver. He nodded and got back into the limo, parking just around the corner. "Ladies, shall we make our entrance?"
They all nodded and taking the arms of their dates entered the gym where the dance was being held. Now even more whispered were heard because as soon as they stepped foot inside everyone stopped dancing and looked at the three new couples just arriving. The spotlight was literally on them.
"... Is anyone else getting nervous?" Cheri asked softly.
"Try to ignore it. We've come here to go dancing and have fun," Tea whispered back although she was nervous.
"She's right. Let's just have a good time." Yugi swallowed as he took a deep breath and led his date to the dance floor.
Cheri and Seto followed and soon were engaged in the dance.
"Well..." said Malik.
"Ryou!" several female voices cried out.
He turned horrified eyes at the small group of single female students making their way past the dancers. "Uh, Keriam..."
"I advise you to run," she said with a sympathetic smile.
~Don't you dare make me take over,~ said Bakura.
"Right..." Ryou immediately took off and disappeared among the crowd.
Keriam and Malik started laughing. "I feel so sorry for him."
"Me too."
~Just a little.~
"Hey, Malik, Keriam."
"Devlin," Malik nodded his head. "Hi, Mina."
"Hello," the other girl smiled. "So what's going on?"
"We just got here," said Keriam. "So when is Amierla coming?"
"She's not," Devlin informed, "she's been grounded by her lovely parents."
"How did that happen?" Keriam stared at him.
"I told Amierla that Devlin asked me to come to the dance," Mina explained, "and she used a few unpleasant words while her parents were in earshot."
Keriam took a deep breath and let it out slowly with a big smile crossing her lips. "Oh that has just made my night a whole lot better."
"I think that made most of us happy here." Duke smiled and nodded to them. "Shall we dance?"
Mina giggled and took his hand. Soon they were out dancing as well.
Keriam turned to Malik and smiled. "Aren't you going to ask me to dance?"
"Um I..." he flushed as he stared at his feet. "I don't know how."
Keriam took his hand and pulled him onto the dance floor. "Just follow my lead."
Malik was grateful for the dimmed lights for he knew that he was blushing, and the images that Marik was popping into his head were not helping very much either.
"She got him onto the floor," said Yugi.
"Finally," Tea said, "I thought they were going to stand there all night."
Yugi turned his head, seeing Cheri and Seto. "You know, they do make a cute couple."
"Don't let Seto hear you say that," Tea laughed.
~I agree, though,~ said Yami. ~Kaiba seems more relaxed when he is with Cheri.~
"He does, doesn't he? I thought the only time he looked like that was with Mokuba." Yugi smiled.
"Yeah but... what's going to happen when this is over?" The young girl looked worry. "What happens when they have to return to their own world?"
"... Oh. But why can't they stay here, in our world?" Yugi asked.
~You know they can't aibou,~ Yami said gently. ~They don't truly belong here despite their great power. They have a family to return to.~
"Somehow... I don't think it's going to be quite that easy," Tea said softly. How can they return to their families and leave the ones they love behind? she asked softly.
"D Seven."
"You sank my battleship."
"So that's two for you and three for me." Mokuba grabbed the Reeses Peanut Butter Cup and ate it.
Joey couldn't help laughing. "Watch out for the little ships--especially the subs. Speaking of subs..."
"I'll get Nan to make us a couple sandwiches." Mokuba stood up from the chair and picked up the phone, punching the number for the kitchen. "Pete, can you make a couple sandwiches? The usual. Everything on both. Have Nan bring them up? Thanks."
"This is the life. You got people to wait on you, you have a well stocked fridge, and loads of other stuff I know I haven't seen yet," Joey said with a sigh as he stretched him arms with a grunt.
"It was great at first but then you get used to it and it gets kinda boring," Mokuba said with a shrug as he came back to the bed, sitting before him. "Okay your turn."
"Hmm… A Four."
"Missed."
"Aahh!" The blonde growled as he placed a white peg in the slot. "You're a master at every game here!"
"Don't worry Joey, you're getting better at this and Duel Monsters. Want to play a round?"
"Hmm yeah sure. Last time I dueled was with Yugi and I came this close to beating him!" He showed him as he held his thumb and index finger barely a centimeter apart. "Yami even said that I was improving."
"Hey that's great news! Maybe next tournament you can go against Seto."
"Yeah that would be something else. The only thing I have to look out for is those blue eyes of his."
Mokuba nodded. "His White Dragons are his most valued out of all his cards."
"I noticed," Joey said as he shuffled his deck. "I remember when he brought in that entire brief case full of cards to trade for the one Blue Eyes Yugi's grandpa had." He didn't have to rip it in half, though, Joey thought.
"He's changed a lot since that first duel with Yugi; and more now since Cheri came to Domino."
"I agree with ya on that. He seems calmer in a demented sort of way."
Mokuba laughed. "You've changed a little, too, Joey. Keriam is pretty cool for a girl. When I was telling Cheri about Sheeta, she said that Keriam sounded a lot like her."
"Hey I take that as a compliment!" he grinned. "And speaking of girls, how's Sheeta doing?"
He couldn't help but blush lightly as he began to shuffle his own deck. "She's doing alright. She's using the gift Cheri helped me pick out to good use."
The blonde smiled and blinked, peering in closer. "Why Mokuba, are you blushing?"
"No," he said defensively but the red grew.
"You are blushing!! This Sheeta person must be really special." Smiling a genuine smile he reached out to pat his shoulder. "Happy for ya man."
A knock was heard on the door and as the boys said to some in it opened to reveal a kindly woman carrying a tray with two large sub sandwiches and tall glasses of milk with chips. "Here you go boys, two subs with everything on them," she smiled as she carefully set the tray on the nightstand before handing them each a plate. "Now, try not to make a mess."
"Ooh that's the biggest sub I've ever seen!" Joey almost drooled even as he hastily placed the napkin on his lap and sat up a bit straighter.
Mokuba laughed as he tucked his napkin into his shirt.
"You dance divinely," said Seto.
"Thank you," Cheri beamed. "You're pretty good yourself. Who would've thought?"
Seto gave her one of his small rare smiles, spinning her around then wrapped his left arm around her waist again. "Would you believe that I actually talked with Wheeler earlier today?"
"Oh really? And what did you two discuss? Hopefully not certain names you two call each other."
"No, nothing like that. Something very important."
Cheri looked at him, questioning with her eyes.
"When all of this is over," Seto began, picking his words carefully, "you and Keriam are going back to your world."
Cheri nodded sadly. "Most likely yes, but I don't know what's going to happen."
"If I asked and if there was a possibility that you could," Seto looked deep into her eyes, "would you stay?"
Cheri blinked. "...Seto..."
"I know that your mother is worrying about you," he continued, "I understand that. But if there was a way for you to stay here, I would do anything to find it."
"Seto... If I could I would love to stay here, with you and everyone else," she said softly. "I've always wanted to live here in this world but..." she trailed off, trying desperately to find the words. "But my mom... and to choose between you two..."
"Cheri..." He reached up with his hand to caress her cheek, brushing the tear away before it could fall. "I hate to make you chose but I don't know if I can stand to lose you."
"I don't want to lose you either. But... I'm not going to be leaving you anytime soon." She leaned into his hand, smiling lightly. "And in answer to your earlier question... yes I would stay here. With you."
Now that was a surprise that he blinked, making sure he heard her right. "But... your mother-"
"I know it seems harsh but all her life she has tried so hard to make me happy. If she could see how happy I am right now, here with you then I'm sure she'd understand." At least, I hope she would, she thought to herself privately.
Smiling a little, Seto leaned closer and kissed Cheri. He heard the shocked whispers but to be quite honest, he really didn't give a flying hoot.
Author's Note: I was surfing when I came across this for the girls' dresses. I know they're from Sailor Moon but they're so pretty!!
Cheri's dress (sailor-games. com / misc2 / photos / photo132 .jpg)
Keriam's dress (sailor-games. com / misc2 / photos / photo129 .jpg)
Tea's dress (sailor-games.com / misc2 / photos / photo130 .jpg)
P.S. My friend and I are just making a joke about Marik and Bakura being together. We have no problem with yaoi and such. If you do that's your own business.
JanimeLee: That's life; live with it