"Sisters of the Moon"
By: Heikou and Janime Lee
Cheri hummed under her breathe as she decided on what to wear for the day. Frowning she settled on some jeans and grabbed an ice blue blouse. On her way upstairs from breakfast she had felt a bad omen but as quick as it came it vanished. She had almost knocked on Keriam's door to ask if she was alright but she heard some movement inside. Not wanting to be a bother she headed to her room.
Maybe I should have knocked anyway… she thought to herself, sitting at the foot of the bed. But I didn't want to wake her up… No I'll just go see her after my shower. I'm sure she's fine. Time to relax okay? Okay! Sighing she ran her fingers through her hair and was searching for her brush when she heard a knock. "Come in." Locating her brush she stepped before the mirror and released her hair from the ponytail.
Seto slowly opened the door and closed it behind him, holding her spiral sketchbook. "I came to bring your book. You left it downstairs," he said, holding it up.
"Oh thanks, can't believe I forgot it." She smiled at him.
"That's not all. I took a thorough look through it and came across something that caught my interest." Opening it he slowly flipped through the pages, not noticing or ignoring the fact that her eyes widen and her face was becoming flushed.
"Oh um w-what do you mean?" she asked meekly. Oh stupid stupid!! I should have at least torn that page out!!
Stopping the young CEO held the book open to reveal a drawing of a man tied to a t-shaped cross made of stone, wearing only a loin cloth. No color was added to the drawing except the eyes were dark blue. It was Seto Kaiba from when he was trapped in the VR game except he had on a lot less clothing. "This."
"Oh that one! I was just… one night…" she tried to say something but what? That she had drawn it after dreaming of him one night? Looking up at him she sighed and dropped her gaze to the floor. "… It's suppose to be you. After watching the Legendary Hero episodes I kept thinking about it and last night I couldn't sleep and…" She shut her eyes tightly, thinking he probably thought her forward or such but the rejection never came.
A warm hand reached out, gently tilting her face up before soft lips pressed against her own. She gasped but the kiss just deepened and she gripped his shoulders tightly. She wasn't sure how long they kissed but when it came to an end she was panting softly and would have fallen if a strong arm didn't wrap around her waist.
"I wouldn't have thought you felt that way…" he said softly, brushing his thumb across her bottom lip as he held her tightly to his chest. "People don't exactly see me as human."
"They don't know you like I do…" she breathed, "But then again… I don't want anyone else to see this side of you. All the ladies would never give you a moment's peace."
"Then it's a good thing I never let my mask fall. Cheri… I care about you a lot, I love you and I never want to let you go. But I won't pressure you if you aren't ready-"
"Shh Seto, you don't have to say another word," she gently interrupted by placing a finger over his lips. "I'm ready for the next step. Yes I'm scared and nervous but… I want something to remember this. That it wasn't a dream." She knew there was a big risk that when this was over she and Keriam would have no choice to go back home but it was one she was willing to take.
He seemed to know that as well as he held her hand in his own, lowering his head and kissed her once more. Cheri smiled as she kissed him back, wrapping her arms around his neck as his arms tighten around her waist. He knew that they probably couldn't get far right now but there was always tonight…
For the first time in a long time… I have someone who cares about me for me, he thought fiercely. I'll never let anyone take you away from me.
~What really gets me is that we each had a Sister of the Moon under our control and never knew it,~ said Bakura.
~Sucks, doesn't it?~ Marik grunted.
"Funny how fate works," Ryou smiled.
"Indeed," said Malik.
"So what do we do now?"
~Waiting seems to be our only option. At least until the Brothers make a move.~
"What if we try to locate their hide-out and deal with them there."
~Good plan except it would be walking into a potential trap.~
"If only this could be easy," the white-haired youth sighed, resting his chin on his hand.
"Could be worse," said Malik then he started to chuckle. "It could be like that pic Keriam told us." He burst out laughing as did Ryou. Their darker personas did not look amused.
~Need we remind you that in that pic we were in control of your bodies,~ Bakura said.
"It still wasn't us," Ryou managed to get out.
~Still your skins,~ said Marik.
"Okay, okay," Malik raised his hand and ceased his laughter, yet a slight smile remained. "We're sorry."
"Yes, we are." Ryou smiled but they snickered.
~I'm glad you two find it amusing,~ Bakura narrowed his eyes at them.
"I'm sure you two would be laughing right now if it was us instead," came the countered reply.
"Are you four going to be fighting all day?" Seto asked as he came down, followed by Cheri.
~We could always annoy you instead,~ Marik grinned wickedly.
"Don't even think about it," Cheri warned as she tried to brush the knots out of her damp hair. She winced when she came across a knot.
Bakura grinned at the couple. ~And what were you two do-OW!~ He yelped as Marik smacked the back of his head.
"Sometimes, Bakura, I think you should have stayed in the Graveyard!" Cheri yelled and stormed out of the room.
"Cheri!" Seto called after her but decided to let her go and cool down. Frowning, he walked over to Ryou and grabbed the Millennium Ring.
"Hey!" Ryou cried when Seto pulled the string over his head.
~What do you think you're doing?!" Bakura shouted.
"You need a host to keep your spirit stable, Bakura, am I correct?" Seto asked in a tone that seemed darker than usual. "How would you like to view the bottom of the lake that's on my property?"
Oh yeah, Malik thought, looking at the brunette with wide eyes. He's pissed...
"Seto, please," Ryou tried to intervene.
"Seto listen to him. I know Bakura can be an ass but isn't that harsh?" Malik spoke up but when the icy gaze was turned on him he swallowed and looked away.
~Seto don't you dare do this!!~ the spirit yelled at him, actually afraid.
"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't."
"I promise I'll keep a tighter control on him!"
Seto looked between Ryou and Bakura. Both had fear in their eyes; however, Bakura managed to keep it from his expression. "Only certain promises can be made, Ryou," Seto said and tossed the Ring to the white-haired boy. "Before you make one, always make sure that you can keep it." He walked away.
Releasing a huge sigh of relief, Ryou put the cord of the Millennium Ring around his neck again. Bakura slumped down on the floor, looking a little guilty and stayed quiet. Malik rested his head in his hands.
Marik looked at the other three before he spoke, ~That went well.~ And flinched from the looks he received.
Back in her room Cheri was taking out her frustration on her hair, muttering under her breathe before wrapping it into a bun then rubbed her temples. Damnit Bakura, him and his big mouth. God Ryou deserves a medal for putting up with him! Slamming her brush on the dresser she took several deep breathes and made her way to Keriam's room. She knocked on it softly.
"Keriam? It's Cheri; can I talk to you for a minute?" she called out, not daring to open it.
"Um... just a minute!" Keriam answered. there was a few moments of silence, followed by the rustle of clothes quickly being put on. Soon the door was opened by a slightly flushed Keriam. "What's up?"
Cheri walked past her best friend. "Bakura is driving me nuts. Joey, what the hell are you doing in here?"
"I, um..." the blonde stammered for an answer. "I spent the night in here..."
"That's nice; can I please talk to Keriam privately?"
"Sure, I'm on my way to breakfast." Joey smiled and quickly left the room.
"I thought you let him have your room because of the intercom on the night table," Cheri pointed to the little device which had been turned off and unplugged.
"I did," said Keriam. "But I had a hard time getting to sleep after what happened at the dance so I asked Joey if I could stay in here with him." She turned away and walked towards the window. "I feel safer with him."
"Yeah, hey don't blame ya." Sighing she sat on the edge of the bed, rubbing her hands over her jeans. "Keriam, can I ask ya something personal?"
"... How personal are we talking?"
"Relationships. You don't have to tell me and you know I won't say a word, but..." she paused, chewing her lip before gathering her courage. "Are you and Joey more involved?"
Keriam was glad that she wasn't looking at Cheri for she knew that her cheeks were turning red. But she was her best friend and she hardly kept secrets from her. After a long uncomfortable silence, Keriam turned around. "We are... on that level."
Cheri looked at her for the longest time. "I am godmother, no questions asked."
"Nothing's going to happen." Not that I wouldn't mind... Keriam thought. "There's a reason why Joey and I are a lot closer than most couples just starting out..."
"What?"
"Well... you know how we've been having dreams. We're the Sisters of the Moon and lived two hundred years before Yami was ruling over Egypt..." Keriam looked at her best friend. "Joey was my husband."
"… Whoa. And you don't lie so… whoa," she repeatedly, letting it sink in.
"I felt the same way when I had a flashback about praying to Isis. Turns out during that life Joey was known as Kasuyan and they looked so similar." She sighed softly before moving and sat next to her friend. "I love him and he loves me, he's said so."
"Then I'm happy for you." Cheri smiled as she rested her hand on her own, squeezing it tightly. "Joey is a good guy and you two are perfect for each other."
Keriam smiled and gave her a one-armed hug. "Thanks, that means a lot to me. But what brought this on? You get all flushed when we watch your Dragon Pink tapes."
"Um…" at the mention of the hentai anime she flushed and stared as her hand, clenching and unclenching her fingers repeatedly. "Seto and I… want to take our relationship to the next level… but I'm really nervous about this and to be honest, I'm scared…"
"Does Seto know where he stands?" Keriam asked. With his legs crossed, she couldn't help thinking.
"I guess he does," Cheri sighed. "Not that Bakura was helping any."
"What did Bakura do?"
"Started making a crack about me and Seto."
"Well, we both have our spiritual problems," said Keriam. "Joey is most likely going to have it out with Marik later..."
Cheri raised her eyebrow. "How come?"
"...Marik kissed me last night."
"Kissed you?! How?!"
Keriam looked at her. "The same way any man kisses a woman!"
"I know that!" Cheri said. "No offence, but why?"
"How should I know? He kissed me and said that it would be all he would ever ask from me."
She blinked before smacking her forehead. "Keriam, he has the hots for you!!"
"He doesn't even know me."
"It makes sense! But other than that, how was it?"
She could just stare at her. "Cheri!!"
"Keriam!! Spill the beans!! Pleaze??" she begged, making chibi eyes.
The taller girl shut her eyes tight, refusing to look at her best friend. "Forget it! I am not elaborating on this any longer."
"Come on," Cheri begged and leaned closer. "Pretty please?"
Keriam cracked one eye open and groaned in defeat. "I was caught off guard by it... but it was nice," she said through her teeth.
"Aw," Cheri patted her shoulder, "you have an admirer."
"Shut up."
"Okay okay, I just hope Joey isn't the jealous type."
Joey just hit the bottom step when he sneezed. Ugh that was nasty, he thought as he rubbed his nose and headed into the kitchen. "Morning."
"Morning Joey," Ryou greeted him and warned Bakura to keep quiet.
"Hey where's moneybags? I thought he'd be up already."
"Let's just say that Bakura ruined a good thing," said Malik.
Like Marik almost did? Joey thought. "I won't ask."
~Wise decision,~ Marik said.
"How are you two feeling?"
"Better," Malik turned to him. "You seem to be completely recovered."
"I think I am," Joey smiled, "thanks to Keriam."
"She has the magic touch."
He grinned, remembering last night as he rooted in the kitchen and sat at the table. "So what are today's plans?"
~Nothing. Free day, as it were.~
"Maybe we can go to the arcade," Malik said with a shrug.
"Sounds good. I still have to beat you at DDR." he pointed at him with his fork.
"Marik challenged you, not me."
"You, him, whatever. Or maybe... I should call Serenity up and ask if she wants to do something... I haven't spent much time with her since Battle City."
~Sounds like a good idea,~ said Marik.
"Does it?" Joey narrowed his eyes.
Malik looked confused. "Did I miss something?"
"You were unconscious but Marik wasn't."
"Um, Bakura, why don't we see what Yugi and the others are doing today," Ryou said, quickly getting up and leaving the kitchen.
~Yes, maybe Yami and I will have another duel,~ Bakura followed suit.
Marik appeared in the chair next to his light. ~So she told you.~
"She who?" asked Malik.
~Keriam.~
"Marik kissed her last night."
"You did what?!" Malik almost fell out of his chair.
~I didn't use your body.~
"Yeah right, so you could touch her like a ghost?" Joey scoffed.
~Yes she can. Because of her I can touch as if I had a body of my own. I know that you love her and I never want to step between the two of you,~ he said with a sense of calm and seriousness that was so unlike him. ~I'm sorry for stepping in between you two but I am not sorry for expressing my thanks to her.~ Without another word he faded from view and remained quiet.
Yugi heard the bells ringing as the store door opened. "Welcome to Kame Game--oh, hi Keriam."
"Hey Yugi," she smiled. "Can I ask a really big favor?"
"Sure."
"Would you mind if I borrowed Yami for a little while?"
Yugi's hands went to the Millennium Puzzle. "Is something wrong?"
"I have to talk with him," Keriam said, "it's very important."
"Yami, do you mind?"
~Not at all, Yugi,~ said the Pharaoh.
"Okay..." Yugi removed the chain from his neck and gave the Puzzle to Keriam. "Just be careful, please."
"Maybe you should super glue this together," Keriam suggested as she put the chain around her neck. "So, how does it look?"
"Very fashionable," Yugi smiled.
~It's a little low,~ said Yami.
Keriam groaned. "I don't believe it. He may be a Pharaoh but he's a pervert, too."
Yugi giggled behind his hand as Yami stuttered. "You sure you don't want to talk about it?"
"I think it's something only Yami can help me with, but thanks for your concern." She smiled and waved as she headed out.
~I take it you want to speak to me in private,~ the spirit stated.
"Yeah. It's about last night."
~We can go to the park. It's usual empty around this time of day or such.~
Keriam walked across the street and down three blocks to the park. There was hardly anyone there. Just a few children with their parents watching over them. Keriam sat on the bench that was far from the playground and well out of earshot.
Yami appeared beside her. ~How are Malik and Marik?~ he asked.
"They're fine. I healed them a little. And I finished healing Joey, too."
~More of your power is awakening. Is this what you wanted to talk to me about?~
"No, something else happened last night. Marik..." Keriam looked at the spirit. "He kissed me."
Yami's eyes grew wide. ~Did he use Malik or as a spirit?~
"As a spirit," Keriam said. "I overheard him talking with Malik and Joey in the kitchen and... Marik says he loves me..." She sighed and looked at the children playing.
~I guessed already,~ Yami confessed, ~from the way he was looking at you at the dance.~
"But that's not all. I had a dream this morning and it wasn't pleasant. But back then... I was in love with Kasuyan, Joey's past life."
~Joey was alive back then? I'm... very surprised.~
"Here's another surprise. We were married but what am I going to do? I love Joey but not Marik."
~I see... This is a very delicate situation but I have no idea what to tell you...~
Keriam leaned her head back and stared at the sky. "And I have no idea what to do," she sighed.
Yami looked at the distraught young woman. ~Keriam, I do have a small suggestion: weigh your feelings for both of them and see which one matters more to you. Don't go by the past, go by now in the present. And then you'll have your answer.~
She smiled. "Too bad Shadi's not here, I could use the Millennium Scales."
Yami chuckled. ~The Scales aren't used for that.~
"I know," Keriam looked at him, "they're used to judge souls in the afterlife. Looks like my soul and Joey's were lighter than the feather."
~My soul has yet to be weighed.~
"I don't know, Yami. You were a wonderful Pharaoh--I said that you would be--but you were one notorious gamer."
The spirit nodded. ~Maybe I'll still have my luck with me when I am judged.~
"Perhaps," Keriam grinned. "But some of those Penalty Games you came up with were terrible. Not that I'll say that the opponent didn't deserve it, though."
Yami shrugged. ~At the time I didn't want anything to happen to Yugi. But it was fun at times.~
She could help but laugh softly, feeling her mood lighten up some. "You're crazy, you know that?"
~I like a good challenge.~ He smiled and slowly reaching out, was able to rest his hand on her shoulder. ~Whatever choice you do make, I know it will be a good one.~
Keriam smiled and rested her hand on his. "Thanks, Yami."
~I'm glad that I was able to help somewhat.~
"Well, you might be helping Cheri soon as well. It seems that Bakura is trying his moves on her, and I don't mean dueling."
~...Bakura...?~
"Yup."
Yami looked slightly afraid. ~I never would have thought.~
"I don't think anyone did. So just fair warning in case she comes by, asking for help."
~I'll try but I'll probably end up telling her the same thing I've told you.~ He sighed, looking as if he had the weight of the world on his shoulders before shrugging and nodded to her. ~Anything else you want to talk about?~
"That was it," she sighed, turning her head to look at the children on the playground, watching them chase each other or use one of the play-sets. Keriam smiled. "After my mom died and my aunt and uncle got me out of foster care, they took me to the park. I had never been there before. My stepfather always said it was a waste of time. There were other kids there and I was so nervous. Then this one girl walks right up to me, grabbed my hand and pulled me to the jungle gym. Ever since that day, Cheri and I have been inseparable."
~It's a good thing to have at least one friend in life. Someone you can trust and rely on through thick and thin. I'm glad Yugi has friends and I'm glad you are his friend as well.~
"Don't forget about yourself, Yami. You're just as much a friend as the others."
~Thank you.~ He smiled at her. ~Together as friends should, we will defeat Perjiem and his brothers.~
Keriam nodded and grinned. They stayed in the park for a while. When Keriam felt her stomach rumble, she knew it was time for lunch.
~I think Joey's starting to rub off on you,~ Yami said with a smile.
Keriam just shrugged. "You never know."
The spirit walked by her side as they left the park and headed back to the game shop. Keriam took hold on the door handle and pulled but it didn't open. "It's locked," she said and looked inside. "And the lights are off too. Isn't Solomon here?"
~No, he had some errands to take care of in the next town,~ Yami said, frowning at the shop door. ~The only time Yugi locks the door is when he needs to use the bathroom or when he unloads a new shipment.~
"Isn't there another way to get in?"
~Yes, there is. Follow me.~ Yami led Keriam to the back of the shop and pointed to the gutter right above the back door. ~There's a spare key in there. You'll have to feel around for it.~
"Wonderful." Keriam pulled the crate that had been against the wall closer to the door and stood on it. She reached into the gutter. "Gross! When was the last time they cleaned this thing?" After a few moments fishing around, Keriam found the key. "Yuck!" she wiped her hand on a tarp covering an old car.
~You'll have to turn the alarm off after you get in,~ Yami told her. ~When the back door is opened, it's on silent alarm. You have sixty seconds to turn it off.~
"Please tell me you know the code."
~Of course.~
Keriam unlocked the door and went in, shutting the door. Yami told her the code and she punched it in, turning the alarm off.
"This is weird," Keriam locked the door. "The light's on back here but the front isn't."
Yami nodded. ~Strange.~
"Maybe he took a nap. Let's go upstairs and check on him." Keriam quietly walked up the steps. Yami had no trouble as he couldn't make the sound of footsteps anyways. Keriam walked over to Yugi's room and opened the door. "Hey Yugi, I-"
She slammed it shut.
~Oh. Great. Ra...~ Yami had an odd look on his face.
"This is as bad as the time I walked in on my aunt and uncle..." Keriam said in a strained voice.
A few minutes later, Yugi walked out of his room, now back in his clothes and a deep blush across his face. "Hi."
"Hi..." Keriam looked at him. "I guess I should have asked to borrow your cell phone. I'm sorry, Yugi." She turned to his bedroom door. "I'm sorry, Tea." Keriam didn't receive an answer, but she could feel the glare through the door from the blue-eyed girl.
"Um I hope you and Yami had a good talk," the young man said. I guess I should be thankful it wasn't grandpa, he thought to himself.
"Yeah he did. Yugi, I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to barge in like that I thought you were sleeping or something."
"Keriam it wasn't your fault. I guess I should've locked my door but I just thought you'd be gone a bit longer."
~Yugi… if you want, I can let Keriam be the host for today,~ Yami said as he carefully watched his face for any reactions. ~That way you and Tea can spend more time together.~
"I would appreciate that," Yugi said. He grabbed Keriam's jacket and pulled her face down to his. "Do not breathe a word of this to anyone," the short teen warned.
"My lips are sealed," Keriam promised and Yugi released her. "I can't say the same for you two."
"I heard that!" Tea yelled from Yugi's room.
"Okay, Yami, let's go!" Keriam bolted for the steps as the Pharaoh disappeared into the Puzzle.
The day in Domino was a beautiful one and Cheri couldn't help but smile. After coming down Joey was racing upstairs to get ready for the day. She had asked why he was so excited and he said that he and Serenity were going to have a sibling day-out. She just smiled and headed into the dining room once more. Keriam wasn't in there and Malik and Ryou said they hadn't seen her but they guessed she probably went to see Yugi. Grabbing her jacket and on impulse, stuffing her deck into the inner pocket Cheri left Kaiba Mansion to go on her own day out.
Lovely day and I'm bored, she sighed to herself, humming under her breath as she walked. Maybe I can catch a movie or something...
"Hey, Cheri!"
"Keriam?" She turned around and saw her best friend running towards her. "Where have you been?" she asked when Keriam stopped. "The Puzzle?"
"Yeah," Keriam nodded, "Yami and I had a little chat and Yugi said it was okay for him to stay with me for a while."
"Wow..." Cheri poked the inverted pyramid. "You guys are inseparable. What brought that on?"
"My guess that Yugi needed a break from him," Keriam grinned. The two girls giggled when the spirit grumbled.
"Well, Ryou can escape from Bakura if he wants to," Cheri smiled and they started walking. "Unfortunately Malik can't."
"I'm surprised Marik wasn't stuck in the Millennium Rod after Battle City."
~Marik is still a part of Malik's soul,~ said Yami. ~They won't be completely separated until after Malik's body dies.~
I hope that doesn't happen anytime soon, Keriam thought. "So what are you doing out here by yourself?"
"I needed to get out," said Cheri. "I know it's not a good idea to go by myself but..." she shrugged and bumped Keriam with her elbow. "I wouldn't mind catching a movie with my best gal pal."
Keriam laughed lightly and nudged the Puzzle.. "As long as you don't mind the extra company."
"So right with me. Besides, wasn't Yami the one guy we could both agree on was the hottest?" she said with a grin.
Yami was flushing madly as both girls laughed. These girls were weird but fun to be with.
Together they arrived at the theater and settled for the latest movie to come out, Freddy vs. Jason. For Yami this was a treat because it would be the first time he could see a movie. Buying a large tub of popcorn, drinks, and candy they found three seats together in just the right spot. Keriam and Cheri sat down with the empty seat between them where they placed the popcorn. But they left it there for Yami so he wouldn't be stuck in the puzzle.
"Oh I'm so glad they made this movie!" Cheri said in an excited whisper. "Two of the all time horror stars in one flick!!"
"Yami, how good is your tolerance of blood flying?" Keriam asked.
~I used to execute people,~ answered the Pharaoh, ~by beheading them myself.~
"...You'll be fine..."
Author's Note:
Heikou: oh boy ^^ well Yugi certainly isn't innocent anymore *sticks tongue out*
Janime Lee: come on, he's horny in the manga
Heikou: :-D
Janime Lee: Jou gives him the porn tape and Anzu takes it
Janime Lee: I cracked up
Heikou: *snickers* not to mention the part where he's 'like basketball good!!' in the first issue
Heikou: :-P
Janime Lee: I know! LOL