"Sisters of the Moon"

By:  Heikou and Janime Lee

            Yugi couldn't help but smile as his arms tighten around the one he loved. He had known the girl since they were children and over the years their friendship slowly evolved into something more. But still… he frowned to himself, closing his eyes. He blinked them open when he felt the other person stir and smiled as he was kissed softly.

            "What are you thinking about?" Tea asked softly, smiling at him lovingly. After the little interruption from Keriam they had resumed their earlier activities and were now lying on their sides, facing each other.

            "Just about how close we've gotten over the years," he said with a smile of his own, tighten his arms around her lithe waist. "Tea? Can I ask you something?"

            She nodded. "Go right ahead."

            "I know that we've been friends since elementary school but… why did you fall in love with me?"

            The young girl blinked, taken back by his question but she could see some doubt in his eyes. "Yugi… I love you for everything that makes you 'you'. You went through so much to get your grandfather's soul back, you tried to make friends with Kaiba despite how rude he acted to us, you nearly risked your life for Joey and myself during Battle City, and you also befriended Malik even when we still kinda feared him." She leaned over and softly kissed him once more, resting her hand along his chest to feel the gentle beat. "You're special and that's all that counts."

            He didn't say anything except reached up to cover his hand with her own, squeezing tightly. "But… I thought you had a crush on Yami."

            "I admit I did but I think the reason I had a crush on him was because he reminded me of you. Although you both are physically different your personalities are so alike. You both go through such great lengths to protect your loved ones and risked your lives more than once. Not to mention every time you did that it gave me a heart attack."

            This caused both to giggle softly but it helped relax the rather tense mood as the young girl rested her head on his chest, still listening to his heart-beat as he stroked her short hair. "I'm sorry I scared you but sometimes you have to take risks to protect the ones you love."

            "I know. I don't like it but that's one of the reasons why I love you so much." She sighed as she sleepily blinked her eyes, feeling warm and safe like this. "Just promise me you won't leave me."

            "I promise Tea," he said without hesitation. He wasn't sure of the outcome when they would have to go against the three brothers but he was not going down without a fight. "I promise I will never ever leave you."

            "It's true, Hell isn't big enough," Keriam said as they walked out of the theater. "So what did you think, Yami?"

            ~Rather interesting,~ he answered, having gone back into the Millennium Puzzle when the movie finished. ~It's amazing how a hockey mask can be used to associate with an incarnation of evil.~

            "Guess you'll never look at a goalie the same way again," Cheri smiled. "So are we going back to Kame Game Shop and drop off Yami?"

            "Uh..." Keriam's eye twitched and felt Yami become nervous. "Well, he was a little busy when I stopped over..."

            ~Indeed he was.~

            "Quiet you. Why don't we go back to the mansion and I'll call Yugi to let him that we're there."

            "Um okay... Hey maybe we can duel! I have to practice!" she smiled, almost dancing in place.

            ~Are you always this excitable?~ Yami asked as she bounced in place.

            "Hee my body can store soda and sugar like no tomorrow." Sighing she grew thoughtful as she stuffed her hands back into her pockets. "... Hey I've been thinking."

            "What about?" Keriam asked as they fell into step without realizing it.

            "The gods. Say we call them, then what? Does that mean we can control them? And that's how we died in the first place..." she looked up at her with slight fear in her depths. "I'm scared."

            Keriam put her arm around her best friend's shoulders. "Believe me, so am I. Hopefully, that won't happen." Even though history tends to repeat itself... she thought.

            "Hey, I got an idea," Cheri smiled, "why don't we give Tea a call and have a girls' night?"

            Yami started chuckling and Cheri looked at the Puzzle confused.

            "If we can get a hold of her," said Keriam, somehow managing to keep a straight face.

            "What do you mean?"

            "I tried calling Tea earlier but no answer; I didn't leave a voicemail."

            "Oh. Well... we can't call Serenity, Joey said he was gonna spend the day with her." She blinked and smiled at the puzzle. "How about we make this girls plus a spirit night out?"

            Yami blinked. ~Me?~

            "Yes you! You know what they say, men are women's toys. Or something like that. Besides, I always wanted to play make-up and your hair would be such fun to work with!"

            "Be careful, Yami," Keriam grinned. "Who prophesized about who?"

            "Having fun, sis?"

            Serenity smiled at her brother. "Yes, I am. I'm glad that you could spend the day with me. Where did Keriam go?"

            "She went out to talk to Yami," Joey explained as he took a bite of the supreme hotdog he held.

            "Joey, can I ask you something about Keriam?"

            He swallowed the mouthful. "Okay..."

            "Is she... from around here?" Serenity asked. "And I don't mean from out of town, either."

            Joey looked at his sister and sighed. "I can't give ya all the details, sis, for your safety and Keriam's. But you're right, though. Keriam's not from here."

            "You love her?"

            "A lot, yeah, I do."

            "And I know she makes you happy." Smiling she nodded at him. "I'm glad you found someone special."

            "Thanks, that means alot to me." Grinning he kissed her, laughing as he smeared some mustard on her cheek. "Whoops!"

            "Joey!" but she laughed it off, clearly having fun. Still eating their hotdogs they continued walking, talking about how their lives had been and how school was so far. "What should we do now?" she asked.

            Joey thought for a moment. "What do you say we go to the park and for old time's sake, go for the swings?"

            Serenity laughed and nodded. When they finished their hotdogs, the two headed towards the park.

            "How's your mom?" Joey asked, finding it very difficult to refer Elizabeth as Serenity's mother after all the years of calling her his mother.

            "She's okay..." Serenity frowned a little.

            "You two talking yet?"

            "A little. I'm still angry at her, though. The funny thing..."

            Joey looked at her. "What?"

            "Well, when I was finishing my homework, I heard her crying in the kitchen. And when she left the kitchen for a moment, I snuck in and found a picture of the three of us--Dad must have taken it. I think I was about four-years-old in it..." Serenity sighed. "I don't understand."

            Joey was surprised at this too that he was silent as he thought. "I guess... she feels guilty for leaving... Serenity," he paused, turning her so she faced him and rested his hands on her shoulders. "I know that you're still upset but she's still your mom. Maybe... you should give her a chance."

            "She lied to us and tore us apart. How can I forgive her for that?" she asked with a frown.

            "I'm not saying you shouldn't forgive her but give her a chance. She thought she was doing the right thing and just didn't think that dad would come after me. Actually, I didn't think he would come after me." Smiling some he pulled her into a tight embrace. "Whether you may like it or not she's family. So can you give her a chance? For me?" he asked softly.

            Serenity hugged Joey tighter. "Okay," she nodded, "I'll give her a chance. For you, big brother."

            "Alright." Joey smiled and they moved apart. "Let's see if I can still dismount from the swings like I did when I was eight."

            "Just don't land in a mud puddle," Serenity laughed.

            "You told me that I was acting like a love-sick puppy," Malik said, "and look who's in love."

            ~I didn't expect it to happen,~ Marik grunted. He was lying stretched out on the floor near the window, hands behind his head and eyes shut.

            "I can understand that but why Keriam? You know she and Joey are tight."

            ~Because.~

            "Because why?"

            ~Just because.~

            Malik sighed as he took a moment to pinch the bridge of his nose, taking a deep breathe. "Marik…Does this have anything to do with the fact that not only can she see and hear you but because she can actually touch you? Especially when you're in this form?"

            That hit the proverbial nail on the head as Marik tensed but said nothing, keeping his eyes closed as he refused to answer. "Fine, don't answer me but you know that Keriam's already taken." Deciding to leave his darker half to his thoughts, the Egyptian got up to go to the kitchen to get something to drink.

            Marik opened his eyes and looked at the ceiling. ~Taken...~

            As Malik just sat down at the kitchen table with a cup of tea, the back door opened and two laughing female voices floated into the room followed by their owners. "Welcome home," said Malik and raised his cup in a toast.

            "Hey, Malik!" Cheri smiled wider. "Tell me can you see-"

            ~Not another word!~ Yami yelled as he appeared in front of the shorter girl.

            "Yami, relax," Keriam put her hand on the Pharaoh's shoulder. "You have my word I won't let her do it. Although, it would be interesting to see." She burst out laughing again as the spirit groaned.

            ~Great Ra, I am being punished...~

            Malik just looked at them. "I won't ask. I don't want to know."

            "Yami's just be a spoiled sport but seriously! Wouldn't he look cute with-" she blinked when Yami quickly covered her mouth.

            ~No more!!~ he glared but the tone in his voice was pleading. Sighing she nodded her head and he slowly pulled his hands away.

            "Okay fine I won't say it. I'll draw it!!"

            "Cheri!!" Said girl laughed as she practically skipped along.

            "Someone's hyper. Hey Keriam, why are you wearing the puzzle?" he asked, pointed to the golden object hanging from the thick chain.

            "Yami and I had a talk; oh, I better call Yugi." She went over to the phone and dialed the number.

            "I hope he finished what he was doing so you don't interrupt him," said Cheri as she opened the fridge.

            Keriam turned away but not before Malik caught the grin starting on her face. He looked at Yami who just shrugged but he was also grinning slightly. Malik shrugged mentally and returned to his tea.

            "Hi, Yugi," Keriam spoke into the phone. "Yeah, I'm Kaiba mansion."

            "Where else would we be?" Cheri asked.

            "Be quiet. No, not you, Yugi. I was talking to Cheri. Yeah... Okay, we'll see you two tonight. No... you know what I mean."

            Yami bit his lip to keep the comment to himself as he leaned against the counter, arms crossed over his chest.

            "Okay thanks. Oh yeah I think Yami had a good time. Okay, see you then. Bye." She sighed as she hung up the phone. "Has Joey called yet?"

            "Actually he did. He said that he and Serenity were going to the arcade then maybe catch a movie and he'd call again later."

            "Oh good they're having fun. Cheri what are you looking for?"

            "Something..." She sighed before pulling her head out and was munching on a carrot. "What's up, doc?"

            "Rabbit good!" Keriam said in a demented voice.

            Cheri had a terrified look on her face. "Forget it, Taz!" she yelled and bolted from the kitchen with Keriam in pursuit.

            Yami and Malik watched them run before they looked at each other. "Have you ever wondered if all the girls in their world act like those two?" asked Malik.

            ~Sometimes,~ Yami answered.

            "Scary to think about, isn't it?"

            ~Indeed.~

            Marik was still thinking and staring at the ceiling when he heard running and looked up in time to see the girls run into the living room. Cheri jumped onto the sofa and held up a pillow as she held her carrot in her mouth. Keriam came in with an odd look on her face.

            "Rabbit food!!" she said in another voice.

            "Bombs away!!" With that the throwing of the pillows commenced. "Marik some help!!"

            ~Um no. This doesn't concern me,~ eh said with a small shake of his head.

            "Taz want rabbit!" Keriam ranted on in the odd voice.

            Marik stared at her. ~What has gotten into you...?~

            "Long story--I tell you later," Keriam answered in her normal voice.

            "It deals with Halloween when we were twelve," said Cheri, trying to keep the couch between her and Keriam.

            ~Halloween?~

            Both girls returned to normal and looked at Marik. "You don't know about Halloween?" asked Cheri.

            ~Nothing.~

            "You're kidding me, right?" Keriam asked.

            ~You should know I'm not one to kid.~

            "Marik!! Halloween is one of the best holidays ever!! Well next to Christmas but it's fun!! To make the long story short you dress up in costumes to honor the ghosts and sprits and such that can came to the land of the living for the day and then you can house to house asking for candy. If they don't give you candy or such you get to play a trick on them. It is one of the best holidays ever!!" the brunette said with a grin before taking a bite from her carrot. "Also, dentist rake in lots of cash from all the cavities we get from eating all the candy."

            Keriam folded her hands and looked up. "I never had any. Thank you."

            Cheri stuck her tongue out.

            ~So what does Halloween have to do with you two acting like a couple of escaped lunatics?~

            "When we were twelve," Keriam started, "Cheri was dressed up as a Bugs Bunny and I was dressed as the Tazmanian Devil from Warner Brothers. After we finished Trick-or-Treating, we went back to my house to see how much candy we got. Needless to say, we ate quite a bit."

            "If you think I'm bad on a sugar high, you should see her," said Cheri.

            "And I started chasing Cheri around the house yelling, "Me want rabbit'," Keriam finished.

            "Basically we were acting out one of the cartoon shows and in the process I broke one of the lamps when I ran into the table. After running ourselves ragged we fell asleep in the middle of the living room floor." Cheri sighed happily as she leaned over the back of the sofa. "Memories... Boy we got in trouble but we had fun."

            ~Sounds like something Bakura and I can enjoy,~ Marik chuckled.

            "Oh you two and Yami would be perfect by scaring everyone! Before we say ghosts really do exist!"

            As evening came, so did those missing. Joey and Serenity arrived just as supper was being prepared. Tristen showed up right after they did. Joey made certain he was sitting between his sister and best friend. Yugi and Tea arrived last. Keriam returned the puzzle to Yugi and everyone else tried to figure out why she had a guilty look on her face when the couple stared at her.

            Cheri was in the kitchen with Ryou, helping in making dinner since she still had a bit of energy left. It didn't take long but soon the food was coming out and set in the middle of the table. "Okey dokey everyone dig in!!" Cheri smiled as she sat down.

            "So Serenity, what did you and Joey do today?" Tea asked the other girl.

            "Oh Joey took me everywhere!" she smiled happily, the look in her eyes showing just how much joy she did have. "We went to the park, the movies, then the arcade. I didn't know my big brother was such a good dancer though!"

            The blonde smiled as he shrugged his shoulders like it was nothing.

            Yes, he is, Keriam thought as she hid the smile behind her glass, in more ways than one... Then she nudged Joey's foot with her own, making him look at her and she winked. He in turn, blushing a little. Fortunately, it went unnoticed to the rest in the dining room.

            "So Tea, what were you doing all day?" Cheri asked. Even though the question was innocent, Keriam almost gagged.

            Tea shot her a look. "Something that I needed to take care of," she answered carefully. Poor Yugi started blushing as Yami cleared his throat.

            She looked at them and said nothing but she had an idea what had been going on. "Oh hope you got it done."

            "You can say that," she answered simply.

            So the group talked and ate, enjoying themselves but Cheri was wondering where Seto was. She missed him and wondered if he was in his office.

            About halfway through the meal, Nan walked into the dining room.

            "I'm sorry but Mr. Kaiba won't be joining you for supper tonight," the older woman apologized, "and Mokuba is having supper at a friend's house." Then she disappeared into the kitchen to put some food on a plate.

            "Looks like Seto's gonna be in his office all night," said Ryou.

            "That's a relief," Joey said and almost yelped out loud when he was kicked from under the table. He looked across the furnished oak piece of furniture to Keriam, who gave him a dirty look then jerked her head to Cheri. Joey turned to the other girl and saw her sad expression.

            Everyone seem to sense her sadden mood but before anyone could say anything she slowly stood. "I think I'll turn in early," she said softly as she gathered her plate and glass.

            "How about we play a game or something?" Yugi asked but she slowly shook her head.

            "Thanks but you guys go ahead." Setting her dishes in the sink she headed to her room. Closing the door behind her she sighed and just lay on the bed but why did she hurt? Groaning she buried her face into her arms and just laid there.

            Seto stared blankly at his computer screen. For some reason he couldn't focus on the material right in front of him. He glanced over at the food Nan had brought up for him, but Seto hardly touched it. It was delicious but he just couldn't eat it.

            Marik walked through the door. ~Your brother has returned safe and sound,~ he said, ~and he's tired and wants to watch the movie tomorrow night.~

            "Alright," Seto nodded.

            ~Not hungry?~ the spirit asked when he noticed the full plate.

            "No I'm too busy," he said simply.

            The spirit walked to the computer and looked it then him. ~Yeah right.~

            The CEO tried to glare at him but he couldn't. "Was there something you wanted other than bug me?"

            ~Cheri has gone to bed.~

            Seto looked at the clock. She never goes to bed this early, he thought and looked at Marik. "What for?"

            ~You are an idiot.~

            "Spirit or not, Marik, do be careful about what you say to me."

            ~Cheri was upset that you didn't come down for supper,~ Marik walked over to the wall and stared at the large portrait of Seto's parents. ~A lot more upset then I believe she was letting on.~

            Seto looked down at the floor and clenched his fist, mentally calling himself several names.

            The spirit turned back to him. ~She's in her room now,~ Marik said, ~if I were you, I'd go and talk to her before Bakura does.~

            "Bakura?!" Seto jerked his head up.

            Marik nodded. ~If he feels for Cheri like I do for Keriam, you better turn off that thing and go talk with her.~ Then he turned and walked out through the door.

            Just thinking about the other spirit talking to the other girl made him want to get to her room first but something else was keeping him in his seat. What was wrong with him? He told her loved her and she said she loved him. So why wasn't he acting like it?

            Maybe the mutt and his friends were right, I am just a heartless bastard, he argued with himself, rubbing his eyes as he leaned back in his seat.

            If that were so then why would Cheri care about you, admit her love for you? his heart argued with his mind.

            I love Mokuba but this isn't the same kind of love... or is it? Looking at the family portrait he sighed heavily. "What would you do?" he asked it.

            The smiling face of his parents never answered. Seto released another sigh and closed his eyes. He opened them again after a few moments and stood up, leaving his office and walked to Cheri's room.

            Marik and Yami stepped out from the wall and watched Seto head down the hall.

            ~Step one, complete,~ Yami said.

            ~Now let's see if Bakura actually does go into her room,~ said Marik.

            ~Don't worry, he will,~ Yami grinned. ~As long as he thinks Cheri is alone.~

            The knock on her door made Cheri look up from her sketch book. "Come in," she said and blinked when Seto walked inside.

            "Hi," he said.

            "Hi..." Cheri closed the book and stood up from the desk. "I thought you were working."

            "I decided to take a break," he lied, knowing full well since he locked himself in the office he hadn't been able to do any kind of work.

            "Bet you got alot done then." Shifting over she watched as he slowly sat on the side of the bed. "Did you eat?"

            "Nan brought me up a plate earlier. It was good." He noted her book and asked if he could see it. She handed it over. The page she was working on was an image of a blue-eyes dragon curled around a man in Egyptian clothing, holding the Millennium Rod.

            I really am the object of your affections, Seto smiled. "You really should be an artist, Cheri."

            "I'm not that good," she said, walking slowly across the room.

            Seto rose from the bed. "I wish I had a small fraction of your talent."

            I wish I could have you, Cheri thought and blushed a little.

            Bakura walked through the door with a grin. ~Cheri, how are you...feeling?~ The grin faltered when he saw Seto.

            "Something you want Bakura?" Seto narrowed his eyes at the thief spirit as he placed the book on the desk.

            He schooled a mask over his true emotions as he narrowed his eyes at him. ~I came to see how Cheri's doing. What are you doing here? I thought you locked yourself in your office.~

            "I decided to give myself a break, anything wrong with that?" he said coolly.

            "I'm fine Bakura, thanks for caring though," Cheri said softly, giving him a small smile.

            ~That's good,~ he smiled, turning to look at her. ~I'm also here to apologize for what I started to say this morning.~

            "Good thing Marik decided to hit you," Seto grunted as he moved to stand behind the spirit.

            Bakura looked over his shoulder at the CEO. ~There's one last thing I am here for.~

            Seto narrowed his eyes. "And what would that be?"

            Bakura quickly grabbed Cheri's arms and pulled her into a full kiss. Cheri gasped and froze. Seto yelled and charged at Bakura, only to run through him and knocked Cheri onto the bed, landing on top of her.

            ~That was worth a thousand deaths...~ Bakura said and bolted through the door. He stuck his head back in. ~If only I could do more...~ And he left again.

            "That sneaky, low life, pathetic excuse for a-" Seto raised himself from Cheri.

            H-He kissed me... was the only thought to go through her head before she blinked and found herself in a rather interesting position. Forcing the blush down she slowly reached up to cup Seto face and made him look down at her. "Seto?"

            "What-" he looked down where he was straddling her but he didn't move to get off. He looked down at her, searching her eyes for something but could find nothing except love and desire... for him. Reaching up he held her hand tightly in his own but his eyes never wavered. "Cheri..."

            "I love you, Seto Kaiba. More than anything and... should I leave unexpectantly... just know that I will always love you," she said softly, her free hand stroking his cheek as her thumb trailed over his bottom lip slowly.

            Seto closed his eyes, enjoying the feeling of Cheri's touch. She guided his lips to hers. The kiss started sweet and then turned passionate. Seto pulled away and stood up. Disappointment crossed Cheri's face but it faded when he took her hands and brought her to her feet.

            "What..." Cheri said quietly.

            "My room," Seto answered, "for a few reasons. If you're ready, that is..."

            She blushed lightly as she caught his reason and nodded, letting him guide her to his room. This felt almost like a dream and if it was, she never wanted to wake up from it no matter what. Coming to his room she was led in first as Seto closed and on good measure, locked the door behind them before stepping behind her and slowly wrapped his arms around her waist.

            "No one is allowed in here, except Mokuba but he knows to knock first," he whispered into her ear as he kissed the side of her neck.

            "Then we have the evening to ourselves," she sighed softly, letting her eyes close as she leaned against him.

            Seto smiled as he picked her up, moving to lay her on the bed he leaned over her but stopped her as she moved up to kiss him once more. "Are you sure you want this?"

            "I'm positive. I want you and no one else." Smiling she leaned up to continue the kiss from earlier, not wanting to stop for anything.