****Disclaimer: Is this really necessary? I know two solid facts, one, there is anime, and two, I don't own the rights to any.
****Author's Note: I don't care if any of this is cliche, 'cause it's just a little musing project for me while I sit and wallow in self pity at how sad my life is. Couples and everything have already been decided, so if you're bored and seem to enjoy how this is going review and drop me a line!
Ja for now
****
/Yugi talking/
//Yami talking//
Usagi took a deep breath of oxygen before walking into the principal's office. She had absolutely no idea what she was getting into, but no doubt it had to do with her constant failing grades.
'Think of Mamo-chan', she constantly chanted to herself, thinking that her thoughts of the Earth-prince might calm her down, even though he was all the way across the ocean in America. After defeating Chaos and returning to their every-day lives, Mamoru had made it to the University without a hitch this time and would be studying for two years. The thought of being away from him that long caused Usagi much sadness often, but their constant letters seemed to keep him close to her all the time.
When she entered the office, she saw her mother sitting opposite to the Principal, their voices quietly chattering away, discussing Usagi's situation. They both looked up when the young blond moved towards Ikuko, taking a seat next to her and glancing nervously across the desk.
"Tsukino-san, I had called your Okaasan in to speak with you two about your academics, demo, I will try to make this as brief as possible. Bottom line, Usagi, you're failing this semester, and if this continues, you will have to be held back next year." The principal paused for a moment, allowing Usagi to move her eyes towards Ikuko's, who was keeping her face in a plain expression, her lips pressed tightly together.
"What is your suggestion?" Ikuko asked, breaking the awkward silence, he nodded his head slowly.
"There is a school about an hour or so away from here that might prove to offer young Tsukino-san better courses more suited to her abilities. I have taken it upon myself to make the arrangements, if you agree to having her transfer", he said, looking calmly towards Ikuko. She glanced again at her daughter who's eyes had become wide in fear, she smiled warmly.
"I will discuss this with her Otousan first, of course, demo, I think that would be the best for her. Where is this school excactly?"
"Domino City, Tsukino-san." Ikuko nodded knowingly, and stood from her seat.
"I will let you know our decision as soon as possible", she said, and motioned for Usagi to follow her. Usagi readily complied, happy to leave the principal's presence, but unsure of what to think of her situation. Switching schools mid-semester would mean the other senshi wouldn't be able to do so as well, she would make it first priority to talk to them when her fate was decided.
****
Just as she figured, Ikuko and Kenji both agreed switching schools would be best, especially if she had any hopes of getting into a half-decent college. Usagi hurried to phone Rei and arrange a meeting for all of the Inners so she could discuss her problem with all of them at once. Within the hour all five girls had made it to the Crown Parlor and sat in their favorite booth together.
"What's the emergency, Usagi-chan?" Ami asked, getting right to the point. Usagi took a large gulp of her cherry soda before beginning her tearful reply.
"I'm switching schools!" She cried out in despair. The other senshi looked at her confused for a second, waiting for more information. Usagi continued. "The principal said my grades were so bad, that I needed the change in courses to help me pass, but then I can't be with any of you-"
"Wait a minute." Rei cut in, "you're saying, that even with all the help Mamoru and the rest of us gave you with your school work, you're still bombing at it?" To prove Rei's point, Usagi nodded in answer, bitting her lower lip in the process. Rei smacked Usagi upside the head, "Baka Odango!" Usagi's eyes went wide before her face turned beat red in anger.
"Rei-chan! You're not helping my situation at all!" She yelled, so that everyone else in the Parlor could hear her. The other senshi shrunk in their seats in embarrassment.
"Matte." Minako said, as if a lightbulb lit above her head, "my grades stink too, so I don't see why I couldn't transfer?"
"Easy, Minako-chan", Makoto said, "think Juuban would give up their star athlete, to switch over to the enemy's side? I don't think so". That seemed to make sense to everyone, but it still didn't help Usagi's situation at all.
****
Tugging at the robin-eggshell colored skirt of her new fuku, Usagi stood at the bus stop still half asleep. She had found it very disheartening when she found out she had to get up an hour and a half earlier then usual to endure the long ride to Domino every day. While she liked the uniform, she was still very unsure about the new school, considering she wouldn't know anybody at all. Her thoughts were interrupted when the sound of the bus engines coming around the corner became quite loud. Taking a deep breath she slowly moved up the steps and quickly found an empty seat to sit in.
Considering it would be quite a long ride, and she was too nervous to nap, Usagi pulled out a small notebook and began to write another letter to Mamoru, still wishing he could've been right there beside her.
Within an hour, the bus pulled up across from Domino High School and stopped. Usagi had ended up nodding off, and woke up with a start. She looked out the bus window, and quietly removed herself from the bus to head inside to the main office.
With much relief the principal at this school was rather friendly, and handed her several papers explaining each one with a thoroughness that she appreciated.
"Now, Tsukino-san, I have already assigned a sort of buddy for you to accompany you for all of your classes, he'll also be your study partner-"
"He?" Usagi cut in, fear gripping her heart, another man in her life would not suit her one bit. The principal gave her a confused look, but then nodded.
"Hai, Mouto Yugi. Based on his excellent school record, he would provide your needs well, that and he seems to get along with everyone, so that will help you to get to know the students here." This didn't calm her fear down one bit, she silently prayed that whoever this Yugi was, he wouldn't be a distraction for her.
A few minutes later, the student assigned to her entered the office, greeting the principal with enthusiasm, then smiled warmly at her. Usagi somewhat breathed a sigh of relief. While Yugi was very kawaii, he seemed to much more like a little brother as opposed to a potential date.
"Konnichiwa, Tsukino-san", he greeted, walking slowly towards her. Usagi returned the smile and lowered her head.
"I'm pleased to meet you, Mouto-san". The principal beamed brightly, it seemed his choice would make Usagi comfortable in the new school, and he shooed them off to their first class before the first bell rang.
****
"Usagi-chan, this is Anzu, Honda, and Jounouchi, minna, this is Tsukino Usagi", Yugi introduced as the lunch period began and everyone fought for their seats in the cafeteria.
Deciding to drop all formalities, Usagi and Yugi were very comfortable with each other from the start. The first two periods of the day went off with minimal problems, and Yugi proved to be the right one suited for Usagi after all. With his encouragement, she felt confident that she could make a good effort at Domino High.
Yugi's three companions each greeted Usagi politely in turn, and asked her several questions about her life at Juuban, and how she came to switching schools. They all understood her problem readily, especially Jou, and offered their services as well.
After diving into their lunches, Jou swallowed what he was chewing and pulled out his deck of Duel Monsters.
"Yugi-kun", Jou began, admiring his deck, "wanna duel after classes are done?" Yugi nodded, but noticed Usagi's confused expression.
"Usagi-chan, do you play?" He asked, pulling out his own deck and showing it to her, she shook her head.
"Iie, I've heard of it, demo, I never bothered to get into it". She smiled sheepishly at him, Yugi blushed and looked down at his deck.
//What's the matter, Aibou?// Yami asked, the spirit of the sennen puzzle just itching to get a chance to take over Yugi's body for a little freedom, since there hadn't been much need after Duelist Kingdom was over.
/Oh, I'm just wondering if I should off Usagi-chan the chance to learn it/ Yugi answered back to his other half.
//Why the hesitation?// To answer the question, Yugi again looked at Usagi, who returned the look, her cerulean eyes sparkling curiously. Again Yugi blushed. // I understand//, Yami added. Pulling his will power together, Yugi felt a sudden burst of courage come from within.
"I would like to teach you how to play, sometime, Usagi-chan". He offered, Usagi smiled sadly at the invitation.
"That would be nice, Yugi-kun, demo, I don't think it would be a good idea." She answered, Mamoru bearing too heavy a weight on her heart. Yugi didn't quite understand the decline at first, but then understood. She had already explained her situation involving her boyfriend with him earlier that day.
//At least you tried, Aibou//
/I suppose, arigatou for the help/
****
"That Usagi's pretty hot, ne?" Jou commented as he, Yugi and Honda headed for Phys Ed (one class which Yugi and Usagi would not have together). Yugi blushed at the comment.
"I think so too, don't tell me you've already asked her out for a date?" Honda asked Yugi, as his face continued to hold the same shade of red as some of the highlights in his tri-colored hair.
"I tried. Demo, she's already got a boyfriend, so she didn't accept when I asked if I could teach her how to duel". The other two boys looked at their friend in shock.
"Woah, that girl's got issues", Jou commented, "even if she has a boyfriend, that doesn't mean-"
"He's away in America, so she's afraid of cheating on him", Yugi cut in, "it's ok, I don't mind". A mischievous look crossed Jou's face.
"What he doesn't know won't hurt him. I could convince her, you know". Yugi and Honda both glared towards the blond.
"Don't even try it", Honda warned.
****
The end of the day came all too soon for Usagi as she headed out of her last period class with Yugi walking beside her. She had a large smile plastered on her face and turned excitedly toward Yugi.
"You know, I think I could really get the hang of this, just as long as you always wake me up, it's not so bad". Yugi nodded in reply and handed her a little piece of paper. "Nani?" She asked, opening it up to reveal a phone number.
"Just in case you need help with your homework", he said quickly before she got any of the wrong ideas.
"Arigatou", she said, tucking the paper away as they headed outside, joining the other three.
"So, Usagi-chan, how did you enjoy your first day?" Anzu asked, moving in along side of the blond.
"I really like it, this school is much easier to understand", she replied. Anzu laughed at the comment.
"C'mon Yugi-kun, let's get that duel started", Jou suggested, beginning to head off towards the Mouto's Game Shop. Yugi held up a hand.
"I'm going to walk Usagi-chan to the bus stop first, I'll meet up with you in a bit." Jou gave Yugi a sly look, then nodded towards Usagi as he headed off, Yugi walked along with Usagi a bit. "It's a bit confusing with the different routes the bus takes at first, but you'll get used to it, I'm sure", Yugi said, offering a conversation. Usagi smiled.
"Maybe you should just walk with me every day, then?" She suggested, causing Yugi to blush even more.
"If you like". Yugi answered.
****
Within a couple of weeks, Usagi's marks had taken a dramatic rise, as she improved every test she took. With Yugi's help (and Anzu's a lot of the time), school didn't seem like such a bad thing to her anymore. Mentioning this fact to the senshi, Rei had suggested she get her head checked, but Usagi didn't think that was neccessary.
Usagi and Yugi found they acted very much like a brother and sister would, he even offered a lot of advice on her lonely-without-Mamoru problem, and she found it was easier to bear the separation a lot easier now. She even gave in into letting Yugi teach her Duel Monsters. Jou often offered his own advice, even though it was just an excuse for him to show off in front of her.
That particular day, Yugi, Jou, Usagi, Anzu and Honda had all gone up to the hospital to visit Jou's sister who was going in for eye surgery, Usagi had to resist the strong urge to heal the girl herself, as she still held firm to her secret identity. After the nurses had told them all visiting ours were done, they reluctantly left the hospital to leave for home. Like he always did, Yugi walked Usagi to the bus station.
It had gotten dark at that time, and Usagi couldn't help feel quite wary at the thought she was walking along in a strange neighborhood, she didn't really want to become Eternal Sailor Moon in front of Yugi at that time and place.
Unfortunately for her, her fears became reality when a couple of young darkly dressed men moved towards them near the bus stop.
"Hey girl", one of them said, eyeing her purse, he licked his lips appreciatively. Yugi put his back up against Usagi as he felt his sennen puzzle begin to move.
"Don't be afraid", he said reassuringly to Usagi. She, however, gripped tightly onto her henshin brooch, ready to call out her transformation if need be, she could feel the ginzuishou's power begin to grow inside of her.
"Nani?" Usagi suddenly felt Yugi grow several inches, while he usually stood a few inches shorter then her, he was now at least a good foot taller. She slowly turned around to see what had happened, and saw Yugi's appearance had changed.
"Usagi, leave", he said, his voice no longer the young boy's, but now a deep and rich velvety sound. She shook her head in disbelief, not being able to move as she watched his crimson eyes glare darkly towards the muggers.
"Oh, tough guy", one of them said, causing Yami Yugi to smirk.
"Want to play a game?" He taunted dangerously. Both muggers eyes each other before returning their attention back to Yami Yugi. "If you win, you can continue on what you were after", Usagi made a nervous sound, "demo...if I win, I get to pick your punishment." The one mugger laughed.
"Ok, I like to gamble, name your game", he said, but Yami Yugi had something else in mind.
"You pick". Usagi took a few more steps backwards as the two muggers discussed what kind of gambling game they wanted to play.
"Ok", one of them said, pulling a deck of playing cards from his back pocket, "each of us will pick a card, highest one wins, deuces are high". He said, handing the deck to his companion who shuffled it and held it out. The mugger drew first, turning the card revealing an ace. "There's no way you could beat that, so you might as well get the girl to hand over-"
Yami Yugi shook his head, then went for the deck and carefully chose one of the cards, he didn't bother to look at it, he already knew he had a two as he held the card up for the mugger's inspection. Both of them shook their heads, disbelieving what had just happened.
"Mind crush!" Yami Yugi yelled out as he closed both of his fists tightly in front of him, the young men collapsed screaming in pain as they brought their hands up to their heads in pain. Usagi could only stare. Yami Yugi turned away from their would-be assailants and quietly took Usagi's arm, leading her towards their original destination. When they were a safe distance away she jerked her arm from Yami Yugi's, he looked at her to see what was wrong, but she glared angrily.
"Where's Yugi-kun?" She asked, her hand still tightly gripped around the sennen puzzle.
"Right here. I can explain."
"Iie, I don't want to hear it", she said, refusing to let any sort of strange things enter her life again.
"I think you have a couple of minutes to spare", he said dryly, knowing the bus would still be a while yet. Usagi heaved a rather large sigh before she turned her attention back towards Yami Yugi, not being able to help feeling butterflies in her stomach the way he looked at her. "I'm a spirit. I've lived in the pieces of this puzzle for over a millennia. Yugi put the puzzle back together and caused me to live within him, having the power to take over his body whenever he needed me. I don't know much about who I was in the past as I had lost all my memories, demo, the duel monsters competition that is to begin in a few days should prove to give me some answers." Usagi took a few moments to let this sink in, partially relieved to know that Yugi was still in there somewhere.
"Obviously you have some magic powers?" She asked, knowing he knew more.
"Hai. Apparently I was a Pharaoh in Ancient Egypt, and I've been brought back to finish what had begun a long time ago. An evil has begun to arise and I must stop it"
"Sugoi", Usagi couldn't help but whisper to herself, finally she wouldn't be in the center of attention when it came to saving the world again, someone else was about to take the responsibility.
"It was I who sealed these monsters away in Egypt, and now their magic powers will be used again".
"In that case, you'll be needing a lot of help, ne?" She asked, "if you win this competition, will you get all of your memories back? And maybe your own body so you don't have to depend on Yugi-kun anymore?"
"Those are good questions, I wish I knew". Yami Yugi closed his eyes for a moment, the sennen puzzle shook and Yugi once again took control of his body.
"Yugi-kun!" Usagi exclaimed, hugging her friend tightly. "You scared me". She said, Yugi hugged her back.
"I hope Yami didn't scare you", he said, letting go of Usagi to look at her, she shook her head.
"At first, demo, it's just a lot to swallow, ne?"
"I know how you feel". Just then the bus pulled up to the stop, opening the doors for her to get in. She turned towards Yugi and quickly kissed him on the cheek.
"Arigatou, I will see you tomorrow", she said, and got into the bus. Yugi waved goodbye and turned to walk home, not far from the bus stop.
//I don't have any idea of what I just did// Yami spoke in worry //I just gave away our secret to that girl, I have no idea why I felt so compelled to do so//
/It's ok, Yami, you saved her life/
//That's not what I mean, Aibou, there's something oddly strange about her, it might have something to do with that piece of jewelry she held so tightly to//
/Another Millennium Item, maybe?/
//Maybe//
****
Usagi opened the front door to her house enthusiastically, as she had smelled the scent of her okaasan's apple pie wafting down the block. During the whole bus ride she dreaded doing the homework assignments later, knowing that it was now suppertime so she'd be up late that night finishing it. Dropping her books and slipping off her school shoes at the door, she promptly headed towards the kitchen, her stomach growling in anticipation. As usual, Ikuko was pulling the sweet pastry out of the oven and set it on the table in the middle of the room, the rest of the family already sitting there eating their supper. After the usual exchange of routine greetings, Usagi gulped down her food in a matter of a few minutes and excused herself to get a start on her homework.
She gloomily entered her room, setting her book bag onto the desk and proceeded to light a couple red candles, which Rei had given her to help with relaxation and concentration. Usagi laughed quietly, still believing there was no way she'd get into a nice college. She never dwelled on that particular problem for very long, since her life's only goal was to marry Chiba Mamoru and become Neo-Queen Serenity.
"And have Chibi-Usa", she quietly commented to no one in particular.
"Usagi-chan?" Came the soft motherly voice of the guardian cat Luna, as she nudged into Usagi's room. The aging feline hopped onto the desk to sit and admire Rei's gift. "Are these working?" She asked curiously. Usagi lay her head on her arms and sighed, gazing softly at the black guardian.
"You would not believe what just happened to me, Luna-chan." She then proceeded in telling Luna about that evening's events, including even the seemingly insignificant kiss she had given Yugi. This caused her to think of her boyfriend again, she rose from her seat to take her star locket from the dresser. She gazed upon it and listened to its romantic melody causing her thoughts to be distracted when she again took a seat at the desk.
"Usagi-chan, homework". Luna sternly said, her charge closing the lid. She pushed the golden object away from her, once again reaching for her books. Luna moved towards the candles again, reaching a paw to feel the smooth texture, accidently knocking it over.
"Luna-chan! Careful!" Usagi cried, standing from her seat, picking the candle up, the red wax drying on the back of the star locket. Usagi picked the object up to pick the wax off, but noticed odd markings. "Luna-chan? Look at this", she said, holding out the trinket towards the black cat to inspect. Luna ran her paw over the offered object, and knew what Usagi had seen.
"There is writing on the back of this, demo, I don't recognize it?" But Usagi suddenly did. She took the object back with trembling fingers as the unknown memories flooded into her mind. The overwhelming feeling took control of her subconscious, causing her to pass out cold. "Usagi-chan?!?"
****
~~~~~~
Pharaoh Yami gripped the arm rests of his throne so tightly his knuckles turned a contrasting white to his darkly tanned complexion. A smirk came to his lips as the news of his accepted proposal came to him via a young Egyptian messenger. Everyone feared the Pharaoh of Egypt, known as the 'King of Games', since it was with his own power that he sealed uncontrollable monsters within the Shadow Realm. Even the leader of the Silver Alliance, Moon Queen Selenity, held her distance, even though she had just accepted the Pharaoh's proposal of marriage to her only daughter.
While the idea of sharing anything with another human being was disgusting to Yami, he was a collector of prize treasures, and the young Lunarian princess was considered the ultimate prize for a mate prospect. Originally the moon princess was to marry the man she was in love with, another Earth King, but in the western world by the name of Endymion, but Queen Selentiy had dissolved the engagement for political reasons.
Yami had jumped at the chance to claim Serenity as his own and it took quite a bit of persuading the Queen considering his reputation of being completely self-centered and cold. Eventually out of respect, Selentiy finally agreed, preferring to have the powerful Pharaoh as an ally rather than enemy.
Serenity would arrive early the next day for the ceremony, but little did she and her mother know, the Pharaoh would be gone on a little week-long trip which he refused to postpone just for a wedding ceremony. Again Yami smirked, he would give his Queen-to-be a chance to adjust to her new surroundings before he would officially claim her as his own.
~
"How could you accept his proposal?!?" Serenity cried, glaring darkly towards her mother, who glared back, equally as menacing.
"It will prove to be the best match, believe me. Besides it's high time you were married, men lust after you so strongly, the Pharaoh will keep all far at bay". Selenity's words sang empty of truth in Serenity's mind, she was too furious to reason.
"I'm in love with Endymion! That Egyptian Pharaoh you speak so highly of has been known to execute people for *looking* at him the wrong way....executing them *himself*, I mean even his name means 'Evil'! If you are concerned with my safety, you would let me marry Endymion!" Serenity stopped to catch her breath, Selenity's gaze softened slightly as she turned to leave the room.
"My decision is final, Serenity, we leave for Egypt tomorrow".
~
Serenity sat quietly, as servant girls adorned her scantily-clad body with various trinkets of gold and multi-colored jewels. They were readying her for her first audience with the Pharaoh. She began to growl, furious at him for not being there a week earlier to greet them and get the ceremony over with. Selentiy had left, needing to go back to the moon to attend pressing matters, leaving Serenity alone in the huge palace.
The servants had been pleasant enough for company, but it was obvious who they belonged to. Finally after a week on her own (forced to not go past the palace entrance), it would be the first time facing her soon-to-be husband, and she was sure to make a lasting impression.
"That's it!" She commanded in rough Egyptian, frightening the servants, she glared towards them and left the room heading straight for the throne room, pulling the majority of her jewelry off her body. Sure enough, Yami was where he said he'd be for their ceremony, a priest adorned in rich garbs only a few feet behind the Pharaoh, ready to have it out with him. "I don't require measures of metal to be put on me to enhance my looks-" She began, pulling the last bauble off her body and tossing it towards his feet. The priest's eyes went wide as she slowly backed away from the Pharaoh, in fear. Serenity was seething with anger, she refused to feel intimidated, until her supposed enemy turned to face her with just as equally angry crimson eyes. She froze for the first time.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Usagi's cerulean blue eyes slowly opened, her head lying sideways on the floor. Luna's orange eyes were filled with worry as she frantically nudged Usagi's stiff body.
"Luna-chan?" Usagi spoke, "how long have I been out?" Relieved her charge had awoken, Luna quickly answered.
"Only a few minutes", she said, her voice quaky. Usagi pushed herself up into a sitting position, keeping her gaze steadily on Luna.
"Luna-chan, is there something that I should be told...about some missing facts from my past?" She asked, causing the cat to become confused.
"Not to my knowledge, Usagi-chan", she answered. Usagi motioned for Luna to leave the room.
"Luna-chan, onegai, excuse me for the rest of the night?" She stood up, still in a dazed position, as she crawled into her bed.
"Nani? Usag-chan, what did you see?"
"Onegai. Just leave, I'm not sure yet, demo, I need to find out on my own". Reluctantly, Luna did as her princess commanded of her and quietly left the room as Usagi began to drift off again. What confused her, was not only did what she had just remembered not make sense, if it was indeed the true past, she was married to the very Pharaoh that had saved her that night.
She lifted the star locket once again to read the back, loosening her tight grip a bit.
'For Serenity, the Pharaoh's treasure'.
****
A/N: What do you think? Worth turning into a story?
****Author's Note: I don't care if any of this is cliche, 'cause it's just a little musing project for me while I sit and wallow in self pity at how sad my life is. Couples and everything have already been decided, so if you're bored and seem to enjoy how this is going review and drop me a line!
Ja for now
****
/Yugi talking/
//Yami talking//
Usagi took a deep breath of oxygen before walking into the principal's office. She had absolutely no idea what she was getting into, but no doubt it had to do with her constant failing grades.
'Think of Mamo-chan', she constantly chanted to herself, thinking that her thoughts of the Earth-prince might calm her down, even though he was all the way across the ocean in America. After defeating Chaos and returning to their every-day lives, Mamoru had made it to the University without a hitch this time and would be studying for two years. The thought of being away from him that long caused Usagi much sadness often, but their constant letters seemed to keep him close to her all the time.
When she entered the office, she saw her mother sitting opposite to the Principal, their voices quietly chattering away, discussing Usagi's situation. They both looked up when the young blond moved towards Ikuko, taking a seat next to her and glancing nervously across the desk.
"Tsukino-san, I had called your Okaasan in to speak with you two about your academics, demo, I will try to make this as brief as possible. Bottom line, Usagi, you're failing this semester, and if this continues, you will have to be held back next year." The principal paused for a moment, allowing Usagi to move her eyes towards Ikuko's, who was keeping her face in a plain expression, her lips pressed tightly together.
"What is your suggestion?" Ikuko asked, breaking the awkward silence, he nodded his head slowly.
"There is a school about an hour or so away from here that might prove to offer young Tsukino-san better courses more suited to her abilities. I have taken it upon myself to make the arrangements, if you agree to having her transfer", he said, looking calmly towards Ikuko. She glanced again at her daughter who's eyes had become wide in fear, she smiled warmly.
"I will discuss this with her Otousan first, of course, demo, I think that would be the best for her. Where is this school excactly?"
"Domino City, Tsukino-san." Ikuko nodded knowingly, and stood from her seat.
"I will let you know our decision as soon as possible", she said, and motioned for Usagi to follow her. Usagi readily complied, happy to leave the principal's presence, but unsure of what to think of her situation. Switching schools mid-semester would mean the other senshi wouldn't be able to do so as well, she would make it first priority to talk to them when her fate was decided.
****
Just as she figured, Ikuko and Kenji both agreed switching schools would be best, especially if she had any hopes of getting into a half-decent college. Usagi hurried to phone Rei and arrange a meeting for all of the Inners so she could discuss her problem with all of them at once. Within the hour all five girls had made it to the Crown Parlor and sat in their favorite booth together.
"What's the emergency, Usagi-chan?" Ami asked, getting right to the point. Usagi took a large gulp of her cherry soda before beginning her tearful reply.
"I'm switching schools!" She cried out in despair. The other senshi looked at her confused for a second, waiting for more information. Usagi continued. "The principal said my grades were so bad, that I needed the change in courses to help me pass, but then I can't be with any of you-"
"Wait a minute." Rei cut in, "you're saying, that even with all the help Mamoru and the rest of us gave you with your school work, you're still bombing at it?" To prove Rei's point, Usagi nodded in answer, bitting her lower lip in the process. Rei smacked Usagi upside the head, "Baka Odango!" Usagi's eyes went wide before her face turned beat red in anger.
"Rei-chan! You're not helping my situation at all!" She yelled, so that everyone else in the Parlor could hear her. The other senshi shrunk in their seats in embarrassment.
"Matte." Minako said, as if a lightbulb lit above her head, "my grades stink too, so I don't see why I couldn't transfer?"
"Easy, Minako-chan", Makoto said, "think Juuban would give up their star athlete, to switch over to the enemy's side? I don't think so". That seemed to make sense to everyone, but it still didn't help Usagi's situation at all.
****
Tugging at the robin-eggshell colored skirt of her new fuku, Usagi stood at the bus stop still half asleep. She had found it very disheartening when she found out she had to get up an hour and a half earlier then usual to endure the long ride to Domino every day. While she liked the uniform, she was still very unsure about the new school, considering she wouldn't know anybody at all. Her thoughts were interrupted when the sound of the bus engines coming around the corner became quite loud. Taking a deep breath she slowly moved up the steps and quickly found an empty seat to sit in.
Considering it would be quite a long ride, and she was too nervous to nap, Usagi pulled out a small notebook and began to write another letter to Mamoru, still wishing he could've been right there beside her.
Within an hour, the bus pulled up across from Domino High School and stopped. Usagi had ended up nodding off, and woke up with a start. She looked out the bus window, and quietly removed herself from the bus to head inside to the main office.
With much relief the principal at this school was rather friendly, and handed her several papers explaining each one with a thoroughness that she appreciated.
"Now, Tsukino-san, I have already assigned a sort of buddy for you to accompany you for all of your classes, he'll also be your study partner-"
"He?" Usagi cut in, fear gripping her heart, another man in her life would not suit her one bit. The principal gave her a confused look, but then nodded.
"Hai, Mouto Yugi. Based on his excellent school record, he would provide your needs well, that and he seems to get along with everyone, so that will help you to get to know the students here." This didn't calm her fear down one bit, she silently prayed that whoever this Yugi was, he wouldn't be a distraction for her.
A few minutes later, the student assigned to her entered the office, greeting the principal with enthusiasm, then smiled warmly at her. Usagi somewhat breathed a sigh of relief. While Yugi was very kawaii, he seemed to much more like a little brother as opposed to a potential date.
"Konnichiwa, Tsukino-san", he greeted, walking slowly towards her. Usagi returned the smile and lowered her head.
"I'm pleased to meet you, Mouto-san". The principal beamed brightly, it seemed his choice would make Usagi comfortable in the new school, and he shooed them off to their first class before the first bell rang.
****
"Usagi-chan, this is Anzu, Honda, and Jounouchi, minna, this is Tsukino Usagi", Yugi introduced as the lunch period began and everyone fought for their seats in the cafeteria.
Deciding to drop all formalities, Usagi and Yugi were very comfortable with each other from the start. The first two periods of the day went off with minimal problems, and Yugi proved to be the right one suited for Usagi after all. With his encouragement, she felt confident that she could make a good effort at Domino High.
Yugi's three companions each greeted Usagi politely in turn, and asked her several questions about her life at Juuban, and how she came to switching schools. They all understood her problem readily, especially Jou, and offered their services as well.
After diving into their lunches, Jou swallowed what he was chewing and pulled out his deck of Duel Monsters.
"Yugi-kun", Jou began, admiring his deck, "wanna duel after classes are done?" Yugi nodded, but noticed Usagi's confused expression.
"Usagi-chan, do you play?" He asked, pulling out his own deck and showing it to her, she shook her head.
"Iie, I've heard of it, demo, I never bothered to get into it". She smiled sheepishly at him, Yugi blushed and looked down at his deck.
//What's the matter, Aibou?// Yami asked, the spirit of the sennen puzzle just itching to get a chance to take over Yugi's body for a little freedom, since there hadn't been much need after Duelist Kingdom was over.
/Oh, I'm just wondering if I should off Usagi-chan the chance to learn it/ Yugi answered back to his other half.
//Why the hesitation?// To answer the question, Yugi again looked at Usagi, who returned the look, her cerulean eyes sparkling curiously. Again Yugi blushed. // I understand//, Yami added. Pulling his will power together, Yugi felt a sudden burst of courage come from within.
"I would like to teach you how to play, sometime, Usagi-chan". He offered, Usagi smiled sadly at the invitation.
"That would be nice, Yugi-kun, demo, I don't think it would be a good idea." She answered, Mamoru bearing too heavy a weight on her heart. Yugi didn't quite understand the decline at first, but then understood. She had already explained her situation involving her boyfriend with him earlier that day.
//At least you tried, Aibou//
/I suppose, arigatou for the help/
****
"That Usagi's pretty hot, ne?" Jou commented as he, Yugi and Honda headed for Phys Ed (one class which Yugi and Usagi would not have together). Yugi blushed at the comment.
"I think so too, don't tell me you've already asked her out for a date?" Honda asked Yugi, as his face continued to hold the same shade of red as some of the highlights in his tri-colored hair.
"I tried. Demo, she's already got a boyfriend, so she didn't accept when I asked if I could teach her how to duel". The other two boys looked at their friend in shock.
"Woah, that girl's got issues", Jou commented, "even if she has a boyfriend, that doesn't mean-"
"He's away in America, so she's afraid of cheating on him", Yugi cut in, "it's ok, I don't mind". A mischievous look crossed Jou's face.
"What he doesn't know won't hurt him. I could convince her, you know". Yugi and Honda both glared towards the blond.
"Don't even try it", Honda warned.
****
The end of the day came all too soon for Usagi as she headed out of her last period class with Yugi walking beside her. She had a large smile plastered on her face and turned excitedly toward Yugi.
"You know, I think I could really get the hang of this, just as long as you always wake me up, it's not so bad". Yugi nodded in reply and handed her a little piece of paper. "Nani?" She asked, opening it up to reveal a phone number.
"Just in case you need help with your homework", he said quickly before she got any of the wrong ideas.
"Arigatou", she said, tucking the paper away as they headed outside, joining the other three.
"So, Usagi-chan, how did you enjoy your first day?" Anzu asked, moving in along side of the blond.
"I really like it, this school is much easier to understand", she replied. Anzu laughed at the comment.
"C'mon Yugi-kun, let's get that duel started", Jou suggested, beginning to head off towards the Mouto's Game Shop. Yugi held up a hand.
"I'm going to walk Usagi-chan to the bus stop first, I'll meet up with you in a bit." Jou gave Yugi a sly look, then nodded towards Usagi as he headed off, Yugi walked along with Usagi a bit. "It's a bit confusing with the different routes the bus takes at first, but you'll get used to it, I'm sure", Yugi said, offering a conversation. Usagi smiled.
"Maybe you should just walk with me every day, then?" She suggested, causing Yugi to blush even more.
"If you like". Yugi answered.
****
Within a couple of weeks, Usagi's marks had taken a dramatic rise, as she improved every test she took. With Yugi's help (and Anzu's a lot of the time), school didn't seem like such a bad thing to her anymore. Mentioning this fact to the senshi, Rei had suggested she get her head checked, but Usagi didn't think that was neccessary.
Usagi and Yugi found they acted very much like a brother and sister would, he even offered a lot of advice on her lonely-without-Mamoru problem, and she found it was easier to bear the separation a lot easier now. She even gave in into letting Yugi teach her Duel Monsters. Jou often offered his own advice, even though it was just an excuse for him to show off in front of her.
That particular day, Yugi, Jou, Usagi, Anzu and Honda had all gone up to the hospital to visit Jou's sister who was going in for eye surgery, Usagi had to resist the strong urge to heal the girl herself, as she still held firm to her secret identity. After the nurses had told them all visiting ours were done, they reluctantly left the hospital to leave for home. Like he always did, Yugi walked Usagi to the bus station.
It had gotten dark at that time, and Usagi couldn't help feel quite wary at the thought she was walking along in a strange neighborhood, she didn't really want to become Eternal Sailor Moon in front of Yugi at that time and place.
Unfortunately for her, her fears became reality when a couple of young darkly dressed men moved towards them near the bus stop.
"Hey girl", one of them said, eyeing her purse, he licked his lips appreciatively. Yugi put his back up against Usagi as he felt his sennen puzzle begin to move.
"Don't be afraid", he said reassuringly to Usagi. She, however, gripped tightly onto her henshin brooch, ready to call out her transformation if need be, she could feel the ginzuishou's power begin to grow inside of her.
"Nani?" Usagi suddenly felt Yugi grow several inches, while he usually stood a few inches shorter then her, he was now at least a good foot taller. She slowly turned around to see what had happened, and saw Yugi's appearance had changed.
"Usagi, leave", he said, his voice no longer the young boy's, but now a deep and rich velvety sound. She shook her head in disbelief, not being able to move as she watched his crimson eyes glare darkly towards the muggers.
"Oh, tough guy", one of them said, causing Yami Yugi to smirk.
"Want to play a game?" He taunted dangerously. Both muggers eyes each other before returning their attention back to Yami Yugi. "If you win, you can continue on what you were after", Usagi made a nervous sound, "demo...if I win, I get to pick your punishment." The one mugger laughed.
"Ok, I like to gamble, name your game", he said, but Yami Yugi had something else in mind.
"You pick". Usagi took a few more steps backwards as the two muggers discussed what kind of gambling game they wanted to play.
"Ok", one of them said, pulling a deck of playing cards from his back pocket, "each of us will pick a card, highest one wins, deuces are high". He said, handing the deck to his companion who shuffled it and held it out. The mugger drew first, turning the card revealing an ace. "There's no way you could beat that, so you might as well get the girl to hand over-"
Yami Yugi shook his head, then went for the deck and carefully chose one of the cards, he didn't bother to look at it, he already knew he had a two as he held the card up for the mugger's inspection. Both of them shook their heads, disbelieving what had just happened.
"Mind crush!" Yami Yugi yelled out as he closed both of his fists tightly in front of him, the young men collapsed screaming in pain as they brought their hands up to their heads in pain. Usagi could only stare. Yami Yugi turned away from their would-be assailants and quietly took Usagi's arm, leading her towards their original destination. When they were a safe distance away she jerked her arm from Yami Yugi's, he looked at her to see what was wrong, but she glared angrily.
"Where's Yugi-kun?" She asked, her hand still tightly gripped around the sennen puzzle.
"Right here. I can explain."
"Iie, I don't want to hear it", she said, refusing to let any sort of strange things enter her life again.
"I think you have a couple of minutes to spare", he said dryly, knowing the bus would still be a while yet. Usagi heaved a rather large sigh before she turned her attention back towards Yami Yugi, not being able to help feeling butterflies in her stomach the way he looked at her. "I'm a spirit. I've lived in the pieces of this puzzle for over a millennia. Yugi put the puzzle back together and caused me to live within him, having the power to take over his body whenever he needed me. I don't know much about who I was in the past as I had lost all my memories, demo, the duel monsters competition that is to begin in a few days should prove to give me some answers." Usagi took a few moments to let this sink in, partially relieved to know that Yugi was still in there somewhere.
"Obviously you have some magic powers?" She asked, knowing he knew more.
"Hai. Apparently I was a Pharaoh in Ancient Egypt, and I've been brought back to finish what had begun a long time ago. An evil has begun to arise and I must stop it"
"Sugoi", Usagi couldn't help but whisper to herself, finally she wouldn't be in the center of attention when it came to saving the world again, someone else was about to take the responsibility.
"It was I who sealed these monsters away in Egypt, and now their magic powers will be used again".
"In that case, you'll be needing a lot of help, ne?" She asked, "if you win this competition, will you get all of your memories back? And maybe your own body so you don't have to depend on Yugi-kun anymore?"
"Those are good questions, I wish I knew". Yami Yugi closed his eyes for a moment, the sennen puzzle shook and Yugi once again took control of his body.
"Yugi-kun!" Usagi exclaimed, hugging her friend tightly. "You scared me". She said, Yugi hugged her back.
"I hope Yami didn't scare you", he said, letting go of Usagi to look at her, she shook her head.
"At first, demo, it's just a lot to swallow, ne?"
"I know how you feel". Just then the bus pulled up to the stop, opening the doors for her to get in. She turned towards Yugi and quickly kissed him on the cheek.
"Arigatou, I will see you tomorrow", she said, and got into the bus. Yugi waved goodbye and turned to walk home, not far from the bus stop.
//I don't have any idea of what I just did// Yami spoke in worry //I just gave away our secret to that girl, I have no idea why I felt so compelled to do so//
/It's ok, Yami, you saved her life/
//That's not what I mean, Aibou, there's something oddly strange about her, it might have something to do with that piece of jewelry she held so tightly to//
/Another Millennium Item, maybe?/
//Maybe//
****
Usagi opened the front door to her house enthusiastically, as she had smelled the scent of her okaasan's apple pie wafting down the block. During the whole bus ride she dreaded doing the homework assignments later, knowing that it was now suppertime so she'd be up late that night finishing it. Dropping her books and slipping off her school shoes at the door, she promptly headed towards the kitchen, her stomach growling in anticipation. As usual, Ikuko was pulling the sweet pastry out of the oven and set it on the table in the middle of the room, the rest of the family already sitting there eating their supper. After the usual exchange of routine greetings, Usagi gulped down her food in a matter of a few minutes and excused herself to get a start on her homework.
She gloomily entered her room, setting her book bag onto the desk and proceeded to light a couple red candles, which Rei had given her to help with relaxation and concentration. Usagi laughed quietly, still believing there was no way she'd get into a nice college. She never dwelled on that particular problem for very long, since her life's only goal was to marry Chiba Mamoru and become Neo-Queen Serenity.
"And have Chibi-Usa", she quietly commented to no one in particular.
"Usagi-chan?" Came the soft motherly voice of the guardian cat Luna, as she nudged into Usagi's room. The aging feline hopped onto the desk to sit and admire Rei's gift. "Are these working?" She asked curiously. Usagi lay her head on her arms and sighed, gazing softly at the black guardian.
"You would not believe what just happened to me, Luna-chan." She then proceeded in telling Luna about that evening's events, including even the seemingly insignificant kiss she had given Yugi. This caused her to think of her boyfriend again, she rose from her seat to take her star locket from the dresser. She gazed upon it and listened to its romantic melody causing her thoughts to be distracted when she again took a seat at the desk.
"Usagi-chan, homework". Luna sternly said, her charge closing the lid. She pushed the golden object away from her, once again reaching for her books. Luna moved towards the candles again, reaching a paw to feel the smooth texture, accidently knocking it over.
"Luna-chan! Careful!" Usagi cried, standing from her seat, picking the candle up, the red wax drying on the back of the star locket. Usagi picked the object up to pick the wax off, but noticed odd markings. "Luna-chan? Look at this", she said, holding out the trinket towards the black cat to inspect. Luna ran her paw over the offered object, and knew what Usagi had seen.
"There is writing on the back of this, demo, I don't recognize it?" But Usagi suddenly did. She took the object back with trembling fingers as the unknown memories flooded into her mind. The overwhelming feeling took control of her subconscious, causing her to pass out cold. "Usagi-chan?!?"
****
~~~~~~
Pharaoh Yami gripped the arm rests of his throne so tightly his knuckles turned a contrasting white to his darkly tanned complexion. A smirk came to his lips as the news of his accepted proposal came to him via a young Egyptian messenger. Everyone feared the Pharaoh of Egypt, known as the 'King of Games', since it was with his own power that he sealed uncontrollable monsters within the Shadow Realm. Even the leader of the Silver Alliance, Moon Queen Selenity, held her distance, even though she had just accepted the Pharaoh's proposal of marriage to her only daughter.
While the idea of sharing anything with another human being was disgusting to Yami, he was a collector of prize treasures, and the young Lunarian princess was considered the ultimate prize for a mate prospect. Originally the moon princess was to marry the man she was in love with, another Earth King, but in the western world by the name of Endymion, but Queen Selentiy had dissolved the engagement for political reasons.
Yami had jumped at the chance to claim Serenity as his own and it took quite a bit of persuading the Queen considering his reputation of being completely self-centered and cold. Eventually out of respect, Selentiy finally agreed, preferring to have the powerful Pharaoh as an ally rather than enemy.
Serenity would arrive early the next day for the ceremony, but little did she and her mother know, the Pharaoh would be gone on a little week-long trip which he refused to postpone just for a wedding ceremony. Again Yami smirked, he would give his Queen-to-be a chance to adjust to her new surroundings before he would officially claim her as his own.
~
"How could you accept his proposal?!?" Serenity cried, glaring darkly towards her mother, who glared back, equally as menacing.
"It will prove to be the best match, believe me. Besides it's high time you were married, men lust after you so strongly, the Pharaoh will keep all far at bay". Selenity's words sang empty of truth in Serenity's mind, she was too furious to reason.
"I'm in love with Endymion! That Egyptian Pharaoh you speak so highly of has been known to execute people for *looking* at him the wrong way....executing them *himself*, I mean even his name means 'Evil'! If you are concerned with my safety, you would let me marry Endymion!" Serenity stopped to catch her breath, Selenity's gaze softened slightly as she turned to leave the room.
"My decision is final, Serenity, we leave for Egypt tomorrow".
~
Serenity sat quietly, as servant girls adorned her scantily-clad body with various trinkets of gold and multi-colored jewels. They were readying her for her first audience with the Pharaoh. She began to growl, furious at him for not being there a week earlier to greet them and get the ceremony over with. Selentiy had left, needing to go back to the moon to attend pressing matters, leaving Serenity alone in the huge palace.
The servants had been pleasant enough for company, but it was obvious who they belonged to. Finally after a week on her own (forced to not go past the palace entrance), it would be the first time facing her soon-to-be husband, and she was sure to make a lasting impression.
"That's it!" She commanded in rough Egyptian, frightening the servants, she glared towards them and left the room heading straight for the throne room, pulling the majority of her jewelry off her body. Sure enough, Yami was where he said he'd be for their ceremony, a priest adorned in rich garbs only a few feet behind the Pharaoh, ready to have it out with him. "I don't require measures of metal to be put on me to enhance my looks-" She began, pulling the last bauble off her body and tossing it towards his feet. The priest's eyes went wide as she slowly backed away from the Pharaoh, in fear. Serenity was seething with anger, she refused to feel intimidated, until her supposed enemy turned to face her with just as equally angry crimson eyes. She froze for the first time.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Usagi's cerulean blue eyes slowly opened, her head lying sideways on the floor. Luna's orange eyes were filled with worry as she frantically nudged Usagi's stiff body.
"Luna-chan?" Usagi spoke, "how long have I been out?" Relieved her charge had awoken, Luna quickly answered.
"Only a few minutes", she said, her voice quaky. Usagi pushed herself up into a sitting position, keeping her gaze steadily on Luna.
"Luna-chan, is there something that I should be told...about some missing facts from my past?" She asked, causing the cat to become confused.
"Not to my knowledge, Usagi-chan", she answered. Usagi motioned for Luna to leave the room.
"Luna-chan, onegai, excuse me for the rest of the night?" She stood up, still in a dazed position, as she crawled into her bed.
"Nani? Usag-chan, what did you see?"
"Onegai. Just leave, I'm not sure yet, demo, I need to find out on my own". Reluctantly, Luna did as her princess commanded of her and quietly left the room as Usagi began to drift off again. What confused her, was not only did what she had just remembered not make sense, if it was indeed the true past, she was married to the very Pharaoh that had saved her that night.
She lifted the star locket once again to read the back, loosening her tight grip a bit.
'For Serenity, the Pharaoh's treasure'.
****
A/N: What do you think? Worth turning into a story?