Tournament

Hi there! I know I said I'll publish this chapter WAY before, but it was really hard to find time for writing between part-time job and family visits. But here I am with a new chapter of my story! :D

I do not own nor Yu-Gi-Oh! nor Sailor Moon, they belong to their respective owners, Takeuchi-sensei and Takahashi-sensei.

Enjoy! :D

TOURNAMENT

- Excuse us for our sudden intrusion, but we would like to know few things, queen Nehelenia.

A deep female voice from the entrance in a throneroom jolted queen of the Dark Moon back from her thoughts. Soon, in her sight came two familiar figures.

- You're very rude, my dear Alexia. - said queen as if she was bored with woman's irritation.

- You promised that you'll tell us why you brought us back from the Shadow Realm after we test those brats. Now, I want explanation!

Instead of answering Alexia's question, Nehelenia turned her eyes toward quiet, but ominous young man.

- You don't seem to be interested in all this, Thief Bakura.

- Of course not. I will do anything you ask from me, of course, if that means I will have my revenge. - said white-haired man with vicious smile.

Nehelenia liked that attitude, but she knew she has to be careful with him. Quiet types are always like to be traitors. They don't talk much, but they're always devising some kind of evil plan.

Queen then turned her head toward Alexia who was now literally boiling with anger. She definitely needs to be taught a lesson...

- You said something, my dear? - said Nehelenia while squeezing little ragdoll between her fingers. That little doll represented Alexia's newly-created body and when Nehelenia buried her long nails into a soft fabric, Alexia shouted from pain and fell on her knees in agony. Nehelenia repeated action few times until Alexia almost lost consciousness. When little ragdoll disappeared, Nehelenia said in cold voice:

- Do not talk so rude to me, my dear. I hold your life in my hands, don't you forget it.

Alexia slowly stood up yet unable to breathe properly. When she finally stood still after few moments, Nehelenia stood up from her throne and held her head proudly:

- You two from now on will help me in accomplishing my long-wanted dream: to rule the Earth and Moon as it's only and always beautiful queen. But, of course, I'm willing to offer you anything if you agree to help me.

When queen sat back on the throne, she continued:

- Bakura, as soon as this task is completed, you can have your revenge towards little Yugi and his friends. Do with them whatever you want, I don't care.

When Bakura smirked, Alexia spoke in higher voice than allowed:

- What do I have from that contract?

- Oh, come on, my dear, don't you want to take a revenge upon Eriza and her little spirit guardian? Only six months had passed since they split you and your host.

Nehelenia could clearly see anger burning into those red eyes and she had to admit that she was the most powerful materialization of anger, pride and greed she ever saw.

- That little witch... I'LL KILL HER!

- After you do what I want from you, you can do with them whatever you like. Do we have a deal?

Alexia didn't say anything but deeply bowed instead. That was her sign of loyalty.

- Good. Now, I have to explain you what to do.

Nehelenia rose her hand and snapped her fingers once. In front of her two servants appeared holographic picture of a sword, oddly shaped, but still beautiful while it shined in blinding silver colour. Ornaments on it's hilt were unknown to both of them, but the symbol in it's middle attracted most of their attention.

- This legendary weapon is Silver Sword of Andromeda Galaxy. It's known in whole Milky Way as the most powerful weapon in the Universe beside Silence Glaive wielded by Sailor Saturn.

- Looks like an ordinary sword to me. - said Alexia, but Nehelenia just glared at her to make her shut her mouth.

- As I was trying to say, the huge power of this sword lies in ancient legend about the creation of the Universe. It is told when an individual lucky enough to summon it makes a wish upon the sword, the sword will grant it with only one swing. It is told that it's capable of destroying planets, galaxies, even the whole Universe if it is wished from it.

Both Bakura and Alexia were completely amazed by it, but Bakura saw the problem right away:

- How do we summon the sword, my queen?

- There are two ways of doing it, but easier way is completely impossible since it's owner is gone for aeons now. That leaves the harder way where you two need to help me.

After shorter silence and after queen squeezed her fist in frustration, she continued:

- Since I'm unable to move outside the castle during the day, you two need to bring me six ingredients needed for summoning the sword.

When Nehelenia snapped her fingers once again, two new holograms appeared, one showing the dream mirror, only coloured in silver, not pink as the ordinary one. Other hologram showed Pure Heart Crystal that was coloured completely in gold.

- These two items are known as Silver Dream Mirror and Gold Heart. These reside in two different types of people: a person with Silver Dream Mirror in his or her chest have seen lots of tragedies in his or her life, but they still didn't lost hope in better and brighter future. I believe I found a potential victim and that's the girl Bakura was send to observe: Eriza Kanashi.

Only the mention of her name caused Alexia to start growling with rage.

- Second type of person is the one who's heart stayed untainted with any kind of darkness. This heart is also known as Heart of Kings and it's well known for its nobility and braveness. The boy Alexia was send to observe surely has Heart of Kings: Yugi Mutou.

Bakura just laughed at the mention of his enemy's name, but his eyes were much darker than before.

- Second two ingredients are the items of Darkness and Light, but since we don't have much time to search for something more powerful, Millennium Puzzle and Moonlight Garnet will be fine. Since Millennium Puzzle contains power of darkness and may open the path to the Shadow Realm itself, it's perfect item of Darkness. On the other hand, I'm informed that Moonlight Garnet has power of the legendary queen Serenity contained within it so it will do as well.

After few minutes of silence, Alexia asked queen:

- What about other two ingredients? You said we need six of them.

- You'll be informed when the time comes. Now listen to my final words: bring me those two, dead or alive, I don't care, but do not destroy the items under any circumstances. If you fail me or betray me, believe me, I'll send you back to the depths of Hell I pulled you from. You have one week. Now, leave me be.

A huge mirror appeared behind Nehelenia and swallowed her behind it's glass, leaving Bakura and Alexia alone in the huge throneroom.

- What's the plan then? - asked Alexia, but Bakura already started walking toward the door.

- I don't care what will you do, but I have work to do. Besides, I'm not leaving my well-being in hands of such inpatient and flamboyant fool like you.

- What did you said?! - were only words Alexia was able to say before her companion disappeared.

Son of a bitch, you'll pay my for this! Just you wait!, thought Alexia, already having plan for attack in mind...

- Man, can't we have at least one month of peace! - grumbled Lita while sitting on couch in Eriza's home. Rini and Eriza were playing Duel Monsters on the tea table in the middle of the room with Arika and Serena cheering them on. Andoria and Mina with Artemis in her lap were sitting next to Lita, Amy was sitting in armchair patting Luna's head, while Shantell, Raye and Hotaru sat on carpet. Amara, Michelle and Trista were standing each in her corner of the room with cups of tea in their hands, while Darien was in fourth corner.

All ten Scouts were here, all three cats, Darien, whole SOS Squad... Besides, this was a state of emergency.

- You said it. We don't need these new enemies, especially now when we have the entrance exams. - reminded Amy

- Stop with that already! - shouted, Serena, Arika and Andoria at the same time.

- And looks like I'm the target...Again...- said Eriza with the sigh of exhaustion.

- Why do you think so? - asked Serena proving she is completely clueless.

- Well, those crystal creeps bypassed us and headed straight toward Eriza, you big dummy! Don't you remember?! - reacted Raye by shouting in Serena's face.

- Oh, yeah! You're right! - said Serena with anime sweatdrop on her forehead, laughing in embarrassment.

- But I don't understand one thing in this whole situation: how did you managed to destroy them in the first place?- started Amara after sipping the tea, - I mean, ChibiChibi told us they headed right toward your throat and in that situation there's no way you'd be able to transform into Hikari on time. But how did you managed to buy that time?

Eriza put down her cards obviously not wanting to continue duel against Rini. Pink-haired girl done the same thing, putting aside her whole deck.

- I don't know exactly what happened, but I know that in one moment my deck started glowing. I guess I used it's light as distraction and switched minds with ChibiChibi.

- But why would it start glowing all of the sudden? - asked Mina while stopping patting Artemis in the same time.

Seeing nobody will figure it out, ChibiChibi appeared on Eriza's shoulder and spoke:

I see no one of you knows that there is an actual power in those cards.

- You mean to say all those bullshits Yugi was talking about on the TV are actually true? - said Eriza with irritation.

- For real?! - said SOS squad at the same time.

- Who is Yugi? - asked Sailor Scouts at the same time.

- You never heard of Yugi Mutou?! Seriously?! - asked Arika and when all girls shook their head with confused expression on their faces, Arika started her big story:

- He's the best duelist in the world! He's even called The King of Games, damn it! Don't tell me neither of you have heard about him from the media?!

- Wait, is that the little pipsqueak with spiky hair and chain around his neck? - asked Lita suddenly, causing Arika's boiling anger because of epithet he was given. Eriza, on the other hand, just chuckled on that comment.

- What about him? He knows about these things ChibiChibi is saying? - asked Raye while Lita and Arika were fighting in the background.

- Well, he's always saying we duelists need to believe in the heart of the cards and stuff like that, that the monsters within our deck have their own will and that we need to respect them...

And he was telling the truth! If you need another prove, just remember that power of the Sailor Scouts was sealed in the cards. Also, remember that you Eriza are able to release real monsters from Arika's deck.

Good point there, thought Eriza with irritation.

- What does that all mean, ChibiChibi? - asked Rini while looking at her deck.

Well, it is possible that those monsters were repelled by the duel energy from your deck, which means...

- ...we can use that fact in our advantage! - Amy finished what ChibiChibi wanted to say.

Exactly! The only problem is that you need to duel constantly during long period of time if you want that energy to stay in your deck.

- That means you need to apply for some tournament! - said Andoria, already excited.

- But, Andoria, there are no any tournaments currently. How many times have I told you that spring is the time for training and preparations before the summer tournaments begin.

All Scouts seemed to be pretty disappointed with those news, but then Arika rose her hand:

- Well... it's not completely true...

Eriza just frowned with confusion, but Arika explained:

- I was looking for some new cards on the net few days ago and I ran into an announcement of a prestige Duel Monsters tournament organised by KaibaCorp and Industrial Illusions. It's starting next week and you can apply if you want.

- Are you talking about Golden League? Are you completely nuts, you idiot?! - shouted Eriza out of blue, leaving all Scouts in shock.

- What's the deal? It's only a tournament... - started Serena.

- It's not 'only a tournament', you dummy! It's the most important tournament in the world of Duel Monsters! It's called Golden League for reason: Duelist Kingdom, Battle City, Battle City II – they're all part of it. And now this new tournament will be on. Not only that, but all the strongest duelists in the world will be competing. They'll probably all receive an invitation and there's no way I'll even be able to pass the qualifications!

- You can't know for sure if you don't try, can you? - said Hotaru with tender smile on her face. From that smile Eriza stopped shouting and sat down, but she was still pretty pissed.

- Hotaru is right. You should give it a shot. From what I saw, you're amazing. - said Serena now being completely serious.

- Not only that. Have you seen the award that winner receives? - asked Shantell while holding her laptop on her lap. When she turned the screen toward the girls, everyone awed from the amount of money that was mentioned.

-Two million dollars?! Two million dollars! - shouted Arika while breathing hardly.

- That's some serious money. - said Lita, rubbing her chin.

- You should definitely apply! You can become a millionaire just like that! - said Andoria while leaning on Arika who was still under impression.

- You really think I'm that shallow? To compete just for money?! Thanks, but no thanks. I have my pride too! - said Eriza, offended. Her gesture caused Amara and Raye to chuckle, but then Shantell spoke up again:

- And what about your brother?

Eriza jolted on the mention of Alix. She knew exactly what Shantell meant...

- With that amount of money you'll be able to pay him surgery in United States and pay his later rehabilitation, am I right?

Serena wasn't sure what was going on in the given moment, but the expression on Eriza's face told her it was really hard to decide what was right thing to do. Not only Serena, but all present were staring at Eriza, waiting for her decision.

This must be such a pressure...Poor Eriza, thought Rini who took her friend's hand to encourage her. Even ChibiChibi was there to help.

Damn, I'm cornered... It's true, I'll be able to pay surgery for Alix if I win the tournament, but what if I'm not good enough to win? It's such an elite tournament and the competition is pretty rough. But, if I don't do anything, I'll be targeted again by those glassy things. And if I die, who will take care of the family?...

All of these thoughts were swarming in Eriza's head, causing her to struggle with herself. But in the end, she just nodded.

Everyone sighed with relief and Luna started making plans right away:

- All right, now when that's settled, go and make your application with your friends while Scouts discuss plan of protection and investigation.

When Luna finished speaking, Scouts started talking between each other, some of them trying to figure out other weaknesses of enemies, while other planned what to bring with them on that sudden vecation.

- I'll look at the map of Domino City as soon as we finish the application. I'm sure it'll help. - said Shantell before leaving the room with Andoria.

When Eriza started walking toward the entrance of living room, Arika put her warm hand on Eriza's shoulder and said briefly:

- I'll apply, too.

- What?!

What?!, said ChibiChibi and Eriza both at the same time, but Arika just smiled and said:

- Where you go, I go, too. You're my friend and I have to make sure you're safe no matter what. But also, if both of us compete, the bigger chances are to win the money, right?

Arika left room so quickly Eriza wasn't able to respond, but she was also pretty shocked.

- That means Arika's competing, too? - said Rini cheerfully while standing beside Eriza.

- But as I heard she does this not only for you, but for the money, too. - said Serena with chuckle. Rini became red in face from anger and shouted:

- Like you're the one to talk! You're the first person who would apply for the tournament just for those two million! Luckily, Duel Monsters is too hard for you, meat-ball head!

- Why you little...! - started Serena, but her rage was stopped after Eriza spoke.

- I haven't told you that Arika has two younger sisters and younger brother, have I?

Serena and Rini shook their head at the same time. After shorter silence, Eriza started to talk again:

- It's been already ten years since she and her siblings were left all alone in the world. Short after me and Arika parted ways because of my moving, her parents died in car accident. Short after that, she ended up in the orphanage together with her sisters Maya and Saki and her brother Haku. Saki was still a baby when that happened. Trough the years, many families wanted to adopt them, but separately. All requests were rejected because Arika didn't want to be separated from her siblings and so they lived in orphanage for five years until this kind woman, Lilliana, didn't came into their lives. With fragile body like hers, she was unable to bare a child and her husband died from cancer not so long before. Lilliana wasn't wealthy enough to take them all at once, but she had enough money to ensure best education for one child. Arika felt immediate connection with her and she accepted her offer to go to live with her, but only under condition that Lilliana will adopt Haku, Maya and Saki after she graduates from high school. Of course, that can be possible even sooner if they find money to educate all three of them and that's why Arika works both at the super market and the cafe. That's why she wants that money.

Both Serena and Rini were completely speechless.

It's so unfair. Both Arika and Eriza are so kind and amazing young girls. Why is their life so hard? Why them?! They deserve all happiness of this world!

With those thoughts, Serena squeezed Eriza's hand and with determination in her sky – blue eyes said:

- You two will qualify in the finals, I know that! Me and the Scouts will take care of everything else. There's no way I would abandon my precious friends.

Eriza was more than surprised by Serena's words and gestures, but she nodded with tender smile.

- Thanks, Your Highness.

Maximillian Pegasus was sitting in his office and reading one of his favourites comic books when his secretary came in. Seto Kaiba, young C.E.O. of KaibaCorp, was sitting on one of the leader sofas with his laptop on the table in front of him.

- What is it now? It's not nice to bother me while I'm trying to relax. - said Pegasus with sigh and in childish tone.

- Pardon me, but there are two new applications for tournament...

- Just reject them. - said Kaiba shortly without stopping to tip on the keyboard.

- But Sir...

- No buts! All invitations are send to the top ranked duelists and everything is set for the tournament. I just don't know why are you still taking applications when I was against it at the first place! - said Kaiba in higher voice, but that didn't discouraged secretary.

- Oh, come on, Kaiba boy! Don't be so harsh! It's so entertaining to watch those third-ranked duelists struggling with professionals. Let me see those...

- I won't allow it, Pegasus! Just because I agreed to organise a tournament with you doesn't mean...

The rest of Kaiba's speech Pegasus didn't even heard. The piece of paper that was given to him took all of his attention. It can't be...

The application he was holding was one of Eriza Kanashi. He knew that name very, very good. She was a younger child of Anthony Kanashi, one of the best researchers who had ever worked for Industrial Illusions. He was also a passionate duelist and one of the top five best duelists in the world before he get married. Pegasus knew this since they were very close friends and Anthony's sudden death really shocked him.

- She resembles her father so much... - said Pegasus absent-mindedly.

- What are you talking about?! - Kaiba's furious voice brought him back to present.

- Accept her, immediately!

- Let me see that! - shouted Kaiba and took the piece of paper from Pegasuse's hands. After he studied it for some time, Pegasus knew he was trying to remember where he heard her name before...

- Wait! Isn't she the girl who defeated Alexia Roxelani six months prior? The...

- ...the only one who defeated her, yes. I'm not surprised considering who her father is. She inherited his talent.

- Well isn't that interesting... - said Kaiba with evil smirk on his face. Pegasus had to laugh after he saw that. Kaiba boy, you're so predictable...

- I agree. Accept her. - said Kaiba while giving the paper to secretary.

Pegasus chuckled once again. But in this whole situation something still seemed too familiar: an unknown girl suddenly wins against one of the greatest duelists in the world and then applies for prestige tournament like this. Deja vu maybe...

- And what about other girl? - secretary suddenly asked.

- I don't see why not. And before you say no, Kaiba boy, here are informations about her rare cards, so called Crystal Deck. You know what the rumors say: every duelsit have one of those cards, but just few of them have the whole deck. It would be such a shame not to have the whole Crystal deck on the tournament, don't you think?

Kaiba smirked again which meant Pegasus won this game of cat and mouse. This will certainly be an interesting tournament.

Well, my dear Eriza, let's see if you deserve to call yourself the daughter of Anthony Kanashi. Also, what will you think of our King of Games? Will you two clash? Who will win?

Will you be worthy of having the whole Sailor Soldier deck?

Will you, Eriza?

Don't disappoint me...

One week later

- Where the hell are Serena and Rini? And Arika and Andoria? - said Raye annoyed by their tardiness.

Eriza just shrugged her shoulders and sighed. She wasn't surprised by this, this quartet was always late on the meetings.

- If they don't hurry, we'll have to enter the train without them. - said Shantell also with sigh. She and Amy were standing together with Eriza and cats near the train which was slowly filled with passengers. Raye was walking nervously all around the place, while Mina and Michelle were sitting on one of the benches.

- I don't freaking care! Let's leave them! Seesh, Serena really has to start to take responsibility for her behaviour. - said Raye angrily.

- We're ready! - shouted Amara from the train after she, Lita and Darien carried all the luggage in.

- We can't, Serena and Arika are not here yet. - said Mina while standing up.

- What, again?! - grumbled Lita while wiping sweat from her forehead.

- But train will set off in fifteen minutes! - said Trista, looking at her wristwatch.

In the next moment, Eriza heard familiar screaming and nagging.

- I told you we have to left the house earlier, Serena!

- I know, I know...Huh, can you please slow down, I'm exhausted!

- Hey, wait for us! I have to drag this sleepyhead over here!

Whole group watched four girls approaching them with anime sweatdrop on their foreheads. Rini, with her bunny-shaped backpack, was walking furiously with steam coming out of her ears. Serena was few steps behind her with tone of luggage and was barely walking after long run from home. Arika was carrying still asleep Andoria on her back together with the luggage.

- Hey, guys! Thanks for waiting! -shouted Serena before falling on the ground from exhaustion.

- What a meat-ball head. - said Luna while sitting on Eriza's left shoulder.

- Why didn't you woke up earlier?! - nagged Raye.

- You really think it's that easy to take her out from bed!? - said Rini with grumpy face.

- Um, excuse me, but TAKE THIS THING OFF OF ME! - cried out Arika, hardly breathing. Amara and Lita helped her in an instant, taking red-haired Sleeping Beauty into the train.

- Eriza, I'm so sorry for being late. - said Rini suddenly.

But Eriza just smiled and patted her head.

- No worries, you came and that's important.

- Girls, it's time! - Darien called upon group from the train and in next few minutes all fifteen of them were on their seats.

- Excited? - asked Arika few minutes after train set off the station.

- More terrified than excited. - said Eriza, absent-mindedly. Shantell who was sitting opposite to her smiled and said:

- Oh, come on. You'll be fine. Besides, we'll be cheering for you.

- Ugh... where am I? This isn't my bed...- suddenly spoke Andoria with her eyes barely opened.

- It was time already! I had to carry you all the way to the train station!

- Why train?... I don't travel anywhere...

That sentence made Arika angry even more and they started fighting with Shantell trying to settle them down because of the noise. Eriza couldn't help herself and just chuckled.

It's nice to see how great impact they have on you.

Don't scare me like that, idiot!, answered Eriza in her thoughts to statement ChibiChibi just said.

What? I'm just telling the truth. You're soooo much less annoying when you're in a good mood.

What was that?!, thought Eriza totally pissed off.

- Hey, Eriza! What do you think what kind of persons duelist will be? - suddenly asked Rini who was sitting behind Eriza with Hotaru.

- I don't know, but I know who I don't want to meet.

- You mean Yugi Mutou? - Hotaru suddenly joined the conversation.

- Yeah, him. I just can't stand his all goody-goody and cute-cute act. It makes me sick because I'm sure he's hiding something pretty messed up.

- Maybe you've got a wrong idea about him...- started Rini, but Eriza cut her off:

- I'm sure of it. I just hope I won't encounter him on this tournament.

Hotaru and Rini just exchanged looks with each other and shrugged shoulders. Later on, they continued talking about Rini's deck and how to improve it. The others were busy with their activities: Serena was sleeping on Darien's shoulder while he was reading the book. Michelle, Amara and Trista were looking the landscape trough the window and chattering, while Amy, Mina, Lita and Raye had pretty lively conversation about boys.

In one moment, Eriza noticed ChibiChibi gazing at some point in the horizon. Her face was serious while her eyes were so sad it almost seemed she'll start crying.

Hey, little creep, what's with that face?

Ugh...what? Creep? That's rude!, answered ChibiChibi in her usual way, but the sadness from her eyes still didn't faded away.

Sorry, I just had to bring your mind back from wherever it was. Now, will you tell me what's wrong?

Nothing in particular. I just have a bad feeling about something.

You too?

Eriza and little spirit exchanged looks, but then ChibiChibi smiled again and said:

Well, probably it's nothing. You don't need to worry right now. You have a tournament to win!

Yeah, sure...

But that didn't satisfied Eriza at all. She had this creepy feeling ever since she applied for the tournament. Something bad is going to happen, but right now, she had to deal with the qualifications first...

At the evening of the same day, Yugi was standing in huge dinning hall with his friends. This was supposed to be a welcome party for duelists who will participate in Golden League, just like Kaiba's welcome party only six months prior. Only this was much bigger event since the tournament was organised by both KaibaCorp and Industrial Illusions. And indeed, Yugi could see lots of familiar faces. Here were both Weevil Anderwood and Rex Raptor, then Mako Tsunami, Vivian Wong and also Rebbecca Hopkins, who was holding Yugi's hand right at the moment. There were also bunch of journalists and TV reporters who were filming and photographing everything and everyone.

- Just look at this crowd! - said Bakura

- Yeah, it's huge. - answered Tea.

- Well, it's show time hehehe! - said Joey while running toward tables full of various dishes, followed by Tristan.

- Isn't this amazing, Yugi! You and I are competing on the same tournament again! I'm so happy! - said Rebecca while rubbing her face on Yugi's hand.

- Yeah, I guess... - said Yugi with sigh, not noticing Tea's annoyed expression.

But Yugi didn't have any intentions for participating on this tournament, not after Atem left. Since he finished his quest, there was no need for him to duel again. But, after he was attacked and almost killed only a week ago, he decided to rethink the whole decision again.

He and Atem had a long conversation about the current situation and they noticed something really strange: the moment Yugi touched his deck, glass monsters were distracted and enervated. Also, Dark Magician came to his rescue once again! That must be evil Pegasus told us about...

Why the long face?

Yugi snapped out of his thoughts when familiar deep voice spoke to him. Indeed, Atem appeared beside him in his royal clothing, eyes sharp as always.

No, I'm just wondering if we done the right thing...

Atem just stood there for few moments, but then he smiled and said:

I think we did. We have to keep you safe and this is a good chance to find a person who possesses that moon-shaped crest, after all.

Yeah, you're right...,said Yugi with a smile. Tea noticed he smiled to someone when she asked:

- You're talking to Pharaoh again?

That seemed to surprise both of them because Atem disappeared right in that moment and Yugi blushed from embarrassment and shock.

- Ugh, no, no! He he... I just wanted to go and take something for drink. Do you girls want something?

- Sure! - said Rebecca and Tea at the same time. When he left them with i'll-be-right-back expression, he sighed with relief.

- Please don't do it so suddenly.

Sorry.

While he was walking toward dinning tables, he was thinking about this whole new situation. A new evil. A new adventure. New allies. New powers.

But, why now? was last thing he thought before he hit in something. Or, rather, someone... Yugi pushed a person in front of him, bumping back of her head with his forehead.

-Ouch! Watch it! - shouted a girl he bumped on.

- I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! I was so into my thoughts I didn't watch where I go!

But his excuses didn't seemed to please the girl he hit. She turned around holding the back of her head while having pretty pissed expression on her face. But, the moment she looked at him, she went pale as a ghost. Yugi then got a chance to study her more carefully.

They were about the same height, girl was maybe even shorter than he was. She had a long black hair with two little ponytails on each side of her head. Her eyes were unusual colour, rosy-pink. She wore dark blue sweater that revealed her bare shoulders and black pants. A long silver chain was hanging from her hip and she wore black boots with lots of shoelaces that reached her knees. Around her neck was hanging a tiny necklace with rhombus-shaped red stone...

- You! - said girl suddenly, red in face from anger.

Yugi looked around him in confusion, trying to figure out who was she talking to...

- Yugi Mutou! And I really, REALLY, hoped I won't bump into you here!

Yugi could just look at her with his eyes wide open, not having a clue what he had done to make her angry...

Wow, that was some big boom!

Yugi opened his mouths in astonishment when a little, spirit-like figure appeared on top of girl's head.

- Who is that?! - was only thing he was able to say.

Both the spirit and girl looked in him now with their eyes wide open. They spend few moments in silence when girl finally asked:

- You..You... You can see her?!

When Yugi nodded, Atem appeared beside him equally surprised.

What's the meaning of this?

The whole scene with opening mouths in astonishment repeated once again, only now there was no silence between them.

- And who is THAT?! - asked girl in disbelief.

Well, isn't this an interesting development!, said little spirit before she floated from girl's head toward Atem. Well aren't you handsome! I like you A LOT!

Yugi could only stare with disbelief when little girl landed on top of Atem's head and started to play with his blond banks. Atem wasn't sure what was going on in the moment, but the black-haired girl just facepalmed herself in embarrassment.

I know that this scene seems tragicomic. And excuse me and my partner for our rudness. Let us introduce ourselves!, said magenta-haired spirit and flew from Atem's head toward the girl. She then bowed and said:

My name is ChibiChibi. I'm a spirit guardian of this rude young lady over here. And her name is Eriza Kanashi. Nice to meet you, Yugi Mutou! I heard a lot of things about you!

Even though situation was even weirder than weird, Yugi couldn't help but to start laughing. After few moments, he said:

- Nice to meet you too, ChibiChibi. Man, this is so awkward. Well, since you know my name, I think my friend should also introduce himself.

Atem bowed just like ChibiChibi did just a moment ago and with serious voice said:

My name is Atem, a spirit guardian and protector of here present Yugi Mutou. Pleasure to meet you.

Man, you speak so politely! Like you came from some kind of a court or something like that! And your voice is so deep!, said ChibiChibi after she landed on his head once again. But this time, Atem didn't seemed confused, but he chuckled. After that he said:

I don't sense any evil presence coming from you two, but could you please explain us...

- Eriza, there you are!

- We were looking all over for you!

Both Eriza and Yugi turned their heads at the same time just to see two girls running towards them. One of them had pink hair and buns shaped as bunny ears, while other hat short black hair and deep purple eyes.

- Rini! Hotaru! - shouted Eriza before pink- haired girl jumped on her.

- You promised you'll bring us some sweets!

- Well... I'm not in a position to do it right now so...

- Wow! You already made friends! - said little pink-haired girl while smiling at Yugi and Atem. From the way she looked at him, Yugi could assume that she also can see Atem.

Yeah, but guess with who?! The King of Games himself!

Little girl and her black-haired friend seemed pretty surprised after ChibiChibi's statement and Yugi couldn't do anything but smile and land a hand:

- Hallo, I'm Yugi Mutou!

- No way! No way! NO WAY! You're that famous duelist who won in all of his duels?! I can't believe this! My name is Rini Tsukino and I also play Duel Monsters!

- Is that so? I'm glad to hear that! - said Yugi with smile. Furthermore, the other girl introduced herself as Hotaru Tomoe. But the moment Yugi shook her hand, Atem jerked from sudden flow of unknown energy.

What the...?

- So here you are! I was looking all over for you, short stuff!

Yugi turned head toward unfamiliar squeaking voice. He saw a girl with a blond hair tied in ponytails with two buns on top of each approaching them. Eriza and other girls seemed to know her, but their expressions were rather strange, as if they're embarrassed or something...

- Serena, do you always have to be so loud!? You're embarrassing me in front of Yugi. - said Rini, angrily crossing her hands on her chest.

- Oh, is this Yugi you're talking about? He's so cute! You two must be the same age! - said Serena after she stopped in front of Yugi.

Both Eriza and Rini facepalmed themselves while Hotaru and ChibiChibi started laughing. Yugi could only look at her, unable to say anything. Indeed, she was taller than he was, but again, she wasn't a giant either.

- Actually, Serena, he's seventeen. - said Eriza in low voice.

- You're kidding me, right?! There's no way that's the case! Besides, look at that hairstyle! I've never seen something like that!

When Serena touched his banks and pulled them, Eriza said:

- That's it! I'm out of here!

- What do you do with your hair to make it spiky like that? - asked Serena with smile.

- Actually, this is how it naturally is. - said Yugi while rubbing back of his head in embarrassment.

- Are you teasing me again?!

- Okay, that's enough Serena! - suddenly said Eriza while pulling Serena's shoulder. - Don't embarrass yourself even more, please! This is Yugi Mutou, the guy we talked about today in train! This isn't a joke!

After short moment of silence, Serena's face turned completely red.

- Oh my God! I'm so sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! How stupid you must think I am! Sorry!

- It's okay, this happens pretty often. - said Yugi with chuckle. - Well, why don't we try again? Nice to meet you, Serena.

When he landed his hand again, with relief on her face, Serena said:

- You're so nice! Thank you!

What a crazy night. I wonder what's going to happen next..., said Atem with a sigh. ChibiChibi just giggled and said:

Well, looks like this group will become bigger.

Not even a moment later, Atem could see group of four girls and one boy coming their way.

- What's with all of the fuss over here? - said tall brunette with hair tied in ponytail.

- Well, I could guess Serena would be in centre of it! - nagged pretty black-haired girl.

- Oh, some new faces! - said girl with short blue hair with smile.

- Eriza, you'll not introduce us?! - said blonde with red ribbon in her hair while having her hand around Eriza's shoulders.

While they were talking between themselves, Yugi couldn't ignore Eriza's expression: she literally looked like she's going to explode any second now. Poor girl...

- Yugi, you mind if I introduce you to my friends? - suddenly said Serena.

- No, not at all. - said Yugi with smile.

- So, now from left to right, these are Amy Anderson, Raye Hino, Lita Kino and Mina Aino. And this guy over here is my boyfriend, Darien Shields.

- Hallo, nice to meet you! - said Amy with polite smile.

- That's me! Hi! - said Raye while shaking her long black hair.

- Yo, what's up! I'm Lita!

- Oh my God, You're so cute! - said Mina with sparkles in her eyes.

Yugi bowed politely to each of the girls and said his name, but he could see that this whole scene is pretty awkward.

Wow, so many faces at once. Not bad., said Pharaoh with chuckle after he reappeared.

And why are you hiding this whole time? That's very mature of you, Atem!

Just when he was about to say something, all girls started staring at him, all gasped.

- Where did you came from?

- Wow, are you two brothers?

- He's pretty handsome!

- Are you like ChibiChibi or something?

- Well, it's pretty complicated...- smiled Yugi with embarrassment, but Yugi then noticed that Eriza looks completely drained.

- Girls, stop it already! Don't you see poor guy doesn't know what to say! If he wants, he'll tell us! Stop being so rude! - said Rini while standing in front of Yugi as if she's defending him from an enemy. Both Yugi and Atem were surprised by that gesture of hers, but all the girls directed their attention toward her, leaving Yugi and Pharaoh alone.

You okay, Eriza? You seem annoyed, said Atem, but ChibiChibi answered for her:

It's always like this with them. Nothing new.

Eriza suddenly glared at ChibiChibi in such creepy way it sent chills down Yugi's spine.

- The only one who's annoying me right now is you! Now get over here and stop bugging Atem already!

ChibiChibi squeaked from fear, but she didn't opposed to Eriza. She sadly flew off of Atem's head and landed on Eriza's left shoulder.

- Aren't you a little bit too harsh with her? - asked Yugi, but Eriza just smiled and said:

- She'll be fine. I just have to give her something to eat and she'll forget about this.

This last comment caused ChibiChibi to sulk, making both Atem and Yugi smile.

- Don't worry about the girls. They're maybe a bit too curious, but they're great. They didn't mean to offend you.

Yugi just smiled at that statement. He never felt offended during this whole conversation in the first place. Actually, he was glad to meet them, they seemed like very funny and interesting people.

- I'm not offended at all. On the contrary, this whole situation was kinda fun.

When he didn't get a response, he looked at Eriza again. Her face has completely changed: she seemed pretty pissed off again.

- Can't you drop the act already?! Don't tell me this was funny to you?! What the hell are you, some kind of a saint?!

Yugi didn't know what he had done wrong, but he didn't intended to. In the moment he opened his mouth, a familiar voice ringed in his ears:

- Hey, Yugi! Long time no see!

When he turned around, he immediately recognised a tall blonde approaching him together with Joey, Tristan, Tea and Rebecca.

- Mai! I didn't thought I'd see you here!

- Well, it's nice to see you too, Yugi. Is that a way how you greet your friends?

- Oh, sorry! Of course I'm glad to see you! Welcome back!

When two duelists shook hands, Tristan and Joey bucked into conversation:

- Hey, who's the girl? She's cute!

- And she's shorter than you, Yug!

Don't say such things out loud, Joey!, thought Yugi with sweatdrop on his forehead.

- Hey, watch your mouth, pretty boy! Maybe I'm short, but I can kick you so hard that it'll ring in your head a whole week later!

The whole gang, including Yugi and Mai, gasped because of this comment.

- Wow, you have an attitude, girl! I like you! - said Mai while putting her arm around Eriza's shoulders.

- You have to admit, Tristan, she got you! - said Tea with giggle.

- What was your name again? - asked Rebecca suspiciously while squeezing Yugi's arm.

- I didn't even said my name. I'm Eriza Kanashi.

- Wait you're kidding, right? - Mai suddenly shook Eriza's shoulders which made her dizzy.

- Wait, I heard that name before...- said Joey while rubbing his chin.

- Don't tell me you don't remember the news from six months ago?! This is the girl who won against Alexia Roxelani! The ONLY ONE who defeated her! - said Mai triumphantly.

- No way! That was you?! - said Rebecca and Joey at the same time.

Yugi himself was surprised. That's why her name seemed so familiar before!

But before Eriza could say anything, a familiar voice shouted from very close by:

- Well look at you already making so many friends, Eri!

- You totally forgot about us!

Yugi looked at girls that pushed Mai away and hugged Eriza instead. One was pretty tall with curly brown hair, while another had long red hair tied in ponytail and had colourful banks.

- Girls, give her some space! - said third girl with blond hair and good-natured smile.

Well, isn't this crowd getting bigger and bigger?, said Atem with smirk.

- I heard you talking about Alexia and you know how much I can't stand that girl! - said the curly-haired one.

- I didn't start the conversation at all! Now give me a break already! - Eriza shook them of her back with irritation.

- Are they your friends, Eriza?

- Yeah. These are Arika Tsuyoku, Shantell Chieno and Andoria Denseino. Girls, I think you all know who this is.

Both Arika and Andoria gasped, but before they were able to make even a sound, the doors of the dinning hall opened with crush.

Yugi could see a tall girl with long brown hair and posture of a queen. However, her clothes were far away from royal: she wore leather pants and white shirt ripped on the side. Her high heels were clapping as she was walking trough the room. She was truly astonishing, but Yugi then looked at her face.

Her eyes were cold as ice. Her beautiful face completely expressionless. As if she was a walking icicle.

- Speak of a devil...- said Shantell in low voice.

Arika just squeezed her fists, visibly trying to prevent herself from doing something violent, while Andoria hugged herself as if she was freezing:

- A temperature in this room really dropped.

- Not her again...

Yugi just then noticed Serena and other girls gethered around Eriza, as if they're protecting her.

The tension was getting bigger and bigger while Alexia Roxelani, a famous, undefeated female duelist was approaching them. Yugi himself felt terribly nervous. Why are all girls so tenseous? What happened between them?!

Alexia stopped her heels in the spot when she noticed Eriza. For next few moments they were glaring at each other with such tension it was unbearable. It seemed as they'll explode in any moment...

- Tsk...Pathetic. - was the only thing Alexia said before she moved on.

Everyone sighed with relief. The catastrophe was prevented.

What the hell was that all about?, suddenly asked Atem.

I don't know, but it seems something big happened between those two.

I can already see that this will be one interesting tournament.

Yugi just nodded and continued staring at the scene in front of him: all girls were talking to Eriza with worried faces while Yugi's friends whispered between themselves about what just happened.

Yugi himself was completely confused. This evening was truly strange not only because he met so many new people, but also because of strange aura that was surrounding those girls and because of Eriza's unexplainable hostility towards him. On top of that, that conflict between Alexia and Eriza seemed pretty deep. Also, Eriza also had a spirit guardian. Could she be the same duelist as I am?

Gaaah, so much things on my mind!

But, Atem was right in one thing: this is DEFINITELY going to be an interesting tournament...

And that would be all from me for now! I just finished with my part-time job and I hope I'll be able to publish another chapter before classes on university start :D

Did you like my story? Or not? You think I could improve something? Let me know your opinion in your reviews! :*

What's going to happen between Yugi and Eriza in the future? Will they start to get along? Find out in next chapter Are we friends or not?

Hope you'll have a wonderful day!

~*H.E*~