Forgotten Feelings

Chapter 50

Imprudentia…

This chapter is dedicated with love to my Ane-san on her birthday.

BEST WISHES TO YOU, ANE-SAN!

Begin Iugum Major Arc

Begin Discovery Minor Arc…

X-xx-X

He stared at the door. Should he dare enter?

It was five in the morning, his peers still sleeping and his friends as well. He reached for the golden handle. His hand rested on it for a few seconds before twisting it and quietly pushing the door open.

He shut it behind him, silent. The room was dark, it being November and sunlight taking its time to shine upon the castle. With careful steps, he followed the route he had memorized when he was last in the room. Within a matter of seconds, he was by her bed.

"You have no idea how innocent you look in your sleep, little princess…"

Serenity stirred slightly, her silver hair draped around her. Yami smirked as he sat by her.

"I thought you'd be up by now," he continued.

"I'm surprised, little princess. Why are you so tired?" He received no response. He looked at her, content in watching. He frowned as her face expressed pain.

"What's wrong, Serenity? You can tell me," he murmured, tucking a stray strand of silver behind her ear. She pouted slightly, giving him a little laugh to enjoy.

"How cute…" She turned slightly and sighed.

"Will you tell me what you see?" he asked, leaning close to her ear.

"Darkness…" came the soft reply. His eyebrows arched. He hadn't really expected a response.

"Who is with you?" he continued, deciding to take this to his advantage.

"…No one…"

"Why?"

"No one wants to be with me…I am alone…"

"Do you like being alone?" He waited for her response, his eyes soft and tone gentle.

"No…I do not want to be alone…"

"Then why are you?"

"Destiny…" Yami ran a hand down her face.

"What about Hotaru?" Serenity groaned slightly.

"She's my friend…"

"I know…but, she's with you…isn't she?"

"Yes…no…she's leaving…someone else to protect…" Yami frowned a bit.

'Yugi…'

"Who do you protect?"

"Everyone…" Of course, she was the Guardian of the Stars…

"Who protects you?"

"No one." Yami ran a hand through her silver locks.

"Do you want someone to protect you?"

"No…"

"Why?"

"They'll get hurt…" Her voice sounded sad.

"What if…what if I said I would protect you…?"

"No…you'll get hurt…" Yami smiled tenderly, bringing his head close to hers.

"I don't care…I will protect you…" he whispered.

"I do not need protection…"

"Oh, you do, dearest, you do. You're so cold…why is that?"

"Protection…you're…warm…" She shifted so she was close to him. He chuckled.

"I'm warm, huh?"

"Yes…you are…" He thought for a second before pulling her close.

"Better?" he asked, his lips brushing against her cheek. She snuggled closer, her hands gripping his shirt tightly.

"Yes…" Yami carefully made himself comfortable before pulling the sheets over her. She gave a little sigh. As he repeatedly ran his hand through the silk-like silver, he pondered over what information he had gathered.

'So, you don't like being by yourself… Destiny the one holding you in Loneliness… Well, not to worry, Serenity. I won't let you linger there anymore…' He looked down to the maiden in his arms. Her breathing was slow, signaling deep sleep. He smiled tenderly as he closed his own eyes, deciding to join her…

X-x

She waited until she knew he was asleep before pulling away. She tilted her head, examining him.

"What makes you so different…" she murmured. She inspected her position before deciding that moving would be a problem, especially if she didn't want him to wake. With a sigh, she fell against him.

"Did you get the information you wanted, Knight?" she wondered. A smile formed at her lips, unknowing to her.

"I wonder what you'll make of it… I wonder…how you managed to get it out from me…" She wasn't quite thrilled that he had managed to do such a thing. In fact, it truly stunned her. She had keenly answered his questions while feigning sleep.

'I'll find out soon enough…' She reached for the blankets that had fallen while she had stirred, placing them over them.

"I don't know why I'm doing this, Yami…did you know that? I find myself doing things I normally wouldn't do whenever I'm around you. Why? Why do you have such an effect on me? Why…?"

X-x

Hotaru yawned, still groggy. Seven in the morning, her clock read. She opened her door to be met by a smirking Yugi.

"Good morning." She smiled warmly.

"Good morning, Yugi. Did you have a nice rest?" His smirk grew wider as he offered her his arm.

"It was ok." Hotaru giggled a bit before accepting the offer.

"I must ask, milord, where we are heading."

"Ah, we are going to breakfast after rounding up our friends. Our first stop is here. Would the Lady be so kind as to call her friend?"

"If the Lord should open the door for her, she shall."

"Then the lady shall." Yugi mocked a bow before opening the door wide. Hotaru and he went in.

"Seren-hmmf!" Yugi's hand was on her mouth. Her gaze fell to the bed. She continued looking even while Yugi pulled her out and closed the door.

"'Taru?" he asked. She closed her eyes.

"It's all for the best…He can help her better than I can," Hotaru calmed down. Yugi smiled at her efforts.

"That's right," he said, pulling her into a hug, "that's right…" Both suddenly looked to the end of the hallway and broke apart.

"Hotaru, good morning!"

"Good morning," Hotaru greeted. Maximilian nodded towards Yugi.

"Has Serenity awakened?" Hotaru gave a tense chuckle.

"Not that I know…"

"I suppose she's sleeping in today. She does deserve it, I know, but this matter has to be attended to now. Serenity!" He knocked on the white door.

"Serenity? Are you still sleeping? Serenity!" He waited for a response.

"I'm coming in, Serenity," he said upon hearing none.

"No!" Hotaru placed herself in front of the handle. Maximilian gave her a look. Yugi, behind him, slapped his forehead.

'You owe me big, Yami!'

"What's wrong, Hotaru? I need to talk to Serenity."

"Ah, no. I mean, she's still sleeping and, as you said, she does deserve this," Hotaru said, trying to sound convincing.

"I know that, but I need her only to see this." He showed them a large envelope.

"We'll give it to her," Yugi spoke up.

"I'd rather give it to her myself."

"It's really no problem," Hotaru smiled, reaching for the envelope.

"Hotaru, Serenity needs to see it as soon as possible. Let me through. I need to speak to her." Hotaru reclined against the door, Yugi coming by her.

"I'm afraid we can't allow you to do that," he said calmly.

"Oh, and why not?"

"I'm weary, Father, and wish to respite…" Serenity said as she opened the door. Hotaru quickly regained her balance. Maximilian sighed.

"I know you are, but you must look." He handed her the item. Serenity made to look into it.

"Don't. Wait until you're well rested. I need to go to town today, so take care of business, all right?" Serenity nodded, her eyes narrowed.

"Good. Be a good girl, Hotaru and help out your sister if she asks. Bye." He placed a kiss on both girls' cheeks and went along. Serenity waited until he was gone to lean against the doorframe.

"Good morning Hotaru, Yugi." Hotaru looked to her.

"You really are tired. Your aura is greatly dimmer…"

"Is it?" Serenity asked, raising a hand to scrutinize.

"Yep. Yugi and I will go play outside. We'll see you later!" Hotaru took his hand and rushed down the hallway. Serenity let out a slight scoff.

"They know. My father is gone. You can return to your own room now," she called.

"Yes, I know," he said, stretching. Serenity turned to him, watching.

"How did you come in?" Yami looked to her, dropping his arms.

"In where? In here?" She nodded.

"Would you like to know?" Serenity raised her eyebrow slightly at his tone of voice.

"Close the door," he ordered. Serenity slowly did.

"Lock it." She did. He held out a hand towards her. Serenity knew it was held out for her, but she didn't see it. No, she only noticed the eyes calling her, beckoning her to come, to trust him.

Her feet moved, hand reaching out to his. He pulled and placed her in front of him. His hand shifted from her hand to lightly grasp her waist.

"Watch," he murmured into her ear. She kept down a shiver. His left hand reached out. She watched as he held out his palm, a dark violet dome forming.

"I can control the Shadows, the Shadow Realm, and the monsters that live in it. It's simple for me to call on one to undo a lock…" Serenity took a step back as a brown ball of fluff suddenly appeared. It turned.

"Hello, Kuriboh," Yami said, having no trouble with the small amount of distance between them.

"They are Duel Monsters," Serenity said.

"Yes and no. Didn't your father tell you of how he came to make Duel Monsters?" She shook her head no.

"He found out about them in Egypt…"

"Egypt… That's your dominion…"

"Yes, it is. During my ruling days, Shadow Games were the main attraction. My council and I were able to call forth these monsters to battle or talk to. We were called sorcerers."

"Were they called upon often?" She reached out to the monster.

"I called them out to talk to them. There were three, however, that were solely for battle and counsel, however…" Serenity looked up to him.

"Who were they?" Yami smiled down at her.

"Curious, aren't we?" She shrugged, finally pulling away only to have his arm encircle her waist tightly, her back against his chest.

"I gave you answers to my past. How will you reimburse me?" he asked her, his lips brushing slightly against her ear. He felt her quiver.

"How do you wish to be repaid?" He grinned at her perilous response.

"Are you sure that is your question?" She turned.

"I never speak unless I mean what I say." He chuckled and placed his forehead on hers.

"You love this game as much as I do. That's risky, for both of us," he teased. She tilted her head in invitation.

"I am not frightened…"

"You should be…you should be…"

X-x

"Why won't he just come out and say it?" Hotaru wondered, walking a bit farther than Yugi.

"He enjoys playing with her. At least, that is what he's told me."

"Hmm, Serenity has not spoken to me of anything such as this; I think she's still getting used to actually feeling. You know, while were alone last night, she was surprised to know she could feel the cold. I think she's training herself to adjust, though…She's quite good at that…" She waited for him to catch up.

"Do you think she's playing with Yami?" Hotaru shrugged, latching unto his arm.

"She might and she might not. Even I cannot tell what she's thinking deep down in her heart."

"It'll be fun watching them, though…" Hotaru smiled.

"Why does the gentleman say such a thing?"

"Has the lady not seen it? They both are dancing around the fire of passion, only waiting…waiting for the weakest to fall, waiting for the weakest to fall prey to it. They each do not want to be that person…"

"Well, Serenity has nothing to worry about. She won't be the one to fall first," Hotaru said assertively.

"Are you saying Yami will be the weakest?" Yugi asked, a scowl forming.

"My lady has been abducted for disgusting things on a male's mind countless times. She has yet to fall prey to any of them. Yami will not succeed. He must first gain her trust, then her friendship, then her heart. Three steps that are almost impossible to achieve. No, Serenity will not let him near. She won't."

"These steps you spoke of…who made them?"

"It is a code for us Sailors. We will not be won over by a man so easily. He has to prove himself capable of loving a warrior, prove capable of understanding the warrior."

"So they apply to you as well…"

"Yup…why do you ask?" She looked up to him, curious innocence in her eyes. Yugi laughed softly. He knew that innocence, for it was within him as well.

"I suppose I should tell you…" Hotaru cocked her head. Yugi let her go, standing in front of her. He stood silent, looking only at her.

"Yugi, what's wrong?" He reached out and stroked her cheek, leaning in to whisper into her ear.

"Let's just say I'm working on the third step…" Before she could react, he disappeared. Hotaru continued standing, dumbstruck before falling to her knees. She looked down to her hand, surprised to find it trembling. Her arms wrapped around her.

"Yugi…"

X-x

"Hotaru. What's wrong?" The young maiden looked to her, blushed, and looked away.

"Nothing…nothing…"

"… Come, I am about to open the folder."

"Are you sure? Your father did say to wait until you were strong enough." Hotaru said, grateful for Serenity not pursuing the subject.

"How strong must one be to open a folder?" Hotaru knew Serenity was slightly tired. Still, she came forward, watching as Serenity unwound the red string. A white mist slithered out of the envelope before slowly becoming a solid. Serenity took out the note within the envelope. She looked to the mist again. It was still a bit off. Throwing away the envelope, she opened the note and began to read.

-Cosmos,

This is the Compeno Gemmus. Its sole purpose is finding the Pulchellus Lluvias. Use this jewel to find the Sacred Tears. I assure you they are not on Earth. Persephone tells of them being in two different galaxies. I will send word when we discover more. Please, do not do anything rash and refrain from going to Astrum Templum. It is for your own good to not go there.

-Selene-

"How beautiful…" Serenity looked up to see Hotaru mesmerized by the glowing jewel. Serenity's gaze turned to it.

Shaped into a blooming flower, the emerald slowly spun. It came to halt.

"What is it for?" Hotaru asked.

"It's a locator for the Tears…" Serenity stretched out her hand. The emerald slowly glided to her hand.

"Comeno Gemmus…" As if responding, it let out a small burst of light.

"We should tell the others of this," Hotaru said. Serenity blinked, coming out of a trance.

"The others…We must not go to Astrum Templum."

"Why not? We have plans to go tonight."

"Selene and the rest do not want us there. We should listen as they are able to tell things in which we may only guess. Zeus may be planning something if we go."

"We should listen…but we need to find the other Star Knights!"

"All in its due time, Hotaru. Beside, I somehow doubt we'll find the required ones there. The role is much too important for it to fall to any normal Knights." Serenity closed her fist and when she opened it, the jewel was gone.

"I will find Yami. You find Yugi and tell him of the cancellation." Hotaru frowned sadly and turned. As she did, Serenity grimaced.

"Maybe we'll go another time," Hotaru said.

"Y-yes. We will."

X-x

Hotaru wandered around briefly before finding Yugi dueling against Joey.

"Hey, Hotaru!" Tristan called. She smiled in greeting, focusing on the duel. Yugi was barely winning by a hundred points. She sat down and continued watching, cheering for both youths.

"That was a close call," Yugi said fifteen minutes later. Joey nodded, picking up his cards. Yugi had won, 1500 to 0.

"I thought for sure Joey would beat you with that trick he pulled," Hotaru smiled. Yugi looked to her.

"I did too. It's my deck that pulls me through." He smiled down on it. Hotaru noticed the way he handled it.

'Such care…'

"Was there something you wanted?" Tristan asked, trying to drive off Joey who was insisting they duel.

"I just came to tell Yugi that the study session for tonight had to be canceled." Yugi gave her a look before smiling.

"That's ok. I'll have to tell Yami, though."

"Serenity is doing that. Joey, if I get a deck, will you duel against me?"

"You can play?" he asked. Tristan slapped his head.

"Idiot! She's daughter to the creator! Of course she can play!"

"Um…I actually am somewhat new to the game. I never really paid much attention to the game when it was coming out. That was Serenity."

"Oh, so that means you're a beginner then. I'll play you first so you get the hang of it, ok?" Tristan offered.

"Ok!" Hotaru agreed enthusiastically. Yugi looked to her, confused.

"What?" Hotaru asked. He shook his head.

"Do you have a deck with you now?" Tristan asked, pulling his out. Hotaru shook her head.

"I'll ask Serenity if I can borrow hers. I remember the cards in it far better than mine. Wait here!" Yugi watched her leave for a while.

"How weird…"

X-x

"Himeko!" Hotaru barged open the door. Serenity spun around, grip on desk tight.

"What's wrong, Hotaru? Have you located Yugi?"

"Yes, and I have delivered the message as ordered. I saw him duel with Joey and decided to duel Tristan. So, I came here to ask if I could…borrow your deck?" Hotaru asked, hesitating slightly. Serenity seemed annoyed.

"Yes, of course, Hotaru. It's in the top drawer." Serenity brandished a hand in the direction indicated. Hotaru found the box and took it. Before heading out, she looked to Serenity.

"Ano…Himeko…have you been to Yami?"

"No, not yet. I'll go tell him shortly."

"Ok…" With a nagging worry within her, Hotaru left. Only then did Serenity collapse, losing conscious mid-fall…

X-x

"Ok! I'm ready!" Hotaru smiled, running towards the group. Tristan had already laid out the table for the duel.

"That's Serenity's deck?" Joey asked as Hotaru opened the box.

"Mmm-hmm. She put this deck together when she was little." Hotaru un-wrapped the silk tie. As the cloth fell, the deck appeared, seeming proud in the way it was placed. Carefully, Hotaru took it out.

"Ah, you missed some cards," Yugi noticed. Hotaru shook her head.

"No, those cads can only be used by Serenity. They're one of a kind cards made especially for her. I do not want to harm them." As soon as the deck was placed on the table, Hotaru closed the box, making sure everything was in place. Done, she handed the deck over to Tristan so he could shuffle it. She shuffled his, shook his hand, and began, each with 8000 LP.

'I wonder how good he is…' Hotaru though, glancing over the top of her hand to Tristan. She had won 'Rock, Paper Scissors' and was first up. She looked to her hand, telling herself to focus.

'Let's see…Ancient Elf, Man-Eating Treasure Chest, Axe of Despair, Battle Ox, Malevolent Nuzzler and just drew Fissure… Can't attack first turn…so…'

"I place one card face down and end my turn."

"I summon Horn Imp in attack mode and attack your face down card." Hotaru grimaced as her 1200 defense mode Ancient Elf was placed in the graveyard by his 1300 Imp.

'No matter…Ooh, Wall of Illusion… No, first attack…'

"I play the magic card Fissure. Bye-bye, Impy! Next, I summon Battle Ox to the field and attack your life points directly. Now you're down to 6300. I end my turn."

"OK…that was good, Hotaru. For now, I'll set one monster face down. Your turn…"

'Mystical Space Typhoon…eh, later.'

"I'll also place a monster face down and end my turn."

"I thought you couldn't play," Yugi said.

"I can't," Hotaru said as she watched Tristan draw.

"I'm only going along. I have no real strategy, if that's what you're referring to."

"I summon Moon Envoy and attack your face down card."

"Ooh, bad mistake. My Wall of Illusion has 1850 defense points and yours 750 attack points. Your Life points go down to 5550." The duel went on with Tristan summoning Summoned Skull and freaking out Hotaru. It was only with Yugi's calming pointers that she was able to see a way out and continue the duel. Getting the hang of it, she ruthlessly carved down his life points.

'One monster face down…Ah! This card!' she stared at the card she drew for a moment, then continued. She had her Battle Ox powered up with the 1000 boost up from Axe of Despair, her Man-Eating Treasure Chest and the defending Wall of Illusion. She could sacrifice and bring forth the mighty beast, but what if it was a trap?

'Oh, why not?'

"I sacrifice Wall of Illusion and Man Eating Treasure Chest in order to bring out Blue Eyes White Dragon!"

"WHAT!"

"Don't worry, I'll give you another turn." Tristan stared at the girl, placing another monster face down. He knew the inevitable. Hotaru attacked both cards, place a monster face down, and ended her turn, smiling wickedly.

"I use Dark Piercing Light. That lets me see that face down monster."

"Ok. It's my Spirit of the Harp."

"I'll Set a card and end my turn. I don't believe you never played this before…"

"I never said I hadn't played. I just don't really like it as much or play much. Ok, just in case, I'll also Set one monster. I attack your face down card with Battle Ox." She killed off his Moon Envoy.

"Finally, I attack your life points directly with Blue Eyes!"

"Nicely played, Hotaru!" Joey congratulated her. Hotaru smiled, blushing slightly.

"You're really good, Hotaru!" Tristan said. "I don't play enough, so I doubt I'll ever win, but it's fun, so if ya ever wanna duel for fun, I'll play with you, ok?"

"Ok!"

"Think you can beat me, Hotaru?" Joey asked. Hotaru shrugged.

"I don't know…"

"What about me?" She looked to Yugi.

"You? Probably."

"Does the Lady really think that?" he smirked.

"Of course. The Lady can always make the Lord take a dive." Joey and Tristan laughed at her response.

"I'm going to put the cards back. Will you still be here when I get back?"

"Actually, Tristan and I were going to go out to the game room. We have a challenge with some other guys."

"That's ok. Best of luck, then," Hotaru said, putting back the deck in its box. Yugi remained.

"I'll come with you."

"…ok…" Hotaru looked away as they made their way up the stairs.

"What's wrong, Hotaru?" he asked. She blushed lightly and shook her head.

"Nothing's wrong. Why do you ask?"

"You're avoiding my gaze." Hotaru bit her lip. She could not face him, not after his statement…

"Don't be afraid…"

"I'm not…" They arrived and entered the room. Serenity was gone.

"I guess she had things to do. I wanted to ask her something…" Hotaru sighed. Yugi shrugged.

"Wanna look for her?"

"No, it's ok…"

"Let's go do something." Hotaru raised an eyebrow.

"Oh? Like what?"

"Are horses allowed to be out in this weather?"

"I have a better idea…"

Yugi did not like the way she smirked…

X-x

It was dark…so dark…

She shivered.

Cold…so cold…

Her gaze looked ever which way…

No one…

Where was everyone?

There had been servants rushing past her

"Mamma…"

A sudden gust of wind sent her small frame trembling…

"Mamma?" Her voice came out slightly frantic…

A noise…

She turned…

No one…

She continued staring until-

"Mamma?"

The figure stayed silent, unmoving…

No, it was not her mother…

It moved…

She noticed the black robes

Strange…

How could she notice the sinister color in this obscurity?

It said something…

"Who are you?"

More mutterings as it came nearer…

She stayed where she was

Unafraid

It was close now…

"Who are you?" she repeated…

It stopped directly in front of her, a foot away

She could see no face

It was obscured by the heavy hood

Still, it continued muttering…

Still, she couldn't hear…

"Who are you?"

The mutterings stopped

Silence

She continued looking up to it

It suddenly wavered

It fell on top of her

She quickly pushed it away

The hood fell back

She held in her shriek

A skull…

What little flesh it had was peeling away

It kept bleeding

Blood

So much of it…

It turned

Turned to face her

There were two eyeballs

Dried up

Blank eyes…

Its mouth opened

It muttered more words

"Who are you?" she said, her tone demanding

A hand reached out to her

No…

Not a hand…

A decaying hand

It grabbed her dress

Pulled her towards itself

"Let go of me," she instructed.

It would not

She tried yanking away

It held on tighter

Let out a moan

She tried again, desperate

"You…"

She looked to it

It kept staring at her

Another hand came up

A replica of the other, it reached

Reached for her face

"Daughter of the Stars…"

"Let go, now…"

"I see many tears…"

She flinched as the hand rested against her cheek

So cold…

"I see many torrents of blood…"

'He is in no place to talk'

He was still bleeding

"I see Power…"

The hand moved up

"I see Questions…"

Bony fingers literally touched her forehead

"I see Confusion…"

She tried moving

She could not

"I see Spells…"

It slowly undid her hair…

"I see Fear…"

Pink curls fell across her vision before settling on her shoulders

"I see Loneliness…"

The hand ran through her locks

"I see Hope…"

It drew closer

"I see War…"

The skull was leveled with hers

"I see Aemulatro…"

It drew closer…

"I see your Loyal Servant…"

It kissed her left cheek

"I see the Light Supporters…"

It kissed her right cheek

"I see the key…your Dark Lover…"

It kissed her directly

Her eyes widened significantly

She tried struggling

The kiss became rough

She began to sob

The tongue darted in

She almost vomited

Then…

It was over…

The light was back

She could see the white walls and furniture

Servants were suddenly rushing past her

"Serenity…"

She continued staring at nothing

Her mother's face appeared in her vision

"Darling, what's the matter? Why is your hair down?"

Mother picked up child

She continued in her stupor

"Majesty, her highness the Queen of Pluto has arrived."

"Thank you. I'll meet her immediately."

The servant scurried off.

Selene took one look at her daughter

She was still quiet

Selene hurried to her waiting friend

"Pearl," she greeted

The beauty in front turned

By her stood a girl

She appeared to be in her early teens

She noticed the young princess

So did the Queen

"Selene, the child…"

"Yes, this is my daughter, Serenity."

"She's beautiful…"

"Her hair…" noted the girl

"It will change. All Lunarians start with pink hair, Setsuna."

"She looks frightened."

"I agree," Pearl said, taking the child

"I expect more from a three year old…"

"I found her like this only a few moments ago…"

"There is a mark…" Setsuna said quietly.

"A mark?" Selene repeated.

Setsuna raised a finger and pointed

On the hem of the child's dress, a drop of blood

Setsuna's hand moved

On Serenity's left wrist, a mark winding around it

Pearl's gasp was soft, but heard

Selene had paled

The mark on her wrist was that of connecting droplets- red

"This mark…" Pearl began

"Is the Mark of Imprudentia," Setsuna finished

Selene sucked in air.

"She has been selected…"

X-xx-X

I hope you liked this chapter, Ane-san, as well as you, dear readers. I've started off with quite a few spins…(Giggle)

CosmosAngel1

Remember, we are all stars…

Youko

Next update: We want Jan. 20, but since the site has decided to turn evil and work against us, we can't guarantee it.