Let's Play!

All characters belong to their respective owners.

At last, after the long and grueling battle against the strongest foe, Sailor Galaxia, the Sailor Scouts have triumphed as all evil around the world and throughout the galaxy has been banished forever. Many losses and sacrifices have been made throughout this tough journey, but in the end, they can finally take a breath of fresh air and live their lives to the fullest; in peace once more. They now look towards the future filled with nothing but hope, something very valuable to them. But, has all evil truly come to an end? Are their adventures really over? Well, we'll just have to see…

A few weeks after the final fight, Usagi Tsukino and her caring friends are very much enjoying their happy lives since there hasn't been any problems at all. They all are doing their best to hang out as much as possible to make up for the time they lost fighting evil; literally almost everyday for two years. Quite tiring indeed. As of now, our heroines are having a studying session in the Juban High School, due to the fact they had to stay up at night battling and such and still having to cram enough sleep in their busy schedules, which wasn't really a lot. Especially for Usagi, who performs poorly in her classes; too lazy at times to actually focus on important subjects that may be needed when she graduates. Ami Mizuno, the smartest of their group, has addressed this many times to Usagi.

Aside from her education, a game has recently gained a lot of popularity across the Juban High School and as well the District of Juban. A card game that goes by the name, "Duel Monsters." Their sudden popularity happened after a tournament of champions had taken place in Domino City, the grand city of games in Japan. Many players who've seen the tournament in person witnessed the strongest opponents battle one another in nerve-racking matches that can either last for hours or end within minutes! Hearing this, students have gone out to buy their own pack of cards and test their skills and abilities to see if they're worthy of the next upcoming tournament. Of course, Usagi and her best friends were very intrigued by this and joined the new trend of card games! They'd go build their own unique decks and play together often at school or over at Usagi's house, but usually when her parents weren't home since they wanted to make sure she was actually studying.

*4:56pm*

*Common Classroom*

"Hahaha! Looks like I still stand in first place! Try beating that Rei!," Usagi declared with a big, overconfident grin as she slammed down a monster card onto the desk. "Your life points have been reduced to zero!"

"Huh?! No way Meatball Head! Show the extra cards you snuck under your sleeves," Rei shot back, angry about losing to her for the third time. She accused Usagi of cheating, refusing to believe this was the real deal. She rolled down her uniform's sleeves, while still wearing the smug look on her face and tada! Nothing there.

"See? I played fair and square!" Usagi jumped from her chair and threw a victorious fist up with pride. "Finally! Feels wonderful to be good at something that Rei isn't!

"Hey! You may have won against all of us, but too bad you can't put the same effort into studying! Blehhh!," she teased as she stuck her tongue out in an annoying manner. Usagi nearly tripped from her chair and pouted upon hearing that harsh comment. "Grrr you're just jealous I'm actually better at the game than you! Blehhh!"

"Okay, okay. Enough with the typical fighting. Think we played enough for today," Makoto pointed out as begun cleaning up the desk, stacking up the school books and placing them in the desk at the back of the classroom. "Though it is pretty surprising Usagi has been on a major winning streak for a week now! I thought she'd still be struggling knowing the difference between magic and trap cards."

"Indeed. But remember Usagi! We only play together after we finish studying and I noticed you were rushing your notes again!" Ami stated firmly, crossing her arms. "Let me look over them just in case…"

"Oh…hehe sure sure…" Usagi awkwardly chuckled and handed over her kawaii pink notebook over to Ami. Her frown said it all as she flipped over the pages of the notebook, looking pretty concerned. "Usagi..how can you even read all this messy handwriting! Oh my, we definitely have to look after you more during studying sessions now!" Usagi simply laughed it off to ease the nervous feeling. "Oh, c'mon Ami of course I can read uh…I simply have my own unique writing, ya know! No need to fuss too much!"

"One of a kind, eh?" Minako giggled as she took the notebook from Ami and looked over it herself. Her smile faded more and more as she continued to flip through each page. "Sheesh, really really one of a kind…oh my god it looks as if you created your own language with this writing!"

"Was that supposed to be a compliment or insult?" Usagi questioned worriedly.

"Whichever seems more convenient in this case!," Minako happily stated, handing back the notebook to the now slumped bunny-haired girl.

"Don't worry! We'll continue studying tomorrow and slow the pace more so you don't have to rush the notes!," Ami announced with a smile. "Wish we could study over at your house but I have to take care of my piano lessons today with my tutor."

"Yeah, it looks like we each have our own things to take care of later. We better go now it's getting late," Rei added as they picked up their cards and gathered their belongings. "But I gotta admit, Usagi, you're pretty good at Duel Monsters. Maybe you got something going on for you after all." Usagi raised her head from looking at the floor and blinked in astonishment. "Ohohoho! Now you're complimenting me, Rei-chan? Never knew you'd change so much." Rei rolled her eyes and smiled at the blonde. "Maybe maybe, but just remember you're still the one who's failing the classes! Make sure to be better first in education before games!"

"Hmph! Nevermind I take back what I said!," Usagi pouted, but brushed it off quite quickly. "But oh my gosh I can't wait to tell Mamo-chan about this when he returns! We'll have so much fun playing the game together!" Mamoru Chiba, Usagi's boyfriend, is studying abroad and taking in many academic programs to continue pursuing his career. She loves him deeply as they both have gone through a lot in battling such chaotic evil and are destined to be together to rule over Earth in the 30th century as king and queen. Although Usagi hasn't seen him for a while, she's become mature enough to not worry all the time.

"Mamoru? He's been gone for a while now that I think about it. Are you sure you're doing good without him?," Makoto questioned as she placed her hand on Usagi's thin shoulder. The blondie nodded cheerfully. "Yes, I'm doing fine! I do miss him dearly but now I'm certain he's studying safely. It's just that…he hasn't been calling very often like before. I really do miss hearing his voice.."

"Aww I'm sure he's thinking about you every second on his trip! After all, you two are destined to be together and forever!," Minako comforted, hugging Usagi lightly. "Now let's get going! Who knows, he might just call this evening!"

After cleaning and moving back the desks to their places, they left the empty classroom and headed towards the long hall where the light of the sunset was shining through the windows, creating a very appealing sight. Usagi enjoyed this part of the studying session; not just because it's done but because she just adores this particular place to witness the sun setting. It reminded her of the passionate kiss with Mamoru, feeling the warmth of the sun hitting their faces just felt satisfying and soothing.

And just as they were about to lay a foot out of the school's doors, Usagi stopped for a brief moment and shrieked. "AHHH- I accidentally left my notebook while we were moving those damn creaking tables! Uh- be right back guys!" She sprinted back towards the stairs frantically as the rest of the group just sighed. "Rei, you were the last one out of the room. You didn't check around to see if anything was left behind?," Ami confronted, raising a brow. Rei chuckled quietly. "Just one more little joke wouldn't hurt, okay? She was being too full of herself again." The others shook their heads. "Oh Rei…"

…..

*5:37pm*

Almost everyone had gone their own way towards their home or other business to take care of. Minako and Usagi were headed to her house for the next stop. The neighborhood began getting dark by then and there these two just kept talking and showing each other their Duel Monster cards along the way as Minako kept on nagging Meatball Head for game tactics. Usagi kept on stating it was a secret and refused to share it with anyone else. She seemed pretty proud to have played the game so well that there's other players asking for advice.

"C'mon on Usagi! I really wanna know how you play so damn good!! The way you won even against Ami is just incredible! And that's because she's the smartest among us!" Minako stopped blabbering and pondered for a few seconds. Suddenly, she came up with a strange conclusion. "A-ha! I know how you're playing so well! It's because of the Silver Crystal, huh?," she confirmed, pointing to her golden heart-shaped locket placed in front of Usagi's uniform bow. "I just know it!" The bunny-haired girl wiped off her smug face and looked offended. "Whaaa- no it's not! I actually have earned these skills on my own and placed so much effort on them! Why does no one believe I'm finally good at something for once?! It's just so- wahhhh!!" She began bawling her eyes out as usual and Minako jumped in surprise. "Alright alright! I believe ya! It's your skills then-"

"Girls! What's all the commotion about?" The two blondies turned to their left and realized they've stopped right outside of Usagi's house; with Ikuko Tsukino, her mother, standing outside of the doorstep. Wonder how long she's been standing there..

"Oh- uh nothing really, Mrs. Ikuko! Hahaha- we were just- chatting about some uh- totally normal teenage stuff! Yeah! So now I'll be heading home! See ya Usagi!" Minako waved goodbye to the two and ran off with her tail between her legs.

Usagi, on the other hand, greeted her mom in tears. "Hehe, sorry about the tears mom. Wasn't Mina's fault. Looks like my habit of crying won't stop any time soon." Ikuko shook her head and smiled warmly as she welcomed her daughter into their home. They headed up the stairs to her room which was pretty strange since Ikuko would usually tell her to sit down for dinner around this time. Perhaps it wasnt ready yet. "Typical Usako. You cry about anything dear. Now, let's get you to your room. I have something important to discuss with you." Usagi felt her heart dropped, feeling as if her mother is going to bring up the old talk again of grades, homework, exams and whatever school's about. "Just great. Exactly what I needed to hear…can't I get a break already…?," she thought sadly.

Ikuko opened the door to reveal Usagi's adorable bedroom. Her walls were painted baby pink and stylized with picture frames of her family right by the door. Her interior decoration seemed to represent her innocence and caring nature as many were cute plushies, pastel colored drawers and bookshelves, cute moons and stars patterned bed sheets, and many more! However, her bedroom was a mess since earlier in the morning Usagi woke up late again and didn't have enough time to clean up. Ikuko thought she'd had it cleaned already. She didn't look surprised either since she knows how her little bunny is.

"Oh Usako dear, thought we had gone over this many times..." She looked over to her daughter who looked pretty nervous and was playing with her blonde hair anxiously. Ikuko simply brushed it off for today and entered the room, trying not to step on anything that was left on the floor since Usagi likes leaving her stuff there for later. She then proceeded to sit on the undone bed and waved to her to come over and take a seat. "Oh…here we go..," Usagi thought as she walked over and took a seat. She quickly picked up one of her bed pillows to brace herself.

"Usako, I'm sure you're doing your best at school, but you still struggle quite a lot despite receiving so many study sessions from your friends. Oh, and by the way, may I see your notes?" Usagi quietly handed over the notebook then swiftly covered her tensed face with the pillow. However, Ikuko didn't say anything as she reviewed the notes; she simply closed it and laid it on top of the drawers calmly. She then placed an arm around Usagi and comforted her. The blondie was very much confused at this unusual behavior, especially coming from her mother who would always be upset seeing how bad she's doing in school. "Look Usako, I know your performance in school isn't the best, but I also know it isn't your fault as Juban High School is quite a prestigious place to learn. Perhaps they expect much more from their students since they may believe everyone there has a high level of learning. And me and your father have discussed this for a while and came up with a solution!" Usagi lowered her pillow and seemed to have lightened up more. "Really? What is it?," she asked contentedly. Ikuko stood up and announced proudly;

…..

"...we'll be transferring you to a different school!"

…..

"WHAAA- " Usagi jumped so suddenly and fell off the messed up bed, tumbling down and knocking over her small table and a few of her plushies. She got up almost immediately and quickly shifted her shocked eyes to her mother like an owl. "M-Mom- you can't be serious- I'm going to change schools?!?! But what about all my friends?! How far is this school!? Oh noooo-" "Calm down, Usako! Keep it together! Please, allow me to speak," Ikuko stated firmly as she placed both hands onto Usagi's shaking shoulders. "It's best to transfer you to a different school where there aren't too many high expectations for students and a much more friendlier atmosphere! I think…" Meatball Head just cried. "But mom, I already feel that atmosphere at school too! My friends are there! I was seriously hoping to spend my last years of high school with them!" Her mother wrapped her arms around her and took a deep breath.

"Usako…I know it's difficult for you, but this is the best choice for you if you want to graduate. I don't want to keep on seeing you having trouble understanding subjects so we're just doing the best for you." Ikuko then brought Usagi face to face with her, trying to improve the mood. "Buuut, I have some very good news about this too!"

"Are you sure there's any good news after what you just said…?!" Usagi thought, feeling downhearted and gloomy. But what else could she do? Afterall, it's true she's terrible at studies; hell, even Minako isn't as bad as her anymore. At least she was actually showing improvement slowly but Usagi couldn't keep up. She just had to accept her fate. "*Sigh* Okay…what's the good news then…?"

Her mother excitedly clapped her hands for some reason and took out a familiar package from the pocket of her white apron. It was a pack of…Duel Monster Cards? Things kept on getting more but nevertheless, Usagi tried to catch on with all this information being thrown at her.

"Usako…I'm sure you're familiar with this trending game called "Duel Monsters" and guess what? The school you'll be transferred to is Domino High School! Right in the city where Duel Monsters is at its highest popularity point. Since it's around two hours from here, your uncle, Sugoroku, has offered to welcome you to his home to take care of you while you study there so you won't have to wake up too early to catch a bus or the subway. I did my best to research other schools around here that were closer, but it seems like they're mainly private schools." Usagi gasped a bit and wiped off her glum look. Her eyes sparkled with excitement. "Domino City, you said?!? Really? And uncle Sugoroku?! Oh my god, I remember him! We visited his Kame Games shop a lot when I was a kid, right?," Usagi remarked happily. "I absolutely loved playing games together in the shop! And now I'll be living there for a year or so? Mom, you should've told me sooner!!"

Ikuko smiled gleefully after finally seeing her daughter happy with the news. She handed over the small pack of Duel Monsters cards to her as a gift. "It's not much, but seeing how interested you're in the game, I thought it would be a nice gift!" Usagi hugged her mother again and proceeded to open up the pack. She checked the new ten cards she received and one of them caught her eye. "EEEEE this card looks adorable! "Dark Magician Girl" is her name! And she's pretty powerful too! Thank you so much mom!!"

Dark Magician Girl: Monster Card

ATK/2000 DEF/1700

"You're welcome! I'm glad it cheered you up! And although you won't be seeing your friends at school, you can still visit here whenever you're free from school, such as weekends or holidays! Or they can visit you! And you can also make friends at your new school to keep you company!," Ikuko commented. "Oh! And I forgot to mention that Sugoroku has his grandson living with them too. So you can have a roommate to talk to!"

Usagi had a questionable look on her face after hearing that. She wasn't aware that Sugoroku had a grandson. "Grandson? I don't think I ever met him before…"

"Oh, it's because he still lived with his parents back then but since they both had gotten very busy with business and such, they had Sugoroku take care of him. Though, we left back to Juban before we were able to be introduced to him. He's actually the same age as you, believe it or not!" The blondie grinned. "That's a relief! I still have Luna but I guess having a roommate would be cool! What's his name?" Ikuko raised one finger to her smiling lips. "It's a secret! I'm sure you'll be surprised to know who it is!"

Usagi pouted, wanting to know who it was. She's actually pumped up about this, but she was unsure what her friend's will say. They don't know anything about this yet.

"Looks like I have to tell this to my friends. I'm gonna miss seeing them at school but I suppose it isn't the end of the world. So when am I moving mom?"

"In a week, make sure to pack your stuff as much as you can! No need to take literally everything since Sugoruko has your room ready with a bed and furniture. Just take whatever's important to you. Don't forget to take Luna too! Your feline friend is very much needed as well."

Ikuko left the room briefly and returned with a big pink suitcase and another package but it was a box this time. Usagi guessed it could've just been another gift.

"So here's the suitcase you'll be taking with you. If it isn't enough for all your things, let me know and I'll bring another. And for this package…well, it came through mail and apparently it's for you. On top of it there's a Duel Monsters symbol that looks like the back of a card." Usagi got up and walked over to get a closer look. She took the box and gave a little shake. It didn't feel heavy but not light enough for it to be empty. It seems rather strange.

"Weird. I'm gonna see what it could be… maybe something from my friends? They sometimes send gifts." Her mother nodded in response. "I'll leave it to you to check out. We can talk more after dinner if you like. Now if you'll excuse me, I better check on the oven! Hopefully my lemon pie didn't overbake! I'll call you down when the food is ready!"

Ikuko dashed down the stairs and headed towards the kitchen in a hurry. Usagi sighed as she closed the door of her room. Carrying the box, she lifted the table that was knocked over back to place and placed the box there. The bunny-haired girl had lots of rapid thoughts going back and forth, but all had calmed down as she inspected the package more carefully. Paying attention intensely, more than any book she'd read at class. "Interesting. I, as Detective Usagi of Juban, shall reveal what's inside this peculiar box! Hyahh!!" Usagi stabbed the taped part with a pair of scissors and cut it open as if she was dissecting a frog. Opening the flaps of the box, she was taken back by what she saw. There in it, was a strange glove that resembled a gauntlet, two star charms made of metal, a few cards and a

videotape for some reason. "What on earth is this?! Is this one of Minako's pranks again?" She took out each item and spread them across the table. When she looked into the cards, her eyes got as big as saucers. "HUH?! Invitation cards to a tournament at Duelist Kingdom!? Nonono- there's got to be a mistake-! I just barely began playing just a few weeks ago! I may be somewhat skilled but to go against LITERAL experts on the game is impossible!" Usagi then spotted the videotape and picked it up. "Maybe this could have some extra info? I'll play it on TV real quick."

The panicked Usagi walked over to her mini TV and played the tape. She sat down on her lilac colored rug and waited patiently. There was a quick TV static for a moment and then, behold, was the very creator of Duel Monster on screen, Maximillion J. Pegasus! She gasped and rubbed her eyes, not believing what she was seeing.

"My my… Greetings, Usagi Tsukino!! Must be a surprise to see someone as glorious as me, am I right?"

She was lost for words. Why the hell would someone as famous have the time to speak to a simple duelist rookie?

"What the-? How you-? Where-?," Usagi stuttered nervously. She took a deep breath and did her best to keep herself from screaming. "Hehe, sorry about that! It's just- wait- aren't I just talking to a recorded video? How weird of me…"

Pegasus simply laughed joyfully. "No no, dear! Nothing weird really! I know it's strange to have received an invitation to my next tournament but you should be honored you've got chosen!," he exclaimed cheerfully, giving a round of applause on screen. Usagi still looked dumbfounded. "Just how are you doing that? You're talking to me from a recorded video!" He flipped his silver hair flawlessly and kept on smiling. "Hmm…let's just say I have my ways. Instead, let's get straight to business…shall we?"

Out of nowhere, she immediately felt chills going down her spine, a sudden ominous atmosphere filled the room. Usagi remembered this exact feeling from her previous battles with malicious enemies and forces who'd hurt those she loved. However, this one felt vaguely different; Usagi wasn't really sure how to describe the feeling other than it being threatening. All she knew was that it certainly wasn't a good sign. Quickly, she grabbed onto her locket to transform…but she couldn't. Her hands were trembling excessively with fear. She knew very well any of her past foes were much stronger than a mortal…then how the hell is he inducing fear into her?

"What…do you mean by "business?" I know you're up to no good! What do you want!?," Usagi yelled as she attempted to stop herself from trembling too much. Pegasus chuckled in delight as a response and lifted some of his hair that was covering his left eye. An…artifact made of shimmering gold of some kind was implanted onto there…in the shape of an eye. It began to shine immensely, which kind of blinded Usagi a bit.

"Tell me… You're the sole wielder of the legendary Silver Crystal…correct?"

Her face grew disturbed; still, she tried to stand her ground despite how sinister the situation became.

"What if I answered no? I don't know what you're talking about," Usagi answered, trying to play dumb first. "You may be asking the wrong person."

"Don't even try to play dumb with me, Usagi Tsukino. I'm never wrong. I can read right through your soul as easily as an open book. And I can sense that powerful crystal and all of its glory, brimming with hope! And now, I'm asking to be given its power."

Usagi stood up and continued to hold onto her locket tightly. She wasn't about to just listen to this strange rich guy any longer.

"As if! Look, I don't know how you know about this crystal, but you can just go back to playing your little card games somewhere else! I'm not about to hand over this precious artifact to the wrong person! Even if my life depended on it, I won't ever let go of it!"

"Hmph. Not even if your precious friends' souls are at risk?" Pegasus held up a variety of cards on screen, showcasing each one of Usagi's friends, even Luna, turned into Duel Monster cards. "I say they look rather nice as cards of my own creation, wouldn't you agree? And if any single one of these cards were to be ripped, damaged, or destroyed, they will be hurt or most likely, killed." She hastily fell to her knees and slammed her fist onto the TV. "What did you do to them!?! TELL ME!! What did you do!!?!?"

"If you keep whining you won't hear me, duh," he said playfully, shuffling the cards and placing them onto the table in front of him on the screen. "Now, listen carefully, because I do not wish to repeat myself. As much as I'd absolutely love to get my hands on your crystal, I don't believe it's fair unless there's a challenge. This is where your participation in my next tournament, Duelist Kingdom, is very necessary if you want to save your friends. You are obligated to participate and play with these cards. If you refuse to play these cards, I can simply just rip them right here if I wanted to! Oh, please tell me you'll join…~," he explained contentedly, taunting her by sticking up a card with the name "Sailor Mars," which was Rei.

Usagi felt tears filling up her eyes; she wiped them off and decided not to feed on Pegasus's wickedness. She's been through many times where her friends or loved ones have been held captive. As if she's about to refuse without a fight!

"I accept!," Usagi declared proudly. "Give me those cards, Pegasus. Mark my words, I will do everything in my power to save them and I'll be sure to watch you when you fall."

He excitedly clapped his hands together and transferred the cards through the screen. They were placed neatly in front of her in a line. She shuffled them into a deck, keeping an eye on Pegasus making sure he didn't try anything funny.

"Excellent! Excellent! Also, you should be happy I made those cards quite powerful! I'm aware you aren't exactly known as a popular duelist but I'm sure your name will grow big as soon as you play these cards!," Pegasus stated, fixing his hair and his red suit with little to no effort, yet still looking perfect. "Be sure to survive till the finals, Lady Tsukino. Beat me and your friends are freed. Wish I could do a test match with you but my time is limited. And don't worry about your new school! I've notified the school already and you have been excused for the days you'll be off for the tournament. See you there!~"

The TV had gone static again and eventually turned off. Usagi threw a fist onto the TV once more and as the videotape was removed, she threw it across the room in anger. Usagi then looked down at her deck and brought it close to her chest. There wasn't anything else she could do except follow Pegasus' instructions. The Silver Crystal couldn't help either as this type power was extremely unique, it's difficult to understand it. Just how did he know about the crystal? Why does the crystal feel as if it had weakened in power suddenly? And most importantly, what was that in his eye? Despite Usagi never seeing it in her entire life, she simply could not brush the feeling that she'd seen somewhere before.

"Rei, Minako, Ami, Makoto, and the rest of my beloved friends… I'm sorry… Why couldn't I stop him!?!"

"Usagi! Keep it together! I'm still here! Except, floating and…see-through?"

That familiar voice made her turn in surprise and saw Luna now as a spirit by her side.

"L-Luna! You can still speak to me?! Oh my god, that's such a big relief!!," Usagi cried out in joy and tried hugging the cat, and instead fell forward to a pile of plushies. "Aww, I can't really hug or pet anymore though…"

"Indeed! That man is a monstrosity of evil, Usagi! We must be careful if we were to come across him again! What he did to your friends is absolutely wrong! " Luna remarks with a hiss.

"Couldn't agree more. Wish there were other ways to save my friends; however, this is the only way and I'll make sure to not mess up!"

*SLAM!!*

The door to Usagi's room had slammed open with Ikuko on the doorway, searching the room with her eyes very worriedly.

"Usako! What happened? I heard a loud thud while I was setting the dinner table and came quickly to check!"

Usagi forced a smile on her face and hugged her mom tightly. She knew her mother wouldn't understand the dangerous situation she had gotten involved with and decided to keep it to herself.

"Nothing, my book fell from the bed while cleaning up… really… Nothing to worry about…"

…..

"I don't want you to get hurt either…"

…..

Author's Note!

EEEE I'm finally done with the first chapter! I've barely begun writing again so it may not be the best but I'll definitely keep on improving as I continue with the next chapters! I hope you guys enjoy it so far!