Missing Memories
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After the Pegasus' unexpected arrival, Usagi has been awfully conflicted, worrying about what he'd done to her dear friends. Not only were they turned into Duel Monster cards, their very lives were at risk if delicate cards were ever to get damaged or ripped. The day after the incident, Usagi had actually woken up early and rushed to each one of her friends' homes and asked about them to their parents or guardians. Every single response was the same: "They have gone on a trip assigned by the school. No worries, they are doing fine." She is shocked how not a single one of them had the slightest care in their face saying those words. Usagi even asked if she could take a quick look in their home but they just reassured her and sent her off. Even in school, the teacher didn't care either about their absences as they too, answered the same. The blondie had absolutely no clue how'd they not at least tell her where'd they gone to and were actually ruder if she asked. "Go mind your own business, young lady! We don't have all day to answer your stupid questions!"
This greatly upsetted Usagi but these interactions weren't only the bad things she had to go through. For the following week, she'd been having strange memories just flashing in her mind at any given moment, especially during the night. Her locket where the Silver Crystal is resting has also been acting strangely by suddenly glowing whenever those mysterious memories kept coming up. Usagi had a hunch that after looking at that strange eye-shaped artifact, all these things started happening so rapidly.
*One Week Later*
A week later, there's Usagi resting on her bed, feeling stumped as she is unable to find an explanation for these odd events taking place. She only had Luna, who had become a card and a spirit, to talk to. She couldn't simply tell her mother all of this and expect her to understand, especially since she still doesn't even know she's Sailor Moon! Usagi's been saving the world so many times behind Ikuko's back.
"Luna…just why do bad things happen to me? It's because I exist, right?," she huffed out, tightly holding a stuffed bear she had been crying on. "I thought all evil was over… I thought I could finally live a life with no problems… Can't believe tomorrow's the big day and here I am with so many concerning thoughts." Usagi tugged on her blankets for warmth and stared at the moon outside. At least it was a pleasant view to calm her down: from the moon's brilliant light to the star sparkling beautifully like gems. Still, it wasn't enough to shoo away those thoughts. "Can't believe I didn't act quick enough to save my friends…! If only I had toughened up more I just-! Argh! It's all my fault-!"
"Usagi! Please, don't beat yourself down like that. Don't take the blame for what happened to your friends. The situation was simply overwhelming for you because it's been a while we've been attacked," Luna remarked, floating down by Usagi's side and landing on her pillow. "Our guards were down, which could be a reason why the Silver Crystal reacted too late. Pegasus most likely planned this ahead of time."
Usagi got up from her blankets and stared into the darkness of the other side of her room. Her eyes looked empty; she missed her friends and couldn't imagine what'd they went through after their souls had transformed into helpless cards. How did Pegasus take their souls so easily? Perhaps they'd got too comfortable being safe and he had taken advantage of that. Still, how did he manage to take their souls in such little time?
"I guess… But only if I had known…! Dammit!," she shouted, slapping both hands onto her cheeks in frustration. Usagi felt mentally unwell from all of this and just wanted to sleep it up to put it aside. "And those weird recurring memories… they're so familiar in a way but I have never seen them before… best if sleep now to be honest there's just too much going on. Goodnight Luna-"
*BADOOM!~*
Out of nowhere, Usagi felt a strong presence arrive across the room. She didn't see it, but she definitely knew someone was right there, just observing them.
"Who's there?" she asked, slowly laying down the blankets and squinted to see better in the dark. There, a beam of light appeared in the corner of the room in an odd shape that she couldn't see. As the light started to fill the room, the appearance of this mysterious individual was revealed, frightening the tired Usagi and throwing her blankets over herself for protection. She peeked through them to see who it was. Standing there before her, was a tall and thin man of tanned skin with deep blue eyes that felt like they were piercing right through Usagi's soul, despite being hidden. He wore a long cream-colored robe as well as a turban wrapped on his head. As well as golden piercings on each ear. The owner of the light seemed to be coming from his necklace; a golden ankh hanging from there.
"Excuse my sudden arrival, Usagi Tsukino. I believe my Millennium Item has detected a strong power residing with you…"
"G-Go away! I don't know how you got here but leave me and my family alone! I don't wish to see anybody who's going to hurt them like they did to my friends!!" Usagi slammed down her bedsheets and stood from her bed in fight mode. She stared back at the person. "So who are you, I ask again?"
The man's eyes widened briefly as she revealed herself from those several blankets. But other than that, he had no other reaction whatsoever.
"My apologies. My name is Shadi and I've come to see where the source of power my key had been feeling was located. And as I imagined, it's the Silver Crystal. I cannot believe its powers have finally awakened to attract the Millennium Items. However, this is what I've been fearing as well. You must be the reincarnation of the "chosen" princess if you possess such a powerful crystal."
"Chosen princess? How…do you know that? Just what exactly are you here for, Shadi?," Usagi asked quietly, settling down after feeling threatened for a sec.
"Hm. Looks like I stand corrected. You are the lost princess. And as I heard, you have had strange recurring memories, correct? May I ask, has "he" appeared in any of them, princess?"
Usagi didn't have the slightest clue what was happening, but decided to provide an answer to Shadi as might have come to help in some way. At least that's what she was hoping for and considering all the unfathomable things she'd already been through, she just accepted it at this point.
"He? What do you mean?," she questioned, then immediately had another memory flash. A young man who looked around her age, stood but did not speak. He looked too blurry to actually describe his entire appearance. It only took a few seconds for her to come back. "Oh… "Him." Just now… who is he? I've seen him so many times but I can't even make out what he looks like!," she explained as she rubbed her eyes to keep herself up. "Even so… for some reason, I feel a faint connection with "him." Not sure how to explain it."
"Those are missing memories you're experiencing, princess. Seems to me the path you've taken to your destiny had broken to fragments after Pegasus had interfered with you. Your destiny has now taken a turn to what you truly had to go for in the beginning. "
"Huh?! A change in my destiny…!? That's not possible! My destiny has been set ever since I began fighting evil. There's no way it could've changed! …Right?"
"Unfortunately, that's not the case. Your new path will lead you to your real purpose. However, with your crystal simply being out in the open, I will have to seal it in order for it not to be easily detectable by other Millennium Items."
Shadi raised his ankh and started chanting in a language Usagi didn't recognize. She wished she paid attention to foreign language class. As the chanting continued, wind blew across the room and surrounded it with an unbeknownst power. An enormous light took up the entire room; coming out from Usagi's locket was the one and only legendary Silver Crystal, brimming out so much light just like a star. The locket fell to the ground as soon as it was taken out. Usagi felt as light as a feather when the crystal was out of the locket for the very first time in a while. Within seconds, the crystal entered her chest and into her heart where it would be kept safe.
*ZOOOOM~*
"Wha-What happened…? Everything went by so quickly- Ah! My locket! The crystal-!!," she panicked as she brought up the empty heart-shaped locket to her face. "Can't believe it's gone..where is it!?"
"Do not worry, princess. Like I said, I have helped seal the crystal into your heart to prevent any other Millennium Items from detecting it too quickly. It took me great effort to do so as it's quite invincible. If only I had come first before Pegasus did. Your friends would have still been here… Please forgive me."
"No, no need to apologize. But, how will I fight now? I can't transform anymore now that the crystal is no longer in my locket…," Usagi noted with a scared expression as she held the locket tightly.
"These upcoming battles will not be physical but more psychological and logical. Luckily for you, you have experience with Duel Monsters so you have that to fight with. However, you should be aware of certain games you'll have to play in order to survive. Mainly, if you ever come across a "Penalty Game."
"Penalty Game? What is that?," she asked, approaching Shadi to see him better face to face.
"It's a punishment given to those who lose or cheat in a Shadow Game. I believe that's what Pegasus did to your friends and as a result, trapped their souls in "Soul Prison" cards."
Usagi started tearing up as she heard what happened to her friends. But something didn't add up either. If it was just their souls, then where were their bodies? They must've been laying around somewhere. No way they could have gone on a "trip" like that.
"So doesn't that mean their physical body is somewhere if it was just the souls that were taken? Wait- no way… I remember Pegasus saying if any of these cards are damaged in any way, it'll end up hurting them! That's means-"
"Pegasus trapped them both soul and body into those Duel Monster cards. He lied about it simply being souls, but he isn't lying about the effect it will give them if they were to get hurt. My princess, this is a dangerous situation! Do you believe you can truly take this quest all on your own?"
Usagi wiped her tears and fixed her worrisome face. She nodded in response and held up the cards she'll take to the tournament beginning tomorrow evening. "If it means it will bring my friends back, then of course I will! Even if it costs my life, I just want them to be safe once more!"
Shadi gave a small smile to her reaction, something he rarely does as he's an incredibly cold person.
"You really are as determined and confident as him… Putting everything on the line for your friends. I will never understand the bond you have with them, but I do know they're special to you. Soon, you'll meet up with each other. Very soon."
"Very soon? Like how soon would you say?"
"That is to be determined. But once you find him you will know. Trust me princess, he too, does have missing memories as well and you will help him regain them. The same goes for you. My time is up, farewell I best be going or else you won't have energy for tomorrow."
He began fading away but Usagi actually grabbed onto his wrist swiftly since she still had many questions.
"Wait! Can I at least know what he looks like? And also what's so important about these sudden memories? I gotta know please!-"
"I cannot answer any more questions. However, all I can say is those memories will greatly be needed in the near future. Do not ignore them. Till we meet again…"
Finally, the mysterious Shadi disappeared into thin air, leaving no trace of him behind. Luna crawled out of her card and huffed out in relief.
"Phew! That man had me worried for a moment there. Thankfully he meant no harm, but looks like this tournament is going to be far more dangerous than we expected," Luna commented, looking back at Usagi who gave an eyebrow raise. "What? I can't really do much anymore now that I'm a spirit! Can't even attack since I just go through things like a ghost!"
Sigh* "I can't blame you there. We should be glad it wasn't another intruder who wanted the crystal. Now that the crystal lies within me, I… actually feel like I gained some strength in some way! I only felt this way whenever I transformed before!," said Usagi happily, throwing punches into the air and kicking up as if she was fighting someone. "Oh my gosh, I'm actually strong! Woohoo!"
"Usagi! Enough trying to fight the air! You have to get to sleep for tomorrow! Shadi said it's important to get your energy ready for the tournament so go to bed already!"
"Okay okay! I'll go to bed now. With all what Shadi said, I'm still confused about the memories part. A change in one's destiny…is it really possible? And what about all that had happened!? Was it just some illusion after all…?"
"Not in the slightest, Usagi. Despite your destiny taking a turn, it does not change the fact your past was important. It is what makes you be you. You saved numerous people and created the most unbreakable friendships. And now, it is time to save them for the many times they've saved you before!," Luna stated firmly.
"You're right! I can take care of myself later! Time to get to sleep!" Usagi dived right back onto her bed and buried herself in blankets and pillows. Luna went back to her card to rest as well. Lots of events happening within a blink of an eye, but she was able to manage. It's about time she can prove to be strong on her own then always relying on her friends. Nothing is going to stand in her way to victory.
"Be prepared, Pegasus! You messed with the wrong girl!"
*2:32am*
Domino City*
From the city where Usagi is supposed to arrive by tomorrow, it continued to be quiet as everyone was in a deep slumber at that time; except for one special individual. Kame Games, the game shop of the city, had also experienced some very strange events as well, similar to Usagi's. There, Pegasus too, had invited himself to their TV screen by a tape; only this time, he did play a Shadow Game against them. Resulting in their defeat was their grandpa's soul being taken away and sealed. The person who'd gone through this was no other than Yugi Muto, one of the top duelists as of now due to his victory against the previous best player, Seto Kaiba. Following the news of the duel, Pegasus would be interested in meeting up with him, but all for the wrong reasons. All of this happened just a few days ago.
At this very moment, Yugi is resting in bed for tomorrow's tournament taking place in Duelist Kingdom. However, there's something special about other than being known as a top duelist. He is also one of the few people who wields a Millennium Item; being the Millennium Puzzle. His grandpa, Sugoroku Muto, gifted the item to Yugi eight years ago, except it didn't come all together in one piece but actually in more than several parts. To put it together, each part to be attached together like a puzzle in order for the item to be completed. It came in a solid gold box, engraved with Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics on the exterior of the box. There also seemed to be an interesting message written there saying;
"Whosoever completes me, upon thee I bestow my dark knowledge and power."
Yugi had solved the puzzle after eight years and despite what the box said, he was more happy when his one wish came true after it was done; to finally have friends. After years of being alone and often getting bullied at school, he gained a good number of friends at last. Those being:
Jonouchi Katsuya: In the beginning, the dirty-blonde haired teen acted like a complete jerk towards Yugi in Domino High School. Bullying and teasing him, constantly calling him a coward or a baby for never standing up to himself. His life didn't look the brightest as he lived in an awful household with his alcoholic father after a divorce between their parents. Eventually, he began warming up to Yugi after he had defended him as he was getting beaten up by Ushio, one of the school's "bodyguards." Jonouchi had become more righteous after that and always did everything he could to protect his friends and innocent people.
Anzu Mazaki: One of Yugi's childhood friends and probably the only friend he had back then. She was the only one who stood up for him but often told Yugi he should stand up to bullies or else he'll never prove he can be strong on his own. Anzu dreams of becoming a professor dancer and will be traveling to the US after high school to study. Her friendship with Yugi suddenly became more meaningful after Jonouchi and Honda later joined the group. The brunette vows to always be brave in any dangerous situation they come across.
Honda Hiroto: Started off as a bully as well, joining Jonouchi in picking on Yugi at school. Despite getting his ass saved from the school bodyguard, he didn't immediately become friends with Yugi like Jonouchi did; he simply tolerated the short boy. However, he did end up joining their friendship after Yugi helped him create a special love letter puzzle to give to Honda's crush, Miho Nosaka. Unfortunately, she turned him down but was still grateful for Yugi helping out. From here on out, Honda promises to protect his friends as well.
Bakura Ryo: He is actually a newer student who transferred to Domino High School a while back and quickly befriended Yugi's gang. He's actually as polite and shy as Yugi in a way and most of the girls from school found him to be cute. Though, Bakura does have a dark secret hiding from others and that being him wielding the Millennium Ring.
*Kame Games Shop*
Yugi continued dreaming, but as he slept peacefully, the spirit residing within the Millennium Puzzle could not stop thinking about the strange visions he's been experiencing lately after Pegasus confronted him. This unknown spirit has actually been taking over Yugi's body ever since he completed the puzzle, granting him the power of wisdom and darkness. Yugi took notice of his existence after winning against Kaiba in the Death-T games and befriended each other. Most of what the spirit remembers is being freed from the Millennium Puzzle but from there, a vast majority of his memories have been missing. He is uncertain where he came from and doesn't know who he is either. The spirit doesn't really have a name so he's simply referred to as "Other Yugi" or usually "Other Me" by Yugi himself.
"Glad Yugi is resting well. Though, I do want to tell him about these visions I'm seeing but I do not want to disturb his sleep. It's hard to brush it off; feels like it's calling me, somewhere so close but so far…" He paced back and forth in the room, having lots of thoughts floating in his mind. "Perhaps it could be the first clue to my lost memories…? But I wonder, what role does "she" play in them?"
Other Yugi then laid his back against the wall and looked above the window where the moon's light flooded in such grace. Something clicked in his head after witnessing the beauty of the moon.
"The moon has always looked spectacular ever since I've arrived; although, I can't help but feel I have a connection with it in some way… Wish I could remember what it could be…"
"We'll have to see soon… after the upcoming tournament, Duelist Kingdom! Pegasus, be prepared to get your ass kicked!"
Sorry if this chapter is a bit shorter than the previous one, but I promise yall the next one is gonna be more exciting! Thank you to those who favorited and followed my story so far! Any reviews is greatly appreciated too!