Chapter 5: My Story

AUTHOR NOTES:

- This chapter may seem a little bit boring, but don't worry, it will be worth waiting.

- I write this story this way because I want express relationship development between the characters :D

- I do not own Sailor Moon or Yu-Gi-Oh!, they belong to their respective owners.

Enjoy! 3

MY STORY

Sparkly raindrops were sliding down the window, while others were falling right on the ground and window pane, making tap – tap noise. Trees look so beautiful under all those drops, thought Eriza while looking at backyard of her house. Everything was wet and so sparkly, like grass, leaves and flowers were covered by tiny diamonds. And the sky was no exception: covered by silvery clouds, it glowed so tenderly, sending those little crystals on the earth.

It was raining for whole three days now, but Eriza didn't mind it, she was in the house most of the time. Ever since she was little girl, she loved standing in front of the window and watching rain falling for hours. But she didn't like it when she had to go somewhere: she detested being wet. Her brother, however, liked both sides of rainy days. When he was still able to walk, he would sneak out of the house just to jump in puddles in their garden. Of course, he would always catch a cold, but that didn't stop him from doing it again. Eriza was sure Alix misses those moments the most.

But these three days, Eriza just couldn't enjoy the rain, she was all messed up from what happened five days ago. Damn it, that slap really hurt, but cognition that Amara was right about her really tormented Eriza. She was just useless brat, unhappy and bored with her life. On top of that, she even involved Arika, Shantell and Andoria in all that mess and caused the fight between them and Scouts. She really was a walking disaster...

- Hey, sis! - said familiar male voice behind Erizas' back.

- Hey, why are you not resting? Dr. Anderson said you must...

- Blah, blah, blah... I know all that, but it's boring being in one room for the whole day! - said Alix, entering the living room, having some trouble with his wheelchair because it stuck in door frame, again! Eriza put down her cup of tea and helped him to get in the room, disturbing Selenas' slumber in Alixs' lap.

- What's the matter with you? Why were you so down lately?

- You're imagining things, bro. - said Eriza, sitting back on couch and drinking the rest of the tea. Yuck, it's completely cool now...

- Eriza... Don't try to fool me! I know you very good and I know when something is wrong.

Eriza kept quiet, but her brother was stubborn as a mule:

- Is it because of the Scouts?

She didn't have to answer, her frowned face expression and anxious gestures told him what he wanted to know.

- You still don't want meet them?

Another silent moment.

- You're cruel, you know? You could at least answer Rinis' phone calls. Kid really likes you.

Rini... Little one called day after Erizas' fight with Amara, but Eriza just hung up the phone, avoiding any contact with her. That really was cruel, but she'll get over it and move on, without Eriza being a nuisance. But Rini was one very mulish young lady and she kept calling her every day at the same time, after school and before dinner. Eriza never picked up the phone. Her grandma told her Rini even was here yesterday, but luckily, Eriza was in super market.

- She'll get over it-

- O, stop with that crap already, will you?!

Eriza gasped, shocked by her brother's words. But she kept quiet at least...

- I see how depressed you are because of all this, but from what I've heard, all that mass is partially your fault, not just Amara's. I know we already spoke about this topic five days ago, when you came home with your nose bleeding, but I really think the time had finally came for you to overcome your pride, fear or whatever that is and apologise for your behavior. I'm sure Amara will do the same...

- You really don't understand, do you? I'm not angry with Amara. True, she acted like real bitch, but she at least spoke the truth. I'm indeed just a setback for Scouts. If I'm unable to control my own powers, how should I control their, more dangerous and more mightily powers?

Alix took a deep breath and crossed his arms on his chest, visibly frustrated.

- With that attitude you just prove you're nothing but a coward. Snap out of it and believe in yourself, damn it! If you continue with that attitude, you'll lose everything and everyone you care about, just because you were chicken!

As always, Alix was right. Why does he have to be so damn smart!? But Eriza was stubborn as much as he was. She knew he was right, but she would never, ever, admit it out loud. There was a silence among them for one long, long moment, but Alix broke it off and said:

- Will you take me to the garden?

- What?! Now?! But outside is downpour! - shouted Eriza annoyed, completely forgetting her brother's speech from few moments ago.

- You really think I care? Come on! You know me!

- Yes, I know you! That's what I'm afraid of!

She was glaring at him, her face expression saying No way!, but Alix then used his secret weapon: puppy face. Eriza turned her head, avoiding his eyes, but it was too late. Jerk, he got me on the same thing again!

- We'll be out for just a few minutes, not more. I don't want you to get a cold.

- Deal! - chuckled Alix, protruding his tongue as a sign of victory. Eriza took handle of his wheelchair and started pushing them forward, successfully avoiding doorframe this time. Alix is maybe older, but he's acting like a real brat sometimes, thought Eriza, but then ChibiChibis' tiny figure jolted her out of her thoughts.

You're not coming with us?

ChibiChibi seemed to be surprised Eriza even spoke to her, but she smiled sadly and said:

No, not this time. Have fun!

Well, that's strange, said Eriza in her head. Usually, she couldn't resist teasing Alix and her while they're out, but something was wrong with her, Eriza was sure of it. And her smile... it was so sad. The fact ChibiChibi had never been sad troubled Eriza even more. When she turned the knob of the front door, Eriza glanced at spirit once again before she disappeared, hoping she didn't hurt little spirit's feelings by her unbearable behavior...

- So, this is her house? - asked Hotaru, holding Rinis' hand. Trista, tall girl with long dark green hair with one bun on top of her head, was holding huge black umbrella, protecting two girls from rain.

Serena was next to them, holding her boyfriends' hand tightly. She was in Erizas' house only once, but it didn't seemed so cheerless then. Usually white facade now was darkly grey and there was no light coming from the windows. Like haunted house...

- Yes. - answered Rini, squeezing Hotarus' hand.

- Shall we proceed? - asked Trista, looking at her prince and princess.

- I... I'm not sure... What if she doesn't want to let us in? What if she's still angry?

Darien embraced her as a sign of encouragement.

- I think everything will be fine. Five days had pass after all. As far as I'm concerned, you still need her power.

That was true. Mercury tried to find a way to release scout power from cards Eriza left, but with no further success. Luckily, enemy didn't make attack so there was no need for their powers. But everyone were nervous and incertitude was killing them.

Serena nodded and kissed him for goodbye. When she followed Hotaru, Rini and Trista in the front yard, Serena waved him.

Okay, it's now or never, thought Serena with her forefinger on the doorbell. The sound felt like a roar in her ears and the moments before door opened seemed as infinity. Not just for her, but for the rest of her companions, too.

Door didn't open much, but Serena could see a pretty black- haired boy in a wheelchair with a cheerful expression on his face. Erizas' older brother, Alix.

- Oh, hey girls! Didn't expect anyone on such rainy day!

- Hey Alix! - said Rini cheerfully and hugged him.

- Easy, little one! You'll toss me on the floor! - said Alix with giggles. His cat, Selena, came out of the house and started rubbing Hotarus' legs. Girl smiled and took black and white cat in her arms, cuddling her head.

- You're here to see Eriza, right? - suddenly asked Alix with serious voice, his violet eyes full of concern.

- Yes. Is she home? We really need to talk to her...

- Hush! - said Alix with his finger on his mouth – Yes, she's home, but she's not in a mood for anything. - said Alix, now whispering.

- We REALLY have to talk to her... - whispered Rini, but Alix stopped her with shook of his hand.

- Go up in her room and surprise her. She needs to snap out of this depression, she really starts to get on my nerves.

Serena couldn't help it but giggled. He said it in such childish way, it was just adorable. All four girls nodded and climbed up the stairs. Before she disappeared on the second floor, Serena whispered:

- Thanks, Alix. I owe you one.

- Don't mention it! Just go! - said Alix, prompting her to proceed.

Girls waited her in front of white door and it was Serena who knocked.

- Eriza? Are you in there?

There was no answer so she opened the door and entered in cold and dark room. Only light was coming from opened window on the other side of the room and it revealed Erizas' sleeping figure. Her hair was completely untied and it covered almost whole bed. She was wearing baggy black pants and wide black shirt, with only socks on her feet. It was obvious she was shivering, but she kept to sleep. ChibiChibi was sitting on the window, catching raindrops with her mouth. When little spirit noticed them, she smiled widely and squealed:

Guys! What are you doing here?!

When she flew in front of them, she observed Hotaru and Trista curiously. I see we have new company today! Hallo, I'm ChibiChibi!

- Hotaru Tomoe! - giggled Hotaru.

- Trista Meioh, nice to meet you, little guardian.

While they were meeting each other, Serena noticed Rini came over to Erizas' bed, laying her deck next to her. That same movement caused Eriza to open her pink eyes full of fatigue which was soon replaced by surprise.

- Rini...? What are you...? How did you...?

- Alix let us in. He's worried about you just like we are. - said Serena, closing the window.

Eriza sat on her bad, obviously trying to clear her mind, when she noticed newcomers.

- You must be Sailor Pluto and Sailor Saturn, am I right?

Hotaru and Trista nodded. After short moment of silence, Hotaru got closer to the bed, putting Selena on it.

- You have adorable kitty.

Selena came to her mistress and sat in her lap, purring soothingly. Eriza seemed like she didn't even noticed cats' gentle gesture and started rubbing her shoulders in attempt to warm herself up.

- Well, since you're here, it would be nice of me to offer you something to drink, don't you think?

No one was able to answer but Eriza literally jumped off her bed and head toward the door: - Just make yourself comfortable, I'll be right back.

Well, that was strange, commented ChibiChibi, but then she only shrugged her shoulders, like she's giving up on something. Serena and other three girls took their coats off and placed them on a hanger near the door. Serena sat on bed, Hotaru and Rini sat on the carpet playing with Selena, and Trista sat on the chair near Erizas' worktable.

Despite Erizas' try to be nice, the atmosphere was so intense it could be cut by a knife. Serena felt the same way, her nerves were loose and she didn't know what to think or say once Eriza comes back. But Trista and Hotaru didn't seemed worried at all...

- I don't have many things to offer you, but I hope it'll do. - Serena heard Erizas' voice from behind the door few moments later, soon entering the room with one big plate in one hand and a saucer in the other. Plate was put on the floor, next to girls who were playing with the cat, while Eriza offered a cup of green tea to Serena and Trista:

- Hope you'll like it.

- Thank you. Don't worry, I love green tea. - said Trista with slight smile and took the cup from the saucer.

- And these princes donuts are made by my grandma.

Serena couldn't resist but to take three right away. Fortunately, food was a cure for almost everything, so as for loose nerves. Hotaru and Rini were eating different types of cookies from the plate, while ChibiChibi tried both donuts and cookies. Eriza sat on the window frame and watching them, face completely emotionless.

All of the sudden, little girl, Hotaru, was standing in front of her, smiling softly.

- Would you let me and Rini do your hair?

Question obviously surprised Eriza, but after a short moment, she said:

- Whatever. Here, my comb, headbands and hair clips. - said pink-eyed girl, giving Hotaru little blue box with cherry blossom detail on it. After she sat on the carpet, girls started combing her long, shiny black hair.

- Wow, it's so silky. - said Rini, passing her palms trough Erizas' hair, causing Hotaru to giggle. Eriza smiled for just a little moment, hoping nobody noticed. However, the feeling of someone doing your hair so carefully and with love made Eriza relaxed. How surprising...

- Those are your parents?

Eriza turned her head a bit, seeing Trista's looking at picture on her table.

- Yeah. They both died. - That was actually only picture she had with her mum...

- How tragic, I must say.

Eriza didn't know why, but she believed Trista is truly moved by the information, but there was also something else in her darkly red eyes... Sorrow? Understanding? Compassion? What was that?...

- I can understand your pain, young lady. In fact, every human being tastes different pain during their life. That's how destiny is toying with us in order to mould us for the future and to teach us that life is not a fairytale.

Eriza didn't know what to say, but before she could even make a sound, Hotaru pulled part of her hair gently in order to prevent her from talking.

- Me and Hotaru can understand your pain perfectly because we both experienced almost equal pain to yours, if not worse.

- You do?

Trista just smiled, impelled to continue:

- Yes. Ever since the time Silver Millennium still existed, I have had task to protect the Time door, all by myself, for centuries, unable to contact with anyone, forbidden to move from the door. Also, I was forbidden to stop the time, no matter what reason was behind that act. If I had broke any those rules, I would die immediately. But I was serving my duty so I can protect our princess and kingdom in my own way. Even when Silver Millennium had fall, I was forbidden to move from the door and fight alongside my fellow scouts.

- And the significance of my existence is destruction.

Eriza then turned her head to Hotaru, who just started putting hair clips on top of her head. Despite gloomy tone of her voice, her face was still lovely, with sweet smile on her lips:

- I'm also known as a Sailor of Destruction. My task is to destroy this world or anything I consider should be destroyed. I was the one who put an end to the Silver Millennium after it was attacked by queen Metalia. After I was reborn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto were doing everything in their power to prevent my awakening, even if it meant killing me. Despite their efforts I was awaken, but my body was on the enemy side as a Mistress 9, the Messiah of Silence. Luckily, I was able to resist the power of darkness within me and the Sailor Saturn was newly born just to destroy the Pharaoh 90 together with herself.

Eriza already read about those events in the book ChibiChibi gave her, but she got completely different perspective now when she heard it from mouth of those who actually relived all those happenings. Compare to them, my life is just a silly game...

- But wait... If all that happened, how come you both are here?

There was pretty long moment of silence, but Rini and Hotaru were finally done with her hair.

- Here, done! It's just perfect! - said Hotaru, clapping her hands.

- Look at you, Eriza! You look like a fairy! - said Rini, handing her little mirror which was also in blue cherry blossom box.

Amazing... All her different – coloured ribbons and different – shaped clips were holding most of her hair on the back of her head, while rest of her hair was untied, permeated with few tiny braids. Those girls are amazing...

- We told you all this because we wanted to show you there is always a hope, no matter how insignificant it's spark may seem. After all what me and Hotaru, and all other girls had been trough, we stood up and continued to walk. Yes, every living creature may pass trough painful times, but also every living creature has something what pushes them forward.

- You asked how we are here after all this? It's because Sailor Moon and other Scouts believed in us and so we were allowed to be reborn just to be with them again.

- True. If there was no Amara and Michelle, newly born Hotaru would never survive and would never be reunited with her father. And if there wasn't my and Rinis' faith in Trista, she would never be able to join us once again. - Serena joined the conversation, now understanding Tristas' and Hotarus' plan perfectly.

All Eriza could do was sit quietly and listen. All they said, all they told her... Girls were completely right. Hotaru and Trista were strong enough to overcome their messed up life situations and to stand up after they fell. Am I strong enough for that...?

- Sailor Moon! Can you hear me?! Emergency call!

All five girls turned their heads when they heard Lunas' upset voice. Serena opened cap on her communicator and spoke:

- What is it, Luna?

- The ambush from snow dancers! It's near Erizas' house. If she's with you, hurry up and come! There are so many of them!

- We'll be right there, Luna!

Hotaru, Trista and Rini were on their feet the same moment, but Eriza was still sitting, staring in her deck on the bed.

- Come on, Eriza. We have to...

The very moment Eriza lied her eyes on Serena, it was decided: it's time for fight!

- I'll be right behind you.

Girls nodded and got out of her room. While Eriza was putting her sneakers on her feet, ChibiChibi sat near her, still in strange mood.

- Come on, ChibiChibi. We have a battle to fight!

Yeah.

ChibiChibis' tired expiration stopped Eriza on her heels. Now she knew what was wrong with her. How stupid you must be to miss so important fact?!

- ChibiChibi, I'm sorry for what I said five days ago. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings, I just thought you'd feel better if you're with the Scouts, since I gave up on mission. But, you're my friend and my partner. I'm really sorry...

Eriza stopped talking after seeing ChibiChibis' usual giggle, now much wider and joyful.

Let's kick some icy buts!

That's my girl, said Eriza in her head and started running. When she got out from the house, Rini was waiting for her.

- Eriza! Does this mean you're not angry anymore?

- Not now, Rini! Let's go! - said Eriza, offering her hand to Rini. Little one smiled with obvious relief and took her hand. Neither of them two noticed Arika, Andoria and Shantell coming from opposite direction.

- Wait! Was that Rini? - said Andoria with surprise.

- Now what's going on?! - hissed Arika with fury.

- Let's go, we have to follow them. - Shantell pulled both her friends forward, seeing it's no time for rant but for action.

After few minutes of running, Rini and Eriza met rest of the Scouts, Eriza already transformed into Hikari.

- Eriza! - shouted Lita, Mina, Raye and Amy, but Amara and Michelle ignored her completely.

- Look out, girls! - called Artemis to warn them of three snow dancers approaching them from left.

- Go girls! Scout Power Activate!

All girls were in their Scout uniforms in no time, Uranus and Neptune already heading toward the enemy with their weapons.

- All right. There are four dancers on the right and three dancers behind us. - said Mercury, tipping on her mini computer.

- We'll take those on right. Let's go, Venus, Mars! - commanded Jupiter and jumped into the battle.

Hikari, Sailor Moon, Sailor Mini Moon, Sailor Pluto and Sailor Saturn were left behind, unsure what to do. Sailor Moon was their leader, but she didn't have a clue how or where direct the remaining Scouts.

- What do you think, Mercury? What should we do?

Her blue and focused eyes exchanged one short glance with her leader, like she's asking some kind of permission. She finally announced:

- I think Sailor Pluto should join Uranus and Neptune in the back, I'll join Jupiter, Mars and Venus because most of dancers are coming from that direction. You and Mini Moon should stay here together with Saturn. Hikari, I think it's the best for you to hide...

- Deadly Scream! - shouted Pluto all of the sudden, shooting three dancers behind Sailor Moon. It all happened so fast Sailor Moon didn't even noticed dancers are coming. That was close one...

- Princess, focus! - were only two words Pluto sent her before joining Outer Scouts.

- I'm out of here, but I'll be watching you! - said Hikari who ran off in direction of her house, but she didn't went too far.

- Time to kick some icy buts here! - said Mini Moon, holding her stick tightly.

The battle was endless. More dancers they destroy, even more appear, ready to devour them. Venus was almost at the end of her power and was almost sliced by one of the dancers when strange, whitely – blue horse picked her up from the ground, while beautiful, blue-haired fairy in long, fluttery attire blew the dancer into nearest wall and smashed it into tiny little pieces. That means...

- That was close one, Venus! - shouted Arika standing beside Hikari. Venus just chuckled and patted horses' soft silver mane.

She was soon on the ground again, with her glowing chain in her hand, ready to send those icy creeps to hell.

Sailor Moon, on the other hand, wasn't so lucky. After she managed to blow few dancers, one of them came from the ambush and toss her Spiral Heart Rod in the unknown direction, leaving her defenceless.

- Sailor Moon! - shouted Hikari and her friends at the same time, and Saturn and Mini Moon didn't seemed to reach on time to defend her from dancers' icy claws. Sailor Moon squeezed her eyes, waiting the strike...

In the next moment, she felt herself being in warm, very familiar arms, flying through the air.

- Tuxedo Mask!

- That was close one, Sailor Moon. Better be careful next time.

Sailor Moon blushed, half because of embarrassment, and half because her darling was so dashing, as always. But it was too late she noticed same dancer is coming after Mini Moon this time. Saturn was fighting another dancer and unable to reach her, and Mini Moon didn't even notice she's attacked from the back. Oh, no...

- I'm coming, Rini! - shouted Hikari, tossing herself on Mini Moon. Dancers' claw shaved her right arm, but it didn't bother her at all. They fell on the ground, Hikari first, hitting the head, but luckily, the hit didn't knocked her unconscious. Dancer tried to attack them again, but was smashed by iron bar wielded by Andoria.

- You two okay? - asked Shantell, helping Mini Moon to get up.

- You guys! How did you know what's going on?! - asked Rini, delighted to see those amazing girls again.

- We saw you and Eriza running and we knew there is some big bullshit happening around here. Then we bumped on Hikari and decided to help as much as we can. - explained red- haired girl with her british accent with the bar leaning on her left shoulder.

- Silence Wall! - called Sailor Saturn, putting up huge barrier around girls and Mini Moon with her Silence Glaive to protect them from dancers.

- Well done, Hotaru! - emboldened Hikari, now standing on her feet without dizziness.

- I don't know how much longer I can hold this barrier. Scouts seemed to be too tired and... and dancers are keep coming! - said Saturn with quaking voice.

- There's only one way to end this. Sailor Moon must use the power of Purity Chalice to wipe dancers out with one strike, but...

- If she does it now, she may hurt the Scouts! - warned Luna and Artemis, standing by Shantells' side. Girls exchanged looks between each other, unsure how to solve this.

- But maybe... Hikari, can you communicate telepathically with someone? - asked Shantell.

- I- I guess.

- Then tell Scouts to retreat!

- That's right! They can hide behind the barrier while Sailor Moon is using her increased power! Brilliant thinking, Shantell. - lauded Artemis blonde girl who blushed from embarrassment.

- All right, I'll try my best.

Hikari joined her hands and focused. Sailor Moon, use your power to wipe dancers. Scouts, please, retreat!

Is that you, Hikari?

What?!

It was time already!

Got it!

Are you nuts?

Okay.

As you wish.

Hikari knew she did it. Every single Scout responded her in their thoughts regardless they were far away from each other. When she glanced at Sailor Moon, she nodded, with Tuxedo Mask beside her, holding Purity Chalice in her hands.

- Crisis Power!

In a flash of light, Sailor Moon was transformed into Super Sailor Moon, with Spiral Heart Rod back into her hands. After few moments, Saturn put down the barrier just to allow Scouts to get behind it, some of them not so happy with the current situation.

- Now it's time to wipe you monsters once and for all! Get away from our planet! Rainbow Moon Heart Ache!

All remaining dancers were destroyed just like that, turned into dust. When it was sure there are no more of them, Saturn put down the barrier, visibly weakened. Nothing better situation was with Sailor Moon. She was also weak from using power of Purity Chalice so Tuxedo Mask had to carry her in his arms.

- Is it done? - she asked Scouts after her lover put her down on the ground.

- Yes, Sailor Moon. It's over. - said Luna proudly.

Hikari smiled before she switched with Eriza. Arika, Shantell and Andoria patted her shoulders, glad no one was hurt this time.

- Does your head hurts, Eriza? - asked Rini with concern in her high voice.

- Just a scratch, it's nothing. - she giggled.

- Ehm... Well... - Uranus cleared her throat while reaching Eriza at the same time. Eriza frowned, straightening her beck, ready to hear more insults.

- You did well. - said guardian of the sky, lending her hand. Eirza was completely shocked, but she somehow managed to shook hands with her. What the hell...

- Looks like Amara decided to give you another chance, eh, Eriza? - said Jupiter, while other girls were giggling.

- Well, it's okay. But I still owe you a slap.

Everyone burst into laughter, even Amara, on Erizas' comment and she felt huge relief because of that. ChibiChibi smiled at her and said:

See, it wasn't so bad after all.

New burst was stopped by snowflakes which started felling from drakly gray sky.

- Snow? At this time of year? - whispered Mercury. Everyone else were shocked by the fact. It was rare occasion when snow would fall in Tokyo even during the winter, but now it was October, middle of the autumn!

Only thing Sailor Moon could do was to frown, hopeing this snow will not lead them into a new battle...

Have you enjoyed it?

If you have or have not, please let me know and review!

Next chapter is coming soon! 3

*~HE~*