Secret
Hi, everyone! I know I was gone for the whole month, but I'm back with a new chapter of my story. Here are few notes for this and next chapter:
- This and next chapter will be a bit longer than usual, but it's because the conclusion of the first part of the story is about to occur.
- Two chapters more and we'll meet with our beloved spiky-haired boys and memorable gang! ^. ^
~ I do not own Sailor Moon nor Yu-Gi-Oh! They both belong to their respective owners, Naoko Takeuchi and Kazuki Takahashi. ~
Enjoy!
SECRET
The snow didn't stop falling for three days now. All streets were covered with soft, white cover and no matter how often people cleaned the road from it, it was always hard to walk. Over night, gentle snow falling would turn into raging blizzard and the roaring wind didn't leave Serena to sleep even a bit.
Today, because of the large amount of snow, classes in Serena's school were cancelled. Even though outside was a mess, she was glad she could stay at home and sleep. Now, she was sitting in her living room with Luna by her side on the couch. Her dad was still working and her mum and her brother Sammy were stuck in traffic because of the blizzard. Unfortunately, Rini was with her, but wasn't bugging her at the moment.
- I wonder how will girls get here. - said Serena stretching her legs and arms.
- I just hope it's really important. No one is that crazy to go out on such a storm because of some chit-chat. - said Luna with her eyes still closed.
- Sure it's important since all Scouts will be here. Even my Darien will be here.
Better be important, thought Serena and lied down on the couch again. Amy called her an hour ago, saying she and Shantell discovered something very strange in the neighbourhood and that it has something to do with their new enemy. Also, Eriza called just few minutes after Amy, saying ChibiChibi has something important to say them.
Serena glanced at closed window covered with snow, knowing this snowstorm has something to do with the enemy. They were attacked by icy monsters, after all.
- You're lazing again, eh, Meat- ball head? - said annoying childish voice from the entrance in living room.
- Zip it, short stuff! There's no school so I can lay as much as I like and you mind your own business!
Rini protruded her tongue causing Serena to get furiously red with steam coming out from her ears.
- Once Meat – ball head, always Meat – ball head. - said pink- haired girl, shaking her head reproachfully. When Serena jumped from couch in order to start fight with Rini, doorbell rang. Rini was faster, not just because she was much closer to the door than Serena, but also because Serena tripped over the carpet and fell on the floor, face first.
- Guys, you came! Hi, Darien! - said Rini, jumping in her future dad's arms.
- We almost didn't make it, it's really hard to walk trough all that snow. - said Lita, taking off her coat and pink scarf, shaking it to get rid of the snow.
- Is it just me or is the wind gone wild in last few minutes? - said Mina, leaving her boots in front of the door.
- You said it, my hair is all messy! - said Raye angrily, trying to unravel her ebony hair, now all wet from snow.
- Where's Serena? - asked Amy, but in that moment Serena arrived on the door, holding the doorframe with her nose red. Everyone got anime sweat drop on their foreheads, knowing what just happened.
- Once Meat-ball head, always Meat-ball head – teased Raye, irritating Serena again.
- Are you sure you and Rini aren't related somehow?
Everybody just laughed when the doorbell rang once again. Serena opened this time, seeing Amara, Michelle, Trista and Hotaru standing on the wind. Serena took their coats and Rini and Hotaru hugged and headed toward the living room with others following them. Just when Serena put all coats in wardrobe and sorted all shoes her friends left in front of the door, doorbell rang third time.
- Sorry we're late. We couldn't wake Andoria up. - said Arika, jumping to get rid of snowflakes on her clothes and curly hair.
Even I'm freezing now, said ChibiChibi, rubbing her shoulders.
Serena laughed, noticing Eriza is wearing big black bag on her shoulder...
- Serena, did Eriza and the girls arrived yet?! - shouted Luna from the living room.
- Uhm, yes! We're coming! - answered Serena, sending girls toward the room.
- Uhm... Eriza?
- Yes, Serena?
- Do you have any idea what ChibiChibi wants to talk with us about?
Black-haired girl shrugged her shoulders:
- I have no idea, but it must be something big since she's not teasing me whole day.
- Then it's really serious.
Both girls giggled, causing ChibiChibi to make offended face while sitting on Eriza's head. When they finally entered the living room, in there was pretty lively. Amara, Michelle and Trista were sitting on couch with cups of tea in their hands. Darien was sitting in one of two armchairs, talking with Shantell and Amy who were sitting on the carpet next to him. Arika chatted with Raye and Mina, while Andoria conversed with Lita. Hotaru and Rini literally flew over to Eriza, hugged her and greeted ChibiChibi. Serena then noticed how short Eriza actually is, almost like Hotaru, with fact Hotaru was now eleven years old, and Eriza was fifteen. She's so adorable...
- Okay, are we all here? - suddenly asked Artemis, calming the blather between girls and Darien.
Serena and Eriza sat on the carpet, focused on two cats sitting on the tea table. The meeting may begin...
- As I know, we have to discuss two things: who'll talk first, ChibiChibi or Amy?
I thing Amy should go first. After you hear what I have to say, you'll totally forgot about it, said ChibiChibi in humorous way, despite her eyes being serious.
- Okay then, me and Shantell will begin.
Amy took out her mini computer from her pocket, tipped few digits on it's keyboard and the holographic picture appeared above the tea table. The picture showed their district, precisely, Erizas, Rayes and Serenas neighbourhood.
- You see, by analysing data we managed to gather during our previous battles, we discovered something rather strange in this area you're seeing on this projection. - Shantell begun followed by Amy:
- Exactly. We managed to discover huge amount of negative energy from these two places.
Amy tipped once again on the keyboard, which caused two red spots to start blinking. First was near Hikawa shrine, Rayes home. Second was not so far from Erizas house.
- I thought I sensed something strange lately... - said Raye thoughtfully.
- What are these red spots meaning? - asked Eriza, trying not to sound nervously.
- These are places where this energy is the strongest. However, type of energy measured near your house isn't the same as the one near Hikawa shrine...
- Which leads us to the conclusion those energy sources are put there by the same person, but have different purpose. - Amy finished Shantells sentence.
- What do you mean? What other purpose? - asked Darien, crossing his fingers.
- We still don't know what the purpose is and we'll probably have to investigate places, but maybe it's better if we go there as the Scouts. Who knows if anyone is guarding those points.
- But we discovered something else: You see, during your past two battles, I noticed something strange: While you were battling snow dancers, I saw two of them just observing the fight, not ever joining it. After some time, third one appeared and they just flew away.
- That means they were observing us. But why? - wondered Amara, putting her hand on her chin.
- We don't know, but obviously the third one that appeared afterwards, was the one who done something in Erizas neighbourhood, so maybe those two were just stood guard...
- Which means all those battles were just a bite? A distraction from the real thing?! - asked Lita, squeezing her fists with anger.
- That's what we think. - confirmed Amy. The girls started to talk angrily, but Amy stopped them:
- That's not all. We also discovered something strange right here.
When Amy tipped third time, one yellow spot appeared near Serenas house. But soon, one yellow spot turned in one hundred, thousand of them.
- What's that?! - shouted Serena.
- That's energy gathering, from those two red spots. That amount of energy was pretty negligible this morning, but something's coming, really, really fast. - said Shantell with calm voice.
- Who the hell is this new enemy? - asked Mina, looking at the projection in disbelief.
- This means we have to investigate those places as soon as possible. - said Trista, ready to go right away.
Not before I tell you what I must., suddenly said ChibiChibi. All heads turned toward little spirit who seemed carefree in all ways.
- There's no time, ChibiChibi! We have to find out who the new enemy is or else... - started Raye, but she was cut off by ChibiChibi:
Maybe my story will help you with it.
It took one long moment of silence before all of them sat back, ready to listen whatever this strange girl-like ghost has to say.
Eriza, would you be kind and take out the book for me?
Eriza took her big black beg and opened it, revealing big white book with crescent Moon crest and lilac ribbon on it. Beside it was little music box Serena saw in her room.
Do you know what this is, my ladies?
All the girls, cats and Darien looked at the book completely confused, when Rini asked:
- What's that, ChibiChibi?
The History of Sailor Guardians. Here, in this book, is written everything about your past lives as a princesses of your planets, and also all battles you've fought up until now. But, since you're writing your own history even now, this book has a great deal of pages that still have to be written. That's how Eriza found out about your past!
Serena glanced at Eriza, who nodded:
- It's true. I know about your battle with queen Beryl, then with Black Moon Clan and Death Busters. It was pretty shocking for me to see what all of you have been passed trough.
Serena exchanged looks with her fellow Scouts, not knowing what to say...
- How come you have that book, ChibiChibi? It was under the seal in Mare Serenitas castle for centuries back during Silver Millennium. - suddenly asked Luna, obviously knowing what's going on here.
I'm disappointed you didn't recognised me yet, Luna and all of you, because I know all of you pretty well.
A sudden flash of light blinded everyone in the room. Few seconds later, before Serena and the others stood spirit-like silhouette, but they recognised her with away: it was ChibiChibi, but now all grown up. Her long magenta hair was tied in two ponytails with heart-shaped buns on top of each of them. She wore blue, yellow and red-coloured sailor fuku, her brooch pink and heart-shaped. She had white boots on her legs and staff she was holding was long and white with big heart-shaped crystal on top of it.
- It can't be...! - whispered Luna, words stuck in her throat.
- Sailor ChibiChibi Moon! - shouted Artemis with surprise and excitement.
Spirits name triggered Serenas mind. Lots of flashbacks showed before her eyes, memories from her past life as a princess of the Moon Kingdom.
She remembered this Sailor Guardian, she was the closest servant and protector of her mother, queen Serenity, even though no one knew where she came from, not even her mother. She would sometimes take appearance of little girl, same one as she's using now, but that was more often when Serena was little. She served the royal family for many, many years, but then suddenly, she just disappeared, right before Silver Millennium was destroyed by Negaverse...
- I remember you now! You were my mothers' protector!
Sailor ChibiChibi Moon just nodded with smile and other Scouts just then started to recognize her. Eriza and her friends, on the other hand, were still confused, Eriza more than anyone else. ChibiChibi noticed it, but she didn't have time to tell her anything since each of the Scouts asked her something and it was pretty noisy.
Serena was glad to see old friend from her previous life. As far as she remembered, ChibiChibi always looked like this, she never got old, just like her mother. Besides, queen told Serena she found ChibiChibi in the sea near the castle, back then when Serena wasn't even born. She took care of of her and because of that ChibiChibi vowed to protect her at any costs, as a little part of her gratitude toward the queen. But something else bothered the princess...
- ChibiChibi, can I ask you something?
Girls stopped talking and ChibiChibi smiled:
- Yes, your highness? What do you want to know?
- Where did you disappear? I know it was celebration of my birthday when mother told me you were gone.
ChibiChibi stood silent for a few moments, all of the Scouts staring at her with curiosity, when she cleared her throat hardly and said:
- I was afraid you'll ask this, my princess. But I was send on a mission, here, in this time and space.
- What mission? - asked Amy instead of Serena.
ChibiChibi turned the head toward the cats, catching their attention:
- Have you hear the legend about the Fourth Guardian?
Again, all of the girls and Darien were confused, but Luna and Artemis seemed to know what she's talking about:
- Yes, it was told there will be another Guardian of the Sailor Scouts, just like me and Luna are...
- We know Third guardian will be my or Artenis's heir, but we had no idea who will be the Fourth guardian.
- Well, that was my mission. I came in this time to find Fourth Guardian.
Cats seemed to be surprised, so as Serena. After few moments, Luna asked:
- Have you found him? The Fourth Guardian?
ChibiChibi didn't say anything, she just looked at Eriza with smile. Eriza from first didn't get why is she looking at her, all proud and with smile on her face, but then spirit spoke again:
- Yes, I found HER. She's standing right before you.
ChibiChibi rose her hand and showed on Eriza. Arika, Shantell and Andoria squeaked in surprise while Scouts were just staring at her.
- Who?! Me?! ChibiChibi, are you kidding me?! This isn't the time for fooling around! - shouted Eriza, obviously furious.
- Do I look like I'm kidding? - said ChibiChibi with serous voice and face expression. Cats came toward short raven-haired girl, studying her curiously.
- I thought Fourth Guardian will be a cat, just like Artemis and I are.
- Then you heard just half of the legend, my dear Luna. Fourth Guardian is also known as a Human Guardian. - said Artemis proudly, causing Luna to get really pissed.
- Exactly, Artemis! - clapped ChibiChibi.
- But, what's that mean? - asked Amara and ChibiChibi smiled and answered:
- She'll help Luna and Artemis in increasing your power, Sailor Scouts.
Everybody in the room took a deep breath in astonishment, but were still confused by all those new informations. But Eriza was shocked the most, more shocked than all present in the room. Luna could sense girl will snap any minute now so she jumped on her shoulder, trying to comfort her. Artemis done the same, jumping on her left shoulder.
- Calm down, Eriza. I'm sure ChibiChibi will explain everything.
She better do it!, thought Eriza with fury, but she succeeded to gather all calmness remain in her body and sat back on the carpet. Arika and Andoria were still on their feet, not knowing what will Eriza do next, will she explode or not, but Shantell sat next to her friend, like everything is normal.
Eriza crossed her arms on her chest and said:
- I'm listening ChibiChibi.
- Oh, well... Where should I start..? He, he...- said ChibiChibi with embarrassment.
- FROM THE BEGINNING, YOU IDIOT! FROM THE BEGINNING! - yelled Eriza, with steam coming from her ears, literally, while Sailor ChibiChibi Moon was squeezing her eyes in embarrassment and shock, all red in face. Serena, Rini and Shantell were holding furious Eriza, trying to calm her down with anime sweat drops on each of their head, Serena waving her hand to cool Erizas red face.
- Now, now, Eriza. Calm down so she can talk. - said Shantell calmly, but ChibiChibi only made it worse saying:
- You don't have to yell at me, I'm much taller than you now...
The glare Eriza send to her fellow spirit could literally kill and sand chills down to ChibiChibis spine. When Eriza calmed down after few minutes, ChibiChibi was confronting her from the other side of the tea table, with all the others listening carefully.
- As you know by now, I'm coming from the Moon Kingdom itself and I was serving queen Serenity for centuries.
- That explains why you were so familiar with her when she met us in my dream. - said Eriza calmly, but stimulating for ChibiChibi to keep on talking:
- Yes, that's right. And because I was her most reliable servant, I was given a mission to find you. Few months before I left Silver Millennium, her Highness told me the legend of the Fourth Guardian and said his power may be used by the Sailor Scouts so they can be even more powerful. But before that, me and queen created the garnet you are wearing around you neck.
Eriza took off her necklace, gazing at rhomboid – shaped dark - red stone.
- That garnet contains both mine and queens power, but also urges your hidden powers to come to surface. That's why you're able to use telekinesis, telepathy and healing powers.
So, they were part of me all this time?!,thought Eriza, staring in her open palms in disbelief.
- And what happened next? - asked Rini impatiently.
- Right on the day of princess Serenity's birthday, I was send on a journey to the future. When I arrived here, in twenty first century, I was really confused and didn't know where to look for the Fourth Guardian. But I located you few days later, when you were on your way from school. I thought you were so adorable and I could see how much your father and brother love you. The plan was to take you back in time together with me, back to Silver Millennium, but I didn't know how to tell you that so I drag our meeting out as long as I could. I just didn't want to ruin your happy life with your family. And then...
ChibiChibi's voice stopped in her throat, not willing to come out. From the sight of Sailor Scout squeezing her staff in her fists, Serena could have guess what happened next.
- And then what? - prompted Eriza calmly, with her face full of concern.
- Silver Millennium was destroyed. - said ChibiChibi, raising her head to continue the story:
- How I knew what happened, you wonder? Simple: while one day you were in walk with your brother, I was watching you from afar, when suddenly, my brooch glowed and this big white book appeared before me. I knew: my home is no more because queen told me that if something happens to Silver Millennium while I'm gone, this book will end up in hands of the only one survival from the Moon Kingdom, and apparently, it was I. But I also knew my queen would do anything to save her precious daughter and her friends princesses so I decided to find them first and then come back to you, Eriza, since I know where you lived.
When another long moment of silence set in, Eriza rethought all she heard: she was the Fourth Guardian, who should help Sailor Scouts in increasing their power and ChibiChibi was send in her time to find her and bring her to Moon Kingdom... What a mess...
- How did you locate Eriza in the first place? There must me something that helped you to find her, am I right? - asked Shantell, breaking unpleasant silence in the room.
- Oh, that was very easy, you know. See that music box we brought with us today? - all eyes turned toward the little white music box on the table and ChibiChibi continued:
- You see, this box was made in the Silver Millennium, long, long ago, and it was send here on Earth by one of the inhabitants from the Silver Millennium a year before it was destroyed. To prove my claim, just open the box.
Eriza did it and everybody sighed in surprise, again. While a gentle music was playing, in the box was 'dancing' couple in love which everybody recognised: princess Serenity with her long blonde hair tied in two ponytails and in long white dress was in the arms of her beloved prince Endymion, who was in his black tuxedo and with black cape.
- This really is...
- ...from the Silver Millennium! - said Raye and Amy, both astonished. Darien took Serenas' hand, squeezing it gently to console her. She was really shaking...
- What I heard from the queen, this box will be transfer from mother to daughter until the chosen one doesn't arrive, the Fourth Guardian I mean. Now, tell me, from who did you get the box?
- From my mum, actually. She told me it's very special, even magical, but I stopped to believe in it when she died.
ChibiChibi smiled tenderly.
- Yes, it is in one way magical indeed. And now I know you're definitely our girl. From your mothers side, this box came into your hands after almost two thousand years. Another prove that you have a Lunarian blood in your vanes are your pink eyes. You are one of us.
Eriza didn't know what to say to all this, she was too confused to speak. When she squeezed her fists, Rini sat next to her pink-eyed friend and hugged her:
- I knew there was something special about you since the moment I saw you.
Eriza patted her little friend's head, now on the brink of tears. But Arika then asked:
- In what way is this box magical, ChibiChibi?
- It can reflect your memories and show it to the other present in the room, you just have to put your finger here while it's playing – answered ChibiChibi, showing a tiny hollow at the bottom of prince and princesses legs. - Then you just have to concentrate your mind on one particular memory and it will be shown exactly as you see it to the others.
- Amazing! - said Mina with excitement.
- I can demonstrate it's power if you want.
The words of approval filled the room and ChibiChibi said with a giggle:
- Okay then, everyone. Now, close your eyes and don't think about anything. Now I'll show you the moment I think of every single day since I came in Erizas' life.
Serena did as ChibiChibi asked, a bit concerned about what will be shown to her. Even though she tried to hide it, Serena could sense a little tremor in Sailor Guardians' voice.
~ Flashback ~
The following memory was so real Serena could swear she was part of it. Then she spotted ChibiChibi in her all-grown-up form, looking at one of the huge buildings that surrounded them. Some urban part of the town, I see, thought Serena.
Hope everything will be okay, little one. I hope you'll be fine while I'm gone. But I'll be back for you, little Guardian.
Those were ChibiChibis thoughts, Serena just knew it. This box is amazing... This must be the moment when ChibiChibi went in search for us...
A sudden explosion pierced Serenas' ears and she saw the smoke and fire from the same building ChibiChibi stared at moment before.
- What's going on?! Oh, no...!
ChibiChibi started running toward the building when suddenly Serena found herself floating behind ChibiChibi.
Please, be fine. Please, be fine, little one. Please...
The next thing Serena saw was ChibiChibi entering broken glass-door in apparently someone's laboratory. Air was full of smoke and it was hot like in the hell. The laboratory was completely destroyed and in flames, but that didn't stop ChibiChibi from her search. Then she finally found what she was looking for: a little girl was laying on the floor, with half of her face covered in blood and with her right arm burned. Serena would recognise that black hair anywhere: It was Eriza!
Serena was completely shocked, now realising she's watching the day when Eriza lost her father.
- Little girl! Wake up! Can you hear me?! - ChibiChibis hysterical voice snap Serena out of her horror, showing her what happened next: ChibiChibi was holding little Eriza in her arms, but there was no response nor on her calls nor on her shaking of her tiny body. ChibiChibi put her ear on girl's chest and when she was assured she was alive, she took her in arms and brought her out from that hell. Then she came back to search for Eriza's brother and father.
She found the boy very fast, but from the sight of his body recumbent toward the wall and from the corner his legs were laying on the floor, she saw his spine was severely injured during the explosion. She took out her long staff and used spell of paralysis and levitation to transport the boy next to his injured sister.
When she came back to the laboratory for the third time, everything was now in flames, it was only a matter of time when the new explosion will occur. A deep groan of pain attracted attention of a Sailor Guardian and she saw a man stuck under one of knocked down tin worktops. She kneeled before him, trying to figure out how to lift that huge worktop, but then man grabbed her hand and forced her to look at him.
- Go... Save... My... My children.- said man covered with ashes and his own blood.
- But you're badly injured, mister! I can get you out of here!
- There is... no time for... me. - said man again between the coughs. - They have to... live. Please, just leave me here...
- Don't say that! Your children need you! You can't die! - yelled ChibiChibi hysterically, trying to lift the worktop, but she wasn't strong enough.
- I'm grateful to you because... because... you saved them from here even though I don't know who you are. Now just go and... take care of them.
Apparently ChibiChibi didn't want to listen so the man used last amount of his strength and pushed the girl toward the enterance. ChibiChibi took a step back in surprise, but then she got stuck for something and literally flew out of the laboratory. Last thing she heard before another one explosion was:
- Tell my children not to be angry with their old man!
When a new explosion occurred, ChibiChibi was crying so hard her whole body was shaking. Her clothes was dirty from ashes and Eriza's blood and her tears were falling on the floor. Then something started blinking in her pocket. It was the garnet she brought with her in the future.
- No, no, no, no, NO! - was only thing she could say while jumping on her feet. In a blink of an eye she was holding Eriza's weak and injured body in her arms, shaking her once again:
- Wake up, girl! Now! You can't die on me! Please!
She then used her staff and tried some kind of a healing spell, but it didn't helped. Eriza was dying...
ChibiChibi then took garnet and put it into girl's hand, squeezing both her and Eriza's fist.
- I call upon the powers of Silver Millennium, please, use my life energy and heal this child. MOONLIGHT POWER!
In a blinding flash of light, ChibiChibi disappeared, leaving only the glittering garnet in Eriza's tiny hand. When Serena took a better look, there was no more blood on her face nor the burn on her hand. She was sleeping peacefully. Last thing Serena heard was roar of sirens from upcoming fire track and ambulance...
~ End of flashback ~
One single tear slipped down Serena's cheek, the only reaction she could express in the moment. Poor Eriza... It was such a horrible experience, especially for a eleven - year-old girl Eriza was then. Losing her father in such a horrible way... Serena's chest ached whenever she remembered last words he pronounced before he was swallowed by flames...
Everyone else in the room were just as shocked as Serena was, each of them staring in one particular spot in the room, with the expression of horror on their faces and deep sadness in their eyes.
But Eriza was shocked most of all, standing on her feet with her fists squeezed and her eyes full of tears, but her face expression was completely emotionless and cold. ChibiChibi, on the other hand, was sitting there holding her own shoulders while shaking. Huge flow of tears was coming from her eyes, dripping on her hands and skirt.
- I'm so... so... sorry, Eriza... - said ChibiChibi before bursting into tears even harder, not able to speak any more.
A heart-breaking silence filled the room. Serena noticed Andoria and Chantelle are on brink of tears, like they heard for this for the first time. Arika, however, stayed silent and featureless. Suddenly, Eriza said:
- When me and my brother got to hospital, one of the doctors told me one body was found in the laboratory ruins, burned completely. I knew it was my dad and I just couldn't stop crying for the whole three days. My brother was in coma and I was was afraid I will lose him too. But also... - said Eriza between the sobs - … I remember I started to get visits from you and I was so angry with you because you were always so cheerful and careless, like nothing of that ever happened.
Eriza took one step forward, then another, and then another...
- But now... I see, I was so selfish, thinking only about myself. I never actually asked myself where you came from or is it accidentally that I met you right after the fire. I just knew you were there and I took your presence for granted.
Eriza kneeled before ChibiChibi, who was looking at her with surprise, but with her eyes still full of tears. When raven-haired girl put her hand on the spirits shoulder, she said:
- I'm sorry for being such a jerk. And thank you...
ChibiChibi hugged Eriza tightly, hardly sobbing and crying in her shoulder. In that moment, tears slipped down Eriza's face, but she didn't made any sound or sob. She was just holding her friend while she was struggling with memories and kindness Eriza showed toward her. Serena started crying again, but now from joy and pride. I just knew behind that cold facade was a kind and caring young girl, I just knew...
A sudden flesh of light glowed in Eriza's arms and ChibiChibi was no more. Instead of her grown-up form, now there was little girl they all knew, sleeping in Erizas arms. Soon later, she disappeared. Before anyone could panic because of her sudden absence, Eriza put her necklace back around her neck and said:
- Sleep soundly, little one.
A tender smile showed on her lips, but it faded away sooner than anyone could notice. Soon after Erizas was hugged by Hotaru and Rini, both babbling about what they just saw while other girls talked between each other about the same topic.
But when Arika came before Eriza with serious face not so suitable for her, everyone went silent once again. Eriza was visibly confused, but Arika then said:
- I had no idea it was so terrible. If I knew... I... I would never, ever, tease you! Gosh, I'm so sorry Eriza! I was such an idiot!
- No, you were just in the same situation as I was. As I know, we lost our parents in same year. I understand.
Arika hugged her so hard she almost squashed tiny girl, saying:
- That's not an excuse. But thank you for forgiving this fool.
- Arika, you're... squeezing... to... hard! - said Eriza between breaths.
- Oh, sorry!
Everyone in the room just laughed, relieved. Shantell patted Eriza's shoulder, while Andoria put her arm around Arika's neck and hanged to her with her full weight:
- I knew behind this scary face lays a softe.
Arika just glared at her, causing others to laugh even more. But all that was stopped when a unwanted guest appeared on the doorway.
- Well, here is pretty loudly, isn't it?
No way... thought Eriza while chills were send down to her spine. This cold voice can belong only to...
- Alexia! What the hack are you doing here?! - shouted Arika with fury.
- It's not of your business, Tsuyoku! I came to talk to your little friend.
- Excuse me, but how did you entered my house? - asked Serena, not knowing who this aristocratic-looking brunette was, but she definitely wasn't friendly. However, by her side stood pretty brown-haired little girl in fancy white coat, about Rini's age, with her light-blue eyes observing everything around her.
- You think some door will stop me, great Alexia Roxelani, the best female duelist in the world, from getting what I want?!
- You're Alexia Roxelani?! - shouted Amy, Raye, Mina and Lita in surprise, while outer Scouts just glared at her. Amara was more than willing to kick her out from the house because of her rudeness, but it would not be very smooth move. She was a billionaire, after all.
- Stop yelling at her, you're in her house! Let's speak outside, I don't want anyone else to be part of that sick game of yours – said Eriza with cold voice, pushing Alexia's shoulder while passing trough. Alexia just rose her eyebrow, while everyone else in the room died from fright because of Eriza's gesture.
- Is she nuts?! She'll get herself into trouble! - whispered Lita, but Shantell said calmly:
- She woun't. She knows Alexia for a very long time.
With those words, Shantell followed Arika and Andoria out from the house. Serena also wanted to know what are two girls talking about and followed them. Outside snow stopped falling, but it was freezing. But that didn't stop Eriza and Alexia from standing outside and killing each other with their eyes only. Rini was standing next to Serena with Hotaru, while little girl that came with Alexia watched all scene with concern.
- Why did you came here?
- Isn't it obvious? I want a rematch with you!
Those words caused Eriza to frown with anger, but before she responded anything, a strong gust of wind hit in both her and Alexias' face. When the wind hit those who were standing on the Serenas' house door, Serena could feel something extremely evil in the air. Now what...?
- SERENA! DARIEN! - a sudden familiar scream pierced the air and Serena could see Rini was carried by the wind, together with brown-haired girl. But because of the winds' force, Serena and all the others were unable to move.
- SISTER! - brown-haired girl screamed towards Alexia, who's face was now convulsed with horror.
- Rini! No! - shouted Serena desperately, while watching two girls been carried away from them by the cold wind...
Okay, that's all for now.
What's going to happen with Rini and Alexias' little sister and will Eriza and Alexia finally have a rematch? What's going to happen with the Scouts?
Find out in the next chapter, Icy duel, which will probably be published in two weeks or less.
Have a nice day!
~ H.E. ~