Are We Friends or Not!
Hello, people! Yeah, I know, I promised I would publish this WAY before, but classes at university started and I had to move in a new apartment. I was really hard to find time to write since this is my first semester on university and there was a lot of things to do.
But here you are, new chapter of my story, and here are some AUTHOR NOTES:
- This chapter is longer than usual because I simply wanted to write everything about their current relationship.
- At the end of the chapter there might be some grammar or stylistic errors because I was too lazy to correct them
- I used motives and moves from duels that actually happened in the Yu-Gi-Oh! original series since I'm not so good at making up duels of my own.
- I do not own nor Yu-Gi-Oh! nor Sailor Moon.
Enjoy your reading!
ARE WE FRIENDS OR NOT?
- Luna, why didn't you woke me up?! - Serena was running down the street in hurry. It was way past noon and she was late on Eriza's duel.
- I did, three times, and every time you said you're coming. - answered Luna with irritation while running beside Serena.
- And you believed me!?
Serena didn't know exactly where to go, but girls left her instructions on table before they left with Eriza. She only knew that each duel will be held on different location in the city, but since this was her first time in Domino City, she didn't know where to go at all.
Moreover, this was third day of the tournament and qualifications were finished yesterday at midnight when Seto Kaiba and Maximillian Pegasus announced sixty four duelists who will start the real tournament today. And both Eriza and Arika were among them...
- Serena, do you know where we have to go now? - asked Luna suddenly.
Serena stopped just for a moment to look at instructions, but when she turned around, she realised they were completely lost. She was told that duel took place at city's aquarium, which was located next to the mall in shopping district, but what she saw around her were numerous work buildings and few restaurants.
Black cat noticed Serena is sweating from confusion and she just sighed.
- We're lost, aren't we?
- Instructions are unclear, it's not my fault! - said Serena, waving with piece of paper in front of Luna's eyes.
- I think we took wrong way when we were next to that card shop. Let me see that...
- Serena? Is that you?
Luna meowed and jumped on Serena's shoulder when she heard familiar male voice. Serena turned around with dumb expression on her face, hoping Yugi didn't hear Luna's speech. He was followed by his friends, a tall blonde guy named Joey, another brown haired guy named Tristan and pretty brunette named Tea. Hope I remembered their names right...
- Hey guys! What's up? - laughed Serena in embarrassment.
- Yugi won his duel so we decided to watch some other duels to kill some time - said Tea with pride in her voice.
- He won already?! Damn, you're really effective, Yugi! - said Serena with smile, causing Yugi to blush.
And what are you doing here, Serena? You seem lost.
Deep baritone echoed in Serena's ears. Just then she saw the spirit standing beside Yugi. It was unbelievable how much they looked alike, like brothers. Only differences between them were skin colour and roundness of their eyes.
- Yeah, I was supposed to watch Eriza's match, but I overslept and lost on the way to the aquarium. - Serena rubbed head in embarrassment.
- Aquarium is not so far away from here. Besides, I would like to see Eriza in action again. Her duel yesterday was epic! - said Joey with his strange accent.
- Do you want us to escort you? I would also like to watch Eriza's match. - said Yugi politely and Serena felt relieved, but it was obvious Tea doesn't really like the idea. What's her problem...
- That would be great. I know girls will be thrilled to see you all!
Yugi, Joey and Tristan nodded and showed Serena and Luna the way. Even though Serena was totally embarrassed because of her obvious stupidity and laziness, she was glad to bump into this gang. She was so happy because Yugi wasn't mad with her because of her idiotic act on party two days ago and she talked to him and his friends more yesterday when they came to watch Eriza's duel with Weevil Anderwood.
While they were walking, Serena was talking with Joey and Tristan and she found out Joey is a duelist too. He then explained how he got into his tournament four years ago and about his first victory. After that, she, Yugi and his spirit were walking at the beck of the group and spirit started conversation by petting Luna's head:
She's beautiful cat.
- Thank you very much... - What's his name...?!
It's Atem, said spirit with chuckle.
- Right, right! I'm sorry, my memory is really short.
Luna murmured something, but Serena shut her mouth before she said anything out loud. Atem just nodded with smile and then disappeared, leaving her and Yugi alone. While they were walking in silence, something else was on Serena's mind. Why do I have that feeling that I met Atem somewhere before? His name seems so familiar...
- Um, Serena, can I ask you something? - suddenly asked Yugi.
- Sure!
- How long are you friends with Eriza?
- Uh, let's see... I think it was December when I first met her. I know it was almost Christmas and that I and Rini went shopping for her and her friends not so long after we met. Why?
- You seemed very close, that's all. - said Yugi absent-mindedly.
- Of course we are close! She helped me a lot when me and my friends had to fight...Ouch! Luna, that hurts! - squeaked Serena when Luna scratched her ear.
- Idiot! You can't tell him about Kaguya and Sailor Scouts! - whispered Luna.
- When you had to fight what? - asked Yugi with worried expression.
- Um...um... the final tests in school! Yeah, that's it! She helped me a lot with English! I don't know how much hours we spent in her house learning! - Serena laughed hysterically while cursing her big mouth. But Yugi seemed satisfied with that answer and Serena and Luna sighed with relief.
- Well, she didn't seemed very nice when we met her. - commented Tea, walking in front of Serena.
- Yeah, she's really scary. - commented Tristan with his hands behind his head.
- I thought all short people were nice and calm like our Yug, but damn, Eriza has some nerve to talk to me like that. Even though, she looks really cute.
- I doesn't matter how she looks. What matters is how she behaves and talks. I'll be honest with you Serena: I don't like her at all. I mean, she was so rude to Yugi when they first met and she completely ignored us yesterday. Did nobody taught her how to behave?
Serena stopped on her heels and lowed her head. After a moment of silence, she said with serious voice:
- You're wrong! She's such a cute and amazing person! She helped us when we needed her the most and I'll be always grateful to that. True, she maybe has bad mouth, but she didn't had easy life at all. Just give her another chance and you'll see I'm right.
Yugi was really moved by Serena's words. She's right, Eriza wasn't bad person. But what Yugi didn't understood is why is she so angry with him.
- I know she's not bad, Serena. But, do you know why she's so angry with me? If I did something to her, I'll gladly apologize.
- You're sweet, Yugi, but behind that is a whole new story...
- Ladies and gentleman, have you seen this?! Mako Tsunami, master of sea and water cards cornered newcomer Eriza Kanashi with his strongest combination! Kanashi has only one monster on the field and it looks she's in big trouble! Will she be able to turn around situation?!
A sound of narrator in the aquarium interrupted Serena's speech.
- Let's go, guys! Looks like our little elf is in trouble! - shouted Joey while running towards aquarium followed by Tea and Tristan.
- Let's go, Serena! - said Yugi and ran off.
- He's so nice. No wonder Eriza thinks he hides something. - said Luna, jumping from Serena's shoulder.
- But I think his big secret must lay in that spirit that follows him everywhere. Something about him seems so familiar to me.
- Yeah, to me too. - after shorter silence, Luna said: - Let's go, meat-ball head! Duel is about to finish!
- Oh, yeah! Hurry, Luna! I always must wait for you! - shouted Serena while running towards the entrance.
Don't you think it's opposite, dummy?, thought Luna before she also started running...
She's completely cornered, was the first thing Yugi thought when he entered the biggest hall in the aquarium. Duel between Eriza and Mako Tsunami was at it's finish and it was just the matter of time when one of them will lose. But things didn't look good for Eriza since she had only 400 points left, while Mako had 3000 points and had his strongest combination on the field.
- You think she'll be okay? - asked a blond-haired girl with a red ribbon in her hair the black-haired one next to her.
- I'm not an expert, but this doesn't look good for her.
- What's the situation? - shouted Serena, still running down the hall.
- Where have you been, stupid?! - little pink-haired girl, Rini, shouted at her cousin.
- She probably overslept...
- ...and got lost. - said Amy and Lita, both still focused on Eriza's duel.
- You guys are so mean! Oh, is she losing?
- Looks like that. - answered Yugi instead of girls.
- Yugi! You're here too! - all girls shouted at the same time. Yugi nodded, but he didn't took his eyes off of the field.
Mako summoned his Fortress Whale and increased his attack power with help of Umi, a spell card which covered the field with sea water, covering both his and Eriza's foot. His whale was even stronger because of card Whale's Super Canon and had total attack power of 3350 points. Mako also had Tornado Wall, which prevented Eriza to attack him directly.
Eriza, on the other hand, had only her companion Sailor Moon on the field in defence position and only one card in the hand. Luckily, it was her turn.
- It is almost the same like when I fought Mako back during Battle City tournament. Man, that was really close call! - said Joey rubbing his chin.
- Don't forget that you almost lost, Joey. And this is much harder situation...
- Eriza will win, I know it. - said Andoria out of blue, not allowing Tea to finish sentence. Yugi took a look at tall red-haired girl. True, she was anxious, but she also had a proud smile on her lips, like she's telling them Hey, you see that girl? She'll kick this guy's ass! Oh, and she's my friend, by the way.
- Of course she will. Have you forgotten her first duel yesterday? She totally sent Weevil flying from the tournament! - said Shantell and winked toward Yugi and his gang.
That's right. That was magnificent victory, said Yami who materialised next to Yugi.
Yugi could only smile when scenes from previous day started playing before his eyes. He and his gang came to watch Eriza's duel. Situation was the same as now: girls were cheering for Eriza while she was struggling with Weevils bugs on the field. At least, that's how it looked like. The words she said during her last move were still ringing in his head...
- What will you do now, little girl? You have nowhere to run from my magnificent Great Moth!
- First of all, you're very rude! I'm much taller than you, mister Four Eyes! And secondly, I'm not afraid of bugs! And I have perfect candidate who will squish that moth of yours.
Eriza pulled another card from her deck and played it on the field, sacrificing trap card she had in her hand prior. An ominous aura took over the field when new Sailor Warrior was awakened.
- Now, come forth, guardian of Ruin and Silence: Sailor Saturn!
Crash of purple thunder. A real earthquake that tore ground apart. And Sailor Saturn's ominous presence. Her deep purple eyes gazing right at Weevil, promising he'll soon meet his demise.
Saturn's special ability allowed her to destroy number of cards on the opponents field that is equal to number of cards on owners side. Two random cards were destroyed, but not Great Moth. Luckily, Eriza had one last card in her hand.
Saturn's weapon. Silence Glaive.
- I must warn you of it's terrible power: When Saturn swings the Glaive down, it will destroy everything on it's path, including Saturn herself. That risky move will cost us both 1000 points. Now, do it Saturn!
- What?! You're crazy! - screamed Weevil with his face distorted in terror.
Glaive was swung down. Big explosion occurred, leaving only destruction on the field.
Few seconds later Weevil's side of the field was revealed from smoke and it was completely empty, but his points were still high, 2000. Eriza had only 100 points left, but a big surprise was reviled after smoke fell.
Sailor Moon was still standing, ready for attack.
- How did she survive?! She was supposed to be destroyed! You cheater!
- But I'm not, mister Four Eyes. I told you at the start: Sailor Moon is invincible! She can't be destroyed by battle, by trap or spell cards nor by special effect of monsters. It's your fault for not listening. And now to finish you off!
- Moon... Tiara… Magic!
Only thing Yugi remembered after that was Weevil screaming and falling down on his knees, humiliated once again.
I have to say, that victory was terrific.
Yeah, it looked like Eriza planned all of it, as if she predicted his moves, answered Yugi with his thoughts.
But something else was bothering him. First of all, her deck was incredible. He didn't even heard of cards she was using in battle, but they were more than legit. Where did she get such a rare deck...?
Secondly, her duel disc was also unusual: instead if usual design all other duelists had, both colour and design of hers were slightly different. Instead of combination of blue, red and white, Eriza's disc was coloured in yellow, mariner-blue and magenta with tiny moon-shaped crystal on top of it. Moreover, all keys on it were also moon-shaped. All that reminded Yugi of moon crest he saw in his dreams. Is Eriza somehow connected with their new allies...?
- It's your turn, Eriza! Don't make me wait too long! - shouted Mako after he finished his last move.
- Oh, don't you worry, my dear! Here I come... - said Eriza while drawing a new card.
Don't you think there is something else unusual about this young lady, Yugi?
At first, Yugi wasn't sure what's Atem talking about, but Eriza then took one short moment and waved him with wide smile. Well, that's unusual...
You see? As if she's not a same person from yesterday.
He was right. Eriza he met yesterday would never do such thing, but she would ignore him completely. Could she...?
She's the same as I am!
Exactly. But, as you can see, the situation is slightly different with her than with you.
Again, he was right. When Yugi would exchange souls with Atem, he would be much more serious and confident during duel, not to mention cooler and calmer. With Eriza was different: while the real Eriza was grumpy and hostile, while she was dueling, a wide and confident smile shined on her face. Her eyes also changed: instead of sharp and pink, now they were rounded and light-blue. Not to mention that her clothing was unusual overall: white dress with long sleeves and short skirt, two leader belts and black boots.
Addition that made Yugi understand who was now controlling Eriza's body were two heart-shaped buns on top of her head...
- What are you two chattering about all this time? - a high, childish voice suddenly asked. When Yugi turned his head, Rini was standing next to him, looking at him with her red eyes.
- Oh, sorry. I kind of spaced out.
- Hey, it's not like I'm angry with you or something, so relax! - smiled little pink-haired girl.
- You were seriously staring at Eriza just now, you know that?
Yugi jolted in surprise when Serena appeared on his other side with vicious smirk on her lips.
- I... It's not like that! - Yugi blushed and tried to defend himself, but Serena was already convinced in opposite and continued smirking.
- Serena, leave him alone already! It's none of you business if he's staring at her or not!
- Come on, girls, it's not like that! Atem, say something! - but Pharaoh was already gone, leaving him to deal with it. Very mature of you, Pharaoh!
- Then why were you staring at her like that? - provoked Serena a little more.
- I was only wondering if she's okay considering she waved to me a moment ago, that's all! You know how she's hostile towards me.
Serena stopped smirking immediately, directing her sight on battlefield. When Rini didn't said anything, Yugi thought he said something he shouldn't, but then Serena said:
- So, you noticed, eh? Her shape -shifting?
Yugi nodded and asked:
- Is ChibiChibi now controlling her body?
- Yes and no. You see, Eriza tends to be really nervous and anxious before she has to face someone in a duel. Sometimes she gets so nervous that she loses her ability to think rationally and self-confidence, even though she has extreme talent for this game. That's why ChibiChibi is here, to help her gain confidence. It's not like she's controlling her, she's just...
- ...making her into a person she wants to be to win the duel. - Yugi finished sentence instead of Rini, leaving both her and Serena speechless and confused about how he know about that information.
- How do you...- but before Serena could ask a question, Eriza started her move.
- Okay, I draw. - the beginning of Eriza's move cut off Serena's question and she focused back on the game, not taking her eyes of Yugi for a second. How did he know...?
Okay, this is going to be risky, but I have no choice. Besides, I already have a card needed for this strategy right in my hand, thought Hikari when she drew a crucial card: Earth's blessing, which allowed her to draw four new cards. Now, the only thing she needed is a little bit of luck and...
Bingo!
- Okay, Mako! Be ready to lose!
- Do you want to know why she's so hostile towards you?
Serena's question caused Yugi to jolt and turn his head toward blonde. Her blue eyes were serious, not a trace of teasing from before.
When Yugi didn't answer, Serena smiled and looked back toward Eriza:
- I knew you were special from moment I first saw you two days ago. Of course, I realised that after I embarrassed myself in front of you, but let's not talk about it now. The thing is, something in your eyes reminds me of Eriza and I know her reason to hate you has no basis at all.
- First, I will put my Sailor Moon in attack mode!
After wave of incredulity and murmuring from side of gang and girls, Yugi asked with strong determination, not taking his eyes off of Serena:
- What is the reason then?
- You really became desperate! What are you trying to accomplish?
- Just watch, Mako! You will wish you never challenged me. After I drew four new cards from my deck due to effect of Earth's blessing, I will first play Crystal Reborn to bring back one of my Sailors, and I choose Sailor Mars. I hope you remember her special ability...
- Gah, my Tornado Wall! - shouted Mako while covering his eyes due to destruction of his card. - But that doesn't matter! Sailor Moon nor Sailor Mars are not strong enough even to scratch my Fortress Whale!
- True, but that's just for the time being since my move is not over yet.
It was really hard for Yugi to follow both duel and Serena, but when she started talking, his attention was completely aimed towards blonde.
- Due to her hard life circumstances, she doesn't believe people too much. In fact, she doesn't believe them at all. When I first met her this December, she was very reserved both towards me and girls. She even got in great fight with one of my dear, but very sceptic friends.
- Next, I will discard Moon Stick from my hand so I can play this little baby called Moon Crystal Power which upgrades Sailor Moon with additional transformation and more 200 points in attack and defence.
- Why would she do that?! Moon Stick is powerful weapon! - said Lita in disbelief what took Joey's attention when he asked:
- What do you mean powerful?
- If she uses it properly, Moon Stick can decrease opponent's monster attack points to zero. - explained Rini, showing off her knowledge about the game.
A loud What?! Came from gang, but Yugi was still focused on Serena.
- What I want to say is that she was here for me when I needed her, no matter if she knew me or not. She was there and both I and girls owe her big time. She's very cute when you meet her for real. But the reason she's so annoyed by you is because she thinks you hide some dark secret.
Yugi needed to process the information he just heard. Why would she think that?!
- And now for my final move I play Moon Rod which increases Sailor Moon's points to 3000.
- But that still isn't enough!
- We'll see about that! Now, Sailor Moon, attack Fortress Whale!
While he was watching Sailor Moon using her magic on gigantic whale, noticing she really looks like Serena, Yugi asked:
- Explain me that. Why does she think that?
- Just like I said, she doesn't trust people. And she simply doesn't believe that someone is good and nice by nature, she automatically thinks there are hidden secrets and motives in that persons mind. Same goes for you. She doesn't believe you're so nice in public and cruel at the battlefield at the same time.
When Yugi lowed his head in shock, Atem showed behind him and addressed Serena:
That's because of me. I'm the one who is helping him to gain confidence in duel. I am his dark secret.
That's how he knew!, thought Serena and giggled.
Now they're even more alike!
- Why are you attacking when it's obvious she's not strong enough!
- Moon... Princess... Escalation!
A ray of silver light hit the whale, but as expected, it wasn't defeated. Instead of that, Eriza's points dropped to last 50. But she was smiling.
Wait, something isn't right here...
- Wait, what?! What just happened to my whale?! - shouted Mako after he took a look at his duel disc. Not only his whale was left without 3000 points, but he also became smaller. Way smaller.
- That's the power of Moon Rod. If Sailor Moon has it in her possession, she can attack three times, no matter if the monster she's attacking is stronger than her or not. It will decrease monster's points for 3000 and that will be repeated two more times.
- No way! - shouted Mako, but it was already too late. Sailor Moon's second attack destroyed Fortress whale and left Mako with only 350 life points.
Her third attack was aimed directly at him, and since Sailor Mars was on the field, he couldn't use his trap to stop her.
Eriza won.
After seawater disappeared from the field, Mako lowed his head, but shortly after that he rose it again and smiled to Eriza:
- This was a great duel! Congrats! You've beaten me fair and square.
Hikari smiled and started walking toward him so they can shake hands. In the same time, girls were cheering on top of their voices while gang was still confused, but impressed at the same time.
Yugi didn't know what surprised him more: the way she won or the fact he knew what she actually thought about him.
- Don't feel so down, Yugi. You two are a lot alike, I'm sure you'll be great friends once you talk this misunderstanding.
Yugi didn't know what to say on Serena's sign of encouragement so he nodded and joined his friends to greet Eriza.
After they shook their hands, Hikari warmly told Mako goodbye and then ran off to girls to hug them.
- Have you seen my magnificent victory!? What do you think, Yugi?
It was really strange to talk to her like this, knowing ChibiChibi is now on the scene, not the real Eriza. But he answered anyway:
- You did great, congrats! You're a true duelist.
- Well thank you! And you guys thanks for cheering me on! I'm glad you could make it! - Hikari referred toward Joey, Tea and Tristan.
- The pleasure is all ours. - said Tea with obvious fake smile and angry eyes pointed at Hikari's figure in that white dress.
- Girl, you were amazing. Hope we'll clash one day on the field! - said Joey, all blushy.
- I hope so, too! I'm hoping to defeat your Red Eyes if you don't mind!
The chattering stopped Shantell and Andoria.
- Hikari, we'll be late for the end of Arika's duel with Rebecca Hopkins! Come on! Girls are already on their way to the main square.
- Oh, shoot! - said Hikari and Serena at the same time, Serena turning into her usual clumsy self.
- Are you coming too, Yugi? Rebecca is your friend, isn't she? Let's go together!
Before he was able to answer, Hikari pulled his hand and started running.
There's no doubt, this is ChibiChibi's doing, noticed Atem.
Yeah, definitely!
But, wait! Didn't Shantell just called her Hikari? Is that her name in this form?
So many questions were on his mind that his head started hurt.
Man, this situation gets more and more complicated by minute!
The duel between Arika and Rebecca was at it's peak when girls and gang came to central square of Domino City.
Serena came there last, but she could clearly hear Rebecca's words about how dumb Arika is making her moves that are so predictable, even though she has rare deck. That made Arika really angry, but she decided to keep that rage inside and release it all at once in her final move. Wow, that's not like her...
But things didn't seem to be very good for her: she had 1200 life points left and she had one face down card and Magical Horse Diana on the field in defence mode. Rebecca, on the other hand, had 2500 points and powerful Diamond Head Dragon with 3400 attack points and ready to attack white, curly-mane horse who had only 2200 defence points. She also had one card face-down, but didn't activated it on Diana since trap cards don't inflict her.
It was Arika's turn.
She made a risky move by playing Holy Age, one of most risky Spell cards in her entire deck. She had to sacrifice 1000 life points, but for that she was able to play four monsters she drew from her deck. She had a lucky draw since she drewed them one after another.
Magical Horse Luna. Magical Horse Boreas. Flower Fairy Lillova. Little Elf Girl.
None of them was strong enough to attack dragon, but judging by Arika's smirk, she had something else on her mind.
One last card she had in her hand was another Spell, Sacrifice. To use it, she had to sacrifice one monster and she could bring back two spell or trap cards by her choice from graveyard. She chose to sacrifice Little Elf Girl and two spells were back in her hand: Monster Reborn and Polymerization.
Serena didn't know what she was up to, but Hikari seemed to know and had her hands crossed, praying for perfect timing for this strategy.
Arika first used Monster Reborn to bring Dark Fairy Penelopa that was destroyed on the very beginning of the duel by Rebecca's Fire Princess.
Then she used Polymerization to combine Diana and Penelopa. Serena then remembered Arika tried to do this when she was practicing with Eriza, but never succeeded in finishing it. But this time, she made it.
The field was illuminated by bright light and few moments later, brand new monster was opposing to Diamond Head Dragon: White horse had long mane coloured in rainbow colours. On her beck, beautiful blond-haired warrior-fairy with majestic sword in her right hand threatened to torn apart huge dragon.
Not only that, but Rainbow Duo got more attack points, precisely 900, because of their special effect: for each Magical Horse on the graveyard, the Duo got 300 extra attack points.
Rebecca from first didn't believed her eyes, but when she saw the Rainbow Duo was strong enough to crush her dragon, her eyes filled with tears while her face was still expressionless. She was shocked.
Her dragon was torn in half in no time, leaving her with 1500 life points. But Arika then attacked with rest of her monsters. They all had enough strength to defeat Rebecca one more tim. It was over. Arika won.
End of duel seemed like a dream because everything happened so fast, al least to Serena. Noise that brought her back to reality was Rebecca's desperate crying while she was hugging Yugi.
- Yugi, I just want another chance! This is not fair!
- It's okay, Rebecca, do did great. - said Yugi with tender voice, patting her back to console her.
- Hey, brat! You're a terrible loser!
Rebecca turned around to answer Arika back, but she definitely didn't expect Arika to give her a bear hug and pick her up from the ground.
- But you were pretty though.
Serena and other girls could just smile at that gesture. To them, this was expected since Arika really knew how to deal with kids, even if they had a big mouth. Rebecca, on the other hand, was shocked for the second time in two minutes and so was the whole gang.
Few moments later, Rebecca was put back on the ground, visibly rethinking her behaviour towards Arika.
- We're sorry for not being here for the whole time. - said Shantell after she congratulated to Arika.
- Nah, I managed somehow. It's the most important that you've seen my glorious victory, right?
- You were very good, girl. Congrats.
- When I had the best teacher! - Arika hugged Eriza, who switched body with ChibiChibi.
One after another, girls congratulated Arika who became more and more confident in her skills. Yugi, on the other hand, noticed change in Eriza's attitude and appearance and was wondering what to do now.
Try from the start. Maybe yesterday she wasn't in a good mood.
Yugi listened to what Yami said and approached Eriza, but the moment she saw him coming her way, she said:
- We have to celebrate this somehow. Let's go!
Arika, Shantell and others agreed and followed her. ChibiChibi, who was standing on top of Eriza's head just shrugged and smiled to Yugi and Atem with apology.
Now this made Yugi really angry. What's her problem?!...
- Yugi! Pst! Yugi! Come here!
Yugi turned his head toward sound of Serena's voice and came closer. She whispered something in his ear and winked before she left after the group.
Yugi and Yami looked at each other with smile and nodded, then approached his friends to tell them about the plan.
Eriza didn't expect this. She definitely didn't expect this.
After they had lunch, Eriza and girls headed back to the house where they were staying during their stay in Domino City and it belonged to Amara and Michelle. During the afternoon, while everyone were resting, Serena and Rini came up with idea to hang out a little to explore Domino City since they didn't have that chance last two days.
Eriza and her friends agreed, not knowing their real, pretty sneaky plan. First half an our in town were really fun, but then Yugi and his gang appeared out of nowhere. Serena and girls greeted them like they were old friends, even though none of them besides Yugi didn't seem to know what the hell is going on and what are they doing here.
At first, group was really big and loud, but then girls started with their plan: first Shantell and Amy started to talk with Bakura and Rebecca about different books they read and different topics such as history of ancient Egypt and stuff like that. Soon after four of them were stuck in a bookshop that was on their way.
Raye, Mina and Arika then started to entertain Tea. They seem to have same tastes for fashion and music so they soon disappeared in the mall Tea told them to show.
Lita and Andoria took care of Joey and Tristan when they stopped at nearest fast food shop and boys really liked when Lita started talking about different dishes she made before.
And now here she was: in the middle of Domino shopping district stuck with Yugi, his spirit guardian and two meatball heads behind them.
It's little to say how much Eriza was pissed at the moment, but she decided to keep this little dignity she still had. Yugi, on the other hand, didn't seem to mind her company even though she was rude to him and ignored him. Drop the act already!
- I didn't manage to congratulate you for you victory. You were amazing.
- Thanks...- said Eriza not even looking at him-
- Eriza will you stop acting so immature! Who is older here, me or you?!
Eriza was speechless. But Rini was right, this behaviour was so immature. Usually Eriza would be the one to nag about it, but today...
- It's okay, Rini. If she doesn't believe I really mean what I said, let me show her that she's wrong.
Eriza firstly didn't understand what was he talking about, but was sure Rini and Serena told him something. But the moment Yugi's pyramidal ornament started glowing, Eriza's attention was totally drawn to it.
Next moment, before her stood Yugi, but not the same Yugi she knew. This Yugi was from the duel ring. She could clearly see the difference since his eyes were sharper, his expression merciless and he was way more tall and masculine than usual Yugi.
- How the...
- You still don't get it, do you? I'm his dark secret. I'm the one who gives Yugi courage and confidence to duel and that's why he seemed so cruel to you. But Yugi you were talking to a moment before was the real Yugi.
Damn, even his voice is deep.
Eriza was really confused, but then Yugi's spirit appeared next to this more mature Yugi and smiled. ChibiChibi appeared next to Eriza, all gasped.
Wow, boys! You're just like me and Eriza! Amazing!
Rini and Serena clapped their hands with giggle and said:
- You see you didn't need to be so harsh to him! He just wanted to be your friend!
Eriza had words stuck in her throat. She simply didn't know how to react in this situation. Should she be angry or thankful to Serena for bringing her here?
But before she was able to recover from this shock, Eriza saw a sharp object flying at Serena's direction. Yugi seemed to notice the same thing.
- Watch out!
They both jumped forward to prevent Rini and Serena from being stabbed in the back, protecting them with their own bodies. Eriza stood up really fast and pulled disorientated Serena around the corner. Yugi did the same thing with Rini, bringing little pink-haired girl in his arms.
- What the heck was that?! - panicked Rini, but then all four of them heard deadly voices:
- King's heart... King's heart!
- Silver... Silver... Mirror... Mirror.
King's heart? Silver Mirror? What are these?, asked Yugi in his spirit form, but Yami didn't seem to know, unlike girls who looked really worried.
- Those glass creatures again... What should we do? - panicked Serena while Eriza looked around the corner. She was right: those glass monsters that attacked them back in Tokyo found them. And even more of them came after her.
We have to do something!, said ChibiChibi, looking at Serena and Rini, but Eriza cut them off in her thoughts:
You can't transform in front of them! Your secret will be revealed!
Not even a moment later, Serena's communicator buzzed:
- Serena! Hurry, we need help! We're under attack!
Amy and Shantell. Eriza could clearly hear Rebecca screaming in background.
- Serena! We need our powers!
Here are Raye and Mina too.
- Guys! This is an ambush! There's so many of them!
Lita too.
Decision Eriza made in next few seconds decided the rest of their stay here: Hikari soon took the scene instead of Eriza and garnet around her neck was shining in all it's power.
- Sailor Power, Activate!
All other was predictable: Serena and Rini received their brooches and shouted their transformation quotes, followed by them morphing into Super Sailor Moon and Super Sailor Mini Moon.
After they headed into battle, Hikari looked at Yugi and Atem who were pretty confused, but relieved at the same time.
- So we were right...- said Yami.
They DID look like monsters from your deck, Eriza!
- I couldn't expect less from you two. - smiled Hikari, but next moment she went completely serious:
- I want you to stay here. I don't want you two to be hurt. We will handle these creatures.
Before Yugi or Yami were able to say anything, Hikari jumped in the sky and left them in dark ally.
What should we do now? We must help somehow!
- Maybe there is a way.
Yami turned his head toward unfamiliar female voice just to see black cat with crescent moon on her forehead that was with Serena this morning. Next to her was standing another cat, this one white and obviously male. He also had a crescent moon on his forehead and held some sort of device in his mouth.
- I knew there was something strange about you, Luna.
- No time for explaining, you to want to help, don't you?!
Yugi and Atem nodded at the same time and white cat threw them dark blue device which looked like communicator.
- With this you can communicate with Sailor Scouts and Eriza. But firstly you must release monsters from your cards to help them. - said white cat while waving with his tail like mad.
- You did that before, didn't you? So do it again!
But we don't know how that happened! I just know my puzzle started glowing out of blue and I next moment Dark Magician was in front of me.
Two cats looked at each other and then back to Yugi:
- I think the way of summoning monsters to life is the same as when Eriza releases power of Sailor Scouts from her deck. Try choosing monster you want to bring out and concentrate all your will power in puzzle.
Their conversation was interrupted by Sailor Moon's scream as she was tossed over the street and hit in the wall. But despite she was barely standing, she was back in battle. Mini Moon was struggling with one of monsters, while Hikari was levitating few meters above ground and smashing one by one monster into pieces. But it was obvious she won't be able to do it much more because her face and neck were all sweaty and her hands were shaking. And monsters didn't stop coming.
- Okay, let's try this.
Sailor Moon was sure she's done for. Neither she was able to move but Hikari and Mini Moon were in their own pinch and were unable to help her.
Sailor Moon closed her eyes just for a moment to think what to do now when she heard sound of shattering glass and loud screams. When she opened her eyes, a tall man in violet armour, huge hat and with some sort of staff in his hand was floating in front of her. Next to him was short, but very cure blonde girl in blue and pink armour and also big hat. Her staff was smaller, but no much less powerful than one her teacher had.
She saw them somewhere before... But where?!
- Go, Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl! Shatter the rest of those monsters and finish this.
- Yes, Master!
Sailor Moon could only watch with astonishment when they jumped on Yugi's command. Dark Magician was handling with monsters that tried to attack Hikari while Dark Magician Girl was fighting with Mini Moon in her arms. Yugi was still unable to move from alley he was left in, but she also saw Luna and Artemis standing beside him.
- Sailor Moon, are you al right! I came as fast as I could!
A familiar male voice draw Sailor Moon's attention and her beloved Tuxedo Mask helped her to get up from the ground. She hugged him because she couldn't find suitable words to describe how happy she was to see him.
- Other Scouts are coming this way. I called them to help you since main target of these monsters is here.
- Good you did. Now let's go. We must distract them until help comes.
Tuxedo Mask nodded and they both jumped into battle once again. But monsters seemed to come endlessly and all of them, even mighty spell casters, were tired from endless battle.
- Aqua Rhapsody!
- Flame Shooter!
- Oak Evolution!
- Love and Beauty Shock!
All four familiar attacks came out of nowhere to help them and Sailor Moon was overwhelmed with happiness and relief when she saw her four companions are coming.
- Guys, there's Yugi! Wait until we finish here! - ordered Jupiter before launching another strong attack.
- Yugi, are you all right?! - asked both Rebecca and Tea at the same time.
- Man, what is this mess!? In one moment we are eating peacefully and in other we are tossed around like crazy! - commented Joey with frustration.
- And how surprised I was to see girls transform right in front of my eyes. I'm so confused! - said Bakura with disbelief.
- They'll be fine, trust me. - said Shantell while following what's happening in the battlefield, - we just need to find source that makes these monsters multiple like this.
Yugi jolted from pain that suddenly appeared in his chest. He was barely able to take a deep breath. What is going on...?
- You must call back your spell casters or you will lose more energy! That's how it works, for bringing monsters to life your own life force is used. If they're exhausted, you feel it too!
Yami wanted to oppose, but when Yugi himself started breathing heavily, Yami frowned and shouted:
- Dark Magician! Dark Magician Girl! Come back!
Spell casters didn't seem too happy with that command, but they listened to their master, bowing to Sailor Moon and Mini Moon before they disappeared.
- I will take over from here. - said Arika holding two of her cards in her hand,- Oi, Hikari! Lend me some power, will ya?!
- Sure thing! - said Hikari with her thumb up even though she was completely worn out. Soon, a beautiful white horse with huge wings and pale fairy with silver hair tied in pigtail and icy-blue wings appeared to help Scouts.
The battle was long and exhausting and it was obvious Shantell is trying to figure out some kind of plan. Suddenly, she said:
- You see that statue over there, on that building?
Yami looked that way and indeed: a sculpture, similar to monster that were attacking them, was standing there and glowing like crazy. The source!
But it was very well guarded, too. No one could come even near the statue, everything was surrounded by glassy monsters.
- We need to distract them somehow so Sailor Moon can do her job since she is the most powerful of us all.
- Yugi, you can communicate with Eriza when you are in that shape. Also, she can use telepathy and she can tell the Scouts about the plan.
Yugi just nodded and tried to contact Eriza, the real Eriza from place where he stood. In one moment there was only two of them, staring at each other when Yugi started talking. From first, Eriza didn't said anything, just starred. Then she nodded and disappeared.
Few moments later, Shantell's communicator buzzed:
- We need someone to guard Sailor Moon on her way to the statue.
- I will release Dark Magician once again...
- No, Yugi, you can't! You are way too exhausted! - Rebecca cut him off. When Yami wanted to answer, she said:
- I will release one of my monsters! Just lend me enough power to release it and it can live on my own living force!
- Rebecca! That's too risky! - said Tea.
- Please Yugi! Let me help! I want to be useful, just once! Please!
After short moment of thinking, Yami took her hand and his puzzle glowed once again.
- Come forth, my Diamond Head Dragon!
When a huge dragon appeared above Sailor Moon, she didn't know wheather she should be terrified or thankful for the help. When dragon landed on the ground and urged Sailor Moon to climb on his back, she jumped on without hesitation since she knew this is what she must do and that other are watching her back.
A long time had passed before she and dragon finally reached the statue. They were attacked from all sides, but everybody from the ground seemed to be prepared to defend her at any time.
Finally, it was time to shatter this source of their nightmare.
- Moon...Gorgeous... Meditation!
The sound of braking glass echoed very far and Sailor Moon was thrilled because everything was finally over.
But while she was flying down together with a dragon, she saw a strange shadow on top of one building, staring at her with hatred before she disappeared. She was really shocked when she realised why that figure is so familiar to her...
Alexia, what are you doing here...?!
- Are you okay now? - asked Eriza while helping Serena to stand.
- Yeah thank you. What about you and you, Yugi?
- Oh, I'm fine, thanks to Yami's strong life force. - smiled Yugi and looked at Eriza. She looked at him for a moment and then replied:
- I need a long sleep, that's all what I'll say. This was really tough.
- Yeah, me too. - yawned Rini while holding Diana in her hands.
Yeah, this was pretty tough battle. But they wouldn't make it if there wasn't Yugi and Rebecca, Eriza finally admitted. Indeed, what they did was really heroic. And on top of that they didn't seemed surprised by their secret at all, like they knew already. Not just those two, but Tea, Joey, Tristan and Bakura too. Eriza didn't know what to think, but she knew she had to show her gratitude somehow...
- Hey, Yugi...
He looked really tense when she called to him, but them she bowed in front of him and said:
- Thank you for helping us to protect our precious princess.
Yugi was more than surprised by that gesture and he started babbling:
- No, it's okay... Really! You don't have to...
- Hey, hey, calm down. I must. You saved us. Both you and Rebecca. I'll thank her properly too.
The pleasure was all ours, Eriza, answered Atem and bowed his head.
Did the Hell freeze over?, was only comment ChibiChibi was able to say before Eriza knocked her down.
- I thank you too in the name of all of us. We are really thankful.
Both Yugi and Yami bowed again. But then suddenly Yugi was called by his friends to go home. Before he ran off, he said:
- You don't have to worry, neither of us will tell your secret to anyone. But I really have so much questions.
- We'll be glad to answer, you six are in our team now. - giggled Serena.
- Oh, Eriza...
- Yes?
- Are we... um... are we friends now?
- Yugi, are you coming or not?! - Tea called for him once again.
- You better go or they'll come for you. - was replay Eriza gave him, but she was smiling this time. Yugi smiled back and ran off to his friends.
- So, what is your answer? - Serena started teasing.
- Gosh, I'm starving! I hope Lita prepared something yummy for dinner.
- Yeah, I hope so too! - agreed Rini, seeing there is no sense in being pushy about this topic.
- Hey, I asked you something, missy! - said Serena with irritation. But Eriza continued talking to Rini like Serena wasn't even there.
But she did take one last glance at Yugi and his gang and smiled.
Dummy, of course we are friends...
And that's it from me for today, people! Hope you enjoyed this chapter. If you think I could improve something or you want to tell me that you actually like the story, leave a comment or review.
What is the nature of Yugi's and Eriza's relationship? Are they friends or something more? Find out in next chapter named Love Pinch.
Hope you'll have a wonderful day!
~*H.E.*~