Love Pinch
Hey there, guys! Long time no see, eh? I'm sorry for that, I was really busy with my final exams at the university and I was travelling a lot and since the new semester started I figured I should write a new chapter before the serious work starts x'D. But enough about me, let's talk about story!
Before you start reading, please read AUTHOR NOTES:
* I tried to make this chapter as shorter as possible since it's just a explanation and further relationship development between Yugi and Eriza without actual fight or duel
* In this chapter there will be a reference about a character from another anime series called Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic. The character I described has lots of similarities with Magi's Hakuryuu Ren (who I in this story call just Haku). His personality and looks are the same, but I changed some aspects of his life and powers so he can fit in the story (I also put him in since he's my husbando xD *.*). I DO NOT OWN CHARACTER OF HAKURYUU REN, he belongs to his respective creator, Ohitaka Shinobu-sensei.
* I also DO NOT OWN SAILOR MOON OR YU-GI-OH!
So without further ado, enjoy your read! :D
LOVE PINCH
Eriza! Hey, Eriza!
What should I do with this rose?
Eriza! Over here!
Thank you for your hospitality, Eriza!
Oh, it's nothing. Just a scratch.
Why are your eyes so sad?
Eriza! What's wrong?!
Eriza?
Eriza?!
Eriza...
Eriza finally opened her cherry-blossom-pink eyes. It was still dark outside and her three friends were sleeping soundly in their beds next to hers. Sun still isn't out, eh?, she thought.
When her breathing slowed down after few minutes, Eriza shook her long black hair, now tied in loose ponytail. Back of her neck was sweaty and she could feel cool morning air pinching her skin. Even so, she stood up and stood next to big, dark curtains and moved them just a little so she can see outside. Really, sun didn't rise yet, but judging by light that was spreading over the edge of horizon, it will soon.
Can't sleep?
Eriza jolted a little, but then just frowned and continued watching trough the window. ChibiChibi was floating next to her, clearly still groggy from all night slumber.
- Yeah... You haven't seen me jumping from the bed just a while ago? - whispered Eriza.
Nope, I was sleeping soundly until somebody didn't shake me and woke me up!
Even though ChibiChibi was clearly putting blame on Eriza for waking her up, Eriza didn't respond. She was too shook from her dream she didn't even have strength to argue with that little monster. She just continued staring in horizon that was becoming brighter and brighter by a minute.
Are you nervous because of your duel today? Or did you have a nightmare?
- Nothing like that...
Pause in her speech was pretty long, but ChibiChibi figured she shouldn't force her to say it. Finally, Eriza said:
- I dreamt about... him.
ChibiChibi awoke in a second she heard word him crossing Eriza's lips. She barely succeeded in holding back her tears, remembering sorrowful fate Eriza encountered with that certain him. Sure, it was more than a year ago, but the wound from it was still fresh for Eriza, especially after everything that happened in her life.
Instead of bursting into tears, ChibiChibi smiled widely and sat on Eriza's shoulder.
Don't worry, he'll be back! He promised you and I know he will keep that promise!
- Yeah, I know... - said Eriza absent-mindedly. Few minutes later she closed the curtains and went back to bed, hoping she'll be able to fall asleep again.
But even though she was trying, she just couldn't stop thinking of that gentle, sky-blue eyes of his.
Where have you been all this time?
You promised you'll come back.
Where are you, Haku?
Later that day, Serena yawned while waiting for Eriza and her gang in front of the amusement park where Eriza's next duel had to happen. Arika's duel with another kid named Leon was supposed to be later that morning.
- Will you stop being so nosy while yawning? - nagged Raye, checking her wrist watch every once in a while.
- Will you stop being so annoying? - answered Serena while rubbing her eyes. Raye was ready for fight, but Amy stopped her while Lita and Mina just sighed.
- Hey, guys! I see we are not late!
A familiar male voice caused Serena to turn around and wave to their new friends. Gang was in old mode today, Yugi, followed by Joey, Tristan, Tea, Bakura and Rebecca. Each of them greeted Inner Scouts like everything is normal. Serena was thankful to Yugi for not telling anyone else for their secret, but also felt huge gratitude towards him and his brave friends.
After the atmosphere became a bit lively, Yugi asked:
- Where are Rini and Eriza?
- Rini will be late a bit since she's coming with Outer Scouts who were investigating that new enemy and were unable to come to Eriza's duels. Rini is helping them out a bit. And Eriza and her gang should be here shortly...
- Sorry we are late! We couldn't wake up this sleeping beauty! - shouted Andoria across the street while Arika was clinging onto her, still groggy. Shantell was behind them together with Eriza.
The moment both Yugi and Serena saw Eriza, they noticed something's different. Not just in her looks but in her aura too.
Her normal dark blue sweater and black pants were still there, but her hair was tied differently today. Instead of usual smaller ponytails, her hair was tied in one ponytail that was held by a big gold clasp with two black and red ribbons hanging from it's bottom. The rest of her hair was floating on the wind and her pink eyes just made her even prettier.
But Yugi also noticed melancholic mood around her. Her face was pale, a space under her eyes was swollen and red, her eyes were sadder than usual. This even caused Yami to show himself, but both of them were unable to say anything since Joey addressed Eriza first:
- Hey, Eriza! What's up?
As far as Serena knew, Eriza wasn't the type who would chat about trivial things, but this time she just smiled and answered to Joey:
- Hey, Joey. Nothing in particular. I heard you didn't make to the next round. What a shame, I really hoped I would have a chance to duel you.
- Ah, I know it's unbelievable since I'm first-class duelist, but what can you do, things sometimes just happen. But I would be glad to take you on any time, Eriza!
- Just say time and place and we'll see who is better.
Both of them smirked and Joey discreetly winked to Yugi and Serena. Yugi couldn't thank Joey enough for cheering her up.
- Guys, should we go inside? - asked Lita.
- We could, yeah. - Tristan and Joey agreed with her.
- But Eriza's opponent is not here yet! - warned Tea, but then Yugi and his gang heard very familiar and annoying voice:
- Who is not here, dear Tea?
Serena and her friends turned around on the sound of unknown female voice, but Serena noticed tense and annoyed expressions Yugi and the rest of his gang had on their faces.
- Vivian!? - shouted Yugi in surprise.
- Hi, Yugi darling! Long time no see!
This coment of hers caused Yami to sigh and disappear again and Rebecca to cling onto Yugi, staring daggers in tall Chinese woman with similar hairstyle as Serena's.
- What the hell are you doing here, you old hag?
- Who are you calling an old hag, you pipsqueak?! - yelled Vivian with her face all red. Raye then noted she probably has a long history with the gang and Tea started to explain the situation. But Serena was more interested in what's going to happen next.
– For your information, I'm dueling today. And I prepared myself pretty good since I heard I have a really strong opponent. Is she here yet?
- Well, you got that right! Eriza is definitely strong! - said Joey with proud smile on his face.
- Is she here I asked. I didn't ask your opinion, loser!
Well, this is inappropriate, said ChibiChibi on Eriza's shoulder. Serena and other Scouts were surprised equally.
- I'm right here. - suddenly said Eriza in low, but strong tone. Vivian first looked at her with confusion, but then she bursted into laughter. This surprised Serena even more, but the worst thing was that Vivian's laughter completely awoke Arika and she looked really annoyed.
- What are you laughing at, eh, missy?! - asked Arika with slightly annoyed voice.
- Are you kidding me?! You are Eriza Kanashi? The one who beat Weevil and Mako, a first- class duelists? You, tiny pipsqueak?! And what's with that clasp in your hair? I know it has Chinese origin, but it looks really bad on you. I would wear it much better than you!
Both Lita and Andoria had to hold Arika to stop her in her intention to beat the crap out of Vivian. Yugi on the other hand couldn't listen to this:
- Listen Vivian! You don't have any right to speak with Eriza like that! You can's judge a person by their appearance and you should respect you opponent no matter who he or she is!
- Why are you defending her? Wait, don't tell me! You have a thing for him, eh, little girl?! Well, I won't allow it! Yugi is mine and no one else's!
This is crazy! Someone stop this! Eriza, say something! Defend yourself damn it!, all of these thoughts were rushing trough Serena's head, but both Eriza and ChibiChibi didn't move a muscle.
- Why you?!
- Who told you Yugi is yours!?
- No, it's not like that!
Tea, Rebecca and Yugi started talking at the same time while Vivian continued with her version of the story.
Everything went silent when Eriza's garnet started glowing. In next moment, Hikari was on the scene. Even though she became a bit taller, she was still shorter than Vivian. But determination in her eyes caused Vivian to take a step back in surprise.
- I thing it's enough of your shit, deary. I don't care what you think about me, but keep Yugi out of this. He has nothing to do with this. And it's none of your business how I wear this clasp. It is important to me and that's what counts. Now lets settle this in a way duelists should.
Vivian was speechless for a moment, but then her attitude came back and she looked down at Hikari with a smirk:
- Fine then. But, I have a request!
- Bring it on, deary! I'm ready!
That's Hikari for you, said Atem when he appeared again next to Yugi. Yugi, on the other hand looked pretty worried, but he knew Hikari knows what she's doing...
- Whoever wins this battle will become Yugi's girlfriend!
After a moment of silence, a loud WHAAAAAAAT?! resounded across the street. Yugi was so embarrassed he went completely red in face and Tea and Rebecca completely went crazy. Scouts started talk with boys and between themselves in disbelief and confusion. But the biggest shock came with Hikari's response:
- Deal!
After another loud WHAAAAAAAT?! from everyone present, Yugi thought Hikari is sure to be killed from Tea's and Rebecca's side, but he was confused as hell at the same time. Even Yami didn't know what to say to all this mess.
- Fine then. Let's duel!
Hikari just nodded and followed Vivian into the amusement park. Everyone else followed, each of them having their own question for Hikari since they were all confused by the situation. Serena and Luna stayed outside for a few moments when Luna said:
- Wow, this will be interesting.
- You said it. But I don't get it. Is Hikari completely nuts? The real Eriza will kill her...
- Hey, Serena! We're here!
Serena turned around in confusion but then sighed with relief when she saw Rini followed by Amara, Michelle, Trista and Hotaru.
- Did we miss the duel? - asked Amara, but Serena shook her head and said:
- No, but you missed something even bigger.
Outers seemed really confused, but Serena then directed them into an amusement park while briefly explaining the madness that occurred just few moments ago...
- Finally, it's all over! - Arika stretched her hands with her duel disk still on it.
- A brilliant win I have to say. Congrats, Arika – said Yugi while walking beside her.
- When that comes from mouth of King of Games himself, I feel really flattered. Thanks!
- I thought those fairies and horses of yours are just for play, but that Universe Empress Andromeda is really something else! - said Joey with his specific accent.
And it was great to see her after all that time, thought Serena, remembering one battle with Dead Moon circus where she was carried on back of that beautiful black horse. She could still remember the feeling of her glittering black fur under her hands and her mane which was made from pure stardust. She was just stunning, but also very powerful. And Arika knew how to tame her without a problem.
- But I'm not the star of the day. Eriza, you really shut Vivian's mouth. That duel was amazing! - said Arika after she put her hand around Eriza's shoulders.
- I was really flattered that you used my card to finish the whole duel. - said Trista with gentle smile.
- Well, nothing seemed to work against her Dragon Lady. It was risky, but thank you for lending me your power. - Eriza smiled back and then she started talking with Rini and Hotaru while Arika was still clinging onto her.
Her mood is much better now, noted Yami who stood next to his companion.
That's true, thought Yugi. That whole scene before the beginning of the duel was just big misunderstanding. Yugi didn't know how to feel about the whole thing until the very end. After skipping one Vivian's turn with Sailor Pluto's power, Sailor Moon easily handled Dragon Lady with the power of her Spiral Heart Moon Rod. After another one of Vivian's breakdowns and her shouting Eriza will never have Yugi for herself, Hikari said this quote:
I never said I want him for myself. But I just couldn't handle your way of handling things and I just had to teach you a lesson. If Yugi doesn't like you in a romantic way, leave him alone.
When he met Eriza after the duel, her mood was much better than before and he was glad that's the case. She even apologized for ChibiChibi's behaviour before and during the duel, hoping Yugi and Atem didn't change their opinion about her.
- Man, I'm starving! This whole madness made me want to eat a horse!
- You said that, Andoria! - said Tristan and Joey at the same time.
- Should we go back to that amusement park where Eriza's and Vivian's duel was held? I saw lots of great food there. - suggested Lita.
- Count me in! - said Rini and Serena at the same time. And the others weren't so hard to convince.
When they finally reached the park, Serena followed Lita, Andoria and boys to the stands with food, dragging Darien together with her (he joined them together with Artemis and Diana before Arika's duel). Mina, Raye, Amy, Rebecca and Tea went to try some of the games that didn't promise them to feel sick after that. Rini and Hotaru followed Outers and wanted to have some sweets. That left Eriza and Yugi alone for a while.
They were walking trough the park, not wanting to try out any of the attractions in particular. Their guardian spirits were finally able to get out.
- So, they are Sailor Uranus, Neptune, Pluto and Saturn? - suddenly asked Yugi.
- Yes, maybe you'll be able to see them fight once.
- Hope not so soon.
Both of them chuckled, but ChibiChibi just had to comment on that one:
Y'know, Eriza wasn't on good terms with Amara at first.
- Well considering her character, it's normal. She's distrustful by nature and doesn't really like when someone new is intruding on her personal space.
But I see everything turned out well. I saw they're very protective of you, especially Amara, said Yami with a smile.
Eriza didn't say anything, she just smiled. After shorter silence, ChibiChibi noted another stupid statement:
Yugi, I see you're very popular with the ladies!
That comment caused Yugi to blush all over his face while Yami just looked away and chuckled.
- W-well, I wouldn't say so...
Are you kidding me?! I mean, Vivian was so desperate to get you, not to mention I thought I'd be killed by Tea and Rebecca before the duel even started!
Yugi was now completely red in face, unable to look anyone in the eyes. Atem was waving with his hand lightly to warn ChibiChibi to stop asking Yugi about those things since he's very shy. When it seemed ChibiChibi will ask one more of her stupid questions, Eriza knocked her down on the floor even though she was a ghost.
- I think that's enough, you little monster. Even though what you said is true, it's none of your or mine business. And if Yugi doesn't want to talk about it, let him be. Don't be such a tyrant!
- N-no, it's not like that... - Yugi started defending himself, but Eriza just looked him right in his big purple eyes and said:
- It's okay, you don't have to explain anything. Let's just pretend we didn't speak about it, 'kay?
Yugi was confused for a second, but then he nodded, still blushy. Eriza then started scolding ChibiChibi again while little spirit opposed to her.
Yugi suddenly remembered his conversation with Serena earlier that day, during Eriza's duel with Vivian:
- For someone who's arguing all the time, Eriza and ChibiChibi are pretty good team.
- Of course they are. They've been trough so much together. Now when I remember it, I really want to cry again.
Both Atem and Yugi looked at Serena in surprise the moment she said that statement.
What happened?, Yami asked. Serena hesitated a little, but after few moments she told them everything she knew. About ChibiChibi's mission given to her by Queen of the Moon herself, about how Eriza's father died, about how ChibiChibi sacrificed her own body to save Eriza and about Eriza's hardships in handling her new powers at the beginning.
After longer silence where both Atem and Yugi were speechless from shock, Serena said with teary eyes:
- Don't tell her I told you. She'll get really mad. But I think you should know what happened since we have to work together against this new enemy. And if you consider yourself her friend.
Yes, I do consider myself her friend, responded Yugi. He really wanted to comfort her, to tell her she doesn't have to go trough all that alone any more, that he's really sorry for what happened to her and that it's not fair. But when he opened his mouth to call her, Yami put his hand on his shoulder. Even though he was a spirit, Yugi could feel the warmth coming from his palm. He looked at Atem who just shook his head in order to prevent him to say anything.
We promised Serena we won't tell anything, right? Besides, I don't think she's struggling to live a normal life now. Have you seen all those people she's surrounded with? They all accepted her as she is and they all love her. Scouts, her friends, even ChibiChibi. Actually, she's maybe the one who loves her the most.
- But what can I do to help her? I know she had a long way to go, but now something seems to bother her even though she's trying her best to hide it. - whispered Yugi.
Yami just smiled and ruffled Yugi's spiky banks with tender smile:
Just listen to her. Be there for her, like a real friend should be. That's probably the best way to help her. Just be yourself.
- What are you two whispering about? - suddenly asked Eriza. Yami disappeared in a second, leaving Yugi to handle that awkward situation. Really mature, Pharaoh.
- Oh, n-nothing! Really! He he...
Eriza tilted her head a little in confusion, but then she just shrugged her shoulders and asked him if they'll continue with their walk. Yugi was thankful she wasn't so forceful like ChibiChibi was.
Their walk continued for few more minutes where they commented on their own duels that occurred that day, when suddenly Rini appeared out of nowhere while holding Hotaru's hand. They both had cotton candy in their hands.
- Eriza, can I borrow your Pegasus card, please? Hotaru wasn't able to meet him so I want to show him to her.
Eriza reached for her belt and took one card out from the case.
- Here, but please be careful with it. I'll need his help soon, you know.
- Don't worry! I'll bring it back in no time! - Rini smiled and pulled Hotaru's hand. Just for a second, Eriza was able to see trace of sadness in girl's ruby-red eyes.
Right, it's been almost a month since he's gone.
- Eriza, is everything okay? - asked Yugi with a worried look on his face.
- Oh, it's nothing. I just remembered Rini's really close friend who's been gone for over a month now.
- Did something happen to him?
Eriza didn't know how to respond on that. She couldn't say right away the whole story about Rini and Helios, the guardian of Elysion. It wouldn't be right to tell someone else's story for her. Maybe she wouldn't want anyone else to know...
- Let's take a walk to that bench over there. I'm a bit tired from walking.
- Oh, sure! - said Yugi and followed black-haired girl to the bench that was right under fully blooming cherry blossom tree.
Right in that moment, Tea and Rebecca happen to walk by with Inners and boys. They immediately caught a glimpse of Yugi and Eriza sitting on the bench under now lilac cherry blossoms.
- Would you look at that?! She's taking advantage! - said Rebecca with pissed expression on her face. Tea frowned, but didn't say anything to Rebecca. Instead, she addressed Mina who was right next to her and said:
- I'll go take something to drink with Rebecca. You guys just go ahead. Do you want something?
- Lemon soda, please! Thanks! - said Mina with wide smile.
- I'm not going anywhere- Ouch, Tea! That hurts!
Tea pulled Rebecca for her shirt in the opposite direction from where Eriza and Yugi were sitting.
- Will you let me go!? I have to do something about that little...
- Will you keep it down? I know you want to bud in and stop Eriza from taking advantage of the situation, I want it too, but we can't do it like that! We have to be discreet! We'll hide right behind that cherry blossom they're sitting under and we'll stop her if she tries anything with him. It's dark so they won't see us. You just have to be quiet!
- Fine, fine, I'll be quiet, but stop pulling my shirt already! I can walk by myself!
Few moments later, Tea and Rebecca did just as they planned: cherry blossom tree was huge and it was dark in that corner. The only thing Tea was worried about was Rebecca's loud walking and stepping on dry twigs. She was making way to much noise so Tea picked her up and shut her mouth with her hand since she started yelling again.
- Now be quiet! I can't hear anything!
Rebecca muffled something, but Tea was already concentrated on those two love birds. I won't allow you to take Yugi away from me...
- So that Pegasus is her dear friend?
- Yeah. After Scouts defeated Dead Moon Circus, Pegasus had to return to his home, the world of dreams. Even though she was really sad, Rini let him go, hoping to see him once again in the future. And even though she's trying to be cheerful and positive, there is always a glimpse of sadness in her eyes.
- Yeah, I can understand that. The same happened when Atem went to the Other Side after we defeated Zorc. Even though I knew that's where he belongs to, my heart wanted to burst. My best friend was leaving forever.
Eriza didn't say anything. She looked at the Pharaoh's spirit who stood next to Yugi. He is so sad, she thought.
- But then he arrived again and I can't explain you how happy I was. Fate found a way to connect us again. So I think Rini will also see Pegasus real soon.
A long silence startled Yugi. He thought he said way too much, but when he looked at Eriza, she bowed her head, looking at her pale palms. He could swear she was trembling.
- I know how it hurts, too. When you lose someone you care for deeply. - she squeezed both fists – You think I'll see him, too? Just like you got to see Atem again? Will I be able to see Haku again...?
- Haku?
His question visibly jolter Eriza back to reality. She rose her head and wiped shining tears that appeared on the edges of her pink eyes.
- No, I won't cry. I promised him. He cried enough for both me and himself.
This time Yugi stood silent. Even though he was dying to know who that Haku was, he was much more worried if Eriza got angry with him because of his sudden question, knowing very good how she hates when someone puts their nose where it doesn't belong to. But then she started talking:
- It happened more than a year ago. Remember that autumn when cherry blossoms started blooming out of blue during October? Well you can say he caused it.
When she chuckled, Yami and Yugi looked at each other. Atem then patted Yugi's shoulder and disappeared. You are the one who should listen to this, not me. Yugi smiled lightly and then looked back to Eriza. Now she was gazing somewhere, holding one cherry blossom petal between her fingers.
- I met him on a rainy day in the park near my school. He was injured, but the moment I saw he was able to heal himself, I decided to take him to my home with Arika's help. She didn't like me being alone with him in the house and she insisted on me calling her every hour to make sure he didn't do anything to me. I remember he was feverish, but he was healing fast. While he was asleep, I took care of his clothes which was completely ripped off all over. He also had a huge spear with a huge blade on the top. It was really heavy, I almost didn't manage to carry it home. ChibiChibi told me he was crying at some point. But when he woke up, I was able to study him fully. Just then I noticed his left hand was wooden. Not only that, left side of his face had huge burn scar on it which probably caused partially lost sight in his left eye. But he had the most beautiful blue eyes I've ever seen.
She took a deep breath while still rubbing the petal with her thumb and forefinger.
- He was very grateful I took him in and took care of his clothes, but I didn't trust him at first at all and I didn't like his way of thanking me for everything I did. I told him he can stay with me while he fully recovers from his accident, not asking him what led to those severe injuries. But once he learned I didn't like his thanks and apologies, he started showing his gratitude by cooking for me and taking care of garden since my grandmother was on a trip. I didn't ask him to do any of those, but he insisted. He got along with the girls and my brother who was in hospital during that period.
A long pause followed after this and Yugi wandered if she'll continue the story. But he didn't insist on anything at all. Moreover, he felt there is much more to this Haku than she wanted to say for now. Then she started talking again, letting petal to fall on the ground between her feet:
- At the very beginning of our life together, he wanted to tell me his story just to show how much he appreciates what I did for him. Apparently, he was over 2000 years old. He was a Chinese emperor who took over the throne after his father's death at the age of eighteen. He led the country well, but the main problem during that time was his mother who turned out to be a powerful magician. When she was unable to control him, the open war raged between them for over a year, but he defeated her and banished her from China. Then, at the age of twenty one, he met his wife. I can't recall what her name was, but I remember she was much older than him and had Egyptian origin. He told me he was attracted to her because she was brave and stubborn, willing to give up her life for the ones she loved. She also had an adopted child which came with them back in China. He had a son with her, but he also told me that she didn't love him, at least not in a way he loved her. She just felt a huge gratitude towards him since he was the one who saved her, but he knew her heart belongs to someone else.
While she was telling this, she had to swallow few times, visibly upset. Yugi wanted to tell her she doesn't have to speak any more, but then she started talking again:
- They lived together for about ten years, but then some incidents occurred on the South border and he had to take care of it, somehow knowing he won't see his wife and children again. And he was right. What he found on the border was a bloodshed caused by magic of his own mother. She then challenged him to a duel and he lost. But his mother was unable to kill him since he was protected by charm his wife made for him. Instead, she cursed him for all eternity to carry a terrible monster inside of his heart that will be released only when he becomes truly desperate. She then put him to sleep for over a 1500 years. When he awakened after that long time, he had a wooden arm, ability to control ground and plants, but also a body of eighteen-year-old self and with no one by his side. And even though he wandered all around the main land, he refused to give up on hope just so the monster inside of him doesn't wake up.
Eriza suddenly stood up, making few steps forward and than came back to the bench. Yugi just sat there, afraid if he does anything, she'll get mad at him. But she continued talking:
- At first, I felt really sorry for him because of his cruel fate, but my feelings towards him started changing after he comforted me after one of my snaps, telling me I'm really brave. Not to mention he stood up all night to look after me while sleeping. I felt really guilty when I started to fall in love with him since I knew how much he loved his wife. But that wasn't the only problem. Apparently, an illusion created by his own hatred towards his mother followed him all the way to Japan just to make him suffer. She even tried to kill me, but luckily I was able to control my powers and defeated her minion. Prior to that, Haku left my house telling me he's sorry for giving me false hope and kissing me during one festival that happened few days prior. I don't have to say how much I was angry and sad, but I knew I could never replace his beloved wife. But when I sensed something cracked inside of him, I rushed all the way to the graveyard where he had battle with that illusion of his mother. I can still remember how his beautiful eyes turned red and how black scales covered most of his body except torso and face. He was in rage, completely unaware of his surroundings. But he was also severely injured. Just when his mother intended to give him one final blow, I jumped and protected him. I don't remember that anything hurt so much as that cut she gave me over my stomach. But, even though I was also injured and I was bleeding really badly, I managed to heal myself and I tried to hold Haku and stop his rage. He threw be left and right, but I refused to let go of his leg. I don't remember what I said to him, but he was able to come back to his senses. I don't remember what happened afterwards since I fainted. Later he told me he was able to overcome his hatred for his mother with my help. He then told me he loves me back, but I didn't believe him at first. He then told me words I will never forget:
My wife maybe made me forget about my hatred, but you helped me to overcome it and leave it in the past. That's why I love you, Eriza.
One single tear fell from Eriza's cheek, but she just swept it away and bowed her head again. Yugi sat closer to her, handing her a hankerchief. She accepted it and wiped the rest of the tears. Yugi then asked:
- What happened with him after that? You don't have to tell if you don't want...
- Well, it would be stupid to left this cliff-hanger, wouldn't it? - she chuckled trough tears. - Afterwards, he told me he will be leaving for a trip to find himself. He wanted to find his place in this new world so he can come back for me and support me no matter what. As a sign of promise that he'll come back, he left me his royal clasp I'm wearing now.
Eriza touched heavy gold clasp on her head. In that moment ChibiChibi appeared on her shoulder, her face being a mess from crying:
Erizaaaaa! You didn't have to tell that storyyyyy! Waaaah!
- Why are you crying, dummy? - Eriza patted little spirit's head with her tears now completely dried out.
Looks like ChibiChibi's crying saved her from breaking down, said Atem with proud smile. Even though he wasn't present physically, Yugi knew Pharaoh heard every single part of the story. Also, Yugi felt like his bond with Eriza became much stronger than before. This was a proof she believed in him to keep her secret and that he's able to comfort her if it's needed.
- If you ask me, I think it's for the best that she's not crying in front of us. I think she'd be really angry with herself. - whispered Yugi just so Pharaoh can hear him. Yami just nodded and disappeared again.
- Oh, will you calm down already! It's annoying! - said Eriza while holding ChibiChibi in her arms.
Sorry...Hick! Here, I'm stopping...Hick!
- Hey Eriza! - Yugi called for her.
- What is it?
- He'll be here soon, I know it. - Yugi smiled tenderly but yet unsure if he should have said that. But when Eriza responded with a smile, he continued with more confidence – But until he doesn't come, me, Yami, my friends...all of us will support you.
- Well, thanks, glad to hear that. But I can take care of myself just fine. Even though, it's nice to know I have someone to rely on. But you take care of yourself, too, you hear me? I don't want you to become victim of those new enemies.
- Then let's do our best to keep each other safe!
When Eriza and Yugi shook hands, Tea stood up from behind the cherry tree. She was still holding Rebecca in her arms, her mouth still shut. When she finally reached the safe distance so those two can't hear them, Tea let go little blond girl.
- It was time already! I almost suffocated!
- Let's go, Rebecca.
- I already told you I'm not going anywhere! Haven't you seen...
- I don't care what will you do, but I'm going. She's not a threat at all.
- What the hell!? How can you know!? Maybe...
The rest of Rebecca's babble Tea didn't hear. Now she felt really bad for spying on them, she felt like she shouldn't have hear that story. And she could clearly hear how much pain and sadness was in Eriza's voice while she was talking about her beloved. Now she wanted to punch herself in the face.
But one thing was for sure: she'll also try to become good friend to Eriza, even though she knew she didn't have any powers and that she's unable to protect her, unlike Scouts or Yugi. But she'll try.
At that moment something big crushed in the middle of the amusement park, followed by lots of screams. Yugi and Eriza were confused at first, but they then heard Amara's voice from their communicators:
- Eriza! Yugi! Where are you?! We need your help! Those guys are here again!
- We're on our way, Amara!
After they nodded to each other, they started running. When they came on the place of attack, everyone was there, ready for battle. Instead of Yugi and Eriza, Yami and Hikari took over the scene. Yami was ready to call upon his monsters while Hikari hold her garnet necklace high up in the air:
- Sailor Power, Activate!
And the battle might begin...
- Useless! Useless! USELESS!
Queen Nehelenia rushed trough her throneroom, completely furious. On her way she shattered every mirror and every piece of glass she could find. Bakura and Alexia just stood in the middle of all that mess with their heads bowed in defeat.
They have been beaten, again! Since Alexia's attack wasn't successful, Bakura decided to go on his own this time. But there was way to many of them than he and his minions could handle. Damn those Sailor Scouts, they're really something.
- I DIDN'T RESURRACT YOU TO BE SO USELESS! - Nehelenia now threw huge pieces of the mirror on both of them. Even though they were bleeding really bad, they didn't say a word. Queen then finally returned to her throne, her eyes literally red from anger.
But then she took a deep breath and said in calm voice:
- But since I'm generous enough, I'll give you another chance.
She rose her hand and in the next moment there were two stones floating above her pale palm. One was black while the other was red. When black one flew over to Alexia and the red one to Bakura, both of them were able to see what's been carved into these stones. Three crescent moon symbols turned upside down, polar opposite from Moon Kingdom's crest. The same symbol was on Nehelenia's forehead. When two demons looked at her in confusion, she smirked and briefly explained:
- These are Dead Moon Seals. You'll be using them on Sailor Scouts so you can drain their energy without them even noticing it. They'll also give you enormous power to use, but not in a direct, physical way. You'll be able to play with their minds as much as you like instead.
Both Alexia and Bakura chuckled viciously, more than satisfied with the gift. Alexia then asked:
- What should we do after we put a seal on each of the Scouts?
- Patience, my dear. Patience...
And that's it for today, guys! If you enjoy my story or think I can improve some things, let me know by commenting or reviewing my story.
What is this plan Nehelenia came up with? Will our heroes be able to avoid it and win against the bad guys?
Find out in next chapter called The seal of Dark Moon.
I'm not sure when I'll be able to publish another chapter, but I'll try my best to write it as quickly as possible.
Thank you for your reading and I hope you'll have a wonderful day!
~*H.E.*~