The Seal of Dead Moon - Part 1

It's been almost a YEAR since I last updated this story like OMG! I'm sorry for the long delay, but just so much stuff happened in my life during this past year and I just didn't have time to work on new chapter or this story.

But, I'M BACK with new chapter and I hope you'll enjoy.

AUTHOR NOTES:

- I changed Arika's last name from Tsuyoku to Tsuyokumi and I'll probably do same thing with Shantell and Andoria in the future so you have been warned.

- I do not own nor Sailor Moon nor YuGiOh, they belong to their respective creators.

See you at the end of the chapter since there will be some info that might interest you. Anyway, enjoy your read :D

THE SEAL OF DARK MOON – Part 1

- Looks like it's finally my turn to duel you, eh, Eriza?

- Indeed, Mai, indeed.

Two girls smiled at each other and shook hands. Even though it was Hikari who already stepped in Eriza's place, there was no mistake: they both liked Mai Valentine.

- Oh, looks like your fans are here. I'd be best for me to take my leave.

Hikari looked behind her back just to see Yugi, his gang and Serena, Rini and the cats together with them. But then she heard Mai shouting from a distance:

- You better prepare yourself! My Harpy Ladies will not go easy on you just because we're friends!

Hikari showed thumbs up with a smug face, looking forward to a duel that was just about to begin.

- Hikari! Was that your opponent? - Serena asked once the bunch got closer.

- Yeah, she's great. After Mako, she's probably my favourite opponent so far. - Hikari giggled.

- I thought you met her before at the banquet, Serena? - Yugi asked with confused expression on his face.

- Eeeeeeh?! I did?! When?! I don't remember that!

- Yeah, she's not good at remembering faces. - Luna said with a sigh while sitting on Serena's shoulder.

- But I bet she knows exactly what she ate that day at the banquet, am I right, Serena? - said Rini with a smug face which caused the rest of the gang to start laughing. Serena's tantrum after that lasted for a while, but while mother and daughter had a fight, Tea asked Hikari:

- I thought rest of the girls are coming to cheer for you. Are they late?

- Ah, no no! I told them to cheer for Arika since I can't. Her duel is just about to start. Andoria and Shantell are also with them.

- Who's she dueling? - Joey asked.

Hikari stopped for a second, glancing at Eriza's spirit right next to her. When pink-eyed girl nodded, Hikari said:

- Alexia Roxelani

The moment her name crossed Hikari's lips, all of the racket stopped immediately. Joey and Tristan gulped when they heard the name while girls and cats just frowned.

I'm still curious about that whole relationship between Eriza, Scouts and Alexia, said Atem in Yugi's thoughts.

You're not the only one who's curious, Pharaoh.

Indeed, since that little glaring incident at the banquet, no one has seen Alexia. Yugi only heard she was winning her way to the top without much problem and that was truly frightening even though Yugi did the same but with much less of a fuss.

Today, on a forth day since the beginning of the tournament, the duels of quarterfinals were about to occur. Beside Yugi, in quarterfinals there were also, Eriza, Arika, Alexia, Kaiba, Mai and other ten duelists. And the regular match in this time of competition was around forty five to an hour long.

This is going to be a long day.

- Will she be okay against her? - Rini questioned in a low voice while holding Diana in her arms.

- Ah, don't worry, Rini! That anger Arika feels towards Alexia might come in handy in this situation. Trust me, anger is Arika's fuel!

The tense atmosphere was a bit calmed down, but Yugi was still able to see Eriza's real expression: she was dead worried for her friend. And for a reason, too...

- Hey, Eriza! Are you coming down or what?!

Hikari, Yugi and gang turned their heads towards the field where Mai was already waiting for her opponent.

- Ah, sorry girl! I'm coming right away! - said Hikari with smile on her face.

Each one of the gang, including cats, wished her luck and Hikari was finally able to move towards her platform on he field.

While she was walking towards the passage, she took a glimpse at the monitor at the arena's roof.

All duels were about to start, so was the one between Alexia and Arika. Hikari gulped while Eriza clenched her fists.

Please, Arika, be okay...

- Damn... that was good.- was only thing Joey could say after Eriza's duel ended.

Eriza defeated Mai fair and square, still having 500 life points after the end of the duel. Moreover, Mai really didn't hold back. Her harpies attacked fearlessly, her amazoness warriors ruled over the field, she even summoned her famous Pet Dragon out on the field, but it was still not enough to beat Eriza and her protectors.

Upgrading Sailor Moon by Holy Grail, now Super Sailor Moon was worthy opponent to her harpies and Pet Dragon, but using special magic card on the cats was what concluded the duel, with both Luna and Artemis turning into their human forms and launching a fierce attack so Super Sailor Moon can finish the job with her Rainbow Moon Heart Ache.

Everyone who was cheering for Eriza on upper floors were swept away by intensity of the duel. Serena and Rini were louder than usual, finally jumping in happiness when Mai's life points hit zero. But that intensity that was created on the field by those two female duelists made Yugi glad he didn't have to separate them or anything, they were absolutely terrifying.

But as they made their exit from the battle arena, Eriza was reverted back to her normal self with ChibiChibi sitting on her shoulder and she was casually talking to Mai like they didn't just face off in an intense duel.

Yugi joined his gang and two pony-tailed girls in congratulating to Eriza while still being under impression of yet another magnificent victory of his dear friend.

- Well, I'll be going now. That was a great duel, my girl. I'm treating you a drink next time I see you. - said Mai, trapping black-haired girl in a tight hug while messing her hair on the scalp.

- Sure thing, blonde. Hey, watch the hair!

Mai giggled and waved a hand to others and leaving the stadium.

- Riz, that was amazing! Sailor Scouts really rock!

- Yes we are! - Serena said proudly.

- Some of us more than another...- Rini murmured but her future mother was able to hear every single word.

- Hey, what's that supposed to mean, you short-stuff?

Another argument around the corner managed to capture gang's attention while Yugi walked up to Eriza who was fixing her ponytails after Mai's ruffle attack.

- That was magnificent victory indeed. - said spiky-haired boy with a tender smile.

She was a great opponent! I didn't have so much fun in a while now!, said ChibiChibi while climbing onto Eriza's head.

- She likes to exaggerate, but it's true, Mai's great.

We know her for three years now, am I right, Yugi?, Atem suddenly appeared next to his protage who just nodded at that statement. But just when both of them were about to say something, Eriza's face turned paper-pale as she was looking at something in the distance. Yugi turned his head just so his heart could skip a beat.

Arika looked like she came from a battlefield, her head bowed, clenching strongly onto her deck of cards. Shantell and Andoria, followed by eight Scouts in civilian clothes, had same depressed expression on their faces. Gang soon noticed the girls coming up closer, Rini and Serena stopping their argument right away.

Arika walked up to Eriza and just hugged her tightly, without a word. Eriza could feel taller girl trembling while something warm fell on Eriza's bare shoulder.

No one needed to ask what happened. Everyone knew.

Arika was defeated.

By Alexia Roxelani.

- I couldn't... I couldn't win. She's... a monster... - said Arika between the sobs. Eriza put one arm around her friend's waist while she burried other in her curly brown hair, trying to calm her down.

Yugi and Atem moved away from them and turned in opposite direction. Scouts were giving information to his friends of what happened.

- Alexia had control over duel the whole time.

- There was no chance of winning at all. - Shantell explained and Amy to Rebecca.

- Arika was so confident, but that didn't help her win.

- I'm sure that crushed her even more – Raye and Mina were whispering to Tea who was shaking her head on brink of tears herself.

- Not even her strongest card, Ice Dragon Orion, didn't help her to win even though she managed to summon him somehow.

- It was so painful to watch that beautiful dragon being crushed by Alexia's Queen of Hell. - Lita and Andoria explained to Tristan and Joey.

There were also Amara and Michelle talking to Serena and Rini while Hotaru explained Bakura what happened.

In next moment, Trista appeared next to Yugi and Atem, explaining them what happened at the end of the duel.

Apparently, Arika was playing very good, she managed to stand up against Alexia's strategy but it wasn't enough since Alexia planned it all. And humiliation Arika suffered when her precious dragon was defeated was unbearable. And Alexia's speech afterwards was what finished her off...

- So, you ran away to Eriza for comfort like a little brat, eh, Tsuyokumi?

A cold female voice urged Yugi to turn around.

And there she was, Alexia Roxelani in all her coldness and gracefulness, her long black dress flying around her. Her younger sister Victoria was beside her, pulling her sister's skirt:

- Hey, sis. Let's go, please. - girl whispered, but Alexia just shook her off her skirt and made few steps forward, her high heels resounding trough arena. Eriza made a movement like she wants to protect Arika from her cold eyes, but Alexia was double her size and Yugi could see Eriza is trembling with fear as she watched her right in the eyes.

- Alexia, please, now is not the time... - Shantell came forward with a calm voice, but Alexia cut her off:

- This is none of your business, brainiac. I was talking to that excuse for a duelist Tsuyokumi Arika that is crying on this midget's shoulder.

- Listen, you...! - Andoria took a fierce step forward but Lita and Tristan stopped her by holding both her wrists to keep her from moving. Alexa shot her with eyes cold as glacier, sending shivers down everyone's spine.

- It's okay, Andoria. I'll handle her somehow. - said Arika after she finally straightened up and wiped her tears away. Still sobbing, she slowly turned towards Alexia, her warm brown eyes meeting Alexia's cold blue.

- What the hell do you want now? You won so leave me alone already. Didn't you say enough in the arena?

On Alexia's face showed up a cold smirk:

- I didn't think someone with your intelligence would catch up on that. Do you finally understand how much I'm better than you in every single aspect?

- You're better in dueling, but in other fields you totally suck. Aside from your little sister, no one likes you! No, no, they're afraid of you!

- It's better that way than hanging around with losers such as yourselves.

- But you didn't mind it in the past, am I right? Miss Noble-ass?

Alexia's eyebrow twitched on that question.

Yugi was now completely confused.

She didn't mind it in the past?

- Victoria, let's go. - said Alexia after sending another poisonous smirk in Arika's direction.

But no one suspected what will happen next.

In one brief moment, Eriza ran up to Alexia, catching girl's attention by calmly calling her name. When brunette turned around, Eriza jumped and slapped her left cheek so hard it echoed trough the whole stadium.

In a moment of shock Alexia was confused, but her hand came back flying to Eriza's left cheek which landed shorter girl on the ground.

Eriza didn't allow herself to be distracted but slapped Alexia twice in both cheeks after what Alexia repeated the same. Eriza then jumped again, shoving her fingers in Alexia's long brown hair, pulling it strongly. Alexia was soon on the floor with her own hands pulling Eriza's ponytails.

Girls were squirming on the floor, Alexia trying to toss Eriza away, but Eriza was pulling Alexia's hair strongly while tightening the grip of her legs around brunette's waist. Eriza was growling with rage while Alexia panted and tried to push her away.

All of that was happening in the brink of just a few seconds and none of them seemed to give up.

Boys, Lita included, ran up to Eriza and tried to move her away from Alexia, but short girl was stubborn and strong like a bull in her blind rage. Joey, Tristan, Bakura, Yugi and Lita were all needed to remove her and they barely managed to hold a grip around her arms and legs.

And even though she was few meters from Alexia now, who was barely able to sit with help of her bodyguards, Eriza wasn't done with her tantrum:

- WHAT THE HELL DO YOU KNOW, YOU BITCH!? WE WERE PERFECTLY FINE FOR YOU WHEN YOU HAD TO RUN AWAY FROM HOME AND YOUR SADISTIC FATHER, BUT AS SOON AS YOU INHERITED HIS MONEY YOU TOSSED US ASIDE! WE ALL MAY BE LOSERS, BUT AT LEAST WE ARE NOT HYPOCRATES LIKE YOU!

Eriza was finally out of breath and strength, collapsing on the floor with boys and Lita still holding onto her. Yugi could feel she's still tense and he refused to let go of her right hand.

- It's all right, just breathe now, Riz. - Joey said with calm voice.

- Raye, go ask for first aid kit, her nose is bleeding! - Lita called while holding Eriza around her waist.

- Let's hope her nose isn't broken, Alexia punched her pretty hard. - Bakura commented while holding onto her left arm.

Everything beyond that point was blurry in Yugi's mind. Girls were jumping around Eriza trying to see how badly she's injured. Alexia's bodyguards did the same to their boss, but she was too pissed to let them fix her. When Serena and Mina tried to help her themselves, rich girl shouted something in absolute rage and left the stadium.

Then security arrived.

And Kaiba together with them.

Paramedics also arrived shortly.

All of that mess and shouting caused a complete silence in Yugi's head, he was under too much of a shock. The only thing that was ringing in his head was one sentence.

We were fine for you before, weren't we?

That was really shocking scene. I never thought Eriza was capable of something like that, Atem said while walking beside Yugi in centre of Domino.

It' been only few hours after the incident that whole town knew about by now. After Kaiba investigated, he delayed Alexia's and Eriza's duel for one day which made the competition one day longer than expected.

As he was informed, Eriza had a lot of scratches on her face and few bruises on her body, but any major injuries were avoided. But Yugi was sure Alexia is in much worse state than his friend.

- Yeah, I couldn't believe it myself. Who knows how all of it would've end if we didn't split them up.

Pharaoh just nodded next to him before asking:

Do you know how other girls feel about this all?

Yugi just shook his head.

- I mean, Serena told me Eriza and Alexia have some kind of past, but even she wasn't told anything about it. Same goes for other scouts.

Yami seemed pretty in thought and Yugi chuckled.

- You must have lached on the same thing I did.

I think I did. I mean, this whole secret behind their past relationship could help us in solving our current monster-attack-situation.

But before Yugi could agree to that statement, he noticed a familiar figure in the park he was about to pass trough.

There she was, sitting on one of the swings with an absent-minded expression, starring in the sky full of rain clouds.

- Eriza? What are you doing here?

Pink-eyed girl seemed surprised when someone called out her name, but her face relaxed the moment she saw Yugi and Pharaoh walking up to her.

- Just sitting here and waiting rain. I like the smell of rain. - she replied, swinging herself casually.

Yugi sat on a swing next to hers, not moving his eyes from the girl for a moment. She had plasters all over her face and her nose was still bruised, but beside that, she seemed okay.

- How's everyone? How's Arika?

She's still depressed, but no worries, she's like a beast! She'll recover soon!, answered ChibiChibi instead.

- Who asked you anything? - Eriza growled and then turned head towards Yugi – What she said, don't worry about it. But this really crushed her confidence. I was sure her deck will be able to stand against Alexia's, but I guess both of us had it wrong.

- You don't have to blame yourself for that. Everyone makes mistakes, but we learn from it. - Yugi tried to sound comforting which only made Eriza chuckle.

- Don't worry, she'll probably ask me to duel her tomorrow again. She was moping whole day and ate a ton of food, but I guess that's her way of forgetting about everything that happened today.

Eriza's face suddenly tensed. She clenched her fists around swings' handles and bit her lip. Then she said in low voice:

- I'm sorry you had to see that. It was really bad what I did, but I don't know what happened at that moment. I just felt like punching her stoic face.

Rain started falling at that exact same moment.

- Ah, Eriza! Come here, we'll be soaked!

Yugi stood up and took Eriza's hand in his. They run up to a small wooded installation that reminded of a tent and sat under it. Just then it really started coming down.

For quite a while both of them didn't say a word, but then Yugi said:

- Don't feel ashamed because of how you reacted. I was surprised, that's for sure, but Alexia was really rude towards you and other girls.

If it wasn't you who jumped on her I'm sure Arika or Andoria would, Yami commented. That made all four of them chuckle just when they heard familiar voices screaming.

- I told you to bring umbrella, you big dummy! Now we're completely soaked and we lost them!

- Don't blame me, you little twerp!

Soon both Rini and Serena were stared at by Yugi and Eriza and both of their companions. Two bun-headed girls could just laugh nervously after being revealed.

Come here, you two! You'll catch a cold!, said ChibiChibi beckoning them to come in the shelter.

When they finally sat down, Eriza gave them a death stare:

- You were following me, weren't you?

- Sorry, Eriza! We were really worried when you suddenly said you're going out! - Rini was looking at her with her famous puppy-dog-eyes.

- We were afraid you'll finish your job or something! We don't want you to become a murderer! - Serena hugged her, squishing Rini in the process, but Eriza shoved her away:

- Don't hug me, you dummy, you're all wet!

Both Yugi and Atem looked a three girls conversing with childish smile on their faces. Serena did told him they didn't know each other for long, but their bond was really something special...

Yugi, do you feel it?, Atem sounded tense.

Just then, shivers went down Yugi's spine. What the...

- Serena! Rini! There's trouble! - another familiar voices came trough pouring rain. Soon, they saw Mina and Amy running up to them with their umbrellas.

- Eriza, good you're here... - Amy started while panting after running for who knows how long, but it was already too late.

- Oh, looks like I caught a pretty bunch in one place. Not that bad!

Group turned around, trying to find a source of unfamiliar vicious voice that just spoke to them. Few moments passed and they weren't able to find anything suspicious. Just when Mina opened her mouth to say something, Yugi felt an unknown and powerful force pulling him in the air and same happened to others. In the next moment, they all dissolved into a thin air.

Next thing Yugi remembered was being surrounded by darkness. A heavy feeling clenched around his heart and he was barely able to take a breath. He knew this feeling of panic way too good...

We're in Shadow Realm again!

Yugi could hear Atem shouting something, but it was too hard for him to keep his consciousness and he just let the shadows take all of his energy...

In the next moment, Yugi felt as though a big burden was taken off his chest. With a feeling of relief, he looked around himself just to realize that Pharaoh switched places with him.

- I should have done this right away when I felt where we are. I'm sorry. - Atem said in apologetic voice.

You don't have to apologize, I'm the one who gave up fighting the shadows!

Just when Atum was about to say something, they both heard heavy breathing and panting not so far from them. When they turned their heads, girls were on the brink of losing their consciousnesses too. Eriza was struggling to take a breath while leaning on her knees and hands. Serena, Amy and Mina were laying on the ground and coughing from lack of air in their lungs while Rini already lost her consciousness.

- Girls, you have to change into your Scout forms! - said Yami while helping Eriza getting up since she was the only one who could do it for them. She didn't say anything but just nodded and clenched her fist around garnet. She didn't even have to tell the enchantment, Hikari took over her body on her own.

When she was able to speak again, Hikari picked up Rini from the ground and tried to awake her while saying:

- Hold on for just a moment girls, you all have to be conscious to transform.

After Hikati lightly shook Rinis' head, girl started blinking. Mina was the closest to them and also in good enough shape to hold onto Rini while Hikari took four Scout cards from her deck.

- Scout Power, Activate! - Hikari shouted the enchantment, releasing magical energy of four Scouts. Soon enough, girls were able to stand up on their own.

- What the hell is this place? - Venus asked as soon as she could speak normally again.

- You weren't very far from truth, Venus. - said Yami with serious tone.

When girls looked at him and his partner who stood beside in his spirit form, Yami explained:

- This place is called Shadow Realm and it's been known since the time I was a Pharaoh. The games we played in my era were extremely risky and usually the one who would lose the duel would lost his soul to the Shadow Realm. This is realm of darkness where countless souls have been trapped ever since then. Souls that are trapped here can never find their way out and will eventually be devoured by shadows. But recently, the duels like those in ancient times started to occur again and are played in this very realm. Me and Yugi dueled in Shadow Realm on several occasions and we barely made it back.

For some time girls stood there with expression of utter panic on their faces.

- Does this mean... we... we died?! - Sailor Moon asked with tears in her eyes.

No! No, we're not dead!, Yugi exclaimed and tried to calm the situation down.

- Not yet at least, am I right? - asked Hikari with serious expression.

Yami just nodded and added:

- If we have been sent here, that must mean someone wants to duel us...

- How very perceptive of you, Your Highness!

Everyone turned towards familiar voice from few moments ago while they still were in normal world. But what they saw baffled them.

There, few feet away from them, stood Alexia Roxelani... or someone who was her twin sister or a doppelganger of some sort.

Eriza could see very well that was not Alexia even though she looked scarily similar to her. Her hair was indeed brown as mahogany but was very wavy and tied in messy ponytail. She had tanned skin and dark marks under her eyes that looked like tears rolling down her cheeks. Her outfit was minimal and made of leather and so slutty Eriza was sure real Alexia would never wear it. But what made her sure that this person is not the one she looks like were her deep, crimson eyes.

- Who the hell are you and what do you want with us?! - asked Venus while standing in front of Sailor Moon together with Sailor Mercury.

- I'm surprised you didn't mention me, eh, Eriza dear? It breaks my heart. - woman made dramatic gesture, but then giggled viciously, - Oh, I'm sure you know me, dear! You fought me few months ago, haven't you? Too bad that vassal of mine was so weak.

- Don't tell me... - Hikari put one hand on her mouth and made step back.

That must be her. The demon who possessed Alexia during their first duel. The one that was born out of Alexias' desire for power, greed and pride.

- I thought I banished you for good. Why can't you leave us alone?!

The rest of company was completely confused, but now it wasn't time nor place to explain all in detail. The fact is that this demon has brought them here in order to duel them. And both Scouts and Yami were more than ready for that outcome.

- Why leaving you alone when it is such a fun watching that panic on your face, little spirit of the garnet.

Hikari growled, but Yami interfered with her further response:

- What kind of game do you want to play with us?

- Well, looks like your reputation proceeds you, my Pharaoh. You really are very keen to anything connected to games. - woman giggled again, - Do not worry, I'll explain everything. But first let me introduce myself: until this point, I was known as Yami Alexia, but I much more like my old name. Please, do call me Hei.- when she bowed to the Pharaoh in mocking way, Hikari stepped next to him, ready to listen to any request Hei had.

- So, we were brought here just to play your stupid game?

- Stupid? Oh my, Hikari dear, now I'm really offended – Hei giggled again – Yes, you do have to play my stupid game or else you won't get out of here alive. Actually, who says you'll even return?! - with that last line, she bursted into evil laughter.

- You're really going on my nerves! Say what do you want to say already! - shouted Sailor Moon now completely annoyed.

- Please, pay attention my dear princess of the Moon, you may not be able to understand it – Hei giggled again and then put on a vicious smirk – Okay, since I see all of you are really nervous and impatient, I'll start explaining the rules of the game.

In an instant, the group found themselves in the middle of a game field of some kind, with two squares on one side of the field and one square across them. When Hei headed over to the other side of the field and stood into singular square, she beckoned Yami and Hikari to do the same on their side. When they did, she started explaining:

- The stakes of the game are rather simple: you win, you get to escape this haunted dimension. You lose, you lose your life and your precious pendants belong to me along with spirits that reside in them and their magical powers. Deal? - but she didn't wait for the answer. - So then, the type of game and rules we play by: it's rather easy actually, it's sort of like ancient Egyptian ritual game, but with some of the rules changed for this occasion. So, each of you gets to choose 4 monsters from your decks that will act as your protectors in this game. Since Hikari already choose her players, it's only on Yami to decide on his. However, since it is one against two, I get to choose eight monsters that will act as my protectors. Also, when you decide on your monsters, shuffle your deck and draw cards so you can pick up first three magic cards and first trap card that you get. If you take out a monster, put it at the bottom of your deck since you won't need it today. After you did it, put your deck back in their cases and give them to your protectors so that each of them gets one.

Hei then stopped talking and beckoned them to do their stuff. Yami took out his deck and started choosing monsters together with Yugi. Hikari shuffled her deck and took out three spell cards and one trap, just as instructed. She then gave one spell to Mercury, Venus and Moon while Mini Moon got the trap card. Cards immediately merged with them and were waiting to be used in future.

Yami in the end choose four magicians to be his protectors: his always loyal Dark Magician, his partner Dark Magician Girl, a powerful Magician of the Black Chaos and in the end the Silent Magician from Yugis' deck. He also did what he was said with spells and traps and gave trap card to Chaos magician while rest of them got spells. Hei then continued explaining the rules:

- So then, since you did your part of the deal, now to the rules: above your heads will appear four circles that will show how much of energy each of your protectors has left for fight. The goal of this game is simple. We have to destroy protectors from opponents side before they destroy us. Do it however you want, by fighting alone or in the team. This is now a battlefield.

Hikari and Yami looked at each other and nodded, confirming they will work together to win this one...

- Oh, but there is one other addition to this game... - Hei giggled viciously.

In that moment, heavy chains of the underworld emerged from the ground and wrapped around Yami's and Hikari's arms, legs and torso. Rusty links were painful on their skin, already making bruises. But that wasn't the only thing that emerged from the ground. Glass walls surrounded both Yami and Hikari, trapping them inside of a glass boxes.

So that's why had to step into squares...

All of it happened so fast protectors didn't have time to react. Sailor Moon and Dark Magician started kicking glass walls of their master's cages, but glass was unbreakable.

- Don't even try to smash the glass, it's a useless effort.

- What is the meaning of this, you old witch?! - shouted Mini Moon.

Ignoring the fact that she's been called old witch, Hei giggled and said:

- Why, this is the best part of this game! Each time one of you protectors gets hurt, chains around your master's body will tighten their grip and the glass boxes will start filling with water. If you want to save them, better not allow yourselves to get a direct hit by my monsters. Or you can watch your friends die from blood loss or from drowning. It's your choice.

Super Sailor Moon clenched her fists. Why does it have to be like this?! Why do Eriza and Yugi have to suffer like this?! Why them?!

Do not be afraid, protector of the Moon.

Sailor Moon's head straitened when she heard unknown male voice in her head. She instinctively turned her head towards Dark Magician.

- Is that you?

Man in purple armour just nodded and continued:

All four of us shall assist you in this quest.

Other three magicians just nodded or smiled. Then, Dark Magician girl stood behind Sailor Mini Moon, Chaos magician behind Sailor Venus, Silent Magician behind Sailor Mercury and Dark Magician behind Sailor Moon. Scouts just exchanged looks and then said in one voice:

- Bring it on!

Without saying anything, Hei just pulled off to shadows, revealing her protectors.

Eight glass statues. Without any recognizable characteristics beside basic human body features. Statues didn't even have a face which made them extra creepy. Sailor Moon gulped at the sight, feeling like she saw them somewhere before.

Statues didn't really seem to move which really annoyed Sailor Venus. In the end, she said:

- If they don't intend to move and fight, then I'll just smash them all at once! Venus love and beauty shock!

Just as expected, all eight of statues smashed after Venuses strongest attack and everything seemed finished... but then shards started to vibrate in the thin air.

They formed eight exact glassy replicas of Sailor Venus. Out of shock, Venus didn't manage to move a muscle and her own Love and beauty shock almost hit her... if there wasn't Chaos Magician who blocked part of the attack.

In the end all of protectors ended up with scratches and bruises from reflected attack, causing Hikari and Yami to groan in pain as chains tightened around their bodies. Water also started filling their glassy cages and in came up to their ankles.

DO YOU UNDERSTAND NOW THAT THERE IS NO WAY YOU WILL EVEN WIN?! - Hei's voice echoed throughout the empty horizon of Shadow realm.

If you attack my monsters, they will automatically copy your attacks and reflect it. Now, just be good and say you will hand over your pendants!

Sailor Moon fell on her knees, feeling completely helpless. She promised Eriza she will protect her. She promised Yugi she'll protect him. And she was unable to do so. She's a complete failure:

- Sailor Moon! Don't you dare give up, you hear me?! I believe in you. WE believe in you.

Sailor Moon looked towards glassy boxes. Despite pain, Hikari and Eriza were smiling, their eyes were shining. Yami and Yugi nodded, with eyes full of hope and encouragement.

- Stand up, Sailor Moon. You know we always win in the end. We will win this battle too. - said Sailor Venus while lending her hand to help Moon up on her legs again. She had big scratch on her cheek that was still bleeding, but she was still smiling.

- We will find the way to stop Hei and save Yami and Hikari. - Mercury said in determined voice.

- Besides, we have these amazing guys on our side! - Mini Moon showed on four magicians, causing Dark Magician Girl to jump because little scout was just too adorable and she just had to hug her as tight as she could.

ENOUGH WITH THE CHITCHAT! Are we fighting or not?!

- YES! - shouted all in the same voice.

We'll definitely win this. With our teamwork, we definitely will...

And that concludes this chapter. I hope you enjoyed it. If you did or if you think I could improve on something, please let me know in the reviews.

As for the news promised at the beginning, here they go:

× I'll start countdown until the last chapter is released. Right now there are 10 more chapters until the end of this story.

× The next chapter, The Seal of Dead Moon - Part 2 should be released between April 7th and May 12th this year, depending on my university work and how much my schedule will be crammed.

× During this year I should probably come up with a REAL cover for this story so no worries.

Thank you so much for reading my story, I hope you enjoy it and have a nice day!

~*H.E.*~