Hi there! I know, I know, I said I'd publish much earlier, but university work didn't really ask for my opinion on the matter. xD Okay, thank you for waiting. I have few AUTHOR NOTES:
- I completely forgot to use those cards that were given to magicians and scouts in previous chapter, but I'll remember to use them in future chapters. Tehehe #DumbAF
- I'm sorry if reupload is taking so long, but I had some problem with my beta, but I'm working on it.
- This chapter is not proof-read so I apologize in advance for any spelling or grammatical errors.
- I don't own neither Sailor Moon nor YuGiOh, they belong to their mangakas.
That would be all and please enjoy your read.
SEAL OF DARK MOON – PART II
This wasn't good. Not good at all.
Right after Sailor Venus's attack was reflected back at them, seven out of eight glass statues returned to their original forms. Last one stayed in its battle position with cunning and creepy smile on its face. Looking back at glass cages her friends were trapped, Sailor Moon noticed numbers above their heads.
3600.
- This looks like real duel monsters battle, but without holograms. – Mini Moon commented, her voice trembling before she gulped.
Sailor Moon had to agree. Few moments ago Scouts barely escaped attack, all thanks to magicians. But they still received damage which reflected on "life points" of Yami and Hikari.
And even though both of them encouraged her to fight and told her that they believe in her with all of their might, Sailor Moon felt panic slowly catching up to her.
- Please, everyone, calm down. – Mercury said in serious voice, her pocket computer in her hands. If nothing else, seeing Mercury like this gave Sailor Moon new type of encouragement.
- I assume they will change again if we attack. But if we don't attack them, we will never get out of here alive. I need you all to attack rest of the statues, I just have to see if my theory is correct. Can you do that?
- You bet! – Venus replied with thumbs up.
- Right on it! – ponytailed girls nodded in response. Magicians just nodded, taking their battle stand.
- Okay, here is the plan. Sailor Moon and Sailor Venus together with Dark Magician and Chaos Magician, attack four random statues. Silent Magician, Mini Moon and Dark Magician Girl, stay on alert in case you have to defend glass cages.
Everyone nodded once again and rushed to attack.
Sailor Moon expected to hit one of statues easily, but the moment she came closer to it, statue just disappeared into thin air, causing Sailor Moon to fall on her palms and make flip forward. When she finally landed on cold ground, her knees hurt so badly, but she couldn't allow her crybaby self to take control. Not now!
Sailor Venus and Chaos Magician were of same luck, them being a bit more agile than Sailor Moon, but it was still confusing. What the hell is happening here…?
Sound of shattering glass made all three attackers turn their heads. There he was, Dark Magician, smashing one of statues with his huge staff. But as expected, shards started to accumulate and created an exact copy of Dark Magician.
There was no time to react. Everything happened way to fast.
Dark Magician, who was closest to his clone, got struck by his own green beam of light and catapulted across the field. Chaos Magician was the one who shielded Sailor Venus, but they both still got beamed by that strong magic. Sailor Moon herself felt terrible rush of pain in her stomach when beam struck her. She barely rose her head with a groan, holding the place she got beamed. Ouch, this… really hurts… ow…
But her own self-whining got stopped by synchronized screams of pain. Yami and Hikari.
All eight fighters looked towards glass cages, panic in their eyes was easily detected. Chains that bind their friends got tighter around their limbs, causing painful pressure on their skin, even through clothes. Water level rose too and cold water now almost reached their knees.
Sailor Moon had to fight the urge to run towards cage, despite her own painful body. But determined looks on faces of two trapped ones stopped her.
- I think I got something. – Mercury proclaimed. Everyone jolted and turned their heads towards blunette.
- They started avoiding you on purpose so that they'd be able to surprise like this. Be careful with that from now on. Also, looks like these statues aren't that almighty as we thought. According to my calculations, each statue can copy only ONE power of only ONE of us.
- That's a relief at least. – Venus commented, helping her princess back on her feet.
- What now, Mercury? – Mini Moon asked while getting closer to her companion, Dark Magician Girl.
- We don't have other choice, we all have to attack rest of statues to that we know which one has who's power. That's the only way we can even hope to win this shadow game. Everyone, attack! I'll do the same as soon as I start scanning further.
With one exchange of looks, everyone nodded and rushed to attack once again.
It was really hard to attack rest of statues. They would disappear and reappear on different places across the field, making everyone confused and annoyed. Adding attacks of statues that already picked up powers of Sailor Venus and Dark Magician, this was almost mission impossible.
First one who managed to crush one statue was Sailor Mini Moon. Even though she expected for statue to come together again, it still happened to fast and she was unable to move away from the beam shot out by duplicated kaleidoscope. Same happened to Chaos Magician who got beamed by his own black thunder. But despite those heavy attacks, they both stood on their own feet soon enough to go back to battle.
Silent Magician was next who managed to shatter glass statue. But when it looked like he'll be struck by his own staff, Dark Magician blocked attack and got struck instead of him. On the other side of the field, same happened to Mercury. After destroying one of statues with her Aqua Rhapsody, attack was reflected was too soon on her, but this time it was Venus who took over damage for her.
In back everyone could hear Hikari and Yami scream in agony again, but all of them were way too busy with defending themselves and others to even turn their heads towards glass cages.
Chains tightened even more around their limbs, ripping though their clothes and squeezing their skin painfully. Water now rose above their knees and both of them were unable to feel their toes because of how cold water was.
We have to finish this fast, thought Mercury before checking her scanning results. Oh…
Her flow of thought got interrupted by a fierce hit in the head, sending her blue goggles flying and knocking her down on the ground. Hitting her head on a hard ground, Mercury felt sharp pain on the back of her head.
- Mercury! – she could hear collective screams of other Scouts, realizing she got his by Venus's duplicate. So this is the feeling of being struck by love and beauty…
Silent Magician was the first one to come to her aid, helping her up. Luckily, there was no blood, but Mercury still felt quite dizzy, unable to focus her eyesight for few seconds.
Mercury could see that all of statues got transformed which explained why her pocket computer went nuts with its results. Okay, now to organize this…
Before she even managed to move a finger, she and Silent Magician got attacked again, this time by Dark Magician Girl's duplicate. Silent Magician threw himself on Mercury, shielding her with his body and taking all the damage to himself. Mercury was too shocked to move, but Magician then nodded while groaning in pain which made her look back to computer screen.
Whole checking maybe lasted for minute, maybe less, but in that time, both Sailor Moon and Dark Magician Girl managed to get beamed by statues, making their "points" drop to 200.
When Mercury looked up again, everyone was exhausted, with cuts and bruises all over their bodies and faces. Another painful scream came from glass cages. Chains around Yami's and Hikari's tightened even more, making the skin under them white and tense from amount of pressure. Water now reached their upper thighs and both of them started trembling because of how freezing water was.
Their points now counted 2400.
- Everyone, can you still stand? – Mercury called out while being supported by Silent Magician who was also barely standing on his own.
When everyone let out painful groan, Mercury somehow managed to straighten her back and start talking:
- According to my scans, all of these statues, once changed, have weak points. I should be able to calculate it in a minute, please stay put-
A tiny arrow hit Mercury's pocked computer and smashed screen into thousand pieces. When everyone shouted on disbelief, Hei started laughing:
Hahahahaha! You really thought I'd let you off that easily? I'm so sorry, but using computers isn't by the rules.
- Why you! Just wait until I get up there! You're done for! – Venus shouted, ready to jump and kill Hei with her own two hands, but luckily Sailor Moon and Chaos managed to keep her in place.
Threaten as much as you want, my dear. You're still no match for me.
Venus growled with anger, but Mercury then spoke up again:
- Everyone, please calm down. It's okay, we can do this even without my computer.
- But how? You were always looking at that thingie for everything! – Mini Moon whined.
- True and this is perfect opportunity to use my own brain in battle. Have you forgotten who I am? – Mercury smiled, half-tenderly, half-smugishly. Even though it wasn't perfect moment for that, Mini Moon still smiled on that statement.
- Okay, listen. I think I know already where their weak points might be, but I have to be absolutely sure. Silent Magician, will you assist me?
Pale magician just nodded, gripping tightly onto his staff.
Sailor Moon observed two fighters, noticing how intensely they stare at each other, as if they somehow communicate.
Mercury and Silent Magician suddenly rushed forward, causing statues to move too. Some of them ran away while others attacked, but this time both Mercury and Silent Magician were fast enough to dodge attacks.
Not even other fighters were sure who will these two attack first, they were rushing around the field, seemingly without a plan, but then an unexpected happened.
Mercury released her Aqua Rhapsody so fast no one was able to see where the attack has headed to. When it seemed as if attack will disappear without hitting anything, statue that replicated Sailor Mercury herself appeared in front of water beam and got hit in the head, right between its eyes. Statue's head smashed into million pieces while rest of its body dissolved into dust and disappeared.
While other statues looked the way of their fallen comrade, Silent Magician made his move. Silently, he changed his positions back and forth to confuse opponents and then appeared behind Dark Magician's replica, stabbing it directly through chest. Statue's upper body completely fell apart while other parts turned into dust.
Other fighters were flabbergasted by speed and precision of their attacks, but there was no time to be fazed over it. Yugi and Eriza needed help a soon as possible.
- Choose one statue and kill it off! Don't be too obvious and confuse them. Also, think about your own weaknesses. That's how you'll be able to find their weak points. Hurry! – Mercury shouted.
Others nodded and charged forward, ready to finish this battle off.
Battle was fierce. Statues were running and attacking back and forth, fighters managing to dodge or block their attacks, but it was really uncertain who is taking the lead in that situation. Sailor Moon sat her eyes on one particular statue, one of Sailor Venus, the same one that hurt Mercury few minutes ago.
She won't get a second chance to do it!
She just had to destroy its face since power of Venus is connected to beauty, love and metal.
But before she could charge forward and confuse her victim, she heard shattering of glass. When she turned around, she saw Venus and Chaos Magician finishing off yet another statue, this one being Chaos's own duplicate. Glassy figure got cut in half and disappeared. Venus jumped with happiness, hugging stoic blue-skinned magician who didn't seem too surprised with contact.
Sailor Moon smiled, but then remembered her original plan. While she was running around the field, having Venus duplicate in the corner of her eye. She passed right beside Mini Moon and Dark Magician girl, who proceeded to destroy Silent Magician's duplicate by cutting his hands off.
Four more… we can do this!
Her heart racing in her chest, Sailor Moon made a sudden turn and took out her Kaleidoscope.
- Moon Gorgeous Meditation!
Venus's duplicate seemed surprised by sudden attack and when it seemed it'll be destroyed by a beam hitting its face, "Venus" just regenerated itself like nothing happened.
Sailor Moon gripped her Kaleidoscope, not understanding where she made a mistake. While she was contemplating her move she didn't notice another statue heading her way, that one being her own duplicate.
Sailor Moon rose her head, seeing cunning smirk on her duplicate's face, ready to hit her with all its might when a familiar purple figure appeared in front of her, blocking the attack. Groaning in pain, Dark Magician fell on his one knee, holding his staff firmly. Moon duplicate then retrieved and started searching for another victim.
But before Sailor Moon could even move, another blow came from her left, sending both her and Dark Magician flying. Barely holding onto her consciousness, Sailor Moon recognized Dark Magician Girl's duplicate, with evil smirk on its adorable face. Rising its duplicated staff, "Dark Magician Girl" shot yet another blow from very close distance.
With her last strength, Sailor Moon jumped, shielding Dark Magician with her own body.
- Sailor Moon, NO! – Venus screamed in pure rage and agony, releasing her chain to drive off the pesty statue.
- Sailor Moon! Can you hear me?! – Mercury, followed by Silent Magician, came and picked Sailor Moon in her arms. Sailor Moon was barely able to open her eyes, her whole body in pain.
- Mer-Mercury… Eriza and Yu-Yugi…
At that very moment, Yami and Hikari screamed again. Chains gripped around their limbs even tighter, making dark bruises on their skin. Water now reached their waists and they were shivering from pain and cold.
Trying their hardest to ignore their friends' desperate screams, rest of fighters managed to gather around injured ones. Rest of four statues circled around them like vultures waiting for their death so they can eat them deliciously.
- How is he? – Mercury asked Dark Magician Girl who held Dark Magician. Two tears fell from pretty girls' face while she shook her head.
- He-he too two blows in a row… - Sailor Moon said sitting up.
- So did you. Please, don't push yourself. – Venus said in concerned tone. Princess then rose her eyes to look at the Scout. Despite bruises, cuts and open wounds all over her face and body, her blue orbs were full of determination.
- I'll be fine. You go and destroy rest of these monsters. I'll take care of him just as he did for me.
Venus wanted to argue with her, but Mercury stopped her. Blonde warrior then nodded and joined Chaos Magician.
- Tactic is the same. Be faster, attack with more force and kill them all. – Mercury said in calm, but cold voice. Sailor Moon could tell she's on the edge too. Rest of warriors nodded and charged forward, in a final attempt of releasing themselves from this hellish realm.
Venus was scanning her surroundings, looking for one particular statue. There it is, Venus thought to herself. Her own duplicate was flying above Sailor Moon and injured Dark Magician with malicious smile on its face. You won't be smiling for much longer.
Venus charged forward, feeling Chaos Magician behind her back, following her every move. You know what to do, right?
Magician was now next to her, looking her in the eyes. One nod and he disappeared.
Venus then released her own Love-Me chain, warding off her duplicate away from her injured comrades. Statue seemed annoyed with her and showed its own chain, ready to fight.
- Come at me, you copycat! Show me what you've got!
Statue frowned in annoyance, swinging its chain towards Venus who blocked it with her own. Chains were clashing with each other, sparks flying all around them. It was hard to keep up the pace, but Venus didn't even think of giving up.
When it seemed she'll drop her own chain due to pain in her arms, Chaos Magician turned out of nowhere behind her duplicate, swinging his staff. In a moment, statue was decapitated. With surprised expression on its face statue started to fade away into thin air.
We won.
Mercury and Silent Magician had similar luck with Sailor Moon's duplicate. With good team work, telepathy and great speed they defeated glassy figure by piercing through its forehead, smashing its head into million pieces.
Two more to go.
- NO! WHY DID YOU DO THAT?!
Everyone turned towards desperate shout let out by Mini Moon. And there she was, shielded by Dark Magician Girl while being attacked by a duplicate of said girl.
No, no, no, no…
- Get away from them you monster! – Venus shouted, sending her chain off to ward off statue. At that moment, Dark Magician Girl fell on her knees and backwards, right into Mini Moon's lap.
- W-why did you do that?! You should've let me take the blow. It's my fault for being so slow! WHY? – Mini Moon cried, tears flowing endlessly from her face and dripping on magicians smiley face.
You are a princess. We can't let princess die, now can we?, Dark Magician Girl said while dissolving into nothing. Before she disappeared, Mini Moon squeezed her hand one last time, crying bitterly.
Everyone was shocked. Venus started crying while others bowed their head for their fallen comrade. But when they heard glassy steps behind them, everyone was ready to attack. What they didn't expect was Mini Moon's absolute rage.
Little girl stood up, summoning upon her own Kaleidoscope. Her red eyes, still overflowing with tears, were full of deep wrath and bloodthirsty wish to kill. With an ear-piercing scream, Mini Moon charged forward, releasing her full power:
- MOON GORGEOUS MEDITATION!
Two statues didn't expect this turn of event and they started running after realizing what an immerse power has been released. Dark Magician Girl's duplicate, however, was to slow. Not even being able to turn around and run, it was beamed right in the stomach. Force of the attack cut her in half and turned her into dust.
Mini Moon fell on her knees, breathing heavily. She herself couldn't believe she had such a power hidden inside of her, but she was still proud of herself. At least I avenged you…
Venus picked up poor girl in her arms, Mini Moon wrapping her hands around blonde warrior's neck, bursting into crying again.
But it was not time for stopping yet. Mini Moon's own duplicate was still on the loose. And at that moment no one could see it nor sense it, as if it just disappeared into thin air. Maybe it was caught into Mini Moon's Meditation and also dissolved…?
Oh, how wrong they were.
Out of spite and pure malice, little girls' duplicate materialized herself right behind Sailor Moon's back, cunning smirk on its face and with duplicate kaleidoscope in its hands. Mercury and Venus shouted, praying their princess turns around in time. In the corner of her eye, Sailor Moon could see the attacker. She moved forward, shielding injured Dark Magician, but kaleidoscope already started shooting put its powerful beam. Princess closed her eyes in anticipation of pain…
Counterattack happened as fast as the attack did.
In one smooth move, Chaos and Silent both blocked duplicated Meditation, Silent showing Sailor Moon to the ground. She fell with loud thud, seeing Dark Magician rising his own staff. Shooting out green beam of light, he hit both of statues legs, leaving it unable to move. With confused expression, last statue started dissolving, leaving only shiny dust on the ground.
It was over. It's all over.
They won.
Sailor Moon couldn't contain her emotions anymore. Tears just started flowing. They were safe again…
In next moment, everyone found themselves at the same place in the park where they were originally talking before Hei took them to Shadow Realm.
Serena was back to her civilian attire, so were Rini, Mina and Amy. Four cards were sitting right beside each of girls, all of them picking them up.
Just then girls heard a painful groan from the bushes.
- Oh no. – Venus choked out and ran towards the bushes.
There they were. Both Yugi and Eriza were now back to normal, their regular clothes ripped on their hands and legs, showing their dark purple bruises. Both of them were shivering and their lower bodies were dripping wet.
- Y-you w-won… I k-knew y-you w-would w-win. – Eriza chuckled despite shivering.
- Girls, help me out! We need to warm them up! – Mina yelled and other three girls took of their jackets, throwing them around their two friends.
- We're sorry for taking so long. –Amy said while wrapping Yugi in her jacket.
- We need to take you to hospital. These bruises seem serious! – Rini said to Eriza. Black-haired girl just shook her head:
- No need. When I get warmer I can heal us…
- Don't push yourself Eriza, please! – Yugi said with pleading eyes. Eriza just smiled and said:
- It's fine. This whole situation is my fault so I should take responsibility.
Few minutes later girls helped Yugi and Eriza walk away from the park, heading towards house scouts were staying in. They couldn't let Yugi's grandpa or friends see him like this.
Even though everything ended good for now, Yami couldn't shake off strange feeling he was having while following his protégé.
You did well, friend, ChibiChibi, who was sitting on his head, whispered as quieter as she could.
So did you.
We need to be on alert from now on. I have feeling things will only get worse from now on.
Yes, I agree, Yami said with worried face.
And they were right.
Even though both spirits could feel there is something wrong, they couldn't detect the source. No one noticed two magical seals, one on Mina's cheek and another on Amy's forehead. Invisible to the eye and with minimum of dark magical power, seal showing three upside-down moons promised even more trouble for our gang in the future…
And that would be all for this chapter, folks!
Hope you liked it! If you have any comment or complaint, please let me know in reviews.
There are 9 chapters left of this story so be patient, hopefully I'll finish it this year hahaha.
I'll try to publish another chapter by the end of June, when finals end so, again, please be patient.
Hope you have a wonderful day.
~*H.E.*~