Memoria

Another chappie eureka!

Note: Davida's name means 'Dearly Loved'

Enjoy!

Chapter 11: The Princess Who Adored Love…

Ladies with their partners danced elegantly to the strings of violins and winds of the flutes. It was a wondrous party and everyone had smiling faces. Those dearly in love held those they cherished close, dancing the night away. An abundance of dresses and top-notch suits adorned the ladies and gentlemen of the ballroom. Some sat chatting animatedly at small tables made of fine wood, they sipped from clear crystal glasses, and made merry all night long.
All were happy except the one whom the party was for. The darling princess Davida sat quietly surrounded by her closest friends, yet she felt completely alone. The deep red of her hair contrasted beautifully against her pale skin, and her soft hazel eyes watched her guests with longing. It took much persuading for her to have permission to have this ball. Her father and mother were hounding her to find a suitor so that she may begin courting. She disliked the fact that they wished to marry her off to just a random someone.
Playing with an out of place strand on her burgundy dress she sighed and rested her head in her hand. Her mother chose her dress. It was made of the finest silks and the sleeves were transparent to view her slender arms. “Davida, dear, you seem to be off in another world.” One of her friends said resting their hand gently on her arm.
Davida gave her a polite smile. “I wish to be off in another world.” She said. Her friend rubbed her shoulder comfortingly.
“Dear Davida, it’s your party...you should be celebrating.” Davida ran her hand into her friends bouncing brown curls and turned back to those dancing on the ballroom floor.
“She doesn’t look happy.”
“I wonder who she will choose as a man to marry.”
“I wish I had her place. I would be so happy to be a princess.”
“I hear her earrings have magical powers.”
Davida glanced off to the voice and found a group of fair haired guests. They sat slightly off from the majority of those at the party and didn’t seem keen on joining the rest any time soon. Davida rose from her chair. “I’m going to get some fresh air, Carine.”
“Shall I join you?” Her friend pondered.
“If you wish to,” Davida walked off to the balcony. Carine ventured out closely behind her brushing her wrinkles out of her dress as she went.
Carine came to a stop beside her long time friend and tapped her on the arm. “Something has been bothering you tonight, Davida…”
Sighing softly the lonesome princess nodded her head. She brushed her fingers over the earrings dangling from her ears. The cool feel of the familiar red gems against her skin calmed her instantly. They were among her greatest treasure. “I wish to know what it is like…” She whispered turning to the starlit sky. “To be truly in love, it is such a beautiful thing.”
“That’s what these parties are for Davida. You should start getting to know some of the people that attend.”
“Most are other rich snobs though Carine. I wish for someone who will love and cherish me for who I am…not just because I am Princess Davida…many just want the crown, and my power.” She said crossing her arms to shelter against the cold. “Some people abuse the right to love someone so much, it’s disgusting.”
Carine watched her friend in interest. Davida had always been open minded and very opinionated but when she spoke of love it was different. Carine much wished that Davida would find the man whom would make her most happy. She knew those chances were slim, but it was indeed possible. “This is why the kingdom loves you so much, milady.” Carine said. Paris lay before them in its glory, what better place to find love than here.
“My cousin has such a beautiful marriage. His wife is a gem and they let none bother their union. They’re expecting their first child come spring.” Davida said smiling.
Carine beamed and pushed a ringlet behind her ear. “Has anyone caught your eye Davida?”
Davida shook her head. It went silent between them and Davida inhaled the crisp night air. Finally calmed she decided it was time to head back in. Nodding to Carine both walked back telling silly stories.

Davida walked through the main household slowly and came to the painting of her family. Several individuals wore unsmiling faces, many frowned. Shaking her head she turned down another hall and gave smiles to servants as she passed by. Then she heard a strange noise. It was quiet at first, but distinct. It sounded much like bells. Not just one or two but several of them. Little yellow lights began to appear and Davida’s eyes widened in fear. She edged back as clocks appeared their hands spinning, and five figures began to appear.
The sounds reverberated in her eardrums and it felt like they were going to burst, causing her to fall to the floor. Covering her ears tightly she shut her eyes tightly. And then it was silent all about her. Slowly her hands clasped over her ears went away and she looked up. Two women and two men plus a boy stood before her. She gasped in fright and took several steps away from them. “Who are you?” She demanded.
Their gazes landed on her, four in shock, one irritated. The smallest stuttered for a minute and rubbed his forehead. “Um-my name is Yugi. We don’t mean you any harm I swear.” He said waving his hands furiously.
“You expect me to trust you after you just-pop out of the air like that-like ghosts!” She shouted moving further back. “Are you witches and wizards of some sort?”
Mai could not help rolling her eyes. Tea looked clueless.
Seto outright glared. He quickly composed himself and cleared his throat. “If I may, can I ask your name?” He asked.
He received glances from the others.
“My name is Princess Davida, one who can hear all whispers.” She answered standing upright as she spoke her title. “I know of your little companion with strange hair. Who are you and the rest of your party?”
“I’m Seto, this is Mai,” he indicated the blonde lady, “Joey,” the blonde man who grinned, “and Tea.” Davida noted the uninterested tone with the last lady. “Pardon our intrusion. But we are on a very important mission, a quest, if that is better understood.”
“Well it is of little importance to me if you come barging in unannounced within my own home. I could have you arrested.” Davida said brushing off her dress and fixed her hair.
“Why can you hear all whispers?” Tea asked suddenly.
Davida glanced at the girl, and was about to answer, but heard people walking up the hall from behind them. “There are people coming. I could let you get caught.”
“No!” Yugi pleaded. Equal looks of discourage and distraught shrouded the faces of his companions. “I know that you know absolutely nothing about us, but I will tell you everything about what we’re doing, if it keeps us from being discovered.”
Davida was surprised by his honesty. She turned to her right and opened a door, looking inside she waved her hand and they rushed in. Closing the door she waited until the voices past by before taking a seat upon one of the well carved chairs. Noticing them looking around the room in awe and amazement she couldn’t help smiling. “I see you like the décor.”
“Honey we come from a time when this style décor is rare and long past dead to most.” Mai said running her hand along the sofa. “It’s an expensive taste to live with.”
“Your way of speaking, it is most honest, is this how the world is from where you are from?” Davida asked intrigued.
“Not really.” Joey said looking out the window. “People like to ignore ya and make your life hell to live in.” Davida twinged as his accent rolled over her.
“It doesn’t sound very different, from now…” Davida said softly holding her chin lightly in her hand.
Seto leaned heavily against the wall with windows. He had to admit that he was exhausted. The only time they had actually rested was in Ancient Japan…He desperately wanted to collapse but that couldn’t happen yet. They all needed to get back to present Domino safe and sound. How wondrous old Paris was, and they couldn’t even explore it. Just from the little they saw of Princess Davida’s mansion was beautiful, he was sure much of it was hand crafted and decorated.
Yugi’s hand ran over the smooth glossed scratch-free top of the table before taking a seat. He sighed heavily and collapsed in his seat. Then he noticed the red twinkle from her ear visibly and saw the earrings. He almost gaped at the sight of the elaborate chandelier earrings hanging from her ears. They were made with black metal and they formed three claws which held onto the red gems. “Your earrings are very beautiful.”
Davida nodded appreciatively then noticed a sad look in his eye. “You require my earrings, don’t you?” She asked slowly. Yugi nodded sadly. It went quiet in the room and Davida found she could not bring herself to speak. Her earrings were among her most prized possessions. So, having five people appear out of no where made her question what she had dangling from her ears. She had lived so long with them that, she didn’t know if she could part with them. “May I ask why now, why is it that you require my earrings?”
Yugi swallowed hard as the reason hit him heavily. He had been traveling for only a few days, Yami hadn’t been gone very long, but it seemed like eternity. It had been so easy to get the first one, and then Seth attacked when they were with Ryuu and the clan…now, he had a princess before him who probably had a fairly fond attachment to the earrings. Could he ask for them? Should he ask for them?
Joey watched Yugi as he battled his conscience. He knew Yugi was determined, but everyone had a breaking point.
“Go on Yugi, tell her why we’re here.” Tea surprised everyone. “Tell her why we’re traveling and doing what we’re doing.”
Yugi smiled brightly for the first time since they arrived. It even seemed to brighten the princess’ complexion. “I am most assured that this is very dear to you.” Davida said.
“Yeah,” he said with a nod. Reaching into his bag he pulled out the Silver Mirror and the Golden Pendant. “These are only two of the six items that I need to get. Each one has their own properties. The Silver Mirror is sight, and the Golden Pendant represents the soul. Those earrings you’re wearing represent hearing. It’s no wonder you’re able to hear whispers, and probably other things.” Yugi took a deep breath. “I’m sure you’re really weirded out. I mean, I know we don’t look…normal…”
“You’re da one with crazy hair Yug.” Joey said smirking.
“Shut up…anyway…This quest is to bring back someone I dearly care about. I need all six items in order to do it. You can call it magic or whatever you want, I just want him back.” Yugi said choking on some words. His throat was dry and tears burned his eyes. “Someone with evil powers is trying to stop me. He’s the one that kidnapped him…well, tricked him I guess.” Davida’s hands had tightened together. “We, have three more items to go after this, and then hopefully he’ll be back.”
Davida felt an urge to run over to the nearly crying boy. “You love him…and I can tell that he cared about you. But why did he leave you little Yugi?” She asked taking a closer seat to him.
“Because he was once an Ancient Pharaoh of Egypt, and he was sealed inside of a Millennium Puzzle to save the world.” Mai answered for him.
“He was to pass into his afterlife, and rest peacefully after this, he strongly believed that he was going to be reunited with that special someone waiting for him.”
Davida shook her head. “He had a special person already, right here.” She said resting her hand on Yugi’s shoulder. “Sometimes, a person just takes a little while, because a past is a hard thing to live with, and from what you’re telling me he had a long time to think about it.” She said and noticed a shine in his eye. She smiled softly. “You must know the legend then, that the wearer of these earrings will soon meet their soul-mate. I’ve worn these for most of my life, and I have never encountered such a person, but I strongly believe that they are out there somewhere.” She ran her hand into his hair and let it slide down his cheek. “Perhaps then, they will work better for you, and you can get that special person back.”
Yugi didn’t know until it happened but he launched himself into her arms. This journey was almost like he was building the Millennium Puzzle all over again. He didn’t know what was going to happen in the end, or if he was going to complete it, the only thing he knew was there was a special something, this time someone, waiting in the end. Yugi cried softly and felt her warm hand rub down his back. “Thank you so much Princess Davida.” He sobbed.
A heavy knock sounded on the door and Yugi jumped. Seto and Joey went on alert and Mai and Tea frowned. “This isn’t good. One person is enough to see us. We don’t need more than that.” Seto said.
“I suggest you hide. There are many places in here, it’s probably my maid.” They scurried in a panic as quietly as possible. Tea and Mai fit into a wardrobe, Seto and Joey hid in the long velvet red curtains and Yugi ran over to the desk and crawled into the foot area. “You may enter.” Davida said when it fell quiet.
“Why are we on the same side?” Seto hissed quietly.
“Because I was closest to the damn curtains and for some reason you joined me, money bags.”
“Are you alright Princess?” Said a feminine voice that drove Seto mad.
“I am fine Marian. Is there something required of me?”
“We must get you ready for the ball tonight.” Davida gaped she had forgotten. “Are you alright your highness?”
Joey felt like his body was going to ignite on fire if she didn’t hurry up. He hadn’t been this close to Seto before. He prayed to whatever God, being, or spirit that Seto wouldn’t notice anything off about him. “You know, you’re getting really hot.” Joey flushed.
“Yes, I just, it must have slipped my mind.” She said hugging herself. “Would you please give me a little while?”
Joey sighed in relief.
“Only a little while, I don’t want your mother and father cross at me again.” Davida thanked her quietly. “Come to your rooms soon your highness, I’ll be waiting.” Davida nodded once more and Marian left hurriedly. As soon as Davida could hear nothing she sat down.
“You can come out now.”
Joey raced out from behind the curtains and retook his seat. Seto followed more slowly. Mai and Tea fell out of the wardrobe, Yugi couldn’t help laughing. He turned to Davida and noticed a frown creasing her eyebrows. “Is something wrong?”
“I’ll need my earrings this evening.” Davida said apologetically. “If you don’t mind staying for a while, I could give them to you when it’s over.” Yugi smiled.
“As long as we have something to do.”

Seto was angry. Joey was quiet. They were the only two left in the room. The others had been gone for about two hours now. Mai and Tea were planned to go as old friends of Davida’s and Yugi would be Mai’s son. Seto didn’t know how that would work out, but it seemed to work. The maid believed them. So Seto and Joey were left. ‘Perfect.’ Seto thought. ‘Absolutely fucking perfect.’ When he looked back over at Joey, the mutt was passed out already talking in his sleep about food. Seto had never seen it happen so fast before. At least now he could watch him without having anyone notice.

“Gah!” Tea said running her hand over her dress. It was a light pink, with another corset underneath. She didn’t know how the women could do it. Mai seemed to be doing pretty well. The princess looked absolutely stunning in her red gown. Yugi, was just two adorable in his little suit. It was black and white with a single rose on the breast.
“I am sorry Tea, you don’t look very comfortable.” Davida said looking at her worriedly.
“Oh don’t worry about me, I’ll get used to it.” She said waving it off.
Davida smiled tightly. The girl was, something. She would give her that much.
The ballroom was filled with people. Mai felt Yugi’s hand tighten around hers. She squeezed his hand comfortingly and smiled. Giving him a wink he smiled. Sometimes, Yugi needed that little assurance to let him know he wasn’t alone. Gasps sounded around the hall as Davida walked through to her desired chair. Then she noticed a black haired man. He was of tall stature and strong build. His brown eyes were soft and caring. He raised his glass in cheers and drank a sip. She felt her cheeks heat up but shook it off.
“She’s so beautiful tonight.”
“She will never tire my eyes.”
Yugi was pulled by Mai over to the dessert table and he picked up a tart. “I can’t believe how long we’ve gone without eating food and haven’t collapsed.” Mai said with a laugh. “Well there was a meal in Japan but…” She didn’t say anymore when a couple gave them curious looks.
“You’ve been to Japan?” They asked.
Yugi couldn’t help smacking his forehead. “It’s a lovely country.” Mai said. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m famished.” They nodded and she went on to get a glass of wine.
“Don’t drink too much Mai.” Tea warned.
“You know, I’d like to see you drunk Tea, I wonder what you’d be like.” Mai said interested. Tea scrunched up her nose.

When the dances began Mai was asked to dance, and so was Tea so Yugi sat on a high chair so he could see. Davida too was asked to dance. He smiled. Perhaps the earrings were working their magic tonight. Yugi watched everyone in fascination. People were so different. It was like walking down a memory lane but pausing for just a second, and looking at history in the making. There were live musicians and ballroom dancing. It wasn’t like the present where you expected to leave the party afterward in a car or something. Yugi knew he would cherish this experience forever.
It was late when Mai and Tea found Yugi again. Davida had wandered over to them and took out her earrings and gently lay them in Yugi’s hand. She pecked him on the cheek lightly and whispered softly into his ear. “You’re a nice good luck charm Yugi, may your journey be a success. You’re a very admirable person.”

Seto woke when the door opened and the three wandered in. Rubbing his eyes he yawned. “Ready to go home?” Yugi asked taking up his bag.
Mai smacked Joey’s leg making his grunt in pain. He glared at her. He stood quickly though when the room began to barrel with clouds of the Shadown Realm. “Whoa, we need ta get outta here!” He shouted. Yugi pulled out the hourglass and turned it.
“We need to get out of here.” Seto said pushing them towards the door. They ran for brief seconds as they waited for the sands to fall. Yugi’s heart was pounding in his ears.
“Come on guys!” He shouted holding out his hand. Four hands landed on his and the clocks appeared. He looked back and saw the mass of Shadow moving towards them quickly. The clocks began to race and Yugi felt them being ripped into the time warp, and on their way home.

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