Michiru’s POV, dream
I’m…running? Why is everything so dark?
Tup, tup, tup…
“Where are you?” Where could you have run off to?
“Waaaaaaah! –Aaaaah!”
I stopped, almost stumbling. The baby…She’s crying. An invisible force began to clench down upon my heart, making it difficult to breathe. I response hugged myself tightly, trying to keep warm.
It’s cold…Goosebumps began to appear on my naked arms. If only I hadn’t worn this dress. What had I been thinking?
“Waaaaaah!” The baby cried again.
I wanted to run back to her and calm her fears but I could not move. Now at the crossroads, which way should I turn? Who should I go to?
“Haruka…”
My heart ached with pain. Why did you run away? What did I do wrong? The last time I remember being together was shortly after we named our little girl. Then you left without a word; there was no meetings, no battles to be fought. Your presence just…disappeared. Why?
…I have to find her…I continued to walk forward, listening to the baby’s cries become increasingly distant. Perhaps she would know. My own tears ran silently down my cheeks, fully aware at the deed at hand.
I’m sorry, I thought, wishing that these words would someday reach our only child. I am sorry cannot be here for you. Although it is a pitiful reason, perhaps, it is something I must do. But do not believe that it was an easy choice; it tears away at me that I will not see you grow up into the amazing woman you surely will become. Be strong…Grow strong into the kind of ruler our people desperately need.
The journey will be difficult…and hard, but do not give up. Do not quit! Do not run away! Whichever goal you set for yourself, see it to the end.
Another tear fell.
Perhaps…we will see each other again one day. It is my earnest wish that we may have such a chance. Although by then you may feel nothing but hatred towards us, I want you to know one thing…If only this much…I love you and always will.
Reality, early morning
I slowly opened my eyes. Everything appeared bleary and unfocused. Sweat? I felt my brow and found some cool dampness there. A testament of my own emotions…
…This was…the first time I saw that dream. I breathed in a deep sigh, letting the images come flashing back. Why am I remembering these things? Fragments of thoughts, emotions and dreams. Were they my own or another’s? I saw the dream figure now disappear into the dark. That person I saw was me and yet, she wasn’t. It was the only explanation I had at hand. However it was not the past or the present. How would it be possible to have a child? Certainly modern day could not produce such a beautiful result between two women.
Was it the future then?
Ping.
Something is wrong.
Through half open eyes I stared at the wall ahead where the light rays began to converge into two separate auras. They looked like ocean waves, forever flowing forward. For a moment of time I could not see the difference between the two; they both bore the color of my own aura. As I continued to watch, the one below began to pulse. Slow and steady but unnaturally beginning to gain momentum. Its color darkened and then expanded. Helplessly I watched the two begin to clash, one aiming to conquer, the other on the defense.
The silence…It is close…
There were too many questions left unanswered. Too much…my mind pained; I need answers!
I turned my head to my right and saw the space empty. Ruka was already up? I patted the sheets underneath the quilt. Its coolness indicating the blonde had been up for some time now. How unusual… normally I am the first one up. Was something on her mind? Did she have another vision of the Silence?
…Yesterday, it almost seemed as though she was hiding something from me. I still could feel it…
“WEEKEND, WEEKEND!”
TUP! TUP! TUP!
The sudden yell startled me, causing my heart to skip a beat in surprise. I drew my curious attention to the door in time to see a yellow blur blow past in a rush, holding…a teddy bear?
“Kaiya, will you shut up?” Ruka yell from the bottom of the stairway. “Michi might still be sleeping! Why don’t you act your age?”
The thundering footsteps came to an immediate halt.
One day, I sighed. Although I was happy Ruka was worried for my rest, I thoroughly enjoyed having our friend stay with us. Kaiya apparently is very energetic in the morning, something I never knew until now. It was like we are getting closer to each other every second we spent together. Strange though…how fast Kaiya can change moods. It is as though her defensive walls are slowly coming down. I remember Ruka was very similar…However I am happy that our new ‘family member’ was taking my words to make herself at home seriously, even if she were childish now.
Tup…tup…tup…
Knock, knock.
“Michi?”
“I’m awake. It’s all right.” I told my partner.
“She wasn’t the one who woke you up, was she?” Concerned played all over her face.
There was sudden quick movement. As I blinked, I soon saw Kaiya wrestling Ruka on her back, attempting to put her into some sort of hold.
“I didn’t wake her up!”
“AH! GET OFF!”
I could not suppress a giggle; both of them were simply hilarious. I looked down when a white object caught my eye. A white-teddy bear? “Did you drop this?” I asked. Without another thought I bent down and pick up the stuffed animal. Seeing this Kaiya dropped off of Ruka and jogged over.
“Yup. But you can have it.” She smiled. I gave the animal another look. It was adorable yet… familiar… I couldn’t quite put my finger on it.
“Where did you get this?”
“…I always had it.”
“Is that so?” It didn’t seem like Kaiya would carry one around; most people our age wouldn’t.
“I don’t need it anymore. Besides, it might help you get better.”
… “Thank you.”
Ruka strolled up behind the shorter blonde and wrapped her arms around her shoulders, effectively trapping her for the moment of surprise.
“Since we’re all awake, I say we all head down for breakfast. Or…unless you’d like to eat yours up here.” She asked me while struggling to hold onto Kaiya, who had started to fight back.
“Hey, lemme go!”
“No, I’m fine. I’ll come down.”
“Yay! You better hurry.” Kaiya laughed as she slipped out of Ruka’s poor hold. “Beat you downstairs Haruka!”
“H-Hey!”
Tump! Tump! Tump!
I watched the two dash out of the room at top speed. Hesitatingly I pushed aside the heavy covers and brought my legs around till they were suspended over the ledge of the mattress. Unlike my athletic friends, I found these first steps in the mornings always tricky, especially of late. Nothing that I was proud of mind you…Wasting valuable time was one of my pet peeves. It gave off a sense of… laziness.
I walked over to mirror, taking in my appearance. It really made me wonder if Sailor Senshi could not grow old.
Although by then you may feel nothing but hatred towards us, I want you to know one thing…If only this much…I love you and always will.
…I shook off the voice and left the room.
Haruka’s POV, kitchen
“Don’t touch that!”
Slap.
“Ow!”
I rubbed my injured hand. That’s twice in two days! The little brat glared up at me, looking at though she were the one who was hurt.
“No touchie.” I twitched. Why can’t she act her own age?
My stomach growled again. Please hurry Michi!
Tup…tup…
Kaiya and I both turned to see the most lady-like of us three stroll into the kitchen with unmatched grace…the sight made me cringe shamefully at the way Kaiya and I had made our entrance- wrestling and then stomping around like a bunch of wild animals. At times it makes me wonder how Michi can put up with us, especially now that all three of us are living together under the same roof. Come to think of it, isn’t it her house? I sweat dropped.
Michi was pulling her hair up into a ponytail as she asked, “What’s going on?”
“Breakfast.” Kaiya answered, looking very smug.
I saw Michi give me a quick glance from the corner of her eye but I quickly averted her gaze, finding something suddenly interesting in the living room.
“You made all this by yourself?” There was an amused expression on her face. In fact, it was bordering near impressed.
Out of one eye I noticed the plate of pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausages and toast, making my mouth water against my will. For the life of me, I didn’t know Kaiya could cook. I never was good at the thing; too girly. Michi usually handled it when I came over. I’m not always a freeloader though; I pay for all the restaurant meals. It’s just…it sorta makes me jealous that Kaiya can do all this stuff that I can’t. Painting, cooking…not that I’d ever admit it to them though.
Still…this is nice, even better than when it was just the two of us.
“Haruka, get the plates!”
“Don’t boss me around.” I reluctantly trudged over to the cabinet.
Michi looked on. “Is there anything I can do?”
“Mm…you can get sit down and eat.” Kaiya grinned. “Oh…but I guess I should get the chair for you before you can sit down.” She laughed.
Watching the shorter blonde pull out the chair for Michi was an interesting sight; that apron really looks out of place on her, or that’s the way it looked to me. From the violent teen I know, that piece of cloth with strings makes her look almost innocent. I thought about how I’d look in one of those but quickly dispelled the horrible thought in a flash.
NEVER AGAIN, I cringed.
“Haruka, hurry up!”
“Fine, fine.”
Kaiya’s POV
Wow, Haruka’s sure outta it isn’t she? I can’t believe I had to call her twice just to get her to bring the plates.
“Here you go.” The taller blonde handed out the plates for each of us.
There was a comfortable silence as we all began to help ourselves to the food. I didn’t touch anything until Michi and Haruka took their share. For some odd reason, I always felt weird when taking stuff, even if I made it. If another person might want it, I’d leave whatever it was alone. Who knows where I picked up that habit from…
“So what’s everyone’s plans for today?” I casually asked, careful not to speak before I swallowed.
“I have nothing planned.” Haruka filled us in. “Whatever Michi would like to do I suppose.”
The both of us looked at the aqua haired woman. “…Oh. Well… I would like to stop off at the bookstore in town; our Japanese language class is requiring that we pick up a particular novel for a case study.”
Sound boring…
Hm? I was suddenly aware of how the three of us were dressed. Haruka and Michiru had already changed while I was still in my pajamas. A small blush crept across my face. Oh well…I stubbornly thought. At least I was comfortable.
“Can I meet you two there later?”
They both exchanged glances, also noticing my dress wear.
Haruka laughed. “Yeah, just don’t lost on the way.”
“Certainly. We’ll wait for you there.”
Once we were done, I watched my two best friends stand up and carry their dishes over to the sink. Michiru was about to turn on the water to clean her plate when I suddenly said, “It’s okay, I’ll do it.”
“Are you sure?” She asked. There was a small portrayal of guilt in her eyes but I ignored it.
“Yup. That includes you too Haruka.” I mean, washing one extra plate wasn’t going to kill me.
“Oh…thanks. Then…” She rubbed the back of her neck, “We’ll see you later I guess?”
“Mhmm…See ya.”
As soon as I heard the door close, I leaned back in my chair and gave out a small sigh. I didn’t want to bother them with my feelings or superstition…but I just had this bad vibe that something was going to happen today. I wonder if this was what that little girl was warning me about… But…even if I had told Michiru and Haruka, I doubt they’d understand my sixth sense. Apparently not too many people have it.
I pushed the chair out under me slightly and laid my head down on the table. Cool…I thought instantly.
Yesterday’s events still haunted me, even as I was awake. Why did my heart crystal become some oversized pillar? What the hell is it supposed to be? Surely it couldn’t be a sword; although it had the hilt, it didn’t have the body. And heart crystals aren’t supposed to be made out of stone right?
Is…there something wrong with me?
How ugly. No way that could be a talisman…
The Death Buster’s words echoed deep inside. If it wasn’t a talisman, then what was it? All my energy felt suddenly drained. I knew it. I had a bad heart. There…was no way it could be pure.
… know one thing
………… one thing
………………… thing
“Who’s there!” I called out in a startled voice. It…sounded like an echo, not like the little girl I knew. But still familiar, something told me so…
“What…was that?”
CrAsh!
Huh?
I walked towards into the living room to find the source of the noise. It sounded like breaking glass. Almost immediately did I walk into the room did I find the fallen object.
“A picture?”
Wiping away the shards of glass from the brown frame, I slowly picked it up and turned it over to see the photograph. There were two children in the picture, Haruka and Michiru when they were younger. The two teenagers were smiling. Michiru was looking at whoever was taking the shot but Haruka seemed to have her eyes on Michiru instead. Figures… that’s Haruka for you. I tried to get a glance at it’s background but none could be clearly made out so I assumed it was taken in their hometown.
‘And if she really was Uranus…’
She just…can’t be. Haruka would tell me, wouldn’t she? If she was?
…The space sword of Uranus…Haruka holds a talisman…If she was Uranus…Haruka holds the space sword…Haruka, Uranus? It…I don’t….Haruka holds the space sword, she is Uranus. Her face in battle, her face as my friend…it’s the same. Those eyes are the same. They…are the same.
DOOOOM
The photo slipped from my hands. All I ever wanted…Again the image of the three of us together came to mind.
“…I guess… I should do the dishes.”
Tup…tup…tup…
A little longer…
Michiru’s POV, on the way to the bookstore
Is there something wrong? Ruka’s thought connected to mine. You weren’t really worried about washing the plates were you?
…It appears everyone is in a rush today. I glanced around as we walked through the crowd. Ruka paused, apparently thinking about my last statement.
…I guess…But what does that have to do with us?
…Do you think we will find the talismans in time?
Of course. She thought with confidence.
How do you know? The Silence is getting closer. Can’t you feel it? The visions of the Silence frightened me and I do not deny it. I am afraid of failing. To have everyone and everything disappear into nothing-ness is beyond terrible. If it were allowed to happen then there will be no future.
…I just know. Ruka responded. I felt her take my hand in hers as we continued to walk. Why did they feel…clammy? I began to worry again.
What was this cloud looming over us today?
Minako’s POV, school gym
I stared down through the net into the empty volleyball court. In my mind’s eye, each of the positions began to fill with opponents, all waiting for me to make my move.
“All right!” I affirmed my readiness to myself.
Now with a filled bin by my side and a ball in my hands, I posed.
Here goes! I threw the ball up.
“HAAAAH!”
WHAM!
I’ll prove it to them!
WHAM!
…That my heart is pure too!
“YAH!”
WHAP!
“OOF!”
SMASH!
Mine is as good as anyone else!
WHAM!
WHACK!
WHACK!
WHUP!
WHAM!
SMASH!
“Hah…Hah…” My stance staggered slightly, feeling the blood rush to my head.
Earlier that morning, flashback: swing set
Artemis walked over. “Hey Mina. Looking kinda down.”
“I’m totally in dumpsville Artemis.”
“How come?”
“Because, the Death Busters have gone after Usagi, Makoto, Ami and Rei.”
“Yes they have, but everyone is okay now.”
“Everyone except me. Guess I’m the total reject the Death Busters don’t even want.”
“You think they have pure hearts and you don’t?”
“Hm?” I glared, feeling irritated at the words.
“Which is a totally ridiculous idea.” The cat began to sweat.
“Uh-uh…Maybe…it’s because I’ve been neglecting volleyball. They think my heart…is out of shape and my heart is empty without enthusiasm.”
He then asked the obvious question anyone would ask next. “You want your heart snatched? You think it’ll prove your heart’s worthy?”
“Huh…” I sighed. “I don’t know.”
End flashback
Of course I don’t want my heart snatched…not permanently anyway. If the Death Busters come after it then it will prove I have a pure heart! Question is…how do I get their attention?
“Oww…” I heard a painful moan.
EH?
I quickly spotted the injured person by the gym entrance. “USAGI?” I ran over. “Oh no, I…didn’t hit you did I?” What kind of protector would I be if I hurt our princess? (Even if it was with volleyballs and she happened to be in the way).
“Lets just say…” She wobbled up. “I didn’t get out of the way in time. But don’t worry! The ringing in my ears will stop soon.” She gave a toothy grin.
“What are you doing here?”
“Cheer up time. I heard you were depressed.”
Guess that’s a day for volleyball…
Minako’s POV, crown arcade, outside at the crane game
This…really sucks.
“What!” I yelled as the crane machine came up empty handed. Crap, there goes my money! I kicked the machine until Usagi came back out with sodas in each hand. Artemis and Luna were still watching my back like a pair of furry vultures. Please, it’s not like I’ll get heart snatched anytime soon…I twitched, realizing what I just said.
“Maybe you should give it a break?” Usagi suggested.
Grr… “No way!” I shoved another coin in.
Usagi took a sip from her soda and offered me mine. I shook my head, prompting her to hold it for a little while longer. It was annoying! The Death Busters went for everyone else’s heart BUT mine. What’s going on here? Am I missing something? Like maybe a pure heart?
The crane machine missed again.
“AUGH!”
“Mina…you really don’t your heart snatched do you?” My ‘twin’ and good friend worriedly asked.
“Who told you something silly like that?” I glared at the machine while watched my friend with the glass’s reflection.
“A little birdie with white fur and drooping whiskers.” Luna snitched. Already I could hear Artemis whimper.
“No, I actually don’t care.”
“See? I told you no one would want their heart snatched.”
“Unless that no one had a pure heart that was over looked. That negative forces would love to have.”
“Woah, obsessing.” I heard Usagi accuse. “Look! You don’t want your heart snatched.” She grabbed my collar, forcing me to step back into the glass. “Once they take it, they don’t give it back!” She wailed.
Vaguely I was aware that my hand was sliding all over the game’s controls, trying to keep on balance.
“But I’ll get it back.” Not like I’d let anyone take it! I don’t want to die young! Er…wait. It’s pretty much impossible to die old for me isn’t it?
Blep. Blep.
We both paused to see the crane had more than a grip on a group of toys.
“Woah, jacket pot!” We blinked.
Walking away from crown arcade
I glanced over at Usagi who kept staring at me like I was some freak at the circus.
“Look, it doesn’t matter to me.”
“But…” Somehow she knew I was lying but I didn’t care.
“I need to be alone for a bit. Can I talk to you later?”
“Ah…S-sure…”
I left my friend, walking quickly away. It wasn’t that I disliked Usagi, it’s just…Why did I have to be the one overlooked? When you think about it, it’s seems illogical that anyone would want their heart crystal to be snatched and potentially die but that’s not the point! My heart is as good as anyone else’s. I bit my bottom lip. There must be something I’m doing wrong! Maybe I’m not giving enough? My eyes fell onto the two bags of toys I held in my hands. It could be a start couldn’t it? Perhaps I should also consult professional help.
I know! There must be a book on this somewhere right? People must be asking this sort of question all the time!
“Then that’s it. I’ll go to the bookstore.” My mind had been made up.
Tup, tup, tup, tup, tup…
Bookstore
I scanned the books on the shelves one by one, watchful for each title. Nope…nope, nope…AH! Here’s one. With a free hand I pulled the cover out and read the title aloud in my mind. ‘Guide to a Pure Heart’. The discovery almost made me feel giddy. My hands nearly fumbled with excitement, hoping that I would find my answer here.
Now let’s see. I opened the book to its first page.
‘A pure heart is one that can be completely absorbed in something. A pure heart is dedicated and focused. It is determined to do what it perceives as good and worth while…’
Well, I’m all of those things. What more does it take to get heart snatched?
“Hey Mina.”
“Huh?” I noticed Haruka and Michiru standing down the aisle for the first time.
“Hi.” Michiru greeted, bringing me out of my ‘am I dreaming’ state.
“Hey you two, what’s going on?” They both seemed to freeze or rather look suddenly tense. “You…have a minute? There’s something I’d like to ask you.” I turned to face them directly. “What do you think makes someone have a pure heart?”
“…hear what I heard?”
“…think she knows…?”
I barely caught their whispers.
“What?” I asked.
In turn they repeated my question. “What?”
“I wanna know how you think people with a truly pure heart should behave. Do you think they’re different?” I tried again.
“Sure, why else would they be targets?” Haruka replied.
“Huh?”
“Haruka meant that they target people who need help; pure hearts like to give.” Michiru filled me in. Now that made more sense!
Hmm…They like to help people and they give…
My ears perked up when I heard, “Give the gift of life, come to our blood donation…”
Bingo.
“Did we help?”
“Tons, bye!”
That’s what I’ll do! I’ll donate blood! A pure heart would surely do something like that…and perhaps…that’ll prove my worth to those Death Busters.
Haruka’s POV
“Do you think it was a coincidence?” I asked my partner. For a moment there I had a scare; I thought Minako knew something about the purity force.
“I’m sure. It must have something to do with boys.” Michi giggled.
Clang!
At that moment Kaiya came bursting through the store’s entrance. Huffing and puffing she peered around, looking for us (I’m guessing).
“Kaiya! Over here!” I called her over.
Her head spun this way and a smile appeared on her tired face. As she made her way over I heard Michi tease, “Have a good run?” Now what was she smiling about? Michi was wearing that ‘I know something you don’t’ smile.
“Didn’t get lost did you?” I joined in. “I told you not to.”
The shorter blonde brushed the comment off. “Yeah, yeah…Oh, was that Minako that I saw on the way out? Was she in here with you two? She looked like she was in a hurry.”
“Well…I think she was on her way to donate some blood.” It was just a hunch but…
“Donate blood!” Kaiya exclaimed. I knew she hated needles…
“Yes.” Michi carefully chose her words. “I suppose she is trying to find herself.”
An odd expression appeared on Kaiya’s face. It looked as though she was in a state of deep concentration. So to lighten the mood I waved my hand in front of her face.
“Hello?”
“Ah, sorry. I…don’t think I had enough sleep.”
That would make two of us, I quietly agreed. I couldn’t get a wink of sleep either, knowing that I held one of the needed talismans. It meant…I always knew I’d be the murderer but being my own executioner felt ironic. I was happy, yet sad …that I was born for the purpose of dying. That only meant there were two other holders to be found.
…I also know I told Michi not to worry but… although it’s selfish…I want things to stay this way for a little while longer.
“So what do you plan on doing now?” I asked my sleepy headed friend as she yawned.
Kaiya looked thoughtful at the comment. I saw her eye both Michi and myself for a moment; obviously she planned on taking a hike and leaving us both alone. “I think I’ll go find Minako.” She replied slowly.
Saw that coming.
“All right. Then we’ll meet up later for dinner?” She nodded and I then looked to Michi.
“Sounds good to me.”
“Great, then we’ll see you later.” I told our friend.
“Yup, have a good day you two.”
We both watched Kaiya race out of the store, looking happier than she’d ever been. She really has changed…
“Think we should follow?”
Michi nodded. With both girls being together, I had this funny feeling this day wasn’t going to be as easy as I had hoped it to be. Another possible confrontation with the Death Busters… I was…scared. What can I do to a fight that I can never win…? I only thought about it for a few seconds before the obvious answer came to mind.
‘Protect the people who are important to me’.
Kaiya’s POV, park
“Donators please line up over here!” Some man called over his microphone.
Minako must be over there…
I waded through the crowd, keeping a look out for long blonde hair and a red ribbon. Hm…Where could she be? It’s not like she’d be hard to spot. I frowned. It was a real shame my sixth sense couldn’t help me in these situations…Guess it’s the old fashioned way then.
I took in a deep breath.
“MIN-A-KO!” I shouted.
My ears pricked up when I heard a girly scream. At this I rolled my eyes thinking… ‘found her’.
When I rounded the small tent I finally spotted the teenager. Her eyes were wide (and so were mine!) when the nurse pulled out this gigantic needle. My eyes nearly popped out as a sick wave hit me. I have nothing against blood…or getting slashed by a sword or even kicked in the face (although it does hurt). Needles…just seem to have a special room for terror in my heart. Not exactly romantic is it?
I waved as Minako’s pale face spotted me. Uhh… “Hi.”
“Kaiya. Come over here.” She motioned.
Hm?
Minako held out her hand and I automatically took it. Feeling it shake in my own palm made me nervous. Only…I had no idea what I was getting into until the needle went in.
“YIPE!” Her hand clamped down.
“YAAAAAAAAAAAH!”
After donating blood
Tentatively I held my own hand, still feeling the pain from the squeeze. I…never knew…she had such a strong grip…
“So why did you decide to donate blood?” I asked. The cause was noble but I’ve come to expect people’s intentions weren’t always as pure as they appear to be. There normally is some hidden motive.
She looked up at me for a moment, but did not comment. Instead she continued walking in a particular direction as though she wanted to go somewhere first.
Huh? Hey, wait up!
We wandered away from the crowds until we came across an old swing set. I never this was here…
The place looked pretty secluded. There was only a swing set. No people, any big children’s park, only a swing set. I followed the shorter blonde and watched as she took a seat. Not knowing what else to do, I also took a seat.
The swing started in motion immediately under my new weight. I instinctively wanted to push back and set it into a higher degree of motion but the sight of an unenthusiastic Minako drowned the feeling out. Seeing her sad made me sad. Michiru’s words came back to me then.
‘I suppose she is trying to find herself’.
“Have you ever thought your heart wasn’t good enough?”
“…Of course.” Still do. “Why? Do you think your heart isn’t good enough?”
She nodded. “No one wants it.”
The strange comment made me wonder the context she was implying. I was a literal person so I automatically thought the more physical possibility. Hmm…but she couldn’t mean that. That’s disgusting! I cringed inwardly. And she couldn’t know about the talismans and the Death Busters, so she must mean…
“Aww, that can’t be true. You’re a great person! I’m sure you’ll find that special someone before you know it.”
“…Thanks.”
Not what she wanted to hear? “I mean, you’re funny, athletic, pretty, smart…”
“I’m not pretty or smart.”
I blinked. I’ve never seen her THIS glum. “Look Mina, you might be able to fool a lot of people but you can’t fool me; I know you’re only acting like a ditz; you play school volleyball don’t you?”
“Where did you hear that?”
“I hear a lot of things.”
“Yeah, I do.” She answered my question.
“Think of all the coordination you need to play. There’s bumping, setting, hitting, serving…You also have to read the game. That’s the hardest part. When to block, when to attack, which position to switch to, etc.”
Minako gave me a funny look.
“And as for being pretty, I meant it. But you really don’t care what other people think of you right? It’s R-chan that you really want to hear it from isn’t it”
“R-chan?”
I leaned in to whisper. “We’re being eavesdropped.”
I’ve noticed it for awhile, but it appears that Minako’s friends had trailed along since we had left the blood donor. I wonder why they seemed so worried that they’d go spying on her?
“So, feel up for some ice cream?” I offered, pretending I hadn’t noticed them.
“Right now?”
“You just gave blood didn’t you? I bet some sugar would make you feel better.”
“Your right.” She began to act as her ditzy self again now that we had an audience. “Ice cream! Ice cream!” She sang.
I watched the other girl hop off her swing and began to skip over to the pavement. As I was about to leave my spot, that echo came back to me.
… know one thing
………… one thing
………………… thing
But know what? Who’s voice is that?
“Kaiya? Are you coming?” Minako called me.
“Huh? Yeah, coming.” I caught up to her in a few steps. “Let’s go to the car, it would be faster if I drove.”
“You have a car?”
“Haruka’s.” I corrected her.
She gaped. “I can’t believe she trusted you with that!”
I only grinned, causing Minako to raise an eyebrow. “You little sneak!” She gave a playful punch to my arm and laughed.
“Thank you, thank you.” I stopped to give a short, dramatic bow.
Tup, tup, tup, tup.
“Mina! Kaiya!” We both turned towards the voice to see that Usagi had found us.
“Oh, hey there Usagi.” I greeted. I then noticed the bunch of cans she was carrying. “Watcha got there?”
“Vitamin shakes!”
I could’ve sworn Mina and I were turning green at the thought of drinking that stuff.
“Actually… we were going for ice cream.” Minako informed her well meaning friend.
“Oh…really?”
“Yeah. Want to come?” There was a lot of room in the car anyway.
“Sure!”
On the street, white car
Eudial waited at the park entrance where she had seen the target go in. Now that I know where one of the talismans are I can relax a bit. After I hit this next target I’ll be swinging over to pay Tenoh Haruka a little visit. Who knows? Maybe I’ll end up with two talismans today instead of one!
“You’re such a klutz Usagi!”
Hm? Three blonde girls walked out of the entrance and one of them…the target! My eyes narrowed. But…it looks like that reject is there with them. Tenoh Kaiya…
“Wait a minute.” I thought back to the only known talisman holder. “Are they related?”
Hmm…maybe I should wait up for a second…
In Haruka’s car, at the ice cream shop
“I’ll stay and watch the car. Can you guys just get me something with your own?” I handed them the money.
“What? Are you sure?” Minako asked, looking surprised.
“Yup. You should hurry though, Usagi looking like she’s dying of hunger.” I laughed.
“Okay, we’ll be back before you know it!”
Tup. Tup. Tup. Tup.
I waited until they were in the store before I addressed the familiar presence.
Minako’s friends weren’t the only ones spying on us were they? You can show yourself now.
FwooooooOoOooOooosh.
Hi.
I saw the girl I met yesterday appear in the seat beside me.
It might seem odd but what would you like to be called?
K-chan. She said without hesitation.
…Why that?
You don’t remember? Hotaru chan used to call me that.
Hotaru did? …All right then.
You don’t remember a lot do you?
Is it because you don’t want to remember? Or you can’t?
Or…is it you can only remember the bad memories?
You already know the answer don’t you? K-chan only smiled.
Who was my mom?
…?
You’ve already figured it all out, yet it hasn’t sunk in…Hm?
Something wrong?
The bully is back.
“Kaiya, we’re back!”
FwooooooOoOooOooosh
I eyed the car’s mirrors and spotted the white car behind us.
“Get in the car.” I tried to stay calm. The two younger girls looked at me with questioning expressions. “Hurry!”
As soon as they got in and put on their seat belts I pushed down on the gas pedal.
VvvvRRrrrOOOOOOOOM!
“K-Kaiya! What are you doing!” Minako shouted. I noticed out of the corner of my eye that she still holding onto two ice cream cones. Usagi was just wailing in the back. However, something else caught my eye. A motorcycle following directly behind the white car.
Well, looks like we have a company.
“Hey, could you hand me an ice cream cone?” I asked Minako. As soon as she handed it to me, I let go of it. Through the front view mirror I watched the bit of ice cream fall off and smack into the white car’s wind shield causing the car to skid momentarily.
Screeeech!
“That was your money you know!”
“My hand slipped. Sorry.”
“Hey…isn’t that car following us.” Usagi finally caught on.
“WHAT?”
SCREEEEECH!
I made a sharp right and another series of sharp lefts. Some drivers honked back angrily but I paid them no mind.
We need to hide out, some place away from these people. If anything, I know I can take on that Death Buster if I have to.
“Look out!” The girls in the back screamed.
Huh? HOLY-
SCREEEEEEEEEEECH!
Constriction block. Just my luck! I frantically searched the area for a place to hide until I spotted an open underground parkade.
Better than nothing.
Underground Parkade
“Why are we stopping?” Usagi asked, extremely confused. Her eyes widened as the white car had finally found us.
Slam.
It’s driver exited.
“You’ve been very difficult. Now hand over the girl.” The Death Buster pointed to Minako.
“Me?”
“No way!” Usagi and I shouted.
“Tch.” The twitch snapped her fingers and a monster exited her car’s back door.
“Door knocker!” It screamed.
“Seal the exits!”
“You got it!”
Wham! Wham! Wham! Wham! Wham!
In a flurry of movement all of our exits had been sealed with metal barriers. Just great…
“Hey what do you think this is? A party?”
I spotted the figures our enemy was referring to. Haruka and Michiru…I narrowed my eyes, debating on what to do.
“Never mind, just stay out of my way. I’ll come for it later.” She smiled at Haruka.
“What is she talking about Ruka?” Michi asked her partner.
Haruka tensed up and glared. “…”
In one movement the gun was raised in our direction. “Don’t try to get in my way this time.”
Now it was my turn to glare. The entire atmosphere tensed and became heavy as it did warm.
Cha-Chik.
Here it comes…
“Oof!” A pair of hands had pushed me from behind.
BAM!
“AHHHHHHhh!”
“Mina!” I heard everyone shout.
FwooooOoOoOoOosh.
An intense flash lit the dark room as Minako’s heart crystal emerged. The girl immediately fell.
What should I do? I never planned on Haruka and Michiru being here…
‘Or did you?’ A voice echoed inside.
The Death Buster stepped forward, confident of her victory. Impulsively I lunged forward on the offensive.
“YAH!”
Whup!
It was a successful body check, sending the woman falling on her rear end.
“Door Knocker!” She roared in fury.
WHAM!
“Gah!”
“Stop it!” Usagi yelled. She stepped between the enemy and Mina’s heart crystal.
The witch was back on her feet again, angrier than ever. “Get out of my way; I’m not about to let some school girls ruin my plans!”
Usagi’s face frowned with determination. In that instant I knew she was not about to give in to our opponents demands.
“I won’t let you have it!” She declared. Her hand shot up into the air, holding her brooch. “Moon Cosmic Power, Make-Up!”
A pink light filled the room, temporarily blinding me. I never expected this to happen… I staggered to my feet, blinking back the shock and amazement pouring into me. Usagi…is Sailor Moon! Miss clumsy and food obsessed Usagi?
“I don’t believe it!” Multiple voices filled the room.
No way…
The Death Buster looked slightly shocked but quickly recovered as she pulled out an offensive gun. “Not like that’ll help you.” Before I could move I saw a piece of metal glint in my direction. “Let’s have your friend taste my Turbofire Buster! HAA!”
Ah!
“Neptune Planet Power, Make-Up!”
“Uranus Planet Power, Make-Up!”
TUP!
SHHHHHRRRRSH!
A pair of arms whipped around me as the blast of fire came.
“DAMN SAILOR SENSHI! Three against one isn’t playing fair!”
I slowly opened my eyes when I felt our movement stop. Neptune was the one who saved me…
“Michiru?” She gave a weak smile.
It is her, I can’t believe it…Damn…My eyes started to tear.
“It’s okay, I’m here…” She shushed, trying to comfort me as she misunderstood my tears for fear. I never realized that I was shaking so hard until now…
‘This is what you wanted wasn’t it? To find your parents?’
“It’s not what we’re looking for!” Uranus called over to us. As she did so, she returned the crystal to Minako.
FwooooOoOoOoOosh.
“JUST DIE!” I heard the Death Buster cry. She fired at Sailor Moon.
SHHHHHRRRRSH!
“Moon Spiral HeaaaaAAAAART ATTACK!”
A blast from shot out of her weapon and met with our enemy, the two powers clashed. Finally Sailor Moon’s attack was deflected to where Door Knocker was ‘hiding’, bringing the monster’s life to an end.
“Door Knooooooocker…” It’s voice faded out.
No…this isn’t what I wanted…
Sailor Moon jumped from her spot as another voice filled the room.
‘Venus Star Power, Make-Up!” An orange light lit the area.
Our enemy shook at the revelation. “No way…the target is a Sailor Scout as well?”
“Venus Love-Me CHAIN!”
SHHHH-SHINK!
“My gun!” The pitiful piece of weaponry started to smoke.
“World…SHAKING!”
WRrrrrrrrrrrrrr- BLAM!
The witch had barely evaded and the blast hit the side wall.
“That’s it, four against one is too much! I need a break!” She jumped into her vehicle.
At that exact moment, one of the steel barriers broke from the outside by the rest of the scouts who had showed up.
VVRrrOOOOOOOM!
“Woah, watch it!” The inners ducked out of the way. Once the enemy was definitely gone from the area did everyone relax.
“Is everyone all right?” Mars called out. I could barely distinguish each scout from the other as they stood together by the ramp exit.
Only everything was never clearer before. Minako’s friends had been following us then as well…The inners closed distance and now I could make them all out. Rei was Sailor Mars, Makoto- Sailor Jupiter and Ami- Sailor Mercury. My sixth sense confirms this as well; their auras all matched…when did it get this strong?
Uranus walked over to Michiru and me, her face looking solemn. “You shouldn’t have gotten in the way. Are you all right? Hey.”
Lubb dubb.
“Are we really freaks?”
“They say you were cowards…”
“Why weren’t you there when I needed you…?”
“They left me alone!”
“When I find them… I’LL KILL THEM!”
LUBB DUBB!
“Let me go!”
“Kaiya, calm do- Ah!” I lashed out and struck Michiru. The blow caused the senshi of the ocean to release me.
I ran past them all but stopped in front of the exit. “Kaiya!” There was fear and worry in everyone’s faces. Maybe they weren’t sure how to take this, well good for them! Because I don’t know either!
“Why!” I shouted. I was beginning to choke up. “Why did you leave!” My sense of rational thought fled me. There was no way my parents would know the answer in this time.
“What…are you talking about?” I heard Uranus ask. For the first time, it looked like she was really afraid.
Before I knew it, I bolted, running as fast as my legs could carry me.
“Kaiya!”
“Uranus!”
From behind me there was another flash of yellow light, and I knew Haruka had de-transformed. I heard her footsteps behind mine, just barely being able to keep up with me.
TUP! TUP! TUP! TUP! TUP!
Tup! Tup! Tup! Tup! Tup! Tup! Tup!Tup!
Up ahead I saw one of the transit buses. Not caring where I went from here, I jumped as split seconds before the doors closed.
“Kaiya!” She hit the glass. Wham! Wham!
I didn’t turn around as the bus began to drive away. I didn’t want to see her.
“KAIYA!”
VROoOOOOOOOOOOM
Gates of Time
“Time has shifted once more. If this continues the seals will be broken. We must retrieve our little trouble maker soon, the courts are becoming impatient.”
Tup…tup…
“Hm?”
“I am going now.”
“It is time?”
“Yes. We will meet…at the Marine Cathedral.”
DOOOOOM!
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