Kaiya’s POV, In the darkness…
“You’re a coward, just like your bloody parents!” A gruff, male voice taunted.
“Urusai! Liar! I don’t believe you!”
There were tear-stained cheeks…Heated rivers slid off curved skin onto clammy, clenched fists. They were small, inexperienced hands.
“Aww, what’s the matter?” The voice came again.
“Looks like you made her cry.” Jeers and laughter followed the snide comment.
Was there more…than one person? Sounds of clanking metal echoed the scene along with the mocking laughter, various pitches and rhythms. Yes…A crowd of people most likely.
“Whittle baby is all alone without sister with a superior complex hovering around. Ha! Hey kid, did you know she was adopted? She’s not even your real sister!”
“Shut up…” The figure was kneeling, their face blending into a wall of shadow.
The laughter stopped momentarily with exception to a few lingering chuckles.
“Crying is fer weaklings!” Shadowed figures stepped forward towards the broken girl. Most were grown men. They all seemed to nod in definite agreement with their leader. “But don’t worry, we’ll make sure…” A tall male figure gripped a chunk of the girl’s loose hanging hair and pulled her upwards, forcing her back to straighten till she stood uncomfortably on her knees. Glaring with a smug smile he whispered the words deliberately slowly, allowing the excruciating pain to seep in, “little freak, you… won’t end up… like certain freaks.”
Lubb Dubb.
Reality…
“Kaiya are you-“
“YAAAAAAH!”
Everything was suddenly a blur- the blue sky, clouds and the solid dirt ground all packed into one image. My hand shot out and gripped the closest object, grappling it downwards. It struggled back but it not enough, merely a weak attempt at best. A yelp of surprise had faintly reached my ears but I easily ignored it; my head was throbbing unpleasantly. I hated it, why couldn’t I breathe clearly? See clearly? It was as though the wholeness of my senses had been shattered into pieces of a puzzle that was being shuffled continually as my body struggled to re-establish homeostasis.
Lashing out was the initial instinct that accompanied fear. I wanted to yell, I wasn’t supposed to feel this anymore!
“Ow! Kaiya stop it! What are you doing!” A female voice cried out. Strong arms pushed against mine. Just what was I doing? In sudden confusion I immediately loosened my hold, slacking the grip on soft clothing. Wait, soft clothing?
“HAA!”
I couldn’t have prepared myself for offensive strike being momentarily blind and deaf. Helplessly I openly received a blow to the head, feeling a fist connect with my jaw. I was sent flying and eventually rolling until I finally stopped flat on my back. In no time wasted a dead weight too its opportunity and pounced on top of my limp body, nailing down my arms and legs, effectively pinning me down.
The first thing that came to mind,
“Ow…”
“Wow! That was intense. I definitely didn’t expect that move…” Someone praised. “You almost had me that time.”
Through blurred tears collecting in my eyes I could make out the shape of a person’s face. I squinted, trying to focus the image, trying to will it clearer but all I gained was the sight of a long brown blur connected to that face- which I finally concluded was hair held back in a ponytail. Oh right…I was…
“Daijobu des ka?” Came the concerned voice. “Oh no! Did you get something in your eyes when you fell? I’m so sorry!” The person backed off and released me from the deadly hold; perhaps they thought I was crying from their assault. With dusty, sweaty palms I rubbed my eyes tentatively; trying my best to avoid gathering any potential tear triggering reactions.
“Don’t rub them!” The voice called out again, “You’ll make it worse. Try blinking slowly a few times…”
Stubbornly I refused to heed the advice and continued on with my thoughtless actions. Soon I was rewarded and responded with a frustrated “Ah!” when grains of dirt stung sensitive tissue.
“Ow, ow, ow!”
There was a weak shuffling sound moving away, then close again before I felt a cool presence centimeters from my face. I thought about jerking away but that was soon ruled out; startling to me a hand clamped down at the back of my head and pushed me forward gently into cool fabric. At first I tensed up from the unexpected contact but my muscles involuntarily began to relax due to prolonged exposure in company of pleasant relief. Within the few minutes to follow soft cotton moved rhythmically side to side and dislodged previous obstruction. It feels so good; I felt like sighing in content but resisted the urge.
“That should do it.” My companion said cheerfully with hopeful confidence. The cool bliss started to pull away back but my hands automatically shot up to prevent it. “Not yet? H-Hold on, at least let me have it long enough to re-soak it again for you.”
I remember now.
“Makoto I’m fine… don’t worry so much.” I tried to reassure the brunette. The nervousness in her voice disturbed me somewhat- Even more so, since it was for me.
I felt the cool cloth pushed into my hands quickly again after I had spoken. Without hesitating I applied it with light pressure against my eyes; I was certain they were a bit puffy from continual irritation. Silence followed while I took in deep breaths to regain lost composure. What I remembered brought something back, something I wanted to forget. Memories…are something you just can’t completely wipe away it seems. Even if you convinced yourself it wasn’t real, even if you thought you lost all recollection of it, they will never completely vanish; a mark is always left behind, small traces of consciousness. Sometimes all it takes is a simple word or thought to break the dam.
“I guess we’ve had it for today…” Makoto sighed. I could sense the disappointment in her voice.
“Wait, one more go okay?” I suggested. “We came here to practice right? Might as well make the most of it while we can.” Finally I removed the covering from my eyes and braced myself for the sun’s intensity. Although there was a tingling sensation it wasn’t the rude awakening that I expected.
“You sure?”
I looked up to meet the gaze of dancing emerald eyes, reflecting an anxious caution.
“Hai.” I pushed myself up. Thinking it a good time as any I proceeded to stretch on the spot, coaxing the tight muscles into a more flexible state. Makoto didn’t say anything but instead she watched in curiosity.
As I rotated my upper body side to side I off-handedly muttered, “Good for the back, you know?” The girl seemed to nod in agreement.
Her persistent silence prompted me to get moving. It was obvious she was holding herself back from starting the match on the spot.
Without saying another word I made my way across dusty ground to the other side of the large ground, thoughtfully contemplating what came to pass of late.
There hadn’t been a youma incident all week! Meaning: no worrying about where the next fight would be, whether or not to beat my parents into the ground and painfully choosing between watching or saving. I admit I really did need the break, but now? Chores were mediocre training, barely enough strain to develop any of the large muscle groups. And doing the same things routinely whilst knowing you aren’t getting any stronger is frustrating! So when Makoto phoned up Rei’s place asking if I wanted to go to this ‘secret training place’ with her during the weekend I was ecstatic. I even finished all of my homework ahead of time for this.
“You ready?” I asked. I saw a small nod from my opponent opposite to me. Both of us wore the traditional martial arts uniforms, however in black due to the condition of the terrain. White fabric and dirt don’t mix I tell ya, Makoto must’ve been thinking the same thing when she lent me this spare of hers.
Realizing what I just thought I almost slapped myself. What does it matter what uniform or clothing you wear? When you get down to it the enemy won’t go easier on you if you choose to wear a dress instead of armor. It would be your mistake, your problem. The battles will always go on. That’s why it’s essential to gain power and to sharpen skills to win…that’s why I would never turn down a chance to train against a possible worthy opponent!
“Bring it!” Makoto shouted. To my amusement her emotions did not die from her bright eyes, instead they charged up and swirled to the surface full force. How unusual to fight with emotion. That’s the last thing you need in a fight. Technique executions are best done through instinct rather than impulse. Through impulse it is true you may gain a temporary boost of power… but can the enraged user be trusted to pass judgement on the right party? Even I have trouble keeping my feelings in check, poor unsuspecting Makoto almost had a taste of that lesson earlier, but I won’t let it happen again.
This time…I won’t be distracted!
I shifted my legs to a low, stagger positioned base and brought my arms up. My elbows bent but stayed close to my sides. Taking a deep breath I then raised slightly closed hands to shoulder height and waited.
The slightly shorter girl mirrored the exact motions with the exception of having her fists lowered slightly; instead they were right up by her face.
Breathing noises dropped in volume to a near mute, eyes staring with commitment. Never look behind always fall forward.
It was then that I noticed it, Makoto’s breath hitched. My legs instinctively darted to the right, attempting to meet the other girl for an angle attack as she dashed forward in a series of quick steps. Coming through the left side I vaguely felt the breeze of a narrowly missed jab but it was only the first. Five alternating shots came in quickly as I quickly adjusted, shifting my head position right and left.
“HAA! YAH! YAH! HA! NeH!” The last was more of a grunt.
To my surprise Makoto changed strategy and lunged forwards, attempting to throw me off by the sudden change of the attack range. I remember it very well; last time she had caught me in a certain head hold and I froze. It reminded me of that something. Well, not this time! I steeled every feeling inside me, staring down the movement of the aggressive combatant as the distance gap narrowed.
“Raah!” Here’s the chance.
Dropping all weight onto left heel I fell back till, quickly becoming perpendicular with the ground, first catching myself with my right arm. While my spine was straightening I used the spring momentum and threw my trailing leg up aiming to bash Makoto starting chin up. But it was a no go; I had barely missed the girl. She had quick reflexes I’d give her that. However the result wasn’t unanticipated.
As the brunette shot her head back the opportunity was exposed, I watched as her hips automatically move towards me in the reaction. My fingers dug into the Earth, tightening my hold on the ground painfully while concentrating on tensing all abdominal muscles. Successfully I was able to freeze my movement leaving me exactly perpendicular to the uneven terrain. It was my turn to strike.
My right leg shot back down and scored a spot in the girl’s stomach area. The brunette gasped, having the wind knocked out of her and staggered back. Hoping to knock her from her feet I allowed myself to drop to the ground, planning to attempt a roundhouse sweep. Perhaps at that moment I felt worried or too caught up in the action…Whatever it was, I became too anxious and rushed, taking out only one of her long legs. There was a small yelp of surprise as the younger girl felt her balance wane at the expense of having one limb pulled out from beneath her.
I lost balance and fell clumsily, paying for the sloppy movement. Now it was me who was on the ground with my back flat against the rocky hard surface, cursing myself all the while for not taking out both legs. Makoto took the extra momentum to her advantage and kicked the slipped leg back causing herself fall forwards. Her fist came up, aiming for mid chest. Coming down there was a,
Thud!
For the most part the blow damaged solid ground. Some dust particles had shot up as a result. However, the lucky bum managed to nick me in the side with a pinch as I attempted to twist and evade with delayed reaction. Although the miscalculation cost me a bit, it would charge the brunette even more; to my delight Makoto had not considered the consciences for such an gamble.
“Yah!” Switching back to the offensive I caught the collar of her undershirt and flipped her over me; one of my legs dug in below her ribcage and shot up at an angle, propelling the girl a good six meters before her body collided with the Earth floor.
THUD!
“Augh!” Makoto groaned upon the solid contact back first. I watched her from an upside down point of view as she somersaulted unintentionally until coming to a stop face first in the dirt.
“I win…”
I watched the girl get up and jerk her head around to glower at me, obviously she did not agree. By now I had also regained my stance, readying for the final confrontation.
“Yeah, right.” The declaration came out as a hiss.
Indeed she had spirit, you could tell by the way it seethed in those eyes.
“Hi-YA!”
Another series of jabs were coming but this time I would not let her get off more than one. As the initial punch lashed out I stepped forward whilst my body turned partially sideways. Re-directing the attack with a small nudge with the palm of my hand to my left side I immediately gripped it with the same hand and ducked under Makoto’s outstretched arm and around her back, taking the now useless limb with me. Currently facing her backside I thrust my right leg into the back of the closest leg’s knee and forcefully bent the limb to the ground. Shifting dirt was the only sound of our existences, breaths guarded closely within our chests, one of surprise, the other of victory.
There had been expected resistance to the motion but I twisted the captured arm nearly parallel to her body length and pinned it down onto her back.
“Got you.”
“Rrrrr.” Under my hold I could feel her muscles twitch.
“Don’t bother, you can’t do anything. Your upper body is pinned down onto your weakly propped up knee along with one of your arms; thus, taking away half of the possible range of motion. As for your legs, I’m technically stepping on one. The other… is still being used to maintain what little balance you have left.” Makoto’s remaining leg that I haven’t confined tensed suddenly. I could not see her facial expression but her thoughts were clear as today’s blue sky. “You know, you may decide to make a bid for freedom and attack with the one limb holding you up…” She seemed to freeze, listening carefully to what I would say next. “However, as soon as you relinquish that control it will become mine.” I played through the predicted sequence in my mind. Releasing the leg she’ll inevitably fall forward and strike the ground but this time, leaving herself completely vulnerable.
“Haaa…” Makoto sighed. “Okay, I get it!” The outburst startled me, I hadn’t realized that I had pulled her arm up higher.
“Oops! Sorry.” I apologized and released her. “So, enough for today?”
“I guess so…” The girl responded, still rubbing her reddened wrist as she sat cross legged, still on the upturned dirt.
“Here.” I outstretched a hand to her. The younger girl offered a smile as she took it.
“Thanks.”
Ten minutes later the two of us had changed back into a clean change of clothes. We exited the small patch of trees back to familiar looking scenery, back to the place where the contest site was set up the previous week before. I was mildly surprised at first as well; although I knew of the dense coverage that was offered during the earlier incident, I did not expect Makoto to actually use it for a training ground. When she said ‘secret training place’ the first thing that came to my mind was some far away place in the mountains. From the books it seemed to be something that people in this time usually do when they go on a training quest. Guess you can’t believe everything you read.
“Wow, tough workout huh?” The slightly shorter girl tried to start conversation.
“I suppose so.” Beads of sweat were still apparent by my temples. With small irritation I brushed aside my bangs and other strands of hair that were slightly matted by the moisture.
“It might help if you put your hair up into a ponytail or something when you spar.”
So it might be a bit of a help but what if my elastic snaps in the middle of a fight? The small change could be enough to throw everything off. If I can perform at maximum potential in the worst conditions then I’ll be even better when I pin my hair back.
“Umm, okay.” Makoto dropped the subject. “Then do you want to stop off at my place? It’s closer than the shrine.”
‘Huh?” I gave her a questioning look. What does the shrine have to do with anything?
“Meaning, you can take a shower there.” Oh…I watched the girl seem to turn pink at the notion. “Being all sweaty can be really uncomfortable right?
“Yeah, I guess you’re right.”
At the apartment
It wasn’t a very big place, quite small with sparse furniture. A lone balcony window entrance lay opposite to the front door.
“Come on in, make yourself at home.” The emerald eyed girl invited. She proceeded to drop the ripped up garments onto a nearby stool. Unsure of what to do I also copied the action.
I followed my host to an entrance of a smaller dark room and paused as Makoto plunged on ahead, fumbling through its darkness. There was a quick ‘hiss’ sound before sunlight chased away the dark shadows, exposing a quaint bedroom. It was very neat and tidy, much like the rest of the apartment I noticed. Even more so, the assortment of stuffed animals that lay lightly on the nearby bed caught my attention.
“Stuffed animals…?” I saw some were stuffed puppy dogs, others of various species of cats. To my surprise, a few appeared homemade; a few creatures had stitches that were clumsily clinging to fuzzy fabric.
“Ah, those were some of my early attempts.” Makoto quickly commented, scratching the back of her head in an embarrassed motion. “These ones are my latest!” She whipped out a few colorful lizard-like looking things. Taking one into my palm I squeezed it lightly. By the squishy touch I immediately figured it was filled with small objects such as beans or beads. “Aren’t they great?” The girl beamed.
Compared to what she described as her “early attempts” these were far better with massive improvements; one could hardly tell they were attempted originals.
“Yeah.” I stated the obvious fact, knowing the girl was still beaming. It was amazing actually. Could you even imagine trying to sew such tiny stitches together? Mind boggling especially to me since I couldn’t handle arts and crafts. Cleaning? All right, that I can do. I’d make a decent cook too, but making cute stuffed creatures…
“Something wrong?” The voice snapped me out of my dumbfounded expression.
“No, not at all! Haha…”
“Hey, what do you think of this?” Makoto shoved a stuffed teddy bear on top of the lizard in my palm.
“This…?” I studied the bear. “Uhh, it’s cute?”
“You really think so?”
The hopeful tone confused me for a split second until I saw the tiny tag attached to the bear’s ear. “Ami”, My mind automatically read.
“Making it for Ami chan?” I raised an amused eyebrow. Seeing the girl blush I knew I hit the target dead on.
“W-well…you see…” She fumbled through her words looking for an excuse but failed miserably.
“It’s all right, I understand.” I assured her. It’s pretty obvious that she likes the shy Ami Mizuno, or at least to me anyway. I could’ve sworn I heard her release a breath of relief.
Her reaction…The immense relief nagged me. I thought back to Haruka’s explanation of this society’s views of same gender couples for the umpteenth time since that day. At this moment I didn’t know if I felt angry, sad or ashamed for these people. Why did it matter so much? A person is just another human, no matter how you slice it.
“So you really like it?” Came the question again.
“Yes, it’s very good!” I confirmed my answer with enthusiasm now.
However certain I was that she would inquire once more with the same lack of confidence I couldn’t have prepared myself for the next round. She took a deep breath.
“Doyouwantone?” Makoto speed blurted.
Eh? Mind freeze.
“I mean you don’t have to take any of these ones,” she pointed to a basket full by her desk, “I can make one for you. Ack!” The girl looked at the clock ticking quietly beside me on a small dresser. Funny how I never noticed it until now. “Got to start cooking. You can use some spare clothes in the closet, bathroom is out this door, upstairs to your right.” With that she dashed out. I watched the blur as she ducked behind a solid wall near the front door, which I assumed, was the kitchen.
Okay, that…was interesting. Looking at the small clock again perhaps I was the one who should’ve yelled ‘ack’; my first music practice with Haruka and Michiru was in two hours! Almost clumsily I threw open her closet and grabbed the closest pile of garments. Pants, shirt…doesn’t matter as long as it’s wearable right?
Before I knew it I was in the bathroom, searching the place curiously with hurried urgency.
“Let’s see…A shower looks like that metal bit attached to a bath. So how do I turn it on?” At Rei’s place we always just used a small bath. Even at the palace we used baths but a bit bigger. “Aww crap. Whatever! I’m sure I’ll get it.”
Leaning forward into the small, contained space I easily found the water knobs. So which one is which? Turning them both with equal precision I was rewarded with neutral heated water. Good so far…This time I rotated the one of the right a bit more and found the mainstream become cooler.
“Oh, I get it. The one on the right is the cold water and the left is for the hot water.” Removing the testing palm away from the steady stream I re-adjusted the water until the liquid became pleasantly warm.
“There we go.” I praised myself, feeling pleased at accomplishing the small task. Now that I was on my knees I noticed a small, circular metal between the hot and cold water knobs. “Hmm? What’s that?” I peered closer, closing eye distance to receive a better look at the strange object. A light bulb went off in my mind. “Ah! I bet…” It was probably what would trigger the shower!
Without another thought I gripped the disk between my index finger and thumb, pulling it backwards whilst watching it stretched out. To my surprise the fast flowing stream of water suddenly stopped.
“Eh? Oh no! Did I do something wrong?”:
A strange rumbling shot up through the walls, startling me a bit. What’s that…
“ACK!”
Strong pressurized water rained down from the showerhead above. I was completely caught off guard; momentarily have forgotten where shower water probably came from. After floundering around somewhat I managed to jerk back and abruptly yanked the shower curtain across the space for protection. Still gasping slightly I knew my face probably was red with embarrassment. Never have I ever been ambushed successfully by people and yet…
Knock, knock.
“Kaiya, is everything alright?” I heard Makoto tap on the door, awaiting a response.
“Yes! Everything is just great.” I lied slightly.
“I forgot to mention but I left the shower pressure on really high, you might want to turn it down before you use it.”
“NOW she tells me.” The words came out, barely audible under my breath.
“Anyway, lunch is almost ready. Come out once you’re done and have some.”
“Okay.” For some reason that last comment struck me as odd; it was almost like being mothered. It wasn’t the same like that time Michiru saved me when I first arrived, that time seemed…special in its own way. Hmm…I pondered. I guess Makoto is the type of person that just wants the best in everybody; she’d probably help me if I asked her but should I ask Makoto for help? My eyes trailed over to the still running shower. No, I do not need to be babysat! I can do figure things out on my own, my mind rebuffed the idea. “Right, time to conquer this monster.” I committed, readying to show that mechanical water gun who’s boss.
After the shower
Upon exiting the water chamber a mouth watering aroma reached my senses. Before I could stop myself I found myself saying,
“Hey, that smell’s good.” I said it more to myself but Makoto popped her head around the corner as the words left my mouth.
“Glad to hear it.” She smiled. “I hope you’re hungry.” I noticed her changed attire. She was carrying a large plastic spoon-like scoop in her hand and a feminine decorated apron hung around her front was revealed as she fully emerged from the hiding spot. Seeing my staring she explained, “Pink is my favorite color.”
I just nodded my head. Pink was actually my least favorite color, not that I have any trouble with other’s wearing it but let’s just say you wouldn’t find a scrap of pink fabric anywhere in my dresser.
“Have a seat.” Makoto kindly pointed to the small table where two plates of rice stir fry awaited. We both walked over to the table but not to forget my own manners so soon I replied,
‘You first.” Pulling the chair out for her to seat first.
“Oh…thank you.” She seemed slightly embarrassed at the action but accepted it nevertheless.
Taking the seat across from the brunette I resolved to make absolutely sure she would take the first bite of the meal. Back at home they would always have the meals tested before serving it to either Hotaru or me but this reason was something more simple; I wanted Makoto to reap the rewards of her own hard work. From sight and smell it was obvious the dish had a lot of care put into it.
“Is something wrong?” The girl asked nervously.
‘Nope.” I replied, making sure to smile reassuringly.
Makoto’s eyes relaxed slightly but neither of us made the first move. What was wrong? Or…did she expect me to comment on it first? That must be it! I slapped myself mentally. I guess I still have a lot to learn about manners here in this time. Taking a spoonful of the substance I chewed on it thoughtfully, letting the combination of flavors mix into something greater.
“It’s delicious.” I complimented the brunette.
The other girl smiled. Looking pleased she finally dug into her own portion with enthusiasm. All that training must’ve taken its toll on her hunger. Spoonful after spoonful the contents slowly disappeared to a ‘better place’.
All the while as we ate in silence I would occasionally glance at the clock hanging on a nearby wall. Only forty minutes have passed.
“Kaiya.”
“Hmm?” I looked up.
“I-I know this is none of my business but I heard from Rei…I’m sorry to hear about your parents.”
The sentence seemed to hang in the air. The awkwardness was not caused from anger toward the miko who had blabbed personal information nor towards the subjects of the topic. For some reason, I didn’t feel anything at all; no dominating emotion seemed to penetrate the neutral condition of my mental state. Letting the words sink in I finally replied,
“Thank you.” Makoto’s sympathy made me wonder.
“If it makes you feel any better, I kind of know what it feels like.” I studied the girl, searching her eyes for any hints of reason. “Mine died in an airplane accident.” She finally revealed.
Since the start I suspected it had something to do with it – no family portraits, the less than family sized room apartment, the singular bed, unusual amount of stuffed creatures…It was because, she had no family. Mildly I was startled even though I shouldn’t have been as I had been right all along.
“I’m not sure what to say.” I admitted. The girl knew her parents were dead, there was no hope that she could bring them back or find them alive miraculously. In my case, I was much better off I realized. Much better off.
“It’s okay, really.” But she really wasn’t okay as she was letting on.
“Do you want to talk about it?” I finally asked.
Makoto sat there, staring blankly at me with empty eyes.
“I…”
“Look, you can’t keep things bottled up. It’s not healthy; eventually it’ll build up so much you’ll snap.” It was true, but I think she needed someone to say it.
The brunette bowed her head slightly, her bangs covering her eyes.
“…”
Leaving the apartment
“See you sometime soon?” I asked.
“Yeah. Oh and good luck with your rehearsal” The girl cheered me on.
“Thanks.”
We both split up, going opposite ways from the front of the apartment building. Makoto mentioned she was going to check out some shops with Usagi and not wanting to run into that talkative blonde I took a pass on tagging along. Thoughts of being cornered with questions were becoming a phobia of mine these days.
I had made it down the block where we had separated when I decided to do a quick check. “Bracelets…” The slight bulge in the borrowed windbreaker jacket told me of its presence. “Key…” Yup, I smiled, feeling the cool metal between my fingertips in the black, jean pocket. Seems to be everything. About to saunter off I realized that there was something else in the key pocket. “Even got a…wallet!”
Clutched lightly in my hand was a small, leather wallet.
“B-b-b-b-but!” I stuttered. This isn’t mine! My mind screamed. Then…Makoto…”Just great.” I gritted my teeth. “Makoto!” Doing a 180 I rushed off in the direction I last saw her leave, hoping somehow that I would catch up to the brunette before my appointment.
Haruka’s POV, riding her motorcycle
Not a single youma attack all week! I can’t stand this; it’s driving me crazy, when will they attack? How much longer must Michiru and I wait before our next chance at another crystal? That last incident still weighted heavily on my stressed out mind. During that pathetic excuse for a contest some bastard used my power again! Who do they think they are? Coming into someone else’s battle, then turn tail and run? Worst yet, I almost had them! So close…Then I fell for the oldest trick in the book. Memory of the tree branch colliding with my face burned humiliation in my mind.
My hands gripped the bike’s handles as I made a sharp right turn and down the nearly empty street. More questionable, the stranger had only used Uranus’s powers, not Neptune’s. What did it add up to? Did it mean they couldn’t use it or they just chose not to?
“AH!” Through the visor flashed two pedestrians in my path as I made another right turn. Shimatta! I stomped down on the brakes.
“Usagi!” One of them shouted.
Screeeeech!
Luckily I was able to turn the bike in time, but just barely! Those kids…
“I’m so sorry!” I knew I shouldn’t have been driving in a rage. “You want me to call an ambulance?”
“I think…we’re fine.” The brunette of the two finally responded. In an instant I recognized the girls, Makoto and Odango. Faintly I heard the blonde mutter an. “Call my lawyer,” remark.
“No please! I’ll lose my wheels.” Losing my transportation would just kill me; I can see Michiru chiding with an ‘I told you so’. Can’t have that happening, I’d rather die first.
“Oh, Haruka! I was only playing.” Irritation shot through my stomach. That kind of sense of humor…
“You sure about that?” My eyebrow twitched. To prevent anything I may regret I turned to check up on the brunette. “Hey, that looks like a nasty scratch!”
“W-what? Oh, yeah, I guess it is.” For a moment I couldn’t tell whether she was still in shock or not; that spaced out expression was indicating ‘no one was home’.
“Let me help you.” Undoing the scarf around my neck I proceeded to bandage the series of scrapes on her one hand.
“But your scarf, it’s going to get all dirty.” Makoto complained. “You shouldn’t…”
“Zip it!” I almost snapped. “Look, it’s the least I could do for nearly plowing you guys over.” Preventing any more argument I quickly added, “I don’t have many friends around here, I better take care of the ones I’ve got.”
The other girl just nodded her head.
“So no hard feelings?” Just to be sure I won’t be hounded down later on.
“Nope.” They both agreed.
“Great. See ya guys later.”
After giving a little wave I sped out of that intersection quick as possible. That was close! How could I have been so careless? The self-bashing could have gone on for hours but one glance at my clock changed the inner complaints. Awww, so much to do! Got to call Michiru, pick her up and take her to our scheduled rehearsal – that Kaiya better show, and then worry again about our enemies next move.
Finally into a more isolated area I brought the bike to a steady halt. Making sure no one was within ear range I whipped out the watch communicator and called the aqua goddess. She better pick up, I need someone to talk to… almost running over innocent bystanders really shook me up.
Beep, beep, beep…
The small, golden gadget bleeped a number of times before the screen finally got through.
“Michiru?”
My screen depicted a blue tiled wall, not the person I was searching for.
“Michiru?” I repeated louder. “Hey, Michiru!”
“Calm down Ruka, I’m right here.” Her voice finally erupted from the speaker.
“Where? I don’t see you…Oh! Are you in the pool again?”
I heard her giggle. “Good guess.”
“Uh…well then, almost ready to go to rehearsal?” So maybe I won’t tell her about the near motorcycle accident after all. “I can be there in ten minutes.”
“Michiru?”
The other end went silent. Despite feeling the need to panic I forced myself to relax. Always assuming the worst will definitely take its toll on you, either making you age past your years or in the form of a heart attack. That when I felt it- a cold wave wash over me. Now I was standing in the middle of the ocean, its current collapsing layer after layer of water upon me.
“Do you feel that?” Came Michiru’s solemn voice. It was no longer cheerful.
“The wind…” I muttered, tilting my chin up to the watch the sky above through the waters. I could see a gathering of dark clouds in the clear sky, a storm with lighting and thunder accompanying the raging body that surrounded me. My element howled warning, of foreboding. Ignoring the shivers racing down my spine I sought out the other presence in the chaos, searching for her.
“It’s close.” I muttered to my partner. The water around my sides sprung up into a swirling tornado with me at its center eye. Michiru’s serious gaze caught mine from the cliff edge she sat on nearby. Indeed she was still dressed in the school swimsuit.
“…ten minutes...” The waves carried her faint voice to my waiting ears.
“Right.”
Kaiya’s POV
“How could she have gotten so far in such a short time?” I just wanted to shout out in frustration. Makoto sure couldn’t buy anything without her wallet…
“Earth to Makoto…” The familiar name caused my ears to twitch. Looking across the street there was Makoto and Usagi. Ah! I’ve got to get over there.
“Umm…” Looking both directions of the seemingly isolated road and finally deciding it would be safe I attempted to cross only to have a pack of cars rush around the corner! “Gah!” I yelped, jumping back just in time narrowly avoiding injury. Where…the hell do these cars come from?
Screeching wheels and honking horns drowned out what I tried to yell next,
“MAAAAKOTO!”
Honk, honk! Bleep!
Some random driver then felt it was necessary to point out,
“Crosswalk is back there stupid!” The passengers in the back seat jeered as well.
Why I oughta…Thoughts of breaking that puny, hunk of junk they called for a car into pile of dust appealed to me but that was short lived as I noticed Makoto and Usagi had began walking away.
“Shit!” Doing the best thing I could I ran down to crosswalk, jogging lightly on the spot wishing it would change soon. The count down meter across the street read ‘30’…’29’…This is great, just great.
Thirty seconds and a mad dash sprint later I made it to where I last saw the two girls. They were…going in this direction! Deciding to use instinct I was about to dash away but halted when I smelled the familiar aroma of sizzling noodles. Not that I was hungry or anything but I was sure a certain blonde may be. Remembering the insane food obsessed drool from the Odango my feet zipped off towards the open market.
“Makoto!” I called through the crowd.
Stalls littered the sidewalk as merchants dealt fresh fruit and vegetables. More developed stalls actually served as tiny restaurants. Ramen shops, cafes, snack bars…It was crowded! Searching further down I passed a few dealers trading watches and games of all sorts whilst small children ran freely under adult supervision.
“Mmph…Yummy! More please!”
I spotted the owner of that voice.
“Usagi!” I shouted, gripping the slightly startled girl by the shoulder. She turned around and eyed me quickly before cheerfully greeting,
“Hi Kaiya, want some?” The blonde shoved a bowl of ramen under my nose.
“Ahh…no thanks, I just ate. Do you know where Makoto is?”
“She left with Ami.”
“Ami?”
“Yeah, Makoto wanted to return Haruka’s scarf.”
“Scarf?”
A cook handed the starving girl with another extra large bowl of chicken ramen.
“Yup…” She gulped down a mouthful and shoved more noodles into her mouth. “Hafuca ammofe ram uf ovar.”
“Could…you say that again?”
The girl swallowed and took a deep breath, “Haruka almost ran us over.”
“WHAT!”
“Oh, chill. I said almost but it was an accident.” Usagi waved at me, motioning for me to let the idea go.
“B-but…” I sighed. “Let me get this straight. Haruka almost ran you guys over then I’m assuming Haruka gave Makoto a scarf to make up for it and then Mako went with Ami to give it back?”
“Yup, you got it.” I was rewarded with the thumbs up pose.
Stopping for a moment I thought the entire explanation through. Makoto went to give Haruka back her scarf…with Ami? It didn’t seem right, weren’t there cram sessions still going on?
“Usagi?”
“Hmm…?”
“Did Ami get out of cram school early today or something?” From what I’ve observed of the blue haired genius during Rei’s study group meetings through the past week she seemed to be a person to take her studies seriously; always helping the group solve the problems, giving free tutoring. You can’t get top grades in the school by doing nothing as well.
“Yeah, she said she’d learn the material on this new online program instead from now on. Something about saving time and such.” Computer sessions? That sounds... “Isn’t that great? Now she can spend more time with the gang.”
This girl was clueless…Her dopey smile was nothing confidence inspiring. Any rational person who thought about it would spot the immediate problem. You can’t learn nearly as much by yourself as in a classroom. Asking questions, listening to a teacher’s explanation compared to reading texts on a mechanical screen is superior by far. If you were serious about marks you’d stick with the classroom settings if possible. And as for saving time? Not a chance, if anything it’d take more time! I don’t like the sound of this, not at all!
“Which was did they go?” I nearly demanded. Patiently I watched her point her chopsticks down the route I had been travelling earlier. “Thanks Usagi, but I gotta go now!”
“After they died they left me all alone.”
I could still see the tears that girl had tried to hold back. Those blue rivers ran down her cheeks, how they rained onto clenched fists below.
“Do you hate them?”
“At first…then I wished, if only…”
Still whizzing by the stalls I shot out an arm to clutch a large hooded cloak from a anime cosplay shop.
“Hey!” The shopkeeper cried in surprise. Digging into my own stash I threw back a few bills to ease the man’s ‘loss’, hoping it was enough.
Makoto didn’t truly hate them… More than anything she wished she could see them again, just being a family again. A wounded soul of a girl who is trying her best not to let everything crumble.
“But you know…”
“I have someone to protect now.”
“Ha…ha…ha!” I gasped, sliding on the heavy cloak and hood over me to disguise my form. It was Ami she was talking about. The content look of the gift she crafted for the shy girl made my inside’s twist painfully.
I reached the fence barrier that wrapped around a small junkyard area, the place reeked of youma.
“That’s…JUST LOW!”
Catapulting myself up and off the tall fence I spotted the monster as it just wrapped Makoto in its grasp.
“World…SHAKING!”
Michiru’s POV
Haruka and I were already transformed and camouflaged in the surrounding area. It did strike me strange, the aura being emitted by the brunette’s blue haired companion. It was almost as though it wasn’t human.
“Umm…Ami? I’m pretty sure this isn’t the way to Haruka’s house.” Makoto finally spoke up. “Ami?”
“Something’s up.” Uranus muttered suspiciously by my side.
We both eyed the pair enter the small junkyard.
“We’re here…” Ami declared in a low, creepy voice. Makoto watched her friend from the backside, unable to see the girl’s face.
“Ami, are you alright?”
“Never better…NoW tHaT YoU’rE hErE! AHAHAHA!”
Makoto immediately stepped back as ‘Ami’ was surrounded by a blue swirl of negative energy. My stomach flipped as there was a sickening rip whilst the girl pulled the false face off and replaced it with a new mask.
“You’re not Ami! You’re…” The brunette shouted.
The grinning mask the monster had put on smiled wickedly at its prey.
“Worry about yourself little girl!” From its sides, ropes of scarlet fabric shot out.
“Ah!” In no time the girl was caught in its trap. “Let go of me!”
“Wait for it Neptune.” Uranus read my mind. “Hold it back, just a little longer.” But I could see her struggling to hold back herself.
It hurts, I’ve never been able to get used to it; watching the victims cry for a savior while being tortured with enough fear to make one’s heart stop. But to save them, the universe, it had to be done. Another scream filled the air and I closed my eyes, hoping to shut it out…However, it wasn’t Makoto who screamed.
“World…SHAKING!”
Whipping my head to the direction of the voice I saw a cloaked figure leap over the fence and smash a world shaking into the ground – both catching their fall and sending the mighty blast towards the unsuspecting youma.
“Yaaaa!” The monster cried, releasing its hold on the target.
“Go, get out of here!” The figure instructed the brunette. Makoto hesitated at first but reluctantly nodded and dashed out of the area entrance.
“Damn it!” Uranus hissed.
“Should we follow the girl?”
“No, wait a sec, I want to see this.”
Training our eyes on the intense increasing battle I tensed up, feeling something familiar about this stranger. What’s this feeling? As if you know someone you’ve never met before? The combatants clashes drew my attention once more.
“Ha!”
The stranger gripped the monster’s shoulder, flipping over it’s head and sent a surely mind numbing elbow to its neck.
“Gah!” It screeched. Red fabric shot out and attempted to catch its new prey but was unsuccessful as the person shot themselves off of the monster’s back into the air and out of range. “Grr…Hold still!” It cried.
“You’re too slow.” The person taunted, prompting the monster to shoot itself towards the figure.
Again the cloaked person evaded, however this time to the side and released another world shaking.
“World, SHAKING!”
This one barely scrapped the monster’s flexible form. I realized it was adapting to the speed of the attack. Whoever this stranger was, they would need to change strategies to win this one.
Kaiya’s POV
Shit! I missed!
Another barrage of ropes came jumping off the ground, aiming not only to capture but this time, kill.
“HA!”
Somersaulting backwards up into the air I managed to land on one ribbon as it shot past and jumped off of it behind a mass of broken down cars. If I don’t do something soon I’ll lose, but what can I do? All I really know how to use is the World Shaking. Could I use the Deep Submerge as well? Then again, that would be risky; to try a new attack or plan during battle when things actually count!
Thud, thud!
Leaning back on the shelter I could feel the solid parts shift and churn, some crumbling deeper into each other. Stupid monster is trying to bulldoze its way through the metal mountain. What to do, what to do?
“Hahahaha!”
I turned to look up just in time to see the youma falling down towards me, apparently ditching the ‘use force method’. I’m going for it, I decided.
“Deep…SUBMERGE!”
However as I raised my arms I noticed the symbols of Neptune did not appear as normally would for an attack of Uranus.
W-what…
“ACK!”
Leaving myself wide open the youma seized its chance; gripping my cloak by the collar it shoved me painfully into the ground back first. Vaguely I could stones grinding into my limp form and the friction of the jagged rocks heating the thick material against my skin. We finally stopped as my head lightly touched the fence at the other end of the junkyard, at least thankfully I didn’t break my head through that wood.
“End of the line for you.” The youma gloated. It’s hold tightened and I gasped, bringing my hands in an attempt to prevent any type of strangling. If the thing could see my eyes I bet it’d melt on the spot; I was that angry. However, my hood still shielded my face to its advantage.
“Think so? You really value that mask don’t you?”
Feeling the sudden lack in its grip answered my suspicions and gave me my chance. In a sudden movement my hand shot up, capturing the monster by the neck.
“Eat this!”
Shifting all my weight I threw the enemy headfirst into the solid fence. A loud crunch of breaking wood echoed the air but I didn’t hear it, I was too busy enjoying the flickering pieces of bark that showered the area around me knowing the pain I caused was successful.
The creature flipped and slid along the ground outside of the junkyard into an area of newly grown grass. It howled in pain, covering its face in agony.
“My mask!” It shrieked.
Before I could make another move it stood up and ran off.
“Wait!” I cried out too late.
“I think you should be the one doing the waiting.”
My blood ran cold as I turned to face the stern voice.
Uranus’s POV
“I think you should be the one doing the waiting.”
The cloaked figure turned slowly on the spot, taking their time to acknowledge Neptune’s presence and myself.
“Tell us, are you a friend of foe.” Neptune inquired.
“Friend of foe?” The person echoed. “That…depends.”
“What do you mean depends?” I challenged their answer. “You’re either one or the other!”
“Are you after the talismans too?” My partner investigated further. Feeling ignored I stepped down momentarily and listened eagerly to the next response.
“…No.”
“Then why do you interfere? Better yet, how is it that you can use planet power? Only Sailor Scouts should be able to wield such elements.” That’s what I was going to ask, I grumbled to myself.
When they did not respond I felt compelled to ask another question that had been weighing heavily on my mind since the first incident back then.
“How…how can you use my powers?” I growled. Hate and frustration drenched every word. “How can you use powers of Uranus!”
“That…” My heart almost stopped. “Isn’t important.” Just when I was thinking I would finally receive what I sort after for these past few weeks was shot down.
I exploded, “It’s important to me!”
In a burst of speed I dashed forward, raising my fist to strike the stranger. The runt deserved to be taught a lesson, that attitude pisses me off.
“World…SHAKING!” I cried.
The attack had crossed half the distance. As I expected the stranger to fight back I heard,
“Deep… SUBMERGE!”
So close to hitting the target but I was stopped.
“Neptune…” I whispered, half disbelieving what had just happened.
“Calm down Uranus, fighting won’t get us anywhere.” Neptune cautioned.
It was all I could take. Immediately I dashed off into the shadows of the surrounding area, wanting more than anything to sulk. Or more importantly, I didn’t want her to see my face, the way it was twisting in pain at that moment. I lost control, I didn’t even know if that being was my enemy but it didn’t matter to me…
“Uranus!” I heard her call to me but I brushed it aside.
Kaiya’s POV
“Looks like your ‘friend’ ran off.”
“…” Neptune glowered slightly at the remark. The reaction wasn’t surprising.
Silence rang through the air as we both prepared ourselves for possible confrontation. Calmly I re-assessed the past two minutes: Once again I am being bombarded with annoying questions and then Uranus runs off. She seemed very…mentally unstable; her voice, the look of shock mixed with anger in those normally composed facial features. But it was not rocket science to understand why. Her pride, I realized had suffered a huge wound. Could she say she was the Senshi of the wind, the only one who could wield Uranus’s powers? Definitely not as I stand here in this time. And although a part of me felt sympathetic towards the other blonde it wasn’t enough to smother the hate I still harbored for her, it wasn’t enough by a long shot.
With unblinking eyes I watched Neptune sink her body into a battle stance. Her aqua eyes bore into the shadow of my hood, searching for any hint of my identity. Reading the tactic easily I lowered my head, allowing the hood to sink lower and smiled as the other girl frowned with disappointment. It bothered me, I couldn’t do the deep submerge in the last battle when I needed it…And here, in front of me stands the being that could without any problem whatsoever. Any frustration that the senshi of the ocean experiences now was lessening my own.
I hate you…My thoughts directed towards the aqua haired woman.
“Tell me, are you human?” She asked. It seemed to be a desperate question, perhaps hoping it would get me talking but I only found myself angered; I should be the one asking the questions, I’m the one who should be lashing out in frustration! I thought of Uranus’s anger.
My hands squeezed into tight fists, feeling the nails dig into soft flesh to keep my mind on the pain and not revenge. Deep breaths…deep breaths…Instead it sounded like I was gasping for air; my breathing picked up and all attempts to take them slowly failed miserably.
“What…does it matter?” I snapped.
“Your outfit…” She mused.
Ah! Although the cloak did shield a lot it couldn’t hide my borrowed civilian clothing. The jeans and part of my shirt were visible but I wouldn’t allow myself to be stressed at the notion; they weren’t even my clothes! Feeling somehow lucky and clever at the same time I almost laughed, I still held all the cards.
“What do you consider human?” I was going to stuff this topic down her throat. “Is it someone who looks like you? Two arms, two legs and a head? Or is it a being that dresses in your average everyday clothing? Who eats similar foods and lives the same boring lifestyle? Well?” I saw the other girl hesitate, motivating me further. “People think they are so superior! But just look at them, a good lot are corrupted cowards, acting like the wild animals they condemn, preying on the weak of their own kind.” An image of my younger self being kicked flashed across my mind. Laughing, so much laughter and it had been all directed at me. Suddenly all else, Hisa, Makoto, Hotaru…were cleared from my rage driven mind.
“They’re all not like that!” Neptune argued. Her battle stance faltered as she took a step back.
“Or maybe…” My voice whispered. “More importantly, to be human you should not have unnatural powers! Neptune! I think you should be the one telling me, are you human?”
Her eyes widened at the accusation, unable to answer immediately. For the first time I saw her aqua blues dart uncertainly towards the ground. Contemplating my own thoughts I already knew that I was more than human, something unnatural that perhaps shouldn’t even exist. However, I accepted the fact since way back, what did it matter if I was human or not? I live, I breathe…talk, eat, laugh, cry…I even have… ‘Friends’. The word penetrated the fog that clouded my thoughts. That’s right…
Against my will the anger slowly dissipated into the limitless sky.
Looking up I found myself thinking strangely how pretty the sky was today; the clouds just floating on by.
“Ugh…”
The held back gasp caught my attention. Neptune was shaking her head between her hands. A pained look darkened her expression. What…did I just do? A rush of guilt shot through my heart; sailor senshi surely ask themselves the same question throughout their lifetime. Why did I have to bring it up…Because you were angry I answered myself. But shouldn’t be used an as excuse to lose my cool.
“What… do you fight for?”
Neptune slowly opened her eyes and registered the question quickly as if it was one of those with an obvious answer.
“For love and justice…for peace.” I noticed her breathing rate was returning to normal.
“You’re saying that ‘peace’ is determined by people’s heart crystals?”
She silently nodded her head. Seeming to have made up her mind about something she continued.
“Three magical talismans hold the fate of humanity, three.” She held up three fingers for emphasis. “As you’ve already noticed, all people hold a special crystal of their own which only makes our duty so much more difficult to accomplish.”
“You and Uranus?”
Another nod.
“Why is it just you two? Can’t anyone else do it? What about the other sailors?” Carefully I had chosen those words…If I commented directly about the inners Neptune would figure out I knew more than I was letting on.
“They’d only get in the way…” The aqua beauty muttered in a voice unlike her own. It must’ve been Uranus’s words; they were voiced half heartily.
“Are you asking for help?” I felt my eyes narrow at the suggestive comment.
I could feel her gaze staring with hardened resolution into the thick fabric. Lifting my face up slightly, I gazed through the shadow to meet hers.
“Now that you’ve joined the fight, you’re either an ally or a casualty.”
At that I leaped backwards onto a section of the fence that hasn’t been demolished in the previous battle. Neptune stepped forwards, worry that I’d simply disappear without answering was evident in her features.
“.Besides, if we fail the enemy will come after you too now that they know of your existence.”
“…Next time we meet…You shall receive an answer then.”
Neptune’s POV
“…Next time we meet…You shall receive an answer.” The figure’s cloak blew freely in the wind before they fell back behind the fence barrier.
I stood there, dumbly watching the spot where the stranger made their exit and pondered the encounter. It was true that I didn’t receive any truth that Uranus and I searched for, or learned anything specifically…But at least we potentially have a new battle companion for the future.
That being didn’t seem truly evil; the energy they radiated was vastly filled with anguish and sorrow, not destruction…A past pain, a present hurt, who knows? Every living thing suffers in their own way as we all strive for a purpose for existence. If I didn’t have Haruka, I may very well have turned out like that poor soul. I realize now that that person…is merely on the edge of falling one way or another.
“But if I was truly in any danger you would have come to my rescue wouldn’t you…” I addressed the shadows of a nearby building. “Uranus?”
There was a bright light as Haruka de-transformed.
“I guess…” She scratched her head sheepishly as she emerged from the sheltered camouflage. “You sure about this Michiru?” Her expression becoming serious again.
“Well, we do know this being is more than capable of fighting at our level…And you still absolutely refuse the inner’s help.”
“Sure they’re strong enough-they are using my power, but can we trust them?” She stressed.
“I think so.” Even though we just met, something told me the cloaked figure wouldn’t turn on us. A strange feeling but call it intuition.
“Oh jeez! We should be going to practice, it’s in five minutes.” The blonde warned me, indicating to the gold watch clipped about her wrist.
“Already that time? Then we must be going.” Immediately I de-transformed as well.
“C’mon.” Haruka waved me over.
In a minute we were speeding towards the next adventure of the day on Haruka’s motorcycle.
Haruka’s POV, At the music hall
We had made it barely on time, no thanks to that ‘I’ve so superior because I can use your powers’ stranger, who butted into our fight. No! Must, stop, thinking of that. Shouldn’t plan to kill possible new help.
“Miss Kaioh? Yes, your reservation is right here. You’ll find the place down the hall to your right.” I vaguely heard the receptionist say, although I was somewhat busy at the moment to actually hear. “Oh and would you tell your boyfriend to stop banging his head against the wall?”
“Haruka!”
“Ow, ow, ow!” I yelped as Michiru pulled me down the hall by my ear.
“I can’t leave you alone for one second can I?” The aqua goddess chided.
“I think we should be worrying more about Kaiya.” Michiru gave me ‘the look’ as she finally released her hold. “Who knows, she may have forgo-“
I walked ahead of my companion and moved to open the door for her when a,
“What’s sup?” Greeted us both unexpectantly.
“K-Kaiya?” She’s actually here…and on time! Michiru shot me an almost smug ‘what were you saying?’ look. Ignoring it I pretended to clear my throat, just enough to give me time to regain the ‘too cool for you’ composure. “Glad to see you here on time squirt.” I walked past Michiru and messed up the slightly shorter blonde’s hair despite her verbal protests.
“Hey! Stop, that, you…Grr…”
“Now, now Haruka.” Michiru giggled. “Be nice.”
I couldn’t help but grin happily at the sound of her laughter, even if Kaiya was shooting daggers at me from her glare behind my back.
“Oh, I see you’re in the performance dress attire. Although it is a bit unusual, don’t you think she looks cute Haruka?” Michiru teased.
I looked the other blonde over with a critic eye. Kaiya looked to be caught between man and woman’s formal performance wear; instead of a skirt she sported a pair of black slacks that fitted her nicely I had to admit. As for the shirt, a simple white blouse with nothing bright or sticking out oddly. I wouldn’t go as far as cute; she more or less looked clueless. I almost laughed.
“Yeah…” I stifled a laugh but it still came out as a chuckle.
“Don’t laugh, the receptionist gave ‘em to me.” Kaiya’s face turned crimson. Now that expression was cute.
“Sure, whatever you say.” I teased.
“It’s true!”
“Haruka’s just teasing.” Michiru bailed the other blonde out. She then turned to peer at the clock. “We’ll worry about your attire later. Right now we should be practicing; after all, we only have this place booked for a limited time.”
“But why do we have to play in these get ups if it’s just practice?” Kaiya almost whined. She definitely didn’t find the clothes very comfortable after being picked on.
“Simply because we’re going to play in them eventually.” Michi sighed.
“You know, make things as real to the actual situation as possible.” I added in. The blonde seemed to understand that explanation much better. “Where’s your flute?”
“Umm…I sorta forgot it.”
“WHAT!” Okay, so she was on time but that doesn’t necessarily make her ‘responsible’.
“It’s alright Haruka, she can borrow one from the front desk.”
“I guess…” I sighed.
“So I just ask them for a flute right?”
“That’s right.” Michi replied. “Haruka and I will start to set up, come back as quick as possible okay?”
“You got it.”
At that, the girl raced out of the door. Almost immediately after I heard it close with a click.
“Are you sure you’re okay Ruka?” Michi asked. I turned to see her quietly opening her violin case, careful not to drop the books she held to her side with her arms.
“Yeah…” I lowered my head, finding the ground suddenly fascinating. “I didn’t mean to…you know…” My feet shuffled slightly.
A hand lightly sat on my shoulder, a soft touch that I could barely feel through the suit. Taking that hand into mine I slowly turned around to knowingly meet the prettiest aqua eyes I’ve ever seen in my lifetime. Searching the emotional depths of those pools I found concern and worry…perhaps something else flickered there briefly.
“You sure?”
“Yeah…” I nodded my head and attempted to smile.
“We’ll have to give it time…” Michi tried to reason with my fears. She paused. “I’m sure, everything will become clear if we’re patient.”
She was so close, how I wanted to lean down and plant a kiss on awaiting soft lips. But I can’t, I can’t; forcing one sided love on another isn’t love at all.
“Thanks Michi.” So instead, I embraced the smaller girl in a light hug. Pleasantly I could smell her perfume, the freshness of the ocean from her aqua locks and the warmth emitted from her petite body. It was so nice that I didn’t want to let go. I closed my eyes, letting all sensation sooth the frustration of the day down to nothing.
“HEEEEEY, I’m back…?”
Just my luck, Kaiya just barged back in. Michiru quickly left my arms, her face blushing fiercely. The poor girl went back to concentrating on the music sheets, placing them in order and such.
“Did I…interrupt something here?” Kaiya shot me a look.
Did you tell her yet?
No.
“Not at all Kaiya, we just finished setting up.”
Silently I hoped she would drop all the questions and that accusing stare of hers.
Would you quit staring!
“Well, since you do have a flute now we can start.” Michi spoke up finally. With a small smile she motioned for Kaiya to take a seat beside her. I too sat down but at the piano keyboard. “We should probably start with the slower pieces first and then work our way up, right Haruka?”
“Yeah.” I agreed. It would give us all a chance to get back into shape, plus our newest member can catch onto the routine.
At first we were all a bit off tune but we all constantly adapted; changing the pitches, pressure on the keys and even a few notes on the pages themselves. In the end, the room was truly filled with music- peaceful, calm and soothing melodies that seemed to stop time itself. Just the three of us together. I wonder…what Kaiya is thinking right now…
Kaiya’s POV, three hours later
“Wow, I didn’t know you could sing Michiru.” It was very unexpected but a pleasant surprise none the less. I clapped as she finished the high note.
“Arigato Kaiya.” Michiru smiled. As the teenager proceeded to refresh herself with a drink of water Haruka filled me in.
“She’s been practicing for this one show ever since we got the offer.”
“A show? Which one?” I almost couldn’t hold back the excitement and curiosity. Whatever it was, it had to be good; why else would the normally quiet Michiru practice singing?
“Excited? You should be, it’s for the family day concert they’re holding next month.”
“Family…day?”
“Yeah, you know…” Haruka then stopped, probably seeing my downcast expression. “Er…you don’t?”
“My parents disappeared on me when I was still a kid.”
“No… brothers or sisters?” Michiru asked as she knelt down beside the chair I was seated at. She sounded so…sympathetic.
“An adopted sister…but she’s always going to meetings. Never home.”
I could see the look on Michiru’s face grow solemn. It was just like with Makoto, Hisa and Rei. Why did all these people look sad when they found out? It wasn’t like it was their family that deserted them.
“Welcome to the club.” Haruka gave a sad chuckle.
“Say what?”
“Both of us are on our own as well.”
Michiru stood and walked past Haruka to one of the room windows. She surveyed the scenery outside, watching the happy couples with children dally by with daily activities.
“It’s been awhile since Haruka and I met…” The aqua beauty whispered. One of her hands lingered over her heart as she closed her eyes reminiscing.
“A really long time?”
Haruka nodded her head.
“Yup, but it’s in the past now, we can’t go back. But… I don’t regret it, I wouldn’t go back for the world.”
There was another brief silence.
“They all look so happy, don’t they Haruka? Kaiya?”
Haruka and I walked over to the window to see what Michiru was staring thoughtfully at. Crowds of elementary aged children had just gotten out of school for the day. Dully we heard the dismissal bell but it was mostly drowned out due to the energetic of little tykes’ cheers of freedom. A few enthusiastic parents honked from their car, letting their presence known before exiting the mechanical vehicles.
They did look happy, smiling faces everywhere as parent and child embraced each other in a welcoming hug. Perhaps that’s what home felt like.
“Ever hear of the sailor scouts Kaiya?” Michiru spoke again.
I merely nodded my head, too caught up in the happy reunion scenes below us.
“I believe, this is what they protect.”
“You really think so Michiru?” I asked.
She turned her head slightly and looked me in the eye, “I do.”
“If they even have families I’m sure they would do everything in their power to protect them as well.” Haruka said her bit as well. Before I could say anything she also turned to look me in the eye and said, “I do believe it.”
I wanted to tell them they were wrong but the words would not come out. They strongly believed in the goodness of people they’ve never met or knew, even looked me in the eye and declared it. How…could I say ‘no, you’ve got it all wrong’?
“If…you say so.” I sighed in defeat. “I’ve only read about them in the news so I don’t know very much.”
“No one really knows anything about them. To add onto all that, you’re still fairly new here so it’s expected. Don’t worry about it.” Michiru reas
sured my ‘ignorance’. Why does it hurt to lie to them? This pain in my chest…
“But you know, I heard there was this cloaked figure going around as well.” I quickly added, hoping the change the topic somewhat.
“Humph, probably some wannabe superhero.” Haruka snorted.
That comment made me twitch but I held it back, it was Haruka after all and she knew nothing about my other identity. So how could I beat her?
“Really? How do you know they’re not an evil villain?” I shot back.
“I…I don’t know, if they were wouldn’t they’ve blown up a building or something?”
“Then do you think this person is on the sailor scouts team?”
“WHAT? I seriously doubt it. The sailor scouts are really strong, like they’d need an outsiders help.” Haruka brushed aside the notion, leaving Michiru left to answer. Without knowing it Haruka was putting me down constantly, how sad; I can’t say anything about it either.
“Who knows Kaiya, no one knows right?” Michiru started. “But…I’d have to disagree with Haruka on the latter.”
“What? Really Michi?” The other blonde questioned with surprise.
“It seems to me that the sailor scouts are strong and they do have powers…But they probably need all the help they can get; there’ve been more monster cases then ever of late. It’s frightening when you think about it.”
Need all the help they can get huh? Ironic how Neptune and Uranus won’t accept the inner senshi’s aid.
“They’d only get in the way…”
Do those two want my help because I can use their powers? Either way I can’t escape the battles now; I’ll be hunted down like Neptune said if they fail.
“I suppose it is…” I said off-handedly.
There was a small click and we all turned to face the sound.
“Oh, pardon me but I believe your time is almost up.” The receptionist informed us.
“Your right…” Haruka muttered, looking to her watch. “We’ll be out in a sec. That alright?”
“That’ll be perfect, thanks.” With that the woman smiled and left.
“Well I guess that’s a wrap for the day.” Haruka addressed Michiru and I.
“It may as well, I am a bit exhausted.” Michiru admitted.
“You guys can go rest but I got some housework to do where I’m staying.”
“Aww, that bites.” Haruka pretended to be sorry but her eyes gave it away.
“Yeah, I’m suuuure you feel that way Haruka.” The blonde merely laughed. “So anyway, I guess I’ll talk to you guys later?”
“Count on it.”
“You bet.”
I turned to leave and had almost made it to the door before I was called again.
“Hey Kaiya! Don’t forget to return the flute to the front desk!” Haruka outstretched her hand with the rental flute in its grasp.
“Oops, almost forgot it.” How embarrassing…I ran back for it.
“Oh and Kaiya?”
“Hmm?”
“Umm…you say it Michiru.”
“On family day, why don’t the three of us spend it together?”
What…?
“A day for us orphans.” Haruka grinned. “…Kaiya?”
“OKAY!”
I’ve never spent family day with anyone before. This one would be my first. Was it excitement? It felt like there were butterflies in my stomach . I felt so happy but…Ah, no time to think about that now.
We all said our farewells and I did return the flute to the desk, but I did not immediately return to the shrine. I gathered my schoolbag and cloak from one of the lockers I borrowed and headed for the city’s main shopping center. If I’m going to do this, I’m going to do it right…the first time!
At the mall
“That’s right, a pair of sunglasses and a package of hair ties.”
“Would you need prescription for the glasses?”
“What? No, no thank you. Just the way they are is fine, thanks.”
“Okay, is that all for today?”
I nodded to the cashier woman.
“Your total comes to…”
Immediately after I paid I moved quickly out of the place, carrying a few small bags tightly in my grasp. I suppose I could’ve placed them in my school bag but it may have proven a bit space difficult as the cloak mostly took up what the small sack had to offer. I had been especially cautious to not draw any sort of suspicion; I had gone and bought all the items in separate stores at this mall: a light, black long shirt, pair of black cargo pants, gloves, sunglasses and a package of hair ties. If I integrate all these items into my disguise no one will be able to identify me with my hood on or not.
“Last thing to do…” Waltzing over to a pay phone I picked it up and dialed a memorized number.
Briiiiiiing, briiiiiiiiing.
“Hi, Rei? I’m going to be late coming home. There’s something I want to check up at the library so don’t wait up with supper for me.”
Because I’ve finally decided…
By the waterfront, late evening
Clashes of attacks met the air.
“Neptune!”
“Uranus, the crystal!”
The monster previous was back with vengeance, however its face was exposed without its mask. At its feet lay the soulless body of Kino Makoto.
“Want this?” It sneered towards Uranus and Neptune, holding the crystal in its clutches.
“Yeah, actually I’ll be taking that now!”
Uranus lunged forward into the barrage of red ribbons. For the first few steps she managed to evade the attack but faltered on the recent when a ribbon sprung off the ground and up.
“Gah!”
In an attempt to prevent herself from falling the senshi of the wind took hold of the weapon and turned it into a disadvantage for its user.
“Don’t drop it.” Uranus mocked. She yanked down on the ribbon.
Pulled slightly off balance the monster shrieked as the crystal jiggled out of its grip onto the cement pavement a few meters away. Fortunately no damage had been done to the jewel; it merely hovered over the ground quietly, waiting for someone to claim it as their prize.
“You annoying…” The monster cried. “Pests should be put out of their misery.”
“I couldn’t agree more.” Neptune stated. “Deep…SUBMERGE!”
“World…SHAKING!”
The two partner’s attacks hurled straight towards the youma who stood its ground.
“Think that’ll defeat me?” It sneered as the attacks closed distance.
“World…SHAKING!” The previous attacks were joined by a third bright light.
“Wha…WhaAaAaT?” It shrieked, its final death cry.
“Neptune, the crystal! Is it?” Uranus asked.
“No…it’s not what we’re looking for.”
“Maybe not, but that did…” I muttered, remembering the monster’s last comment.
“You again!” Uranus growled as I stepped out of my hiding spot.
Before she could say another word I pulled back my hood to stare at the two partners through my black shades. The glasses themselves, to my liking, they covered my eyes effectively and were neither too dark nor light in shading. A strong wind blew across the area at that moment but my hair did not go spraying in all directions as it would normally; it was now that I had the blonde strands up in a ponytail for the first time since I’ve arrived here.
I held my hand out, asking for the crystal.
“Your answer?” Neptune inquired.
“On family day, why don’t the three of us spend it together”
“You know, a day for us orphans”
“I have…family to protect.”
Haruka, Michiru, Hotaru, Hisa, Yuuchiro, Rei, Makoto …
Neptune finally passed me the crystal. With great care I walked over and allowed the object to return to its rightful owner. The girl gasped a large gulp of air as the jewel disappeared.
Makoto…
“I have someone to protect now.”
I’ll fight for them, the people that are special to me. I looked to the duo that I would work with from here on. As for you two…I still reserve judgement.
“Welcome to the group…”
“From now on, it’s our fight”
Back to The Path Never Taken Index - Back to Sailor Moon Shoujo-Ai Fanfiction