Sailor Red Star
Chapter One: A New Beginning
Kira, a curious sixteen year old, lived in America. Over the course of many years, Kira knew she was different. She was destined to do great things. Everyone close to her knew this too. The problem was what this would be…
In another part of the world, a cat lay sleeping. In Japan, it was night-time. As the cat named Luna lay sleeping by the window sill, a phenomenal event occurred. Up in the night sky, a star began to form. This new star burned bright red. Suddenly, the cat woke up looking straight at the star. Luna's eyes grew big with shock. It is the star, Antares. But how can this be? When the Negaverse took over, it was destroyed. Just as the cat blinked to be sure of what it saw, the star Antares disappeared as fast as it had came.
While in the darkness of Japan a star had formed, Kira was dreaming as usual. Usually it would be about food or some hot guy she ahd met, but this time was different. It had started off ordinary, Kira pigging out on her favorite cuisine, but as her dream progressed she was seeing faces she didn't know. And a cat. She must have been thrashing and yelling in her sleep, for her parents came in with worried looks and asked if she was ok. Kira had broken into a sweat and was feeling a bit feverish. "I'm ok," Kira lied.
"Was it that bad of a nightmare?" her father, Steve, asked. Her parents were still concerned of Kira's behavior. Could she be ill?
"I'm fine. Don't worry," Kira said. Then she quickly added, "I could use a glass of water though."
Her mother, Lorraine, immediately left the room to go get her some water. Her father, after Kira persisted, reluctantly kissed her goodnight and went back to bed. As Kira lay back on her pillow, she thought about what an odd dream she had had. Something still bothered her though. Who was the blonde with pigtails? And what was with the guy in the mask? Where does the cat come into play? Why did these strangers seem so familiar?
The day after the star had formed, Luna decided to have a meeting with the scouts. After school that day, the team met up at Ray's house.
"Girls, I have some news. Last night I saw a bright red star appear. I believe it was the star Antares, a stasr that had been destroyed by the Negaverse. I--Serena are you even listening?" Luna screamed.
"Serena! You need to pay attention! If you don't stop drooling over that picture it will be ruined," Rei said.
By then Serena had snapped back into reality. Ahh. Why can't they just leaveme alone so I can stare at him all day? Oh Darien…
"Rei, Keep your mouth shut. You--" Serena was about to say more until Luna but in.
"Girls. Girls! We need to focus!" Luna exclaimed.
"What were we talking about again?" Serena said with a blank.
"You would know if you'd pay more attention," Rei mumbled.
"I was explaining about a past star I saw last night that had been destroyed by the Negaverse," Luna said.
"You said it was named Antares? I don't believe I've ever heard of it," Amy commented.
"No, you wouldn't have heard of it before. Years and years ago when Antares had a thriving nation, the Negaverse was coming to power. Antares contain some of the most precious jewels in the galaxy. Some of these jewels could give you great powers. Many nations attacked Antares. This was before it had been invisible. Antares was the brightest star after the sun. This made it easy for many enemies," Luna explained.
"Then how did it become invisible?" Lita inquired.
"Well, as Antares was being invaded, the moon palace was having problems as well. The moon was being hit by meteors and asteroids. The Moon people could do nothing about it. Many people died… Queen Serenity discussed matters with the Emperor of Antares. The people of Antares would use their jewels powers to prevent impacts on the Moon. In return, Queen Serenity used the power of the dark side of the moon to make the star Antares invisible. Thus, Antares almost ceased to exist to the outside world. Only the moon people knew where Antares was. They said if you looked long enough, you could see a red twinkle," Luna said.
"Ok, so they struck up a deal with each other. If Antares was invisible, how did the Negaverse destroy it?" asked Mina.
There was a silence as Luna chose her words carefully. "The people on the moon were wonderful, overall. But certain individuals were like that of the Negaverse. These individuals betrayed us and our Queen. They revealed the pin points of Antares. In the end, all of Antares was destroyed. Their people were killed and their cities raided. It's been said though, that the only person to escape was the princess of Antares," said Luna.
"You said a star formed, right? Well what exactly do want us to do about it? Serena asked.
"We'll have to investigate of course," Luna said.
"Right!" said the scouts in union.
"Do you think we should tell her?" asked Lorraine.
"Hmm… I don't know. We need to tell her soon though," Steve said.
"Tell me what?" interrupted Kira with a puzzled look.
Her parents exchanged glances. Well, here it goes… "Well sweetheart, your father and I have some news for you. We-- Kira you better sit down for this," said Lorraine. Kira sat down obediently. What are they getting at? Am I in trouble again?
"Well as you know, in the army we sometimes have to move to different posts where we're needed. And your father has recently been offered a relocation. We--"
"We're moving again aren't we? What state is it this time? Oh let me guess! Arizona?" said Kira. It was all starting to make sense. Sighs Like I didn't see this coming.
"Yes we are moving but it's not what you think," Lorraine said. Now she was beginning to get nervous.
"What your mother is trying to tell you is we're moving to Tokyo," said Steve with much concern.
"You mean in like Japan?!" asked the shocked girl.
Her parents nodded in reply. But to their surprise, Kira got up and started hugging and hissing them; actually thanking them! "You don't realize what this means to me! I've always wanted to go to Japan! Oh this is so exciting! Why didn't you tell me earlier you worry warts?!" exclaimed Kira.
"We didn't realize you'd be so happy about it," laughed her parents.
"Oh my gosh! I've, I've got to pact. We need to get ready! And I need to get lots of money to buy all the cool things in Tokyo. But best of all, we'll have sushi every night. Watch out Japan, here I come!" Kira proclaimed triumphantly.
Kira's parents were still amazed by the willingness Kira had shown. Since there had been no objection they left as soon as possible. It wasn't the first time Kira had been on a plane but for some reason, it all felt new to her. "Mom, Dad! Look, there it is! We're in Tokyo!" exclaimed Kira. "Come on, hurry up! I want to see everything."
"Kira, Kira! Please slow down! There's no need to run. We'll have plenty of time to look around. Let's get our luggage and then we can go to our new home," said Lorraine.
The family finally received their luggage and took a taxi to their new home. It was a large two story home with four bedrooms and two and a half bath. There was a family room, living room, dining room with an elegant chandelier, and a spacious kitchen with an island. "I call the master bedroom!" Kira yelled behind her as she ran up the stairs.
"Nice try but we already decided you would have the broom closet downstairs!" Her father shouted after her.
"Nonsense. That'll be for Cleo," Kira stated in a matter of fact tone.
Yeah, that's what you think, thought Cleo. Kira turned to her black lab, Cleo, with a strange look on her face. Can you hear me? wondered Cleo. The dog stared at her mistress. They locked eyes for a moment, then Kira turned to her dad and asked, " I am absolutely starving! Peanuts don't last long in my stomach. When are we going to eat?"
"I bet you're just dying to have some sushi aren't you? Well, we'll grab something to eat on the way to pick up our new cars."
"Ughh… I ate too much," groaned Kira.
"Yummy, yummy sushi." Her dad teasingly waved what little leftovers they had.
"No! No more sushi. I'll never eat fish again!"
"Well good luck on surviving out here! All they have is fish. Delicious fish wrapped in seaweed and rice…"
"You can stop now, Dad! Geez! You know what, when I throw up, it's coming in your direction!" she shouted playfully.
"That's ok. I have my honey-bunny here to act as my shield."
"Steve, lying is bad. Even to yourself."
Kira smiled. She loved how her family could joke around and have fun together. If only her sisters and brother were here. Family was the most important aspect in her life. What would I do without you guys? She went upstairs and picked the next biggest bedroom to the master bedroom. Kira then unpacked her suitcase and unrolled her sleeping bag. For old time's sake, she imagined she was outside, camping beneath the stairs. As she did so, she imagined the pigtailed girl on the moon; and there she was, living on a red star. But no, that couldn't be her. That girl is a princess with many jewels. Kira had none of that. She opened up her eyes to get rid of the images but they lingered in her mind. I'm going crazy. People don't live on the moon! "Oh, Cleo. What am I to do? I keep having strange dreams. If I told Mom and Dad, they would send me to the emergency room. I can't bear this alone. Sighs If only you could tell me what to do. To bad you're a dog," yawned Kira. Then she closed her eyes and fell asleep. Don't worry mistress. Soon there'll be more people than me to talk to.
"I'll be back later," yelled Kira.
"Wait. Where are you going?" asked her mom.
"I'm taking Cleo for a walk. Thought I'd check out the places around town. Maybe they'll even have a skate park," said Kira.
"Well, I don't like you going out by yourself--"
"Mom! I have Cleo here for my protection. Don't worry, I won't go far," Kira said as she stepped towards the door.
"Well, since you're going, you might as well pick up your school uniform," Lorraine said.
Kira froze in her tracks. "What? A uniform? For school? No one told me I had to wear a uniform!"
"Everyone has to wear a uniform to school, dear."
"This is so stupid!" grumbled Kira as she stormed out of the house. She and Cleo walked towards the park. As they walked around the corner, a cat crossed the street heading towards the arcade.
"Leave it alone, Cleo." Cleo continued to walk by her mistress but looked back to see the puzzled cat. Hey there stranger. Bet you don't remember me, do ya? Cleo turned around and caught up to Kira.
"It couldn't have been her. Or could it?" Luna wondered. The cat decided to follow the pair.
Kira and Cleo arrived at the park. "Ok. You go do your doggy business and I'll be on the swings." She walked off and Cleo went off to chase a squirrel. Kira sat on the swing. Ok. Now where are all the cute asian boys I've heard about?
Luna watched the girl on the swing. She looked awfully familiar. ' Her name is Kira," whispered Cleo into the cat's ear. The cat jumped at the noise.
"I knew it was you on the street!" panted Luna.
"Of course it was me. How many dogs have a red star on their foreheads?"
"One too many," mumbled Luna.
"So what have you been up to? It's been a few centuries since I saw you last."
"Oh, just the usually, Fighting evil at night, going to school during the day."
"Good thing it's summer, " said Cleo as she stretched out on the ground.
"So, is she ready?" Luna asked.
"Is who ready?" Cleo asked innocently.
"Don't play around with me. You know perfectly well who!" snapped Luna.
"Ok, ok. Don't have a hairball! No, not yet. Kira is still unaware of her powers. We need to let her get used to her surroundings. I will know when she's ready to be a scout. But not yet."
"We can't wait too long Cleo. Some new evil is coming and we'll need all the scouts, including the princess of Antares," said Luna.
"Cleo. Cleo! Time to go girl! Where is that mangy mutt?"
"We'll be in touch," said Cleo.
"Tonight. Meet me at the arcade," said Luna. Cleo nodded in reply and ran to her mistress.
"There you are! Come on, we got to go take you home. And then, I can get my school uniform!" Kira said with faked enthusiasm.