I do not own the rights to any of the characters in this fanfic, nor do I claim them. The idea, however, is mine. Enjoy!
This Time Around
Chapter 6
'You will know what to do when that time comes...'
As what Sailor Pluto said repeated in Serena's mind, she turned over for what seemed like the hundredth time that night. Everyone had turned in early that night after Lady Kayura told the Scouts and Ronins that the former Warlords' armors had been stolen. The Ronins, Mia, and Yuli each stayed in their respective rooms while the girls slept in the guestrooms. Amy and Mina were sharing the room across the hall from Sage's room, while Rei and Lita shared the room next to Rowen's room. Serena had a room all to herself, which had a balcony, and Rini had a small room at the end of the hall. Serena sighed as she stared up at the ceiling.
"What could she have meant," she asked out loud, to no one in particular. She sat up as a knock sounded at her door. "Come in," she called out.
"Serena," Rini asked, poking her head in through the door. "May I come in?"
"Sure, Rini," Serena replied. She couldn't help but to smile as the little girl came into the room. Rini was wearing a nightgown with bunnies all over it and her hair had been taken down. In one hand she was holding Luna-P, and tucked under the other arm was her pillow.
"Serena, can I sleep in here tonight," Rini asked. She dropped Luna-P and hugged her pillow close to her chest, looking at Serena pleadingly.
"Yes, Rini, come and get in bed," Serena replied as she scooted over to make room for her. The little girl smiled and then climbed into the bed. As Rini got comfortable, Serena propped herself up on her elbow and looked down at her. "Did you have a bad dream?"
"Yes," Rini replied. "It was about my mommy and daddy. I couldn't see their faces clearly, and every time I ran closer to them, they got farther away from me."
"You must really miss them," Serena stated. The tiny girl nodded and yawned loudly. "Tell me, Rini. What is it that you're really looking for?"
Rini yawned again and then curled up into a ball, close to Serena. "I'm looking for the ... jewel," she replied tiredly. "The jewel of the Royal Family." She mumbled something else incoherently, and then grew silent.
Serena peered down at the little girl and brushed a stray strand of hair out of her face. "Why do I feel so connected to you Rini," she asked her quietly. She looked towards the door as it once again creaked open, and White Blaze came into the room. He sat down on the floor and rested his chin on the bed. "Don't get too used to her, boy," she said, patting him on the head. As White Blaze curled up on the floor, Serena began to think about her guardian. "I really wish that Luna was here. She would know what to do." She sighed, and as she rested her head on her pillow, she slowly fell asleep.
* * * * *
The next morning Ryo walked down the hall, past Serena's room, and noticed that her door was open. He paused in front of it and considered whether or not he should shut it. A cool breeze was coming from the room and so he cautiously peeked in. First, he saw White Blaze curled up on the rug next to the bed, and then he noticed that the balcony doors were open. He quietly stepped into the cold room and looked down at his pet.
"White Blaze, get out of here," he whispered. The tiger grunted in protest, and slowly rose to his feet and left the room. Ryo sighed and then tiptoed past the bed over to the balcony doors and shut them. As he passed the bed again, he noticed a pink lock of hair out the corner of his eye. He stopped and glanced towards Serena and smiled at what he saw. Rini was curled up next to Serena, and Serena had an arm draped around Rini. Also, Serena's hair was fanned out over them, like a protective blanket. Ryo continued towards the door when Serena stirred and sat up.
"Ryo," she asked in a quiet, groggy voice. "What are you doing in my room?"
"I'm sorry, Serena," he replied, blushing slightly from embarrassment. He had gone into Serena's room innocently enough, but he still felt guilty for being in there so early in the morning. "I was just shutting the balcony doors. Did I wake you?"
"No, I woke up because it's so cold in here," she replied as she stretched and yawned. "I don't know how they got opened." She looked over at Rini, who was shivering next to her, and pulled the blanket up over her. Serena smiled fondly at the girl, and then looked back towards Ryo. "What time is it?"
"It's a little past eight," he replied.
"Wow, is it really that early," she asked. She yawned again and then shrugged her shoulders. "I might as well get up, then."
"Alright," he said, grabbing the doorknob. "I'll see you downstairs, then." Serena smiled as he left the room and closed the door behind him. As she got out of bed, she grabbed her toothbrush and other bath things, heading towards the bathroom.
Fifteen minutes later, Serena was sitting at the table with Ryo, Sai, and Rowen. Lita and Mia were in the kitchen fixing breakfast, Sage and Mina were jogging around the lake, and Amy was in Mia's study, analyzing some information. Rei soon joined everyone at the table. The only ones still sleeping were Kento, Rini, and Yuli.
"You know, Rini came into my room last night," Serena began, taking a sip of her tea. "She told me something I don't understand."
"What did she say," Rei asked, taking a seat next to Ryo.
"Well, I asked her what she was really here looking for, and she told me the Jewel of the Royal Family," Serena replied. "What do you think that means?"
"Hmm ... The Royal Family Jewel," Rei said. "Well, that could mean anything!"
"That's what confuses me," Serena stated. "I don't remember anything about a Royal Family Jewel. Neither Luna nor Artemis has ever mentioned it."
"Could it be the jewel in you locket, Serena," Sai asked.
"The Silver Emperial Crystal," Serena exclaimed incredulously. "She couldn't possible mean that!"
"It does make sense," Rei commented. "What other jewel could she mean?"
Serena sighed and shook her head. "But that doesn't make sense," she said quietly.
"Why don't you just ask me yourself," Rini asked from the bottom of the stairs. Everyone at the table turned towards the sound of her voice.
"Rini," Serena exclaimed. "When did ..."
"I don't like it when people talk about me and treat me like I'm a baby, Serena," Rini interrupted as she frowned and crossed her arms. "Just ask me your question."
"Alright then, I will," Serena replied. "I want to know why you're here, and what you're looking for."
"I already told you what I was looking for," Rini said with a sigh. "I told you what I could."
"But you told me something else last night," Serena pressed.
A look of worry momentarily crossed Rini's face, which went unnoticed by everyone at the table. "Serena, I don't remember saying anything else," she replied.
Serena stood up quickly and slammed her palms down on the table. Everyone jumped, and Rini looked at her, shocked. "Now you listen here, Rini! I know what I heard," she began. "If you want our help, you're going to have to tell us something more helpful!" At that moment, Kento came down the stairs.
"Hey guys," he greeted. He paused by Rini, ruffled her hair, then went to the table and sat down. After grabbing an apple from the fruit bowl, he looked around at everyone. "What's going on?"
"We're just talking with Rini about what she's looking for," Ryo replied. "Serena says Rini told her a little bit more about why she's here."
"Only Rini doesn't remember what she said, if she said anything," Rowen added.
"She did tell me something last night," Serena exclaimed. "Don't you believe me?"
"Serena, we do believe you," Rei said slowly. "But maybe you shouldn't try to force her to remember something she can't."
"What suddenly makes you an expert on children, Rei," Serena demanded angrily.
"I know about as much as you do, Serena, but at least I'm trying to be helpful here," Rei retorted. "I'm not the one upsetting Rini!"
Serena frowned and cleared her throat to try to calm herself down. "Rini," she began evenly, "I want you to tell everyone about the Jewel of the Royal Family that you mentioned last night. What does that mean?"
"But ... I can't! I can't explain anything about that," Rini said almost hysterically, as tears welled up in her eyes.
"We deserve to know the truth," Serena replied, raising her voice slightly. "You shouldn't lie to us when we're only trying to help." As Rini broke down sobbing, tears that Serena had been trying to will away silently slipped down her face. "I just want to help," she continued. "Rini ..."
"Don't talk to me," Rini screamed. "You're so mean to me! How could you, of all people, be so mean to me?" By this time, everyone had gathered in the dining room, except for Sage and Mina, who were still jogging. As Serena made her way around the table towards Rini, the little girl turned and ran out the front door.
"No, Rini, please wait," Serena exclaimed. "I'm sorry!" As she was about to go after her, Lita grabbed her by the arm.
"She needs some time alone, Serena," she said quietly. Serena sighed and sat down in a nearby chair, and broke down crying. As her sobs subsided, Amy put a hand on her friend's shoulder.
"Serena, what was that all about," she asked carefully.
"I just wanted a straight answer," Serena replied through a fresh wave of tears. "I don't like having all these secrets between us and Sailor Pluto and Rini!" She angrily wiped her tears away. "Why can't we know about what she's looking for? What is so important that Rini would have to keep it secret from us?" Silence filled the room, and moments later, her watch made beeping sounds. "Serena, here," she said into the device.
"Serena, this is Venus," Sailor Venus said over the Scout communicator. "We've got trouble by the lake. I think you'd better ... Aaah!" As the link died, Serena tried to get a hold of her once again.
"Venus! Venus, answer me," Serena exclaimed. "Can you hear me?" However, all anyone could hear was static. "Okay, Scouts! We'd better get out there."
* * * * *
"Sailor Venus, are you alright," Sage asked as he ran over to where she was laying in the sand.
Venus sat up and shook her head. "Yeah, I'm okay," she replied as she accepted the hand Sage was offering, and got to her feet. "Where did they come from?"
"I don't know," he replied. "But judging by the way they're throwing us around, I'd better get into full armor."
As Sage called forth the Armor of Halo, Venus looked around them. They were surrounded by a handful of what looked like armored Negamonsters. "They look like the enemies we usually fight, only slightly advanced," Venus stated. "And if that's the case, they shouldn't be that tough!"
"They could be from the new enemy," Sage commented right before he charged at one of the soldiers.
Venus nodded her head in acknowledgement. She closed her eyes as the wind picked up around her, and her hair defied gravity as it floated up into the air. She opened her eyes and fixed her gaze upon one of the soldiers. "Venus Love Chain Encircle!" As the chain went spiraling towards its' target, the soldier grabbed the end of it and pulled Venus towards him. She yelped in pain as the soldier grabbed her by the hair.
"Venus," Sage exclaimed. As he ran over to help her, another soldier attacked him with his sword and sent the Ronin flying through the air. Sage fell into the shallow end of the lake, and as he stood, he raised his sword into the air. "Thunderbolt… Cut!" He sent the attack towards the offending soldier, and as the attack drew closer, the soldier raised a hand holding a shield that looked like it was made out of energy. Sage's attack bounced off the shield and headed back towards him. As it hit Sage, Venus gasped.
"Who are you," she demanded angrily. As she struggled to get out of his grip, the soldier picked her up by the hair.
"Where's the child," the soldier demanded.
"C-child," Venus stammered. "What are you talking about?" As if on cue, Rini appeared down the path towards the lake, sobbing. As she was running, she tripped and fell. "Oh no, Rini," Venus exclaimed. The girl looked over in her direction and gasped.
"Sailor Venus," she exclaimed.
"Rini, get out of here," Venus yelled. She extended her index and middle fingers, and as they began to glow, she put them against the soldier's forehead. "Venus Crescent Beam Smash!" The impact from the attack destroyed the soldier instantly, and she dropped to the ground. Rini ran towards her and kneeled next to the fallen warrior.
"Sailor Venus, are you okay," she asked.
"Yes, Rini, I'm fine," Venus replied as she stood. "But what are you doing down here? Didn't you know that it was dangerous? Why didn't Serena make you stay at the house?"
"We ... had a fight," Rini replied. Her eyes began to tear up again, and Venus hugged her.
"It will be okay, Rini," she said, trying to soothe the girl. "Everything will be alright. But right now, I've got to get you out of here!" She grabbed a hold of Rini's hand, and then turned towards the other warrior. "Sage!"
"Get her out of here, Sailor Venus," Sage replied, shaking off the effects of his own attack. "I'll catch up later!" Venus nodded and dragged Rini towards the nearby forest. As the two ran away from the fight, one of the soldiers noticed their movements.
"After them," the soldier said. As two of the soldiers started to run after them, one was destroyed by Sage's attack.
"You won't get them that easily," Sage challenged.
"Sage of Halo," Kite said as she appeared from out of nowhere. "You're very resourceful."
"Kite," he exclaimed. "Why don't you just leave the girl alone? What do you need her for?"
"Silly little Ronin," Kite responded. "If only you could understand." She turned to the remaining soldiers. "You take care of him. I'll get the child." And as quickly as she had appeared, she disappeared.
"You should be no problem," Sage said to the soldiers, smiling confidently. However, the smile on his face quickly disappeared as the five soldiers began to double.
* * * * *
"Sailor Venus, slow down," Rini complained as she was being pulled along behind her. "I can't keep up with you!" She gasped as she lost her balance and fell. "I-I t-told y-you," she said as tears formed in her eyes.
"Oh, Rini, I'm sorry," Venus replied as she helped the young girl stand. "But we've got to keep moving until the others find us! If those soldiers catch up to us, we'll be in serious trouble."
Rini looked down towards the ground, as if she were ashamed. "You don't like me very much, do you," she asked quietly.
"What! Oh, Rini," Venus said, kneeling down eye-level to the girl. "Of course I like you! We all do. That's why we're trying to protect you. If it seems like we're being mean, I assure you that it's not because we don't like you. We're just very worried, that's all."
Rini looked up at Venus as she wiped a tear from her eye. "You don't think that I'm acting like a baby, then?"
Venus smiled down at the girl. "Of course not, Rini," she replied. "You're just confused. We all are." After a moment of silence, Venus looked around at their surroundings. "Now come on. We'd better keep moving." She motioned for Rini to walk in front of her, and as she followed the girl, something hit her from behind, knocking her to the ground. "Run Rini," she screamed. The little girl looked at her with wide eyes, and then ran away as fast as she could.
To Be Continued . . .