"Then things may have already changed. You can't expect them to be the same. Just know not to tell, especially Serena, anything. They just can't handle." She looked down at her hands. "I know my fate as a scout."
"I do, too. Pluto... I'm sorry." I looked at her.
"I always have to remember that it may change. I may not have to stop time and be punished." She looked up at me, with tears in her eyes. "I can't help feeling like I should stop them from going, and not let them fall into the heart snatcher's trap, prevent it. But I know I can't." A single tear came out of her eye.
"I understand. I will do what I must. Thank you, Trista." I looked at her with a friendly face.
"Some how I don't feel as alone as I did. Knowing some else knows as much as me." She paused as if to be thinking. "Please I would like it if you stayed here if you can. I realize you have no way else to go." She held her hand out to me. I was still grasping onto my bookbag.
"Don't know if I should. I mean I thought the inner scouts were suppose to handle me." She lowered her hand, realizing she couldn't disobey Uranus' orders.
"You're right. I do want you to come and visit me. Please." She seemed to be pleading.
"Of course. Everyday I promise." We smiled at each other. We were alike in many ways. Strangers in this town and with all our knowledge of the future.
"Come to dinner with me, out on the town. My treat." She got up. I followed.
"I can't decline a free meal." We walked across the street to one of her favorite restaurants. It was 'Oracles'.
"I love this place. It serves the greatest green tea. I like the American hamburgers, too." She looked down at me. We both laughed as we walked into the restaurant.
"The usual, my friend. What do you want, Adrienne?" The waiter and Trista looked me.
"I really would like some Japanese food. Do you have any suggestions?" I wanted to sample their food. You always have Chinese food, but never much Japanese.
"Japanese noodles are good. Bring some for my new friend, please. And some green tea." We both sat and drank our tea.
"Oh, no." I just realized I had left Serena and the girls shopping. "I had to sneak out of the store so the girls wouldn't make me answer any questions." I began to blush. I felt so dumb. How could I do that?
"Don't worry I'll take you back to Serena's house later." She smiled. "They were that bad?"
"Yeah. I couldn't get them to stop." After a little laughter our food came. We ate and talked about stupid stuff. Neither of us wanted to think of our troubles for once. I could tell she didn't really have any friends to talk to or connect with.
"How about we get back to Serena's before it gets to dark?" We before started on our way to her house. I was glad Trista was there when we got there. Trista made up a story about me being scared to answer any questions and seeing her walking outside the store. Serena's mom was really nice and let me stay as long as I wanted. I slept on a futon next to Serena's bed. She snored all night. I was not expecting to get to sleep anyway. My day had been so weird. My whole life had fallen apart in a blink of an eye. I kept wishing to go home, but there was still a part of me that wanted to stay. I think at one point in the night I must have fallen asleep, because I was awaken by a screaming alarm clock.
"Serena wake up..." I tried to get her up. I knew it was useless, but I was determined to get her up. It would be like walking into unknown territory. "Serena come on. I know its hard for you to wake up, but I need your help." She rolled over and looked at me.
"You need my help?" She seemed perplexed. She sat up slowly.
"Yes. I need you to get now." I looked at her and grinned. I had actually awaken the 'sloth'. We both got dressed. I wore my new uniform and Serena got me a toothbrush and such to start out the day. We both went down for breakfast.
"Serena, you're up so early." Her mom said turning around from the stove.
"Yeah, meatball brains, why ya up so early?" Sammy stuck his tongue out at her.
"I don't think that's very kind of you Sammy. Your sister is a very important part of your life. How would you feel if she disappeared one day and that's the last thing you had said to her?" I smiled slyly at him. I remembered my sister. I actually missed her, too.
"Well I guess I would feel pretty rotten." Sammy said lowering his eyes. Serena looked at me and I winked at her.
"Here Adrienne have some pancakes." Serena's mom handed me a plate.
"Where's Rini, mom?" Serena said getting her plate and sitting down next to me.
"Still asleep, I suppose. Why don't you wake her up before you leave." Her mom smiled at me. "Maybe you should try Adrienne, Rini isn't nearly as bad as Serena."
"Moooom... " Serena wailed. I ate my pancakes in a hurry. I did want to wake up Rini. I had always disliked her cause she was mean to Serena. Maybe I could change the way she felt about Serena. Just maybe or start to like her myself.
"Rini..." I felt strange waking her up. I had a sweet one in my voice. I wanted her to wake up to love and not anger. "Rini, its time to get up."
"No mommy I wanna sleep some more." She rolled over and looked up at me. I was blushing. She actually thought I was Neo Queen Serenity. "Oh hi, Adrienne."
"Hi Rini. I was wondering if you wanted to walk with Serena and I to school today." I tried to be nice. She was cute in her bunny PJs.
"Sure!" She jumped out of bed. "Adrienne... I want you to know that I wish you were my mom of the future. You're so much nicer then Serena." Now I blushed more.
"I hope I can prove you wrong, dear." I almost wanted to be her mom. Someone important in this game of the universe. We were soon on our way. I held Rini's hand as we walked to her school. When we got to Rini's school, I watched wishing I could stay by her side and protect her. "Serena, do you ever feel like just staying with Rini and protecting?"
"Well sometimes. When I first found out she was my daughter. I really couldn't stand to see anything happen to her. I didn't like leaving her alone for a moment. Now I feel unneeded since she is her own scout. I still like to be there in battle with her, so I can be sure nothing will happens to her. Days like today I want someone there with her, but I know she is my daughter and I believe that she can protect herself." She smiled. "Its like I already had her. I want to be her mother, but I also want to be a teenager. That's probably why we get in so many fights."
"Serena..." I wanted to ask a hundred questions, but I knew I couldn't. "In the show I always kind of disliked Rini. I'm not sure why. Probably just cause she was always mean to you. I dunno. But now I feel like I kind of connected with her." I smiled, I didn't understand how I could hate her so much and now have her feel like my own child.
"Well that would be one of us. I just can't get used to her being around. I wish the future me would just want her back one day. It seems a little petty, but I don't know how she can survive without her. I missed when she was gone after we defeated the Wiseman." We walked in silence for awhile. Soon enough Lita came running up behind us, with Ami trailing behind.
"Hey, Adrienne, we thought you disappeared on us. Where did you go?" Lita scrambled to catch up.
"It doesn't matter," Serena shushed her. "We better get to class." The first bell rang as we walked in the room. I guess I got Serena thinking, cause she didn't fall asleep once in class. I looked over at her once and she looked as if she was writing a note. Then I noticed that she was still writing it when the lunch bell rang.
"Serena, are you writing to Neo Queen Serenity?" I asked, wondering if I was right. She looked up at me, seemingly in a trance.
"Yes. I just had to get some stuff off my chest." She put down her pencil and stuffed the note in her bookbag. "Let's go to lunch."
"Serena, if you want me to proof read I will. I'm not to good at it, but I would like to help in anyway." I looked at her in a serious manner.
"Actually, I think that I would like your help." She smiled brightly at me. "You can't be any worse then I am." We both laughed as we trotted out the doors.
"Serena, Adrienne! Come sit over here." Lita waved at us. We all sat and ate lunch. It was pleasant outside. No one brought up their futures since Molly and Melvin were there.
"I really enjoyed your poem yesterday, Adrienne." Molly glinted with happiness. I could not believe that she is always the feeding grounds for the negaforces.
"Thanks. I was really nervous about reading it this morning, but the more I thought about it the less frightened I became. Of course it did help to know all of you girls would be out there cheering me on." I smiled big at them. They all smiled back with an appreciative look in their eyes. "But.. anyway I just wanted you to know that. Hey, you guys wouldn't believe what happened this morning." I told them all about waking Serena up so early. I don't even she minded me talking about her.
"Come on you guys lets all get back inside. Serena might not get detention today. Maybe we can go to the arcade before study buddies." Lita winked. We all jumped up and raced inside. I noticed that Serena still seemed to be down about something.
"Serena, are you all right?" I put a hand on her shoulder. I was afraid I might have caused this change in her.
"O... of course. I just I'm tired from waking up so early." She faked a yawn. "Come on I want to get to the arcade today." She ran to catch up to Lita and Ami. The rest of the day was pretty boring. We got out of school on time. Miss Haruna almost assigned Serena detention automatically, so we quickly reminded her Serena was on time to school and did not fall asleep once. We left her confused.
"I hope Andrew is there today." Lita said with twinkle in her eyes.
"Maybe Amara will be there." Ami commented, unknowingly saying it aloud. She started to blush I walked quietly beside Serena. The arcade was pretty empty. I saw Andrew across the room.
"Hi, girls. Long time no see." He waved and smiled from behind the counter.
"Hi, Andrew. What's going on around here? Seems kind of empty." Lita replied.
"Oh yeah they opened a new arcade down the street. It's supposed to have really neat virtual games. Hi there. I'm Andrew its nice to meet some new in the group." He extended his hand to me.
"Hello." I shook his hand and bowed. "I'm Adrienne Gabrielle. My friends call me Adrienne." I began to smile. "Wow the Crown Game Video Arcade. This is so unreal."
"Well I know we don't have great special effects, but the building is real." We all laughed for a little. Ami pointed out in after a while that study buddies is about to start. We all said our goodbyes and started on our way to the Hino Shrine. Soon enough we were there. We made our journey up the long staircase.
"You guys are late." Rei said trying to bust us.
"No I don't think that we are." I looked down at my watch. "Nope. Early by a couple of minutes."
"Oops.. sorry. I guess I got ahead of myself. Everyone is always late so I assumed you all were again." I smiled deviously at her. She pulled the girls aside. "I think something is strange about her."
"Oh you're just mad cause you messed up." Serena stuck her tongue out.
"No Rei's right I've been doing some tests and there is a strange aura around her." I tried to hear what they were saying.
"Well do you know what it is?" Lita looked between Luna, Artemis, and Ami.
"No, I can't figure it out." Ami held her chin thinking hard.
"Her aura reminds me of Mina's when I first met her." They all gasped. I had to hold mine in.
"Yes, that my be true, but I don't feel it like when I found the other scouts." Luna remarked.
"That's strange she has a similar aura to mine, but not you guys." Mina looked puzzled. They all did. I was taken back for a moment. I had an aura similar to Sailor Venus. No way!
"Hey, Adrienne come on we have to start studying." Rei called to me. We all sat and studied for a while. I couldn't really concentrate. I don't think anyone could. When it was time to leave, I told Serena I would come back to her house later.
"Rei. I was wondering. Could you ask the fire about me." She stared at me. "I heard you guys talking earlier about my aura. I want to know more than any of you."
"I understand. You're right I think it would be wise to ask for the fire's guidance." She went to change into her robe.
"Can I use the phone?" I asked walking over to it.
"Sure." She called form another room. I picked up the address book. Meiou... I wanted her to come by in a little so we could talk.
"Hello." Trista answered the phone.
"Hi, its Adrienne. I just wanted to ask you if we could meet at the Cherry Hill temple tonight?" I was hoping she could.
"Oh hi Adrienne. Tonight?" She seemed saddened. "I'm sorry I can't. Sailor business has come up. Maybe tomorrow afternoon." I was crushed, but also understood.
"All right, how about for lunch?" I smiled, but was sad.
"Sure that sounds great. I gotta get going. See you around." I said my goodbyes and we hung up. I walked back in the temple area.
"Are you ready?" I asked Rei.
"Yes. Sit here." She pointed to a spot on the floor. She began to chant and ask questions. "Tell us great fire what you know. Who is this girl?" A great flame shot up. An image appeared, it was a profile of me in a sailor uniform. I couldn't tell much about it but I looked stern and angry. "What.. what's this?" She seemed perplexed. "How can this be?" She stared at me. "We have already found all the scouts." She jumped up. "Who are you?" She reached for her communicator. "I think we have a problem scouts." I stood up.
"What's wrong Rei? Did you see something other then what I saw?" I couldn't understand why she still thought I was an enemy. "Rei tell me..."
"Stay away... Mars Star Power!" She began to transform. "I know all the scouts and you aren't one of them. Tell me who you are, negasleeze." I back away from her. All of the sudden a door opened.
"Lured by the new epic, I'm Sailor Uranus and I will gorgeously protect this planet."
"Lured by the new epic, I'm Sailor Neptune and I will fight for what's right."
"I'm Sailor Pluto the keeper of time. You will not get away from us."
"We are the Sailor Scouts!" They all yelled. I was stunned. Who were they after? Was it me?
"I'm sorry Adrienne, you know too much." Uranus reached in the air. "Uranus.. Spa..."
"Stop! I can't let you do this!" Pluto screamed. "She's my friend. Enemy or not I can't let you destroy her." Uranus grabbed Pluto's arm.
"Don't get in my way Pluto. Hold her Neptune." Neptune hesitated, but walked over and held her arms. Uranus threw Pluto's staff on the floor.
"Now to continue." Mars stood stunned.
"No Uranus. I saw trouble from her, too. You can't destroy her." Mars stood frightened.
"Oh yes I can. Uranus Space Sword Blaster!" A double-bladed sword appeared. She thrust it towards me.
"No!!" Cried Pluto.
"Stop! Amara!" Mars yelled. Neptune lowered her head.
"This will be the end of you." She screamed as she ran forward. A sudden urge came over me.
"Aphrodite Love Power!!!" A force field of pink hearts encircled me. Uranus was thrown back. She hit the wall with a oof. I concentrated hard to protect myself. The others stared at me. I fell to the ground, exhausted.
"She is so powerful." Uranus said struggling to get up. I saw the others scouts come in. Then... darkness...
"Is she waking up..." Someone said.
"I don't know..." Another voice. I tried to open my eyes. My eyes adjusted to the light, and I saw you was standing over me. It was Serena or should say Sailor Moon.
"Her eyes opened." Moon said to Mercury who was standing behind her. "Adrienne, are you feeling better?" She smiled trying to be kind.
"Umm... I guess so..." I tried to get up holding my forehead. "What happened?" I asked. They all looked at each other.
"We don't know. We thought you might." Mercury said handing me a cool cloth. I took it from her and was about to put it on my head when I noticed arm had a gash on it. I looked surprised from not feeling the pain. Tuxedo Mask pushed through the girls.
"Adrienne, do you think you can get up?" He asked grabbing for my hand.
"No. Tuxedo Mask she shouldn't get up." Mercury advised. I could see Pluto standing behind the group. I could tell she had been crying. Then I saw Uranus in the bed next to me. Neptune sat in a chair near her. She was holding her hand. I noticed the scratches and burns on her body.
"What happened? Did I do that?" I almost screamed. The looked at each other again. Tuxedo Mask held my hand.
"Yes, we don't know how, though." His face stayed stern. I saw his eyes through the mask. They were worried. Sailor Moon had her hands clasped as if she were praying.
"I didn't mean to. I just didn't want to get hurt." I bent over. I was remembering what happened. It kept replying in my mind. "Sailor Mars?" She came up to me. "Did you tell them what happened before the outer came? Did you tell them what we saw?"
"Yes. I did." She seemed to be acting as if she were a child who had been catch doing something wrong. "I don't know what it was. Something came over me." She bowed her head. "I can't believe what happened though. It's just impossible."
"I think I might be able to explain." Everyone whipped around. The voice was coming from Sailor Moon, but it was not her speaking. Her brooch opened and a hologram shoot out of the Imperium Silver Crystal. "Everyone listen to me." I was Queen Serenity from the past. "In the time of great need, I created eight more scouts to protect the moon. None of you scouts saw them, because most of you were already dead. All of them died, except one. When I sent you children to the future, I didn't see much need to send the other seven scouts. The surviving scout begged me to send her, also. I did so. Since I sent her after you all, some how the crystal sent her to another dimension. I didn't tell you, Luna and Artemis, about since she was sent to another time and place. Some how now in the present, the crystal saw it fit to bring her back. To you join other scouts. Her name is Sailor Aphrodite! She has similar element as Venus. When I created the alternate scouts, I made them to compliment all of my other sailor soldiers. Please, see it fit to help her while she is here. The crystal my someday send her back. Until keep well, my dears." The image faded. Something appeared where it had been. A magical pendant. "Use this to transform. Say 'Aphrodite Pendant Power'..." The her voice was gone. Everyone stared at me. I reached for the pendant.
"Are you sure you want to do this, Adrienne?" Sailor Moon reached towards me in a disparate attempt to stop me.
"I've been dreaming of this all of my life." I grabbed it tears welling in my eyes.
"Welcome to the sailor scouts." Uranus said smiling at me. Everyone else nodded in agreement. I was now one of them. One of them it sounded so weird. Mina invited me to stay at her house. I sleep better, that night. Maybe it was because Serena wasn't snoring I don't know. In the morning, I got up as the alarm clock in her room went off. We had decided that night that I would stay at everyone house for a couple of nights and then start staying at Rei's temple. I still had to ask Grandpa Hino if I could. I was really nervous, but everyone said he wouldn't care. I went down stairs, yawning, with Mina close behind. We both sat down to a small bowl of cereal. It wasn't a school day, thank goodness.
"Mina, I was wondering..." I said stuffing some more bran flakes in my mouth.
"Yes." She said with another yawn. She hadn't put her hair up yet, and was flowing down the back of the chair.
"Are you scared of me?" She shot a glare at me. I bowed my head.
"Well. I mean... I hadn't thought of it, but I guess I sort of am. Don't take personally. I just can't believe that you are kinda the alternate me." She smiled at me. "I guess you can tell, since your smart and shy, and I'm a big, stupid, loud mouth." She started her insane laughter.
"Please, don't say that." I said quietly. "I always wanted to tell you that I really admire your courage. You were the first sailor scout. Even before Serena. You were the leader of the scouts in the past. I couldn't imagine ever doing all that." She was silent. I could she was thinking deep about her past battles.
"It's been tough. I always felt like I could never catch a break. My life had already been decided for me." She lowed her head. I watched as she made her confessions. "I always have and still want to be a normal girl. That can never be. I just have to keep thinking about how many people I'm helping." She shook her head, trying to put the thoughts our of her mind. "We have to get going so we can get to Rei's place on time." She shoved another spoon full of cereal in her mouth.
"I promised Trista I would met her for lunch." I ate the rest of the cereal.
"Oh, OK. I feel sorry for Trista, she's guarded the time gate for so long she has no real friends. Well go ahead and come back to the Temple when you're done. Hey do you have any other clothes then your uniform to where." I shook my head. "Well let's go try some on. We both smiled and ran back into her room. I tried on everything she owned. Finally I found a couple of outfits she let me keep.
"Thanks so much Mina." I gave her a hug.
"Its the least I could do for my other self." We both laughed. We parted ways after a little walking. I walked to the bus stop and rode it to Trista's apartment.
"Hello..." Trista said opening the door. "Was just sewing something." She gave me big smile. "I like your outfit. It looks like more of a blonde's color, though."
"Yeah, it was Mina's." I sat down on her couch.
"Do you mind if I finish this? I was almost done." Trista began to sit down in the sewing chair.
"Sure." I watch her manipulate the machine and make the simple piece of cloth in a lovely dress. She held it up. It was a pale pink, sleeveless dress with a flowing skirt. It was my dream dress. I wished she would just handed it to me and smile.
"How do you like it? I sew all of my own clothes. So I jumped at the chance to make something for someone else." She handed the dress to me. "I hope you like it." It was stunning my wish had come true.
"I don't know what to say." I took it out of her hands carefully. "Can I try it on?"
"Of course, the bathroom is right there." Soon after I came out with the dress on. I twirled around, and she clapped. "Why don't you could with me to this party tonight? Afterwards you came stay at my house." She smiled.
"Oh, that sounds great! I have to call Mina at Rei's and tell her I won't be coming over." I reached for the phone. "Hi, Rei, its Adrienne. Is Mina there?"
"Sure hold on." I could here her call Mina in the background.
"Mina, I'm going to stay at Trista's tonight." I said quickly. I felt bad about not being able to stay over again.
"Oh, all right. Are you going to be able to come over to the Temple tomorrow?" She asked. I could tell she was disappointed.
"Yeah. After lunch, OK?" She agreed and we hung up.
"How about you change back into your regular cloths and we go eat." Trista sat on the couch listening to our conversation.
"Yeah, I'll be a minute." I changed back. We went to another restaurant and she paid again. "I kind of feel bad about making you pay for everything." I looked her as I sipped my shake.
"That's fine. Unlike the other scouts, I don't have to worry about money. Neo Queen Serenity sends me a valuable every now and again to pay for me to stay on Earth. I feel bad about that, but I know there is no other way." She sipped her tea.
"I really do want you to know I thankful for your generosity." I looked down. I all the sudden I had the urge to talk about my old life. "At my other school was a real outcast and I didn't have very many friends. I had a great boyfriend and couple of close friends. I was never all that popular. I guess it was because I actually tried to do good in school." I looked out the window of the restaurant. "I really do miss it. I never thought that I would. Trista do you think I will ever be able to go back home?"
"I really don't know." She looked out the window, too. "I'll tell you what. Since money with me is no problem, how about we get some new clothes. I can't sew all of your clothes." I smiled big. I was never all that great at receiving charity, but I knew she wouldn't back down. "Come on. I really want to do this." She smiled at me pleadingly. I looked at her and gave a slight smile.
"Well, only to please you." We left and began our journey for clothes. It didn't take long for us to accidentally bump into the other scouts. Trista had already bought me a ton of clothes so we were both carrying a bunch of packages. We all decided to go to the new arcade.
"This will be so cool!" Lita cried in excitement. We finally got in and got the gear on to play the game.
"Ahhh!" I heard someone cry from inside the game room.
"Scouts. Now!" We all got out our magical items. Luckily no one was in the room other then the sailor scouts.
"Moon Cosmic Power!" Serena started it off.
"Mercury Star Power!" Ami chimed in.
"Mars Star Power!" Rei added.
"Jupiter Star Power!" Lita began.
"Venus Star Power!" Mina said.
"Come on Adrienne. Pluto Planet Power!" I looked at Trista worried.
"Aphrodite Pendant Power!" I held my pendant in my hands, and began to transform. It was crazy. Out of the pendant swirled pink and green hearts. They surrounded me as I spun around. I looked down and then the hearts clung to my body. A blast of bronze dust shoot out as the hearts became my sailor fuku. I spun around and clash my hands together. The bronze dust formed a staff in my hands, about half the size of Pluto's. It materialized in my hands and I twirled it around. It reminded of spinning my baton. I stopped and stood in a back stance. My right hand had the staff and the rear hand was in a fist. We all finished our transformations and ran into the room.
"I'm Sailor Moon, the champion of love and justice." Moon began.
"I'm Sailor Mercury, the scout of wisdom."
"I'm Sailor Mars, the scout of fire."
"I'm Sailor Jupiter, the scout of thunder and lighting."
"I'm Sailor Venus, the scout of love."
"I'm Sailor Pluto the keeper of time."
"I'm Sailor Aphrodite. I am scout of love and wisdom. In the name of all things good, I will punish you." I almost smiled but stayed serious.
"We well punish!" We all said and pointed at the heart snatcher.
"Ha Ha. Those pretty words won't do anything around here." The demon respond. "Ha!" She screamed sending a mighty blast of energy out of a game laser gun. We all jumped to avoid the blast. I leaped out in front of it.
"Aphrodite..." I held the staff in front of me. "Love Mist..." The staff became the bronze dust again. "Vaporize!" I screamed blowing the dust out of my hands. The dust stuck to the demon and burn it's outer armor. "Sailor Moon, I've weaken it."
"I do, too. Pluto... I'm sorry." I looked at her.
"I always have to remember that it may change. I may not have to stop time and be punished." She looked up at me, with tears in her eyes. "I can't help feeling like I should stop them from going, and not let them fall into the heart snatcher's trap, prevent it. But I know I can't." A single tear came out of her eye.
"I understand. I will do what I must. Thank you, Trista." I looked at her with a friendly face.
"Some how I don't feel as alone as I did. Knowing some else knows as much as me." She paused as if to be thinking. "Please I would like it if you stayed here if you can. I realize you have no way else to go." She held her hand out to me. I was still grasping onto my bookbag.
"Don't know if I should. I mean I thought the inner scouts were suppose to handle me." She lowered her hand, realizing she couldn't disobey Uranus' orders.
"You're right. I do want you to come and visit me. Please." She seemed to be pleading.
"Of course. Everyday I promise." We smiled at each other. We were alike in many ways. Strangers in this town and with all our knowledge of the future.
"Come to dinner with me, out on the town. My treat." She got up. I followed.
"I can't decline a free meal." We walked across the street to one of her favorite restaurants. It was 'Oracles'.
"I love this place. It serves the greatest green tea. I like the American hamburgers, too." She looked down at me. We both laughed as we walked into the restaurant.
"The usual, my friend. What do you want, Adrienne?" The waiter and Trista looked me.
"I really would like some Japanese food. Do you have any suggestions?" I wanted to sample their food. You always have Chinese food, but never much Japanese.
"Japanese noodles are good. Bring some for my new friend, please. And some green tea." We both sat and drank our tea.
"Oh, no." I just realized I had left Serena and the girls shopping. "I had to sneak out of the store so the girls wouldn't make me answer any questions." I began to blush. I felt so dumb. How could I do that?
"Don't worry I'll take you back to Serena's house later." She smiled. "They were that bad?"
"Yeah. I couldn't get them to stop." After a little laughter our food came. We ate and talked about stupid stuff. Neither of us wanted to think of our troubles for once. I could tell she didn't really have any friends to talk to or connect with.
"How about we get back to Serena's before it gets to dark?" We before started on our way to her house. I was glad Trista was there when we got there. Trista made up a story about me being scared to answer any questions and seeing her walking outside the store. Serena's mom was really nice and let me stay as long as I wanted. I slept on a futon next to Serena's bed. She snored all night. I was not expecting to get to sleep anyway. My day had been so weird. My whole life had fallen apart in a blink of an eye. I kept wishing to go home, but there was still a part of me that wanted to stay. I think at one point in the night I must have fallen asleep, because I was awaken by a screaming alarm clock.
"Serena wake up..." I tried to get her up. I knew it was useless, but I was determined to get her up. It would be like walking into unknown territory. "Serena come on. I know its hard for you to wake up, but I need your help." She rolled over and looked at me.
"You need my help?" She seemed perplexed. She sat up slowly.
"Yes. I need you to get now." I looked at her and grinned. I had actually awaken the 'sloth'. We both got dressed. I wore my new uniform and Serena got me a toothbrush and such to start out the day. We both went down for breakfast.
"Serena, you're up so early." Her mom said turning around from the stove.
"Yeah, meatball brains, why ya up so early?" Sammy stuck his tongue out at her.
"I don't think that's very kind of you Sammy. Your sister is a very important part of your life. How would you feel if she disappeared one day and that's the last thing you had said to her?" I smiled slyly at him. I remembered my sister. I actually missed her, too.
"Well I guess I would feel pretty rotten." Sammy said lowering his eyes. Serena looked at me and I winked at her.
"Here Adrienne have some pancakes." Serena's mom handed me a plate.
"Where's Rini, mom?" Serena said getting her plate and sitting down next to me.
"Still asleep, I suppose. Why don't you wake her up before you leave." Her mom smiled at me. "Maybe you should try Adrienne, Rini isn't nearly as bad as Serena."
"Moooom... " Serena wailed. I ate my pancakes in a hurry. I did want to wake up Rini. I had always disliked her cause she was mean to Serena. Maybe I could change the way she felt about Serena. Just maybe or start to like her myself.
"Rini..." I felt strange waking her up. I had a sweet one in my voice. I wanted her to wake up to love and not anger. "Rini, its time to get up."
"No mommy I wanna sleep some more." She rolled over and looked up at me. I was blushing. She actually thought I was Neo Queen Serenity. "Oh hi, Adrienne."
"Hi Rini. I was wondering if you wanted to walk with Serena and I to school today." I tried to be nice. She was cute in her bunny PJs.
"Sure!" She jumped out of bed. "Adrienne... I want you to know that I wish you were my mom of the future. You're so much nicer then Serena." Now I blushed more.
"I hope I can prove you wrong, dear." I almost wanted to be her mom. Someone important in this game of the universe. We were soon on our way. I held Rini's hand as we walked to her school. When we got to Rini's school, I watched wishing I could stay by her side and protect her. "Serena, do you ever feel like just staying with Rini and protecting?"
"Well sometimes. When I first found out she was my daughter. I really couldn't stand to see anything happen to her. I didn't like leaving her alone for a moment. Now I feel unneeded since she is her own scout. I still like to be there in battle with her, so I can be sure nothing will happens to her. Days like today I want someone there with her, but I know she is my daughter and I believe that she can protect herself." She smiled. "Its like I already had her. I want to be her mother, but I also want to be a teenager. That's probably why we get in so many fights."
"Serena..." I wanted to ask a hundred questions, but I knew I couldn't. "In the show I always kind of disliked Rini. I'm not sure why. Probably just cause she was always mean to you. I dunno. But now I feel like I kind of connected with her." I smiled, I didn't understand how I could hate her so much and now have her feel like my own child.
"Well that would be one of us. I just can't get used to her being around. I wish the future me would just want her back one day. It seems a little petty, but I don't know how she can survive without her. I missed when she was gone after we defeated the Wiseman." We walked in silence for awhile. Soon enough Lita came running up behind us, with Ami trailing behind.
"Hey, Adrienne, we thought you disappeared on us. Where did you go?" Lita scrambled to catch up.
"It doesn't matter," Serena shushed her. "We better get to class." The first bell rang as we walked in the room. I guess I got Serena thinking, cause she didn't fall asleep once in class. I looked over at her once and she looked as if she was writing a note. Then I noticed that she was still writing it when the lunch bell rang.
"Serena, are you writing to Neo Queen Serenity?" I asked, wondering if I was right. She looked up at me, seemingly in a trance.
"Yes. I just had to get some stuff off my chest." She put down her pencil and stuffed the note in her bookbag. "Let's go to lunch."
"Serena, if you want me to proof read I will. I'm not to good at it, but I would like to help in anyway." I looked at her in a serious manner.
"Actually, I think that I would like your help." She smiled brightly at me. "You can't be any worse then I am." We both laughed as we trotted out the doors.
"Serena, Adrienne! Come sit over here." Lita waved at us. We all sat and ate lunch. It was pleasant outside. No one brought up their futures since Molly and Melvin were there.
"I really enjoyed your poem yesterday, Adrienne." Molly glinted with happiness. I could not believe that she is always the feeding grounds for the negaforces.
"Thanks. I was really nervous about reading it this morning, but the more I thought about it the less frightened I became. Of course it did help to know all of you girls would be out there cheering me on." I smiled big at them. They all smiled back with an appreciative look in their eyes. "But.. anyway I just wanted you to know that. Hey, you guys wouldn't believe what happened this morning." I told them all about waking Serena up so early. I don't even she minded me talking about her.
"Come on you guys lets all get back inside. Serena might not get detention today. Maybe we can go to the arcade before study buddies." Lita winked. We all jumped up and raced inside. I noticed that Serena still seemed to be down about something.
"Serena, are you all right?" I put a hand on her shoulder. I was afraid I might have caused this change in her.
"O... of course. I just I'm tired from waking up so early." She faked a yawn. "Come on I want to get to the arcade today." She ran to catch up to Lita and Ami. The rest of the day was pretty boring. We got out of school on time. Miss Haruna almost assigned Serena detention automatically, so we quickly reminded her Serena was on time to school and did not fall asleep once. We left her confused.
"I hope Andrew is there today." Lita said with twinkle in her eyes.
"Maybe Amara will be there." Ami commented, unknowingly saying it aloud. She started to blush I walked quietly beside Serena. The arcade was pretty empty. I saw Andrew across the room.
"Hi, girls. Long time no see." He waved and smiled from behind the counter.
"Hi, Andrew. What's going on around here? Seems kind of empty." Lita replied.
"Oh yeah they opened a new arcade down the street. It's supposed to have really neat virtual games. Hi there. I'm Andrew its nice to meet some new in the group." He extended his hand to me.
"Hello." I shook his hand and bowed. "I'm Adrienne Gabrielle. My friends call me Adrienne." I began to smile. "Wow the Crown Game Video Arcade. This is so unreal."
"Well I know we don't have great special effects, but the building is real." We all laughed for a little. Ami pointed out in after a while that study buddies is about to start. We all said our goodbyes and started on our way to the Hino Shrine. Soon enough we were there. We made our journey up the long staircase.
"You guys are late." Rei said trying to bust us.
"No I don't think that we are." I looked down at my watch. "Nope. Early by a couple of minutes."
"Oops.. sorry. I guess I got ahead of myself. Everyone is always late so I assumed you all were again." I smiled deviously at her. She pulled the girls aside. "I think something is strange about her."
"Oh you're just mad cause you messed up." Serena stuck her tongue out.
"No Rei's right I've been doing some tests and there is a strange aura around her." I tried to hear what they were saying.
"Well do you know what it is?" Lita looked between Luna, Artemis, and Ami.
"No, I can't figure it out." Ami held her chin thinking hard.
"Her aura reminds me of Mina's when I first met her." They all gasped. I had to hold mine in.
"Yes, that my be true, but I don't feel it like when I found the other scouts." Luna remarked.
"That's strange she has a similar aura to mine, but not you guys." Mina looked puzzled. They all did. I was taken back for a moment. I had an aura similar to Sailor Venus. No way!
"Hey, Adrienne come on we have to start studying." Rei called to me. We all sat and studied for a while. I couldn't really concentrate. I don't think anyone could. When it was time to leave, I told Serena I would come back to her house later.
"Rei. I was wondering. Could you ask the fire about me." She stared at me. "I heard you guys talking earlier about my aura. I want to know more than any of you."
"I understand. You're right I think it would be wise to ask for the fire's guidance." She went to change into her robe.
"Can I use the phone?" I asked walking over to it.
"Sure." She called form another room. I picked up the address book. Meiou... I wanted her to come by in a little so we could talk.
"Hello." Trista answered the phone.
"Hi, its Adrienne. I just wanted to ask you if we could meet at the Cherry Hill temple tonight?" I was hoping she could.
"Oh hi Adrienne. Tonight?" She seemed saddened. "I'm sorry I can't. Sailor business has come up. Maybe tomorrow afternoon." I was crushed, but also understood.
"All right, how about for lunch?" I smiled, but was sad.
"Sure that sounds great. I gotta get going. See you around." I said my goodbyes and we hung up. I walked back in the temple area.
"Are you ready?" I asked Rei.
"Yes. Sit here." She pointed to a spot on the floor. She began to chant and ask questions. "Tell us great fire what you know. Who is this girl?" A great flame shot up. An image appeared, it was a profile of me in a sailor uniform. I couldn't tell much about it but I looked stern and angry. "What.. what's this?" She seemed perplexed. "How can this be?" She stared at me. "We have already found all the scouts." She jumped up. "Who are you?" She reached for her communicator. "I think we have a problem scouts." I stood up.
"What's wrong Rei? Did you see something other then what I saw?" I couldn't understand why she still thought I was an enemy. "Rei tell me..."
"Stay away... Mars Star Power!" She began to transform. "I know all the scouts and you aren't one of them. Tell me who you are, negasleeze." I back away from her. All of the sudden a door opened.
"Lured by the new epic, I'm Sailor Uranus and I will gorgeously protect this planet."
"Lured by the new epic, I'm Sailor Neptune and I will fight for what's right."
"I'm Sailor Pluto the keeper of time. You will not get away from us."
"We are the Sailor Scouts!" They all yelled. I was stunned. Who were they after? Was it me?
"I'm sorry Adrienne, you know too much." Uranus reached in the air. "Uranus.. Spa..."
"Stop! I can't let you do this!" Pluto screamed. "She's my friend. Enemy or not I can't let you destroy her." Uranus grabbed Pluto's arm.
"Don't get in my way Pluto. Hold her Neptune." Neptune hesitated, but walked over and held her arms. Uranus threw Pluto's staff on the floor.
"Now to continue." Mars stood stunned.
"No Uranus. I saw trouble from her, too. You can't destroy her." Mars stood frightened.
"Oh yes I can. Uranus Space Sword Blaster!" A double-bladed sword appeared. She thrust it towards me.
"No!!" Cried Pluto.
"Stop! Amara!" Mars yelled. Neptune lowered her head.
"This will be the end of you." She screamed as she ran forward. A sudden urge came over me.
"Aphrodite Love Power!!!" A force field of pink hearts encircled me. Uranus was thrown back. She hit the wall with a oof. I concentrated hard to protect myself. The others stared at me. I fell to the ground, exhausted.
"She is so powerful." Uranus said struggling to get up. I saw the others scouts come in. Then... darkness...
"Is she waking up..." Someone said.
"I don't know..." Another voice. I tried to open my eyes. My eyes adjusted to the light, and I saw you was standing over me. It was Serena or should say Sailor Moon.
"Her eyes opened." Moon said to Mercury who was standing behind her. "Adrienne, are you feeling better?" She smiled trying to be kind.
"Umm... I guess so..." I tried to get up holding my forehead. "What happened?" I asked. They all looked at each other.
"We don't know. We thought you might." Mercury said handing me a cool cloth. I took it from her and was about to put it on my head when I noticed arm had a gash on it. I looked surprised from not feeling the pain. Tuxedo Mask pushed through the girls.
"Adrienne, do you think you can get up?" He asked grabbing for my hand.
"No. Tuxedo Mask she shouldn't get up." Mercury advised. I could see Pluto standing behind the group. I could tell she had been crying. Then I saw Uranus in the bed next to me. Neptune sat in a chair near her. She was holding her hand. I noticed the scratches and burns on her body.
"What happened? Did I do that?" I almost screamed. The looked at each other again. Tuxedo Mask held my hand.
"Yes, we don't know how, though." His face stayed stern. I saw his eyes through the mask. They were worried. Sailor Moon had her hands clasped as if she were praying.
"I didn't mean to. I just didn't want to get hurt." I bent over. I was remembering what happened. It kept replying in my mind. "Sailor Mars?" She came up to me. "Did you tell them what happened before the outer came? Did you tell them what we saw?"
"Yes. I did." She seemed to be acting as if she were a child who had been catch doing something wrong. "I don't know what it was. Something came over me." She bowed her head. "I can't believe what happened though. It's just impossible."
"I think I might be able to explain." Everyone whipped around. The voice was coming from Sailor Moon, but it was not her speaking. Her brooch opened and a hologram shoot out of the Imperium Silver Crystal. "Everyone listen to me." I was Queen Serenity from the past. "In the time of great need, I created eight more scouts to protect the moon. None of you scouts saw them, because most of you were already dead. All of them died, except one. When I sent you children to the future, I didn't see much need to send the other seven scouts. The surviving scout begged me to send her, also. I did so. Since I sent her after you all, some how the crystal sent her to another dimension. I didn't tell you, Luna and Artemis, about since she was sent to another time and place. Some how now in the present, the crystal saw it fit to bring her back. To you join other scouts. Her name is Sailor Aphrodite! She has similar element as Venus. When I created the alternate scouts, I made them to compliment all of my other sailor soldiers. Please, see it fit to help her while she is here. The crystal my someday send her back. Until keep well, my dears." The image faded. Something appeared where it had been. A magical pendant. "Use this to transform. Say 'Aphrodite Pendant Power'..." The her voice was gone. Everyone stared at me. I reached for the pendant.
"Are you sure you want to do this, Adrienne?" Sailor Moon reached towards me in a disparate attempt to stop me.
"I've been dreaming of this all of my life." I grabbed it tears welling in my eyes.
"Welcome to the sailor scouts." Uranus said smiling at me. Everyone else nodded in agreement. I was now one of them. One of them it sounded so weird. Mina invited me to stay at her house. I sleep better, that night. Maybe it was because Serena wasn't snoring I don't know. In the morning, I got up as the alarm clock in her room went off. We had decided that night that I would stay at everyone house for a couple of nights and then start staying at Rei's temple. I still had to ask Grandpa Hino if I could. I was really nervous, but everyone said he wouldn't care. I went down stairs, yawning, with Mina close behind. We both sat down to a small bowl of cereal. It wasn't a school day, thank goodness.
"Mina, I was wondering..." I said stuffing some more bran flakes in my mouth.
"Yes." She said with another yawn. She hadn't put her hair up yet, and was flowing down the back of the chair.
"Are you scared of me?" She shot a glare at me. I bowed my head.
"Well. I mean... I hadn't thought of it, but I guess I sort of am. Don't take personally. I just can't believe that you are kinda the alternate me." She smiled at me. "I guess you can tell, since your smart and shy, and I'm a big, stupid, loud mouth." She started her insane laughter.
"Please, don't say that." I said quietly. "I always wanted to tell you that I really admire your courage. You were the first sailor scout. Even before Serena. You were the leader of the scouts in the past. I couldn't imagine ever doing all that." She was silent. I could she was thinking deep about her past battles.
"It's been tough. I always felt like I could never catch a break. My life had already been decided for me." She lowed her head. I watched as she made her confessions. "I always have and still want to be a normal girl. That can never be. I just have to keep thinking about how many people I'm helping." She shook her head, trying to put the thoughts our of her mind. "We have to get going so we can get to Rei's place on time." She shoved another spoon full of cereal in her mouth.
"I promised Trista I would met her for lunch." I ate the rest of the cereal.
"Oh, OK. I feel sorry for Trista, she's guarded the time gate for so long she has no real friends. Well go ahead and come back to the Temple when you're done. Hey do you have any other clothes then your uniform to where." I shook my head. "Well let's go try some on. We both smiled and ran back into her room. I tried on everything she owned. Finally I found a couple of outfits she let me keep.
"Thanks so much Mina." I gave her a hug.
"Its the least I could do for my other self." We both laughed. We parted ways after a little walking. I walked to the bus stop and rode it to Trista's apartment.
"Hello..." Trista said opening the door. "Was just sewing something." She gave me big smile. "I like your outfit. It looks like more of a blonde's color, though."
"Yeah, it was Mina's." I sat down on her couch.
"Do you mind if I finish this? I was almost done." Trista began to sit down in the sewing chair.
"Sure." I watch her manipulate the machine and make the simple piece of cloth in a lovely dress. She held it up. It was a pale pink, sleeveless dress with a flowing skirt. It was my dream dress. I wished she would just handed it to me and smile.
"How do you like it? I sew all of my own clothes. So I jumped at the chance to make something for someone else." She handed the dress to me. "I hope you like it." It was stunning my wish had come true.
"I don't know what to say." I took it out of her hands carefully. "Can I try it on?"
"Of course, the bathroom is right there." Soon after I came out with the dress on. I twirled around, and she clapped. "Why don't you could with me to this party tonight? Afterwards you came stay at my house." She smiled.
"Oh, that sounds great! I have to call Mina at Rei's and tell her I won't be coming over." I reached for the phone. "Hi, Rei, its Adrienne. Is Mina there?"
"Sure hold on." I could here her call Mina in the background.
"Mina, I'm going to stay at Trista's tonight." I said quickly. I felt bad about not being able to stay over again.
"Oh, all right. Are you going to be able to come over to the Temple tomorrow?" She asked. I could tell she was disappointed.
"Yeah. After lunch, OK?" She agreed and we hung up.
"How about you change back into your regular cloths and we go eat." Trista sat on the couch listening to our conversation.
"Yeah, I'll be a minute." I changed back. We went to another restaurant and she paid again. "I kind of feel bad about making you pay for everything." I looked her as I sipped my shake.
"That's fine. Unlike the other scouts, I don't have to worry about money. Neo Queen Serenity sends me a valuable every now and again to pay for me to stay on Earth. I feel bad about that, but I know there is no other way." She sipped her tea.
"I really do want you to know I thankful for your generosity." I looked down. I all the sudden I had the urge to talk about my old life. "At my other school was a real outcast and I didn't have very many friends. I had a great boyfriend and couple of close friends. I was never all that popular. I guess it was because I actually tried to do good in school." I looked out the window of the restaurant. "I really do miss it. I never thought that I would. Trista do you think I will ever be able to go back home?"
"I really don't know." She looked out the window, too. "I'll tell you what. Since money with me is no problem, how about we get some new clothes. I can't sew all of your clothes." I smiled big. I was never all that great at receiving charity, but I knew she wouldn't back down. "Come on. I really want to do this." She smiled at me pleadingly. I looked at her and gave a slight smile.
"Well, only to please you." We left and began our journey for clothes. It didn't take long for us to accidentally bump into the other scouts. Trista had already bought me a ton of clothes so we were both carrying a bunch of packages. We all decided to go to the new arcade.
"This will be so cool!" Lita cried in excitement. We finally got in and got the gear on to play the game.
"Ahhh!" I heard someone cry from inside the game room.
"Scouts. Now!" We all got out our magical items. Luckily no one was in the room other then the sailor scouts.
"Moon Cosmic Power!" Serena started it off.
"Mercury Star Power!" Ami chimed in.
"Mars Star Power!" Rei added.
"Jupiter Star Power!" Lita began.
"Venus Star Power!" Mina said.
"Come on Adrienne. Pluto Planet Power!" I looked at Trista worried.
"Aphrodite Pendant Power!" I held my pendant in my hands, and began to transform. It was crazy. Out of the pendant swirled pink and green hearts. They surrounded me as I spun around. I looked down and then the hearts clung to my body. A blast of bronze dust shoot out as the hearts became my sailor fuku. I spun around and clash my hands together. The bronze dust formed a staff in my hands, about half the size of Pluto's. It materialized in my hands and I twirled it around. It reminded of spinning my baton. I stopped and stood in a back stance. My right hand had the staff and the rear hand was in a fist. We all finished our transformations and ran into the room.
"I'm Sailor Moon, the champion of love and justice." Moon began.
"I'm Sailor Mercury, the scout of wisdom."
"I'm Sailor Mars, the scout of fire."
"I'm Sailor Jupiter, the scout of thunder and lighting."
"I'm Sailor Venus, the scout of love."
"I'm Sailor Pluto the keeper of time."
"I'm Sailor Aphrodite. I am scout of love and wisdom. In the name of all things good, I will punish you." I almost smiled but stayed serious.
"We well punish!" We all said and pointed at the heart snatcher.
"Ha Ha. Those pretty words won't do anything around here." The demon respond. "Ha!" She screamed sending a mighty blast of energy out of a game laser gun. We all jumped to avoid the blast. I leaped out in front of it.
"Aphrodite..." I held the staff in front of me. "Love Mist..." The staff became the bronze dust again. "Vaporize!" I screamed blowing the dust out of my hands. The dust stuck to the demon and burn it's outer armor. "Sailor Moon, I've weaken it."