"Gosh, Ami I keep forgetting how big your house is." Rei commented. Ami blushed. Serena, Mina, and Rini were all drooling over the pretty things and size of the house.
"Everyone dig in." I said after Lita handed me the goodie bag.
"Don't mind if I do." Serena wailed. They all chowed down. I watched them chew their treats down ravenously. My eyes watered from the sight of them. It still seemed like a dream to see all of the girls in real life with me.
"Adrienne, when was the last time you ate?" Lita asked seeing I wasn't eating.
"Huh?" I was broken out of my dreamstate. "Oh, I guess the beef stew we had last night." They all stopped eating and stared at me. "Well, so much has been going on I just haven't been hunger." I laughed insanely trying to break the silence.
"Not hungry? For almost a whole day?" Serena's mouth dropped.
"That does sound bad for you health, though." Ami commented taking another bite of her cream puff.
"Ok, I guess I'll go ahead and eat some of these great treats. I just wanted to savior the moment of seeing all of you girls in person, eating up." I smiled and giggled.
"It sounds a little silly, but that's me." They laughed with me. Ding Dong. Some else was at the door.
"Oh, that's probably Darien. Is it ok that I invited him. I thought he could help us figure out what was going on." Serena smiled big, showing all her teeth.
"That was a good idea. I think we could use any help we can get." I reassured her. Even though everyone else were rolling their eyes.
"You realize all she wanted was for him to come over so she could hang on him." Rei blurted out. Ding Dong. I was already getting up as they argued.
"Hi Darien." I said as I opened the door.
"Hello, Adrienne. How you feeling?" He asked coming in the house.
"Much better." I commented going back in the living room. As I hobbling through the door, one of my crutches slipped. "Ah..." Darien was opening the door, but reached over and catch me, as I fell. "Thanks." He held me as the door swung open, revealing him keeping me from falling.
"Darien?!?" Serena squealed.
"Ummm..." He hesitated. He was still holding me, but now squeezing tighter.
"Sorry. I have to be more careful on these crutches. Thanks for helping by catching me Darien." I looked up at him and winked. They all breathed a sigh of relief.
"Humph. Darien come sit over here by me." She pushed Rini out of the way.
"Hey, that's my place Serena. Come sit over here Darien." Rini said getting back up, after Serena pushed her over.
"Darien, there is a seat over here be me." Rei wiggled her eyebrows. I sat down where I was sitting. There was a seat on the couch next to me left, but I didn't want to point it out.
"I'm going sit here." Darien said becoming annoyed. He plopped down beside me. I smiled at him, and he rolled his eyes. The girls stopped fighting and looked at us. "Ahem, why don't we start talking?" He suggested, getting out his laptop, from his bag. "Tell us what happened Adrienne."
"Yes, that's a good idea." Ami agreed. I explained for the hundredth time what happened to me, from beginning to end. They all sat taking in each word.
"I used to be the biggest Sailor Moon addict, but I just don't understand what's happening." I lowered my eyes. "This is so confusing to me. I'm not used to fighting for my life. Now there are still after me, but I don't have the power to defeat them." I put my face in my hands. Darien reached over and patted my back.
"Don't worry Adrienne, you do have the power. Even though you can't transform the power is within you. And if all else fails you'll always have us." I looked up into his eyes and then around to the other girls. They all nodded in agreement.
"Don't worry Adrienne. We will all protect you." Ami looked over at me. I sniffed.
"Thanks guys. I really do appreciate all of you. Ahem... I'm going to go to the restroom real quick." I began to stand up. Darien got up to help me. I went to the restroom and wiped my face. Balancing on the crutches was hard but I was getting the hang of it. I opened the door and Lita was standing in the hall.
"Adrienne, I know that I didn't really protect you all that well and its my fault you were captured." She looked up and I saw the tears welling in her eyes. "I hope you can forgive me. I really tried. I monster was just to strong." A tear flowed down.
"Lita.." I wrapped my arms around her. "The thought never entered my mind that it was your fault. Because its not true. We had faced that monster before and knew its power. But you still went after it even though you knew you won't be able to win. You see, you did protect me and I admire you for that." I pushed her back so could look in her eyes. "I would forgive you. If there was anything to forgive." I smiled. "Come now. Wash your face and we'll go back in there." She nodded.
"Finally you guys I thought might have fallen in by now." Rei chuckled at her joke.
"Ha, ha, Rei, very funny." Lita scowled.
"Maybe we should continue analyzing our facts." Darien suggested.
"Good idea. Adrienne maybe you should tell us all you know about the future events from the events that happened in the show." Mina commented.
"Ummm. I don't think that would be wise. I will tell you a little info that would get us started on the search. I just can't reveal anything under good conscience." They all agreed that I was probably right. "What do you want to know?" I asked.
"Who is the next Witch from the Bureau of Bad Behavior?" Ami asked the first question.
"Well, you said Tellu, was the last you had fought. Umm, then the next is Viluy. After that is the toughest of the five. Ptilol and her twin Cyprine. They are no match for the sailor scouts though. I just can't reveal any more its all too important. I know I have told at least Lita this, but you all must believe in Sailor Moon. Your courage and strength will carry you to victory, but only if you believe in what she is doing." Everyone looked at Serena. "Serena you will have to make some tough decisions. Remember sometimes the greater good isn't always the way to go. Every individual is important." I smiled at her. "In the show all you girls can beat anything, because of you camaraderie and love for each other. You powers aren't very strong alone but together can destroy all evil." I smiled big. "I don't mean to lecture you guys. I know that you probably already know this. I always wanted to tell you all how I felt about you all." I let out a sigh.
"Well not to be to critical, but we need all information so that we can find your transformation pendant. And so we can defeat Doctor Tomoe." Rei sat up a little taller. They all looked at her and then over at me.
"No I don't think we do." Luna said.
"Luna's right we have to respect Adrienne's decision and figure out how to win without that information. It may not be helpful any ways." Artemis nodded. I looked at the two cats.
"Thank you." I bowed slightly.
"We should treat this situation as if Adrienne didn't know anything." Ami said.
"Yes, but where do we go from here?" Lita asked.
"I think we should wait until the heart snatchers make their next move." Darien leaned back and put his arm on the back of the couch. Serena and Rini fumed noticing that it looked like his arm was around my shoulders. I sat quietly.
"What should we do till then?" Mina questioned.
"Just go on normally." Ami said. "And a normal activity would be studying for our high school entrance exams." Ami pulled a stack of books out from behind the sofa.
"Oh No!" They all yelled. I laughed loudly. I suddenly became solemn.
"That's right Adrienne, you'll have to take one, too." Rei mouthed off.
"No its not that. Never mind. Let's get started." They all shrugged and began to study. Everyone studied hard besides the occasional blow up between Rei and Serena. I sat there most of the time doodling the margins of my paper. I tried to answer some questions but just couldn't get any information in my head. I was in another world and my mind was not on studying.
"Sorry girls but I have to get going." Darien got up.
"Oh, but Darien I still need your help." Serena ran over to him.
"Sorry I have to get going. I'll come back tomorrow and give you some more help if I can." He said walking over to the door. All of the others got up to see him off. I didn't bother to getting up. I sat and doodled some more. Then I realized I hadn't been doodling but drawing a picture. I picked it up and I suddenly realized I had drawn a picture of me, Sailor Aphrodite. I laughed quietly to myself.
"I think he just wanted to leave cause he was getting bored." Serena stomped back into the room with the others close behind.
"I think its time for me to be getting home." Rei said looking down at her watch.
"Maybe we should all get going." Lita remarked. Rei, Lita, Mina, Serena, and Rini all got there things together.
"See you, Adrienne." Rini waved and winked to me.
"See ya around, Rini. Bye girls." I waved. I again didn't bother to get, but Ami shuffled off to the door. Ami came back in a while and sat down with a big sigh.
"That's why I don't bring them here. They never want to leave." She laughed a moment. I sat there staring at my picture. "What's wrong, Adrienne?"
"Huh?" I broke from my trance. "Oh, nothing. I just haven't been all here today."
"Oh... Are you hungry?" Ami closed some of the books. "I noticed you still haven't eaten any of the treats Lita brought." I looked up.
"No, not really." All of the sudden my stomach growled. "Well, I take that back." We laughed at my stomach sounds, and got up to go to the kitchen. Ami walked slowly so I wouldn't get left behind hobbling on my crutches.
"Let's see if we have any microwavable things." Ami rummaged through the freezer. "Here we are two TV dinners. I hope you don't mind. I just don't think it would be necessary to wait so long for me to cook something. That's one thing I have never been good at." She laughed quietly as she stuffed the tray of food in the microwave.
"Well, that's a first. Something that genius Ami isn't good at. I refuse to believe it." I cracked a smile.
"Well its true. I just never needed to learn how to cook." She got out some glasses and silverware.
"Do you think I would actually be able to pass this high school entrance exam?" I questioned as she set up the table.
"Don't tell the other girls but the exam is built for not so talented people as well as the smartest." She didn't look up from her work.
"So in other words, its actually an easy test." I laughed loud as I could.
"Why is that so funny?" She looked strangely at me.
"Oh I just think how hard you and the other girls work. You make them think that this test well decide the fate of the world." I chuckled a minute more.
"Well it does decide a lot in their futures. I think it is necessary for them to pass the test with good grades. I would feel pretty bad if my best friends did poorly on the test. I already feel slightly bad that Serena has not responded well to my tutoring." She looked down disappointed in herself.
"You can't blame yourself. Serena just isn't all that.. well she is kind of... what I mean to say is that she doesn't want to learn she just doesn't have any motivation. She already knows of her future and its a bright one. I guess she just doesn't feel it necessary to learn anything." I looked down myself. "She was always my favorite character. I guess I feel dumb myself for not trying to help her myself." She put her hand on my shoulder.
"Well, I guess we shouldn't feel bad, then." She smiled big at me. Beep! The microwave dinged. We both ate in silence the majority of the time. Finally I got to go see Ami's room. She helped me up the stairs. "I think you should sleep in my room tonight, so I can keep an eye on you. If that's all right with you?" I thought about it.
"I don't mean to be rude but I would like to sleep in my own room tonight. I have many things to think about and I sometimes I think aloud." I laughed for a moment. "Seriously, I do think it would be good for me to be alone for a while." She nodded in agreement.
"You're right. But it really isn't too late, yet. Would you like to talk for a little before we go to sleep?" She motioned towards a table in the middle of the room.
"Sure, why not?" I smiled and hobbled over to the table. Ami picked a few of the papers off the table and smiled. I put the papers I had been studying with on the table. "So what do you want to talk about?" I asked wondering why she wanted to talk so much. We sat in the quite for a moment while she thought.
"Oh, I don't know. It just seems like I could learn so much from you. I just don't know where to start." She leaned her hands on her cheeks. She looked down at my papers. "Wow! What's this?" She picked up my drawing before I could stop her.
"Oh nothing. Sorry, I was kind of in 'lala land' while we were studying and was just doodling." I looked down and blushed.
"It's so good. It looks just like you." She looked at me and then down at the picture again. "I have a favor to ask. Would you draw a picture of me as Sailor Mercury?" She seemed instantly disappointed in what she had asked. "No never mind. You don't have to." She blushed and put down the picture.
"That would be so fun, but I would have to ask a favor from you, to do so."
"What is it?" She seemed interested and happier.
"Well, I'm not sure if you'd do it." I led her on.
"Of course, I would. What is it?"
"Could you transform so I could have a picture to draw from?" I smiled.
"Umm..." She slumped. "Gosh, I don't really know if I could do that."
"No one is going to see you." I smiled. "Please, I haven't been able to draw any good pictures ever since I left home. Since I can't download picture off the internet and I really haven't have time to draw either. Please..." I begged, leaning over the table.
"Ooooo..." She smirked. "Ok I will." She smiled. She reached in her pocket and grabbed her transformation pen. "Mercury Star Power!" I watched her transform. It was even more exciting to watch then on the show. I sat in awe as she finished up.
"That's great. Now get into an easy position to draw." I winked. She sat down in front of me at the table. "Perfect. This may take a while. Tell me if you need to move." I sat and drew her. It took a long time. She was patience to the very end. I finally got the sketch done. "Ok, I'm done with the sketch." She walked around the table and looked over my shoulder. I jerked the picture from her sight. "Hey, I didn't say you could see it. I need you to stay as Sailor Mercury so when I start coloring the picture I can see the shadows and such. Ok." She sat back down quietly.
"Is it ok if I talk now?" She looked though some drawers.
"Sure. Do you mind getting me a pen and some color pencils?" I asked, still making minor improvements to my picture.
"All right, hold on and let me find some." She pulled out the things that I needed. "Here you go." Mercury handed me the pencils and pen.
"Thanks. You can move around for now. I have to outline my picture. This won't take too long." I smiled, beginning my work.
"It sure is getting late pretty fast." She looked out the darkened window. "Do you mind if I take some observations of you?" She got out her mini super computer.
"No, go right ahead. Tell me if you need me to do anything. Personally I would like to know anything you can find out about me." I smiled working diligently. Mercury typed on the small computer.
"Oh my gosh." She shirked. "What are you Adrienne? These are not readings of a normal human." She looked at me. I looked up startled by her outburst.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"This can't be right. This shows that you are more of a damion then a scout. No that's not it. Oh dear I can't tell anything by these reading. I guess I'll have to figure them out later."
"I'm done with my picture, Mercury." I held it up. She did not stir from her thoughts. "Mercury?"
"Oh, sorry." She looked up. "That's looks great." She put down the computer and reached for my picture. I picked up the computer as she stared at the picture. I looked at the readings. I couldn't tell anything by what the numbers were saying. "How can you tell what it says?" She looked at me holding her computer. She reached over for it.
"Well, I just know what it says that's all. I can't really explain it." She grabbed the device from my hand. She detransformed and picked up the picture again. "It is very good. I think you should have it." She stood still staring at it.
"No I want you to have it." I smiled.
"No I want you to have it as a remembrance from me." She handed it back over to me. "Unlike the other girls I would be satisfied with however you drew me. But I think that even they would like how their portrait turned out." She smiled and looked over at her clock. "Oh, gosh at how late it is?"
"I guess I better get to bed then." I started to get up. "I didn't get to answer many questions." I smiled balancing on the crutches.
"Oh, sure you did. You answered one of my most prying questions." I looked at her oddly. "If you were a nice person. By the way you acted and this beautiful portrait, I'd have to say you were nothing but." She smiled and cocked her head.
"Oh, just wait till you have to wake me up." We laughed and she helped me to my room. I sat the queen sized bed. "Ahh..." I sighed. "I'm so relieved to be alone for once." I whispered. I put my feet on the bed and unwrapped the gauze. "Owe..." I said as the bandage fell to the floor. "I can't believe I didn't notice this." I thought for a moment. "Hmmm... I actually know a deceitful but frank way to heal my feet up in no time flat." I thought maniacally of my plans. "I can't help the girls on crutches. This is the only way." I had my the whole scheme planned out in my head. I changed into my night clothes and quickly fell asleep.
"Adrienne, it's time to wake up." Ami shook my shoulder. I looked up to see her smiling down at me. "Mrs. Kakaro has made us some breakfast."
"Ok, I'll be down in a minute." She shuffled out. I rolled out of the bed, and sat on the floor by my suitcases. I yawned as I rummaged through to find my uniform. I was finally got all ready and went down stairs. I ate the wonderful meal one of the Anderson's' maids made. Soon after Ami and I were off on the way to school.
"So how did you sleep?" Ami asked breaking the silence, that seemed to engulf me more often now.
"All right." I walked thinking about my plan from last night. "Do you meet Serena before she drops Rini?"
"Sometimes, if we are both early." She smiled. "How come?"
"I just want to talk to Rini about something." I was wobbling around on the crutches still. Ami was carrying my bag for me. I finally saw Serena and Rini in the distance. "Hi, girls!" I yelled to them. Rini heard and came running up. Serena noticed us as Rini ran up and jogged after. Rini wrapped her arms around my waist.
"Hi, Adrienne." She squealed. I was not sure why exactly she liked me so much, but I could use this to my advantage.
"Rini can I ask you a question?" I pulled her over to the side and sat on a bench. "You two go ahead. I'll only be a minute."
"Ok." Serena said wondering.
"What is it, Adrienne?" She jumped on the bench next to me.
"Well, I was wondering if you wanted me to take you and Hotaru to a Karoke booth. I've always wanted to go. After that maybe go to the park." I smiled big.
"Wow! That would be so much fun!" She screamed and hugged me again.
"After school I need to stop by Trista's house so how about you come with me over there and then we can go get Hotaru." I again smiled.
"Yeah that sounds. Great I would love to go to Trista's house." Rini helped me get up. "I'll see you after school then. See you." I waved as she went her separate way.
"Bye!" She waved vigorously. I could hear her say to her friends, "That's my friend Adrienne. She's fifteen and she's taking me to a Karok..." I walked as fast as I could, and got there just as the bell started to ring.
"Students, please take your seats. Oh, Adrienne looks like you had a bit of an accident." Miss Haruna noticed my crutches.
"Yeah, I won't have them that long." Ami, Serena, and Lita shot me a glance. The school day went pretty smoothly. People asked me what I did and I had to make up some story. Finally it was over. I got over to Rini's school as fast as I could. Serena ran up behind me.
"Hey. What did you ask Rini this morning?" I could tell she had been wanting to ask all day.
"Oh, I just wondered if she wanted to go to a Karoke booth and the park with me. I told her Hotaru could come, also." I answered easily.
"That sounds like so much fun. Can I come along? That must sound so horrible, but as you know I am Rini's protector." She winked at me. Luna leaped onto her shoulder.
"Yes that does sound very rude, Serena." Luna remarked.
"Luna you are always so mean to me." We all kept walking to Rini's school.
"Well, I was just going to take them. Just to get to know them a little better. You know, before I have to leave." I looked down saddened by this realization.
"Oh. I understand. Well, I guess I'll see you later than. I won't bother you and Rini any more." She ran off and for a moment it looked as if she was crying.
"Oooo..." I slumped, leaning against my crutches. "I didn't mean to make her cry."
"Don't worry yourself too much about it. She hates not getting her way." Luna smirked, almost mocking Serena. I nodded and went on my way. It seemed like forever before I got to Rini's school. "Hi, there girl." I waved. Rini was sitting on a bench with some of her friends.
"Wow, Rini you were telling the truth." A little boy said. I smiled. I wanted to make her look even better.
"How about we get some ice cream? Would any of you like to come along?" I smiled at Rini.
"Sure." They said in unison. I treated them all to any ice cream cone. Trista had lent me some money. I hated to ask her for more, but I was going to need it.
"Thanks for the ice cream Miss Adrienne." A little girl smiled with ice cream on her face.
"No prob. Any friend of Rini is a friend of mine." I smiled big at them all. "But Rini and I have a big day ahead of us, and we have to be going." I got up.
"Awwwwe..." They said. Rini smiled big, proud of her new friend.
"Come on, Rini. See you guys later." I waved at them as I left the shop.
"Thanks so much, Adrienne." She looked up at me still working on the ice cream cone. She took a couple of more licks.
"I guess we need to hurry over to Trista's then." We got on the bus and I listened to her fun day at school. She and I got off the bus and worked our way to Trista's apartment building. "Hi, Trista it's Adrienne and Rini."
"Hi girls, come on up." We both raced each other up the stairs. Rini won and I helped her ring the doorbell. "Hey!" Rini jumped up and hugged her.
"Hi, Trista!" She smiled big looking up at her.
"Hi there. How did you get the crutches, Adrienne?" She looked disdainfully at me.
"Oh a little story I should tell you later. It was sailor business." She nodded, and Trista and I sat on the couch. Rini sat on the other side of the table on a small table.
"So who should I thank for the nice visit?" Trista smiled at us.
"Adrienne is going to take me to a Karoke booth and the park. She is even going take Hotaru with." She looked between me and Trista smiling with glee.
"That's sounds like it would be fun." She smiled at her.
"Yeah, I might need some help in the finances, but I thought it would be a nice thing to do. Besides I have always wanted to go to a Karoke booth. I love to sing, you know." I looked over at Rini.
"Oh, I must seem so rude. How would you all like some cocoa and crackers?" She started to get up.
"I think I'll come and help you." I walked in the kitchen. "I really hate asking.... but..." I looked down.
"It really isn't a problem. You shouldn't feel bad. Just think of me as your guardian." She smiled handing me some money. "Now could you help me get some stuff you us to eat." She looked kind of embarrassed.
"I would be glad my guardian." We smiled at each other. Trista, Rini, and I all sat and talked. "Could you draw my map or something of how to get to a Karoke booth and the park?" I blushed myself.
"No problem." She wrote down some scribbling. "Here. Have a nice time." She said to us both as we left the apartment. Rini and I walked a long time getting to Hotaru's house. Ding Dong. I just remembered something horrible. Kaolinite answers the door she'll recognize me. The door cracked open. I yanked the bows from my hair. My long hair fell down over my eyes.
"Hello there little girl. And Miss..." It was Kaolinite. She didn't recognize my right away.
"Hi, we're here to see Hotaru." Rini smiled up at her.
'Well, Hotaru is asleep right now." She looked me down. I could feel her eyes staring right through me. "Do I know you?"
"No." I responded quickly. I started to bite my lower lip. How could overlook this important detail? If she recognizes me then not only am I in trouble then so is Rini and the rest of the scouts.
"Well, I'm afraid she is asleep right now." I heard footsteps behind Kaolinite.
"Kaolinite who's at the door?" It was Hotaru. "Rini, hi there." Rini waved past Kaolinite. "You can go now." She said harshly at the evil woman. "Come in, please."
"Come on, Adrienne." Rini grabbed my hand and dragged me in. Hotaru walked slow so I wouldn't be left behind. "Adrienne is taking me to a Karoke booth and to the park. We want you to come along. Can you please? Please say you can." She looked longingly at the young girl.
"Sure." She smiled at us both.
"Oh, by the way, this is Adrienne Gabrielle. Call her Adrienne. So can we go ahead and go?" Rini smiled big up at me.
"I guess so. Let me tell my dad that I'm leaving." She got up and walked out. Kaolinite appeared in the doorway.
"I'm sure that I've seen you somewhere before." She glared at me. "Can I get you girls some tea while you are waiting for Hotaru?" She was still staring at me.
"No thanks, Miss. We'll be leaving in a little." She smiled at Kaolinite, unknowing of the devil she was.
"All right." She left again. A few minutes went by. Then Doctor Tomoe came into the room.
"Hello there Rini, and Miss...?" He looked at me funny, too.
"Miss Chiba, nice to meet a man of such great talent." I bowed my head. I tried not to make eye contact with him.
"Miss Chiba, I hear you'd like to take Hotaru to a Karoke booth and then the park?" Chiba? What? I just realized what I had said.
Yes, I wanted to treat Rini and one of her friends to the trip. We won't be out too late." I smiled. I spoke quick and concise. I looked at Rini, she was frowning at me.
"Sounds like it will be fun. Have a nice time, honey." He smiled Hotaru. I wondered if that was the monster living in him or the real Tomoe.
"We need to get going." I got up and they showed us out. "Phew...." I let out a long sigh.
"Why did you say your name was Miss Chiba, Adrienne?" Rini frowned at me.
"I'll explain later. Don't worry about it. Let's have some fun." I looked between the two girls. At the bus stop I put my hair up and smiled at Hotaru. We got to the Karoke booth and sang for a long time. I liked singing with the girls, but the best was singing by myself. I got really high scores. It was so much fun. Then we were off to the park. Rini ran ahead to the benches.
"What happened to your foot?" Hotaru asked me. Perfect.
"Just an accident." I smiled wincing imitating pain.
"Everyone dig in." I said after Lita handed me the goodie bag.
"Don't mind if I do." Serena wailed. They all chowed down. I watched them chew their treats down ravenously. My eyes watered from the sight of them. It still seemed like a dream to see all of the girls in real life with me.
"Adrienne, when was the last time you ate?" Lita asked seeing I wasn't eating.
"Huh?" I was broken out of my dreamstate. "Oh, I guess the beef stew we had last night." They all stopped eating and stared at me. "Well, so much has been going on I just haven't been hunger." I laughed insanely trying to break the silence.
"Not hungry? For almost a whole day?" Serena's mouth dropped.
"That does sound bad for you health, though." Ami commented taking another bite of her cream puff.
"Ok, I guess I'll go ahead and eat some of these great treats. I just wanted to savior the moment of seeing all of you girls in person, eating up." I smiled and giggled.
"It sounds a little silly, but that's me." They laughed with me. Ding Dong. Some else was at the door.
"Oh, that's probably Darien. Is it ok that I invited him. I thought he could help us figure out what was going on." Serena smiled big, showing all her teeth.
"That was a good idea. I think we could use any help we can get." I reassured her. Even though everyone else were rolling their eyes.
"You realize all she wanted was for him to come over so she could hang on him." Rei blurted out. Ding Dong. I was already getting up as they argued.
"Hi Darien." I said as I opened the door.
"Hello, Adrienne. How you feeling?" He asked coming in the house.
"Much better." I commented going back in the living room. As I hobbling through the door, one of my crutches slipped. "Ah..." Darien was opening the door, but reached over and catch me, as I fell. "Thanks." He held me as the door swung open, revealing him keeping me from falling.
"Darien?!?" Serena squealed.
"Ummm..." He hesitated. He was still holding me, but now squeezing tighter.
"Sorry. I have to be more careful on these crutches. Thanks for helping by catching me Darien." I looked up at him and winked. They all breathed a sigh of relief.
"Humph. Darien come sit over here by me." She pushed Rini out of the way.
"Hey, that's my place Serena. Come sit over here Darien." Rini said getting back up, after Serena pushed her over.
"Darien, there is a seat over here be me." Rei wiggled her eyebrows. I sat down where I was sitting. There was a seat on the couch next to me left, but I didn't want to point it out.
"I'm going sit here." Darien said becoming annoyed. He plopped down beside me. I smiled at him, and he rolled his eyes. The girls stopped fighting and looked at us. "Ahem, why don't we start talking?" He suggested, getting out his laptop, from his bag. "Tell us what happened Adrienne."
"Yes, that's a good idea." Ami agreed. I explained for the hundredth time what happened to me, from beginning to end. They all sat taking in each word.
"I used to be the biggest Sailor Moon addict, but I just don't understand what's happening." I lowered my eyes. "This is so confusing to me. I'm not used to fighting for my life. Now there are still after me, but I don't have the power to defeat them." I put my face in my hands. Darien reached over and patted my back.
"Don't worry Adrienne, you do have the power. Even though you can't transform the power is within you. And if all else fails you'll always have us." I looked up into his eyes and then around to the other girls. They all nodded in agreement.
"Don't worry Adrienne. We will all protect you." Ami looked over at me. I sniffed.
"Thanks guys. I really do appreciate all of you. Ahem... I'm going to go to the restroom real quick." I began to stand up. Darien got up to help me. I went to the restroom and wiped my face. Balancing on the crutches was hard but I was getting the hang of it. I opened the door and Lita was standing in the hall.
"Adrienne, I know that I didn't really protect you all that well and its my fault you were captured." She looked up and I saw the tears welling in her eyes. "I hope you can forgive me. I really tried. I monster was just to strong." A tear flowed down.
"Lita.." I wrapped my arms around her. "The thought never entered my mind that it was your fault. Because its not true. We had faced that monster before and knew its power. But you still went after it even though you knew you won't be able to win. You see, you did protect me and I admire you for that." I pushed her back so could look in her eyes. "I would forgive you. If there was anything to forgive." I smiled. "Come now. Wash your face and we'll go back in there." She nodded.
"Finally you guys I thought might have fallen in by now." Rei chuckled at her joke.
"Ha, ha, Rei, very funny." Lita scowled.
"Maybe we should continue analyzing our facts." Darien suggested.
"Good idea. Adrienne maybe you should tell us all you know about the future events from the events that happened in the show." Mina commented.
"Ummm. I don't think that would be wise. I will tell you a little info that would get us started on the search. I just can't reveal anything under good conscience." They all agreed that I was probably right. "What do you want to know?" I asked.
"Who is the next Witch from the Bureau of Bad Behavior?" Ami asked the first question.
"Well, you said Tellu, was the last you had fought. Umm, then the next is Viluy. After that is the toughest of the five. Ptilol and her twin Cyprine. They are no match for the sailor scouts though. I just can't reveal any more its all too important. I know I have told at least Lita this, but you all must believe in Sailor Moon. Your courage and strength will carry you to victory, but only if you believe in what she is doing." Everyone looked at Serena. "Serena you will have to make some tough decisions. Remember sometimes the greater good isn't always the way to go. Every individual is important." I smiled at her. "In the show all you girls can beat anything, because of you camaraderie and love for each other. You powers aren't very strong alone but together can destroy all evil." I smiled big. "I don't mean to lecture you guys. I know that you probably already know this. I always wanted to tell you all how I felt about you all." I let out a sigh.
"Well not to be to critical, but we need all information so that we can find your transformation pendant. And so we can defeat Doctor Tomoe." Rei sat up a little taller. They all looked at her and then over at me.
"No I don't think we do." Luna said.
"Luna's right we have to respect Adrienne's decision and figure out how to win without that information. It may not be helpful any ways." Artemis nodded. I looked at the two cats.
"Thank you." I bowed slightly.
"We should treat this situation as if Adrienne didn't know anything." Ami said.
"Yes, but where do we go from here?" Lita asked.
"I think we should wait until the heart snatchers make their next move." Darien leaned back and put his arm on the back of the couch. Serena and Rini fumed noticing that it looked like his arm was around my shoulders. I sat quietly.
"What should we do till then?" Mina questioned.
"Just go on normally." Ami said. "And a normal activity would be studying for our high school entrance exams." Ami pulled a stack of books out from behind the sofa.
"Oh No!" They all yelled. I laughed loudly. I suddenly became solemn.
"That's right Adrienne, you'll have to take one, too." Rei mouthed off.
"No its not that. Never mind. Let's get started." They all shrugged and began to study. Everyone studied hard besides the occasional blow up between Rei and Serena. I sat there most of the time doodling the margins of my paper. I tried to answer some questions but just couldn't get any information in my head. I was in another world and my mind was not on studying.
"Sorry girls but I have to get going." Darien got up.
"Oh, but Darien I still need your help." Serena ran over to him.
"Sorry I have to get going. I'll come back tomorrow and give you some more help if I can." He said walking over to the door. All of the others got up to see him off. I didn't bother to getting up. I sat and doodled some more. Then I realized I hadn't been doodling but drawing a picture. I picked it up and I suddenly realized I had drawn a picture of me, Sailor Aphrodite. I laughed quietly to myself.
"I think he just wanted to leave cause he was getting bored." Serena stomped back into the room with the others close behind.
"I think its time for me to be getting home." Rei said looking down at her watch.
"Maybe we should all get going." Lita remarked. Rei, Lita, Mina, Serena, and Rini all got there things together.
"See you, Adrienne." Rini waved and winked to me.
"See ya around, Rini. Bye girls." I waved. I again didn't bother to get, but Ami shuffled off to the door. Ami came back in a while and sat down with a big sigh.
"That's why I don't bring them here. They never want to leave." She laughed a moment. I sat there staring at my picture. "What's wrong, Adrienne?"
"Huh?" I broke from my trance. "Oh, nothing. I just haven't been all here today."
"Oh... Are you hungry?" Ami closed some of the books. "I noticed you still haven't eaten any of the treats Lita brought." I looked up.
"No, not really." All of the sudden my stomach growled. "Well, I take that back." We laughed at my stomach sounds, and got up to go to the kitchen. Ami walked slowly so I wouldn't get left behind hobbling on my crutches.
"Let's see if we have any microwavable things." Ami rummaged through the freezer. "Here we are two TV dinners. I hope you don't mind. I just don't think it would be necessary to wait so long for me to cook something. That's one thing I have never been good at." She laughed quietly as she stuffed the tray of food in the microwave.
"Well, that's a first. Something that genius Ami isn't good at. I refuse to believe it." I cracked a smile.
"Well its true. I just never needed to learn how to cook." She got out some glasses and silverware.
"Do you think I would actually be able to pass this high school entrance exam?" I questioned as she set up the table.
"Don't tell the other girls but the exam is built for not so talented people as well as the smartest." She didn't look up from her work.
"So in other words, its actually an easy test." I laughed loud as I could.
"Why is that so funny?" She looked strangely at me.
"Oh I just think how hard you and the other girls work. You make them think that this test well decide the fate of the world." I chuckled a minute more.
"Well it does decide a lot in their futures. I think it is necessary for them to pass the test with good grades. I would feel pretty bad if my best friends did poorly on the test. I already feel slightly bad that Serena has not responded well to my tutoring." She looked down disappointed in herself.
"You can't blame yourself. Serena just isn't all that.. well she is kind of... what I mean to say is that she doesn't want to learn she just doesn't have any motivation. She already knows of her future and its a bright one. I guess she just doesn't feel it necessary to learn anything." I looked down myself. "She was always my favorite character. I guess I feel dumb myself for not trying to help her myself." She put her hand on my shoulder.
"Well, I guess we shouldn't feel bad, then." She smiled big at me. Beep! The microwave dinged. We both ate in silence the majority of the time. Finally I got to go see Ami's room. She helped me up the stairs. "I think you should sleep in my room tonight, so I can keep an eye on you. If that's all right with you?" I thought about it.
"I don't mean to be rude but I would like to sleep in my own room tonight. I have many things to think about and I sometimes I think aloud." I laughed for a moment. "Seriously, I do think it would be good for me to be alone for a while." She nodded in agreement.
"You're right. But it really isn't too late, yet. Would you like to talk for a little before we go to sleep?" She motioned towards a table in the middle of the room.
"Sure, why not?" I smiled and hobbled over to the table. Ami picked a few of the papers off the table and smiled. I put the papers I had been studying with on the table. "So what do you want to talk about?" I asked wondering why she wanted to talk so much. We sat in the quite for a moment while she thought.
"Oh, I don't know. It just seems like I could learn so much from you. I just don't know where to start." She leaned her hands on her cheeks. She looked down at my papers. "Wow! What's this?" She picked up my drawing before I could stop her.
"Oh nothing. Sorry, I was kind of in 'lala land' while we were studying and was just doodling." I looked down and blushed.
"It's so good. It looks just like you." She looked at me and then down at the picture again. "I have a favor to ask. Would you draw a picture of me as Sailor Mercury?" She seemed instantly disappointed in what she had asked. "No never mind. You don't have to." She blushed and put down the picture.
"That would be so fun, but I would have to ask a favor from you, to do so."
"What is it?" She seemed interested and happier.
"Well, I'm not sure if you'd do it." I led her on.
"Of course, I would. What is it?"
"Could you transform so I could have a picture to draw from?" I smiled.
"Umm..." She slumped. "Gosh, I don't really know if I could do that."
"No one is going to see you." I smiled. "Please, I haven't been able to draw any good pictures ever since I left home. Since I can't download picture off the internet and I really haven't have time to draw either. Please..." I begged, leaning over the table.
"Ooooo..." She smirked. "Ok I will." She smiled. She reached in her pocket and grabbed her transformation pen. "Mercury Star Power!" I watched her transform. It was even more exciting to watch then on the show. I sat in awe as she finished up.
"That's great. Now get into an easy position to draw." I winked. She sat down in front of me at the table. "Perfect. This may take a while. Tell me if you need to move." I sat and drew her. It took a long time. She was patience to the very end. I finally got the sketch done. "Ok, I'm done with the sketch." She walked around the table and looked over my shoulder. I jerked the picture from her sight. "Hey, I didn't say you could see it. I need you to stay as Sailor Mercury so when I start coloring the picture I can see the shadows and such. Ok." She sat back down quietly.
"Is it ok if I talk now?" She looked though some drawers.
"Sure. Do you mind getting me a pen and some color pencils?" I asked, still making minor improvements to my picture.
"All right, hold on and let me find some." She pulled out the things that I needed. "Here you go." Mercury handed me the pencils and pen.
"Thanks. You can move around for now. I have to outline my picture. This won't take too long." I smiled, beginning my work.
"It sure is getting late pretty fast." She looked out the darkened window. "Do you mind if I take some observations of you?" She got out her mini super computer.
"No, go right ahead. Tell me if you need me to do anything. Personally I would like to know anything you can find out about me." I smiled working diligently. Mercury typed on the small computer.
"Oh my gosh." She shirked. "What are you Adrienne? These are not readings of a normal human." She looked at me. I looked up startled by her outburst.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"This can't be right. This shows that you are more of a damion then a scout. No that's not it. Oh dear I can't tell anything by these reading. I guess I'll have to figure them out later."
"I'm done with my picture, Mercury." I held it up. She did not stir from her thoughts. "Mercury?"
"Oh, sorry." She looked up. "That's looks great." She put down the computer and reached for my picture. I picked up the computer as she stared at the picture. I looked at the readings. I couldn't tell anything by what the numbers were saying. "How can you tell what it says?" She looked at me holding her computer. She reached over for it.
"Well, I just know what it says that's all. I can't really explain it." She grabbed the device from my hand. She detransformed and picked up the picture again. "It is very good. I think you should have it." She stood still staring at it.
"No I want you to have it." I smiled.
"No I want you to have it as a remembrance from me." She handed it back over to me. "Unlike the other girls I would be satisfied with however you drew me. But I think that even they would like how their portrait turned out." She smiled and looked over at her clock. "Oh, gosh at how late it is?"
"I guess I better get to bed then." I started to get up. "I didn't get to answer many questions." I smiled balancing on the crutches.
"Oh, sure you did. You answered one of my most prying questions." I looked at her oddly. "If you were a nice person. By the way you acted and this beautiful portrait, I'd have to say you were nothing but." She smiled and cocked her head.
"Oh, just wait till you have to wake me up." We laughed and she helped me to my room. I sat the queen sized bed. "Ahh..." I sighed. "I'm so relieved to be alone for once." I whispered. I put my feet on the bed and unwrapped the gauze. "Owe..." I said as the bandage fell to the floor. "I can't believe I didn't notice this." I thought for a moment. "Hmmm... I actually know a deceitful but frank way to heal my feet up in no time flat." I thought maniacally of my plans. "I can't help the girls on crutches. This is the only way." I had my the whole scheme planned out in my head. I changed into my night clothes and quickly fell asleep.
"Adrienne, it's time to wake up." Ami shook my shoulder. I looked up to see her smiling down at me. "Mrs. Kakaro has made us some breakfast."
"Ok, I'll be down in a minute." She shuffled out. I rolled out of the bed, and sat on the floor by my suitcases. I yawned as I rummaged through to find my uniform. I was finally got all ready and went down stairs. I ate the wonderful meal one of the Anderson's' maids made. Soon after Ami and I were off on the way to school.
"So how did you sleep?" Ami asked breaking the silence, that seemed to engulf me more often now.
"All right." I walked thinking about my plan from last night. "Do you meet Serena before she drops Rini?"
"Sometimes, if we are both early." She smiled. "How come?"
"I just want to talk to Rini about something." I was wobbling around on the crutches still. Ami was carrying my bag for me. I finally saw Serena and Rini in the distance. "Hi, girls!" I yelled to them. Rini heard and came running up. Serena noticed us as Rini ran up and jogged after. Rini wrapped her arms around my waist.
"Hi, Adrienne." She squealed. I was not sure why exactly she liked me so much, but I could use this to my advantage.
"Rini can I ask you a question?" I pulled her over to the side and sat on a bench. "You two go ahead. I'll only be a minute."
"Ok." Serena said wondering.
"What is it, Adrienne?" She jumped on the bench next to me.
"Well, I was wondering if you wanted me to take you and Hotaru to a Karoke booth. I've always wanted to go. After that maybe go to the park." I smiled big.
"Wow! That would be so much fun!" She screamed and hugged me again.
"After school I need to stop by Trista's house so how about you come with me over there and then we can go get Hotaru." I again smiled.
"Yeah that sounds. Great I would love to go to Trista's house." Rini helped me get up. "I'll see you after school then. See you." I waved as she went her separate way.
"Bye!" She waved vigorously. I could hear her say to her friends, "That's my friend Adrienne. She's fifteen and she's taking me to a Karok..." I walked as fast as I could, and got there just as the bell started to ring.
"Students, please take your seats. Oh, Adrienne looks like you had a bit of an accident." Miss Haruna noticed my crutches.
"Yeah, I won't have them that long." Ami, Serena, and Lita shot me a glance. The school day went pretty smoothly. People asked me what I did and I had to make up some story. Finally it was over. I got over to Rini's school as fast as I could. Serena ran up behind me.
"Hey. What did you ask Rini this morning?" I could tell she had been wanting to ask all day.
"Oh, I just wondered if she wanted to go to a Karoke booth and the park with me. I told her Hotaru could come, also." I answered easily.
"That sounds like so much fun. Can I come along? That must sound so horrible, but as you know I am Rini's protector." She winked at me. Luna leaped onto her shoulder.
"Yes that does sound very rude, Serena." Luna remarked.
"Luna you are always so mean to me." We all kept walking to Rini's school.
"Well, I was just going to take them. Just to get to know them a little better. You know, before I have to leave." I looked down saddened by this realization.
"Oh. I understand. Well, I guess I'll see you later than. I won't bother you and Rini any more." She ran off and for a moment it looked as if she was crying.
"Oooo..." I slumped, leaning against my crutches. "I didn't mean to make her cry."
"Don't worry yourself too much about it. She hates not getting her way." Luna smirked, almost mocking Serena. I nodded and went on my way. It seemed like forever before I got to Rini's school. "Hi, there girl." I waved. Rini was sitting on a bench with some of her friends.
"Wow, Rini you were telling the truth." A little boy said. I smiled. I wanted to make her look even better.
"How about we get some ice cream? Would any of you like to come along?" I smiled at Rini.
"Sure." They said in unison. I treated them all to any ice cream cone. Trista had lent me some money. I hated to ask her for more, but I was going to need it.
"Thanks for the ice cream Miss Adrienne." A little girl smiled with ice cream on her face.
"No prob. Any friend of Rini is a friend of mine." I smiled big at them all. "But Rini and I have a big day ahead of us, and we have to be going." I got up.
"Awwwwe..." They said. Rini smiled big, proud of her new friend.
"Come on, Rini. See you guys later." I waved at them as I left the shop.
"Thanks so much, Adrienne." She looked up at me still working on the ice cream cone. She took a couple of more licks.
"I guess we need to hurry over to Trista's then." We got on the bus and I listened to her fun day at school. She and I got off the bus and worked our way to Trista's apartment building. "Hi, Trista it's Adrienne and Rini."
"Hi girls, come on up." We both raced each other up the stairs. Rini won and I helped her ring the doorbell. "Hey!" Rini jumped up and hugged her.
"Hi, Trista!" She smiled big looking up at her.
"Hi there. How did you get the crutches, Adrienne?" She looked disdainfully at me.
"Oh a little story I should tell you later. It was sailor business." She nodded, and Trista and I sat on the couch. Rini sat on the other side of the table on a small table.
"So who should I thank for the nice visit?" Trista smiled at us.
"Adrienne is going to take me to a Karoke booth and the park. She is even going take Hotaru with." She looked between me and Trista smiling with glee.
"That's sounds like it would be fun." She smiled at her.
"Yeah, I might need some help in the finances, but I thought it would be a nice thing to do. Besides I have always wanted to go to a Karoke booth. I love to sing, you know." I looked over at Rini.
"Oh, I must seem so rude. How would you all like some cocoa and crackers?" She started to get up.
"I think I'll come and help you." I walked in the kitchen. "I really hate asking.... but..." I looked down.
"It really isn't a problem. You shouldn't feel bad. Just think of me as your guardian." She smiled handing me some money. "Now could you help me get some stuff you us to eat." She looked kind of embarrassed.
"I would be glad my guardian." We smiled at each other. Trista, Rini, and I all sat and talked. "Could you draw my map or something of how to get to a Karoke booth and the park?" I blushed myself.
"No problem." She wrote down some scribbling. "Here. Have a nice time." She said to us both as we left the apartment. Rini and I walked a long time getting to Hotaru's house. Ding Dong. I just remembered something horrible. Kaolinite answers the door she'll recognize me. The door cracked open. I yanked the bows from my hair. My long hair fell down over my eyes.
"Hello there little girl. And Miss..." It was Kaolinite. She didn't recognize my right away.
"Hi, we're here to see Hotaru." Rini smiled up at her.
'Well, Hotaru is asleep right now." She looked me down. I could feel her eyes staring right through me. "Do I know you?"
"No." I responded quickly. I started to bite my lower lip. How could overlook this important detail? If she recognizes me then not only am I in trouble then so is Rini and the rest of the scouts.
"Well, I'm afraid she is asleep right now." I heard footsteps behind Kaolinite.
"Kaolinite who's at the door?" It was Hotaru. "Rini, hi there." Rini waved past Kaolinite. "You can go now." She said harshly at the evil woman. "Come in, please."
"Come on, Adrienne." Rini grabbed my hand and dragged me in. Hotaru walked slow so I wouldn't be left behind. "Adrienne is taking me to a Karoke booth and to the park. We want you to come along. Can you please? Please say you can." She looked longingly at the young girl.
"Sure." She smiled at us both.
"Oh, by the way, this is Adrienne Gabrielle. Call her Adrienne. So can we go ahead and go?" Rini smiled big up at me.
"I guess so. Let me tell my dad that I'm leaving." She got up and walked out. Kaolinite appeared in the doorway.
"I'm sure that I've seen you somewhere before." She glared at me. "Can I get you girls some tea while you are waiting for Hotaru?" She was still staring at me.
"No thanks, Miss. We'll be leaving in a little." She smiled at Kaolinite, unknowing of the devil she was.
"All right." She left again. A few minutes went by. Then Doctor Tomoe came into the room.
"Hello there Rini, and Miss...?" He looked at me funny, too.
"Miss Chiba, nice to meet a man of such great talent." I bowed my head. I tried not to make eye contact with him.
"Miss Chiba, I hear you'd like to take Hotaru to a Karoke booth and then the park?" Chiba? What? I just realized what I had said.
Yes, I wanted to treat Rini and one of her friends to the trip. We won't be out too late." I smiled. I spoke quick and concise. I looked at Rini, she was frowning at me.
"Sounds like it will be fun. Have a nice time, honey." He smiled Hotaru. I wondered if that was the monster living in him or the real Tomoe.
"We need to get going." I got up and they showed us out. "Phew...." I let out a long sigh.
"Why did you say your name was Miss Chiba, Adrienne?" Rini frowned at me.
"I'll explain later. Don't worry about it. Let's have some fun." I looked between the two girls. At the bus stop I put my hair up and smiled at Hotaru. We got to the Karoke booth and sang for a long time. I liked singing with the girls, but the best was singing by myself. I got really high scores. It was so much fun. Then we were off to the park. Rini ran ahead to the benches.
"What happened to your foot?" Hotaru asked me. Perfect.
"Just an accident." I smiled wincing imitating pain.