"Thunder"
by AndromedaeM13Titan
chapter 4!!! how surprising! i'm just one little writer aren't i. eep, the silliness level in this room has reached it's ultimate high. so what do you think? good enough for you? or are you sick yet? well too bad, im going to write some more.
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Chapter 4: The Storm's Light and the Senshi's Ambition
The rain poured hard that day and was unsuitable for a tennis match. Himeko was tired and sweaty, and due to the match being inside, very hot. Music of her favorite band played quietly in the background and she sat, awaiting her turn in the qualifying match. She looked around for her family, whom she found, but she also found the senshi, Chibi-Usa and Usagi waving wildly. She smuggly waved back, hoping she could avoid them for the rest of the match. Unfortunately, she found that quite hard. Her mind was not on the moment and she found it hard to concentrate, even as her name was being called. Hesitantly, she stepped up to her side of the court.
"National Champion Himeko Tan'ou versus Continental Champion Utazaki Mesumi." Upon shaking hands, Himeko and Utazaki hurried to the baselines and both got ready. Himeko was to be the receiver for this game, and it was rumoured that Utazaki had an extremely powerful serve. Himeko smiled, the world league had yet to see her own serves. Utazaki was also the reigning champ for Asia and her parents well known for their fabulous books and movies. She was going to be an actress, Himeko knew, tennis meant nothing to Utazaki... she was talented already. But, Himeko could think no longer, Utazuki sent her first serve.
"Fault!" The clock read 93 mph! But... the ball landed in the alley and she went on to her second. Himeko returned the ball with such strength and speed that Utazaki was mislead and the ball went past her. "Love-15." And so the first game went on. Usagi and Chibi-Usa watched in the stands, standing quiet (for once) and watching Utazaki's every move. She was amazing, and the girl's favorite tennis player. But then they saw Himeko... not only was she a tomboy, but she hit like one, and sent Utazaki crying upon their first game. Because Himeko cared for every player she went up against, she attempted to comfort her. Fortunately, it worked, and the two began their second game. Thus, they switched sides and it was Himeko's turn. Himeko sent her first serve.
"Ace!" The clock read 113, which astonished the judges and audience alike. Even having let all her energy out on her first game, Himeko was still going strong and managed to beat Utazaki 5-1 in 6 qualification sets. Following the final match, as Himeko packed her things and put on her jacket over her white shirt and black pants, Usagi came screaming down from the steps.
"Himeko!!" She threw her arms around Himeko's neck, who stood stunned. "You did so great! Wow, I didn't know you played tennis that well! Well, you must, afterall, you're National Champion! Wow! Good job, Himeko, you beat Asia's best player!!" Usagi continued to jump about and scream, as Himeko continued packing, a disgusted look on her face.
"I told you all to leave me alone unless it was an emergency." Himeko said. "And this isn't one."
Mamoru shook his head. "Actually, Himeko, if you wouldn't mind, we'd like to ask you a few questions about this Puart man. If, that is, you know anything." They stood silently, hoping and waiting for Himeko to open her mouth and tell them all she knew. Unforunately, all she did was sigh and shake her head.
"The only one who knew anything about Puart was Kirika." She began to walk away. "But Kirika is gone now." As she started to head out the door, Usagi caught her by the wrist. Himeko looked at Usagi's blue eyes and was stunned; she was crying. She understood the loss that Himeko was suffering, for she herself had lost so many people to evil's hand. She nearly lost herself and her prince in the battle with beryl, Chibi-Usa from the black moon, Helios from Nehelenia... She came so close to death so many times and then lost Hotaru as well. Himeko felt pity for the girl, she wasn't feeling anything remotely close as to what Usagi had felt.
"Himeko..." She tried to smile. "We're here for you. Even if Kirika is gone. We'll never go away. I don't understand your mission or why you even came and met us, but can't we still be friends? Weren't we before?"
Himeko turned and shook her head. "No. We never were. I refused it." She sensed the shock hovering above her in the atmosphere. "I fought on my own, for my own princess and never once thought of the moon kingdom as anything more than the neighboring kingdom. Trust me, this way is better. I won't sacrifice any more people for my own mission. Even if I could die, myself." She glared back at Usagi, her teeth gritting. "I'd rather I die, than anybody else for my own cause." Upon turning she saw before her a giant pillar of light. The intensity of the light blinded the senshi, and Himeko tried to open her eyes to see what was going on. As the light dimmed, she was shocked as she saw the shadow of a figure before her. She bowed and the senshi were stunned.
"Majesty," Himeko said. "of what do you ask of me now?"
"You are closer to your destination, servant of the stars, do not fret." The voice was very ladylike and echoed like sound waves bouncing off walls in a large corridor. "And do not brush off the kindness those of the moon kingdom throw at you. They want nothing more than a friendship, and it will not harm your mission in anyway... and... it will not harm them."
Himeko was impatient. "Your majesty, tell me again what the princess was like!" She stood. "I can find her, majesty! I know I can and I will!"
The figure sounded stern again, much like Himeko when she was serious. "A lady, like no other, intelligent, wise, and beautiful. Hair like the silky night skies, protected by the stars and like a diamond amongst other royales. This princess, who loved the poor and helped the hungry, lies on this earth, in this country. I know it, I feel it, her power like the suns rays on a hot summer day." The woman began to fade. "Hurry and find the princess, and your true powers shall be revealed to you." Himeko bowed to the disappearing woman and remained there upon her parting. The senshi stood in amazement. Himeko was the princess' warrior and her power was not even at its full potential... yet. Quickly, Himeko picked up her bags and trotted off, the senshi remaining behind her, watching, awestricken.
Himeko watched the sun set from her room. Things were quiet in rural Japan, and even more without her brother, Hikaru. Demitri, her cat, sat silently, on the windowsill, watching the setting sun with his owner. They knew that getting by the senshi on their mission would be tricky, considering they constantly wished to get in Himeko's way.
Himeko finally sighed and let her chin rest on her palm. "This is all so much stress. I wouldn't be this way if I didn't have these powers." Her slammed her fist against the windowsill. "I wish I never passed Grandfather's test, Demitri. I wish that Hikaru and I were just normal people, and that the Silver Millenium never happened. Why was I the one to pass Grandfather's test... why did there have to be a test!?" She rested her head on her arms.
"Don't be selfish, Himeko! We do this to benefit the lives of other people so that they don't have to go day after day worrying about being attacked. They don't know the strength of our enemy, or it's existence, and it's better we keep it that way. We were put here for at least one definite reason; to protect Earth and her people from invaders. Though we may have to protect our princess in the process, if you look at the big picture, we are mainly protecting Earth." Demitri let out an elongated sigh. "If only we could find her... but... I feel us getting closer."
Himeko slowly let her head up, looking stunned. "Closer? How can you tell?" She was suddenly more interested in her mission.
"The sea flows in the wind, and the stars dance wildly. The moon glows brighter and my heart can feel her presence, and my nose can smell her fragrance." Himeko's eyes widened. "I remember her skin was tanned and beautiful, and that her hair was silky and smelled like a recently bloomed rose." As the air blew through the window, Himeko closed her eyes and invisioned her legendary princess. She imagined her with long hair and eyes dark like the night sky. She was fair skinned, much like how fairies were oft protrayed in legends. Dark skinned, dark haired, and mystical. The wind whispered in Himeko's ears and she fell in love with the tune. She got up and sat at her desk, pencil in hand and music sheets infront of her.
"What a great inspiration!" She smiled and began furiously scribbling on the sheet of paper. From the windowsill, Demitri smiled at the girl's musical genius and what a great courtier and friend Himeko was to the princess. He then looked back at was in awe at what he was seeing. Smoke from Himatsu Park, just down the street.
"Himeko! We've got trouble!" Himeko finished the measure and hurried to the window. "It looks like our enemy has struck innocent lives once again! What is their motive?! Our previous enemies would have never been intelligent enough to strike such a large area!!" Demitri looked up at Himeko. "You've got to go now!"
Quickly Himeko put on her family attire and jumped out the window, Demitri following her. She jumped branch to branch, with such speed and ferocity caused the trees to shake and the ground to tremble. As Himeko, the loving girl who was a splitting image of her father, stopped, she stood in amazement. The senshi all down and helpless. She then bore a grim look. 'Cowards,' she thought, 'all of them.'
The youma sensed Himeko's presence and with her stretched arm grasped Himeko's neck, bringing her before the senshi, looking in terrible pain. As Himeko strugged to break free and to breathe, the senshi knew that nothing could help them. Himeko was the strongest ally they had ever come face with and she was struggling as well. Suddenly, a bright light blinded the youma, which caused her let go of Himeko.
"You won't dare lay another finger on any of these brave warriors." The shadowed figure proclaimed. "Or you'll have to answer to me!"
"Me, who?" The youma, asking in a stupid manner. "Who says that?" The figure jumped from the ground and Himeko was shocked. He wore the armor of a Star Knight, or one who had proclaimed loyalty to the Queen of the Stars. Covering the top half of his face was a metal mask, which completely hid the color and look of his eyes. By his side was a swordless, woodened hilt, which he grasped in caution. The youma laughed, "Another one of you? Geeze, how many are there?"
The knight stared at Himeko for a moment, and both sensed they knew each other, yet neither said anything.
"Who are you?" Said the aching Sailor Jupiter. "Why are you here and what do you want?"
The knight grinned. "I am a senshi, a knight, and loyal to my mission. I am here to find someone long since lost, who now only resides in my dreams. I stand for many kingdoms, but there is one whom my heart is for. You may call me Star Fire, the light and hope of the one in my dreams." He looked at Himeko. "Are you alright?"
Himeko was still in awe. "Y-yyes... I am. Thankyou... May I ask, Star Fire, the specific rank of this person you are looking for?"
"No," Star Fire shook his head. "I am not in liberty to discuss what my mission is. It is separate from yours and the senshi, though." He walked closer to Himeko and touched her face. "You remind me of that person, infact the resemblence is almost amazing. But it is not you whom I search for. Her hair is like silk--"
"And her eyes dark like the night sky..." Himeko nodded. "I understand. I've got the same mission. Probably in a different aspect, but basically the same. I am looking for a man much like her, kind and wise in the same way. But I don't want to join anybody." She looked cold. "Not you or the senshi."
Star Fire nodded in understanding. "Fine, it's all right with me." And with one giant leap he was gone. The mysterious senshi of an unknown kingdom ran away, almost as mysteriously as Himeko had the first time they had met. The girls were smiling, they had never seen Himeko act so "girly" or show any interest toward any boy for the matter. They wanted to laugh, but the pain was penetrating their souls.
Himeko turned to them with a grim look, once again. "I'll defeat this youma for you, but next time, you shouldn't have to rely on me." She turned back to the youma, who was still confused, the stupidest youma Himeko had ever encountered. Himeko put the heels of her hands together and closed her eyes. Within moments her aura began to glow an intense green and the energy seemed like air lifting from the ground. Her hair flowed with the wind current as did her soul. She finally and opened her eyes and yelled out a battle cry. An enormously powerful blast hit the youma and it disintigrated into dust.
"I trust you all will be okay." And Himeko hopped away.
"That heartless fool!" Sailor Mars cried. "How could she! She doesn't even care about us!"
Himeko Tan'ou writes...
To my awfully strange onni-chan,
Sigh... things are still stressful. I love school and my violin and things... but it's just all the trouble with the senshi. It's hard to befriend them, but I know I have to. Our enemy is stronger and getting stronger yet. You know the horrbile thing? They're beginning to attack civilian places, places where large crowds would go. It's sad, and I wish you were here to help me...
"I am here, Himeko." A voice said from behind. Himeko's eyes lit up and she turned around. There, in the doorway stood her best friend and brother, Hikaru. She immediately got up and ran into his open arms, a smile on both of their faces. They were each other's closest and best friend and they had longed to talk in person again.
Himeko released herself from her brother's embrace. "Hikaru! It's so great that you're here! I prayed long and hard that you'd come back to at least visit, and here you are! Are you here to help or to visit Reika?"
Hikaru laughed. "A little of both. I missed Reika so much, but also you, Mom, and Dad. Especially my little sister!" Hikaru slapped Himeko's shoulder. "Actually, you're more like a brother to me, you know? You've grown up a lot since I last saw you, and your tomboyish quliaites still haven't ceased..." His smile suddenly dissipated. "...I am here to help you, however, I want you to know that you should be more careful. Don't do anything you know would hurt you. Mom and Dad would have a fit."
"Right." Himeko nodded. "Hikaru, we have to fight together. It's the only way this enemy will stop. Demitri has helped me all he could and is much of the wisdom behind me, but I fear that I won't find the princess in time. Hikaru, I don't think I'm strong enough."
Hikaru sighed. "You might not be right now. You are in no emotional state, after those dreams you've told me about. Listen, Himeko, your secret is safe with me, but if you told me, you have to trust my decisions. I think that you will find her and her prince, that you will help restore whatever was in the kingdom in the past. Mom and Dad may become concerned, but I'll do something to make sure you're not found out." Himeko smiled at her brother's generosity, but quickly dismissed it as she rememebred the troubles she's had with the senshi.
"They're getting in my way, Hikaru." Himeko looked out the window. "Those senshi. I know they and their princess have good intentions, but I wish they would just let me be. I will go about my mission while they go about theirs."
"And what will happen to you after you find the prince and princess? What then, Himeko? Are you just going to stop helping others?" Hikaru glared at his sister. "You can be so selfish sometimes."
Himeko turned with tears in her eyes. "Don't you think I understand that? Don't you think I'm trying to change? I love people, I love this planet, I have feelings too, you know!" She held her head in her hands. "I'm just so tired of fighting and wish there was another way I could help! I"m confused as to why it was me who had to go on and fight! Why couldn't I have been given a partner or at least a team? I'm only one person!" She fell to the ground and continued to hold her head in confusion.
Hikaru kneeled and put his hand on his sister's shoulder. "Himeko, nobody ever said you had to do this alone. Besides, your powers are even greater than mine and grandpa's, that's why he decided to give you the family rites. What's been given to you is rightfully yours and nobody else's. And you're strong, emotionally and physically. You'll find your purpose soon. Just trust in the Father." He walked out and closed the door behind him. Himeko opened her windows and sighed, letting the cool breeze touch her face and dry her tears. She had been so lost and confused ever since she had received her powers. She didn't know which path to take, and which would do anybody good. She had prayed, often, for guidance, and felt that's why her brother was there.
She let her mind drift off with the breeze and swayed to a beautiful tune she played in her head. She began to fall asleep...
to be continued...
-this chapter is kind of the beginning to the revealing of her princess and prince. it's like the second beginning in a long line of chapters. it's a bit more emotional as you get to learn about himeko more and who she really is and what she's really like. it describes her personality and the confusion of her powers. hikaru comes out more, because he has a really big role later. ^_~, i'll keep you waiting for more.
chapter 5 coming!
-andromedaM13Titan
by AndromedaeM13Titan
chapter 4!!! how surprising! i'm just one little writer aren't i. eep, the silliness level in this room has reached it's ultimate high. so what do you think? good enough for you? or are you sick yet? well too bad, im going to write some more.
-------------
Chapter 4: The Storm's Light and the Senshi's Ambition
The rain poured hard that day and was unsuitable for a tennis match. Himeko was tired and sweaty, and due to the match being inside, very hot. Music of her favorite band played quietly in the background and she sat, awaiting her turn in the qualifying match. She looked around for her family, whom she found, but she also found the senshi, Chibi-Usa and Usagi waving wildly. She smuggly waved back, hoping she could avoid them for the rest of the match. Unfortunately, she found that quite hard. Her mind was not on the moment and she found it hard to concentrate, even as her name was being called. Hesitantly, she stepped up to her side of the court.
"National Champion Himeko Tan'ou versus Continental Champion Utazaki Mesumi." Upon shaking hands, Himeko and Utazaki hurried to the baselines and both got ready. Himeko was to be the receiver for this game, and it was rumoured that Utazaki had an extremely powerful serve. Himeko smiled, the world league had yet to see her own serves. Utazaki was also the reigning champ for Asia and her parents well known for their fabulous books and movies. She was going to be an actress, Himeko knew, tennis meant nothing to Utazaki... she was talented already. But, Himeko could think no longer, Utazuki sent her first serve.
"Fault!" The clock read 93 mph! But... the ball landed in the alley and she went on to her second. Himeko returned the ball with such strength and speed that Utazaki was mislead and the ball went past her. "Love-15." And so the first game went on. Usagi and Chibi-Usa watched in the stands, standing quiet (for once) and watching Utazaki's every move. She was amazing, and the girl's favorite tennis player. But then they saw Himeko... not only was she a tomboy, but she hit like one, and sent Utazaki crying upon their first game. Because Himeko cared for every player she went up against, she attempted to comfort her. Fortunately, it worked, and the two began their second game. Thus, they switched sides and it was Himeko's turn. Himeko sent her first serve.
"Ace!" The clock read 113, which astonished the judges and audience alike. Even having let all her energy out on her first game, Himeko was still going strong and managed to beat Utazaki 5-1 in 6 qualification sets. Following the final match, as Himeko packed her things and put on her jacket over her white shirt and black pants, Usagi came screaming down from the steps.
"Himeko!!" She threw her arms around Himeko's neck, who stood stunned. "You did so great! Wow, I didn't know you played tennis that well! Well, you must, afterall, you're National Champion! Wow! Good job, Himeko, you beat Asia's best player!!" Usagi continued to jump about and scream, as Himeko continued packing, a disgusted look on her face.
"I told you all to leave me alone unless it was an emergency." Himeko said. "And this isn't one."
Mamoru shook his head. "Actually, Himeko, if you wouldn't mind, we'd like to ask you a few questions about this Puart man. If, that is, you know anything." They stood silently, hoping and waiting for Himeko to open her mouth and tell them all she knew. Unforunately, all she did was sigh and shake her head.
"The only one who knew anything about Puart was Kirika." She began to walk away. "But Kirika is gone now." As she started to head out the door, Usagi caught her by the wrist. Himeko looked at Usagi's blue eyes and was stunned; she was crying. She understood the loss that Himeko was suffering, for she herself had lost so many people to evil's hand. She nearly lost herself and her prince in the battle with beryl, Chibi-Usa from the black moon, Helios from Nehelenia... She came so close to death so many times and then lost Hotaru as well. Himeko felt pity for the girl, she wasn't feeling anything remotely close as to what Usagi had felt.
"Himeko..." She tried to smile. "We're here for you. Even if Kirika is gone. We'll never go away. I don't understand your mission or why you even came and met us, but can't we still be friends? Weren't we before?"
Himeko turned and shook her head. "No. We never were. I refused it." She sensed the shock hovering above her in the atmosphere. "I fought on my own, for my own princess and never once thought of the moon kingdom as anything more than the neighboring kingdom. Trust me, this way is better. I won't sacrifice any more people for my own mission. Even if I could die, myself." She glared back at Usagi, her teeth gritting. "I'd rather I die, than anybody else for my own cause." Upon turning she saw before her a giant pillar of light. The intensity of the light blinded the senshi, and Himeko tried to open her eyes to see what was going on. As the light dimmed, she was shocked as she saw the shadow of a figure before her. She bowed and the senshi were stunned.
"Majesty," Himeko said. "of what do you ask of me now?"
"You are closer to your destination, servant of the stars, do not fret." The voice was very ladylike and echoed like sound waves bouncing off walls in a large corridor. "And do not brush off the kindness those of the moon kingdom throw at you. They want nothing more than a friendship, and it will not harm your mission in anyway... and... it will not harm them."
Himeko was impatient. "Your majesty, tell me again what the princess was like!" She stood. "I can find her, majesty! I know I can and I will!"
The figure sounded stern again, much like Himeko when she was serious. "A lady, like no other, intelligent, wise, and beautiful. Hair like the silky night skies, protected by the stars and like a diamond amongst other royales. This princess, who loved the poor and helped the hungry, lies on this earth, in this country. I know it, I feel it, her power like the suns rays on a hot summer day." The woman began to fade. "Hurry and find the princess, and your true powers shall be revealed to you." Himeko bowed to the disappearing woman and remained there upon her parting. The senshi stood in amazement. Himeko was the princess' warrior and her power was not even at its full potential... yet. Quickly, Himeko picked up her bags and trotted off, the senshi remaining behind her, watching, awestricken.
Himeko watched the sun set from her room. Things were quiet in rural Japan, and even more without her brother, Hikaru. Demitri, her cat, sat silently, on the windowsill, watching the setting sun with his owner. They knew that getting by the senshi on their mission would be tricky, considering they constantly wished to get in Himeko's way.
Himeko finally sighed and let her chin rest on her palm. "This is all so much stress. I wouldn't be this way if I didn't have these powers." Her slammed her fist against the windowsill. "I wish I never passed Grandfather's test, Demitri. I wish that Hikaru and I were just normal people, and that the Silver Millenium never happened. Why was I the one to pass Grandfather's test... why did there have to be a test!?" She rested her head on her arms.
"Don't be selfish, Himeko! We do this to benefit the lives of other people so that they don't have to go day after day worrying about being attacked. They don't know the strength of our enemy, or it's existence, and it's better we keep it that way. We were put here for at least one definite reason; to protect Earth and her people from invaders. Though we may have to protect our princess in the process, if you look at the big picture, we are mainly protecting Earth." Demitri let out an elongated sigh. "If only we could find her... but... I feel us getting closer."
Himeko slowly let her head up, looking stunned. "Closer? How can you tell?" She was suddenly more interested in her mission.
"The sea flows in the wind, and the stars dance wildly. The moon glows brighter and my heart can feel her presence, and my nose can smell her fragrance." Himeko's eyes widened. "I remember her skin was tanned and beautiful, and that her hair was silky and smelled like a recently bloomed rose." As the air blew through the window, Himeko closed her eyes and invisioned her legendary princess. She imagined her with long hair and eyes dark like the night sky. She was fair skinned, much like how fairies were oft protrayed in legends. Dark skinned, dark haired, and mystical. The wind whispered in Himeko's ears and she fell in love with the tune. She got up and sat at her desk, pencil in hand and music sheets infront of her.
"What a great inspiration!" She smiled and began furiously scribbling on the sheet of paper. From the windowsill, Demitri smiled at the girl's musical genius and what a great courtier and friend Himeko was to the princess. He then looked back at was in awe at what he was seeing. Smoke from Himatsu Park, just down the street.
"Himeko! We've got trouble!" Himeko finished the measure and hurried to the window. "It looks like our enemy has struck innocent lives once again! What is their motive?! Our previous enemies would have never been intelligent enough to strike such a large area!!" Demitri looked up at Himeko. "You've got to go now!"
Quickly Himeko put on her family attire and jumped out the window, Demitri following her. She jumped branch to branch, with such speed and ferocity caused the trees to shake and the ground to tremble. As Himeko, the loving girl who was a splitting image of her father, stopped, she stood in amazement. The senshi all down and helpless. She then bore a grim look. 'Cowards,' she thought, 'all of them.'
The youma sensed Himeko's presence and with her stretched arm grasped Himeko's neck, bringing her before the senshi, looking in terrible pain. As Himeko strugged to break free and to breathe, the senshi knew that nothing could help them. Himeko was the strongest ally they had ever come face with and she was struggling as well. Suddenly, a bright light blinded the youma, which caused her let go of Himeko.
"You won't dare lay another finger on any of these brave warriors." The shadowed figure proclaimed. "Or you'll have to answer to me!"
"Me, who?" The youma, asking in a stupid manner. "Who says that?" The figure jumped from the ground and Himeko was shocked. He wore the armor of a Star Knight, or one who had proclaimed loyalty to the Queen of the Stars. Covering the top half of his face was a metal mask, which completely hid the color and look of his eyes. By his side was a swordless, woodened hilt, which he grasped in caution. The youma laughed, "Another one of you? Geeze, how many are there?"
The knight stared at Himeko for a moment, and both sensed they knew each other, yet neither said anything.
"Who are you?" Said the aching Sailor Jupiter. "Why are you here and what do you want?"
The knight grinned. "I am a senshi, a knight, and loyal to my mission. I am here to find someone long since lost, who now only resides in my dreams. I stand for many kingdoms, but there is one whom my heart is for. You may call me Star Fire, the light and hope of the one in my dreams." He looked at Himeko. "Are you alright?"
Himeko was still in awe. "Y-yyes... I am. Thankyou... May I ask, Star Fire, the specific rank of this person you are looking for?"
"No," Star Fire shook his head. "I am not in liberty to discuss what my mission is. It is separate from yours and the senshi, though." He walked closer to Himeko and touched her face. "You remind me of that person, infact the resemblence is almost amazing. But it is not you whom I search for. Her hair is like silk--"
"And her eyes dark like the night sky..." Himeko nodded. "I understand. I've got the same mission. Probably in a different aspect, but basically the same. I am looking for a man much like her, kind and wise in the same way. But I don't want to join anybody." She looked cold. "Not you or the senshi."
Star Fire nodded in understanding. "Fine, it's all right with me." And with one giant leap he was gone. The mysterious senshi of an unknown kingdom ran away, almost as mysteriously as Himeko had the first time they had met. The girls were smiling, they had never seen Himeko act so "girly" or show any interest toward any boy for the matter. They wanted to laugh, but the pain was penetrating their souls.
Himeko turned to them with a grim look, once again. "I'll defeat this youma for you, but next time, you shouldn't have to rely on me." She turned back to the youma, who was still confused, the stupidest youma Himeko had ever encountered. Himeko put the heels of her hands together and closed her eyes. Within moments her aura began to glow an intense green and the energy seemed like air lifting from the ground. Her hair flowed with the wind current as did her soul. She finally and opened her eyes and yelled out a battle cry. An enormously powerful blast hit the youma and it disintigrated into dust.
"I trust you all will be okay." And Himeko hopped away.
"That heartless fool!" Sailor Mars cried. "How could she! She doesn't even care about us!"
Himeko Tan'ou writes...
To my awfully strange onni-chan,
Sigh... things are still stressful. I love school and my violin and things... but it's just all the trouble with the senshi. It's hard to befriend them, but I know I have to. Our enemy is stronger and getting stronger yet. You know the horrbile thing? They're beginning to attack civilian places, places where large crowds would go. It's sad, and I wish you were here to help me...
"I am here, Himeko." A voice said from behind. Himeko's eyes lit up and she turned around. There, in the doorway stood her best friend and brother, Hikaru. She immediately got up and ran into his open arms, a smile on both of their faces. They were each other's closest and best friend and they had longed to talk in person again.
Himeko released herself from her brother's embrace. "Hikaru! It's so great that you're here! I prayed long and hard that you'd come back to at least visit, and here you are! Are you here to help or to visit Reika?"
Hikaru laughed. "A little of both. I missed Reika so much, but also you, Mom, and Dad. Especially my little sister!" Hikaru slapped Himeko's shoulder. "Actually, you're more like a brother to me, you know? You've grown up a lot since I last saw you, and your tomboyish quliaites still haven't ceased..." His smile suddenly dissipated. "...I am here to help you, however, I want you to know that you should be more careful. Don't do anything you know would hurt you. Mom and Dad would have a fit."
"Right." Himeko nodded. "Hikaru, we have to fight together. It's the only way this enemy will stop. Demitri has helped me all he could and is much of the wisdom behind me, but I fear that I won't find the princess in time. Hikaru, I don't think I'm strong enough."
Hikaru sighed. "You might not be right now. You are in no emotional state, after those dreams you've told me about. Listen, Himeko, your secret is safe with me, but if you told me, you have to trust my decisions. I think that you will find her and her prince, that you will help restore whatever was in the kingdom in the past. Mom and Dad may become concerned, but I'll do something to make sure you're not found out." Himeko smiled at her brother's generosity, but quickly dismissed it as she rememebred the troubles she's had with the senshi.
"They're getting in my way, Hikaru." Himeko looked out the window. "Those senshi. I know they and their princess have good intentions, but I wish they would just let me be. I will go about my mission while they go about theirs."
"And what will happen to you after you find the prince and princess? What then, Himeko? Are you just going to stop helping others?" Hikaru glared at his sister. "You can be so selfish sometimes."
Himeko turned with tears in her eyes. "Don't you think I understand that? Don't you think I'm trying to change? I love people, I love this planet, I have feelings too, you know!" She held her head in her hands. "I'm just so tired of fighting and wish there was another way I could help! I"m confused as to why it was me who had to go on and fight! Why couldn't I have been given a partner or at least a team? I'm only one person!" She fell to the ground and continued to hold her head in confusion.
Hikaru kneeled and put his hand on his sister's shoulder. "Himeko, nobody ever said you had to do this alone. Besides, your powers are even greater than mine and grandpa's, that's why he decided to give you the family rites. What's been given to you is rightfully yours and nobody else's. And you're strong, emotionally and physically. You'll find your purpose soon. Just trust in the Father." He walked out and closed the door behind him. Himeko opened her windows and sighed, letting the cool breeze touch her face and dry her tears. She had been so lost and confused ever since she had received her powers. She didn't know which path to take, and which would do anybody good. She had prayed, often, for guidance, and felt that's why her brother was there.
She let her mind drift off with the breeze and swayed to a beautiful tune she played in her head. She began to fall asleep...
to be continued...
-this chapter is kind of the beginning to the revealing of her princess and prince. it's like the second beginning in a long line of chapters. it's a bit more emotional as you get to learn about himeko more and who she really is and what she's really like. it describes her personality and the confusion of her powers. hikaru comes out more, because he has a really big role later. ^_~, i'll keep you waiting for more.
chapter 5 coming!
-andromedaM13Titan
