"Hey, guys! Look what I dug up from my jewelry box! Now we match!" And with that, Anemone held up a pendant that looked exactly like ours. My friends and I gaped in a mixture of horror and fascination. "Well?"
"Wow, Nem, that's great.... Where'd you get it?" I questioned weakly.
"Oh, a long time ago... My best friend and I both got one... She moved back to France, though," I could tell it was hard for Nem to add that last part.
~This has to be a coincidence. Nem and her friend aren't Sailors, too... Are they? How can we possibly find out?! I gotta talk to the cats.~
"That's great, Nem... Hey, I gotta go, I'll talk to you all later, ok?" I shot a significant glance at Tess and the twins and left.
I found Hoshi lounging on Tess' bed.
"Hoshi!" He woke up with a start. "What?!"
"Is there something you're not telling us? About a certain friend of ours? And possibly her friend, too?!" I glared at the cat, who gave me a confused look. "Oh come on, Hoshi! Anemone has a locket, just like ours. EXACTLY like ours. And her best friend from France has one, too. Is this an extremely EERIE coincidence, or are they scouts?" He blinked.
"Hmm. Now there's a possibility. I wouldn't know though. I'm suppose Diana would remember if there were more than four... It's entirely a possibility... I wouldn't say anything to them yet, just in case. I can send word to Diana, asking her, somehow, if you feel it's imperative..." After one look at me, he said, "Yes, right away, I'll get on it." And with that, he left. I sighed and went outside. I wasn't sure where my friends would be right now, and began walking in the direction of Nem's house.
Knowing her parents weren't home, I let myself in the house and called out, "Anyone here?" as I wandered into the kitchen. I heard a noise behind me, spun, attacked, and pinned whoever it was to the floor. I found myself on top of a wide-eyed Akira.
"Where did you learn that?!"
"New York City," I said, quickly rolling off him and getting up. I would've offered a hand, but he had already gotten up himself. "All my friends and I know high level defenses and attacks..." I trailed off. He looked interested.
"When do you ever use it?"
"Oh, the occasional time I think a house is empty and one of its occupants sneaks on me..." I grinned.
"As you can see, the girls left. Since I know you'll ask, sorry, I don't know where they went. Why aren't you with them?"
"I had to talk to someone. It was important... Hey you might know something... Do you remember your sister having a best friend from France?"
"Sure. Her name was Abigail something... Dalmont. Abigail Dalmont. Why?"
"Only curious. I'm studying French and I'd like to maybe get in touch with her." It wasn't a lie, I did want to get in touch with this girl, and I was studying French, that just wasn't why I had asked him.
"You're sure you don't know where they went, when they'll be back, anything?" He shook his head.
"You're welcome to wait for them here though. The idea of ordering a pizza for myself isn't appealing... have you eaten yet?" When I shoke my head no he grinned and asked if I'd want pizza. Since I love pizza, it wasn't an offer I was about to refuse. He dialed and then we went into the living room to watch TV. While I didn't mind being alone with him, now wasn't the time! I needed to talk to Tess and Kari and Ariana. I sighed. Akira shot me a look. I smiled.
"I just really have to talk to my friends..." I stopped there, lest he should get curious. I didn't want to lie to Akira, so it was better I just didn't have to tell him anything. We spent the rest of an enjoyable evening eating pizza, talking, laughing, and watching TV. It had gotten late when I realized that not even Nem had come back. I was concerned.
"Akira, can I use your phone? I want to see if maybe the girls went to our house." I dialed the Takeshi's. Ryo answered and said he hadn't seen the girls since school. I thanked him and hung up. I glanced over at Akira.
"Nothing, huh? I'm sure they'll turn up. Knowing my sister, she probably drug Tess and the twins to some out of the way place and lost track of the time." I hoped he was right.
"I should probably get going then... They'll be home soon, so I may as well be there, too." I didn't really want to leave, but I certainly didn't want to overextend my welcome. Besides, Akira's parents would be home soon and I didn't want him to get in trouble. I didn't think he would, but better safe than sorry. Was it just me, or did he look a little disappointed when I said that?
~Stop it, Ren. You're imagining it. Akira is your new friend's older brother. You're only in Juuban because you have to train to be a good Sailor Scout, and considering all you know about that, you should be focussing on learning more about that, not some boy. Some extremely good-looking, friendly, did I mention good-looking?, boy.~ I wanted to smack myself, but restrained from doing so in front of Akira.
"Well, goodnight then. Drop in any time you want. Hey, do you want me to call when Nem gets in? Or, er, I'll have her call," he grinned almost sheepishly. I smiled at him and said I'd appreciate it. I started to walk home. It was getting dark out. About two blocks away from the house, Nem's parents drove past me and I smiled. Perfect timing. I quickened my pace. As I turned down a particularly dark street, I began to feel uneasy. I tried to shake the feeling, but I couldn't. I glanced over my shoulder, but of course there was nothing there. I scolded myself and hurried along. As I walked past a row of trees I heard something to my right. I peered into the black canopy of the forest. Some way in, I saw a faint blue light glowing. My curiosity got the better of me and I began to hike towards the light. I knew it was foolish but I pressed on.
Upon reaching a clearing, I saw the source of the light. In the middle of the opening of trees, a mirror laid on the ground, and it was glowing blue. I knew this was NOT an ordinary mirror and I slowly approached it. I gingerly picked it up, and carefully examined it. It looked like a regular mirror, except for that mysterious glow. I bit my lip, then shoved it in my bag and ran through the brush. I didn't stop running till I was safely inside the Takeshi's, and panting. Mr. and Mrs. Takeshi gave me startled looks and asked if I was alright. I nodded in reply and, after catching my breath, inquired if the girls were home yet. They replied in the negative and I hurried to my and Kari's room. I dumped the mirror on my bed. Just then, the phone in our room rang. I jumped on it and said a breathless hello.
"Ren? Are you Ok? It's Akira."
"Yes, sorry, I just got home, I ran half the way. Is Nem home? My other friends aren't."
"Why did you run?? No, she isn't, that's why I'm calling. Mom's worried and wanted to know if she was there."
"No, sorry. It isn't like my friends to stay out all evening without at least calling me. I hope they call or come home soon or just something." I felt hurt they had left me out, and worried that maybe they couldn't contact us. I had purposely left out why I ran. I don't think he would've believed me if I'd told him. But then, maybe...
"Hey, don't worry, they should be home soon. I'm curious to know where they are though, that they wouldn't even call and invite us!" I laughed. "So, why DID you run, anyway? It's not that late, and if you're worried about curfew I would think the Takeshis wouldn't care considering three of you are still out!" I hesitated.
"When I got to the woods, I felt like someone else was around, but there wasn't. I got scared and figured I'd better go a little faster, just in case." This was true, it had felt like someone had been watching me.
"Suppose someone had been there? You could've kung-fued him," he laughed, then turned serious again. There was a definite note of concern in his voice. I was surprised. "I would've ran, too. That's not something to mess around with. I've got to get going, ok? Call me if you need anything."
"'Bye. Don't worry about having Anemone call, I'll ask the girls when they get in. If they ever get in!" With that, we hung up. I was suddenly very tired and, after tucking the glowing mirror safely into its hiding place, went to bed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"G'morning Ren!" Kariana apparently had already had some sugar. I groaned and rolled over. Then I realized it was Kari talked and sat up.
"Where WERE you guys last night?!"
"Oh, that. Nem wanted to show us this awesome pier... It is so cool, wait'll we show it to you, you're gonna love it. We can go swimming and boating and..." She stopped when she saw my face.
"Sounds great. I'm glad you had fun. I won't ask what time you got home." I quickly pulled on my uniform, got ready, and left for school. Mrs. Takeshi wanted me to have breakfast, but I wasn't hungry.
~ They were at a pier?! I was worried sick, waited for them, even... Ok, that doesn't count, I was with Akira... Er, I'm doing it again....they still should've called or something. It's like they forgot they even have another friend!~ My thoughts continued along these lines as I got to school. Akira and Anemone were just going in, too. I brushed quickly past them and hurried to my locker. As I was slamming it shut, Akira came up to me.
"Anemone would've come over, but she has the distinct feeling you're mad at her, and I don't blame you. I'm rather annoyed at them all too," he said. I gave him a tiny smile.
"Hey, I don't think I thanked you for the pizza. I don't plan on staying mad at them for long, just enough to let them know they messed up." Akira grinned. Just then, Tess approached her locker, which happened to be across from mine.
"Hi Ren, hi Akira... Ren, you don't know how sorry we are about last night. We were having such a good time, we just forgot... and then I remembered you'd probably be looking for us, but there wasn't any phones around or anything so we just let it go... Please don't be so mad."
I should've known they'd have Tess say it, I can never stay mad at her, she's always so apologetic about everything. I gave her a small smile, then I remembered the mirror.
"Wait till I show you guys what I found last night in the woods! It's..." I clamped my hand over my mouth and looked at Akira. He raised an eyebrow and mouthed that I had better explain some things to him. Tess left to find the twins and Anemone, presumedly and Akira leaned against my locker.
"Found in the woods? If you thought there was someone there, why were you IN the woods?" He didn't seem angry, just extremely confused.
"I did feel like there was someone, but then I... Oh you'd never believe me," I had a pained look on my face, I was sure.
"Try me."
"Well, I saw a blue light and couldn't help it and went to investigate. It was a mirror only it isn't a real mirror, it can't be, it's glowing! I don't know what it is but I bet it has something to do with," I said that all in a matter of seconds and stopped abruptly. I couldn't tell him about the Scouts!
"You SAW something glowing and it's a MIRROR?" He repeated slowly. I nodded. "Now that's definitely not normal. I'd like to see this thing, if it's ok."
"Yes, but after I talk to my friends, sans your sister, about it..." He gave me a questioningly look as to why not Anemone, and I gave him as best an answer as I could. "We're in Juuban for a reason, I think the mirror might have something to do with it, and I don't think your sister is involved, but I could be wrong.... I know I'm probably only confusing you more, but maybe I can explain it to you in more detail later. After I find some things out." He was definitely perplexed, but merely nodded and hurried to class as the bell rang. I hoped Hoshi had some information for me, and soon.
"Wow, Nem, that's great.... Where'd you get it?" I questioned weakly.
"Oh, a long time ago... My best friend and I both got one... She moved back to France, though," I could tell it was hard for Nem to add that last part.
~This has to be a coincidence. Nem and her friend aren't Sailors, too... Are they? How can we possibly find out?! I gotta talk to the cats.~
"That's great, Nem... Hey, I gotta go, I'll talk to you all later, ok?" I shot a significant glance at Tess and the twins and left.
I found Hoshi lounging on Tess' bed.
"Hoshi!" He woke up with a start. "What?!"
"Is there something you're not telling us? About a certain friend of ours? And possibly her friend, too?!" I glared at the cat, who gave me a confused look. "Oh come on, Hoshi! Anemone has a locket, just like ours. EXACTLY like ours. And her best friend from France has one, too. Is this an extremely EERIE coincidence, or are they scouts?" He blinked.
"Hmm. Now there's a possibility. I wouldn't know though. I'm suppose Diana would remember if there were more than four... It's entirely a possibility... I wouldn't say anything to them yet, just in case. I can send word to Diana, asking her, somehow, if you feel it's imperative..." After one look at me, he said, "Yes, right away, I'll get on it." And with that, he left. I sighed and went outside. I wasn't sure where my friends would be right now, and began walking in the direction of Nem's house.
Knowing her parents weren't home, I let myself in the house and called out, "Anyone here?" as I wandered into the kitchen. I heard a noise behind me, spun, attacked, and pinned whoever it was to the floor. I found myself on top of a wide-eyed Akira.
"Where did you learn that?!"
"New York City," I said, quickly rolling off him and getting up. I would've offered a hand, but he had already gotten up himself. "All my friends and I know high level defenses and attacks..." I trailed off. He looked interested.
"When do you ever use it?"
"Oh, the occasional time I think a house is empty and one of its occupants sneaks on me..." I grinned.
"As you can see, the girls left. Since I know you'll ask, sorry, I don't know where they went. Why aren't you with them?"
"I had to talk to someone. It was important... Hey you might know something... Do you remember your sister having a best friend from France?"
"Sure. Her name was Abigail something... Dalmont. Abigail Dalmont. Why?"
"Only curious. I'm studying French and I'd like to maybe get in touch with her." It wasn't a lie, I did want to get in touch with this girl, and I was studying French, that just wasn't why I had asked him.
"You're sure you don't know where they went, when they'll be back, anything?" He shook his head.
"You're welcome to wait for them here though. The idea of ordering a pizza for myself isn't appealing... have you eaten yet?" When I shoke my head no he grinned and asked if I'd want pizza. Since I love pizza, it wasn't an offer I was about to refuse. He dialed and then we went into the living room to watch TV. While I didn't mind being alone with him, now wasn't the time! I needed to talk to Tess and Kari and Ariana. I sighed. Akira shot me a look. I smiled.
"I just really have to talk to my friends..." I stopped there, lest he should get curious. I didn't want to lie to Akira, so it was better I just didn't have to tell him anything. We spent the rest of an enjoyable evening eating pizza, talking, laughing, and watching TV. It had gotten late when I realized that not even Nem had come back. I was concerned.
"Akira, can I use your phone? I want to see if maybe the girls went to our house." I dialed the Takeshi's. Ryo answered and said he hadn't seen the girls since school. I thanked him and hung up. I glanced over at Akira.
"Nothing, huh? I'm sure they'll turn up. Knowing my sister, she probably drug Tess and the twins to some out of the way place and lost track of the time." I hoped he was right.
"I should probably get going then... They'll be home soon, so I may as well be there, too." I didn't really want to leave, but I certainly didn't want to overextend my welcome. Besides, Akira's parents would be home soon and I didn't want him to get in trouble. I didn't think he would, but better safe than sorry. Was it just me, or did he look a little disappointed when I said that?
~Stop it, Ren. You're imagining it. Akira is your new friend's older brother. You're only in Juuban because you have to train to be a good Sailor Scout, and considering all you know about that, you should be focussing on learning more about that, not some boy. Some extremely good-looking, friendly, did I mention good-looking?, boy.~ I wanted to smack myself, but restrained from doing so in front of Akira.
"Well, goodnight then. Drop in any time you want. Hey, do you want me to call when Nem gets in? Or, er, I'll have her call," he grinned almost sheepishly. I smiled at him and said I'd appreciate it. I started to walk home. It was getting dark out. About two blocks away from the house, Nem's parents drove past me and I smiled. Perfect timing. I quickened my pace. As I turned down a particularly dark street, I began to feel uneasy. I tried to shake the feeling, but I couldn't. I glanced over my shoulder, but of course there was nothing there. I scolded myself and hurried along. As I walked past a row of trees I heard something to my right. I peered into the black canopy of the forest. Some way in, I saw a faint blue light glowing. My curiosity got the better of me and I began to hike towards the light. I knew it was foolish but I pressed on.
Upon reaching a clearing, I saw the source of the light. In the middle of the opening of trees, a mirror laid on the ground, and it was glowing blue. I knew this was NOT an ordinary mirror and I slowly approached it. I gingerly picked it up, and carefully examined it. It looked like a regular mirror, except for that mysterious glow. I bit my lip, then shoved it in my bag and ran through the brush. I didn't stop running till I was safely inside the Takeshi's, and panting. Mr. and Mrs. Takeshi gave me startled looks and asked if I was alright. I nodded in reply and, after catching my breath, inquired if the girls were home yet. They replied in the negative and I hurried to my and Kari's room. I dumped the mirror on my bed. Just then, the phone in our room rang. I jumped on it and said a breathless hello.
"Ren? Are you Ok? It's Akira."
"Yes, sorry, I just got home, I ran half the way. Is Nem home? My other friends aren't."
"Why did you run?? No, she isn't, that's why I'm calling. Mom's worried and wanted to know if she was there."
"No, sorry. It isn't like my friends to stay out all evening without at least calling me. I hope they call or come home soon or just something." I felt hurt they had left me out, and worried that maybe they couldn't contact us. I had purposely left out why I ran. I don't think he would've believed me if I'd told him. But then, maybe...
"Hey, don't worry, they should be home soon. I'm curious to know where they are though, that they wouldn't even call and invite us!" I laughed. "So, why DID you run, anyway? It's not that late, and if you're worried about curfew I would think the Takeshis wouldn't care considering three of you are still out!" I hesitated.
"When I got to the woods, I felt like someone else was around, but there wasn't. I got scared and figured I'd better go a little faster, just in case." This was true, it had felt like someone had been watching me.
"Suppose someone had been there? You could've kung-fued him," he laughed, then turned serious again. There was a definite note of concern in his voice. I was surprised. "I would've ran, too. That's not something to mess around with. I've got to get going, ok? Call me if you need anything."
"'Bye. Don't worry about having Anemone call, I'll ask the girls when they get in. If they ever get in!" With that, we hung up. I was suddenly very tired and, after tucking the glowing mirror safely into its hiding place, went to bed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"G'morning Ren!" Kariana apparently had already had some sugar. I groaned and rolled over. Then I realized it was Kari talked and sat up.
"Where WERE you guys last night?!"
"Oh, that. Nem wanted to show us this awesome pier... It is so cool, wait'll we show it to you, you're gonna love it. We can go swimming and boating and..." She stopped when she saw my face.
"Sounds great. I'm glad you had fun. I won't ask what time you got home." I quickly pulled on my uniform, got ready, and left for school. Mrs. Takeshi wanted me to have breakfast, but I wasn't hungry.
~ They were at a pier?! I was worried sick, waited for them, even... Ok, that doesn't count, I was with Akira... Er, I'm doing it again....they still should've called or something. It's like they forgot they even have another friend!~ My thoughts continued along these lines as I got to school. Akira and Anemone were just going in, too. I brushed quickly past them and hurried to my locker. As I was slamming it shut, Akira came up to me.
"Anemone would've come over, but she has the distinct feeling you're mad at her, and I don't blame you. I'm rather annoyed at them all too," he said. I gave him a tiny smile.
"Hey, I don't think I thanked you for the pizza. I don't plan on staying mad at them for long, just enough to let them know they messed up." Akira grinned. Just then, Tess approached her locker, which happened to be across from mine.
"Hi Ren, hi Akira... Ren, you don't know how sorry we are about last night. We were having such a good time, we just forgot... and then I remembered you'd probably be looking for us, but there wasn't any phones around or anything so we just let it go... Please don't be so mad."
I should've known they'd have Tess say it, I can never stay mad at her, she's always so apologetic about everything. I gave her a small smile, then I remembered the mirror.
"Wait till I show you guys what I found last night in the woods! It's..." I clamped my hand over my mouth and looked at Akira. He raised an eyebrow and mouthed that I had better explain some things to him. Tess left to find the twins and Anemone, presumedly and Akira leaned against my locker.
"Found in the woods? If you thought there was someone there, why were you IN the woods?" He didn't seem angry, just extremely confused.
"I did feel like there was someone, but then I... Oh you'd never believe me," I had a pained look on my face, I was sure.
"Try me."
"Well, I saw a blue light and couldn't help it and went to investigate. It was a mirror only it isn't a real mirror, it can't be, it's glowing! I don't know what it is but I bet it has something to do with," I said that all in a matter of seconds and stopped abruptly. I couldn't tell him about the Scouts!
"You SAW something glowing and it's a MIRROR?" He repeated slowly. I nodded. "Now that's definitely not normal. I'd like to see this thing, if it's ok."
"Yes, but after I talk to my friends, sans your sister, about it..." He gave me a questioningly look as to why not Anemone, and I gave him as best an answer as I could. "We're in Juuban for a reason, I think the mirror might have something to do with it, and I don't think your sister is involved, but I could be wrong.... I know I'm probably only confusing you more, but maybe I can explain it to you in more detail later. After I find some things out." He was definitely perplexed, but merely nodded and hurried to class as the bell rang. I hoped Hoshi had some information for me, and soon.
