Title: The Curse of Immortality: Sequal
By: Cheska-chan
Chapter: 167
E-Mail address: Minnashime@aol.com or AngellicSnow@aol.com
PG13
Disclaimer: *gasps* @_@ Iiiiiieeee!!! Nooo!! No!! I can't belive
it! I won't believe it! *shuts ears and starts shouting
and raving and being denial over the truth*
I won't give up! Never!!
*people bound her hands together as well as feet*
Okay, okay...I don't own Sailor Moon, Gundam Wing, or
DBZ.
*they release her* *rubs wrists and scowls*
Author's Note: *wears a heavy armor and faces the readers*
Cheska: I'm back!! *they throw objects at her*
I'm sorry, sorry for not getting anything out for
the past week...or is it weeks now? I lost count.
I have a good reason though! It's because of...
*blinking lights showing the sign: School*
Yes, the evil ones who make us go to *gag* school!
And this week was extrememly important. Which is
the much dreaded finals for the semester. Or what
others call as 'exams' *shudders at rememberance*
Stupid tests made me uneasy and crazy! Crazy I tell you!!!
Okay, enough talk about *shudders again* School. Let's get this
page out to you, shall we? And I'll try to get the next one out
whenever I can come up with something. err...sorry about all of this.
Whenever it's vacation time, I should find time to write up another
chapter or something. Okie?
***********
"The sun is rising. How I wish it would rise and yet sometimes I
wish it wouldn't. With every rising and a falling of each sun, it means
death as well as life. As the sun rises it reminds us all of a new day,
a new destiny, and a new threat. With every sun that comes to call,
it represents a start and tells us all that you can start anew. You can
put the past behind you, to look always into the future of things.
Sometimes I don't want that to happen, it just reminds me. Reminds us
all that someday, someday we'll be in the past and not in the future.
We'd just be a reminder to those who live...we're the ones left
behind.."Serena sourly spat out as she glared as well as longed at the
sun that slowly rose up toward the multi-colored sky.
"It also gives us strength to live. Gives us reknown joy that we
are able to live through the day from the ordeals of yesterday,"a deep
voice voiced out.
"That's also something that I don't wish to know..I can recall those
times when I was glad because of the new day. Also the times when I
cried because of it..."Serena entrusted to him.
"Hn."the boy grunted out.
"But that's in the past, we should get ready for the archery.."Serena
rose up from her position at the window from the corridor and turned
to her companion, seeing that it was Heero Yuy.
"That was the most you talked ever since that day.."Heero pointed out
quietly, his voice in usual monotone as his eyes shone with indifference and
no feelings.
"As well as you,"Serena changed her voice to compare to his, her eyes
still not sparkling with its usual warmth and happiness.
The two soldiers left the scene to prepare for the new day as well as the
next event.
**************
"Each one of you will be given bow and arrows. Those who fail to know
how to do this event will either have to try or fail to receive the points
given out for this one. You can make it up though in the other upcoming
events. Good luck to all of you...and also as a reminder. Those who
do end up joining this event and fail to receive points will be cut off
from the next events. We all can understand the consequences of these
six events. Those who participate and fail to receive the needed points
shall be cut off from the events. Those who are capable of gathering up
the needed requirements shall stay and move on. Gathering points is the
main goal for all of you. Those who attain the most points shall win
the credits needed to be added to your GPA,"announced the informer.
As the speaker reminded them of the consequences over the events in Competition
Day, there were groups of people handing out the bows for each contestant.
At the moment they moved from the Central Building to the forest a
few miles away from the main buildings of the University. The wind was
fair and the sky clear from any clouds. All the students participating
were all lined up in a line facing several boards in front of them.
Arrows placed nearby on a stand for a more easy access.
"At the sound of the whistle, everyone shall use their archery skills
and try to hit the target, namely the bulls-eye. With every sound of the
whistle you will continue or cease. In the time inbetween your target
will be moved every 50ft till it reaches the edge. Namely 150ft away.
Now begin!"at the sound of the whistle several students placed their
bows correctly in position and notched their arrows. Stringing it back,
they focused and fired. Some able to hit at least the target
while others missed. For several seconds they did this till the whistle
rang again.
"Halt!"the person shouted.
The judges came by and wrote down the positions the arrows were at and
tallied up points. Then the whistle sounded once more and the event
continued. Several times this came by till finally, the last whistle sounded.
"All right, bows down and let's see the results!"the informer cried out.
A heavy silence reigned in and a frown crossed the informer's face at the
results.
"It seems we have several ties here, so we are forced to bring out something
to end the tie,"the informer called out and waved his head toward the woods.
(This is a mission. I must survive and move on. The enemy is here among
us....and so far we're doing quite well...)Serena murmered inside her head.
Staring ahead, the blond girl took notice that from the ground rose a
line and from there were moving targets of several boards.
"Your arrows shall be replaced by color codes. Each of you will be given
seperate arrows and about five arrows each. Now then, let's resume
the event after one minute,"the informer announced.
Scrunching up her face, Serena took a sideways glance at her opponents.
All the pilots were there including Hotaru. Serena also noticed that
there were others that were familiar and unfamiliar to the blond immortal.
Shaking away thoughts that could disrupt her attention, Serena focused back on
the moving boards.
(I'm not really good in archery, Mars was always great in that event.
Also Jupiter, those two were great in practically everything...)Serena
felt grievance at the reminder of her friends.
Visisons clouded her eyes and she could make out a warrior in red. Mars
the senshi of fire and spirit. She held a bow in her hand made of fire with
arrows to go along with it.
"Remember, eye on the target and focus...don't let your guard down.
And never lose faith because I won't on you,"Mars' voice echoed in her ear
as she gave a smile and demonstrated for her.
Raising her bow she faced a target 200feet away and fired at it while shouting
out the needed phrase to cast her spell. Immediately it hit the target dead-on.
Turning back, Mars' gave her a smile and nodded her head.
"You've grown a lot over the millenias Serena. You odango atama.
Now don't lose hope, because we're always with you..."Mars' waved at her and
her eyes blinked before noticing her surroundings.
The whistle immediately sounded and Serena faltered before gathering up two
arrows on her bow and placing them at once. Not really understanding why she
did this, she fired head on recalling the words that Mars offered to her.
(Eye on the target. It could also be targets, I suppose. For some reason
I have confidence on this archery. The spirit of Mars must be with me.)Serena
figured as she continued to fire her remaning arrows.
All of the arrows flew straight and true at all the bulls-eye except for
one out of five.
(Thanks Mars, you've always been a true friend in the most needed times.)Serena
smiled a small smile that was hardly noticeable before lowering her arms down
on the bow.
As the whistle sounded, the judges counted once more.
"The points go to Serena who now holds first place in the Competition!
Second place is in a three-way tie of Heero, Hotaru, and Trowa. Third
place is tied three-way with Wufei, Quatre, and Duo. Fourth place
with...."one of the judges announced.
Placing her bow down, Serena closed her eyes and took in a deep breath.
All of them were still in the competition.
***************
"Some of those students that we didn't know got cut off from the
events. We now have a total of...40 contestants in this game. Most of
them didn't really show up to this one,"Tira told them.
"Are you still in the game, Tira?"Hotaru kindly asked her.
"Yup, sure am! But that archery was hard and now this music
event. I'm not really that great with instruments, but I'll try my
best.."Tira heaved a small intake of air at the sudden nervousness.
"Good luck,"Quatre said before walking off to practice for the upcoming
event.
"It's going to be on in a few hours. Thank goodness they switched the
time schedule for this to 9:00a.m."smiled Duo with relief.
"I think they figure that if it's too early, they'll be faced with
crappy music.."Tira enlightened.
Sweet slow melody wafted throughout the room and into the halls. Classical,
modern, pop, anything you can come up with. All forty students played one by
one for the judges, relieving themselves from reality to the small haven they
created as they played. There were a few who did make mistakes but they were
mistakes out of edginess and feelings of indecision. Not everyone can truly
be perfect, can they?
As Serena played she lost herself into the serene sounds of the enchanting
melody that she produced. One that was quite similar to what Michiru played
so long ago. Her mind went back to the time when her fellow soldier simulated
a musical rendition of the classic that Michiru created.
~Flashback~
"What is the title called?"Serena wondered as Michiru finally finished.
Haruka smirked as she gazed at Michiru who had a small smile playing on her
pink lips.
"For the Princess,"Haruka grinned in reply.
"It's for you, so we titled it that way.."Haruka added.
"For me?"
Michiru smiled and nodded.
~End of Flashback~
A tear made way from her eyes to her cheek and lightly stained the piano she
played. When the song finally came to an end the judges all applauded her and
stood up.
"Wonderful rendition. I haven't heard that classic for so many years!"one
of them commented.
"I didn't think any of you youngsters remember that classic, good
choice,"another applauded her performance.
Serena merely bowed in respect before going out the door to await the end
of the performances that soon followed.
"Points are in. First place is now tied to two people: Serena and
Trowa. Second with: Hotaru, Heero, and Quatre. Third with: Wufei,
Duo, and....."rambled the announcer.
At the sound of her partners as well as herself getting in, Serena shut
all the other names off. All that mattered was that they were all in still.
"The next one won't be as easy at this you know,"Hotaru stared hard at
Serena.
"Hn."Serena turned to move away but Hotaru moved in front of her.
"Serena snap out of it!"Hotaru shouted.
The immortal blond blinked in bewilderment, after all these years Hotaru
never really yelled at her with such force as she did now.
"I..I'm sorry, princess...forgive me.."Hotaru apologized and felt ashamed.
With that, Hotaru immediately ran away from her without looking back.
Serena merely stared in slight shock for a few seconds before everything
came back to her senses. Looking at the direction Hotaru ran to she
hesitated before turning the other direction.
****************
"Heero,"Relena's voice was heard by the pilots and a few of the other
opponents that came.
"Miss Relena! What are you doing here?"Hotaru questioned.
"I came to support all of you of course.."Relena responded in kind.
(You mean came to support Heero..)snuffed Serena within her head as she
put on a fake smile for Relena Peacecraft.
"This is the fourth day and event now. We only have 20 contestants
for the Competitions,"Quatre told all of them.
"Now we're going to do fencing,"Hotaru uttered as she held the mask to
complete her fencing gear.
"Miss Relena, please come back to the stands and watch. This is only
for the contestants,"Setsuna Meiou stood in back of Relena.
"Of course,"Relena nodded and went away with a wave.
"Where do you think Makura could be? I haven't seen her yet,"Hotaru
wondered outloud as she gazed at the competition.
"She's probably going to lie low till the last competition. Who knows
what her plans are?"shrugged Duo.
There was a shout from one of the male judges to begin. Everyone had an
equal amount of partners, ten against ten. Seconds, minutes, and hours flew
by and beaded sweats came pouring for most of the opponents. Some got up
while others got cut off. At every end of the whistles, each sounding that
one won while the other lost. Finally the last whistle for break came in.
"There are only ten competing. Numbers are going down fast,"Quatre
informed all of them as they gathered around a corner of the room.
"Will they stop here or what?"wondered Duo outloud.
"I lost.."Hotaru sighed as she sat down.
"Don't worry Hotaru, at least you made it this far. Anyways the others are
still in, right?"Duo sympathetically stated.
"I know, but losing isn't great. Then again, I've never really been
great in sports.."Hotaru shook her head.
"It's only six now,"Trowa intoned.
"Hn."Wufei gruffly put out.
"As you know there are only ten contestants in the events now. But we shall
continue the fencing match to see who rises to the top. The ten contestants,
if they choose to enter, shall compete against one another. Whoever wins
the fencing will receive extra points...those who fail won't get cut off.
Let's just say this is extra credit,"one of the judges informed in merriment.
At the sound of extra points, the other three contestants joined in excluding
one who remained behind.
"What do you think?"Duo looked at his companions.
"Might as well..."shrugged Wufei as the black haired mercenary strolled
over to the mats.
Duo smirked and raced after Wufei after a quick kiss to Hotaru. Quatre
stayed behind while Trowa went to the mats with the others. Heero and Serena
remained where they were. Then Heero after a few seconds walked over followed
by Serena.
"Okay, each of you will be faced against one another. Let's begin!"the same
judge as before shouted out.
At the sound of his voice ending, five against five faced one another.
Serena lunged first but her opponent jumped away in time. As Serena
was about to turn she noticed that her foe was going to attack, so the
immortal blocked it followed by a twirl to get behind him/her. Her opponent
spun around only to be met with Serena's fencing sword, ending the match.
Two whistles sounded calling out two of them lost.
Next, the opponent came at her first. Serena dodged the quick blow and
thrust forward met with the blade. Stepping back, Serena back flipped and
her opponent followed with a swift thrust. Just as Serena was about to dodge
that, it ended up to be a fake and slashed at Serena's shoulder. Serena frowned
but quickly rolled away and ended up at the back. The opponent noticed this and
was about to hit her once more but Serena did a leg sweep, sending the foe down
onto the mat. Serena rose up and quickly ended it with the endpoint on his/her
heart.
Three whistles sounded at the same time.
(That makes...five left for this extra.)Serena noted.
"There's an odd number, one of you will have to wait,"the same judge uttered,
motioning for one of them to step aside and it ended up to be Heero Yuy.
"Begin!"the judge shouted and whistled.
At first, Serena nor the opponent moved from the spot. Each weighing out
options of what to do or how to act. But the opponent shook his/her head and
finally came to take the fist shot. Serena blocked it as each expected from
the other and then both stepped back. Serena watched her opponent's attacks
and took note of how well performed this person was.
(Pretty good...)Serena inwardly smirked.
"Good, but not good enough,"Serena voiced out and quickly thrust out after
a quick flip over the opponent's head and hit him/her from behind.
More whistles sounded.
"This will be the final one and whoever is left shall go against the
the last opponent, which is Yuy,"the judge stated and sounded the whistle to
begin.
Thrust, thrust, parry, parry, twirl, duck, dodge, duck, thrust, and twirl.
Her heart beat wildly within her chest as beads of sweat began to form from
all this but she pushed onward to defeat her foe.
(At this rate, I'll lose if I don't form up a plan.)Serena grimaced at the
thought and shook her head and backflipped a few times away from the foe.
She turned toward her competition and took note that it turned out to be
none other than Wufei Chang. Narrowing her eyes, she studied his eyes which
was burning with the need to fight. To win. To conquer over all who opposes him.
(I'd expect nothing else from 05. It's no wonder I'm tiring.)Serena turned
her indifferent features to a smirk and motioned for him to come over.
He charged towards her with his fencing sword but before he was about to hit
to her she turned to a defensive, so he jumped overhead and was going to come
from behind. Serena reacted quickly and ducked and did a leg sweep but he
managed to dodge that attack. Serena rolled over before he could come up
with something to win over her. The immortal competitor flipped upwards and
began to run the other way with him behind her, Serena used the wall in front of
her to her advantage and ran towards the object and flipped. Wufei ducked from the
blow and stuck his fencing sword outwards and was met with a clash. The two
fought using their swords, clash with clash. One, at one moment having the
advantage, only to have it turned the other way for the other to have that advantage.
(He's good, he's been studying for many great years. But I have as
well...)Serena recalled the moment she took some of her immortal years to
study under several people to learn the techniques of fencing among others.
Over the years she used the techniques she has acquired to form combinations
to get an edge over enemies that she would come up against.
(I think it's time to show who's better at this...)Serena ducked and went
under him to come up from behind.
Then with such grace Serena waved her sword around to make a swift and
steady blow, Wufei saw this and formed a block but Serena turned that
slash to form from under and Wufei quickly had his sword to meet the blow
only for Serena to twirl around and trick him once more.
Before he knew it, cold metal met against his neck.
"It seems I win, Wufei..."Serena's voice echoed within his ears at losing.
The whistle sounded and Wufei's fencing sword dropped to the mat.
"Heero against Serena,"the judge cried out.
Heero stared at Serena and she him.
"Don't hold anything back,"Serena called out to him as she went to her
fighting stance.
"Hn."Heero grunted and did the same.
Serena charged first to met with a dodge, just like she expected from
him. Heero side-stepped and sliced Serena at the arms and she sliced
him back. The two continued exchanging blows and dodging. The fight
continued for several minutes which turned to half an hour.
"Those two have been going at it for awhile now...neither one wants
to give up,"Hotaru motioned with her hand at the two who's swords clashed
against one another.
"What else do you expect? Heero wouldn't want to lose, would he? And
I assume that Serena doesn't either,"Quatre replied.
"Not tired yet, Heero?"Serena's voice was challenging as she parried his
attack.
"Hn."Heero grunted, focusing only on the goal. To win.
"Guess not,"Serena shrugged and flipped overhead towards the wall and used it
to jump farther back.
Serena rolled to the ground and stood on her knees facing her opponent who
stopped to stare at her. Then he took his sword and faced it towards her face
but she quickly had her sword up to meet it for blockage.
"Not so easy on defeat, 01,"Serena said in a harsh whisper met with a glare.
Serena jumped upwards and the two continued to exchange blows and blocks.
Then finally the whistle sounded as one fell.
"Beaten, at last,"Hotaru murmered out in awe.
"Never would've thought,"Duo shook his head.
On the mat lay a heavy breathing soldier, its mask off showing off its
haggard face.
"Thus ends the match and the extra points go to..."the judge's voice trailed off
and broke off at the sound of applause from the audience.
The fencing sword fell to the ground from the winner and walked off the mat
with an indifferent look.
"Now it's only two events left."
Heero gazed back momentarily before disappearing off into the dim hallway
of the afternoon light. On the mat lay Serena, exhaustion oversweeping her
tired body from the competition she faced over the day. Her face was
filled with pain as well as peace as she received the much needed rest.
***********
Heero stared out at the night sky, his face emotionless as usual. He merely
gazed out at the blanket of darkness filled with an array of light from the
dancing stars and the illuminating moon. Nothing disturbed the peaceful serenity
of the evening, nothing at all.
"How long have you been there?"Heero questioned once he felt the presence
of a familiar person.
"Not long,"he/she replied from the shadows.
"Hn."Heero grunted and ignored the intruder.
"Does night time really give you a familiarity and a connection?"Serena's
crystalline blue eyes glinted with an air of a mysterious aspect.
"It reminds me of space,"Heero replied with indifference.
"Ah..."Serena fell back to silence.
Serena remained where she was, quietly observing Heero but he stayed the
same. Neither moving or questioning her presence for being there.
"You're being open after so long,"Heero finally spoke up, the nagging
question finally being thrown out to her.
"I know..."Serena lowered her eyes as she stared at the carpeted ground,
feeling ashamed with herself.
"It's just that...I've been looking back and..I might as well accept
what has happened. Move on and relent to the life before me. It's
not like I can truly change what happened. And at least...at least Sankan
won't be hurt anymore. His life has already been decided for him since the
beginning, if what happened is truly his fate then there's nothing I can do.
Nothing at all. Now I won't have to worry over his safety. I can just...
live my life like before. A soldier with the only thing in my mind are
missions. Nothing more. Nothing less.
You and the others are the only family and friends I have left. I might
as well not distance myself from you guys...or else I'll be lost and
end up becoming what I was back then. Alone and hurt from not having any
connection with anyone. It was horrible in those days. I had no real
purpose. If I lose you...and them, I don't know what will happen when
it comes down to the battle against Makura. So...I suppose
that's why I'm talking so openly nowadays..."Serena revealed.
Heero turned around and noticed that Serena was still there. Her head downcast
and her body wrapped up in darkness. The only thing he could see was the
faint ouline of her body and her face. Her long golden hair cascaded around
her. Heero walked toward her and grasped her shoulders. She fell forward and
Heero held her tightly, staring down at the top of her head.
(Asleep...)Heero noted and picked her up onto his arms and carried her back
to their dorm.
Placing her on the bed, he put the blanket over her still form. He took the
time to stare at her and fought the urge to kiss the one he loves. She appeared
so innocent and young as she lay on her bed with the sheets reaching up to
her neck. Heero turned back around and closed the lights as well as the door.
(Goodnight, Sere...)Heero whispered within his mind, not daring to speak out
his emotions toward the sleeping teen.
Just as he closed the door, Serena moved her position on the bed. Tugging
the blankets closer to her and whispered out.
"Good night.."
A small smile appeared on her lips afterward.
To be continued...
*****************
Err...sorry if this wasn't much. *bows at the readers in an apologizing manner*
I've been too caught up with school and all that. .
By: Cheska-chan
Chapter: 167
E-Mail address: Minnashime@aol.com or AngellicSnow@aol.com
PG13
Disclaimer: *gasps* @_@ Iiiiiieeee!!! Nooo!! No!! I can't belive
it! I won't believe it! *shuts ears and starts shouting
and raving and being denial over the truth*
I won't give up! Never!!
*people bound her hands together as well as feet*
Okay, okay...I don't own Sailor Moon, Gundam Wing, or
DBZ.
*they release her* *rubs wrists and scowls*
Author's Note: *wears a heavy armor and faces the readers*
Cheska: I'm back!! *they throw objects at her*
I'm sorry, sorry for not getting anything out for
the past week...or is it weeks now? I lost count.
I have a good reason though! It's because of...
*blinking lights showing the sign: School*
Yes, the evil ones who make us go to *gag* school!
And this week was extrememly important. Which is
the much dreaded finals for the semester. Or what
others call as 'exams' *shudders at rememberance*
Stupid tests made me uneasy and crazy! Crazy I tell you!!!
Okay, enough talk about *shudders again* School. Let's get this
page out to you, shall we? And I'll try to get the next one out
whenever I can come up with something. err...sorry about all of this.
Whenever it's vacation time, I should find time to write up another
chapter or something. Okie?
***********
"The sun is rising. How I wish it would rise and yet sometimes I
wish it wouldn't. With every rising and a falling of each sun, it means
death as well as life. As the sun rises it reminds us all of a new day,
a new destiny, and a new threat. With every sun that comes to call,
it represents a start and tells us all that you can start anew. You can
put the past behind you, to look always into the future of things.
Sometimes I don't want that to happen, it just reminds me. Reminds us
all that someday, someday we'll be in the past and not in the future.
We'd just be a reminder to those who live...we're the ones left
behind.."Serena sourly spat out as she glared as well as longed at the
sun that slowly rose up toward the multi-colored sky.
"It also gives us strength to live. Gives us reknown joy that we
are able to live through the day from the ordeals of yesterday,"a deep
voice voiced out.
"That's also something that I don't wish to know..I can recall those
times when I was glad because of the new day. Also the times when I
cried because of it..."Serena entrusted to him.
"Hn."the boy grunted out.
"But that's in the past, we should get ready for the archery.."Serena
rose up from her position at the window from the corridor and turned
to her companion, seeing that it was Heero Yuy.
"That was the most you talked ever since that day.."Heero pointed out
quietly, his voice in usual monotone as his eyes shone with indifference and
no feelings.
"As well as you,"Serena changed her voice to compare to his, her eyes
still not sparkling with its usual warmth and happiness.
The two soldiers left the scene to prepare for the new day as well as the
next event.
**************
"Each one of you will be given bow and arrows. Those who fail to know
how to do this event will either have to try or fail to receive the points
given out for this one. You can make it up though in the other upcoming
events. Good luck to all of you...and also as a reminder. Those who
do end up joining this event and fail to receive points will be cut off
from the next events. We all can understand the consequences of these
six events. Those who participate and fail to receive the needed points
shall be cut off from the events. Those who are capable of gathering up
the needed requirements shall stay and move on. Gathering points is the
main goal for all of you. Those who attain the most points shall win
the credits needed to be added to your GPA,"announced the informer.
As the speaker reminded them of the consequences over the events in Competition
Day, there were groups of people handing out the bows for each contestant.
At the moment they moved from the Central Building to the forest a
few miles away from the main buildings of the University. The wind was
fair and the sky clear from any clouds. All the students participating
were all lined up in a line facing several boards in front of them.
Arrows placed nearby on a stand for a more easy access.
"At the sound of the whistle, everyone shall use their archery skills
and try to hit the target, namely the bulls-eye. With every sound of the
whistle you will continue or cease. In the time inbetween your target
will be moved every 50ft till it reaches the edge. Namely 150ft away.
Now begin!"at the sound of the whistle several students placed their
bows correctly in position and notched their arrows. Stringing it back,
they focused and fired. Some able to hit at least the target
while others missed. For several seconds they did this till the whistle
rang again.
"Halt!"the person shouted.
The judges came by and wrote down the positions the arrows were at and
tallied up points. Then the whistle sounded once more and the event
continued. Several times this came by till finally, the last whistle sounded.
"All right, bows down and let's see the results!"the informer cried out.
A heavy silence reigned in and a frown crossed the informer's face at the
results.
"It seems we have several ties here, so we are forced to bring out something
to end the tie,"the informer called out and waved his head toward the woods.
(This is a mission. I must survive and move on. The enemy is here among
us....and so far we're doing quite well...)Serena murmered inside her head.
Staring ahead, the blond girl took notice that from the ground rose a
line and from there were moving targets of several boards.
"Your arrows shall be replaced by color codes. Each of you will be given
seperate arrows and about five arrows each. Now then, let's resume
the event after one minute,"the informer announced.
Scrunching up her face, Serena took a sideways glance at her opponents.
All the pilots were there including Hotaru. Serena also noticed that
there were others that were familiar and unfamiliar to the blond immortal.
Shaking away thoughts that could disrupt her attention, Serena focused back on
the moving boards.
(I'm not really good in archery, Mars was always great in that event.
Also Jupiter, those two were great in practically everything...)Serena
felt grievance at the reminder of her friends.
Visisons clouded her eyes and she could make out a warrior in red. Mars
the senshi of fire and spirit. She held a bow in her hand made of fire with
arrows to go along with it.
"Remember, eye on the target and focus...don't let your guard down.
And never lose faith because I won't on you,"Mars' voice echoed in her ear
as she gave a smile and demonstrated for her.
Raising her bow she faced a target 200feet away and fired at it while shouting
out the needed phrase to cast her spell. Immediately it hit the target dead-on.
Turning back, Mars' gave her a smile and nodded her head.
"You've grown a lot over the millenias Serena. You odango atama.
Now don't lose hope, because we're always with you..."Mars' waved at her and
her eyes blinked before noticing her surroundings.
The whistle immediately sounded and Serena faltered before gathering up two
arrows on her bow and placing them at once. Not really understanding why she
did this, she fired head on recalling the words that Mars offered to her.
(Eye on the target. It could also be targets, I suppose. For some reason
I have confidence on this archery. The spirit of Mars must be with me.)Serena
figured as she continued to fire her remaning arrows.
All of the arrows flew straight and true at all the bulls-eye except for
one out of five.
(Thanks Mars, you've always been a true friend in the most needed times.)Serena
smiled a small smile that was hardly noticeable before lowering her arms down
on the bow.
As the whistle sounded, the judges counted once more.
"The points go to Serena who now holds first place in the Competition!
Second place is in a three-way tie of Heero, Hotaru, and Trowa. Third
place is tied three-way with Wufei, Quatre, and Duo. Fourth place
with...."one of the judges announced.
Placing her bow down, Serena closed her eyes and took in a deep breath.
All of them were still in the competition.
***************
"Some of those students that we didn't know got cut off from the
events. We now have a total of...40 contestants in this game. Most of
them didn't really show up to this one,"Tira told them.
"Are you still in the game, Tira?"Hotaru kindly asked her.
"Yup, sure am! But that archery was hard and now this music
event. I'm not really that great with instruments, but I'll try my
best.."Tira heaved a small intake of air at the sudden nervousness.
"Good luck,"Quatre said before walking off to practice for the upcoming
event.
"It's going to be on in a few hours. Thank goodness they switched the
time schedule for this to 9:00a.m."smiled Duo with relief.
"I think they figure that if it's too early, they'll be faced with
crappy music.."Tira enlightened.
Sweet slow melody wafted throughout the room and into the halls. Classical,
modern, pop, anything you can come up with. All forty students played one by
one for the judges, relieving themselves from reality to the small haven they
created as they played. There were a few who did make mistakes but they were
mistakes out of edginess and feelings of indecision. Not everyone can truly
be perfect, can they?
As Serena played she lost herself into the serene sounds of the enchanting
melody that she produced. One that was quite similar to what Michiru played
so long ago. Her mind went back to the time when her fellow soldier simulated
a musical rendition of the classic that Michiru created.
~Flashback~
"What is the title called?"Serena wondered as Michiru finally finished.
Haruka smirked as she gazed at Michiru who had a small smile playing on her
pink lips.
"For the Princess,"Haruka grinned in reply.
"It's for you, so we titled it that way.."Haruka added.
"For me?"
Michiru smiled and nodded.
~End of Flashback~
A tear made way from her eyes to her cheek and lightly stained the piano she
played. When the song finally came to an end the judges all applauded her and
stood up.
"Wonderful rendition. I haven't heard that classic for so many years!"one
of them commented.
"I didn't think any of you youngsters remember that classic, good
choice,"another applauded her performance.
Serena merely bowed in respect before going out the door to await the end
of the performances that soon followed.
"Points are in. First place is now tied to two people: Serena and
Trowa. Second with: Hotaru, Heero, and Quatre. Third with: Wufei,
Duo, and....."rambled the announcer.
At the sound of her partners as well as herself getting in, Serena shut
all the other names off. All that mattered was that they were all in still.
"The next one won't be as easy at this you know,"Hotaru stared hard at
Serena.
"Hn."Serena turned to move away but Hotaru moved in front of her.
"Serena snap out of it!"Hotaru shouted.
The immortal blond blinked in bewilderment, after all these years Hotaru
never really yelled at her with such force as she did now.
"I..I'm sorry, princess...forgive me.."Hotaru apologized and felt ashamed.
With that, Hotaru immediately ran away from her without looking back.
Serena merely stared in slight shock for a few seconds before everything
came back to her senses. Looking at the direction Hotaru ran to she
hesitated before turning the other direction.
****************
"Heero,"Relena's voice was heard by the pilots and a few of the other
opponents that came.
"Miss Relena! What are you doing here?"Hotaru questioned.
"I came to support all of you of course.."Relena responded in kind.
(You mean came to support Heero..)snuffed Serena within her head as she
put on a fake smile for Relena Peacecraft.
"This is the fourth day and event now. We only have 20 contestants
for the Competitions,"Quatre told all of them.
"Now we're going to do fencing,"Hotaru uttered as she held the mask to
complete her fencing gear.
"Miss Relena, please come back to the stands and watch. This is only
for the contestants,"Setsuna Meiou stood in back of Relena.
"Of course,"Relena nodded and went away with a wave.
"Where do you think Makura could be? I haven't seen her yet,"Hotaru
wondered outloud as she gazed at the competition.
"She's probably going to lie low till the last competition. Who knows
what her plans are?"shrugged Duo.
There was a shout from one of the male judges to begin. Everyone had an
equal amount of partners, ten against ten. Seconds, minutes, and hours flew
by and beaded sweats came pouring for most of the opponents. Some got up
while others got cut off. At every end of the whistles, each sounding that
one won while the other lost. Finally the last whistle for break came in.
"There are only ten competing. Numbers are going down fast,"Quatre
informed all of them as they gathered around a corner of the room.
"Will they stop here or what?"wondered Duo outloud.
"I lost.."Hotaru sighed as she sat down.
"Don't worry Hotaru, at least you made it this far. Anyways the others are
still in, right?"Duo sympathetically stated.
"I know, but losing isn't great. Then again, I've never really been
great in sports.."Hotaru shook her head.
"It's only six now,"Trowa intoned.
"Hn."Wufei gruffly put out.
"As you know there are only ten contestants in the events now. But we shall
continue the fencing match to see who rises to the top. The ten contestants,
if they choose to enter, shall compete against one another. Whoever wins
the fencing will receive extra points...those who fail won't get cut off.
Let's just say this is extra credit,"one of the judges informed in merriment.
At the sound of extra points, the other three contestants joined in excluding
one who remained behind.
"What do you think?"Duo looked at his companions.
"Might as well..."shrugged Wufei as the black haired mercenary strolled
over to the mats.
Duo smirked and raced after Wufei after a quick kiss to Hotaru. Quatre
stayed behind while Trowa went to the mats with the others. Heero and Serena
remained where they were. Then Heero after a few seconds walked over followed
by Serena.
"Okay, each of you will be faced against one another. Let's begin!"the same
judge as before shouted out.
At the sound of his voice ending, five against five faced one another.
Serena lunged first but her opponent jumped away in time. As Serena
was about to turn she noticed that her foe was going to attack, so the
immortal blocked it followed by a twirl to get behind him/her. Her opponent
spun around only to be met with Serena's fencing sword, ending the match.
Two whistles sounded calling out two of them lost.
Next, the opponent came at her first. Serena dodged the quick blow and
thrust forward met with the blade. Stepping back, Serena back flipped and
her opponent followed with a swift thrust. Just as Serena was about to dodge
that, it ended up to be a fake and slashed at Serena's shoulder. Serena frowned
but quickly rolled away and ended up at the back. The opponent noticed this and
was about to hit her once more but Serena did a leg sweep, sending the foe down
onto the mat. Serena rose up and quickly ended it with the endpoint on his/her
heart.
Three whistles sounded at the same time.
(That makes...five left for this extra.)Serena noted.
"There's an odd number, one of you will have to wait,"the same judge uttered,
motioning for one of them to step aside and it ended up to be Heero Yuy.
"Begin!"the judge shouted and whistled.
At first, Serena nor the opponent moved from the spot. Each weighing out
options of what to do or how to act. But the opponent shook his/her head and
finally came to take the fist shot. Serena blocked it as each expected from
the other and then both stepped back. Serena watched her opponent's attacks
and took note of how well performed this person was.
(Pretty good...)Serena inwardly smirked.
"Good, but not good enough,"Serena voiced out and quickly thrust out after
a quick flip over the opponent's head and hit him/her from behind.
More whistles sounded.
"This will be the final one and whoever is left shall go against the
the last opponent, which is Yuy,"the judge stated and sounded the whistle to
begin.
Thrust, thrust, parry, parry, twirl, duck, dodge, duck, thrust, and twirl.
Her heart beat wildly within her chest as beads of sweat began to form from
all this but she pushed onward to defeat her foe.
(At this rate, I'll lose if I don't form up a plan.)Serena grimaced at the
thought and shook her head and backflipped a few times away from the foe.
She turned toward her competition and took note that it turned out to be
none other than Wufei Chang. Narrowing her eyes, she studied his eyes which
was burning with the need to fight. To win. To conquer over all who opposes him.
(I'd expect nothing else from 05. It's no wonder I'm tiring.)Serena turned
her indifferent features to a smirk and motioned for him to come over.
He charged towards her with his fencing sword but before he was about to hit
to her she turned to a defensive, so he jumped overhead and was going to come
from behind. Serena reacted quickly and ducked and did a leg sweep but he
managed to dodge that attack. Serena rolled over before he could come up
with something to win over her. The immortal competitor flipped upwards and
began to run the other way with him behind her, Serena used the wall in front of
her to her advantage and ran towards the object and flipped. Wufei ducked from the
blow and stuck his fencing sword outwards and was met with a clash. The two
fought using their swords, clash with clash. One, at one moment having the
advantage, only to have it turned the other way for the other to have that advantage.
(He's good, he's been studying for many great years. But I have as
well...)Serena recalled the moment she took some of her immortal years to
study under several people to learn the techniques of fencing among others.
Over the years she used the techniques she has acquired to form combinations
to get an edge over enemies that she would come up against.
(I think it's time to show who's better at this...)Serena ducked and went
under him to come up from behind.
Then with such grace Serena waved her sword around to make a swift and
steady blow, Wufei saw this and formed a block but Serena turned that
slash to form from under and Wufei quickly had his sword to meet the blow
only for Serena to twirl around and trick him once more.
Before he knew it, cold metal met against his neck.
"It seems I win, Wufei..."Serena's voice echoed within his ears at losing.
The whistle sounded and Wufei's fencing sword dropped to the mat.
"Heero against Serena,"the judge cried out.
Heero stared at Serena and she him.
"Don't hold anything back,"Serena called out to him as she went to her
fighting stance.
"Hn."Heero grunted and did the same.
Serena charged first to met with a dodge, just like she expected from
him. Heero side-stepped and sliced Serena at the arms and she sliced
him back. The two continued exchanging blows and dodging. The fight
continued for several minutes which turned to half an hour.
"Those two have been going at it for awhile now...neither one wants
to give up,"Hotaru motioned with her hand at the two who's swords clashed
against one another.
"What else do you expect? Heero wouldn't want to lose, would he? And
I assume that Serena doesn't either,"Quatre replied.
"Not tired yet, Heero?"Serena's voice was challenging as she parried his
attack.
"Hn."Heero grunted, focusing only on the goal. To win.
"Guess not,"Serena shrugged and flipped overhead towards the wall and used it
to jump farther back.
Serena rolled to the ground and stood on her knees facing her opponent who
stopped to stare at her. Then he took his sword and faced it towards her face
but she quickly had her sword up to meet it for blockage.
"Not so easy on defeat, 01,"Serena said in a harsh whisper met with a glare.
Serena jumped upwards and the two continued to exchange blows and blocks.
Then finally the whistle sounded as one fell.
"Beaten, at last,"Hotaru murmered out in awe.
"Never would've thought,"Duo shook his head.
On the mat lay a heavy breathing soldier, its mask off showing off its
haggard face.
"Thus ends the match and the extra points go to..."the judge's voice trailed off
and broke off at the sound of applause from the audience.
The fencing sword fell to the ground from the winner and walked off the mat
with an indifferent look.
"Now it's only two events left."
Heero gazed back momentarily before disappearing off into the dim hallway
of the afternoon light. On the mat lay Serena, exhaustion oversweeping her
tired body from the competition she faced over the day. Her face was
filled with pain as well as peace as she received the much needed rest.
***********
Heero stared out at the night sky, his face emotionless as usual. He merely
gazed out at the blanket of darkness filled with an array of light from the
dancing stars and the illuminating moon. Nothing disturbed the peaceful serenity
of the evening, nothing at all.
"How long have you been there?"Heero questioned once he felt the presence
of a familiar person.
"Not long,"he/she replied from the shadows.
"Hn."Heero grunted and ignored the intruder.
"Does night time really give you a familiarity and a connection?"Serena's
crystalline blue eyes glinted with an air of a mysterious aspect.
"It reminds me of space,"Heero replied with indifference.
"Ah..."Serena fell back to silence.
Serena remained where she was, quietly observing Heero but he stayed the
same. Neither moving or questioning her presence for being there.
"You're being open after so long,"Heero finally spoke up, the nagging
question finally being thrown out to her.
"I know..."Serena lowered her eyes as she stared at the carpeted ground,
feeling ashamed with herself.
"It's just that...I've been looking back and..I might as well accept
what has happened. Move on and relent to the life before me. It's
not like I can truly change what happened. And at least...at least Sankan
won't be hurt anymore. His life has already been decided for him since the
beginning, if what happened is truly his fate then there's nothing I can do.
Nothing at all. Now I won't have to worry over his safety. I can just...
live my life like before. A soldier with the only thing in my mind are
missions. Nothing more. Nothing less.
You and the others are the only family and friends I have left. I might
as well not distance myself from you guys...or else I'll be lost and
end up becoming what I was back then. Alone and hurt from not having any
connection with anyone. It was horrible in those days. I had no real
purpose. If I lose you...and them, I don't know what will happen when
it comes down to the battle against Makura. So...I suppose
that's why I'm talking so openly nowadays..."Serena revealed.
Heero turned around and noticed that Serena was still there. Her head downcast
and her body wrapped up in darkness. The only thing he could see was the
faint ouline of her body and her face. Her long golden hair cascaded around
her. Heero walked toward her and grasped her shoulders. She fell forward and
Heero held her tightly, staring down at the top of her head.
(Asleep...)Heero noted and picked her up onto his arms and carried her back
to their dorm.
Placing her on the bed, he put the blanket over her still form. He took the
time to stare at her and fought the urge to kiss the one he loves. She appeared
so innocent and young as she lay on her bed with the sheets reaching up to
her neck. Heero turned back around and closed the lights as well as the door.
(Goodnight, Sere...)Heero whispered within his mind, not daring to speak out
his emotions toward the sleeping teen.
Just as he closed the door, Serena moved her position on the bed. Tugging
the blankets closer to her and whispered out.
"Good night.."
A small smile appeared on her lips afterward.
To be continued...
*****************
Err...sorry if this wasn't much. *bows at the readers in an apologizing manner*
I've been too caught up with school and all that. .