All That Glitters
The Cherry Project-Prelude B
By Bonnie-Chan
Email: hunniebunny@aol.com
Web page: http://www.geocities.com/sailor_moon_rose/
Today is February 9, 2002
Welcome back! Here's the second part of the prelude…tomorrow starts the rest of the story! I hope you like it!
Welcome to Day Two of the 2002 Winter Olympics….the first day of Competition!!! I've always loved the Olympics, haven't you? Anyways, to memoralize this historic event, I am releasing a chapter of this story every single day for the next 17 days. By the Closing Ceremonies on February 24th, this story will be ending as well.
Special thanks to Sailor Eeyore…..she's my new beta reader!! She's gonna check out these chapters, and I'll revise them as I go, since it's too late for some of them, AND I don't want to stress her out ^_^
Well, on with the story!
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bAll That Glitters
The Cherry Project: Prelude B
By Bonnie-Chan/b
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"Push harder, Usagi! I know you can do it! Come on, one more time, good! You did it!" Tsuzuki grinned down at the petite girl sprawled on the ground as she performed her exercises.
"Tomorrow you'll be able to do it twice as long!"
"No, Tsuzuki, it hurts too much..."
"Come on, you've only had you cast off for a week, if you don't do these exercises, it's never going to be strong again! You want to go to Nationals next year, don't you?"
She laughed bitterly. I'm never going to be at Nationals, Tsuzuki. My arm's too weak, it can never take the pressure I would put on it."
"So make it strong again, Usagi! I know you can do it! You just have to try!"
"I can't, Tsuzuki, just face it!"
"No. Do you know how many times I've wanted to give up skating?"
"You did give it up!"
"Only competitively. I still skate for fun. I skate for me, no one else."
"I'm not like you, Tsuzuki. Besides, you never broke any bones. You were never told your career was over before it truly began! You don't know the first thing about pain, Tsuzuki!"
"Don't presume to know more about me then you actually do, Usagi. You know nothing about my life."
"Because you've never told me!"
"Come with me."
"What?"
"Come with me."
"Where?"
"Come."
Usagi frowned, but stood up and followed Tsuzuki outside, where his driver took him to the skating arena.
"What are we doing here, Tsuzuki?"
"Come and see."
She reluctantly followed him inside, where she was assaulted by cold air, and sat down on the faded brown bench.
She looked around for Tsuzuki, spotting him as he came back carrying two pairs of skates.
"What are you doing?"
"Giving you skates."
"Why? You know I can't-"
"Gymnastics relies on the arms. Ice skating relies on the feet. The arms are used for balance and grace, not for grasping the bar or hitting the horse. When a skater breaks an arm, it's devastating at the time, but once it heals they can easily step back into their old lives, no problem. Gymnasts, on the other hand, need to make sure the break mends completely, that it doesn't weaken the arm."
"Why are you telling me all this?"
"Because you've been cranky lately."
"I haven't been-"
"Who would blame you? You're cooped up, and have an uncertain future. You're athletic, and you want to do something, but you can't. That's where I come in, Usagi. Put on these skates. You can still be athletic without using your arm. As your arm heals, you can use it on the ice without fear. It's good therapy, honest."
"Why are you doing this for me?"
"You're my friend. I want you to be happy."
"Can I ask you a question?"
"Of course."
"Will you tell me why you stopped skating competitively? Please?"
Tsuzuki ran his fingers through his hair and sighed wearily. "My father owns a multimillion dollar company, a company that will someday be mine. He never liked the fact that I skated, and told me I had to quit once I finished high school so that I could concentrate on business. Now he's decided I only have until the beginning of high school."
"Oh, Tsuzuki..."
"I've always loved skating, but I quit competing when he told me this, because it wasn't what I truly loved. I want to skate pairs. There's no pair right now that's taking the world by storm. Now's my chance! I just need to find the right girl. I thought I found her once, Sakurada Fuyuna. She was a ballerina, fed up with ballet. She was so graceful on the ice...but she was a ballet fool to the end. She could have never been a skater, she didn't have the heart.
Now, there's so little time left, if I don't find her soon, I never will. She doesn't even have to be perfect, we just have to click. As long as she has the heart, determination, and potential, I can teach her everything else."
"You'll find her, Tsuzuki. I have a feeling..."
"Thanks for your vote of confidence, Usagi. I really appreciate it."
"Hey, no problem." She smiled softly. "Now, let's go skate."
"Really?"
"Yeah, really. And, Tsuzuki? Thank you for trusting me enough to tell me what ails you I really appreciate it."
"Thank you for taking the time to listen to me."
They grinned at each other before slowly chucking off their skate guards and heading onto the ice.
**************************
"And up, twirl, and-that's it, you've got it!"
Usagi finished spinning and raised her arms above her head before turning to smile at Tsuzuki. "That felt so good!"
"You did a great job. You're a natural at this."
"Not really. You're just a good teacher."
"Usagi, I was thinking...since you can't competitively do gymnastics anymore..."
"Yes?"
"Would you ever consider skating competitively?"
"Skating?"
"Yeah. I mean, I'm looking for a pairs skater, and you're a fast learner...we could make it work."
"Is that why you've been taking the time to teach me how to skate? So I could be your partner?"
"No, of course not. I taught you how to skate because the ice enchanted you. I wanted to help you see it for what it really was, wanted to give you a small piece of heaven.
Ever since your accident, you haven't been the same. Even now, you only come alive when you're on the ice. I see that sparkle in your eyes every time you maser a new move. You miss competing, I can tell. This is your chance to shine, o continue competing despite your accident. I'll be with you every step of the way, you won't be alone."
"I don't have the foundation, I-"
"I'll give it to you. Just think about it, Usagi. Please? We could make such a great team together."
She chewed at her lip nervously, unsure of what to say. "I don't know, Tsuzuki. I mean-"
"I don't want you to answer now. Just think about it. Okay?"
"I'll think about it."
"Great! Thank you so much!"
"I didn't say yes."
"But you'll think about it. That's all I care about."
Usagi played with a strand of golden hair that had escaped from her loops and headed off the ice, taking off her skates and heading towards the locker room to change back into her street clothes. "I'll see you on Monday, Tsuzuki."
"Not this weekend?"
"No."
"Okay…see you Monday!" He watched her disappear into the women's locker room and headed towards the men's room, quickly changing and heading outside to meet his driver. When his father's car pulled into the long driveway, he slowly got out and headed inside, slinging his duffle bag over his shoulder.
"Masanori, you're home."
Tsuzuki refrained from rolling his eyes as he looked up and smiled warily at his father. "Hi, how was your day?"
"I've been looking for you all day!"
"Why?"
"There's a conference in Osaka tomorrow for future business leaders. It's important for you to attend. I've already informed your school that you will not be present."
"But, Father, I have plans, I have to-"
"You have to obey me, that's what you have to do."
Tsuzuki lowered his head and sighed wearily. "Yes, Father."
"Good. Now, go wash up. Dinner will be served in five minutes. You're late." With that he turned and sauntered out of the hallway, leaving Tsuzuki to scowl angrily as he slowly headed upstairs.
***********************
Usagi strolled through Juuban District aimlessly, stopping to peer into the windows of the Crown Arcade. Not seeing any of her friends, she continued walking, letting her feet show her the way.
She came to a stop outside a rundown building, giving the worn-out sign that read Trade Center Rink a curious glance before stepping inside. She walked towards the ice, letting the familiar arctic chill caress her face.
She leaned over the railing and stared at the swirling mass of people circling the rink. A lone figure caught her eye, performing a sit spin in the middle of the rink before launching herself into a double toe loop.
Wow, that girl jumps so high! She watched in rapt admiration as the girl circled the rink and prepared for a triple, launching herself high into the air and rotating three times before crashing to the ground. As she slowly rose to her feet and headed off the ice, Usagi's eyes widened in recognition. That's Chieri! She watched her friend come closer to her, and when she was in hearing range, called out, "Chieri, hi!"
The girl looked over at Usagi, her (buttery-blond) hair falling into her eyes and smiled heartily. "Oh, hi Usagi! What are you doing here?"
"I saw this rink and felt like coming in, I've never noticed it before."
"Do you skate?"
"A bit. Nothing fancy like you were doing."
A rosy blush came to the girl's face and she ducked her head. "Oh, gosh, you saw that? I was just fooling around!"
"You looked great out there, Chieri. You jump so high!"
"I lost my balance and fell."
"But you executed the move beautifully. You have a lot of potential, Chieri, keep it up and you'll be unstoppable!"
"Well, thank you. I mean, I don't deserve your admiration, but, well, thanks." She smiled shyly and Usagi grinned back.
"So, do you come here a lot?"
"Every Sunday. My father was an Olympic medalist, a former all-Japan champion. He's been taking me skating for years! I've only recently started experimenting with what I can do, just for fun. That's why I'm here today, so that I can surprise Dad with a triple tomorrow...if I can land the stupid thing. My rotations are off."
"So, you're not in a club or anything?"
"Nope, we just come to the weekend skate sessions. It's a lot of fun, you'll have to join us sometime!"
"I will, promise. Not today, though."
"The rink's getting too crowded anyway. There's no room to do anything anymore." She slipped on her skate guards and stepped off the ice, walking over to a nearby locker to pull out her sneakers. "So, have you come up with any program ideas for the school festival?"
"How about a bake sale?"
"Class 3 is selling food, mainly fried octopus. Besides, bake sales are so typical, we should do something more unique, ya know?"
"Yeah..." Usagi shrugged her shoulders. "Hopefully we'll know on Monday when Haruna-sensei brings it up!"
"I sure hope so!" Chieri shoved her skates into a small violet skate bag and put on her gray jacket. "Well, it was really nice to see you, Usagi! My dad's going to be looking for me, soon, so I better get moving...see you Monday!"
"Bye Chieri!" She waved as her friend hurried off into the growing crowd of people, then weaved her way to the exit, stepping outside and squinting in the bright sunlight.
"Usagi? What are you doing here?"
She shielded her eyes with her hand and peered up at the tall young man standing before her. She grinned happily and straightened up. "Hiroshi, hi! What are you doing here?"
"That's what I asked you."
"I actually had nothing better to do today, so I was wandering around Juuban being bored, and I came across this rink. I never even knew it was here!"
"I just heard about it the other day, actually. Thought I'd check it out."
"It's a nice rink. Small and crowded…but quaint."
"I'm surprised. Most people go to the new Juuban rink these days."
"I've never been there. Just the rink Tsuzuki takes me to, and now this one."
"Why aren't you with Tsuzuki, anyway? Don't you usually have lessons on Saturdays?"
"I told him I wouldn't see him until Monday. I have some things I need to work out in my mind before I can see him again."
"Like what?"
"He asked me to be his partner."
"He didn't."
"He did."
"He told me he wasn't going to ask you!"
"Well, he did. I really don't think it's for me, though. Besides, I'm really not any good, I just know some basic elements."
"You don't have a skater's heart."
"No."
"We've been looking for a partner for him for awhile, but it's really hard to find someone."
"You know, Hiroshi…you should really make Tsuzuki focus on finding a partner who is already committed to ice skating."
"Eh?"
"He had problems with that ballerina because her heart was so full of dancing that there was no room for skating. As for me, I was born a gymnast. My injury may have dashed my dreams of being a great gymnast, but skating can never fill the void that surfaces whenever I think of the sport that I've given up forever. I love skating, Hiroshi, but…it's not for me. Tonight I'm going to call Tsuzuki and tell him that I'm giving it up."
"Usagi-" He lapsed into silence as she raised her hand to stop him.
"Just listen. I know my arm is never going to completely heal, and I'm okay with that now." Her eyes met and locked with Hiroshi's. "Hiroshi, things aren't the same anymore. This accident has changed me, for the worst. I no longer care about the same things. Without gymnastics, I don't need to constantly worry about my grades, or my form, and I can finally become a normal teenager, focusing on trivialities like boys. I can hang out at the mall with my friends, I can go to the arcade with them after school. I can do all these things I've always wanted to do, but never had a chance to. This is what I'm going to become, Hiroshi, and Tsuzuki will have to find somebody else to be his partner. I can't do it."
"At this point in the game, Usagi, I don't think we can find somebody else. It took us this long to find both Fuyuna-san and you. Three-fourths of a year. We have a year and a few months left to both and train somebody new, let alone put them into competition. Besides, it's not fair for you to give up everything that you love so that Tsuzuki can properly achieve his dream, especially if it affects your studies."
"First of all, Hiroshi, there's no chance that I can ever compete in gymnastics again. I mean, sure, I can still do it, but nothing complicated. To just go through the motions and do the easy stuff is no way to live. It takes the fun out of things, makes them no longer fun. If I can't do half the stuff I used to do, then I can't compete, right?"
"I thought the doctor said that eventually your arm will mend itself completely."
"There's still a chance that it will be weak. Besides, I've lost so much practice time, and I'm not ready to go at it again, even though I've had the cast off a few months now. I've already lost my edge. You're involved in the skating world, Hiroshi. You know what a difference even a month can make! Sure, if I rest and recover fully I can do it again, but it will never be the same again. And as for skating…it can never replace the void that looms in my heart. If I pretended that it did, I wouldn't be true to myself." She gave him a lopsided grin. "Besides, I must say…I'm kind of looking forward to being a normal girl. It will be heaven to sleep in later without worrying about early practices, being able to eat whatever I want to without worry about my weight, and hanging out at the arcade with my friends, aimlessly playing video games after school. I've always missed out on that. The pressure will be off me for once. I've never been studious, I've always had to kill myself to learn information that I instantly forget right after the exam anyway. I won't have to get the best grades anymore. I'm awful at math anyways, I've been struggling to keep up lately. Now I don't have to."
"Why don't you tell Tsuzuki everything you've told me? He'd understand, Usagi, he's not a monster. A real human being lies beneath that poker face of his."
"I know. I just don't want to hurt his feelings. Besides, would he truly understand? If it had been him who had been injured, would he snub his nose at a replacement sport?" She stared at him intently, but when he made no motion to speak, she nodded solemnly. "I didn't think so." She smiled softly. "I am glad I met you, though. All of you. You gave me so much, more than you could ever know. And…I want to give something to you in return."
"That's not necessary, Usagi."
"I know. But what I have to give you is incredibly precious. You see…it's a name."
"A name?"
"There's a girl in my class at school. Her name is Asuka Chieri. Her father is a former
All-Japan Champion, an Olympic medalist! Anyways, she loves to ice skate. Every Sunday she comes to this rink with her dad for the weekend skate session…maybe she is the one you have been looking for all this time! I've seen her skate, she's quite good-incredibly raw, but you can easily train her, teach her to control her talent."
"Asuka Chieri…"
"Just…don't tell Tsuzuki you heard about her from me, all right?"
"Of course not. I'll tell Kouichi and we'll come up with a plan to get them together…this could be interesting. Thanks for the tip, Usagi. If everything works out, this will be a very precious gift indeed." He bent down and wrapped his arms around her, giving her a brief hug. "I'll miss seeing you every day, Usagi."
"And I you. But you'll see me again. Just because I'm not going to skate anymore doesn't mean that I'm not going to hang out with you guys."
"True. You better come visit me, or I'll be really angry with you!"
"You can count on it." She grinned at him and pushed him playfully, causing him to stagger backwards.
"You better call Tsuzuki…tell him tonight, then we'll go see Chieri tomorrow."
"Okay, I will."
Hiroshi smiled, gave her one last hug and said, "Go call him, Usagi. The sooner the better." He winked at her and headed up the stone steps leading into the arena, pushing through the glass doors and disappearing from sight. Usagi watched over him a minute before heading over to the payphones to call her friend.
***********************
"Hey, Tsuzuki. Thanks for coming over."
"What was so important that you-oh my god, what did you do to your hair?"
Usagi reached up to pat her head nervously. It was now styled into two circular buns, one above each of her ears, and from each bun streamed a ponytail that trailed down past her waist. "Do you like it?"
"It's definitely different. You're not a loop head anymore, that's for sure. Now you're a lump head, it looks like you have two odangos perched atop your head…Odango Atama." He grinned down at her playfully, tweaking her right bun of hair.
"Hey, I resent that!"
"You resented Chichi Atama, too, yet I still called you that sometimes. It's my own special nickname for you, no one else's."
"If anyone else ever dares call me that, I'll give them hell."
"I'm sure you will." He cocked his head curiously. "What made you change your hairstyle, anyway?"
"I'm through with gymnastics. For good. I'm never going back to it. My loops of hair…they were my trademark style. This is going to be my new trademark."
"Are you going to-"
"No, Tsuzuki. That's why I wanted to see you last night. That's what I have to tell you this morning. I was going to pretend…but I can't do that, not to you. My heart's not in it, and without my heart, I have nothing. I wouldn't enjoy myself, wouldn't be able to express myself the way I should. Without expression I am nothing, I can never be the partner you want. I'm so sorry, Tsuzuki. I feel so awful, I led you on, made you coach me when you could have been search for somebody else."
"No, Usagi. I wanted to coach you, it was my idea, remember? And it's only recently I thought that maybe we could be partners. I'm glad I met you. You may have turned out to be a gymnastics fool, but I would have been the fool to pass up the chance to get to know you and be your friend. You made me see things in a different light, look at them from another angle, and for that, I thank you."
She smiled tenderly. "You're getting all mushy on me, Tsuzuki. Whatever happened to that poker face of yours, hmmm?"
"It will return soon enough…see the things you make me do, Tsuki no Usagi?"
"You better not forget about me, Tsuzuki."
"I could never!"
"Good. You better still visit me, now that I'm not going to be hanging around the rink every day."
"I enjoy teaching you. That won't change just because you don't want to be my partner."
"Save your energy. You're going to need it when you find the right girl. But if you don't visit me, I'll torment you until you're sick of me."
"I'll check up on you so often that you'll get sick of me."
"Never!"
"You know, Usagi, your story is far from over. It's only just begun. You have great things ahead of you, of this I'm sure. Maybe there is a reason for this. Fate has something else in store for you, Usagi, something great. You're going to be somebody, you're going to spread those wings you have hidden and finally fly away to your destiny."
"All I want is to be a normal girl, Tsuzuki. If I can achieve that, then that will be all I need."
"No, Usagi, you can never be normal. You're too special. You will never be ordinary." He engulfed her in a bear hug, resting his chin between her buns briefly before leaning to the side and whispering in her ear. "I'm going to miss you, Usagi. You're a wonderful friend, and I hope we'll always be able to keep our friendship alive."
"So do I, Tsuzuki. So do I." She pulled back and smiled up at him. "Today is Sunday, the rinks are full of potential. Go get Hiroshi and Kouichi, go scout out the rinks. Go find your perfect partner, Tsuzuki. She's out there waiting for you, I just know it."
Tsuzuki ran his hand through his hair haphazardly. "Maybe I should just give up, I mean-"
"I have it on good authority that Hiroshi and Kouichi are assembling a top ten list just for you. Go see them, it's a beautiful day. Besides, today's horoscope looks very favorable."
"Oh? And what might that be?"
She picked up the latest copy of iNakayoshi Birthday/i magazine from the coffee table, flipped through it, and cleared her throat.
i"Beware of injures that seem they will draw you into trouble. But, there will be a chance encounter that will change your life! Lucky item: A crystal necklace."/i
"See, the injury…it refers to me. If you stick with me, you'll lead yourself into trouble and dash your dreams. Tsuzuki, the chance encounter that they speak of…it is surely a sign that you will meet your partner today, causing your life to change forever!"
"You always were superstitious…you have such a pure heart, Usagi. Never lose it."
"I won't, promise."
"Well, since it seems you're kicking me out of your house, I guess I will go see what the guys are up to today. But, if I don't find her today…I doubt that I'll find her at all, and I'll stop looking for good."
"You'll find her Tsuzuki. Promise."
"Have I ever mentioned what a wonderful friend you are, Usagi?"
"Maybe once or twice. Now get out of here before I tell the tabloids what a softie really likes underneath that poker face of yours!"
He chuckled heartily and gave Usagi one last hug before slowly stepping back, murmuring goodbye, and walking out of her house.
Two people with destinies that couldn't be further apart. An ice skater who would achieve his dreams, taking the world by storm before taking over a multi-million dollar incorporation. A gymnast who gave up her dreams, who destiny has fated to one day become a superhero and save the world. For a few brief months their destinies collided and became intertwined, linking them together for the rest of time. Two hearts different in the things the long for, but alike thanks to their pure-hearted dreams of that which may someday be.
***********************
bStop!! Usagi and Tsuzuki's stories are far from over! In fact, they've only just begun!!!
Tune in tomorrow for the beginning on the rest of this story!
Remember-don't forget to watch the Olympics on NBC! The actual games start today! Every day that you see events taking place, there's going to be a new chapter of this story! We've only just begun, there are still 15 Chapters to go! Usagi and Tsuzuki's stories have only just begun!
Give me the next 15 days to tell you the rest of their story…I promise it'll be worth the ride! ^_^
~Bonnie-Chan~
February 9, 2002
Day 2 of the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics/b
bDISCLAIMER:/b Both iSailor Moon/i AND iThe Cherry Project/i belong to Naoko Takeuchi…man, she's one lucky lady! What I wouldn't give to own the rights to two of my favorite manga! In case you were wondering, TCP was Naoko's first epic story ^_^ ….wait until you see what character shows up in part three-one that is in the original manga for TCP, and a character you know quite well from SM, as well!
Translations for iThe Cherry Projec/it came from Alex Glover's wonderful webpage. If you want to read TCP-or any other manga by Naoko-hime, it's the place to go! The web address is:
http://www.nwlink.com/~kurozuki/manga.htm
Questions, comments? Email me here: hunniebunny@aol.com…and whether you liked it or hated it, could you pretty please send me feedback? I'm majoring in writing, and any type of feedback helps! Constructive criticism, a note telling me it was good, or even bad…whatever! I'd really appreciate it!
Oh, and if you want to get this story-and others-delivered to your mailbox, just go to
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Sailor_Moon_Rose
You won't have to worry about when the next update is to see what happens next!
See you tomorrow!!!
( Y )
( , ,*)
(")(¨`v´¨)(")
`·.·´
LoveAlways,
*Bonnie-Chan*
The Cherry Project-Prelude B
By Bonnie-Chan
Email: hunniebunny@aol.com
Web page: http://www.geocities.com/sailor_moon_rose/
Today is February 9, 2002
Welcome back! Here's the second part of the prelude…tomorrow starts the rest of the story! I hope you like it!
Welcome to Day Two of the 2002 Winter Olympics….the first day of Competition!!! I've always loved the Olympics, haven't you? Anyways, to memoralize this historic event, I am releasing a chapter of this story every single day for the next 17 days. By the Closing Ceremonies on February 24th, this story will be ending as well.
Special thanks to Sailor Eeyore…..she's my new beta reader!! She's gonna check out these chapters, and I'll revise them as I go, since it's too late for some of them, AND I don't want to stress her out ^_^
Well, on with the story!
___________________________
bAll That Glitters
The Cherry Project: Prelude B
By Bonnie-Chan/b
___________________________
"Push harder, Usagi! I know you can do it! Come on, one more time, good! You did it!" Tsuzuki grinned down at the petite girl sprawled on the ground as she performed her exercises.
"Tomorrow you'll be able to do it twice as long!"
"No, Tsuzuki, it hurts too much..."
"Come on, you've only had you cast off for a week, if you don't do these exercises, it's never going to be strong again! You want to go to Nationals next year, don't you?"
She laughed bitterly. I'm never going to be at Nationals, Tsuzuki. My arm's too weak, it can never take the pressure I would put on it."
"So make it strong again, Usagi! I know you can do it! You just have to try!"
"I can't, Tsuzuki, just face it!"
"No. Do you know how many times I've wanted to give up skating?"
"You did give it up!"
"Only competitively. I still skate for fun. I skate for me, no one else."
"I'm not like you, Tsuzuki. Besides, you never broke any bones. You were never told your career was over before it truly began! You don't know the first thing about pain, Tsuzuki!"
"Don't presume to know more about me then you actually do, Usagi. You know nothing about my life."
"Because you've never told me!"
"Come with me."
"What?"
"Come with me."
"Where?"
"Come."
Usagi frowned, but stood up and followed Tsuzuki outside, where his driver took him to the skating arena.
"What are we doing here, Tsuzuki?"
"Come and see."
She reluctantly followed him inside, where she was assaulted by cold air, and sat down on the faded brown bench.
She looked around for Tsuzuki, spotting him as he came back carrying two pairs of skates.
"What are you doing?"
"Giving you skates."
"Why? You know I can't-"
"Gymnastics relies on the arms. Ice skating relies on the feet. The arms are used for balance and grace, not for grasping the bar or hitting the horse. When a skater breaks an arm, it's devastating at the time, but once it heals they can easily step back into their old lives, no problem. Gymnasts, on the other hand, need to make sure the break mends completely, that it doesn't weaken the arm."
"Why are you telling me all this?"
"Because you've been cranky lately."
"I haven't been-"
"Who would blame you? You're cooped up, and have an uncertain future. You're athletic, and you want to do something, but you can't. That's where I come in, Usagi. Put on these skates. You can still be athletic without using your arm. As your arm heals, you can use it on the ice without fear. It's good therapy, honest."
"Why are you doing this for me?"
"You're my friend. I want you to be happy."
"Can I ask you a question?"
"Of course."
"Will you tell me why you stopped skating competitively? Please?"
Tsuzuki ran his fingers through his hair and sighed wearily. "My father owns a multimillion dollar company, a company that will someday be mine. He never liked the fact that I skated, and told me I had to quit once I finished high school so that I could concentrate on business. Now he's decided I only have until the beginning of high school."
"Oh, Tsuzuki..."
"I've always loved skating, but I quit competing when he told me this, because it wasn't what I truly loved. I want to skate pairs. There's no pair right now that's taking the world by storm. Now's my chance! I just need to find the right girl. I thought I found her once, Sakurada Fuyuna. She was a ballerina, fed up with ballet. She was so graceful on the ice...but she was a ballet fool to the end. She could have never been a skater, she didn't have the heart.
Now, there's so little time left, if I don't find her soon, I never will. She doesn't even have to be perfect, we just have to click. As long as she has the heart, determination, and potential, I can teach her everything else."
"You'll find her, Tsuzuki. I have a feeling..."
"Thanks for your vote of confidence, Usagi. I really appreciate it."
"Hey, no problem." She smiled softly. "Now, let's go skate."
"Really?"
"Yeah, really. And, Tsuzuki? Thank you for trusting me enough to tell me what ails you I really appreciate it."
"Thank you for taking the time to listen to me."
They grinned at each other before slowly chucking off their skate guards and heading onto the ice.
**************************
"And up, twirl, and-that's it, you've got it!"
Usagi finished spinning and raised her arms above her head before turning to smile at Tsuzuki. "That felt so good!"
"You did a great job. You're a natural at this."
"Not really. You're just a good teacher."
"Usagi, I was thinking...since you can't competitively do gymnastics anymore..."
"Yes?"
"Would you ever consider skating competitively?"
"Skating?"
"Yeah. I mean, I'm looking for a pairs skater, and you're a fast learner...we could make it work."
"Is that why you've been taking the time to teach me how to skate? So I could be your partner?"
"No, of course not. I taught you how to skate because the ice enchanted you. I wanted to help you see it for what it really was, wanted to give you a small piece of heaven.
Ever since your accident, you haven't been the same. Even now, you only come alive when you're on the ice. I see that sparkle in your eyes every time you maser a new move. You miss competing, I can tell. This is your chance to shine, o continue competing despite your accident. I'll be with you every step of the way, you won't be alone."
"I don't have the foundation, I-"
"I'll give it to you. Just think about it, Usagi. Please? We could make such a great team together."
She chewed at her lip nervously, unsure of what to say. "I don't know, Tsuzuki. I mean-"
"I don't want you to answer now. Just think about it. Okay?"
"I'll think about it."
"Great! Thank you so much!"
"I didn't say yes."
"But you'll think about it. That's all I care about."
Usagi played with a strand of golden hair that had escaped from her loops and headed off the ice, taking off her skates and heading towards the locker room to change back into her street clothes. "I'll see you on Monday, Tsuzuki."
"Not this weekend?"
"No."
"Okay…see you Monday!" He watched her disappear into the women's locker room and headed towards the men's room, quickly changing and heading outside to meet his driver. When his father's car pulled into the long driveway, he slowly got out and headed inside, slinging his duffle bag over his shoulder.
"Masanori, you're home."
Tsuzuki refrained from rolling his eyes as he looked up and smiled warily at his father. "Hi, how was your day?"
"I've been looking for you all day!"
"Why?"
"There's a conference in Osaka tomorrow for future business leaders. It's important for you to attend. I've already informed your school that you will not be present."
"But, Father, I have plans, I have to-"
"You have to obey me, that's what you have to do."
Tsuzuki lowered his head and sighed wearily. "Yes, Father."
"Good. Now, go wash up. Dinner will be served in five minutes. You're late." With that he turned and sauntered out of the hallway, leaving Tsuzuki to scowl angrily as he slowly headed upstairs.
***********************
Usagi strolled through Juuban District aimlessly, stopping to peer into the windows of the Crown Arcade. Not seeing any of her friends, she continued walking, letting her feet show her the way.
She came to a stop outside a rundown building, giving the worn-out sign that read Trade Center Rink a curious glance before stepping inside. She walked towards the ice, letting the familiar arctic chill caress her face.
She leaned over the railing and stared at the swirling mass of people circling the rink. A lone figure caught her eye, performing a sit spin in the middle of the rink before launching herself into a double toe loop.
Wow, that girl jumps so high! She watched in rapt admiration as the girl circled the rink and prepared for a triple, launching herself high into the air and rotating three times before crashing to the ground. As she slowly rose to her feet and headed off the ice, Usagi's eyes widened in recognition. That's Chieri! She watched her friend come closer to her, and when she was in hearing range, called out, "Chieri, hi!"
The girl looked over at Usagi, her (buttery-blond) hair falling into her eyes and smiled heartily. "Oh, hi Usagi! What are you doing here?"
"I saw this rink and felt like coming in, I've never noticed it before."
"Do you skate?"
"A bit. Nothing fancy like you were doing."
A rosy blush came to the girl's face and she ducked her head. "Oh, gosh, you saw that? I was just fooling around!"
"You looked great out there, Chieri. You jump so high!"
"I lost my balance and fell."
"But you executed the move beautifully. You have a lot of potential, Chieri, keep it up and you'll be unstoppable!"
"Well, thank you. I mean, I don't deserve your admiration, but, well, thanks." She smiled shyly and Usagi grinned back.
"So, do you come here a lot?"
"Every Sunday. My father was an Olympic medalist, a former all-Japan champion. He's been taking me skating for years! I've only recently started experimenting with what I can do, just for fun. That's why I'm here today, so that I can surprise Dad with a triple tomorrow...if I can land the stupid thing. My rotations are off."
"So, you're not in a club or anything?"
"Nope, we just come to the weekend skate sessions. It's a lot of fun, you'll have to join us sometime!"
"I will, promise. Not today, though."
"The rink's getting too crowded anyway. There's no room to do anything anymore." She slipped on her skate guards and stepped off the ice, walking over to a nearby locker to pull out her sneakers. "So, have you come up with any program ideas for the school festival?"
"How about a bake sale?"
"Class 3 is selling food, mainly fried octopus. Besides, bake sales are so typical, we should do something more unique, ya know?"
"Yeah..." Usagi shrugged her shoulders. "Hopefully we'll know on Monday when Haruna-sensei brings it up!"
"I sure hope so!" Chieri shoved her skates into a small violet skate bag and put on her gray jacket. "Well, it was really nice to see you, Usagi! My dad's going to be looking for me, soon, so I better get moving...see you Monday!"
"Bye Chieri!" She waved as her friend hurried off into the growing crowd of people, then weaved her way to the exit, stepping outside and squinting in the bright sunlight.
"Usagi? What are you doing here?"
She shielded her eyes with her hand and peered up at the tall young man standing before her. She grinned happily and straightened up. "Hiroshi, hi! What are you doing here?"
"That's what I asked you."
"I actually had nothing better to do today, so I was wandering around Juuban being bored, and I came across this rink. I never even knew it was here!"
"I just heard about it the other day, actually. Thought I'd check it out."
"It's a nice rink. Small and crowded…but quaint."
"I'm surprised. Most people go to the new Juuban rink these days."
"I've never been there. Just the rink Tsuzuki takes me to, and now this one."
"Why aren't you with Tsuzuki, anyway? Don't you usually have lessons on Saturdays?"
"I told him I wouldn't see him until Monday. I have some things I need to work out in my mind before I can see him again."
"Like what?"
"He asked me to be his partner."
"He didn't."
"He did."
"He told me he wasn't going to ask you!"
"Well, he did. I really don't think it's for me, though. Besides, I'm really not any good, I just know some basic elements."
"You don't have a skater's heart."
"No."
"We've been looking for a partner for him for awhile, but it's really hard to find someone."
"You know, Hiroshi…you should really make Tsuzuki focus on finding a partner who is already committed to ice skating."
"Eh?"
"He had problems with that ballerina because her heart was so full of dancing that there was no room for skating. As for me, I was born a gymnast. My injury may have dashed my dreams of being a great gymnast, but skating can never fill the void that surfaces whenever I think of the sport that I've given up forever. I love skating, Hiroshi, but…it's not for me. Tonight I'm going to call Tsuzuki and tell him that I'm giving it up."
"Usagi-" He lapsed into silence as she raised her hand to stop him.
"Just listen. I know my arm is never going to completely heal, and I'm okay with that now." Her eyes met and locked with Hiroshi's. "Hiroshi, things aren't the same anymore. This accident has changed me, for the worst. I no longer care about the same things. Without gymnastics, I don't need to constantly worry about my grades, or my form, and I can finally become a normal teenager, focusing on trivialities like boys. I can hang out at the mall with my friends, I can go to the arcade with them after school. I can do all these things I've always wanted to do, but never had a chance to. This is what I'm going to become, Hiroshi, and Tsuzuki will have to find somebody else to be his partner. I can't do it."
"At this point in the game, Usagi, I don't think we can find somebody else. It took us this long to find both Fuyuna-san and you. Three-fourths of a year. We have a year and a few months left to both and train somebody new, let alone put them into competition. Besides, it's not fair for you to give up everything that you love so that Tsuzuki can properly achieve his dream, especially if it affects your studies."
"First of all, Hiroshi, there's no chance that I can ever compete in gymnastics again. I mean, sure, I can still do it, but nothing complicated. To just go through the motions and do the easy stuff is no way to live. It takes the fun out of things, makes them no longer fun. If I can't do half the stuff I used to do, then I can't compete, right?"
"I thought the doctor said that eventually your arm will mend itself completely."
"There's still a chance that it will be weak. Besides, I've lost so much practice time, and I'm not ready to go at it again, even though I've had the cast off a few months now. I've already lost my edge. You're involved in the skating world, Hiroshi. You know what a difference even a month can make! Sure, if I rest and recover fully I can do it again, but it will never be the same again. And as for skating…it can never replace the void that looms in my heart. If I pretended that it did, I wouldn't be true to myself." She gave him a lopsided grin. "Besides, I must say…I'm kind of looking forward to being a normal girl. It will be heaven to sleep in later without worrying about early practices, being able to eat whatever I want to without worry about my weight, and hanging out at the arcade with my friends, aimlessly playing video games after school. I've always missed out on that. The pressure will be off me for once. I've never been studious, I've always had to kill myself to learn information that I instantly forget right after the exam anyway. I won't have to get the best grades anymore. I'm awful at math anyways, I've been struggling to keep up lately. Now I don't have to."
"Why don't you tell Tsuzuki everything you've told me? He'd understand, Usagi, he's not a monster. A real human being lies beneath that poker face of his."
"I know. I just don't want to hurt his feelings. Besides, would he truly understand? If it had been him who had been injured, would he snub his nose at a replacement sport?" She stared at him intently, but when he made no motion to speak, she nodded solemnly. "I didn't think so." She smiled softly. "I am glad I met you, though. All of you. You gave me so much, more than you could ever know. And…I want to give something to you in return."
"That's not necessary, Usagi."
"I know. But what I have to give you is incredibly precious. You see…it's a name."
"A name?"
"There's a girl in my class at school. Her name is Asuka Chieri. Her father is a former
All-Japan Champion, an Olympic medalist! Anyways, she loves to ice skate. Every Sunday she comes to this rink with her dad for the weekend skate session…maybe she is the one you have been looking for all this time! I've seen her skate, she's quite good-incredibly raw, but you can easily train her, teach her to control her talent."
"Asuka Chieri…"
"Just…don't tell Tsuzuki you heard about her from me, all right?"
"Of course not. I'll tell Kouichi and we'll come up with a plan to get them together…this could be interesting. Thanks for the tip, Usagi. If everything works out, this will be a very precious gift indeed." He bent down and wrapped his arms around her, giving her a brief hug. "I'll miss seeing you every day, Usagi."
"And I you. But you'll see me again. Just because I'm not going to skate anymore doesn't mean that I'm not going to hang out with you guys."
"True. You better come visit me, or I'll be really angry with you!"
"You can count on it." She grinned at him and pushed him playfully, causing him to stagger backwards.
"You better call Tsuzuki…tell him tonight, then we'll go see Chieri tomorrow."
"Okay, I will."
Hiroshi smiled, gave her one last hug and said, "Go call him, Usagi. The sooner the better." He winked at her and headed up the stone steps leading into the arena, pushing through the glass doors and disappearing from sight. Usagi watched over him a minute before heading over to the payphones to call her friend.
***********************
"Hey, Tsuzuki. Thanks for coming over."
"What was so important that you-oh my god, what did you do to your hair?"
Usagi reached up to pat her head nervously. It was now styled into two circular buns, one above each of her ears, and from each bun streamed a ponytail that trailed down past her waist. "Do you like it?"
"It's definitely different. You're not a loop head anymore, that's for sure. Now you're a lump head, it looks like you have two odangos perched atop your head…Odango Atama." He grinned down at her playfully, tweaking her right bun of hair.
"Hey, I resent that!"
"You resented Chichi Atama, too, yet I still called you that sometimes. It's my own special nickname for you, no one else's."
"If anyone else ever dares call me that, I'll give them hell."
"I'm sure you will." He cocked his head curiously. "What made you change your hairstyle, anyway?"
"I'm through with gymnastics. For good. I'm never going back to it. My loops of hair…they were my trademark style. This is going to be my new trademark."
"Are you going to-"
"No, Tsuzuki. That's why I wanted to see you last night. That's what I have to tell you this morning. I was going to pretend…but I can't do that, not to you. My heart's not in it, and without my heart, I have nothing. I wouldn't enjoy myself, wouldn't be able to express myself the way I should. Without expression I am nothing, I can never be the partner you want. I'm so sorry, Tsuzuki. I feel so awful, I led you on, made you coach me when you could have been search for somebody else."
"No, Usagi. I wanted to coach you, it was my idea, remember? And it's only recently I thought that maybe we could be partners. I'm glad I met you. You may have turned out to be a gymnastics fool, but I would have been the fool to pass up the chance to get to know you and be your friend. You made me see things in a different light, look at them from another angle, and for that, I thank you."
She smiled tenderly. "You're getting all mushy on me, Tsuzuki. Whatever happened to that poker face of yours, hmmm?"
"It will return soon enough…see the things you make me do, Tsuki no Usagi?"
"You better not forget about me, Tsuzuki."
"I could never!"
"Good. You better still visit me, now that I'm not going to be hanging around the rink every day."
"I enjoy teaching you. That won't change just because you don't want to be my partner."
"Save your energy. You're going to need it when you find the right girl. But if you don't visit me, I'll torment you until you're sick of me."
"I'll check up on you so often that you'll get sick of me."
"Never!"
"You know, Usagi, your story is far from over. It's only just begun. You have great things ahead of you, of this I'm sure. Maybe there is a reason for this. Fate has something else in store for you, Usagi, something great. You're going to be somebody, you're going to spread those wings you have hidden and finally fly away to your destiny."
"All I want is to be a normal girl, Tsuzuki. If I can achieve that, then that will be all I need."
"No, Usagi, you can never be normal. You're too special. You will never be ordinary." He engulfed her in a bear hug, resting his chin between her buns briefly before leaning to the side and whispering in her ear. "I'm going to miss you, Usagi. You're a wonderful friend, and I hope we'll always be able to keep our friendship alive."
"So do I, Tsuzuki. So do I." She pulled back and smiled up at him. "Today is Sunday, the rinks are full of potential. Go get Hiroshi and Kouichi, go scout out the rinks. Go find your perfect partner, Tsuzuki. She's out there waiting for you, I just know it."
Tsuzuki ran his hand through his hair haphazardly. "Maybe I should just give up, I mean-"
"I have it on good authority that Hiroshi and Kouichi are assembling a top ten list just for you. Go see them, it's a beautiful day. Besides, today's horoscope looks very favorable."
"Oh? And what might that be?"
She picked up the latest copy of iNakayoshi Birthday/i magazine from the coffee table, flipped through it, and cleared her throat.
i"Beware of injures that seem they will draw you into trouble. But, there will be a chance encounter that will change your life! Lucky item: A crystal necklace."/i
"See, the injury…it refers to me. If you stick with me, you'll lead yourself into trouble and dash your dreams. Tsuzuki, the chance encounter that they speak of…it is surely a sign that you will meet your partner today, causing your life to change forever!"
"You always were superstitious…you have such a pure heart, Usagi. Never lose it."
"I won't, promise."
"Well, since it seems you're kicking me out of your house, I guess I will go see what the guys are up to today. But, if I don't find her today…I doubt that I'll find her at all, and I'll stop looking for good."
"You'll find her Tsuzuki. Promise."
"Have I ever mentioned what a wonderful friend you are, Usagi?"
"Maybe once or twice. Now get out of here before I tell the tabloids what a softie really likes underneath that poker face of yours!"
He chuckled heartily and gave Usagi one last hug before slowly stepping back, murmuring goodbye, and walking out of her house.
Two people with destinies that couldn't be further apart. An ice skater who would achieve his dreams, taking the world by storm before taking over a multi-million dollar incorporation. A gymnast who gave up her dreams, who destiny has fated to one day become a superhero and save the world. For a few brief months their destinies collided and became intertwined, linking them together for the rest of time. Two hearts different in the things the long for, but alike thanks to their pure-hearted dreams of that which may someday be.
***********************
bStop!! Usagi and Tsuzuki's stories are far from over! In fact, they've only just begun!!!
Tune in tomorrow for the beginning on the rest of this story!
Remember-don't forget to watch the Olympics on NBC! The actual games start today! Every day that you see events taking place, there's going to be a new chapter of this story! We've only just begun, there are still 15 Chapters to go! Usagi and Tsuzuki's stories have only just begun!
Give me the next 15 days to tell you the rest of their story…I promise it'll be worth the ride! ^_^
~Bonnie-Chan~
February 9, 2002
Day 2 of the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics/b
bDISCLAIMER:/b Both iSailor Moon/i AND iThe Cherry Project/i belong to Naoko Takeuchi…man, she's one lucky lady! What I wouldn't give to own the rights to two of my favorite manga! In case you were wondering, TCP was Naoko's first epic story ^_^ ….wait until you see what character shows up in part three-one that is in the original manga for TCP, and a character you know quite well from SM, as well!
Translations for iThe Cherry Projec/it came from Alex Glover's wonderful webpage. If you want to read TCP-or any other manga by Naoko-hime, it's the place to go! The web address is:
http://www.nwlink.com/~kurozuki/manga.htm
Questions, comments? Email me here: hunniebunny@aol.com…and whether you liked it or hated it, could you pretty please send me feedback? I'm majoring in writing, and any type of feedback helps! Constructive criticism, a note telling me it was good, or even bad…whatever! I'd really appreciate it!
Oh, and if you want to get this story-and others-delivered to your mailbox, just go to
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Sailor_Moon_Rose
You won't have to worry about when the next update is to see what happens next!
See you tomorrow!!!
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(")(¨`v´¨)(")
`·.·´
LoveAlways,
*Bonnie-Chan*