Episode #10 - A New Card in the Deck of Fate
************ The Crystal Millennium ************
Neo Queen Serenity rushed down the now abandoned halls of the Crystal Palace. She was the last person alive that had ties to the Silver Millennium, Geoff had seen to that, but it's wasn't Geoff's fault, it actually wasn't even Geoff who was doing this. Serenity had seen inside his mind when they had fought last, she knew his secret. She walked into a small, dark room. "Starslayer, are you here?" she asked the darkness. She felt the air around her move, Starslayer was here. "What do you wish of me, M'lady?" answered the darkness. "You are to go back in time and help the Sailor Senshi in their battle against Geoff and his children." "I understand M'lady, is their anything else?" "Yes, do not kill Geoff" "Pardon M'lady? Did you just say spare Geoff's life?" "Yes, It is not his fault that our world is in ruin" Before Starslayer could answer, Neo Queen Serenity sent him back into the past. "Ganbatte" she said quietly, wishing him good luck in the language of the Silver Millennium. "And goodbye to you" A gun was cocked and fired, severing the last link of the Silver Millennium from the Crystal Millennium. Geoff looked down at the smoking remains of Neo Queen Serenity. He had completed his quest, this world was now his.
******** Now ********
Hotaru sat at her desk, quietly writing while she waited for the teacher to show up. The door opened, and the teacher walked in, two students were trailing him by a few feet. "Greetings Class" "Greetings Hateshinashi-sensai" said the class in unison. "Class, this is Hikari Yomanshi and Robert Kane" The two students nodded to the class. Some of the students smiled, others nodded, and few even said a quiet hello. Hotaru studied the two new students, Hikari was tall and had short turquoise hair that was brushed to one side, and Robert was a little shorter than her, but had lank sandy blonde hair and sombre gray eyes. "Ms.Yomanshi, you may take a seat by Mr.Wilkinson, Mr.Kane, you may sit by Ms.Tomoe." Robert and Hikari went to their seats and sat down. Hotaru looked up from her paper and Robert smiled at her as he sat down and un-latched his case. Hotaru looked inside, it was a computer case with a printer. Robert smiled again and went to work. Hotaru looked up and began copying down the work on the blackboard. She heard the incessant tapping of Robert's keyboard as he typed the work in, he was amazing, all that Hotaru could hear was "tappataaptappatappat" as he flew through the work. He was finished in three quarters of an hour and then he handed in the work, neatly typed out with a title page and everything. Robert smiled at Hotaru again as he sat down. Hotaru blushed slightly, but she knew that his kind treatment would stop once he heard all the school gossip about her. She didn't dwell on the subject, instead she finished her work and handed it in. She sat back down and went back to the story she was writing. She looked over at Robert, he was engrossed in something on his computer, and she began to write. She had completed three pages by the time that the class let out. Hotaru got up and walked out right behind Robert, she was going to ask him to come and have lunch with her and her friends, but someone cut her off. The young lady cut right infront of her and "accidentally" tripped her, sending her crashing to the floor. Her papers went everywhere, and Robert was hauled away by the young lady. Hotaru got a good look at her as she was picking up the papers. It was one of her least favourite people in the entire school, Bobby-Jo Natira. She shot Hotaru a dirty look as she walked away with Robert. Hotaru shook her head. "Oh well.. Probably for the best anyways" she said to herself as she went back to picking up her papers. "And what exactly would that be?" asked a quiet male voice. Hotaru nearly jumped out of her skin! She jumped up with the papers in her hands and looked up, Robert was standing there. "Oh, Mr.Kane. I thought that you were with Ms.Natira" "You mean Bobbi-Jo?" he groaned slightly. "I'm apologise if she's a friend, but I can't stand vapid blondes any more than I can stand being in large crowds" Hotaru smiled, he certainly was polite. "Oh, she's not a friend of mine, but thankyou for the apology anyway" said Hotaru as she put her papers in order. "So, what've we got here, hm? Work in progress I assume?" He said with a small smile. "Uh. yeah, actually it is" "Mind if I read it?" he asked. "Uh, sure. it's not really done yet. only a few pages worth." "Hey, that's okay, I understand, your not the only writer around here" he said. She handed him the pages, and he handed her his case. She smiled slightly as he read. "You know, you could read some of my stuff on the computer if you want to" "You write?" "Why do you think I type so fast?" Hotaru smiled and opened the case. She clicked into his writing program and opened the first file. It was a story, only ten or fifteen pages long, but it was really good! It had a great storyline, the characters were well thought out and believable, but the best part was that the main character was a girl! "Ms.Tomoe?" he asked when she was finished. "Hm? Oh, yes Mr.Kane?" "I said that this is great start, I hope to read the whole thing when it's finished" "Why, thankyou!" she said. She had never been given a compliment about her writing by anyone except her father and certain friends. "So, did you like the story you read?" "Actually, yeah, it was great!" she said, smiling. He smiled at her and looked at the clock. "We've got about another forty-five minuets, wanna get some lunch?" "Uh.. sure!" she said happily. Robert proffered his arm, and she hesitantly took it. She and Robert walked out of the class and to the café. He ordered for both of them and sat the two plates down. He had gotten himself a turkey sandwich, and he had gotten her a salad with some ranch dressing. She looked at him for a second. "What?" he asked after taking a sip of his cola. "How'd you know I wanted a salad?" "I just guessed." he said, slightly embarrassed. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-" "HEY!! THERE HE IS!!" Hotaru turned around, Bobbi-Jo and her pack of friends had just entered the café. They made a beeline for the table Hotaru and Robert were sitting at. He looked at them icily. "Just what would you like?" he asked, his tone was polite enough, but there was an edge on it that was akin to anger. "Well, the girls and I wanted to ask you to come and sit with us," said Bobbi-Jo. "Thankyou, but no" said Robert, returning to his conversation with Hotaru. "Aw, come on! You really wanna sit with this freak?!" said one of Bobbi-Jo's friends. Robert looked at her with daggers in his eyes. "I'll chose whom I will sit with and whom I won't, thank you very much" he said, his tone slightly deeper, and simmering with anger. Bobbie- Jo looked at him. "Come on Robert!" she said, placing a hand on his shoulder. He looked at her. "Please remove your hand from my shoulder or I will be forced to do so myself" he said icily. Bobbi-Jo looked at him. "Well, I guess the Queen Freak needed a Pauper," said Bobbi-Jo. "I'll make that judgement for myself" said Robert. He smiled at Hotaru, picked up his sandwich, proffered his arm again, and left with Hotaru. Bobbie-Jo and her friends were left speechless. It was in the hall when Hotaru spoke again. "You really didn't have to do that, you know" "Do what?" "Stick up for me, I'm used to it" "Used to what?" asked Robert. "Being the school outcast" "I guess that makes two of us now, then" said Robert. Hotaru looked at him like he was nuts. "Hotaru, did it ever occur to you that I like your company better than that of those braying donkey's back there?" Hotaru looked at him for second and blinked a few times. "You really mean that, don't you?" she asked quietly. "Soitenly!" He said, throwing on a very bad Three Stooges accent. Hotaru smiled cheerfully, but a cloudy look nearly instantaneously took its place. She franticly opened her book bag and rummaged around inside it. "My papers!!" she said. "I'll get them, you stay right here, just yell if you need any help" he said with a smile. He rushed back into the café and went to the table they were sitting at. Bobbi-Jo and her friends were sitting there, and they were reading Hotaru's story. Robert walked over to them and tapped Bobbi-Jo on the shoulder. "I believe those belong to Ms.Tomoe, I would appreciate it if you gave them back with minimal hassle." Bobbi-Jo looked at him. The easy-going smile he had worn in class was replaced by an angry scowl and his gray eyes seemed to glow with rage. "I think you can go blow it out your-" "I would advise against angering me further, I have no qualms about striking a female" he said flatly. Bobbi-Jo looked at him, he was really angry now, his hands were clenched in tight fists and his feet were planted firmly. She knew that he was about to explode, so she smartly gathered the papers and gave them to him. "Thankyou, I know how hard it is for you to treat someone that isn't of your, ahem, social calibre with any type of respect. I'll be leaving now," said Robert, who then turned on his heel and stalked out of the café. Once he got to the door, he decided to give them a good show. He fired one of his hands out, and nearly took the door off its hinges. He walked back to Hotaru. "I believe these belong to you miss" he said, handing her the stack of papers. "I can't believe it! You got them back, and they're okay!" She said happily as she looked at the stack of papers. "What can I say? I've got a knack for dealing with morons" he said with a slight chuckle. Hotaru looked at him and smiled. "You know something, you've got a very pretty smile, you should show it off more often" said Robert. Hotaru looked at him. That was the first compliment anyone other than her father had said to her! "Why. uh... thankyou!" she said, slightly shocked. "I take it you've had a pretty rough time here, right?" Hotaru nodded. "Don't worry about it, I know how you feel" she looked at him. "Your kidding right?" "No. I was the school scape-goat until I moved here, so, I know exactly how you feel." "Oh. but." "Why was I the scape-goat? Well. I really don't know, or personally care. Those morons are half-way around the world now and can't bother me one iota!" he said with a chuckle. Hotaru smiled, she knew just by the way he talked about it that he wasn't lieing. She didn't know what she had done to make people not like her, but she didn't care any more. Robert and Hotaru walked outside and sat down at a bench and began to eat their lunch again. Once he finished his lunch, he opened his case and grabbed a Cd from a softcase inside the top of his computer case. He opened the computer's Cd drive and put it in. Light jazz came wafting out of the computer's speakers. "Cool music, what is it?" asked Hotaru. "It's Jazz, great isn't it?" Robert asked with a smile. "It's neat, I'll say that much" "I think I know something you might like" he said as he stopped the Cd and pulled out a black Cd. He put it in and pressed play. Fast paced music began to play, but it wasn't like the jazz, it was harder, but had the same "feel" to it. "What's this stuff called?" "It's Punk. Good stuff, eh?" Hotaru looked at him quizzically for a second. "What?" he asked. "Eh?" she said, trying to emulate him. "I guess I should' a warned you, I'm from Canada, I have a tendency to say "Eh" a lot." Hotaru nodded. "This punk music.. It's interesting. but I'd rather listen to that Jazz again." "Sure" said Robert, stopping the Cd and replacing the Jazz Cd. Robert and Hotaru talked until the lunch period ended and they went to their classes. They met again at the end of the day. "So, you doing anything after school?" asked Robert. "No, don't have any homework, why do you ask?" "Well, I was hoping that you could show me around, it is my first day here" he said. "Uh.. sure!" said Hotaru. They met after the final bell had rung. Hotaru and Robert walked off the school grounds and out into the city. They returned to Hotaru's home after a few hours. "Whew! I never knew this city was so packed!" said Robert. He had made a few purchases, and had even gotten Hotaru a jazz Cd. He looked at the place. "Nice place, you live here all alone?" he asked. "No, she doesn't" said a soft voice. Robert nearly jumped out of his skin! "Oh! Hello there! My name's Robert Kane, what's yours?" he said, proffering his hand. "Setsuna" she said with a flat edge on her voice. "Hello Setsuna, You would be." "Hotaru's Guardian" "Ah, well, I apologize for making her late, but she was being kind enough to show me around the city, as it is my first day living here" he said politely. "Well, just make sure it doesn't happen again, okay" Setsuna said. "Yes Mam" he said, with a little salute and a sarcastic smile. Setsuna smiled a little and rolled her eyes. "Well Hotaru, we shall have to do this again sometime, I guess I shall see you tomorrow, adieu" he said, taking her hand and lightly kissing it. Hotaru was to stunned to even stammer a reply. Robert walked away in silence and returned to his home. It was a spacious penthouse in the richer part of the city. He smiled as he walked in the door. The first day in this new school and he had already made a new friend. He hoped he wasn't to forward by kissing her hand when he left. He laid down on his bed and looked at the ceiling. There was a knock at the door. He was up like a flash and peered through the peephole. It was two young women, older than he was, but still young. One had long aquamarine hair and had an air of sophistication about her. The other was taller, and had short blond hair. He opened the door. "Yes, may I help you?" he asked politely. "Mr.Kane?" the shorter one asked. "That is I," he said. "May we come in?" "Uh, sure" he said, opening the door more and allowing them to enter. "So, what do you wish to talk to me about?" he asked the young women. "Hotaru Tomoe" answered the taller one. "Ah.. I take it you two are another of her Guardians?" "Yes, my name is Michiru Kaiou, and I would like to know-" "If my intentions for Hotaru are amiable, I assure you, I would never do anything to harm her in any way" he said, cutting her off. "Well. I see. Just how long have you know Hotaru for?" asked the taller one. "About seven hours total" "I see. can you please explain something to me?" "Sure" said Robert. "Why did you kiss her hand when you left?" "Uh. well. I. I just though it would be appropriate.. She and I hit it off so well. you see Ms.Kaiou. and Ms. Uh. I didn't catch your name." "Ten'ou, Haruka Ten'ou" she said. "Well, Ms Kaiou, Ms. Ten'ou. I'm not exactly what you would call a very popular person where I come from. and well.. I guess. I guess I was only trying to be friendly. I can totally understand if Hotaru doesn't want to see me again. I guess that kiss on the hand was a little to forward." he said, working himself up into a frenzy of emotion. "Firstly, calm down, secondly, call me Michiru, thirdly, we came here to, well, just to check you out" "I guess I failed, eh?" "No. though you should try and Hotaru home on time next time, okay." she stopped, she didn't know his first name. "Robert, Robert Jonathan Winter Kane" he said, proffering his hand. She took it and shook his hand lightly. "You play a instrument.something with a bow.. A cello. no. A fiddle. no. ah! It's a violin!" he said. "How'd you know?" she asked, astonished. "You've got calluses on you fingers that would suggest a musician, and you have a very light, but very firm handshake, which would imply you use you hands a lot. Just deductive reasoning, that, and the violin case by the door" he said with a crooked smile. Michiru looked over by the door, she had placed the violin down by the door, she didn't even realize she had done it. She smiled and nodded. "I can see that Hotaru will have a very good friend in you, Robert Jonathan Winter Kane" said Michiru with a smile. Robert looked a little pained when she said his full name. "What?" she asked. "It's nothing." said Robert. "Really?" "Well. I guess. I could tell you.. seeing as you are Hotaru's Guardian. the only other person that called me by my full name was. my mom" "What's wrong with tha." she understood the instant she looked around the apartment. "I'm so sorry" she said quietly. Robert shook his head. "Fogettaboutit" he said, a smile on his voice. Michiru smiled back and walked to the door, picking up her violin. "Oh, Hotaru told me to tell you that she had a wonderful time today, and she hopes that you did as well" she said as she left. "Thanks, I did, tell her that for me?" "Sure" said Michiru. Robert walked to the door and smiled as she left. He closed the door behind him and locked it. He pressed a small button on the door, flipping the nameplate from "Kane" to "Do Not Disturb" He laid down on his bed and stared at the ceiling. There was so much flying around his brain that he didn't even notice when he fell asleep. Michiru and Haruka walked out of the apartment building and got into their car. They sped off and began to talk when they reached the first red light. "He's okay," said Haruka. "Yeah, he's okay, got a lot on his mind though," said Michiru. "Whadda you mean?" "He lives alone up there" "Oh. I see" "That's what I thought. can you imagine? Alone at seventeen? I would've gone nuts if that happened to me" said Michiru. She knew that there was something different about Robert, an understanding quality that he had. "He seems to be a nice kid, but I'm gonna keep an eye on him, just in case" said Haruka. "He won't do anything unless Hotaru wants him to," said Michiru. "Your so sure?" "He's many things, insensitive isn't one of them though," said Michiru. "I sure hope so." said Haruka. They drove back home and Haruka parked the car in the garage. They walked inside. Hotaru was sitting on the couch watching T.v with Setsuna. Haruka and Michiru sat down and quietly waited for their show to end. Hotaru switched the T.v off and looked at Michiru. "What do you want to talk about?" she asked softly. "Well. Michiru and I went over to speak with your new friend," said Haruka. "Wh-why did you do that?" Hotaru stammered a little. "We were concerned. we just wanted to get to know him a little better," Michiru said comfortingly. "I see." said Hotaru. "He's quite a nice fellow, actually" said Haruka. "You like him?" Hotaru said. "He's actually quite pleasant and kind. but. well. just be careful around him, okay?" said Haruka. Hotaru looked at her uncertainly. "He's. he's a bit odd" said Michiru. Haruka nodded in agreement. Hotaru smiled a little. "Yeah, but that's what I like about him" she said with a smile. Haruka looked at her. "He had a chance to become friends with one of the most popular girls in the entire school, and he turned her down, just get to know me better," Hotaru said quietly. "He writes stories, draws, and has a great sense of humour. He's. he's a little different, I'll agree with you there, but he's cool." Michiru and Haruka nodded in agreement. Setsuna looked at them. "Was this the boy that I met at the door?" she asked. Hotaru nodded. "What was his name?" "Robert Jonathan Winter Kane" said Michiru. Setsuna nodded. 'He's definitely different, he's got a really weird energy. What if. what if he's one of Geoff's children?' Setsuna thought to herself. Hotaru smiled and walked to her room. "Oh, Hotaru" She stopped and turned around, looking at Michiru. "Yes?" "Robert told me to tell you that he had a wonderful time" Hotaru looked at her and smiled, thanking her. Rini would be getting home soon, and she wanted to tell her all about Robert. She sat down on her bed and thought as she waited. There was a soft knock on the door. "Yes?" "Mind if I come in?" it was Rini. "Sure! Come on in!" Hotaru said happily. Rini came in the door and sat down on the bed. "So, how was your day?" asked Rini. "It was great!" Hotaru said excitedly. She told Rini all about Robert in under five minuets. Rini looked at her and blinked a few times. "So, when's the wedding gonna be?" Rini joked. "Rini! I've only known the guy for a few hours!" Hotaru said in mock shock. "Well, you talked like you had known him for years" Rini said. "Oh, and look at this!" she said, holding up the Cd Robert had bought her. "'Harry Connick Jr.: Red Light, Blue Light'? What's this?" "Jazz" said Hotaru as she put the Cd in her discman. Soft music began to play as the Cd started. "So, it seems you really like this guy Hotaru. when you gonna ask him out?" said Rini. "Rini! You know I'd never have the nerve! But I do hope he asks me out. it would be nice to have a boyfriend. even for a little while." Hotaru said softly. They talked for another hour before Hotaru went to bed.
************ The Crystal Millennium ************
Neo Queen Serenity rushed down the now abandoned halls of the Crystal Palace. She was the last person alive that had ties to the Silver Millennium, Geoff had seen to that, but it's wasn't Geoff's fault, it actually wasn't even Geoff who was doing this. Serenity had seen inside his mind when they had fought last, she knew his secret. She walked into a small, dark room. "Starslayer, are you here?" she asked the darkness. She felt the air around her move, Starslayer was here. "What do you wish of me, M'lady?" answered the darkness. "You are to go back in time and help the Sailor Senshi in their battle against Geoff and his children." "I understand M'lady, is their anything else?" "Yes, do not kill Geoff" "Pardon M'lady? Did you just say spare Geoff's life?" "Yes, It is not his fault that our world is in ruin" Before Starslayer could answer, Neo Queen Serenity sent him back into the past. "Ganbatte" she said quietly, wishing him good luck in the language of the Silver Millennium. "And goodbye to you" A gun was cocked and fired, severing the last link of the Silver Millennium from the Crystal Millennium. Geoff looked down at the smoking remains of Neo Queen Serenity. He had completed his quest, this world was now his.
******** Now ********
Hotaru sat at her desk, quietly writing while she waited for the teacher to show up. The door opened, and the teacher walked in, two students were trailing him by a few feet. "Greetings Class" "Greetings Hateshinashi-sensai" said the class in unison. "Class, this is Hikari Yomanshi and Robert Kane" The two students nodded to the class. Some of the students smiled, others nodded, and few even said a quiet hello. Hotaru studied the two new students, Hikari was tall and had short turquoise hair that was brushed to one side, and Robert was a little shorter than her, but had lank sandy blonde hair and sombre gray eyes. "Ms.Yomanshi, you may take a seat by Mr.Wilkinson, Mr.Kane, you may sit by Ms.Tomoe." Robert and Hikari went to their seats and sat down. Hotaru looked up from her paper and Robert smiled at her as he sat down and un-latched his case. Hotaru looked inside, it was a computer case with a printer. Robert smiled again and went to work. Hotaru looked up and began copying down the work on the blackboard. She heard the incessant tapping of Robert's keyboard as he typed the work in, he was amazing, all that Hotaru could hear was "tappataaptappatappat" as he flew through the work. He was finished in three quarters of an hour and then he handed in the work, neatly typed out with a title page and everything. Robert smiled at Hotaru again as he sat down. Hotaru blushed slightly, but she knew that his kind treatment would stop once he heard all the school gossip about her. She didn't dwell on the subject, instead she finished her work and handed it in. She sat back down and went back to the story she was writing. She looked over at Robert, he was engrossed in something on his computer, and she began to write. She had completed three pages by the time that the class let out. Hotaru got up and walked out right behind Robert, she was going to ask him to come and have lunch with her and her friends, but someone cut her off. The young lady cut right infront of her and "accidentally" tripped her, sending her crashing to the floor. Her papers went everywhere, and Robert was hauled away by the young lady. Hotaru got a good look at her as she was picking up the papers. It was one of her least favourite people in the entire school, Bobby-Jo Natira. She shot Hotaru a dirty look as she walked away with Robert. Hotaru shook her head. "Oh well.. Probably for the best anyways" she said to herself as she went back to picking up her papers. "And what exactly would that be?" asked a quiet male voice. Hotaru nearly jumped out of her skin! She jumped up with the papers in her hands and looked up, Robert was standing there. "Oh, Mr.Kane. I thought that you were with Ms.Natira" "You mean Bobbi-Jo?" he groaned slightly. "I'm apologise if she's a friend, but I can't stand vapid blondes any more than I can stand being in large crowds" Hotaru smiled, he certainly was polite. "Oh, she's not a friend of mine, but thankyou for the apology anyway" said Hotaru as she put her papers in order. "So, what've we got here, hm? Work in progress I assume?" He said with a small smile. "Uh. yeah, actually it is" "Mind if I read it?" he asked. "Uh, sure. it's not really done yet. only a few pages worth." "Hey, that's okay, I understand, your not the only writer around here" he said. She handed him the pages, and he handed her his case. She smiled slightly as he read. "You know, you could read some of my stuff on the computer if you want to" "You write?" "Why do you think I type so fast?" Hotaru smiled and opened the case. She clicked into his writing program and opened the first file. It was a story, only ten or fifteen pages long, but it was really good! It had a great storyline, the characters were well thought out and believable, but the best part was that the main character was a girl! "Ms.Tomoe?" he asked when she was finished. "Hm? Oh, yes Mr.Kane?" "I said that this is great start, I hope to read the whole thing when it's finished" "Why, thankyou!" she said. She had never been given a compliment about her writing by anyone except her father and certain friends. "So, did you like the story you read?" "Actually, yeah, it was great!" she said, smiling. He smiled at her and looked at the clock. "We've got about another forty-five minuets, wanna get some lunch?" "Uh.. sure!" she said happily. Robert proffered his arm, and she hesitantly took it. She and Robert walked out of the class and to the café. He ordered for both of them and sat the two plates down. He had gotten himself a turkey sandwich, and he had gotten her a salad with some ranch dressing. She looked at him for a second. "What?" he asked after taking a sip of his cola. "How'd you know I wanted a salad?" "I just guessed." he said, slightly embarrassed. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-" "HEY!! THERE HE IS!!" Hotaru turned around, Bobbi-Jo and her pack of friends had just entered the café. They made a beeline for the table Hotaru and Robert were sitting at. He looked at them icily. "Just what would you like?" he asked, his tone was polite enough, but there was an edge on it that was akin to anger. "Well, the girls and I wanted to ask you to come and sit with us," said Bobbi-Jo. "Thankyou, but no" said Robert, returning to his conversation with Hotaru. "Aw, come on! You really wanna sit with this freak?!" said one of Bobbi-Jo's friends. Robert looked at her with daggers in his eyes. "I'll chose whom I will sit with and whom I won't, thank you very much" he said, his tone slightly deeper, and simmering with anger. Bobbie- Jo looked at him. "Come on Robert!" she said, placing a hand on his shoulder. He looked at her. "Please remove your hand from my shoulder or I will be forced to do so myself" he said icily. Bobbi-Jo looked at him. "Well, I guess the Queen Freak needed a Pauper," said Bobbi-Jo. "I'll make that judgement for myself" said Robert. He smiled at Hotaru, picked up his sandwich, proffered his arm again, and left with Hotaru. Bobbie-Jo and her friends were left speechless. It was in the hall when Hotaru spoke again. "You really didn't have to do that, you know" "Do what?" "Stick up for me, I'm used to it" "Used to what?" asked Robert. "Being the school outcast" "I guess that makes two of us now, then" said Robert. Hotaru looked at him like he was nuts. "Hotaru, did it ever occur to you that I like your company better than that of those braying donkey's back there?" Hotaru looked at him for second and blinked a few times. "You really mean that, don't you?" she asked quietly. "Soitenly!" He said, throwing on a very bad Three Stooges accent. Hotaru smiled cheerfully, but a cloudy look nearly instantaneously took its place. She franticly opened her book bag and rummaged around inside it. "My papers!!" she said. "I'll get them, you stay right here, just yell if you need any help" he said with a smile. He rushed back into the café and went to the table they were sitting at. Bobbi-Jo and her friends were sitting there, and they were reading Hotaru's story. Robert walked over to them and tapped Bobbi-Jo on the shoulder. "I believe those belong to Ms.Tomoe, I would appreciate it if you gave them back with minimal hassle." Bobbi-Jo looked at him. The easy-going smile he had worn in class was replaced by an angry scowl and his gray eyes seemed to glow with rage. "I think you can go blow it out your-" "I would advise against angering me further, I have no qualms about striking a female" he said flatly. Bobbi-Jo looked at him, he was really angry now, his hands were clenched in tight fists and his feet were planted firmly. She knew that he was about to explode, so she smartly gathered the papers and gave them to him. "Thankyou, I know how hard it is for you to treat someone that isn't of your, ahem, social calibre with any type of respect. I'll be leaving now," said Robert, who then turned on his heel and stalked out of the café. Once he got to the door, he decided to give them a good show. He fired one of his hands out, and nearly took the door off its hinges. He walked back to Hotaru. "I believe these belong to you miss" he said, handing her the stack of papers. "I can't believe it! You got them back, and they're okay!" She said happily as she looked at the stack of papers. "What can I say? I've got a knack for dealing with morons" he said with a slight chuckle. Hotaru looked at him and smiled. "You know something, you've got a very pretty smile, you should show it off more often" said Robert. Hotaru looked at him. That was the first compliment anyone other than her father had said to her! "Why. uh... thankyou!" she said, slightly shocked. "I take it you've had a pretty rough time here, right?" Hotaru nodded. "Don't worry about it, I know how you feel" she looked at him. "Your kidding right?" "No. I was the school scape-goat until I moved here, so, I know exactly how you feel." "Oh. but." "Why was I the scape-goat? Well. I really don't know, or personally care. Those morons are half-way around the world now and can't bother me one iota!" he said with a chuckle. Hotaru smiled, she knew just by the way he talked about it that he wasn't lieing. She didn't know what she had done to make people not like her, but she didn't care any more. Robert and Hotaru walked outside and sat down at a bench and began to eat their lunch again. Once he finished his lunch, he opened his case and grabbed a Cd from a softcase inside the top of his computer case. He opened the computer's Cd drive and put it in. Light jazz came wafting out of the computer's speakers. "Cool music, what is it?" asked Hotaru. "It's Jazz, great isn't it?" Robert asked with a smile. "It's neat, I'll say that much" "I think I know something you might like" he said as he stopped the Cd and pulled out a black Cd. He put it in and pressed play. Fast paced music began to play, but it wasn't like the jazz, it was harder, but had the same "feel" to it. "What's this stuff called?" "It's Punk. Good stuff, eh?" Hotaru looked at him quizzically for a second. "What?" he asked. "Eh?" she said, trying to emulate him. "I guess I should' a warned you, I'm from Canada, I have a tendency to say "Eh" a lot." Hotaru nodded. "This punk music.. It's interesting. but I'd rather listen to that Jazz again." "Sure" said Robert, stopping the Cd and replacing the Jazz Cd. Robert and Hotaru talked until the lunch period ended and they went to their classes. They met again at the end of the day. "So, you doing anything after school?" asked Robert. "No, don't have any homework, why do you ask?" "Well, I was hoping that you could show me around, it is my first day here" he said. "Uh.. sure!" said Hotaru. They met after the final bell had rung. Hotaru and Robert walked off the school grounds and out into the city. They returned to Hotaru's home after a few hours. "Whew! I never knew this city was so packed!" said Robert. He had made a few purchases, and had even gotten Hotaru a jazz Cd. He looked at the place. "Nice place, you live here all alone?" he asked. "No, she doesn't" said a soft voice. Robert nearly jumped out of his skin! "Oh! Hello there! My name's Robert Kane, what's yours?" he said, proffering his hand. "Setsuna" she said with a flat edge on her voice. "Hello Setsuna, You would be." "Hotaru's Guardian" "Ah, well, I apologize for making her late, but she was being kind enough to show me around the city, as it is my first day living here" he said politely. "Well, just make sure it doesn't happen again, okay" Setsuna said. "Yes Mam" he said, with a little salute and a sarcastic smile. Setsuna smiled a little and rolled her eyes. "Well Hotaru, we shall have to do this again sometime, I guess I shall see you tomorrow, adieu" he said, taking her hand and lightly kissing it. Hotaru was to stunned to even stammer a reply. Robert walked away in silence and returned to his home. It was a spacious penthouse in the richer part of the city. He smiled as he walked in the door. The first day in this new school and he had already made a new friend. He hoped he wasn't to forward by kissing her hand when he left. He laid down on his bed and looked at the ceiling. There was a knock at the door. He was up like a flash and peered through the peephole. It was two young women, older than he was, but still young. One had long aquamarine hair and had an air of sophistication about her. The other was taller, and had short blond hair. He opened the door. "Yes, may I help you?" he asked politely. "Mr.Kane?" the shorter one asked. "That is I," he said. "May we come in?" "Uh, sure" he said, opening the door more and allowing them to enter. "So, what do you wish to talk to me about?" he asked the young women. "Hotaru Tomoe" answered the taller one. "Ah.. I take it you two are another of her Guardians?" "Yes, my name is Michiru Kaiou, and I would like to know-" "If my intentions for Hotaru are amiable, I assure you, I would never do anything to harm her in any way" he said, cutting her off. "Well. I see. Just how long have you know Hotaru for?" asked the taller one. "About seven hours total" "I see. can you please explain something to me?" "Sure" said Robert. "Why did you kiss her hand when you left?" "Uh. well. I. I just though it would be appropriate.. She and I hit it off so well. you see Ms.Kaiou. and Ms. Uh. I didn't catch your name." "Ten'ou, Haruka Ten'ou" she said. "Well, Ms Kaiou, Ms. Ten'ou. I'm not exactly what you would call a very popular person where I come from. and well.. I guess. I guess I was only trying to be friendly. I can totally understand if Hotaru doesn't want to see me again. I guess that kiss on the hand was a little to forward." he said, working himself up into a frenzy of emotion. "Firstly, calm down, secondly, call me Michiru, thirdly, we came here to, well, just to check you out" "I guess I failed, eh?" "No. though you should try and Hotaru home on time next time, okay." she stopped, she didn't know his first name. "Robert, Robert Jonathan Winter Kane" he said, proffering his hand. She took it and shook his hand lightly. "You play a instrument.something with a bow.. A cello. no. A fiddle. no. ah! It's a violin!" he said. "How'd you know?" she asked, astonished. "You've got calluses on you fingers that would suggest a musician, and you have a very light, but very firm handshake, which would imply you use you hands a lot. Just deductive reasoning, that, and the violin case by the door" he said with a crooked smile. Michiru looked over by the door, she had placed the violin down by the door, she didn't even realize she had done it. She smiled and nodded. "I can see that Hotaru will have a very good friend in you, Robert Jonathan Winter Kane" said Michiru with a smile. Robert looked a little pained when she said his full name. "What?" she asked. "It's nothing." said Robert. "Really?" "Well. I guess. I could tell you.. seeing as you are Hotaru's Guardian. the only other person that called me by my full name was. my mom" "What's wrong with tha." she understood the instant she looked around the apartment. "I'm so sorry" she said quietly. Robert shook his head. "Fogettaboutit" he said, a smile on his voice. Michiru smiled back and walked to the door, picking up her violin. "Oh, Hotaru told me to tell you that she had a wonderful time today, and she hopes that you did as well" she said as she left. "Thanks, I did, tell her that for me?" "Sure" said Michiru. Robert walked to the door and smiled as she left. He closed the door behind him and locked it. He pressed a small button on the door, flipping the nameplate from "Kane" to "Do Not Disturb" He laid down on his bed and stared at the ceiling. There was so much flying around his brain that he didn't even notice when he fell asleep. Michiru and Haruka walked out of the apartment building and got into their car. They sped off and began to talk when they reached the first red light. "He's okay," said Haruka. "Yeah, he's okay, got a lot on his mind though," said Michiru. "Whadda you mean?" "He lives alone up there" "Oh. I see" "That's what I thought. can you imagine? Alone at seventeen? I would've gone nuts if that happened to me" said Michiru. She knew that there was something different about Robert, an understanding quality that he had. "He seems to be a nice kid, but I'm gonna keep an eye on him, just in case" said Haruka. "He won't do anything unless Hotaru wants him to," said Michiru. "Your so sure?" "He's many things, insensitive isn't one of them though," said Michiru. "I sure hope so." said Haruka. They drove back home and Haruka parked the car in the garage. They walked inside. Hotaru was sitting on the couch watching T.v with Setsuna. Haruka and Michiru sat down and quietly waited for their show to end. Hotaru switched the T.v off and looked at Michiru. "What do you want to talk about?" she asked softly. "Well. Michiru and I went over to speak with your new friend," said Haruka. "Wh-why did you do that?" Hotaru stammered a little. "We were concerned. we just wanted to get to know him a little better," Michiru said comfortingly. "I see." said Hotaru. "He's quite a nice fellow, actually" said Haruka. "You like him?" Hotaru said. "He's actually quite pleasant and kind. but. well. just be careful around him, okay?" said Haruka. Hotaru looked at her uncertainly. "He's. he's a bit odd" said Michiru. Haruka nodded in agreement. Hotaru smiled a little. "Yeah, but that's what I like about him" she said with a smile. Haruka looked at her. "He had a chance to become friends with one of the most popular girls in the entire school, and he turned her down, just get to know me better," Hotaru said quietly. "He writes stories, draws, and has a great sense of humour. He's. he's a little different, I'll agree with you there, but he's cool." Michiru and Haruka nodded in agreement. Setsuna looked at them. "Was this the boy that I met at the door?" she asked. Hotaru nodded. "What was his name?" "Robert Jonathan Winter Kane" said Michiru. Setsuna nodded. 'He's definitely different, he's got a really weird energy. What if. what if he's one of Geoff's children?' Setsuna thought to herself. Hotaru smiled and walked to her room. "Oh, Hotaru" She stopped and turned around, looking at Michiru. "Yes?" "Robert told me to tell you that he had a wonderful time" Hotaru looked at her and smiled, thanking her. Rini would be getting home soon, and she wanted to tell her all about Robert. She sat down on her bed and thought as she waited. There was a soft knock on the door. "Yes?" "Mind if I come in?" it was Rini. "Sure! Come on in!" Hotaru said happily. Rini came in the door and sat down on the bed. "So, how was your day?" asked Rini. "It was great!" Hotaru said excitedly. She told Rini all about Robert in under five minuets. Rini looked at her and blinked a few times. "So, when's the wedding gonna be?" Rini joked. "Rini! I've only known the guy for a few hours!" Hotaru said in mock shock. "Well, you talked like you had known him for years" Rini said. "Oh, and look at this!" she said, holding up the Cd Robert had bought her. "'Harry Connick Jr.: Red Light, Blue Light'? What's this?" "Jazz" said Hotaru as she put the Cd in her discman. Soft music began to play as the Cd started. "So, it seems you really like this guy Hotaru. when you gonna ask him out?" said Rini. "Rini! You know I'd never have the nerve! But I do hope he asks me out. it would be nice to have a boyfriend. even for a little while." Hotaru said softly. They talked for another hour before Hotaru went to bed.