Title: "I'm Bringing You With Me!"
Chapter: Five
Author: Marie J.W.
Rated: PG
E-mail: mariejwchan@yahoo.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mina found the guys sitting at the round table. The blonde was looking
through his backpack while the dark haired guy was staring at some girl
across the room, and it wasn't Mina.
Mina walked up to the guys; we followed at a distance. "Hello! Can we
join you?" Mina smiled brightly at the two men. The blonde looked up at
the sound of her voice. As soon as he saw her he seemed to lose his balance
but quickly steadied himself.
The blonde cleared his throat while the dark haired guy rolled his eyes at
his friend. "Um, sure!" said the Blonde.
"Oh, thanks!" Mina sat down and motioned for us to do like-wise, "Have you
been here before?"
"No, we're just passing through. But we are staying here for a while."
Informed the blonde. The other guy didn't seem to want to talk to strangers,
and that was fine-by-me! We all sat down, Mina was sitting by the blonde
and
Amy was by the dark haired guy. Ray and I sat in between the two, with me
by Mina.
"So, what is your name?" the blonde asked.
Mina gasped, "Oh, I'm sorry! My names Mina! And these are my friends, Lita,
Ray, and Amy." The blonde nodded, "Nice to meet you. I'm J.T. and this here
is L.L."
Strange names! Sounds more like initials.
"Wow, so are you brothers or something?" Mina asked.
"No, co-workers." J.T. replied.
"Oh! What do you do?" Mina smiled and scooted a little closer. J.T. backed
away a little, a look of discomfort crossed his features. What's the matter
with him? L.L glared at Mina and stiffened. Something is going on...
"Um, well...we are um..." J.T stuttered.
Mina giggled, "You can't remember? That's okay I often forget the
smallest things! Like I miss placed my brush this morning! I couldn't
find it anywhere but I guess I left in the kitchen because I found it on
the table!"
J.T. and L.L. sighed in relief. Something is going on. I turned toward
L.L, "So, you're not saying much! Where do you come from?"
"You learn more when you keep your mouth shut. And we don't come
from anywhere." He finished then turned his head and ignored me. I don't
think so! We are going to get to the bottom of this!
"Must be a distant place to be called nowhere. I'd say two guys wearing
all black and saying they're from nowhere looks pretty suspicious to me."
I asked; so sue me, I had to be bold! The man looked annoyed, he sat
completely still not saying a word. His jaw was clenched in an unnatural
manor. J.T. looked nervous as he looked from his friend to me then back
again. He was probably wondering
what his friend was going to do.
"Lita, what is the matter with you? These nice young men let us sit at
their table and you get all paranoid!" Mina's voice sounded in my ear but
I really wasn't listening. L.L. was glaring at me, telling me to back off.
But there was something about this guy that looked familiar. Something
Serena had said...something of small detail. These guys were wearing
'all' black, from their shirt to they're shoes.
Serena had said that they had dressed in black for camouflage or some
thing. Now, the big question was, are these guys a part of Darien's service?
Ray started to shake me, "Get a hold of yourself, Lita! Or I'll make you!"
I realized that my fist was clenched as if getting ready to knock him out.
I loosened my hand and finally looked away from him to Ray. Ray sighed in
relief, "I thought we lost you there! What's the matter?" I could see concern
in her eyes. What had I done to make her so worried?
Mina cleared her throat and tried to make a joke of the tense
situation,
"She gets like that sometimes! Just ignore her." J.T. nodded slowly
before looking at his friend. L.L. kept looking at me with cold eyes.
I could tell that he knew I knew something, and that he knew that I
knew that he knew that I knew something. Very complicated but it's true.
He looked like he wanted to question me on what I knew about what he
knew. Although I'm not sure what he knows nor am I sure what I know but
I know that this was getting way to deep for me for the moment! I cleared
my throat and excused myself. I went to the ladies-room and stared at
myself in the mirror, "Something about that guy!" I glared at my image
then took a deep breath and closed my eyes. All this pressure was getting
to me! Maybe Mina was right. Maybe I am paranoid! Or maybe that guy does
know something, something that I need to know. Something that could help
Serena...this is all too confusing! I need to get some more rest!
I left the restroom and found my friends still at the table. The conversation
was more relaxed and they were talking about jewelry. As I sat down
I could feel L.L's eye on me.
Mina went on, "And they are so expense!"
"Not compared to other diamonds! There are several different kinds that
many have never heard of. There's the Holashas, Pinature, oh, and the
Catromo!"
"I've heard of the first two but I don't recall there being a Diamond
called Catromo." Amy informed.
I then realized upon looking at L.L. that he was tense and J.T. had
gone totally white.
"What's the matter?" I asked.
But before J.T. could say a word L.L. practically jumped out of his chair
and picked up his buddy by the collar. He pulled him out of his chair
and dragged him out the front door. We sat there stunned! What had
just happened?
It had something to do with the diamond that he mentioned? I shook my
head. These guys are way too confusing!
"Um, maybe he's a little 'too' wound up!" Mina giggled to try to make
light of the strange situation. No body bought it.
"Is it just me or is Mr. And Mr. Black a little on edge?" Ray stared at
the cup in front of her. She suddenly looked up, "I think we should go!"
"What why?! We just got here!" Mina protested. Amy was already getting
out of her chair and so was Ray. Ray had that look in her eyes...I knew
when she said 'get out' she meant 'get out'! I grabbed Mina by her arm
and we practically ran out of the building. It was just in time, for as
soon as we stepped out of the restaurant the back of the place burst
into flames!
Mina gulped, "Wasn't that where we were sitting a second ago?"
Exactly! I nodded and Mina looked like she was going to faint. Amy
tightened her hold on her books and Ray looked around the streets for
the two men. People were running out of the building and shouting
'Fire...Fire...Fire!' to everyone. Several people pulled over to see what
the commotion was all about.
"I think that friend of L.L.'s was giving away information that they
obviously didn't want us to know about!" I stated.
"What are you talking about?" Ray asked.
"We know something that they don't want us to know. Otherwise they wouldn't
try to kill us."
Mina swallowed hard, "Let's just get something to eat at your place,
Lita."
Something was going on! And they know all about it! We all turned
around and headed to my place. Hopefully we wouldn't be followed!
As we turned to go home I could hear the sound of fire-truck sirens
behind us.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Do you have a boyfriend?" I asked Philly. She looked at me but didn't
say anything. We were eating lunch on the bed; it consisted of barbeque
chicken and potatoes. If my Mother were alive she would kill us!
"Do you want to talk about it?" I could tell that something must have
happened or else she would just shrug it off. A time past before she
said anything.
"He died in the war." She stated. My heart immediately went out to her.
I kind of knew what that felt like! "You really must of loved him! How did
you meet?"
She cleared her throat, "We met in a little restaurant. I went there every
week for lunch. I saw him there all the time but we just never spoke to
each other. Then one day he just came over and asked if he could have lunch
with me. After that we went on dates and got to know each other. He was
sweet and caring, he had lots of friends! He was working to be a police
officer; he was always going through some kind of training!
"Two weeks before the war started he asked me to marry him. We had the
wedding all planned out. But then he was called off to war. I cried and he
tried to comfort me but in a way I knew he wasn't going to come back!"
"We shared one last kiss before he left. It was so beautiful out! The
stars were so bright; you could see every single one of them! He promised
that he would come back and that we would get married! He was so sweet he
stayed there standing beside me as long as he could but then he had to go.
The last moment I saw him was waving goodbye before he boarded the plane.
He smiled and waved but I saw one tear slide down his cheek! I couldn't
stand it anymore and ran after the plane!
I wanted to go with him! But he left...he left...forever!" Philly was then
very quiet. She had fresh tears streaming down her face as she stared at
her hands. A tear fell onto my arm; I didn't even know I had been crying!
I slid over to her and gathered her in my arms. She cried, sobbing onto
my shoulder! I cried silent tears as well.
After quite a few minutes passed she sat back away from me, "I'm sorry to
break down like that! I just have never told anyone else that
story before...and... I just..."
"I know...don't worry about it! I had to have a shoulder to cry on as
well. You're no different. We all need to let it out sometime." I wiped
the tears from my face. She just looked at me, "You must have been
through a lot. Did something happen to..." She drifted off.
"My parents died and...I thought Darien died..."
"I'm so sorry about your parents, mine died in the war as well!" She
sniffed. I gave her a sad smile, "It's okay I've already cried it all
out and I'm sorry that you had to lose both!"
"What do you mean about thinking D.C. dying? Didn't anyone tell you he
was alive?" she asked.
"No, they told me he was dead! They even had a burial service for him."
I frowned and shook my head, "And the whole time I was visiting him!"
"You must care for him a lot...?" Philly asked, I could tell she wasn't
sure how to ask it I loved him or not.
"Ya, I do care for him," I wasn't going to tell her all so I just smiled,
"but don't tell him that!"
She laughed but then she turned quiet then serious once again, "Thanks but
I need to get back to work."
I nodded and picked up the lunch, "I'll see you in a little while. I think
I'm going to take a nap."
She nodded and started pulling papers together. I went into the living
room making sure to shut the door firmly behind me. I put the stuff on
the coffee table and sat down on the couch. I pulled my communicator out
but then I heard the doorknob turn. I quickly slipped it back into my
pocket, just in time before Darien walked in. He looked surprised to see
me there. I don't know why, where would I go?
"Hi. Where's Phillip?" He asked. "She's in the bedroom studying some
papers." I put on a look of disgust. I hated to study!
He smiled but didn't say anything; instead he went into the small kitchen
and filled himself a glass of water.
I was tired so I layed across the couch and pulled a throw blanket over me.
Using my arms for a pillow I closed my eyes. I heard Darien shuffle around
a bit before I slowly fell into darkness...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Didn't you notice how they were acting?" Lita asked me with annoyance.
What was she talking about? I don't remember anything strange about them
till they almost killed us!
"I have no idea what your talking about, Lita!" I said frustrated. We had
gone over this subject too many times!
"Mina, you're NOT listening to me! Those guys said something...about
crystals and...and something else!" Lita yelled. I covered my ears.
"So, what do you suppose we do with the so called 'information'!?" I
asked.
Lita sighed then smiled, "Amy is going to take care of that!"
"Huh?" Amy asked. She had been studying a book when Lita said her
name.
"What do you want me to do?" asked Amy after she had put the book down.
Lita put her face in her hands and mumbled, "This is going to be a
looong day!!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sammy,
What do you mean you lost your sister?! You had better search high and
low for her or XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX (the rest of the...threat
was scribbled out with red lipstick.)
Sammy, just find your sister! There is trouble and I don't want her in
the middle of it! I would tell you more about it but it's just too important
to tell! Your Mother is worried and she practically fainted when I told
her, I'll try to keep her hopes up! But I need you out there looking for
your sister! You can't let anything happen to her!!
We love you and know you can do anything!
Love Your,
Father
I looked at the letter twice. Dad was worried and mad at the same time!
Mother was probably sick to the bone. I wish they would just come home
then maybe we could all find Serena.
Serena's friends are having a meeting. There still haven't been any
calls on the flyers but we're still hoping! Oh, and that's another thing!
The girls, Serena's friends, are acting a little weird! They're not as
worried as they used to be! I saw them yesterday at the temple; they were
all snacking and joking around. How can they just do that when they're
best friend is missing. I didn't say anything about it but it worries me
a lot! That's not natural, is it?
I picked up my sleeping bag and started for the door. I am spending the
night at Joe's house, it gets too creepy in this house when your by yourself!
And it just reminds me more-and-more of how much the house 'is' empty!
I shut the door behind me. Please, Serena be okay!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It was cold and I was shivering! I couldn't tell if I was awake or not, it
felt almost in between! I went to pull the blanket closer around me but
it wasn't there. My eyes opened wide to see Darien standing in front of
the bedroom door. He was saying something. I looked down and picked up
the blanket. Why is it so cold in here?! I stood up and went over to stand beside Darien.
"-need to get out. And I'm sure your starting to feel trap in! What do
you think, Phillip?"
I had no idea what he was talking about! Go where? "Darien, what's going
on?" My voice was a little sleepy still.
Darien smiled, "How about going out for dinner tonight?" My eyes
widened, "Really? You mean we can go out? Where?" the questions popped
out. "To the restaurant down stairs! You'll have to change though." He
looked me up and down. I blushed. Philly was standing in the bedroom with
some files in her hand. Mmm, I wonder if I could-
Philly crossed the room and put the files in a metal brief case and
quickly locked in shut! -Nope, I guess not! When am I ever going to figure
this all out! I need to talk to Amy and see if she's got anything!
"So, what do you say, Meatball head?" he teased. I glared at him and
shrugged, "Sounds good to me! But...um...where do we get a dress?"
He laughed, "I'll have I.T. come up with something!"
"Who is I.T. anyway?" I asked. "She's K.T.'s wife. She just makes sure
the operation goes smoothly and that we don't run into too many problems!"
he informed.
"Have you met her before?" I asked. "Once, she's really nice. She can be
bossy through!"
I smiled, satisfied. Darien walked over to the phone and made a phone call
with is free hand. I walked back into the living room with Philly. "How
come it's
so cold?"
"Oh, sorry! I turned up the air conditioning!" she went over and turned it
down.
"Philly, what does a girl do when she doesn't know how to dance?"
I asked.
She looked at me confused.
"There is dancing there, isn't there?" I asked. She nodded,
"Sure, are you planning on dancing?"
"Sure, I guess." She shrugged her shoulders, "Beats me! I don't know to
dance
either!" We both laughed and sat down on the couch.
"All set! I.T. is going to make sure we having everything we need for
tonight!" Darien came in and leaned against the wall. I smiled at him.
Like I said, 'He can be nice.'
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Do you think Serena will mind if we just say 'hi'?" I asked Lita. We were
all sitting in Lita's living room while Amy was typing stuff into her
computer. I had my communicator in my hand. I was very tempted to push
the button!
"Mina, that's not the greatest idea! What if Serena is with someone?"
Lita asked me. "But what if she's not? I want to tell her about our near
death experience!"
"Mina!"
"Fine." I put the communicator down. Lita got up and left the room to
bake something. Ray disappeared down the hall and Amy was too busy in
her computer to notice. Hehe, just to say 'hi' that's all! I picked up
the communicator once again and pushed the button-
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Darien! I was not going to eat that all myself! I was going to share it
with Mina!" I protested. Darien was making false accusations. "Right,
Meatball head, keep telling your self that!" he teased. "Ohhh!" I was
getting annoyed with how immature he was being!
Meanwhile, Philly was watching this whole thing with amusement. She had
never seen Darien worked up about a girl enough to tease her. It was very
funny!
"Darien, can't you go do something worth while?!" I growled. He shook his
head, "Hey, it's been years since I teased you! I got to make up for all
the time lost!"
I looked at Philly for help but she only smiled and shrugged her
shoulders.
"Fine! But two can play that game!" I smiled and was about to say
something as a come back but-
"BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!" that sound came from my back pocket. It was
my communicator! Oh, no! Not now!
Darien and Philly looked at me. "What is that sound?" Philly asked.
"How...ho...how should I know?" I stuttered. "Because it's coming from
your pocket." She stated. I thought I was going to die! This was not
happening!
"Hehe, well um...it's just a...ah, beeper!" I pushed myself back up
against the couch.
"Give it to me, Serena." I looked up at Darien. He didn't look happy;
his face was hard while he held out his right hand for the device. I
gulped hard. I knew I wasn't getting out of this! I pulled it out and
gave the pink thing to Darien. He looked at the back then the front. I'm
sure he was wondering what all those buttons were for. The communicator
was still going off. I wish who ever that is would stop it!
"This doesn't look like a beeper." Darien stated; then he said under his breath,
"It looks familiar..."
I didn't see how it would look familiar because I had never shown it to
him or had taken it out around him. The only other 'guy' that had maybe
seen it was Tuxedo Mask.
"Where did you get this?" he asked. I shrugged my shoulders. "A friend
gave it to me. I have no idea where it came from." Well, it wasn't a
lie.
He didn't seem satisfied.
"What friend?" he asked.
"I don't see how that matters!" This was getting stupid. Why was he getting
all tense about a little device?
"D.C., does this have something to do with-" Darien shot Philly a look that
obviously stopped her dead in her tracks.
"Something, yes. Serena, you know about the Sailor Scouts, don't you?"
Darien looked strait at me. What does he know? And why is he staring at me
like that?
I cleared my throat, "Sure. Why?"
The beeper 'finally' went off and if was quiet once again.
"Have you ever seen them carry anything like this around?"
"Maybe, why? You think that they carry around beepers?" It was a dumb
question but I meant it to be that way.
"No, I mean..." Darien sighed, "Never mind."
"Can I have it back?" I asked. He looked at me then the communicator in
his hand.
"No, I think I'm going to keep this. I wouldn't want you to be tempted
to call someone."
"But-"
Darien put the communicator in his shirt pocket. This was 'not' good;
this was defiantly 'not' good! How are the scouts going to know that I
can't answer it?!
"Darien, I 'really' need that!" Even I could hear the nervousness in my
voice.
He cocked his eyebrow up, "Why? You're not calling anyone."
"I know, but I 'really' need it! Please..." I knew he wasn't going to give
it back and soon felt a load crash down on my shoulders! Looks like if I'm
going to get it back I'm going to have to get it the hard way. By being
sneaky!
I sighed, "Fine. Keep it but I get it back when this is all over?
Kay?"
"Sure thing. Now, you two stay here while I go get the formal wear."
Darien walked to the door and left. My life was definately going down the
tube!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Lita, this stupid thing doesn't work!" Mina yelled at me. What was she
talking about? I put a little more seasoning into the spaghetti...then
wamb! Realization hit me! I ended up pouring the whole bottle of seasoning
into the sauce.
"Mina!" I ran into the living room to find Mina hitting her orange
communicator on the carpet floor, "You didn't call Serena, did you?"
"Well, sort of. It didn't work! It rang and it rang and it rang..."
"Mina are you nuts! It works! I bet you anything Darien or something else
took it from her!" I sank to the floor, "There goes our communication,
there goes our identity; there goes the whole plan right down the
drain!"
Mina looked guiltily down at the device! "Ouch, that hurt!"
"-and there goes our dinner!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I was sitting depressed on the couch with the blanket still around me
when a knock came at the door. Philly was in the restroom so I didn't know
if I should answer it. I got up and looked through the little peep hole
in the door and saw two men in black. Both were tall, one blonde while the
other had dark hair (sound familiar?). They looked like they were apart of
what ever Darien was doing so I opened the door. They looked surprised to
see me! "Hi! Can I help
you?"
"Um, I think we got the wrong number." Said the blonde. I shook my head,
"Ah, your with D.C. and Phillip right?" I decided to use their code names.
"Ya, is one of them here?" The blonde asked. "Yep, but she's occupied right
now. But you can come in." I opened the door wider for them.
They walked in and stood in front of the doorway. I went back over by the
couch but didn't sit down. "So, what's your code names?" the men looked at
each other.
"J.T. and this is L.L." J.T. introduced his partner.
I smiled, "I'm Serena."
J.T. looked at me confused, "You don't have a code name?"
"I'm not a part of this scheme, I was kidnapped! Want some hot cocoa?" I
started walking toward the kitchen. Both men had a look of shock on their
faces. It was very funny!
"Uh, no thanks but, um...don't get me wrong but you look happy about
this!" J.T. said referring to me being kidnapped.
"Well, I'm a friend of Dar...D.C's, sort of..." I poured myself some hot
cocoa, "I'm originally from a small part of Tokyo in Juuban."
J.T. smiled, "We just came from there! We meet some girls about your age
there two. Strange group!"
"Oh, really! Maybe I know them!" L.L. looked over the suite, "I doubt
that."
"Try me!" I asked.
J.T. looked willing to give some info, "I don't remember all they're names.
But one was reading the whole time, another was glaring at L.L here, it was
kind of a weird situation, then there was some girl with black hair. Then
there was this beautiiful blonde girl! But I can't remember
they're names...something like Sina, Nina, oh...I don't know."
It sounded a lot like the scouts! Could it really be them? No, way! This
is so cool!
"Let me guess!" I smiled brightly, "Amy, Lita, Ray, and Mina. That last
ones your blonde!"
L.L. glared at me, "How do you know them?"
"They're my best friends! They know I'm gone...I bet they're out there
looking all over for me!"
"Well, they don't have to worry about you anymore, they're terminated!"
he sat down on the couch. Killed? I had to laugh! "No way!"
"You doubt me?" L.L. asked.
I lifted my eyebrow, "How did you do it?"
"We blew up the back of the restaurant, they were getting too close to
our secret."
I smiled, "That's Lita for ya, but that was mean to try to kill them.
And I can't believe you think they're dead." I knew the scouts too well!
They wouldn't just die on me like that! They could have gotten out of
there before it happened. They had to have!
"Try to convince yourself that girly!" L.L. glared at me, then looked at
his friend, "Even J.T. here saw it."
J.T. nodded, "Sure did. Awfully sorry they got killed. If there was any
other way..."
I walked up to him and put my hand on his shoulder, "It's okay." Just
then Philly came out, "What's going on?"
"These guys came to see you!" I smiled and backed away. Philly nodded.
The door opened once again and Darien came through with the formal wear
in his hand, "Good you're here." They all went into the bedroom. "Well!
That was nice! They just leave me out here to be bored!" I walked over to
the door and pressed my ear to it.
"watching...peace...little do they know...(some swearing)...leave her...
not yet...full attack...need help..." I couldn't tell what was happening
but they were talking about something important. I really wish I had
my communicator! The scouts and I could be having a meeting of our
own! Unless...I gulped...something did happen to them. Think
positive!
I went and sat back onto the couch and turned the TV on. This is
boring...!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We were all following Amy through the library as she picked out books.
It has been nearly an hour already and SILL Amy hasn't found what she
wants.
"Ray, are you even listening to me?" Mina whispered fiercely into my
ear. I looked at her surprised, "Sorry, I had my mind on...other things.
Was it important?"
Mina glared at me, "No. But at least I would have felt wanted if you
were listening!"
I gave Mina an apologetic smile, "Sorry..."
"This should have it!" Amy smiled then walked toward the nearest table.
We all sat down and waited as she flew through the pages.
"Do you think this is going to help any?" Mina whispered. We all just
shrugged our shoulders while still watching Amy. Amy can take forever to
find something; but at least she can find it! If it were I, I wouldn't
have the slightest clue on where to look. Amy is very good on looking
up historic stuff like Diamonds.
I straitened my skirt and looked back at Amy who was too involved in
her book to notice. Amy sure has dedication!
"- came from Czechoslovakia, Carpathian Mountains near Slovakia. St.
Stephen, who was crowned by the Pope, and his men were looking for some
soldiers that were stationed at Carpathian lookout. It was then that they
found a diamond as big as a fist but in the shape of a whale at one of
they're resting points. The King took care of his soldiers.
When he arrived at his castle he immediately had men place his new found
treasure, the Catromo Diamond; as he now named it, in his safe that was
stationed far under the castle." Amy finished with a sigh.
"Wow! So...um, where is Czec...olvo-ockona or whatever you said?" Mina
asked.
"It's Czechoslovakia and its between Europe and Asia." Amy smiled.
"Does this 'help' us though? Because I don't see-"
"Of course it helps! The Catromo is a 'very' valuable diamond! It's
worth billions; if anyone got a hold of it they would be well off. But
the only thing I would want to know is 'why' would anyone want to buy or
sale it." Amy shut the book and piled it on two others.
"It would have to be for greed or power or money!" Mina twisted her
hair between her fingers.
"Yes, but we're talking about Serena and this 'unknown' source that's
up against them. What would 'they' want with the Diamond? It can't 'just'
be for money, there has to be something much bigger involved." Amy started
to get up, "We better go to the Temple."
I nodded and got up myself.
"Can we check out that book?" Lita asked Amy as we started for the door.
"It's reference; they won't let you check out those!" Mina replied.
"How do you know?" Lita asked.
Mina blushed, "Because I tried to check out ten reference books for my
history exam."
Lita laughed just as the librarian came around the corner. "Shhhhhhhh!"
the librarian shook her head.
Lita just smiled and pushed us all, quickly, out the door.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I wonder if I'm coming here at a bad time. I looked at my watch; it
was around six. I walked up the many steps that lead to the Temple. I
was sure the girls were here; Serena is always saying she needs to meet
her friends at the 'Temple'.
After what seemed like forever I made it up the steps. The yard was
beautiful as it was full of green grass and cherry trees.
When I got to the door I wondered if I should knock or what... I better
knock.
It took awhile for anyone to answer the door so I just stood there, for a
long time! Finally the door swung open.
"Please don't hurt me, Lita! I promise never to mess with your cook-" Chad
went out the door before it even opened all the way. I quickly moved out of
the way.
Chad had run across the yard and down the steps before I could even
say anything. I looked back at the open door, "Um, hello?"
"Chad, you left the door open!" Ray yelled at the door. Ray appeared and
looked surprised to see me here.
"Hi! Come in. You want something to eat?" Ray motioned for me to follow
so I just nodded and stepped in. I followed her into the dinner room where
all the girls were sitting.
"Look who I found." Ray smiled at her friends as they looked up. "Hey,
Sammy! What's up?" Lita asked.
"Um, just thought I would come by and ask if there's been any phone calls."
I half smiled. They looked at each other with guilty looks.
"Are you guys not telling me something?" I asked.
"Well, there hasn't been any calls... but we're still hoping! I'm sure
Serena will show up sometime." Lita tried to affirm. Something was going
on...I couldn't put my finger on it but-
"We're having Fried Rice and Chicken! Want some?" Mina asked as she stuffed
a big piece of chicken in her mouth. "Sure." I sat down as Ray served me a
plate.
"I'm sure your worried about Serena and everything. But try not to worry
too much! Serena said she would be back in no time!" Mina chirped. Did I
hear her right? Did she just say...?
"So, you talked to her!" I pounced. Mina turned white while the other
girls glared at her. I knew something was going on!
"Where is she?!" I practically screamed.
"What are you talking about? We just said we didn't know!" Mina tried to
cover. "You said you talked to her! Now, I don't know what's going on
but if I have
to-!"
"Calm down, Sam! We get your point!" Ray snapped.
I looked at Mina, Lita, Amy then Ray. They were all looking at each other
as if asking for permission.
Amy sighed, "We might as well tell him as much as we 'can'."
Ray nodded, "Okay."
I started to calm down and to start breathing again.
"Serena is staying at a hotel...with some...friends." Ray smiled,
"Well?"
I didn't know what to say. My sister is staying at a hotel with
friends...? That's ridiculous! She would have called me!
"If...what you're saying is true...then why-didn't-she-call?" I
was hurt and mad at the same time. My own sister hadn't called!
"Sammy, she can't call you. You see; her friends are messed up in
some kind of business. And they won't let her call." Lita fumbled
with her fork.
"Then how did she contact you?" I asked. Silence.
I was inpatient with all this beating around the bush!!! "HOW, WHEN
AND WHERE?!"
They all were shocked by my outrage!
"Sammy...we...just can't tell...you!" Mina looked like she was about to
cry!
My heart softened a little. I knew Serena must be in deep trouble, exactly
how deep though?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I heard a click as the door opened. "I told you Lanson, No! This isn't
about your title! It's about saving lives!"
"You keep thinking that way, D.C. and your not going to get anywhere!
There's a reason for bad guys and that's to prove there are 'better' guys
out there. And I'm going to prove I'm one of them!"
The door opened all the way so I could see Darien holding the doorknob.
He didn't look happy!
"I don't care how you see things but as long as you get things done! I
want that code!" Darien turned and walked out of the room to see me
sitting there, staring at him. At first he looked at me like he didn't
know what to say then he walked right past me taking his suit with him.
"Get dressed. We'll eat in an half an hour." He shut the door firmly
behind him.
I looked back to see L.L. now known as Lanson, then J.T. and Philly
who were coming out of the room. The two men didn't so much as glance
at me as they went to the door, opened it and shut it behind them.
A different feeling hung thick in the air.
"Philly, what was that all about?"
"None of your business, pretty lady. It's just an old fight between
D.C. and L.L. that's all." Philly picked up one of the dresses and
held it out for me to take, "You better get dressed."
"What about you?"
"I'm not going. I have a new assignment." I took the dress and Philly
left the hotel room without another word.
I swallowed; I needed a drink.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ami's POV
"-Your what?"
"The scouts."
Sammy raised an eyebrow, "You went to girls scouts?"
"No, not girl scouts; we're the Sailor Scouts! How deaf are you?" Ray's
annoyed voice replied.
Sammy broke out laughing, "Sailor Scouts?! That's even more unbelievable!
I know you like to get attention but this is ridiculous!"
"Sammy, please stop laughing and listen. We're very serious! You asked
how we talked to Serena. We haven't even begun to explain!" I said
most seriously.
"Amy, you can't say it like that you have to hit him over the head! Men
are too dull headed to get it, it takes a 'little' more pressure to the
head!" Ray smirked when she saw the look on Sammy's face as he stopped
laughing.
"Listen...girls, I can understand if your just trying to keep my sister
safe but I promise I won't tell a soul!" Sammy smiled.
We all exchanged looks. Sammy just didn't understand. Maybe Ray 'was'
right about the broomstick thing.
I took a deep intake of breath, "Sammy, I would hate to put Ray after you
so could you just sit, be quite and listen, for just one minute? I'm sure
the other girls would really appreciate it!"
Sammy looked surprised at how serious I was being. Being calm does have
its advantages!
"Okay, but when your done I want the 'real' story!"
I shook my head, "Think whatever you want but try to be open minded."
"Sure."
"I get to start!" Mina jumped up, "It all started when I was thirteen! I
was such a small, young girl! Then one day a pretty white cat came to
my doorstep! I had pity on him 'immediately' and took him in. We became
'fast' friends! When he told me his name was Artemis, I had to admit I
was shocked that he could talk!
Well, then I was even more shocked when he told me I was Sailor Venus!
Of course I was already one as an actor in real life! Wow, talk about
amazing, dangerous, and a LOT of responsibility! Well, at first I was
kind of bad at being a Sailor Scout but with Artemis's help I became the
best Scout ever! Then I met the other Sailor Scouts! They were totally
blown away by my beauty, swift thinking, cute outfit, and beautiful
hair, wonderful out going personality! I inspired them to-"
"Mina! This isn't about you!" Ray interrupted Mina's unusual
story,
"He wants to know about his sister and what she has to do with all this!"
Ray then smiled at Sammy was who looking extremely amused, "Wipe that
expression off your face! Good, now where should I begin? Oh,
(clearing throat)it all started when I happened to sort of hit Serena
with one of my charms. It was all just a mistake, that of course anyone
could have made, right? Well, so anyway...we had a argument after that
but 'I' quickly apologized-"
I cleared my throat.
"Okay, maybe not 'quickly'! But I did eventually!" Ray persuaded.
"Fine so I didn't apologize to the ditz! But she wasn't asking for it!"
Ray's voice started to rise.
"Ray calm down, this isn't a confession it's history," Lita scowled. Ray
took a deep breath before beginning again, "Well, now where was I? Oh yes.
Soon after we met I became Sailor Mars through the pressure of a battle. I
saved Sailor Moon from a terrible DEATH!
Being Sailor Mars was difficult at my young age! A lot of the
responsibility was placed upon me because of Serena's...immature
ways!"
"That will be enough, Ray. We're not telling this to tear down Serena."
I looked disapprovingly at Ray. Ray sat down looking disappointed.
"Great, my turn!" Lita jumped up this time, "I unlike 'Ray' am not going
to tear Serena down! It all started on the second time I met Serena. She
came up to me at lunch, unlike everybody else, and befriended me! I knew
she had to be special because of how sincere and how friendly she was. She
took me in to her circle of friends and taught me how to live! I became
Sailor Jupiter around
that time. When I found out, it was amazing! I felt like I had a reason to
live! It was amazing!" Lita sat down with a humbled expression.
"Now, to wrap it up." I continued, "I became Sailor Mercury, the first
to become befriended by Serena. Yes, Serena, Sailor Moon was rescued by all
of us: at one time or another, especially by Tuxedo Mask. But Serena has a
beautiful heart, loyalty to her friends, and dedication to the world!
I hope you know, Sammy, what a wonderful sister you have! She has gone out
many times to fight evil and has come out with too many near death
experiences!" I stopped there and looked Sammy in the eye.
"Thanks for the...entertaining story but as you could tell I haven't
bought one bit of it!" Sammy stood up, "When your ready to tell me what
'really' happened, call me."
"Wait! Sammy, what do we have to do to make you believe us?!" Mina had
jumped up.
"Bring my sister back." Sammy said simply, "If you 'are' a Sailor Scout
that is the least you can to do!"
"But we told you! She doesn't want to leave!" Mina protested.
"I'll see you guys around." Sammy left. He didn't look very happy. Maybe
he felt that we hadn't trusted him. When really we were putting all our
trust in him by confiding our secret!
Ray was right; we should have used the broomstick!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I stood in front of the full-length mirror that hung against the wall.
I had to admit I looked pretty good! The dress was white and full length
as it touched the floor. My hair was pulled up into its usual style with
tiny diamond looking clip berets clipped to my buns. I felt elegant!
I turned around three times before I was satisfied.
Someone, who I'm guessing was Darien, knocked on the door. I skipped to
the door and opened it. Darien was standing there dressed in a black tuxedo
and with a black sling holding his left arm up; he had one single red rose
in his pocket that created a majestic air. I smiled, "Lets eat!"
"Wha-oh, right!" his face flushed pink as if he had been caught at something.
He held out his arm and I took it graciously. I shut the door
behind us as we walked to the elevator. This was so weird! I am going
on a date with Darien! Well, not exactly a date but...still!
The doors flew open to the elevator and we glided in. Then, just before
the doors shut a man slipped in. At first I couldn't see who it was but
after getting a better look at him I realized it was the guy I met
earlier in the elevator! He turned and looked at me. He smiled, "Well,
hello to you again! We just keep meeting in the same place, don't we?"
I managed a smile, "Hello. Mmm, yes we do." I could feel Darien tense
up when he realized that I'd met the man before.
The man looked up at Darien, "And who might you be, another one
of her...protective friends?"
I wasn't facing Darien so I couldn't tell how he took that.
"I'm sure it doesn't matter to you. And if you would mind, we would like
to keep to ourselves." There was an edge to Darien's voice. I gulped.
This was not going well! Just then the elevator doors opened! We were
saved!
Darien led us over to the small fountain then turned me to face him,
"How do you know him?!"
"You don't have to get all excited! We met in the elevator. Philly was
there, my goodness, what is the matter with you?"
"I don't want you talking to anyone. We are on a mission here so don't
blow our cover!"
"I wasn't planning to! I was just being polite! I know what the stakes
are! I'm not just some little girl you're carrying around with you! I can
fight on my own if I have to! You don't have to defend me all the time!"
I whispered fiercely.
"I'm not worried about defending you! I'm worried about-oh, never mind!
You can be so stubborn!" Darien sighed them straitened himself,
"Let's go eat and we'll talk about this later." He took my arm and
started leading us to the resturant.
Darien could be such a jerk! Who does he think he is, telling me who to
talk to and who not to! I wish the situation could be turned around! He
wouldn't be in the least bit happy! Of course he probably wouldn't hang
around like I am. No, he would leave as soon as he could. Well, I'm
sticking around whether he likes it or not! Now, if I just had
my communicator...I bet Amy's got something...this is just so
unfair!
"Chiba? Oh, yes, of course! Right this way sir!" the man had a tux
on with a light blue flower in his pocket. He looked very eager to
please!
We followed him to a dark corner in the room. There sat a small round
table with two chairs. On top of the table was one single red rose and
two candles. The waiter pulled a chair out for me and I gratefully sat
down. When I gave him a smile he looked taken a back.
The waiter cleared his throat and gave his attention to Darien, "What
would you like to drink?"
"Um, two virgin Strawberry Dakories and ice water." Darien picked up
the menu that the waiter had placed in front of him.
"Very good, sir. I will return shortly for your orders!" the waiter
left leaving us alone.
"Have you been here before?" I asked him. I kind of wanted to know if
he had been to Tokyo more then once.
"No, but I've been to simuliar restaurants." He was still busy looking
at the menu.
I looked at the menu as well but didn't see anything that looked eatable.
I guess I'm going to let him order for me.
I looked around the room. There were several tables that circled around
the room, leaving space for a dancing floor. Many people were already
out dancing to a tune that I didn't recognize. The music was soft and
soothing.
"Did you come to these...restaurants alone?" The thought of Darien
dating several women was disturbing.
"No."
Now I felt crushed, "Why?" Oh, my gosh! Did I just say that?! Now what
is he going to think?
"We meet at restaurants to talk about our plans." He set his menu down,
"Did you find anything?"
He's getting married?! Of course he is! With his looks, why not? Goodness,
I can't believe you thought he was single! You are such an airhead,
Serena!
I let my heart sink even lower. This whole time...I
thought...
"Serena?" Darien waved his hand in front of my face.
"Huh?"
"I asked if you found what you wanted, yet. Are you okay?"
"Um, ya...I mean... I'm okay. But no, I didn't order." I looked
down at my menu, trying to hide my embarrassment, "None of this
looks eatable or familiar!"
He chuckled, "Well, number 17 is good, why don't you try that?"
I tried to read the title but there was no way I could figure out
what that said, "I guess I'm going to have to trust you on this...
because I have no idea what that is!"
"It's chicken and rice with lots of spice!" he took both menus and
placed them at the side of the table. A few minutes later the waiter
came back, "Have you decided?"
"One 17 and one 47, and could we have some rolls before that?" Darien
asked.
"Of course, sir." The waiter left again only to come back two minutes
later with sweet rolls!
While I ate the bread I took a closer look at the room. Everyone
seemed to either be in couples or in large groups. The couples were in
small corners, cuddled up together looking very romantic! The rest of
them were on the dance floor, dancing to an upbeat song.
There were also several waiters severing food, drinks or taking orders.
Just then I saw that man again, the one that was in the elevator with us.
He was on the far side of the room talking to a waiter. He was alone.
That's funny, wonder why he's alone. Maybe he's meeting someone here. Then
sure enough two men came in and were seated with him. One was tall and
sickly looking with light blonde hair; he looked almost bald, the other
was short and fat with unnatural olive skin and thick black hair. They
both looked quite out of place with the elevator mans strong build, thick
dark brown-hair and healthy tan skin.
The two men started looking at the menus while still talking to the
elevator man. It looked like a business meeting.
"-getting here late tonight. Maybe around twelve so try to stay out of the
way. We're probably going to be up all night. You might want to get
some sleep...Serena are you listening to me?"
I snapped out of it, "Sorry. You said something about sleeping?"
"Serena..."
"I said I was sorry. I promise to stay out of the way but I still
want to listen to your plan!" I said seriously. I wasn't going to be
left out...again!
"Serena, we already talked about this! You have to stay out of the way...
this isn't a Sailor V game!" Darien's voice was full of sarcasm.
My mouth dropped open, "You think...that I think...this is a...a game?!"
I whispered harshly as I leaned in over the table.
"Sere-"
"Look I don't know what is going on...but I want to help! Even Philly agrees
you can't do this on your own!"
"What has she been saying to you? I can do this-"
"I don't want to argue right now! I just want you to understand me. Is that
too much to ask?" I glared at him. He sighed then pulled his fingers through
his hair, "You can be so tiring."
"If you let me-" I broke off when the waiter came back with a tray full
of wonderful looking food.
"Your plate, milady." He smiled as he placed it in front of me, "And you,
sir!" he placed the other plate in front of Darien, "Will there be
anything else?"
"No thank you, that will be all for now." Darien managed to smile.
The man bowed and left us.
"Darien, I can help-"
"Serena, this isn't the time or place to discuss this!" he stated clearly
that that was that! I sighed and looked down at my dinner for the first
time.
It was chicken with a sort of spicy gravy on top and on the side was a
pile of white rice with chopped up carrots, mushrooms, celery, and broccoli
and collie flower. Mmm, this does look good! I picked up my fork and took
a bite. The food could have melted in my mouth. I have to admit, Darien
does have good tastes!
When we finished eating dinner Darien ordered some desert, another thing
I couldn't read.
I stared at the people dancing. I wish I could dance..."What are you
thinking about, Serena?" I turned to Darien and he smiled.
I shrugged my shoulders, "Nothing."
"Do you want to dance?" he asked. I swallowed, "Well, maybe I was
thinking about something..."
"What?"
"I can't dance." I stated. This was so humiliating! Why does Darien have
to know that? He is going to annoy me about this for-
"Is that all?" Darien smiled, "Come on, it's not hard." He held out a
hand for me to take. The last thing I thought before I took it was that
I was going to regret this!
He stopped us at the edge of the crowd, "We're going to do this a
little differently."
I smiled. He could only use one arm. I put both hands on his shoulders while
he put his one arm around my waist.
Darien leaned down to whisper in my ear. He smelled like roses...he
always smells like roses! I felt my heart flutter as he came closer.
"Now, right foot forward...good...then left foot to the side...
no...
like this...good!" Darien instructed me. I felt like all eyes were on me
but when I looked up no one was even paying attention. They were all in
their own world. I looked back down trying to concentrate on my steps.
I didn't want to step on Darien's feet.
"It's better if you're 'not' staring at your feet." I looked up and saw
him smiling. "Oh, right." I kept my head op for the rest of the song but
I was so worried about stepping on his feet I didn't even hear the song.
Everyone started clapping when the song ended. And I was eager to sit
down. Maybe our desert is there! However, Darien seemed to have other
ideas.
"One more song then we'll go eat." He announced. I nodded then stepped
close to him again, placing my hands on his shoulders. This time I could
hear the music, it sounded familiar but I couldn't place it. Where have I
heard this? The melody ended and the words began...
Ev - 'ry night in my dreams...
I see you, I feel you,
That is how I know you go on...
Far across the distance and
Spaces between us
You have come to show you go on...
Near..., far..., wher- ever you are,
I believe that the heart does go on...
Once... more you open the door
And you're here in my heart, and
My heart will go on and on...
Love can touch us one time and
Last for a life time and
Nev-er let go till we're gone...
Love was when I loved you;
One true time I hold... to.
In my life we'll al-ways go on...
The words swirled around me and I remembered where I heard it. I was
talking to Darien outside the night before him and Andrew was to go to
war. Andrew invited us in for some hot cocoa or a shake...I was sitting
in one of the booths by myself while staring at Darien's back. He was sitting
on a stool at the counter talking to Andrew. I remember Darien saying
something about...missing Tokyo.
This same song was playing on the radio from an America. I was
crying...
silently for...the first time...
You're... here..., there's noth - ing I fear...
And I know that my heart will go on...
We'll... stay... for ev-er this way.
You are safe in my heart, and
My heart will go on... and...on.
I couldn't help feeling a little depressed at the memory. We had
made it into the middle of the dance floor. People surrounded us on
all sides. The song ended slowly as if giving me time...just a little
more time to be this near to his heart.
The song ended and we slowly pulled apart. I felt like I was in some
kind of dream that ended too soon.
Darien, keeping his arm around my waist led me back to the table. I
sat down than looked around. There are even more people then there was
a few minutes ago. Must be getting late.
I wonder what Phil-
I took an intake of breath when I saw the elevator man watching me. I
quickly looked away to find myself staring at a plate of Strawberry Cheese
Cake, topped with whip cream. I licked my lips. Mmm, and I thought that
dinner looked good! I took a bite and looked up to see Darien staring at
me. I blushed, "What?"
He cleared his throat, "Nothing, is it good?"
I nodded, "You should try it." I said indicating his own plate of
Strawberry Cheese Cake.
We ate in silence after that. Meanwhile, I kept glancing at the
elevator man from the corner of my eye. He was still staring at me.
Gosh, the things guys do! When I was finished I sat back and sighed,
"Thanks, Darien! That was really...really good!"
He smiled, "Sounds like you've never been here before."
"Why would I? I live here. I don't need to spend the night at a hotel."
I stated.
"People still come here even though they don't use the hotel services.
If he hasn't taken you here, where else does he?" he asked.
"He? You mean a boyfriend? I don't even date!" Oh, please shoot me now
and get it over with! Did I just say that! Why couldn't you have just
said you don't have a boyfriend...?! You are such a...a...-
Where there was a look of surprise there was hope. Was I seeing this
right?
"Here is your bill, sir." The waiter had come back. He smiled happily
when he saw what must be his tip in the bill, "Have a goodnight, sir."
The man bowed and walked away.
Darien must have spent a lot of money for this dinner. I wonder how much
money he's made a year so far. Probably a lot since it's so secret!
"Let's go." Darien put his wallet back in his suit pocket. I wonder where
he put my communicator. I bet you its just laying around in his room somewhere
...no consideration at all!
We stopped in front of the elevator and waited. I still feel like I'm
being watched! I looked around but didn't see anyone. This is sooo weird!
I can't wait to get back to the room...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To Be Continued...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter: Five
Author: Marie J.W.
Rated: PG
E-mail: mariejwchan@yahoo.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mina found the guys sitting at the round table. The blonde was looking
through his backpack while the dark haired guy was staring at some girl
across the room, and it wasn't Mina.
Mina walked up to the guys; we followed at a distance. "Hello! Can we
join you?" Mina smiled brightly at the two men. The blonde looked up at
the sound of her voice. As soon as he saw her he seemed to lose his balance
but quickly steadied himself.
The blonde cleared his throat while the dark haired guy rolled his eyes at
his friend. "Um, sure!" said the Blonde.
"Oh, thanks!" Mina sat down and motioned for us to do like-wise, "Have you
been here before?"
"No, we're just passing through. But we are staying here for a while."
Informed the blonde. The other guy didn't seem to want to talk to strangers,
and that was fine-by-me! We all sat down, Mina was sitting by the blonde
and
Amy was by the dark haired guy. Ray and I sat in between the two, with me
by Mina.
"So, what is your name?" the blonde asked.
Mina gasped, "Oh, I'm sorry! My names Mina! And these are my friends, Lita,
Ray, and Amy." The blonde nodded, "Nice to meet you. I'm J.T. and this here
is L.L."
Strange names! Sounds more like initials.
"Wow, so are you brothers or something?" Mina asked.
"No, co-workers." J.T. replied.
"Oh! What do you do?" Mina smiled and scooted a little closer. J.T. backed
away a little, a look of discomfort crossed his features. What's the matter
with him? L.L glared at Mina and stiffened. Something is going on...
"Um, well...we are um..." J.T stuttered.
Mina giggled, "You can't remember? That's okay I often forget the
smallest things! Like I miss placed my brush this morning! I couldn't
find it anywhere but I guess I left in the kitchen because I found it on
the table!"
J.T. and L.L. sighed in relief. Something is going on. I turned toward
L.L, "So, you're not saying much! Where do you come from?"
"You learn more when you keep your mouth shut. And we don't come
from anywhere." He finished then turned his head and ignored me. I don't
think so! We are going to get to the bottom of this!
"Must be a distant place to be called nowhere. I'd say two guys wearing
all black and saying they're from nowhere looks pretty suspicious to me."
I asked; so sue me, I had to be bold! The man looked annoyed, he sat
completely still not saying a word. His jaw was clenched in an unnatural
manor. J.T. looked nervous as he looked from his friend to me then back
again. He was probably wondering
what his friend was going to do.
"Lita, what is the matter with you? These nice young men let us sit at
their table and you get all paranoid!" Mina's voice sounded in my ear but
I really wasn't listening. L.L. was glaring at me, telling me to back off.
But there was something about this guy that looked familiar. Something
Serena had said...something of small detail. These guys were wearing
'all' black, from their shirt to they're shoes.
Serena had said that they had dressed in black for camouflage or some
thing. Now, the big question was, are these guys a part of Darien's service?
Ray started to shake me, "Get a hold of yourself, Lita! Or I'll make you!"
I realized that my fist was clenched as if getting ready to knock him out.
I loosened my hand and finally looked away from him to Ray. Ray sighed in
relief, "I thought we lost you there! What's the matter?" I could see concern
in her eyes. What had I done to make her so worried?
Mina cleared her throat and tried to make a joke of the tense
situation,
"She gets like that sometimes! Just ignore her." J.T. nodded slowly
before looking at his friend. L.L. kept looking at me with cold eyes.
I could tell that he knew I knew something, and that he knew that I
knew that he knew that I knew something. Very complicated but it's true.
He looked like he wanted to question me on what I knew about what he
knew. Although I'm not sure what he knows nor am I sure what I know but
I know that this was getting way to deep for me for the moment! I cleared
my throat and excused myself. I went to the ladies-room and stared at
myself in the mirror, "Something about that guy!" I glared at my image
then took a deep breath and closed my eyes. All this pressure was getting
to me! Maybe Mina was right. Maybe I am paranoid! Or maybe that guy does
know something, something that I need to know. Something that could help
Serena...this is all too confusing! I need to get some more rest!
I left the restroom and found my friends still at the table. The conversation
was more relaxed and they were talking about jewelry. As I sat down
I could feel L.L's eye on me.
Mina went on, "And they are so expense!"
"Not compared to other diamonds! There are several different kinds that
many have never heard of. There's the Holashas, Pinature, oh, and the
Catromo!"
"I've heard of the first two but I don't recall there being a Diamond
called Catromo." Amy informed.
I then realized upon looking at L.L. that he was tense and J.T. had
gone totally white.
"What's the matter?" I asked.
But before J.T. could say a word L.L. practically jumped out of his chair
and picked up his buddy by the collar. He pulled him out of his chair
and dragged him out the front door. We sat there stunned! What had
just happened?
It had something to do with the diamond that he mentioned? I shook my
head. These guys are way too confusing!
"Um, maybe he's a little 'too' wound up!" Mina giggled to try to make
light of the strange situation. No body bought it.
"Is it just me or is Mr. And Mr. Black a little on edge?" Ray stared at
the cup in front of her. She suddenly looked up, "I think we should go!"
"What why?! We just got here!" Mina protested. Amy was already getting
out of her chair and so was Ray. Ray had that look in her eyes...I knew
when she said 'get out' she meant 'get out'! I grabbed Mina by her arm
and we practically ran out of the building. It was just in time, for as
soon as we stepped out of the restaurant the back of the place burst
into flames!
Mina gulped, "Wasn't that where we were sitting a second ago?"
Exactly! I nodded and Mina looked like she was going to faint. Amy
tightened her hold on her books and Ray looked around the streets for
the two men. People were running out of the building and shouting
'Fire...Fire...Fire!' to everyone. Several people pulled over to see what
the commotion was all about.
"I think that friend of L.L.'s was giving away information that they
obviously didn't want us to know about!" I stated.
"What are you talking about?" Ray asked.
"We know something that they don't want us to know. Otherwise they wouldn't
try to kill us."
Mina swallowed hard, "Let's just get something to eat at your place,
Lita."
Something was going on! And they know all about it! We all turned
around and headed to my place. Hopefully we wouldn't be followed!
As we turned to go home I could hear the sound of fire-truck sirens
behind us.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Do you have a boyfriend?" I asked Philly. She looked at me but didn't
say anything. We were eating lunch on the bed; it consisted of barbeque
chicken and potatoes. If my Mother were alive she would kill us!
"Do you want to talk about it?" I could tell that something must have
happened or else she would just shrug it off. A time past before she
said anything.
"He died in the war." She stated. My heart immediately went out to her.
I kind of knew what that felt like! "You really must of loved him! How did
you meet?"
She cleared her throat, "We met in a little restaurant. I went there every
week for lunch. I saw him there all the time but we just never spoke to
each other. Then one day he just came over and asked if he could have lunch
with me. After that we went on dates and got to know each other. He was
sweet and caring, he had lots of friends! He was working to be a police
officer; he was always going through some kind of training!
"Two weeks before the war started he asked me to marry him. We had the
wedding all planned out. But then he was called off to war. I cried and he
tried to comfort me but in a way I knew he wasn't going to come back!"
"We shared one last kiss before he left. It was so beautiful out! The
stars were so bright; you could see every single one of them! He promised
that he would come back and that we would get married! He was so sweet he
stayed there standing beside me as long as he could but then he had to go.
The last moment I saw him was waving goodbye before he boarded the plane.
He smiled and waved but I saw one tear slide down his cheek! I couldn't
stand it anymore and ran after the plane!
I wanted to go with him! But he left...he left...forever!" Philly was then
very quiet. She had fresh tears streaming down her face as she stared at
her hands. A tear fell onto my arm; I didn't even know I had been crying!
I slid over to her and gathered her in my arms. She cried, sobbing onto
my shoulder! I cried silent tears as well.
After quite a few minutes passed she sat back away from me, "I'm sorry to
break down like that! I just have never told anyone else that
story before...and... I just..."
"I know...don't worry about it! I had to have a shoulder to cry on as
well. You're no different. We all need to let it out sometime." I wiped
the tears from my face. She just looked at me, "You must have been
through a lot. Did something happen to..." She drifted off.
"My parents died and...I thought Darien died..."
"I'm so sorry about your parents, mine died in the war as well!" She
sniffed. I gave her a sad smile, "It's okay I've already cried it all
out and I'm sorry that you had to lose both!"
"What do you mean about thinking D.C. dying? Didn't anyone tell you he
was alive?" she asked.
"No, they told me he was dead! They even had a burial service for him."
I frowned and shook my head, "And the whole time I was visiting him!"
"You must care for him a lot...?" Philly asked, I could tell she wasn't
sure how to ask it I loved him or not.
"Ya, I do care for him," I wasn't going to tell her all so I just smiled,
"but don't tell him that!"
She laughed but then she turned quiet then serious once again, "Thanks but
I need to get back to work."
I nodded and picked up the lunch, "I'll see you in a little while. I think
I'm going to take a nap."
She nodded and started pulling papers together. I went into the living
room making sure to shut the door firmly behind me. I put the stuff on
the coffee table and sat down on the couch. I pulled my communicator out
but then I heard the doorknob turn. I quickly slipped it back into my
pocket, just in time before Darien walked in. He looked surprised to see
me there. I don't know why, where would I go?
"Hi. Where's Phillip?" He asked. "She's in the bedroom studying some
papers." I put on a look of disgust. I hated to study!
He smiled but didn't say anything; instead he went into the small kitchen
and filled himself a glass of water.
I was tired so I layed across the couch and pulled a throw blanket over me.
Using my arms for a pillow I closed my eyes. I heard Darien shuffle around
a bit before I slowly fell into darkness...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Didn't you notice how they were acting?" Lita asked me with annoyance.
What was she talking about? I don't remember anything strange about them
till they almost killed us!
"I have no idea what your talking about, Lita!" I said frustrated. We had
gone over this subject too many times!
"Mina, you're NOT listening to me! Those guys said something...about
crystals and...and something else!" Lita yelled. I covered my ears.
"So, what do you suppose we do with the so called 'information'!?" I
asked.
Lita sighed then smiled, "Amy is going to take care of that!"
"Huh?" Amy asked. She had been studying a book when Lita said her
name.
"What do you want me to do?" asked Amy after she had put the book down.
Lita put her face in her hands and mumbled, "This is going to be a
looong day!!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sammy,
What do you mean you lost your sister?! You had better search high and
low for her or XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX (the rest of the...threat
was scribbled out with red lipstick.)
Sammy, just find your sister! There is trouble and I don't want her in
the middle of it! I would tell you more about it but it's just too important
to tell! Your Mother is worried and she practically fainted when I told
her, I'll try to keep her hopes up! But I need you out there looking for
your sister! You can't let anything happen to her!!
We love you and know you can do anything!
Love Your,
Father
I looked at the letter twice. Dad was worried and mad at the same time!
Mother was probably sick to the bone. I wish they would just come home
then maybe we could all find Serena.
Serena's friends are having a meeting. There still haven't been any
calls on the flyers but we're still hoping! Oh, and that's another thing!
The girls, Serena's friends, are acting a little weird! They're not as
worried as they used to be! I saw them yesterday at the temple; they were
all snacking and joking around. How can they just do that when they're
best friend is missing. I didn't say anything about it but it worries me
a lot! That's not natural, is it?
I picked up my sleeping bag and started for the door. I am spending the
night at Joe's house, it gets too creepy in this house when your by yourself!
And it just reminds me more-and-more of how much the house 'is' empty!
I shut the door behind me. Please, Serena be okay!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It was cold and I was shivering! I couldn't tell if I was awake or not, it
felt almost in between! I went to pull the blanket closer around me but
it wasn't there. My eyes opened wide to see Darien standing in front of
the bedroom door. He was saying something. I looked down and picked up
the blanket. Why is it so cold in here?! I stood up and went over to stand beside Darien.
"-need to get out. And I'm sure your starting to feel trap in! What do
you think, Phillip?"
I had no idea what he was talking about! Go where? "Darien, what's going
on?" My voice was a little sleepy still.
Darien smiled, "How about going out for dinner tonight?" My eyes
widened, "Really? You mean we can go out? Where?" the questions popped
out. "To the restaurant down stairs! You'll have to change though." He
looked me up and down. I blushed. Philly was standing in the bedroom with
some files in her hand. Mmm, I wonder if I could-
Philly crossed the room and put the files in a metal brief case and
quickly locked in shut! -Nope, I guess not! When am I ever going to figure
this all out! I need to talk to Amy and see if she's got anything!
"So, what do you say, Meatball head?" he teased. I glared at him and
shrugged, "Sounds good to me! But...um...where do we get a dress?"
He laughed, "I'll have I.T. come up with something!"
"Who is I.T. anyway?" I asked. "She's K.T.'s wife. She just makes sure
the operation goes smoothly and that we don't run into too many problems!"
he informed.
"Have you met her before?" I asked. "Once, she's really nice. She can be
bossy through!"
I smiled, satisfied. Darien walked over to the phone and made a phone call
with is free hand. I walked back into the living room with Philly. "How
come it's
so cold?"
"Oh, sorry! I turned up the air conditioning!" she went over and turned it
down.
"Philly, what does a girl do when she doesn't know how to dance?"
I asked.
She looked at me confused.
"There is dancing there, isn't there?" I asked. She nodded,
"Sure, are you planning on dancing?"
"Sure, I guess." She shrugged her shoulders, "Beats me! I don't know to
dance
either!" We both laughed and sat down on the couch.
"All set! I.T. is going to make sure we having everything we need for
tonight!" Darien came in and leaned against the wall. I smiled at him.
Like I said, 'He can be nice.'
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Do you think Serena will mind if we just say 'hi'?" I asked Lita. We were
all sitting in Lita's living room while Amy was typing stuff into her
computer. I had my communicator in my hand. I was very tempted to push
the button!
"Mina, that's not the greatest idea! What if Serena is with someone?"
Lita asked me. "But what if she's not? I want to tell her about our near
death experience!"
"Mina!"
"Fine." I put the communicator down. Lita got up and left the room to
bake something. Ray disappeared down the hall and Amy was too busy in
her computer to notice. Hehe, just to say 'hi' that's all! I picked up
the communicator once again and pushed the button-
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Darien! I was not going to eat that all myself! I was going to share it
with Mina!" I protested. Darien was making false accusations. "Right,
Meatball head, keep telling your self that!" he teased. "Ohhh!" I was
getting annoyed with how immature he was being!
Meanwhile, Philly was watching this whole thing with amusement. She had
never seen Darien worked up about a girl enough to tease her. It was very
funny!
"Darien, can't you go do something worth while?!" I growled. He shook his
head, "Hey, it's been years since I teased you! I got to make up for all
the time lost!"
I looked at Philly for help but she only smiled and shrugged her
shoulders.
"Fine! But two can play that game!" I smiled and was about to say
something as a come back but-
"BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!" that sound came from my back pocket. It was
my communicator! Oh, no! Not now!
Darien and Philly looked at me. "What is that sound?" Philly asked.
"How...ho...how should I know?" I stuttered. "Because it's coming from
your pocket." She stated. I thought I was going to die! This was not
happening!
"Hehe, well um...it's just a...ah, beeper!" I pushed myself back up
against the couch.
"Give it to me, Serena." I looked up at Darien. He didn't look happy;
his face was hard while he held out his right hand for the device. I
gulped hard. I knew I wasn't getting out of this! I pulled it out and
gave the pink thing to Darien. He looked at the back then the front. I'm
sure he was wondering what all those buttons were for. The communicator
was still going off. I wish who ever that is would stop it!
"This doesn't look like a beeper." Darien stated; then he said under his breath,
"It looks familiar..."
I didn't see how it would look familiar because I had never shown it to
him or had taken it out around him. The only other 'guy' that had maybe
seen it was Tuxedo Mask.
"Where did you get this?" he asked. I shrugged my shoulders. "A friend
gave it to me. I have no idea where it came from." Well, it wasn't a
lie.
He didn't seem satisfied.
"What friend?" he asked.
"I don't see how that matters!" This was getting stupid. Why was he getting
all tense about a little device?
"D.C., does this have something to do with-" Darien shot Philly a look that
obviously stopped her dead in her tracks.
"Something, yes. Serena, you know about the Sailor Scouts, don't you?"
Darien looked strait at me. What does he know? And why is he staring at me
like that?
I cleared my throat, "Sure. Why?"
The beeper 'finally' went off and if was quiet once again.
"Have you ever seen them carry anything like this around?"
"Maybe, why? You think that they carry around beepers?" It was a dumb
question but I meant it to be that way.
"No, I mean..." Darien sighed, "Never mind."
"Can I have it back?" I asked. He looked at me then the communicator in
his hand.
"No, I think I'm going to keep this. I wouldn't want you to be tempted
to call someone."
"But-"
Darien put the communicator in his shirt pocket. This was 'not' good;
this was defiantly 'not' good! How are the scouts going to know that I
can't answer it?!
"Darien, I 'really' need that!" Even I could hear the nervousness in my
voice.
He cocked his eyebrow up, "Why? You're not calling anyone."
"I know, but I 'really' need it! Please..." I knew he wasn't going to give
it back and soon felt a load crash down on my shoulders! Looks like if I'm
going to get it back I'm going to have to get it the hard way. By being
sneaky!
I sighed, "Fine. Keep it but I get it back when this is all over?
Kay?"
"Sure thing. Now, you two stay here while I go get the formal wear."
Darien walked to the door and left. My life was definately going down the
tube!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Lita, this stupid thing doesn't work!" Mina yelled at me. What was she
talking about? I put a little more seasoning into the spaghetti...then
wamb! Realization hit me! I ended up pouring the whole bottle of seasoning
into the sauce.
"Mina!" I ran into the living room to find Mina hitting her orange
communicator on the carpet floor, "You didn't call Serena, did you?"
"Well, sort of. It didn't work! It rang and it rang and it rang..."
"Mina are you nuts! It works! I bet you anything Darien or something else
took it from her!" I sank to the floor, "There goes our communication,
there goes our identity; there goes the whole plan right down the
drain!"
Mina looked guiltily down at the device! "Ouch, that hurt!"
"-and there goes our dinner!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I was sitting depressed on the couch with the blanket still around me
when a knock came at the door. Philly was in the restroom so I didn't know
if I should answer it. I got up and looked through the little peep hole
in the door and saw two men in black. Both were tall, one blonde while the
other had dark hair (sound familiar?). They looked like they were apart of
what ever Darien was doing so I opened the door. They looked surprised to
see me! "Hi! Can I help
you?"
"Um, I think we got the wrong number." Said the blonde. I shook my head,
"Ah, your with D.C. and Phillip right?" I decided to use their code names.
"Ya, is one of them here?" The blonde asked. "Yep, but she's occupied right
now. But you can come in." I opened the door wider for them.
They walked in and stood in front of the doorway. I went back over by the
couch but didn't sit down. "So, what's your code names?" the men looked at
each other.
"J.T. and this is L.L." J.T. introduced his partner.
I smiled, "I'm Serena."
J.T. looked at me confused, "You don't have a code name?"
"I'm not a part of this scheme, I was kidnapped! Want some hot cocoa?" I
started walking toward the kitchen. Both men had a look of shock on their
faces. It was very funny!
"Uh, no thanks but, um...don't get me wrong but you look happy about
this!" J.T. said referring to me being kidnapped.
"Well, I'm a friend of Dar...D.C's, sort of..." I poured myself some hot
cocoa, "I'm originally from a small part of Tokyo in Juuban."
J.T. smiled, "We just came from there! We meet some girls about your age
there two. Strange group!"
"Oh, really! Maybe I know them!" L.L. looked over the suite, "I doubt
that."
"Try me!" I asked.
J.T. looked willing to give some info, "I don't remember all they're names.
But one was reading the whole time, another was glaring at L.L here, it was
kind of a weird situation, then there was some girl with black hair. Then
there was this beautiiful blonde girl! But I can't remember
they're names...something like Sina, Nina, oh...I don't know."
It sounded a lot like the scouts! Could it really be them? No, way! This
is so cool!
"Let me guess!" I smiled brightly, "Amy, Lita, Ray, and Mina. That last
ones your blonde!"
L.L. glared at me, "How do you know them?"
"They're my best friends! They know I'm gone...I bet they're out there
looking all over for me!"
"Well, they don't have to worry about you anymore, they're terminated!"
he sat down on the couch. Killed? I had to laugh! "No way!"
"You doubt me?" L.L. asked.
I lifted my eyebrow, "How did you do it?"
"We blew up the back of the restaurant, they were getting too close to
our secret."
I smiled, "That's Lita for ya, but that was mean to try to kill them.
And I can't believe you think they're dead." I knew the scouts too well!
They wouldn't just die on me like that! They could have gotten out of
there before it happened. They had to have!
"Try to convince yourself that girly!" L.L. glared at me, then looked at
his friend, "Even J.T. here saw it."
J.T. nodded, "Sure did. Awfully sorry they got killed. If there was any
other way..."
I walked up to him and put my hand on his shoulder, "It's okay." Just
then Philly came out, "What's going on?"
"These guys came to see you!" I smiled and backed away. Philly nodded.
The door opened once again and Darien came through with the formal wear
in his hand, "Good you're here." They all went into the bedroom. "Well!
That was nice! They just leave me out here to be bored!" I walked over to
the door and pressed my ear to it.
"watching...peace...little do they know...(some swearing)...leave her...
not yet...full attack...need help..." I couldn't tell what was happening
but they were talking about something important. I really wish I had
my communicator! The scouts and I could be having a meeting of our
own! Unless...I gulped...something did happen to them. Think
positive!
I went and sat back onto the couch and turned the TV on. This is
boring...!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We were all following Amy through the library as she picked out books.
It has been nearly an hour already and SILL Amy hasn't found what she
wants.
"Ray, are you even listening to me?" Mina whispered fiercely into my
ear. I looked at her surprised, "Sorry, I had my mind on...other things.
Was it important?"
Mina glared at me, "No. But at least I would have felt wanted if you
were listening!"
I gave Mina an apologetic smile, "Sorry..."
"This should have it!" Amy smiled then walked toward the nearest table.
We all sat down and waited as she flew through the pages.
"Do you think this is going to help any?" Mina whispered. We all just
shrugged our shoulders while still watching Amy. Amy can take forever to
find something; but at least she can find it! If it were I, I wouldn't
have the slightest clue on where to look. Amy is very good on looking
up historic stuff like Diamonds.
I straitened my skirt and looked back at Amy who was too involved in
her book to notice. Amy sure has dedication!
"- came from Czechoslovakia, Carpathian Mountains near Slovakia. St.
Stephen, who was crowned by the Pope, and his men were looking for some
soldiers that were stationed at Carpathian lookout. It was then that they
found a diamond as big as a fist but in the shape of a whale at one of
they're resting points. The King took care of his soldiers.
When he arrived at his castle he immediately had men place his new found
treasure, the Catromo Diamond; as he now named it, in his safe that was
stationed far under the castle." Amy finished with a sigh.
"Wow! So...um, where is Czec...olvo-ockona or whatever you said?" Mina
asked.
"It's Czechoslovakia and its between Europe and Asia." Amy smiled.
"Does this 'help' us though? Because I don't see-"
"Of course it helps! The Catromo is a 'very' valuable diamond! It's
worth billions; if anyone got a hold of it they would be well off. But
the only thing I would want to know is 'why' would anyone want to buy or
sale it." Amy shut the book and piled it on two others.
"It would have to be for greed or power or money!" Mina twisted her
hair between her fingers.
"Yes, but we're talking about Serena and this 'unknown' source that's
up against them. What would 'they' want with the Diamond? It can't 'just'
be for money, there has to be something much bigger involved." Amy started
to get up, "We better go to the Temple."
I nodded and got up myself.
"Can we check out that book?" Lita asked Amy as we started for the door.
"It's reference; they won't let you check out those!" Mina replied.
"How do you know?" Lita asked.
Mina blushed, "Because I tried to check out ten reference books for my
history exam."
Lita laughed just as the librarian came around the corner. "Shhhhhhhh!"
the librarian shook her head.
Lita just smiled and pushed us all, quickly, out the door.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I wonder if I'm coming here at a bad time. I looked at my watch; it
was around six. I walked up the many steps that lead to the Temple. I
was sure the girls were here; Serena is always saying she needs to meet
her friends at the 'Temple'.
After what seemed like forever I made it up the steps. The yard was
beautiful as it was full of green grass and cherry trees.
When I got to the door I wondered if I should knock or what... I better
knock.
It took awhile for anyone to answer the door so I just stood there, for a
long time! Finally the door swung open.
"Please don't hurt me, Lita! I promise never to mess with your cook-" Chad
went out the door before it even opened all the way. I quickly moved out of
the way.
Chad had run across the yard and down the steps before I could even
say anything. I looked back at the open door, "Um, hello?"
"Chad, you left the door open!" Ray yelled at the door. Ray appeared and
looked surprised to see me here.
"Hi! Come in. You want something to eat?" Ray motioned for me to follow
so I just nodded and stepped in. I followed her into the dinner room where
all the girls were sitting.
"Look who I found." Ray smiled at her friends as they looked up. "Hey,
Sammy! What's up?" Lita asked.
"Um, just thought I would come by and ask if there's been any phone calls."
I half smiled. They looked at each other with guilty looks.
"Are you guys not telling me something?" I asked.
"Well, there hasn't been any calls... but we're still hoping! I'm sure
Serena will show up sometime." Lita tried to affirm. Something was going
on...I couldn't put my finger on it but-
"We're having Fried Rice and Chicken! Want some?" Mina asked as she stuffed
a big piece of chicken in her mouth. "Sure." I sat down as Ray served me a
plate.
"I'm sure your worried about Serena and everything. But try not to worry
too much! Serena said she would be back in no time!" Mina chirped. Did I
hear her right? Did she just say...?
"So, you talked to her!" I pounced. Mina turned white while the other
girls glared at her. I knew something was going on!
"Where is she?!" I practically screamed.
"What are you talking about? We just said we didn't know!" Mina tried to
cover. "You said you talked to her! Now, I don't know what's going on
but if I have
to-!"
"Calm down, Sam! We get your point!" Ray snapped.
I looked at Mina, Lita, Amy then Ray. They were all looking at each other
as if asking for permission.
Amy sighed, "We might as well tell him as much as we 'can'."
Ray nodded, "Okay."
I started to calm down and to start breathing again.
"Serena is staying at a hotel...with some...friends." Ray smiled,
"Well?"
I didn't know what to say. My sister is staying at a hotel with
friends...? That's ridiculous! She would have called me!
"If...what you're saying is true...then why-didn't-she-call?" I
was hurt and mad at the same time. My own sister hadn't called!
"Sammy, she can't call you. You see; her friends are messed up in
some kind of business. And they won't let her call." Lita fumbled
with her fork.
"Then how did she contact you?" I asked. Silence.
I was inpatient with all this beating around the bush!!! "HOW, WHEN
AND WHERE?!"
They all were shocked by my outrage!
"Sammy...we...just can't tell...you!" Mina looked like she was about to
cry!
My heart softened a little. I knew Serena must be in deep trouble, exactly
how deep though?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I heard a click as the door opened. "I told you Lanson, No! This isn't
about your title! It's about saving lives!"
"You keep thinking that way, D.C. and your not going to get anywhere!
There's a reason for bad guys and that's to prove there are 'better' guys
out there. And I'm going to prove I'm one of them!"
The door opened all the way so I could see Darien holding the doorknob.
He didn't look happy!
"I don't care how you see things but as long as you get things done! I
want that code!" Darien turned and walked out of the room to see me
sitting there, staring at him. At first he looked at me like he didn't
know what to say then he walked right past me taking his suit with him.
"Get dressed. We'll eat in an half an hour." He shut the door firmly
behind him.
I looked back to see L.L. now known as Lanson, then J.T. and Philly
who were coming out of the room. The two men didn't so much as glance
at me as they went to the door, opened it and shut it behind them.
A different feeling hung thick in the air.
"Philly, what was that all about?"
"None of your business, pretty lady. It's just an old fight between
D.C. and L.L. that's all." Philly picked up one of the dresses and
held it out for me to take, "You better get dressed."
"What about you?"
"I'm not going. I have a new assignment." I took the dress and Philly
left the hotel room without another word.
I swallowed; I needed a drink.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ami's POV
"-Your what?"
"The scouts."
Sammy raised an eyebrow, "You went to girls scouts?"
"No, not girl scouts; we're the Sailor Scouts! How deaf are you?" Ray's
annoyed voice replied.
Sammy broke out laughing, "Sailor Scouts?! That's even more unbelievable!
I know you like to get attention but this is ridiculous!"
"Sammy, please stop laughing and listen. We're very serious! You asked
how we talked to Serena. We haven't even begun to explain!" I said
most seriously.
"Amy, you can't say it like that you have to hit him over the head! Men
are too dull headed to get it, it takes a 'little' more pressure to the
head!" Ray smirked when she saw the look on Sammy's face as he stopped
laughing.
"Listen...girls, I can understand if your just trying to keep my sister
safe but I promise I won't tell a soul!" Sammy smiled.
We all exchanged looks. Sammy just didn't understand. Maybe Ray 'was'
right about the broomstick thing.
I took a deep intake of breath, "Sammy, I would hate to put Ray after you
so could you just sit, be quite and listen, for just one minute? I'm sure
the other girls would really appreciate it!"
Sammy looked surprised at how serious I was being. Being calm does have
its advantages!
"Okay, but when your done I want the 'real' story!"
I shook my head, "Think whatever you want but try to be open minded."
"Sure."
"I get to start!" Mina jumped up, "It all started when I was thirteen! I
was such a small, young girl! Then one day a pretty white cat came to
my doorstep! I had pity on him 'immediately' and took him in. We became
'fast' friends! When he told me his name was Artemis, I had to admit I
was shocked that he could talk!
Well, then I was even more shocked when he told me I was Sailor Venus!
Of course I was already one as an actor in real life! Wow, talk about
amazing, dangerous, and a LOT of responsibility! Well, at first I was
kind of bad at being a Sailor Scout but with Artemis's help I became the
best Scout ever! Then I met the other Sailor Scouts! They were totally
blown away by my beauty, swift thinking, cute outfit, and beautiful
hair, wonderful out going personality! I inspired them to-"
"Mina! This isn't about you!" Ray interrupted Mina's unusual
story,
"He wants to know about his sister and what she has to do with all this!"
Ray then smiled at Sammy was who looking extremely amused, "Wipe that
expression off your face! Good, now where should I begin? Oh,
(clearing throat)it all started when I happened to sort of hit Serena
with one of my charms. It was all just a mistake, that of course anyone
could have made, right? Well, so anyway...we had a argument after that
but 'I' quickly apologized-"
I cleared my throat.
"Okay, maybe not 'quickly'! But I did eventually!" Ray persuaded.
"Fine so I didn't apologize to the ditz! But she wasn't asking for it!"
Ray's voice started to rise.
"Ray calm down, this isn't a confession it's history," Lita scowled. Ray
took a deep breath before beginning again, "Well, now where was I? Oh yes.
Soon after we met I became Sailor Mars through the pressure of a battle. I
saved Sailor Moon from a terrible DEATH!
Being Sailor Mars was difficult at my young age! A lot of the
responsibility was placed upon me because of Serena's...immature
ways!"
"That will be enough, Ray. We're not telling this to tear down Serena."
I looked disapprovingly at Ray. Ray sat down looking disappointed.
"Great, my turn!" Lita jumped up this time, "I unlike 'Ray' am not going
to tear Serena down! It all started on the second time I met Serena. She
came up to me at lunch, unlike everybody else, and befriended me! I knew
she had to be special because of how sincere and how friendly she was. She
took me in to her circle of friends and taught me how to live! I became
Sailor Jupiter around
that time. When I found out, it was amazing! I felt like I had a reason to
live! It was amazing!" Lita sat down with a humbled expression.
"Now, to wrap it up." I continued, "I became Sailor Mercury, the first
to become befriended by Serena. Yes, Serena, Sailor Moon was rescued by all
of us: at one time or another, especially by Tuxedo Mask. But Serena has a
beautiful heart, loyalty to her friends, and dedication to the world!
I hope you know, Sammy, what a wonderful sister you have! She has gone out
many times to fight evil and has come out with too many near death
experiences!" I stopped there and looked Sammy in the eye.
"Thanks for the...entertaining story but as you could tell I haven't
bought one bit of it!" Sammy stood up, "When your ready to tell me what
'really' happened, call me."
"Wait! Sammy, what do we have to do to make you believe us?!" Mina had
jumped up.
"Bring my sister back." Sammy said simply, "If you 'are' a Sailor Scout
that is the least you can to do!"
"But we told you! She doesn't want to leave!" Mina protested.
"I'll see you guys around." Sammy left. He didn't look very happy. Maybe
he felt that we hadn't trusted him. When really we were putting all our
trust in him by confiding our secret!
Ray was right; we should have used the broomstick!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I stood in front of the full-length mirror that hung against the wall.
I had to admit I looked pretty good! The dress was white and full length
as it touched the floor. My hair was pulled up into its usual style with
tiny diamond looking clip berets clipped to my buns. I felt elegant!
I turned around three times before I was satisfied.
Someone, who I'm guessing was Darien, knocked on the door. I skipped to
the door and opened it. Darien was standing there dressed in a black tuxedo
and with a black sling holding his left arm up; he had one single red rose
in his pocket that created a majestic air. I smiled, "Lets eat!"
"Wha-oh, right!" his face flushed pink as if he had been caught at something.
He held out his arm and I took it graciously. I shut the door
behind us as we walked to the elevator. This was so weird! I am going
on a date with Darien! Well, not exactly a date but...still!
The doors flew open to the elevator and we glided in. Then, just before
the doors shut a man slipped in. At first I couldn't see who it was but
after getting a better look at him I realized it was the guy I met
earlier in the elevator! He turned and looked at me. He smiled, "Well,
hello to you again! We just keep meeting in the same place, don't we?"
I managed a smile, "Hello. Mmm, yes we do." I could feel Darien tense
up when he realized that I'd met the man before.
The man looked up at Darien, "And who might you be, another one
of her...protective friends?"
I wasn't facing Darien so I couldn't tell how he took that.
"I'm sure it doesn't matter to you. And if you would mind, we would like
to keep to ourselves." There was an edge to Darien's voice. I gulped.
This was not going well! Just then the elevator doors opened! We were
saved!
Darien led us over to the small fountain then turned me to face him,
"How do you know him?!"
"You don't have to get all excited! We met in the elevator. Philly was
there, my goodness, what is the matter with you?"
"I don't want you talking to anyone. We are on a mission here so don't
blow our cover!"
"I wasn't planning to! I was just being polite! I know what the stakes
are! I'm not just some little girl you're carrying around with you! I can
fight on my own if I have to! You don't have to defend me all the time!"
I whispered fiercely.
"I'm not worried about defending you! I'm worried about-oh, never mind!
You can be so stubborn!" Darien sighed them straitened himself,
"Let's go eat and we'll talk about this later." He took my arm and
started leading us to the resturant.
Darien could be such a jerk! Who does he think he is, telling me who to
talk to and who not to! I wish the situation could be turned around! He
wouldn't be in the least bit happy! Of course he probably wouldn't hang
around like I am. No, he would leave as soon as he could. Well, I'm
sticking around whether he likes it or not! Now, if I just had
my communicator...I bet Amy's got something...this is just so
unfair!
"Chiba? Oh, yes, of course! Right this way sir!" the man had a tux
on with a light blue flower in his pocket. He looked very eager to
please!
We followed him to a dark corner in the room. There sat a small round
table with two chairs. On top of the table was one single red rose and
two candles. The waiter pulled a chair out for me and I gratefully sat
down. When I gave him a smile he looked taken a back.
The waiter cleared his throat and gave his attention to Darien, "What
would you like to drink?"
"Um, two virgin Strawberry Dakories and ice water." Darien picked up
the menu that the waiter had placed in front of him.
"Very good, sir. I will return shortly for your orders!" the waiter
left leaving us alone.
"Have you been here before?" I asked him. I kind of wanted to know if
he had been to Tokyo more then once.
"No, but I've been to simuliar restaurants." He was still busy looking
at the menu.
I looked at the menu as well but didn't see anything that looked eatable.
I guess I'm going to let him order for me.
I looked around the room. There were several tables that circled around
the room, leaving space for a dancing floor. Many people were already
out dancing to a tune that I didn't recognize. The music was soft and
soothing.
"Did you come to these...restaurants alone?" The thought of Darien
dating several women was disturbing.
"No."
Now I felt crushed, "Why?" Oh, my gosh! Did I just say that?! Now what
is he going to think?
"We meet at restaurants to talk about our plans." He set his menu down,
"Did you find anything?"
He's getting married?! Of course he is! With his looks, why not? Goodness,
I can't believe you thought he was single! You are such an airhead,
Serena!
I let my heart sink even lower. This whole time...I
thought...
"Serena?" Darien waved his hand in front of my face.
"Huh?"
"I asked if you found what you wanted, yet. Are you okay?"
"Um, ya...I mean... I'm okay. But no, I didn't order." I looked
down at my menu, trying to hide my embarrassment, "None of this
looks eatable or familiar!"
He chuckled, "Well, number 17 is good, why don't you try that?"
I tried to read the title but there was no way I could figure out
what that said, "I guess I'm going to have to trust you on this...
because I have no idea what that is!"
"It's chicken and rice with lots of spice!" he took both menus and
placed them at the side of the table. A few minutes later the waiter
came back, "Have you decided?"
"One 17 and one 47, and could we have some rolls before that?" Darien
asked.
"Of course, sir." The waiter left again only to come back two minutes
later with sweet rolls!
While I ate the bread I took a closer look at the room. Everyone
seemed to either be in couples or in large groups. The couples were in
small corners, cuddled up together looking very romantic! The rest of
them were on the dance floor, dancing to an upbeat song.
There were also several waiters severing food, drinks or taking orders.
Just then I saw that man again, the one that was in the elevator with us.
He was on the far side of the room talking to a waiter. He was alone.
That's funny, wonder why he's alone. Maybe he's meeting someone here. Then
sure enough two men came in and were seated with him. One was tall and
sickly looking with light blonde hair; he looked almost bald, the other
was short and fat with unnatural olive skin and thick black hair. They
both looked quite out of place with the elevator mans strong build, thick
dark brown-hair and healthy tan skin.
The two men started looking at the menus while still talking to the
elevator man. It looked like a business meeting.
"-getting here late tonight. Maybe around twelve so try to stay out of the
way. We're probably going to be up all night. You might want to get
some sleep...Serena are you listening to me?"
I snapped out of it, "Sorry. You said something about sleeping?"
"Serena..."
"I said I was sorry. I promise to stay out of the way but I still
want to listen to your plan!" I said seriously. I wasn't going to be
left out...again!
"Serena, we already talked about this! You have to stay out of the way...
this isn't a Sailor V game!" Darien's voice was full of sarcasm.
My mouth dropped open, "You think...that I think...this is a...a game?!"
I whispered harshly as I leaned in over the table.
"Sere-"
"Look I don't know what is going on...but I want to help! Even Philly agrees
you can't do this on your own!"
"What has she been saying to you? I can do this-"
"I don't want to argue right now! I just want you to understand me. Is that
too much to ask?" I glared at him. He sighed then pulled his fingers through
his hair, "You can be so tiring."
"If you let me-" I broke off when the waiter came back with a tray full
of wonderful looking food.
"Your plate, milady." He smiled as he placed it in front of me, "And you,
sir!" he placed the other plate in front of Darien, "Will there be
anything else?"
"No thank you, that will be all for now." Darien managed to smile.
The man bowed and left us.
"Darien, I can help-"
"Serena, this isn't the time or place to discuss this!" he stated clearly
that that was that! I sighed and looked down at my dinner for the first
time.
It was chicken with a sort of spicy gravy on top and on the side was a
pile of white rice with chopped up carrots, mushrooms, celery, and broccoli
and collie flower. Mmm, this does look good! I picked up my fork and took
a bite. The food could have melted in my mouth. I have to admit, Darien
does have good tastes!
When we finished eating dinner Darien ordered some desert, another thing
I couldn't read.
I stared at the people dancing. I wish I could dance..."What are you
thinking about, Serena?" I turned to Darien and he smiled.
I shrugged my shoulders, "Nothing."
"Do you want to dance?" he asked. I swallowed, "Well, maybe I was
thinking about something..."
"What?"
"I can't dance." I stated. This was so humiliating! Why does Darien have
to know that? He is going to annoy me about this for-
"Is that all?" Darien smiled, "Come on, it's not hard." He held out a
hand for me to take. The last thing I thought before I took it was that
I was going to regret this!
He stopped us at the edge of the crowd, "We're going to do this a
little differently."
I smiled. He could only use one arm. I put both hands on his shoulders while
he put his one arm around my waist.
Darien leaned down to whisper in my ear. He smelled like roses...he
always smells like roses! I felt my heart flutter as he came closer.
"Now, right foot forward...good...then left foot to the side...
no...
like this...good!" Darien instructed me. I felt like all eyes were on me
but when I looked up no one was even paying attention. They were all in
their own world. I looked back down trying to concentrate on my steps.
I didn't want to step on Darien's feet.
"It's better if you're 'not' staring at your feet." I looked up and saw
him smiling. "Oh, right." I kept my head op for the rest of the song but
I was so worried about stepping on his feet I didn't even hear the song.
Everyone started clapping when the song ended. And I was eager to sit
down. Maybe our desert is there! However, Darien seemed to have other
ideas.
"One more song then we'll go eat." He announced. I nodded then stepped
close to him again, placing my hands on his shoulders. This time I could
hear the music, it sounded familiar but I couldn't place it. Where have I
heard this? The melody ended and the words began...
Ev - 'ry night in my dreams...
I see you, I feel you,
That is how I know you go on...
Far across the distance and
Spaces between us
You have come to show you go on...
Near..., far..., wher- ever you are,
I believe that the heart does go on...
Once... more you open the door
And you're here in my heart, and
My heart will go on and on...
Love can touch us one time and
Last for a life time and
Nev-er let go till we're gone...
Love was when I loved you;
One true time I hold... to.
In my life we'll al-ways go on...
The words swirled around me and I remembered where I heard it. I was
talking to Darien outside the night before him and Andrew was to go to
war. Andrew invited us in for some hot cocoa or a shake...I was sitting
in one of the booths by myself while staring at Darien's back. He was sitting
on a stool at the counter talking to Andrew. I remember Darien saying
something about...missing Tokyo.
This same song was playing on the radio from an America. I was
crying...
silently for...the first time...
You're... here..., there's noth - ing I fear...
And I know that my heart will go on...
We'll... stay... for ev-er this way.
You are safe in my heart, and
My heart will go on... and...on.
I couldn't help feeling a little depressed at the memory. We had
made it into the middle of the dance floor. People surrounded us on
all sides. The song ended slowly as if giving me time...just a little
more time to be this near to his heart.
The song ended and we slowly pulled apart. I felt like I was in some
kind of dream that ended too soon.
Darien, keeping his arm around my waist led me back to the table. I
sat down than looked around. There are even more people then there was
a few minutes ago. Must be getting late.
I wonder what Phil-
I took an intake of breath when I saw the elevator man watching me. I
quickly looked away to find myself staring at a plate of Strawberry Cheese
Cake, topped with whip cream. I licked my lips. Mmm, and I thought that
dinner looked good! I took a bite and looked up to see Darien staring at
me. I blushed, "What?"
He cleared his throat, "Nothing, is it good?"
I nodded, "You should try it." I said indicating his own plate of
Strawberry Cheese Cake.
We ate in silence after that. Meanwhile, I kept glancing at the
elevator man from the corner of my eye. He was still staring at me.
Gosh, the things guys do! When I was finished I sat back and sighed,
"Thanks, Darien! That was really...really good!"
He smiled, "Sounds like you've never been here before."
"Why would I? I live here. I don't need to spend the night at a hotel."
I stated.
"People still come here even though they don't use the hotel services.
If he hasn't taken you here, where else does he?" he asked.
"He? You mean a boyfriend? I don't even date!" Oh, please shoot me now
and get it over with! Did I just say that! Why couldn't you have just
said you don't have a boyfriend...?! You are such a...a...-
Where there was a look of surprise there was hope. Was I seeing this
right?
"Here is your bill, sir." The waiter had come back. He smiled happily
when he saw what must be his tip in the bill, "Have a goodnight, sir."
The man bowed and walked away.
Darien must have spent a lot of money for this dinner. I wonder how much
money he's made a year so far. Probably a lot since it's so secret!
"Let's go." Darien put his wallet back in his suit pocket. I wonder where
he put my communicator. I bet you its just laying around in his room somewhere
...no consideration at all!
We stopped in front of the elevator and waited. I still feel like I'm
being watched! I looked around but didn't see anyone. This is sooo weird!
I can't wait to get back to the room...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To Be Continued...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~