Chapter Five
A.N. Okay, I want to give the previous chapters titles, but... *sweatdrop* I can't think of any names! Right now, I'm accepting ideas for chapter titles!!! ^_^' Ohohoho... Actually, I wanted to make chapter four longer, but there was no more space in Notepad! I can't believe it's limited! So let's see... I think I left off where Atemi and Tadane are two new exchange students in Serena and Sakura's class! (Surprise, surprise!) I'm really sorry that I take such a long time to write a chapter, but it can't be helped, really. I don't have much time lately, cuz my mom's new hobby is: making me study during vacation time! =0( *gags* I hate studying!!! Well, on with Chapter Five!
On the end of the previous chapter: ""Class, today we have two new exchange students. Tadane, Atemi Satoshi, please come in."
Serena stared curiously at the two girls. She had to admit, they were very pretty. Both had long, fiery red hair in a braid, and dark, forest green eyes. They were of average height, and slender. Unless their wear different clothes, they were exactly identical. The teacher gestured them to the empty seats beside Serena. Obediently, they headed over to their respective seats, and settled down quietly. Serena tentatively smiled at them. One of them smiled in a friendly manner at her, while the other one scowled back. Serena sweatdropped a little. *Well, I guess the second one is antisocial,* she thought.
Meanwhile, Sakura frowned and examined them out of the corner of her eye suspiciously. She used her magical sight, and wasn't all that surprised when she saw that Tadane and Atemi had a bit of magic in their blood. It wasn't very strong, but it was there. The curious thing was that one had a pleasant, honey colored aura, while the other had a russet tinted aura. Another surprising thing was that the one who had scowled possessed the soft aura, while the one who had smiled had the russet one. *Weird...* Sakura shrugged it off and turned her attention back on the drawling Physics teacher.
The bell rang, and it was break time. Serena chattered incessantly at Sakura. "So, what do you think of the new transfer students?"
Sakura answered her, bleary eyed. "They're nice, I suppose." She had decided not to worry Serena by telling her about the auras. She was about to say something else, but was interrupted when the twins joined them.
"Hi! My name is Satoshi Atemi," one said cheerfully. She gestured towards her identical sister, who was sulking a bit behind her. "This is my sister, Tadane."
"My name is Tsukino Serena!" Serena replied happily. She turned to Tadane. "Hi!"
Tadane contented herself by frowning at Serena. Serena sweatdropped. "Uh... did I say something that offended you?" she inquired.
Atemi barged in. "Oh no, of course not! Tadane just isn't very social."
"Okay.." Serena raised an eyebrow.
"So, who's your friend?" Atemi asked.
"Oh, her name is Kinomoto Sakura." Serena nudged Sakura with her elbow. Sakura, a bit uncertain, said hello.
Atemi smiled at Sakura. "Oh, I see. I guess you don't socialize much either, do you?"
Serena frowned to herself. Sakura was not at all antisocial. In fact, she was more social than Serena, herself! Something wasn't right about the way Sakura was acting. She decided that she would ask Sakura about it later.
"Then I suppose that you and my sister will become quite close, because you are so similar!" Atemi exclaimed. "Oh, Serena, can you show me around here? I'm sure that Sakura would be pleased to show Tadane around, right?"
Sakura didn't like at all the way Atemi hadn't really given her a choice. She sighed inwardly. ""No problem at all," she said.
Serena immediately left with Atemi, cheerfully naming the chemistry room, and the other places.
Tadane frowned irritatedly at her sister's shrinking figure. *She should take this seriously! A lot is at stake on this!* Her thoughts were interrupted by a gentle hand on her shoulder. Sakura's emerald green eyes were looking at her curiously. Tadane felt a little unnerved by the profoundness of the pools of emerald. She suddenly realized that Sakura looked a lot like her mother, except much younger. Tadane felt sad that she would have to kill her. *But I have no choice if I want Mother to live...* she thought, chagrined.
Sakura had placed a hand on her shoulder. For a second, Tadane's face softened and she glimpsed a flash of sadness in her eyes. But that was short-lived. Tadane's face returned to that cold mask she had worn all morning. Nervously, Sakura cleared her throat. "Uh, why don't we get you familiar with the west wing?" Tadane nodded silently. Sakura slipped into her magical sight for a minute. Tadane was the one who had the pleasant, honey tinted aura. Sakura slightly lifted her eyebrows.
Atemi laughed as Serena told her a funny story about the math teacher. Suddenly, Serena asked her, "Atemi, did something happen to your sister? How did she become like that?"
Atemi sobered. "Well, you see... our mother is in the hospital. She's in a very critical condition. Tadane was always extremely close to Mother. I was too, but not as much as Tadane was. Before she got sick, Tadane was a very happy, cheerful girl, but now... she just sort of lost her happiness." *Wait... why am I telling her this?* Atemi thought, confused.
Serena patted her shoulder comfortingly. "I'm sorry..." she said sympathetically. Atemi nodded unconsciously. She looked up to Serena's deep blue eyes. They were full of understanding, and that comforted Atemi a bit. Suddenly, she realized that she had gone off guard, and hardened with resolve. *I can't go soft now! We have to complete our mission to destroy Sailor Moon and the Card Mistress! I will succeed!*
Serena felt a chill in her spine. She shivered slightly.
As soon as Serena, Atemi, Sakura, and Tadane rejoined, Atemi guided Tadane away, claiming that they had to get to class. Serena and Sakura waved at them, then headed to math class. Sakura groaned. "I HATE math!" she exclaimed unhappily.
"Ditto on that," responded Serena, making a face. "Hey, what day is it today?"
"Friday. Phew, at least we don't have school tomorrow!"
Serena half-skipped. "Yay!" Then, she stopped and turned to Sakura. "Hey, that means your date with Mieko is tomorrow!"
"Eh?! Oh, no! I completely forgot!" Sakura exclaimed. Then, she crossed her arms stubbornly. "And it is NOT a date! It's just a meeting between friends!"
Serena scoffed. "Yeah, right. If I didn't already have a boyfriend, I would have gone out with him very happily. You don't have a boyfriend, so why can't you just admit it's a date?!" Serena was surprised when Sakura stopped. She scrutinized Sakura's face. It was devoid of emotion.
"Well, I know that the person I love will never have the same feelings about me," she said darkly.
"Huh? Are you sure?"
"Well, I never asked him. But I'm pretty sure. I guess I'll just have to be happy by being his friend."
"What?! Does he know that you love him?"
"No, at least I don't think so, and I hope not. He's totally clueless about those sort of things."
"What's his name?"
Sakura hesitated for a momen. "Li Syaoran."
"Is he part of the Li Family?!"
"Yeah! How did you know?!"
"Are you kidding??! The Li Family is FAMOUS!"
"Really?"
"Yup!"
"I'll have to ask him about it someday..."
Their conversation was interrupted by the ringing of the school bell. Serena sighed gustily. "Great," she complained loudly, "We have math next! UGH! I hate math with all my heart!!!!!!!" She glared in the direction of the math room. Sakura giggled.
Atemi yanked Tadane by her arm into an empty classroom. After checking around to see if anyone saw them, she said, "It's time. We have to start today if you want to get this over with as soon as possible."
Tadane narrowed her green eyes at the fidgeting girl in front of her. "You know that once we start, there's no turning back."
"I know. I don't want to turn back." Atemi was slightly unnerved by her sister's emotionless stance. She fingered a curiously carved silver pendant around her neck. Engaved on the middle of the gleaming disk was an elaborate 'A'. Abruptly, she said, "I hope you're not going soft, Tadane." Her eyes turned as cold as ice, "It would be a shame to back out just now, wouldn't it? I trust you have better judgement than to waste a person of your caliber by turning over to the other side, my dear. Even if you are my sister, my first priority is to our Master. Yours should be too."
"My first priority is to Mother!" Tadane retorted defiantly. "And maybe you should remember that 'I' am the elder and dominant twin!" She promtly left the classroom, leaving behind a slightly angry sister.
\\\RING\\\
Syaoran picked up the phone with a scowl on his face. Who in the world would call him at such an ungodly hour?! "Moshi-moshi?" he asked gruffly.
"My dear son! It's your mother!"
"OKAASAN?!?!" Syaoran yelped.
"Good morning, darling! I called to ask you a favor!"
"What is it?" Syaoran asked cautiously.
"Well you see, there is a business meeting concerning a contract between our company and Hitako Industries to be held this afternoon at Crossroads, Tokyo. It's a small town not far from Tomoeda. Since you are fully capable of handling this important meeting, and since you are in Japan anyways, I'd like you to take over for me, dear!"
"NANI?!" Syaoran yelled in the direction of the mouthpiece. "I don't have time to go to that meeting! I have to find Sakura!"
"Now, now, Syaoran. Be reasonable. I'm sure that just a few hours won't delay anything."
Syaoran sighed. "When is the meeting?" he asked unhappily.
"Three o'clock!" She chirped.
"I guess I'll take the jet plane." (A.N. *_* WOW!!! Syaoran-chan has a private jet plane!)
"That's a dear! I already sent you an e-mail with the details! Goodbye!"
There was a click on the other end of the phone. Syaoran sighed and put down the telephone. He looked at the time. It was only four in the morning! *Well, since I'm already awake; no point in trying to go back to sleep. I suppose I'll go do my morning exercise...* He dressed and picked up his sword and trudged toward the roof.
Rei promptly started screaming at the very late Minako (A.N. I decided to switch to the japanese names for the senshi! Sorry!) as soon as she arrived at the door of the temple. "You're LATE!!!"
Minako peered at her from half shut eyes. "Well, if you wanted me to come early, you could have not scheduled a senshi meeting this early in the MORNING!"
Rei humphed, "Well, if you weren't such a ditz, you would find that waking up early is quite refreshing."
"Only you could say that, Rei." Minako remarked. "Anyways, any sign of Serena's whereabouts yet?" she asked Amy.
Amy frowned slightly. "Um, no. But I'm starting to form the theory that it's possible that she could be staying with Seiya, Yaten, and Taiki. I'm not positive, but it's possible."
Rei glanced at the clock suspended on the wall. Her eyes widened. "Oh no! I totally forgot that it's my turn to open the gift shop today!" She hurried out, leaving the rest of the senshi and Mamoru behind. They shrugged, and continued the meeting.
Syaoran was dragged all around Crossroads by Meilin, who was enthusiastically shopping everywhere. "Oooh!" she exclaimed when they stopped in front of a temple. "This temple looks so much like Ms. Mizuki's temple back at Tomoeda! Come on! Let's check out the gift shop!" Syaoran followed her, his face set in a scowl, and his arms loaded with baggage.
When they arrived at the small booth, Syaoran raised his eyebrows at the sight of the girl in the stands, dressed in a traditional robe. *She could be Meilin's twin sister!* They were exactly identical, except that the girl had eyes tinged with purple, while Meilin's were a bright shade of crimson.
Rei stared at the girl in front of her. The girl stared back with amazement. She looked just like her! "Wow..." Rei breathed.
Meilin shook away the dazed feeling that had settled over her, and put out a hand. "Hi! My name's Meilin! What's yours?"
"Rei. Hino Rei." She smiled and shook Meilin's hand. "Would you like to come in and have some tea with me and my friends? Your boyfriend there can come too, of he'd like."
"I'm not her boyfriend," he said shortly. "I'm her cousin."
"Oh! Sorry!"
Syaoran gave no reply. Meilin sweatdropped, then promptly grabbed him, and dragged him with her to follow Rei.
"ACK!!!" Mamoru, Minako, Amy, and Makoto yelled in shock. They rubbed their eyes. They rubbed them again. Finally, Lita spoke up, "Well! Rei, why don't you introduce us?!"
Suddenly, they heard a muffled yell from outside. Then a thump. The Rei-look-a-like's eyes widened. "Oops! I totally forgot about Syaoran! I left him with the shopping bags and the suitcases!"
A very handsome chestnut haired fourteen-year-old boy with deep amber eyes stumbled into the room, bags piled high in his arms. With a scowl, he dropped the load on the floor. Minako and Makoto suddenly had hearts in their eyes.
"SUGOI! He looks just like my old sempai!" Makoto exclaimed dreamily.
"SUGOI! What a hot guy!" Minako squealed.
"I know what you mean!" agreed Meilin enthusiastically, looking appreciatively at Syaoran. Surprisingly, Rei and Ami agreed as well, "Yeah, he IS cute."
Syaoran stared blankly at the lovesick girls, then turned to Mamoru, who was sweatdropping in a corner. "What's wrong with them?"
Mamoru shrugged. "They're mental."
"I see," Syaoran nodded understandingly. Suddenly, his cellphone started ringing. Eagerly, he pulled it out of his pocket, and snapped it open. "Moshi-moshi?"
"Li-san? This is Honoka-san."
Hardly daring to believe, he asked, "Honoka-san! Did you find Sakura?!"
The name 'Sakura' struck a chord in Mamoru. Where had he heard that name before? Then, it struck him: on the second day of Serena's disappearance, he had seen Serena in the news, next to a girl called Sakura! *Kami-sama... this guy probably knows where Kinomoto Sakura is! And since Serena is obviously in the same location as Kinomoto, that means if I can find out from him where Kinomoto is, then... I can find Serena!!!* His heart started beating uncommonly fast. Behind Syaoran and Meilin's backs, Mamoru beckoned silently at the senshi, who looked at him curiously and obediently followed him outside. Once safely out of sight and hearing range of Syaoran and Meilin, Mamoru explained quickly what he had been thinking. When he was done, four happy faces were beaming at him.
"Wai! This means that we can find Serena-chan!" Amy screamed with delight, and danced a little jig. Everyone stared at her.
"Um, Amy?" Makoto prodded her hesitantly. "Are you alright?"
"Never been better!"
"Er... okay..." (A.N. ^^;)
Mamoru cleared his throat significantly. The girls turned around and saw Syaoran talking in a low voice to Meilin. They strained their ears to hear the conversation.
"So, does Honoka-san know where Sakura-chan is?" Meilin pressed urgently.
Syaoran smiled for the first time in days. "She's in the Lanoka district!"
Meilin frowned. "Wait, doesn't the famous band, the Three Lights, live in Lanoka? And Honoka-san lives in Lanoka district, too!"
Syaoran gave her a rather clueless look. "Yeah, I know Honoka-san lives there. And he also said she was living in the Lights house. Whomever they are."
Meilin facevaulted. "Ungmph!" She didn't answer him.
Minako started. "THE THREE LIGHTS?! Serena's with Seiya, Yaten, and Taiki?! LUCKY!" she screeched.
Mamoru fumed inwardly. *Whaaaaaatt?! I'm POSITIVE that that Seiya must have made passes at MY Serena!!!!!!!* His thoughts were interrupted by Syaoran tapping his shoulder.
"What?" he grumbled not so nicely.
Syaoran gave him an icy glare. "I said that Meilin and I are leaving. Didn't you hear me?!"
Mamoru grabbed the younger bishounen's shirt. "Wait!" he growled. His eyes widened slightly when Syaoran calmly forced his hand to let go. *He's much stronger than a guy his age should be! This isn't normal!*
"You know, I'm not stupid," Syaoran said mildly. "I know that you have some relation with the girl who saved Sakura-chan. Personally, I think it would be in your better interests to ally yourself and the girls with me and Meilin to find them." As an afterthought, he added, "Oh, and I don't think you'll have to hide the fact that you are Tuxedo Kamen, and those girls, Sailor Senshi."
Mamoru simply gaped at him.
Syaoran shrugged. "I have magical sight. I see your aura."
"Oh."
"And We will have to leave after I finish the meeting."
"Darn!"
"Oy, Sakura-san!!!!!!!" Yaten called through the door in a singsong voice. He hear a thump, a muffled yell, then a bang. Then a yelp of pain. Silence. The door opened a fraction, and sleepy green eyes peered at Yaten.
"Yea?" she asked in a muffled voice.
"It Saturday! Didn't you say you had to meet this guy, Miro, Hieko, whatever his name is?"
Sakura's eyes widened. "Yeeow!!! What time is it?"
Yaten frowned. " Don't you have an alarm clock?"
Sakura smiled sheepishly. "I er... ACCIDENTALLY threw it against the wall and.... it broke...."
"Sometimes you remind me so much of Serena! Well, it's almost seven pm."
"AACK! He's supposed to pick me up at seven!" Sakura panicked and ran in all directions. She slammed the door to Yaten's face, and zoomed all around her room, brushing her teeth and dressing up at the same time. By the time she finished tying her hair into a high ponytail with the two accustomary locks of hair framing her face, she heard the doorbell ring. Grabbing her purse, she opened the door just as Mieko was about to ring the bell a second time. "Hi!" she said breathlessly.
Mieko grinned at her slyly. "Hey, beautiful!"
Sakura blushed. Suddenly, she saw a silver Porsche park in front of the house. A girl with black hair and crimson eyes stepped out. Then, a certain amber-eyed guy with chestnut hair stepped out of the driver's seat.
"Syaoran!!!" Sakura cried out.
A.N. *naughty grin* I'm wicked, aren't I?! Well, you'll just have to stay tuned for Chapter Six! R+R please!!! (if you want a Chapter Six!)
A.N. Okay, I want to give the previous chapters titles, but... *sweatdrop* I can't think of any names! Right now, I'm accepting ideas for chapter titles!!! ^_^' Ohohoho... Actually, I wanted to make chapter four longer, but there was no more space in Notepad! I can't believe it's limited! So let's see... I think I left off where Atemi and Tadane are two new exchange students in Serena and Sakura's class! (Surprise, surprise!) I'm really sorry that I take such a long time to write a chapter, but it can't be helped, really. I don't have much time lately, cuz my mom's new hobby is: making me study during vacation time! =0( *gags* I hate studying!!! Well, on with Chapter Five!
On the end of the previous chapter: ""Class, today we have two new exchange students. Tadane, Atemi Satoshi, please come in."
Serena stared curiously at the two girls. She had to admit, they were very pretty. Both had long, fiery red hair in a braid, and dark, forest green eyes. They were of average height, and slender. Unless their wear different clothes, they were exactly identical. The teacher gestured them to the empty seats beside Serena. Obediently, they headed over to their respective seats, and settled down quietly. Serena tentatively smiled at them. One of them smiled in a friendly manner at her, while the other one scowled back. Serena sweatdropped a little. *Well, I guess the second one is antisocial,* she thought.
Meanwhile, Sakura frowned and examined them out of the corner of her eye suspiciously. She used her magical sight, and wasn't all that surprised when she saw that Tadane and Atemi had a bit of magic in their blood. It wasn't very strong, but it was there. The curious thing was that one had a pleasant, honey colored aura, while the other had a russet tinted aura. Another surprising thing was that the one who had scowled possessed the soft aura, while the one who had smiled had the russet one. *Weird...* Sakura shrugged it off and turned her attention back on the drawling Physics teacher.
The bell rang, and it was break time. Serena chattered incessantly at Sakura. "So, what do you think of the new transfer students?"
Sakura answered her, bleary eyed. "They're nice, I suppose." She had decided not to worry Serena by telling her about the auras. She was about to say something else, but was interrupted when the twins joined them.
"Hi! My name is Satoshi Atemi," one said cheerfully. She gestured towards her identical sister, who was sulking a bit behind her. "This is my sister, Tadane."
"My name is Tsukino Serena!" Serena replied happily. She turned to Tadane. "Hi!"
Tadane contented herself by frowning at Serena. Serena sweatdropped. "Uh... did I say something that offended you?" she inquired.
Atemi barged in. "Oh no, of course not! Tadane just isn't very social."
"Okay.." Serena raised an eyebrow.
"So, who's your friend?" Atemi asked.
"Oh, her name is Kinomoto Sakura." Serena nudged Sakura with her elbow. Sakura, a bit uncertain, said hello.
Atemi smiled at Sakura. "Oh, I see. I guess you don't socialize much either, do you?"
Serena frowned to herself. Sakura was not at all antisocial. In fact, she was more social than Serena, herself! Something wasn't right about the way Sakura was acting. She decided that she would ask Sakura about it later.
"Then I suppose that you and my sister will become quite close, because you are so similar!" Atemi exclaimed. "Oh, Serena, can you show me around here? I'm sure that Sakura would be pleased to show Tadane around, right?"
Sakura didn't like at all the way Atemi hadn't really given her a choice. She sighed inwardly. ""No problem at all," she said.
Serena immediately left with Atemi, cheerfully naming the chemistry room, and the other places.
Tadane frowned irritatedly at her sister's shrinking figure. *She should take this seriously! A lot is at stake on this!* Her thoughts were interrupted by a gentle hand on her shoulder. Sakura's emerald green eyes were looking at her curiously. Tadane felt a little unnerved by the profoundness of the pools of emerald. She suddenly realized that Sakura looked a lot like her mother, except much younger. Tadane felt sad that she would have to kill her. *But I have no choice if I want Mother to live...* she thought, chagrined.
Sakura had placed a hand on her shoulder. For a second, Tadane's face softened and she glimpsed a flash of sadness in her eyes. But that was short-lived. Tadane's face returned to that cold mask she had worn all morning. Nervously, Sakura cleared her throat. "Uh, why don't we get you familiar with the west wing?" Tadane nodded silently. Sakura slipped into her magical sight for a minute. Tadane was the one who had the pleasant, honey tinted aura. Sakura slightly lifted her eyebrows.
Atemi laughed as Serena told her a funny story about the math teacher. Suddenly, Serena asked her, "Atemi, did something happen to your sister? How did she become like that?"
Atemi sobered. "Well, you see... our mother is in the hospital. She's in a very critical condition. Tadane was always extremely close to Mother. I was too, but not as much as Tadane was. Before she got sick, Tadane was a very happy, cheerful girl, but now... she just sort of lost her happiness." *Wait... why am I telling her this?* Atemi thought, confused.
Serena patted her shoulder comfortingly. "I'm sorry..." she said sympathetically. Atemi nodded unconsciously. She looked up to Serena's deep blue eyes. They were full of understanding, and that comforted Atemi a bit. Suddenly, she realized that she had gone off guard, and hardened with resolve. *I can't go soft now! We have to complete our mission to destroy Sailor Moon and the Card Mistress! I will succeed!*
Serena felt a chill in her spine. She shivered slightly.
As soon as Serena, Atemi, Sakura, and Tadane rejoined, Atemi guided Tadane away, claiming that they had to get to class. Serena and Sakura waved at them, then headed to math class. Sakura groaned. "I HATE math!" she exclaimed unhappily.
"Ditto on that," responded Serena, making a face. "Hey, what day is it today?"
"Friday. Phew, at least we don't have school tomorrow!"
Serena half-skipped. "Yay!" Then, she stopped and turned to Sakura. "Hey, that means your date with Mieko is tomorrow!"
"Eh?! Oh, no! I completely forgot!" Sakura exclaimed. Then, she crossed her arms stubbornly. "And it is NOT a date! It's just a meeting between friends!"
Serena scoffed. "Yeah, right. If I didn't already have a boyfriend, I would have gone out with him very happily. You don't have a boyfriend, so why can't you just admit it's a date?!" Serena was surprised when Sakura stopped. She scrutinized Sakura's face. It was devoid of emotion.
"Well, I know that the person I love will never have the same feelings about me," she said darkly.
"Huh? Are you sure?"
"Well, I never asked him. But I'm pretty sure. I guess I'll just have to be happy by being his friend."
"What?! Does he know that you love him?"
"No, at least I don't think so, and I hope not. He's totally clueless about those sort of things."
"What's his name?"
Sakura hesitated for a momen. "Li Syaoran."
"Is he part of the Li Family?!"
"Yeah! How did you know?!"
"Are you kidding??! The Li Family is FAMOUS!"
"Really?"
"Yup!"
"I'll have to ask him about it someday..."
Their conversation was interrupted by the ringing of the school bell. Serena sighed gustily. "Great," she complained loudly, "We have math next! UGH! I hate math with all my heart!!!!!!!" She glared in the direction of the math room. Sakura giggled.
Atemi yanked Tadane by her arm into an empty classroom. After checking around to see if anyone saw them, she said, "It's time. We have to start today if you want to get this over with as soon as possible."
Tadane narrowed her green eyes at the fidgeting girl in front of her. "You know that once we start, there's no turning back."
"I know. I don't want to turn back." Atemi was slightly unnerved by her sister's emotionless stance. She fingered a curiously carved silver pendant around her neck. Engaved on the middle of the gleaming disk was an elaborate 'A'. Abruptly, she said, "I hope you're not going soft, Tadane." Her eyes turned as cold as ice, "It would be a shame to back out just now, wouldn't it? I trust you have better judgement than to waste a person of your caliber by turning over to the other side, my dear. Even if you are my sister, my first priority is to our Master. Yours should be too."
"My first priority is to Mother!" Tadane retorted defiantly. "And maybe you should remember that 'I' am the elder and dominant twin!" She promtly left the classroom, leaving behind a slightly angry sister.
\\\RING\\\
Syaoran picked up the phone with a scowl on his face. Who in the world would call him at such an ungodly hour?! "Moshi-moshi?" he asked gruffly.
"My dear son! It's your mother!"
"OKAASAN?!?!" Syaoran yelped.
"Good morning, darling! I called to ask you a favor!"
"What is it?" Syaoran asked cautiously.
"Well you see, there is a business meeting concerning a contract between our company and Hitako Industries to be held this afternoon at Crossroads, Tokyo. It's a small town not far from Tomoeda. Since you are fully capable of handling this important meeting, and since you are in Japan anyways, I'd like you to take over for me, dear!"
"NANI?!" Syaoran yelled in the direction of the mouthpiece. "I don't have time to go to that meeting! I have to find Sakura!"
"Now, now, Syaoran. Be reasonable. I'm sure that just a few hours won't delay anything."
Syaoran sighed. "When is the meeting?" he asked unhappily.
"Three o'clock!" She chirped.
"I guess I'll take the jet plane." (A.N. *_* WOW!!! Syaoran-chan has a private jet plane!)
"That's a dear! I already sent you an e-mail with the details! Goodbye!"
There was a click on the other end of the phone. Syaoran sighed and put down the telephone. He looked at the time. It was only four in the morning! *Well, since I'm already awake; no point in trying to go back to sleep. I suppose I'll go do my morning exercise...* He dressed and picked up his sword and trudged toward the roof.
Rei promptly started screaming at the very late Minako (A.N. I decided to switch to the japanese names for the senshi! Sorry!) as soon as she arrived at the door of the temple. "You're LATE!!!"
Minako peered at her from half shut eyes. "Well, if you wanted me to come early, you could have not scheduled a senshi meeting this early in the MORNING!"
Rei humphed, "Well, if you weren't such a ditz, you would find that waking up early is quite refreshing."
"Only you could say that, Rei." Minako remarked. "Anyways, any sign of Serena's whereabouts yet?" she asked Amy.
Amy frowned slightly. "Um, no. But I'm starting to form the theory that it's possible that she could be staying with Seiya, Yaten, and Taiki. I'm not positive, but it's possible."
Rei glanced at the clock suspended on the wall. Her eyes widened. "Oh no! I totally forgot that it's my turn to open the gift shop today!" She hurried out, leaving the rest of the senshi and Mamoru behind. They shrugged, and continued the meeting.
Syaoran was dragged all around Crossroads by Meilin, who was enthusiastically shopping everywhere. "Oooh!" she exclaimed when they stopped in front of a temple. "This temple looks so much like Ms. Mizuki's temple back at Tomoeda! Come on! Let's check out the gift shop!" Syaoran followed her, his face set in a scowl, and his arms loaded with baggage.
When they arrived at the small booth, Syaoran raised his eyebrows at the sight of the girl in the stands, dressed in a traditional robe. *She could be Meilin's twin sister!* They were exactly identical, except that the girl had eyes tinged with purple, while Meilin's were a bright shade of crimson.
Rei stared at the girl in front of her. The girl stared back with amazement. She looked just like her! "Wow..." Rei breathed.
Meilin shook away the dazed feeling that had settled over her, and put out a hand. "Hi! My name's Meilin! What's yours?"
"Rei. Hino Rei." She smiled and shook Meilin's hand. "Would you like to come in and have some tea with me and my friends? Your boyfriend there can come too, of he'd like."
"I'm not her boyfriend," he said shortly. "I'm her cousin."
"Oh! Sorry!"
Syaoran gave no reply. Meilin sweatdropped, then promptly grabbed him, and dragged him with her to follow Rei.
"ACK!!!" Mamoru, Minako, Amy, and Makoto yelled in shock. They rubbed their eyes. They rubbed them again. Finally, Lita spoke up, "Well! Rei, why don't you introduce us?!"
Suddenly, they heard a muffled yell from outside. Then a thump. The Rei-look-a-like's eyes widened. "Oops! I totally forgot about Syaoran! I left him with the shopping bags and the suitcases!"
A very handsome chestnut haired fourteen-year-old boy with deep amber eyes stumbled into the room, bags piled high in his arms. With a scowl, he dropped the load on the floor. Minako and Makoto suddenly had hearts in their eyes.
"SUGOI! He looks just like my old sempai!" Makoto exclaimed dreamily.
"SUGOI! What a hot guy!" Minako squealed.
"I know what you mean!" agreed Meilin enthusiastically, looking appreciatively at Syaoran. Surprisingly, Rei and Ami agreed as well, "Yeah, he IS cute."
Syaoran stared blankly at the lovesick girls, then turned to Mamoru, who was sweatdropping in a corner. "What's wrong with them?"
Mamoru shrugged. "They're mental."
"I see," Syaoran nodded understandingly. Suddenly, his cellphone started ringing. Eagerly, he pulled it out of his pocket, and snapped it open. "Moshi-moshi?"
"Li-san? This is Honoka-san."
Hardly daring to believe, he asked, "Honoka-san! Did you find Sakura?!"
The name 'Sakura' struck a chord in Mamoru. Where had he heard that name before? Then, it struck him: on the second day of Serena's disappearance, he had seen Serena in the news, next to a girl called Sakura! *Kami-sama... this guy probably knows where Kinomoto Sakura is! And since Serena is obviously in the same location as Kinomoto, that means if I can find out from him where Kinomoto is, then... I can find Serena!!!* His heart started beating uncommonly fast. Behind Syaoran and Meilin's backs, Mamoru beckoned silently at the senshi, who looked at him curiously and obediently followed him outside. Once safely out of sight and hearing range of Syaoran and Meilin, Mamoru explained quickly what he had been thinking. When he was done, four happy faces were beaming at him.
"Wai! This means that we can find Serena-chan!" Amy screamed with delight, and danced a little jig. Everyone stared at her.
"Um, Amy?" Makoto prodded her hesitantly. "Are you alright?"
"Never been better!"
"Er... okay..." (A.N. ^^;)
Mamoru cleared his throat significantly. The girls turned around and saw Syaoran talking in a low voice to Meilin. They strained their ears to hear the conversation.
"So, does Honoka-san know where Sakura-chan is?" Meilin pressed urgently.
Syaoran smiled for the first time in days. "She's in the Lanoka district!"
Meilin frowned. "Wait, doesn't the famous band, the Three Lights, live in Lanoka? And Honoka-san lives in Lanoka district, too!"
Syaoran gave her a rather clueless look. "Yeah, I know Honoka-san lives there. And he also said she was living in the Lights house. Whomever they are."
Meilin facevaulted. "Ungmph!" She didn't answer him.
Minako started. "THE THREE LIGHTS?! Serena's with Seiya, Yaten, and Taiki?! LUCKY!" she screeched.
Mamoru fumed inwardly. *Whaaaaaatt?! I'm POSITIVE that that Seiya must have made passes at MY Serena!!!!!!!* His thoughts were interrupted by Syaoran tapping his shoulder.
"What?" he grumbled not so nicely.
Syaoran gave him an icy glare. "I said that Meilin and I are leaving. Didn't you hear me?!"
Mamoru grabbed the younger bishounen's shirt. "Wait!" he growled. His eyes widened slightly when Syaoran calmly forced his hand to let go. *He's much stronger than a guy his age should be! This isn't normal!*
"You know, I'm not stupid," Syaoran said mildly. "I know that you have some relation with the girl who saved Sakura-chan. Personally, I think it would be in your better interests to ally yourself and the girls with me and Meilin to find them." As an afterthought, he added, "Oh, and I don't think you'll have to hide the fact that you are Tuxedo Kamen, and those girls, Sailor Senshi."
Mamoru simply gaped at him.
Syaoran shrugged. "I have magical sight. I see your aura."
"Oh."
"And We will have to leave after I finish the meeting."
"Darn!"
"Oy, Sakura-san!!!!!!!" Yaten called through the door in a singsong voice. He hear a thump, a muffled yell, then a bang. Then a yelp of pain. Silence. The door opened a fraction, and sleepy green eyes peered at Yaten.
"Yea?" she asked in a muffled voice.
"It Saturday! Didn't you say you had to meet this guy, Miro, Hieko, whatever his name is?"
Sakura's eyes widened. "Yeeow!!! What time is it?"
Yaten frowned. " Don't you have an alarm clock?"
Sakura smiled sheepishly. "I er... ACCIDENTALLY threw it against the wall and.... it broke...."
"Sometimes you remind me so much of Serena! Well, it's almost seven pm."
"AACK! He's supposed to pick me up at seven!" Sakura panicked and ran in all directions. She slammed the door to Yaten's face, and zoomed all around her room, brushing her teeth and dressing up at the same time. By the time she finished tying her hair into a high ponytail with the two accustomary locks of hair framing her face, she heard the doorbell ring. Grabbing her purse, she opened the door just as Mieko was about to ring the bell a second time. "Hi!" she said breathlessly.
Mieko grinned at her slyly. "Hey, beautiful!"
Sakura blushed. Suddenly, she saw a silver Porsche park in front of the house. A girl with black hair and crimson eyes stepped out. Then, a certain amber-eyed guy with chestnut hair stepped out of the driver's seat.
"Syaoran!!!" Sakura cried out.
A.N. *naughty grin* I'm wicked, aren't I?! Well, you'll just have to stay tuned for Chapter Six! R+R please!!! (if you want a Chapter Six!)