I know, I know, too long a time between chapters. I'm trying, I really am. I just finished my other fanfic and people are begging for more. So, it looks like I'll still be writing for two fics but it'll be a while I think for the other one so I can spend more time on this one, for all you faithful and patient readers. You're so kind to put up with my lateness *^^*. Anyway, so you guys like this so far? Only two seem to continue reading the series from the looks of the reviews. I guess it wasn't too high on demand. May be I should lay back on this one and continue with the other. That one is booming with reviews. Oh well. *sigh*
I'd like to thank my readers Sailor Star Jupiter, Jordan (you two are my most faithful, never missing a chapter. It's great!), Miko633, Lady Sylver, Marz, Thomason, and everyone one else reading, reviewing or not. Your reviews let me know if it's worth continuing the story. Enjoy! Cha!
*~SFS~*
Disclaimer: Sailor Moon is not mine, so on and so forth. Adnama, Mitts, Naneeka, Karie (pronounced Car-ee), Aaron Knight, and all other unknowns are mine. No touchy!
TFOII: Futures End
Chapter Two
Intrigue
"Naneeka, how did you get my cell number?" Adnama was still at KO, getting some extra studying done and waiting for her evening class.
"Your answering machine," Naneeka replied from the other end, "Did you forget you left a second number on there?"
Adnama grinned, "Right. Okay, so what do you want?"
"I was wondering if I could stay for supper at Rini's."
Adnama's grin widened. Perfect, now she wouldn't have to worry about supper. She could grab a quick bite and Naneeka was taken care of. Mitts would just have to wait, "Sure. Just be ready when I come by. I should be done here at about 9 or 10."
"Okay, thanks Auntie!" Naneeka said happily and hung up. Adnama grinned as she put away her phone, returned a sweet smile to the glaring librarian and sighed at her books. History on Renaissance artists wasn't an overnight thing but it was better then taking... she glanced over at another table where Darien sat surrounded by med. books. Smiling, she thought, better then Bio. Definitely better then Bio. How did he do it?
She returned to her books and about 5 minutes later, someone cleared their throat. She glanced up and Darien stood there.
"Feel like grabbing a bite before class?"
"Sure. I'm starving and these pictures of fruit aren't helping."
They headed down to the college café and grabbed a sandwich and drink, sitting at a table in the indoor courtyard.
"So, Darien," Adnama said after a few bites from her sandwich and a swing of her Dr. Pepper, "you're study to be a doctor, right?"
He nodded as he chewed, "This will be my 2nd year at it."
She looked curious, Then why take the art & drama classes? Doesn't seem doctor orientated."
He chuckled, "Yes, I know. Well, Serena likes drama a lot and I thought I'd take a crack at it. As for art, personal interests mostly. Serena is in a magna club in her high school and it's fun doing something different from just studying medical procedures."
Adnama grinned. Then her face pained suddenly and she bent over, as she gripped her chest, "Not again," she whispered.
"Adnama, are you all right?" Darien asked in surprise.
She nodded as the pain subsided, touching her head. It felt like it was on fire and her eyes hurt a bit. That was new. Must be a migraine coming on from that last attack. "I'll be fine." She rubbed her eyes a bit, hoping the headache would leave.
Darien looked dubious, "I'm not sure. It looked like some kind of attack. Maybe you should see a doctor. I know of a good one who I'm learning from for my Field Ed. You could go tomorrow. I believe his schedule is clear for it."
"I'll think about it," she sighed with relief as her headache left. She grinned, "If I do, would you come? For moral support? I get uncomfortable around doctors."
He chuckled, "I'm there for Field Ed. Anyhow. Sure, I'll be there." Glancing at his watch he said, "we'd better go or we'll be late for class."
"Don't want to get Richard peeved again," she chuckled.
Richard Klaus, their drama teacher/director, was a bit uptight about promptness. He strove for perfection in his students and, like most professors, preferred being called by his first name and no formalities.
"Glad you could join us Mr. Chiba and Miss Snemeis," their Prof. said sardonically from the stage as the two slipped into the auditorium, making their way down to the third row, "Now that everyone's finally here, I'll continue with my announcement. As you may all know, one of our newest students, Miss Shiemensu Karurie," he gestured to the white hair student in front, "is also teaching drama at the Crossroads High School. She will be putting on a major production, which will also be an extra credit in this coarse. Our very own Mr. Knight, also doing some teaching at Crossroads, wrote the play, entitled 'The Forgotten Kingdom'. They will be working on this together and it has been brought to my attention that they will be needing some help."
Adnama nudged Darien, whispering, "Hey Darien. Doesn't your girlfriend go to Crossroads?"
He nodded, "Yeah, and I think she's in drama too." He grinned.
Richard continued on, "Now this should sweeten the pot for some of you reluctant ones. You will receive extra credit from this..."
There was some murmuring.
"...And you will be exempted from your various classes when needed."
Hands shot into the air, including Adnama and Darien's. She grinned at him, "Don't tell me you want to escape your med. classes that much."
He winked and she grinned, "Sly fox. Serena's gonna love your humble sacrifice of classes."
She laughed as he elbowed her. Richard looked about the class, checked his clipboard, a furtive grin spreading, "Those with upcoming Psyche II presentations will not be exempted. Mary Buekett would have my head for that."
A number of groans sounded as a few hands went down. Adnama kept grinning, her hand still up. Darien looked curious, "Don't you have Psyche II?" he whispered.
She gave him a wink and a wily grin, "I finished my presentation weeks ago."
"Miss Snemeis and Mr. Chiba, you will be two," Richard said, "And Mr. Furuhata and Miss Griffeths."
"All right Andy," Darien and Andy high fived as Adnama just grinned at Roe Griffeths, the new red hair student, who gave a small smile and turned back to Richard. Her hair was rather short and a bit spiked at the top while the rest just hung about her ears and the nape of her neck. Another strange girl. She had such dark eyes.
"Now that that is taken care of, how about those wonderful papers on Shakespeare that is due?" Richard could be so derisive sometimes and he was rewarded by the sounds of groans and rustling of papers as students began handing in their papers. Adnama grinned as she handed hers in. The work she did last night should pay off. And so class went on, art classes next and then about 9:30, home free!
"Whew!" This is gonna be great!" Adnama exclaimed as she, Darien & Andy walked out of the school, "A break at acting and strutting our stuff."
"Yeah, and class exemption," Andy grinned, "Can't get any better. Hey Roe, aren't you excited?"
Roe, who just exited the school, walked by, books in hand, wearing a soft black jacket that looked almost like leather. She didn't really smile or frown, but said, "it should be stimulating."
"Glad I caught you all." The tall white hair girl, Karie, appeared from the school, followed by her red hair companion, Knight, "I wanted to remind you to show up at Crossroads High School after lunch tomorrow around 1:00. Just bring yourselves for this time. We won't have to worry about other work for a while. Oh, before I forget," she turned to her companion, "Aaron, the scripts."
He pushed up his glasses on his nose and reached into his bag, "here they are. Read them over if you wish. It'll give a better understanding of the play." He seemed to get a twinkle in his eye as he said this and handed out the thick paper book style copies, "Happy reading," and he and Karie headed to the parking lot, Roe going off in another direction.
Andy nudged Darien, "Think they're an item?"
Darien watched a bit, "Maybe, can't tell yet. Did they know each other before coming here?"
Apparently they are both from Canada, or so they say. Their eyes, especially Knight's, don't seem...Canadian."
Adnama elbowed Andy in the ribs, "hey! Watch what you say. There is no 'Canadian' look except for the fact that we know how to party." She smirked as she walked away, Darien chuckling and Andy sputtering, "Ah, come on, Adnama. You know I didn't mean it. But you too, you don't seem, well..."
She raised an eyebrow, "Go on."
He sighed, throwing up his hands, "Oh, I give up."
Darien chuckled, "Adnama one, Andy zero."
Andy laughed, waved good-bye and left. Darien glanced about at the dark sky, "Need a ride?"
"Nah, got my own ride. 'Sides, have to pick up my niece from her new friends place."
"Niece? I didn't know you had anyone living with you."
Adnama scratched her head, looking awkward, "Well, she was having some trouble in her old school so my sister thought she'd do better in the city. So far she seems to be doing well with making friends." Then she suddenly slapped her forehead, "Oh shoot! I didn't even ask where her friend lives!" She checked her cell phone and sighed, "And the number isn't there. Drat!"
"What's the name of her friend?"
"Uh, Rini, I believe."
Darien looked surprised, "Well that is something. Count on Rini to make friends with new students."
"How do you know her? Are you related?"
*Anime sweat drops* Darien scratched the back of his head, chuckling nervously, "Hehe, funny. She's Serena's, uh, cousin. She had been living here about a year ago and came back again this year and started school here again today."
"So you know where she lives?"
"Yep. I'll give you the directions." He quickly explained them, apologized that he couldn't show her personally due to the overload of homework he had due the next day, and waved goodbye, leaving in a slick red sports car.
Adnama grinned, "Nice car." She glanced about the parking lot and saw Karie and Aaron talking closely with each other near a whit convertible. She grinned, arching an eyebrow, "Looks like Andrew might be right." She chuckled as she swung onto her ride, dawned a sleek black helmet, putting down the tinted visor and started her ride, revving the engine, and took off in a roar of dust.
Aaron glanced at the speeding bike leaving the parking lot and sighed, "You were right about one thing. She does seem very different."
Karie nodded, looking down and biting her lip. Aaron touched her shoulder, "You okay?"
She looked up at the stars appearing in the sky, taking in a deep breath, "Yeah, I'll be fine. Just... Aaron, I don't know if I can do this."
He gave her a reassuring smile, "Yes you can. I've seen you work before. You'll do great. Besides, you got a charming prince to help you," he winked.
She laughed, "Thanks, I needed that. The 'charming prince' was a bit overstated though." She laughed again at his expression, hopping into the driver seat, "I'm driving."
A protest on his lips, Aaron just sighed and hopped into the passenger side, "You can be so unfair sometimes."
"That's what 'damsels in distress' do best," she chuckled mockingly as she revved the engine and roared out of the parking lot.
* * *
Serena heard the sound of a motorbike revving outside and happily skipped down the stairs to answer the door. Maybe it was Darien. When she opened the door, there stood Adnama, wisps of hair loose, wearing a leather jacket and black jeans, holding a black bike helmet. Surprised, Serena stuttered, "Oh, hi Adnama. I thought you were someone else."
Adnama chuckled, "Sorry, he went home. Just came to pick up my niece."
Serena called for Naneeka and both her and Rini came down the stairs giggling. "Hey Auntie. How'd you find the house? I forgot to tell you and I didn't realize it till now."
"Darien told me. So, you must be Rini. Nice to meet you."
Rini shook hands and it gave her a sudden spark, like being surprised. She hid her astonishment and answered, "You too." Adnama gave a wry grin, "Saaay, your hair style is so much like Odango's here."
Serena blushed, "Similar tastes, I suppose."
"I'll see you tomorrow, Rini," Naneeka said as she left with Adnama, "See ya, Odango," Adnama chuckled and Serena reaction.
"Say, Naneeka. How old is Rini anyhow? Is she in grade 5 as well?"
Naneeka nodded, "uh huh. She's 11, just like me. So is Peaches."
Adnama smiled, helping Naneeka onto the bike seat behind her and putting a helmet on her, as well as her own, "Well, I'm glad you're making friends her. Seems we're both doing well. Hold tight."
Starting the bike, she revved it and took off.
Serena stood at her bedroom window and watched. What was it about Adnama? The funny thing was Serena felt fine this time. It was strange. Maybe it had nothing to do with Adnama.
Serena went over in her mind the scout meeting she had had that day. Everyone was worried about Michiru, especially Haruka and Hotaru. Even after many ideas, none could suggest how to get her back. They didn't even know where the enemy hid. According to Ami's computer there was no sign of any anomaly anywhere, on earth or in space. Not even a time distortion. It was just too strange. This enemy appeared to be cleverer in hiding then any other they had fought before.
Glancing up, Serena saw the crescent moon rise, glistening like a silver sliver. She sighed, wishing she knew what to do. She was the leader after all. But instead of ideas, she couldn't take her mind off of those dreams. Why did they come, why now?
She yawned, feeling very tired suddenly. Throwing on her pajamas, she crawled into bed and soon fell asleep.
Unknown to her a shadowed figure sat in a tree not far from her window, watching. They held a staff and wore a cloak and hood and occasionally the wind would gently blow and silver flashing could be seen from within the cloak. Rising, they leapt from the tree, landing softly on the ground. Knelt on one knee and making sure the coast was clear, they stood and took something from within the cloak and blew a soft dust into the direction of Serena's window. A blue mist snaked its way to the window before it then vanished within the glass.
"That should work," it whispered, a soft feminine voice heard. As she walked away quietly, she was suddenly stopped by another shadow, "Going somewhere?"
"As a matter of fact, yes," she replied softly as she ran forward, took a huge leap and flipped over the shadow, taking off soon after. The shadow, taken quite by surprise, followed. The figure chuckled and leapt onto a fence, to a tree and then to a house roof, "You should not interfere, guardian. This is none of your concern." At that she took off and disappeared.
Mars stopped, breathing heavily, "She's too fast for me. Haruka is more suited for this." She straightened and, ducking into the shadows, de-transformed and headed home.
"the fire was right. Someone seems to be causing Serena's dreams or so it looks. It's a good thing I checked on Serena. I wonder what that person was doing?"
As she walked along she noticed a piece of cloth snagged on a nail on the fence. Could it be from the figure? Carefully, Rei removed it from the nail and looked it over. It was black and seemed ordinary yet it had a strange feel to it and something sparkled within it, too small to see well. Time to go detective, Rei thought. Quickly she tapped her watch, speaking quietly, "Ami, you awake?"
Soon a sleep faced Ami appeared, yawning, "Rei, do you know how late it is?"
"I know and I'm sorry to wake you but something's come up. Serena was being watched and I chased the stranger but she got away. Anyway, I found what might be a piece of her cloak and thought maybe you could..."
"...solve the mystery?" Ami chuckled, "I'll try. Bring it over after school tomorrow. Now I really need to sleep. I have a test tomorrow and I wanted to get up early to study some more. Night Rei."
"Night Ame's." Rei looked around and sighed. It had been a very strange week and it seemed that things would only get more extraordinary.