****TO GO, PLEASE****
Chapter 8: The Hikari Gem
Rating: PG
Author: Adrianne
E-mail: jluv_angel06@hotmail.com
****TO GO, PLEASE****
DISCLAIMER: I don't own Sailor Moon or its characters.
The next three weeks passed by in a whirlwind of last minute shoe shopping, manicures, and accessorizing for the ball.
I hadn't realized how big the event actually was. Television stations would be broadcasting the show live, and Rei was a mess with nerves.
I, however, was dealing with my own anxieties as the night grew nearer. Zach and I had silently and shyly melded into a full-blown relationship, and the upcoming ball would be our first time out as a real couple due our dedication to our studies and exams coming up sooner than ever. The ball would be held the day after our final final exam. (AN: yes, i meant to put 2 final's)
My eyes traveled to my unfinished anatomy home-work, and I masaged my temples. The clock read 3:34, and I was having trouble focusing on the task at hand. With midterms lurking around the corner, I was liable to snap at any moment.
'3:36'
I slapped my pencil down and stretched. The evil anatomy homework would have to wait until after tomorrow night's ball.
I jumped slightly when my apartment buzzer sounded and padded across the carpeted floor to the door.
"Hello?" I wasn't sure who would be here now. The girls were all busy with last-minute preperations.
"Ami-chan? Hey, it's me," Zach's voice rammed into my senses, and I almost tripped over a shoe as I jumped back.
After regaining what little composure I could muster, I cleared my throat and pressed the answer-button.
"Zach?" I decided to play dumb for a while.
"Yeah, how's the studying coming?"
"It's...not."
He chuckled, "I can understand that. So you wanna take a break and come get something to eat with me?
Nothing could have stopped the grin that stretched across my face, nor the heavy thumping of my heart.
'Yes.'
"You still there, Ami?"
'Stupid! You're supposed to SAY 'yes' not THINK it!'
"Um, yeah, sorry--sure, I'd love to go. Give me a few minutes," I was fidgeting around waiting for his response when I realized that I hadn't done laundry in ages.
'Oh no.'
"Sure, no problem, see you in a few."
I tried to ignore the increasing pounding in my heart as I rummaged through my closet for an outfit.
"Too big."
"Too green."
"Too grandma-ish."
"Is that Mom's?"
"Spaghetti stain."
Sighing exasperatedly, I just grabbed a pair of dark blue jeans and a blue 3/4 length shirt and threw them on.
As I reached for my jacket, I looked in the mirror and gasped.
"I look horrible!" My hair was dissheveled and tangly, and I had a hand-print on my cheek from resting it in my palm during my "studying."
Quickly, I applied some make-up, brushed my hair, threw on my jacket, and was out the door.
On the elevator I took deep, calming breaths to tame my rambunctious heart beat.
'Be calm, be cool, be collected.'
Easier said than done when your boyfriend looks like he could be an Abercrombie and Fitch model or something.
I ran my fingers through my hair once more and opened the glass doors leading to the street where he was waiting.
'Easy, girl, just breathe.'
I tried to put on what Minako described as a 'flirtatious smile', but my lips just wouldn't do that little pouty thing. I'd look like like a bull dog or something so I had to settle for my usual 'Ami smile.'
I subconciously registered the icey ground and snow-covered sidewalks as I approached him.
His smile could have melted the entire block when he turned to me. I silently thanked whoever made it possible to have someone smile at me like that.
I fell into his embrace easily and took in his presence. I was growing addicted to it.
"Miss me?" I mumbled against his chest.
"You know it..." He bent down and kissed the corner of my mouth lightly.
'Tease.'
As we seperated and he grabbed my hand, I leaned against his side.
"So, where are we going?" I really didn't care where the heck we were going, but at the time it sounded appropriate to ask.
"It's near-" His words were cut off by a loud crash and an earsplitting screech.
Zach threw himself against me, and I watched as a flying lightpole zoomed past the place we were in moments before.
My back was against a wall and as quick as quickly as they came, my memories of my attack vanished with Zach holding me.
"Stay here, Ami-chan," Zach straightened and walked a little ways down the sidewalk.
"I'm not going to let you go by yourself," My senshi senses were kicking in, and I'd be damned if I was going to let him get killed by a youma I should have been turning into icicles.
He started to protest but seemed to see that I wouldn't back down and relented.
"Alright, just stay behind me, okay?" He reached for my arm.
I nodded and fingered my henshin wand in my pocket. As we rounded the corner I wasn't quite sure what I was looking at. There were so many things going on at one time that my senses were overwhelmed.
College students were fleeing in all directions, books and papers forgotten on the campus lawn, and screaming as if their lives depended on it--and they did.
In the middle of the snow-covered grass stood a youma at least 8 feet tall that looked to be made of a cross between a four-wheeler and a dump truck. It was spraying what appeared to be gasoline in all directions and spitting fire faster than twenty Sailor Marses could.
"What the hell..?" Zach stood stupefied. I assumed he'd never atcually been face-to-face with a youma before.
I now understood what Rei meant when she said 'super youma.'
A good section of the school's cafeteria was up in flames and falling right before my eyes. Explosions were sounding from within the burning mass, and I guessed they were caused by the kitchen's gas stoves.
The youma screeched worse than tires ever could and screamed, "WHERE IS SHE?! I MUST HAVE THE HIKARI GEM!"
'Hikari Gem?'
I had no time to ponder the meaning behind his statement as he spit a handful of fire towards Zach and me and we barely jumped out of the way before being burned to a crisp.
"Come on, Ami-chan!" Zach scurried to his feet and pulled me with him.
I had to stop the youma, but I couldn't leave Zach. I could only pray that the other senshi would arrive before all of Tokyo was scorched beyond identification.
"Hold it, flame-breath!" Sailor Moon stood proudly in front of Mars, Jupiter, and Venus.
They didn't stay standing for long, for the youma was spitting gasoline and fire in their direction, sending them flying to escape.
Apparently, I had failed to recognize one of its greater talents: it could fling tires bigger than a small horse.
Before long, Mars was down with a bad burn on her leg and couldn't protect herself. Fighting the youma with her fire attacks would only cause more explosions.
Zach and I were watching from an alley.
"What is that thing?" Zach was watching it in fearful awe.
"I think it's a youma...you know, the monsters the Sailor Senshi fight?" I supplied, while trying to resist the urge to transform. The senshi needed a water attack, and I was the only one capable of supplying it.
"Look! It's Matt and Jason!" Zach grabbed my hand and we ran the short distance to their unconcious bodies. They were sustaining minor burns to their arms and legs from what I could picture and had probably been hit by one of the collosal tires.
I found my opportunity.
"Zach, I should go call an ambulance," I started to stand, but he grabbed my arm.
"Here, go back to the alley, call an ambulance and stay there," He handed me his cell phone.
I smiled gratefully and told him to be careful before running off.
Once out of his sight and ear-shot I yelled my transformation and leaped to the scene.
The youma was still carrying on about the Hikari Gem.
"Where is she?! I know she is with you, senshi! I must bring her to Myora!" With each word, the youma spit showers of tires and fire, destroying anything in its direct vision.
I chose not to speak but attack by surprise. Focusing my energy into my attack, I closed my eyes.
"MERCURY AQUA RASPHODY!" My attack reached its target dead-on. The youma yelped in surprise and pain and clutched its middle.
"'Bout time you got here, Merc! We're getting toasted--literally!" Minako powered up to attack again.
"Venus, on three!" She nodded.
"One, two, three!" I yelled.
"SHINE AQUA ILLUSION!"
"VENUS LOVE AND BEAUTY SHOCK!"
Our attacks succeeded in immobolizing the youma, and after two more combined attacks, Sailor Moon was able to finish it off.
I rushed to Mars' side where she was favoring her left thigh.
"Mars, you okay?" I inspected her wound. It was at least 2nd degree.
She grunted, "Sure, you could call this okay."
I shoved a handful of snow onto her leg to ease the pain.
"That should help until I can heal it." Over the years, I'd discovered the healing powers of Mercury. I hadn't perfected them yet, but I could heal small injuries and broken bones.
"Will someone explain to me why the hell our uniforms can't change with the seasons? How are we supposed to fight youma in below freezing weather dressed like Malibu Barbie?!" Mars was being helped up by Moon and Venus.
We shrugged and walked off to detransform.
"Minna-chan, what do you think the Hikari Gem is?" Usagi asked.
I pondered it for a moment, "Well, the youma said it was looking for a 'she' and that it knew we had her with us. It could be you, Usagi-chan...but we've never heard of any Hikari Gem--it doesn't make sense."
Suddenly, I remembered Zach, Matt and Jason and jumped.
"Oh my gosh! I completely forgot about the guys!" I started to run off.
"What?" They started to follow me.
Zach seemed to be panicking. Jason and Matt were still unconcious on the ground. Zach had packed snow to their wounds as I had done for Rei.
"What's the problem?" Venus asked, and looked at the guys. Makoto was having trouble restraining herself from rushing to Matt's side.
"They got attacked by that...that thing, whatever the hell it was--can you help them?" He was obviously worried.
"Yes, I think I can," I smiled at him and kneeled at their sides.
My hands cupped over their bodies and I focused my energy.
'Mercury Remefy'
My hands glowed blue and their wounds shone with the same light before vanishing.
Zach stared at me in awe for a moment but sobered when Matt and Jason stirred.
"Man, I've never had this dream before...I have to admit the whole sailor mini skirts are kinda hot, though," Jason was looking Mars up and down and she 'huffed' and turned the other way.
Zach jumped up, and seemed to be worried again.
"Ami...," He said to himself, "Have you seen a girl with blue hair anywhere? I left her and--oh God, I have to find her," Zach started to run in the direction of the alley I was supposed to be in, but Usagi touched his arm.
"Don't worry, she's fine. I found her and made sure she was safe," She smiled reassuringly.
'Thanks, Usagi.'
He seemed to be relieved and sighed.
"Where is she?" He looked at Moon.
"Um...she's...she's, Mercury, why don't you go get her? You know where she is, *right*?" She looked at me.
I got her point.
"Yeah, be right back," I ran towards the alley and quickly detransformed.
As soon as my powers left my body, I collapsed against the wall. Healing the guys really drained me, and I was slightly dizzy for a few moments.
When my vision cleared, I rose and started to walk in their direction. My head was sore, and my body weak. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to stand longer.
"Zach..." I didn't say more for fear of passing out.
"Ami! I was so worried, I thought you..." He grabbed me into a hug, and I felt slightly energized.
Only slightly.
"I'm OK, just..."
I woke up to the sounds of music playing softly and people talking in hushed voices.
My body felt like it had been run over by the youma we faced earlier, and the dull pounding behind my eyes only increased my uncomfortableness.
After rubbing my eyes slightly, my vision cleared and I was able to make out a long mane of raven sitting directly in front of me.
'Rei's temple...how did I get here?'
Propping myself up on my elbows, I pushed myself to a sitting position and scooted closer to the circle of senshi.
"Minna-chan?" I croaked.
Rei and Usagi whipped their heads around and smiled.
"Hey, girl, we thought you'd never get up," Usagi moved over to make room in the circle for me.
"Yeah, you've been out for a few hours," Makoto was munching on a chip, "we had one hell of a time trying to get you here without Zach, Matt, and Jason getting suspicious."
I rubbed my head, "I guess healing two people at once really took a lot out of me."
I remembered Rei's burn which was a lot worse than the guys' injuries were.
"Oh, Rei-chan, how's your leg? I should look at it," I eyed her bandaged thigh.
"Oh, it's fine. I got some salve from my grandpa's room, and the pain is a lot less now,"
I rose to look at it.
"And don't even think about trying to heal it in your condition," She pushed me back down.
"You guys, I'm fine. I've gotten used to fainting by now anyway," They laughed softly.
"Oh, Ames, if Zach asks, Sailor Moon and Mars took you to the hospital and you woke up on the way, and Rei and Usagi went and picked you up and brought you here," Minako grabbed the bag of chips from Makoto.
I absorbed the info and questioned about my mother.
"We told her that you were just going to study with us tonight and that you'd be home before the ball tomorrow," Usagi explained.
"Thanks, guys," They smiled.
There was a small thud by the window and we whipped around to find out the source.
"Good evening, girls," Luna padded to the middle of the circle.
"Hey Luna," Usagi scratched behind her ears, knowing that Luna hated such acts. She was "not a common house-cat."
Expectedly, she pawed away Usagi's hand and took on a serious face.
"Girls, we must discuss these new youma and the information we've collected from the battle today."
She turned to me, "Ami, I trust you are feeling up to senshi business?"
"Of course, Luna, I'm not dying or anything," Their little faith in my strength was starting to irritate me.
She seemed not to detect the sarcasm in my answer.
"Very well then. I've gathered what information I can about the Hikari Gem from Central Control," she gave all of us a look, "And it seems that it is an ancient stone that once belonged to the kingdom of Mercury. King Sarius of the lost planet, Flanar, stole the Hikari Gem and used it to kill millions on the planet Mercury in spite of its queen, Aiya, who was to be wed to Sarius, but fled four weeks before their wedding to the moon to elope with another man--your father, Ami-chan."
Four heads flipped over to me, and I sat in pure shock. I didn't know what to say or ask at the moment as so many questions bubbled and brewed inside of my head. I opted to wait until Luna was completely finished to gather my thoughts and voice them.
Luna waited a few more moments for it to sink in and continued, "Your father, Galah, was a nobleman on the moon and very well respected. At the time, Aiya was on Mercury to announce her marriage to Galah at a gathering of all her people--that was where Sarius found her. His intentions were not to murder her, but capture her for himself and take her to Flanar, but when he learned of her pregnancy, he was outraged. He used the gem to kill her, but for some unkown reason it didn't kill her child. The baby was not fully developed yet and was planted in the womb of Queen Aiya's younger sister, Alana. Alana managed to escape to the moon where Queen Serenity took her in," Luna paused again and drew a large breath.
"Unfortunately, Mercury was left in ruins," Luna eyed me softly.
The information was a lot to take in at the moment and my mind was reeling. I dared not ask her to stop, for my curiosity was overwhelming.
"But the Hikari Gem was not meant to kill, you see, and Sarius's hate for Queen Aiya and her people--whom he blamed for his pain--overwhelmed the gem, causing it to back-fire more or less and kill him. He happened to be on his planet, Flanar at the time, gathering supporters to invade the Moon and capture Alana and the child she bore. The gem destroyed Flanar ultimately, and has not been seen ever since. Legend says that until it finds its true keeper, its powers will remain hidden."
So many emotions were filling my senses that I wasn't sure if I'd ever sort them out. The most evident was the deep remorse at having lost my biological mother to a man's hollow hate.
I found my voice and spoke, "Luna, wh-where do you think the Hikari Gem is?"
She sighed softly, "I have no idea. The legend never said who the true keeper was. My guess is that perhaps the place of its origin is where it would go. If that is the case, then it would be on Mercury. Many have searched, but never found the gem. The true question is who this Myora is and why she wants the gem in the first place."
We all sat in still silence, pondering the new information.
"And what about my father? What happened to him?" I almost felt scared to ask. Luna's eyes were sad when she turned to me.
"Your father was found dead in his home a day after the battle of Mercury. No wounds were evident and his death remained as mysterious as the whereabouts of the Hikari Gem," Luna looked down.
I felt Usagi's hand on my back and bit back a wave of tears.
"So, until we find the Hikari Gem we are sitting ducks," Makoto sounded solemn.
"Luna, do you think Myora is stronger than Galaxia?" Minako asked, obviously trying to hide the fear lurking behind her words.
Luna exhaled, "I'm not sure. If she *is* a descendant of the Flanar Kingdom, then I am afraid to say that she would be. Flanar was an all-powerful, dark planet before its fall."
"We're up for a big one this time around, ladies," Makoto cracked her knuckles, "I know we'll kick their asses just like every other piece of nega-trash we've been put up against as long as we stick together," Her emerald eyes flashed in determination. Rei stood and said she would go the fire to see if she could find anything to help.
I wished I could have a bit of her and Makoto's confidence at that moment. My resolve was withering away to nothingness. I wished Zach was there with me.
Fifteen minutes of silence later and a panting Rei collapsed beside Usagi and stared with deadened eyes.
"Rei-chan?" Usagi gripped her shoulders.
Rei looked at all of us, "The--The fire said that the evil is in Usagi." She said softly.
Silently, we all gasped. Luna lead a quick discussion of this new information and we ended the meeting at a dead end. Luna sighed and stretched.
"You girls look wiped; you should all get some rest," Luna took on an authorative no-nonsense tone, "You will need all the energy you can get for the ball tomorrow," She winked at Rei and hopped to the windowsill.
"Goodnight, girls," She leaped from the sill after we bid her farewell.
Usagi let out a tired yawn and collapsed on to her pillow, and turned to me, softly smiling.
"It'll be okay, Ami-chan, you won't lose anyone else," I leaned to give her a hug and whispered my thanks.
Sleep claimed my body reluctantly that night as I lay awake, gazing at the ceiling. Eventually, I managed to push all thoughts of the Hikari Gem and my lost parents to the back of my cluttered mind and let the gentle hands of sleep carry me into a dreamless slumber.
"AMI-CHAN! AMI-CHAN!"
My eyelids cracked open slowly, but closed as quick as they opened when my face collided with an air-borne pillow.
"Wake-up, sleepy-head! It's almost 11!" Minako stood at the foot of my bed, dressed and perky as usual. You could never tell that 1/5 of the weight of the entire universe's well-being rested on the Senshi of love's shoulders.
"I'm up, Minako-chan," I mumbled. Groggily, I stretched and rose from the bed.
"I'm starving; please tell me Makoto cooked," As if to agree, my stomach growled noisely and Minako giggled.
"Duh, Ami-chan! When is that girl *not* in the kitchen? Now, hurry up and get dressed--you look like hell," With that, she bounced out of the room leaving a trail of merry-sunshine in her place.
"Gee, thanks, Mina-chan," I replied to the empty room.
After a few minutes of washing, I slipped into a pair of jeans and a sweater that Rei had undoubtedly supplied for my use. I picked up the nearest hair-brush and painfully combed out my hair. It had grown since high-school, now falling past my ears and the base of my neck.
The radio dully played in the backround as I slipped on some socks to warm my chilled feet.
Makoto's laughs filled my ears as I entered the kitchen. Usagi stood stunned with a pile of flour perched on her nose.
"That oughta teach you to stay out of the food before everyone's up," Makoto laughed again.
She turned to me with a forgotten hand-full of flour and smiled.
I flinched, "Um, I think I'd like to eat my breakfast, not wear it, thank you."
She eyed her hand and laughed, "Sorry."
"No way, Rei-chan! I totally had you!" Minako furiously tapped away at the PS2 controller, moving with the race car as if it'd actually make it maneuver any better.
"Whatever," Rei said dismissively.
"Does Yuuchirou know you're playing his games?" Usagi asked, obviously annoyed at not being able to play first.
"He doesn't care. He'd probably give it to me if I asked him," Rei said.
"Food's done!" Makoto announced and placed a steaming plate of eggs and sausage on the table.
"YES! FOOD!" Usagi pounced onto her seat and greedily filled a plate.
I joined her--yet not as animal-like as she--and filled my own plate hungrily.
"No way, if I eat that I'm never gonna fit into my dress for next week," Minako said, and Rei nodded in agreement.
"I can't look bloated on TV," Rei poured a cup of oranged juice and nibbled a piece of dry toast, eyeing Usagi.
"Odango, if you don't slow down, Mamoru'll never be able to fit you through the door," She scoffed.
"Shut up, Rei-chan," Usagi mumbled beneath a piece of sausage.
I was too hungry to care at the moment whether or not I could fit into a stupid dress. The image of a porky Usagi squeezing through the entrance doors filled my vision and I nearly choked on my orange juice.
"You OK, Ames?" Minako asked half-concerned/half-amused.
I laughed slightly, "Yeah, fine." I had to stifle a giggle as Usagi packed another pound of food into her mouth--or black hole as we like to call it.
"Ami-chan, Zach is gonna shit frisbees when he sees you in that dress tonight. It is SO perfect for you," Usagi said.
That did it. The image of Zach popping frisbees out of his rear-end sent me into an uncontrollable fit of giggles.
"I'm f-f-fi--I'm, my stomach hurts," I clutched my middle and wished I hadn't eaten all that food.
After I regained my composure, the girls were busy containing their own giggles.
"Wow, Ames, I've never seen you this giggle-y before. What's up? You and Zach haven't...have you?" Rei asked curiously, raising an eyebrow.
"NO! No, Rei-chan," I blushed.
"Well then he MUST be a good kisser," Minako said bemusedly.
Rei only laughed, "Yeah, well if Jason tries to kiss me one more time I just might have to-"
"Kiss him RIGHT back."
Rei jumped at least five feet in the air and screamed.
"HOW THE HELL DID YOU GET IN HERE?!" She was beet red and breathing hard.
Jason laughed loudly and pointed to Yuuchirou behind him.
"My buddy, Yuuchirou, here let me in," He beamed at her.
"Yuuchirou, what did I tell you about letting stray DOGS in here?" Rei was glowering over them.
Yuuchirou cowered back slightly.
"Sorry, Rei-chan, I'll just be um...going now, see ya!" He zoomed off before she could do anything more.
"Ouch, Rei, that hurt me," Jason tapped his hand over his heart.
"But, anyway, I'm playing messenger boy today," He looked disgusted.
Stiffening his shoulders and standing up to his full height he stalked over to Minako, "I will pick you up at 6:00 at Rei's temple with the other guys. I can't wait," He exhaled from his "Kyle stance" and walked to Makoto.
His shoulders were relaxed, "Hey, uh, Makoto-chan, I guess I'll be there at 6, I might be late though," He cringed slightly as if wishing he didn't have to say the next part, "I'm gonna need those extra minutes to bring myself up to *your* level," "Matt" finished and shook off his stance.
"God, I'm dripping with Matt's cheesiness. Ugh, get it off!" He shook off his shirt and looked a little relieved.
Makoto and Minako were blushing and laughing.
"I can't take any more of this impersonating junk," He looked at me, "Zach says he's sorry about yesterday, hopes you're up for tonight, he can't wait--yada yada yada--be here at six--yada, yada, yada--you know the rest," He waved his hands as he talked and smiled when he was done.
"Now for my final message," He turned to Rei who had returned to her normal color.
"Dear, Rei-chan, would you do me the honor of letting me escort you to the ball tonight? Signed, Jason," He gave her a 'thousand-dollar' grin and stood expectantly.
Rei looked speculatively at him for a moment and seemed to relent. I almost saw a flash of anticipation cross her violet eyes.
"Oh, fine, just so you don't start gravelling or anything," She smiled.
Jason raised his hands in silent cheer, "Oh yeah, I knew you were into me," He looked at her and leaned close to her face, "Does this mean I get that kiss?"
*SMACK*
"Damn, girl, you sure aren't a morning person. You're lucky I like feisty chicks."
"UGH! GET OUT!" She shoved him roughly out the door.
As Jason stumbled down the stairs he called, "I'll be here at six, too! See ya later!"
She huffed back into the room and plopped on to her chair, red-faced.
"Why did I say yes to him?!" She put her head on the table.
"Because you *are* into him," Usagi said matter-of-factly.
Rei was silent for a minute.
"God, help me--I am," She put her arms around her head.
"Aw, don't worry, hon, we understand," Minako patted her back.
"But, you keep abusing him like that and he just might stop trying and file a restraining order or something," Minako nibbled her toast.
"I guess I should call Mamo-chan and tell him to pick me up here as well. He hasn't met the guys really, has he? I think they'll love eachother," Usagi beamed and left to make the call.
"We'll go pick up our dresses and everything and be back here by 3:00, Rei-chan, okay?" Minako gathered her purse and stood.
"Alright, see you, minna-chan," Rei stood and hugged us good-bye.
"Let's go, Usa-chan!" Makoto called, and Usagi came smiling to us.
"See ya, Rei-chan," She gathered her things and joined us.
"Bye," Raye waved to us and disappeared through the temple doors.
Tonight was going to be incredible, I could feel it. But somewhere in the back of my mind there was a cloud of foreboding warning accumulating. I just brushed it off as anxiety, and walked alongside Usagi as she animatedly rattled to Makoto and Minako about the night that lay before us.
*%%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*
And there we have it, another installment of "TO GO, PLEASE."
yay 4 me! I hope you're all luvin' it! Next chapter'll be out soon! Until then, ja ne!
--Adrial
adrial_06@yahoo.com
Chapter 8: The Hikari Gem
Rating: PG
Author: Adrianne
E-mail: jluv_angel06@hotmail.com
****TO GO, PLEASE****
DISCLAIMER: I don't own Sailor Moon or its characters.
The next three weeks passed by in a whirlwind of last minute shoe shopping, manicures, and accessorizing for the ball.
I hadn't realized how big the event actually was. Television stations would be broadcasting the show live, and Rei was a mess with nerves.
I, however, was dealing with my own anxieties as the night grew nearer. Zach and I had silently and shyly melded into a full-blown relationship, and the upcoming ball would be our first time out as a real couple due our dedication to our studies and exams coming up sooner than ever. The ball would be held the day after our final final exam. (AN: yes, i meant to put 2 final's)
My eyes traveled to my unfinished anatomy home-work, and I masaged my temples. The clock read 3:34, and I was having trouble focusing on the task at hand. With midterms lurking around the corner, I was liable to snap at any moment.
'3:36'
I slapped my pencil down and stretched. The evil anatomy homework would have to wait until after tomorrow night's ball.
I jumped slightly when my apartment buzzer sounded and padded across the carpeted floor to the door.
"Hello?" I wasn't sure who would be here now. The girls were all busy with last-minute preperations.
"Ami-chan? Hey, it's me," Zach's voice rammed into my senses, and I almost tripped over a shoe as I jumped back.
After regaining what little composure I could muster, I cleared my throat and pressed the answer-button.
"Zach?" I decided to play dumb for a while.
"Yeah, how's the studying coming?"
"It's...not."
He chuckled, "I can understand that. So you wanna take a break and come get something to eat with me?
Nothing could have stopped the grin that stretched across my face, nor the heavy thumping of my heart.
'Yes.'
"You still there, Ami?"
'Stupid! You're supposed to SAY 'yes' not THINK it!'
"Um, yeah, sorry--sure, I'd love to go. Give me a few minutes," I was fidgeting around waiting for his response when I realized that I hadn't done laundry in ages.
'Oh no.'
"Sure, no problem, see you in a few."
I tried to ignore the increasing pounding in my heart as I rummaged through my closet for an outfit.
"Too big."
"Too green."
"Too grandma-ish."
"Is that Mom's?"
"Spaghetti stain."
Sighing exasperatedly, I just grabbed a pair of dark blue jeans and a blue 3/4 length shirt and threw them on.
As I reached for my jacket, I looked in the mirror and gasped.
"I look horrible!" My hair was dissheveled and tangly, and I had a hand-print on my cheek from resting it in my palm during my "studying."
Quickly, I applied some make-up, brushed my hair, threw on my jacket, and was out the door.
On the elevator I took deep, calming breaths to tame my rambunctious heart beat.
'Be calm, be cool, be collected.'
Easier said than done when your boyfriend looks like he could be an Abercrombie and Fitch model or something.
I ran my fingers through my hair once more and opened the glass doors leading to the street where he was waiting.
'Easy, girl, just breathe.'
I tried to put on what Minako described as a 'flirtatious smile', but my lips just wouldn't do that little pouty thing. I'd look like like a bull dog or something so I had to settle for my usual 'Ami smile.'
I subconciously registered the icey ground and snow-covered sidewalks as I approached him.
His smile could have melted the entire block when he turned to me. I silently thanked whoever made it possible to have someone smile at me like that.
I fell into his embrace easily and took in his presence. I was growing addicted to it.
"Miss me?" I mumbled against his chest.
"You know it..." He bent down and kissed the corner of my mouth lightly.
'Tease.'
As we seperated and he grabbed my hand, I leaned against his side.
"So, where are we going?" I really didn't care where the heck we were going, but at the time it sounded appropriate to ask.
"It's near-" His words were cut off by a loud crash and an earsplitting screech.
Zach threw himself against me, and I watched as a flying lightpole zoomed past the place we were in moments before.
My back was against a wall and as quick as quickly as they came, my memories of my attack vanished with Zach holding me.
"Stay here, Ami-chan," Zach straightened and walked a little ways down the sidewalk.
"I'm not going to let you go by yourself," My senshi senses were kicking in, and I'd be damned if I was going to let him get killed by a youma I should have been turning into icicles.
He started to protest but seemed to see that I wouldn't back down and relented.
"Alright, just stay behind me, okay?" He reached for my arm.
I nodded and fingered my henshin wand in my pocket. As we rounded the corner I wasn't quite sure what I was looking at. There were so many things going on at one time that my senses were overwhelmed.
College students were fleeing in all directions, books and papers forgotten on the campus lawn, and screaming as if their lives depended on it--and they did.
In the middle of the snow-covered grass stood a youma at least 8 feet tall that looked to be made of a cross between a four-wheeler and a dump truck. It was spraying what appeared to be gasoline in all directions and spitting fire faster than twenty Sailor Marses could.
"What the hell..?" Zach stood stupefied. I assumed he'd never atcually been face-to-face with a youma before.
I now understood what Rei meant when she said 'super youma.'
A good section of the school's cafeteria was up in flames and falling right before my eyes. Explosions were sounding from within the burning mass, and I guessed they were caused by the kitchen's gas stoves.
The youma screeched worse than tires ever could and screamed, "WHERE IS SHE?! I MUST HAVE THE HIKARI GEM!"
'Hikari Gem?'
I had no time to ponder the meaning behind his statement as he spit a handful of fire towards Zach and me and we barely jumped out of the way before being burned to a crisp.
"Come on, Ami-chan!" Zach scurried to his feet and pulled me with him.
I had to stop the youma, but I couldn't leave Zach. I could only pray that the other senshi would arrive before all of Tokyo was scorched beyond identification.
"Hold it, flame-breath!" Sailor Moon stood proudly in front of Mars, Jupiter, and Venus.
They didn't stay standing for long, for the youma was spitting gasoline and fire in their direction, sending them flying to escape.
Apparently, I had failed to recognize one of its greater talents: it could fling tires bigger than a small horse.
Before long, Mars was down with a bad burn on her leg and couldn't protect herself. Fighting the youma with her fire attacks would only cause more explosions.
Zach and I were watching from an alley.
"What is that thing?" Zach was watching it in fearful awe.
"I think it's a youma...you know, the monsters the Sailor Senshi fight?" I supplied, while trying to resist the urge to transform. The senshi needed a water attack, and I was the only one capable of supplying it.
"Look! It's Matt and Jason!" Zach grabbed my hand and we ran the short distance to their unconcious bodies. They were sustaining minor burns to their arms and legs from what I could picture and had probably been hit by one of the collosal tires.
I found my opportunity.
"Zach, I should go call an ambulance," I started to stand, but he grabbed my arm.
"Here, go back to the alley, call an ambulance and stay there," He handed me his cell phone.
I smiled gratefully and told him to be careful before running off.
Once out of his sight and ear-shot I yelled my transformation and leaped to the scene.
The youma was still carrying on about the Hikari Gem.
"Where is she?! I know she is with you, senshi! I must bring her to Myora!" With each word, the youma spit showers of tires and fire, destroying anything in its direct vision.
I chose not to speak but attack by surprise. Focusing my energy into my attack, I closed my eyes.
"MERCURY AQUA RASPHODY!" My attack reached its target dead-on. The youma yelped in surprise and pain and clutched its middle.
"'Bout time you got here, Merc! We're getting toasted--literally!" Minako powered up to attack again.
"Venus, on three!" She nodded.
"One, two, three!" I yelled.
"SHINE AQUA ILLUSION!"
"VENUS LOVE AND BEAUTY SHOCK!"
Our attacks succeeded in immobolizing the youma, and after two more combined attacks, Sailor Moon was able to finish it off.
I rushed to Mars' side where she was favoring her left thigh.
"Mars, you okay?" I inspected her wound. It was at least 2nd degree.
She grunted, "Sure, you could call this okay."
I shoved a handful of snow onto her leg to ease the pain.
"That should help until I can heal it." Over the years, I'd discovered the healing powers of Mercury. I hadn't perfected them yet, but I could heal small injuries and broken bones.
"Will someone explain to me why the hell our uniforms can't change with the seasons? How are we supposed to fight youma in below freezing weather dressed like Malibu Barbie?!" Mars was being helped up by Moon and Venus.
We shrugged and walked off to detransform.
"Minna-chan, what do you think the Hikari Gem is?" Usagi asked.
I pondered it for a moment, "Well, the youma said it was looking for a 'she' and that it knew we had her with us. It could be you, Usagi-chan...but we've never heard of any Hikari Gem--it doesn't make sense."
Suddenly, I remembered Zach, Matt and Jason and jumped.
"Oh my gosh! I completely forgot about the guys!" I started to run off.
"What?" They started to follow me.
Zach seemed to be panicking. Jason and Matt were still unconcious on the ground. Zach had packed snow to their wounds as I had done for Rei.
"What's the problem?" Venus asked, and looked at the guys. Makoto was having trouble restraining herself from rushing to Matt's side.
"They got attacked by that...that thing, whatever the hell it was--can you help them?" He was obviously worried.
"Yes, I think I can," I smiled at him and kneeled at their sides.
My hands cupped over their bodies and I focused my energy.
'Mercury Remefy'
My hands glowed blue and their wounds shone with the same light before vanishing.
Zach stared at me in awe for a moment but sobered when Matt and Jason stirred.
"Man, I've never had this dream before...I have to admit the whole sailor mini skirts are kinda hot, though," Jason was looking Mars up and down and she 'huffed' and turned the other way.
Zach jumped up, and seemed to be worried again.
"Ami...," He said to himself, "Have you seen a girl with blue hair anywhere? I left her and--oh God, I have to find her," Zach started to run in the direction of the alley I was supposed to be in, but Usagi touched his arm.
"Don't worry, she's fine. I found her and made sure she was safe," She smiled reassuringly.
'Thanks, Usagi.'
He seemed to be relieved and sighed.
"Where is she?" He looked at Moon.
"Um...she's...she's, Mercury, why don't you go get her? You know where she is, *right*?" She looked at me.
I got her point.
"Yeah, be right back," I ran towards the alley and quickly detransformed.
As soon as my powers left my body, I collapsed against the wall. Healing the guys really drained me, and I was slightly dizzy for a few moments.
When my vision cleared, I rose and started to walk in their direction. My head was sore, and my body weak. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to stand longer.
"Zach..." I didn't say more for fear of passing out.
"Ami! I was so worried, I thought you..." He grabbed me into a hug, and I felt slightly energized.
Only slightly.
"I'm OK, just..."
I woke up to the sounds of music playing softly and people talking in hushed voices.
My body felt like it had been run over by the youma we faced earlier, and the dull pounding behind my eyes only increased my uncomfortableness.
After rubbing my eyes slightly, my vision cleared and I was able to make out a long mane of raven sitting directly in front of me.
'Rei's temple...how did I get here?'
Propping myself up on my elbows, I pushed myself to a sitting position and scooted closer to the circle of senshi.
"Minna-chan?" I croaked.
Rei and Usagi whipped their heads around and smiled.
"Hey, girl, we thought you'd never get up," Usagi moved over to make room in the circle for me.
"Yeah, you've been out for a few hours," Makoto was munching on a chip, "we had one hell of a time trying to get you here without Zach, Matt, and Jason getting suspicious."
I rubbed my head, "I guess healing two people at once really took a lot out of me."
I remembered Rei's burn which was a lot worse than the guys' injuries were.
"Oh, Rei-chan, how's your leg? I should look at it," I eyed her bandaged thigh.
"Oh, it's fine. I got some salve from my grandpa's room, and the pain is a lot less now,"
I rose to look at it.
"And don't even think about trying to heal it in your condition," She pushed me back down.
"You guys, I'm fine. I've gotten used to fainting by now anyway," They laughed softly.
"Oh, Ames, if Zach asks, Sailor Moon and Mars took you to the hospital and you woke up on the way, and Rei and Usagi went and picked you up and brought you here," Minako grabbed the bag of chips from Makoto.
I absorbed the info and questioned about my mother.
"We told her that you were just going to study with us tonight and that you'd be home before the ball tomorrow," Usagi explained.
"Thanks, guys," They smiled.
There was a small thud by the window and we whipped around to find out the source.
"Good evening, girls," Luna padded to the middle of the circle.
"Hey Luna," Usagi scratched behind her ears, knowing that Luna hated such acts. She was "not a common house-cat."
Expectedly, she pawed away Usagi's hand and took on a serious face.
"Girls, we must discuss these new youma and the information we've collected from the battle today."
She turned to me, "Ami, I trust you are feeling up to senshi business?"
"Of course, Luna, I'm not dying or anything," Their little faith in my strength was starting to irritate me.
She seemed not to detect the sarcasm in my answer.
"Very well then. I've gathered what information I can about the Hikari Gem from Central Control," she gave all of us a look, "And it seems that it is an ancient stone that once belonged to the kingdom of Mercury. King Sarius of the lost planet, Flanar, stole the Hikari Gem and used it to kill millions on the planet Mercury in spite of its queen, Aiya, who was to be wed to Sarius, but fled four weeks before their wedding to the moon to elope with another man--your father, Ami-chan."
Four heads flipped over to me, and I sat in pure shock. I didn't know what to say or ask at the moment as so many questions bubbled and brewed inside of my head. I opted to wait until Luna was completely finished to gather my thoughts and voice them.
Luna waited a few more moments for it to sink in and continued, "Your father, Galah, was a nobleman on the moon and very well respected. At the time, Aiya was on Mercury to announce her marriage to Galah at a gathering of all her people--that was where Sarius found her. His intentions were not to murder her, but capture her for himself and take her to Flanar, but when he learned of her pregnancy, he was outraged. He used the gem to kill her, but for some unkown reason it didn't kill her child. The baby was not fully developed yet and was planted in the womb of Queen Aiya's younger sister, Alana. Alana managed to escape to the moon where Queen Serenity took her in," Luna paused again and drew a large breath.
"Unfortunately, Mercury was left in ruins," Luna eyed me softly.
The information was a lot to take in at the moment and my mind was reeling. I dared not ask her to stop, for my curiosity was overwhelming.
"But the Hikari Gem was not meant to kill, you see, and Sarius's hate for Queen Aiya and her people--whom he blamed for his pain--overwhelmed the gem, causing it to back-fire more or less and kill him. He happened to be on his planet, Flanar at the time, gathering supporters to invade the Moon and capture Alana and the child she bore. The gem destroyed Flanar ultimately, and has not been seen ever since. Legend says that until it finds its true keeper, its powers will remain hidden."
So many emotions were filling my senses that I wasn't sure if I'd ever sort them out. The most evident was the deep remorse at having lost my biological mother to a man's hollow hate.
I found my voice and spoke, "Luna, wh-where do you think the Hikari Gem is?"
She sighed softly, "I have no idea. The legend never said who the true keeper was. My guess is that perhaps the place of its origin is where it would go. If that is the case, then it would be on Mercury. Many have searched, but never found the gem. The true question is who this Myora is and why she wants the gem in the first place."
We all sat in still silence, pondering the new information.
"And what about my father? What happened to him?" I almost felt scared to ask. Luna's eyes were sad when she turned to me.
"Your father was found dead in his home a day after the battle of Mercury. No wounds were evident and his death remained as mysterious as the whereabouts of the Hikari Gem," Luna looked down.
I felt Usagi's hand on my back and bit back a wave of tears.
"So, until we find the Hikari Gem we are sitting ducks," Makoto sounded solemn.
"Luna, do you think Myora is stronger than Galaxia?" Minako asked, obviously trying to hide the fear lurking behind her words.
Luna exhaled, "I'm not sure. If she *is* a descendant of the Flanar Kingdom, then I am afraid to say that she would be. Flanar was an all-powerful, dark planet before its fall."
"We're up for a big one this time around, ladies," Makoto cracked her knuckles, "I know we'll kick their asses just like every other piece of nega-trash we've been put up against as long as we stick together," Her emerald eyes flashed in determination. Rei stood and said she would go the fire to see if she could find anything to help.
I wished I could have a bit of her and Makoto's confidence at that moment. My resolve was withering away to nothingness. I wished Zach was there with me.
Fifteen minutes of silence later and a panting Rei collapsed beside Usagi and stared with deadened eyes.
"Rei-chan?" Usagi gripped her shoulders.
Rei looked at all of us, "The--The fire said that the evil is in Usagi." She said softly.
Silently, we all gasped. Luna lead a quick discussion of this new information and we ended the meeting at a dead end. Luna sighed and stretched.
"You girls look wiped; you should all get some rest," Luna took on an authorative no-nonsense tone, "You will need all the energy you can get for the ball tomorrow," She winked at Rei and hopped to the windowsill.
"Goodnight, girls," She leaped from the sill after we bid her farewell.
Usagi let out a tired yawn and collapsed on to her pillow, and turned to me, softly smiling.
"It'll be okay, Ami-chan, you won't lose anyone else," I leaned to give her a hug and whispered my thanks.
Sleep claimed my body reluctantly that night as I lay awake, gazing at the ceiling. Eventually, I managed to push all thoughts of the Hikari Gem and my lost parents to the back of my cluttered mind and let the gentle hands of sleep carry me into a dreamless slumber.
"AMI-CHAN! AMI-CHAN!"
My eyelids cracked open slowly, but closed as quick as they opened when my face collided with an air-borne pillow.
"Wake-up, sleepy-head! It's almost 11!" Minako stood at the foot of my bed, dressed and perky as usual. You could never tell that 1/5 of the weight of the entire universe's well-being rested on the Senshi of love's shoulders.
"I'm up, Minako-chan," I mumbled. Groggily, I stretched and rose from the bed.
"I'm starving; please tell me Makoto cooked," As if to agree, my stomach growled noisely and Minako giggled.
"Duh, Ami-chan! When is that girl *not* in the kitchen? Now, hurry up and get dressed--you look like hell," With that, she bounced out of the room leaving a trail of merry-sunshine in her place.
"Gee, thanks, Mina-chan," I replied to the empty room.
After a few minutes of washing, I slipped into a pair of jeans and a sweater that Rei had undoubtedly supplied for my use. I picked up the nearest hair-brush and painfully combed out my hair. It had grown since high-school, now falling past my ears and the base of my neck.
The radio dully played in the backround as I slipped on some socks to warm my chilled feet.
Makoto's laughs filled my ears as I entered the kitchen. Usagi stood stunned with a pile of flour perched on her nose.
"That oughta teach you to stay out of the food before everyone's up," Makoto laughed again.
She turned to me with a forgotten hand-full of flour and smiled.
I flinched, "Um, I think I'd like to eat my breakfast, not wear it, thank you."
She eyed her hand and laughed, "Sorry."
"No way, Rei-chan! I totally had you!" Minako furiously tapped away at the PS2 controller, moving with the race car as if it'd actually make it maneuver any better.
"Whatever," Rei said dismissively.
"Does Yuuchirou know you're playing his games?" Usagi asked, obviously annoyed at not being able to play first.
"He doesn't care. He'd probably give it to me if I asked him," Rei said.
"Food's done!" Makoto announced and placed a steaming plate of eggs and sausage on the table.
"YES! FOOD!" Usagi pounced onto her seat and greedily filled a plate.
I joined her--yet not as animal-like as she--and filled my own plate hungrily.
"No way, if I eat that I'm never gonna fit into my dress for next week," Minako said, and Rei nodded in agreement.
"I can't look bloated on TV," Rei poured a cup of oranged juice and nibbled a piece of dry toast, eyeing Usagi.
"Odango, if you don't slow down, Mamoru'll never be able to fit you through the door," She scoffed.
"Shut up, Rei-chan," Usagi mumbled beneath a piece of sausage.
I was too hungry to care at the moment whether or not I could fit into a stupid dress. The image of a porky Usagi squeezing through the entrance doors filled my vision and I nearly choked on my orange juice.
"You OK, Ames?" Minako asked half-concerned/half-amused.
I laughed slightly, "Yeah, fine." I had to stifle a giggle as Usagi packed another pound of food into her mouth--or black hole as we like to call it.
"Ami-chan, Zach is gonna shit frisbees when he sees you in that dress tonight. It is SO perfect for you," Usagi said.
That did it. The image of Zach popping frisbees out of his rear-end sent me into an uncontrollable fit of giggles.
"I'm f-f-fi--I'm, my stomach hurts," I clutched my middle and wished I hadn't eaten all that food.
After I regained my composure, the girls were busy containing their own giggles.
"Wow, Ames, I've never seen you this giggle-y before. What's up? You and Zach haven't...have you?" Rei asked curiously, raising an eyebrow.
"NO! No, Rei-chan," I blushed.
"Well then he MUST be a good kisser," Minako said bemusedly.
Rei only laughed, "Yeah, well if Jason tries to kiss me one more time I just might have to-"
"Kiss him RIGHT back."
Rei jumped at least five feet in the air and screamed.
"HOW THE HELL DID YOU GET IN HERE?!" She was beet red and breathing hard.
Jason laughed loudly and pointed to Yuuchirou behind him.
"My buddy, Yuuchirou, here let me in," He beamed at her.
"Yuuchirou, what did I tell you about letting stray DOGS in here?" Rei was glowering over them.
Yuuchirou cowered back slightly.
"Sorry, Rei-chan, I'll just be um...going now, see ya!" He zoomed off before she could do anything more.
"Ouch, Rei, that hurt me," Jason tapped his hand over his heart.
"But, anyway, I'm playing messenger boy today," He looked disgusted.
Stiffening his shoulders and standing up to his full height he stalked over to Minako, "I will pick you up at 6:00 at Rei's temple with the other guys. I can't wait," He exhaled from his "Kyle stance" and walked to Makoto.
His shoulders were relaxed, "Hey, uh, Makoto-chan, I guess I'll be there at 6, I might be late though," He cringed slightly as if wishing he didn't have to say the next part, "I'm gonna need those extra minutes to bring myself up to *your* level," "Matt" finished and shook off his stance.
"God, I'm dripping with Matt's cheesiness. Ugh, get it off!" He shook off his shirt and looked a little relieved.
Makoto and Minako were blushing and laughing.
"I can't take any more of this impersonating junk," He looked at me, "Zach says he's sorry about yesterday, hopes you're up for tonight, he can't wait--yada yada yada--be here at six--yada, yada, yada--you know the rest," He waved his hands as he talked and smiled when he was done.
"Now for my final message," He turned to Rei who had returned to her normal color.
"Dear, Rei-chan, would you do me the honor of letting me escort you to the ball tonight? Signed, Jason," He gave her a 'thousand-dollar' grin and stood expectantly.
Rei looked speculatively at him for a moment and seemed to relent. I almost saw a flash of anticipation cross her violet eyes.
"Oh, fine, just so you don't start gravelling or anything," She smiled.
Jason raised his hands in silent cheer, "Oh yeah, I knew you were into me," He looked at her and leaned close to her face, "Does this mean I get that kiss?"
*SMACK*
"Damn, girl, you sure aren't a morning person. You're lucky I like feisty chicks."
"UGH! GET OUT!" She shoved him roughly out the door.
As Jason stumbled down the stairs he called, "I'll be here at six, too! See ya later!"
She huffed back into the room and plopped on to her chair, red-faced.
"Why did I say yes to him?!" She put her head on the table.
"Because you *are* into him," Usagi said matter-of-factly.
Rei was silent for a minute.
"God, help me--I am," She put her arms around her head.
"Aw, don't worry, hon, we understand," Minako patted her back.
"But, you keep abusing him like that and he just might stop trying and file a restraining order or something," Minako nibbled her toast.
"I guess I should call Mamo-chan and tell him to pick me up here as well. He hasn't met the guys really, has he? I think they'll love eachother," Usagi beamed and left to make the call.
"We'll go pick up our dresses and everything and be back here by 3:00, Rei-chan, okay?" Minako gathered her purse and stood.
"Alright, see you, minna-chan," Rei stood and hugged us good-bye.
"Let's go, Usa-chan!" Makoto called, and Usagi came smiling to us.
"See ya, Rei-chan," She gathered her things and joined us.
"Bye," Raye waved to us and disappeared through the temple doors.
Tonight was going to be incredible, I could feel it. But somewhere in the back of my mind there was a cloud of foreboding warning accumulating. I just brushed it off as anxiety, and walked alongside Usagi as she animatedly rattled to Makoto and Minako about the night that lay before us.
*%%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*
And there we have it, another installment of "TO GO, PLEASE."
yay 4 me! I hope you're all luvin' it! Next chapter'll be out soon! Until then, ja ne!
--Adrial
adrial_06@yahoo.com