This chapter is dedicated to my dear sister, Jesse. Like I said, freak the reviews. We're both good writers and have been told so. It's just a bad rut right now. You are one of the people that keep me going, and for you I'm going to post my other story.
Chapter 3
Beep. Beep. Serena's communicator rang endlessly.
"What!?!" Serena yelled as she answered her communicator. "What is it? I was taking a nap."
"Shut up, Meatball Head!" Rei screamed. "It's six o'clock. Luna has some important information on the new Scout. But you would know that if you would wake up. Get over to the temple-now!"
"Who are you to order me around?" Serena asked indignantly. "Have you forgotten that I'm the leader Rei? You could show a little respect."
"Who cares?" Rei asked just to annoy Serena. "Yes, I know that you're the leader. In fact, I wonder why you are everyday. Like I said earlier, I should be the leader."
"What?" Serena screamed. "I'm the leader because I'm the princess. I'm the leader because I was the first Scout. I'm the leader because I'm better than you. I'm the leader because you couldn't win without me. I'm the leader because--"
"I'll tell you why you're the leader," Rei said, "you're the leader so it'll make you feel better. You're the leader because you have low self-esteem. You're the leader because you'd cry like the baby you are if you weren't. You're the leader because we feel sorry for you. Do you need me to go on?"
"No," Serena said fuming with tears in her eyes.
"Well, good then," Rei said, "now get over here to the Temple before I come and get you myself."
"I'd like to see that you slave driver!" Serena yelled. "I'll see you later." Serena closed the communicator before Rei could say anything else.
She went downstairs to leave. When she was about to leave she smelled something delicious. Serena followed her nose into the kitchen. She saw the most wonderful batch of chocolate chip cookies on a plate. "Mom, can I have just one?" Serena asked her mom, Mrs. Tsukino.
"No, Serena," her mom said. "You don't won't to spoil your appetite. I need you to get me some milk on your way back from wherever you're going. If you forget you won't get one single cookie."
"Yeah," Sammy teased coming up behind Serena, "no milk, no cookie. If you don't get any cookies that means a whole lot more for me. Your pea of a brain better remember if you want a cookie."
"Why don't you just stay out of it, Sammy?" Serena asked. "Didn't you cause enough trouble just by being born? I'll remember the milk, and when I come back I'm going to eat every single one, brat."
"We'll see Meatball Head," Sammy laughed.
"Just remember the milk Serena," their mom said interrupting their argument.
"Sure, mom," Serena responded.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
"I'm here," Serena said, out of breath from running the whole way.
"It's a miracle you even made it," Rei said arrogantly.
"Rei, you're being mean," Ami said taking up for Serena. "What took you so long? We've been waiting for almost half an hour!"
"Yeah," Lita agreed. "We could have come to you and saved time. I agree with Rei."
"Well, I agree with Ami and Serena," Mina spoke up. "Lighten up, she ran the whole way here. Rei, we don't need your sarcastic remarks, or your negativity, Lita."
"Thanks for taking up for me guys," Serena said. "I'm glad someone appreciates me. After everything we've been through, I'd think I deserved some respect."
"Can we get on with it?" Artemis asked growing annoyed at their constant arguments.
"Yes," Luna agreed, "stop the guilt and sorrow trip. Let's get to business.
"It turns out there is a second Scout who will soon appear. Unlike the first, she is completely evil. This Scout won't come to our side. The first Scout, whom we believe is India Present, can choose sides and holds the fate of the Sailor Scouts in her hands. This new Scout will not be able to decide your fate. If the first Scout decides to join you the Scouts will win, but if she chooses to join the other Scout your fate will be sealed."
"I don't like this," Lita said, "I don't like how our whole future will be decided by someone we don't even know yet. What if this Scout has already chosen sides-then what? This is not fair to our side."
"I know what you mean," Mina agreed. "This Scout could have already chosen the Evil Sailor Soldier. We won't know for sure until we face both Scouts in battle."
"What if India is the new Scout?" Ami asked. "If she is we just might have a chance. I mean, we all seem to get along great with her. I hope for our sake it is India so we'll have a much better chance at surviving this battle."
"That's easy for you to say," Serena almost yelled. "She isn't the one that could steal your boyfriend. If it is her I could lose Darien. Then, she and Darien meeting will be unavoidable if they're both on our side."
"Would it really be so bad?" Rei asked.
"Yes," Serena said.
"I mean for Darien," Rei teased smiling. "India does seem to have a whole lot more in common with him. They both like classical music and she is at his level of thinking. I'm sure if they met they'd click instantly."
"I agree," Mina said.
"Me, too," Lita said.
"I'd really hate to say this, but me three," Ami said almost in a whisper.
"I don't believe it!" Serena screamed. "You're already picking a new leader and giving my boyfriend away! Ami, how could you say that? How could any of you say that?"
"We're just stating the facts," Rei gloated.
"Girls could you please pay attention?" Artemis questioned. "Now this new Scout has yet to show herself. That means that she could show up anytime without warning. You should all be on your guard."
"Where are these Scouts from, Luna?" Ami asked.
"The only information we have on that is that they are from the Moon Kingdom," Luna said. "Also, some kind of way they are both heirs or Princesses of the Moon Kingdom."
"What?" Everyone screamed with Serena being the loudest.
"How?" Serena asked in surprise. "I'm an only child on the Moon. How can their be other Princesses of the Moon? That's impossible. Why don't I know or remember anything about this?"
"I don't know Serena," Luna said calmly, "I haven't gotten all my memory back yet either. This is just as much a surprise to me as it is to you.
"Be happy that only one of them can claim the throne-that is the one that can be on our side or the other. You see, Queen Serenity made sure that no one evil could inherit the throne. The Evil Scout, you could say, is only a Princess of Dark Moon. You see, around Pluto is a small planet call Dark Moon. Laws of the Moon Kingdom said that if ever an heir to the throne was evil that they would not inherit the Moon Kingdom, but the Dark Moon. Unlike the first Scout, we know the name of this one, Sailor Dark Moon.
"Serena you should be happy about one thing-Sailor Dark Moon shares no ties with Darien. This means you only have one rival in love."
"That's good," Serena pouted.
"I don't believe this," Mina said, "three Moon Princesses. Well, I guess really two Moon Princesses since only two can get the throne. This is so weird. Now I really bet India is the new Scout. She acts just like I remember Serena acting in the Moon Kingdom. Just look at her, Miss Perfect Grace and Manners. Then, she acts like a regular teenager."
"I know," Rei piped up, "I'd change her for Serena any day. Just look at her, Miss Clumsy and Piggy."
"I resent that Rei," Serena scolded, "you're no better."
"I think Darien would trade them any day, too," Lita replied.
"Why are you being so mean?" Serena said starting to cry.
"Stop being such a baby, Serena," Ami commanded.
"I'm leaving," Serena cried. "I have to go to the store, anyway. If there's anything else feel free to tell me at home, Luna." After that, Serena ran from the others and down the street.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
"Serena," Darien said touching a girl on the shoulder. A black girl turned around. She had long black hair just like Serena's, which should have given her away. She looked like Serena. Her dark brown eyes shone like the sun. She reminded Darien of someone he had met before. "Sorry, do I know you?"
"I don't think so," she replied. "Hi, my name is India. I know Serena."
Darien stared at this girl who reminded him of someone, but not Serena. "I think I got you mixed up with my girlfriend."
"That's okay," India said. "It happens a lot at school. So, Serena is your girlfriend. She's really nice."
"Oh," Darien stuttered, "thank you. You remind me of someone I know. Are you new in town?"
"Yes," India replied, "I've been here for about two months."
"Have you seen everything around Tokyo?" Darien asked.
"No," India replied, "unfortunately, I've only seen my home, my school, the scenery while walking, the arcade, oh, and the store." India pointed to all the busy shoppers walking passed them.
"That's not much, huh?" Darien asked. "I could show you around if you want."
"Really!" India exclaimed. "I'd love for you to show me the city. Right now I have to buy groceries for my mom and me."
"Do you need some help?" Darien asked intrigued by her.
"Yes," India said, "thank you."
"Here, I'll take that," Darien said taking the carrying basket from her.
"I'm a great cook," India told him. "Actually, I love to cook. Tonight I'm making Beef Curry."
"You sure seem confident in your abilities," Darien said admiring her.
"Confidence was something I was born with," India replied, "but hard for me to show at times. I know I can do almost anything." India looked down and back up quickly. "Don't you think you'll need my address?"
Darien was staring at India. She seemed to interest him. He couldn't take his eyes off her. "Oh, oh," Darien said, just realizing what she was saying, "yeah. If I don't have it how will I know where to pick you up?"
"Here," India said handing him a piece of paper she scribbled her address on.
"You live in a good part of Tokyo," Darien remarked amazed.
"My mom is a scientist," India explained, "we have to live in big houses so she can have a room for experimenting. Usually, she has a whole floor of the house as a laboratory."
"You must be really proud of her," Darien replied.
"I am," India responded. "Here's the last thing on my list."
"Why don't we go to the check out line, then," Darien said. "I have what I need. I just came for some toothpaste." Darien held up a tube of toothpaste he had picked up earlier. They walked to the check out line together. The cashier rang up Darien, then India.
"That will be 29.86," the cashier told India. India paid her and gathered up her bags.
Darien picked up one of India's two bags. "Why don't I walk you home?" Darien offered. "It's getting late and these bags are heavy."
"Why not?" India said. "Sure. Anyway you'll be able to find my house better."
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Serena turned and looked toward the entrance of the store. She thought she saw India and Darien together.
"India, Darien," she called to make sure if it was them are not. They didn't look back or even seem to notice her. Maybe Serena was just tried. The two people didn't even seem to hear her or care. Serena went and got her milk and went home.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
"I guess I'll see you Friday," India said.
"Sure, Friday is good for me," Darien replied.
"I guess I'll see you then," India repeated. "Thanks for walking me home and carrying my bag for me." India turned and walked inside the house. "Good bye."
"Bye," Darien said. "I'll see you Friday."
India closed the door after waving. Darien stood on the steps for a few minutes. He seemed to want to get to know India better, to be with her a little longer. Finally, he turned and walked away.