Part4-
October 11,
So far, so good. I have been for the past two months interacting with the people around me. They have been so kind to me, I wish I knew how to repay them. I have accomplished nothing so far. Finding Nathaniel and the others is like finding a needle in a haystack. Although Nathaniel would give some word of encouragement like " If you want to find a needle, use a very strong magnet." But they were trained to be ghosts. Invisible. Undetectable.
I have been making new friends here. There's Ami, intelligent, always keeps her nose in front of a book. Strange, though, I felt a certain attraction to her. There's Makoto, a fabulous cook. I sampled one of her delicacies and, I hope Nathaniel doesn't read this, she is as good as he is. There's Minako, an exceptional volleyball player. Once I was walking by, I was careless then, I didn't see the ball she struck. It hit me right in the face. She has one heck of a spike, I was out cold for a few minutes. It was even stronger than Coney's punch. And there's Usagi. Oh, boy, she has this look in her face everytime I came by. I could feel that she has a good heart and uses it well. There is this other friend of theirs, my namesake, Rei. I did not have the pleasure of meeting her. I wish I could.
Michael closed his journal and replaced it in his bag. He stood up and left the library.
***** Sitting under a tree were Usagi, Ami, Minako, Makoto, Hotaru and Chibiusa. They were enjoying the day, for it is nice and young. A few moments later a familiar face was seen.
"Rei!" Usagi called out. Their black haired friend went over where they were sitting.
"Hi!" she greeted and sat down next to Minako. "What's our plan for today?" she asked.
"Let's go to the park," Usagi suggested. They agreed to it and started to stand up.
"Did someone summon me?" they all jumped back and turned around to face the owner of the voice. All they saw was Michael, just standing there, smiling at them.
"You gave us a scare," Ami said. She was holding her chest trying to calm down a bit.
"I am sorry," was all he said.
"Sorry Michael," Makoto apologized. Michael raised an eyebrow waiting for her to continue. "But we were calling Rei here," she pointed at Rei.
He smiled and introduced himself. "Hi! I'm Rei, Rei Michael Liwanag." He extended his hand.
She shook it and noticed that he has a grip exactly like Nathaniel's. "I'm Rei Hino."
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you," he looked at them and then smiled. "I am sorry. It's my mistake." He was apologizing for his mistake that he made earlier.
"Don't worry about it," Minako was waving her hand, dismissing the situation.
"I guess I'll be going," he started to leave. Chibiusa grabbed his arm, he looked at her waiting for an explanation. In the two months that he was staying there, he has gotten a liking toward Chibiusa.
"Why don't you come with us?" he looked at them and judging by their expressions, they were all for the idea. He shrugged and finally agreed.
"Why not? I have nothing else to do. But do you really think it's wise that a single man would accompany seven beautiful goddesses. Many would envy." They all found themselves blushing.
"Rei!" A voice from afar shouted. Rei and Michael looked at the source and found Nathaniel walking toward them.
"Nathaniel!" Rei and Michael said in unison, with slight differences. Rei's call was that off greeting, Michael's call was that off disbelief. Nathaniel was slowing down, studying the man with Rei. He dropped his bag, his expression was like he was seeing a ghost.
"Mickey?" he called.
"Natty!" they ran toward each other and were embracing. The girls saw tears rolling down their faces. All of them but Rei, did not know why.
"The hell have you been?!" Nathaniel asked as they released themselves form each other.
"The hell have YOU been?" he returned. They laughed for a couple of minutes and suddenly stopped. Slowly their heads turned toward the girls, they forgot that they were there. Immediately they regained their composure, wiping the remains of the tears.
"You know each other?" Usagi asked. Both of them nodded. The girls were waiting for an explanation. "You look like brothers."
"Were cousins actually," they said in unison. "We haven't seen each other for." they were arguing on when they last saw each other. Still speaking in unison.
"Six months," a voice from behind spoke. They all turned to see the speaker. "It's been six months Nate."
"Cris?" he nodded. The two went over him and greeted their friend.
"How did you know I was here?" Michael asked. His question was directed to Cris.
"I was rolling by when I saw your car," he explained.
"Oh," was all he said. He looked at the girls and asked, "Could we come.?"
"Sure," Makoto said. "We are really curious about you guys." Cris smiled and found Hotaru hiding behind Usagi.
"Hello," he smiled at her. She could feel her face burn up. "We meet again."
"Here, I think you dropped this," she gave him the journal. He took it and place it in his knapsack.
"Thank you. I was looking for this. I wasn't worried though, I knew a person with a good heart has it. Otherwise, it would still be where it was." Hotaru was confused. He looked at Michael and inclined his chin toward the girls. "Mind introducing us?"
Michael introduced his newfound friends to Nathaniel and Cris, although they knew some of the girls. "So, shall we?" they started to leave.
"Wouldn't it be a lot more faster if we drive?" Cris mumbled under his breath. But Michael heard it even though he was a few meters away.
"We won't fit," he called back. Cris shook his head and continued on. In the corner of his eye he could see Hotaru stealing glances at him, when he looked at her she quickly looked forward.
Nathaniel walked behind Cris and pushed his wheelchair. He leaned forward and whispered in his ear. "I think she likes you," He looked at Nathaniel with rather a quizzical expression.
"Yeah, right. Who would like a person like me?"
"Okay, let me rephrase that. You like her," he raised an eyebrow.
"Really Nate," he said with an unreadable expression.
"Hiding you true feelings. You've progressed."
"Anong ibig sabihin noon? he asked reverting to his native language.
"What I mean is try to hide it a little deeper so that your opponent won't use it against you," Cris's gaze went toward their pathway. "She's pretty."
"Are you kidding," he smiled and looked at Hotaru who was talking to Chibiusa. "She's beautiful."
**
A little while later they were in the park sitting in the shade of a tree. Nathaniel sat on top of one of its branches, which was about twelve feet high, playing a comforting and pleasant tune. The rest were talking to each other.
"So Michael, how did you get separated?" Makoto asked. Michael looked at Nathaniel but he didn't seemed to have heard the question.
"I... I'm not at liberty to say." Makoto decided not to push it further.
Cris was sitting on the grass leaning against the trunk of the tree. On his lap was a sketchpad. He was drawing something on it. Michael and Ami were playing chess. Ami moved a piece and looked at Michael. "I hear that you're very good in gymnastics."
"Not really," he said as he moved a piece. "During the high bar I slipped and injured my knee. Since then I didn't compete ever again."
"I'm sorry to hear that," she apologized. Looking down, ashamed and embarrassed. Sensing discomfort in her he smiled.
"Don't worry. I deserved it."
"Why?" Minako asked, moving closer to him.
"He's got a big head," Cris said not taking his eyes off his sketchpad. "He thinks that he is the center of the universe. It's a good thing it happened. He wouldn't be the man he is today."
"You're exaggerating," he said his look went back to the chessboard. "I just thought that I was the best," Ami moved another piece. "I was overconfident. I know better now." He moved a piece and looked at Ami. "Checkmate, sorry."
"You don't need to apologize. You won fair and square," she said. She was studying the move he just made.
"You beat Ami in chess?!" Usagi said in disbelief. Others were wide eyed and couldn't believe it either.
"What's the big fuss?" Michael asked. It was Rei who answered.
"Nobody has ever beaten her in chess."
"Ever?" she nodded. "Must be a lucky move."
Ami shook her head. "No. You know what you were doing. You carefully placed each piece in strategic locations. Impressive."
"Thank you, I think," he scratched his head. "You're giving me too much credit." Hotaru moved closer to Michael and talked to him.
"Excuse me," he looked at her. "We don't really know each other yet, but could I ask something about Cris." He looked at Cris but he was too preoccupied with his sketching.
"What do you want to know?"
"How did he...?" she was reluctant to say. Understanding, Michael looked at her.
"Car accident. Happened about three years ago." She didn't pursue the matter. He smiled at her and told her more. "He's kind, a little childish, smart, thoughtful, and would do everything to protect a loved one."
"Hi!" they turned to see the speaker.There, standing, were Haruka and Michiru.
"Hi!" they greeted.
"Who is our friends here," Haruka politely pointed at Michael and Cris.
"Oh, this is Cris and Michael," Makoto introduced them. Michael stood up. "Mike, Cris, this is Haruka and Michiru." Michael took Michiru's hand and kissed it.
"You have eyes that shine like emerald, very lovely ma'am," he complimented. Michiru blushed.
"I think I have heard that before," Michiru said. Michael looked at the tree, hands on his waist and said , "No doubt from Nathaniel."
"Yes. How did you know?" she didn't try to hide her surprise. "More important, You know him?"
Nathaniel landed beside Michael on the ground. From everyone's reaction he must have jumped and landed on the same spot with out making a lot of noise.
"Good morning," he greeted them. He looked at Haruka.
"Afternoon," Michael said in a whisper. Nathaniel looked at his watch and corrected himself.
"I'm sorry. Good afternoon." She smiled. Then Cris called him.
"Nate! I'm treating the girls for ice cream. Could you help me?"
"Excuse me," he went over to where Cris is, who was now seated in his chair, and walked toward the vendor.
"Are you two brothers?" Haruka asked Michael.
"No sir, were cousins." Nathaniel stopped and looked back.
"Ma'am!" he shouted and continued to buy the ice cream. Understanding, he looked at Haruka.
"I'm sorry I didn't realize that you were a..."
"She?" he nodded. "Don't worry about it, a lot of people commit the same mistake everytime." Then she though of something. "I know we don't know each other that well but..."
"Could I tell you about Nathaniel?" she nodded. He sighed and motioned her to take a seat. "He's humble, considerate, and most of the times serious. Most of the time he likes to be with himself, to reflect or think I would not know. He would readily give up his life to save the one he loves," he looked at Haruka when he said the word 'love'. "He would never hurt a love one in any way. He's traveled from many countries. The longest time he was out on one of his trips, he spent all his time in China. Learned a lot of things there. He has learned a lot of things," he went to get Cris's sketchpad. "And he shares what he has learned to us." He showed them Cris's latest work. It was a sketch of Hotaru, every detail was captured. It was like a black and white photograph. Hotaru blushed when she saw the sketch.
"It's beautiful," Michiru commented. Michael gave her the pad for her to view it more.
"You two act like twins," Usagi said. Michael looked at her and sighed.
"Living with him since birth tends to do that. We have similarities and differences. We also have a habit of thinking the same thing."
"I see," Minako said.
"He seemed... troubled," Haruka said.
"You would be too if you didn't know that your friends are alive or dead. The thought just..." he didn't continue.
"Sorry."
"Two down, two to go," Rei said. Michael looked at her quizzically.
" He talked to you," She nodded. He smiled and laughed softly. "He tried to find a magnet," he said almost in a whisper.
"Pardon?" Michiru was puzzled. All of them were.
"Finding each other is like finding a needle in a haystack. He went to get a magnet to make his task easier."
"What about what Rei just said?" Chibiusa asked. Michael looked at her and explained.
"We were five. Me, Nathaniel, Crisostomo..."
"Who?" Hotaru asked.
"Cris's real name, where was I? Oh. Constantino and Jericho. Two down, two to go."
"So you still have to find them," Michiru said. He nodded.
"But somehow I feel like they would find us first."
"Could someone help us here!" Cris shouted. They all looked at them an saw that they were carrying ice cream more than they could carry. Hotaru and Chibiusa ran toward them to help. Michael stood up and went to help. When he was gone the girls conversed about the boys.
"What do you think?" Rei asked. There was an exchange of glances but only Usagi spoke up.
"I think he's cute," all of them groaned in despair.
"What would cause them to split up?" Ami said. All looked at her and waited to continue. "By the looks of them, nothing could split them up." They looked at the boys, they were joking around and were making the two little girls laugh.
"It must be of such great importance," Haruka said turning back to the girls.
"If it is," Michiru spoke which such bitterness that made the others shiver. "It must be far more important that their survival. I don't think they are the type of people who would run away in the first sign of danger. Michael described Nathaniel as a person who was willing to give up his life for the sake of others."
"He also said that Cris would do everything to protect a loved one," Minako added. Just then they heard an ear piercing scream. The turned at the source were they found five huge monsters circling Nathaniel and the others. The boys were in a defensive stance, formed a circle with Chibiusa and Hotaru in the middle.
"Let's do it!" Usagi shouted.
"Mars star power!"
"Mercury star power!"
"Jupiter star power!"
"Venus star power!"
"Uranus planet power!"
"Neptune planet power!"
"Moon crisis power!"
"Make up!" they said in unison. All of them transformed to the sailor soldiers, prepared to battle the monsters.
"Step away from them!" Sailor moon shouted. Two of the monsters looked at them and faced them. One of the monsters looked like the Minotour the other has the face and legs of a horse but a torso of a man. Suddenly both of them vanished.
"Where are they? Sailor Jupiter asked.
"They're behind you!" Nathaniel shouted. Sure enough when they turned around the monsters just materialized in front of them. They attacked but the girls dodged them but Sailors Mercury, Venus and Uranus were unlucky for the monsters struck them with such force that they went soaring in the air and came back down hard. The others began their attack but the monsters easily countered their attack. A few moments later they were all lying in the ground, stunned and hurt.
"What shall we do?" Sailor Uranus said before blacking out.
***
"So what happened to Cris after he opened the box?" Hotaru asked. Nathaniel was telling a story about a practical joke they made with Cris.
"A pie came out and struck his face." All of them laughed, including Cris who, Hotaru found out, had a great sense of humor.
"Those were the days," Michael said. His face grew serious so did Nathaniel and Cris. They were circling the girls and looked around.
"What's wrong?" Chibiusa asked. There was no time to answer because five monsters suddenly emerged from the bushes. Each monster was as ugly as the other.
"Ready?" Nathaniel asked. Cris and Michael nodded. They were going to attack the monsters when someone shouted.
"Step away from them!" Instantly two of the monsters disappeared in front of Nathaniel and reappeared behind the stranger who shouted.
"Behind you!" he warned, but it was too late for the monsters easily disabled the seven girls in sailor suits.
"Get them to safety," Nathaniel ordered. Michael carried Chibiusa away from the monsters. Cris sat Hotaru on his lap and hurriedly went to cover. When he saw all of them to safety he looked at the girls the monster were fighting and nearly all of them were either beaten up or unconscious. "Burn," he said under his breath. He took a deep breath and attacked the closest monster to him.
The monster didn't have time to react for his movements are so sudden. In one fluid motion he dispatched the other two monsters and proceeded to the ones that were attacking the girls.
"Nathaniel!" Michael called out. He threw his flute to him and he caught it in mid air. He drew out the blade and sliced the minotuar in half. A split second later the second monster was decapitated. Behind him Sailor Uranus started to stand up. Holding the bloody blade, he helped her up.
"You O.K.?" he asked her.
"Fine. "
"Sure?" she nodded. "Well then." Nathaniel held his sword in a defensive stance. Before the other monsters attacked the one closest to Nathaniel was blinded by two knives that came from nowhere. Sailor Uranus saw that the handle of the blades were in the shape of crosses. She looked for the source and found a man who was covered in a dark blue cloak leaning on one of the trees.
The man slowly walked toward Nathaniel, who did not lower his defense. He pulled back his hood and the girls saw that the man was handsome. His hair was a sea of blue yet a streak of white ripples on his right side, just above his right eye. He was wearing glasses that were blue and darker than night. When he spoke it was calm and pleasant.
"I am the water that purifies the road toward their destiny. I cleanse the souls to give them a purpose. I keep the crystal of water. I am Bishop."
"Humph. Gives souls a new purpose. Then why the hell didn't you save mine," Nathaniel said. Sailor Uranus was curious of his behavior, as if this Bishop didn't intimidate nor impress him. Did he know him or was he confident enough that the latest addition of strange men she met doesn't make a difference to their situation.
"Are you mocking me human?" Bishop asked. His tone was that of intrigue rather than annoyance. "Or are you willing to die a meaningless death? You have a good soul yet it was tainted. Yet you choose it to be tainted. Interesting."
"Could we skip the chit-chat for later," Uranus said slightly annoyed. There are still two standing." Sailor Neptune was now standing behind Uranus. The other girls were standing behind them, confused at the dialog.
Bishop looked at the girls and to Sailor Neptune. "Ah. A prospect," he walked toward her. Uranus was shielding her from him when Nathaniel placed his bloodied sword on his neck.
"Don't even think about it, Soul Reaver. Touch any of them and you'll regret it. And you know I make good on my threats", Uranus saw that Nathaniel's gaze at Bishop were deadlier than a wolf protecting his pack. Bishop backed off a bit.
"Intriguing. Care to settle this?" out of his cape he drew out a scythe with its blade that is no wider than a medieval sword and narrows to the edge. The blade, surprisingly, was made of a blue crystal. Before he could attack the monsters took this opportunity to charge at them. Bishop suddenly held his head as if he was in pain. When the monsters came he swung his scythe and all remaining monsters were sliced in half. The bodily remains of the monsters turned to ice and shattered as the fell to the ground. Bishop was calmer than the moment they saw him.
"Who am I addressing?" Nathaniel said. The girls, especially Uranus, was confused. As if magic, Bishop's cloak dematerialized and saw him now wearing a dark blue shirt under a white vest. As Nathaniel saw this he was relieved.
"Geyser," Bishop muttered under his breath.
"Could you do me a favor?" Nathaniel asked Bishop. Now Uranus was really confused. A while ago they were about to kill each other, now Nathaniel's asking him for a favor. "Could you find Mikey?" Bishop nodded before he leave he turned toward Neptune.
"I apologize for what ever insult or offensive actions Reaver has made." With that he was gone.
"Who was that? Sailor Mercury asked.
"One of the guardians of the rose," Nathaniel sighed. "Lethal, destructive and powerful. The guardians are feared by their enemies," he looked at Sailor Mars. Studying her from head to toe. "Nice costume, Rei."
All were shocked at what they heard. How could he possibly know about their secret identities? Cris, Michael, Cibiusa and Hotaru were now headed towards them.
"Nathaniel, Bishop told me that we've got to find the rest and fast," Michael said. Nathaniel nodded.
"Who are you?" Uranus asked. The rest share her curiosity.
"We'll explain tonight," Nathaniel said, his voice was dead calm. "when the others joins us."
.
End of 4.
A/n: Please review!
October 11,
So far, so good. I have been for the past two months interacting with the people around me. They have been so kind to me, I wish I knew how to repay them. I have accomplished nothing so far. Finding Nathaniel and the others is like finding a needle in a haystack. Although Nathaniel would give some word of encouragement like " If you want to find a needle, use a very strong magnet." But they were trained to be ghosts. Invisible. Undetectable.
I have been making new friends here. There's Ami, intelligent, always keeps her nose in front of a book. Strange, though, I felt a certain attraction to her. There's Makoto, a fabulous cook. I sampled one of her delicacies and, I hope Nathaniel doesn't read this, she is as good as he is. There's Minako, an exceptional volleyball player. Once I was walking by, I was careless then, I didn't see the ball she struck. It hit me right in the face. She has one heck of a spike, I was out cold for a few minutes. It was even stronger than Coney's punch. And there's Usagi. Oh, boy, she has this look in her face everytime I came by. I could feel that she has a good heart and uses it well. There is this other friend of theirs, my namesake, Rei. I did not have the pleasure of meeting her. I wish I could.
Michael closed his journal and replaced it in his bag. He stood up and left the library.
***** Sitting under a tree were Usagi, Ami, Minako, Makoto, Hotaru and Chibiusa. They were enjoying the day, for it is nice and young. A few moments later a familiar face was seen.
"Rei!" Usagi called out. Their black haired friend went over where they were sitting.
"Hi!" she greeted and sat down next to Minako. "What's our plan for today?" she asked.
"Let's go to the park," Usagi suggested. They agreed to it and started to stand up.
"Did someone summon me?" they all jumped back and turned around to face the owner of the voice. All they saw was Michael, just standing there, smiling at them.
"You gave us a scare," Ami said. She was holding her chest trying to calm down a bit.
"I am sorry," was all he said.
"Sorry Michael," Makoto apologized. Michael raised an eyebrow waiting for her to continue. "But we were calling Rei here," she pointed at Rei.
He smiled and introduced himself. "Hi! I'm Rei, Rei Michael Liwanag." He extended his hand.
She shook it and noticed that he has a grip exactly like Nathaniel's. "I'm Rei Hino."
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you," he looked at them and then smiled. "I am sorry. It's my mistake." He was apologizing for his mistake that he made earlier.
"Don't worry about it," Minako was waving her hand, dismissing the situation.
"I guess I'll be going," he started to leave. Chibiusa grabbed his arm, he looked at her waiting for an explanation. In the two months that he was staying there, he has gotten a liking toward Chibiusa.
"Why don't you come with us?" he looked at them and judging by their expressions, they were all for the idea. He shrugged and finally agreed.
"Why not? I have nothing else to do. But do you really think it's wise that a single man would accompany seven beautiful goddesses. Many would envy." They all found themselves blushing.
"Rei!" A voice from afar shouted. Rei and Michael looked at the source and found Nathaniel walking toward them.
"Nathaniel!" Rei and Michael said in unison, with slight differences. Rei's call was that off greeting, Michael's call was that off disbelief. Nathaniel was slowing down, studying the man with Rei. He dropped his bag, his expression was like he was seeing a ghost.
"Mickey?" he called.
"Natty!" they ran toward each other and were embracing. The girls saw tears rolling down their faces. All of them but Rei, did not know why.
"The hell have you been?!" Nathaniel asked as they released themselves form each other.
"The hell have YOU been?" he returned. They laughed for a couple of minutes and suddenly stopped. Slowly their heads turned toward the girls, they forgot that they were there. Immediately they regained their composure, wiping the remains of the tears.
"You know each other?" Usagi asked. Both of them nodded. The girls were waiting for an explanation. "You look like brothers."
"Were cousins actually," they said in unison. "We haven't seen each other for." they were arguing on when they last saw each other. Still speaking in unison.
"Six months," a voice from behind spoke. They all turned to see the speaker. "It's been six months Nate."
"Cris?" he nodded. The two went over him and greeted their friend.
"How did you know I was here?" Michael asked. His question was directed to Cris.
"I was rolling by when I saw your car," he explained.
"Oh," was all he said. He looked at the girls and asked, "Could we come.?"
"Sure," Makoto said. "We are really curious about you guys." Cris smiled and found Hotaru hiding behind Usagi.
"Hello," he smiled at her. She could feel her face burn up. "We meet again."
"Here, I think you dropped this," she gave him the journal. He took it and place it in his knapsack.
"Thank you. I was looking for this. I wasn't worried though, I knew a person with a good heart has it. Otherwise, it would still be where it was." Hotaru was confused. He looked at Michael and inclined his chin toward the girls. "Mind introducing us?"
Michael introduced his newfound friends to Nathaniel and Cris, although they knew some of the girls. "So, shall we?" they started to leave.
"Wouldn't it be a lot more faster if we drive?" Cris mumbled under his breath. But Michael heard it even though he was a few meters away.
"We won't fit," he called back. Cris shook his head and continued on. In the corner of his eye he could see Hotaru stealing glances at him, when he looked at her she quickly looked forward.
Nathaniel walked behind Cris and pushed his wheelchair. He leaned forward and whispered in his ear. "I think she likes you," He looked at Nathaniel with rather a quizzical expression.
"Yeah, right. Who would like a person like me?"
"Okay, let me rephrase that. You like her," he raised an eyebrow.
"Really Nate," he said with an unreadable expression.
"Hiding you true feelings. You've progressed."
"Anong ibig sabihin noon? he asked reverting to his native language.
"What I mean is try to hide it a little deeper so that your opponent won't use it against you," Cris's gaze went toward their pathway. "She's pretty."
"Are you kidding," he smiled and looked at Hotaru who was talking to Chibiusa. "She's beautiful."
**
A little while later they were in the park sitting in the shade of a tree. Nathaniel sat on top of one of its branches, which was about twelve feet high, playing a comforting and pleasant tune. The rest were talking to each other.
"So Michael, how did you get separated?" Makoto asked. Michael looked at Nathaniel but he didn't seemed to have heard the question.
"I... I'm not at liberty to say." Makoto decided not to push it further.
Cris was sitting on the grass leaning against the trunk of the tree. On his lap was a sketchpad. He was drawing something on it. Michael and Ami were playing chess. Ami moved a piece and looked at Michael. "I hear that you're very good in gymnastics."
"Not really," he said as he moved a piece. "During the high bar I slipped and injured my knee. Since then I didn't compete ever again."
"I'm sorry to hear that," she apologized. Looking down, ashamed and embarrassed. Sensing discomfort in her he smiled.
"Don't worry. I deserved it."
"Why?" Minako asked, moving closer to him.
"He's got a big head," Cris said not taking his eyes off his sketchpad. "He thinks that he is the center of the universe. It's a good thing it happened. He wouldn't be the man he is today."
"You're exaggerating," he said his look went back to the chessboard. "I just thought that I was the best," Ami moved another piece. "I was overconfident. I know better now." He moved a piece and looked at Ami. "Checkmate, sorry."
"You don't need to apologize. You won fair and square," she said. She was studying the move he just made.
"You beat Ami in chess?!" Usagi said in disbelief. Others were wide eyed and couldn't believe it either.
"What's the big fuss?" Michael asked. It was Rei who answered.
"Nobody has ever beaten her in chess."
"Ever?" she nodded. "Must be a lucky move."
Ami shook her head. "No. You know what you were doing. You carefully placed each piece in strategic locations. Impressive."
"Thank you, I think," he scratched his head. "You're giving me too much credit." Hotaru moved closer to Michael and talked to him.
"Excuse me," he looked at her. "We don't really know each other yet, but could I ask something about Cris." He looked at Cris but he was too preoccupied with his sketching.
"What do you want to know?"
"How did he...?" she was reluctant to say. Understanding, Michael looked at her.
"Car accident. Happened about three years ago." She didn't pursue the matter. He smiled at her and told her more. "He's kind, a little childish, smart, thoughtful, and would do everything to protect a loved one."
"Hi!" they turned to see the speaker.There, standing, were Haruka and Michiru.
"Hi!" they greeted.
"Who is our friends here," Haruka politely pointed at Michael and Cris.
"Oh, this is Cris and Michael," Makoto introduced them. Michael stood up. "Mike, Cris, this is Haruka and Michiru." Michael took Michiru's hand and kissed it.
"You have eyes that shine like emerald, very lovely ma'am," he complimented. Michiru blushed.
"I think I have heard that before," Michiru said. Michael looked at the tree, hands on his waist and said , "No doubt from Nathaniel."
"Yes. How did you know?" she didn't try to hide her surprise. "More important, You know him?"
Nathaniel landed beside Michael on the ground. From everyone's reaction he must have jumped and landed on the same spot with out making a lot of noise.
"Good morning," he greeted them. He looked at Haruka.
"Afternoon," Michael said in a whisper. Nathaniel looked at his watch and corrected himself.
"I'm sorry. Good afternoon." She smiled. Then Cris called him.
"Nate! I'm treating the girls for ice cream. Could you help me?"
"Excuse me," he went over to where Cris is, who was now seated in his chair, and walked toward the vendor.
"Are you two brothers?" Haruka asked Michael.
"No sir, were cousins." Nathaniel stopped and looked back.
"Ma'am!" he shouted and continued to buy the ice cream. Understanding, he looked at Haruka.
"I'm sorry I didn't realize that you were a..."
"She?" he nodded. "Don't worry about it, a lot of people commit the same mistake everytime." Then she though of something. "I know we don't know each other that well but..."
"Could I tell you about Nathaniel?" she nodded. He sighed and motioned her to take a seat. "He's humble, considerate, and most of the times serious. Most of the time he likes to be with himself, to reflect or think I would not know. He would readily give up his life to save the one he loves," he looked at Haruka when he said the word 'love'. "He would never hurt a love one in any way. He's traveled from many countries. The longest time he was out on one of his trips, he spent all his time in China. Learned a lot of things there. He has learned a lot of things," he went to get Cris's sketchpad. "And he shares what he has learned to us." He showed them Cris's latest work. It was a sketch of Hotaru, every detail was captured. It was like a black and white photograph. Hotaru blushed when she saw the sketch.
"It's beautiful," Michiru commented. Michael gave her the pad for her to view it more.
"You two act like twins," Usagi said. Michael looked at her and sighed.
"Living with him since birth tends to do that. We have similarities and differences. We also have a habit of thinking the same thing."
"I see," Minako said.
"He seemed... troubled," Haruka said.
"You would be too if you didn't know that your friends are alive or dead. The thought just..." he didn't continue.
"Sorry."
"Two down, two to go," Rei said. Michael looked at her quizzically.
" He talked to you," She nodded. He smiled and laughed softly. "He tried to find a magnet," he said almost in a whisper.
"Pardon?" Michiru was puzzled. All of them were.
"Finding each other is like finding a needle in a haystack. He went to get a magnet to make his task easier."
"What about what Rei just said?" Chibiusa asked. Michael looked at her and explained.
"We were five. Me, Nathaniel, Crisostomo..."
"Who?" Hotaru asked.
"Cris's real name, where was I? Oh. Constantino and Jericho. Two down, two to go."
"So you still have to find them," Michiru said. He nodded.
"But somehow I feel like they would find us first."
"Could someone help us here!" Cris shouted. They all looked at them an saw that they were carrying ice cream more than they could carry. Hotaru and Chibiusa ran toward them to help. Michael stood up and went to help. When he was gone the girls conversed about the boys.
"What do you think?" Rei asked. There was an exchange of glances but only Usagi spoke up.
"I think he's cute," all of them groaned in despair.
"What would cause them to split up?" Ami said. All looked at her and waited to continue. "By the looks of them, nothing could split them up." They looked at the boys, they were joking around and were making the two little girls laugh.
"It must be of such great importance," Haruka said turning back to the girls.
"If it is," Michiru spoke which such bitterness that made the others shiver. "It must be far more important that their survival. I don't think they are the type of people who would run away in the first sign of danger. Michael described Nathaniel as a person who was willing to give up his life for the sake of others."
"He also said that Cris would do everything to protect a loved one," Minako added. Just then they heard an ear piercing scream. The turned at the source were they found five huge monsters circling Nathaniel and the others. The boys were in a defensive stance, formed a circle with Chibiusa and Hotaru in the middle.
"Let's do it!" Usagi shouted.
"Mars star power!"
"Mercury star power!"
"Jupiter star power!"
"Venus star power!"
"Uranus planet power!"
"Neptune planet power!"
"Moon crisis power!"
"Make up!" they said in unison. All of them transformed to the sailor soldiers, prepared to battle the monsters.
"Step away from them!" Sailor moon shouted. Two of the monsters looked at them and faced them. One of the monsters looked like the Minotour the other has the face and legs of a horse but a torso of a man. Suddenly both of them vanished.
"Where are they? Sailor Jupiter asked.
"They're behind you!" Nathaniel shouted. Sure enough when they turned around the monsters just materialized in front of them. They attacked but the girls dodged them but Sailors Mercury, Venus and Uranus were unlucky for the monsters struck them with such force that they went soaring in the air and came back down hard. The others began their attack but the monsters easily countered their attack. A few moments later they were all lying in the ground, stunned and hurt.
"What shall we do?" Sailor Uranus said before blacking out.
***
"So what happened to Cris after he opened the box?" Hotaru asked. Nathaniel was telling a story about a practical joke they made with Cris.
"A pie came out and struck his face." All of them laughed, including Cris who, Hotaru found out, had a great sense of humor.
"Those were the days," Michael said. His face grew serious so did Nathaniel and Cris. They were circling the girls and looked around.
"What's wrong?" Chibiusa asked. There was no time to answer because five monsters suddenly emerged from the bushes. Each monster was as ugly as the other.
"Ready?" Nathaniel asked. Cris and Michael nodded. They were going to attack the monsters when someone shouted.
"Step away from them!" Instantly two of the monsters disappeared in front of Nathaniel and reappeared behind the stranger who shouted.
"Behind you!" he warned, but it was too late for the monsters easily disabled the seven girls in sailor suits.
"Get them to safety," Nathaniel ordered. Michael carried Chibiusa away from the monsters. Cris sat Hotaru on his lap and hurriedly went to cover. When he saw all of them to safety he looked at the girls the monster were fighting and nearly all of them were either beaten up or unconscious. "Burn," he said under his breath. He took a deep breath and attacked the closest monster to him.
The monster didn't have time to react for his movements are so sudden. In one fluid motion he dispatched the other two monsters and proceeded to the ones that were attacking the girls.
"Nathaniel!" Michael called out. He threw his flute to him and he caught it in mid air. He drew out the blade and sliced the minotuar in half. A split second later the second monster was decapitated. Behind him Sailor Uranus started to stand up. Holding the bloody blade, he helped her up.
"You O.K.?" he asked her.
"Fine. "
"Sure?" she nodded. "Well then." Nathaniel held his sword in a defensive stance. Before the other monsters attacked the one closest to Nathaniel was blinded by two knives that came from nowhere. Sailor Uranus saw that the handle of the blades were in the shape of crosses. She looked for the source and found a man who was covered in a dark blue cloak leaning on one of the trees.
The man slowly walked toward Nathaniel, who did not lower his defense. He pulled back his hood and the girls saw that the man was handsome. His hair was a sea of blue yet a streak of white ripples on his right side, just above his right eye. He was wearing glasses that were blue and darker than night. When he spoke it was calm and pleasant.
"I am the water that purifies the road toward their destiny. I cleanse the souls to give them a purpose. I keep the crystal of water. I am Bishop."
"Humph. Gives souls a new purpose. Then why the hell didn't you save mine," Nathaniel said. Sailor Uranus was curious of his behavior, as if this Bishop didn't intimidate nor impress him. Did he know him or was he confident enough that the latest addition of strange men she met doesn't make a difference to their situation.
"Are you mocking me human?" Bishop asked. His tone was that of intrigue rather than annoyance. "Or are you willing to die a meaningless death? You have a good soul yet it was tainted. Yet you choose it to be tainted. Interesting."
"Could we skip the chit-chat for later," Uranus said slightly annoyed. There are still two standing." Sailor Neptune was now standing behind Uranus. The other girls were standing behind them, confused at the dialog.
Bishop looked at the girls and to Sailor Neptune. "Ah. A prospect," he walked toward her. Uranus was shielding her from him when Nathaniel placed his bloodied sword on his neck.
"Don't even think about it, Soul Reaver. Touch any of them and you'll regret it. And you know I make good on my threats", Uranus saw that Nathaniel's gaze at Bishop were deadlier than a wolf protecting his pack. Bishop backed off a bit.
"Intriguing. Care to settle this?" out of his cape he drew out a scythe with its blade that is no wider than a medieval sword and narrows to the edge. The blade, surprisingly, was made of a blue crystal. Before he could attack the monsters took this opportunity to charge at them. Bishop suddenly held his head as if he was in pain. When the monsters came he swung his scythe and all remaining monsters were sliced in half. The bodily remains of the monsters turned to ice and shattered as the fell to the ground. Bishop was calmer than the moment they saw him.
"Who am I addressing?" Nathaniel said. The girls, especially Uranus, was confused. As if magic, Bishop's cloak dematerialized and saw him now wearing a dark blue shirt under a white vest. As Nathaniel saw this he was relieved.
"Geyser," Bishop muttered under his breath.
"Could you do me a favor?" Nathaniel asked Bishop. Now Uranus was really confused. A while ago they were about to kill each other, now Nathaniel's asking him for a favor. "Could you find Mikey?" Bishop nodded before he leave he turned toward Neptune.
"I apologize for what ever insult or offensive actions Reaver has made." With that he was gone.
"Who was that? Sailor Mercury asked.
"One of the guardians of the rose," Nathaniel sighed. "Lethal, destructive and powerful. The guardians are feared by their enemies," he looked at Sailor Mars. Studying her from head to toe. "Nice costume, Rei."
All were shocked at what they heard. How could he possibly know about their secret identities? Cris, Michael, Cibiusa and Hotaru were now headed towards them.
"Nathaniel, Bishop told me that we've got to find the rest and fast," Michael said. Nathaniel nodded.
"Who are you?" Uranus asked. The rest share her curiosity.
"We'll explain tonight," Nathaniel said, his voice was dead calm. "when the others joins us."
.
End of 4.
A/n: Please review!