Three Months Later
Sailor Starfighter sat with her two allies and comrades on the carpeted steps of the grand
staircase, bored as ever. Today marked the sixty-third day that Princess Kakyuu had left the
Kinmokian palace in order to find safe shelter from Galaxia. Ever since the vision she had had,
Kakyuu was sure that it meant something, and a month later announced the decision to seek a
safe haven on a nearby planet. The reason why she chose it, as she pointed out, was because the
planet had already lost its guardian senshi during the Beryl conquest and was still awaiting its
protector to someday restore leadership. For right now, it had very few people but plenty of
places to hide if needed.
The second Starlight, Sailor Starhealer, was on her right side, wearing a smug look and
staring at the passing servants as they attended to their chores. She was smallest and most petite
of the three, but in the attitude department she quite made up for it. Her silver hair and green eyes
seemed to glisten from the light of the hanging chandelier above her. When Healer was with
nothing to do, usually the result caused her to be snappy and irritating.
Sailor Starmaker, on the other hand, actually found something within her interest, and
was reading a small, paperback novel on black holes. She was the tallest and sometimes the most
serious, since she hardly cracked jokes. Actually, the absence of their childhood friend was not
impacting Maker that much, though she really did miss her. Her hair was of an auburn and her
eyes were a shade of violet, with years of wisdom hidden deep inside.
As for Fighter, she was the leader of the small band, with her sense of pride and duty
wound into one. Taller than Healer and shorter than Maker usually put her in the middle, and
when compared to them, they were asked if they were related. The main reason was the way all
three Starlights wore their hair, for each of them had their hair pulled into a ponytail at the nape
of their neck. Fighter's hair was raven colored, which shone blue in the light to correspond with
her midnight blue eyes. She, out of the two others, missed the princess terribly. Life in the palace
just wasn't the same without her.
The Starlights had come to rely on her and their own company when they had first arrived
at the palace. Since they were never allowed to leave, there was no choice but to befriend one
another, grit their teeth, and live the life completely laid out for them. All in all, it was boring.
"I thought surely at least you three would be training," a voice said out of thin air, and the
trio looked up to see Hanaku with a few pieces of paper in one hand and in the other a cup of
coffee. He stared down at the three with a sorrowful look of pity, at least waiting for one answer,
however sarcastic it could be.
"Don't feel like it," Healer first replied, and leaned her back against one of the steps in a
tired manner.
Maker pulled her nose out of the book and nodded just a little with Healer's words, then
returned to the passage she was reading with more interest.
"She's right, Hanaku," Fighter confirmed with a small yawn. "Ever since Princess
Kakyuu left, everything's more difficult and just not worth doing." And to add on to her excuse,
"Even training."
Hanaku frowned and thought of Kakyuu, with her flowing red hair and twinkling red
eyes. He missed her madly, and he was sure she did too. It was hard cutting off communication
with his only true love, but in order for her to stay safe, no one should ever give away her
position. Already the terror of the past year was reappearing in the southern borders of the
galaxy, where now the attacks had returned with more force then before. This saddened
everyone, including poor General Majhana, who was back to sitting in the control room with
barely any sleep as he analyzed his reports. Once again he was bringing coffee for the sleep-
deprived general.
He changed his frown into a small smile and tried to laugh. "Well, it's kinda sad to see
you three without anything to do. You might as well at least try to do something."
"How can we do anything if we can't even leave the palace?," Healer asked with a
faraway look in her eyes. Already she was thinking of all the wonders outside the walls that
bound her to duty.
For once Hanaku did not have an answer to the question. He had never sat down to
ponder what it would be like to never see the outside world as the Starlights had been denied the
opportunity. He gave a polite little bow and left with the papers and the coffee, leaving the trio to
dream of other, better things.
"It would be wonderful to go outside," Fighter thought out loud and then turned towards
Maker's side. "What about you, Maker? Anything you'd be interested in?"
Maker dropped her book for a second and thought of an answer for Fighter's question.
"Actually, I'd like to see the local libraries and check up on what other people our age are
reading."
"Certainly not that," Healer indicated towards Maker's book and returned to staring into
space. "Me, I want to see just a little wildlife then what we have in the gardens, and, well, be
normal."
The other two unanimously agreed with her on her last statement. They were far from
normal with their duties tying them down to the palace. Never had they ventured outside, and
palace life ended up being their only life now. Even though they were sixteen with the fate of the
entire planet entrusted to them, there was always this feeling that there was something more in
their life that should be fulfilled then just training and sitting around.
A lightbulb seemed to go off in Fighter's head as she watched Pietruo, the mailman, walk
down the hall with a sackful of letters for various members of the palace staff. Unlike the
Starlights, they were at least allowed some outside contact by the processes of reading the daily
newspaper or writing a letter to their outside friend or family. Fighter thought of Nanu, who
washed the linens in the foyer and the dining room, instantly. She might, as Fighter thought, be
able to allow the group at least a glance at one of her magazines or newspapers.
"Fighter, where are you going," Healer asked as the one sitting right beside her rose up
from the stairs.
Fighter looked back at her and simply replied, "To see Nanu."
Healer got up from her turf and began to follow Fighter with a little interest. Maker
sighed and put her book down for the last time to go after her friends.
Their leader led them through several halls and corridors until they arrived at the servants
wing. It had the same marble floors and columns as the other wings, but the interior wasn't as
royally decorated as the others where the more important members lived and worked. Instead of a
rich, royal red, the carpet was a much darker red and matched the windows. Fighter led on and
walked through another hallway before they found a series of rooms. The second to the right was
Nanu's.
One small and silent knock summoned the slightly overweight and jovial linen cleaner.
She was quite tall, even though Maker was still two inches higher, and had grey hair with green
eyes just like Healer. A look of recognition became present as she looked upon Fighter, and then
in a second, she had enveloped her in a big hug. Fighter smiled and returned it, then after almost
a minute, she let go.
Nanu beamed at the two other Starlights, and asked both of them if they would like any
refreshments. An unanimous vote for tea went out, and so, after they came into her room, Nanu
disappeared to make their tea. This allowed a few minutes for the trio to look around and observe
their surroundings.
"Hey! Look at this!," Healer shouted out, and the others joined her at a wooden basket
filled with a whole week's worth of magazines. Maker picked up one and observed the cover,
which depicted three strange, young women holding microphones and stretching their free hands
out as if reaching for something. She flipped it open, and then searched for the main article that
would explain what was on the front page.
Fighter read the first three words in bold lettering: "Three Celestial Stars". Underneath
the words were several photos of the same three woman, in which they were on stage or hanging
out.
"So what's so important about them?," asked Healer. Maker was about to reply when she
was interrupted by another, more deeper voice.
"Oh! What are you doing in my magazines?!," Nanu shouted. The three looked up from
their point of interest and faced the linen cleaner, who was holding a large tray with a steaming
pitcher and four teacups. She was somewhat surprised at their interest, but when they sat down,
Nanu picked up the magazine from the basket. She opened it to the Celestial Star's page and
smiled.
The Starlights each poured themselves a cup and relaxed in the cushions of Nanu's sofa.
"So, you came to see me, Fighter, because of the supply of magazines I carry?," Nanu asked.
Fighter nodded sheepishly. "We were just curious about what was happening outside the
palace walls," she said.
"Well, I really don't blame you for that, but you could have asked me first," Nanu said.
Then she poured her own cup, took a sip, set it down, and then held up the magazine. "The Three
Celestial Stars are the hottest pop band since the Vague's a few years ago!" She ignored the
questioning stares from across her and continued. "Even though I'm fifty-four, my son writes
how good-looking they are. After all, he's only twenty-one."
Nanu then passed the magazine to Fighter. "But, if you're really interested, then read the
article. It should tell you more then I would."
****
Two figures stood beside a door in the shadows, one leaning against the wall while the
other considered knocking on the door in front of her. The sun was still too low in the sky to
reach them, and at the moment was creating rainbows on the other side of the hall. One sighed
deeply and leaned further against her post, with her mind already on other things then rainbows
on the walls.
"Come on, Ami, just knock and wake her up," the one leaning against the wall said. She
looked at her blue-haired friend with a hint of impatience, and then stared into her blue eyes with
the same look. "We can't be late, you know."
The other nodded, but still didn't knock as if regretful of something. She looked at her
blond friend and said, "I know, Minako, but I feel guilty to wake her already. I mean, it's been
three months, and..."
Suddenly the door opened slowly, and a young, blond-haired woman with blue eyes and
the most peculiar hairstyle inched her head out with a smile. "Don't worry, guys. I'm ready." She
walked out of the room and down the hall to the kitchen with the others silently following. Once
there, she opened the refrigerator, and took out an already made sandwich. Wolfing it down, she
grabbed her jacket on a chair and raced toward the apartment door.
"Usagi, Haruka's not here yet," Minako said from the kitchen, and watched as the blond
turned away and headed slowly back to the kitchen. Usagi obviously had every intention to get
the day over with, and this saddened her friend.
Ami wore the same look as Minako as she stared at her friend. Already she was regretting
the way Usagi had changed so much over the last three months. She had matured and grown up
consideringly. If the circumstances were different, they might of thought that she was turning into
the future Neo Queen Serenity.
"Hey, I'm ready to take you now!," a voice called from the hallway. Usagi smiled and
rushed to the door, where she jumped into the arms of the tall, dirty blond-haired woman.
Haruka hugged her back and smiled at Ami and Minako, who had just emerged from the kitchen.
"Well, let's go then," Haruka said and led the three girls down the hallways and floors of the
apartment building and into the parking lot, where her yellow sports car was kept waiting.
Another woman was sitting in the passenger's seat in Haruka's car. Her long, dark green
hair drew down below the waist of her crimson suit, which almost matched the color of her eyes.
She was absorbed in the newspaper until she looked up and smiled at the four approaching.
Haruka, with one touch of a button, unlocked the car and they climbed in.
"Good morning, Setsuna," Ami greeted the woman in the passenger seat. "Haruka driving
you to work too?"
Setsuna chuckled lightly. "Yes, but why you. I thought surely you'd show up in a black
limo instead of this lowly sportscar."
"Hey!," Haruka said as she heard Setsuna's comment about her favorite car.
"Well, it's only a photo shoot," Minako pointed out. "We save the big stuff for the
signing and the concerts, when we have to make an entrance."
Haruka playfully took that as an insult upon her car again, but they laughed it out, and
soon Haruka had started the motor and backed out of the parking lot. She drove it out, and soon
they were driving on the road as free as a bird. The top was down, so each of the women's hair,
either long or short, was rustling in the wind. It was a nice feeling as they headed for the large
city ahead, with it's large and unrealistic buildings reaching the sparse clouds in the sky. Today
was supposed to be another scorcher, as the weatherman said.
The first stop was a elegant looking store in the downtown area, in the middle of all the
tall buildings. The windows proudly displayed the finest in fashion, from swimsuits to casual
blouses to evening wear. Setsuna hurriedly got out of the car, and with a wave to her friends,
walked into the shop. The car drove on to its next destination.
"So, what are you doing after the photo shoot?," Haruka asked as she drummed her
fingers on the stirring wheel. They were stuck in a long stream of traffic crossing the river, since
the bridge to the other side was up due to a large passing boat.
"We're going shopping," Usagi happily replied. "And don't worry, because we'll get a
taxi for both the mall and the apartment."
"And don't forget to have supper waiting," Minako added in.
Haruka nodded and focused on the traffic as it started to inch forward. She smiled
inwardly as Usagi stared out the window with interest. It had already been almost three months
living on the planet of Kinmoku, in a strange new world and atmosphere. At least Usagi was
taking it well. For almost a month she had moped around, even when her four friends did
everything they could to cheer her up.
Usagi had once been a very happy girl at one time. She used to be clumsy and pig out and
hardly concentrate on work or anything pertaining to the word. That girl with the blond hair in
two buns that cascaded down her back, with blue eyes that you could always trust, and an ever
caring and loyal and loving personality had once been part of Usagi. Now, only a few things
remained of Haruka's kitten.
"Haruka! Turn there!," Ami shouted from the back seat as the driver almost missed the
turn. Haruka turned with a little jerk, but managed to make it through in one peace. She drove up
to the large complex of offices and watched as the three girls scrambled out of the car. All three
of them waved back and then headed towards their appointment.
After taking the elevator up three floors, the three arrived at the place for their photo
shoot. They were immediately greeted by their manager, Mr. Hounto, who ushered them to get
dressed and meet him by the cameras. Having no choice, the group separated and went into their
dressing rooms.
Usagi sat reflecting in her chair as the hairdresser took down her hair and began to toy
with it. She looked into the large mirror only to be greeted by her own face and the one of the
bent hairdresser. With a little effort she smiled, and the face smiled back. A frown and the face
did it too. If she stuck out her tongue or rolled her eyes it would do it too. Mirrors were boring.
"So, tell me about yourself?," the hairdresser asked, obviously striking conversation.
Since Usagi was already dressed in her first outfit, her hair and makeup were the next to be done.
The hairdresser led her chair to a sink, and placing a towel below Usagi's neck, placed all of her
hair in the sink.
"Nothing much," Usagi answered. "Obviously you've read the magazines and such, so
that really sums it up."
"Yes, I have, but still, I'm sure those tabloid reporters don't know everything about
yourselves, other then that you're famous and have a lot of money," the hairdresser said. She had
already applied the shampoo to the dripping mass of wet hair, and was adding the conditioner.
"Besides, it's not everyday that this place gets visits from the Three Celestial Stars."
"So you listen to our music?," Usagi asked.
The hairdresser stopped her work for a second and smiled. "You're like my favorite band.
Even though many of your songs deal with angst and sorrow, I love the beat. And, you're not
snobby like all the other idols that come and go."
"Thank you," Usagi blushed and relaxed more, even though the crick in her neck was
bothering her. "I have a lot of experience with that thing, though. It's just that almost every time I
write a song, it suddenly turns sad. Usually Minako's and Ami's aren't so bad."
Throughout the rest of the period of messing with her hair, they talked about other things
until Usagi's hair felt like silk and was put into its trademark style. With a kind thank you, Usagi
joined Ami and Minako, their hair looking as bright and smooth, sitting in tall, black chairs. The
photographer took Minako first, and so Ami and Usagi watched from the side of the room as the
blond started to give a pose.
"Minako was born for this job," Ami finally said after five minutes had passed in silence
as their friend posed in another outfit. "I'm sure she gets more out of this then we do."
Usagi nodded. "At least she got her wish," she silently said, and then felt a few tears slide
down her cheek. "At least she's happy."
"Usagi, are you alright?," Ami asked. "You'll smear your makeup if you keep crying."
"Huh?," Usagi said, looking up at her friend, and hurriedly wiped the few remaining
drops of liquid in her eyes.
Ami placed her hand on Usagi as a sign of comfort and then whispered, "Usagi, we all
need to ride through this time in our lives. You can confide in me, Minako, Haruka, or Setsuna.
We all know what you're going through."
Her friend nodded and rose up from her chair when the photographer returned with
Minako and motioned for the next one to follow him. Minako jumped into the seat on the other
side of Ami and watched as the usually cheerful blond now made an effort to pose. "She is taking
this pretty well," Minako said.
"Yes, but even though she's hides it, she is suffering."
"I hate to have things to happen like this to her. Of all people."
"Yet all we can do is suffer and still hold on to that small sliver of hope we still believe
in. The hope that someday we'll see our loved ones again is what keeps me alive, and her. What
keeps us all alive."
"I agree with you, Minako. If anyone could get them back, it's the princess."
Sailor Starfighter sat with her two allies and comrades on the carpeted steps of the grand
staircase, bored as ever. Today marked the sixty-third day that Princess Kakyuu had left the
Kinmokian palace in order to find safe shelter from Galaxia. Ever since the vision she had had,
Kakyuu was sure that it meant something, and a month later announced the decision to seek a
safe haven on a nearby planet. The reason why she chose it, as she pointed out, was because the
planet had already lost its guardian senshi during the Beryl conquest and was still awaiting its
protector to someday restore leadership. For right now, it had very few people but plenty of
places to hide if needed.
The second Starlight, Sailor Starhealer, was on her right side, wearing a smug look and
staring at the passing servants as they attended to their chores. She was smallest and most petite
of the three, but in the attitude department she quite made up for it. Her silver hair and green eyes
seemed to glisten from the light of the hanging chandelier above her. When Healer was with
nothing to do, usually the result caused her to be snappy and irritating.
Sailor Starmaker, on the other hand, actually found something within her interest, and
was reading a small, paperback novel on black holes. She was the tallest and sometimes the most
serious, since she hardly cracked jokes. Actually, the absence of their childhood friend was not
impacting Maker that much, though she really did miss her. Her hair was of an auburn and her
eyes were a shade of violet, with years of wisdom hidden deep inside.
As for Fighter, she was the leader of the small band, with her sense of pride and duty
wound into one. Taller than Healer and shorter than Maker usually put her in the middle, and
when compared to them, they were asked if they were related. The main reason was the way all
three Starlights wore their hair, for each of them had their hair pulled into a ponytail at the nape
of their neck. Fighter's hair was raven colored, which shone blue in the light to correspond with
her midnight blue eyes. She, out of the two others, missed the princess terribly. Life in the palace
just wasn't the same without her.
The Starlights had come to rely on her and their own company when they had first arrived
at the palace. Since they were never allowed to leave, there was no choice but to befriend one
another, grit their teeth, and live the life completely laid out for them. All in all, it was boring.
"I thought surely at least you three would be training," a voice said out of thin air, and the
trio looked up to see Hanaku with a few pieces of paper in one hand and in the other a cup of
coffee. He stared down at the three with a sorrowful look of pity, at least waiting for one answer,
however sarcastic it could be.
"Don't feel like it," Healer first replied, and leaned her back against one of the steps in a
tired manner.
Maker pulled her nose out of the book and nodded just a little with Healer's words, then
returned to the passage she was reading with more interest.
"She's right, Hanaku," Fighter confirmed with a small yawn. "Ever since Princess
Kakyuu left, everything's more difficult and just not worth doing." And to add on to her excuse,
"Even training."
Hanaku frowned and thought of Kakyuu, with her flowing red hair and twinkling red
eyes. He missed her madly, and he was sure she did too. It was hard cutting off communication
with his only true love, but in order for her to stay safe, no one should ever give away her
position. Already the terror of the past year was reappearing in the southern borders of the
galaxy, where now the attacks had returned with more force then before. This saddened
everyone, including poor General Majhana, who was back to sitting in the control room with
barely any sleep as he analyzed his reports. Once again he was bringing coffee for the sleep-
deprived general.
He changed his frown into a small smile and tried to laugh. "Well, it's kinda sad to see
you three without anything to do. You might as well at least try to do something."
"How can we do anything if we can't even leave the palace?," Healer asked with a
faraway look in her eyes. Already she was thinking of all the wonders outside the walls that
bound her to duty.
For once Hanaku did not have an answer to the question. He had never sat down to
ponder what it would be like to never see the outside world as the Starlights had been denied the
opportunity. He gave a polite little bow and left with the papers and the coffee, leaving the trio to
dream of other, better things.
"It would be wonderful to go outside," Fighter thought out loud and then turned towards
Maker's side. "What about you, Maker? Anything you'd be interested in?"
Maker dropped her book for a second and thought of an answer for Fighter's question.
"Actually, I'd like to see the local libraries and check up on what other people our age are
reading."
"Certainly not that," Healer indicated towards Maker's book and returned to staring into
space. "Me, I want to see just a little wildlife then what we have in the gardens, and, well, be
normal."
The other two unanimously agreed with her on her last statement. They were far from
normal with their duties tying them down to the palace. Never had they ventured outside, and
palace life ended up being their only life now. Even though they were sixteen with the fate of the
entire planet entrusted to them, there was always this feeling that there was something more in
their life that should be fulfilled then just training and sitting around.
A lightbulb seemed to go off in Fighter's head as she watched Pietruo, the mailman, walk
down the hall with a sackful of letters for various members of the palace staff. Unlike the
Starlights, they were at least allowed some outside contact by the processes of reading the daily
newspaper or writing a letter to their outside friend or family. Fighter thought of Nanu, who
washed the linens in the foyer and the dining room, instantly. She might, as Fighter thought, be
able to allow the group at least a glance at one of her magazines or newspapers.
"Fighter, where are you going," Healer asked as the one sitting right beside her rose up
from the stairs.
Fighter looked back at her and simply replied, "To see Nanu."
Healer got up from her turf and began to follow Fighter with a little interest. Maker
sighed and put her book down for the last time to go after her friends.
Their leader led them through several halls and corridors until they arrived at the servants
wing. It had the same marble floors and columns as the other wings, but the interior wasn't as
royally decorated as the others where the more important members lived and worked. Instead of a
rich, royal red, the carpet was a much darker red and matched the windows. Fighter led on and
walked through another hallway before they found a series of rooms. The second to the right was
Nanu's.
One small and silent knock summoned the slightly overweight and jovial linen cleaner.
She was quite tall, even though Maker was still two inches higher, and had grey hair with green
eyes just like Healer. A look of recognition became present as she looked upon Fighter, and then
in a second, she had enveloped her in a big hug. Fighter smiled and returned it, then after almost
a minute, she let go.
Nanu beamed at the two other Starlights, and asked both of them if they would like any
refreshments. An unanimous vote for tea went out, and so, after they came into her room, Nanu
disappeared to make their tea. This allowed a few minutes for the trio to look around and observe
their surroundings.
"Hey! Look at this!," Healer shouted out, and the others joined her at a wooden basket
filled with a whole week's worth of magazines. Maker picked up one and observed the cover,
which depicted three strange, young women holding microphones and stretching their free hands
out as if reaching for something. She flipped it open, and then searched for the main article that
would explain what was on the front page.
Fighter read the first three words in bold lettering: "Three Celestial Stars". Underneath
the words were several photos of the same three woman, in which they were on stage or hanging
out.
"So what's so important about them?," asked Healer. Maker was about to reply when she
was interrupted by another, more deeper voice.
"Oh! What are you doing in my magazines?!," Nanu shouted. The three looked up from
their point of interest and faced the linen cleaner, who was holding a large tray with a steaming
pitcher and four teacups. She was somewhat surprised at their interest, but when they sat down,
Nanu picked up the magazine from the basket. She opened it to the Celestial Star's page and
smiled.
The Starlights each poured themselves a cup and relaxed in the cushions of Nanu's sofa.
"So, you came to see me, Fighter, because of the supply of magazines I carry?," Nanu asked.
Fighter nodded sheepishly. "We were just curious about what was happening outside the
palace walls," she said.
"Well, I really don't blame you for that, but you could have asked me first," Nanu said.
Then she poured her own cup, took a sip, set it down, and then held up the magazine. "The Three
Celestial Stars are the hottest pop band since the Vague's a few years ago!" She ignored the
questioning stares from across her and continued. "Even though I'm fifty-four, my son writes
how good-looking they are. After all, he's only twenty-one."
Nanu then passed the magazine to Fighter. "But, if you're really interested, then read the
article. It should tell you more then I would."
****
Two figures stood beside a door in the shadows, one leaning against the wall while the
other considered knocking on the door in front of her. The sun was still too low in the sky to
reach them, and at the moment was creating rainbows on the other side of the hall. One sighed
deeply and leaned further against her post, with her mind already on other things then rainbows
on the walls.
"Come on, Ami, just knock and wake her up," the one leaning against the wall said. She
looked at her blue-haired friend with a hint of impatience, and then stared into her blue eyes with
the same look. "We can't be late, you know."
The other nodded, but still didn't knock as if regretful of something. She looked at her
blond friend and said, "I know, Minako, but I feel guilty to wake her already. I mean, it's been
three months, and..."
Suddenly the door opened slowly, and a young, blond-haired woman with blue eyes and
the most peculiar hairstyle inched her head out with a smile. "Don't worry, guys. I'm ready." She
walked out of the room and down the hall to the kitchen with the others silently following. Once
there, she opened the refrigerator, and took out an already made sandwich. Wolfing it down, she
grabbed her jacket on a chair and raced toward the apartment door.
"Usagi, Haruka's not here yet," Minako said from the kitchen, and watched as the blond
turned away and headed slowly back to the kitchen. Usagi obviously had every intention to get
the day over with, and this saddened her friend.
Ami wore the same look as Minako as she stared at her friend. Already she was regretting
the way Usagi had changed so much over the last three months. She had matured and grown up
consideringly. If the circumstances were different, they might of thought that she was turning into
the future Neo Queen Serenity.
"Hey, I'm ready to take you now!," a voice called from the hallway. Usagi smiled and
rushed to the door, where she jumped into the arms of the tall, dirty blond-haired woman.
Haruka hugged her back and smiled at Ami and Minako, who had just emerged from the kitchen.
"Well, let's go then," Haruka said and led the three girls down the hallways and floors of the
apartment building and into the parking lot, where her yellow sports car was kept waiting.
Another woman was sitting in the passenger's seat in Haruka's car. Her long, dark green
hair drew down below the waist of her crimson suit, which almost matched the color of her eyes.
She was absorbed in the newspaper until she looked up and smiled at the four approaching.
Haruka, with one touch of a button, unlocked the car and they climbed in.
"Good morning, Setsuna," Ami greeted the woman in the passenger seat. "Haruka driving
you to work too?"
Setsuna chuckled lightly. "Yes, but why you. I thought surely you'd show up in a black
limo instead of this lowly sportscar."
"Hey!," Haruka said as she heard Setsuna's comment about her favorite car.
"Well, it's only a photo shoot," Minako pointed out. "We save the big stuff for the
signing and the concerts, when we have to make an entrance."
Haruka playfully took that as an insult upon her car again, but they laughed it out, and
soon Haruka had started the motor and backed out of the parking lot. She drove it out, and soon
they were driving on the road as free as a bird. The top was down, so each of the women's hair,
either long or short, was rustling in the wind. It was a nice feeling as they headed for the large
city ahead, with it's large and unrealistic buildings reaching the sparse clouds in the sky. Today
was supposed to be another scorcher, as the weatherman said.
The first stop was a elegant looking store in the downtown area, in the middle of all the
tall buildings. The windows proudly displayed the finest in fashion, from swimsuits to casual
blouses to evening wear. Setsuna hurriedly got out of the car, and with a wave to her friends,
walked into the shop. The car drove on to its next destination.
"So, what are you doing after the photo shoot?," Haruka asked as she drummed her
fingers on the stirring wheel. They were stuck in a long stream of traffic crossing the river, since
the bridge to the other side was up due to a large passing boat.
"We're going shopping," Usagi happily replied. "And don't worry, because we'll get a
taxi for both the mall and the apartment."
"And don't forget to have supper waiting," Minako added in.
Haruka nodded and focused on the traffic as it started to inch forward. She smiled
inwardly as Usagi stared out the window with interest. It had already been almost three months
living on the planet of Kinmoku, in a strange new world and atmosphere. At least Usagi was
taking it well. For almost a month she had moped around, even when her four friends did
everything they could to cheer her up.
Usagi had once been a very happy girl at one time. She used to be clumsy and pig out and
hardly concentrate on work or anything pertaining to the word. That girl with the blond hair in
two buns that cascaded down her back, with blue eyes that you could always trust, and an ever
caring and loyal and loving personality had once been part of Usagi. Now, only a few things
remained of Haruka's kitten.
"Haruka! Turn there!," Ami shouted from the back seat as the driver almost missed the
turn. Haruka turned with a little jerk, but managed to make it through in one peace. She drove up
to the large complex of offices and watched as the three girls scrambled out of the car. All three
of them waved back and then headed towards their appointment.
After taking the elevator up three floors, the three arrived at the place for their photo
shoot. They were immediately greeted by their manager, Mr. Hounto, who ushered them to get
dressed and meet him by the cameras. Having no choice, the group separated and went into their
dressing rooms.
Usagi sat reflecting in her chair as the hairdresser took down her hair and began to toy
with it. She looked into the large mirror only to be greeted by her own face and the one of the
bent hairdresser. With a little effort she smiled, and the face smiled back. A frown and the face
did it too. If she stuck out her tongue or rolled her eyes it would do it too. Mirrors were boring.
"So, tell me about yourself?," the hairdresser asked, obviously striking conversation.
Since Usagi was already dressed in her first outfit, her hair and makeup were the next to be done.
The hairdresser led her chair to a sink, and placing a towel below Usagi's neck, placed all of her
hair in the sink.
"Nothing much," Usagi answered. "Obviously you've read the magazines and such, so
that really sums it up."
"Yes, I have, but still, I'm sure those tabloid reporters don't know everything about
yourselves, other then that you're famous and have a lot of money," the hairdresser said. She had
already applied the shampoo to the dripping mass of wet hair, and was adding the conditioner.
"Besides, it's not everyday that this place gets visits from the Three Celestial Stars."
"So you listen to our music?," Usagi asked.
The hairdresser stopped her work for a second and smiled. "You're like my favorite band.
Even though many of your songs deal with angst and sorrow, I love the beat. And, you're not
snobby like all the other idols that come and go."
"Thank you," Usagi blushed and relaxed more, even though the crick in her neck was
bothering her. "I have a lot of experience with that thing, though. It's just that almost every time I
write a song, it suddenly turns sad. Usually Minako's and Ami's aren't so bad."
Throughout the rest of the period of messing with her hair, they talked about other things
until Usagi's hair felt like silk and was put into its trademark style. With a kind thank you, Usagi
joined Ami and Minako, their hair looking as bright and smooth, sitting in tall, black chairs. The
photographer took Minako first, and so Ami and Usagi watched from the side of the room as the
blond started to give a pose.
"Minako was born for this job," Ami finally said after five minutes had passed in silence
as their friend posed in another outfit. "I'm sure she gets more out of this then we do."
Usagi nodded. "At least she got her wish," she silently said, and then felt a few tears slide
down her cheek. "At least she's happy."
"Usagi, are you alright?," Ami asked. "You'll smear your makeup if you keep crying."
"Huh?," Usagi said, looking up at her friend, and hurriedly wiped the few remaining
drops of liquid in her eyes.
Ami placed her hand on Usagi as a sign of comfort and then whispered, "Usagi, we all
need to ride through this time in our lives. You can confide in me, Minako, Haruka, or Setsuna.
We all know what you're going through."
Her friend nodded and rose up from her chair when the photographer returned with
Minako and motioned for the next one to follow him. Minako jumped into the seat on the other
side of Ami and watched as the usually cheerful blond now made an effort to pose. "She is taking
this pretty well," Minako said.
"Yes, but even though she's hides it, she is suffering."
"I hate to have things to happen like this to her. Of all people."
"Yet all we can do is suffer and still hold on to that small sliver of hope we still believe
in. The hope that someday we'll see our loved ones again is what keeps me alive, and her. What
keeps us all alive."
"I agree with you, Minako. If anyone could get them back, it's the princess."