Adventure 12: Battle Starts At Home
From the end of Sailor Stars.....
The Three Lights were holding their final concert because they knew that the final fight with Galaxia was close. In the middle of the concert Tin Cat showed up and started some chaos. Galaxia showed up and took the bracelet from Tin Cat. Sailor Moon then tried to get rid of Galaxia for what's she had done to Tin Cat. Galaxia just brushed the attack away. She eyed all of us and stopped at Kakyuu and took her star seed. The Starlights headed over to Ginga TV, where Galaxia had been hiding, to avenge their princess. We all went back to Raye's temple to come with some sort of plan. Then Amara, Michelle, Trista, and Hotaru headed over there next. Then all of us headed over there an hour later. When we got to the TV station there was a barrier around the station. We were forced to watch the Starlights get beat up by Galaxia from the outside. Sailor Chibi Chibi Moon then transported us into where the Starlights had been fighting. Healer and Maker were not too happy when they saw all of us but we were glad to see them. Galaxia then tried to take their Star Seeds of Serena and the Starlights but the Inner scouts put themselves in front of them to protect them. In doing so, they gave their lives to protect all of us. Galaxia then took their star seeds. As Serena and I looked up at the collection of star seeds we spotted a star seed with the same shine as the golden crystal. Galaxia then showed us how she took Darien's star seed when he was heading over to the states. With that shown Sailor Moon just broke down crying she now had her four best friends as well as her boyfriend gone. After they were gone Pluto and Saturn followed who had their star seeds taken by Uranus and Neptune. When Galaxia ordered them to take our star seeds they fired at her. But she didn't have a star seed and she took the bracelets from the two of them. I was next. When Sailor Moon tried to explain her view on things, Galaxia slapped her. I couldn't put up with this anymore so I challenged Galaxia. If she won she got my star seed, and I didn't know what would happen if I won. After a somewhat long fight she fired at me and got my star seed. Some amount of time passed when everyone's star seeds were released and we returned to our bodies. With everything alright the Starlights and Kakyuu had to return home.
The fighting had really ended. Lita and I decided to head home. While walking Lita asked, "So are you going to head home yourself?"
"I have to. I have to find my scouts and release the power that Queen Serenity talked about. It's going to be hard to say good-bye. I feel like I belong here and not in my world."
"But your mom has to be worried about you. You can finish the quarter here, which is only a few more days, get your things together and head home sometime next week."
It was late when we arrived home so we went to bed, together because we had missed each other so much. On the news the next morning, the city had to be cleaned up. All public schools were closed for at least the next week. It gave me a chance to head over to Amara's house to talk about the arrangements. It was a long walk to their house but I knew it was one of my last chances to walk around Tokyo. When I reached the house I rang the bell. Michelle answered the door and invited me in. Amara saw us and asked, "So what brings you up here?"
"I wanted to talk to you about Hotaru coming back with me."
"Let me get Trista and Hotaru and we can talk about it."
When Trista sat down I started, "I brought this up sometime ago with Amara and Michelle about if it would be alright for Hotaru to come back with me to further her training. I know that this is sudden but I will be heading home by the end of this week."
"Like I said before it is up to Hotaru to decide but all of us need to agree that it is the right thing to do.", added Amara.
"Would you like to go back with her?", Trista asked.
"Yeah that would be cool."
"If you promise to take the best care of her she can go."
"I will Michelle."
"Do you know exactly when you're leaving?"
"Yeah probably Saturday."
"That gives us only today and tomorrow. How about we see you off at the park about three in the afternoon on Saturday."
"Sounds good. I have to be going to tell Lita when I'm going."
As I walked home I wished I had not answered Trista's question. I had to tell everyone but who to tell first. I thought about it and I had to tell Darien first. I knew he had to be busy but I had to tell him. I rang the bell and he bussed me up. When he opened the door I just flat out told him, "I'm leaving on Saturday."
"So soon?"
"I knew this was coming but I didn't want to believe it. Hotaru will be coming back with me and I don't know if we'll be coming back anytime soon."
"Am I the only one who knows?"
"Yeah besides Amara and them."
"The girls have to know about this. I'm going to call them and we'll have a meeting here."
As he called everyone the more I didn't want to go home.
"The girls said they'd be over in a half hour."
"I don't want to go."
"Why not?"
"After all I've been through with all of you I have to leave. I don't know how much time has passed in my world and my mom will worry about me."
"Look since you're a scout you can teleport back and forth. You can come back and visit anytime."
Just then the doorbell rang. I explained to them what I was going to do and when I was leaving.
"But that's tomorrow afternoon.", Raye said.
"Why are you leaving so soon?", asked Serena.
"I fell that it's the best for me. I have to get going back home so that my mom won't worry about me. Besides I have to get home because I'm probably already behind in my school work."
"But why bring Hotaru back?", asked Mina.
"She need some more training since she is still quite young."
"How will you find your scouts?", asked Lita.
"I don't know."
"It could be that some of your friends are actually your team but you never knew it. For example, the people I met back when I visited with you could all be scouts but there is no sure way to know.", Darien said.
"If I go back with Maria and help her find her scouts then we can be sure."
"But Luna what will we do without you during that time?", asked Serena.
"It shouldn't take too long if Maria already knows the other scouts unlike when you became scouts."
"Well if this is her last full day in Tokyo I think we should be able to do anything she wants to.", Mina said.
"Good idea. Let her decide what she wants to do. So what will it be? Movies, mall, hanging out?", asked Raye.
"I want to spend the day with Lita and Darien. I'll hang out with all of you tomorrow I promise."
"Alright. Let's go then.", Serena said.
So Amy, Mina, Raye, Serena, Luna, and Artemis left.
"Now that they're gone, why only spend the day with us?", Lita asked puzzled.
"You two were the first people I met in Tokyo. You're going to be the ones hardest to say good-bye to tomorrow."
"Well what would you like to do?"
"Just walk around. I want to be able to remember everything how it is."
"Alright let's go."
The three of us walked around for a few hours taking a small break every hour or so. I recommended watching the sunset from the park. The sunset was beautiful as sunsets always are. There was a lot of things I wanted to do but couldn't. Considering that I was going home we had to head home early. When we got upstairs it was about seven.
"You two probably have lots to do so I'll see you tomorrow."
"Darien wait. Can't you stay for awhile?"
"I don't mind if you do. Besides its probably for the best if you two talk things out.", Lita said.
"This will be the first time I'm on my own. What if I'm not good without you guys?"
"You'll do fine especially since you have Luna and Hotaru going back with you. Besides if you were a lousily scout do you think Queen Serenity would have made you leader? It might seem like you stink at first but look at Serena. She started off shaky but look at her now she defeated her most powerful enemy by herself.", Lita said trying to cheer me up.
"But Serena is different than me. She had you helping her and Luna..."
"Wait. You have Hotaru and Luna and all of us. That's very different from what we had. You should be getting to bed."
"Darien don't treat me like a little kid! I'm just worried that I won't be able to do anything. What happens if I fail all of you?"
"You won't fail anyone. I'm sure you can come back and visit us. What me to stay in here until you fall asleep?"
"Yeah."
I hopped into bed and got situated. All he did was run his hand up and down my back until I fell asleep. He has such a soft touch that it just relaxes you all over. When I woke up the next morning Lita was watering her planets.
"How long have you been standing there?"
"Just a few minutes. I want to soak all of this in."
"The girls and Darien want to give you a good-bye party. Then we'll see ya off."
"What time?"
"About one today. I heard that Amara, Michelle, Trista, and Hotaru may stop by before we see you off that way we're all together to see you off."
We went out to breakfast and then went to the arcade. When we got home from all that it was already eleven. Lita was cleaning for the party and I had to pack. Packing was the most depressing thing I had to do but it had to be done. When Lita was done cleaning she helped me finish packing. We had sometime to rest before the doorbell rang.
"Hi, come on in."
"Lita, who is it?"
"It's Amara, Michelle, Trista and Hotaru."
"You're here early. Everyone else won't be here for another half hour."
"We wanted to talk to you about going back.", Amara said.
"About what?"
"I feel I should give you this time key to help you teleport back and forth between here and your home. It is dangerous to use the key often and when taking more than eight people other than you. When we get to the park I'll tell you what to say. Here you go.", Trista said handing me the key.
"Are you sure you and Hotaru can handle the enemy on your own until the other scouts are found?", asked Michelle.
"Yeah I think the two of us can handle it especially since Luna is coming back with us."
"Do you have any brothers and sisters?", Hotaru asked.
"I have one sister. She's probably a bit older than you but you two should get along fine."
Lita walked in the room to inform us that the others had arrived. It was great having everyone together like this but it didn't seem complete without Rini and the Starlights. This was only the second or third time we were all together like this. After we had some cake the girls wanted to exchange gifts. They had put together a scrapbook full of pictures. There were some when Rini was with us, with the Three Lights, and some of all of us just having fun. Darien gave me a rose with a letter. Amara and Michelle made a CD with some of the music that she had performed with Amara. We then walked over to the park together. I was a bit upset about leaving but I knew in order for the events of the future to take place I had to leave. We arrived at the spot seen Rini off only a few months earlier.
"Before I leave I want to say thank you to all you've done for me. All of you taught me a lot about becoming a scout. I wish there was more time so we could spend some more time together."
"We should be the ones thanking you for coming.", Raye said.
"Why? I shouldn't have come back because I followed Luna.
"Having you around let all of us find out about a chapter of our past lives we never knew about. None of us could remember much before Beryl but we want you to find your scouts because the scouts may have brothers and sisters.", Trista said.
"What are you crying for?", Lita asked in tears.
"I should ask you the same thing. I don't want to leave you. Promise you'll keep in touch since I still have my communicator with me."
"Shouldn't we be going?"
"Yeah."
"Hotaru, you be a good girl.", Michelle said.
"I will. I want to say thank you for raising me. Amara, Michelle, Trista you taught me a lot."
"I've made the arrangements at the junior high. Everything has been filed out and is ready to go."
"Thanks Trista. Darien, Lita you were the two greatest during my stay."
"Come back for a visit after you find all your scouts."
"Of course. Luna, Hotaru ready to go?"
"Yep."
"Serena I trust that your grades will improve while I'm gone."
"Don't be such a nagger Luna!"
"I look forward to the next time we meet. Guardian of Time and Space! Help guide us through the passage of space! Take us back home!"
When I opened my eyes I found myself along with Hotaru and Luna down by the bushes just outside the complex. A cold wind blew while we were walking to the building.
"This stinks that it is still winter here and fall in Tokyo."
"We should get inside before we catch cold."
When we walked in the first door the small foyer was warm. I had to dig through my bag to find my keys which took me awhile to find. I finally found them and opened the other door to the main part of the building. We walked onto the elevator and I pressed the button for the third floor. We all walked off the elevator. I felt weird walking down this hallway to the apartment because it had been so long since I last walked down this hall. I had to set my bag down to unlock the door to the apartment. When I walked into the front hall of the apartment it was quiet. It was a Saturday and with no one home it was a bit weird. I walked into the dining room and there was a note on the table reading,
"Maria,
We will not be back until late Sunday afternoon.
Here's $25 to eat for the next two days. I expect change.
Love,
Mom."
"Maria, What is that?", Luna asked.
"A letter from my mom telling me that she won't be home until late tomorrow."
"Is that good?", Hotaru asked.
"Yeah cause now we have the house to ourselves for two days. Hotaru if you get a warm coat we can go down to the park."
"Okay, but I need to find it."
It took her only a few minutes to find it and then we were off to the park. We were about halfway to the park when we heard screaming. Hotaru and I started to run as fast as we could. When we reached the park we saw a monster terrorizing little kids for no reason.
"You two need to transform."
"PHEBOS CRYSTAL POWER!"
"SATURN PLANET POWER!"
The police showed up and tried to stop the monster but it just drained the energy out of the officers.
"Saturn, these cops have a lot to learn don't they?"
"Yeah."
"Yo, Negaverse sleeze. How dare you try to harm these little kids and the police who protect this city. I'll punish you in the name of Phebos."
A man appeared who Luna and I recognized immediately, Jedite. When I saw him I got a sick feeling to my stomach.
"So you little sailor scouts think you can stop me and this monster?"
"I thought Beryl got rid of you years ago. Why are you here?"
"I was put only into a deep sleep. I was released from my sleep after the last battle with the Wiseman. Since then I have worked myself to the up most position of the new Negaverse. Yoma finish these scouts off. I have work to do.", he commanded and disappeared.
With orders from Jedite himself the monster's attention turned to us.
"Luna what are we going to do?", I asked worried.
"I don't know but we'll figure this out later. Just get rid of this monster."
"He he. Come on sailor scouts. Let's see what you got."
"Alright. PHEBOS FIRE SURROUND! It didn't work."
The monster sent a blast at us but we dodged it. This went on for sometime and I was getting worn out. Saturn and I then heard a familiar snapping fingers.
"Penetrating the darkness at night..."
"The air of freedom breaks through..."
"We are the three sacred shooting stars. Sailor Star Fighter!"
"Sailor Star Maker!"
"Sailor Star Healer!"
"Sailor Starlights...are here!"
"STAR SENSITIVE INFERNO!", and the monster was gone.
"Fighter, what are you doing here?"
"We sensed an evil energy coming from this world. This enemy is powerful and we didn't know if there were sailor scouts to protect this planet or not.", answered Maker.
"But we know there are.", Fighter added.
"Where are you going to be staying?"
"An apartment complex at the end of the road.", answered Healer.
"That's where I live. What building and apartment number?"
"940, number 305."
"Right next door. Hope we can do things together."
"Phebos, the cops are waking up we'd better get going."
"Okay Saturn, let's go."
We all de-transformed and walked back home.
"Are you going to sing?"
"No. We want to be just normal teenagers not pop stars."
"What school will you be attending?"
"Elk Grove High, sophomore level.", answered Yaten.
"Why is Saturn here?", asked Seiya.
"I need to further my training as a sailor scout. My name is Hotaru."
"Where's a good place to get some dinner around here?"
"We can go down to Frankie's Two or order some pizza. If we're going to go to Frankie's then I have to run up stairs to some money first."
We continued our walk home and I ran up stairs to get some money. They all waited downstairs while I ran up.
"How far is the restaurant from here?"
"Only about a block or so if we take the short cut."
"What type of food do they have there?"'
"Just some normal fast food. There is also a game room in the back."
When we walked in Frankies the place hadn't changed one bit. The cooks were busy preparing the food, when one of the cashiers came to take our order. I ordered a beef and fries with a Pepsi, Hotaru ordered a kids meal pizza with a small Hi-C drink, Seiya hamburger and fries with a Pepsi, Taiki a lasagna with a sierra mist, and Yaten ordered a salad with a sierra mist also. We walked into the back dining room and pulled some tables together where we could sit. The food would take a while so I decided to do some racing.
"Could I race you?", Seiya asked taking the seat next to me.
"Sure but don't be surprised if I win."
I chose the China race, which is considered an 'expert' race (yeah right!), automatic gears, and the light blue car which I always chose. As the race started I gained the early lead. There is one advantage of doing the race for so long I knew about all the short cuts in the race and knew how to control the car on the dirt road. The race was close with only one spot between us. By the end of the race we were racing for first place. I knew one trick to ensure a win, press the gas pedal twice and then floor it. When I was about to floor my time expired. Seiya had beaten me about a second. I sat there and thought to myself, how I could I lose to him? I had never lost this race against anyone before. Hotaru came up to me and said, "The people brought the food out."
"Alright let's eat."
We all sat down ready to eat. It was quiet for awhile because everyone had to be hungry from after the fight. I looked up and around the room to find that we were the only ones in the room.
"What do you think of the new enemy?", I asked everyone.
"It should be easy compared to Galaxia.", answered Seiya.
"Maybe. But we should not underestimate this enemy. The scouts from a few years ago thought he was gone but he's back for some reason. We can handle this but will the new scouts be able to handle it?"
"They'll catch on fast. Once they transform it should come back to them.", Hotaru answered reassuringly.
After we finished eating we walked back to Elmdale the same way we came. I took my keys out and unlock the two doors to get in. We walked up the stairs, I opened the door at the top of the stairs and held it open for everyone. When we were in the hallway I asked, "How long ago did you guys arrive? I haven't even been back from Tokyo a day and we said bye only a day ago."
"The time in our world moves really fast compared to Tokyo's time. It may have been only a day or so but its been well over a month since we left Tokyo.", answered Taiki.
"Do you need help unpacking anything?"
"Maybe the instruments.", answered Yaten.
We continued our walk down the hall to their apartment. Taiki unlocked the door and pushed it open. The door opened to the dining room/front room. We all took our shoes off as not to dirty the new carpet and also it being the custom in Japan. They had a huge three bedroom, 2 bath apartment. I decided to check the view from their balcony. I heard the screen open behind me, it was Seiya. I thought back to the last time I had been home that almost 4 months ago. The only difference is that now Hotaru and the Three Lights and Luna were back with me instead of Darien. I viewed everything differently after the fight with the Sailor Anime-mates and Galaxia. I felt bad for not acknowledging Seiya so I asked, "Do you miss Serena?"
"Why would you ask?"
"I remember the way you looked at her. After all we've been through do you still like her?"
"When I look at you I see her. Therefore I don't miss her."
I walked back into the apartment and yelled out, "Hotaru we gotta go!"
"Can't we stay a little longer? Taik-san was going to let me try out the keyboard."
"It's starting to get late and you need to get ready for bed. Now go get your coat."
"Come on. You're acting just like Amara.", Hotaru snapped back and stormed off.
"Don't you think you should be easier on her?", Yaten asked me.
"Why?"
"Well, she'd not used to you. You have to give her sometime to adjust to a new place. So until then back off a little.", answered Taiki.
"I'm ready.", Hotaru said with a sad tone.
"Alright let's go. See you around."
"Maria..."
"Yeah what is it?"
"Come over tomorrow to discuss a few things about the enemy."
"Okay I'll be over at one."
When we got to the apartment it was about 8:30. Hotaru wanted to watch a video and I saw no harm, in letting her stay up late one night. While she was picking out a movie I started to make some popcorn. After I was done I walked back into the front room.
"So what movie are we going to watch?"
"Father Goose."
"Okay.", I said to it. My mom had bought it before I had to leave for Tokyo back in November. I had never watched it before and Hotaru wanted to see it. When the movie was over it was about 10. I knew it had to be past Hotaru's normal bedtime. So I let her watch some TV while I went into my room to make my bed for two people. When I walked into the front room Hotaru had already fallen asleep on the couch. I felt bad about waking her up because I knew she was tired.
"Hotaru..Come on it's time for bed.", I said softly.
She started walking off to my room in a sleepy daze. She almost tripped over the phone cord but she caught herself before she could fall. I swear as soon as her head hit the pillow she was fast asleep. I shut off the light and walked back into the dining room. I looked down at the table at all the gifts everyone had given me but Darien's rose with letter caught my eye. I picked it up and opened the letter. It read:
"Dear Maria,
You should be home reading this letter by now. I know what has to be going through your head right now. The first battle was easy but what happens if I can't fight like I use to in Tokyo? I know that went through some of the scouts' heads during their first battles. Don't worry about things like that because you are going to have plenty of help from your scouts when they come. When you have you're entire team together come back to Tokyo for a visit. We'd all enjoy that very much. When you feel down think about what Queen Serenity told you when your princess self awakened. Also, if this helps I believe you can defeat every enemy that comes your way. Remember that I will always love you and that all of us are there fighting with you in spirit.
Love,
Darien."
"What is that you're reading?", asked Luna.
"Just the letter from Darien. Luna, why do you think Jedite would attack this world? Why didn't he go after the world with all of you? There's no one he wants to get back at in this world."
"I don't know. We must hurry and find your team because Jedite was powerful back when Mercury, Mars, and Moon fought him."
"But Luna I have no clue who my team could be. I have so many friends that anyone of them could be a sailor scout."
"On Monday when you go to school you should be able to sense that certain people maybe a scout. Also, I could investigate around the school and tell you if I find anything."
"Alright we'll do that."
"I think you should go get some rest because you don't know if you have to fight tomorrow."
"Luna do me a favor. My mom won't let Hotaru stay here long so can you somehow do something to her that will make her think Hotaru can stay?"
"I think I can do that."
"Night Luna."
The next morning when I woke up it was very bright in my room. I looked over at the clock and it was about ten in the morning. I looked over where Hotaru had been sleeping but she wasn't there. I walked into the front room and there she was watching some cartoons.
"ohayo, Maria."
"Morning Hotaru. Did you sleep well?"
"Hmm hm. You're bed is nice and soft."
"Well my mom and sister are due home this afternoon. So what can we do until then? Have any ideas?"
"Can we go to the park and actually play this time? Because yesterday we ended up fighting."
"Sure. Have you seen Luna?"
"I think she went out onto the balcony."
"Ok. Hey Luna. What ya doing out here?"
"It's been awhile since I've came to this world."
"Yeah that was about four months ago here anyway. Luna why do you think he came here?"
"I'm not sure of that myself but we need to find those scouts within the next few weeks if we are to defeat Jedite."
"There's also been something else on my mind its what Queen Serenity told me the last time I came home. Something about a power inside of me not yet awakened but only my team can break the seal. Darien thought it could be something like the Silver Crystal."
"It is a possibility. Since our memories are still somewhat clouded over from that time. I would recommend that you think about who some of those scouts could be."
"But I have almost no clue who they could be with maybe the exception of a few people."
"Well, I could somehow sneak into your school and explore."
"Ok. On Monday we'll do that then."
"Maria, when are we going to go to the park?", Hotaru asked at the door.
"Now. Luna want to come with us?"
"No. I'll wait here until you come back."
So Hotaru and I left for the park. The good was it was staring to warm up outside so it wasn't too bad. When we got down to Einstein it was like nothing had ever happened. Hotaru was just full of energy running all over the park. I just sat on the swings and kept an eye on her. I looked down at my watch and it was about 5:30.
"Hey Hotaru! We have to be getting back."
"Just 5 more minutes."
"No. My mom and sister will be home in a bit and we have to be there."
"Okay."
On the way home it was pretty silent because I'm sure Hotaru was tired out. While walking up to the door I saw my mom's car coming down the street. I told Hotaru that we have to get up before them. So we ran up the stairs. I hurried and unlocked the door to make sure it looked like I hadn't been out. Five minutes later I hear my mom and sister walk in.
"Hi. I'm home."
"Hi mom!"
"Oh, you're home finally."
"Did you have fun?", my sister asked.
"Yeah."
I went right into my room and tried to think of an excuse of why Hotaru had to stay with us.
"Luna, do you think you could somehow put temporary memory lapse on my mom so she thinks that Hotaru has lived with us a long time?"
"I could try."
"Luna you have to."
"Alright."
I walked out of my room with Luna in arms and Hotaru behind me.
"Mom, I found this cat a few days ago and I was wondering if you could help me give her a bath."
Luna looked at me like don't you dare.
"It's better if cats clean themselves."
"But I think she has a small cut or something on her leg and I need help cleaning her."
"Okay. Get some towels and some soap and we'll give her a bath in the kitchen."
I came back with Luna and towels and soap. My mom was fixing some nice warm water in the sink for her.
Luna whispered, "Why are you making me take a bath?"
"So you have a chance to do the memory lapse on her."
"What was that?"
"Nothing."
"Bring her over. The water is a little hot but it should be okay for the cat. Let me have her."
I handed Luna over to her and she put Luna right into the water. My mom looked right at Luna and mom seemed to stare at Luna for a long time.
"Mom you okay? I looked in the papers for a week and she doesn't match any missing pets. I even called the animal shelters and had no cat of that description of her."
"What about the pet deposit?"
"You wouldn't have to. She's a very quiet cat so you pay when you have enough money."
"Alright."
"Mom, you remember about Hotaru living with us right?"
"Yes. Hi Hotaru. I'll fix dinner if you dry off the cat. What did you name her?"
"Luna."
"Well go dry Luna off in your room."
I picked Luna up in a towel and she was soaking wet. I closed my door after I went in.
"Thank you Luna."
"I was happy to do that for you but you can pay me back by brushing my fur and drying me off."
"Okay."
I took the towel and dried Luna off. I found a small hair brush and started brushing her.
"Luna how am I going to sneak you into the school without getting caught? Furthermore, how are you going to investigate without getting caught?"
"I could walk around during classes and hide somewhere while the students are out."
"That part is fine but what about sneaking you in?"
"Could you leave one of your classes and let me out of your locker and I'll find a place to hide during the passing periods?"
"Sure. That would be easy, but you would have to wait until during second hour."
"Alright then I'll meet you after school outside in the back."
"Luna but the furthermost doors away from the foyer so that no one will see you."
"Ok."
"Maria, dinner's ready!", I heard my mom call out.
"Kay be there in a minute."
I closed the door behind me and walked into the kitchen. My mom had cooked tacos yet again and set it out in a buffet style. We could have soft or hard shells and anything we wanted in it. My sister had gone first then Hotaru then me and then mom. We all sat at the dining room table which is a little odd since my family usually east where they were sitting before called. It was a pleasant thing. I knew my sister knew something was up because of when Darien had come over, me being gone a long time, Hotaru staying with us and then having Luna around. I started wondering if my sister was a scout since she understood all the Sailor Moon stuff almost as well as I did. After dinner I went into my room to just lay down and listen to some music. I started to fall asleep when Hotaru came in.
"I'm sorry were you sleeping?"
"No. You excited about going to school tomorrow?"
"Yeah."
"Do you have everything?"
"Yeah. Why did you go to your room right after dinner? Don't you want to see your mom?"
"I just very tired and I have to get up early tomorrow. I loved seeing my mom but this doesn't seem like home that much. Maybe it's because I've lived there so long. I have my real family in Tokyo not here. Hotaru when did your mom die?"
"When I was really little. My dad was really nice in raising me until the DNA accident in the lab when he was taken over by the being. After that he seemed different to me."
"How?"
"Well his hands were always really cold and he was always in his lab. That's about when Kaori Knight showed up then I became very weak."
"Hotaru how do you remember all of this?"
"When I was awaken as Sailor Saturn a second time when Nehelenia attacked all of us."
"I wish everyone could remember more of our past lives you know back in the Moon Kingdom."
"There is a reason why we don't remember. Queen Serenity wanted all of you to forget so you could lead normal lives. If you could remember your past life you would not be able to. That's why no one could remember that Serena had a younger sister."
"But Luna I need those memories. If I could remember all of that we could just go and awaken the other scouts."
"Some of them may need to mature a little bit before awaking or you may need this item to grow more powerful to help them or......", Luna stopped when the door opened.
"Phone call.", Susie said.
I didn't want to talk to anyone but I had to. I picked up the phone and said, "Hello."
"Welcome back.", I heard from my cousin.
"What do you want? I have to get ready for school tomorrow."
"Alright. I'll see tomorrow at the bus okay?"
"Yeah. Bye.", and I hung up the phone.
It was about eight and I wanted to go to bed early so I could get up (I'm not a Monday person). I got ready and so did Hotaru. We had to share my bed which was ok by me but she had to sleep on the inside. I set my alarm, took off my glasses, and went to bed.
The next morning when the alarm went off at 6:20 I shut it off. I got out of bed and went to get something to drink. I looked into the fridge and there was some pop with caffeine so I knew it would wake me up. I looked at the dining room table and there was money for lunch for the school week. I walked back into my room and Hotaru was still sleeping. I turned my TV to the news to what the weather was going to be. It was going to be about 45 outside. I would be fine with just my light jacket that I wore year round. When I saw the weather the second time around it was about 38 out. Hotaru woke up when she heard me rustling through the closet looking for some clothes.
"What time is it?"
"It about 5 to 7. You can change the channel to 26 if you want to watch some cartoons. Just make sure you and Susie leave by a quarter to 8 to get to school on time alright?"
"Okay. Should I wear my uniform?"
"I wouldn't since you have to walk to school. Then again it's a little warm outside so you could wear it if ya wanted to."
I shut the closet door and got dressed. I found a hair brush on my dresser and brush my hair back into a ponytail like I always do. I looked at my clothes and thought it was weird not being in my uniform. When it came time to leave I hurried and got my keys and ran out the door. As I walked to the bus stop my cousin caught glimpse of me and told me to wait up.
"So how was your trip?", he asked out of breath.
"It was good. I'm still tired though. There are some kids who moved in next door that are our age and will be going to Elk Grove."
"Cool. Are there girls or guys?"
"All three are guys. They had to leave early so that they could get their schedules. If we run into them at school I'll introduce you to them."
When we reached the corner I felt my backpack moving a lot. I realized it was Luna trying to get comfortable. When the bus came I was the first one on.
"Can I sit with you?", my cousin asked.
"No. Maybe tomorrow."
"Alright. I'll just sit in front of you."
After everyone sat down we were off to pick up everyone else. Surprisingly I had the whole seat to myself. Since the talking was so loud I thought I could tell Luna something, "Luna, try not to move around so much or someone will suspect something."
"Well there isn't much room in this backpack."
"Well I had a lot of homework and that isn't my fault."
I closed my backpack so that there was some space to let some air in so Luna could breathe. The rest of the way to school I slept. When we got to the stop sign on Elk Grove Blvd. I woke up. While driving up to the school I wanted to go home. When we stopped everyone in the front took forever to get off. AS I walked to the front of the bus and stepped off a cold wind blew. As I walking to the building I saw my friend Meghan.
"Hey Meghan!"
She turned around a little surprised to see me.
"Hey."
"So what have you been up to?"
"Nothing much. I see you later."
"Sure."
By now we reached the back foyer doors and Meghan went off to her locker on the second floor and I to my locker just down the hall. When I got to my locker I saw Seiya.
"Oh your locker is by mine."
"I guess so. Can you block my locker so that I can put Luna in my locker?"
"Sure."
I gently lifted her out and placed her on the top shelf of my locker.
"Now don't forget to let me out during second hour okay?"
"Yes now be quiet.", I said slamming the locker door shut.
"So where is your home room?"
"Just down the hall a little ways."
"How much time do we have until the start of home room?"
"About another 15 minutes."
"Where's your home room?"
"On the other side."
"Then I should see you on my way to first."
"See you then."
I felt kinda good inside of having Seiya around now almost the same way I felt around Darien. I had to make sure that my friends did not find out. When I walked into my advisory/home room no one was there. I sat down in one of the cushioned chairs and looked up at the clock. It only 8 and I knew my cousin was going to come in at any minute. Instead, Patrick walked in a little late than he usually is.
"Hi."
"Where have you been?"
"Trips to foreign countries."
"Which ones?"
"Mainly Japan."
"Did you go to school there?"
"Yeah."
"How was it?"
"Pretty good. It got boring wearing the uniform though."
Just then a group of my friends walked in.
"Hey, I have something to show to you after fourth.", Ginger told me.
"Ok. You guys better go cause you only have 3 minutes."
"See ya during second, Ri."
Advisory was boring as usual and I hadn't missed anything while I was gone except for Scholastic Bowl. When the bell for advisory rang I was the first one out the door. As I was walking I saw Seiya waiting for me.
"Hey."
"I am so glad to have someone from Tokyo here with me. I forgot how boring school was over here. What classes do you have?"
"The classes the teachers assigned me. I don't really want to take anything except for gym or if I have a class with you."
"Well maybe we do have a class together. Ja ne."
Keyboarding was absolutely boring so much that I almost fell asleep. So I decided to go online under my sister's screen name. I didn't have anything to do. Then I thought of checking to see if Amy was online. So I checked and indeed she was on. So I started an instant message.
"Hi."
"Who's this?", she asked.
"It's Maria."
"Oh. How is it going back home?"
"Good. I found out on Saturday who our enemy is."
"Who is it?"
"Jedite."
"What do you mean?"
"He appeared during our first fight. Luna has no clue why he would come back to my world but we are very concerned. But a good thing to note is the Starlights came back to help."
"They did?"
"Yeah and they transferred into my school. So what has happened since I've left."
"Well, Serena and Darien had their wedding."
"Oh, I would have loved to been there."
"That's not all. Serena just had Rini."
"IS she cute?"
"Yeah. I'll send you some of the pictures."
"Could I have some pictures of all of you. Since you probably look different."
"Alright."
"I have to go. The class is about to end."
"Are you not doing your classwork but talking to me?"
"So. This is the only computer I have access to and I had to tell you about Jedite. If you can come up with anything when I send you more info let me know."
"Okay. All I can tell you now is you need to find those other scouts before you even think about going up against him."
"I will. Luna will be investigating during the day."
"E-mail me if you have info and good luck. Bye."
"Bye Amy."
And I had to log off. The bell had just rung and I had to walk real fast to second. When I got down by the class I sat down rather out of breath.
"Hey Ri."
"Hey."
"I'll be back in one second."
I looked around the room then realized that Taiki was sitting right next to me. I just about jumped out of my seat.
"Taik-san what are you doing here?"
"This is one of my classes."
"From what I heard this class is really hard so do you think you could help me."
"Sure. But you have to do your own work."
"I know that."
"Have you contacted anyone in Tokyo about the enemy?"
"Yeah. Amy. She said that we need to find the other scouts if we even want to think about going up against him. I have to ask the teacher something be right back."
So I walked up to the teachers desk and asked him if I could go to my locker to get my book. And he said it was okay. The halls were empty for class had already started. I opened my locker and Luna was not happy.
"What took you so long?"
"The halls are empty now so you can go explore just be careful during the passing periods. I also contacted Amy during first."
"What about?"
"Just to update her on what is happening here and for me to find out what has happened in Tokyo."
"Okay. Well get back to your class and I will meet you at the tree by the back entrance at 3:50."
"See you then."
I came back into class and hurried and sat down.
"Do you have the homework?"
"Yeah it's right here.", I answered handing him the work.
Since it was the beginning of the week it meant lecture and note time. Now there is something you have to understand about this World History teacher he insists on doing the entire book with the exception of a few chapters. So lucky me now had Taiki to help me through this rough time. We then instructed to take out our chapter study guide so that we could go over a few questions. This is when I'm surprised that anyone stays awake. He explains what he put down as an answer then asks if anyone has anything to add. We went over that for awhile then we were able to work on our own for the last 5 minutes of class. I just packed my things into my backpack and waited at the door for the bell to ring. When it rang I rushed out the door, dropped my books off, and went to my third hour class. English is the easiest class because we have the division head as the teacher and we are his only class. I didn't have much work to catch up on since he excused me from it and all I had to do was write some 1 page essays on the stories we were reading. After it was over it was time for dance class. I walked down to the locker room, got changed and waited by the dance room. The teacher unlocked the door and told me that she would be right back. While I was waiting for everyone else Yaten walked in.
"Yaten why are you taking dance?", I asked trying not to laugh.
"Because regular gym classes make you sweat too much."
"Well, it's nice to have another guy in this class."
After the bell rang we had to, then do some ballet moves, some traveling floor moves, and then work on one of our combination for our final towards the end of May. Yaten did pretty well in doing the moves, jumps, and leaps the teacher asked him to do which was making him seem like a suck up. I knew he was good from when they had to the musical awhile ago. When class was over I was just plain tuckered out. When we were dismissed I hurried and got changed in the locker room and walked to the front foyer. Where I waited for the bell to ring. I hurried up the stairs and looked for Ginger. While she was getting the drawing out I was wondering if she remembered that I was a scout and that Darien had visited.
"Here it is. What do you think? I drew it during first."
It was a picture of the dog character she made up.
"It's good. So, did you get any new tapes?"
"Yeah I got some Magic Knight Rayearth videos."
"I'll have to come over sometime and see them. Well that was the minute bell see you later."
"Yeah."
I walked into Physical Science and we had a lab to do. It was on acids and bases. The lab would take two days. So at the end we had to clean up and put everything away. The bell rang and Is till had to get my bag. I went outside to wait for Meghan. She waved as she always did.
"So what's up?"
"Nothing much."
"I thought I saw someone you may want to know about."
"Who?"
"Seiya. Now you wouldn't know anything about him being here would you?"
I didn't want to answer her because I knew it would come out. Btu she gave me that look like you know you something so tell me.
"Alright Seiya, Taiki, and Yaten are all here. There I said it."
"Why are they here?"
"Maybe I should explain this later. I have to stay after school so I'll explain it to you then."
"Alright where should we meet?"
"Outside by the back door number 8."
"Okay. See you then."
While walking to get the rest of my books for the last two classes and lunch I thought about how Meghan and I had become friends. It was the end of my freshman year and I was waiting with a friend to catch the late bus home. I had stayed after to look up some Sailor Moon lyrics and I was waiting for the bus. That's when she introduced me to Meghan and she said that I liked Sailor Moon and so did Meghan so maybe we could get along. Meghan asked what the lyrics were and I handed them to her and she knew all of the songs. That summer came and went and when I went back to school I met up with Meghan another time. From then we've had a few tough times but we are still friends. So I started thinking that maybe she would be a scout and since I had revealed my scout identity to her the last time I was home. When I walked into the café I went to the table where I always sat with my friends Monica and Christine. I went and bought my lunch and sat back down when Monica and Christine came in. They had to go get their lunch so I just continued eating mine. While they were gone I heard someone call my name.
"Seiya. You have lunch now?"
"Yep. Would you mine if I sit with you?"
"No go ahead. So how's your day been?"
"Pretty good. Do you have Yaten or Taiki in any of your classes?"
"Taiki in my World History class and Yaten in my Dance class and you lunch. Are you in choir?"
"No."
"I still can't your songs out of my head. I always felt like you were searching for someone when you sang. I liked them because the songs had a good message within them."
"Think so?"
"Who wrote the lyrics?"
"Taiki and I."
"Maria who is this?", Christine asked.
"This is my next door neighbor who just moved here from Japan."
"Nice to meet you."
"You too.", answered Monica and Christine.
"Seiya, do you think you could sing that song after we're done eating?"
"Sure but where?"
"There are some empty rooms just for choir. I'm sure Mr. Sawson wouldn't mind.", answered Monica.
Seiya and I were the first ones to finish so we headed down the hall to where the choir room was. Then we took a right down to a smaller hallway to a bunch of small rooms. We looked in some of the rooms and we found one that was empty.
"Seiya could you play the music to it also?"
"I might have the sheets with me but I would need another person to help me sing."
"I'll do it."
"What song do you want to sing?"
"How about 'Shooting Star'?"
"Alright. Let me start then when I start you do, too."
I knew he hadn't played in awhile but I wanted to hear him sing. He started to play and he started to sing. I knew what parts needed the accompaniment so I only joined in then. We got to his solo when Monica and Christine walked in. When we finished both of them clapped. I looked at my watch and we had only a few minutes 'til lunch ended so we had to go. Monica and Christine went on ahead.
"Maria, you sang good."
"Darien told me that the last time I had to sing. Did you ever have any other songs that just you sang?"
"All of us had songs like that but we never sang them for anyone."
"Are they in Japanese?"
"Yeah."
"Cool. Maybe sometime you three can sing those songs. I have to go. See you later."
When I got halfway down the hall the bell rang. I was not happy I had to run up the stairs so that I could get my make up work for Spanish. When I reached the room the door was already opened and Sra. Ashida was checking the grades on the computer.
"Hola, Maria. Como estas?"
"Bien."
"Where did you go on your trip?"
"I spent most of my time in Tokyo and going to school there."
"Was it nice?"
"Yeah."
"Well, if you do the workbook pages of the chapters you missed, which isn't that much. It's only 2 chapters. Alright, bien?"
"Si."
The other students had come in and most of them were talking. I just sat down and waited for class to start. I always looked forward to Spanish because of how enthusiastic Sra. Ashida is. After class I had a few questions for her.
"Sra. Ashida, when is the make up work due?"
"Hopefully in the next week or so. So I can get it on the report card."
"Alright just wondering."
I was not looking forward to my last class. It's not that I don't enjoy math it just the teacher that teaches it. She's one of those teachers you only hear horror stories about no nice ones just bad. I knew I would have major work to make up but I was hoping that she would be nice and not give me a ton of book work.
"Maria come here. Since you've been gone nearly a quarter I will not count the work against you. However, it's your responsibility to learn all of that material for the final in June. If you want you can spend a few days after school with a resource teacher to catch you up until I'm done with Badminton."
"I will."
"Just for now copy notes from the overheads and give them back to me when you're done."
"Alright."
I went back to my desk and copied all the notes until I was done. It took me the majority of the hour and I still wasn't done. The teacher told me quit and to pay attention to the work that was being done on the board. I was bored. From what I had read on the overhead and from what I had learned at Tenth Street I volunteered to do a problem. I had a few tiny errors but otherwise it was right. When class was over I went to my locker. I went outside to wait for Meghan and for Luna. I had totally forgot that Luna was suppose to meet me after school and tell me her news.
"Hi Maria."
"Luna."
"Who are you waiting for hopefully nit me."
"No a friend. I think she might be a scout."
"Why do you think that?"
"Well I revealed my identity to her the last time I was home. Also she met Darien and even had some classes with him."
"That was not a smart thing to do. Well, I know that there are at least two people who might be scouts."
"Maria."
"Meghan. What took you so long?"
"I had to check a book out for a class."
"Ok."
"Now what was it you wanted to explain about Seiya and them?"
"They came back with me from Tokyo after the battle with Galaxia."
"You can't be serious."
"I am."
Just then I heard an unfamiliar voice, "Oh you're the one he talked about. Easy enough yoma get the one with the black hair."
"Meghan! Who are you?", I asked.
"Me? My name's Pearl and I work for Jedite. Well see ya later."
"matte."
"You need to transform."
"Right. PHEBOS CRYSTAL POWER! Hold it right there. How dare you attack her when she didn't even do anything."
The monster just gave me a look and sent a blast at me. Then I saw Fighter on the roof.
"Phebos go check on her. I'll handle this one."
"Are you sure?"
"Sure."
I ran over to Meghan, "Are you okay? Meghan come on wake up."
I then saw a mark appear on her forehead.
"Luna what was that?"
"She's one of team."
"Who?"
"She's Sailor Deimos."
To be continued in 13...........