~ Real Life 8 ~
By: Anime Redneck
'
Disclaimer: I don't own the GW Guys nor the SM Gals, so no sueing!!
.
~^.^~ * ~^.^~
VIII. Graduation Trip Take Off
~^.^~ * ~^.^~
'
A ruby red sports car was sitting in the dive as a shinning navy blue truck arrived at the Ten'ou household and emptied out its load of giggling girls onto the front lawn, awe marking they're faces as they took in the massive 'house' before them. No matter the amount of times they've been there it always stilled them to think this was also one of they're homes. A gorgeous, Victorian style, forty room, three hundred acre estate that was literally roam free and opened to them whenever they liked.
Another home, they smiled.
"Lets move it people! We've got a meeting to attend to!" Rei's commanding voice cried over the laughter and banter going on. Giving mock salutes with, "Aye Lt. Hino!" they grabbed they're gear and ran through the house and out the back, making sure the doors were locked again first, making a mad dash for the woods therein.
"Usa-chan! Ya made it!" a small black-headed child yelled running over to glomp her.
"Hai Hota-chan, we did." smiling kindly to the young girl then to the others, "Konbanwa minna."
Haruka smirked, "Ossu Koneko! Took ya long enough, what'sa matter? Truck not quick enough?" winking mischievously, "Need me to tinker under the hood?"
The others laughed at the face Usagi made shaking her head, "No, no! Its fine! Just breaking her in." laughing nervously looking around, "Sooo, we gonna leave or what?"
Grinning they all nod placing they're luggage in subspace pockets. "Lets do this!" Makoto shouted grabbing her pen, watching as the others, except little Sokai who stood in the middle, mimicked her actions calling out transformation phases. Multitude of lights started filling the area deep within the woods growing to be blinding, before they all backed down to nonexistent; leaving nine lovely transformed Sailor Senshi and one tuxedo clad man.
"We should be leaving now Hime."
"Okay everyone, take positions" Sailor Venus took over at Sailor Moon's nod the circle was formed, Sokai still in the middle, "Ready?"
"HAI!"
Eyes ran over all present, mental count down started, "SAILOR... TELEPORT!!!" in a flash, all was quiet.
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~ * ~ Sokai's POV ~ * ~
'
Another bright flare of lights they reappeared... somewhere... a tangle of body limbs and shouts, death threats being thrown about if someone didn't remove something from they're arm, leg, foot, hand or head.
Crawling from my squished place between the ten bodies, I stood dusting dirt from my clothes. Looking back up I laughed! They were everywhere! Shoving an arm there, foot from a head there. Too funny! Poor Usagi-chan though... stuck on the bottom of them all... she's so small, I hope she's all right!
"Usa-ma! Hey, Usa-ma! You alright!?" I was worried... hadn't heard a screech from her yet...
"Huh?" as a whole the bodies stopped moving, silently looking around for the missing person. Sillies... didn't they know she was under 'em?
"Sailor Moon?"
"Usagi-chan?"
"Where ya at girl?" heads turn looking about them.
I giggle. Sillies.
"Mmhhphh" murmur catches the breeze, low and winded.
"What?! Where are you!?"
"MMMHHPHHPH!! HMMPH!"
Now I'm laughing, I'm getting weird looks and one glare, but hey! Not my fault... Deciding to be nice to them, and since this is Usa-ma we're talkin' about! I have mercy on them all. "Guys..." they don't hear, "Guys" I sigh. "HEY!"
"What?" collective question.
Shaking my head I try hard to fringe being frustrated, but I don't think it worked... I giggled again... "She's under you, you know." They look dumbfounded, but at least Sailor Uranus gets up to try pulling the others free, "Another words... You're LAYING on HER!"
"AHH USAGI!!"
"Hurry up! Get off of me!"
"Shut up I'm trying!"
"Uranus would you PLEASE move her off of me!"
"Hey whatta about me!?"
Have I mentioned they're a silly lot? I love being around them, so lively and fun. Even the fights! They do that a lot, mainly between Usa-ma and Rei, they like to fight, but it's all play. I know it, they know it, everyone knows it.
But where were we? Didn't look like earth... Turning around trying to ignore the shouts - and curses my eight year old mind shouldn't be hearing - I think my breath stopped... it was so pretty! Knew we weren't on Earth now! WOW!
It's beautiful! Wow, I've never seen something like this before! Its... its like Earth... but shinier!
Sokai giggled as she twirled looking around her. The grass she stood on was a lush silver-green color, knee high in parts, short almost like it had been cut, in others. Trees were a sort never seen on the Blue Sphere; some looked like a Weeping Willow, stringy trundles hanging to the ground... but like the grass it wasn't green, they were a shiny silver blue-green, some silvery-blue while the bark to the trees was almost a metallic brown shade or silver-slate color. Everything shinned!
To her left ran a small water stream of teal-blue, blue-gray rocks lining the bottom, orange-red fish swimming about, some were even a green color! The sky above was black of course, 'cause they were in space, maybe a gray-black, she reasoned, 'cause of the light the moon gave off, changed it a little bit. But everything on the moon seemed to glow and shine! If it wasn't a metallic shine then it was a basic earth color but silvery in some way... so pretty...
The Moon was a living rainbow of color!
"Ugh... get... offa... ME!"
The grunted, gathering air yell brought the small girl from her examination in time to watch as Tuxedo Karmen helped a 'squished' Super Sailor Moon stand shakily to her feet, "Aye... next time... we land standing! Okay?" rubbing her pounding head, "I know I'm not the smartest of this large crazed group..." she wanted to giggle but her head hurt so, "But that doesn't mean you can all land on top of me!"
"Hai... gomen ne Usa-chan..."
"Sorry..."
"...not like me meant to..."
Taking pity on her new adoptive mom Sokai rushed over taking her hand in hers, the other wrapped around her waist taking place of Tuxedo Karmen's though he hovered close by just in case. "Come on Moon-ma, let's go." Starting off at a slow walk, the others following her, a thought struck her small mind making her stop, misty gray-blue eyes peering upwards to the golden blonde questioningly.
"Umm... Usa-ma... where are we going?"
Giggling at all the curious faces turned towards her, patting the child's head she pointed towards what appeared to be a forest line in front of them. "Though there hun, then once we're out! We'll put away our things and have some fun!"
That didn't answer the question, not in the least. So they were going through a forest... to where!? But, trusting in they're leader and princess the others followed, Tuxedo Karmen and Sailor Uranus taking point with Cane and Space Sword drawn cutting away vegetation from the path.
Hiking and cutting they spent near an hour trying to trek through the dense forest, surprised comments had gone around more then once at how much the Moon looked the same from 'all those years ago'. This comment alone left poor Sokai confused more then she already was, 'all those years ago' how many? She had wondered while passing a blue and black... cherry trees? Where those cherries green? NO, no, her mind must be going on overload...
"We're almost there!"
"Good! Then can we rest, Please!?"
Someone there laughed, "Tired?"
"Noo..." the sarcastic reply came, "I'm sleep walking!! Can't you tell?"
"Oh yes... the signs are showing... bags under the eyes... hair a mess... drool coming out of y-" flying brush cut her off, "HEY!"
"Shut up already geez!"
"Yeah, yeah..."
Uranus sighed, "Cut it out guys, we're almost there..."
Makoto caught up to her, "How long ya think?"
"Hm, twenty I'd say, just northwest of here."
"Great!" She didn't know where they were going - or just didn't remember where they were going - but was happy to be getting there nonetheless.
Sometime later after a quick resting, they reached a hillcrest and stopped. There was absolutely... nothing there. Arching one black brow cutely Sokai pouted turning to face everyone else. "Heeyy... there's nothing there!" crossing her arms, "I thought we were there!"
"We are... we are..." they caroused back.
"Then why-"
"Shhh little one, you'll see..."
Thinking it best not to doubt the Senshi of Wind, she nodded, grabbed Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Karmen's hands again and started down with the others. It was only when they reached the small mountains base - she thought it was large enough for that name - did she notice the small change in atmosphere... it felt, warmer... inviting... somehow...
And it was only five little minutes later walking through that 'changed atmosphere' that she noticed two very different styled clothing adorned her hand holder's bodies. Sailor Moon wasn't Sailor Moon anymore! And Tuxedo Karmen wasn't the Tuxedo Karmen she knew anymore! They changed! But... how? They hadn't stopped... hadn't let go of her for it to happen... So what?
The blonde rabbit looked down smiling as if sensing her thoughts, not revealing anything. Glancing over she saw that Mamoru did the same thing... something in their eyes was different... warmer too! What was going on?
"Oh wow... we're really..."
"Usagi we're going to be staying..."
"...here?" one starting, another filling in, and the last finishing the awed question.
"Hai" came the small happy whisper.
Sokai, not knowing what they were talking about, stopped looking over the change in clothes and in front of her. Her small wide eyes grew twice their size at what stood before them. Young mind racing to put the pieces together. The change in air, wasn't just air! It was... was a shield of some sort... had to be! 'Cause on the outside you couldn't see anything, it all looked like more forest! But on the inside! Wow...
The remains of a very old - ancient even - palace stood before them. Section of palace wings still stood, some the whole wing, others only a husk remained of what once was, sure to be a magnificent kingdom. White-gold marble made up walls, ceiling and pillars, while silver-white marble made up the floor and candleholders, which adorned the vast walls. Plants long ago started moving into the old place, making it their own. But in a way... it added more beauty to it...
"We're staying here for a month?" Awe, was all there was in the small, curious voice.
"Hai that we are!" Usagi chirped back. "Come on, we've got to get to the throne room."
Super Sailor Venus' steps faltered, "You mean...?"
"Are you trying to-" Super Sailor Mars' eyes wavered, voice cracked. Her smile widened as odango's bobbed in a nod. That was all they needed - everyone practically ran on autopilot knowing exactly where they were to be, and went.
"Hey! Wait for us!" tightening her grip to Sokai's hand she looked up at the boy beside her. "Lets go!" and took off. Sokai's feet leaving the ground leaving her latterly 'flying' beside them as they ran to catch up.
They arrived in time to see the Senshi lining up by planet order. Something they did in times long ago when a formal meeting was held. Still smiling they set the small girl down and led Sokai to the side, telling her softly to stay put, before taking place before the two rows, in the center.
They waited... and waited... to the point they're hearts began to wonder if anything was supposed to happen. Had they gotten their hopes up for nothing?
Wind shifted... marble shook, lifting back in place from which it fell a millennium before... the wind increased whipping hair, leaves and limbs around them, never once touching. Then silence, and it started. A low blue light coming across the furthest corner of the room, growing in intensity as it glided towards them.
A whispery voice carried across the winds, "Senshi, you have come..." the light flickered with each word. "Prince, Princess... my how you've grown..." flickering few times more, giving a greater, brighter yet dim burst, a figure was left standing before them all.
Tall and slender, features like that of they're own leader, hair a light violet flowing like moving water from two twin odango's atop her royal head. Her dress clung almost like second skin from her bust to mid stomach before flowing freely and loosely to the marble flooring, a large white bow planted firmly in the center top, large golden up turned crescent moon in the center of the bow and crescent moon earrings finished her elegant clothing.
What attracted most attention though, was not her old stylish dress, or the lavender hair, but the brightly shinning silver crescent moon upon her brow. Eyes present traced them back to their golden copy, seeing a crescent moon of her own, a golden yellow, blink and fade in time with the elder version.
"Mother..."
The elegant vision nodded, "Serenity..."
"You're here... you're really here... Why? I mean..."
Giggles filled the silent air while silvery eyes twinkled. "Its good to see you too Musume" arms opened to receive the teary eyed girl rushing at her. "You've grown so much..." the hug tightened, "into a fine young woman..." the older version of Usagi looked up to them all. "You've all grown and matured so much."
"Arigatou, Serenity-sama." Everyone echoed bowing and curtsying.
One voice among them all, sounded lost. "Huh?"
The elder Serenity looked up releasing her daughter smiling, "And who's this?"
At the question Usagi 'epped', turned around smiling brightly as she beckoned the small girl to her. Sokai ran over happily, though a bit iffy around the new person, to her 'mother' smiling as she stood in front of her.
Usagi clasped both of her shoulders, squeezing lightly for comfort as her smile grew looking up at her mother. "This little candy girl here is Sokai-chan!" face gaining a light blush she stumbled a bit, "She's my... my erm..."
"Kid!" Sokai and Minako blurted out gaining smothered laughs from the others.
A silver brow rose as giggles escaped the elder Serenity, "Your child, dear? Why she looks nothing like you!"
"Hey..." came the offensive sigh.
"I mean nothing by it dear," kneeling as much as she could in the dress Queen Serenity smiled kindly at her silver-raven haired child, "Your very pretty Sokai-chan. How have you become to be my Musume's daughter now, hmm?"
Shuffling her feet nervously glancing up at Usagi for her nod, before back to the woman in front of her she started, "Well I umm... I woke up in her room M'am..."
"Musume?" her mother looked up questioningly.
"Can we please sit somewhere before getting into this? I'm sorry, but these heels are sorely hurting my feet..." Everyone turned to Ami and giggled heading off to what was once the dinning hall. After all were seated, the Queen prompted her daughter for an answer once more.
"It's true Okasan..." Usagi smiled, playing with dark hair of the child on her lap. "I was walking home one day years back, and found this little bundle on my door step asleep. We didn't know where she came from... How she got there or even who her parents were."
"We thought they'd be worried for her," Ami started, "...being that young and away from them. But Sokai doesn't remember her parents, or what happened."
Small sad smile spread across Mamoru's face, "She's an orphan... just like me" Sokai picked her head up staring at him questioningly; he nodded.
"I see... I'm very sorry for all the pains you've been through little one..." she smiled, "I bet you've been greatly taken care of since my Musume found you, ne?" She knew her daughter never lost that 'wide open heart' of hers and would never allow someone such troubles alone if she could do something about it.
"Oh yes!!" the tiny head bobbed quickly smiling a mile wide, "Usa-ma and Mako-ma have been GREAT!! They've taken care of me for THREE YEARS!! We live in this apartment on the other side of Juuban and we've got our own rooms! The others come over to play games and eat and watch movies! Then some days! Ya know we go out to play softball at the park!! I LOOOVE them all SOO much!!"
Laughter went 'round the large table as the bundle of energy continued to give a 'play by play' on one of the last games before they're graduation had taken place, all the while loving it. Sokai never failed to lift their troubled spirits, lightening up the room with her smallest of smiles. It truly was a wonder that one so small found her way into they're lives; a wondrous wonder indeed.
"My gracious! You've had quite the time with your Usa-ma and Mako-ma haven't you?" Grinning at the blush covering the younger girls cheeks, "Having two mothers is indeed better then one, you get double of everything." Queen Serenity wagged a playful finger at the child, "Just don't go finding yourself spoiled now."
"Ohh no M'am!" Sokai declared, "Rei-chan, Haruka-san and Michiru-san won't let me! They watch over all of 'em like that. They're the Protectors of our group!" The others wondered if she knew the exact meaning of her innocent words; they smiled. "And 'sides! Usa-ma and Mako-ma wouldn't do that anyways... they're wonderful!"
"I'm proud to hear it darling, proud to hear it."
Minako stood stretching, dress sweeping along the ground, "Well... what say you we go get packed away and rest a bit? I'm beat. We don't normally teleport that far."
"Yes, I agree... our bodies used a high amount of energy to achieve that teleport."
"Sure and I-"
A small hand went up, "Excuse me."
Eleven sets of eyes turned to the small girl, "Hai?"
"Umm I was just... well... I was wondering..." pointing to the lavender haired lady, "Who she was?" It was an innocent enough question, but still drew giggled from the girls and an embarrassed noise from one of her mothers.
Usagi stood bringing the girl with her, "Gomen nasai Soka-chan... I should have done this earlier! Oh well! Soka-chan, I'd like you to meet my real mother, Queen Serenity of the Moon Kingdom."
"YOU'RE Queen Serenity!?"
"Yes I am." A smile, "Pleased to meet you Sokai."
Nodding numbly the girl turned, "That makes you... Princess Serenity..." Usagi nodded. Finally it all started clicking in place in her mind. Everyone had learned of the Moon Kingdom Legend from long ago... it was taught in almost every mythical class and written in many history books, fairy tale books... all kinds.
She couldn't remember from where she had heard of it. She wasn't old enough for it to of been in school, she was only in the fifth grade! So, someone must of told it to her, or read her the book... but it made sense now... "And your Prince Endymion of Earth..." she started pointing to each person, putting the dress color and name to a planet. "Princess Minako of Venus... Princess Makoto of Jupiter... Ami of Mercury... Rei of Mars... but you four... I don't know you..."
"H-how... how do you know of us?" they were thoroughly shocked by her young knowledge.
"I don't know, really... it's a memory I guess... someone I think read me a story about the Moon Kingdom... but I don't remember besides the people that were in it and how it went down..."
Queen Serenity smiled placing a hand on her shoulder. "These" waving her other at the second Senshi group, "Are the Outer Senshi from the outer solar system, first line of defense back in the Silver Millennium." She started pointing each one out. "The leader of the Outer Senshi, Sailor Saturn, Princess Hotaru. Princess Setsuna of Pluto... Princess Michiru of Neptune and Princess Haruka of Uranus" each curtsied as they're name was called.
"Ohhh... wow... now I know you all!" Sokai happily clapped her hands together bouncing. "So it was true! You all got born again in the future to save us! WOW!!"
The other could only nod as they laughed at her delight over the information. They knew though before going back, a full explanation was called for... after all, she deserved to know the truth.
"NOW! It's time to grab some grub and hit the hay!"
"WOO HOO! Lead the way chica I'm right behind ya!"
"HEY! WAIT FOR MEEEE!!"
Someone's amused sigh could be heard, "Girls... they never change."
"HEY I HEARD THAT!!!" Usagi's voice floated back to her, lost somewhere in the maze of hallways still standing.
She smiled, "Selene... she still has her fathers hearing..." heading for her own room, even though her spiritual form needed no rest, she decided for tonight, it would be a change.
And that was the start of their excitement, exploring filled vacation.
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~oOo~ * ~oOo~ * ~oOo~ * ~oOo~
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Alrighty peoples! There's your eight chapters of "Real Life" newely edited. Chapter nine is well underway. I just need to finish up a bit on it and it should be out soon. For those on my mailing lists, I've got an update coming your way. For those that would like to join my mailing lists, you can either email me, or go to my website, http://www.geocities.com/AnimeCountryGal ..and head to the "Fanfic Corridor" its on the bottom.
I hope y'all liked these chapters, newely edited. Granted much hasn't changed in them. But for the future parts. I've reconsidered the pairings. There will be some yoai in it. Unless, you brave souls out there, speak up on what you'd like the pairings to be. I can't consider what others might like when they don't speak up. ^_^ heh So unless y'all do, they stay the way their going.. In chapter nine, you get a peek at what the pairings might be (at least one anyways).
Okies I'm outtie! This was posted 10-24-03 (well would've been if FF wasn't down, Again!) Please review, lemme know whatcha think I'll get my butt back onto RL9! Take care y'all!!
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Keep it kickin'! ~ Anime Redneck
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By: Anime Redneck
'
Disclaimer: I don't own the GW Guys nor the SM Gals, so no sueing!!
.
~^.^~ * ~^.^~
VIII. Graduation Trip Take Off
~^.^~ * ~^.^~
'
A ruby red sports car was sitting in the dive as a shinning navy blue truck arrived at the Ten'ou household and emptied out its load of giggling girls onto the front lawn, awe marking they're faces as they took in the massive 'house' before them. No matter the amount of times they've been there it always stilled them to think this was also one of they're homes. A gorgeous, Victorian style, forty room, three hundred acre estate that was literally roam free and opened to them whenever they liked.
Another home, they smiled.
"Lets move it people! We've got a meeting to attend to!" Rei's commanding voice cried over the laughter and banter going on. Giving mock salutes with, "Aye Lt. Hino!" they grabbed they're gear and ran through the house and out the back, making sure the doors were locked again first, making a mad dash for the woods therein.
"Usa-chan! Ya made it!" a small black-headed child yelled running over to glomp her.
"Hai Hota-chan, we did." smiling kindly to the young girl then to the others, "Konbanwa minna."
Haruka smirked, "Ossu Koneko! Took ya long enough, what'sa matter? Truck not quick enough?" winking mischievously, "Need me to tinker under the hood?"
The others laughed at the face Usagi made shaking her head, "No, no! Its fine! Just breaking her in." laughing nervously looking around, "Sooo, we gonna leave or what?"
Grinning they all nod placing they're luggage in subspace pockets. "Lets do this!" Makoto shouted grabbing her pen, watching as the others, except little Sokai who stood in the middle, mimicked her actions calling out transformation phases. Multitude of lights started filling the area deep within the woods growing to be blinding, before they all backed down to nonexistent; leaving nine lovely transformed Sailor Senshi and one tuxedo clad man.
"We should be leaving now Hime."
"Okay everyone, take positions" Sailor Venus took over at Sailor Moon's nod the circle was formed, Sokai still in the middle, "Ready?"
"HAI!"
Eyes ran over all present, mental count down started, "SAILOR... TELEPORT!!!" in a flash, all was quiet.
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~ * ~ Sokai's POV ~ * ~
'
Another bright flare of lights they reappeared... somewhere... a tangle of body limbs and shouts, death threats being thrown about if someone didn't remove something from they're arm, leg, foot, hand or head.
Crawling from my squished place between the ten bodies, I stood dusting dirt from my clothes. Looking back up I laughed! They were everywhere! Shoving an arm there, foot from a head there. Too funny! Poor Usagi-chan though... stuck on the bottom of them all... she's so small, I hope she's all right!
"Usa-ma! Hey, Usa-ma! You alright!?" I was worried... hadn't heard a screech from her yet...
"Huh?" as a whole the bodies stopped moving, silently looking around for the missing person. Sillies... didn't they know she was under 'em?
"Sailor Moon?"
"Usagi-chan?"
"Where ya at girl?" heads turn looking about them.
I giggle. Sillies.
"Mmhhphh" murmur catches the breeze, low and winded.
"What?! Where are you!?"
"MMMHHPHHPH!! HMMPH!"
Now I'm laughing, I'm getting weird looks and one glare, but hey! Not my fault... Deciding to be nice to them, and since this is Usa-ma we're talkin' about! I have mercy on them all. "Guys..." they don't hear, "Guys" I sigh. "HEY!"
"What?" collective question.
Shaking my head I try hard to fringe being frustrated, but I don't think it worked... I giggled again... "She's under you, you know." They look dumbfounded, but at least Sailor Uranus gets up to try pulling the others free, "Another words... You're LAYING on HER!"
"AHH USAGI!!"
"Hurry up! Get off of me!"
"Shut up I'm trying!"
"Uranus would you PLEASE move her off of me!"
"Hey whatta about me!?"
Have I mentioned they're a silly lot? I love being around them, so lively and fun. Even the fights! They do that a lot, mainly between Usa-ma and Rei, they like to fight, but it's all play. I know it, they know it, everyone knows it.
But where were we? Didn't look like earth... Turning around trying to ignore the shouts - and curses my eight year old mind shouldn't be hearing - I think my breath stopped... it was so pretty! Knew we weren't on Earth now! WOW!
It's beautiful! Wow, I've never seen something like this before! Its... its like Earth... but shinier!
Sokai giggled as she twirled looking around her. The grass she stood on was a lush silver-green color, knee high in parts, short almost like it had been cut, in others. Trees were a sort never seen on the Blue Sphere; some looked like a Weeping Willow, stringy trundles hanging to the ground... but like the grass it wasn't green, they were a shiny silver blue-green, some silvery-blue while the bark to the trees was almost a metallic brown shade or silver-slate color. Everything shinned!
To her left ran a small water stream of teal-blue, blue-gray rocks lining the bottom, orange-red fish swimming about, some were even a green color! The sky above was black of course, 'cause they were in space, maybe a gray-black, she reasoned, 'cause of the light the moon gave off, changed it a little bit. But everything on the moon seemed to glow and shine! If it wasn't a metallic shine then it was a basic earth color but silvery in some way... so pretty...
The Moon was a living rainbow of color!
"Ugh... get... offa... ME!"
The grunted, gathering air yell brought the small girl from her examination in time to watch as Tuxedo Karmen helped a 'squished' Super Sailor Moon stand shakily to her feet, "Aye... next time... we land standing! Okay?" rubbing her pounding head, "I know I'm not the smartest of this large crazed group..." she wanted to giggle but her head hurt so, "But that doesn't mean you can all land on top of me!"
"Hai... gomen ne Usa-chan..."
"Sorry..."
"...not like me meant to..."
Taking pity on her new adoptive mom Sokai rushed over taking her hand in hers, the other wrapped around her waist taking place of Tuxedo Karmen's though he hovered close by just in case. "Come on Moon-ma, let's go." Starting off at a slow walk, the others following her, a thought struck her small mind making her stop, misty gray-blue eyes peering upwards to the golden blonde questioningly.
"Umm... Usa-ma... where are we going?"
Giggling at all the curious faces turned towards her, patting the child's head she pointed towards what appeared to be a forest line in front of them. "Though there hun, then once we're out! We'll put away our things and have some fun!"
That didn't answer the question, not in the least. So they were going through a forest... to where!? But, trusting in they're leader and princess the others followed, Tuxedo Karmen and Sailor Uranus taking point with Cane and Space Sword drawn cutting away vegetation from the path.
Hiking and cutting they spent near an hour trying to trek through the dense forest, surprised comments had gone around more then once at how much the Moon looked the same from 'all those years ago'. This comment alone left poor Sokai confused more then she already was, 'all those years ago' how many? She had wondered while passing a blue and black... cherry trees? Where those cherries green? NO, no, her mind must be going on overload...
"We're almost there!"
"Good! Then can we rest, Please!?"
Someone there laughed, "Tired?"
"Noo..." the sarcastic reply came, "I'm sleep walking!! Can't you tell?"
"Oh yes... the signs are showing... bags under the eyes... hair a mess... drool coming out of y-" flying brush cut her off, "HEY!"
"Shut up already geez!"
"Yeah, yeah..."
Uranus sighed, "Cut it out guys, we're almost there..."
Makoto caught up to her, "How long ya think?"
"Hm, twenty I'd say, just northwest of here."
"Great!" She didn't know where they were going - or just didn't remember where they were going - but was happy to be getting there nonetheless.
Sometime later after a quick resting, they reached a hillcrest and stopped. There was absolutely... nothing there. Arching one black brow cutely Sokai pouted turning to face everyone else. "Heeyy... there's nothing there!" crossing her arms, "I thought we were there!"
"We are... we are..." they caroused back.
"Then why-"
"Shhh little one, you'll see..."
Thinking it best not to doubt the Senshi of Wind, she nodded, grabbed Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Karmen's hands again and started down with the others. It was only when they reached the small mountains base - she thought it was large enough for that name - did she notice the small change in atmosphere... it felt, warmer... inviting... somehow...
And it was only five little minutes later walking through that 'changed atmosphere' that she noticed two very different styled clothing adorned her hand holder's bodies. Sailor Moon wasn't Sailor Moon anymore! And Tuxedo Karmen wasn't the Tuxedo Karmen she knew anymore! They changed! But... how? They hadn't stopped... hadn't let go of her for it to happen... So what?
The blonde rabbit looked down smiling as if sensing her thoughts, not revealing anything. Glancing over she saw that Mamoru did the same thing... something in their eyes was different... warmer too! What was going on?
"Oh wow... we're really..."
"Usagi we're going to be staying..."
"...here?" one starting, another filling in, and the last finishing the awed question.
"Hai" came the small happy whisper.
Sokai, not knowing what they were talking about, stopped looking over the change in clothes and in front of her. Her small wide eyes grew twice their size at what stood before them. Young mind racing to put the pieces together. The change in air, wasn't just air! It was... was a shield of some sort... had to be! 'Cause on the outside you couldn't see anything, it all looked like more forest! But on the inside! Wow...
The remains of a very old - ancient even - palace stood before them. Section of palace wings still stood, some the whole wing, others only a husk remained of what once was, sure to be a magnificent kingdom. White-gold marble made up walls, ceiling and pillars, while silver-white marble made up the floor and candleholders, which adorned the vast walls. Plants long ago started moving into the old place, making it their own. But in a way... it added more beauty to it...
"We're staying here for a month?" Awe, was all there was in the small, curious voice.
"Hai that we are!" Usagi chirped back. "Come on, we've got to get to the throne room."
Super Sailor Venus' steps faltered, "You mean...?"
"Are you trying to-" Super Sailor Mars' eyes wavered, voice cracked. Her smile widened as odango's bobbed in a nod. That was all they needed - everyone practically ran on autopilot knowing exactly where they were to be, and went.
"Hey! Wait for us!" tightening her grip to Sokai's hand she looked up at the boy beside her. "Lets go!" and took off. Sokai's feet leaving the ground leaving her latterly 'flying' beside them as they ran to catch up.
They arrived in time to see the Senshi lining up by planet order. Something they did in times long ago when a formal meeting was held. Still smiling they set the small girl down and led Sokai to the side, telling her softly to stay put, before taking place before the two rows, in the center.
They waited... and waited... to the point they're hearts began to wonder if anything was supposed to happen. Had they gotten their hopes up for nothing?
Wind shifted... marble shook, lifting back in place from which it fell a millennium before... the wind increased whipping hair, leaves and limbs around them, never once touching. Then silence, and it started. A low blue light coming across the furthest corner of the room, growing in intensity as it glided towards them.
A whispery voice carried across the winds, "Senshi, you have come..." the light flickered with each word. "Prince, Princess... my how you've grown..." flickering few times more, giving a greater, brighter yet dim burst, a figure was left standing before them all.
Tall and slender, features like that of they're own leader, hair a light violet flowing like moving water from two twin odango's atop her royal head. Her dress clung almost like second skin from her bust to mid stomach before flowing freely and loosely to the marble flooring, a large white bow planted firmly in the center top, large golden up turned crescent moon in the center of the bow and crescent moon earrings finished her elegant clothing.
What attracted most attention though, was not her old stylish dress, or the lavender hair, but the brightly shinning silver crescent moon upon her brow. Eyes present traced them back to their golden copy, seeing a crescent moon of her own, a golden yellow, blink and fade in time with the elder version.
"Mother..."
The elegant vision nodded, "Serenity..."
"You're here... you're really here... Why? I mean..."
Giggles filled the silent air while silvery eyes twinkled. "Its good to see you too Musume" arms opened to receive the teary eyed girl rushing at her. "You've grown so much..." the hug tightened, "into a fine young woman..." the older version of Usagi looked up to them all. "You've all grown and matured so much."
"Arigatou, Serenity-sama." Everyone echoed bowing and curtsying.
One voice among them all, sounded lost. "Huh?"
The elder Serenity looked up releasing her daughter smiling, "And who's this?"
At the question Usagi 'epped', turned around smiling brightly as she beckoned the small girl to her. Sokai ran over happily, though a bit iffy around the new person, to her 'mother' smiling as she stood in front of her.
Usagi clasped both of her shoulders, squeezing lightly for comfort as her smile grew looking up at her mother. "This little candy girl here is Sokai-chan!" face gaining a light blush she stumbled a bit, "She's my... my erm..."
"Kid!" Sokai and Minako blurted out gaining smothered laughs from the others.
A silver brow rose as giggles escaped the elder Serenity, "Your child, dear? Why she looks nothing like you!"
"Hey..." came the offensive sigh.
"I mean nothing by it dear," kneeling as much as she could in the dress Queen Serenity smiled kindly at her silver-raven haired child, "Your very pretty Sokai-chan. How have you become to be my Musume's daughter now, hmm?"
Shuffling her feet nervously glancing up at Usagi for her nod, before back to the woman in front of her she started, "Well I umm... I woke up in her room M'am..."
"Musume?" her mother looked up questioningly.
"Can we please sit somewhere before getting into this? I'm sorry, but these heels are sorely hurting my feet..." Everyone turned to Ami and giggled heading off to what was once the dinning hall. After all were seated, the Queen prompted her daughter for an answer once more.
"It's true Okasan..." Usagi smiled, playing with dark hair of the child on her lap. "I was walking home one day years back, and found this little bundle on my door step asleep. We didn't know where she came from... How she got there or even who her parents were."
"We thought they'd be worried for her," Ami started, "...being that young and away from them. But Sokai doesn't remember her parents, or what happened."
Small sad smile spread across Mamoru's face, "She's an orphan... just like me" Sokai picked her head up staring at him questioningly; he nodded.
"I see... I'm very sorry for all the pains you've been through little one..." she smiled, "I bet you've been greatly taken care of since my Musume found you, ne?" She knew her daughter never lost that 'wide open heart' of hers and would never allow someone such troubles alone if she could do something about it.
"Oh yes!!" the tiny head bobbed quickly smiling a mile wide, "Usa-ma and Mako-ma have been GREAT!! They've taken care of me for THREE YEARS!! We live in this apartment on the other side of Juuban and we've got our own rooms! The others come over to play games and eat and watch movies! Then some days! Ya know we go out to play softball at the park!! I LOOOVE them all SOO much!!"
Laughter went 'round the large table as the bundle of energy continued to give a 'play by play' on one of the last games before they're graduation had taken place, all the while loving it. Sokai never failed to lift their troubled spirits, lightening up the room with her smallest of smiles. It truly was a wonder that one so small found her way into they're lives; a wondrous wonder indeed.
"My gracious! You've had quite the time with your Usa-ma and Mako-ma haven't you?" Grinning at the blush covering the younger girls cheeks, "Having two mothers is indeed better then one, you get double of everything." Queen Serenity wagged a playful finger at the child, "Just don't go finding yourself spoiled now."
"Ohh no M'am!" Sokai declared, "Rei-chan, Haruka-san and Michiru-san won't let me! They watch over all of 'em like that. They're the Protectors of our group!" The others wondered if she knew the exact meaning of her innocent words; they smiled. "And 'sides! Usa-ma and Mako-ma wouldn't do that anyways... they're wonderful!"
"I'm proud to hear it darling, proud to hear it."
Minako stood stretching, dress sweeping along the ground, "Well... what say you we go get packed away and rest a bit? I'm beat. We don't normally teleport that far."
"Yes, I agree... our bodies used a high amount of energy to achieve that teleport."
"Sure and I-"
A small hand went up, "Excuse me."
Eleven sets of eyes turned to the small girl, "Hai?"
"Umm I was just... well... I was wondering..." pointing to the lavender haired lady, "Who she was?" It was an innocent enough question, but still drew giggled from the girls and an embarrassed noise from one of her mothers.
Usagi stood bringing the girl with her, "Gomen nasai Soka-chan... I should have done this earlier! Oh well! Soka-chan, I'd like you to meet my real mother, Queen Serenity of the Moon Kingdom."
"YOU'RE Queen Serenity!?"
"Yes I am." A smile, "Pleased to meet you Sokai."
Nodding numbly the girl turned, "That makes you... Princess Serenity..." Usagi nodded. Finally it all started clicking in place in her mind. Everyone had learned of the Moon Kingdom Legend from long ago... it was taught in almost every mythical class and written in many history books, fairy tale books... all kinds.
She couldn't remember from where she had heard of it. She wasn't old enough for it to of been in school, she was only in the fifth grade! So, someone must of told it to her, or read her the book... but it made sense now... "And your Prince Endymion of Earth..." she started pointing to each person, putting the dress color and name to a planet. "Princess Minako of Venus... Princess Makoto of Jupiter... Ami of Mercury... Rei of Mars... but you four... I don't know you..."
"H-how... how do you know of us?" they were thoroughly shocked by her young knowledge.
"I don't know, really... it's a memory I guess... someone I think read me a story about the Moon Kingdom... but I don't remember besides the people that were in it and how it went down..."
Queen Serenity smiled placing a hand on her shoulder. "These" waving her other at the second Senshi group, "Are the Outer Senshi from the outer solar system, first line of defense back in the Silver Millennium." She started pointing each one out. "The leader of the Outer Senshi, Sailor Saturn, Princess Hotaru. Princess Setsuna of Pluto... Princess Michiru of Neptune and Princess Haruka of Uranus" each curtsied as they're name was called.
"Ohhh... wow... now I know you all!" Sokai happily clapped her hands together bouncing. "So it was true! You all got born again in the future to save us! WOW!!"
The other could only nod as they laughed at her delight over the information. They knew though before going back, a full explanation was called for... after all, she deserved to know the truth.
"NOW! It's time to grab some grub and hit the hay!"
"WOO HOO! Lead the way chica I'm right behind ya!"
"HEY! WAIT FOR MEEEE!!"
Someone's amused sigh could be heard, "Girls... they never change."
"HEY I HEARD THAT!!!" Usagi's voice floated back to her, lost somewhere in the maze of hallways still standing.
She smiled, "Selene... she still has her fathers hearing..." heading for her own room, even though her spiritual form needed no rest, she decided for tonight, it would be a change.
And that was the start of their excitement, exploring filled vacation.
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~oOo~ * ~oOo~ * ~oOo~ * ~oOo~
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Alrighty peoples! There's your eight chapters of "Real Life" newely edited. Chapter nine is well underway. I just need to finish up a bit on it and it should be out soon. For those on my mailing lists, I've got an update coming your way. For those that would like to join my mailing lists, you can either email me, or go to my website, http://www.geocities.com/AnimeCountryGal ..and head to the "Fanfic Corridor" its on the bottom.
I hope y'all liked these chapters, newely edited. Granted much hasn't changed in them. But for the future parts. I've reconsidered the pairings. There will be some yoai in it. Unless, you brave souls out there, speak up on what you'd like the pairings to be. I can't consider what others might like when they don't speak up. ^_^ heh So unless y'all do, they stay the way their going.. In chapter nine, you get a peek at what the pairings might be (at least one anyways).
Okies I'm outtie! This was posted 10-24-03 (well would've been if FF wasn't down, Again!) Please review, lemme know whatcha think I'll get my butt back onto RL9! Take care y'all!!
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Keep it kickin'! ~ Anime Redneck
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