Hey there! Well, here's chapter 4. I'm really sorry for not updating so I made this chapter extra long. Also, sorry for skipping two months in the story, but I don't want to be explaining what happens every day. So enjoy!

Disclaimer: Well, once again I don't own Sailor moon or any related characters. I just own the characters that I put in.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+ ~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~: Two Months Later (Morning of December 1) :~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~

            After another one of Serena's peaceful sleep, Serena awoke to the smell of pancakes. After breathing in that delicious aroma, she got out of bed and raced downstairs. Obviously, at the speed she was going, she didn't notice Sammy, and she shoved Sammy down to the ground. Then he said, "Wow, she actually could smell the pancakes with her door shut." When Sammy reached the kitchen, he saw Serena grabbing a stack full of pancakes. Then he took a plate of two pancakes for himself. She grabbed the syrup and poured a lot that her pancakes were soggy. She also used some butter and started eating. Without noticing her eating, Sammy asked, "Are you really going to finish all of those?" Then Serena answered, after she swallowed, "Yes, I will finish all of these. That's why I put it on my plate."

            After ten minutes of arguing, Serena's mom walked in and said, "Serena, did you forget the days again? Well, for your information, today's Friday. So you still have school." Without listening to the last sentence, Serena ran off. She ran upstairs to change, brush her teeth, and packed her backpack. Then Sammy finished his breakfast and headed upstairs ignoring the charging footsteps. He climbed only one step before getting knocked down to the ground. Then he heard Serena yell, "Sorry Sammy." When he got up and looked out the door, he saw no trace of her so he just got to his morning routines. On the way upstairs he thought, 'I wonder how Serena gets to school every day without causing a disaster.' Then he just shook his head to get rid of the thought and continued walking.

~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~: On the Way to School :~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~            Serena ran and thanked herself for joining the track team because now she could run way faster than before. She turned a corner and bumped into someone. She didn't stop running, although she fell down, but she said sorry. The man she bumped into thought, 'Serena, if only you could run that fast on the track. Oh yeah, I got to go to a very important meeting in school. They're going to talk about who's going to be running the first race off against the other schools.' Serena thought as she was running, 'Why can't I run this fast on the track. Maybe if I just imagine that I'm late for school, then I'll run faster. I can't even imagine that because Latterly would just ruin my thoughts like she had before.'

*-*-*-*-*-*-* Flashback to two months ago *-*-*-*-*-*-*

            Serena just woke up from an exiting dream. She was going to hang out with a popular group besides her own popular group. With that in mind, she did her hair in her usual style, changed her clothes, and went downstairs to eat her breakfast. She poured herself some cereal and milk; then she started  eating. She was enjoying the moment when she looked at her watch and saw that it was time for school. So she ran upstairs, prepared her bag, and left.

            She ran, but she wasn't that capable of doing so because she had less experience in running. She kept running and running until she finally reached her classroom. She was five minutes early. Then she looked at her watch again and this time she noticed that the time was still the same as this morning. So she took off her watch and put it in her backpack. Then she reminded herself to get that watch fixed. She turned around and saw that the 'track stars' group was there including Sheena. Sheena motioned for her to come and talk with them so Serena got out of her seat and walked toward them.

            The 'track stars' group noticed Serena coming so they gave her some room to talk with them. By the time she was in front of the group, she noticed that everyone was in complete silence. She decided to break the silence, and started saying, "Hi you all! Anything new? So when's our first competition? Who are the ones running and who are the substitutes?" Then Latterly came up toward Serena and said, "Hey. There's nothing new. Who knows and who cares when our first competition is, its not like anyone knows anyways. Probably one of us will be running. You will most likely be the substitute with the way you're running on the track these days."

            After those words were said, Serena felt saddened and embarrassed especially at the tone Latterly was in, who knows who could've been listening. Then after a few seconds of silence, Sheena said, with a tone of authority, "If any of you guys are wondering, Serena is here because I told her to come and hang out with us. Latterly, you shouldn't have been so rude to her. She is your teammate anyways. If any of you guys have a problem with this then don't hesitate to speak up now." No one spoke. It was like Sheena was the leader of  the whole group. With that said, the bell rang and we all took our seats, and were ready to be taught and lectured throughout the whole day.

            At the end of the day, they had a track meeting instead of a track practice. At the track meeting, the runners and their substitutes would be announced, and other important things would be announced also. Serena made it to the track meeting on time and she noticed that the coach wasn't there so she took a seat underneath a tree. While she was waiting, she heard the 'track stars' group talking about her. She turned around and saw everyone there except Sheena. Then she decided to go closer to listen so she would know what about her that they were talking about. Then she spotted a tree around them and decided to climb the tree and then listen in on their conversation.

            She climbed two branches and thought that this was a safe place to start listening. She heard them say, "That Serena girl and her friends. They seem so weird. Anyways, what's up with Sheena today? She seems like Serena is her best friend or something. For all I know, there's something going on with her today. Yeah, I mean she never would've stand up for someone she barely knows. Well, we can always ask her and get more information that way. Yeah, and that Serena better not be hoping so high about her being the actual runner in the race. She'll probably lose and make our school look bad. I don't know how she got on the track team; but if she wants to stay on this team, she better be able to beat us in running."

            With all that said, they left and headed towards the conference rooms. After they left, Serena climbed down the tree; actually more like fell off the tree. She didn't break any bones or sprained any ankles though. Then, just like the rest, she too started to walk towards the conference rooms. When she was in one of the rooms, she took the last seat open, which was in between Hiromi and Katrina. She noticed that Sheena was already there, and that Darien just walked in.

 Darien took a seat at the head of the table, and started announcing who was the runners and who was the substitutes. He said, "These are the runners as follows: Hiromi, Katrina, and Heather. These are the substitutes as follows: Latterly will be the sub for Hiromi, Erica is the sub for Katrina, and Jessilyn is the sub for Heather. If, for any reason, Hiromi, Katrina, Heather, Latterly, and Erica can't make it then Jessilyn, Jasmine, and Serena will be running. Let me tell you guys that there are rarely any chances that all five of them will be absent. Well, for your information, our first competition is next week on Wednesday, so all of you better be prepared; our second competition is a month from our first one; and our third competition will be two weeks from our third one; our fourth one will be on December 1; and finally, our fifth one will be at the end of December. If we win most of our competitions, we will be going for the finals. I'll inform you all about the dates of the finals as soon as I find out. You're all dismissed."

After that long meeting, Serena heard that group talking about her again. This time they said, "I'm right. I knew that Serena wouldn't make it. She's such a klutz. Hey, if you're talking about Serena then you're talking about me because I'm a sub with her. Oh yeah! Sorry Jasmine." After she heard that, she knew that that group would never be kind to her so she decided to walk home alone.

*-*-*-*-*-* End of Flashback *-*-*-*-*-*

~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~ At School ~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~

Serena was actually early for school. She sat down and tried not to think back to the past anymore because it was doing her no good. Ever since that day, she lost hope in ever proving her point to others, except for her friends. The rest of the day just went by swiftly, except for track practice.

At track practice, she was ten minutes early so she decided to start stretching. After the ten minutes were over, She stopped stretching and waited for their coach to come and finally he did. He started them with drills, warm-ups, and timed laps. Since Serena lost hope, she has been running slower than ever. She failed at her attempts to do the drills, warm-ups, and the timed laps.

In the middle of a drill, Latterly yelled at her saying, "Serena, work harder and run faster. It's just running we're talking about, not some sport that you can do. Besides it's not like you can play any sports because all sports require running. Don't you remember what happened at the last competitions?" Then at that word competition, she had another flashback.

*-*-*-*-*-* Flashback to their first competition *-*-*-*-*-*

      Darien said, "Well, today's our first competition. We're against the team called 'Faster than Lightning'(for the team names, I'm making it up). So, I guess we should come up with a team name also." Then Latterly shouted, "What about Storm Runners?" "If there are no disagreements, then that's our team name" said Darien. Then he waited and there were no disagreements so that was the team name. Then Darien remembered something and said that Katrina called and said that she had to go to a wedding, Heather called and said that she was going out of town on a last minute emergency, Erica and Jessilyn called, and said that she could come to the competition, but she couldn't run because she sprained her ankle; and Latterly called and said that she broke her arm and couldn't run.

'So that's why Hiromi, Jasmine, and I are the only ones here' thought Serena. After that thought, Serena walked out and found that all the chairs and bleachers were full. She looked around and spotted Mina and the group and waved to them. Then she noticed Latterly yelling something to her. She heard her yell, "We better win Serena." Next to her were Jessilyn and Erica, who tried to turn away from Latterly so no one would think they were related.

Then Darien said, "Time to stretch and warm-up." Then we all started to stretch and warm-up. Serena had her spirits high on proving that she wasn't a klutz, that she didn't notice that everyone was on the starting line until Sheena said, "Serena the race is about to begin." Then Serena walked toward the starting line and got into position. After that, the whistle was blown and they were off. While Serena was running, she didn't notice that Sheena was taking notes on how to improve Serena's running skills. Serena ran, and was first so far until Hiromi passed by her, but she still didn't give up. A few minutes after Hiromi passed by her, every step she took got slower and slower. As she got slower, the opponents noticed that this was their chance to pass by her. Then they passed by her. After they passed her, all that could come into her mind was that she couldn't prove her point and that she was going to lose.

Then finally the finish line approached. Everyone tried their best because this was their first competition. The race got closer and closer. Finally the announcement came. The person said, "We have seen the winners and they've tried hard. They are as follows: Hiromi, Stacie, Helen, Jasmine, Brianna, and Serena. Now if they'll step to the stands to receive their medals. These are the names as follows: 1st place goes to Hiromi, 2nd place goes to Stacie, and 3rd place goes to Helen. Good luck next time for those who didn't win a medal and keep trying harder."

Serena was happy that the school won, but wasn't happy because she didn't prove her point. When she turned around to leave, she saw Mina and the group motioning her to come so she walked towards them. Before she could reach them, Latterly stopped her and yelled, "Serena, we would've lost if it wasn't for Hiromi. Why did you want to join the track team anyways? You're not track team material, you're not even fit for sports." Then, on the verge of tears, she ran as fast as she could and left Mina and the group wondering what happened to her.

When Serena was at home, she did her usual routine and lay on her bed. While she lay on her bed, she stared at the ceiling and said, "One of these days, you just wait and see, I'll win the gold." After saying that she drifted off into a deep sleep.

*-*-*-*-*-* End of Flashback *-*-*-*-*-*

            Then Darien remembered what had happened at the first competition too and then he said, "Latterly, you shouldn't say that to your teammate. You should respect her for her perseverance and contributions to this team. This whole team is not focused entirely on you. I'm the coach, so I'm going to be doing the yelling around here."

            After he finished, Latterly said, "I don't know how she made the team, but, if you ask me, she shouldn't have ever been chosen. She probably just got lucky at the 'race off'. Is it me or did you forget what happened at the second competition?" Then Serena drifted off into another flashback.

*-*-*-*-*-* Flashback to the second competition *-*-*-*-*-*

            Darien said, "Well, since our whole team is here, we won't be needing our subs. The subs should stay and watch the competition though. The team we're against is known as the 'Speedy Sisters'." Then Sheena motioned for all the subs to follow her. She led them to a bench under a tree. She told them to stay there and watch; if they needed them, they would be asked to go to the tracks and run.

Then the teams stepped out and started stretching. When the announcement was made that the race was about to start, everyone competing went to the starting line and into their positions. After a few minutes, the whistle was blown and everyone was off. The race started off with Lianne leading, but somehow Katrina caught up to her and passed her. Then Melanie passed Hiromi, and Sarah passed Heather. Finally, the finish line was getting closer and closer. This was going to be a tough race because some passed the others and then the others caught up and passed them. Then the announcement was made. They said, "First place goes to Heather, 2nd place goes to Lianne, and 3rd place goes to Melanie."

At the end, everyone cheered for Hiromi, Katrina, and mostly for Heather. Then the group went to celebrate another victory and forgot all about Serena. Then Mina and the group went to Serena's side and asked what happened a month ago at the first competition. Then she told them to walk with her home and then she would tell them.

*-*-*-*-*-* End of Flashback *-*-*-*-*-*      

            Then Darien said as calmly as possible, "Yes, I do remember what happened on the first and second competition. On the first one, you yelled at her for no reason. On the second one, you forgot to invite her to the party you were going to have for the TEAM. It seems like you are the one that can't remember about those competitions. With this attitude, I'm going to suspend you from the team until you work on that attitude of yours. From now on Jasmine will be taking Latterly's spot on the team. Serena you'll be the back up now."

            Then Latterly said, as everyone stared at them except for Serena, "Well, you can't suspend me from the team. It says in the handbook that a player or participant must have three violations from the coach. Technically, you can't suspend me from the team." Finally, Darien said, "You do have three violations from me. Don't you remember the third competition?" Then that word hit her again and she was in another flashback.

*-*-*-*-*-* Flashback to the third competition *-*-*-*-*-*

            "Today's another competition. Well, once again not everyone made it. For today's competition, we have Jasmine, Katrina, and Heather. Today, we're against the team known as the 'Speed Goddesses'. Serena we'll still need you as backup so you can go sit on the bench and wait for now." Serena walked to the bench where she was sitting last time and sat down. After a minute or two, Sheena ran up to Serena to tell her that she was going to run today. All Serena could say was, "What!" before Sheena pulled her towards the conference room.

            In the conference room, Serena noticed that Katrina was in pain. Then Serena and Sheena went to her  side and tried to help her walk out to the bench to sit down. Then when they were outside, Katrina sat down and Serena noticed that Katrina wasn't in pain anymore so she said, "Ready for the competition?" Then Katrina said, "No. You're going to run. If you're going to prove your point to everyone, then start by proving it here. You can do it. Just concentrate and focus." Then Serena said, "How do you know what I'm trying to prove?" "Look, we'll talk after you win that medal so go" said Katrina encouragingly. "Wait, before you go, you need to remember to pace yourself. I've been observing the way you run and you keep using up your energy in the beginning; and by the end, you always slow down and end up losing. So, if you plan on winning, listen to me" said an intelligent Sheena.

            Then Serena went to where the others were and started stretching. After a few minutes of stretching, everyone approached the starting line. When the whistle sounded, everyone was off. Serena remembered Sheena's advice and slowed down. Kathryn and Kristine passed her swiftly. Later on, they also passed Jasmine, but they could not pass Heather. Jamie, the slowest girl on the other team, could not even pass Serena when Serena was slow that it made Serena wonder, 'Was she actually better than someone?'

            Finally the finish line was drawing closer and closer step by step. So she listened to the advice and started running faster. When Kathryn and Kristine saw this, they even started running faster than before. The announcements came and the winners are as follows: 1st place goes to Kathryn, 2nd place goes to Kristine, and 3rd place goes to Serena. Serena joyfully walked up to the stands as  the announcer placed the 3rd place bronze medal around her neck. Everyone cheered her on, even Sheena was yelling.

            At the end of the race, her teammates congratulated her for respect, not because they truly meant it, except for Sheena, Katrina, and Darien who really meant what they said. When everyone left, Latterly came up to her and said, "For your information, you only won because of luck. That's the exact same thing that happened at the 'race off'. Its too bad that you couldn't win the gold." Then Latterly left, and Serena went up to Sheena and said, "The advice that you gave me, coach, was really helpful." Then Sheena replied, "Thanks. I'm glad to have made a new friend."

Then Serena spotted Katrina waiting for her under a tree. She ran up to her and asked her, "How did you know what I was trying to prove?" Then Katrina replied, as they walked home, "Do you remember the first competition when you lost and Latterly yelled at you for losing? Well, after you left, your friends, Mina and the group came up to me and asked what made you run away that fast and what made you so sad. So I answered all of their questions and we talked about you and all. So that's how I know so much more about you. Your friends are so nice. Latterly is always like that, so don't worry about her. You know what? Why don't I be your friend. At lease now you have two friends out of our group." Then Serena said, "Thanks."

*-*-*-*-*-* End of Flashback *-*-*-*-*-*

            "Well, those are your three violations. I won't be seeing you then at today's competition. According to the rulebook, I won't be seeing you at all in any of our competitions" said Darien. "Well, that's fine with me. I'll still be there to watch though because my friends are in the competition" said Latterly.

            Then yelling interrupted all of Serena's flashbacks. When she looked around, she noticed that Latterly wasn't there anymore. Then Darien said, "Well, you should feel better now without Latterly bossing you around." Then Serena smiled and knew that finally she could run and do a lot more in peace. Then she started working harder on the track now that she remembered that she actually won the bronze. Her speed increased on the tracks and finally she was able to beat Erica, Jasmine, and Jessilyn. Finally, it was time to go to today's competition.

~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~

I decided to end here. Well, if you want to know more about the competition, then review. Tell me if I should continue also.                                                                 

~ : - starlite crystal - : ~