Dear Diary,
What a day! Of course everything in my life changed just a week ago, when I became Sailor Callisto. Things used to be so simple, just me and Umino. But that's not right, what about Usagi and all those Youma attacks? What about actually falling in love with one of the invaders, and seeing him die? That STILL hurts, even now. Maybe it was never simple. But at least now I can DO something, instead of being a victim.
Anyway, I didn't have lunch with Umino today. I need to make it up to him tomorrow. But something told me I had to have lunch with Kikuko and her friends, so I did. And I had dinner with them too.
I like to get to Kikuko's early, since I'm only a beginner at martial arts. When I got there this morning, she was already helping three girls I hadn't seen before. I opened the gate and waited until she came over.
"Morning, Naru-chan. These are my three friends who will be staying at my house. They're the Tendou sisters." She said, then waved the other girls over.
The oldest girl is named Kasumi. She's tall, about Mako-chan's height. She has long brown hair, which she wears in a ponytail. Her gi is white, and looks brand new. The next sister is just a little shorter than Kasumi, Nabiki. Her hair is brown too, but cut short. Her brand-new gi is black. I was glad to find a girl my age, Akane. She's about my height, and wears her black hair long, kind of like the way her sister Kasumi does. Her yellow gi is well worn. I remember thinking she could probably teach me when Kikuko was busy.
Wouldn't you know, Kikuko asked Akane to help me practice! Akane-chan looked a little mad, then muttered something I didn't hear. At first, it was obvious her heart wasn't in her teaching. After a while she warmed up a bit, when I tried to fit some conversation in between the kata. By the end of the lesson, I hoped I had a new friend. :)
After everyone was dressed for school, Kikuko flushed and offered MAKO-CHAN a bento. Makoto was surprised, because she had made one for Kiku-chan. I wonder if getting dumped so many times has turned Mako-chan off on guys. I noticed that Nabiki, Ami-chan, and Haruka were holding back smiles and Akane looked a little jealous. There must be more to this, but I honestly don't know what.
Things got even stranger when we got to school.
***
Ranma 1/2 Honor and Love
(Yet Another) Ranma/Sailor Moon Crossover
Episode 08: Naru's World
By Kevin D. Hammel
Ranma 1/2 is property of Rumiko Takahashi. Publication Rights are held
by Viz in The US and Shogakukan in Japan. Sailor Moon is property of
Naoko Takeuchi. Publication rights held by Kodansha Ltd. in Japan and
Mixx Entertainment in the US. My purpose is to honor these creators
and their works. No infringement intended.
***
As we got close to the school, I saw a guy wearing an outfit like Usagi's friend Rei did at the Fire Shrine. He had a wooden sword, and started spouting poetry at Akane, who got really mad. Maybe he's her old boyfriend. Right then, I thought he was a hunk, and wondered why Akane-chan let him get away. But, as Mina-chan might say, you can't judge a book unless it's covered. :)
Akane turned to Nabiki, ignoring the swordsman. "Nabiki! How could you?"
"Trust me, Akane. I didn't have anything to do with it, honestly."
"Humpf! I trust you, all right. About as far as I could throw you!"
"Which is quite a ways, Akane-chan." Nabiki said while smirking.
Then the swordsman saw Ami, Haruka, Kikuko, Makoto, Michiru, and me. He bowed low to each of us, calling us Goddesses. Mako-chan got this dreamy look in her eyes for a second, then looked at Kiku-chan and got angry. Maybe she hasn't TOTALLY given up on guys. So anyway, Akane-chan, Haruka-san, Mako-chan, and Kiku-chan punched the guy all at once and he went flying over the school. I don't know. If a cute guy called just me a Goddess, I don't think I'd be that mad. But to hit on SIX girls at once (seven if you count Akane-chan) makes him a pig in my book. And no matter how cute he looks or how smooth he talks, that jerk is a loser.
Of course, Akane-chan would HAVE to end up in our class. Not that I mind. After all, she seems to be a nice girl. When she's not yelling at people. After introducing herself, she took her assigned seat just a couple of chairs away from me.
I watched Akane-chan in class a couple of times. She would occasionally look at Kikuko, or Makoto. I've got no idea what she was thinking, though. I hope this girl-girl thing's not contagious. Not that I have anything against it, Haruka and Michiru are the happiest couple I know. It's just not me.
Finally it was time for lunch. Umino came up to me, but I told him I had to have lunch with my other friends today. His voice said he understood, but his face told me he didn't. It really hurt to see him go. I don't think I'll do this again, it hurts me too much to see him hurt like that.
I was curious what the two bentos would look like. Actually I only wondered about one, I knew the one Mako-chan made would be really nice. Kikuko opened hers up first. It was full of really cute sushi rolls and some fish. Then Makoto opened up hers. The sushi rolls looked a little off, but fairly okay. Makoto took a bite of one and smiled. I guess they tasted good, but I didn't want to push my luck.
Makoto noticed my interest. "Wanna try one, Naru-chan?"
Uh oh. Trapped. "Uh, okay. Just one thanks!"
I looked at it. The rice was uneven, and the filling in the center didn't look very appetizing. Looking over at Kikuko, I noticed that she was watching me intently. I swallowed and took a bite. It was fairly good. I've had Makoto's so I knew what great tasted like, though. This wasn't like that, but was still okay. I ate the rest of it and smiled at her. "It was good Kiku-chan, but you need to work on appearance. Your boyfriend might not even want to try one if they don't look too good."
"Thanks" She replied. "Glad it tasted okay." For some reason her face got red when I mentioned boyfriend. She must have had a really bad experience with a boyfriend in the past.
I wonder if it was the first bento Kiku-chan had ever made? Probably not. A cute girl like her probably had a whole bunch of boyfriends. Before she and Makoto gave up on guys, that is. Of course, as cute as she is, maybe she'll get a whole bunch of girlfriends. Akane-chan's already giving her the look. Glad I don't have to worry about stuff like that anymore, now that I have a steady boyfriend. Though I do like to look nice for him. Anyways, I don't think I'd ever fall for a girl, even one as cute as Kiku-chan.
Maybe I could help Kikuko, I thought. Major mistake. "Kikuko-chan, you're a really cute girl. With a little makeup and if you let your hair down, you'd have to fight the guys off." I bit my tongue; Kikuko probably COULD fight the guys off. And maybe she'd even want to. What happened on Kikuko's first day still makes the rounds at school.
Kikuko got really red. Akane and Makoto both glared at me. And Nabiki tried very hard to swallow a laugh, till she looked at Kikuko. After that, Nabiki's smile became sad, and she stopped trying to laugh.
Kikuko looked at me, her face almost as red as her hair. And her hair's REALLY red, redder than mine. "Sorry, Naru-chan, but I'm REALLY not like that. I don't wanna REALY become a."
Now it was Kiku-chan's time to bite her tongue, and turn even redder.
I was just trying to help, but it seemed that I dug a really big hole for myself instead. I looked down in embarrassment and sadness, and then felt a small hand on my shoulder. Looking over, I saw it was Kikuko's.
"It's okay, Naru-chan. Not everybody's the same, you know. I know all you were doin' was tryin' t' help me. Thanks. But no thanks! I just ain't that kinda girl, sorry." She said, finishing with a good-humored smile.
My sadness and embarrassment just vanished when I drank in her smile. I could ALOMST see why Mako-chan fell for her. "Thanks, Kiku-chan." I replied quietly. Kikuko really is a good friend. I just wonder what made her this way. I hope our friendship will become strong enough so she will open up those hidden corners of herself. I guess I'll have to open up to her too. That's the hard part of friendship. But it's also the best.
Nabiki poked her sister Akane with an elbow and asked when she was going to make Kikuko a bento. Tomorrow, Akane replied, which made Nabiki look really nervous. Then Nabiki began mumbling something about an antidote. Akane was NOT amused; she yelled at Nabiki and called her a baka. Akane-chan really needs to work on her temper.
A minute later, Usagi-chan came to visit us along with Ami-chan and Mina-chan. I KNEW Usagi was Sailor Moon, and Kikuko was Sailor Io. I wondered if any of the rest were Sailor Senshi too? Of course I also knew that they didn't want me to know who they were, which sort of hurt.
As I looked from face to face, trying to figure out if they were Sailor Senshi, Usagi tapped me on the shoulder. She asked me if I wanted to talk to her alone, so of course I said yes. After telling all my friends goodbye, I followed Usagi to a quiet corner where nobody else was around.
Usagi looked concerned, "Naru Chan, what's wrong? I saw you looking at all the other girls. Please tell me what's the matter!" Then she looked at me with those big eyes of hers, which were full of concern right then.
I STILL can't resist Usagi when she asks like that. "Well, I was wondering if any of the others are Sailor Senshi. They all ran away that first time. I do know about Kikuko and you, but none of the others."
"Well, then I need to speak to Kikuko, okay?" Usagi asked.
"Yeah, okay."
Usagi went over and talked to Kikuko for a bit. Kikuko-chan looked over at me, then hurried over. She invited me over to eat at her house tonight, and I said yes. I went to call my mom to get permission, then Kikuko called another number to get someone else to come. The rest of the school day was uneventful.
First I went home and changed my clothes a pair of green shorts and a white blouse. I like my uniform, but I don't want to wear it over to a friend's house, unless I HAVE to.
On the way to Kikuko's house, I heard a bicycle bell ring just before a bike shot past me. I saw it park ahead, at Kikuko's. The girl on it flipped up and off the bike then raced up the stairs. All while she held a food-delivery container vertical. I blinked a couple of times, pretty impressed by her amazing skill. Of course, I thought of the bike-riding Senshi I had seen a few days ago. And wondered just how far out of my league I was.
I got to Kikuko's just a couple of minutes later. As I walked to the door, I could smell broth, and realized the girl probably worked at a Ramen shop. I knocked, and was invited in by Kikuko.
There were seven places set at the table. I saw the three Tendou sisters, Kikuko, Makoto, and the delivery girl, who turned out to be named Shampoo. She was from China, and her Japanese was pretty bad. And that's being really nice to her.
All my schoolmates but Kikuko had switched to casual clothes. Akane wore a light blue jumper and yellow blouse, Nabiki a pair of denim shorts and a white blouse, Makoto wore jeans and light green blouse, but Kiku-chan still had on her uniform. I was going to ask her why she decided not to get comfortable, but decided not to. I had already stuck my foot in my mouth once today, and wasn't anxious to do it again.
Kasumi wore a long brown skirt and a white blouse, both hidden behind an apron. Shampoo wore what looked like pink silk pajamas. They sure wear weird clothes in China, but she did look cute. Of course not just the clothes are weird. WHO would name their daughter Shampoo? It must have a different meaning over there, I guess.
Just before dinner, Kikuko called her henshin pen, so I did too. So did ALL the other girls. After a whole lot of lights, there were six Sailor Senshi standing there with me, each of whom introduced herself. So the Tendou girls, the delivery girl, AND Makoto were all Sailor Senshi. Mako-chan was the Senshi of Jupiter, but all the rest were Senshi of moons, like me.
Dinner was interesting, sort of like a costume party, or the 'Mad Tea Party' in that crazy book Umino read last month. It was a lot of fun, and we shared a lot with each other. Sailor Triton, the delivery girl Shampoo, suggested we start meeting at the back room of her Grandmother's new restaurant, "Joketsuzoku Ramen". We all agreed it would be good to have a Sailor Senshi meeting again.
Things DID get a little crazy when Europa slipped, at least I THINK she slipped, and dumped hot Ramen all over Sailor Io. Io screamed, then blinked, as she thought for a bit. With a small smile, she sat back down again. It was almost like she was scared of warm water. Jupiter-chan whispered in her ear, and pointed at me then Triton. Io shook her head yes then smiled as Titan toweled her off. I hate being in the dark about things. Io was the first Sailor Senshi to reveal her identity to me, but it seems she has more secrets. Oh well, she's a nice girl, and already a good friend.
Our dinner party was interrupted by the sound of keys at the door. Kikuko's mom showed up, blinked, then ran to Sailor Io. She told Io-chan that she knew all about her secret. Sailor Io was a bit embarrassed, but her mom's encouragement obviously made her very happy.
I wonder if I could tell my mom? Probably not, she'd get too worried. Actually, I'm getting worried. So are all of us.
Since most of us are in the same class, Kikuko, Akane, and Makoto all studied with me. Nabiki studied by herself, and Kasumi helped Kikuko's mom clean up the mess seven Sailor Senshi can make at dinner. Which actually isn't much, except for the puddle of broth and noodles where Europa had her accident.
After the homework was done, I summoned my henshin pen again, and looked at it. Strange, I never noticed white dots on it before. "Mako-chan, look at this!"
"What, Naru-chan?" My friend responded as I showed her the pen. "That's really weird."
She summoned her own pen, noticing dots on it, too. Makoto stood up. "Could everyone recall their henshin pens?"
All the rest did, and there were dots on each of the pens.
Makoto transformed to Jupiter, then spoke into a communicator on her wrist. It was cool, just like a secret agent on some anime show. Only a few minutes later, girls started knocking on the door. First Haruka, Michiru, and a little girl named Hotaru. Then Minako, Ami, and Usagi came in. Finally Rei, from the temple, showed up. She was still wearing her temple clothes. Each recalled her own pen, and each of the pens had the strange white dots on it.
Ami transformed to Sailor Mercury, then studied her pen with some kind of scanner. She looked puzzled, then turned the scanner on herself. "Could all of you transform, please?" She asked, so we did. It was amazing, fourteen Sailor Senshi in one living room. And let me tell you diary-chan, little Sailor Saturn's spear thingie is REALLY tall. Mercury went from girl to girl, scanning each pen and Sailor. When she was done, she furiously tapped the keys on her little computer's keyboard. After a few minutes, she looked up. She was very worried.
After Mercury cleared her throat, the room became silent. "We have a problem. It seems like some unknown force is eroding our henshin pens. Also it seems the Planetary Senshi ONLY are suffering a decrease in power."
The room stayed quiet after that. What was happening, anyway?
Will we still be able transform if the pens turn totally white? Will the Planetary Senshi lose their powers? Nobody knows, but all the eyes in the room looked to see if one of the other sailors had the answers. Nobody did. Nobody really said much after that, except good-bye to Kikuko. When I left, Only Kikuko and her friends the Tendous were left.
Here I am, back at my room again. When I started out as a Sailor Senshi, only a week ago, it was an adventure, something cool and new. Now, it's something different. We're fighting a battle, but we don't even know with who. Like I said, my life used to be so much easier, but it's NEVER been so exciting. Or should I say scary?
I just hope somebody figures out what's going on.
More tomorrow,
Naru
****
(END)
I know it was short... Was this experiment in first person effective?
C&C always welcomed. Thanks to pre-readers Richard Beaubien, Fire, Kenko/Robert Haynie, Mike Koos, Andrew Norris. Finally, my thanks to KaraOhki for giving it the once-over.
Kevin D. Hammel
December 27, 1999
========================================
khammel@anime.sobhrach.com
kevinsff@pacbell.net
http://www.anime.sobhrach.com/~khammel/
========================================
What a day! Of course everything in my life changed just a week ago, when I became Sailor Callisto. Things used to be so simple, just me and Umino. But that's not right, what about Usagi and all those Youma attacks? What about actually falling in love with one of the invaders, and seeing him die? That STILL hurts, even now. Maybe it was never simple. But at least now I can DO something, instead of being a victim.
Anyway, I didn't have lunch with Umino today. I need to make it up to him tomorrow. But something told me I had to have lunch with Kikuko and her friends, so I did. And I had dinner with them too.
I like to get to Kikuko's early, since I'm only a beginner at martial arts. When I got there this morning, she was already helping three girls I hadn't seen before. I opened the gate and waited until she came over.
"Morning, Naru-chan. These are my three friends who will be staying at my house. They're the Tendou sisters." She said, then waved the other girls over.
The oldest girl is named Kasumi. She's tall, about Mako-chan's height. She has long brown hair, which she wears in a ponytail. Her gi is white, and looks brand new. The next sister is just a little shorter than Kasumi, Nabiki. Her hair is brown too, but cut short. Her brand-new gi is black. I was glad to find a girl my age, Akane. She's about my height, and wears her black hair long, kind of like the way her sister Kasumi does. Her yellow gi is well worn. I remember thinking she could probably teach me when Kikuko was busy.
Wouldn't you know, Kikuko asked Akane to help me practice! Akane-chan looked a little mad, then muttered something I didn't hear. At first, it was obvious her heart wasn't in her teaching. After a while she warmed up a bit, when I tried to fit some conversation in between the kata. By the end of the lesson, I hoped I had a new friend. :)
After everyone was dressed for school, Kikuko flushed and offered MAKO-CHAN a bento. Makoto was surprised, because she had made one for Kiku-chan. I wonder if getting dumped so many times has turned Mako-chan off on guys. I noticed that Nabiki, Ami-chan, and Haruka were holding back smiles and Akane looked a little jealous. There must be more to this, but I honestly don't know what.
Things got even stranger when we got to school.
***
Ranma 1/2 Honor and Love
(Yet Another) Ranma/Sailor Moon Crossover
Episode 08: Naru's World
By Kevin D. Hammel
Ranma 1/2 is property of Rumiko Takahashi. Publication Rights are held
by Viz in The US and Shogakukan in Japan. Sailor Moon is property of
Naoko Takeuchi. Publication rights held by Kodansha Ltd. in Japan and
Mixx Entertainment in the US. My purpose is to honor these creators
and their works. No infringement intended.
***
As we got close to the school, I saw a guy wearing an outfit like Usagi's friend Rei did at the Fire Shrine. He had a wooden sword, and started spouting poetry at Akane, who got really mad. Maybe he's her old boyfriend. Right then, I thought he was a hunk, and wondered why Akane-chan let him get away. But, as Mina-chan might say, you can't judge a book unless it's covered. :)
Akane turned to Nabiki, ignoring the swordsman. "Nabiki! How could you?"
"Trust me, Akane. I didn't have anything to do with it, honestly."
"Humpf! I trust you, all right. About as far as I could throw you!"
"Which is quite a ways, Akane-chan." Nabiki said while smirking.
Then the swordsman saw Ami, Haruka, Kikuko, Makoto, Michiru, and me. He bowed low to each of us, calling us Goddesses. Mako-chan got this dreamy look in her eyes for a second, then looked at Kiku-chan and got angry. Maybe she hasn't TOTALLY given up on guys. So anyway, Akane-chan, Haruka-san, Mako-chan, and Kiku-chan punched the guy all at once and he went flying over the school. I don't know. If a cute guy called just me a Goddess, I don't think I'd be that mad. But to hit on SIX girls at once (seven if you count Akane-chan) makes him a pig in my book. And no matter how cute he looks or how smooth he talks, that jerk is a loser.
Of course, Akane-chan would HAVE to end up in our class. Not that I mind. After all, she seems to be a nice girl. When she's not yelling at people. After introducing herself, she took her assigned seat just a couple of chairs away from me.
I watched Akane-chan in class a couple of times. She would occasionally look at Kikuko, or Makoto. I've got no idea what she was thinking, though. I hope this girl-girl thing's not contagious. Not that I have anything against it, Haruka and Michiru are the happiest couple I know. It's just not me.
Finally it was time for lunch. Umino came up to me, but I told him I had to have lunch with my other friends today. His voice said he understood, but his face told me he didn't. It really hurt to see him go. I don't think I'll do this again, it hurts me too much to see him hurt like that.
I was curious what the two bentos would look like. Actually I only wondered about one, I knew the one Mako-chan made would be really nice. Kikuko opened hers up first. It was full of really cute sushi rolls and some fish. Then Makoto opened up hers. The sushi rolls looked a little off, but fairly okay. Makoto took a bite of one and smiled. I guess they tasted good, but I didn't want to push my luck.
Makoto noticed my interest. "Wanna try one, Naru-chan?"
Uh oh. Trapped. "Uh, okay. Just one thanks!"
I looked at it. The rice was uneven, and the filling in the center didn't look very appetizing. Looking over at Kikuko, I noticed that she was watching me intently. I swallowed and took a bite. It was fairly good. I've had Makoto's so I knew what great tasted like, though. This wasn't like that, but was still okay. I ate the rest of it and smiled at her. "It was good Kiku-chan, but you need to work on appearance. Your boyfriend might not even want to try one if they don't look too good."
"Thanks" She replied. "Glad it tasted okay." For some reason her face got red when I mentioned boyfriend. She must have had a really bad experience with a boyfriend in the past.
I wonder if it was the first bento Kiku-chan had ever made? Probably not. A cute girl like her probably had a whole bunch of boyfriends. Before she and Makoto gave up on guys, that is. Of course, as cute as she is, maybe she'll get a whole bunch of girlfriends. Akane-chan's already giving her the look. Glad I don't have to worry about stuff like that anymore, now that I have a steady boyfriend. Though I do like to look nice for him. Anyways, I don't think I'd ever fall for a girl, even one as cute as Kiku-chan.
Maybe I could help Kikuko, I thought. Major mistake. "Kikuko-chan, you're a really cute girl. With a little makeup and if you let your hair down, you'd have to fight the guys off." I bit my tongue; Kikuko probably COULD fight the guys off. And maybe she'd even want to. What happened on Kikuko's first day still makes the rounds at school.
Kikuko got really red. Akane and Makoto both glared at me. And Nabiki tried very hard to swallow a laugh, till she looked at Kikuko. After that, Nabiki's smile became sad, and she stopped trying to laugh.
Kikuko looked at me, her face almost as red as her hair. And her hair's REALLY red, redder than mine. "Sorry, Naru-chan, but I'm REALLY not like that. I don't wanna REALY become a."
Now it was Kiku-chan's time to bite her tongue, and turn even redder.
I was just trying to help, but it seemed that I dug a really big hole for myself instead. I looked down in embarrassment and sadness, and then felt a small hand on my shoulder. Looking over, I saw it was Kikuko's.
"It's okay, Naru-chan. Not everybody's the same, you know. I know all you were doin' was tryin' t' help me. Thanks. But no thanks! I just ain't that kinda girl, sorry." She said, finishing with a good-humored smile.
My sadness and embarrassment just vanished when I drank in her smile. I could ALOMST see why Mako-chan fell for her. "Thanks, Kiku-chan." I replied quietly. Kikuko really is a good friend. I just wonder what made her this way. I hope our friendship will become strong enough so she will open up those hidden corners of herself. I guess I'll have to open up to her too. That's the hard part of friendship. But it's also the best.
Nabiki poked her sister Akane with an elbow and asked when she was going to make Kikuko a bento. Tomorrow, Akane replied, which made Nabiki look really nervous. Then Nabiki began mumbling something about an antidote. Akane was NOT amused; she yelled at Nabiki and called her a baka. Akane-chan really needs to work on her temper.
A minute later, Usagi-chan came to visit us along with Ami-chan and Mina-chan. I KNEW Usagi was Sailor Moon, and Kikuko was Sailor Io. I wondered if any of the rest were Sailor Senshi too? Of course I also knew that they didn't want me to know who they were, which sort of hurt.
As I looked from face to face, trying to figure out if they were Sailor Senshi, Usagi tapped me on the shoulder. She asked me if I wanted to talk to her alone, so of course I said yes. After telling all my friends goodbye, I followed Usagi to a quiet corner where nobody else was around.
Usagi looked concerned, "Naru Chan, what's wrong? I saw you looking at all the other girls. Please tell me what's the matter!" Then she looked at me with those big eyes of hers, which were full of concern right then.
I STILL can't resist Usagi when she asks like that. "Well, I was wondering if any of the others are Sailor Senshi. They all ran away that first time. I do know about Kikuko and you, but none of the others."
"Well, then I need to speak to Kikuko, okay?" Usagi asked.
"Yeah, okay."
Usagi went over and talked to Kikuko for a bit. Kikuko-chan looked over at me, then hurried over. She invited me over to eat at her house tonight, and I said yes. I went to call my mom to get permission, then Kikuko called another number to get someone else to come. The rest of the school day was uneventful.
First I went home and changed my clothes a pair of green shorts and a white blouse. I like my uniform, but I don't want to wear it over to a friend's house, unless I HAVE to.
On the way to Kikuko's house, I heard a bicycle bell ring just before a bike shot past me. I saw it park ahead, at Kikuko's. The girl on it flipped up and off the bike then raced up the stairs. All while she held a food-delivery container vertical. I blinked a couple of times, pretty impressed by her amazing skill. Of course, I thought of the bike-riding Senshi I had seen a few days ago. And wondered just how far out of my league I was.
I got to Kikuko's just a couple of minutes later. As I walked to the door, I could smell broth, and realized the girl probably worked at a Ramen shop. I knocked, and was invited in by Kikuko.
There were seven places set at the table. I saw the three Tendou sisters, Kikuko, Makoto, and the delivery girl, who turned out to be named Shampoo. She was from China, and her Japanese was pretty bad. And that's being really nice to her.
All my schoolmates but Kikuko had switched to casual clothes. Akane wore a light blue jumper and yellow blouse, Nabiki a pair of denim shorts and a white blouse, Makoto wore jeans and light green blouse, but Kiku-chan still had on her uniform. I was going to ask her why she decided not to get comfortable, but decided not to. I had already stuck my foot in my mouth once today, and wasn't anxious to do it again.
Kasumi wore a long brown skirt and a white blouse, both hidden behind an apron. Shampoo wore what looked like pink silk pajamas. They sure wear weird clothes in China, but she did look cute. Of course not just the clothes are weird. WHO would name their daughter Shampoo? It must have a different meaning over there, I guess.
Just before dinner, Kikuko called her henshin pen, so I did too. So did ALL the other girls. After a whole lot of lights, there were six Sailor Senshi standing there with me, each of whom introduced herself. So the Tendou girls, the delivery girl, AND Makoto were all Sailor Senshi. Mako-chan was the Senshi of Jupiter, but all the rest were Senshi of moons, like me.
Dinner was interesting, sort of like a costume party, or the 'Mad Tea Party' in that crazy book Umino read last month. It was a lot of fun, and we shared a lot with each other. Sailor Triton, the delivery girl Shampoo, suggested we start meeting at the back room of her Grandmother's new restaurant, "Joketsuzoku Ramen". We all agreed it would be good to have a Sailor Senshi meeting again.
Things DID get a little crazy when Europa slipped, at least I THINK she slipped, and dumped hot Ramen all over Sailor Io. Io screamed, then blinked, as she thought for a bit. With a small smile, she sat back down again. It was almost like she was scared of warm water. Jupiter-chan whispered in her ear, and pointed at me then Triton. Io shook her head yes then smiled as Titan toweled her off. I hate being in the dark about things. Io was the first Sailor Senshi to reveal her identity to me, but it seems she has more secrets. Oh well, she's a nice girl, and already a good friend.
Our dinner party was interrupted by the sound of keys at the door. Kikuko's mom showed up, blinked, then ran to Sailor Io. She told Io-chan that she knew all about her secret. Sailor Io was a bit embarrassed, but her mom's encouragement obviously made her very happy.
I wonder if I could tell my mom? Probably not, she'd get too worried. Actually, I'm getting worried. So are all of us.
Since most of us are in the same class, Kikuko, Akane, and Makoto all studied with me. Nabiki studied by herself, and Kasumi helped Kikuko's mom clean up the mess seven Sailor Senshi can make at dinner. Which actually isn't much, except for the puddle of broth and noodles where Europa had her accident.
After the homework was done, I summoned my henshin pen again, and looked at it. Strange, I never noticed white dots on it before. "Mako-chan, look at this!"
"What, Naru-chan?" My friend responded as I showed her the pen. "That's really weird."
She summoned her own pen, noticing dots on it, too. Makoto stood up. "Could everyone recall their henshin pens?"
All the rest did, and there were dots on each of the pens.
Makoto transformed to Jupiter, then spoke into a communicator on her wrist. It was cool, just like a secret agent on some anime show. Only a few minutes later, girls started knocking on the door. First Haruka, Michiru, and a little girl named Hotaru. Then Minako, Ami, and Usagi came in. Finally Rei, from the temple, showed up. She was still wearing her temple clothes. Each recalled her own pen, and each of the pens had the strange white dots on it.
Ami transformed to Sailor Mercury, then studied her pen with some kind of scanner. She looked puzzled, then turned the scanner on herself. "Could all of you transform, please?" She asked, so we did. It was amazing, fourteen Sailor Senshi in one living room. And let me tell you diary-chan, little Sailor Saturn's spear thingie is REALLY tall. Mercury went from girl to girl, scanning each pen and Sailor. When she was done, she furiously tapped the keys on her little computer's keyboard. After a few minutes, she looked up. She was very worried.
After Mercury cleared her throat, the room became silent. "We have a problem. It seems like some unknown force is eroding our henshin pens. Also it seems the Planetary Senshi ONLY are suffering a decrease in power."
The room stayed quiet after that. What was happening, anyway?
Will we still be able transform if the pens turn totally white? Will the Planetary Senshi lose their powers? Nobody knows, but all the eyes in the room looked to see if one of the other sailors had the answers. Nobody did. Nobody really said much after that, except good-bye to Kikuko. When I left, Only Kikuko and her friends the Tendous were left.
Here I am, back at my room again. When I started out as a Sailor Senshi, only a week ago, it was an adventure, something cool and new. Now, it's something different. We're fighting a battle, but we don't even know with who. Like I said, my life used to be so much easier, but it's NEVER been so exciting. Or should I say scary?
I just hope somebody figures out what's going on.
More tomorrow,
Naru
****
(END)
I know it was short... Was this experiment in first person effective?
C&C always welcomed. Thanks to pre-readers Richard Beaubien, Fire, Kenko/Robert Haynie, Mike Koos, Andrew Norris. Finally, my thanks to KaraOhki for giving it the once-over.
Kevin D. Hammel
December 27, 1999
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khammel@anime.sobhrach.com
kevinsff@pacbell.net
http://www.anime.sobhrach.com/~khammel/
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